HIGH HOLY DAYS 5782/2021 FAQs
The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been compiled to provide the TBE community with information on attending this year’s High Holy Days services. We will continue to update this document as we communicate more specifics over the coming weeks. Note that masking and social distancing protocols specified in this document may change based on changing external conditions. Please look for and carefully read all announcements pertaining to the High Holy Days going forward, and direct any questions you may have to Steve Lander at (203) 322-6901, x304, or execdir@tbe.org.
Does Temple Beth El plan to hold live, in-person services for the High Holy Days this year?
Yes. In-person services for the High Holy Days will be held in the main sanctuary/social hall and age-related family services will be held outdoors under a tent.
Will you livestream services for the High Holy Days this year?
Yes. All services held in the sanctuary/social hall will be livestreamed and accessible via the TBE website. There will be no services held on Zoom.
IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE IN THE SANCTUARY/SOCIAL HALL
Who can attend in-person services in the sanctuary/social hall?
Only members in good standing and eligible children in the member’s household[1] who are fully vaccinated (i.e., have taken the last required dose of the Pfizer, Moderna or J&J vaccine no less than two weeks prior to their in-person attendance) will be allowed in the sanctuary/social hall.
Will I be required to show proof of vaccination?
Yes. Tickets to attend services in the sanctuary/social hall will be issued only to individuals that submit a valid vaccination card. This includes children ages 12 and older. In addition, ticketholders will need to show proof of identity upon entering the building to ensure tickets are not shared or given to others. Click here for instructions for submitting proof of vaccination.
What about my kids who are not fully vaccinated? Can they be in the sanctuary/social hall?
Due to health concerns, we are not allowing anyone who is not fully vaccinated into the main lobby or sanctuary/social hall.
Will everyone in the sanctuary/social hall be required to wear masks or socially distance?
Masks will be required for all persons attending services in the sanctuary. Based on feedback we’ve received, we believe enough room will be available for families to “self-space” based on their level of comfort. In addition, for everyone’s safety, we are requiring that congregants sing at no higher a level than if they were talking.
Will I be able to sit in the pew seats that I purchased?
We expect most congregants who have purchased pews will be able to sit in their pews or very close by. However, if you do not plan to use any of your pew seats this year, please let the TBE office know as early as possible so we can offer them to others. We will also continue to provide reserved seating (as well as parking) for those in TBE’s Leadership Circle. As we’ve done in the past, pews and reserved seating will be released if unoccupied by 11 a.m.
FAMILY SERVICES
What types of family services will TBE hold?
Please click here for information concerning family services for this year.
Will I need a ticket to attend a family service?
Yes. You will need to submit a form to request tickets; however, proof of vaccination will not be required. Tickets will be checked prior to entering the tent.
Are there masking and social distancing requirements to attend family services in the tent?
Masks will be required for all individuals, ages two years and older, who attend family services. In addition, social distancing of at least three feet must be maintained between family units or “pandemic pods.” Seating will be unassigned.
Can I leave my child(ren) alone at a family service while I worship in the main sanctuary?
Adult supervision requirements will be part of the family services information communicated to the congregation.
LIVESTREAM
Do I need to register to attend services for the High Holy Days via livestream?
No. Each TBE member household in good standing will receive a letter that contains a unique link, which will allow them access to the livestream via the synagogue’s website. The letter will also contain all in-person sanctuary, tent and guest tickets requested by the household.
Can I borrow Machzors from the synagogue for use by my family?
Yes. Please stop by the synagogue during office hours. We will record your name and the number of books taken. Machzors should be returned as soon as possible after the High Holy Days end.
MISCELLANEOUS
Can I order guest tickets for the High Holy days?
Yes. Guest tickets for in-person sanctuary, tent and livestream services can be requested for family members and friends based on pre-COVID guidelines and prices. Look for a letter in your mailbox with a guest ticket order form in early August.
What are you doing about buses and bathrooms?
You must wear a mask when riding the bus to and from the synagogue and offsite parking. Windows on the bus will be opened to allow for ventilation. Upon entering the grounds, the bus will stop both at the main entrance and the tent.
Bathrooms located on the sanctuary floor are for the exclusive use of fully vaccinated congregants and guests. Bathrooms located on the upper floor are for the use of congregants and guests attending family services.
There will be no congregating in the main lobby area.
Will you open the sanctuary to the community for worship on the second day of Rosh Hashanah? What about the Yizkor service on the afternoon of Yom Kippur?
Yes. Members of the community, if they have not done so in the past, can request a special ticket to attend services in the sanctuary/social hall or the tent on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. Proof of vaccination must be submitted for sanctuary access along with the request.
There will also be a separate Yizkor service held early afternoon on Yom Kippur in the tent for those in the community who wish to attend. No prior registration will be required.
Will you hold a break-the-fast?
Yes. Food will be individually wrapped, and seating will be available at the rear of the social hall for those who feel comfortable breaking the fast with other fully vaccinated congregants.
What will happen in the event of another outbreak or threat of a new variant?
The safety of our congregants is our top priority. We have been and will continue to work with our Reopening Task Force and medical advisors, as well as following the guidance put forth by the CDC, state, and local health authorities. Should there be any change that makes it less safe to be together under the protocols stated above, we will adjust our plans accordingly and communicate them to you.
[1] “Member’s household” means (i) the Member, (ii) children of the Member who have not yet reached their 25th birthday, who reside with the Member and are not paying membership dues, and (iii) children of the Member who have not yet reached their 25th birthday and who reside with a former spouse or party to a civil union who are not paying membership dues.