Become an Officer

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Beth El Family,

Lately, the Hebrew shoresh (root) ךכס (sachach) has been on my mind. The verb means to cover or to screen. It is the basis for the word s’chach, which refers to the material covering our sukkot. And it is also the source for the masach, the screen at the entrance to the Tabernacle. But neither of these is why I have been thinking about this word. Two other nouns account for that. In modern Hebrew, masach also refers to another kind of screen—a video screen. And masecha refers to another type of covering, a facial covering, more commonly known as a mask. The masecha and the masach—the mask and the video screen—have much in common for us today. Each has been a key component of our enduring the current pandemic: the masecha helping to protect us physically from the virus and the masach supporting us psychologically as we cope with our isolation.

But despite what these two have in common, in some sense, they are also very different. While the mask allows us to be in one another’s physical presence, it obscures our faces so we cannot really see each other. How many times have you passed right by someone you know on the street only to turn around and ask, “Is that you?” In contrast, the video screen has enabled us to see each other’s faces sans mask and feel a closer connection one with another, albeit remotely. Together, they have complemented one another as each experience, by itself, is somewhat impoverished.

You will be receiving this Bulletin, more or less, on the oneyear anniversary of the COVID-19 outbreak in New Rochelle on March 3rd. It is difficult to accept that it has been a year now, a year filled not just with a pandemic but with political and social turmoil, as well. But the mask and the video screen and everything that goes with them have helped us persevere. And the development of vaccines, despite the seemingly glacial pace of inoculating the public, gives us hope for the future. Still, sometimes we all need an extra lift. That’s the way I felt last Friday after several hours of addressing the latest pandemic-related challenges confronting Beth El. But then I joined Beth El’s Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat and my spirits were immediately raised by our Rabbis’ uplifting words, by Cantor Schvartz’s beautiful singing, by Jack Klebanow’s energetic keyboarding, and by all of your smiling faces. It was just what I needed. Mark Silver If you are a Virtual Kabbalat Shabbat regular, you know what I mean. If not, I strongly encourage you to give it a try. It will brighten your day.

Although the pandemic has dragged on, becoming the “same old, same old,” Beth El’s online programming has been fresh and invigorated—indeed, I would say, reinvigorated. These last few months have produced great diversity, creativity, and innovation in our program, with many high-profile guests and well attended programs. I want to thank the clergy team, professional staff, various committees, and assorted congregants who have been responsible for producing these events. And I want to thank all of you for your participation.

As I write these words, Purim is close at hand, although it will already be over by the time you read this. Purim, of course, brings to mind another meaning of masecha, as in masechot and raashanim, masks and groggers. I hope that, despite the difficult times, you all had a Happy Purim!

Mark

THE B'YACHAD CAMPAIGN

Thank You to our Additional B'Yachad Donors

Benefactor $1,800 - $2,499

Leonard and Susan Mark

Under $360

Ronald and Jocelyn Burton Margo Lampert

THE HAFTARAH INITIATIVE

We encourage broader participation in the Haftarah reading during Shabbat services. Steven Cohen, who is overseeing this effort, is soliciting volunteer readers. Those interested in reading Haftarah should sign up using the Beth El sign up link at bethelnr. org/torahsignup. Feel free to reach out to Steven (scohen@ kanekessler.com) or Cantor Schvartz (gschvartz@bethelnr.org) with any questions or requests for assistance.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A TRUSTEE OR AN OFFICER?

The Beth El Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for officers and trustees. Please contact Howard Rosenstein (howard.rosenstein@ meredith.com) or Lori Schwartz (oreomets13@ yahoo.com) for more information. The Committee will be accepting nominations until Thursday, March 25th.