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Temple Sinai COVID-19 Update

03/13/2020 12:58:23 PM

Mar13

A cascading series of announcements in the past 24 hours has made it clear that we are at another turning point in the coronavirus crisis. We recently sent out a message outlining our first in a series of protocols on how to manage the COVID-19 virus; we were not expecting to be moving to this second protocol so quickly.
 
As we try to balance our daily lives and obligations with the realities of an uncertain environment, the safety and well-being of our community remain at the core of our synagogue priorities and purpose. Whether in person or virtually, we will continue to be a Beit K’nesset (House of Gathering), Beit Midrash (House of Learning), and a Beit T’filah (House of Prayer) for our community during these unprecedented times. Our leadership team has been meeting regularly to make prudent adjustments to our programs and protocols based on current information as the situation unfolds.
 
Based upon the information, recommendations and best practices available, please note that, effective the close of business today and until further notice, Temple Sinai will remain open for worship and by appointment only. Sinai staff members will be in touch to discuss arrangements regarding any existing appointments.
 
Beit Midrash (House of Learning)

  • Temple Sinai Preschool - In accordance with recommendations from both the CDC and Governor Kemp, the Temple Sinai Preschool will be closed starting Monday, March 16 until further notice.
  • B'nei Mitzvah Tutoring - Beginning Sunday, March 15, all tutor and clergy appointments planned for on or off-site will occur via FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom. Sharon Clark will be in touch with B’nei Mitzvah families in the coming days with exact details.
  • Noar and Sunday Hebrew - Noar classes and Sunday Hebrew will be cancelled until further notice.
  • Hebrew Chavurah - Hebrew Chavurah classes will be held virtually; parents can expect to hear from the facilitator of the Chavurah in advance of the next session.
  • Youth and Teen - All youth and teen programming is cancelled until further notice.
  • Adult Education - All adult education classes, including Torah Study, will be held via zoom or livestream. See the Temple Sinai calendar for a link to plug directly into the program.

Beit K’nesset (House of Gathering)

  • Pastoral care – As always, if you or a loved one are in need of pastoral care, please know that our entire clergy team are ready to offer support.
  • Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick)– If you or a loved one are part of an at-risk community and would like a member of Temple Sinai to check regularly, please click HERE  to fill out a brief form. Your information will be shared with our Kesher team and our clergy.
  • Committee and Individual Meetings – Beginning Monday, March 16, all committee meetings should be conducted via zoom or conference call. Individual meetings should ideally be held by phone or zoon.  
  • Programming – Due to the evolving nature of this uncertain time, all programming which goes against CDC guidelines has been either cancelled or postponed. Please check the Temple Sinai calendar  regularly for the most current updates.

Beit T’filah (House of Worship)

  • Shabbat Services – As of now, we will still hold worship services but ask that anyone showing any signs of illness remain home and view via livestream.  Also, congregants who are part of an at risk population should participate via livestream. Note that we will temporarily halt our Kabbalat Panim and Oneg Shabbats as a precaution.
  • Lifecycle events – We will work with each family marking a lifecycle event to determine the best course of action for all involved with the most up-to-date information available. Until informed otherwise, B'nei Mitzvah services will occur on-site in either our Sanctuary or the Freeman Family Chapel.
  • Livestream – Please note that all worship services will be available via livestream for both the chapel  and sanctuary.

We recognize that this unprecedented time is resulting in significant frustration and anxiety. However, such times also provide opportunities for people to share and we have received dozens of messages from congregants offering assistance to those in need. During this time period of uncertainty, may we all do our best to respond with understanding, kindness, and compassion.
 
Should you have any questions about the details outlined in this letter, please contact Jack Feldman. We are grateful for your support, understanding and cooperation and want to wish everyone continued health, safety, and shalom during the days and weeks ahead.

Shabbat Shalom,


Jack Feldman, Executive Director


Rabbi Ron Segal

Thu, March 28 2024 18 Adar II 5784