Page 39 - Jewish News_September-2020

COMMENTARY September 2020 39

Stars of David...continued from page 33 “Together, We Sing” From
– the children of his extramarital af- hadn’t discussed the matter with Rus-
fairs. Jewish Broadway singing star sian President Putin. By Rabbi Michael Shefrin, Temple Emanu-El, the
AARON LAZAR, 44, plays Reverend On August 3, the full interview be- and Rabbi Jennifer Singer, Congregation Kol HaNeshama Bimah
Paul Luke Thomas, a popular and am- gan streaming on HBO. Again, released
bitious televangelist who is a rising star excerpts went “mega-viral.” The “hot-
on the network. test” parts concerned questions and an-
The Comey Rule is a Showtime swers about the COVID-19 pandemic.
mini-series that will be shown over two Swan was widely praised for respect-
nights (Sunday-Monday, September fully, but doggedly asking the Presi-
27-28). It is based on a memoir by for- dent important questions and following
mer FBI head James Comey. The large up on the President’s answers.
cast includes PETER COYOTE, 78, Swan grew up in Australia. His fa-
as Robert Mueller. The director and ther, NORMAN SWAN, 67, is a physi- 781. Our High Holy Days this ing to gather with plastic barriers and
screenwriter is BILLY RAY, 56 (Rich- cian and a famous name on Australian year will be different than any we masks and rules put into place regard-
ard Jewell). TV and radio. He’s worn three hats: 5have ever experienced. ing refraining from singing with the
Jonathan Swan Interview as an executive who has re-organized What will things be like on the cantor. We believe safety is the priority.
Axios reporter JONATHAN SWAN, programming in general; as the host of, evening of Friday, September 18 when Therefore, we have chosen to focus our
34, is having a big career moment. On or a guest on, medical shows; and as Rosh Hashanah arrives, and the new energy and resources toward our new
July 28, he did a one-on-one interview a journalist exposing fraud in medical Jewish year begins? If we are honest, and exciting ways of gathering. Both
with President Donald Trump. An ex- billing and research. we do not know. We do know that our Temple Emanu-El and Congregation
cerpt (about the Russia “bounty” story) Jonathan began his journalism congregations will be virtual. Kol HaNeshama have chosen to hold
was released on July 29 and went “me- career in Australia. He began report- COVID-19 has impacted many as- our High Holy Day services in virtual
ga-viral” right away. Swan was the first ing in the United States in 2015 and pects of our lives. As rabbis, one area spaces.
reporter to directly ask the President joined Axios in late 2016. His scoops we feel it most is during our communal Kol HaNeshama will hold all ser-
about a New York Times story that the include being the first to report that the prayer. We have been told to not gather vices on Zoom, and Temple Emanu-El
Russians were paying the Taliban to U.S. would pull out of the Paris climate in large groups, to distance ourselves will offer a wide variety of services,
kill American military personnel in Af- accords and the first to report that the six feet apart, to wear masks, protect- with some pre-recorded, some live
ghanistan. The President told him that U.S. would recognize Jerusalem as ing both ourselves and others. Perhaps, streamed, and some on Zoom.
he didn’t credit American intelligence Israel’s capital. saddest of all, we have been told not to We are busy preparing meaningful,
reports about the bounties and that he sing together, for singing increases the memorable and uplifting High Holy
Days experiences that we may share
possibility of spreading the virus even
together. We have learned, over these
more than speaking.
we are FED ing this advice. It is dangerous. Jewish past months, that we can be together
There are religious groups ignor-
and indeed share deeply moving and
sacred spiritual experiences without
ideals teach us that we cannot risk the
physically being in the same room.
health and lives of our congregations
In fact, both of our congregations
(and ourselves). Not in exchange for a
in our prayer space.
to classes and services and virtual so-
Engaging Jewish Lives few hours of togetherness and singing are flourishing. People are flocking
Like you, there is much that we
cial events. While our sanctuaries are
yearn for. There is much that we hope
closed, we will continue to gather vir-
that the new year will bring. The ca- tually.
cophony of harmonious sound that Let us welcome 5781. We invite
comes when we sing our prayers to- you to join us and celebrate these holi-
gether is high on that list. est days by singing safely and also be-
e take great pride in engaging Jewish lives in our community. We know that the desire to gather ing together in our virtual spaces.
WYour Federation is dedicated to bringing the best in Jewish together is strong. There are congrega- We wish you happiness and health.

programming to Sarasota-Manatee. tions in our country who are choos- Shanah Tovah.

jfedsrq.org • 941.371.4546

RESPONSE
RESPONSE
RESOURCES • RESILIENCE
Chef
Michael

Solomonov

Do not separate

yourself from your

community

Monday
The Jewish Federation September 14
of Sarasota-Manatee is
RESPONDING to our 8:00pm
new normal.
Join us for an interactive
RELIEF & RECOVERY •
As the global health Rosh Hashanah inspired
crisis is changing our Virtual Cooking Class with
world by the minute, five-time James Beard
we are READY to Foundation award-winning
provide RELIEF for chef, Michael Solomonov.
RECOVERY and the
necessary RESOURCES Moderated by James Beard
to get through this. award-nominated food journalist
Jews are a RESILIENT Gabrielle Gershenson.
people and our spirit Q&A opportunities for participants
remains strong. to ask Chef Solomonov questions
JFSM
throughout the class.
RECIPES WILL BE SENT IN ADVANCE
• Kale, Apple, Walnut and Sumac-
READINESS • help you during For more information, please contact • Honey Glazed Chicken
Onion Tabbouleh
For resources to
• Apple Cake
this time, visit
to register, please visit JFEDSRQ.ORG/EVENTS
jfedsrq.org/

coronavirus
Trudi Krames, Program Director, at
tkrames@jfedsrq.org or 941.706.0037.

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