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.  Our current policies are listed bel

• We are currently operating under a "mask friendly" policy.  Congregants choose whether or not to wear masks during the services.  For Shabbat and holiday services, there is a section reserved for those who wish to wear masks and sit only with others wearing masks.
• We no longer require proof of vaccination. However, we strongly encourage everyone to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. New bivalent vaccine boosters are now available. For more information, go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
• Our seating is in groups of 3, 4, or 5, allowing for socially distanced household seating.
• Zoom access to Shabbat and holiday services and daily minyanim continues. Links to the services are provided in weekly member emails.
• We ask that anyone who is not feeling well join us via Zoom, even if you have had a negative home test.
• All in-person Shabbat morning attendees are invited to stay for Kiddush lunch.  We are not currently requiring masks in the buffet line or at the tables.

We continue to monitor local and regional health data as we evaluate our COVID policies. We will let you know if there are any other changes.
 
Rabbi Aviva Fellman
Greg Weiner, President
Drs. Jeremy Golding and Mattie Castiel, BI Medical Advisers
Dale Rosenberg, Director of Learning and Engagement

For More Information and Updates . . .

Information about services and programs is shared via emails, social media, and the BI website, as well as our monthly newsletter, BI@Home. 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.