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The Jackson Hole Jewish Community In-Person Worship Rules & Guidelines
The JHJC Directors and Staff have developed a thoughtful plan to re-introduce in-person Shabbat services and other gatherings during the COVID-19 health crisis. In the near future, all of our in-person gatherings will be held outdoors. Check the JHJC website for details on times and locations. Please review our list of rules and guidelines to ensure that everyone has a safe and healthy experience. We understand that there are a variety of opinions on whether or not to hold in-person Shabbat services, a recent JHJC survey confirmed this. We encourage all of us to be considerate, kind and patient with those who have a different opinion on how to move forward. As we prepare for in-person gatherings, we are also committed to offering virtual opportunities to join our events from home.This list of Jewish values has helped guide the JHJC staff and board during the decision-making process of reopening:
- Pikuach Nefesh – Saving a life. We will prioritize the safety of staff and congregants, and the safety of those most vulnerable to infection, as well as the general public health, in accordance with this core Jewish value.
- B’tzelem Elohim – Each person is created in the image of the Divine. No single person is any more or less valued than any other.
- Hora’at Sha’ah – Emergent moments call for unique responses. We will continue to explore online and virtual connectivity as a primary means of convening our communities, as well as implement creative solutions to never-before-experienced challenges.
- Lo Titein Michshol – Do not place a stumbling block. We will not do anything that knowingly or willfully puts anyone in our midst at unnecessary risk.
- Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh L’Zeh – We are all responsible for one another. This notion of communal responsibility sits at the heart of everything we do, and we will strive to act in accordance with this value always.
Here are the rules and guidelines for attending. Note: the health recommendations issued by state and federal authorities as well as JHJC protocols may change at any time, so stay tuned for updates.
► Self-Screening & Individual Responsibilities: Live Stream and Zoom (if possible) will always be available, so please stay home if …
- you are/or have been recently sick.
- you consider yourself “at-risk” in age or with underlying health issues. See CDC list.
- you are just uncomfortable with in-person gatherings at this time.
- you have any of the following symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of sense of smell or taste, congestion or running nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrea, or other respiratory symptoms.
- You have traveled to a high-risk area or have been exposed to COVID-19.
► Social Distancing:
- We will practice social distancing between people of different households by a minimum of six feet.
- We will arrange chairs to make social distancing easy and straightforward.
- You may bring your own chairs or blankets.
- We will refrain from physical contact with those from a different household, i.e. shaking hands, hugging or holding hands during the services.
► Masks:
- We require you to wear a mask while within the designated JHJC gathering space to protect yourselves and others.
- Masks will be provided at the entrance.
- All staff and volunteers will also be wearing masks. Leadership will be exempted because of enhanced distance from congregants.
► Singing: We know singing is crucial to a meaningful Shabbat, but …
- you may sing softly or hum lightly with your mask or simply allow Judd’s music to wash over you.
► Families/Children: We also know children create a vibrant Shabbat, but …
- children must be supervised by parents at all times.
- children should stay with their household and six feet from other households.
- parents may excuse themselves with a child to the periphery of the space, but please practice social distancing from other households and wear masks.
► Miscellaneous Matters:
- There will be a separate entrance and exit to limit exposure.
- Masks and hand sanitizer will be provided at the entrance.
- Wear layers for rapidly changing weather.
- There will be no oneg afterward or food provided. Sad face here!
- Leadership will perform kiddush. You may bring your own wine and/or challah.
- We will keep a log of those in attendance for contact tracing efforts.
► Response Plan:
- The JHJC has a response plan for, if and when someone is exposed or has contracted COVID-19 through a JHJC gathering. The response plan will be initiated to prevent further spread of the virus.
We know this is unfamiliar and disconcerting to many of you. We appreciate you and are grateful to each of you for supporting your Jackson Hole Jewish family. We can’t wait to see you as we work towards a renewed sense of community.
B’ Shalom – The JHJC Staff and Board of Directors,
Created July 1, 2020