CBE During Covid-19

Updated January 8, 2023

Dear CBE Community,

On this page we will keep up-to-date information on current COVID guidelines for CBE Congregational Activities, including religious services, meetings, social events and religious school activities.  

As mentioned previously, the decision making of CBE leadership and the COVID19 Task Force with respect to the “opening” of CBE is guided by Jewish values, which include:

• Pikuah Nefesh — “Safeguarding Life” 
• Sakanat Nefeshot — “Avoiding Endangering Life” 
• Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh Bazeh — “We Are Responsible for One Another”

Please contact the COVID19 Task Force at covidtaskforce@bethelohim.org for guidance. Be well and stay safe!

Current Guidelines

Outside:

• Outdoor activities are encouraged for all ages, without any COVID related restrictions.  

Inside:

• All CBE indoor activities, both indoors at CBE or indoors off-site, are limited to vaccinated individuals for those 5 years and up. We require that all individuals 12 years and older receive at least one booster dose, in addition to their primary series. We strongly urge everyone 5 years and older to remain fully up to date with their COVID vaccines, including the bivalent booster. We strongly recommend, but do not yet require, all children 6 mos-4 years to receive their COVID vaccine series, including the bivalent booster. You can find current recommendations for COVID vaccination here: Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters | CDC
• This vaccine requirement applies to all in-person, indoor CBE events, such as religious services, b'nai mitzvah, holiday parties, and any other event. It also applies to any visitors joining for these events.
• Masks  are recommended when inside the building, and wearing a well-fitted mask like a N95 or a KN95 offers strong COVID protection for the wearer. 
• During services, the speaker/prayer leaders, choir members and other performers will continue to use "day of" rapid COVID tests as an extra safety precaution.
• Refreshments at indoor CBE events, either in our buildings or off-site, are now permitted without restriction.  
• However, events that require unmasking, like eating and drinking, are always safer outdoors, whenever feasible.
• Any attendee who may not be ready to unmask, to enjoy the refreshments, is always welcome to pack up food to-go.  For larger events, organizers should prepare accordingly.
• Congregation Beth Elohim will continue to provide hybrid services and programming, so that anyone who is not able to join us in person will be able to participate.
• For families planning a B'nai Mitzvah, please be sure to obtain and review all safety guidelines ahead of time.
• Anyone in need of a medical exemption can contact the CBE COVID19 Task Force at covidtaskforce@bethelohim.org.
• Also, please do not attend any CBE in-person events if you have new upper respiratory symptoms even if you are vaccinated unless you have tested negative for COVID19.