March 29, 2022
Dear Friends,
As you may recall, the Reopening Committee met in early March and voted to ease up on our Covid-related building policies. Some of the changes are already in effect; others go into effect this coming Shabbat.
First, though, some important aspects of our policy are not changing:
- Covid vaccinations are required for all eligible congregants who enter the building. Children under the age of 5 are also permitted in the building and are welcome for all services, but they must wear a KN95 or equivalent mask, which is available at the door.
- If you or someone in your household has demonstrated cold or flu symptoms, or has recently been exposed to someone who has, we ask that you please stay home.
- Socially distant seating will remain in place in the back of the sanctuary and in the section of seats nearest the sanctuary entrance for those who wish to use it.
- We will continue to offer tables and chairs in the far back of the sanctuary for those who wish to take part in a small Kiddush at the end of services.
The changes effective this coming Shabbat morning, April 2, are:
1) Since vaccinations are required for anyone over the age of 5 who enters the building, masks are now optional for everyone over the age of 5. Unvaccinated children between the ages of 2 and 5 will still be required to wear a KN95 or equivalent mask, available at the door.
2) Zoom broadcasts of Shabbat services (Friday night and Saturday morning) are no longer being offered. Livestreaming of Shabbat services will continue to be available -- details are in The Insider. However, we encourage you to join us in person if you are able and vaccinated. There is no substitute for in-person davening.
3) The building will reopen for club and committee meetings and other events as of April 1st. Masks will be optional for everyone over the age of 5 at that time, although vaccinations will remain mandatory for all who are eligible. Please reserve all meeting space through the office.
If the numbers and conditions related to Covid take a turn for the worse, we will reevaluate these policy changes. Given the nature of Covid these days, nothing is permanent.
We hope to resume our regular Shabbat Kiddush soon. We need to re-form the Kiddush Committee before we can do that. If you would like to help with that committee, please contact me at evan.marcus@gmail.com.
One other note: This Shabbat (April 1 and 2), we will be hosting a Shabbaton for students of the Bergen County High School of Jewish Studies (BCHSJS). They will join us in person for services on both Friday evening and Saturday morning. All of the BCHSJS students who will join us have been vaccinated and tested negative for Covid.
I hope to see you at Shabbat services, this, and every Saturday morning at 9:30am.
Thank you,
Evan Marcus
President
