We are heartened that so many of you have taken advantage of our online offerings, as record numbers have joined us for worship services, holiday celebrations, adult educational programming, youth education, social and fun events, and so much more. 

REOPENING TASK FORCE
A Reopening Task Force was created to advise the synagogue leadership and help address the countless challenges presented by the pandemic.   The Task Force is comprised of professionals in the areas of healthcare, emergency management, human resources, law, and youth programming as well as the entire senior staff team.  The task force has been charged with developing protocols and guidelines for the different phases of reopening informed by available data and recommendations from the CDC, the State of Florida Departments of Emergency Management, Children & Families, and Health, licensing, and various scientific resources.  As the medical community’s understanding of the coronavirus continues to emerge along with evolving communal practices, so too will the details of our reopening  plan.  Our task force will continue to evaluate each of the planned phases and regularly communicate important updates impacting the life of the congregation, always ensuring that the safety and wellbeing of our members remain a priority.

ACCESS IS LIMITED-WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WHEN VISITING KOL TIKVAH

The health, safety and security of our families and guests are paramount.  In general, during this current phase, access to the building is limited. If you wish to see any of our staff, please make an appointment. No walk-ins are permitted.

What are some of the things you can expect when visiting Kol Tikvah:

We are following CDC and State of FL guidelines. While we are in Phase 1, only 10 people are allowed to gather in a single space at one time.

A health screening will be verbally administered.  You may be asked to sign a waiver.

Individuals will have their temperature checked before coming into the building.  Anyone with a temperature of 100 will not be admitted.

All adults will be required to wear a mask.  We strongly encourage youth to wear one as well. 

Hand sanitizer dispensers are placed outside key entry doors. 

Everyone is asked to remove any gloves before entering and use hand sanitizer before proceeding into common spaces.

Make every effort to maintain 6 feet between yourself and others.

SHABBAT
Shabbat is observed VIRTUALLY every Friday night at 6:30 via ZOOM throughout the summer. We continuously encourage our families to observe Shabbat at home.  Rabbi and Cantor have been recording inspirations, prayers, messages and songs that will be posted on Kol Tikvah’s Facebook page on Friday evening. 

Bagels & Bible meets weekly via ZOOM Saturday’s at 8:45 am followed by Shabbat morning services at 10:00 am. Cantor Arnold will be teaching. For more information, contact Cantor Arnold or Jeff Levine.

HIGH HOLY DAYS

The clergy along with the Ritual Committee are in active conversation about plans for the High Holy Days.  We all share a strong desire to spend the holiest days of the year together in our beautiful sanctuary and building.  The health and welfare of our congregation must come first.  Every effort is being put into designing a High Holy Day experience that is meaningful, powerful, spiritually uplifting and honors the sanctity of the moment, while at the same time ensuring the health and well being of everyone.  Please join us on Wednesday, July 29th at 6:30PM via ZOOM for a High Holy Day Info Session. Rabbi Boxman and Cantor Arnold will share the exciting plans for this year’s High Holy Days. You’ll want to hear all about them–They will be different, unlike any other year.An engaging online experience. Experiences for EVERY age group. Intimate. Interactive. Experiential.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING
Our preschool Summer Camp is running June 8th- July 31st. Camp hours are from 9AM-3PM Monday through Friday. We are making every effort to offer a quality camp program this summer allowing children to socialize safely with each other and have fun while adhering to the most up-to-date safety requirements. To participate in our Camp, families must sign up for a 4 week session or all 8 weeks. Due to strict ratio guidelines, space is extremely limited. For more information contact Sydney or Deborah.

Our Youth Programming staff continue to offer programs virtually over the summer for youth, teens and families in order to remain connected.

Our ECC as well as Education and Youth Engagement staff are actively planning for the new school year.  We will have in person programs to the extent possible supplemented with a virtual component.

CKT COMMITTEES/MEETINGS
Kol Tikvah’s Business Networking Group (BNG) will go back to their original meeting schedule of every 1st and third Thursday at 7:45-9:00 am via ZOOM. For more information and to get connected, contact Ellis Mass or (201) 602-4771.

TEMPLE OFFICE

In order to protect the health of all employees and our preschool camp, the Temple office remains closed except for essential business.  Staff principally are working remotely and coming into the office only as needed.  If you need to reach staff, it is best to use email.  If you need to reach staff via phone, you can call the office to get connected.

PASTORAL CARE/ RITUAL MATTERS
As always, if you are in need of spiritual care because of a birth, illness or loss, or have a Ritual question, please contact our clergy directly. Rabbi can be reached at 954-816-0416 or hockeyrav@koltikvah.net.  Cantor Arnold is available at 561-251-1989 or cantor.arnold@koltikvah.net.

ONGOING CONTACT/CARING
We are in contact with all of our families on a weekly basis while we are closed so please don’t be surprised if a Kol Tikvah ambassador calls you to check up on you, wish you a happy birthday or anniversary or offers to say kaddish if you are observing a yahrzeit.

If you need help (e.g., with groceries) or if you can offer help, please email our Caring Committee Co-Chairs Nat Nussbaum nlnmktg@aol.com or Genie Sasson geniegs@aol.com.

CKT CARES
This is an evolving situation, developing at times hour by hour. Please check our website www.koltikvah.net regularly for additional updates and follow us on Facebook. We appreciate everyone’s understanding, cooperation and support. We pray that everyone affected by COVID-19, physically and emotionally, has a Refuah ShleimahWe will continue to support one another through this challenging time and looking forward to our congregational life returning to its normal routine.