Accordingly, we are adding the following.

Non-Essential Gatherings

All these recommendations are subject to change as the situation on the ground changes.
 

Kiddushim - We are now agreeing to cancel all regular shul kiddushim and Seudah Shlishis food. Private simcha kiddushim may continue at the discretion of the Baalei Simcha ideally with minimized numbers and recommended health precautions. These may be cancelled as per the recommendations of the Department of Health of Nassau County.

Lobby gatherings post davening - We suggest people go home right after shul and congregate outside as needed weather permitting.

Shiurim - From now on we recommend, limiting larger shiurim. As much as possible regular weekly shiurim will be streamed live, but if not very large, and are before, during or after davening can continue.

Shul Social events - We recommend to cancel shul sponsored social events as of now. Personal social events are at the discretion of the organizers.

Youth Groups on Shabbos - As long the schools remain operational, we will continue to offer Youth Groups on Shabbos.

Minyanim

Each shul will be seeking to decompress the size of minyanim and finding ways to spread people out over different times and spaces.

Elderly and at-Risk Congregants

The CDC notes that the following people are at greater risk:

Older adults and people with compromised immune systems

People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:

Heart disease

Diabetes

Lung disease

If a COVID-19 outbreak happens in our community, it could last for a long time. (An outbreak is when a large number of people suddenly get sick.) Depending on how severe the outbreak is, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce people’s risk of being exposed to COVID-19. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease.
If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.

Please consult your medical care provider or physician as to the recommendations suggested in your case. Even if you feel well, please take a moment to consider whether you are in any of the above categories, and then please consult your doctor.

If you are unable to come to shul due to illness or are in quarantine, someone else should be arranged to say Kaddish for you. If you do not know someone who can say Kaddish for you we can help you arrange for Kaddish to be said.

Those with any psychiatric conditions especially anxiety or experiencing debilitating stress should consult with a mental health professional. Please contact your rabbi who can put you in touch with a crisis counselor.

A reminder that this an opportunity to teach our children in non-alarmist, age-appropriate ways that by being concerned about our own hygiene we are showing respect for the well-being of others, some of whom may be at an elevated risk.  It is important that we communicate to our children that they are safe in ways that do not dismiss any fears they may have or any real concerns health officials have. Every time we remain calm and responsive to our children's daily needs during times of elevated concern, we are strengthening their resilience.

May Hashem watch over our communities and help us get through this without serious illness.

Rabbi Shalom Axelrod, Young Israel of Woodmere
Rabbi Heshie Billet, Young Israel of Woodmere
Rabbi Pinchas Chatzinoff, Congregation Tiferres Tzvi
Rabbi Dovid Cohen, Congregation Ohr Torah
Rabbi Aaron Feigenbaum, Irving Place Minyan
Rabbi Aryeh Zev Ginzberg, Chofetz Chaim Torah Center
Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, Young Israel of Woodmere
Rabbi Kenneth Hain, Congregation Beth Sholom
Rabbi Simcha Hopkovitz, Young Israel of Hewlett
Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, Beis HaKnesses of North Woodmere
Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz, Congregation Anshei Chesed
Rabbi Avi Miller, Congregation Beth Sholom
Rabbi Jonathan Muskat, Young Israel of Oceanside
Rabbi Uri Orlian, Congregation Shaaray Tefila
Rabbi Ephraim Polakoff, Beis Tefillah
Rabbi Mordechai Prus, Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach
Rabbi Zvi Ralbag, Congregation Bais Ephraim
Rabbi Shay Schachter, Young Israel of Woodmere
Rabbi Yehuda Septimus, Young Israel of North Woodmere
Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, Young Israel Lawrence-Cedarhurst
Rabbi Ya’akov Trump, Young Israel Lawrence-Cedarhurst
Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, Aish Kodesh
Rabbi Akiva Willig, Beis Medrash of Woodmere
Rabbi Shneur Wolowik, Chabad of the Five Towns
Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, Kehillas Ateres Yaakov
Rabbi Shmuel Witkin, Kehillas Bnei Hayeshivos
Rabbi Daniel Gladstein,
Rabbi Yehoshua Kalish, Beis Medrash of Harborview
Rabbi Asher Stern