Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
A Message From the Executive Director
Dear Ahavath Achim Family,
I wanted to give an update on our efforts on behalf of the congregation, in response to the ongoing developments related to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), specifically as it relates to Shabbat services this coming weekend.
We are encouraging anybody who is in an at risk category (the CDC is defining one of those groups as anyone over 60 with any medical condition), anyone who has exhibited any symptoms, or anyone who has recently traveled abroad or come in to contact with anybody who recently traveled abroad, to please self quarantine and not attend Shabbat services. We are fortunate to have live streaming capabilities. If you wish to follow the service on line, please click on this link.
We will not be serving Kiddush after services on Shabbat due to the potential of contamination and the fact that there are many variables that we are not in control of during the food preparation process.
Friday evening service will be in the Chapel, but Saturday morning service will be in the Sanctuary to allow for the ability to sit a safe distance from each other.
We will be monitoring the situation on a weekly basis and will decide on the next course of action after taking into account any new developments.
As Rabbi Rosenthal has pointed out, changes to our spiritual rituals and Jewish behaviors can often feel like a rejection of the very traditions and customs that we have worked so hard to preserve. He has further pointed out that we must be grateful that our Torah and Jewish tradition offers guidance in these difficult situations. The concept of Pikuakh Nefesh, saving a life, allows for modification of our behavior, even breaking commanded rituals in order to save a life. This value is closely associated with Shemirat HaGuf, guarding of one's body, which implores us to be mindful to not engage in any activity that might compromise our health or safety.
Wishing you and your families health.
Shabbat Shalom,
Barry Herman
Executive Director
Due to the spread of COVID-19, the following events have been postponed or cancelled:
HomeBeis@AA Youth Services – Saturday, March 14 | 10:30 – 11 am
Groove Shabbat – Saturday, March 14 | 11 – 11:30 am
Hunger Walk Run – Sunday, March 15 | 12 pm: This event has been made virtual. For more information, click here.
Cultural Arts Concert: Espressione – Sunday, March 15 | 2 pm: Postponed until further notice
SOAP UP Atlanta: The Final Four – Sunday, March 29 | 9:30 am – 3 pm