Dear Community,
As my first week on the KSYM Vaad comes to a close, I wanted to share my reflections with you.
First, I would again like to thank the members of the previous Vaad. Their dedication and commitment to the community is evident in their leadership over the last year (or more in many cases). At least speaking for myself, there are some big shoes to fill.
Second, I’m amazed by how much goes on behind the scenes and around the clock. Our community members keep things running smoothly and are always thinking about ways we can grow together, daven together, learn together, and (even if virtually for the moment) come together as a Kehila. This is truly something we should be proud of.
While there are only seven members who serve on the Vaad, there are countless people on numerous committees who give of their precious time and expertise to help make sure our building is safe, new families feel welcome and connected, tfilot are organized according to the ever changing landscape of regulations, aveilim are not alone, and activities get planned and take place.
While I knew some of this as a member of the shul, I have had the privilege of seeing these activities on a completely different level after only one week, and I am overwhelmed by the strength of the KSYM Community. The Vaad looks forward to sharing details for anyone who wants to get involved.
Yesterday, we again had to decide whether to close our doors as the country prepares for a more stringent lockdown. While Baruch Hashem it has not come to that, witnessing the dedication and mesirat nefesh of our community members is a testament to the fact that our Shul is more than just a building. Our kehila never stops. Even though we long to daven together b’tzibbur in our shul b’rov am, I am proud of the fact that we have not let obstacles define us.
As we head into this renewed seger, davening with a minyan becomes more challenging with a shorter distance between getting a minyan and exceeding the maximum allowable group size.
We agreed as a Vaad, along with the Rav and gabbaim, that we will keep our doors open within the new guidelines.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone how important it is to follow the guidelines from the Ministry of Health, the Rav, and the Vaad:
Each person who arrives at Shul should make sure their attendance is not beyond the allowed limits. It is incumbent on each of us to make sure we are:
(1) Not violating the rules
(2) Not putting others at risk
(3) Not making people feel uncomfortable
Each person who joins the minyan is making a decision for those around them, so we all must continue to be aware, compassionate and considerate.
Wishing all of you a Shabbat Shalom and a ‘Seger Kal u’Bari’
Dov Katz
dov.katz@ksym.org.il
