Shabbat Services: COVID-19 Guidelines
Shabbat Morning Services & Kids' Groups
Ohr Kodesh is offering in-person and Livestreaming options for Shabbat morning services. Join us in whatever manner is best suited to your needs.
Please note, we expect that if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have reason to believe you have been exposed to COVID, you will stay home and follow all guidance offered by your doctor and/or the CDC.
Services in the Main Sanctuary and Livestream 9 AM
Join Rabbi Helfand and Cantor Labovitz in the Main Sanctuary. These are the guidelines:
- OKC requires all eligible individuals (6 Months and Older) who enter Ohr Kodesh Congregation to be fully vaccinated (and boosted) for COVID-19, unless they have a documented medical exemption. OKC Vaccine Requirement Policy (HERE).
- The wearing of face masks is optional at all Ohr Kodesh services.
- Recommended Masking: We hope that members of the OKC community recognize both the individual and communal benefits of mask wearing in reducing the spread of COVID.
- The OKC Health Committee recommends continued masking for select, vulnerable populations (as identified by the CDC).
- Montgomery County MD officials encourage wearing masks indoors at indoor gatherings except while eating and drinking.
- To give congregants choices, there is a mask-required section in the Sanctuary with 3 feet of distance between rows in the area toward the windows. There are also seating sections that do not require masks or distance between people.
- Masking is optional for Torah gabbaim (assistants), Torah readers, and those receiving aliyot (called up to the Torah) at the shulchan (Torah reading table) or other honors during the Torah reading and while on the bimah (podium).
- We will conduct services as normal, including normal spacing on the bimah (podium). Torah Hakafot (taking the Torah around the Sanctuary) does include touching or kissing the Torah.
Outdoor Service 9:45 AM (see Calendar for schedule)
Lay-led services on the outdoor patio.
- All Covid-related requirements and considerations for the Main Sanctuary Service (listed above), apply to the Outdoor Service, with the exception of a special seating section.
- Questions or willing to lead a portion of the service? Contact Rachel Bergstein.
Shabbat Groups for Kids
- Kids from either the Indoor or Outdoor Service can attend together.
- There will be no maximum on size of groups.
Mon, May 29 2023
9 Sivan 5783
Kiddush - Together as a Community
Everyone from the Indoor and Outdoor Services will join together.
Seating options: indoors & outdoors.
If you would like to Sponsor an upcoming kiddush, please contact Adina Alpert.
Upcoming Events
-
Wednesday ,
MayMay 31 , 2023
Wednesday, May 31st 8:00pm to 8:30pm
All members are welcome to attend. Election of OKC Officers and Board Members and Vote on Approval of the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year '23-24. -
Friday ,
JunJune 2 , 2023
Friday, Jun 2nd 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Celebrating Lay Leadership. Beginning with Shabbat Services and Shabbat Dinner, followed by the Volunteer Recognition 2023 Program and OKC Board Installation. -
Sunday ,
JunJune 4 , 2023Mentsch Club - Softball Game
Sunday, Jun 4th 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Join Mentsch Club for a night of softball! Players of all levels of experience are welcome.