Kabbalat Shabbat

As we begin to open up the Shaar building, we look forward to davenning together physically in small numbers this Shabbat.

In order to comply with provincial directives that allow 10 people in one space, 2 metres apart, we can accommodate:
* 9 on Friday night at 6:00 (the tenth being Rabbi Karlin), and,
* 8 on Saturday morning at 9:15 (RK & David Zer-Aviv, our Torah reader, are the ninth and tenth).

If you would like to join us in person, please email Rabbi Karlin (rabbi@theshaar.ca). Please specify when you would like to attend (Friday evening, Shabbat morning, or both), and how many family members you would like to bring. Since a minyan is a minimum of exactly ten, we must sadly ask, for the present, that young children not be brought to synagogue. Places will be reserved first-come-first-served, and Rabbi Karlin will respond immediately to tell you if there is a place for you this week.

We want to emphasize that although only a few congregants can attend services at the Shaar in person, we will continue to live-stream services:
* on Friday via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85008705933), and
* on Shabbat morning via StreamSpot (https://venue.streamspot.com/3d662700)
as we have in the past.

We intend to stream services every Shabbat (and Yom Tov, if need be) using one or both of these platforms until the pandemic danger has completely passed. Please contact Kate Burgess (generalmanager@theshaar.ca) with your questions about the streams, or for help.

As we open our doors, we want to ensure that those that choose to attend feel safe. Below is a picture of our current set-up, allowing for social distancing. All books (siddurim and humashim) have been labeled and will not be shared. Although it is safe to use the communal kippot and talitot, we suggest you bring and use your own, if you have them. Masks, gloves, and Purell will be available. High touch points are cleaned before, during, and after services. Kiddush will be radically scaled-back and conducted safely. The safety of all is our top priority, and all provincial guidelines have been met or exceeded as we begin the re-opening process.

We look forward to praying with you this week, either in person or online.

Shabbat shalom,