'Physically Distanced, But Socially Together'

LONG BEACH, NY — Moving your family to a new town and starting a new life is a challenge during the best circumstances, let alone during a pandemic. But for Rabbi Benny Berlin, the challenge was even greater, as he was also the new spiritual leader for the BACH Jewish Center in Long Beach.

Berlin's first day at BACH was June 1, when many coronavirus restrictions were still in effect. Even today, he's limited to the number of congregants he's allowed to have at any one time. Introducing himself to his congregation and getting to know all of them was going to be a challenge no matter what, but the coronavirus pandemic added so many new challenges on top of that.

Overcoming those challenges required creativity, but Berlin rose to the occasion.

"It made me a better rabbi," he said. "It taught me to be thoughtful, to think outside the box. We're physically distanced, but socially together."

BACH Jewish Center is one of the oldest Orthodox Jewish synagogues on Long Island. Berlin came to BACH after serving as a rabbinical assistant in the Hamptons, and as assistant rabbi at East Hill Synagogue in Englewood.

The pandemic was not on anyone's radar when Berlin first accepted the position in January. And since taking it, he has had to come up with ways to get to know his community without getting physically close to them.

When he started on June 1, Berlin said he still wasn't allowed to have any in-person services. That wasn't permitted until June 3, and at that point it was still limited to 10 congregants. It was a difficult transition for everyone: all of the congregants had to wear masks and sit far apart.

To try to get more people together, Berlin tried holding outdoor services. And while they worked, they came with their own challenges: they had to grapple with rain and, on one occasion, a particularly hungry mosquito that bit all of the congregants.

But Berlin still worked to integrate himself into his new community.

"We've been able to still create deep connections," said Berlin. "I've been leading a weekly havdalah. It's musical. We have it on a live stream on Facebook and Instagram. Many people have joined, not just form our immediate community, but from around the world."

Berlin has taken to social media to spread the word about BACH and the growing congregation, and also to share news and reach out with families. His wife, Sara, has also been taking part — she has been leading an online Challah bread class. And people from all over have also been joining her.

Berlin and his wife also spent some of their early days in town introducing themselves to all of the member families by making socially distant deliveries of fresh baked goods.

"People are still coming, people are still excited," Berlin said. "And people are thirsty for community."

BACH has about 100 member families. And despite the pandemic, Berlin has been happy to report to them that more are joining. Berlin said he has been using social media to show people how vibrant Jewish life is in Long Beach and the surrounding areas.

"I can't bring everyone into the same room with a big barbecue like I originally planned," he said. "But I can use these virtual platforms to get the word out."