Dear Temple Families,
As we enter the third year of the COVID pandemic, I am sure that we all feel a sense of relief from the recent announcement by the CDC and New York State that COVID cases, caused by the surge of the Omicron variant, have dropped sufficiently enough to recommend changes to masking policies. In response to those announcements, the Temple Israel COVID Taskforce has re-evaluated our masking policies. We are optimistic that the time is right to move toward relaxing COVID restrictions. If conditions change, we will be ready to adapt as needed. Effective immediately:
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General temple events, including worship services, Chavaya, committee meetings, etc., will be mask-optional. We continue to encourage unvaccinated members to be masked.
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For the next two weeks, we will continue to monitor COVID rates in our community. If rates do not substantially increase, and DOH/school guidelines remain unchanged, masking of children and vaccinated staff will be optional as of March 18 for our Kehillah program.
Masked and unmasked members will be gathering alongside each other in our sanctuary, classrooms, and for community events. It is essential that as a community we maintain a “mask positive” environment so those who wear masks, whether by choice, expectation, or requirement, are not stigmatized, bullied, or made to feel uncomfortable.
We want to take the opportunity to thank you. Many of you have shared that you have continued to support us through the COVID pandemic even though the sense of loss of connection and of community has been difficult. Reflecting upon the events over the last several years, and the horrific acts of war occurring in the Ukraine right now, maintaining our mission of living our Jewish values through worship, celebration, lifelong learning, and Tikkun Olam – the repair of the world, is ever more critical.
We thank and appreciate you!
