Shalom BA Friends!
We have been following the very rapid evolution of the COVID-19 virus situation, and consulting with public health experts at each step. Pikuach Nefesh, the preserving and saving of human life, is our highest Jewish value, and the best advice we have received is that, at this point, aggressive action by all is our best way to protect the lives of the most vulnerable in our Synagogue and the larger community. We are sure that each of our members appreciates that all of the decisions reflected below were made carefully and deliberately. We, of course, will continue to monitor the situation and make modifications as necessary.
Please note the following changes that have been made effective immediately and through March 31:
Services: As of tomorrow, Monday morning, March 16, all AM and PM Minyanim are cancelled. Our Shabbat Morning Service will be livestreamed only on our website and our Facebook Page. We will have key participants and lay leaders present to make the necessary quorum, but request that all others join us via the livestream. We are working on securing PDF copies of our Siddurim and will advise as soon as they become available.
Youth Programming, Committees & Auxiliary Group Meetings: All in-person programs and meetings have been cancelled through March 31. We are encouraging meetings via phone and video conferencing.
Adult Education: All adult education is suspended through March 31. We are currently working on a video conferencing platform for some of our classes and will be in touch soon with more details.
MKLC (Religious School): MKLC is currently on Spring Break and this break will be extended through March 31. Liessa Alperin will be reaching out to MKLC families soon with more information.
LRECC (Early Childhood Center): Our preschool is currently open. Our Director, Anita Kraus, will provide communication to the LRECC with more information as it becomes available.
Staff: Our administrative staff will be in the office until further notice, and will be reachable by phone or email. Our office hours until March 31 will be 9:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday.
Klei Kodesh: As always, our Klei Kodesh are available to talk, support and counsel our BA Family members.
Thank you for your understanding and for embracing these changes which will best protect and support our community at this challenging time.
Below is a powerful prayer by Rabbi Naomi Levy of California. We hope it will bring us all a measure of comfort and consolation during these precarious times.
With blessing for health and a speedy end to this vexing virus,
Jeff SingerPresidentRabbi Carnie Shalom RoseRabbi Bernard Lipnick (Z’L) Senior Rabbinic Chair
Vickie ShuchartDirector of Operations
