Dear Friends,
As the weather gets colder and the days shorter, many of us feel a greater need for the warmth of personal connection. Like other synagogues in the COVID era, Temple Aliyah has tried to balance its members’ strong desire for in-person community with the equally strong desire to provide a safe environment that protects us all. Given the high level of vaccination in our area, we believe that we can begin to offer members some additional in-person options.
Our current policies require that anyone attending services in person be masked, that those eligible for vaccination (anyone twelve or older) be vaccinated, and that proof of vaccination be submitted to the office in advance. In addition, no one who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days or who is currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 may be admitted to services or allowed into the building.
As we seek to recover and re-build the personal bonds among our members, the Reopening Committee has refined these protocols to enable more in-person programming, in addition to daily and Shabbat services (offered in-person and virtually). While mindful that COVID continues to spread and mutate, we have sought to create protocols that reflect the high rate of vaccination in the broader community, the availability of boosters for all adults and of vaccines for children down to the age of six, and our desire to allow our members to make their own choices about when and how to participate in the social and religious life of the synagogue.
Indoor Kiddush: We are delighted to announce that beginning this Shabbat, December 4, 2021, we will be offering indoor kiddush as an option after morning services. To reduce the risk of COVID transmission, and out of respect for differing comfort levels among our congregants, we are requiring that everyone remain masked except when eating or drinking. We understand that some who are comfortable attending services where everyone is masked might not feel the same way about a kiddush lunch where masks may be removed. At the same time, we believe that many of our members are eager to schmooze and reconnect, and are willing to accept the small added risk of unmasking over a meal with others, almost all of whom are doubly and in some cases triply vaccinated. Each person or family will be able to make their own decision about whether they are comfortable in this setting. Through the end of December, our outdoor tent will be available as well, and no masks are currently required there.
Younger children: As of January 31, 2022, children six years and older will have to be fully vaccinated to attend in-person services, unless for medical reasons they are unable to be vaccinated. We are requiring that proof-of-vaccination be submitted in advance to Melissa Rudman, our Executive Director, as we currently require of adults. (While all adults are encouraged to receive a booster, we are not requiring it at this time.)
Food/drinks at other events: The Reopening Committee will review any requests to offer food or drinks at other events in the building. We anticipate that most events will not include food or drinks, in order to minimize mask removal. If approved, food and drinks will be limited to a separate space in the building so that anyone attending an event can choose whether to be in a masked or unmasked environment.
We believe that these revised guidelines will continue to keep us safe while allowing us to re-establish the in-person connections and friendships that are at the core of who we are as a community. We will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 both locally and globally, and will adjust our protocols as required. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Happy Hanukkah, and we look forward to seeing you in shul!
Keith Lewinstein, President
Peter Krupp, Reopening Committee Chair
