B’nai Israel Operations Updates

March 16, 2022

Dear B’nai Israel Community, 

As COVID rates are in a low transmission category and the CDC has updated recommendations related to indoor masking, B’nai Israel—in consultation with its Covid Reopening Task Force, is announcing we will move to a mask optional policy. Beginning on Monday, March 21, masks are optional inside B’nai Israel. This includes all synagogue worship services, programs, events, and offices.  

Please note that the Schilit Nursery School and Lessans Talmud Torah will be sending out their own communication to parents this week with any policy changes related to our schools.

We respect and support that many of our congregants will still wear masks, and we encourage you and your families to do what makes you comfortable. We recommend that those who wear masks choose N-95, KN-95, or other high-filtration masks, as these are said to provide the most protection. We ask that people continue to be mindful of the different needs and respectful of decisions that others will make. And remember our most important rule when it comes to keeping our community safe: Do not come to the synagogue if you are experiencing any symptoms of illness.

We are proud of how our congregation has navigated the pandemic as our policies evolved as situations warranted. Even at this optimistic moment, we will continue to monitor COVID rates, hospitalizations, and guidelines and make adjustments, as necessary. 

May we be blessed with this further return to normalcy in good health. 

Shalom,

Scott Hodes, President 
Hal Ossman, Executive Director
Michael Safra, Senior Rabbi

March 9, 2022

Masking Policy Updates
We are obviously monitoring the major changes in county masking policies and the latest guidance from the CDC. With much optimism for moving forward, our Medical Task Force and synagogue leadership will be meeting on Monday, March 14 and we will announce any revised policies related to masking within both the synagogue and our schools next week.

February 8, 2022

With substantially declining viral transmission numbers in our county, and with support from our Reopening Task Force, we are ready to return synagogue operations to their pre-Omicron protocols. Here are some specific updates:

• Shabbat Services no longer require pre-registration to attend. Please join us in-person every Friday at 6:15 PM and Saturday morning at 9:00 AM. Our livestream and Zoom remains available. 
• Shabbat morning Kiddush has resumed, with indoor and outdoor seating options. Food service can also return to other programs. 
• Daily Minyan has returned to Hayman Chapel and does not require registration to attend. Wednesday morning breakfast has resumed. These services will continue to simulcast via Zoom at www.bnaiisraelcong.org/dailyminyan. 
• Synagogue programming is reviewed on an individual basis. Find the most up to date information at www.bnaiisraelcong.org/calendar or through our weekly Upcoming Events email each Monday morning.  
• Talmud Torah Upper School Dinners have resumed. Any other changes to school protocols will be communicated directly to those communities. 
• The Judaica Shop has resumed its normal hours of operation.

Our building is open but ours is a large and diverse community with different comfort levels and needs related to this pandemic. Masks remain required for everyone while inside B’nai Israel, and we continue to rely on the cooperation of our members in following specific instructions for particular programs and in our schools. We are proud of our full spring calendar of simchas, events, and holiday celebrations. We can’t wait to see you.

Shalom, 

Rabbi Michael Safra, Senior Rabbi
Hal Ossman, Executive Director
Scott Hodes, President