'Important COVID-19 Update from the Synagogue'
Like many of you, we sit with swirling thoughts and emotions about the COVID- 19 pandemic that is now sweeping across the U.S. This is admittedly scary and daunting for all of us, yet for us, the one element of comfort, and one of the things we love about the Midbar Kodesh Temple community, is our ability to overcome any challenge thrown at us. We must remain careful and vigilant but also calm. In that regard, we wanted to communicate certain decisions we have reached in response to the rapidly evolving circumstances, employing leading practices from the CDC and consultations with the Executive Committee.
We will continue with our regularly scheduled religious services, including Tot Shabbat at 5:30 PM and Shabbat services on Friday evening at 7:30 PM, Saturday morning at 9:00 AM, and minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:00 AM and Sunday at 9:00 AM.
We ask that you continue to refrain from kissing the mezuzah upon entry as well as the Torah during services / minyan.
We will be taking a pause on serving food after services, so there will be no Oneg after Friday night services, no Kiddush after Saturday services and no bagels after minyan.
We are postponing our non-essential events through the end of March including the Shabbat around the World Dinner (March 13), Hadassah Shabbat at 7:30 PM (March 13), Spring Event (March 22), Religious School Family Dinner (March 27) and the Religious School Model Seder (March 29).
The Early Childhood Center and Religious School will operate as normal, and we will continue to monitor / follow CCSD’s lead around operations.
We are cleaning the synagogue campus with an EPA approved virucide during the course of the day and again each evening during the regularly scheduled clean.
Lifecycle events will continue unimpeded but perhaps somewhat modified.
Please follow the CDC guidelines as you consider attendance at religious services / school. It is important that if you are in the high-risk categories or exhibit any of the current symptoms of the virus, that you avoid coming to Midbar Kodesh Temple. You can access the guidelines here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
We will continue to monitor this situation and keep you informed. These are unprecedented times, and the clergy and board are here for you. Please know that should you choose not to attend a religious event or school, we respect your decision.
We extend our thoughts and prayers to those families around the country and around the world already affected by this virus and wish for the full and speedy recovery. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to be in touch with us.
Rabbi Bradley Tecktiel
Co-President Shira Wood
Co-President Kevin Diamond
