High Holy Days 2021

What do I need to bring with me for High Holy Day services?

CBY staff will be present both at the door to the Temple and at Byram Hills High School with the shuttle buses; all members and guests will be required to show two things to get on a bus or enter CBY. Please allow for extra time given this additional screening.

• Tickets
• Photo ID
• Proof of vaccination and/or proof of a negative PCR test dated within 72 hours of the service you are attending.

You may provide either a photo of your vaccination card/record provided by a government authority (i.e. NYS Excelsior pass), a certified letter issued by a government authority, or a certified letter from a medical authority or vaccination site. Please do not provide any other medical information – only your COVID-19 vaccination or recent PCR test (rapid PCR test results are acceptable, antigen test results are not). Please note: Your medical information (including vaccination status) will be kept confidential by CBY staff. 

What if I decide I am uncomfortable attending services in person?

Thanks to a generous gift to our Capital Campaign, CBY has the ability to stream services from the Sanctuary. Links to these services will be sent, in advance, to all members of Congregation B’nai Yisrael.

Even if you are planning to attend services, with this year’s limitation on guest passes, we encourage you to share the link with family members who are unable to join you in the Sanctuary.

Do children also need to show proof of negative PCR tests?

Yes. This policy applies to everyone who attends services in person regardless of age. As a reminder, we will have classrooms stocked with art supplies and books for any children who require a break during services. These rooms will not be staffed and children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver at all times.

We also offer a special service tailored to families with younger children in the afternoon. This service will take place in the tent.

Do masks have to be worn at all times?

Yes, masks are required at all times when attendees are indoors. This includes:

• Sanctuary
• Lobby
• Restrooms
• Children’s Area
• Buses

Ushers will request that anyone who removes their masks during services please put them back on. If you need a “mask break” we ask that you please go outside to the walkway or parking lot.

What is CBY doing about spacing and ventilation?

Part of the reason we have limited guest passes this year is to ensure we are able to accommodate all of our members and eliminate overcrowding. We are also asking families to remain in their seats throughout the service unless it is to use the restrooms or take a “mask break” outside.

Additionally, weather permitting, we will have the doors and tent walls open to promote airflow throughout the space. Our internal air filters have all been recently replaced and upgrade and additional air filtration systems have been purchased and will be utilized.

What happens if services can’t be held in person?

In the unlikely event that we are not able to safely gather as a community, services will be streamed in much the same way they were last year. Every member family will be provided with links to our services.

Can we still sing?

All attendees are encouraged to participate however they feel most comfortable. As long as you are wearing a mask, singing and chanting is permitted.

Can we remove our masks if we are called to the Bima/participating in the service?

Service participants on the Bima may remove their masks. Our choir members will remain masked while singing due to the additional distance droplets may travel when singing as compared to speaking/chanting.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Chip Schrager at chip@cbyarmonk.org or (914) 273-2220.