blogs/rabbi-huberman

“What will Judaism look like after Covid?”

That question — among others — keeps coming up in our congregation during this unprecedented time of “virtual religion.”

Is Zoom religion here to stay? What role will synagogues play? What have we learned during the past year as we have seen attendance at Zoom services surge dramatically, compared to those before the pandemic?

During the past week, as more congregants have been vaccinated, as this conversation at CTI has escalated, we have been asking ourselves, “What will High Holiday services, Shabbat and other sacred occasions be like, as the pandemic continues to subside?”

Indeed, the past year at CTI has been one of increased energy, creativity and growth. Participants from across the United States and Canada, existing and new congregants, have been attending our Zoom services, lectures and events in record numbers.

On Zoom, we have introduced videos, slides, melodies and rituals that in many ways have opened new doors, and so many more Jews are walking in.

But what about synagogues that have been sitting empty for the past year?

Based on continuing concern, Jews have been sending a message to many rabbis: “We’re not quite ready to come back.”

When will that time come? And when that occurs, how will we incorporate technology that has been a blessing for many — particularly those who are — and will continue to be — housebound?

A line in this week’s Torah portion inspires me.

As God lays down several laws dealing with charity, honesty, sexual morality and the sacredness of life, God tells Moses, that these moral and ethical laws are not only designed to be read and studied, but also “to live by.”

Some years ago, living in Canada, I remember when a new rabbi came to town. He observed that the local bakery had opened an unkosher deli – separate from the area that baked challahs. At the time, there were only about 4,500 Jews in Edmonton.

He declared all challah from that bakery unkosher. The end result was that people felt they were committing a sin by supporting the bakery – or they didn’t buy challah altogether.

Well done.

Judaism must be a religion to live by. Our eyes have now been opened to what happens when we “bring religion home.”

As many communities, have weathered pain, loss and concern, Judaism has actually become more joyous, more organic, more inspiring. Without synagogues, hundreds more have been drawn to pray, to study and convene virtually.

Our eyes have been opened to new ways to assemble, communicate and interact.

So what do we do now?

If you had to choose now, how would you prefer to celebrate the High Holidays? Will you feel comfortable attending in the pews? Will you prefer to engage on your computer or iPad?

Isn’t it interesting that the number one comment the Cantor and I received following last year’s High Holidays, was that more people found attending services at home provided “a more intimate experience?”

So, as we begin to re-enter the world, vaccinated and feeling more confident, as we embrace a new reality of how we work, gather and pray, the important words to remember based on this week’s Torah reading — are “to live by.”

For those who feel that a formal and traditional connection with God and Judaism touches them, our Saturday morning services are now open to attend in person.

And beginning next Friday evening, our Kabbalah Shabbat services will reopen in person. For while Zoom services provide a shorter, less formal and innovative experience that so many crave, there is nothing like a reunion in person.

No one is the same on this earth. That’s the joy of life. That is the beauty of Judaism.

As we have learned during this past year, “coming home” has in many ways been a blessing. It is now up to clergy within all organized religion to listen to the voices of those who have told us, “less formal, more meaningful, less length, more spiritual.”

Indeed, based on what we've all experienced during the past year, I believe that virtual is not some faint echo of the “real thing.” Virtual is real, and Judaism must continue to adapt to the voices of those it serves.

Beginning next week on Friday evening, we will offer both of those experiences — each building upon and learning from the other.

Most of all, it is important that we follow the path most inspiring for each of us, as we move forward to embrace a Judaism “to live by.”

The focus here should be on the word “live.”

Which Jewish path has inspired you? What have you missed the most?

Which experiences have moved you to become closer to God, tradition and a more meaningful life?

What have we learned together?

As we explore together, where do we go from here?

Shabbat shalom, v’kol tuv.

Rabbi Irwin Huberman

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Please join us on Zoom or Facebook,
Friday - 7:00 pm ET
for candle lighting, followed
by live Kabbalat Shabbat services: 

https://zoom.us/j/97188243757
(Please note that the Meeting ID has changed as of Jan. 1)

Click link below to view or download
the abridged Friday Shabbat siddur: https://bit.ly/2JjvlL3

or:  https://www.facebook.com/GlenCoveCTI/

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Saturday Shabbat & Musaf Service:
10:00 am ET

https://zoom.us/j/97188243757
(Please note that the Meeting ID has changed as of Jan. 1)

Sim Shalom Shabbat & Musaf Siddur: https://bit.ly/2zMtxJ3

You can also dial into these services: 
646-876-9923 (New York)
Meeting ID: 971 8824 3757

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adPkXfg2VY