Dear friends,  As we approach the High Holy Days we continue to monitor the COVID-19 landscape in and around our community. This is another update which provides important information as we work to ensure that your participation with our services is meaningful, whether you choose to join us in person or virtually.

Announcing Open Seating for the High Holy Days We understand that sitting in your traditional seats is a meaningful part of experiencing the High Holy Days at Beth El. The open-seating plan will encourage social distancing in both the Offit Auditorium and Berman-Rubin Sanctuary.  As we’re sure you also understand, the pandemic is forcing us to make some very difficult decisions regarding our High Holy Days plans. We are doing everything we can to ensure that we have safest possible in-person services on our beloved Beth El campus.  Therefore, we are announcing today that due to the rise in positive COVID-19 cases, we are moving to an open-seating plan for all High Holy Day services: In-person High Holy Day services will proceed as planned. All High Holy Day tickets will be honored. In-person attendees will still join their ticketed service. However, seats are no longer reserved. Guests may choose to sit in any available seat. While it is unfortunate that we cannot guarantee your traditional High Holy Days seats this year, we remain optimistic that you will return to the seats you know and love next year. Should our open-seating decision change your plans to attend High Holy Day services in-person, we encourage you to join us virtually via our livestreams. All members will receive links to all High Holy Day services by Thursday, September 2nd. Remember, whether you decide to join us for the High Holy Days in-person or from your home, you’re at home with us.

High Holy Day Mahzorim: You may pick up your prayer books in the Beth El lobby on the following days: Sunday August 29: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Monday, August 30: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 2: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 3: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. If you can not make it on one of the days above please reach out to Ben Kreshtool at ben@bethelbalto.com to arrange a time that will work for you.

Links for Virtual Services: Members will receive links to the Offit and Berman-Rubin High Holy Day services no later than September 2. We will also resend the links on the morning of Erev Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 6) and Kol Nidre (Sept. 15). 

COVID-19, Masking, and Social Distancing: Our services will be in-person AND virtual; you may choose how you and your family prefer to participate. Masks will be required at all times while in our building. We understand that a number of our members are concerned about the ability to be socially distanced during services. We are still working on a plan to make social distancing happen, and will have that announcement shortly. Our family and early childhood services will be held outside. In the event of rain or excessive heat these services will be held virtually. Vaccinations for those eligible are required. 

L'shalom,

Ben Wachstein Executive Director