Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on March 17, 2020

(JTA) David Simon originally read Philip Roths novel The Plot Against America around the time it was released in 2004. An alternate history, it posits that Charles Lindbergh defeated Franklin Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election, signed a non-aggression pact with Hitler that doomed Britain and promoted an increasingly violent anti-Semitic agenda that ultimately included resettling Jews in remote, rural areas.

However, Simon, the acclaimed Jewish writer, producer and showrunner of several provocative and groundbreaking series from The Wire to Treme to The Deuce was not a big fan of the book.

I thought it was an interesting artifact in the Rothian cannon, Simon said in a telephone interview. It was different from a lot of his works. I was glad that I read it, but I thought America was beyond that moment.

That changed for him with the election of Donald Trump in 2016. Since then, he believes portions of American society have felt empowered to turn on black and brown people. But in addition to attacks on those groups, he cited violence against Jews, including the shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh.

These are the people being othered. When the hate train gets to leave the station, whenever intolerance is directed at anybody, anti-Semitism follows, he said. But I didnt make this piece as a narrative directed at anti-Semitic tropes. I made it about hate against all targets.

The result of Simons mental 180 is a six-episode HBO mini-series based on the novel that debuts Monday night. The show is claustrophobic in the overwhelming sense of foreboding it builds.

The process that ended with Simons involvement actually started in 2013, right after Barack Obama was re-elected. Simon got a call from Tom Rothman (now the chairman of Sonys motion pictures group) about working with him on an adaptation of the book. Simon told him he wasnt sure the country was going in that direction, especially after electing an African-American president for the second time.

Three years later, after Trumps election, Simon had another meeting with HBO executives in New York.

David Simon has adapted the Philip Roth novel for HBO. (Michele K. Short/HBO)

I told them they should get ahold of this book, a great dystopian novel about American politics. They told me Joe Roth [another studio head] was just pushing the same thing, Simon said. But they thought they were a little late to the party. With Man in the High Castle and Handmaids Tale, they thought they missed the window.

When Simon returned to his office, he asked his assistant to call Roth forgetting that it was Rothman whom he spoke to years earlier.

I told [Joe Roth], Three years ago, you were right. You were prescient. And I didnt see it. He told me, Ive never spoken to you, Simon recalled.

They figured it out pretty quickly.

There were too many Hebrews, Simon says, chuckling. I told Joe, Oops. I think I just made an ass out of myself. But he still asked me, Do you want to write it?

The answer was yes, and Simon and his producing/writing partner Ed Burns came up with a cinematic version of the book that remains true to Philip Roths uncanny clairvoyance.

The story centers on the extended Levin family.

I kind of identified with all of them, Simon said. Theyre all over the spectrum and that is the power of the book. Each of the characters reacted in different ways to the rise of Lindbergh.

At one end of the spectrum is Alvin Levin, who enlists in the Canadian army and goes off to do battle in Europe. On the other hand is Rabbi Lionel Bengelsdorf (played by John Turturro), who supports Lindbergh, and not only becomes compliant but also a functionary.

In between, theres the family patriarch Herman (Morgan Spector), who is defiant and stays put while many of his friends and neighbors flee for Canada; his wife Bess (Zoe Kazan), who grew up in an anti-Semitic neighborhood and wants something better for her children; Philip (Azhy Robertson, a doppelgnger for the books author) and Sandy (Caleb Malis); and Besss sister Evelyn (Winona Ryder), who marries the rabbi.

John Turturro as a rabbi and supporter of Charles Lindbergh in The Plot Against America. (Michele K. Short/HBO)

The book asks the question, Do you embrace the situation or fight? Do you speak up or stay silent? Simon says. Its an elemental question, and I think weve all imagined ourselves at critical, pivotal points in history what would we do and at what cost?

Simon brought his Jewish background to the series: Old Simon family photos hung on the walls of the Levin residence. He, and not an acting or voice coach, instructed the actors on proper Ashkenazi pronunciation for scenes in a synagogue.

I cant say I didnt have a little fun accessing my own family history. I didnt do [the series] for that reason, but having arrived there, I could write a Jewish-American family with ease, he said.

Simon went to Hebrew School growing up in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he had a bar mitzvah and was more culturally Jewish than religiously so. The family was briefly kosher, but that changed when an older brother who had digestive issues was given some bacon and loved it.

By the way, hes not wrong, Simon says. I dont agree with that part of Leviticus.

Simon believes his Jewish background informed his work in several waysfrom his familys culture of argument and debate to its obsession with books. His father was a journalist who worked briefly for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and then spent 20 years as public relations director for Bnai Brith, a global Jewish service organization.

He never experienced any serious anti-Semitism as a kid.

I felt so assimilated and so fundamentally American, I cant say I ever felt intimidated, he said.

Contemporary events like the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting have had a lasting effect on him, though. Ironically, its this push back that is in part responsible for his faith, such that it is.

One of the things that makes me Jewish is the worlds resistance, he said.

But he also likes the idea of Jewish continuity. Or as he wrote for Alvin Levin, who when asked why he is Jewish replies: I believe in my father, who was Jewish, and his father who was Jewish.

See the original post:

David Simon didn't like 'The Plot Against America' when he first read it. Trump's election changed his mind. - JTA News

Category: Ashkenazi | Comments Off on David Simon didn’t like ‘The Plot Against America’ when he first read it. Trump’s election changed his mind. – JTA News
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 16, 2020

The National Guard has been deployed to New York to enforce a "containment area" around the Young Israel synagogue due to the coronavirus. Wochit

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.Young Israel of New Rochelle had an onlinePurim party because its members couldnt gather at their synagogue this week.

The congregants check in on one another. They get plenty of takeout food that issimply left at the door.

Some make meals for one another. They check in on their neighbors and have stayedisolated since March 3, as the state prescribed, when the first of its members was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus that has now spread to 108 confirmed cases tied to the temple or the city.

The synagogue put a form on its website for anyone who needs help.

"We have been model citizens. We shut down our synagogue and our entire membership after one case. We didnt wait for a cluster," said one congregant, who declined to use his name for concerns about stoking dissension.

'Deeply disruptive': Orthodox synagogue copes with coronavirus quarantine

There is also some growing frustration about why they have been the focal point in New York, as well as what they view as a lack of clear answers over an edict Tuesday that put them in the middle of a one-mile containment area.

Schools, houses of worship and other large gathering places within the containment area will need to be closed through March 25, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's directive. That includes schools in New Rochelle and neighboring Tuckahoe.

Some synagogue members question why a blanket quarantine of more than 1,000 people in the community remains, even for those who have tested negative, didn't come into contact with a coronavirus patient and have not been sick.

The same mandates have not been applied to other neighboring communities where some cases have been found, they said.Some tests have taken days to get back results; others came in more quickly, adding to their frustrations, some members said.

Ribbons outside of Young Israel In New Rochelle March 9, 2020.(Photo: Tania Savayan/The Journal News)

"No one who has been asymptomatic has been requested to self-quarantine except for Young Israel of New York, unless you were in very close contact with someone who was positive," said another congregant, who also refused to use his name.

Local officials said they recognize the frustration: The congregants' lives have been upended.

US coronavirus map:Tracking the outbreak

"I think that we have not gotten a good explanation as to why them, especially if (it's) someone who has not been in contact" with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, who represents the community.

"Maybe theres a public health reason, but we are unaware of it because no one is explaining to them or me."

But Paulin and other officials said they have been overwhelmed by the roughly 400-family synagogue's resolve.

"Considering the stress and the obvious difficulty of being essentially captive in your own home, they have been remarkable," Paulin said. "I have a never seen a group of people really come together as well as this groupinsuch a hard situation."

