Dear Congregants,

After very careful consideration and in accordance with the CDC guidelines, our Executive Committee, with the consultation of our clergy, has decided that starting this evening, Monday, March 16, all services will be live streamed ONLY. You can join the stream by clicking on the link “Watch our Services” on the front page of www.bnaitikvah.org. Our building will be closed to the public until further notice. We will update you as things change, which occur almost minute-by-minute.

Rabbi Wolkoff, Cantor Rockman or a designated individual will lead our virtual weekday and Shabbat services from our main sanctuary at our regularly scheduled times.

  • Evening Minyan-7:30PM
  • Sunday Morning-9:00AM
  • Thursday Morning-7:30AM
  • Friday-Kabbalat Shabbat -8:00 PM
  • Shabbat Morning-9:30 AM

While we are unable to recite the Mourners Kaddish without a minyan present, additional prayers and psalms of comfort and healing will be added to the service in its place.

Rabbi Wolkoff’s adult education class and his other inspirational messages will be made available through our website www.bnaitikvah.org. Stay “tuned” for further information on this. Our religious schoolteachers enthusiastically are developing online lessons for every student; our “Passover Experience” will be made available to the congregation through a variety of digital platforms.

Unfortunately, all lifecycle events are being impacted by this emergency.  In the case of a death in our congregational family, you should contact the synagogue and Rabbi Wolkoff directly before making any arrangements. Rabbi Wolkoff will assist you with this process, his cell number is 732-570-7634. B’nai Mitzvah dates that occur with this ongoing pandemic emergency likely will be changed in consultation with the affected families.  B’nai Mitzvah lessons have been arranged directly with families.

While business at CBT will continue in some ways during the emergency, staff members will all be working a split schedule between the office and our homes; we will attempt to maintain a normal routine at CBT. Please call Lynne or Meryl in the synagogue office with any concerns or questions at 732-297-0696 or email , especially related to purchasing scrip. Voice message will be acknowledged in a timely manner.

We hope this prayer by our Ritual Chairperson, Gordon Heit is comforting.

 God, please help cure those who have been afflicted with the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  May their recovery be swift and complete.  Please protect our health workers that are on the front lines of the global pandemic risking their lives to alleviate suffering and combating the spread of this disease. Please help us transition seamlessly during these rapidly changing times.  God, please heal us, so that we may once again fill our sanctuary joyously praising your greatness.

B’shalom,

Cantor Bruce Rockman                                              President Marty Abschutz