In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Temple Emanu-El’s Rabbi David Stern posted a video with a loving message. He also held his dog, which made the message more comforting. Here’s what he said:

“We send you our love. These are strange times. We as a community that is committed to a loving and caring presence in each other’s lives, share even greater commitment to the saving of lives, a commitment that’s manifest in our observance of all the restrictions of social distancing, to do our best to keep ourselves, our community, our city, and our land as healthy as it can possibly be.

“We’re going to do everything we can during this time to double down on connecting, even though we’re not going to be in each other’s presence. Shabbat services will be available online. I look forward to speaking to you via that platform on Friday night.

“We’ll also be making available the best learning opportunities from the web, making those available to our temple family. Most of all, we are here in what is a time of stress and anxiety for so many. We’re going to be busy on the phone. We’re going to be busy reaching out. We’re going to make sure that every member of this community knows that not only we as your clergy and staff, but each person who is privileged to be part of the temple family feels the presence and the support of others. We look forward to further communication, further reaching out. Just wanted to let you all know, you’re all in our hearts at this time. We look forward to making it through this together in faith, in prayer, in hope, and in love.”