In-Person Services

August 10, 2022

Dear NCJC Community,

In the many months since our return to In-person services, the Covid Committee has consistently and thoughtfully updated our policies to reflect the needs of our congregation, the current State and Federal guidelines and the general well-being of our staff. At this time, we are ready to make additional changes to reflect recent developments.

Please note the following modifications to our services

• Friday night services will be both in-person and via ZOOM at 6:30pm. Shabbat morning services will continue, in-person at 9:00am. Morning minyan will continue in-person daily at 8:00am M-F and 8:30am on Sunday and Federal Holidays, while evening minyan will continue daily via Zoom at 7:30pm.
• We will begin serving a kiddish following Shabbat morning services and continue to evaluate the safety and comfort for all.

We will continue to share all Shabbat services via Livestream for those unable to attend in-person. Additionally, Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat and weekday Minyanim will continue via Zoom.

MASK PROTOCOL

INSIDE:

• Only fully vaccinated guests are allowed to attend: children under the age of 12 can be accompanied by a vaccinated adult. Anyone that is not vaccinated that submits documentation of having COVID will be permitted in the building during their 90 day immunity period provided they are wearing a mask (Contact Office).
• Effective immediately, mask wearing in the building is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED with the following exceptions:
  • Individuals on the Bimah must be masked at all times with the exception of the Rabbi and Cantor when alone at their podiums.
  • All staff must remain masked during large scale events and holidays.
  • Large scale indoor events such as the High  Holidays, etc.  will require mask wearing at all times.

OUTSIDE:

• Any individual may attend outdoor services and programs without a mask, including unvaccinated children. 

SHABBAT SEATING

• You may self-select with whom you wish to sit. 

IMPORTANT REMINDER: If the people you wish to sit with are outside of your household pod, please **ask** the person you wish to sit with if they are OK with that and please be respectful of each individual's response without judgment.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

• In general, keeping space between individuals, regardless of vaccination status, is advised.
• Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are asked to participate virtually.

PROCEDURES FOR NOTIFICATION to NCJC and RDOH:

• If an attendee at any event or service at NCJC tests positive for COVID 19, the Shul Office MUST immediately be notified so that we may inform those who may have been in close contact. NCJC is not required to report to the Rockland Board of Health (RBOH) therefore we will not do so unless called upon by the RBOH to provide information. 
• Please be prepared to share the following information:
  • Date of test
  • Type of test (Rapid, PCR or both)* Please do not report unless you have confirmation of a PCR test.
  • Location of test
• When the Shul is notified about a positive case, the Shul will then inform all those
  we believe to be considered contacts of the positive case and the remainder of the shul will be notified via broadcast email. At no time will the synagogue disclose the identity of the person testing positive to
  congregants.

We will continue to evaluate the situation and update you as changes are made.