Dear Shir Chadash Community,
With a new surge of coronavirus cases, Mayor Cantrell announced yesterday new restrictions for Orleans Parish on in-person gatherings (i.e. a "modified Phase 1") for at least three weeks. These restrictions recommend that "individuals should not gather with anyone other than members of their immediate household."
After consultation with our Health Committee and out of an abundance of concern for the health and safety of our congregants and staff, we have decided to place a temporary pause on all in-person Shabbat morning services and all in-person gatherings, including this Saturday evening's Family Havdalah on the Bayou service, until February 1, 2021. We will re-evaluate the situation at that time based on updated guidance from the Health Committee. We ask for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate these difficult times and the pandemic.
Our Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat and Community Havdalah service will take place as usual.
Since we began our phased re-opening of Shir Chadash several months ago, we realize that many congregants have enjoyed participating in our Shabbat morning services. To meet their needs and as an alternative to our in-person Shabbat morning service, Rabbi Silver will lead Shabbat morning services for the next several weeks from the synagogue Sanctuary beginning at 10 am. She will be the only one present in the synagogue building. The service will include an adapted Shacharit and Musaf, some Torah study and a sermon. It will be broadcast on our usual link, which can be accessed before Shabbat begins.
As mentioned from the Bimah last Shabbat, please continue to reach out and be in touch with each other. A telephone call can go a long way. Members' birthdays and anniversaries are listed in our weekly brochure. Take a moment to call a fellow congregant to say "hello." You and they will be glad you did.
Be well and stay safe. Shabbat Shalom.
Ken Klein
President
Rabbi Deborah Silver
Ricardo Totah
Executive Director
