Dear B’nai Jehudah Family,

Like so many of you, we have been looking forward to coming together again for the High Holy Days. At the same time, we - in conjunction with our Covid Task Force - have been watching with increasing concern as local Covid numbers have risen dramatically. Taking into account the increased number of local Covid cases, the new state mandates for quarantining after mass gatherings, and a deep concern for the health and safety of our members and our greater community, we have decided to shift from in-person services to virtual-only services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
  • Indoor services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will be available on Facebook and Vimeo;
  • Outdoor worship opportunities (see below) will be held in person.* 

We did not come to this decision lightly. We know this has been a difficult year: many of us suffered losses, many find ourselves feeling lonely and in need of human connection, many of us are simply ready to get back to normal. 

In recognition that we still need our B’nai Jehudah community, this decision only applies to our indoor Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services at this time.** Our building will remain open, and B’nai Jehudah will continue to hold in person Shabbat services, Religious School and Preschool classes, and other smaller indoor and outdoor events. We will continue to require registration so we can allow for physical distancing, and all individuals in our building are required to wear a mask. 

Jewish law teaches us pikuach nefesh - the preservation of human life overrides virtually any other religious consideration. With that in mind, we invite your attendance and participation in our virtual services as well as our outdoor, in-person worship opportunities. 

Above all, we are here for you. If you are in need of support or guidance, we invite you to contact any of our clergy by calling 913.663.4050.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we navigate the challenges of life in a pandemic. We will follow up early next week with logistical information related to the change to virtual worship. 

Sincerely,
Amanda K. Morgan
Board President
Rabbi Stephanie Kramer
Senior Rabbi
Jennifer Green Baer
Executive Director
*Outdoor worship opportunities will be in-person only; in case of inclement weather, we will announce postponed or canceled outdoor events via text, social media, and on our website.

**Please be aware that our Covid safety practices will continue to evolve with the ever-changing nature of the Covid-19 pandemic.
High Holy Days Worship Guide (as of August 26, 2021)
Unless otherwise indicated, all services will be available on Facebook or Vimeo.
Watch live at the start time, or watch later at your convenience.
Note: Shabbat Shuvah and the Rose Hill Memorial service will be held in person.
Rosh Hashanah
September 6
Erev Rosh Hashanah Services | 6:00 pm | virtual

September 7
  • Rosh Hashanah Morning Service | 10:30 am | virtual 
  • Shofar in the Park | 2:30 pm | in person (more info and registration below)
Yom Kippur
September 15
Erev Yom Kippur (Kol Nidrei) | 6:00 pm | virtual
 
September 16
  • Outdoor Family Puppet Service | 8:30 am | in person 
  • Yom Kippur Morning Service | 10:30 am | virtual 
  • Afternoon Torah Service: 2:00 pm | virtual
  • Yizkor/Neilah Service: 4:30 pm | virtual
Shofar in the Park
Afternoon Rosh Hashanah Event for a Sweet New Year
Sept. 7 | 2:30-5:00 pm | Ironwoods Park Amphitheater

Due to our outdoor location, we are still able to hold an in-person event during Rosh Hashanah! Usher in a great new year together with our friends from Mesner Puppet Theater for fun and engaging activities and prayer, a Shofar and Tashlich service and more. Bring a picnic dinner. Dessert food trucks will be on-site for free treats. This is an all-ages event that is open to the community.
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