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. Masks will be required for all participants. 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: Minyan Ohalecha will not take place on Thanksgiving Weekend, Shabbat, November 28.

December 5

December 12

December 19

December 26

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!