In-Person Services

June 24, 2021

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 continue in-person starting with an informal Oneg Shabbat at 6pm followed by Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6:30. 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 light 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 morning Minyan will continue via Zoom.

MASK PROTOCOL

INSIDE:

• Individuals who are fully vaccinated may remove their mask once seated. By removing your mask at your seat inside New City Jewish Center, you attest that you are fully vaccinated. We are relying on the goodwill of the community to adhere to this policy faithfully.
• All others will be expected to continue to wear their masks while in the building and at their seats. This includes unvaccinated children ages 2 and older.
• Any individual who wishes to wear a mask is welcome to do so.

OUTSIDE:

• Any individual may attend outdoor services and programs without a mask, including unvaccinated children.
• If you must enter the building for any reason, you will need to wear a mask prior to entering the building.

Shabbat Morning Protocols

• There will be no pre-registration for services starting this Shabbat and beyond.
• We will not require proof of vaccination, instead we will rely on the goodwill of the community to adhere to the measures put forth below. By removing your mask at the New City Jewish Center facility, you attest that you are fully vaccinated.

SHABBAT SEATING

• You may self-select with whom you wish to sit, regardless of vaccination status. Mask protocols must be adhered to as outlined above. This includes unvaccinated children. Children must be seated with parents, or a parent’s adult designee (i.e., another parent).

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 with no judgement.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

• In general, keeping space between individuals, regardless of vaccination status, is advised.
• Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are required to remain masked and socially distanced (6’ apart) from other individuals.

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

Planning is already underway for the upcoming High Holidays and we ask you to participate in a brief survey regarding your thoughts on returning to the building. Please click here to participate.