As we prepare for the High Holidays at JCOGS, we wanted to address the universal uninvited guest: COVID-19. We have done an amazing job as a congregation and a community to keep COVID-19 away, while finding ways to gather, celebrate, and pray together over the past year and a half. We know that this has not been an easy year. We have all been asked to sit in some sort of discomfort for way longer than we ever thought we could or at times, should. COVID-19, however, continues to be a moving target that we (again) need to address so that we can keep all the people we love as safe as possible.
The Delta Variant has been estimated by the Vermont Department of Health to peak in early to mid-September, just in time for the Jewish High Holy Days. What we know from the CDC about the Delta Variant is that young children, those who are immunocompromised, and anyone who is not vaccinated have a very high risk of becoming quite ill with this dangerous variant. The CDC recommends masking for outdoor events in crowded settings where close contact could occur with unvaccinated individuals.
As such, for the High Holy Days, we are asking all those attending to wear a mask. Masking is a simple and efficient way to cut the transmission rate of the COVID-19 Delta Variant, especially as we all gather together under the big tent, as well as over Zoom. This act will protect our littlest, as well as those who are at higher risk for illness, as we invite all to come to JCOGS with their families after a long year apart. Additional guidance includes:
Those who are helping lead the service or have honors may remove their masks when they are up at the bima.
Children under 2 years and those who cannot mask due to medical reasons are exempt from wearing masks.
Masks must be worn at all times inside the JCOGS building.
All food services can occur at this time; people can remove their masks to eat. Please feel free to bring water from home.
Please keep masks on when socializing in the tent in large groups.
Masks will be optional for tashlich, the walk on the rec path, and yoga for Yom Kippur.
Please wear light, breathable masks and if needed, take a mask break by stepping out of the tent for the time needed.
For our smaller, more spaced out Friday night services, masks will continue to be optional for those vaccinated.
As to the weather, please monitor the forecast and bring layers as needed.
As always, please do not come in person if you or a close contact are feeling ill, have symptoms of COVID-19, or have had a known exposure to COVID-19. And if you have any questions, please contact our health officer Amy Wenger at amy.wenger@jcogs.org.
We look forward to bringing in the new year together. We thank you for continuing to trust us to help keep our JCOGS community safe from COVID-19, the one guest who we do not want to ring in 5782 with. May this year be one of health for you, your loved ones, and all.
Steve Levine, President Amy Wenger, JCOGS health officer Rabbi David Fainsilber
P.S. TODAY is the last day to register for Break-the-Fast and the Yizkor Book of Remembrance. You can do so here.
P.P.S. We are looking for additional ushers and other helpers for the High Holy Days. Please email jcogs@jcogs.org if you are available to offer your support.
