covid19updates

Dear Friends,
 
We find ourselves in difficult times. A virus is spreading that has affected global health, world economies and our feelings of safety and security. Schools are closing, workplaces are changing and even our shul, our center of holiness and spirituality, is impacted and affected. We know that God watches over us and will always protect and provide. Yet, at the same time, we must put in our effort to protect the health of our families and community. We have been working with local medical professionals to assess our situation and developed an appropriate framework for navigating this crisis:
 

• This Shabbat, we will be operating in a modified way (see below)

• Our community schools are closing as of Monday, March 16th. In order for school closures to be effective and impactful, we are advised by medical professionals, the OU, RCA and Halakhic authorities that shuls must close as well. As such, it is with much sadness and difficulty that we announce that the shul will be ceasing daily minyanim and all other programs this coming Sunday morning. Arrangements will be made to retrieve tefillin and other personal items from the shul.

• On Sunday, we will send a detailed email regarding how we will continue our learning, spiritual growth and connection to God and one another in the days ahead.

 
This Shabbat
 
(1) All non-minyan programs sre cancelled including Kiddush, the Shabbat Afternoon Class, Seudat Shlishit, any informal kitchen kiddush and Shabbat Morning Youth Groups.

(2) Out of an abundance of caution, we have asked Yair Lichtman, who is from areas where there have been cases, not to come this Shabbat.

(3) We will be taking very proactive steps to encourage social distancing. This includes asking everyone – regardless of their normal seat – to spread out in shul. If too many people come for davening, we will open a second minyan downstairs.

(4) We strongly encourage those in vulnerable populations consider not coming to shul and to consult their physicians as to whether it is wise for them to be in shul during this time.  If their physician feels it would be best for them to avoid Shul for the time being, they should Halakhically follow that advice even if it means they will miss saying Kaddish, observing a Yahrtzeit, etc.  They should instead daven at home and time their davening to be at the same time as our minyanim.

(5) In addition, anyone who feels uncomfortable attending shul at this time, should in no way feel guilty for not attending.  Each one of us has to make the best decision for ourselves and our family.  If you chose not to attend shul, please however, make every effort to continue to daven preferably at the same time that we daven in shul, which is what is strongly encouraged by the Gemara in Berachot and codified in the Shulchan Aruch.

With all the cancellation and closure conversation swirling around, we think it is critical to reframe our conversations around healthy personal and public health habits. It is entirely inconsistent to apply social distancing in schools and shuls and then go to gyms, movie theaters or other areas of possible public exposure. We need to all practice and model behaviors that will maximize our own and the public’s good health.  We strongly urge that everyone adhere carefully to social distancing protocols. This means that people should remain at home when possible and not gather in large gatherings with friends at their homes or in public places, such as malls, movie theaters, eateries, etc. Experts have shared that social distancing will help to contain the virus, and it is critical to us as a community that we each do our part to slow its spread.
Please know that we are constantly monitoring this situation and these guidelines are evolving and changing. We will share any updates with you in a timely fashion.
 
We take this opportunity to wish you, our Young Israel family, a gut Shabbos. May this be a Shabbat of peace and health. May HaKadosh Baruch Hu, the Master of the World and Healer of all Flesh, shower blessings upon our shul, community and all humanity.
 
Sincerely,
Rabbi Tuvia Brander
Les Loew, Coordinator