Dear Beth Emeth Family and Community,
The religious, administrative, and lay leadership of Beth Emeth has been reviewing best practices and procedures in view of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. We are incredibly fortunate that there are no known cases in our community. Of course, we are aware that we must remain vigilant in order to ensure that this remains the status quo.
The precautionary measures we take as a community to protect ourselves from this outbreak will evolve as we consult with experts and take guidance from government health officials. The purpose of this message is to give you a sense of where things stand now, and how Jewish values frame this matter.
Firstly, all places of gathering have an obligation at this time to slow the spread of this outbreak so that the healthcare system can keep up with increased demand. For us, that means the frequency of our gatherings should be reduced as much as possible. Thus, effective tomorrow, March 13th, most of our in-person events, meetings and programs are cancelled, and will remain cancelled for the foreseeable future. Where possible we will change these events to an online/virtual space, and we will let you know as we are able to do so.
We will still conduct services on weekdays and on Shabbat. We will be moving services to large spaces in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. There will be no kiddushim, seudot, or breakfasts. No youth or childcare programs will be available. As we have stated elsewhere, if you are in a category of “elevated risk,” you should think carefully before deciding to attend. Those who exhibit any symptoms of illness, who have knowingly been in contact with someone with the virus, or who have recently traveled internationally, should please stay home.
In addition, we will be implementing the following changes to our regular procedures:
- As noted above, services will take place in the main sanctuary or in the case of the Hashkama minyan, the Arback Hall. Please leave open spaces between occupied seats (with the exception of your immediate family) in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Service times can found on our homepage
- Please refrain from hand-shaking, kissing, fist-bumps or hugging.
- Additionally, please refrain from kissing prayer books, Torahs, mezzuzzot etc.
- For those who are healthy and able, please continue to attend services. Times are listed, as always, on our homepage
Communal prayer, while important, is not halakhically mandated (OH 90:9). The
Shulhan Arukh rules that a person should make an effort to pray in a minyan, but may pray alone if there are “compelling circumstances.”
Pikuah nefesh, saving a life, is a compelling circumstance. In our tradition it is permitted to refrain from communal prayer to protect oneself from great risk to one’s health.
Furthermore, the
Rema writes:
וכן יזהר מכל דברים המביאים לידי סכנה כי סכנתא חמירא מאיסורא ויש לחוש יותר לספק סכנה מלספק איסור
"Similarly, one should be careful of all things that cause danger, because danger is stricter than transgressions, and one should be more careful with an uncertain danger than with an uncertain transgression." (YD 116:5)
Medical professionals have advised the clergy to take extra personal precautions because of the role they play in the community. At this time, the clergy are avoiding visiting people in the hospital or retirement homes, and at shivas. They are still available by phone or e-mail.
With these measures, we are hoping to seriously curb the impact and the spread of this illness. We deeply appreciate your help and patience as we continue to assess.
Our clergy and staff will be working, as usual, and will be available by phone or email to assist you.
We will keep you updated as this situation evolves and appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping to keep our community healthy.
Wishing good health to all,
Malcolm Weinstein, President
Steven Greenwood, Chairman
Howard Morrison, Senior Rabbi
Candace Vogel, Executive Director