The concern started last Tuesday, March 3, when the state announceda congregant who had become gravely ill had tested positive for coronavirus. He had spent fourdays inNewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital in neighboring Bronxville.

After the member, a Manhattan attorney, was transferred toNewYork-Presbyterian in Manhattan, the Westchester County health department said there would be a precautionary quarantine of about 1,000 people associated with the temple who may have come in contact with him at the events the week prior.

This is the area that will be part of the New Rochelle coronavirus 'containment area,' where large gathering spaces like schools and temples will be closed through March 25, 2020.(Photo: Courtesy: NYS Governor's Office)

The number of cases in the community has since skyrocketed, leading Cuomo to announce the containment area Tuesday and orderthe National Guard to assist residents and disinfect the public areas in the neighborhood.

Cuomo stressed the area isn't on lockdown, just large public facilities will be closed and major gatherings will be canceled.

"Wehave 108 cases in New Rochelle. I think you get an idea, New York City only has 36. New York City is 100 times the size of New Rochelle, OK?" Cuomo said Wednesday on MSNBC.

"So what the containment means is just large gatherings in that area are postponed. People can go and come, etc. It's not a quarantine area, but no large gatherings because that's where it's spreading, obviously."

State Sen. Shelley Mayer, , whose district includes the New Rochelle containment area, praised Young Israel for its response to the outbreak.

"They have conducted themselves with tremendous calm and dignity and responsiveness to the science," Mayer said.

She said the disruption to her district has left her with a "heavy heart," but she understands why the Cuomo administration took the action itdid.

"I defer to the science and I think (state Health Commissioner Howard Zucker) took what I think he believes is the correct scientific position," Mayer said. "I defer to that and I understand why the governor did, because we have to be ruled by science."

Pressure to create a coronavirus vaccine is increasing by the day, but for a safe vaccine to enter the market, it takes time. USA TODAY

What happens next for a synagogue and a community coronavirus hot spot

Cuomo said he hopes the containment zone through March 25 will keep the virus from spreading further within New Rochelle and beyond.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the number of cases in New Rochelle accounted for 62% of the states 173 cases and about 13% of the total across the U.S.

He said the effort is literally a matter of life and death. No one has died in New York from coronavirus yet, but Cuomo has repeatedly expressed concern for the elderly and those with existing respiratory issues.

Young Israel of New Rochelle, right, and Wykagyl Country Club, left, on North Ave. in New Rochelle March 4, 2020.(Photo: Peter Carr and John Meore/The Journal News)

Northwell Health on Long Island is setting up a satellite testing area in New Rochelle to more quickly identify who is positive or negative for coronavirus.

"Containment strategies focus on geographic areas," Cuomo told reporters Tuesday. New Rochelle "is the single greatest public health challenge we have in this state right now."

The wife of the first case at the synagogue wrote Tuesday on Facebook that her husband was still hospitalized.

"I want my husband to get better and hope to have to worry about trying to explain to him all that has transpired while he was sleeping," she wrote.

These cleaners kill coronavirus: Lysol, Clorox, Purell products make EPA's disinfectants list

"But I also recognize that maybe he is a messenger of something good, that his illness was able to make us all aware of the problem. Just maybe he wont be just the one with bad luck, but the one who can to bring this to an end. This will end. Quarantines will work, and we will all be stronger for it."

Young Israel synagogue in New Rochelle in March 4, 2020.(Photo: Tania Savayan/The Journal News)

The woman's comments are indicative of the strength the congregation has shown, said New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, who lives in the containment area.

"I think some frustration is certainly understandable," Bramson said.

"And yet, my sense is that the great majority of congregants understand the public health stakes of abiding by the quarantine and recognize that this is one of the significant hot spots in the entire country."

Coronavirus myths, debunked:A cattle vaccine, bioweapons and a $3,000 test

The synagogue's rabbi, who also tested positive for COVID-19, has offered spiritual guidance to congregants, allowing them to continue to rely on their faith to get through the difficult period, saidElliotForchheimer, CEO of the Westchester Jewish Council.

Forchheimer sent an email to congregants praising them for the adherence to the quarantine and their resilience.

He said they have had "enormous spiritual leadership and counseling by their rabbi in keeping them focused that this too will pass, and as citizens we do the right thing and we follow the guidelines and that is the best thing to ensure that we get healthy and everybody else will get healthy as soon as possible."

Follow Joseph Spector on Twitter: @GannettAlbany

Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/03/12/coronavirus-new-york-synagogue-coping-hotspot/5026107002/

Follow this link:

'They have been remarkable': How a New York synagogue is coping as an epicenter of the US coronavirus spread - USA TODAY

Category: Synagogue | Comments Off on ‘They have been remarkable’: How a New York synagogue is coping as an epicenter of the US coronavirus spread – USA TODAY
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 16, 2020

In the week prior to the three cases confirmed in Cuyahoga County, synagogues began releasing precautions to congregants, and advising them to use livestream options if they are feeling ill or are in vulnerable populations.

A March 5 emailed letter to members of Park Synagogue opened with the traditional prayer for the body.

At this time, we are not aware of any direct impact to the building or the communities within it, read the letter signed by Rabbi Joshua Skoff, president Susan Ratner and Executive Director Stuart Deicher. While we continue our regular operations, we are taking precautions which require the whole community to work together over these next few weeks and months to help keep the synagogue a safe and healthy environment.

The email asked congregants not to come to events or services if they are sick or symptomatic, to wash hands, and asked congregants not to shake hands, hug or kiss congregants, and to use tongs when serving food.

In addition, it said Park personnel is increasing our wipe-downs of all surfaces and watching soap dispensers.

Other synagogues sent similar emails to their congregants.

Following the news of the three cases, Bnai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike sent an email to congregants:

Both Rabbi (Stephen) Weiss and Rabbi (Hal) Rudin-Luria as well as anyone who attended AIPAC from our congregation will not be attending Purim services tonight (March 9) nor tomorrow morning, the email stated. We want you to come and celebrate this evenings Purim festivities without any concerns.

On March 11, the synagogue sent an email saying the rabbis chose to self-quarantine through March 17 because of their possible exposure to someone at AIPAC who later tested positive.

The synagogue also started to livestream its two morning minyans.

The Rabbinic Assembly said those who wish to be part of a weekday minyan to recite prayers requiring a minyan, including mourners kaddish, may connect virtually through audio or video with a minyan whether of their own congregation or another whose members are meeting in person, preferably in their time zone. They may recite kaddish, kedushah, barkhu, etc., and hear Torah reading along with that minyan.

Green Road Synagogue in Beachwood provided a link to an online megillah reading.

The Temple-Tifereth Israel shifted the venue of an Apollos Fire concert scheduled for March 10 to St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Cleveland Heights, after The Temple stopped holding public events.

Visit link:

Northeast Ohio synagogues take steps to protect congregants from COVID-19 - Cleveland Jewish News

Category: Synagogue | Comments Off on Northeast Ohio synagogues take steps to protect congregants from COVID-19 – Cleveland Jewish News
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 16, 2020

After a meeting that lasted several hours on March 12, at least 14 Five Towns rabbis decided to shut down the Orthodox synagogues.

We are writing to inform you that we have made the excruciating decision that our shuls will be closed for all services, [Torah lessons], classes, children and adult programming effective today, Friday, March 13th, until further notice. We recognize and respect the decision of other neighborhood shuls in taking a different course of action.

