COVID-19 Policy

One of the highest Jewish values is the preservation of life. Throughout the COVID pandemic, we have prioritized pikuach nefesh (preservation of human life) in deciding when and how we gather. Our Medical Advisory Group reviews the data and trends.  Our policies are informed by these reviews. 

Update - 7/18/2024:COVID-19 is no longer a "pandemic" - it is endemic worldwide, meaning that the virus is always present in the population, with rising and falling case levels, caused by the emergence of new virus variants and other factors. We all are learning to live with this virus - it is not going away anytime soon. Fortunately, rates of serious illness and death have been low recently. Experts believe this is because of the combination of immunity from immunization, and immunity acquired from infection with past strains of the virus. Nonetheless, COVID-19 remains in the top 10 leading causes of death in the US. Long COVID, a debilitating illness with persisting weakness and other serious symptoms has also become less common with immunization, but remains a concern as well. As I write this (mid-July), there has again been a summer increase in COVID-19 cases in MA and nationally, as there was last year. In the last weeks in Massachusetts, there have been 1500 or so reported cases of Covid per week (the actual number is much higher, of course), and 5-10 deaths per week. Low-moderate amounts of virus continue to be present in wastewater. 

What can you do to protect yourself against COVID, especially now that cases are again rising? Most important is getting immunized with the latest Covid-19 immunization, especially if you are 65 years of age or older, OR have risk factors for more serious disease. Although the coronavirus continues to evolve, thus far immunization boosting with the latest vaccine is quite protective for individuals against serious illness and death. If you haven't gotten a booster in the last  6 months to a year, you are NOT fully protected. COVID-19 immunizations ALSO help protect your family, friends, and our BI community by reducing the likelihood that you will spread infection. We all must help each other. Wearing a well-fitting mask (N-95/KN-95 or KF-94) when you are in crowded spaces like public transportation  seems prudent, especially when infections are rising.

If you do get COVID and are over age 50, or have other risk factors for serious disease, call your doctor to get a prescription for Paxlovid, a drug that reduces the risk of dying by more than 80%, and also reduces the risk of getting long COVID! 

-->At BI for the High Holidays: we will remain mask-optional but we recommend strongly considering wearing a mask during services if you have risk factors for more serious illness, or have been potentially exposed to Covid-19 infection (as in recent travel in planes, trains, or buses). Although we will do our best to space seating and to provide good ventilation, there are simply many more people in the sanctuary on the holidays than there are on a regular Shabbat, and this increases risk of infection. Singing aerosolizes virus, but a mask protects you and others. We will again offer a mask-required section, for those who wish to sit with others wearing masks.  We will not be requiring proof of immunization, but as noted above, immunization protects yourself and others. 

Finally, if you are not feeling well,  or have an acute cough illness present for less than 7-10 days (even if it is "just a cold/allergies"),  please DO NOT COME to services. Even a negative rapid test does not rule out infection if you have symptoms! If you have had a known COVID exposure in the week before you plan to attend, please test with a rapid test before you come, and if you test negative, you may come but you should wear a mask. Of course, if you test positive, don't come, but do call your doctor for guidance. 

To summarize:

• Masks are not required but we welcome those choosing to wear them to protect themselves and others.
• There will be a mask-required seating area in the sanctuary.
• We strongly recommend getting the latest booster immunization against COVID-19, but immunization proof is not required.
• If you do not feel well (cold symptoms, acute cough,  or fever), DO NOT COME to services, but join us online on Zoom.  A negative Covid test is NOT enough to protect others. 

On behalf of our BI medical advisory group. wishing all of you a healthy, happy High Holiday period and New Year 5785!

Dr. Jeremy Golding, ABFM, FAAFP BI Medical Adviser

Rabbi Aviva Fellman

Greg Weiner, PhD President

Tovah Bleakney, Executive Director 

For More Information and Updates . . .

Information about services and programs is shared via emails, social media, and the BI website. Details for Zoom meetings are available in member emails or via the member login on the BI website. For more information, please call the BI Office, (508) 756-6204, between 9:00 and 3:00, Monday through Friday.

If you need to deliver something in hard copy to the synagogue (checks, documents, etc), please contact the BI Office for instructions.

Feel free to reach out to the Rabbi or the office if you would like a call, text, video chat, or email. In addition, if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, please inform Rabbi Fellman, rabbi@bethisraelworc.org, so that we can support you. If you are not feeling well, let us know. If you are feeling isolated, please reach out. We are physically separated but remain a caring, sacred community.