Chevre,
We have updated our Shul’s Covid-safety protocols from time to time, as warranted by the changing dynamics of our shared, ongoing global pandemic. There have been times when we needed to make our Shul’s protocols more strict, and other times when we have been able to ease them. For the Omicron surge this past winter we increased precautions, and now we have come to a point when we can once again relax our protocols and aspire to a greater sense of normalcy.
As you may know, the Newton Mask Mandate for indoor public spaces is ending this Friday, February 18. Likewise, this past week, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Public Health has greatly loosened their mask advisory. Our community’s Jewish Day Schools are also in the process of updating their policies.
Our Shul’s medical advisory panel (Drs. Elliot Israel, Anna Thorner, and Eve Sobel-Unger) have similarly advised our Shul leadership that they recommend relaxing our Covid-safety protocols.
They have noted that:
- The vaccination rate in Newton (and in our Shul) is remarkably high.
- The incidence of COVID-19 has been steadily falling in the Commonwealth and is quite low in Newton.
- The presence of Covid-19 in wastewater has precipitously fallen.
- Vaccines and boosters are readily available for all who are eligible.
- Health professionals are seeing mild disease among vaccinated individuals.
- Emergency Department and ICU Capacity has been restored for those with more severe illness.
- The supply of Covid-mitigating therapeutics has been increasing, both in terms of variety and quantity.
Therefore, starting this Shabbat morning, Saturday, February 19, per our medical advisory panel’s recommendation:
- Masking will now be optional for those who are fully vaccinated.
- Masking is still required for those who are unvaccinated, and strongly recommended for those who are immunocompromised or are at higher medical risk for severe illness. N-95, KN-95, KF-94, and/or double masking continues to be recommended. Please consult your primary care physician for further personal guidance.
- Social distancing is no longer required.
- Indoor eating and drinking will be allowed, including Kiddush and community meals.
- People who are ill should not come to Shul.
- Individuals who have tested positive, or who have had close contact with someone who had COVID, must follow the isolation and quarantine guidance which includes wearing a mask in public for 5 more days after they leave isolation or quarantine on day 5, regardless of vaccination status.
The MA Department of Public Health urges all eligible residents to get vaccinated and stay up to date on COVID vaccinations, including when eligible for booster doses. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and death.
We realize that there are differing views and feelings within our kehillah regarding Covid-safety measures. Some will be able to easily transition to these new protocols; others may feel unease and/or anxiety. Individuals who wish to continue to mask and social distance within our indoor spaces may certainly continue to do so.
Additionally, starting in mid-April before Pesach, we plan to set up our Shul tent for outdoor Yom Tov and Shabbat davening during the warmer-weather months. We will continue to do our best to create options for our members to opt-in to our davening and programs in ways which meet their Covid safety comfort-level. And we may need to reimpose more restrictive Covid-safety protocols if required for our shared public health.
Two years ago, when the Covid19 pandemic began, we were pretty much all living the same story and on the same page. Two years later, we are all still in the same story, but not everyone is necessarily on the same page. As a community, we once again face the challenge of staying united in the face of our differing approaches and opinions regarding how best to navigate our ongoing pandemic. As before, the only way forward is with graciousness and generosity of spirit.
Shabbat Shalom and with berakhot for good health, long life, and great purpose,
Rabbi Benjamin J. Samuels
Alex Klibaner, President
