Congregation Kehillat Israel is returning to holding Shabbat services only on Zoom.  The Board’s decision also applies small gatherings, such as the book club and Hebrew classes, that had been held in-person in the KI building.   

KI’s Board of Directors made the decision based on the recommendation of our Reopening Committee.  The Committee’s recommendation is based on several factors, including:  the extremely high numbers of new COVID cases; the high positivity rate among those taking COVID tests; increasing hospitalizations; the risk of breakthrough infections even among those who are vaccinated and boosted; the older KI population that attends Shabbat services in person; and generally erring on the side of caution.   

The Board and the Reopening Committee recognize that holding services and gatherings on Zoom only feels like a step backwards.  But, given the current circumstances and our desire to protect our community, we believe it’s the safe, cautious, and right thing to do.   

The Reopening Committee is scheduled to meet again on Tuesday, February 8, to reevaluate, and will report to the Board, which will be meeting the next day.  The decision to return to Shabbat services on Zoom is therefore effective through Saturday, February 5.  The Board will provide an update after its next meeting on February 9. 

Thank you and stay safe, 

Neil Gordon 

President