As we enter this New Year, we can only reflect on this past year and pray for the world to return to normalcy. What a difficult year this has been. Hopefully you and your loved ones have been safe and secure; but regardless, the year has certainly affected our lives in many difficult ways. With 5781 about to begin, our thoughts turn to our prayers and worshipping.
We at Park East have prepared our Synagogue for this year’s worshipping, both virtual and in-person. We have with all our efforts and not sparing any expense have made our House of Prayer as safe as can be. The preventive measures we have implemented include the hiring of airflow experts, top technicians, engineers and architects; as well as purchasing and installing the latest top quality equipment, including video temperature testing equipment, infrared panels in our ductwork to purify the airflow, stand-alone air purifiers throughout the building, and the finest disinfectants.
During these Holidays we are obligated to do Tzedakah. This year, more than ever, we are spending well over our budget to offer you virtual services as well as safely facilitate in-person services. Thus, I am requesting support for our 131-year-old Synagogue that has been serving the Upper East Side. For us to continue in this crisis, we would need your help by matching at least what you gave last year, or if possible, a bit more, to help us continue to be an anchor of Torah values and service to the Jewish people, assuring Jewish continuity through education of our children.
During this most difficult time, we were fortunate to have the steadfast spiritual leadership of Rabbi Arthur Schneier, his Rabbinic and Cantorial team, supported by the Administration led by Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky, and our dedicated teachers. They have helped us sustain faith and hope.
I wish you and your families a safe, healthy, prosperous, and most happy and fulfilled G’Mar Tov.
Herman Hochberg
Herman Hochberg, President