From Chair of the Synagogue
I would like to update you on our discussions and plans as the country progresses through the government’s roadmap for the easing of restrictions due to Covid 19.
Of fundamental importance is that synagogues comply with government guidance as it evolves. You can find links to both the Government and Reform Judaism guidance at the end of this message. The key roadmap dates coming up are no earlier than 17 May and no earlier than 21 June, but there is very little mentioned about how this will affect religious services and certainly no detail.
Therefore in coming up with our plans we are working on the law and guidelines as they currently are and we will review them as this changes in the coming weeks and months.
In all of this, our prime concern is for the health, safety and comfort of our membership. We don’t want anyone to feel compelled to come to services at the Synagogue if they feel at all concerned or unsafe. All of our services that are scheduled to take place in the synagogue will still be available on zoom. This will present technical and logistical challenges; however, we are not starting from scratch as we successfully streamed our High Holyday services from the synagogue (albeit there was no congregation).
We are very excited to begin the journey back to holding our regular services at the synagogue and this is what we are planning (subject to change)
All other services, meetings, and events remain on Zoom unless otherwise notified
In accordance with current guidelines services will not be the same as you knew them prior to lockdown. I would like to stress that this could change and very likely will by the time we get to July
· Social Distancing - We will need to restrict the capacity of the synagogue creating space between each family group. Because of this, we will use a booking system. Details are at the end of this message. I sincerely hope this is a very temporary measure. If you want to come to a service but are unable or unwilling to use an online booking system, please contact us directly and we will make the booking on your behalf.
· Face masks will need to be worn unless you are exempt or you are speaking from the bimah
· Kiddush – No indoor catering is allowed at the moment (so no Kiddush)
· Singing is a major part of the synagogue experience. Unfortunately, it is also an activity that can carry 20 times the number of airborne particles through which the virus can be transmitted than speaking at a normal level. The guidance is clear that communal singing cannot take place, even with social distancing and the use of face coverings.
· Cheder will not be operating at these services. Separate information regarding options
for a Cheder restart will be sent to parents in due course.
If you have any questions or concerns please get in touch with me or any of the synagogue officers. All the contact details are in our May Newsletter
To book a place at the first service on 29th May follow this link - See a booking link in our May Newsletter.
Reform Judaism Guidance on Reopening of Synagogues click here
Government Guidance https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
