Speaking to an Empty Shul

On March 11, 2020, due to the COVID outbreak, the “unprecedented” decision was made to shut down Jewish communal life in Bergen County. By relaying the weekly d’rashos (sermons) that were delivered in varying degrees of absentia to Congregation Ahavat Shalom in Teaneck, NJ, Rabbi Yehuda Halpert traces the adversity endured during the lockdown and details the spiritual triumph and resilience of a Jewish community as it experienced the pandemic.