Safe Gathering

With the direction and support of our Welcome Forward Task Force, which includes experts in public health, Temple Sinai has adopted COVID vaccination and masking policies aligned with the CDC, California Department of Public Health, and Alameda County guidelines for indoor events, and local public schools. Our Covid policies may continue to evolve as circumstances change.

COVID Prevention Policies (updated December 21, 2022)

Due to the current “tripledemic” of COVID, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), we must continue our vigilance to limit the spread of respiratory infections within our facility while allowing our community to interact. We remain committed to our multi-access model (online and in-person) for as many of our worship services, programs, classes, and community events as possible, so that everyone can participate whether in-person or at home.

Temple Sinai is taking the following measures:

• All Shabbat and holiday services continue to be in-person with streaming options.
• We are utilizing special buffet tables with sneeze/cough guards to promote food safety at events involving food in the building.
• When possible, outdoor seating for events involving food will be available.
• The ventilation system has been upgraded.
• The temple’s Safe Gathering Task Force and Board will continue to monitor infection rates and public health recommendations and will update guidelines and policies as needed.

While Temple Sinai will maintain its Safe Gathering policies, all members and staff have an individual responsibility to practice the best protection for yourself and others.

Here’s what YOU can do:

• Wearing a mask at Temple Sinai is strongly recommended, but is not required for attendance at in-person events inside the synagogue and school classrooms. We recommend wearing a high-quality, well-fitting N95, KN95, or KF94, mask in indoor settings including while in the temple at services, religious school, preschool, and meetings.
• Get vaccinated! Receive all COVID-19 vaccines/boosters for which you are eligible, and the influenza vaccine.
• Stay home if you have ANY symptoms of respiratory illness, even if you test negative for COVID, and participate remotely when available. This includes religious school and preschool children.
• Wash your hands often.

We realize that not everyone in our community has the option to make the same choices. There are some in our community for whom the risks of COVID are severe, especially for those who are immunocompromised. In addition, there are varying comfort levels regarding masking and participation for in-person events and activities. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive, safe, and welcoming community for all, regardless of circumstances. We are also proud of how our community continues to connect, pray, and celebrate together with respect for one another and the safety of all members of our community.

Informed Consent and Informed Risk
Everyone must assess their own personal risk tolerance for attending events in person. While Temple Sinai is taking every reasonable precaution, by attending group events or religious services, you understand that the temple cannot guarantee zero risk of exposure, despite recommendations for vaccination, masking, and respiratory hygiene.

You can learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at https://covid-19.acgov.org/vaccines, which includes frequently asked questions about where to get vaccinated.

Many thanks to our Welcome Forward Task Force for guiding us as we have navigated pandemic-related policies in recent years. If you have questions or comments about our policy, please contact us at templesinai@oaklandsinai.org.

We look forward to seeing you at Temple Sinai soon!