Sign In Forgot Password

Plans for the High Holidays

We are writing to share important and good news about the congregation’s plans for the upcoming High Holidays. 
 
A year ago, we wrote to you about the difficult decision to conduct High Holiday services virtually.  This was a disappointing but necessary decision given the public health situation at the time.  As conditions have improved and the congregation transitions back to its normal activity, plans are being made to celebrate the High Holidays in-person.
 
September will still be a time of transition at synagogue and in the broader community.  The goal for the High Holidays is to celebrate them in a way that is sensible, consistent with public health standards, and respectful of the different levels of comfort that exist within the synagogue family.
 
Below are highlights from the High Holiday plan.  You will receive more detailed information in future communications.
 
Remote participation: Livestream will be available this year for anyone not comfortable attending in-person.  Arrangements can be made to borrow machzorim (prayer books) to participate from home.
 
In-person participation: There will be regular seating in the sanctuary, just as in past years.  The social hall will be set up with socially distant seating and there will be a designated face mask required section.  All seating will be on a first come basis with the exception of the few seats that are normally reserved during the High Holidays.  The congregation's practices related to face masks are based on the prevailing standards from the State of Michigan.  You are invited to wear a mask based on your own comfort level.
 
Family service and children’s activities:  A family themed service will be held at a separate time when there are less people on-campus and an environment unique for families and children can be created.  Services will be outside – weather permitting.  There will be no children’s activities (in the lower level classrooms) in the morning.
 
Guests: With advance ticket purchase or reciprocity, guests (relatives of members and from the general community) will be welcomed.
 
We hope that you share our excitement for the upcoming Holidays.  If there is anything the congregation can do to help you and your family, please let us know.
 
הִנֵּה מַה טוֹב וּמַה נָּעִים שֶׁבֶת אָחִים גַּם יַחַד
Hinei mah tov u-ma nayim, shevet achim gam yachad.
Behold how good and pleasant it is for people to be together. (Psalm 133)
 
                                                              
Marc Soble - President                   
Rabbi Steven Rubenstein             
David Goodman – Executive Director
Fri, April 19 2024 11 Nisan 5784