Dear Beth Ahabah Family,
The month of Adar is a joyful time for Jewish people across the lands. According to our sacred texts, it is “the month that was reversed for them from grief to joy” (Esther 9:22) and “when the month of Adar enters, we increase in joy” (Talmud, Taanit 29a). As we approach this jubilant time period, including the fun-filled holiday of Purim, we are extremely pleased to announce updated protocols recently approved by our Return to In-Person Events (RIPE) Committee.
Our RIPE Committee, including our medical advisors, has continued to meet and reassess our current protocols in light of recent trends and progress towards reducing the impact of COVID-19, including the Omicron variant, in our communities. With plummeting case counts, increasing vaccine/booster rates, and advancements in anti-viral treatments, our medical advisors have approved several protocol updates, effective February 25, 2022, to help restore a sense of normalcy and community for our congregation.
Shabbat Services, Sanctuary Programs & Life Cycle Events
- Masks are now optional for all attendees of services and programs within the Sanctuary. (updated)
- A section of the Sanctuary will be designated as “mask-required” for those attendees who prefer this additional safety precaution. (updated)
- All attendees must be fully vaccinated, including a booster, against COVID-19.
- Social distancing is encouraged for all attendees.
Adult Small Groups, Beit Midrash, and Education Programs
- Masks are now optional for all attendees of adult-only small group gatherings, including Adult/Teen Beit Midrash classes, Torah Study, and Women of Beth Ahabah, Brotherhood, Board/Committee meetings. (updated)
- Registration is no longer required for in-person attendance, with the exception of Adult/Teen Beit Midrash. (updated)
- All attendees must be fully vaccinated, including a booster, against COVID-19.
- Social distancing is encouraged for all attendees.
Schmoozing & Dining
- Indoor food service, a central component of our joyful gathering, will re-launch on February 25 with our Shabbat Service and Dinner in Celebration of Brotherhood. (updated)
- Masks are optional. (updated)
- Pod seating is no longer required. (updated)
- Pre-registration is required for dinners; but not required for oneg/pre-neg offerings.
- All attendees must be fully vaccinated, including a booster, against COVID-19.
- Social distancing is encouraged for all attendees.
Religious School & Youth Group Gatherings
- We are monitoring the recent legal and legislative actions in Virginia, masks policies implemented by local school districts, as well as an anticipated announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The RIPE Committee will meet in the upcoming weeks to discuss the impact of these developments on our own protocols, and will announce any changes as soon as possible. (updated)
- Registration is required.
- Class seating is social distanced, and capacity limits are based on the room/venue size for each class to allow for social distancing.
- Proper Masks (surgical, N95, or KN95) are required for all participants, including teachers, students, and parents, while inside the building. Both adult and child-size surgical masks will be available at the front entrance for those who need one. Masks are optional while outside.
We hope these updated protocols help us re-establish our congregational connections. The RIPE Committee plans to reconvene in the upcoming weeks to continue evaluating our protocols and will make any recommendations as soon as possible. As always, Congregation Beth Ahabah is committed to providing a safe and healthy community for meaningful worship services, festive events and social activities for you and your family. Thank you to everyone for your continued patience and dedication to Beth Ahabah as we joyfully yet cautiously navigate back to normalcy.
Here's to a Happy and Healthy Purim!
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
Click HERE for the CCAR Resolution on COVID-19 Vaccination.
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