From TI President & Executive Director

As we prepare for the High Holy Days throughout the summer, the second during a pandemic, we see glimmers of hope. We have come together in person and on Zoom, in mixed presence, for Shabbat services. We have gathered together in mixed presence in the TI garden for Shabbat and we have plans for mixed presence for the High Holy Days. We are slowly learning what the next normal will look like. It has felt so good to shake a hand, to hug, and to hear beautiful music in person. Some of us may feel uncomfortable being onsite, therefore programming and connection will continue virtually as well.

Laurence Bailen Our ongoing goal is to ensure that all who come through our doors, physically or virtually, feel

Board President at home and feel like they belong. We will strive to continue to be a community where anyone can feel they can live Judaism together through discovery, dynamic spirituality, and righteous impact. This year we will continue to welcome you back onsite to Temple Israel and at the same time strengthen our technology to ensure a seamless online presence. We will build on our efforts over the past year on racial equity, diversity, and inclusion by continuing to aim to be a place where everyone feels welcome. Our Inventing our Future task force will work with our Board and Leadership Council to make certain that Temple Israel adapts and innovates on future challenges. We will innovate, not just in programming, but also in our physical and virtual spaces to transform and elevate how people experience their Judaism and Temple Israel. In order for Temple Israel of Boston to continue to succeed and grow in the future we need all of you to be with us in whatever ways feel most comfortable to you. If you have not had the opportunity to renew your membership, we invite you to do so now. Your ongoing involvement is key to our success as a community. I wish you, your families, and loved ones a safe, healthy, and happy 5782. Shanah Tovah!

As we transition into summer, we're also transitioning into a new phase of the pandemic. Incredibly, we are able to carefully open our doors for you to join us, but everyone who is 12 and over and eligible for the vaccine must be fully vaccinated. After spending the last year and a half working out of a mostly empty building – a building that was designed to cultivate community and connection – it's been such a joy to begin to see you return! Our staff is working hard to create a safe and inviting space for you to join us for our Grand Homecoming. There is an electric energy filling the space as we reunite physically onsite. When you're ready – we cannot wait for you to Dan Deutsch join us, and to lend your voice to our harmony. When you do return, please continue to provide

Executive Director feedback and let us know about your experience of reentering our physical space. Looking to the fall, our High Holy Day planning is well underway and we will be ready to embrace our journey through the holidays. You should have recently received our mailing with all of the important details for the High Holy Days; hopefully it answers any questions you may have. You can also explore our plans and register for various classes and opportunities at our newly redesigned website: www.tisrael.org. I also wanted to officially welcome Rabbi Andrew Oberstein as he returns to Temple Israel to start his rabbinate. Please save the date for Rabbi Oberstein’s installation on Friday October 15th. It will be a night of celebration and joy. We can’t wait to see you onsite back at Temple Israel, but please know that we're here for you no matter what, either onsite or online.