Local Synagogues Prepare For High Holiday Services Under Covid

For local Jews, the New Year is upon us. For the second year in a row, local temples and synagogues are preparing for High Holiday services during the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

Conservative congregation Sinai Temple will require either proof of Covid vaccination, or a negative PCR test within 72 hours to enter the building. But not both, their website emphasizes. "You will be asked to show proof of the above at the entry point (either garage or walk-in) for each holiday service, so bring it with you every time you come to Sinai Temple." https://www.sinaitemple.org/covid-19/

At KM Synagogue, all High Holiday services this year will be livestreamed, as they were last year. They shul's Covid-19 committee had reopened in June for weekly Shabbat morning services, with limitations such as masks and no kiddush. But they reversed themselves in August after the Delta Variant brought a surge to LA County, and now all services are virtual. https://www.km-synagogue.org/events/high-holidays-virtual/

On Main Street in Venice, Conservative Congregation Mishkon Tephilo will offer both live-streamed and in person services. https://www.mishkon.org/

Temple Beth Am will conduct its high holiday services outdoors, in a tent, at Ziering Family Field. Proof of Covid vaccination is required to attend. https://www.tbala.org/prayer/high-holidays-5782

Reform Synagogue Beth Shir Shalom will livestream their services. However, they offer cocktails at the shul on Monday evening, a meet and greet at the beach on Tuesday afternoon at 3 pm, and a family carnival at the synagogue on Saturday September 11, 2021. https://www.bethshirshalom.org/hhd2021/

Most orthodox synagogues will conduct in person services. Some, though not all, will require either proof of vaccination or a PCR test for entry. As at all services, masks are required indoors in Los Angeles County.

Rosh Hashanah begins on Monday and lasts for 48 hours. Yom Kippur begins the evening of September 15, 2021 and lasts until sundown the next day.

The New York Times quotes one New Jersey Rabbi as saying last year was easier to plan, because it was perfectly clear everyone would have to do virtual services. See “For a Second Year, Jews Mark the High Holy Days in the Shadow of Covid. Many synagogues are holding in-person services, but some are requiring worshipers to show proof of vaccination and to wear masks.“ https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/06/nyregion/nyc-jewish-high-holy-days.html