Dear Friends:

During the past 18 trying months, our COVID-19 Task Force has continually met with the primary goal of setting parameters to keep our members, staff and visitors safe. With that continued goal in mind, the Task Force met again, last night, to review the current pandemic situation in Middlesex County and to establish the policies for the coming High Holy Day services.

As a result of the discussions and decisions made during that meeting, Congregation B’nai Tikvah will hold in-person services with streaming options available, as follows:

  • EVERYONE entering our building MUST wear a mask AND MUST SHOW proof of full vaccination
      • There will be NO EXCEPTIONS, including for anyone not eligible for vaccination
      • You must be two weeks past:
        • Your second Pzifer or Moderna or
        • Your single J&J
      • Proof can be:
        • Showing your Docket app on your phone, with the “immunization records” screen open, or your vaccination card to the greeters at the check-in table
        • Uploading your vaccination record to the CBT portal no later than Monday, August 30, 2021, using this link:  https://bnaitikvah.org/vaccine-registration/
        • Bringing your proof to the Office, no later Monday, August 30, 2021
      • Consider bringing your proof with you, in case of a miscommunication
  • Social distancing between pods will be observed; as has been our practice for several months, the curtains to the Social Hall will be open, regardless of how many people attend
  • In recognition of the need to limit the amount of time people are gathered indoors, all services will be limited to two and a half hours or less
    • English readings will be limited
    • High Honors, such as aliyot, Torah and haftorah will be assigned in advance
    • Members in attendance will be invited for other honors
    • Speeches will be time-limited with full written transcripts available on our website
  • We plan to have 60- to 90- minute Torah for Tots and Junior Congregation services outdoors under a tent; further information will be forthcoming
  • Visit our website to see the various streaming options that will be available as we get closer to the Holidays

Thank you to everyone who participated in our August High Holy Days Survey; based on the survey results, we expect upwards of 100 (and, perhaps as many as 200) vaccinated and masked people will attend services at one time or another

Everyone should assess their own risk factors. Speak with your personal physician(s). The medical professionals on our Task Force have agreed to be available to discuss the general issues surrounding COVID-19.

I thank everyone who has and continues to participate in this critical CBT community service:

  • Rabbi Wolkoff
  • Cantor Rockman
  • Gordon Heit, VP, Ritual
  • Neal Gittleman, DDS
  • Steve Levin, MD
  • Howard Waksman, MD
  • Melissa Kessler, Co-VP, School & Youth
  • Charlie Valan, VP, Administration
  • Kevin Krane, Ritual Committee & former VP, Administration
  • Kim Riemann, Webmaster & Board member
  • Ben Gottesman, CBT Streaming
  • Lesley Lewkowicz, CBT Administrator

Marci and I wish all of you, your families and your friends a Sweet, Healthy and Happy New Year (5782).

Marty Abschutz

President, on Behalf of the COVID-19 Task Force