S

haina Shevin Warshay 
moved from the Detroit 
suburbs to Israel. She 
reports that the shul she goes to 
regularly has outdoor services. 
“Over a certain number of peo-
ple, and we are required to mask,
” 
she adds.
In subtropical Israel, even in 
the cool rainy season, people can 
usually stay outside long enough 
for services; many synagogues 
have an outdoor service, a “street 
minyan.
” 
Warshay adds: “The other shul 
we had been frequenting is still 
having indoor services. Masks 
are nominally required. We have 
not been going lately because it 
would require getting the kids 
tested each week so they could 
come inside.
” 
Michigan has real winters. 
Synagogues in Michigan have 
generally had to decide what 
rules to set for indoor services. 
Dr. Leonard Pollack — a pedi-
atrician who attends the Young 
Israel of Oak Park — reports that 
it has a reopening committee, 
which he chairs. “We regularly 
review recommendations from 
both medical and rabbinic sourc-
es and modify the policy based 
on the situation existing at the 
time.
”
So, subject to change, Young 
Israel of Oak Park has the follow-
ing policy: “Masks are mandatory 
for those (including children) 
who have not had at least one 
dose of the J&J vaccine or two 
doses of the Moderna or Pfizer 
vaccine with the last dose being 
at least two weeks ago. Masks are 
highly encouraged for everyone 
who is fully vaccinated at all 
times except for when eating. In 
addition, all services provide a 
section for those who prefer to be 
in a mask-only, socially distanced 
section. In addition, anyone with 
symptoms or a significant expo-
sure is instructed not to attend 
services, even if fully masked 
and immunized. Every morning 
(weekdays, Shabbat and Yom 
Tov) we have two minyanim in 

order to allow for less crowding. 
The larger minyan meets in the 
main sanctuary which allows for 
greater distancing.
”
Dr. Pollack says, “Our minya-
nim have been averaging at least 
80% masked since we instituted 
the present policy. A survey of 
our regular attendees showed that 
of the people over age 16, approx-
imately 90% are immunized.
”

MASKS AND VACCINES
Rabbi Aaron Bergman reports 
that, at Adat Shalom Synagogue 
in Farmington Hills, “We require 
masks for everyone in the build-
ing. We strongly recommend vac-
cines but have not yet decided on 
proof of vaccination. We are large 
enough so people can distance 
appropriately. We are also still 
Zooming services as an option.
”
At the Congregation for 
Humanistic Judaism in 
Farmington Hills, Rabbi Jeffrey 
Falick says, “Our rules for in-per-
son programs, which include our 
Sunday school, Friday night ser-
vices and at least one upcoming 
class, are that everyone eligible 
must be ‘fully’ vaccinated and 
wear masks in public areas. We 
also have air filters and reduced 
capacities in all program areas.
”
For further information, Rabbi 
Falick recommends checking the 
website, which lists COVID safe-
ty measures, including: “Guests 
who are not members may be 
asked to show proof of vacci-
nation. Masks are required for 
everyone in public areas.
”
However, according to the 
website, “
At congregational events 
where a meal is served, when 
seated at a table participants may 
eat and drink without masks.
”
The congregation allows for 
special advance arrangements 
at some events for those who 
cannot be vaccinated for medical 
reasons. The congregation also 
“will place ventilation units (with 
HEPA filters) in all occupied pro-
gram areas.
”
Rabbi Matthew Zerwekh says 
Temple Emanu-El in Oak Park is 

During the pandemic, synagogues 
adjust policies for masks, vaccines 
and distancing. 

A New 
Normal

LOUIS FINKELMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

18 | NOVEMBER 4 • 2021 

OUR COMMUNITY

TOP: The bimah 
at Congregation 
Shaarey Zedek. 
MIDDLE: Stained 
glass at Temple 
Emanu-El. 
BOTTOM: Shiffman 
Chapel at Adat 
Shalom Synagogue.

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TEMPLE EMANU-EL
ADAT SHALOM

