ROSH HASHANAH

High Holidays in the Pandemic, Take Two

In advance of the High Holy Days, Atlanta’s Reform and Conservative synagogues were prepping their technology to ensure that services throughout the month-long period are broadcast to congregants without a hitch.

For many, it was a welcome return to the sanctuary after a year of virtual davening.

Technology is prohibited during the High Holy Days under strict interpretations of Jewish law, so Orthodox congregations are readying their sanctuaries for services as usual — or at least the pandemic version.

Even plans made only weeks ago have been amended in light of the new COVID-19 Delta variant, as synagogues continue to navigate the ebb and flow of a global health crisis with at least a portion of their congregants vaccinated.

Atlanta Rabbinical Association President Alexandria Shuval-Weiner summarized the holiday preparations. As of mid-August, “all the synagogues with ARA rabbis at the helm will be offering a variety of service styles for the community from which individuals may choose, from livestream and Zoom to in-person sanctuary services to outdoor creative options,” she said.

“I think everyone is offering some form of an outdoor worship experience for children who are unable to be vaccinated.” The synagogue for which she serves as rabbi, Temple Beth Tikvah, is one of them. “For in-person, it seems that everyone is requiring masks to be worn while inside the facilities. Some, but not all, are requiring proof of vaccination to attend in-door services.

“Pikuach Nefesh [saving a life] is the overriding Jewish value that sits at the top of all our safety assessment agendas. As such, everyone is keeping a very close eye on the situation with the Delta variant and will adjust accordingly if safety demands a more stringent response.”

In comparison to the 2020 High Holy Day season, she said, “Last year most of us ‘produced’ and prerecorded the services to play at the appropriate times; others of us led services live from empty sanctuaries or Zoom windows from home. A small number held outdoor services in tents. This year very few, if any, will be prerecording; everything will be live with some congregants in-person.”

Congregation Ohr HaTorah was set to offer separate services for those comfortable wearing masks and those who prefer not to, with outdoor provisions as well. But, like other congregations requesting that the unvaccinated wear masks in the building, indoor

Roni Robbins

mask requirements have become the norm, regardless of religious persuasion or vaccination status.

The website of the Toco Hills shul details the latest shift: “Masks are once again required indoors for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are optional outdoors for fully vaccinated individuals.” Multiple services help to stagger attendance, according to Rabbi Adam Starr.

Congregation B’nai Torah is “running our usual schedule of traditional services. Masks and proof of vaccination will be required, and we will be at reduced capacity to allow for some distancing,” said Rabbi Joshua Heller.

“Right now, registration is open to members only, and we will allow guests on a space-available basis,” he said.

“In short, we are offering indoor, outdoor and streamed options. Alto-

Temple Emanu-El’s Rabbi Spike Anderson. Rabbi Joshua Heller of Congregation B’nai Torah. Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple, which has been preparing its technology for the high holidays.

Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner, president of the Atlanta Rabbinical Association.