Shalom,
We hope that this finds all of our families doing well, staying safe and healthy, and taking care of our spiritual and physical well-being. Our dedicated leadership team continues to work diligently on our goal of making in-person services and events as safe as possible.
We began with our safe and distanced return to worship in the spring and managed successfully throughout the summer. We took advantage of the warmer weather to have an outdoor Kiddush every Shabbat. We then moved to socially distance and spiritually meaningful High Holy Days to include masks indoors at all times, irrespective of vaccine status and a safe outdoor component for all youth programming. Both indoor and outdoor services were well attended and well received by everyone. Thank you so much for our youth leaders, Bracha Louz, Dan Scher, Ruth Malka, and Arnie Adler.
We most recently had the joy of celebrating 5 B’nai Mitzvot over a period of 6 weeks! Our simcha families and our Ohav community came together to celebrate both in our sanctuary for services as well as outside in our large tent as we shared sponsored Kiddushim in honor of our B’nai Mitzvah students. Having that large tent allowed for outdoor youth programming to continue on Shabbat morning for our vaccine ineligible population and afforded us the opportunity to dine together, keeping us safe and comfortable, we’re so grateful for the opportunity to remain connected in person and safe. A special Todah Robah to some very generous Congregant donations that enabled us to enhance our live streaming capabilities to be able to live stream from any location on our property as well as from within the building. This technology will allow for us to remain connected with our members who are not ready or able to return to us in person yet.
As the end of fall approaches, we all know the weather is changing for us here in the Northeast and inhibits our outdoor activity. The tent is going back to its original home and we’re putting plans in place to safely move back indoors for shabbat kiddushim and other programming. We know how important these gatherings are and as a result of that, the Return to Worship Task Force has put into place the following policy for safe, indoor food gatherings.
B’Shalom,
Gregg Fox, President
For ALL indoor food functions:
· We will continue to request that people rsvp for services. This step is so important for planning and preparation purposes.
· When weather permits, we move Shabbat Kiddush or event programming outside using our pop up tents for shade and utilize our patio heaters for warmth. We encourage you to dress appropriately for the weather.
· Mask wearing when indoors, irrespective of vaccination status will continue to be a requirement. Masks may only be removed when you are seated at your table and eating. When you get up, you must put your mask back on.
· To reduce the amount of “milling” around and lines for getting food, we will be experimenting with family style dining.
o All Kiddush tables will be set with family style kiddush food items for 6 people. Any food items needing to be replenished will be managed by staff.
o Attendees will be asked to choose a table to sit and stay at with people that they are comfortable with.
o A staff member will also be able to remove any un-used food from empty tables to minimize waste.
· We will continue to have kiddush to-go bags available for those who are not comfortable to enjoy their kiddush in the building. They will be on a table in the lobby.
· For any event with registration or advance invitations, including a simcha kiddush, the hosts will be made aware of the policy and will be asked to share this information with guests.
· Food and beverages may not be consumed in hallways, foyers, restrooms or other undesignated spaces.
· Guests and Congregants are reminded to not congregate in the lobby in large groups.
Join us for Shabbat services this Saturday, November 27 from 9:30-11:30AM. * RSVPs Requested by Fri. @ 2pm * Families of all ages WELCOMED! * Parents/Kid corner open * General sanctuary seating with additional seating for increased comfort * Masks required for everyone entering the building, regardless of vaccination status. *
