High Holy Day Logistics Q&A

Q: How many different services will be held during High Holy Days 2025?
A: That is still being evaluated. Will share more details as they evolve. We will continue to keep different audiences at the forefront of our minds: seniors, adults, children, teens, etc.  We will also evaluate which schedule best fits our spaces and the needs and wants of the congregation.

Q: Will there be appropriate visibility?
A: The current thinking is to move the bimah to the back of the social hall and set up chairs filling the social hall, with the sanctuary behind or to the side of the congregation. We are planning for screens high on stands to help with visibility as well.  No one, however, will have an obstructed view seat.

Q: Will the sound be of good quality?
A: We plan to hire the sound company we have used at the JCC to manage sound quality.

Q: Can services still be accessed online?
A: Yes, we plan to stream services throughout the High Holy Days.
 
Q: How many people do we expect at a service?
A: We have counted the total number of people at our services over the past 3 years and we had a maximum attendance well under 500 people at once (adding all of our service attendance together when they have run simultaneously). 
 
Q: Can Temple Sinai hold the number of attendees for High Holy Days?
A: Our social hall is permitted to hold up to 585 seats according to the fire code ("loose seating" in fire code parlance). We tested this by setting up 500 chairs in the social hall and inviting the fire marshal to come to Temple Sinai to view the setup. The fire marshal had no concerns.
 
Q: Is the building accessible for people with differing abilities? Can the building be exited safely for those who have mobility challenges?
A: Yes, there are four ramp exits: the sanctuary entrance, school/administrative entrance, emergency exit out of the Social Hall, and the exit at the end of the hallway by the Youth Lounge.  
 
Q: Can the heating and air conditioning system at Temple Sinai handle the anticipated number of attendees?
A: Yes.  We have recently upgraded the HVAC system. It is fully functional and up-to-date and maintaining temperature control will not be a problem.
 
Q: Where will people park?
A: There are 129 parking spots at Temple Sinai and viable options for overflow parking have been identified for consideration. There is a plan to reserve spaces at Temple Sinai to accommodate congregants and guests with mobility challenges and/or young children requiring travel in car seats. We are planning for continuous shuttles to ensure congregants can easily access their vehicles throughout services. There will also be police assistance with traffic control. 
 
Q: Can we properly secure the building for this large gathering?
A: Our security consultant for the High Holy Days assures us that Temple Sinai is less challenging to secure than the JCC. There are fewer entrances/exits and there will not be other gatherings in the building at the same time as there are at the JCC. Similar protocols will be put in place including visible Brighton Police presence, professional security guards, wand scans, and bag checks at the entrance.
 
Q: Are there enough opportunities to exit the building in case of an emergency?
A: Yes, there are three emergency exits from the social hall: the sanctuary doors, the emergency door at the back, and the exit to the Joel Bloom garden. There is an additional exit available from the kitchen.  There are also exits by the youth lounge and office, both of which include ramps.
 
Q: Are there protocols in place in case of fire?
A: Yes, we have plans for gathering outside in case of fire. There have been practice fire drills during school hours. Will consider practicing fire drills during other times prior to Fall 2025.
 
Q: Is having one vehicle exit from the parking lot enough?
A: The JCC only has one vehicle exit from their parking lot. Our security consultant does not have concerns.
 
Q: Are there enough restrooms?
A: The ladies’ room at the JCC has the same number of stalls as Temple Sinai. There are adequate restrooms for all attendees in the building.  We have additional stalls available in the building for use as needed.
  
Q: How would this move impact food at services?
A: At Temple Sinai we have access to supplies and equipment as well as support staff to provide food as needed.