Temple Chai members stay connected during pandemic

Temple Chai, a Reform Jewish congregation in Long Grove, became a 100% virtual congregation March 13, to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

"Judaism understands that the mitzvah (a command or precept or a benevolent act) of preserving life takes precedence over virtually all other sacred obligations," Senior Rabbi Ilana G. Baden said.

This mitzvah presented an urgent challenge to the congregation's clergy, staff and leadership, she said.

Accordingly, synagogue leadership made the challenging decision to suspend in-person congregational activities and services to aid in physical distancing efforts. Within hours of the announcement, the synagogue began to present regularly scheduled activities, services and special events on a digital platform.

"We will continue to utilize technology to connect with our members until we are able to once again join together in the building," she said.

"Temple Chai's primary guide continues to be the Jewish value of preserving life. Therefore, in this era of COVID-19, we are planning a virtual robust High Holy Days extravaganza to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In addition to services, we are planning workshops to help bring the spirit of the High Holy Days into the homes of our members," Baden said.

"There will be retreat experiences on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur for congregants to interact in small groups. Our members can also look forward to shared slideshows, videos, home activities, an all-new Rosh Hashanah 'Seder' and digital community break-the-fast as part of this year's High Holy Days observances at Temple Chai.

"Our programs are designed to capture the essential values and beauty of the High Holy Days, which includes reflection, renewal, community, and hope."

In reflecting on the past few months, Executive Director Alison Siegel Lewin said, "Our building may be closed, but our congregation has always been open."

Regularly scheduled digital congregational activities and services over the summer have included Shabbat services with monthly Tot Shabbats, Havdalah services, B'nei Mitzvah ceremonies, religious school, adult education classes, weekly Torah study sessions and weekly informal community conversations with Rabbi Baden.

Special digital events have featured Temple Chai clergy and staff, congregants, students and guest speakers. For instance, Cantor Scott Simon has offered a Torah chanting class, and has also presented a concert of Academy Award-winning songs with stories about their Jewish composers.

Laura Perpinyal, director of Congregational Learning, has been leading challah baking workshops and has been hosting members on-screen who have shared their special family recipes.

Confirmation students led a virtual service that featured their independent study projects. Temple Chai members Sam Harris, a Holocaust survivor and president emeritus of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, and his wife Dede, an artist and author, hosted an evening of remembrance and reflection for Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Furthermore, Temple Chai's men's and women's groups are digitally presenting book discussions, special presenters, and social opportunities online.

Guest speakers have discussed confronting racism, social justice and current events.

Marra Gad, author of "The Color of Love," spoke about growing up biracial in a Jewish community. Dr. Marquis Bey, assistant professor of African American Studies at Northwestern University, analyzed Netflix' "13th," a documentary about the disproportionate incarceration of African Americans.

Michael Strautmanis, chief engagement officer at the Obama Foundation, and educator Rachel Belkov each spoke about racial justice. Myetie Hamilton, vice president and executive director at City Year Chicago, discussed racial equity in education.

Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent for the Jerusalem Post, analyzed events concerning Israel. Rabbi Josh Weinberg, vice president for the Union of Reform Judaism for Israel and Reform Zionism, addressed the political ramifications of the annexation issues.

Rabbi Michael Moskowitz, scholar-in-residence for Trans Jewish Studies at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, New York, spoke about LGBTQ inclusively and equality. He was joined by the Pinta family, founders of Buffalo Grove Pride.

"We know that through our digital programming, our Temple Chai community will stay together spiritually and emotionally," said Rabbi Baden. "Even though we must be apart physically, we are committed to staying connected with our members, screen to screen."

For more information about Temple Chai's digital programming, contact Executive Director Alison Siegel Lewin at alewin@templechai.org.

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