Updated High Holy Days

Covid 19 Protocols


Dear Congregant,


Cases of COVID-19 are currently at a Medium Level in Norfolk County. As a result, the Medical Advisory Committee met last week to clarify the Temple’s policies for the High Holy Days. As has been the case throughout the pandemic, these policies have been designed to prioritize the safety of our congregation while balancing our desire to be together as a community. Here’s what you should know about this year’s High Holiday COVID-19 Protocols:


Services will take place both in-person and streaming over Facebook Live. We will maintain our usual number of services, including two on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and two on Yom Kippur morning.


If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including sore throat, congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever or chills, muscle or body aches, fatigue, headache, or new loss of taste or smell, please do not attend services in person, even if a home antigen test is negative.


For in-person services:


Mask protocol will depend on the degree of community spread as of September 15th, consistent with Town of Sharon guidelines.


  • If the level stays at Medium, masks will remain optional. 
  • If the rate is High, masks will be strongly recommended.
  • If the rate is Extremely High, masks will be required.


We will have a mask-only section of seating for those who would feel more comfortable sitting with others wearing masks.


Our programming for Grades K-6 (youth programs and Camp HiHo) and Babysitting (ages 3-5) will again take place at Everwood Day Camp (early service for first day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur).


Our clergy, choir, shofar sounders, and those chanting Torah, Haftarah or the blessings will test for COVID-19 prior to the service so they can participate in services without wearing masks.


We hope these policies allow as many congregants as possible to feel safe if they choose to attend in-person services. Please do not hesitate to contact me via email with any questions:


Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year.


L’Shalom,

Jeff Schnipper, MD, MPH

Temple Sinai Board of Trustees

Chair of Medical Advisory Committee

jschnipper@bwh.harvard.edu