It brings us great joy to share that our community will return to the synagogue building for in-person Shabbat services and events in June 2021.
In March 2020, the Board and Rabbi Solochek formed a Covid Response Team that has met regularly and made safety recommendations so that our synagogue could continue to flourish virtually while maintaining the health and safety of our entire community. This Response Team will continue to meet and monitor the situation as we move toward a hybrid model of in-person and online programming, and advise the Rabbi and Board on ways to best maintain community health. The guiding values of the Response Team were scientific understanding, pikuach nefesh (saving a life), al tifrosh min hatzibur (not separating ourselves from the community), and maintaining the personal connections to one another.
Jewish tradition teaches that “The world stands on three things: Torah, Service, and Acts of Lovingkindness (Pirkei Avot 1:2), and these principles can guide us through this transition back into our sanctuary.
Torah (Learning): We continue to learn as the scientific and medical understanding of Covid-19 develops.
Service: This transition will take commitment from each of us to support and care for one another; we commit to continue offering community access to those who are unable to rejoin us in person.
Acts of Lovingkindness: Our safety decisions focus on protecting the most vulnerable in our community. We demonstrate our love for one another through community adherence to the safety protocols.
In order to maintain community health and safety we need all community members to comply with the following protocols. The Covid Response Team will continue to meet and make changes as needed.
- Shabbat services and Torah study will resume at the synagogue and will also be available to view on Zoom.
- Masks are required at all indoor synagogue events.
- Please monitor your own health; if you’re not feeling well please join us online instead of in person.
- Most of our programming will take place in the sanctuary or outdoors. Limited events and meetings will be held in the social hall at this time.
- Shared meals (such as an oneg or a kiddush) will be held outdoors so we can remove our masks safely and socialize together.
- Holding other in-person events, meetings, classes, and programs is subject to approval by the Covid Team and Board. Please contact the synagogue office with questions: [email protected].
We continue to prioritize the health and safety of our community as we move through this transition. We hope that you will join us in person when you feel safe doing so.
Chazak, chazak ve’nitchazek,
Be strong and may we strengthen one another.
[June 4, 2021]