of COVID-19

Pondering Loss in the Age of COVID-19

Jane Blumenstein, LMSW

We are thrilled to welcome Jane Blumenstein, LMSW, as our new social worker and to welcome her to BJ.

Typically, we joyfully usher in the new year and then turn inward to conduct a personal inventory in anticipation of Yom Kippur. We then emerge with tremendous relief towards Z’man Simhateinu (a time of our joy) during Sukkot. Finally, we reach the pinnacle of our celebration, Simhat Torah. The cycle of the year, the normal cycle, I should say, provides us with the opportunity to process the time passing in predictable ways that feel familiar. Part of the beauty of the rituals we have grown accustomed to is the way they serve to bring us to moments of reflection in an almost Pavlovian way. The shofar is blown, the soul will quiet, the ark opens, my heart is aflutter with expectation of the beauty of the sparkling Torah adornments, I take out the kiddush cup, and I think of my childhood family table.

The holiday season will look and feel like none other we have ever experienced in our lifetimes. We are socially distanced from our families and friends, and our prayer services are taking place virtually. How can we reasonably enter into this season when so many of the normal cues we expect are missing? Is it possible to compartmentalize the loss, the feelings of deprivation, and to embrace the simha? For each of us, this conundrum will look “The holiday season will look and feel like none other we major protective factor and a source of love, strength, and healing. It’s a soft place to land, share, and reflect. have ever experienced in our Though I have just begun my lifetimes.” connection to BJ through their partnership with DOROT, I am quickly becoming aware of the way this community holds its members in a warm and loving embrace, constantly devising new and creative initiatives to address the needs of the community. I feel privileged to be here and look forward to contributing toward the warmth and healing of the BJ community.

Jane Blumenstein

different and will depend on many factors. What were the challenges we faced and protective factors in our lives going into the pandemic? How have we been able to cultivate additional tools while being socially distanced? How much deprivation have we experienced and how are we able to balance that with new sources of strength?

Jane Blumenstein, LMSW, is our new social worker. She is passionate about her work with seniors, caregivers, and volunteers. Jane comes to us through DOROT, where she has worked since 2016. DOROT is a senior-service organization located on the Upper West Side, whose mission is to reduce social isolation and bring the generations together for their mutual benefit. She has spent years as both a president and board member of her synagogue, and The support of community is no doubt a

is well-versed in synagogue life and committee work. She has been studying, living, and working on the Upper West Side for over 25 years, and currently lives in Morningside Heights with her husband and two children.

You can reach Jane at socialworker@ bj.org.

Daily Minyanim

Monday through Thursday: 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM Sunday and National Holidays: 9:30 AM

Through our morning and evening minyanim, there are opportunities each day to gather in virtual community and maintain a spiritual practice, while supporting those in our midst who are saying Kaddish.