Synagogue Updates

A message from our President and Executive Director: If you are like us, you are coming to really dislike the term "Abundance of Caution", and yet caution is a very Jewish concept. In Deuteronomy 22:8, it says "When you build a new house, you shall make a guard rail for your roof, so that you shall not cause blood [to be spilled] in your house, that the one who falls should fall from it [the roof]." Each of us, as individuals and as organizations, are trying to determine where to place the guard rail. Our entire synagogue leadership is monitoring the situation and adjusting as we go. We are blessed with several doctors in our congregation who have been generous with their knowledge and advice. We care deeply about the members of our community. If there is anything that we can do for you during this time or if you have ideas about how the synagogue can best connect with you during this time, please do not hesitate to let us know. You can reach Ken by email at Kkrivitzky@tbhbe.org.

Below, please find some safety measures we are taking within our synagogue community:
      I. Current Best Health Practices, At-Risk Populations and Building Hygiene
      II.Routine Religious Variations
      III.Shifting Classes to Zoom/Early Childhood Center and Religious School Updates
      IV. TBHBE Support Team

      I. Current Best Health Practices, At-Risk Populations and Building Hygiene
              a. TBHBE may request that an employee, congregant or visitor leave the building if a person is reasonably believed to have been exposed or is demonstrating symptoms of COVID-19. These individuals may not return to the synagogue until 14 symptom-free days have passed, or as otherwise guided by the CDC or similar public health agency. All employees, congregants or visitors of TBH-BE are encouraged to follow the CDC Guidelines on preventing exposure to the COVID-19 virus, including but not limited to:

           i. Stay at least 6 feet away for people. Avoid close contact with those who are sick.

           ii. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

           iii. Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.

           iv. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.

            v. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

            vi. Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

            vii. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at 
least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

            viii. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

            ix. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease. Facemasks are also crucial for health workers and those who are taking care of someone who is sick.

        b. At-Risk Populations: We have particular concern about the at-risk populations who have been shown to be most susceptible to the virus: the elderly, those with underlying  respiratory conditions, and our general concern for the immunocompromised. If you fall into one of these populations, please consult your doctor before coming to shul. Your safety is our paramount concern. If you need any services or support, please contact our  office.

       c. Building Cleanliness: We continue to be clean the building regularly by disinfecting
regularly touched surfaces in the building around the clock. Thank you to our facilities
team for their hard work.

   II. Routine Religious Variations
       During this time of health risk, we encourage that people practice the custom of kissing Mezuzahs and a Torah with air kisses.

  III. Shifting Classes to Zoom/Early Childhood Center and Religious School Updates
       Many of our classes and our educators will be providing offerings online. Please use our weekly e-highlights/daily COVID-19 updates for links to classes.

  IV. TBHBE Support Team 
       Members of our staff are conducting support groups via Zoom from 8:45 – 9:30 pm. Times will be posted shortly. In order to help, a community program of high school students have offered to deliver groceries or run errands in order to save you the trip. Please contact Hallel SimonHazani for assistance