JHJC Covid-19 Response No.1

March 13, 2020

Dear JHJC Congregants and Friends,  

Shabbat Shalom. The JHJC Board of Directors and staff would like to touch base with congregants and friends in response to the potential spread of COVID-19 virus in our town of Jackson, Wyoming and how we plan to navigate this unprecedented stress to our local and global community. 

First, we are taking the threat of COVID-19 very seriously and have been meeting as a board and staff to determine proactive steps to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Please keep in mind the situation surrounding COVID-19 is changing rapidly, and we will adjust our procedures and protocols accordingly. We are looking to other religious organizations, local Teton County school district actions, as well as local, state and federal health organizations for updates and recommended steps to keep our community safe and healthy. Currently, there is one case of COVID-19 reported in the state of Wyoming.  

JHJC Gatherings

In the near future, we have several gatherings still in play: 

• LIVE STREAM ONLY Mon., March 16 – A book talk by Clifford Sobin 
• LIVE STREAM ONLY Fri., March 20 – Shabbat Services, no Oneg afterwards – Stay Tuned
• Wednesday, April 8 – Community Passover – Stay Tuned

 As of today, only Bet Sefer School is canceled for March 19. However, we are issuing steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at other events. For instance, at the upcoming JHJC gatherings listed above that take place at the JHJC in the Centennial Building, we are suggesting the following:

• If you are sick or are recovering from being sick, or if anyone else in your home has been sick, we ask that you please sit this one out and enjoy our event via live stream. Live Stream events can be accessed HERE or on our Facebook page Jackson Hole Jews.
• Social distancing – We know it’s hard, but please no shaking hands, kissing or hugging and keep a 3’ distance, if possible.
• Use the hand sanitizers provided or wash your hands in the public restroom before entering the JHJC space.
• Cough into a disposable tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• We will be sanitizing our prayer books and surfaces at the JHJC. Do not share your prayer book. 

 Concerning our community Passover Seder on Wednesday, April 8, we are working with our caterer to modify our food service plan to meet community mitigation recommendations. Stay tuned regarding this, we are still considering all options, including canceling the Seder. 

Returning from Spring Break

If you have traveled or are planning on traveling to an area that had or is currently having a sustained COVID-19 outbreak, please do not attend our events until further notice. For a list of these areas in the U.S. and other counties, see the CDC link HERE.  

Please check the JHJC website often to see if an event has been altered, postponed or canceled. Bet Sefer Parents, please look for communications from your Bet Sefer instructors on specific updates, including Spring Break travel. Here are some helpful links for more information on our community action against COVID-19:  Teton County Health Department updates on COVID-19.Wyoming Department of Health recommendations that include helpful links, useful resources, and updates. Teton County School District Please know that if any of you are feeling vulnerable about your ability to protect yourself from COVID-19 or are in need of pastoral guidance, please contact us immediately at the email or phone number below and we will seek help for you. If you are feeling strong and healthy, be mindful your neighbors who may be vulnerable. As our good friend Rev. Jimmy Bartz from St. John’s Episcopal Church wrote in his letter addressing COVID-19 to his congregation, “This is a perfect time for us to embrace technology to connect. Send a text, make a call, shoot ‘em a DM. Make it a habit. … We might adopt a special awareness for those of us who suffer from anxiety and depression, as social distancing can be especially tough for that group.” Good advice.  

Please have an amazing Shabbat — connect with friends and family through technology, watch a fun movie, relax or read a good book. And remember to enjoy your beautiful surroundings.  

Shabbat Shalom,  

Mary Grossman, JHJC Executive Director

Kevin Krasnow and Mike Scher, JHJC Co-Presidents

[email protected]

Mary Grossman Cell: 307-690-4932