The teaching of pikuach nefesh, saving a life, is one that we have practiced in earnest since March 2020. Ending our 2020 school year on Zoom and spending our 2021 school year digitalIy was all about safeguarding the health and wellness of our community.
Now, almost two years later to the day, our community has found ourselves in a place where the local transmission level is below the CDC's benchmark for minimal spread. In accordance with updated CDC guidelines, Temple Emanu-El has updated their mask policy, and I wanted to make sure you were all aware of how this update affects our Sunday School programming.
Effective immediately:
Masks will now be optional for those attending Sunday School, Shabbat services, and all youth programming, whether inside the building or outdoors.
For those members who feel more comfortable in a setting where everyone immediately around them is masked, we are reserving the left section of the sanctuary as a mask required section. This section will be clearly marked and all congregants and guests who sit in the section will be required to remained masked.
At all congregational events where food is served, we will set up an outside area for those who wish to get their food and take it outside before removing their masks. Thankfully, more pleasant weather will make this an enjoyable alternative.
Our community understands that there are members of our synagogue family who are immunocompromised or for other reasons still feel more comfortable wearing a mask when attending in-person events, regardless of vaccination status, and we fully honor personal preferences and practices.
CDC recommendations will be monitored carefully and will continue to adjust as necessary; this might mean that we revert to more stringent protocols if guidance changes. We appreciate your understanding, support, and patience as we continue to navigate these unprecedented times.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Beth .
Stay safe,
Beth Blick Principal, DFRS
Temple Emanu-El 1580 Spalding Drive Atlanta, GA 30350
