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Dear Friends,
The last few months have been challenging and overwhelming; yet, at the same time uplifting and inspiring. Our learning and chesed have increased and intensified, and even when we could no longer daven together in person, we did so over Zoom. We have managed to grow together even when physically apart.
As we watch everything around us change, we must find the courage to evolve, self-actualize and better ourselves. We must use this tumultuous period for spiritual and personal growth.
Through the #ChangeDuringCovid campaign, it is my fervent hope that we can harness the power of this unique time for positive change.
We have been on many journeys together throughout the years, this is but another. We will get through this together. When we look back at this time, let us ensure that these tumultuous days were a personal turning point leading us to become someone greater and holier.
While we are thrilled to have begun the process of reopening, we must be slow and measured. We advise all our members and friends to carefully consider rejoining our indoor minyanim. Several measures, detailed below, have been put in place to ensure the highest level of safety for all.
We look forward to continuing to offer virtual shiurim and growing together as a kehilla.
Kol Tuv,
Rabbi Shmuel Silber

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN

Acts of kindness have a unique ability to make us feel connected to the people around us, which we all need right now, and acts of kindness can enhance our sense of community and solidarity. Kindness towards ourselves and others might be the perfect antidote for pandemic-related anxiety and isolation, and it may also give us a better world to return to when the outbreak is over. Join the Suburban #KindnessDuringCovid campaign. We encourage all our families to seek out opportunities to spread cheer and connection in and around the community. Snap a photo of your act of kindness and share it with us so we can continue to inspire others. Together as a kehilla we have the power to spread joy during these difficult days. Click here for ideas on how you can participate.

TEFILLAH One of the most powerful tools we possess is the ability to speak to Hashem through prayer. Davening provides us with the opportunity to ask Hashem for what we need, open up to Him about our fears and insecurities, and offers us the space to introspect.

To allow indoor davening/learning to be conducted in a safe manner, we will implement the following policies and procedures:
Shul Layout
- All fixed seating has been removed from the main Shul. This will give us the ability to maximize seating with proper social distancing.
- The new layout ensures at least 6 feet of distance between minyan attendees but also allows for family units to sit together.

Minyanim
- There will be only one indoor minyan at a time
- We recognize that many may not feel comfortable with davening indoors; therefore, our outdoor minyanim will continue to function. The indoor and outdoor minyanim will run concurrently.
- When the weather is pleasant, we may decide to hold all minyanim outdoors. We have created a WhatsApp group to alert you regarding minyan locations. Please sign up with this link

Entering the shul
- To allow for contact tracing should someone chas v’shalom become ill, each shul member will be provided a bar-code sticker the next time they attend shul. We ask that you hold on to this bar code and place it somewhere easily accessible that can also be used on Shabbos (e.g., on your siddur or tallis bag.) At the entrance to Shul, your bar-code will be scanned by our security guard.
- Please note, individuals can pick up their bar-code from the shul during weekday minyanim OR from shul on Shabbos morning.
- No registration is necessary for either indoor or outdoor minyanim.

Attending a minyan
- Masks are mandatory for both the indoor and outdoor minyanim.
- Seating inside the Shul will be limited – if you get to Shul, and there are no more indoor seats, you will be redirected to the outdoor minyan. We apologize for any inconvenience.
- Anyone coming from out of town, when necessary, must daven with the outdoor minyan only
- If you are not feeling well or have any COVID symptoms at all, PLEASE do not attend shul.

Join us for our Zoom Minyanim. If you are unable to join in-person minyanim, we are still offering minyan over Zoom: Bookmark our Zoom Beis Midrash: zoom.us/j/4591668597, password 7504 | audio: (929)205-6099, code: 4591668597

Recite Tehillim. The power of Dovid HaMelech’s words cannot be underestimated. Even if you just say one chapter a day, the words will penetrate your soul and make a difference in our world. To be assigned a daily portion: Janice Schwarzbaum 917-651-4237 or recite at your own pace. Or take part in the Kehilla Tehillim at your own pace.

TORAH The beauty of Torah is that it can take place anywhere. Even though the Shuls and Yeshivos are closed, our Torah learning does not stop. Our core learning offerings are in the side bar flyer on your right, and the daily schedule is just above that. Sign up to receive a weekly shiur update featuring special shiurim and videos. Dive into the dynamic topics and resources on The Institute at Suburban site. Here are more ways to enhance your Torah:

Join a shiur. We will be offering a weekly schedule of shiurim and Torah learning opportunities on diverse meaningful topics at various days and times to fit your needs.

Learn with your family or a friend. Choose a learning project to do with your children or a friend. With children - it can be something they are already doing for school or something new that will be special for the family. With friends – select a work that speaks to both of you or one where you or the friend can offer expertise and have thoughtful discussions.

Share Divrei Torah. If you are privileged to be having meals with your family, make sure there is a Dvar Torah at every meal (not just Shabbos). Create a rotation among the family members and use these Divrei Torah as a springboard for meaningful table discussion. If you are on your own, learn something at every meal and turn your meals into a learning experience. Then use that new thought or idea for a discussion spring board with a family member or friend. Consider a “dinner date” – a virtually shared meal and discussion. We will IYH be providing a weekly Shabbos Companion to inspire conversation.

Check the homepage for regular schedule updates and be sure you're signed up to receive info on our special shiurim and daily inspiration including Rabbi Silber's Emunah Minute and more.

CHESED During challenging times, people often turn inwards. We must resist the temptation and constantly try to be there for the other. With social distancing, chesed has changed, but there are endless opportunities to make a difference.

Pick up the phone. There are many elderly and isolated people within our community. Getting a phone call and knowing that someone is thinking about you makes such an incredible difference. If we each made one call a day, we could make such an impact and drive away some small measure of isolation. To be assigned a buddy, contact Leah Sol.

Check on your neighbors. We all have people in close proximity that are home-bound. Arrange a time to meet outside (maintaining proper social distancing) and say hello. Even just a few minutes of genuine contact and connection is so powerful and meaningful.

Look for opportunities. We live in a wonderful community with incredible chesed organizations. There are always opportunities to help.

Join a Shul chesed project. If you would like to get involved with some of our Shul chesed opportunities, please be in touch with Leah Sol or Patty L eve and you can help with some of our incredible projects.