Shalom all,

There is something simultaneously awe-inspiring and humbling to rise before the sifrei Torah (our Torah scrolls) on the holiest day of the year. For the past several years, at the end of the Yom Kippur Shacharit (morning) service, we’ve invited everyone to the bimah, to face the open ark. Perhaps you offered a private prayer or a quiet thanks; maybe it was a request for strength or wisdom or health in the coming year; for some, it may have been prayers for forgiveness or hope, integrity or love. Perhaps you just needed a moment of solitude standing before the Torah. There isn’t a right or wrong; it was an opportunity to face the ark on our most awesome and humbling day.
 
This year, while we are not able to gather as we have in years past, our community will have the opportunity to face the ark on Monday, September 21, at 4457 Third Ave S, Minneapolis 55419, beginning at 10 a.m. This property is across the street from, and owned by, St. Joan of Arc.
In order to do so safely, the following criteria must be adhered to:

  1. RSVP is required - We have a certain number of slots allocated but may open up additional spots as these become filled.
  2. Everyone participating must comply with our in-person guidelines, including wearing a mask covering nose and mouth at all times.
  3. To accommodate all who want to participate, viewing time will be limited to 5 minutes to allow for ample time to exit and have the next household come through.
  4. Please wait in your vehicle until your scheduled time. There will be a greeter and signage directing you where to go.
  5. Parking is available on-street and at the SJA parking lot across the street. Handicapped parking is available in the driveway.
  6. No food or drink will be allowed.
  7. We ask that, to the extent possible, members of the same household sign up together for a single time slot.

As stated in the guidelines, do not attend in person if you are feeling unwell, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been in contact within the past 14 days with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19.

Shanah Tovah U’m’tukah~A Sweet & Joyous New Year,

Rabbi Michael Adam Latz, Rabbi Arielle Lekach-Rosenberg, and Rabbi Debra Rappaport