In late February, the shul was one of the first to begin winding down its physical programme of social events and it has been spared the worst of the pandemic, with no deaths from the virus reported.
“We have a number of prominent scientists in the community who were able to offer advice on behaviour,” the rabbi reported. Guidance on home schooling and mental health has been available from experts within the congregation.
Up to 40 volunteers are also helping vulnerable community members, delivering supplies and making regular phone checks.
A Gemach fund is assisting those in financial hardship, the shul’s Pesach fund having received a record number of requests for help.
“It’s been a very moving experience, despite the difficult times,” said synagogue vice-chair Joel Clark.
“We are physically distant but we’ve never felt more together. We’ve always had a very active welfare provision and sought to do as much as we can for people in need. Lots of people have felt very grateful for what’s been done.”
Shul chair Naomi Verber said it was fortunate that “all of these structures were in place before. We just adapted them to a new scenario.
“We had the people, the ideas and the momentum. It was a matter of switching channels, especially on the support side, making sure that nobody fell through the cracks.”
