Dear Friends,
As we prepare to enter Shabbat together, I want to share with you a significant step that our synagogue is taking toward resuming traditional synagogue activities while our synagogue and building remain closed. With guidance from our Medical Committee, and approval from the TIS Board, we have decided to resume our daily in person minyan outdoors, beginning at 7:15 a.m. Monday morning June 8th, by reservation only and with limited availability. Those who would like to participate must agree to the guidelines below.
For those who prefer to not join us physically, we will continue to live stream all of our services. We hope that you consider joining us, virtually.
- People who are high risk (i.e. over 65, chronic medical condition, younger individuals with medical conditions that put them at risk) or sick are encouraged to stay home.
- Minyan will begin at 7:15 a.m. and will be held outdoors.
- Participants are encouraged to wear sneakers as they will be walking on dirt.
- EVERYONE (including service leaders and torah readers) are required to wear a mask the entire time we are together and must provide their own.
- Temperatures will be checked by a volunteer wearing gloves.
- There will be no access to the building and no bathroom access.
- Maximum number of people that can be accommodated is 12. Chairs will be spaced six feet apart.
- Participants must be 13 years or older to attend.
- Attendance is by reservation only. To register, you must email tiferethisraelminyan@gmail.com, by 4:00 p.m., the day before. If there are extenuating circumstances, you can email Rabbi Dorsch at rabbidorsch@tiferethisrael.com, and he will try to accommodate. If you do not receive an e-mail by 8:00 p.m. the evening before the minyan confirming that you have RSVPd, you are not registered.
- No siddurim, kippot or talitot will be provided. People can bring their own in a backpack which can be placed on the back of the seat. If you would like to borrow one from the synagogue, please contact Rabbi Dorsch and we will make arrangements to lend you one.
- If there is rain 30 minutes before the start of service, In Person Minyan will be canceled, but the service will still be streamed on ZOOM.
By sending in your RSVP, you are agreeing to all of the conditions listed above.
The daily morning minyan is at the heart of Tifereth Israel and everything that we as a synagogue stand for. It provides us with a regular opportunity to gather together, support one another, reflect in prayer and express gratitude. Minyan is a source of comfort and warmth. While returning under these circumstances is less than ideal, I am excited to be initiating our return to our tradition, with this practice that is a pillar of our community. We appreciate your patience and your understanding as we figure out how to navigate the complexities of the world we live in.
I want to thank our dedicated medical advisory committee for lending their expertise and advice, and for all the effort, the care, and the time they have invested providing us with a framework for safely engaging in what is an incredibly meaningful ritual and point of connection for many.
If you have any questions, please ask!
As always, I am here to help anyway that I can, and always available to talk.
Wishing you and your families a happy and healthy Shavuot,
Rabbi Josh Dorsch
