COVID Response Team: Statement for High Holidays

Dear Bet Shalom,

We look forward to welcoming everyone over the coming High Holidays. All of our services and programs will be available both in person and virtually.  Registration is not required to attend in person, but it is helpful to us so we know how many to expect for each service. If you have not already done so, you can register here.

As we join together in community over the next couple of weeks, with the rise in COVID cases here in Minnesota, we ask you to remember that we each need to take responsibility in slowing the spread of this virus. We also want to prevent people from getting exposed at the synagogue.

Our COVID Response Team (CRT) recently reaffirmed these principles:

1. It is "OK" to wear a mask if desired. Masks are not currently mandated at Bet Shalom, but they are welcome if anyone chooses to wear one.  

2. We strongly ask people with symptoms of COVID to stay home and to participate in the holidays virtually.

3. We ask people recently exposed to COVID (within the previous week) to stay home and to participate in the holidays virtually.  

The Talmud teaches, Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh, which means all of the members of the community of Israel are responsible for each other. As we celebrate our holiest of days as a community, may we also continue to care for each other as a sacred community of Bet Shalomians.  

We wish everyone a L'Shanah Tovah u-M'tukah, a Happy and Healthy New Year.  

Adam Cohen, President

Sarah Jane Schwarzenberg, Chair of CRT, Board of Trustees

Rabbi Locketz, Senior Rabbi

Amber Brumbaugh, Director of Operations