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Covid-19 Policies

September 4, 2022

Dear Friends,

The Temple Beth El Covid-19 Response Team met last night to reevaluate our current Covid-19 policies. Effective immediately, here are the updated TBE guidelines:

1.  The Covid-19 Response Team recommends and encourages all eligible members to be up to date on their vaccinations, however, we are no longer requiring proof.  

2.  If we conduct an outdoor service (for example - HHD Alternative Musaf Service), Temple Beth El will not require masks.

3.  Listed below are mask requirements:

  a. Currently, masks will remain optional while in the building. If services have 100 or more people attending, Temple Beth El will require masks for everyone.

  b.  Since we are expecting more than 100 people for the High Holiday Services, masks are required in the building.

  c. If you are unvaccinated, we recommend that you wear a mask when indoors.

  d.  How do we determine mask requirements?

The CDC has created a Covid-19 Data Tracking System. This site provides the key data for monitoring Covid-19 pandemic in the United States.  To access more information, here is the CDC website address: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_state=all_states&list_select_county=all_counties&data-type=CommunityLevels. You will need to select the state and county.

 The masks will remain optional as long as Lehigh county remains in the low or moderate Covid-19 community levels. If our county reaches a high community level, the mask mandate will be reinstituted for everyone. 

4. If you are not feeling well, please be considerate and stay home.

These decisions created a healthy and safe environment for our members, clergy, and staff.  If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Executive Director, Michelle Rohrbach, at 610-435-3521.

Thank you for understanding!

Sincerely,

Michelle Rohrbach.                                                         Morgan Godorov
Executive Director                                                            President

 

June 16, 2022

Dear Friends,

The Temple Beth El COVID-19 response team met last night to discuss the health and safety of our members, clergy, and staff.  The health of our community remains our top priority. Based on a decrease in COVID-19 cases in the Lehigh Valley area, here are the updated TBE guidelines:

1. Starting July 1st, masks will be optional, but we strongly recommended wearing masks. If we have more than 100 people attending, masks are required for all attendees.

2. The COVID-19 vaccination requirement for all individuals who are 12 and over will remain in effect. If you are not vaccinated, you must provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours before entering the building.

3. Starting July 1, 2022, kiddush will be served as a buffet again. When you enter the social hall, please be seated. Someone will call your table up in order to eliminate congestion at the Kiddush buffet table. If you would like a kiddush bag to go, please inform the staff when you arrive in the morning for services.

If you have attended any event at the temple, including services and tested positive for Covid, please notify the temple. Your information will remain confidential, but we would like to be able to notify other guests of a possible exposure.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at the temple.

Thank you for your understanding!

Michelle Rohrbach

 

May 13, 2022

Dear Friends,

While the health of our community remains our top priority, there has been an increase in Covid-19 cases in our area.  Effective immediately,  Temple Beth El requires masks for everyone (age two and up) upon entering the Temple.   Bagged Kiddush lunches will be available for you to take home, or you can stay and eat in the Large Social Hall or on the patio. We ask for you to sit with your family members. When you finish your meal, please place your mask back on. 

Your SAFETY is our " NUMBER ONE" priority at Temple Beth El.  We look forward to seeing you in person or virtually.

Sincerely, 

Michelle Rohrbach

 

March 15, 2022

Dear Friends,

For more than a year, the Temple Beth El Covid-19 Response Team has met and continues to address the health and safety of our members and staff. Judaism's primary concern is our community's welfare.

Effective March 18, 2022, fully vaccinated people will no longer be required to wear their masks. The E.G. Scoblioko Religious School and Midrasha’s students and teachers will remain masked until the end of the school year. Proof of Covid-19 vaccinations is required for all individuals who are 12 and older to enter our building. We realize that this transition is welcomed for some and brings discomfort for others. If you feel more comfortable still wearing a mask, you are free to do so. There are many reasons why a person may decide to continue to wear a mask, and we respect that choice.

Per the CDC:

In general, people are considered fully vaccinated: 

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
     

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

Michelle Rohrbach

 

February 16, 2022

Dear Friends,

I’d like to take the time to thank everyone for your understanding and patience during these difficult times. We know that many of you would like to return to services and activities within the TBE building. We are working diligently to make that happen, while keeping everyone safe.  The Temple Beth El Covid-19 Response Team met last night to discuss the health and safety of our members, clergy, and staff. While the health of our community (physical, emotional, and spiritual) remains our top priority, there has been a decrease in Covid-19 cases in our area. Starting March 5, 2022, the in-person Kiddush with bag lunches will be resuming. Donna is looking forward to preparing delicious meals.

We also recognize that everyone has their own level of comfort and readiness when joining others in person at services.  We have a large sanctuary and can easily socially distance.

We miss you and look forward to seeing you in-person again. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

Michelle Rohrbach

Michelle Rohrbach

 

January 10. 2022

Dear Friends,

We would like to thank you for your understanding and patience during these unpredictable times. The Temple Beth El Covid Response Team met last night to discuss the health and safety of our members, clergy, and staff.  

