Shanah Tovah! Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel is preparing for a High Holy Day season unlike any other. We look forward to welcoming you back to our building, while also providing remote options for those who wish to stream. Below, we’ve tried to anticipate your questions, as we plan for a meaningful holiday season for our KI community from near and far.
When Can I Get My Tickets/Streaming Information?
Tickets have been mailed to your homes.
Services will be streamed at KenesethIsrael.Org/Stream. Check our Calendar for Service Times.
We are welcoming in-person participation for all services except Family Services at 2:00 p.m. on September 7th (Rosh Hashanah) and September 16th (Yom Kippur) (Stream and Zoom only). https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85798299578
Meeting ID: 857 9829 9578
The Tot Service will be in the tent next to the front entrance at 9:00 a.m. on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This service will not be streamed.
Where are my seats?
Seating will be at 50% capacity, making it easier to maintain Social Distancing. Groups of seats have been roped off, and the walls between our Sanctuary and KG are wide open for your comfort. Chairs will be available throughout the KG Auditorium. Services can also be viewed in the tent.
Where can I pick up my Mishkan HaNefesh (High Holy Day Prayer Book)?
Books are available for purchase in the KI Administrative Office, $42 per set. Please call the office to reserve your copy, 215-887-8700. You may pick them up during normal office hours (Mondays – Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
What rules are in place regarding COVID-19 safety?
When we set out to plan the safest High Holy Days for 5782, we recognized that there was a wide range of comfort and concern within our community. Accordingly, we plan to provide service options indoors, outdoors, and via stream in order to maximize safety and comfortability.
MASKING and VACCINATION: In keeping with our current policies, all attendees to our High Holy Day Services – indoor OR outdoor – must be masked, regardless of vaccination status. We expect everyone who enters KI to wear a mask at all times. If you are unvaccinated, please use our streaming option to participate in services.
PROTECTING THE YOUNGEST AMONG US: Covid has presented our entire society, as well as our congregation, and us as individuals with numerous existential challenges. This process has been complicated by the rise of a political phenomenon which refuses to accept the dangers of this deadly virus. At KI, leadership has worked continuously to deal with the changing conditions, mandates and best practices. We are always guided by the Jewish value of Pikuach Nefesh, the priority of saving life! Nowhere is this more true than with our children, both our preschool and school age kids. Because they are unvaccinated, they are vulnerable both as targets and transmitters of the virus. Following government policy at every level, we have added our own lines of defense to protect our students and staff. This includes the wearing of masks, social distancing and the use of zoom. We are aware of the social and psychological impact of these policies, but we must prioritize health and safety first. We are also working on developing creative programs to preserve a strong sense of community and attachment to Judaism. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding, and are glad to answer your questions at anytime. Thank you! Todah!
Is there an Online High Holy Day Platform?
We will be maintaining all High Holy Day information on KenesethIsrael.org/High-Holy-Days with the new material for 5782/2021. All services will be located on KenesethIsrael.org/Stream
What about the Book of Remembrance?
The Book of Remembrance is now available. You may pick them up during High Holy Day services or normal office hours (Mondays – Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). If you would like a copy mailed to you, please contact us. Here is online version, also available on our High Holy Day website and KenesethIsrael.org/BOR.
What about helping those in need?
For our annual High Holy Day Food Drive, we are requesting non-perishable food items, along with monetary donations so we can purchase Supermarket gift cards and wholesale non-perishables to provide food assistance to those in need. For more information and the list of items we are collecting, please visit KenesethIsrael.org/Food-Drive
You may join in this important effort by making your donation on our website~ KenesethIsrael.org/Online-Donation
For those who want to write a check to KI, all donations go to our “Sharing is Caring Fund.” You are still welcome to bring your non-perishable donations to the synagogue on Yom Kippur. There will be donation bins in the lobby. We sincerely thank you for your continued support.
We look forward to sharing these High Holy Days as an extended community.
If you have any questions, please contact us at 215-887-8700.