I am honored and excited to begin my first term as ENJC’s President for 2020-2021. Thank you very much for the confidence you have placed in me, and in your new Board of Directors. Rest assured that we will work tirelessly toward having an excellent and healthy year as we face the challenges of COVID-19 together.
On behalf of the entire congregation and ENJC family, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Immediate Past President, Frank Brecher. As you know, this was Frank’s second term serving as Congregation President. His tireless effort and strong leadership during these past two years, including the onset of the pandemic, were exemplary. I would like to personally thank Frank for making my past two years as his Executive Vice President both challenging and meaningful. A hearty Yasher Koach to Frank, and the entire Brecher family, who have been so graciously understanding of his commitment to us all!
I would also like to extend a warm thank you to the ENJC Reopening Committee. The Committee was formed in June, and continues its pursuit of creating and maintaining the physical configuration and procedures necessary to keep our congregants as safe as possible, as we open for Shabbos services. The committee is comprised of: Rabbi Ian Silverman, Hazzan Steven Walvick, VP of Ritual Ed Isaac, Executive VP Allen Berman, Immediate Past President Frank Brecher, VP of Building Administration Karen Tyll, Trustee Dr. Linda Mermelstein and me. I would also like to thank honorary member, Yossie Mermelstein, who along with his wife Linda, implemented the safe-distance seating configuration in the combined Sanctuary/Ballroom. On June 27th, 2020, we held our first in-person services, which went very smoothly. It was truly wonderful to be able to attend services with fellow congregants for the first time since March! We will continue the weekly Shabbat sign-up process moving forward. If we are able to get a Minyan, we will open the Sanctuary. If not, services will be conducted by Rabbi and Hazzan via Zoom with ceremonial readings of the Torah and Haftorah portions.
Finally, we have been working hard to update the High Holiday membership package to reflect the new reality of COVID-19. The package will be mailed the week of July 7th, 2020.
I ask that you please read all of the included documents carefully, as they have been modified from previous years. I would also ask that you return your completed package as early as possible in order to allow the Board the time necessary to thoroughly complete its preparations.
Wishing you all a very happy and healthy Summer!