It has been over a month since our sanctuary doors last opened to public prayer.
Nevertheless - "Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh" - we have used this time to keep the O.Z. sanctuary in our hearts - through virtual classes (you can't spell ZOOM without O.Z.!), Pesach Catering, WhatsApp messages, phone calls, and more. (Don't forget to share your "Views from the Pews" and it may just be published in the OZ Weekly).
In that time we have lost friends and relatives, and have celebrated births, engagements, and marriages, and continue to salute our local health care professionals, first responders, and Hatzolah members.
Our Superintendent Ignacio dutifully maintains our building and grounds.
Rabbi Schwartz tends to us with daily chizuk emails and weekly 'Take 5's.
We remain in constant contact with local organizations like the OU, RCA, and follow guidelines of the CDC and local Health Officials.
The office remains dedicated to assist you in anyway we can. Look out for an email with an account update link . Please let us know if you need assistance with local shopping or any other type of support. The Chesed Fund supports those in financial need.
Under the leadership of our President, Dr. Ari Weitzner, we are working hard configuring how the shul will reopen when given the green light, and how to reintegrate public programming slowly in phases - including Kiddush, Meals, Rentals, Youth Programs, Etc... and to resume the capital campaign work.
While we have completed the SBA Loan Application, our shul still needs your support. If you have a balance, please click HERE to settle your account (monthly payment plans are accepted and encouraged!). If at this time you need to transfer or wire a payment, please contact chad@ozny.org for instructions. If at this time you require account deferment, discount, or forgiveness, please confidentially contact ras@ozny.org or president@ozny.org.
You can also help by donating to our new online Pushke Portal. If everyone on this email list would consider just a $5 monthly contribution, we would raise $150,000 annually. Join the Pushke Challenge now at www.OZNY.org/Monthly.
As Rabbi Schwartz says:
Be safe.
Be excellent.
Chad Hopkovitz, MPA Executive Director
Beverly Raskind Office Manager
Congregation Ohab Zedek 118 West 95th Street New York, NY 10025
