Dear COT Family,
Much has been said in recent days about re-opening our houses of worship. The current pandemic situation is fluid and evolving and our COT Health and Safety Committee has been monitoring the data in our county closely. It is our decision to remain closed for in-person worship services for now. In 14 days, we will reassess how the county is responding to phased reopening of restaurants, retail and other businesses. During this time, we are continuing to create policies and procedures for when we do reopen according to how circumstances are changing and public policy is evolving. We remain open with virtual services, classes and study that are advertised in our weekly and monthly bulletin. With your participation, we will continue to have a congregation that holds, supports, and loves all its members.
We acknowledge that some individuals and faith groups in our area will make different decisions and may gather now in their worship spaces. Our committee believes that no matter how many precautions we take, opening our doors now will put our community at risk, not to mention that we will have to significantly modify how we pray together. For example, group singing and recitation are considered high risk so congregational singing and group readings will be curtailed for now. All of this factors into our decision but our primary concern remains the health and safety of our community. Therefore, it is our best judgment at this time that we should leave our building closed for in-person worship and continue with our virtual worship and programming.
Our tradition commands in Leviticus that one must not put a stumbling block before the blind. The sages understand that verse to forbid guidance that undermines another’s wellbeing, and rabbinic law expands the definition of blindness to include those put in harm’s way who cannot see the consequences. Rabbis across our state know that re-opening our buildings rapidly in larger numbers will create stumbling blocks where none should exist. We also hold pikuach nefesh, the saving of life, as one of our highest held values. We realize that we are in an unprecedented time in history and we appreciate your patience and your willingness to travel through the period of ‘unknowing’ with us. And most of all, we appreciate your help and support in keeping all the members of our community safe.
Rabbi Janice and the COT Health and Safety Committee
Melany and Larry Spielman, Co-Presidents
Bill Alexander, Incoming 1st VP, Building and Maintenance
Jerome Becker, Past President and Security Committee Chair
Linda Becker, congregant
Leslie Moss, 4th VP, Social Events
Irv Shelub, 7th VP, Adult Education
