The Voice | June-July 2020

Our community has continually shined in the area of chesed , demonstrating that compassion and kindness form the very foundation of Beth El’s culture. Dozens of Beth El volunteers have made thousands of “Caring Calls” to their fellow homebound congregants, especially to our elderly members, and we continue to hear time and time again how cared for our members feel even from a social distance. When we asked our congregation to prepare and deliver bagged lunches to be donated to shelters throughout Baltimore as part of Jewish Volunteer Connection’s community-wide chesed drive known as “Bunches of Lunches,” we received over 1,000 meals.

Our mission-defined culture has also motivated potential members to join Beth El despite -- and in part because of -- the pandemic. I attribute their interest in membership during this challenging time to two things. First, we have expanded the congregation’s digital footprint through our Beyond the Walls initiative, reaching over 130,000 individuals locally, nationally, and even globally. For many of these folks, Beyond the Walls was their first opportunity to experience the magic of Beth El. The second reason that we are drawing our current congregants closer and reaching new, potential members, is something we have known all along: that a synagogue community like Beth El -- with an incredibly

compassionate, and creative, clergy, staff, and lay leadership -- provides meaning and nourishment for the heart, mind, and soul. No matter what the coming weeks and months have in store for us, one thing is certain: we will continue to be motivated and unified by our congregation’s mission, itself informed by the ancient Jewish values that have carried our people for centuries through the desert to the Promised Land.

The value of kedusha - elevating both the ordinary and sacred moments in our lives - has nourished our souls during this time of physical distance and social isolation. Though COVID-19 derailed much of our daily routines, Beth El continued to mark the transitions in the Jewish lives of our congregants, providing a much needed sense of normalcy. Through virtual gatherings on Facebook and Zoom, our community celebrated B’nai Mitzvah , weddings, and

At the center of our kehillah are the values that define us and inspire our work no matter where we find ourselves. Our essence exists “beyond the walls.”

baby namings. Bereavement has been particularly painful during the time of coronavirus. While mourners are unable to feel the physical embrace of their friends and family, they have nevertheless been comforted by our clergy and community, through poignant virtual funerals, and shiva minyanim . In many ways, Beth El’s mission statement prepared us for the most difficult challenge in the congregation’s history. Being a mission-driven organization helped us prioritize our efforts when facing unexpected challenges and obstacles, not least of which is our new financial reality. We are uncertain of what the new fiscal year will bring, and yet our community responded to our plea. To date, 200 donors have made over $70,000 in gifts to the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, which will support our operations.

The Alvin & Lois Lapidus Center for Healing & Spirituality

Judaism has always helped us navigate uncertain times. Be inspired by the wisdom and community you find here. To learn about the Soul Center, go to soulcenterbaltimore.org. To contact us, click here .

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June-July 2020 | Nisan-Iyyar 5780