November 11, 2021
Dear members of Beth Am:
I hope you are all well.
Beth Am has always been a special place. A building where members and their loved ones gather to engage in meaningful community building and discovery. This sentence begins our values and vision statement. Living these values has been challenged by the ongoing pandemic.
Throughout the pandemic we have taken steps to ensure the safety of our members and wider community, adjusting to the changing flow of COVID and the information available.
As we continue to evaluate the latest information and proceed on the path toward expanding our in-person community, the Beth Am executive committee, in consultation with our COVID task force, is pleased to take another step in that direction with the bringing back of Kiddush lunch in our social hall starting December 4th, 2021 which happens to be Shabbat Hanukkah, Beth Am's 47th anniversary. We have established the following protocols and framework for reinstating our Kiddush lunch:
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Anyone joining us for in-person Kiddush lunch must provide proof of vaccination. You will only need to show proof of vaccination once. There will be a master spreadsheet kept at the office listing everyone who has shown proof of vaccination. Below you will find the different ways to provide proof of vaccination.
- Social distancing protocols will still be in place.
- For the month of December, we will continue the box lunch option (order needs to be placed online by Noon on Wednesday's). We will also be offering coffee and dessert.
- Except when eating, masks must be worn indoors at all times.
- Tables and heaters will be set up outside the Chauncy entrance for those with children ages 0-4 and those who might feel safer outdoors.
Ways to provide proof of vaccination:
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Send a picture of your vaccination card to Devora at: devora@bethambaltimore.org. Once she sees the vaccination card, Devora will check mark your name on the master spreadsheet and then delete the email.
- Download the app "NYC COVID SAFE", take a picture of your vaccination card for the app and then show the app to the volunteer checking proof of vaccination at Kiddush lunch. A sticker will be placed next to your name and then updated on the master list moving forward.
- Bring your vaccination card with you and show it to the volunteer checking proof of vaccination at Kiddush lunch. A sticker will be placed next to your name and then updated on the master list moving forward.
- Have a picture of your vaccination card on your phone and show it to the volunteer checking proof of vaccination at Kiddush lunch. A sticker will be placed next to your name and then updated on the master list moving forward.
Remember, you only need to show proof of vaccination one time.
The above framework and protocols focus on safety, while balancing the staff's ability to implement and manage the process. Renewing the in-person Kiddush lunch this way will enable us to gain the necessary experience over the winter months for more in-person activities in a safe environment. The board and the task force will continue their efforts to set our path toward a return to more regular operations. We encourage all of our members to get vaccinated against COVID and the flu.
Please remember we are looking out for your health and safety. We will ALL thrive in the kindness shown towards one another.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me.
L’shalom,
Alex Pomerantz
Executive Director
Beth Am Synagogue
Office: (410) 523-2446 Ext: 1121
Cell: (757) 472-9054
“If I am not for myself who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?”
