What a beautiful Shabat.

No, we did not have those glorious blue skies that prevailed earlier in the week.  (Yes, I finally got a chance- or is that permission?- to be outside and revel in the autumnal season.)

As a matter of fact, despite the meteorological promises- it rained for a New York minute in the morning, with grey skies and clouds prevailing.

But, for the first time (with the exception of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kipur) since March of 2020, we held our services IN our sanctuary.  One, thanks to the donations and the pandemic (meaning we couldn’t be in the building, so rehabilitation could proceed easily), that is in top form.  Probably for the first time since the 1950’s when our shul moved into this (then new) location. And, for the first time, without asbestos in the building.

For the past 18 months, we have been holding our services outside, in an open-air tent.  Rain, shine, oppressive heat, wintry cold.  And, until April, everyone attending had to be masked.   Once the vaccinations became available, those vaccinated could freely attend- up to 50 souls per Shabat.  By September, the  number of attendees were augmented to 100.

(Note:  Many of us thought of the prayer “Ma Tovu” when we prayed under this tent.  “How goodly are your tents, Yaakov, your dwelling places.)

We did hold Rosh Hashana and Yom Kipur services in the tent- as well as in our shul (only for a portion of the services).  Those who prayed in the shul had to wear a mask.  All attendees over the age of 16 had to be vaccinated.  Those under the age of 16 had to be masked.

But, this Shabat, we were all in the shul.  With no more than 225 souls (which means only a fraction of the normal congregants) allowed in the sanctuary.  Our kiddush (a celebration of Shabat, after services- food and libations) was under the tent (since one can’t eat or drink wearing a mask).  We also celebrated the departure of one of our younger members, Nathan, who is making aliya (moving to Eretz Yisrael to live).

It felt glorious to be praying inside, as we had before- even with fewer other voices joining in.  Even if everyone of us were masked.  (I should admit that I feel very short of breath when masked for more than 30 minutes; as such, I use a small fan to blow air up my nostrils under the mask.)

We also added in a few prayers that have been omitted (skipped) during our tent days; most of these were led by Maharat Ruth.  (Our spiritual leaders provide guidance and teaching; shul members serve as prayer leaders. )  It was great saying our complete service- and hearing the sounds more clearly in the enclosed space.

And, we know the pandemic is not yet over.  We lost too many members- as soon as March 2020, but throughout our “exile”, our prayers under the tent.

But, we do recognize the transition from its overwhelming nature to one that is more controllable.  Therefore, Rav Shmuel led us in a very special prayer on Shabat.   One that those who experience a serious illness, or a traumatic or life-threatening situation (obviously they have recovered or survived the experience) cite.

May all of us recognize this blessing.

 

By the way,  Shabat was the day that the rains began to fall.  For 40 days and 40 nights- the Flood of Noach.