Alyth this Spring and Summer
Jewish values for exiting lockdown
Over the coming months, we will begin the journey together out of lockdown.
As we do so, we will be guided by the same values that have accompanied us through the last year.
Reflecting the Jewish principle dina d’malchuta dina (the law of the land is the law) we will move in line with government guidance, and not seek to go beyond that which is permitted.
Driven by our commitment to the value of pikuach nefesh (the paramount importance of saving human life) we will ensure that all of our activities have full risk assessments and that we reflect best practice in our procedures.
As was the case following the last lockdown, organisations will reintroduce different activities at different paces and in different ways, depending on factors such as number of participants, type and duration of activities, and features of their building. We will ensure that our reopening recognises that we normally welcome a large number of members of diverse ages into our building, and that we pay particular attention to challenges of ventilation. We will make as much use as possible of outside space, which we know is a safer way to gather.
As we consider our reopening, we will prioritise the wellbeing of our members of all ages and our staff.
In line with our belief that kol yisrael areivim zeh ba-zeh (all Israel are responsible for one another) we will do everything we can to ensure that those who are unable to return to in-person activities, or do not feel comfortable doing so, remain fully part of our community.
This includes a commitment to ensuring that there is dedicated high quality online tefillah for as long as we need it.
Our commitment to chiddush (innovation) means that over the coming months we will also experiment with ways of creating hybrid services and activities to include the whole community and new friends, as we continue to strive for simcha shel mitzvah (the joy of Jewish life) in all that we do.
We will remember the value of ahavat ha-briyot (a loving concern for others). Even as many of us enjoy our new freedoms, there are many in our community who are still in need of our support and our care.
Rabbi Josh Levy
April 2021