10 minute read
A New Normal
OUR COMMUNITY
CSZ FACEBOOK
Advertisement
A New Normal
During the pandemic, synagogues adjust policies for masks, vaccines and distancing.
LOUIS FINKELMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
TEMPLE EMANU-EL
TOP: The bimah
at Congregation Shaarey Zedek.
MIDDLE: Stained
glass at Temple Emanu-El.
BOTTOM: Shiffman
Chapel at Adat Shalom Synagogue.
ADAT SHALOM S haina Shevin Warshay moved from the Detroit suburbs to Israel. She reports that the shul she goes to regularly has outdoor services. “Over a certain number of people, and we are required to mask,” she adds.
In subtropical Israel, even in the cool rainy season, people can usually stay outside long enough for services; many synagogues have an outdoor service, a “street minyan.”
Warshay adds: “The other shul we had been frequenting is still having indoor services. Masks are nominally required. We have not been going lately because it would require getting the kids tested each week so they could come inside.”
Michigan has real winters. Synagogues in Michigan have generally had to decide what rules to set for indoor services.
Dr. Leonard Pollack — a pediatrician who attends the Young Israel of Oak Park — reports that it has a reopening committee, which he chairs. “We regularly review recommendations from both medical and rabbinic sources and modify the policy based on the situation existing at the time.”
So, subject to change, Young Israel of Oak Park has the following policy: “Masks are mandatory for those (including children) who have not had at least one dose of the J&J vaccine or two doses of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine with the last dose being at least two weeks ago. Masks are highly encouraged for everyone who is fully vaccinated at all times except for when eating. In addition, all services provide a section for those who prefer to be in a mask-only, socially distanced section. In addition, anyone with symptoms or a significant exposure is instructed not to attend services, even if fully masked and immunized. Every morning (weekdays, Shabbat and Yom Tov) we have two minyanim in order to allow for less crowding. The larger minyan meets in the main sanctuary which allows for greater distancing.”
Dr. Pollack says, “Our minyanim have been averaging at least 80% masked since we instituted the present policy. A survey of our regular attendees showed that of the people over age 16, approximately 90% are immunized.”
MASKS AND VACCINES
Rabbi Aaron Bergman reports that, at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills, “We require masks for everyone in the building. We strongly recommend vaccines but have not yet decided on proof of vaccination. We are large enough so people can distance appropriately. We are also still Zooming services as an option.”
At the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism in Farmington Hills, Rabbi Jeffrey Falick says, “Our rules for in-person programs, which include our Sunday school, Friday night services and at least one upcoming class, are that everyone eligible must be ‘fully’ vaccinated and wear masks in public areas. We also have air filters and reduced capacities in all program areas.”
For further information, Rabbi Falick recommends checking the website, which lists COVID safety measures, including: “Guests who are not members may be asked to show proof of vaccination. Masks are required for everyone in public areas.”
However, according to the website, “At congregational events where a meal is served, when seated at a table participants may eat and drink without masks.”
The congregation allows for special advance arrangements at some events for those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. The congregation also “will place ventilation units (with HEPA filters) in all occupied program areas.”
Rabbi Matthew Zerwekh says Temple Emanu-El in Oak Park is
hosting services both in-person as well as streamed in order to reach all of the community. “As things continue to change, we will adapt as we have throughout the pandemic,” he says.
Rabbi Asher Lopatin reports that Kehillat Etz Chayim in Huntington Woods “is making every effort to ensure an uplifting and safe davening for everyone.”
Rabbi Lopatin explains, “To that end, we have determined that if you are 12 years old and older, you must be fully vaccinated to attend any of our indoor davening or activities. While we respect individual rights and understand some may choose to not be vaccinated, this step is necessary to protect our wider community. Properly worn masks, covering the nose and mouth, are also mandatory when inside the shul buildings for all adults and children over 2 years old. Within these guidelines we are thrilled to have children in our services.”
A ‘BRACELET’ SYSTEM
Robert Rich, executive director of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield, is proud that Shaarey Zedek was one of the first to open up after the lockdown. “Pretty much all the synagogues came to the decision to shut down in-person activities together back in March,” he recalls.
