Coming back together by sitting apart

Rows of empty wooden church pews with gray cushioned seats, marked with yellow "CAUTION" tape for social distancing, set on a patterned carpet floor.
A sanctuary stage featuring two wooden lecterns with microphones flanking a central altar draped in blue fabric, set before a stained-glass window depicting an animal figure.
Rows of empty wooden pews with gray cushioned seating in a synagogue sanctuary, with caution tape across several pews and memorial plaques visible on the walls in the background.
A synagogue memorial room with rows of gray upholstered chairs arranged on patterned carpet, facing walls lined with commemorative plaques honoring deceased congregants beneath a row of windows.
Empty sanctuary pews with yellow "Caution/Cuidado" tape blocking alternating rows, with memorial plaques visible on the back wall.
Title
Coming back together by sitting apart
Description
These are pictures of the sanctuary at Tikvat Israel in Rockville, MD, with seats marked off to ensure social distancing as we prepare to return.

After 13 months, Tikvat Israel Congregation in Rockville returned for our first indoor, in-person service on Shabbat Acharei Mot/Kedoshim (April 24, 2021). The definition of “warm and welcoming” looks very different now, as we limit our numbers, ensure everyone maintains 6’ physical distancing and all wear masks, even when leading. As I rolled the Torah from Tetzaveh (the last portion we read) to Acharei Mot/Kedoshim (our reading this week), my eyes filled with tears of a mixture of awe, joy, anticipation and sadness. Something profound that we are returning this week, when we read the double parasha whose title translates to “after death” “holiness.” Yes, there is.
Date Created
April 24, 2021
Community
Tikvat Israel
Denomination
Conservative
State
Maryland
Place
Rockville
Creator
Rabbi Marc Israel

Item Sets

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This item was submitted on April 29, 2021 by Rabbi Marc Israel using the form “Contribute Your Materials” on the site “American Jewish Life”: https://americanjewishlife.org/s/american-jewish-life

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