Beth Tikvah to reopen for in-person services

By Steven Chizzik, President, Beth Tikvah

As the newly elected president of Beth Tikvah and chairperson of our Reopening Task Force, it is my great pleasure to announce that Beth Tikvah will reopen its sanctuary to in-person religious services beginning Friday evening, June 4.

Last year, when we closed Beth Tikvah to in-person praying and all social events, we all hoped we would not be dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 virus one year later.

Beth Tikvah, led by our Rabbi, our Past Co-Presidents and our Board, has done a tremendous job of maintaining religious services as well as a multitude of weekly and special events — all virtually. We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to our Rabbi for keeping us “together” this past year.

Our Reopening Task Force has met regularly during this pandemic to monitor and discuss all CDC and community guidance on the current status of this communicable disease, always keeping in mind the Jewish principle of Pikuach Nefesh, valuing and preserving life for our community.

As we announce our reopening plan, we will, of course, continue our streaming and Zooming. These have become so popular and incredibly well attended by congregants and friends all over the world. We will also continue our online portals for all programming and educational events.

Barring any sudden change in the trajectory of the virus, we will adhere to the following reopening protocols:

1. In-person attendance will be limited to 30 people.

2. All members wishing to attend in person will be asked to sign up in advance for each service. A website for the signup will be announced prior to the first service.

3. All attendees above 18 years of age will be required to send the synagogue proof of having been vaccinated against COVID- 19. The synagogue will keep these on file, so you will only have to send it in once. 4. Social distancing will be maintained. 5. All attendees over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask. The person leading the service will wear a face shield.

In the interim, Beth Tikvah will undergo a facelift, with new carpeting, some fresh paint and colorful flowers. The building will be ready to have us there!

Our in-person incredible kiddushim will have to wait a little longer to resume. I am hopeful we will get back to that in the foreseeable future, perhaps albeit, in a different format.

Through the summer months, programing continues at Beth Tikvah, both in person and through Zoom. Further additions to our programing will be announced as they are scheduled. We suggest you refer to our website for the most recent information throughout the summer months.

Beth Tikvah is the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) affiliated congregation in Greater Naples. We are grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples (JFGN) for support of our Scholar in Residence, Naples Jewish Film Festival and All Things Jewish programs. All Beth Tikvah events are open to the Greater Naples community. Go to our website at www.bethtikvahnaples.org for all reservations.

Beth Tikvah happenings on Zoom in June 2021

Saturday, June 5 at 8 p.m. – Havdalah service in the park Sunday, June 13 at 11 a.m. – Rosh Chodesh Women’s Study Thursday, June 17 at 7 p.m. – Movie and Discussion

Religious services streaming schedule

Thursday and Sunday morning services begin at 9 a.m. Friday services begin at 6:15 p.m. Saturday services begin at 9:30 a.m. We convene Yahrzeit minyanim upon request.

You may reach Rabbi Chorny directly at 239-537-5257.