Creatively celebrating together

By Deborah R. Fidel, Executive Director

Temple Shalom brought in 5781 in a very special and fun way — with an Apples, Honey and Challah drive-thru! We distributed over 300 bags of holiday treats to our members, who also drove off with High Holy Days prayer books.

“Holding a prayer book in my hands while watching the services online, made it seem much more real — almost like I was there, reading along with our clergy in the Sanctuary,” said Dan Spintman.

Temple Shalom President Daryl Sissman and First Vice President Ed Kaufman delivered prayer books and gift bags to the Temple’s homebound members.

We also wanted to bring some holiday joy to the Jewish residents of our area senior living facilities, who were not able to see their loved ones due to the COVID- 19 restrictions in place at that time. We know it meant a lot to the residents at The Carlisle, Terracina Grande and Moorings Park, who have let us know how much they appreciated the gifts. Members of Temple Shalom even made cards to include in their special deliveries.

Have shofar, will travel!

While services were virtual, we were also able to include some creative ways to be together — masked and socially distanced of course! Temple Shalom held three different shofar services: in the Temple Shalom parking lot, Depot Park in Bonita Springs and on the property of Naples Square, downtown.

Tashlich was another opportunity to gather safely in person, as we prayed and symbolically threw our sins into a lake.

The High Holy Days were unique, that’s for sure! We will continue engaging in new and creative ways as “season” gets underway.

Call Temple Shalom at 455-3030 for information on how to join our One Family.