(Courtesy of OU) While COVID-19 has disrupted our community in so many ways, the Orthodox Union (OU), the nation’s oldest and largest umbrella organization for the North American Orthodox Jewish community, is partnering with at least 21 synagogues in three countries this Shabbat, August 22, to highlight the good that has been realized during these dark times.
Recognizing the physical, emotional and economic suffering caused by the pandemic, the OU is launching this initiative to ensure that everyone, individually and as a community, recognizes the ways in which we have grown and developed during this time, thereby ensuring that we will resolve to retain these perspectives and activities as a part of our lives once the pandemic passes. Among many chesed and tzedaka activities, examples of wonderful practices increased during this period including frequent weekday family dinners, davening with increased kavana and regularly visiting the elderly and infirm.
Local participating synagogues include Congregation Israel (Springfield, New Jersey), Riverdale Jewish Center (New York), International Synagogue (Jamaica, New York), Lido Beach Shul (New York), Lincoln Square Synagogue (New York City), Magen David Synagogue (Brooklyn, New York), OU-JLIC Brooklyn College (New York) and Young Israel of New Hyde Park (New York), in addition to synagogues in California, Ohio, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Texas, Colorado, Florida, Canada and Israel.
This Shabbat, August 22, participating communities will focus on the theme of resolving to include some of these new activities in their daily lives going forward. The OU will be providing divrei Torah on this topic that can be discussed at the Shabbat table, as well as a special guide to help foster related conversation. Discussions will focus on exploring questions such as “What kind of impact has the pandemic had on our family?” and “How do you feel that our family has coped effectively with the challenges presented through the virus?”
“Throughout our history, even in times of tremendous pain and suffering, Jews have evidenced the ability to strive to reach new spiritual heights, and to increase our commitment to acts of kindness and charity. The Resolve Together initiative is intended to help us all grow from each other’s strength and to capture and retain this growth even after the pandemic passes,” said OU President Moishe Bane.
“We are living during a time of turbulence and uncertainty and our hope is that this Shabbos dedicated to Resolve Together can be a personal resource for families to reflect on the positive ways in which each family has coped,” said OU Executive Vice President Rabbi Moshe Hauer. “Resolve Together is here to guide families to learn from their experiences, engaging in what our tradition refers to as cheshbon hanefesh, to identify areas of improvement and positive transformation gleaned from this challenging time.”
For more information or to download the discussion guide, regardless of your shul affiliation, please visit: https://www.ou.org/resolve/.
