On Friday, July 10, the congregation of Monroe Temple of Liberal Judaism opened their doors since March for Erev Shabbat Service.
While this was just a first step toward a full opening, the mood was exuberant.
“It is nice to be home,” said Rob Lipkin, the president of Monroe Temple. “It is nice to be back.”
That sentiment was echoed throughout the service.
“Monroe Temple is built on the strength of our members’ continued dedication and volunteerism,” Lipkin added.
It was especially fitting that on the first Friday night in-person service since Purim, the congregation honored a few of its volunteers:
The Temple Volunteer of the Year was Stephen Block;
The Sisterhood’s Volunteer of the Year was Vicki Ledwitz.
Aviva Zucker-Snyder and Sophia Maier were also recognized for their commitment to the greater Jewish community.
Both Aviva and Sophia were also honored at last month’s Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County Women of Valor Event
The decision to reopen and the protective measures taken were in accordance with guidelines from the CDC and New York Statee.
For anyone unable to attend in-person, services were also on Zoom.
For more information about in-person or Zoom services, contact Monroe Temple at (845) 783-2626.