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2022 B'nai Mitzvah Families

December 2021 Updates

Dear 2022 B'nai Mitzvah Families,


We hope this email finds you well. We are writing to update you on our current plans around in-person activity at Temple Micah and how these plans may impact your families’ upcoming b’nai mitzvah. 

 

Given the current COVID-19 conditions, we have decided to cancel in-person services for the first two weeks of January. However, we continue to plan for in-person b’nai mitzvah services for all our students, beginning on January 22. We are very committed to creating a safe environment for proceeding in-person, though we will continue to monitor conditions and expert advice and will make adjustments if needed.


Below, please find specific information about the steps we all must take to help ensure the safety of everyone, as well as information about alternative plans, if they are needed. Please keep in mind that we may need to make changes to these plans, but we will be sure to communicate any changes as soon as possible.


We are thrilled to be celebrating your child’s b’nai mitzvah and look forward to making it a safe, meaningful and joyous occasion. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.


Beth Werlin, Executive Director

werlin@templemicah.org


Debra Winter, Director of Spiritual Arts

winter@templemicah.org



Tutoring

For the time being, tutoring sessions will remain online. We hope to begin in-person tutoring this winter, and will provide at least two weeks’ notice in advance of the transition into the building. We will communicate separately with students whose services are in January and February to provide opportunities to practice with the Torah in the sanctuary.


Testing and minimizing exposure the week of the b’nai mitzvah

We are asking that the b’nai mitzvah student and their immediate family test for COVID-19 on the Friday before the service, by around noon or as soon as school ends, and contact us by 4pm to report the results. This will give us ample time to prepare for an alternate plan, if needed (see more on this below). In addition, we request that the student and family take steps to minimize COVID-19 exposure in the days leading up to the b’nai mitzvah. Such steps should include masking and distancing when indoors with people outside the immediate family. We believe these steps will help ensure the ability to move forward with an in-person service.


Alternative plans

If we are unable to proceed in-person, including because of a positive test in your immediate family, we are prepared to support you in a rich and meaningful service from your home via Zoom. Over the course of 2020 and 2021, we held many b’nai mitzvah services via Zoom and have systems in place for providing a Torah and preparing you to participate remotely and fully. If anyone would prefer to transition at this time to a b’nai mitzvah service via Zoom, please reach out to discuss this with us. Depending on when the decision is made we may or may not be able to bring a Torah to your home; but regardless, we would be able to transition to an online service right up until (nearly) the last moment.


Changes to our mask and vaccination mandates

We will continue to adhere to our strict mask and vaccination mandates for everyone entering Temple Micah. In addition, the Temple Micah Board will soon be voting on two changes to the COVID-19 policies. The first change would require that masks be either a three-ply surgical/disposable mask or a KN95 or N95. Currently, we allow a double-layered cloth mask, which is no longer recommended by most experts. Temple Micah has an ample supply of masks on hand, for anyone who does not have the appropriate mask. The second change would require anyone 5 years old and older be vaccinated. Currently, the mandate applies only to those 12 and older. If you have questions about these anticipated changes, please let us know.


Number of guests and distancing in the sanctuary

We will continue with our plan to register up to 50 guests (including the b’nai mitzvah family) in the sanctuary for the service and will seat family units at least six feet apart. We will also be ensuring that the clergy remain distanced from the b’nai mitzvah family. We will provide more details on how this will work when you meet for your run through the week of the service.


Friday evening services and liturgy schedule for Saturday morning

Friday evening services will continue to be held on Zoom until further notice. If your child was scheduled to lead a prayer from the bimah on a Saturday morning during the month of January, this obligation will be cancelled. Further updates to our liturgy schedule will continue to be shared individually with upcoming students and their families.

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