LAFAYETTE, California — Large circles, at least six feet apart, were drawn on the upper parking lot of Temple Isaiah, each reserved for a family grouping who wanted to dance, play games, and congregate, yet maintain the proper social distance from other families during this time of Covid19.
DJ and dance leader Denon and Doyle gave the event on Sunday afternon the feeling of an outdoor bar/ bat mitzvah reception with Family Camp Maccabiah parents and children, including the family of Rabbi Alissa Miller, engaging in such activities as making balloon hats — the taller the better — hula hooping, joining in Israeli circle dances, and learning American dances with plenty of arm and hand motions.
With California Gov. Gavin Newsom, on the advice of health authorities, having banned indoor worship throughout the state, Sunday’s informal get together was a good way for members of the Reform congregation to express their joy at being with each other, even if they had to fill out health forms prior to arriving, have their temperatures checked, hands sanitized, and faces masked before joining in the fun.
My wife Nancy and I had the pleasure of participating in the festivities with our son David and grandchildren Brian and Sara. Although we were too socially distant to engage in much conversation with the families in the circles most proximate to us, there nevertheless was a feeling of togetherness. The afternoon was topped off with the distribution of gift bags of wrapped candy from Zoonie’s, compliments of my son David, its owner.
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Donald H. Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com