The decision to reopen was made in consultation with the synagogue’s medical advisory committee, including specialists in infectious diseases and epidemiology. “They have been advising us on all of our decisions,” Rich says. “We want everyone to be comfortable and safe when they come back in … and we do want them to come back in, fully participating and keeping safe.”
Rich adds that people have different comfort levels. “Some want to maintain an extra degree of care; some want to get back closer to normal. So, we set up a system for members to indicate to each other how they feel about physical proximity to each other using colored bracelets.” Rich said Shaarey Zedek didn’t invent the system but is happy to use it: • For people who want to avoid any physical contact and maintain distance from everyone: a red bracelet. • For those comfortable with elbow bumps, but not hugs and handshakes: a yellow bracelet. • For those who accept hugs and handshakes: a green bracelet.
“This makes awkward conversations not necessary and respects everybody’s level of comfort,” Rich says.
Shaarey Zedek maintains other policies for safety. The congregation asks people to wear masks indoors and to stay home if they’re sick. The congregation has made changes to increase ventilation and opened additional space to increase both airflow and physical distance. It has increased the distance between clergy and congregation. It holds many events outside, including the youth Shabbat experience “Prayground.” Kiddish is held outdoors, too.
“But we do want people to come back; physical proximity is a significant part of experiencing that you belong to a community,” Rich says.
Congregation Or Chadash in Oak Park has met in a tent in a congregant’s backyard for more than a year, which, of course, included the Michigan winter. Much of the congregation would rather not spend another winter out-of-doors; the congregation currently debates what rules should apply to indoor services.
PHOTO CREDIT: JAMIE BUSH + CO. AND L AURA HULL
UPSCALE CONSIGNMENT & AUCTION HOUSE
ICONIC 20th CENTURY FURNITURE,
FINE-ART, HOME DECOR & LIGHTING
Support Local
Businesses
3325 ORCHARD LAKE RD, KEEGO HARBOR, MI
248.481.8884 www.leshoppetoo.com
UPSCALE CONSIGNMENT & AUCTION HOUSE
Free preliminary art appraisals Wednesday’s 12-4 with Terri
NOW ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS FOR FALL AUCTION
PHOTO CREDIT: JAMIE BUSH + CO. AND L AURA HULL
TUES–SAT Noon–5pm | MON closed SUN and evenings by appointment only 3325 Orchard Lake Rd, Keego Harbor, MI
HOURS Let our experienced team at Le Shoppe Too & FINE-ART, HOME DECOR & LIGHTING TUES–SAT Noon–5pm | MONChanging Hands closed
Support Local SUN & evenings by appointment onlyhandle your Estate Sale
Businesses needs. Your items can be valued and consigned or auctioned at our store. We offer 3325 ORCHARD LAKE RD, KEEGO HARBOR, MI hands free-hassle free estate sales. 248.481.8884 Call Leslie Weisberg today for a free consultation www.leshoppetoo.com
248.709.9648
ICONIC 20th CENTURY FURNITURE, UPSCALE CONSIGNMENT & AUCTION HOUSE NOW ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS for our upcoming auction: SUNDAY, DEC. 5th
FINEART, HOME DECOR & LIGHTING
Free preliminary art appraisals Wednesday’s 12-4 with Terri
NOW ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS
PHOTO CREDIT: JAMIE BUSH + CO. AND L AURA HULL
FOR FALL AUCTION UPSCALE CONSIGNMENT & AUCTION HOUSE SUMMER STORE HOURS
TUES–SAT Noon–5pm | MON closed SUN and evenings by appointment only 3325 Orchard Lake Rd, Keego Harbor, MI
248-481-8884
WWW.LESHOPPETOO.COMICONIC 20th CENTURY FURNITURE,
FINE-ART, HOME DECOR & LIGHTING
Let our experienced team
