ESSENTIAL PRE-REGISTRATION FOR SHABBOS MINYAN (CLOSES TOMORROW, THURS NOON) | QUICK SURVEY FOR WEEKDAY MINYONIM
Dear Kehilla and Friends,
With gratitude to Hashem, we are delighted to inform you that we plan to reopen the Shul for a limited number of Minyonim this Shabbos daytime be"H. To apply to attend Shul this Shabbos Day, please click this pre-registration link https://forms.gle/zB6gk42skRfF9EyT8. On this link please also take our survey if you would like to attend weekday minyonim.
The minyonim will be regulated by the Tzemach Tzedek Shul Protocols, as outlined below. The Shul Protocols have been compiled by our shul in consultation with the Rabbonim, community organisations, doctors and the NSW Government. Due to the ever-changing developments in the COVID situation the Shul's opening and minyonim as well as our protocols may change at any time. Please be considerate as we trial a "new normal" and pave our way forward together.
It is a condition of entry to the minyonim that each attendee abides by the Shul Protocols. The Shul Protocols will be monitored for compliance and will be strictly enforced for the health and safety of everyone.
TZEMACH TZEDEK SHUL PROTOCOLS
Please read carefully. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
A) APPLYING TO ATTEND & PROCESS OF ALLOCATION TO A MINYAN FOR SHABBOS:
Applications are open to men and women over the age of bar/bas mitzvah if you are feeling well. We strongly discourage those over 70 or who have a co-morbidity from attending shul - you will need to consult your GP and provide a medical clearance letter.
If you have applied to attend by submitting a Registration of Interest Form, your name will be added to our waiting list for an opening at a minyan. Please note: this is not a confirmation of a place at a minyan.
Priority will be given to those who registered first, to our Shul Members and to those who need to recite kaddish. We are doing our best to accommodate as many men and women as possible. The shul is currently restricted to seating with sufficient social distancing between, and to a maximum of 50 worshippers plus essential clergy at any time over the entire Penkivil St premises.
If your name has been shortlisted for allocation to a minyan, you will be notified on Thursday evening or Friday morning. You will also be notified if we do not currently have a space available for you at a minyan.
If your name has been shortlisted, you will be required to complete a Health Questionnaire to be returned immediately.
If your application has been successful (based on points 2 and 4 above) you will receive an Application Successful email or tetxt and you will be offered a place at a minyan. You will also be notified if your application has been unsuccessful.
By accepting/ confirming your place at the minyan you must commit to arrive on time, as you will be relied upon to complete a minyan and there is less than an hour to daven.
B) ATTENDING SHUL ON SHABBOS
Only those who have been pre-approved with a Successful Application may attend a minyan on Shabbos. This will be strictly enforced.
On the morning of your allocated attendance at shul please check that you are feeling well:
- If you have a fever (above 37.5C) you are prohibited from attending shul. - If you have any one or more of these symptoms: cough, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath you are prohibited from attending shul and must seek urgent medical advice. - If any member of your immediate household has a fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath you are prohibited from attending shul.
Please use the restroom at home before coming to shul. We discourage using the shul toilets where possible.
Recommendation regarding gloves, mask and siddurim to be advised shortly.
C) ENTERING THE SHUL PREMISES
Keep a distance of 1.5 metres at all times.
Arrive no earlier (nor later) than your allocated time.
Enter only via your allocated entrance (as you will be advised by email).
Sanitise your hands prior to entering shul. Sanitiser will be provided.
Do not touch the door (it will be left open).
When entering the shul move to and sit at the most front seat available. There is only one chair per table for individuals. There will be family tables (in men and women section) for families who are registered approved to attend together.
D) DURING SHUL AND DAVENING
Stay in your place and do not walk around.
Please refrain from davening loudly as breath can carry the virus.
Cover your nose and mouth if you need to sneeze or cough.
Sanitise your hands as often as necessary.
E) TORAH READING
Only the Baal Koreh may touch the Torah from Pesicha until it is returned to the Aron.
The Baal Koreh will perform Hagba and Gelila.
F) RECEIVING AN ALIYA
If you receive an Aliya remember to maintain 1.5 metres distance between you and the Baal Koreh.
Do not touch the Torah at any point.
Do not kiss the Torah, not even indirectly. Instead, look at the portion of your Aliya before reciting the brochos.
Please leave the Bima area immediately after your Aliya. (Do not wait for the next Aliya to end).
G) AFTER DAVENING AND BETWEEN MINYONIM
Do not congregate after davening. Please leave promptly through the gate you arrived, remembering to maintain social distancing.
No more than the maximum number of allowed people may attend the premises at any given time. This will be strictly enforced.
The shul will be keeping a record of those who have attended minyonim over shabbos and weekdays, for public health purposes as we are required to do.
The shul will be cleaned and disinfected between each service.
We look forward to being able to daven with everyone again as a community, when the time comes be"H.