Media Contact:
Ceci Dadisman
Communications Director
The Temple-Tifereth Israel
cdadisman@ttti.org
216-455-1729 (direct)
412-523-8861 (mobile)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Temple-Tifereth Israel to Extend Virtual-Only Programs and Services
A Statement From Rabbi Jonathan Cohen, President Michael Frayman, and Interim Executive Director Kim Cole
It has been three weeks since we announced our temporary change to Temple programs and services in light of this most recent Covid surge. We hope that you and your loved ones remain well.
When we last wrote, we announced a three week suspension of in-person religious services and programs through this Friday, and a postponed re-opening of The Learning Center. We write today with an update, and continued commitment to remain in communication with you as we do all we can to safely resume programs and services as soon as we are able to do so.
Although we have begun to see a decrease in new cases and hospitalizations, the Omicron variant continues to spread throughout our community. For that reason, we have decided to maintain virtual programs and religious services for another three weeks through the end of the month. Our Temple Learning Center will receive additional and detailed information from us within the next week as we consider how and when we can resume our learning together. Over the next few weeks we will continue to closely follow the infection trends, as well as to work with clergy, staff and our medical advisors to identify ways in which we can safely re-gather soon—hopefully as soon as early February.
We hope you will join us online on Friday for a very special MLK Nefesh Shabbat service. We will celebrate and commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and honor his message of peace and tolerance among all people. The service will feature guest speaker Pastor Richard Gibson, themed music, poetry, and readings that raise awareness of the continued work to be done in our community and beyond.
In addition, there are myriad other upcoming virtual events including Tu B’shevat Family Havdalah, Food for Thought with Edwins’ Brandon Chrostowski, Through the Eyes of the Artist, Adult Learning, Torah Study, Poetry Group and several other excellent programs. Although we will not be in-person, we treasure the opportunity to be together virtually to pray, learn and celebrate.
We continue to urge you to wear face masks, socially distance, and get vaccinated and boosted if you and your family members are eligible but have not already done so. We must all do what we can to take care of each other. As always, our clergy and staff are here to support you. We will be in touch again soon.
About The Temple
The Temple-Tifereth Israel is a warm, welcoming synagogue family where each person matters. We cherish our rich history and traditions and foster a dynamic culture of imagination and innovation. Members of all ages find meaning and inspiration by developing enduring personal connections with each other, Torah, God, the State of Israel, and the Jewish People, and through acts of justice and compassion.
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