The Boston Jewish Film Festival, now celebrating its 32nd year, has gone virtual. (Another sign of the times, I guess…)

Instead of enjoying a wide array of movies in a theatre, you can now stream them online. I find that every year they offer at least one must-see movie that I really enjoy. Offerings will include: “World premieres of international films, one-of-a-kind interactive conversations with filmmakers and guests, and a selection of narrative, comedies, documentaries and short films.”

Please be aware that while all of the movies have a Jewish theme, some include graphic content and content that is not compatible with traditional Jewish values. The reader may pick and choose, however they see fit.

The festival runs thru November 15. More info and tickets are available on their website.

Can’t make it to the Sukkah? The Sukkah will come to you!

Chabad has dispatched mobile Sukkahs around the globe, meeting the need for a safe celebration during a crazy time of sickness and uncertainty.

Some of you will recognize the infamous “Sukkah Mobiles” which are either large tractor trailers or smaller pick-ups, equipped with everything needed to observe the holiday on board. A newer edition, called “PediSukkahs” are attached to the back of a bike and are foot powered.

According to Chabad, “During Sukkot there will be armies of rabbis, rabbinical students, and lay volunteers who making socially-distanced house calls with a lulav and etrog to ensure that people isolating, especially those who may be COVID-vulnerable, are not forgotten on the holiday.”

As usual, I am so impressed with Chabad’s efforts. More than any other movement, they are truly committed to outreach, particularly for the unaffiliated community.

Be on the lookout for mobile sukkahs in your area. FYI: It’s not just in New York! The article mentions Wisconsin, Alabama, Germany, Hungry, etc. I have also seen one advertised here, in my local area, which is Northern New England. Very exciting and helpful for everyone.

For those who choose to avoid public observance this year, there’s an excellent Guide to Celebrating Sukkot at Home that I liked and there will be online virtual streams too.

How ever you choose to celebrate, I wish everyone a holiday filled with love and peace.

The littlest members of the family can get into the holiday spirit with a new collection from PJ Library—The 2020 Quick Guide to Celebrating Rosh Hashanah with Kids.

With different sections for Under 5, Ages 5 and Up, and Tweens, there are ideas, crafts, activities, and book suggestions for the younger set. The most popular ones for my family were baking a round challah and creating honey-scented play dough.

As usual, any book that PJ Library highlights is super. Tracy Newman has covered every Jewish holiday, Shabbat and life cycle events in her writing career. I can honestly say that all of her books are worth buying. Rosh Hashanah is Coming will not disappoint.

For taschlich, there’s an excellent article for families that want to try bread alternatives. (Really nice if you’re gluten free or just want to try something new.) Bread crumbs can be replaced with small stones, bark chips, and/or bird seed. Pretty neat, huh?

Another article I liked shared 5 Ways to Keep in Touch While Social Distancing. Elderly relatives are suffering the most during the Pandemic; being separated from their grandchildren is literally breaking their hearts! Remember that many do not feel comfortable with texts and video apps. We need to make a special effort to reach out and include them. Call on the phone during dinner so they can feel connected. Have the kids color holiday pictures. Old fashioned methods still work, even if they take a little more effort.

How is your family celebrating this year?

Attempting to celebrate High Holidays during Covid is not easy. Chabad has compiled a huge list of resources that can help. Some of the topics covered include:

• How to celebrate at home
• Where to find outdoor services in your area
• Zoom services being streamed online
• Holiday themed videos
• Printable prayer books
• How to use a Shofar
• Guides for those in isolation due to illness or quarantine

While this is not ideal, it’s the current reality. I know how hard and depressing life has been for the past 7 months. People are feeling a lot of anger, grief and other negative emotions as this nightmare continues to drag on.

Personally, I think in-person events should be offered, in a temple, for those who want to attend (those who don’t feel safe can pursue virtual options). I want to celebrate and enjoy the holidays as a community. Everyone is so lonely and sad. That’s not a good way to live. Being cautious is fine, but at some point we need to return to real life.

My local congregation is having services in a park. Since rain is predicted, I’m not sure how that will work. The temple, which has adequate seating to distance and windows on all sides that could be open for fresh air, will remain closed. Seems like hysteria to me, not just being careful.

Let’s pray that 5781 will shape up better than 5780 did. I wish each and every one of you a happy new year.