It’s hard to believe that it’s September.

For me, the last six months have been a blur. I worried about my job, my kids and my parents. I spent more time in my home office than anywhere else. And I was constantly thinking about Beth Tzedec and what it would take to sustain our community through all of this.

But the last six months, as hard as they have been, have also been immensely gratifying. I talk a lot about building community, and you have shown me the power of our kehillah on so many occasions. In our Kiddush Club, Gratitude Circles, Daily Minyan, Torah Study, Book Clubs, Kids’ Storytime and so much more.

These have been difficult times, and we need to sustain our community. We don’t want to see ourselves in survival mode; we want to thrive. But to continue to thrive—to continue approaching each new challenge with creativity and determination—we need you.

Renewing your membership with Beth Tzedec is the most important thing that you can do to help sustain our community. We need your continued and ongoing support to keep the lights on, the programs running and our members connected, comforted and engaged, no matter what they're facing right now.

There are only two weeks until the High Holy Days. I’m awestruck by the work and planning that have gone into the yomim noraim. It has been challenging, fluid, sometimes frustrating, but always inspiring.

Late last week, Toronto Public Health revised their guidelines for faith-based organizations, which will enable us to have a limited number of members join us for in-person services on the High Holy Days (stay tuned for more information on this to arrive in your inbox early next week).

Be sure to visit our virtual High Holy Days Hub on the Beth Tzedec website, which is being updated daily with the latest news, programs and events. We're thrilled to confirm that Hazzan Moshe Fishel and Choir Master Meir Briskman will be with us once again this year—here's a taste of what we have to look forward to from them. And of course, if you haven't seen it yet, don't forget to check out this video introduction to the High Holy Days from our Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Steve Wernick.

We know that the majority of you will choose to join us online, and we'll be sending out information next week about how to ensure that you have access to those livestreams. In the coming weeks, special High Holy Day packages will be available for our members, including prayer books, resources and other supplies to help make your Holy Days special.

High Holy Day packages, in-person services and access to online services and resources will only be available to renewed members, so if you haven't renewed your membership contribution yet, don't delay!

We know that this is a challenging time, which is why we are committed to our promise that no member will be turned away for financial reasons. If you want to have a confidential conversation about your annual contribution, please contact Klara Romm, Membership and Development, at 416-781-3514, ext. 220.

These last six months have been tough for all of us. But I am so thankful for my kehillah. Beth Tzedec has been here for me and Beth Tzedec is here for you, 365 days a year. We are a resilient community, and we're counting on you to help keep us that way. Please renew today.

Shanah Tovah U’metuka to you and your families.

Debbie Rothstein
President