Dear Shomrei Torah Family:

Our Executive Board had an extending discussion about the needs of the our community and the ongoing Coronavirus situation. The health and wellbeing of our community remains our highest priority. The rabbinic concept of Pikuach Nefesh, saving a life, supersedes most other considerations in Jewish life. To that end we have made some difficult decisions.

1. Minyan: For the next two weeks, daily minyan is suspended, and will only be available by request, to observe a yahrzeit. It is permissible to join an existing minyan online and even say Kaddish, the rabbi has a list of available Minyanim that can be joined. There is also a Kaddish-like prayer that can be said without a minyan that the rabbi can send you.
2. Shabbat: We will continue to have Shabbat service, but there will be no Oneg Shabbat, Kiddush or Torah and Tea.
3. Simchas: We will allow scheduled family Simchas to take place with reduced numbers in attendance if the family does not want to postpone.
4. Office: The synagogue office will be closed and the staff will work remotely most of the time. Emails will continued to be answered and phone calls will be forwarded and/or returned.
5. School: Our Religious school like the Wayne public schools will be physically closed and we will engage in remote learning.
6.  Meetings: For the annual Congregational meeting there will be options to participate remotely; all other meetings will take place online only.
7. Programs: All other synagogue programs have been cancelled or postponed.
8. Caring Community: It is important that we continue to be a caring community. Reach out to fellow members, especially our seniors, to check on them. We are prepared to expand the reach of our Mitzvah Corps to shop or help in other ways. Please let us know if we can help you or you want to join the Mitzvah Corps.
9. Pastoral Care: If you need the rabbi, please do not hesitate to reach out to him.

The Executive Board will meet again in two weeks to evaluate the situation again, sooner if needed.

With any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to reach out to either of us.

Wishing you continued health and safety,

Barry Blecherman, President                                Rabbi Randall Mark