We recognize the importance of our institution to the lives of our members of all ages. It is heartbreaking for us to have to come to this difficult decision, and it was made after days and hours of very careful deliberation. New reports this morning concerning the nature of communal spread, have contributed to our painful decision.

Because the situation is fluid, we will reevaluate these decisions on a regular and on-going basis. We will communicate with you as changes take place. Please take these days as a critical opportunity to intensify your prayers that all those who are not well, will be healed and that our community will be shielded from any further harm.

The rabbis put together several points of advice. We must try our best to stay home with only our immediate family and avoid unnecessary contact with others, and particularly avoid contact with substantial groups. We should only leave home when it is truly necessary, the stated in the letter.

Officially called a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, the COVID-19 outbreak caused the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County in New Jersey to send out a letter to all its synagogues strongly urging congregants to work from home, no play dates though schools are closed and shuls will be closed for prayer gatherings effective Friday morning, March 13. Two days later, the Centers for Disease Control stated that people should not gather in groups of 50 or more.

No public celebrations, no gatherings for Shabbat meals and phone or video calls should replace shiva calls. The rabbis suggest refraining from taking part in contact sports and eating at restaurants. The rabbis recommend ordering for pickup or delivery.

Rabbi Steven Graber, leader of Temple Hillel, said that his North Woodmere synagogue and Congregation Sons of Israel in Woodmere have "canceled all programs through March 16, including Sabbath services. On Monday we will re-evaluate for the short-term future."

Chabad of Hewlett Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim said he is not considering canceling services at this time. The Chabad did postpone its annual dinner to May 27. It was originally scheduled for March 18.

At this point we advise everyone to follow the Health Department guidelines, and obviouslyanyone that doesnt feel well should stay home, he said. If they need our help they should reach out immediately. At the same time, we encourage our congregants and everybody tokeep up the good spirit and faith in God. They should keep praying to God for all of us and that we should overcome these challenging time. As always, our Chabad house is here to help. If anyone needs, please reachout.

Temple Israel of Lawrence Executive Director Alan Freedman said that the synagogue is closed. Prayer and hand washing are the best medicines at this time, said Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum, leader of the Reform congregation said.

See more here:

Five Towns Orthodox shuls are closed because of coronavirus - liherald.com

Category: Synagogue | Comments Off on Five Towns Orthodox shuls are closed because of coronavirus – liherald.com
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 16, 2020

I could quite easily be writing this sitting in quarantine. The lady who was here in Jerusalem from the US who was diagnosed with COVID-19 (popularly called corona), was on my patch of earth: Hadar Mall, Osher Ad, First Station, Mamilla all locations that are part of my day. Luckily, after looking through my receipts and tracking back, I calculated I had not been in these places when she had. Still, it shows you how close to home this horrific virus has become.Shuls are central to the daily routine of many. Often hundreds or thousands in the case of the Katamon Shtiblach pass through any given shul every day. Especially, in our Anglo-Jerusalem, where there are tourists and visitors from abroad, there has been discussion as to whether shuls are doing enough to protect us from corona.I did a tour of several Anglo shuls this past Shabbat to see what action was being taken.The Katamon Shtiblach had the main doors wide open and signs up warning people to keep to the guidelines of the Health Ministry. Shir Hadash on Emek, Beit Knesset Hanassi in Rehavia and the Emek Learning Center (ELC) along Emek Refaim, also had signs up with clear directives as to who could and couldnt enter.At shuls I popped into including Nitzanim, Eretz Chemdah, Shir Hadash and the Emek Learning Center (ELC) there was extra handwashing soap available and at Shir Hadash on Emek, the kiddush food was distributed in paper cups, to avoid contact.At Shir Hadash in Talbiya, Rabbi Ian Pear advised those who were in the vulnerable categories and nervous, not to come to shul. There was also a second Zachor reading outside for those who felt uncomfortable indoors.Before Shabbat, shuls including, Nitzanim, Shir Hadash, Eretz Chemdah and the ELC sent out emails with directives, requesting that people take extra precautions in shul. The Nitzanim email read: We are all experiencing a situation which we have never faced before and it is our responsibility as individuals and as a congregation to listen to the instructions of the Ministry of Health. We have members of our community who are high risk and as an institution we cannot risk their health or anyones health. Accordingly, the Vaad requests that all congregants abide by the instructions and guidelines of the Health Ministry including refraining from handshaking, hugging and kissing.I CERTAINLY felt that shuls were doing their best, but what do the locals say? Dr. Anna Donen told In Jerusalem, Im really reassured with what I saw at the Shtiblach the signs by the doors, as well as the messages we got on our minyans email and WhatsApp group with guidelines. I feel that shuls are doing what they can in these difficult circumstances. Mimi Borowich Milstein said, I was very impressed with how Shir Hadash on Emek are handling the coronavirus. They had notices and disinfectant at the entrance of the synagogue and also made announcements of how to adhere to the protocol. Then, while wearing gloves, the heads of the synagogue portioned out the kiddush food into small portions and asked people to take their portion and step away from the table. Even the kids snacks were portioned out, since children usually grab everything with their hands. Sadly, they postponed (but not canceled) their Purim party and they have even offered alternative megillah readings for those in quarantine by listening to the shuls megillah reading by phone. Dr. Walter Wasser said, If it comes to it, I think shuls certainly could safeguard their communities more effectively. For instance, we can put infrared or ultrasound sensors by the entrance to our shuls, which would check if people have temperatures. We could find the funding. Apart from those in quarantine-following guidelines, I just cant think of what more we can do while continuing our routine which includes, of course, coming to shul. One thing we need to do, and Im being serious, is stopping the meshulachim (charity collectors) who run in and out of shul all day, from coming in to shuls. Sure, rabbis should remind people who are sick not to come to shul, but thats also common sense. Miriam Gold, a professional organizer, asserted, I would hope that rabbis would not have to specifically have to tell their congregants to not come to shul. If they think they may be at risk of spreading corona and if someone who should be in quarantine asks their rabbi what to do, I would expect the rabbi to say Stay home. My concern is more for haredim and anti-vaxers who may feel that its all in Gods hands and put others at risk. Alan Lurie said, The community has not got a handle on it, and I dont think rabbis know what to be saying but how should they know? Certainly for the elderly or weak, the shul could be a dangerous place if precautions arent taken. On the other hand, its very important not for us to fall into a state of panic the rabbis need to help prevent this. Rabbis should support their shuls need in enforcing the basic guidelines such as: If sick not coming, refraining from shaking hands, keeping windows open and keeping away if you have been to affected countries, like Italy.THEN IT was the rabbis turn. What do they feel they can do? Is it their responsibility? In Jerusalem spoke with a number of local rabbis to hear what they had to say. Rabbi Hillel Sermoneta of the Italian shul on Hillel Street, noted, We are taking precautions more than other shuls to protect ourselves. We are following the advice of the authorities and Health Ministry - anyone returning from Italy must stay in quarantine and we are careful to remind people to do so. We currently have three members of the shul in quarantine and are ensuring they are being provided for.Its very important for me, the rabbi, to not to add to the panic. The role of a rabbi, especially here in the corona case, is to listen to people and calm them down. It is not my role to give any form of medical advice I simply dont know any more than anyone else. My job as a rabbi is to ensure people behave in a responsible way. We are passing on medical directives and taking every precaution, while at the same time, carrying on as best we can with services and social events.This virus has ruined many peoples businesses, vacations and family smachot. We must be very sensitive to this and pray this crisis will be over soon. Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, spiritual leader of Nitzanim, said, Every individual has the moral and religious responsibility to follow the guidelines of the Health Ministry of for their own sake and for the sake of the community. The community should show sympathy and empathy to the individuals who are in quarantine, reach out to them and support them. As people of faith, we should increase our prayers and Torah learning for the merit of all people.With regard to the responsibility of rabbis, Finkelstein said, As community leaders, we should encourage our communities to be aware of their responsibilities as individuals to themselves and to their community. We need to understand the fear and the feelings of loneliness of those who are quarantined. This is a time for our community to spread more kindness, increase our commitment to prayer and Torah and unite all humanity in fighting the virus and bringing light and hope to the world. Rabbi Azarya Berzon, head of the ELC, said, Taking care of ones health is a fundamental principal in Jewish Law and this would mean that with regard to corona, rabbis do have an obligation to guide their congregations to follow official guidelines and to take extra precautions with regards to handwashing, etc. Rabbi Shalom Myers at the ELC added, We are taking every precaution, as we do have elderly people here. Visitors from abroad have been requested to follow the Health Ministry guidelines and we have backed this up both by emails and a notice by the door. We had a special speaker here, Dr. Moshe Feldman, from Hadassah Ein Kerem, who advised people as how to protect themselves against Corona. Rabbi Dov Kidron of the Katamon Shtiblach said, We need to be responsible and follow what the government and authorities say. Its a question of health and not Jewish law. We are commanded to look after ourselves. Its equally dangerous for rabbis to cause panic rabbis are looked up to especially at times like this, and we need to behave responsibly, with caution. Rabbi Dr. Aaron Adler of Ohel Nechama said, My policy is to follow the guidelines of the Health Ministry. As of yet, they have not given any specific instructions to synagogues, apart from instructing those coming from Italy and affected countries to stay in quarantine. Of course, its common sense not to come to shul if you are not well, but that has always been the case. We need to do everything humanly possible, but there is a limit. In life, you need to take reasonable risks not more. My role of a rabbi is to be a calming influence the rabbi standing up in shul and giving detailed advice about corona, is taking things too far and may cause hysteria.BOTH FROM my walk around this past Shabbat and from speaking to locals, there is clearly a feeling in the community that our rabbis and shuls are doing what they can in these challenging circumstances. The rabbis I spoke with all seemed to say that apart from ensuring their shuls follow the Health Ministry guidelines and common sense, they see their role in terms of calming people down and providing emotional strength.I pray, like everyone else, that a solution to this terrible virus will be found soon and all the suffering and disruption will end.

