Kiddush & Updated Masking Policy
We are excited to announce that we are preparing to resume community kiddushes and meals, a popular feature of our community. We are also modifying our masking policy. Updates can be found below. Please read this email in its entirety. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me (president@bethjacobirvine.org) or the Board (bjc_board@bethjacobirvine.org) as needed.
Kiddush and Communal Meals:
Meal service will look different from how it used to. We consulted with our Medical Advisory Committee and local, state, and federal health guidelines to develop an acceptable method for food service. As with all of our Covid-19 guidelines, these are subject to change depending on Covid-related developments as well as local, state, and federal health guidelines and recommendations.
For now, all kiddushes and meals will remain outdoors. We will not yet be returning to buffet-style self-service for meals and instead will utilize one of three options:
- Individually prepackaged meals.
- Food served by designated individuals who will remain masked. Masks must be worn by everyone when getting food.
- Food served "family style" on individual tables (i.e., food will be placed on individual tables with limited seating and those sitting at the tables can serve themselves).
Hand sanitizers will be available and everyone is encouraged to use them. Parents will be required to get food for children under the age of 14.
Importantly, all food handlers must pre-register with the Shul Office and provide proof of vaccination and must wear masks during the entire food preparation and service process. Food handlers include but are not limited to: preparation volunteers, mashgiach, volunteers helping to serve, carry, or set-up food or tables, and anyone packaging leftovers. If you would like to register with the Shul Office as a food handler, please upload your proof of vaccination here:
Upload Your Proof of Vaccination
If preferred, you can contact the shul office directly at info@bethjacobirvine.org. Uploading proof of vaccination does not require you to serve as a food handler; it merely permits you to do so if you desire.
If you would like to join or create a Kiddush Committee, please contact the office at info@bethjacobirvine.org or by calling the shul office at 949-786-5230.
Updated Masking Policy:
After consulting with the Medical Advisory Committee, the Board recently voted to update the shul's masking policy. For the smaller services that occur indoors (weekday, Friday night, and Shabbat mincha), masks will now be optional for those who are fully vaccinated. Masks remain required for those who are unvaccinated.
Protocol If An Individual Is Exposed To COVID-19
- Fully-Vaccinated Individuals:
Fully vaccinated individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 (e.g., close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19) must wear a mask until either (1) the individual receives a negative PCR Covid test taken 5-7 days after exposure, OR (2) 14 days have elapsed since exposure and the individual has not developed any symptoms. The fully vaccinated individual may attend shul during that time but must wear a mask while doing so.
- Unvaccinated Individuals:
Unvaccinated individuals must wear a mask while on campus. An unvaccinated individual who was exposed to COVID-19 (via close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19) may not attend shul until either (1) the individual receives a negative PCR Covid test taken 5-7 days after exposure, OR (2) 14 days have elapsed since exposure and the individual has not developed any symptoms.
Please note that we will regularly revisit these policies to determine if and when they need to be modified further.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. I look forward to seeing you at kiddush!