The Hadee Mosque in Uptown Harrisburg
Faith communities are figuring out how to stay connected to their members in the midst of a crisis that is changing the way people gather.
This week is especially challenging as three major religions are forced to celebrate their symbolic holidays differently this year.
Wednesday brings Passover for the Jewish faith; on Sunday, Christians observe Easter; and April 23 marks the beginning of the month-long Ramadan observance for Islam.
While Secretary of Health Rachel Levine suggested on Monday that religious ceremonies be held online, even recommending a “virtual Seder,” the ritual feast that starts Passover, it isn’t that easy for some in the Jewish community.
Rabbi Elisha Friedman of the Kesher Israel congregation explained that Saturdays and festivals are sacred days when the use of technology is prohibited in the Orthodox Jewish tradition. While some rabbis are making exceptions to allow Zoom calls, others are not.
“Some families are divided,” he said. “A lot of people are really upset. Some people are even going to be celebrating by themselves.”
To help with the loneliness an isolated Seder meal and Passover may bring, Friedman’s family has been making art and delivering the Seder food items to individuals living alone.
Fortunately, the Kesher Israel congregation has been able to stay in contact during the crisis.
“A lot of us live in the same neighborhood,” he said. “So, we see each other, and that’s nice.”
Harrisburg’s First Church of the Brethren has a relatively small congregation with around 100 people attending on a given Sunday, Associate Pastor Josiah Ludwick said. Without prior experience streaming services online, they have had to adjust quickly.
The church now uploads weekly videos for their congregation, including music, preaching and Bible study. Their Easter service will take this format, as well.
Ludwick explained that the Church of the Brethren denomination also participates in a “Love Feast” the Thursday before Easter. This event typically includes feet washing, confession, communion and a shared meal. This year, they will be joining others from the denomination online for an alternative version with scripture reading, prayer and singing.
“In some ways, COVID is bringing us together even more than before,” Ludwick said. “We don’t have to physically be together to be together in spirit.”
Ahmad Hameed, public affairs director for the Hadee Mosque, expressed a similar sentiment as area Muslims’ plans for Ramadan also will look different this year.
“It is important for us to stay connected to our community,” he said.
The mosque on Division Street in Harrisburg is closed for all but essential services, but meetings and sermons are hosted regularly through YouTube and Zoom.
While Ramadan fasting is usually opened by a gathering at the mosque, Hameed said fasts will need to be opened in peoples’ homes. The required five prayers each day will remain, along with fasting until sundown.
“It is disappointing not to go to the mosques and participate in congregational activities,” Hameed said. “But I totally understand why we are doing it.”
Members of the mosque have been reaching out to older people to assist with getting them groceries, medicine and other necessary items. They have also offered their mosque for any state or local agency’s use.
“With Easter, Passover and Ramadan all at the same time, it’s important for people of faith to feel they can still be connected, but ensure everybody’s safe and healthy,” Hameed said.
Kesher Israel is located at 2500 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website. Harrisburg First Church of the Brethren is located at 219 Hummel St., Harrisburg. Visit their website for more information. The Hadee Mosque is located at 245 Division St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.