Read more from the original source:

How are Jerusalems synagogues coping with coronavirus? - The Jerusalem Post

Category: Synagogue | Comments Off on How are Jerusalems synagogues coping with coronavirus? – The Jerusalem Post
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 16, 2020

As a freelance Jewish educator, musician, and consultant,Eliana Lightknows the coronavirus outbreak puts her line of work in a precarious situation.

Instead of being hired to perform at synagogues, or getting invited to be an artist in residence at Jewish centers around the country, she will have to adapt as cities enact quarantine and social distancing policies and just like freelance performers and small businesses in other industries, she could lose a lot of her traditional business.

But the whole ordeal has had the opposite than expected effect on her.

Personally, Ive gotten up the past couple of days with more energy and excitement than I have in a long time, Light said on a Zoom call from her home base, a Moishe Housein Durham, North Carolina. I did the elliptical for two hours this morning Thats not me, Im not that person usually!

She has big goals she now plans to tackle in the coming months, and thinks the Jewish community will emerge stronger than ever from the trying time.

I think big shifts like this help us as individuals and as a community sort out our priorities, what matters to us, whats important in life, she said. All of a sudden, all of my gigs get canceled, its time to do all the things you want to do more professional development, clergy training, layleader training, one-on-one training and consulting, a podcast, a new album.

Light, 29, who records albums of original Jewish folk music in addition to performing and leading services in a variety of ways, is one of several young Jewish artists and spiritual leaders hoping that they will retain an audience as they shift their work online, in the form of Zoom calls, Facebook Live sessions and other forums. Unlike the many synagogues and large organizations that have at least somewhat of a built-in audience, Light and her cohort will have to get creative and do a lot of online outreach.

The program brainstorming and decision making process is happening in real time, as the virus spread accelerates each day and forces more people online for their Jewish learning needs. Hours before being called for this article, Light and some of her friends, includingChava Mirel, Rachel Goldberg and Rabbi Alexis Pinsky, formed what they are calling the Mispacha Collective. Their debut online event, which theyve dubbing the World Synagogue Sing, took place Sunday.

On Thursday, on a bit of a whim, Light tried running an impromptu morning prayer service through Facebook Live and was overwhelmed by the response. In addition to the 1,000-plus views, many people donated to Light through a PayPal account. The individual donations ranged from about $3 to $54.

Light thinks people understand the difficulties that freelancers and small businesses are going through, and that their situation could get worse the longer the pandemic wears on.

People dont want to support the thing that you create, they want to support you, Light said. Im not even worried about money, I know were going to figure it out.

Light is far from alone in these endeavors. Jewish kids performer Joanie Leeds is offering Quarantine Kids Concerts each afternoon. Interested viewers will pay a subscription fee through PayPal or Venmo to access a private Facebook group. Josh Nelson, Noah Aronson, Shira Kline, Elana Arian and Rabbi Leora Kaye are offering a Quarantine Shabbat, or Shabbat service via Facebook Live. Lex Rofeberg and hisJudaism Unbound, best known for the Judaism Unbound podcast he cohosts, has started a Facebook pagethat gathers many of these online offerings in one place.

There are challenges for Light and others in her field, who are used to thriving off of in-person interactions at their performances in moving online. For instance, Light noted that the steep increase in screen time has hurt her eyes. She also finds it alienating at times to not be able to see her audience as she plays guitar.

There are technical obstacles too, such as the lag that often occurs during a Zoom call, depending on everyones internet connection. Lights in the process of hooking up a better quality microphone to her computer, and downloading software to help with the delays.

But overall, Light is full of enthusiasm about the potential that online work offers, and the new audiences around the world that she could reach.

I hope we dont go back to the way things were, [and] call each other even more and share our resources and support each other, she said. Hopefully we get back to something even better than it was before.

The rest is here:

Gigs canceled by coronavirus, Jewish performers and educators move online - The Jewish News of Northern California

Category: Synagogue | Comments Off on Gigs canceled by coronavirus, Jewish performers and educators move online – The Jewish News of Northern California
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 16, 2020

Q: Please tell us about yourself and how you ended up in Ireland.

A: My husband, Rabbi Zalman Shimon Lent, and I first came to Ireland 20 years ago. He is from Manchester, and I am from London. We were recently married and living in New York when the Jewish community here in Dublin asked Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, vice chairman of Merkos LInyonei Chinuchthe educational arm of the Chabad-Lubavitch movementto help them find a suitable youth rabbi. We were both from the United Kingdom, so Ireland is not that far, and I really didnt want to live somewhere where they didnt speak English, so we thought we would be a good fit.

Twenty years later, and weve become woven into the fabric of Jewish life here. My husband is the rabbi of the main synagogue and the acting chief rabbi of the entire country, and I have the distinction of being the only rebbetzin on the Emerald Isle.

Q: Can you describe the Jewish community in Ireland?

A: There has never been a large Jewish presence hereperhaps 5,000 souls at its peak. There have been Jews here for hundreds of years, originally Sephardim, followed by German Jews, and finally followed by a wave of Eastern European Jews, mostly from Lithuania.

The descendants of the Lithuanian Jews form the base of the established Jewish community here today. Most of them are older. Many children have either moved out of the country or assimilated to one degree or another. And then, we have all kinds of people who come here for work, particularly in the high-tech industryIsraelis, English, Americans, Europeans.

