34 | SEPTEMBER 2 • 2021 

S

ynagogues locally and 
across the country, 
are challenged as they 
plan High Holiday services 
this year — normally a time 
when family and friends, 
clergy and congregants pray 
and socialize together.
Until the recent spread of 
the more contagious Delta 
COVID variant, caseloads 
had declined considerably 
due to vaccination. However, 
the new variant is causing 
growing concern, even 
though the resulting illness 
is usually less severe among 
vaccinated individuals.
“This is definitely a 
challenging time to get 
together for any reason,” says 
Robert A. Rich, executive 
director at Congregation 
Shaarey Zedek in Southfield.
The Michigan Board of 
Rabbis has been discussing 
“best practices,” according 
to current Board President 

Daniel A. Schwartz of 
Temple Shir Shalom in 
West Bloomfield. He says 
that most local synagogues 
have task forces to 
establish protocols for their 
congregations. Often these 
groups include physicians 
who are synagogue members. 
Executive directors of 
about 14 local congregations, 
who meet regularly, also have 
devoted attention to keeping 
High Holiday services safe, 
says Alan Yost, executive 
director of Adat Shalom 
Synagogue in Farmington 
Hills. “Our foremost priority 
is the health and welfare of 
members,” Yost says.
Congregations have sought 
input from their members, 
including surveys about their 
preferences for the High 
Holidays. At Temple Emanu-
El in Oak Park, “There was 
a great response including 
a number of folks who are 

being very cautious,” says 
Michael Patterson, interim 
executive director.
Congregation Beth Shalom 
in Oak Park found that 
three-quarters of members 
wanted in-person services, 
based on a survey, says Rabbi 
Robert Gamer. 
So, most temples and 
synagogues are being 
cautious as well as creative 
— trying to maintain High 
Holiday traditions while 
keeping congregants safe as 
the situation evolves. 
To reduce the risk 
of transmission, many 
congregations are requiring 
masks, especially indoors 
and for the unvaccinated; 
limiting indoor services 
to adults and teens; and 
conducting family services 
outside. Some congregations 
are limiting indoor services 
to those who are vaccinated, 
although verification of 

vaccination is not required. 

CHOICE OF SEATING
Congregation Beth Ahm 
in West Bloomfield will 
open the wall between the 
sanctuary and the social hall 
and offer two seating options 
— one in the sanctuary 
with regular seating and the 
other in the social hall where 
participants will be socially 
distanced. Masks will be 
required in both areas.
At Shaarey Zedek, 
ventilation has been 
enhanced in the main 
sanctuary and the social halls 
have been opened up. The 
number of individuals on 
the bimah will be limited, 
according to Rich. 
Children under the 
age of 13 are not eligible 
currently for vaccination, 
which is one reason for 
special precautions. Outdoor 
services are being held in 

ROSH HASHANAH

Synagogues respond to COVID variant 
Synagogues respond to COVID variant 
 with options for congregants.
 with options for congregants.

Holiday Services: 
 Indoors, Outside 
 and Virtual

continued on page 36

SHARI S. COHEN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Temple Beth El uses 
a tent/pavilion for 
some events.

TEMPLE BETH EL

