June 7, 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. We are very excited to announce the first phase which will begin this week. This first step is intended to start minyanim in a measured fashion, beginning with daily Mincha/Maariv 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.
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: - This first phase is, at this time, open to CBAJ Members only. Only Members have received this e-mail. Please do not share information regarding our services with others.
- 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 regsitration 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.
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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