28 | SEPTEMBER 17 • 2020
P
lanning for the Days of Awe, like
planning for almost everything else
in the first year of the novel coro-
navirus, involves preparing for surprises.
This time, we might have to do things
differently.
The rabbis of several local congrega-
tions spoke with the Jewish News about
how they plan to modify services to com-
ply with the uneven progress of the pan-
demic, or with changed orders from Gov.
Gretchen Whitmer, or with new medical
advice. Conditions — and plans for the
holidays — may change at any moment,
rabbis at each congregation stressed that
these plans are subject to change.
Liberal denominations of Judaism
— Conservative, Reform and
Reconstructionist — have the option
of conducting their services large-
ly over the internet. Rabbi Shalom
Kanter of Congregation B’
nai Moshe,
a Conservative congregation in West
Bloomfield, reports that they plan to have
only 15 people physically present in the
building when the services take place.
The rest of the congregation should
attend safely in their own spaces, linked
by their computer monitors.
But Orthodox synagogues in the
Detroit area do not anticipate using
electronic media to facilitate virtual
attendance on the actual holy days.
Congregations contemplate different
strategies for in-person prayer that meets
state guidelines — which requires con-
gregants to wear masks and stay physi-
cally distant from each other. According
to Whitmer’
s executive orders, however,
places of worship are not subject to pen-
alty for failing to adhere to these rules
when used for worship services.
Some Orthodox synagogues have
already been holding in-person services
this summer, and attendees have told the
Jewish News that these guidelines are not
always followed. In one congregation,
according to a congregant who wishes to
remain anonymous, even during regular
services this summer, a significant cadre
attend without wearing masks and with-
out observing the synagogue’
s announced
rules of physical distancing.
In a handful of other Orthodox con-
gregations in Oak Park, worshippers at
weekday services stand together, not
wearing masks; a photograph of such a
weekday service at one congregation was
published by a worshipper who approves
of ignoring the governor’
s orders. The
rabbi of that congregation did not
respond to requests for information.
Rabbis at other Orthodox synagogues
press forward with new guidelines for
this year’
s Days of Awe. Rabbi Yechiel
Morris explained that at Young Israel
of Southfield, the medical team — sev-
eral physicians among the members —
researched the best recommendations for
worship. The synagogue leadership then
surveyed members to identify their pref-
erences among these recommendations.
The congregation determined to offer
three choices: An early morning service,
somewhat abbreviated, will meet with
seating inside in the social hall and out-
side at the adjacent patio. Next, a second
group will meet for a much-abbreviated
service in the same location. A smaller
group can choose a nearly full-length
service in the sanctuary, but with physical
distancing. All congregants will be asked
to wear masks and observe distancing
of close to 10 feet. When the shofar is
sounded, the bell-end will have a cloth
covering.
In the most painful departure from
tradition, according to Rabbi Morris, he
will ask parents not to bring
children below third grade
to services, but only to hear
the shofar.
Rabbi Morris emphasized
this as “the most important”
advice: “We are in a pan-
demic. Talk to your doctor.
continued on page 30
Days of Awe
and of
Pandemic
Orthodox shuls adapt High Holiday
services in the time of COVID.
LOUIS FINKELMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Rabbi Yechiel
Morris
This year, many
synagogues have
decided not to get
so crowded.
1878 ARTWORK BY MAURYCY GOTTLIEB — FROM JEWISH ART, VIA WIKIPEDIA
Rosh Hashanah 5781