The primary Jewish community is here in the capital of Dublin, with tiny communities in other cities like Cork, Limerick and Waterford, which once had functioning congregations but have been reduced to just a handful of individuals.

We live right next door to our synagogue, which is located in a middle-class suburban area, where many other Jews live.

Many in Irelands close-knit Jewish community are part of the Lents congregation.

Q: What sort of amenities are there?

A: Many products in Irish supermarkets are sourced from the U.K., so there is a fair amount of kosher available here. There is a shop here in Dublin that carries a full line of kosher cheeses, meats and other products. We have a kosher bakery, which my husband supervises, and thats pretty much it. There is also a kosher caterer, and my husband supervises a bread factory.

He is the rabbi of the large synagogue, which is similar to the United Synagogues in England. There are, thank Gd, daily services, with a bigger crowd coming for Shabbat and holidays.

Q: Is there a mikvah?

A: When we originally came, the community funded our position from the proceeds of the sale of a beautiful old synagogue in the center of the city that was no longer needed. There had been a mikvah in that synagogue, built through the efforts of the Chabad shochatim who lived here shortly after the Second World War. When that facility was sold, the community was reluctant to build a new one since there was little demand, and they figured that it would be cheaper for them to pay for the women to fly to England whenever they needed the mikvah. The rabbi at the time insisted that they build a new one near the remaining synagogue, where we serve. A few years ago, it was beautifully renovated. Thank Gd, there are several women who use it on a regular basis.

With one of her daughters outdoors on the Emerald Isle

Q: You mention Chabad shochatim living in Ireland. Can you tell me more?

A: After the Holocaust, Ireland agreed to supply kosher meat to the Jews living in displaced persons (DP) camps in Europe, but they needed shochatim (trained kosher slaughterers). A group of Chabad families relocated to Ireland to fill that need.

Until this very day, there are a handful of middle-aged Chabad men and women in Brooklyn and elsewhere who were born in Ireland. Rabbi Zalman Shimon Dworkin, who later became the leading halachic authority of the international Chabad community, was here, too. In the Jewish Museum here, you can see a meat can with his kosher supervision. It just so happens that my husband is also called Zalman Shimon, so he is the second Chabad rabbi in Ireland with that name!

Q: How old are your children, and what do they do for schooling?

A: Thank Gd, we have a range. Our oldest is a girl, who is now in New York in seminary, and our youngest is a boy, who is home with us. We have a small Jewish day school, where I used to teach and my husband still teaches. Our kids go there until age 11 or so, at which point we send them to board with family in England and attend schools with a more robust Judaic program.

Ireland has a rich history, including a Jewish one.

Q: You knew this was coming at some point: How is the mood there, and how are things affected by Brexit?

A: In case your readers do not know, Ireland is not part of the United Kingdom, but we do share a border with Northern Ireland, which is. There is reason to believe that Brexit will attract people to Ireland, which will then be the only English-speaking country in the European Union. But I guess we will need to wait and see. Brexit may also negatively impact us in terms of being able to get kosher food easily.

We are also carefully watching our own parliamentary elections where the Sinn Fin, which is associated with the IRA and extremely anti-Israel, just won the plurality of the votes. It is doubtful that they will form a government, but we are certainly monitoring it.

Q: Is anti-Semitism an issue in Ireland?

A: Having battled against the U.K. for a long time as an underdog that has resorted to terror to accomplish their goals, many Irish people strongly identify with the Palestinians, and there is a strong anti-Israel sentiment. However, there is very little anti-Semitism here, and I feel more safe here than I do when visiting New York.

Q: Are you in New York often?

A: Living in a relatively small Jewish community, I find it immensely rejuvenating to attend the annual conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Women Emissaries, which meets in Brooklyn on an annual basis. Its an opportunity to talk to people who share my experiences, my goals and my sources of inspiration.

The younger Lent children are educated in the local Jewish day school.

Q: Do you feel lonely in Ireland?

A: We have a lovely community, and we are surrounded by great friends. Yet it is true that there are not many women here who share my background. When we first came, we had dial-up email and phone calls to England were already quite affordable. Thank Gd, with WhatsApp and everything else, its very easy to keep in touch with our families, which have spread out across the globe. We are also not too far from the U.K., so its not difficult or expensive to fly over for the day and visit family.

Q: After 20 years on the job, what inspires you?

A: The people inspire me. When someone drops me a note or tells mesometimes, years laterhow something I did or said impacted them, that makes everything I do more meaningful and rewarding.

For example, a friend of mine was sitting shiva, and I brought over food so she and her extended family could have a Friday-night meal together, which they did. She later told me that they enjoyed the Shabbat meal so much that they decided to do it again regularly.

We see people coming closer, learning more and inspiring others. And what could be more inspiring than that?

The Lent family at the bar mitzvah of one of their sons, together with Mrs. Lent's parents, Drs. Tali and Kate Miriam Loewenthal.

More:

What It's Like to Be Ireland's Only Rebbetzin - An interview with Chabad emissary Rifky Lent - Chabad.org

Category: Synagogue | Comments Off on What It’s Like to Be Ireland’s Only Rebbetzin – An interview with Chabad emissary Rifky Lent – Chabad.org
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 16, 2020

Rabbi asks worshippers not to kiss stones of the Western Wall The Forward

", c, ">"].join("") } var c = "body", e = h[c]; if (!e) return setTimeout(q, 100); a.P(1); var d = "appendChild", g = "createElement", i = "src", k = h[g]("div"), l = k[d](h[g]("div")), f = h[g]("iframe"), n = "document", p; k.style.display = "none"; e.insertBefore(k, e.firstChild).id = o + "-" + j; f.frameBorder = "0"; f.id = o + "-frame-" + j; /MSIE[ ]+6/.test(navigator.userAgent) && (f[i] = "javascript:false"); f.allowTransparency = "true"; l[d](f); try { f.contentWindow[n].open() } catch (s) { a.domain = h.domain, p = "javascript:var d=" + n + ".open();d.domain='" + h.domain + "';", f[i] = p + "void(0);" } try { var r = f.contentWindow[n]; r.write(b()); r.close() } catch (t) { f[i] = p + 'd.write("' + b().replace(/"/g, String.fromCharCode(92) + '"') + '");d.close();' } a.P(2) }; a.l && q() })() }(); c[b].lv = "1"; return c[b] } var o = "lightboxjs", k = window[o] = g(o); k.require = g; k.modules = c }({}); /**/

ISTOCK PHOTO

Priestly Blessing: An Orthodox man performs the Birkat Kohanim at the Western Wall.

JERUSALEM (JTA) The rabbi of the Western Wall and other holy sites, Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, called on worshippers not to kiss the stones to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

The request came after consultations between Rabinowitz and the Health Ministry about required hygiene practices, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation said in a statement on Monday. Kissing the stones is a common practice at the wall, which is considered the holiest site in Judaism.

Following new government directives released on Saturday night, worshippers at the Western Wall have begun standing about 6 feet apart during prayers services. Yellow tape now marks out areas of the prayer space that are not to be occupied by more than 10 people at a time.

Hundreds of worshippers visited the Western Wall for morning services on Monday and dozens of bar mitzvahs took place with limited participants, according to the foundation.

The post Rabbi asks worshippers not to kiss stones of the Western Wall appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Rabbi asks worshippers not to kiss stones of the Western Wall

This article has been sent!

