The below policy will remain in effect through the end of June 2026. In July 2026, the updated masking and covid safety policy will come into effect. 

General Covid Protocols

Effective Date:  April 14, 2025

Kehilla Community Synagogue is committed to the health and safety of our community. This policy outlines our current guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other potentially contagious illnesses. These guidelines are subject to change based on evolving public health recommendations and local conditions.

1. Staying Home When Ill:

• Anyone experiencing any symptoms of a potentially contagious illness (including, but not limited to, fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea) should remain at home and participate in Kehilla events virtually when possible.

 

2. Masking at In-Person Events and Services:

• Indoor Masking Requirement: All attendees of in-person Kehilla events or services are expected to be masked indoors.
• Acceptable Masks: Required masks include N95, KN95, KF94, or comparable high-filtration masks. Cloth masks alone are not sufficient.
• Exception: Saturday Morning B’Mitzvah Services:
  • B’Mitzvah families are given the choice to either follow Kehilla’s existing masking policy (as outlined above) or to make masking optional on the Shabbat morning of their ceremony.
  • Families who choose optional masking are guided by Kehilla’s Protocols & Expectations For Mask-Optional B’mitzvah Services
  • The masking status for individual B’Mitzvah services will be announced in advance of the service.
• Medical Exemption: Individuals who are medically unable to wear a mask are exempt from this requirement. They are invited to inform Kehilla staff in advance to avoid any unnecessary requests for masking during the event.
• Masking for Children and Those Medically Unable to Wear High-Filtration Masks:
  • People under 12 or those medically unable to wear an N95/KN95/KF94 but able to wear a less restrictive mask may wear any well-fitting mask.
  • Double masking (wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask) is strongly recommended in these circumstances.
  • Children under 4 years old may go without masks.

 

3. COVID-19 Testing:

• We encourage everyone to take a COVID-19 test before attending in-person events at Kehilla, particularly those anticipated to have over 50 people.
• If you test positive for COVID-19, please stay home to protect the health and well-being of others.

 

4. Eating and Drinking:

• Eating and drinking are permitted indoors only in designated rooms.
• Outdoor eating options will be made available whenever feasible.

 

5. Masking Outside of Events and in Meetings:

• When in the Kehilla building but not actively participating in an event or service, masking is optional.
• In meetings held at Kehilla, participants can decide amongst themselves whether to mask. We encourage respectful communication and consideration for individual comfort levels.

 

6. Vaccination and Boosters:

• We encourage everyone to stay current on their COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses when eligible and possible, as this remains a crucial tool in preventing severe illness.

 

7. Ventilation and Air Filtration:

• Kehilla will maintain maximum air filtration and ventilation throughout the building.
• Doors and windows will be opened whenever weather and safety conditions permit to increase airflow.

 

8. Rentals:

Renters using rooms at Kehilla may determine their own masking policy within the spaces that they are renting. Kehilla will communicate these policies to event attendees when applicable.

9. Additional Protocols:

• Specific Kehilla programs or activities may institute additional public health protocols based on the nature of the event and current public health conditions. These will be communicated to participants in advance.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment for our Kehilla community. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to these guidelines.