This is a weird time. We are in the midst of a pandemic. We had no idea this was coming. We are not prepared.
On Sunday I read in the SF Chronicle that many houses of worship were closing their sites. By today I learned that six of the bay area counties will be putting a shelter-in-place order out to start at midnight tonight. It is one thing to choose to be alone, it is another to be forced to be alone. In this time of high anxiety we typically want to be with others. It can be a time when we are particularly drawn to spiritual community.
The good news is that many of the synagogues have made classes and services available online. Many are now streaming their services on Facebook or from their website. Some classes are being offered on platforms like Zoom. Most rabbis are offering to “meet” by phone with congregants for personal counseling.
Here are a few options for services:
Temple Sinai, Oakland will continue streaming on their Facebook page.
Beth Emek, Pleasanton will be streaming from their Facebook page.
Peninsula Temple Beth El, San Mateo will be streaming from their website.
Peninsula Sinai, Foster City will be streaming on Facebook. They will also have Zoom options; call them for details.
Temple Isaiah, Lafayette will stream from their YouTube Channel
Sherith Israel will stream from their website.
Temple Beth Abraham, Oakland will stream services from their website. Go here and look in the upper right corner of the page.
If you don’t see a particular synagogue just call them. They are answering their phones.
Other resources
Rabbi Bridget at Jewish Gateways has an online document to receive and share comfort and inspiration.
Rabbi Ruth Adar, Coffee Shop Rabbi, has posted ideas for what to do at home – you or your kids.
My own rabbi made a very good suggestion. Contact three people who would love to hear from you. It could be a dear friend or a near stranger. I’ve been texting folks. Phone calls and emails work too.
We’ve stuck together through other tough times; we can do this!