See the original post here:
Rabbi asks worshippers not to kiss stones of the Western Wall - Jewish Journal

Category: Jewish American Heritage Month | Comments Off on Rabbi asks worshippers not to kiss stones of the Western Wall – Jewish Journal
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 16, 2020

Ocean County keeps parks open, closes visitor and nature centers

Ocean County Parks and Recreation will be keeping its 27 parks and two golf courses open to the public, but closing the visitor and nature centers until further notice.

Sheriff Sales, public fingerprinting and the taking of public DNA samples will not take place until April 16, according to a news release.

All Vineland municipal court sessions between March 16 and March 27 have been postponed, a city spokesperson said.

New court dates will be assigned in the coming days and notices will be sent out. Residents are also urged to not visit the court house unless absolutely necessary.

Phone lines will remain in operation. Payments can be made via mail or where eligible on-line at njmcdirect.com.

Please be advised the meetings of the following boards have been cancelled for the month of March 2020:

All city buildings in the City of North Wildwood are closed to the general public until further notice. Recreation programs are also canceled.

It is important now that we do our best to protect our most vulnerable, at risk, and through the closing of our public buildings to the general public, we are doing just that, said Mayor Patrick Rosenello. We ask our residents and property-owners to please be patient during this difficult time, and we will keep the public updated of any new policies and procedures in the coming days and weeks as they become available.

The Devico Senior Center is closed, with programs canceled until further notice, as well as the township recreation buildings. Municipal court is canceled for the nest two weeks.

Town Hall, as well as the Construction, Zoning and Public Works will be closed to the public but fully staffed.

Visit middletownship.com for a directory of phone numbers and emails for each department or call Administration at 609-465-8732.

The Township Committee meeting 6 p.m. on March 16 will be held as planned, but the 4 p.m. work session is canceled.

While this meeting is open to the public by law, we would encourage folks to review the agenda and send any comments or questions electronically, according to a news release. We will try to post the minutes of the meeting to our website as promptly as possible.

The Hamilton Township Municipal building including the court office will remain open during normal business hours. Residents may access the court office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to pay a ticket, make a payment on an installment plan, pay a Public Defender fee, apply for the Fresh Start program, make a records request or to conduct any other business with the course.

New court notices will be sent out with a date and time for your appearance. If your address has changed, please notify the court immediately.

You may reach the court office between the hours stated above at 609-625-6621.

WILDWOOD CREST A meeting to discuss future plans for redevelopment of the downtown business district on New Jersey Avenue, scheduled for March 28, has been postponed until May 16, at 10 a.m., according to a release from the borough.

The move is due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, according to the release.

The meeting will be held at Wildwood Crest Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 at Rambler Road and Pacific Avenue. Tentative designs plans will be available for viewing and a public question-and-answer session will be held.

Jewish Family Service of Atlantic and Cape May counties has cancelled its 13th Annual JFS Cocktail Party, scheduled to take place on March 28 at the Gold Nugget in Atlantic City.

KIDDIE RIDE ON MOREY'S PIER, NORTH WILDWOOD

Morey's Piers and Resorts is postponing its opening day until Mothers Day weekend, May 9-10, according to a news release from the company.

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Sue Fulton has announced that all New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission agency and road testing facilities will be closed effective immediately as a measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We anticipate re-opening in two weeks, on Monday, March 30, 2020.

All driver licenses, non-driver IDs, vehicle registrations, and inspection stickers expiring before May 31 have been extended by two months.

Most renewals, replacements, changes of address, and other transactions can be processed online at NJMVC.gov

Avalon is closing borough buildings and cancelling meetings in response to the spread of COVID-19, Public Information Officer Scott Wahl said in a release.

Avalon Community Hall and the Avalon Senior Center are closed through April 10, Wahl said Monday. Outdoor facilities, like playgrounds and basketball courts, will remain open.

Avalon Borough Hall remains open, but the borough urges residents who need a question answered call the office instead of visit in person. Surfaces in the building will be sanitized on a daily basis. Restrooms at Surfside Park on 30th Street will remain open.

The Avalon Environmental Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, is cancelled. The Avalon Garden Club's Appreciation Breakfast scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, is cancelled. All scheduled events at the Community Hall, library and senior center are cancelled through April 10. Avalon Home and Land Owners Association's Community Connections event on Saturday, April 11, is cancelled and won't be rescheduled.

This is the time to listen to the experts and take the necessary steps to make sure our community is as reasonably protected as possible from coronavirus, Mayor Marty Pagliughi said. We continue to receive new information and guidance and our Borough policies will be dictated by this information and adjusted accordingly.

In-person Superior Court proceedings scheduled for Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 will be postponed, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner announced Sunday night. During that time, the Judiciary will prepare to shift to virtual participation for attorneys, litigants and all court users, with extremely limited exceptions.

On a typical court day, hundreds if not thousands of attorneys, litigants, and inmates appear in courts throughout the state. We are limiting physical interactions in our courts and shifting to video and phone conferencing options for attorneys, litigants and the public, Chief Justice Rabner said.

Attorneys and litigants scheduled to appear for in-person matters at the trial level of the Superior Court and Tax Court on Monday and Tuesday should await notice of a new hearing date. Ongoing jury trials will continue as announced.

Critical court operations necessary to public safety or the administration of justice will continue. Emergent applications, as well as Extreme Risk Protective Orders and domestic violence temporary restraining orders submitted through local police departments, will continue to be accepted. The court also will continue to hold first appearance hearings and pretrial detention hearings.

Questions about individual cases should be directed to the relevant court offices. Updated information regarding court operations will continue to be made available at njcourts.gov.

Chick-fil-A will be suspending service in its restaurants' dining rooms to limit person-to-person contact while COVID-19 spreads, the chain said Sunday in a release.

Some restaurants will offer drive-thru service only, while others will continue to offer takeout, delivery and mobile orders.

SEA ISLE CITY The Community Lodge and the Recreation Center are both closed until further notice, according to a release from the city. All events scheduled for both facilities are cancelled until further notice.

OCEAN CITY All recreational facilities will be closed and all planned public events through the end of April will be cancelled as the city monitors the spread of the new coronavirus, said Ocean City Public Information Officer Doug Bergen.

The Ocean City Community Center, which includes the Ocean City Free Public Library, Aquatic and Fitness Center, Arts Center, Historical Museum and Senior Center, plus the Ocean City Sports and Civic Center and other city facilities also will be closed. All Recreation Department programs are suspended until further notice, Bergen said in a release Sunday.

Upcoming scheduled events through the end of April are canceled, including the OC Con Comic and Memorabilia Show, Girls Weekend, the Great Egg Hunts on the beach, Easter Sunrise Service, the Doo Dah Parade and Mr. Mature beauty pageant.

All public meetings of boards and commissions, except for City Council, are postponed until further notice, Bergen said.

City Hall and the Knight Building will stay open. Access to the public, however, will be limited, Bergen said.

As I mentioned in my update on Friday, there is no need to panic, Mayor Jay Gillian said. If we all work together to follow these guidelines, we can help protect the community from the worst of this virus.

AtlantiCare will ban nearly all visitors to its hospitals in accordance with New Jersey Hospital Associations voluntary guidelines, according to a post on the medical facility's Twitter page Sunday afternoon.

There are limited exceptions. Visitors for patients in hospice or end-of-life care will be chosen on a case-by-case basis. Maternity, pediatric and emergency patients can have one visitor or support person. Patients having same-day, outpatient surgeries can have one visitor.

Visitors and support persons will be screened for symptoms of flu, coronavirus and other illness.

The Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City will remain open on Monday, March 16, according to COO Torrie Garvin.

Daily updates will be available on the chapter's Facebook and Instagram pages, Garvin said.

