Dear TBS Family,

The Covid-19 Task Force (formerly known as the Pandemic Committee) has been working for the safety of the congregants of Temple Beth Sholom for two and a half years. Covid is still with us (and may always be with us), however we won't let it interfere with our new normal as we strive to rebuild on-site attendance.

The revised Safety Guidelines for Temple Beth Sholom are as listed below:

1. Vaccination Status. We request anyone entering the building be fully vaccinated, including boosters, if eligible. 
2. Masks. Masking is strongly encouraged. We continue to encourage masking considering the diversity and varying levels of comfort within our community. Please see the CDC's Guidelines for Exposure here, which recommends wearing a mask for 10 full days if you were exposed to COVID-19. 
3. Minyan and Shabbat Services. All services will continue to be available on Zoom. Morning and Evening Minyan will take place in the Sanctuary. Friday evening and Saturday morning services are open for attendance for up to 220 people. Children may attend services, if vaccinated, if eligible, at the parents’ discretion.
4. Seating. Congregants may sit where they please. We will provide ample seating for those who wish to have more space around them. (Please do not remove the ribbons from a closed pew.)
5. Honorees. Individuals coming up for an aliyah, should maintain a social distance from Torah readers and the Gabbai.
6. Hebrew School. For specific questions about Hebrew School, please contact the Principal at Hebrewschooltbs@gmail.com. 
7. Your Health. All attendees should self-screen prior to attendance. Please use the hand sanitizer available at each entrance. Please DO NOT ENTER the building, if you are experiencing any symptoms: fever, new cough, shortness of breath, new loss of smell or taste, headache, sore throat. Anyone acquiring symptoms consistent with Covid-19 or testing positive for Covid-19 within 14 days after attending a synagogue activity is requested to promptly notify the synagogue President by calling the TBS Office at 203-288-7748 or by emailing President@tbshamden.com. Please refer to the CDC Guidelines here for Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19 (updated by CDC on August 11, 2022). 
8. Lobby. Congregants and guests will not gather in the lobby following services. 
9. Food. All food and drink service may resume.
10. Meetings. Board, committee, and other group meetings may be conducted indoors, consistent with the rules listed above, at the discretion of the individual leading the meeting. Additionally, a Facility Use Form shall be completed to identify if a meeting is in person or on Zoom.

If State and local regulations change before the High holidays, we may need to change our Guidelines and will communicate any changes in advance of the services.

As a reminder, please do not come to Temple Beth Sholom if you feel unwell. We have done well during this difficult period. The Covid-19 Task Force thanks you for your cooperation during the last two and a half years.

Shalom and we look forward to seeing you soon,

Lauren Piscitelle,President 

president@tbshamden.com