6 | JANUARY 20 • 2022 

1942 - 2022

Covering and Connecting 
Jewish Detroit Every Week

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PURELY COMMENTARY

F

or nearly two years, much of 
our communal dialogue has 
been dominated by the cloud 
of COVID-19. Every one of our 
institutions — synagogues, agencies, 
Federation — has wrestled 
with questions about 
how best to protect our 
community from this 
pandemic. And yes, 
protect means honoring 
the value of pikuach nefesh 
(saving lives) by trying to 
ensure each individual’s 
health and safety … but it also means 
protecting our mental and spiritual 
heath, and preserving our ability to 
lead Jewish lives even under these 
unprecedented circumstances.
It should not be a surprise that while 
we are all on the same “team” fighting 
against COVID, there have been 

variations in our responses. We all want 
the same thing, but there is more than 
one path to get there. In that vein, I 
am proud to let you know about a new 
policy approved by Temple Beth El’s 
Board of Trustees a few weeks ago.
Effective immediately, and on 
a temporary basis, all adults will 
be required to show proof of full 
vaccination to attend Shabbat services 
at Temple Beth El. Grounded on the 
best scientific and medical guidance, 
our Board took this action for three 
primary reasons:
First, it is clear that ensuring 
vaccination is the best way to keep 
people safe. Studies and stories all 
indicate that our Jewish community 
is among the most highly vaccinated 
groups in the country. Still, as we watch 
the rise of Omicron, and as COVID is 
surging to its highest levels, this step 

is intended to create the peak degree 
of safety. And while Shabbat services 
are only one element of all we offer at 
TBE, our Board wanted to make it clear 
that they are not preventing anyone 
from having access to their clergy or to 
Temple in general.
Second, as we all begin to (hopefully) 
emerge from the pandemic, it is vital 
that people feel safe coming back to 
Temple. Although this one is more 
subjective, many people are simply 
more comfortable knowing that 
everyone around them is vaccinated. 
So, this policy is designed to encourage 
more and more people to join us for 
services in-person (even as we, like 
many synagogues, continue to offer a 
high-quality virtual option every week 
at www.tbelive.org). 
Lastly, we emphatically believe that 
being part of the solution is the Jewish 

Rabbi Mark 
Miller

column

New Vaccination Policy 
at Temple Beth El

continued on page 9

