Thursday, September 15, 2022 | 19 Elul 5782
Update on COVID Protocols
Dear Friends,

With the start of the school year, with the High Holy Days quickly approaching, and with the goal of re-energizing in-person engagement, we want to provide an update regarding current health protocols. These changes respect the ongoing nature of the pandemic while giving people more choices and more control over their health decision. We consider ourselves fortunate that vaccines are widely available, and this coupled with the various therapeutics we now have will protect the vast majority of those who contract the virus from serious illness and hospitalization. This gives us flexibility which enables us to move closer to our pre-pandemic practices and of bringing more of our community back together in person. After all, building community is so much a part of what we do!

We look forward to celebrating Shabbat, holidays, programs, and many other joyous occasions together in person. We will continue to use technology to expand gatherings and, as weather permits, we will enjoy outdoor programming. Below please find updated information about Beth Emet’s COVID policies.

  • Effective October 7, masking will be no longer required in the building. With this change, however, we do continue to recommend that people who attend services, adult education classes, Beit Sefer, or other events wear a well-fitting mask when in the building. Our interest remains to promote the continued protection of those in our community who may be at a higher risk of short or long-term consequences of COVID infections. We will reconsider these policies if increased transmission rates or other circumstances develop that justify a change of the policies.

  • Given that the High Holy Day services will have many people in attendance, well-fitting masks will be required for all services and study inside the building for ages two and older.

  • We continue to urge everyone to be “fully vaccinated” and “up to date” which includes receiving the most recent booster shot for those who are eligible.

  • For your convenience and for the protection of our community, please refer to this LINK for the task force’s current guidance relative to isolation and masking following a COVID confirmation or exposure. Most importantly, if you have any symptoms of COVID or otherwise do not feel well, please do not come to the building. The guidelines also offer information related to worship.

  • For a statement explaining the COVID Task Force’s actions, please refer to this LINK.
For their past, current, and future leadership and COVID guidance, I want to express my deep appreciation to the following individuals for their immeasurable contributions on behalf of the health and safety of the congregation: Ben Freed, Karen Isaacson, Bekki Kaplan, Ed Linn, Barry Miller, Geoff Prass, and Brad White.

We recognize that many of our members have had differing views about COVID policy throughout the pandemic. We are proud of the Beth Emet community for the support of one another throughout the past two-plus years. As always, we will monitor changes in the pandemic, and update our policies as circumstances warrant. 

We’re sincerely looking forward to seeing you soon!
Lee S. Weintraub
President, Board of Trustees
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