High Holidays During A Pandemic

Rosh Hashana is in 90 days! This year has been historic as humanity experiences a pandemic the like that we have not seen in 100 years. The impact has reached every facet of living including synagogue worship and today I want to discuss what the upcoming high holiday season might look like. 

MICRO SHULS

When synagogues were closed a new trend emerged of backyard minyanim comprised of families and neighbors. Participants are very fond of their “micro shuls”, as they don’t need to worry about the masses and enjoy the convenience of having something close by. While there are challenges including weather, bugs, and noise the benefits outweigh the challenges. 

While this trend likely will taper off in the coming weeks, it won’t go away and it may come back for the high holidays as people who have not gone to any Shul (including seniors) are inclined to have a high holiday service, but with limited exposure. While these shuls have mostly been self-sustained, when it comes to high holidays they may have an interest in having a good chazzan, especially if the one who usually leads leaves to a paid job.  

SERVICES IN SHIFTS

When you think of celebrating Rosh Hashana in the synagogue you probably think of packed seats and rows full of men, women, and children in attendance. This year social distancing will change all of that. A sanctuary with a capacity of 800 people on an average year may very well reduce that amount to 250. Using that math, it would mean you would need to do the service three times to accommodate everyone. That is precisely what some synagogues have planned, by staggering the services and having groups signed up for a given time slot. 

It would look something like this: at 7:30 am the first group comes in and does a complete service. At 9:30 am the group leaves and the place gets sanitized and prepped. At 10:00 am the next group comes in and they have an abridged service that captures the highlights of the service, including Torah, Rabbi’s sermon and Shofar blowing. That group leaves, the place is prepped for the next group and so on.

This model would mean that the talent would be fully compensated and would have less pressure within each shift, but would need to work harder to accommodate all the shifts. 

BREAKOUT GROUPS

Another common choice is having simultaneous services that take place throughout the premises (and outdoor spaces). This approach means you can create smaller groups. have everyone come at the regular prayer time, and maximizes the space. The challenge is creating a “synagogue like” experience in a makeshift room. 

More importantly, it means each room would need its own leadership team (Rabbi, cantor, torah reader and shofar blower). Some of these resources can be shared if the start times are slightly staggered and the leadership can rotate locations. 

VIRTUAL SERVICES

Beyond the orthodox world there has been a trend in recent years to livestream the services. Up until this year it has been occurring in addition to in-person services. Now, many temples are choosing to go online exclusively this year. This approach has the obvious benefits of safety and comfort, but does make it difficult to replace the in person feeling of singing and being together. It also makes “charging for seats” more theoretical and opens the door for people to choose any of the services being streamed. 

TAKEAWAYS

Decision-makers: It is ok if you don’t know yet which path you will take, but make sure to begin lining up your options now so you can implement them quickly when the time comes. Another thing to consider is the limitation on travel which may mean the talent pool is less broad than years before. 

Worshippers: It is likely that your high holiday experience will be different and that is ok. Make sure to find out how it impacts you. You may be required to bring your own Machzor prayer book or have your temperature taken at the door. 

Cantors: There is a need for talent, perhaps even more this year than years prior so get out there. Be prepared to be asked if you have antibodies before being hired. If you don’t know you may want to find out and get a free COVID test. Be flexible and understand that if the world changes again between now and High Holidays, that is G-d’s will and beyond your control.  

Wishing you a happy and healthy new year!

Shlomie Rabin

Talent Agent at Jplacing.com