(As of December 28, 2021)
Dear Temple Emanuel Community,
We are writing to share an update to our COVID-19 policies. The past several months have created welcomed opportunities to gather as a community, in-person and online. While we recognize the strong desire for our community to continue to gather in person to pray, socialize and learn, we also need to find ways to navigate the evolving dynamics of COVID-19, including new variants, increasing cases and hospitalization rates.
With that in mind, and to honor our Jewish value of pikuach nefesh, safeguarding life, our Temple Emanuel COVID-19 Task Force has approved the policies below. We hope that these updates will help us both keep one another as safe as possible while allowing us to continue gathering in person as we navigate this difficult time.
Policies:
- Masks will continue to be required in our building, regardless of vaccination status. We ask this in part out of recognition that not all in our congregation are yet eligible for vaccination (or booster shots), and .
- We urge all who wish to attend events in person (and who are eligible to be vaccinated) to attend in-person only if you are vaccinated. We ask this for the safety of all individuals, as well as the safety of our community at large, and we urge this in alignment with the guidance from our Reform movement.
- All staff members must either be vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test weekly.
- Temple-sponsored events that are open to our congregation will not include food unless there is advanced registration.
- Those registered for events including food will be required to show proof of vaccination, and masks must be worn unless you are actively eating or drinking.
- Private events and building rentals, such as shiva or B’nai mitzvah receptions, may continue to serve food. It is the responsibility of the family to confirm vaccination status of invitees.
- Parents will be invited to join our Sunday morning service by grade level to allow for social distancing. The Religious School will communicate with parents the schedule.
As we hope you can see, the goals of gathering and celebrating together, keeping one another safe, and complying with local, state, and federal guidelines remain central in our decision-making process. We thank you in advance for your understanding and your patience if circumstances should require further changes to any of these policies.
As we continue to navigate these challenging times, we pray that our Temple Emanuel community can continue to be a source of comfort and strength for us all. May we have the strength and the patience to all do our part to minimize risks to one another and keep our congregational family safe while celebrating our sacred times with pride, joy, and optimism.
Together in health,
Rabbi Max Chaiken
David Trachtenberg, President
Maureen Chapman, Executive Director