June 16, 2020
Dear CBAJ Family,
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the safety and wellbeing of our community have been paramount, and the Jewish value of Pikuah Nefesh (preservation of life) has been our guiding principle. We are inspired by the support, respect, and cooperation of our community throughout this challenging time.
Over the last several weeks, we have spoken with local and national experts representing medical, ritual (Halakhic), security, logistical, and other perspectives to develop a phased reopening plan that we believe is responsible and reflects the best practices based on their advice as well as the practices of other synagogues around the country. The first step is intended to start minyanim in a measured fashion, beginning with daily services outdoors. We will evaluate the effectiveness of this plan once we begin, and if all goes well, we will add more services in the future.
These original protocols were sent to CBAJ Members a few weeks ago. We are so proud that we have, thus far, been successful in holding weekday Mincha/Ma'ariv services outdoors in a manner that is safe. Participants have been following the protocols we have set forth, and we look forward to continuing in this manner.
At this time we feel we are able to open the registration for minyan to a larger number of people beyond CBAJ Membership. In the event that too many people register, priority will be given to CBAJ Members
Based on our space availability and conversations with officials, the minyan will be limited to 20 total people who must be registered to attend that particular minyan. The services will take place in the CBAJ parking area behind the synagogue.
Please note:
- Attendees should park cars out of sight of Whitehall Rd. and S. Manning Blvd. That means parking close to the building in the areas closest to the playground or facing Congregation B’nai Shalom. This will facilitate our security.
- There will be markers on the ground (traffic cones) showing people where to stand to ensure social distancing; please stand at a cone (they will be spaced 9 feet apart). There will be a designated spot for the leader, who will be 12 feet away.
- Minyan attendees should bring their own siddur and may bring their own chair, if needed.
- There will be no access to any indoor area, including restrooms.
- All attendees must wear masks. Masks will not be provided. Please bring your own mask.
- Anyone who is “high risk” regarding Covid-19 is encouraged not to register, is Halakhically exempt from the obligation to daven with a minyan during this time, and is exempt from any obligation to recite Kaddish.
- Even someone who is young and healthy, but has concerns about attending a minyan due to Covid-19, is currently exempt from the obligation to daven with a Minyan or recite Kaddish.
- No one should feel any pressure whatsoever to register for these services, and we will not be making “appeals” asking people to join. If there is a quorum that is interested, each of his own accord, to have a minyan, then we will have one; if not, we will not. This is the proper way to proceed given the circumstances.
In order to be eligible to attend the minyan you must pre-register using a weekly registration form. Please click the button at the bottom of this email for this week's registration form.
- You will be asked to agree to a series of criteria.
- Both men and women are welcome to register to attend, although we Halakhically require a minimum of 10 men.
- Priority will be given to those who are in their year of mourning or observing a yahrzeit, so that they may recite Kaddish, as well as to those who regularly attended daily minyan prior to this period.
- Once registration is complete for the week, you will be notified of the results and which services you may attend. If there is rain or other reason to cancel, you will be notified as well.
Please note that our services will be somewhat modified in order to minimize our exposure time to each other.
- Participants at Shacharit services are to pray everything through the end of Pesukei D'zimra before arriving. The leader will begin with Yishtabach, the final paragraph of Pesukei D'Zimra. Participants other than the leader should complete everything through and including Yishtabach before the start time.
- Those who wear Tallit and Tefilin should don them at home, and arrive already wearing them. There will be no surfaces upon which to keep your Tallit and Tefilin bags (other than in your own car).
- All Amidot will be prayed as Heicha Kedusha. This means that the leader will recite the first three blessings out loud, including the responsive Kedusha, and then the rest is recited silently. When this method is employed at Mincha, there are two different common ways individuals pray their own Amidah: Some people begin their Amidah together with the leader and say the three blessings and Kedusha together with him, word by word, and then continue the rest of their Amidah privately. Other people wait for the leader to recite the three blessings, answer Amen and Kedusha, and begin their private Amidah only after this. For our Mincha services, please continue to follow your practice for Heicha Kedusha. If you do not know or have a practice, follow the first option.
- When employing Heicha Kedusha for Shacharit, only the first of these practices should be followed, since one must begin their Amidah immediately after reciting the blessing of Ga’al Yisrael without any interruptions. Therefore, everyone present should begin their Amidah together and pray the first three blessings out loud with the leader through Kedusha, and then continue silently. If you have any questions about this, please be sure to speak with me before your first Shacharit so that we can discuss it.
Our Minyan will continue to be broadcast over Zoom, and those tuning in may answer Amen whenever appropriate and also to the Kedusha during Mincha. Although one may not recite Kaddish via Zoom, you may answer Amen to the mourners Kaddish being recited while keeping your loved one in mind, and it counts as though you have recited Kaddish yourself.
This very "soft opening" of the shul should, in no way, be interpreted as signaling an easing of social distancing in the community. Our progress towards the reopening of our beloved synagogue depends on continued adherence to guidelines already in place. This situation continues to be very dangerous; any easing of discipline on our part can endanger others, and slow progress in returning to shul. Practicing the following habits at home will help you maintain them while in public: - Wear a mask if you are in a situation where maintaining a distance of 6 feet or more is not possible.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
That said, the re-introduction of communal prayer (Tefilah B’Tzibbur) is extraordinarily significant. Communal prayer is a communal obligation, and our community fulfills this Mitzvah by holding a Minyan for prayers whether or not you personally attend this Minyan.
We thank you, again, for your cooperation and support during this period. We are making our decisions slowly and deliberately and considering many factors and perspectives. Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions. We pray that we will soon pray all together in good health and safety.
Roy Feldman, Rabbi
Artie Brenner, President
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