High Holy Days COVID-19 Policy Update
Dear Friends,

Over the summer, we were all optimistic that the worst of the pandemic was behind us. As a congregation, we began lifting restrictions, including planning for “normal” High Holy Day services. As we find ourselves as a hotspot of the new Delta variant, we want to make sure that we protect our congregants, our staff, and the wider community.

We know that many of you are hesitant to join us in person, and we understand entirely. We don’t want anyone to feel compelled to join us physically, and we have made a significant investment in our streaming services to ensure that the quality of the stream meets what you have come to expect after last year. We hope that as many of our congregants as possible, especially those most at risk of serious illness, will take advantage of our streaming and public access tv options.

We also know that others, after contemplating your own personal risk, will still want to join us in person. We can’t wait to see you, and we are committed to making our sanctuary as safe as possible for you. We hope you understand this is our best attempt to balance the needs of a large, diverse congregation during a very difficult time.

Our Covid Task Force has made the following recommendations that were approved last night by our Board of Directors:

  • Entry into the building during the High Holy Days will be restricted to fully vaccinated, masked individuals.

  • While we are not allowed by Florida law to ask for vaccination proof, we trust our congregants to be honest on these High Holy Days.

  • Unfortunately, this also means that no children under twelve will be permitted in our main sanctuary services. We know how important it is for families to celebrate the High Holy Days together. We hope families with unvaccinated children will use our streaming services and outdoor family services for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

  • Masks, fully covering the mouth and nose, will be required for the entire time you are inside the building.

  • Attendance will be limited at each service to allow for some distance between seats.

  • This limited capacity means you may not get your requested service time. Ticket distribution will be delayed this year as we ensure we remain at an acceptable capacity.

  • Tents will be erected on our side yard for family/tot services, where masks will also be required (and cool, comfortable clothes will be encouraged).

  • We will show our main sanctuary services outside for anyone who prefers that option.

To assist with ticket distribution, we are sending an email survey asking families who have requested High Holy Day tickets if they still plan to use them. If you receive the survey, please let us know if your plans have changed so we can adjust our seating accordingly. You can also contact the temple office at office@zedek.org or (813) 876-2377 if you no longer intend to use your tickets or if you have any other questions.

The complete High Holy Day schedule can be found at www.zedek.org/HHD, including streaming details for each service and program.

Again, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work diligently to provide everyone a safe and engaging environment. The most important thing is that we look forward to welcoming the New Year of 5782 with you all in the most meaningful and safest way possible.

Shanah Tovah u’Varia - Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year,
Scott Shimberg
President
Rabbi Joel Simon
Senior Rabbi
Congregation Schaarai Zedek | Website