December 2021

Dear Congregants,
In this time when medical testing for COVID has become a commonplace occurrence, we ought to do a check on the health of our Congregation. I can say that despite the pandemic, the patient is holding its own and is expecting a complete recovery.The patient is not,however,without problems.We have fewer members and fewer people attending services and events. Much of that is due to anxiety about the virus,while some comes from members moving away from Staten Island. In addition, the population of Hebrew School‐age children among our Congregation has diminished. Despite the pandemic,our Congregation is definitely showing signs of strength. We have minyanim most Shabbats, and our virtual Friday gatherings and Havdalah services have a very loyal following. Even more important is that those who attend our services find them very meaningful, uplifting, and an essential part of their lives.   Will Temple Emanu‐El endure the storm? That depends on us. If we continue to care and show our caring by being generous with our time and funds and by attending services and events, the future can even be brighter than the past.  Let us pray that these difficult times will pass and that we will emerge from them in good health and spirituality,strengthened by our faith and way of life. 
Rabbi Gerald Sussman