COVID-19 Updates

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March 31, 2020
 
From the TOR Board of Trustees and Rabbi Alan Rabishaw:
 
As we continue to “shelter in place” we wanted to share a few important TOR updates.
 
First, although the TOR campus is closed to events, the TOR/TAHOE Virtual Community is thriving.  TOR, Temple Bat Yam and North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation’s collaboration is providing online programming for our communities at least two times per day. Check your email for daily updates. The Temple office continues to accept calls during normal hours if you need to reach out. 
 
Second, last week we signed a contract with Rocklin Academy Family of Schools (RAFOS).  As shared in a previous email and at an informational meeting, they will be leasing space from us to run their charter school from our site for at least the next two years.  This contract helps secure our financial future for the next years and allows us to set aside significant funds for Capital Improvements. The classrooms will be updated with RAFOS funds—that work has already begun. In addition, we will be constructing of an ADA compliant bathroom where the gift shop was located. This separate bathroom space will be paid for by the RAFOS contract.
 
Third, Cantor Bryce Megdal has accepted an offer from a significantly larger congregation in Orlando, Florida.  From the beginning, it has been our intention to hire the right person for TOR and our future.  We will not settle for anything less.  At this point we are working to assemble a team of people who will cover our cantorial, musical and Bar/Bat Mitzvah needs as we continue our search.  We expect to report back by the end of next week with updated coverage details.
 
Fourth, many have been asking about the rescheduling of our Annual Congregational Meeting. Because of the shelter-in-place directive and the uncertainty regarding how long it will last, we have not yet established a new date. As soon as we have a plan for this meeting, we will let everyone know. We appreciate your patience.
 
Finally, we are happy to report that the Safety and Security committee has submitted another grant application, with hopes of securing an additional $100K for our security efforts.  Unlike previous grants, we are hoping to secure funds that can be used to both harden our campus, and pay for armed security.  We will keep you posted as the grant process unfolds.
 
We appreciate the efforts of Mary Frank for everything she is doing above and beyond to master technology and keep us all connected by ZOOM and Facebook Live.  We also appreciate Rikki Kass who continues to work from home, and is also looking after our efforts to provide care, support and companionship to our TOR members.

 

Stay safe and please follow the COVID-19 guidelines.  See you online!
 
L’shalom,
 
The TOR Board of Trustees and Rabbi Alan Rabishaw

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March 17, 2020

March 17, 2020 Dear TOR Community, Et LaasotA Time to Act is an ancient rabbinic principle that reminds us that sometimes we must take particular action in a time of emergency. When the Centers for Disease Control tells us to stay home and is“Et La’asot—A Time to Act” is an ancient rabbinic principle that reminds us that sometimes we must take particular action in a time of emergency. When the Centers for Disease Control tells us to stay home and isolate ourselves in order to minimize our risk of contracting the COVID 19 virus, as well as to mitigate the spread of this virus, I believe this is an “Et La’asot—A Time to Act” moment.
This is the time for us at TOR to act—by protecting ourselves, each other and our fellow human beings. Therefore, effective immediately, for the sake of “Pikuach Nefesh—saving lives,” we at TOR are drastically modifying our day to day operations and ways of doing business—even as we strive to continue to be there with and for our sacred TOR community.

Religious Services
Effective immediately, and until further notice, TOR is suspending all “in person” religious services and gatherings. Shabbat services will be held on Facebook Live. Click here to access the schedule of online service offerings.

Classes and Meetings
Effective immediately, and until further notice, TOR is suspending all “in person” classes and meetings. Click here to access the schedule of online engagement opportunities.

Office Hours
While our physical doors will be closed, the Temple office will continue to be accessible via phone and email. Rabbi Rabishaw and Mary Frank are available for phone conversations and/or online meetings. And rest assured, Rabbi Rabishaw is fully available to assist and counsel in the event of any and all personal and/or family emergencies.

Outreach and Opportunities
Over the coming days and weeks we have a unique opportunity to care for each other in new and thoughtful ways. We will be reaching out via email and phone calls to check in, and find ways that we can care for each other and respond to each other’s needs—especially the most vulnerable in our community. Though separated physically, we can still find ways to be there for each other in profound ways. Please try to respond if we check in with you via email, so that we know you are okay. If you are available to make phone calls or shop for our senior members, please let us know by emailing Mary at info@orrishon.org.

As we take these necessary steps please keep these three important things in mind:

1) Nothing is written in stone as we navigate our way through unchartered territory. As such, we will continue to communicate in a regular and straightforward manner.
2) We are not alone. We have each other, and the knowledge that much of the Jewish community around us, and around the country are all doing our part for the betterment of humanity.
3) The changes we have put in place at TOR are not simply about following CDC guidelines, they are about our sacred obligations; they are based on our core principles as a Jewish organization. Right now is “et la’asot” the time to set aside our normal routine and act for God, each other, and ourselves.