What a difference a month makes. Last time, just a few short weeks ago, I wrote about another step in our return to normal – a kiddush luncheon. As I write this today, we are anxiously watching the Northern Virginia seven-day moving average of new COVID cases to see if we can hold our High Holy Day services as planned, or will have to retreat to Zoom in accordance with the objective metrics our reopening committee adopted to keep all our members safe.

The composer Johannes Brahms once left a party saying, “If there is anyone here whom I have not insulted, I beg his pardon”. However, in our tradition, at this time we seek to make amends not only with Hashem, but with our fellows. There is much I have wanted to do that I have not yet been able to accomplish, and for that I am sorry. I also want to thank all the members of Etz Hayim for their continued support of this special community, especially my fellow officers and directors, and our staff, without whom things would cease to function.

I am still hoping that I can greet many of you in person on Rosh Hashonah, but that might not be possible. So I’ll take the opportunity to do it here: L’shanah tovah tikateivu.