Una ilustracin del nuevo coronavirus responsable del brote global de COVID-19.(USCDCP)

The Middle Township Police Department and the Lower Township Police Department Saturday evening said they would be looking to take any reports from residents that are non-emergencies and do not require the collection of evidence over the phone.

The change is to cut down on unnecessary interactions that could spread the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the two departments said in separate news releases.

Dispatchers will take callers' information and an officer will reach out in a "timely manner," Lower Township Police said.

The two departments stressed that the change was only for minor reports and was to protect the vulnerable populations in the community who could be easily infected with careless interactions.

"We feel that because our officers interact with many people throughout the day, having them unnecessarily interact with residents, many of which are considered vulnerable, is a prudent and judicious approach to limiting a possible exposure," Middle Township said in the release.

Katz Jewish Community Center in Margate will remain open during normal business hours for the time being. Various programs will be rescheduled, and the following will be cancelled beginning March 15:

The Upcoming Events section of Katz's website will provide specific updates.

The Township of Barnegat announced the following Saturday:

Municipal Directory: 609-698-0080

Departmental Extension:

Public Works: Trash/Recycling: 120

Tax/Water Collector: 140, 142, 143

Tax Assessor: 147

Building Permits: 114, 150, 153

Planning/Zoning Board: 155

Code Enforcement: 159

Recreation: 130, 132, 122

Finance: 164

Municipal Clerk: 174, 190

Registrar Vital Statistics: 176

W/S Utility Maintenance: 609-698-6185

Middle Township Mayor Tim Donohue announced Saturday afternoon, the following measures:

Given the recent recommendations of the Cape May County Health Department, a decision has been made to postpone the Night in Monte Carlo casino event scheduled for March 21 at the Sea Isle City Yacht Club. A new date will be set.

The Absecon Athletic & Social Club and Absecon Little League have suspended all practices and games effective immediately, the city says.

The board of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Jersey Shore in Galloway Township decided Thursday to suspend all activities at its UU Center for four weeks, and longer if warranted. Worship will still happen online, as will twice weekly pastoral chat sessions which will be broadcast on ZOOM.

In an abundance of caution for our attendees, The Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) announces cancellation of two public programs:

Wednesday, March 18 at noon

Lunch & Learn: Wonderful Women of World War II, with Rich Chiemingo

Heroes overseas and on the home front, the women of World War II: who they were, what they accomplished and why they should be remembered. Cape May United Methodist Church, 635 Washington St., Cape May.

Wednesday, March 25 at noon

Lunch & Learn: Fabulous First Ladies (Part II), with Mary Stewart

The second half of MACs popular Fabulous First Ladies series. Cape May United Methodist Church, 635 Washington St., Cape May.

An annual drive to give away 2,000 prom dresses to local girls has been postponed to mid-April due to COVID-19 fears, organizer Rene Kane wrote in an email Friday.

A message to Kane from Kensington said the store wanted to minimize the number of people inside it at a given time.

"Today, 40 girls left with dresses and huge smiles on their faces. We shed a few happy tears, which made us all feel that the work involved to put this together was worth it," Kane wrote in an email. "We left all the racks as if we will be back."

Project Prom originally was scheduled to run Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

The South Jersey Jazz Society announced Friday that it was suspending all performances until mid-April.

Mission Point Church in Somers Point sent an email to parishioners Friday evening saying Sunday services on March 15 and March 22 have been canceled. The church also will not hold its junior and senior high youth group meetings on March 15 and 19. Also, its Mothers of Preschoolers ministry will not meet on March 17. For more information, go to the church's website at mymissionpoint.com.

The Avalon Free Public Library and History Center has canceled all programming through April 10, according to a news release from the library. However, the library will remain open from patrons with normal hours of operation.

For updates, visit avalonfreelibrary.org.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk Committee Meeting, scheduled for March 18, has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for April 8.

The Wildwoods Convention Center and the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce has postponed The Wildwoods Spring Bridal Expo scheduled for this Sunday, March 15, to a date TBD.

The 98 Degrees show scheduled for April 18 atCaesars Atlantic CityHotel & Casino has been postponed to July 11.

The Cape May Police Department have canceled comedy night.

The Cape May Point Planning Board meeting scheduled for March 18 has been postponed, according to a news release from the board. The next regularly scheduled meeting is April 15.

The Atlantic City Free Public Library will temporarily close its two locations, effective Monday at 1 p.m. The Main Library and Richmond Branch Library will remain closed until April 20.

Fresh Start Church has moved all face-to-face gatherings online over concerns for the spread of COVID-19. Volunteer teams will not be meeting. Instead, they encouraged those who would attend to watch one of the four online gatherings they have planned for Sunday at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

NORTH WILDWOOD - The St. Patrick's Day celebration and parade, which was supposed to start at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at City Hall, has been canceled. Participants were to include VFW Color Guard, Vietnam Veterans of America, Irish Pipe Brigade, Emerald Society and Miss North Wildwood.

SEA ISLE CITY - The Shriner's Hospital benefit that was scheduled to take place on Friday at KIX-McNutley's on 63 Street has been postponed until April 17.

See more here:
NJ DMVs closed and most in-court proceedings postponed as COVID-19 forces more cancellations - Press of Atlantic City

Category: Jewish American Heritage Month | Comments Off on NJ DMVs closed and most in-court proceedings postponed as COVID-19 forces more cancellations – Press of Atlantic City
Tags:

Posted By admin on March 16, 2020

A-H

Animal Welfare Society

The Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County and Southern States in Ranson is cancelling the Rabies Clinic scheduled for March 21 due to COVID-19 concerns and precautions. The event will, hopefully, be rescheduled at a later date in the spring.

Catholic Archdiocese of Baltimore

All parishes of the Archdiocese of Baltimore will limit attendance at all Masses and parish-sponsored events, regardless of location, to no more than 250 people until further notice.

Catoctin Furnace Historical Society

The Forged In Iron and Bone event scheduled for Saturday, March 14, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, May 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Delaplaine Arts Center. Dr. Douglas Owsley, Cheyeny McKnight, Elayne Bond Hyman, Elizabeth Comer, Christopher Gardiner, and David Key have all confirmed their attendance for the new date.

If you cannot attend on May 6, you may donate your admission to someone of your choice or provide the ticket to someone who could not afford a ticket. Your ticket price will be considered a donation to the historical society and you will receive a receipt for the cost. If you wish to receive a refund, please contact Elizabeth Comer at 443-463-6437 or email ecomer@catoctinfurnace.org.

Charles Town Library

The Charles Town (W.Va.) Library will be closed to the public until further notice. The popular Story Time events with Miss Debbie and Mr. Tim will continue live-streamed on Facebook when possible. Please check our website at http://www.ctlibrary.org and our Facebook page for updates.

Cunningham Falls State Park

The 50th annual Maple Syrup Festival, scheduled for March 14-15 and March 21-22, has been canceled.

Discovery Station

As a public health precaution due to COVID-19, Discovery Station will temporarily close to the public beginning on Saturday, March 14. The museum will reopen on Tuesday, March 31. Museum staff will use this time of closure to clean and disinfect all of its exhibits. Please follow the museum's social media pages for up-to-date information on the museum's operations.

Eastern Panhandle WVU Alumni & Fan Club

The Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner honoring Richard "Rick" A. Pill scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, has been postponed. It will be rescheduled.

Emmanuel United Methodist Church

The Summit Supper scheduled for Thursday, March 26, will be carry-out only. Meal is free and carry-outs will begin at 6:30 p.m. Please arrive timely so all can be served promptly.

