Dear Havurahniks,
 
Since closing down in-person gatherings, we have been fortunate to have found a “space” of sorts in our four Zoom Rooms, Aleph, Bet, Gimel and Dalet. These online meeting spaces have allowed us to learn, talk, relate, make important decisions, and see each other panim el panim, face to face.
 
To enhance access, we’ve gone without password protection for our rooms. While everyone was getting used to the technology, it seemed possible that passwords would complicate accessing the rooms and perhaps prevent people from being able to participate. To balance out the security aspect, we made it a policy not to post the room links publicly, and to put in place a friendly screening process for non-members wanting to join services. Our long term plan has been to eventually phase in passwords for extra protection.
 
This week, Zoom announced that it would soon require passwords for Zoom meetings, so we will begin phasing in passwords in the next couple of weeks. Here is what will happen:
 
On Wednesday morning, July 15, we will change our Zoom settings to add a password to each of our rooms. We will immediately send the congregation an email with new join links and the passwords, as well as update the links where they are posted on our website (visible only to logged-in members) and on Slack. Prior to this, we will include regular announcements in Hineinu and Slack, so everyone knows what to expect. Afterward, volunteers will be available to help anyone having trouble joining a meeting.
 
You may ask: How will this change the way I join a Zoom Room?
 

• If you join using your PC, Mac or smartphone by clicking a link, then you will need to make sure to click the updated links that we will post for you on July 15. The updated links will have the password embedded, which means you won’t have to enter a password manually. If you click an old link, such as from an issue of Hineinu that came out before July 15, then you will need to enter a password.
   
• If you join using your PC, Mac or smartphone by manually entering the meeting ID into the app, then you will be prompted for a password.
   
• If you join by phone, you will not be asked for a password; nothing will change for phone attendees.

 
On July 15, we will send members the new join links and the passwords. In the meantime, please let us know your questions or concerns by replying to this email or calling Rachel in the office. It’s our goal to make this transition as seamless and painless as possible.
 
L’Shalom,
 
Havurah IT Committee