As the pandemic threat wanes, we invite you to return to synagogue services, assured that we are taking every reasonable precaution to ensure a safe, meaningful, and enjoyable experience. This email details our weekly prayer service offerings and updated coronavirus protocols. With the departure of Cantor Reisner and the evolving pandemic conditions in mind, this remains an interim plan for the near term. We will continue to update you as the situation evolves. We also look forward to soon sharing with you a plan to staff our clergy team and provide musical leadership for worship services. We appreciate your patience and feedback as we build back our capacity to offer the energetic and dynamic services you have come to expect from the Hebrew Educational Alliance.
Shabbat Mornings
HEA aims to provide our diverse community with multiple ways to connect on Shabbat morning, including our Traditional Service, Shir Hadash, family and early childhood services, and Jewish learning opportunities. While we work to build back our capacity to provide these offerings, and as people gradually return to weekly participation, we will continue to offer weekly Traditional services and Shir Hadash once a month, alongside a rotation of alternative service options. It is our hope to bring Shir Hadash back on a regular basis in the future.
Traditional Service - Weekly
The Traditional Service will continue weekly as it has during the pandemic, with a full liturgy, including repetition of the Amidah for both Shacharit and Musaf, with a triennial Torah reading, as explained by Rabbi Dollin in his June 3rd HEArtbeat message. These services are in-person and livestreamed.
Alternative Services – Weekly Rotation
1st Shabbat: Kavannah Service, 10:00 a.m. in the Library (Starts November 6). Led by Rabbi Gruenwald, this service will be an exploration of Jewish mindfulness practice, incorporating meditation, prayer, and text study. In-person only, no streaming.
2nd Shabbat: Tot Shabbat, 10:00 a.m. in the Social Hall. For families with children 7 and younger. Join Dani Tavbin and Dani Wynn for a musical, interactive service for the young and the young at heart. In-person only, no streaming.
3rd Shabbat**: Shir Hadash, 10:00 a.m. in the Social Hall. Shir Hadash will be offered once a month as a complete service with Torah reading, led by our davening team and musical director, Dani Tavbin. In-person and live streaming.
**NOTE: The next Shir Hadash service will be on October 30. The schedule will be modified in months with Shir Hadash b’nai mitzvah (Jan, May, Nov 2022).
4th Shabbat: Family Service, 10:00 a.m. in the Social Hall. Join Rabbi Grinsteiner for an engaging family participation service for families with children in grades 2 - 6. This service will include musical instruments. In-person only, no streaming. (Next service on October 23).
Visit our website for a complete listing of upcoming Shabbat offerings including b’nai mitzvah and commemorations for Pink & Teal Shabbat, Immigration Shabbat, and Sisterhood Shabbat.
Musaf Classes:
Adult learning on Shabbat has resumed every Shabbat morning after the sermon (approx. 11:15 a.m.) in the Library. Check the website for the schedule of teachers and topics.
Friday Evenings:
Traditional Minyan, weekly at 6:00 p.m. (until November 5. Starting November 12, the traditional minyan will start at candle lighting time. Check our website for times.) For now, this service will continue on Zoom. Check the HEA website for times and Zoom information.
Azamra will no longer be offered. We look forward to offering musical Kabbalat Shabbat services in the future.
Shabbat Afternoon:
We look forward to bringing back Mincha/Maariv on Shabbat afternoon in the future.
Weekday Morning Minyan: Daily at 8:00 a.m.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: Morning Minyan will continue on Zoom.
Thursday morning minyan will now be in-person, with a complete liturgy and Torah reading, in the chapel with Zoom available for those viewing from home. (See website for details)
Updated COVID protocols and Kiddush Luncheon Information
Based on the recommendations of our Reopening Committee, we will continue to require all participants to wear a mask while gathering in all indoor spaces, with the exception of individuals leading services alone on the bima (including b’nai mitzvah).
Kiddush lunch on Shabbat will be offered indoors, with outdoor seating, weather permitting. You are welcome to remove your mask while eating.
We appreciate your patience, grace, and cooperation as our Reopening Committee continues to revisit our policies as conditions change.
We hope to see you soon here at your HEA home,
Rabbi Bruce Dollin
Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald
Laura Intfen, CEO