Congregational Updates Regarding COVID-19

Joyful Connection and Celebration!
Updated Protocols for Gathering

Dear Beth Ahabah Family: 
 
As the Chanukah and holiday season is upon us, we know that you and your families will be gathering together for joyful connections and celebrations. As always, Congregation Beth Ahabah is here to continue providing meaningful worship services, festive events and many activities for you and your family. As participation has grown in many of these in-person activities, we want to thank everyone for your continued diligence in following our COVID-19 protocols and supporting our top priority – the safety of our congregational family. 
 
As an update, our Return to In-Person Events (RIPE) Committee, including our medical advisors, has continued to meet and reassess our current COVID-19 protocols in light of recent trends and progress towards reducing the impact of COVID-19 in our communities. Although the trends often seem to take one step forward and two steps back, our medical advisors are hopeful that with the expansion of vaccine/booster availability and anti-viral treatments, a return to normalcy is in the not-too-distant future. As a result of progress on the medical fronts and current trends, we would like to provide an update to our protocols which include a few changes.
 
Adult Small Groups, Beit Midrash, and Education Programs (updated)
Fully vaccinated adults (18 years and up) may attend small group gatherings – including Beit Midrash classes, Women of Beth Ahabah, Brotherhood, and Board/Committee meetings – inside the Beth Ahabah campus without wearing a mask. Of course, participants are certainly welcome to continue wearing a mask if they feel more comfortable at such gatherings. We will strive to offer these gatherings in a hybrid style (both in-person and via Zoom) to accommodate everyone’s preferences. These are the full guidelines:

• Vaccination is required for all in-person gatherings of adult study groups, committees, etc. 
• Masks are no longer required for fully vaccinated adult participants while they are in a space/attending a program with only other fully vaccinated adults. (updated)
• Social distancing is strongly recommended regardless of vaccination status.
• Registration is required for in-person attendance. Registering to attend one of these programs in-person is a confirmation of one’s vaccination status.
• Virtual options are available for some classes.
• In-person capacity limits are based on the room/venue size for each class to allow for social distancing.

Religious School (Including Monday Night Teen Programs) and Youth Group Gatherings (no change to current protocols)

• Registration is required.
• Capacity limits are based on the room/venue size for each class to allow for social distancing.
• In-person and virtual options are available.
• Masks are required for all participants (teachers, students, parents) while inside the building, and are optional while outside.
• Class seating is social distanced.

 
Food Service (updated)
We are thrilled to announce that food service (such as First Friday Shabbat Dinners) may now be offered indoors (updated) with the following guidelines:

• Pre-registration is required.
• All participants, regardless of vaccine status, are required to sit in socially distanced pods.
• All participants, regardless of vaccine status, are required to wear a mask inside except while sitting at their table and actively eating or drinking. (updated)

 
Please note that given the large attendance expected, our December 5th Congregational Latke Party will be held outside. Please see the e-news for details and plan to join in the fun as the Brotherhood fries up some delicious latkes and donuts.
 
Food service for Shabbat Pre-Negs and Onegs will continue to be offered outside without requiring pre-registration.
 
Shabbat Services, Sanctuary Programs and Life Cycle Services while in Sanctuary (no change to current protocols)

• Vaccination is strongly recommended, but not required, for all eligible congregants and guests.
• Masks are required for all individuals, regardless of vaccine status, while inside the building, and are optional while outside.
• Social distancing is strongly recommended for all individuals, regardless of vaccine status.

 
Chag Sameach! Happy Chanukah!
 
Lee Katz, 1st Vice President, Chair of RIPE Committee
Julie Mullian, President of Board of Managers
Rabbi Scott Nagel
Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman
Heather Dinkin, Director of Congregational Operations
James Hensley, Facilities Manager
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