Blog

These unprecedented times present uncertainty that can enslave us to anxiety, fear, and confusion. On the flip side, it has also been an opportunity to step back from our hectic lives, reflect and recalibrate. Consider it an extended Shabbat. There is an old Yiddish proverb that says, “You can't control the wind, but you can adjust your sails.” Perhaps we should “adjust our sails” and use this time as an opportunity to reexamine our values and what truly matters in life.

Though we need to take practical physical precautions to protect ourselves and others, the last thing we need now is to feel  “socially” distant. We should think in the exact inverse manner. In place of handshakes, embraces and face-to-face interactions ought to be phone calls we make, verbal expressions of warmth/kindness we offer and thoughts of how we may be of support to others.

Our mission at Congregation Beth Evergreen is to offer inclusive, warm, welcoming services and programs in an intimate atmosphere and foster community by offering opportunities for meaningful worship, the pursuit of spirituality and lifelong Jewish education. Despite current physical and financial challenges, we will continue to nurture social interactions and promote the growth of life-long personal relationships among members of our community.

Community and togetherness are key. Despite physical constraints, we can still be together. We are blessed to have communication technologies that have promoted gatherings of friends and family from greater geographical distances to celebrate simchas, care for the sick and support mourners in times of need. Zoom, Facetime, Slack, YouTube, Grub-Hub and UberEATS are our newfound lifelines (once we ascended the learning curve!). Although there is no perfect substitute for being physically together, these technological resources have helped break down spatial barriers and enabled us to attend events in groups.

As it turns out, the use of technology to go beyond the physical walls of CBE and redefine our Kehillah (community or congregation) is an evolving goal in CBE’s long-range strategic plan. Our physical building is set in the pines overlooking Elk Meadow, but we are discovering that our Kehillah expands beyond our foothills and west Denver communities to the greater metropolitan area and to friends, family and former members who have moved “down the hill” or outside the area.  Over the past 2 months, we have celebrated B’nei Mitzvah and Shabbatot, attended funerals and mourners’ minyans, participated in a seder, practiced Mussar, and socialized via virtual “coffee” chats, often with an extended community who may not have been able to participate in-person. We are “adjusting our sails”, redefining our Kehillah and learning to celebrate as a community in different ways.

Yes, many uncertainties remain. We are closely evaluating how to maintain CBE’s fiscal health understanding that due to economic hardships, some of our members struggle with membership dues and some tenants with rent. Though we have applied for grants and loans offered by the government organizations and Jewish groups, like many organizations, we are faced with tough decisions on cutting expenses and living within our means. For any in our community who are able to contribute to the financial health of CBE at this time, your support will be very meaningful and greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much to our staff and volunteers who are keeping CBE going and providing support to our Kehillah in times of need. We are adjusting our sails to address the winds of change. We pray for your health and safety and look forward to the time when we can be physically together again!