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

