This letter was sent to Central Synagogue members on March 18, 2020

Dear Central Community,

It has not even been a week since we announced that Central would become a completely “virtual” synagogue, yet the world has changed enormously since then. We are so grateful to our community and staff for the resiliency they have shown in this very difficult time. Given recent public announcements, Central will continue with our “virtual only” programming until at least April 20. This includes our Shabbat services, Nursery school, LCLJ, and Adult Learning.

Given recent public announcements, Central will continue with our “virtual only” programming until at least April 20. This includes our Shabbat services, Nursery school, LCLJ, and Adult Learning. Our incredible team and community have quickly adapted to this new reality and our virtual synagogue has been alive with activity in the last week. Among the things that have happened in just the past few days:

I hope that you are all taking all measures to keep yourself both physically and mentally healthy. To that end, I would like to tell you about two events that will be held online each day, starting Monday, March 23.

Finally, I’d like to also let you know about a just-announced community-wide virtual gathering being sponsored by UJA that will bring together a number of rabbis, including myself, from across Manhattan. This pre-Shabbat opportunity will take place on Friday, March 20 at 2:00 pm and will allow us to come together in prayer, song, and learning. Please check our website for the Zoom link.

To brighten your day, I share a picture of what “Virtual Nursery School” looks like this week with our littlest students. We look forward to connecting with you all in many ways over the coming weeks.

Labriyut—In Good Health,

Rabbi Angela W. Buchdahl

Senior Rabbi