Hosting Guidelines

Last updated: December 7, 2021

The re-opening committee, which includes congregational physicians, will continue to monitor conditions in our community, as well as guidance from government agencies. If you host events, please check this page regularly as we make updates based on current conditions.

Every gathering (event, service, meeting, class) must have a leader who is responsible for assuring that Covid-19 protocols are followed. A Covid-19 plan will be sent to Ruth, Ron or designee during the planning of the event.

Access to the Temple

• The Temple is open to fully-vaccinated individuals.
• Documentation of full vaccination (two doses of Moderna or Pfizer, or one dose of Johnson and Johnson) is required for all individuals entering the building as of 12/15/21. Learn how to provide documentation here.
• Access to the Temple will be controlled and pre-planned.
• Only one door will be used for access at any given time.
• There will be masks (both adult and child sized) and the Log Book by the Temple entrance. 
• The doors need to be locked when there is no greeter to welcome members and visitors.
• Anyone (including guests, workers and delivery people) who wants to enter the Temple needs to coordinate with the office and sign in the Log Book upon arrival.
• Access via the back door code must be limited to a few vaccinated individuals and controlled by Temple leadership.
• Every gathering will have a leader to take responsibility for the adherence to safety protocols. Every event should be added to the Temple calendar. (Call or email Jasmine)
• There needs to be a greeter (Jasmine, volunteer, meeting chair, Frank) for all gatherings, including small meetings.) They should be ready to greet 15 minutes before the meeting. See greeter script for how to welcome participants and guests.
• Services will be held upstairs, with adequate fresh air. We will continue to Zoom services and some events. 
  New protocols for school will be announced later in the summer.

Greeter responsibilities

• The greeter must ensure that all who enter read the posted health & safety protocols.
• The greeter must confirm that each individual entering the Temple has either provided documentation of vaccination prior to arrival by checking their names against our list, or that they have brought documentation with them to the event.
• The greeter must ensure everyone entering the building signs the Log Book.

Script for Greeters

• Welcome to [event name]
• Please read the posted health and safety guidelines. Do you have any questions?
• Please sign the Log Book and if you are not a Temple member, please write your phone number in case we need to call you for contact tracing.
• Please wear your mask and maintain social distancing at all times when in the building.
• Please go directly to the sanctuary for services [or elsewhere for the event location]

Neighborhood Shabbat

• Neighborhood Shabbats are temple functions and all temple Covid-19 protocols must be followed.
• The hosts are responsible for maintaining these Covid-19 protocols.
• Hosts will monitor the weather and cancel the neighborhood Shabbat if the event cannot take place outdoors. Neighborhood Shabbats will not take place indoors.
• Attendees will remain outdoors except to be served food and to use the bathroom.
• Attendees can only enter the hosts’ home for these reasons if they are masked and maintain 6 feet of social distancing.
• Masks and gloves may be obtained from the Temple. Masks should be made available to attendees.
• Hosts will make hand sanitizer available in bathrooms.
• After the event, the host will provide a list of attendees to the Temple for contact tracing purposes.
• Food will be prepared by those who are fully vaccinated.
• The host will announce when the meal is served.
• Food will be served buffet style by servers.
• Servers will wear masks and gloves.
• Each attendee will pick up their own plate and silverware wrapped in a napkin. They will receive their food and proceed outside. 
• No one should participate in a neighborhood Shabbat if they have had close contact with a COVID-19 positive person in the previous two weeks, or if a physician or public health official has suggested that they quarantine.
• No one should attend a neighborhood Shabbat who has any of the following symptoms:
  • Fever > 100 degrees or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Body aches
  • Runny nose or congestion
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • People who are at high risk should weigh the risks of participating in the neighborhood Shabbat.