Rabbi Blog

Dear QJC Family,

Please click here to fill out a survey regarding the resumption of minyanim at QJC. Before we definitively move forward, we would like to get feedback from our members.

The following information is included on this form, but I want to reiterate it here:

Baruch Hashem, the curve continues to be flattened, and shuls are beginning to resume minyanim.

The purpose of this survey is to gauge potential interest in resuming daily minyanim at QJC. Right now, we are not focusing on Shabbos, just weekdays.

Please complete this survey by 9:00 AM Friday morning, June 5, so that we can know if there is sufficient interest to resume minyan in the coming days.

Please be aware of the following considerations as you fill this out:
- The potential minyan will be limited to only ten men in one gathering and/or building at this time, whether we are indoors or outdoors. 

- Those who choose to attend must commit to coming consistently and on time to help minyan be done efficiently.

- Based on advice from medical professionals, people who are over 65 are strongly discouraged from attending minyanim at this time. However, attending minyan under those circumstances is a personal decision which must be discussed with one's own doctor. 
(As far as I am aware, a number of poskim of significant stature who are above this age will still be davening at home.)

- People with preexisting medical conditions of any sort beyond seasonal allergies must also exercise great caution and should consult with a doctor before signing up to attend minyan.

- Anyone who attends minyan MUST WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIMES covering both the nose and mouth and MUST COMMIT TO REMAINING TEN FEET APART from other individuals during their time in shul. Masks will not be provided, and those who do not follow this guideline will be asked to leave.

 - Anyone who attends must show ZERO symptoms of COVID-19 and must not be EXPOSED to anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 (new loss of sense of smell or taste, cough, fever, chills, malaise,  GI symptoms) for FOURTEEN DAYS.
If you attend and are exposed, show symptoms, or test positive, you must inform Rabbi Kerbel immediately.

- Davening will be as concise as possible. We will explain these details in later communication.

- People may not congregate before or after minyan, and there will be absolutely no kiddushim, tikkun or any shared food.

-We are including a question regarding preference for davening indoors or outdoors. Outdoors may be slightly safer from a COVID perspective, but weather and security considerations may make it preferable to daven inside. We are interesting in hearing your feedback on this.

No one should feel any pressure whatsoever to come to Shul. If someone is feeling uncomfortable, it is perfectly and totally permissible to continue to daven at home. Even if we only have nine men interested, we will simply not have the minyan.

These guidelines are subject to change.

We understand the procedures we must follow at this time are restrictive and uncomfortable; however, the safety and well-being of our community and shul staff is our highest priority and foremost concern. 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Warmly,

Judah Kerbel