COVID-19 Update: 

Our Brit

JRC will commit to abide by the following:

Decision making: Maintain a COVID Task Force responsible for assembling the most up to date public health and medical guidance, and developing and updating the general and specific protocols (listed below) for our community

Multi-access: Provide multiple ways to access community events (hereafter referred to as “multi-access events”) to the extent feasible, with assistance from members who help with creative planning and technical assistance on Zoom, Facebook, and other platforms. Not all options may be available at the same time, and not all will be comfortable for every individual or feasible for every program. But by offering different options, we hope to meet most people’s needs as much as possible, as we navigate through the changing pandemic and beyond, in accordance with our value of inclusion.

Examples of multi-access events include:

• Simultaneous virtual offering – event is live streamed or Zoom
• Virtual offering at another time – for example watch a recording and have a Zoom discussion group at a predetermined time after an in-person event
• Others yet to be determined thanks to the creative minds and talents of our members and staf

Communications: Communicate changes to our COVID protocols through our website and email newsletter as circumstances changes

Vaccinations: Refer members and staff seeking vaccinations to others who can assist them in accessing vaccinations, to the extent possible

Records: Maintain accurate lists of the names and contact information of all indoor, in-person attendees so we can assist in contact tracing efforts if requested

Outdoor spaces: Make use of outdoor spaces when feasible and appropriate to allow for greater flexibility regarding in-person participation

Cleaning: Carry out routine cleaning and standard hygienic practices, and optimize ventilation in our building

JRC Members and Staff will

• Get vaccinated against COVID-19 when we are eligible, and help our community members get vaccinated if they need help
• Follow JRC’s gathering protocols, and stay up to date as they change to adapt to evolving circumstances
• Sign into indoor events, and provide sign-in lists for the events we organize to the JRC office 
• Notify JRC and fellow attendees if we or our household members are diagnosed with COVID-19 within 14 days following any gathering we attended
• Wash or sanitize our hands frequently
• Respect others who choose to wear masks or maintain distance even if not required by JRC or public health guidance 

JRC Gathering Protocols as of 4/13/2022

JRC’s approach to COVID-19 safety includes both a Brit Briyut and this up-to-date set of protocols, which will change as conditions evolve. All protocols are subject to change based on evolving public health guidance and the changing needs of our community. Decision making will be the responsibility of the JRC COVID Task Force appointed by the Executive Director and President.

Outdoor events

• Masks are optional at outdoor events

Indoor Vaccination Requirement

You must provide proof that you are fully vaccinated to attend in-door events (including at least one booster shot for all who are eligible). Children who are not eligible to be vaccinated based on age will be allowed to attend.

Indoor events at JRC – general 

• In order to attend indoor events, participants must be vaccinated to the fullest extent eligible
• Masks are required for indoor events with the following exception:
  • Speakers from the Bima who are able to maintain adequate distance may remove their mask
  • Masks may be removed while actively eating or drinking 
• Seating will allow for physical distancing as desired
• Capacity limits will be developed based on safety and available ventilation 

Indoor events – specific

Different events may have different risk profiles. We have identified the following specific protocols for the following:

A. JRC’s Choir

• Choir members may sing in-person indoors or outdoors, following JRC’s vaccination and masking protocols

B. Life Cycle events involving JRC Clergy

JRC members may choose to hold life cycle events, such as B’nai Mitzvah services, indoors at JRC. Outdoor events must include a plan for inclement weather. If these plans include moving indoors, indoor protocols apply

• All attendees must be vaccinated to the fullest extent eligible. JRC will provide language for hosts to share with guests
• Children who are not eligible to be vaccinated may attend
• Masks are required for all participants who are older than 2 years, other than when actively eating or drinking, or when leading from the bima

C. Rental Events

Rental events will follow the same policies and protocols for congregational events including vaccinations, and masking.

D. Religious School

• In-person and remote access programs are being offered
• Having experienced Religious School for a period of time, we feel that it is safe to plan concurrent events in the building as long as we are confident that we can effectively keep the participants separate from our Religious School students
• Students must provide proof that they are fully vaccinated to attend in-person Religious School. Fully vaccinated means two weeks beyond the maximum vaccination for which you are eligible. For example, that would include foundational vaccines (one or two, depending on manufacturer) plus a booster if eligible
• Children who are not eligible based on age will be allowed to attend
• All participants must wear masks. KN95 and N95 masks are recommended but not required
• Additional protocols for entering the building, contact tracing, and other issues are being refined and will be communicated to all Religious School families

E. JRC-Related Events Held by Members in Their Homes or Outside JRC

• If an event in a member’s home does not follow the protocols above, the member will clearly communicate this in advance
• The host may require additional safety measures such as outdoor masking or physical distancing at their discretion

F. General Use of JRC’s Building

• Anyone entering the building during program hours must provide proof that they are vaccinated to the fullest extent they are eligible
• Masks must be worn at all times, other than while actively eating or drinking, or when an individual is occupying a space by themselves 
• Anyone entering the preschool will follow JRC’s protocols along with state and locally mandated rules. Contact the JRC office for more information

Have questions or concerns, or need further information?

Contact Executive Director, Micky Baer (mbaer@jrctogether.org).