A Time to Gather
Dear Friends,
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under the sky . . . Ecclesiastes 3
For the past year, nearly all Beth Chai events have been virtual. This decision has made sense. It fit with health guidelines. And, there really was not any choice. Despite the challenges, the leadership, teachers and members of the congregation have done a great job maintaining our commitment to community and education.
But, thankfully, the situation is evolving. Many adults have been vaccinated. Many children are returning to school. We understand more about the virus and how it is transmitted. The time has come for Beth Chai to ease back into in-person events.
Over the next few months, we will be having a series of gatherings in person. I encourage all of you, if you don’t have extenuating health concerns, to come. All the events will be outdoors and social distancing, mask-wearing and other precautions will be followed. Our first such event is Saturday, April 24, at 6 pm at Turtle Park in Washington, DC. We will be having an outdoor picnic and Havdalah. Please see the details below.
Hopefully, if the situation allows, we will be able to meet in person more frequently in the months ahead and, next year, we will be able to gather together with regularity. The Board is considering how to make this happen. I know that I really, really miss being with everybody. As much as virtual events have kept us together as a community, it does not match being together in person.
I hope to be with you soon.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Debbie Cohen
Havdalah Picnic and Israel Celebration
Saturday, April 24 at 6 pm
Friendship/Turtle Park by the Gaga Pit
45th St NW & Van Ness Street NW, Washington, DC 20016
Join us for an Israeli-themed Havdalah celebration. It will be socially distanced but in-person. We will be meeting at Friendship Turtle Park in DC near American University. The park has a gaga pit (Israeli dodgeball), and we will be having a gaga competition and other Israeli-themed activities and music. Everybody should bring their own dinner. Hope you can come!