Reopening Work Group (RWG) Update
May 5, 2021
We can’t wait to see everyone in person again! As we make progress on plans for our return to in-person gatherings, we are taking our cues from the Commonwealth’s rules, the guidance of health science experts, and the CDC’s general guidelines and specific guidelines for religious and educational institutions.
Since our last update, we hired a mechanical engineer who toured our building and made specific recommendations for improving the air quality, which we are now working to implement. The RWG has also set priorities for reopening steps.
Each step of reopening requires decisions on a multitude of details including building access, access to restrooms, security, parking and traffic patterns, use of temple materials including chairs and prayer books, and potentially food service.
During the suspension of gatherings, we have discovered new ways to fulfill our mission that are transforming our congregation for the better. For example, Zoom has enabled us to worship, celebrate, learn, and socialize together through a crisis. And it will continue to enable those for whom travel to the temple is difficult or impossible to attend services going forward.
The reach of the temple continues, and continues to grow, even as we plan to reassemble. Temple Isaiah is more than a building, and more than even in-person programming. Temple Isaiah is our community.
If you have any questions or comments about reopening, please email reopening@templeisaiah.net. A summary of what's to come in May and June can be viewed here.
Stay safe!
Paula Slotkin
Reopening Work Group
