From the Bima Blog

August 3, 2020

Dear Temple Shalom Parents,

Our critical job as parents is to ensure our children are safe, happy, and engaged in meaningful learning. None of us ever thought these ideas would be in conflict in the way they seem to be at this moment. Many of us find ourselves wrestling; struggling to make the best possible decisions for schooling and childcare so our kids will be safe, while knowing these decisions have the potential to jeopardize our children’s happiness and social-emotional health.

As we debate the right path forward, we also hold close the values of inclusion and equity. We are a diverse community and we recognize some of us have learning and childcare choices available to us that others do not. This is deeply problematic. Our children’s schooling and our desire for justice should not be diametrically opposed. We are conflicted and wonder if we are compromising our values to do what is best for our kids. 

As you determine the best way forward for your individual family, the Temple Shalom community is here to support you. First, this year we will offer a Jewish education program that will be flexible and can adapt as circumstances evolve. Details will be available soon (we are waiting for the Newton Schools to finalize their plans first), but we are confident while so much is up in the air and will continue to change, your child’s connection to Temple Shalom will remain consistent and steadfast. 

We will follow your lead and work with you to determine other ways our synagogue can be a system of care at this challenging time. No parent should have to go this alone. There are many possibilities: Zoom meetings so families can network and brainstorm about their needs, workshops with experts who can advise about home schooling or experiential learning. If there is interest, Gateways could offer workshops for parents on how to best support digital learning for children with social-emotional challenges and/or learning differences. In addition to all of this, we recommend a new Facebook page created by Jewish parents looking for childcare and/or teachers called, “Let My Parents Work.”

There are a few groups of children and adults we hold particularly close at this time. All one-parent households are in our hearts. Over the next few weeks, we plan to be in touch with you directly to offer support. We know parents of incoming Kindergarteners are struggling, and we join you in your disappointment and sadness as we acknowledge your child’s first schooling experience will not be what you as parents ever hoped for or expected. We think of our 12th graders. You miss your friends terribly and digital visits to colleges are not the same as traveling there in person. Your rabbis, the cantor, and our entire staff are here if you want to connect or just say hello. Finally, for those in our community who are educators, we recognize the challenge that will be the year ahead as you balance what you feel to be right for your students and what is right for your own family. We support you and appreciate you. 

Please reach out to us with ideas and feedback for how we can use our networks and resources to build avenues of support. 

As we meet this moment, Temple Shalom will continue to be a place of happiness and safety for your family. We remain committed to our vision and values and deeply believe that when we come together with love, without judgment, and with boundless appreciation for diverse paths that we live out our Jewish values. Despite the challenges we face, we are confident we will weather this storm. It will be the small acts of kindness and compassion that will see us through to the other side. 

Do not hesitate to reach out to anyone who is part of our caring team of clergy, educators, and staff—we are here for you. 

With wishes for Shalom—wholeness and peace,

Rabbi Allison Berry and Rabbi Laura Abrasley