We made the decision to close down our building in early March. On a Wednesday night, after speaking with Rabbi David, I called all our board members and asked them what they thought. By Thursday morning, JCOGS was closed. This was before the governor announced schools were closing, when bowling alleys and gyms and restaurants were still filled. We didn’t really know what we were doing, but an abundance of caution seemed wise, and we knew that Rabbi David could continue to serve our community through virtual services and supports.
I don’t know about you, but it seems about 100 years ago. I keep imagining our reopening as something like Brigadoon, with the mists parting to find everything as it was back 100 years ago when we closed the building. Except without the kilts.
Over these weeks (or centuries), I’ve gotten texts and calls from a lot of you. People have asked me how they can thank JCOGS for the ways we’ve been there for our members and our larger community through this crisis. I’ve thought of four ways:
Our Benefactor Appeal for next fiscal year starts July 1, 2020. Many of you recently received a stimulus check from the US government. If you qualified but don’t necessarily need those funds, please consider donating some or all of your stimulus check. Think of it as an early donation towards next year’s Benefactor Appeal. Just note in the memo of your check or online donation “2020-1 Benefactor Appeal.”
With blood supplies desperately low, we’ve scheduled an additional blood drive on May 14. Sign up here for an appointment, as they won’t be accepting walk-ins. Giving blood is one of my least favorite things to do ever, and I have signed up. I know Rabbi David has signed up, as well.
When we closed down the building, we froze some other operations, too. We were about to announce the JCOGS L’dor Vador society, which honors those who are supporting JCOGS in their estate plans. If you would like to support JCOGS in the future with a legacy gift in your estate, please reach out to us so we can talk through your plans. If you have already recognized JCOGS in your estate plans, please let us know so that we can thank you for that decision.
Those of you who are quick witted or detail oriented will notice that this is only three ways to thank JCOGS. There is one more.
You see, as this began, I had just made a dermatologist appointment to discuss a little thing on my face. Naturally, it was cancelled, but I called back and asked for a virtual appointment, as it kept growing. The dermatologist looked at photos and said it needed a biopsy, but she felt it could wait until the state reopens. She told me to call back if it changed. And, boy, did it change. Over the next 11 days, it grew even more rapidly. I didn’t want to stress the system or make the doctor come into the hospital, but it was definitely no longer a little thing. I finally called her back, and she scheduled me for a few days later. And she thanked me for taking care of my health. Doctors are concerned because people are skipping their regular healthcare so as to avoid stressing the system or exposing themselves to the coronavirus. People are postponing getting things checked out. Especially worrisome are those who are delaying care for their chronic healthcare needs.
What’s the fourth way you can show your appreciation for JCOGS? Take care of yourself. Call your doctor if you have a concern. Go in for your regular care. Do not ignore your healthcare needs, because we want you to be healthy and strong. (Thankfully, the biopsy for the thing on my face was negative.)
Of course, some things will be different when the mists part and we are back together, but the primacy of caring for each other and our community will be the same. In fact, my guess is that it will have grown stronger.
Saturday, May 9, 9:30 AM Kinderlach & Gesher Shabbat morning programs for parents and extended family with children birth to seven years old. All are welcome. Join us for movement and singing celebrating Love! with Miss Andrea of Musical Munchkins. Click here for the online program link. ....................................................
Saturday, May 9, 8 PM Havdalah Join in Havdalah with Rabbi David and family. Set yourself up before havdalah with a glass of wine or grape juice, some sweet smelling spices, and a havdalah candle (here’s how to make one or to buy one), and follow along with the prayers here. Join via zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86426978463. ..................................................
