Welcome Home – Beth El Reopens

We have greatly missed gathering with each of you in person this past year! Beth El’s staff and lay leadership are gearing up to reopen the building and we could not be more excited about this process.

Based on your input to the congregational survey, it is clear that many want flexible options for gathering as a community.  Here is what you can expect as we return to Beth El:

Flexibility

Initially, there will be 3 options to connect as a community for services:

• • • Shabbat morning services in the Spiegel sanctuary (Beginning July 3)
    • Outdoors for Friday night services in July (Beginning July 9)
    • In the CyberShul via Zoom for all services.

Physical Distance

The Spiegel sanctuary is a large space and we encourage physical distance.  Initially, we will have seating available in every other row.  We will also have the back wall open to the Kiddush Hall to allow for further distancing for those who would prefer to have additional room to spread out.

Masks

We strongly encourage everyone in our Beth El community to get vaccinated.  Anyone who is not vaccinated will be required to wear a mask.  Anyone who would like to wear a mask is, of course, welcome to do so.

Hand Sanitizer

You will notice sanitizing stations at various locations in the Ring Lobby. Please wash or sanitize your hands before entering the sanctuary. 

Kiddush Lunch

Initially, we will provide treats outside following services. We plan to return to kiddush lunches indoors at the end of July.

The Beth El COVID Team regularly reviews our protocols based on changing conditions and the latest recommendations from the CDC and MDH.  We are committed to transparent communication as we partner together to bring our Beth El community back home!

Please see below for additional FAQ information on the Beth El reopen process!
We welcome your questions and encourage you to email them to BethElReopens@bethelsynagogue.org

Thank you for ensuring Beth El has remained open over the past 15 months, even while much of our connection has been virtual.  We can’t wait to see everyone soon! 

Beth El Reopens – FAQs

Will there be childcare available on Shabbat mornings during services?

• Yes! There will be childcare available for children ages 2 years – 4^th
  • • All staff and children must be masked indoors at all times. Masks also required for parents when dropping off and picking up from the classroom.
    • Staff and children will be outside on the playground as much as possible. Children may remove their masks when outdoors.
    • Snacks will be served outside.
• All children must be with their parents OR in childcare while at Beth El. Children may not gather unsupervised around the building.

Will Beth El require proof of vaccination for those entering the building?

• No, rather we will remind people of our policy as they enter. We strongly encourage everyone in our Beth El community to get vaccinated. Anyone who is not vaccinated, including those who are not yet eligible, will be required to wear a mask.  If you need assistance in getting vaccinated, please let us know and we can help!

Is there a limit to the number of people who can attend on Shabbat?

• We look forward to welcoming everyone home with no limit on capacity!

Is daily minyan going to gather in person?

• Yes! Beginning Saturday, July 10, all Torah reading services (Shabbat minchah, and Monday/Thursday Shacharit) will gather in person in the Fiterman Chapel with the option to participate virtually via the CyberShul.
• Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday morning services as well as all minchah services will gather exclusively in the CyberShul.

Is the Beth El Staff returning to the building?

• Yes! The Beth El staff will return to the building for regular office hours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm the week of July 5^th.
• You will still have the option to schedule appointments with our clergy and staff virtually if you prefer.

Are there additional options for getting back to Beth El if I am not yet ready to gather in a large group?

• Yes! Clergy welcome in person meetings and one on one learning opportunities – these can be scheduled in the building beginning July 6.