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| Dear KI family – The Reopening Committee recently gave the Board of Directors a revised recommendation on COVID safety precautions for in-person services at Congregation Kehillat Israel. The recommendation was based on, among other things, the Delta variant, guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the current level of community transmission in Michigan and Ingham County. The Board is committed to ensuring the health and safety of everyone at KI. We want to be careful about protecting all of us from the Delta variant and preventing its spread. After consulting with the Reopening Committee, the Board decided that hybrid services (in-person and on Zoom) will go forward starting on Saturday, August 14 with the very welcome return of Rabbi Kaufman and the following updated safety precautions for in-person services in the KI sanctuary: 1. All attendees need to be vaccinated and masked, including service leaders. 2. Physical distancing is encouraged, but not required. 3. Singing is fine with masks. 4. Eating can take place outside. These safety precautions also apply to High Holiday services and meetings of small groups and clubs in the building. We are planning to hold an outdoor service for children and their families on the first day of Rosh Hashanah with masking and distancing. The recent increase in cases reinforces the importance of caring for our community and making sure we reopen safely. The Reopening Committee is continuing to monitor the latest information, and will be providing the Board with updated recommendations as we get closer to the High Holidays. We will be sure to let everyone know about any changes to the safety precautions. Neil Gordon and Kirsten Fermaglich President and Vice President |