As many states begin implementing phase-one or phase-two of their reopening plans, Shuls around the United States are beginning to open their doors once again.
Yesterday, Chabad of Coral Springs, FL, led by Rabbi Yossie Denburg and Rabbi Avraham Friedman, issued Shul opening protocols beginning Monday, May 18, the day Florida’s full phase-one opening plan goes into effect.
In a letter addressed to the Coral Springs community, the rabbis began by thanking their congregants for their support and understanding over the past 2 months.
“First and foremost, we want to thank you for your patience, understanding, and most of all, your support as we were forced to close our doors amid these crazy times. We know you understand that our closure was in the best interest of everyone’s health and safety, and that is why we know you will continue that patience and understanding as we reopen under the following very strict guidelines.” they wrote.
In order to keep any spread of germs to a minimum, congregants will have to bring their own siddurim, wash or sanitize their hands, and wear masks.
The complete guidelines are as follows:
Upon entry, everyone MUST wash or sanitize their hands.
Avoid touching anything unnecessarily.
You MUST register for davening times and fill out a short form. Registration information to follow soon. There will be 2 minyanim for Shacharit: 7:30 a.m. & 8:45 a.m. and Mincha at 7:30 p.m. & sundown SHARP! ALL minyanim will start at exactly the specified times in order to avoid unnecessary lingering, even if we don’t have a complete minyan. At this point, weekday minyanim will take place in the courtyard.
Tallis and Tefillin must be donned in your car (or at your home), prior to admittance to the shul.
We will be sending out a separate notice regarding Shabbat and Shavuot holiday procedures.
No children under 13 – no exceptions. Any youngsters (13+) who do attend MUST stay in their seats to daven.
No playing in the courtyard at all.
No adults over 60. We want to stress that while we feel very badly about this particular rule, it nonetheless must still be enforced with your safety as our main concern. Please understand that we would not be able to open at all without enforcing this policy. With Hashem’s help, we hope to change this at the earliest possibility.
Only members of the community can attend. No Visitors
DO NOT ATTEND if you feel remotely unwell (excessive coughing or sniffling) or if you have been exposed to someone who is a possible Covid carrier. Likewise, if you know you have any underlying health issues that put you at greater risk (obesity, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, immunocompromised, respiratory issues and so on), we ask you to stay home.
The chairs have been placed 8’ apart. Only available chairs may be used. There is absolutely no standing in the back (sides) of the shul or courtyard. No-one may roam within the shul or move their chairs.
No lingering in the courtyard or parking lot before or after davening.
ABSOLUTELY NOBODY WILL BE ADMITTED OR REMAIN ON THE PREMISES WITHOUT A MASK.
Everyone MUST bring their own siddurim.
At this juncture, please DO NOT use any shul seforim (prayer books) or any other property
Everyone MUST TAKE ALL PERSONAL PROPERTY HOME after each service. Anything that is left here will be disposed of.
There will be no kissing of the Torah/mezuzot for the foreseeable future.
Torah reading and Aliyot will take place with the required social distancing.
Absolutely NO coming to daven during off hours.
The office will remain closed for unannounced visits. If you need anything from the office, you MUST CALL and you will be accommodated accordingly.
