Dec. 22, 2021
18 Tevet 5782
Dear Emanuel Family,
I am writing to you once again in the spirit of transparency to explain a decision made by our clergy, professional staff and lay leadership with respect to Covid and, in response, to the Omicron variant. Last night, the Emanuel Synagogue Board of Trustees voted overwhelmingly to approve a pause in our religious services effective today, Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at 5:30 pm. Zoom and Livestream (assuming clergy in the Sanctuary on Shabbat) will be available, as usual.
The genesis of this decision was a recommendation by members of our Medical Subcommittee of the Task Force. Our expert in infectious diseases suggested we avoid large gatherings until such time as we have more data on this variant and how it is affecting our community. ICUs have been overwhelmed and positive test results are higher in some places than at any time during the pandemic. It was for this reason we paused food and drink service several days ago. Our experts tell us we will have a much better idea of the severity of the illness caused by the variant in about two weeks. We will continue to monitor all available information and keep you informed.
Some may argue our response is too cautious and we don’t need to take weekday services online because of the small numbers of attendees. A few weeks ago we had 40 attendees several days in a row for shiva minyanim. Please be mindful this is not only about each of us as individual congregants. We have an obligation to keep our clergy and staff safe as well, so we will also pause weekday services. It is our hope that after a few short weeks we will have the information to make informed decisions going forward including allowing us to resume services.
Please keep in mind what we are doing but also what we are not doing. We are not closing our building and we are not closing our Religious School. School breaks for the end of the semester this afternoon and for the next two weeks. We will pay close attention to the West Hartford Public Schools' guidance and follow our doctors’ advice concerning best practices.
No one should be concerned if their family has an upcoming simcha. The next simcha is two months away. Hopefully, we will learn what additional steps, if any, we need to take to stay safe and be back in person long before then. In the meantime, please understand we have a responsibility to all our congregants and guests (young, old, in between) as well as clergy and staff.
We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you in person soon. Have a safe and healthy secular New Year.
Ken Simon,
President, Emanuel Synagogue Board of Trustees
