The Kehillat Israel Board of Directors and KI’s Reopening Committee have been monitoring the latest COVID information.  Unfortunately, the number of new COVID cases has increased substantially in our area and throughout Michigan, and hospitalizations are increasing as well.  In light of the data and the importance of caring for all of our members, the Board has adopted the recommendation of the Reopening Committee and revised (again) KI’s COVID safety measures.   

The Board decided we will continue to hold Shabbat services both in-person in the building and on-line via Zoom.  In-person gatherings (including Shabbat services, the KIvunim religious school, and small groups like the book club) are subject to the following updated safety precautions: 

1.         All attendees who are eligible to receive a booster shot (age 12 and up) need to be boosted. 

2.         Masking is required. 

3.         Physical distancing is encouraged but not required.   

4.         Eating is allowed outdoors 

The Annual Congregation Meeting on Sunday, May 8, at 6:30 p.m. will be held only Zoom, given the limited capacity of the Social Hall with physical distancing and, with no eating indoors, not having a group dinner beforehand. 

The Board and the Reopening Committee recognize we relaxed the safety measures less than two weeks ago and that today’s revisions feel like a step backwards.  After all the ups and downs of the pandemic, including the sharp drop in cases earlier this year, the current surge is discouraging.  Our overall priority is the safety of our members. The Reopening Committee will continue to closely monitor the latest information and provide updated recommendations to the Board.  

Stay safe, Neil Gordon, KI President