We have updated the following TBE Guidelines:

1.  Covid-19 vaccinations are mandatory for all individuals, who are 12 and over, entering the building.  We are strongly recommending that anyone of the age 18 or older and that are eligible for a booster, receive one. In the near future, we will be requiring boosters for those age 18 and older. If you are not vaccinated, you must provide a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to entering the building.  As Covid-19 still presents a higher risk to those of you who have auto-immune deficiencies, for your safety and well-being, we recommend that you do not attend the “in-person” services.

2 Masks are required for anyone entering the building (age 2 and up), until further notice. Disposable surgical or KN95 masks are highly recommended. Current information has indicated that cloth masks are not as effective against current Covid-19 strains.

3. No gathering in the hallway will be permitted.  If you would like to socialize, please step outside into an open-air environment. Please avoid blocking the entrance to the building.

4. Please remain socially distant from other congregants by using the whole sanctuary and consider having three seats separating your unit.

5. We strongly encourage parents with children the age of 5 to 11 to vaccinate their children. With a fully vaccinated environment, we will enable our students to resume many activities both in and out of the classroom.

6. Kiddush-to-go bags will continue to be available for you to enjoy.

Before coming to synagogue, please ask yourself the following questions - If you answer “YES” to any of the following questions, please do not come to synagogue.

  1. Have you or anyone in your home tested positive or been suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days?
  2. Do you or anyone in your home have any signs or symptoms of a fever, a new or worsening cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, congestion, runny nose, or respiratory illness?
  1. Within the last 10 days, have you or anyone in your home had contact with someone with COVID-19, or who is under investigation for COVID-19?
  2. Are you currently quarantining for any reason?

We are sorry for any inconvenience this might cause you. Please take advantage of our streaming option for services.

Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases, we are postponing Shabbat for Everyone (youth services) and GPS until January 29th. We look forward to seeing you in person or virtually. Please stay safe.

 

Sincerely,

Michelle Rohrbach

 

December 17, 2021

 

Dear Friends,

The Temple Beth El Covid-19 Response Team met last night and continues to address the health and safety of our members, guests, clergy, and staff. There has been an increase in Covid cases in our area. Starting this weekend, the in-person kiddush will be temporarily placed on hold. Kiddush to-go bags will continue to be available for you to enjoy. We will be reevaluating the in-person kiddush at the end of January.

Great News! Shabbat for Everyone is scheduled for January 15th, February 12th, March 12th, April 9th, and May 14th.  Shabbat for Everyone includes Youth Service and GPS (Guided Prayer Service with Shari Spark).  More detailed information is coming soon.

Our religious school children are leading tonight’s services. Please support them by coming in person or watching them on Facebook or YouTube.  Services begin at 6 pm.

A reminder: Covid-19 vaccinations are mandatory for all individuals, who are 12 and over, entering the building.  At this time, children under 12 do not need to be vaccinated. 

Your SAFETY is our “Number One” priority while being in our Temple Beth El Building. We look forward to seeing you in person or virtually.

Sincerely,

Michelle Rohrbach

 

 

November 2, 2021

 

Dear TBE Friends,

The Temple Beth El COVID-19 Response Team met on Thursday, October 28, 2021, to discuss the health and safety of our members, clergy, and staff. Judaism’s primary concern is our community’s welfare.

Effective November 13, 2021, listed below are changes to Temple Beth El’s Covid-19 guidelines:

1. Covid-19 vaccinations are mandatory for all individuals, who are 12 and over, entering the building.  The proper vaccinations, as per current CDC Guidelines, are the following:

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

If you are not vaccinated, we have 2 exemptions to this rule:

  • Medical Exemption – Please email Cheryl at cheryl@bethelallentown.org for the form.
  • If you have had Covid-19 within the last 3 months, your doctor can provide us with documentation.

Alternatively:

  • You must provide a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to entering the building.

  Please provide a copy of your Covid-19 Vaccination Record.  There are four ways to do this:

  • At the Temple door each time you visit

      One Time by:

2.  Bagged oneg desserts and kiddush lunches will be available. Please feel welcome to eat and socialize in the designated social hall. You can take your lunch home with you if you prefer.

3. Masks are required for anyone entering the building (Ages 2 and up).

4.  If you are inviting guests to the Temple, such as for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah or baby naming ceremony, it will be your responsibility to notify your invited guests of these requirements.

Before coming to synagogue, please ask yourself the following questions - If you answer “YES” to any of the following questions, please do not come to synagogue

  1. Have you or anyone in your home tested positive or been suspected of having COVID-19 within the last 14 days?
  2. Do you or anyone in your home have any signs or symptoms of a fever, a new or worsening cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, or respiratory illness?
  3. Within the last 10 days, have you or anyone in your home had contact with someone with COVID-19, or who is under investigation for COVID-19?
  4. Are you currently quarantining for any reason?

We are sorry for any inconvenience this might cause you. Please take advantage of our streaming option for services.

We understand that these are not easy decisions, nor are they decisions that we take lightly. We continue to hope and pray for an end to the pandemic and a speedy return to full, in-person activities. In the meantime, we are trying our utmost to keep people safe and reassure those wishing to attend in- person services that we are doing our part to create a safe environment.

 

Your SAFETY is our "NUMBER ONE" priority.

 

Sincerely,

 

Morgan Godorov        Rabbi Moshe Re’em   Michelle Rohrbach     Shari Spark
President                                                              Executive Director    

 

 

Mon, March 18 2024 8 Adar II 5784