Minyan Update

Dear WJC Family:

As we closely monitor the news related to the coronavirus pandemic we are heartened to see the number of infections dropping in our area. We continue to pray for the healing and complete recovery of those who are ill, to support the caretakers who may be placing themselves in harm’s way to fight COVID-19, and to comfort those who mourn the people who did not recover.

As Governor Cuomo loosens restrictions on gatherings and a phased opening begins in our area, the medical experts who volunteer on our COVID-19 Task force continue their important work on our behalf to provide guidance on how to keep our community safe.

As eager as we are to be able to convene a minyan in person (quorum of ten Jewish individuals required for public prayer), our overriding concern is the health and safety of our congregants. There are many issues to be addressed including, but not limited to, ways to make sure social distancing practices are observed, what facilities can be used, who should be among the ten individuals participating in the minyan, best practices regarding prayer books, and more. We are working hard in consultation with our COVID-19 Task force to address these issues and will provide further updates on our progress in the near future. Please note that when we are able to implement an in-person minyan, we will continue our Zoom minyan, allowing all of those at home to pray together with the WJC community.We hope you will continue to participate in our online prayer and learning offerings. We appreciate your patience and support as we navigate this rapidly changing environment.

In the meantime, we are here for you if you need us, to help with food (or paper good) needs, for comfort, and for community. Please don’t hesitate to call on us for any of these reasons or just to say hi. We miss you too!

Sending Blessings,
Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz
Seth Schafler, President