Support Local Businesses HOURS TUES–SAT Noon–5pm | MON closed at Le Shoppe Too & Changing Hands SUN & evenings by appointment onlyhandle your Estate Sale needs. Your items can 3325 ORCHARD LAKE RD, KEEGO HARBOR, MI be valued and consigned or auctioned at our store. We offer hands free-hassle free estate sales. 248.481.8884 www.leshoppetoo.com Call Leslie Weisberg today for a free consultation
248.709.9648
UPSCALE CONSIGNMENT & AUCTION HOUSE
PHOTO CREDIT: JAMIE BUSH + CO. AND L AURA HULL Free preliminary art appraisals Wednesday’s 12-4 with Terri UPSCALE CONSIGNMENT & AUCTION HOUSE
TUES–SAT Noon–5pm | MON closedICONIC 20th CENTURY FURNITURE,
SUN and evenings by appointment only FINE-ART, HOME DECOR & LIGHTING 3325 Orchard Lake Rd, Keego Harbor, MI
248-481-8884
WWW.Support Local LESHOPPETOO.COM
Businesses
Let our experienced team
HOURS at Le Shoppe Too & 3325 ORCHARD LAKE RD, KEEGO HARBOR, MI TUES–SAT Noon–5pm | MON closed SUN & evenings by appointment only Changing Hands handle your Estate Sale needs. Your items can 248.481.8884 www.leshoppetoo.com be valued and consigned or auctioned at our store. We offer hands free-hassle free estate sales. Call Leslie Weisberg today for a free consultation
248.709.9648
Free preliminary art appraisals Wednesday’s 12-4 with Terri
TUES–SAT Noon–5pm | MON closed
248-481-8884 WWW.LESHOPPETOO.COM
Let our experienced team HOURS at Le Shoppe Too & TUES–SAT Noon–5pm | MONChanging Hands closed SUN & evenings by appointment onlyhandle your Estate Sale needs. Your items can be valued and consigned or auctioned at our store. We offer hands free-hassle free estate sales.
Call Leslie Weisberg today for a free consultation
248.709.9648
DFAA:DFAA: 248.672.3207
Let our experienced team at Le Shoppe Too & Changing Hands handle your Estate Sale needs. Your items can be valued and consigned or auctioned at our store. We offer hands free-hassle free estate sales. Call Leslie Weisberg today for a free consultation
248.709.9648
changinghandsestates.com
WE ARE OBSERVING ALL STATE COVID-19 GUIDELINES & RESTRICTIONS
NOVEMBER 4 • 2021 | 19
DetroitFAA.com
WE ARE OBSERVING ALL STATE COVID19 GUIDELINES & RESTRICTIONS
Let our experienced team at Le Shoppe Too & Changing Hands handle your Estate Sale needs. Your items can be valued and consigned or auctioned at our store. We offer hands free-hassle free estate sales. Call Leslie Weisberg today for a free consultation
248.709.9648
changinghandsestates.com
WE ARE OBSERVING ALL STATE COVID-19 GUIDELINES & RESTRICTIONS
DetroitFineArtAppraisals@gmail.comLet our experienced team at Le Shoppe Too & Changing
WE ARE OBSERVING ALL STATE COVID19 GUIDELINES & RESTRICTIONS Hands handle your Estate Sale needs. Your items can be valued and consigned or auctioned at our store. We offer hands free-hassle free estate sales. Call Leslie Weisberg today for a free consultation
248.709.9648
changinghandsestates.com
WE ARE OBSERVING ALL STATE COVID-19 GUIDELINES & RESTRICTIONS
DetroitFAA.com DetroitFineArtAppraisals@gmail.comDFAA: 248-672-3207 DetroitFAA.com DetroitFineArtAppraisals@gmail.com Let our experienced team at Le Shoppe Too & Changing Hands handle your Estate Sale needs. 248.672.3207
WE ARE OBSERVING ALL STATE COVID19 GUIDELINES & RESTRICTIONSLet our experienced team at Le Shoppe Too & Changing Hands handle your Estate Sale needs. Your items can be valued and consigned or auctioned at our store. We offer hands free-hassle free estate sales. Call Leslie Weisberg today for a free consultation
248.709.9648
changinghandsestates.com
DetroitFAA.com
DetroitFineArtAppraisals@gmail.com WE ARE OBSERVING ALL STATE COVID19 GUIDELINES & RESTRICTIONS Your items of high value can be: Auctioned • Consigned We offer hands free estate sales Call Leslie Weisberg today for a free consultation: 248.709.9648 changinghandsestates.com
