Dear members of our Kol Ami family,
After much talk with health and state officials and discussions between our staff and lay leadership, we have made the following decisions regarding our community and the COVID-19 virus spread.
Throughout the remainder of the month of March, beginning with tonight’s Shabbat service, we will suspend in-person Shabbat services and hold services via livestream.
You can access the livestream here. Tomorrow’s Bat Mitzvah will continue as scheduled; however, we are asking that attendees be limited to family, friends, and classmates of the Selzman family. Other upcoming events have sadly been cancelled including the Passover Wine Tasting and Joel Rosenberg’s Concert.
Morning minyan will take place over Zoom conference meeting through the remainder of the month, please email
Cantor Bat-Sarah for access information.
Our Friday night siddur can be virtually accessed
here and our Saturday morning, Conservative siddur, can be purchased
here.
Further, the Rafi Schwartz Religious School will be closed this week as we conduct training for the teachers to have remote class instruction if necessary. The following week of classes we are closed for our previously scheduled Spring Break.
We ask that you follow the governor’s recommendations; please avoid crowds of 100 people or more, with people over the age of 60 avoiding gatherings of larger than 20 people. Please also practice handwashing regularly and stay home or seek medical attention if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness.
Please know that none of these decisions were taken lightly, but rather through hours of study and conversation. Ultimately, our most important Jewish value is keeping our community safe while still trying to provide for their spiritual needs. Although these steps are requiring us to take unconventional matters, let us be reminded of the Talmudic teachings that “we shall live by (the commandments), and not die by them” (B. Talmud Yoma 85b) and “[The rules against] endangering oneself are more stringent than [those against breaking a] commandment” (BT Hullin 10a). We thank you for your understanding and for doing your part to ensure our community's safety.
L’briyut ul’hayim, to health and to life,
Rabbi Samuel L. Spector
Teresa Bruce, Co-President
Jim Isaacson, Co-President
