Dear Fellow Congregant,
These are the strangest of times in my lifetime. Here is a short update on where we are:
- Our building is closed to the public until further notice
- Our events have been cancelled through the end of the month
- We will follow Federal, State and local guidance
- Our Executive Committee will have the final determination about reopening for services and events, considering that governmental guidance
- The situation is fluid; things may change from one moment to the next
- Please reach out to any Board member, including me, with any questions
- Our office is returning voice messages (732-297-0696)
- Anyone who is experiencing financial difficulties, due to the pandemic, please contact Larry Cohen , Financial Secretary, or me, at or , respectively
- Anyone who has a special situation related to Covid-19 should contact Rabbi Wolkoff or Cantor Rockman
- Please contact Gary Bergman to join our Yahoo Group to post requests for needed items and alert your fellow congregants to items you can donate ()
- Rabbi Wolkoff and/or Cantor Rockman have continued to lead services daily
- Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat has been moved to 6 PM for the duration of the pandemic crisis
- All other services are at our usual times (see bnaitikvah.org for any updates)
- All our services are available electronically via the “Watch Our Services” button on our home page via
- StreamSpot or Facebook Live
- Some weekday services are available via Zoom, also (Contact Kim Riemann for further instructions ( to enter into services immediately)
- Religious School is continuing on a virtual basis, with our teachers performing admirably
- We will be sending a separate communication to B’nai Mitzvah families whose simchas are scheduled for May and June
- Our Executive Committee and Board of Trustees have held several virtual meetings, using Zoom, to stay on top of the operational and fiscal issues
- While all Classical Caterers events have been cancelled for the foreseeable future, Evan and his team took orders and offered curbside delivery for Pesach. They will continue to offer freshly made kosher meals and kosher meats. Kosher meals will be prepared in ready to heat containers. All orders must be received by Friday and will be ready for curbside pickup at Congregation Bnai Tikvah on the following Wednesday between 12:00 and 2:00pm. See classicalcaterers.com for order information.
- Congregation B’nai Tikvah needs to maintain our financial viability through your support
- Watching cash flow closely, including various revenue losses and expense reductions
- We applied for a loan/grant from the Paycheck Protection Program under the CARES Act (enacted March 27, 2020)
- We have not received a decision on this program
- Some thoughts on what we can each do:
- Stay safe – #physicaldistancing #socialconnecting
- Stay productive – do all you can to support our family, friends, and CBT community
- Stay connected and positive
- Maintain a secure environment
- Continue our financial commitments and bring issues to CBT leadership
- Think about the future
Finally, please contact any member of the Board with any questions or comments that you have. We cannot address any challenges any of us might have until we know about the challenge.
Please stay safe.
B’Shalom,
Marty Abschutz, President