In compliance with all state, county and city regulations, TBS has suspended on-site services.  This stoppage will remain in effect until Rabbi, TBS officers, the Conservative Movement’s governing body and elected officials are all convinced that we can reopen with positive assurance that the safety of our congregation will not be jeopardized.  Unfortunately, as this is written, we do not have any target for the in-house resumption of services.

Even though we cannot assemble in our beautiful building we can still get together, virtually.  Every Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. we join together for our Welcoming Shabbat Zoom gathering.  All members receive an email invitation with a Zoom link.  If you have a computer, tablet or smart phone and a Wi-Fi connection, all it takes is a simple click on the provided link and you, too, can be transported to the Rabbi’s home to be part of the experience.  In addition to the participation in the ritual, you will also have an opportunity to see fellow TBS congregants.  The services have been joined by as many as 30 worshippers.  This is a wonderful opportunity to “see” friends that you probably have not seen since the Shelter-In-Place was imposed.

If you are not receiving the Zoom invitation and would like to be included, send an email to rabbi@seashul.org with your email address and request.  If you know of anyone who wants to participate but does not have the ability to join the Zoom services on-line, they can still join via telephone.  Leave the pertinent information on the TBS answering machine at 609-266-0403.  We will find a way to communicate the access information.

Our regular office hours have also been suspended.  Donna Jordan, our administrator, does stop in periodically to check the mail and to inspect the premises.  If you call the synagogue office, Donna has the ability to respond to your calls.  Do not hesitate to call for any reason.  You can also contact Rabbi Fox or Jack Lieberman by leaving a message with Donna or sending an email to rabbi@seashul.org or president@seashul.org.

Plans are proceeding to prepare the facilities when we are permitted to open.  Those plans include professional sanitizing treatments and increased hand sanitizing stations.  There will also be a tracking system of siddurs so they can be reserved once you use them.

What about the High Holidays?  That is a question that has every synagogue Rabbi and Temple Board scrambling for solutions and answers.  The Conservative Movement’s governing body, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) has formed three task forces to consider every aspect of the question.  Obviously, the controlling elements will be the status of the virus, the rules of sheltering and social distancing and the governmental rules for resuming on-site assemblies.  The task forces are contemplating every condition from today’s shelter-in-place rules to a total relaxation of controls.  With the safety of our congregation a priority, first and foremost, we will adopt and adapt to the recommendations of the task forces to assure maximum caution and fulfill the spiritual requirements of the Days of Awe.  TBS has once again acquired the services of Cantor Nancy Abramson for the High Holidays.

Whether services are in-house or virtual, the opportunity and the need for sponsors still exists.  Please, continue your support.

Do not forget, we now have a beautiful Eternal Garden.  That is a wonderful spot to sit and reflect and pray.

In summary, TBS assures you that the safety and spiritual needs of our congregants will be the controlling factor in all of our decisions and actions.  TBS will provide an alternative to the regular Shabbat, Yizkor, and Yom Tov services, as long as that is required.   As soon as TBS can open safely, the doors will be wide open; but for now, we hope to see you every opportunity we can.