July 22, 2021
13 Av 5781
Dear Emanuel Family,
The Board of Trustees of The Emanuel Synagogue met in person on July 20 at The Emanuel at a regular Board Meeting for the first time in more than 16 months. We made a very important decision with respect to our COVID guidelines.
The recommendations which follow have been approved and accepted by our Task Force, our Executive Committee and our Board of Trustees. Local transmission--although rising recently likely due to the variant--is low. Our community is widely vaccinated. Synagogues and businesses locally all have gone to optional masking for the vaccinated. We continue to place respect for health and life concerns above all and make these changes because we believe we can continue to stay safe and vigilant. Should there be any dramatic change in the factual basis for this decision, we will not hesitate to revert to earlier restrictions including closure if necessary.
The following is our policy, effective immediately. To the extent these guidelines conflict with prior ones, these guidelines are now in effect:
1. Masks are optional for vaccinated persons in The Emanuel Synagogue. Everyone entering the building should continue to use best practices such as hand washing and social distancing.
2. Unvaccinated persons are required to wear masks while in the building for the safety of themselves and others. We expect our unvaccinated members and guests to comply with this rule absent enforcement.
3. Attendance limits for indoor activities are lifted. However, those attendees who wish to social distance will have the ability to do so. Attendees should feel free to sit with those in their bubble while also respecting fellow attendees who choose to distance.
4. Registration for services is discontinued, but registration may continue to establish numbers for Shabbat Kiddush or High Holiday services.
5. Masking is not required for outdoor activities. Social distancing will continue to be available but not required.
6. Kitchen use will continue per guidelines and protocols. The use of buffet food served by masked and gloved volunteers is preferable to boxed food with plastic/paper utensils and plates to lower our environmental impact.
7. We strongly require that all congregants, staff and guests continue to monitor their own health and not enter The Emanuel if unwell.
8. Rules applicable to our Religious School will largely follow that of the West Hartford Public Schools.
I hope the above answers your questions about our Synagogue and you feel comfortable returning to the building. We respect your various decisions based on your personal health concerns and understand why some may choose to observe our services on Zoom or Livestream. However, if you are moved to return, you will find the same warm and welcoming Emanuel as always.
There is one more reason to join us in person this weekend: to enjoy the warm presence of our new Hazzan Daniella Risman. Enjoy Shabbat Under the Stars, Shabbat Dinner, and Shabbat Morning Services. Come one, come all.
Sincerely,
Ken Simon, President
