Ritual Changes

We have responded to the danger posed by COVID-19 by making the following changes:

Infra-structure:

• Plexiglass surrounds installed on both lecterns on the sanctuary bimah
• Installed cameras, hardware, and software to enable streaming from the sanctuary
• Added signage to support social distancing requirements
• Set up "pods" of chairs in the sanctuary at a safe distance from each other
• Hand sanitizer and extra masks readily available
• Water fountains disabled
• Only the large bathrooms are available for use
• Extensive cleaning and sanitizing protocols in place

Participant Changes, both in-building and outdoor events:

• Registration for in-building services and events required
• Medical questionnaire and temperature checks required prior to entry
• Seating in designated chair pods only
• Masks required at all times for both leaders and congregants; please bring your own
• Congregant singing shall be soft to limit aerosol transmission
• Please follow marked entry and exit routes
• No kiddush until further notice
• Participants are urged to leave the building as soon as the service/event completes, and maintaining social distancing at all times

Ritual Changes:

• Ritual items (tallit, kippah, tefillin) must be brought with you
• Siddurim at the chairs may be used (this will change if services are held frequently)
• For all Torah services:
  • The torah(s) will be carried directly from the ark to the reading table
  • No touching or kissing the Torah will be permitted, except by the reader
  • Aliyah blessings will be recited from the congregant's seat
  • Gabbaim will be in their seats
  • Aliyot will be combined where possible to reduce the number of separate readers