A Tough Decision Local temples and synagogues make major changes to reduce coronavirus spread. SHARI S. COHEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jews in the D D etroit-area temples and synagogues, which had already instituted enhanced sanitation and other practices to offset transmission of the coronavirus, quickly ratcheted up their response on Thursday and Friday, March 12-13. This followed Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’ s announcement that all K-12 schools in Michigan would be closed at least through April 11. On Thursday, March 12, members of the Michigan Board of Rabbis, which includes local Reform and Conservative congregations, held a Zoom online meeting with represen- tatives of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, Jewish funeral home directors, as well as other local rabbis. Since then, the state ordered that most gath- erings of 250 people or more should be canceled. Exceptions include manufacturing, grocery stores, public transportation, etc. According to Rabbi Aaron Bergman of Congregation Adat Shalom, who is president of the Michigan Board of Rabbis, the meeting began with a medical update from Adam Rosh, M.D., an emergency physician. “He was enunciating what we were all thinking — that if we don’ t take it seriously, it’ s going to get exponentially worse. If we ignore it, it will overwhelm the [medical] system. We would rather explain why we were too cautious, ” Rabbi Bergman explained. Based on Dr. Rosh’ advice, it was agreed that religious services, classes, meetings and other in-person congregational events should be canceled at least for several weeks. Temples and synagogues quickly notified members about the cancella- tions, suggesting alternate meth- ods of observance and commu- nication. Notifications stressed the potential need for changes in a rapidly evolving situation. “Congregations are under- standing but tough. No one is saying ‘ I can’ t believe you’ re doing this, ’ ” Rabbi Bergman said. Congregation B’ nai Moshe in West Bloomfield is cancel- ing services and other activ- ities for at least two weeks. Congregation Adat Shalom plans to resume services on April 16. Congregation Shaarey Zedek expects to resume services during the weekend of April 17. Temple Beth El will forego in-person services through April 19. Specific policies regarding services, other events and avail- ability of clergy and other staff have been communicated via email to members and are typi- cally available on congregational websites. Some congregations are able to live-stream services and educational programs. A member of Congregation Shaarey Zedek arranged a Kaddish service via Zoom. Several websites offer guidance on how to handle the require- ments of a minyan and other ritual traditions in a virtual service. According to Rabbi Mark Miller, Temple Beth El’ s senior rabbi, a beautiful bat mitzvah was held on Saturday with immediate family members present and a live-streamed version offered to other relatives and friends. “We are giving families a choice of whether to postpone their events or hold them in person but on a small scale, ” he added. However, live-streaming on Shabbat or holidays isn’ t permit- ted in Orthodox synagogues. “We are continuing services with many precautions of clean- liness, hygiene and safety, ” said Rabbi Schneur Silberberg, out- reach director of Bais Chabad Torah Center. Shabbos Kiddush and children’ s programs have been canceled. “We are keeping our minya- nim but following government guidelines for smaller gather- ings. Attendance at services has been significantly less the last few weeks. People with weaker systems should perhaps stay home, ” he added. Rabbi Silberberg spoke on Friday with a rabbi who has served in China throughout the coronavirus epidemic there. “He cautioned against panic and urged that practical measures be followed. It was reassuring to speak with someone who has gone through this, ” Rabbi Silberberg said. Rabbi Yechiel Morris of Young Israel of Southfield notified congregants by email on Friday that the synagogue had suspended all minyanim, shiurim and programs until fur- ther notice. “In addition, due to current health concerns, private minyanim, shiurim and get-to- gethers should not be held at individual homes, ” he wrote. Bergman said, “It is most important to help our congre- gations. Each congregation is dealing with questions and how to connect. ” He said the Conservative movement had scheduled a conference call for March 17 for synagogue profes- sionals to help them maintain congregational connections and self-care during the current situation. As of press time on March 16, 53 people in Michigan had tested positive for coronavirus in Michigan. 14 | MARCH 19 • 2020 The empty sanctuary at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Township TEMPLE BETH EL FACEBOOK 000_DJN031920_JD Synagogue Closings March 19.indd 14 000_DJN031920_JD Synagogue Closings March 19.indd 14 3/16/20 2:10 PM 3/16/20 2:10 PM