Beth Tikvah update

As October arrives and we begin to prepare for another season, we all hoped that the COVID-19 viral pandemic would be over. Unfortunately, that is not to be. The future continues to be unknown and we are living in a “new normal.” We still are very cautious and, when we go out, most of us wear masks. Many of us have experienced only limited social gatherings, always 6 feet apart. Virtual Zoom meetings have replaced social lunches and we all long for the hugs and kisses of the past.

Despite the many changes in the “now normal,” we have been able to create some routines that make our days complete. Thanks to Rabbi Chorny, you can join a regular Zoom minyan on Thursday and Sunday mornings as well as streamed services Friday night and Saturday morning. Tuesday classes continue to be held at 12:15 p.m. weekly, by Zoom, on topical issues of the day. It is our hope to be able to congregate once again for these events when we are able to gather safely.

Our programs for the year ahead are scheduled, including our lecture series, educational programs, Scholar in Residence and Naples Jewish Film Festival. Everything that we do now in Beth Tikvah is remote and virtual, until such time as we are able to reopen our sanctuary and resume normal activity. Information regarding all programs and Zoom and streaming links are available on the Beth Tikvah website at www.bethtikvah naples.org. You may also check the portal to “All Things Beth Tikvah” at http://BethTikvahNaples.org.

Everyone is invited to join Rabbi and Aviva Chorny for a special Shabbat Sukkot dinner celebration Friday, Oct. 2, immediately after services at 6:15 p.m. Services will be streamed and the celebration will be by Zoom. Prepare your dinner and join us virtually in the Sukkah.

Sunday, Oct. 4 at 4:30 p.m., Neil Adelman will be doing a Zoom lecture about the Book of Ecclesiastes, which is associated with Sukkot. Neil will talk about religious and philosophical aspects as well as literature and art.

Our ladies Rosh Chodesh group will meet on Sunday, Oct. 18, when Terri Kline will be discussing the book “Copperhead” by Alexi Zentner. All are welcome to join by Zoom at 11 a.m. There will be a streamed service for Shemini Atseret/Simchat Torah on October 10 at 9 a.m., followed by Yiskor service at 10:45 a.m.

Though none of us would like to think this time of virtual and remote connection is permanent, for now, as we work together, we are managing to find the best in every day. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to keep us moving forward.

Beth Tikvah happenings

October

• Friday, Oct. 2 - Erev Sukkot Eat and Learn at 6:15 p.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 - Morning minyan at 9 a.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 - Study with the Rabbi at 12:15 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 3 - Sukkot services at 9:30 a.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 4 - Neil Adelman lecture at 4:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Oct. 8 - Chol Hamoed Minyan at 9 a.m.

• Friday, Oct. 9 - Hoshana Raba Erev Yom Tov at 6:15 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 10 - Shemini Atseret/ Simchat Torah Yiskor at 9 a.m.

• Sunday, Oct. 18 - Rosh Chodesh Ladies Group at 11 a.m.

Religious services schedule

• Friday services begin at 6:15 p.m.

• Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m.

• Sunday minyan begins at 9 a.m.

• Thursday minyan begins at 9 a.m.

• We convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request, with a two-week notice.

You may reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239-537-5257.