Gala 2022 faqs

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What will the Gala programming look like? 

As a committee, we wanted to provide the most comfortable environment for everyone to celebrate, as such, we will not be eating until after the program so that congregants who are most comfortable when everyone is fully masked can participate. Below is a rough agenda for how our time will look: 

• 4:30-5:15 PM: Arrival and Schmooze (CSAIR artifact and history walk) 

• 5:15- 5:30 PM: Begin to move to seats to begin the program 

• 5:30- 6:45 PM: Program (celebrating our honorees) 

• 6:45- 7:00 PM: Maariv 

• Members who wish to take their food to go will be invited to do so at this point

• 7:00- 8:15 PM: Dinner (optional) 

What are my options for how I can engage? 

Great questions! There are a few different ways that you can engage with this 2022 Gala that can be specified on your registration form: 

• I will attend and dine in person, providing a rapid test on the same day as well as proof of vaccination at the door. (Or whatever the Medical Committee may require at the time.)

• I will attend the program. But once the program ends, I will take my food home. (No COVID tests needed.)

• I will attend the gala virtually. I will pick up my food at CSAIR. (No COVID tests needed.)

• I will attend the gala virtually and won’t need any food. I would like 100% of my donation to help CSAIR. (No COVID tests needed.)

I thought that the gala raised funds for the shul’s general operating budget - why is there an option to donate to the emergency fund and/or Henry Hudson Parkway entrance? 

Historically, the gala has raised funds for the operating budget of the synagogue. In addition to supporting the synagogue’s general operating budget, the funds raised towards the two priorities identified will help meet some of our synagogue’s needs that fall outside the general operating budget. Note that funds raised through ticket sales will still go to the general operating budget. 

If I just want an ad, do I need to buy a ticket? 

The gala, after all, is a fundraiser for the shul, so if you plan on attending the gala we ask that you purchase a ticket or tickets alongside your ad purchase. If purchasing a ticket is financially burdensome, please reach out to Rabbi Greenberg, as we have members of the shul who have purchased tickets to share with others.

What will Covid precautions look like during the 2022 Gala? 

As the CSAIR community knows, our approach to changes in our Covid guidelines has been via slow, incremental, and deliberate change that enables all of our community members to be as Covid comfortable as possible.

That said, our medical committee has recently informed us that those who choose to stay for dinner can safely forgo the Covid testing 2-3 days prior to the event. At this time, anyone who is planning to stay for the dinner portion of the event is still required to take a rapid test (at home is acceptable) on the day of the event as well as be fully vaccinated. Masking will still be required for all while not engaged in food-related activities.