Minyan Ohalecha

Our new alternative Shabbat morning service, Minyan Ohalecha: Your Tent Minyan, takes place in the CSI Parking Lot on Saturday mornings starting at 9:30am. The minyan is a completely lay-led Shabbat morning service, with a familiar feel and some modifications to accommodate the needs of a lay-led service. As of late April 2021, congregants are permitted to be unmasked while under their tents. Participants are asked to mask if choosing to visit in close proximity to one another. The experience is limited to 12 units and registrations will be accepted on a "first-come first-served" basis. Scroll down for full info and an FAQ and REGISTER via the buttons below.

Please note: Our medical advisory committee has updated our policy regarding Minyan Ohalecha. Individual congregants may now elect to share a tent with another individual congregant in order to experience the service in closer connection. This will be left to the discretion of each individual. Both participants must mutually agree upon the arrangement in order to be placed together, and will be seated at least six feet apart from one another. Please indicate such a preference when completing your registration form.

Register for September 25

WHAT:
An in-person, lay organized, lay led, Shabbat morning prayer experience. 

WHERE:
The Shearith Israel parking lot, under individual canopy tents. 

WHEN:
Every Saturday morning, starting at 9:30am (beginning November 7)  

WHO:
Up to 12 units (individuals and family members who are in a “pod” plus the 4 Gabbaim for the week.)

HOW:
Each Shabbat, a team of four Gabbaim will be responsible for leading or assigning all the different parts of the service. Three to four weeks prior to a Shabbat, registration for the congregation will open up on a first-come first-serve basis. The Gabbaim will work with registered participants to finalize who is leading the different parts of the service.

FAQ:
Q: How will social distancing be handled? Is this safe?

• Canopy tents with tables and chairs will be provided to define social distancing spaces between participants.  
• Participants will be required to wear masks at all times, unless leading a part of the service or reading Torah.   
• All in-person interactions come with some risk. This plan is in line with the plan approved by the medical team. They have also reviewed and approved these specific protocols.

Q: What about inclement weather?

• The canopy tents should protect against mild weather challenges.  
• If there is a threat of severe weather, a decision will be made and communicated to cancel or move forward with the minyan. 

Q: What if I want to come, but there is no space left? 

• A waiting list will be maintained and will be given first access in case of cancellation and for the next Shabbat. 

Q: Who are the leaders? 
Our initial team of Gabbais so far are these awesome Shearith Folk:

• Barry Etra
• Pia Frank
• Tal Frank
• Emily Kaiman
• Melanie Kaplan
• Rick Kaplan
• Robbie Medwed
• Geoff Menkowitz
• Stuart Tuck

Q: Can I be a leader too?

• Absolutely! The most important quality is a willingness to organize. The team of four Gabbaim have to make sure all the parts of the service are assigned, but you don’t have to be a Torah reader to become a Gabbai. Please email Rabbi Kaiman to join the Gabbai team!