Rabbi Yossi Abenson and his wife, Goldie, serve a unique segment of the St. Louis Jewish community. The Jews who connect with Chabad of the Central West End are largely young professionals, often in the medical field, as well as graduate students. Many are single and donât have family in the area. The pandemic has made their dating life especially challenging, Abenson said.
âDating in general is one of my big interests. It keeps me up at night coming up with ways to get people together,â Abenson said. âWhen we moved here, we started to create a community for young Jews to meet each other, create healthy relationships and eventually build a family.â
This year we celebrated Passover early, on a Sunday a few days before St. Patrickâs Day. My adult children will disperse before the official holiday, but with the darkest days of the pandemic behind us, we have much to celebrate.
⢠Zoom mitzvah
⢠DIY seder kit
Necessity, along with the pandemic, was the mother of invention. Since mid-March, St. Louis Jewish organizations found innovative ways to celebrate the holidays, connect with each other and maintain a sense of normalcy in a very abnormal environment.
Nearly everyone took advantage of technology, using online tools for virtual gatherings and worship, as well as for learning and even exercise. In-person events required social distancing. Everyone adapted and modified their practices. In the process, they learned valuable lessons so that 2021 could begin with minimal disruption.
The response to COVID-19 by local Jewish institutions was measured, balancing practical considerations and safety protocols. Following are some examples.Â