High Holiday Task Force

Dear WJC Family,

Normally, we would be preparing to send out information concerning the High Holidays, but these are not normal times.  The situation is ever-changing and we do not know what things will look like in the Fall.  The purpose of this email is to explain how we are proceeding and to update you on the process for moving forward.

We anticipate that our High Holiday services will look very different this year. Hopefully, it will include a combination of in-person attendance, subject to social distancing and other guidelines, and live streaming. In this way, we hope that everyone can find a comfortable and meaningful way to participate.  There are many complex health considerations and other factors to consider, but we are committed to providing a meaningful and spiritually engaging High Holiday experience to the entirety of our congregation.

To that end, we have appointed a High Holiday Task Force to start planning for the High Holidays in conjunction with our COVID-19 Task Force and Spiritual Life Committee.  The Task Force will be led by Beth Jaret, and Susan Miller, and will include Rabbi Arnowitz, Cantor Goldberg, Aleza Kulp, David Goldstein, Seth Schafler, Victor Badner, Joel Beckman, Heather Taffet Gold, Laura Grill, Sarene Shanus, Evan Schapiro, and Sharon Weinstock. 

The Task Force had its first meeting this week and will continue its work throughout the summer, monitoring the situation and planning accordingly.  It will provide periodic updates to the congregation on its progress and proposed plans for the Fall.

We thank the High Holiday Task Force in advance for their service in this very important endeavor.  Please feel free to reach out to any member of the Task Force to share your thoughts.

We also thank all of you for your continuing support and for everything you are doing to keep WJC the Center of our Jewish Lives during these trying times.  Please continue to stay safe.

Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz
Seth Schafler, President
David Goldstein, Executive Director