A COVID-19 Update

Dear Members,  

We hope this finds you and your families well and healthy. It has been a long 15 months since the pandemic began and Kehillath Shalom moved online to protect our community. We have followed CDC guidelines stringently these months and we are tremendously grateful that we have had no COVID hospitalizations or deaths among our members.  

Current CDC guidelines indicate that it is safe for vaccinated people to gather together indoors, and specifically points to full-capacity worship services. As we have been guided by the CDC in the past, we continue to follow their recommendations.  

We will return to indoor, in-person services on Shabbat morning, June 26, and will joyfully celebrate our return to our sacred space. In order to continue to protect each other, all persons joining an indoor gathering must show proof of vaccination (2 doses plus 2 weeks or J&J plus 2 weeks) or a negative recent COVID test (within 72 hours). Attendance will be kept for tracking purposes. The NY State Excelsior Pass may be downloaded here. Free COVID testing is available at many locations in our community, including pharmacies and urgent care centers.   

Masks will not be required unless there are children or unvaccinated or immunocompromised people present. Those in these categories should contact the rabbi and accommodations (masking of all participants and distancing) will be discreetly and confidentially made. Chairs will be spread out, although vaccinated participants may sit together, if they like.  

We will once again offer food at events, such as kiddush on Shabbat. Food will be handled and served by one or two volunteers wearing masks and gloves.  

Individual programs such as Lunch & Learn, Bagels & Books, Movies & Munchies, etc., will decide whether or not they will gather in person.  

In-person gatherings will also be Zoomed, so that all people, regardless of vaccination status or comfort level will be able to participate.  

These requirements and accommodations enable us to safely come together as a community.   

With blessings for peace and continued health,  

The KSS Board