Episcopal Diocese of Maryland

All parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland will cancel public worship services through Friday, March 27. However, smaller groups, such as Twelve Step groups and other outreach ministries, should continue to meet. Check with your local parish for more information.

First Christian Church

First Christian Church of Hagerstown has canceled all church-related activities and all non-church functions scheduled on church property, including worship, through Saturday, March 28. Church staff will be available during normal office hours and will be working to provide weekly materials for families to worship from home. If you need pastoral care, please contact a member of the staff through the usual channels.

Four State Comic-Con

Four State Comic-Con has canceled an event scheduled to take place March 21-22 at Hagerstown Community Colleges Athletic, Recreation, and Community Center.

Franklin County Historical Society

The Franklin County Historical Society meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 26, has been postponed. A new date will be posted online at http://www.franklinhistorical.org when it is scheduled.

Frederick County Senior Services

The Frederick County Senior Services Division has temporarily closed all senior centers to the public. All activities, programs and events are canceled until further notice. The Meals on Wheels program will continue to deliver two meals a day to homebound adults, Monday through Friday, or adults of any age with a chronic health condition or disability who meet program eligibility guidelines and live in Frederick County. Senior Services Division offices will remain open and staff are available to answer questions at 301-600-1234. Additional information is available by visiting http://www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/seniorservices.

Frederick County Sheriffs Office

In addition to operational changes already announced, the following has been modified:

All courts in the Maryland Judiciary, court offices, administrative offices, units of the Judiciary, and the Offices of the Clerks of the Circuit Courts shall be closed to the public on an emergency basis, effective March 16.

Evictions will not be scheduled or executed until further notice

As a reminder, the following operations/services have already been modified:

All visitations at the Frederick County Adult Detention Center and Work Release Center have been suspended until further notice

All programs involving volunteers entering the detention center are suspended until further notice

Fingerprinting Services will be closed until further notice, however Fingerprinting Services provided elsewhere throughout the county might still be open and operating

Changes or updates to this list may occur as the event progresses. For up-to-date information on any operational changes, follow the Frederick County Sheriffs Office on Facebook and Twitter or visit our website.

Friends of Shepherdstown Library

"Left of the Bank," scheduled for Saturday, April 4, has been canceled.

Grace United Methodist Church

All church activities at Grace United Methodist Church in Hagerstown are canceled through Saturday, March 28. This includes Worship and Sunday School. Please visit http://www.graceumchag.org for updates.

Graceham Moravian Church

The turkey and oyster dinner scheduled for March 27 and 28 has been canceled.

Greencastle-Antrim Education Foundation

The Daddy Daughter Dance scheduled for Friday, March 27, has been postponed. A new date to be announced in the next few weeks. All tickets sold will be honored for the new day.

Greencastle-Antrim Baseball/Softball Association

All league activities from March 13 and through April 6 are canceled. This includes all practices, games and league meetings. All G-ABSA fields will be closed to organized practices.

Hagerstown Civil War Round Table

The Hagerstown Civil War Round Table meeting for March 26 is canceled.

Hagerstown Community College

The STEMM Technical Middle College Info Session scheduled for March 18 has been canceled.

A March 18 concert that was to be performed by Mark Rust for Irish American Heritage Month has been canceled.

Hagerstown Community College Alumni

The 2020 HCC Alumni Cruise scheduled for May 3 to 16 has been canceled.

The celebrity bartending event at Benny's Pub scheduled for Friday, March 20, has been canceled.

Hagerstown Parkinson's Support Group

The Hagerstown Parkinson's Support Group meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 2, has been canceled.

Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum

Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum will temporarily close to the public beginning on Friday, March 13. The museum plans to reopen on Friday, May 1. Museum staff will use this time of closure to clean and disinfect all of its exhibits. Please follow the museum's social media pages for up-to-date information on the museum's operations, or visit http://www.roundhouse.org.

Hagerstown Suns

Minor League Baseball has postponed the start of the 2020 season. The Hagerstown Suns were scheduled to open the season Thursday, April 9 at Rome, Ga., with their home opener scheduled for Thursday, April 16.

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races

The Michael Ray and Carly Pearce concert scheduled for Friday, March 13, has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 17. Tickets for Friday's concert are valid for the rescheduled date.

Interfaith Coalition of Washington County

The Interfaith Forum scheduled for Thursday, March 19 at Christ's Reformed Church in Hagerstown has been canceled. The event may be rescheduled at a later date.

The Seekers Book Club scheduled for Thursday, March 19, has been canceled.

Islamic Society of Western Maryland

The Islamic Society of Western Maryland is suspending all congregational activities and Sunday schools through March 27. The mosque is still open for individuals to visit, but bigger assemblies are discouraged.

The Jacob Rohrbach Inn and Antietam Mercantile Company

The Inn and the Mercantile will be closed for at least two weeks, effective Sunday, March 15. We will continue to accept online and phone reservations for future stays during this time period.

John Wesley United Methodist Church

John Wesley United Methodist Church in Hagerstown is canceling all in-person gatherings including worship services through March 27. The office will remain open, and can be reached by phone or email.

Knights of Pythias

The Knights of Pythias spaghetti dinner and bake sale scheduled for Saturday, March 21, has been canceled.

Leadership Washington County

Leadership Washington County is postponing its April 21 event,LWC Presents Healthcare in Maryland and Washington County.

Mansion House Art Gallery

The Mansion House Art Gallery is closed from March 14 until April 3. The Valley Art Association general meeting on March 25 is cancelled. All art groups and classes at the Mansion House also will be cancelled during this period.

Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services suspended all visits to correctional facilities effective Thursday to protect employees, inmates and detainees and their families.

The department will provide free phone calls and video visitation for inmates and is working on enhancing those visitation methods, according to a news release.

All inmate programming and volunteer activities, including outside job details, are suspended for two weeks, at which point they will be re-evaluated.

Maryland Ensemble Theater

Maryland Ensemble Theatre is suspending operations as of Monday, March 16. Its annual fundraiser, Retro Prom, scheduled for Saturday, March 28, has been rescheduled for Saturday, Aug. 22.

Maryland International Film Festival

The 9th Annual Maryland International Film Festival-Hagerstown scheduled for March 27 to 29, has been postponed. The board of directors is working on rescheduling the date.

Maryland Symphony Orchestra

The Maryland Symphony Orchestra concerts scheduled for March 14 and 15 have been postponed. MSO is working to reschedule these performances. Once confirmed in the coming days, MSO will reach out to all ticket holders to offer the option of attending an alternate performance, exchanging for another performance this season, or converting your tickets to a tax-deductible donation.

The Maryland Theatre

The Maryland Theatre is following the State of Maryland guidelines that it may not host gatherings of more than 250 persons through Friday, March 27.

Staff is working with promoters and local performance groups to reschedule events. Ticket holders will be able to use existing tickets for rescheduled events. No refunds or exchanges are being considered at this time.

Affected shows include:

March 14-15: Maryland Symphony Orchestra presents Mozart + Mahler

March 20: The Maryland Theatre hosts Teens Have Talent

March 21: The Maryland Theatre hosts EagleMania-The Worlds Greatest Eagles Tribute

March 22: Friends Meeting School presents a benefit performance for Maryland Food Bank, Frozen Jr.

March 27: Maryland International Film Festival Opening Night Red Carpet Event

McConnellsburg High School

McConnellsburg High School's production of "Mary Poppins," scheduled for March 20 to 22, has been postponed. It will be rescheduled at a later date.

Meritus Health

Continue reading here:
Area cancellations and closings - Herald-Mail Media

Category: Jewish American Heritage Month | Comments Off on Area cancellations and closings – Herald-Mail Media
Tags: