You are here: Home » Updated COVID-19 Protocols

Updated COVID-19 Protocols

Congregation B’nai Israel COVID-19 Protocols

Updated 8/15/22

Our updated COVID-19 Protocols are based on conversations with our medical staff, our Board of Trustees, and the most recent recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information about COVID-19 levels in our area, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html. In Fairfield County, Connecticut, community risk level is currently Medium.

MASKS

Masking is not required for any indoor or outdoor gatherings, worship services, or events unless instructed by teachers or staff.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

The masking requirements for the Bonim and Kehilah programs are being addressed by Alexa Cohen. Those families participating in these programs are being contacted directly for next steps.
Masks may become mandatory again if Covid-19 conditions in our area change.

VACCINATIONS

Someone is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving a one-dose vaccine or two weeks after the second dose of a two-shot vaccine.
All congregants and visitors attending Congregation B’nai Israel who are eligible to be vaccinated, including those making informal visits to our facilities, are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated. Simply stated: if you are not vaccinated, you are not safe and you may put others at risk. Additionally, if you have a condition that weakens your immune system, you may not be fully protected even if you have been vaccinated.
If you have any concern about in-person attendance or visits, please consult your physician for guidance before attending indoor events, or before deciding to stop wearing a mask or social distancing.
While we highly encourage all who are eligible to get vaccinated, we realize that not everyone will be able to do so. If you are not vaccinated, for your personal safety and the safety of others, please consider attending meetings, events or worship services remotely.

LIFECYCLE EVENTS & MEETINGS

Attendance may be limited in number due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Certain on-site events or meetings may have capacity or advance registration requirements as in the past. These restrictions will be communicated separately as part of specific instructions for an event or meeting in the coming weeks.
For life cycle events taking place off-site, such as at congregants’ homes, in which clergy participate in their formal capacity, clergy will speak with the congregant(s) to determine the specific safety protocols for that gathering. In general, outdoor gatherings and small indoor gatherings are preferred, with masking required indoors; large, indoor lifecycle events should take place at the synagogue.

HYBRID (MULTI-ACCESS) SERVICES, EVENTS OR MEETINGS

Virtual attendance has become popular and Congregation B’nai Israel plans to continue virtual options whenever possible.
Such options will be communicated separately as part of specific instructions related to the event.

CHOIR, BAND AND INSTRUMENTALISTS

We will begin to resume having musicians on the bima for services and other programming.
Our adult and junior choirs will officially resume in the near future. Look for details in upcoming communications.
Musicians must be fully vaccinated to play or sing at B’nai Israel.

FOOD

Oneg Shabbat and indoor eating has resumed.
When food is served during or after a worship service, event or meeting, we will follow all health and safety guidelines. These guidelines will include masked and gloved servers and limits on table sizes.

We are pleased to be moving forward toward the full resumption of in-person worship and events at Congregation B’nai Israel. We will continue to actively monitor pandemic trends and the most up-to-date scientific recommendations as they evolve. As updated guidance is available, we will be prepared to make appropriate changes always prioritizing safety.

L’Shalom,

Susan Walden, President
Rabbi Evan Schultz
Rabbi Sarah Marion
Alexa Cohen, Director of Early Childhood Education/Director of Education