Area synagogues begin the process of reopening

As more people receive COVID-19 vaccinations and return to in-person gatherings in Rhode Island, synagogues are addressing the question of how to expand their services. Jewish Rhode Island reached out to congregations throughout the state inquiring about their current and upcoming reopening plans. Below is a list of synagogue that responded with plans and schedules as of May 25.

Temple Emanu-El

Weekday: In person minyan starting Wednesday (5/12) at 7:00 p.m., in addition to current morning and evening online z’man kodesh sessions. Masked and distance required.

Minyan will take place OUTDOORS in the JCDSRI Mo’adon (85 Taft Ave.). This means anyone may attend, regardless of vaccination status.

Participants must register at teprov.org.

If not enough people have signed up by 6:30 p.m., that evening’s minyan is cancelled. Check the sign up from before coming to the Mo’adon.

You must bring your own siddur (prayerbook).

Shabbat: Friday Night Options

5:30 p.m. — Shabbat Ba'Hutz/Outdoor prayer experience (includes highlights from Friday Night Service)

6:00 p.m. — Sanctuary service (includes Minhah, Kabbalat Shabbat, and Ma'ariv)

Saturday Morning:

9:30 a.m. — Sanctuary service

All services are accessible through Zoom. Visit teprov.org for more information.

Congregation Sons and Daughters of Ruth

Shabbat: Friday Night Options

“In person meetings on Friday nights starting the Friday of Memorial Day weekend (and for the High Holidays). We meet on the deck of St. Andrews Parish Center. Six feet apart and masks required. The services are usually at 7 p.m. ” said Elliot Taubman.

Services are not accessible through Zoom. Call 401-466-2861 or e-mail ETBI@me.com for more information.

Temple Shalom

Shabbat: Friday Night Options

Offering weekly Shabbat services at Temple Shalom and continuing to offer Zoom. They also host a Family Shabbat once a month outside at the Temple.

“We are also having outside events. We've reserved tents for the High Holidays, but now I'm wondering whether we'll use them,” Said Abigail Anthony.

Services are accessible through Zoom. Visit templeshalomrhodeisland.org for more information.

Temple Beth-El

Shabbat: Friday Night Options

11:00 a.m. — Pre-Shabbat Under the Tent with Rabbi Mack and Cantor Seplowin

Visit temple-beth-el.org for more information.

Sha'arei Tefilla

Sunday

8:00 a.m. at Sha'arei Tefilla, 450 Elmgrove Ave.

Monday-Friday

6:45 a.m. at Congregation Ohawe Shalom, 671 East Ave. in Pawtucket

8:00 a.m. (school days) at Providence Hebrew Day School, 450 Elmgrove Ave. Call the school at 401-331-5327 to confirm.

Weekday Mincha

2:10 p.m. at Providence Hebrew Day School (school days), 450 Elmgrove Ave.

1:15 p.m. at New England Rabbinical College, 262 Blackstone Blvd.

Shkiya at Mishkon Tfiloh, 203 Summit Ave.

Weeknight Maariv — Sunday

9:00 p.m. at the Kollel, 450 Elmgrove Ave.

10:00 p.m. at New England Rabbinical College, 262 Blackstone Blvd.

Shkiya at Mishkon Tfiloh, 203 Summit Ave.

Monday-Thursday

9:30 p.m. at the Kollel, 450 Elmgrove Ave.

10:00 p.m. at New England Rabbinical College, 262 Blackstone Blvd.

Shkiya at Mishkon Tfiloh, 203 Summit Ave.

Visit templeshaareitefilla.org for more information.

United Brothers Synagogue Transition / Services

“UBS is excited to transition to a more normal sabbath service schedule . we are planning to meet outdoors in June and July at an outdoor facility at Colt State Park, Chapel by the Sea with our goal to be back in the Synagogue in August. We will continue to be diligent in our compliance with safety protocols as part of this transition to ensure the health and well being of our congregation,” said Jonathan Feinstein.

Visit unitedbrotherssynagogue.org for more information.

Congregation Agudas Achim

“Our plans are evolving as we stay up to date with the shifting state guidelines. We started to have some hybrid services for b'nei mitzvah celebrations and had one outdoor service with the religious school families. This summer, we'll be having some more outdoor services, and as guidelines continue to shift, we will hope to have some services in the sanctuary as well,” said Rabbi Alex Weissman.

Visit agudasma.org for more information.

Tifereth Israel Congregation

“We have been reopened with a hybrid of Zoom and in person services. Our reopening committee has been working since the fall and meets every three weeks. Our in person services are socially distant, attendance limited to state guidelines, require masks and we clean and fog after every service that is held in person,” said Gershon Levine.

Visit tinewbedford.org to see their schedule.

Temple Torat Yisrael

Services are in person with Zoom accessibility. See more on the Jewish Rhode Island calendar.

Beth David Synagogue

5:45 p.m. — Community Candle Lighting

Use the same Zoom link as for previous services. Email CBDRI if you need the link.

8:00 p.m. Kabbalat Services

9:00 a.m. Shabbat Services

In person and Zoom hybrid. Visit cbdri.org for more information.