זה־היום עשה יהוה נגילה ונשמחה בו
Zeh Hayom Asah Adonai Negilah v’Nismichah Bo
“This is the day that God has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it” 
Psalm 118:24
 
It has been a long year away from our sacred space. We have gathered together online and outside, but thanks to recent developments in the fight against Covid, and after many meetings, careful consideration and recommendations from our Covid Task Force Committee, The Board of Trustees of Congregation Shaarei Kodesh is very pleased to announce that we will be returning to in-person Shabbat morning services beginning Saturday morning, April 24. We will continue to simultaneously offer Shabbat services virtually on Zoom, while we have a small group of attendees in the sanctuary each week.
 
How will it work?
  1. Masks will be required to be worn by all attendees through the entire service.
  2. While the rabbi and cantor can't offer handshakes or hugs, there will be plenty of smiles behind their masks.
  3. Seating will be spaced six (6) feet apart between each party. (Families may sit together.)
  4. To accommodate safely distanced seating, reservations will be REQUIRED and capacity will be limited to members only and on a first-reserved basis. Capacity will be determined by our Covid Task Force Committee as they continue to meet, study the numbers, and follow the CDC recommendations.
  5. Hand sanitizer will be available in the lobby, as well as the entrance to the sanctuary.
  6. Congregants must bring their own kippah and tallit; no communal basket will be available.
  7. All available seats will be marked with signs based on reservations. Seats which are not marked are not available.
  8. The synagogue’s doors will open for arrival at 9:15am for the 9:30am service. Please maintain physical distancing when entering and leaving the building and the sanctuary.
  9. Once inside you will be directed to your seat. For the safety of others, we ask that everyone remain in their seats, and not mingle.
  10. At this time, there will be no Kiddush, as eating and drinking require mask removal. 

What is the reservation process?
Reservations must be made the same week that the service is taking place.
The RSVP Link will be in the Kodesh Konnection each Monday.
(If there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony, reservations will be limited to the BM Family's Guest List)
  1. Reservations can be made online by clicking the RSVP link. It is important to RSVP and fill out the reservation form completely for the office to process your reservation. If you need help filling out the form, please call the office at 561-852-6555 and we will be happy to assist you.
  2. Each household wishing to attend services must make their own reservation. Seats will be assigned and no saving or switching seats will be allowed.
  3. Reservations will be first come, first serve, and in the interest of safety will be closed once the number of people that can be safely accommodated has been reached. Once capacity is reached, you may choose to be placed on the waitlist, and we will let you know if a seat opens. Only advanced reservations will be allowed into the building.
  4. All reservations must be received by 5:00pm the Thursday before that week’s service.
  5. If you have a reservation and find yourself unable to attend, please call the office and let us know so we may release your seat to someone else. If you are feeling under the weather in any way, please err on the side of caution, protect your fellow congregants, and stay home.
  6. Please limit your reservation to two services a month out of consideration for others wishing to attend in-person Services.
 
The Talmud teaches us: Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh LaZeh, All of Israel is responsible for one another. Yes, these are more rules than we are used to when it comes to Shabbat services, but our goal is to protect our clergy and our congregants to the best of our ability. We are counting on you, our chaverim, our partners, to follow the rules set forth above so that we can resume in-person services safely, slowly and safely increase our capacity, and continue to open for more in-person services, holidays, and programs!
 
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Shabbat in person services.
 
B’Shalom,
 
Rabbi David Baum
Marty Radnor, President
Nancy Spivack, Executive Vice President
Kim Beame, Congregational Director