As discussed over Shabbos, the situation regarding COVID-19 is rapidly changing and as a community and a shul we are being forced to make unprecedented changes. It is our hope that, b’ezras Hashem, these changes will serve as due hishtadlus to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. The Rov and the presidents are in constant contact and are making every decision based on the best medical and factual information available.
At this time many shuls in our community and throughout the country are being closed. With this understanding, and with the utmost caution and sensitivity, we regret that access to the Yeshurun building will be restricted to members only.
The building will be open only for minyanim. Please note the following regarding Yeshurun’s minyanim: · At all minyanim, extreme ‘social distancing’ will be in mandatory.
This means that in the main shul there should only be one person per row, and people should sit staggered, so that there is distance between you and the person in front and behind you and next you.
In rooms with tables, there should only be one person per table.
When the main shul is in use, the upstairs Ezras Nashim is also available to allow people to spread out more.
If there are too many people in a minyan simultaneous minyanim must be created.
When you come to shul cleanse your hands upon entering and exiting.
Shul siddurim and tallisim must not be used.
Regarding minyanim attendance
If you are uncomfortable or nervous in anyway, you should not attend minyanim.
No one should feel badly about missing tefilah b’tzibbur.
If you are over 70 years of age, it is recommended that you should not attend minyanim.
If you are immune compromised in any way, do not come to shul.
At this time, women and children should not come to shul.
If you are davening at home, there should not be any private minyanim. However, one is still able to daven at the same time the tzibur davens. In the current situation this is a way to connect to the tzibbur and is mentioned in halacha as an option for those who are home bound.
The following are estimated times the shul will be at Shmoneh Esrei:
Shacharis – 6:05, 6:35, 7:05, 7:35, 8:20, 9:20
Mincha – 1:33, 6:03, 6:48
Maariv – 7:12, 8:20, 9:35, 10:05
With broken hearts we regret that all learning must be decentralized. This means that each person must learn at his own home. Shiurim will be available via conference line.
Most shiurim will be on the main conference line - 515-606-5382 access code 668029#
The Rabbi Israel Prero z”l Daf Yomi Shiurim (6am) will be on the new Daf Yomi Conference line 425-436-6378 access code 337786#. The evening Daf Yomi will be recorded to be added to the email distribution please email Torah@adasyeshurun.com.
With the current situation, we need to try as hard as we can to strengthen ourselves in our teffilos.
During Shacharis and prior to Mincha, we should say פטום הקטורת (pg. 16 in the Hebrew only Artscroll siddur and pg. 36 in the English siddur) the two paragraphs from תנו רבנן until מפני הכבוד.
Tehillim should be said following all three tefillos, specifically chapters קל and קמב (130 & 142).
In addition to the above, we should take time to think of the needs of others. Specifically, those who may be home bound. Calling others, offering shopping and other assistance will go a long way during these times for those who are in need.
Please note that these restrictions may change at any time. It is recommended that everyone not leave their teffilin in shul.
It is very important that the above restrictions be held to firmly.
