Rabbi Blog

Good morning to everyone,

I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy. We are experiencing a small golus, as we are exiled from shul and from each other. We continue to daven that this will pass sooner than later so that we can be together again and be able to live with no fear. While my more frequent mass communication might deviate from our standard protocol, I want to be able to be in touch with you all from time to time. Even as I remain at a distance from shul, the community is always on my mind, all day long.

I would like to remind everyone about my shiur tonight (Tuesday, March 31) at 7:30 pm. Entitled "Pesach Seder Boot Camp," I will go over some of the mechanics of holding a Pesach seder and will share insights into the seder/haggadah. My goal is to make this relevant for both those who are hosting their first seder as well as those who have experience and are looking for new ideas.
I suggest having a writing utensil available in case you decide there is an idea you want to be able to share or have in mind during your seder!
To join online, please use this link:  https://ramaz.zoom.us/j/7068202779
To join from a phone, please dial: (646) 558-8656; meeting ID is 706 820 2779

Additionally, I just wanted to share a couple of more things with you:

1) I remind everyone that as these are highly unusual times, we might find ourselves in need in a way that we are not normally. Please be in touch with me if you need financial resources. Please also see resources, including delivered meals, from Commonpoint Queens.

2) I also want to make available emotional health resources. Please feel free to speak with me if you would like to discuss anything in this realm. Some resources available include CAPE through Commonpoint Queens (kbuckner@commonpointqueens.org; 718-224-0566); Groupport Therapy for group therapy; and the William Alanson White Institue. All provide virtual service.

3) Please see these lists of cholim that are constantly updated. Here is one in Hebrew, and one in English. As far as I know, they are not the same lists

4) Just as a reminder, I have created a QJC Whatsapp Group  for the purpose of allowing people to stay in touch with each other during this time and to share thoughts, experiences, and chizuk with each other. Click on this link from your phone if you would like to join. Of course, we remain committed to reaching everyone the best of our ability regardless of whether you have Whatsapp or choose to be part of the group.

Wishing everyone all the best during this trying time.
 
Warmly,
 
Rabbi Judah Kerbel