How WHC is Protecting You From COVID-19

Protecting the health and safety of the community is not just required of us; it is woven into our Jewish values.

At every step of the recovery phase, we continue to prioritize community health and safety under the guidance of the medical experts on our COVID-19 Task Force. Our decisions reflect lessons we have learned from two years of robust virtual activity, the feedback we have received from so many of you, and our commitment to ensuring that all of you will have access to the comfort, inspiration, and community of your Temple.

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Please see our calendar for up-to-date information on which activities are in-person, online-only, or hybrid.
Additional information and resources can be found in the FAQ below.

All protocols and procedures are subject to change pursuant to local conditions, government regulations, and the medical judgment of our COVID-19 Task Force.

Updates

6/22: Considering recently updated CDC and local guidance, the following are updated:

  • You no longer need to show proof of vaccination.
  • Masks are still optional, though we encourage them for those who are unvaccinated to minimize the risk to themselves and others. If you arrive without a mask but want one, we’ll have them available at the door.
    • A reminder: wearing a mask does not mean someone is unvaccinated. They may be planning to travel, work with immunocompromised people, or may simply feel more comfortable wearing a mask in public spaces so please be respectful of everyone’s choice.  
  • We have plenty of well-ventilated space indoors to celebrate, pray, or learn in a socially distanced way.
  • We will continue to offer a livestream option for Friday night and Saturday morning services.
  • We will continue to offer a livestream or Zoom option for other programs whenever feasible.

If you have any questions about our protocols, please contact Executive Director Lindsay Feldman. We know this is a concerning time for many and our clergy team is here for you if you’d like to talk.


FAQ

If you have tested positive and have no fever or symptoms, you may return to Temple or JBSC five (5) days after a positive test. Of course, you can still join us for services via livestream. 

If you do have a fever or other symptoms, please stay home. Five (5) days after the fever and/or symptoms are gone, you can come in.  

For more complete guidelines, visit the CDC’s site on COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation.


If you have been exposed to someone with COVID infection and you are fully vaccinated, have had a booster, and have no fever or symptoms, you may attend Temple or JBSC events in person if your rapid or PCR test is negative. 

If you were fully vaccinated over 6 months ago and are NOT boosted, stay home for 5 days, get a test on day 5, then assuming you test negative, welcome back. 


All of WHC’s clergy and staff are fully vaccinated.


Based on current local regulations and guidance from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), masks are optional for everyone while inside any of our buildings. For those who choose to wear a mask, we encourage ones with the highest level of protection (N95, KN95, KF94), balancing risks, access to mask supplies, personal comfort, and practicality. For more on masks, see below.

If you are unable to wear a mask for any reason, please join us via livestream.


Yes! Our Friday Evening and Saturday Morning Shabbat services will be livestreamed as always.


We will follow guidance and direction provided by local health authorities.


Our facilities staff cleans and disinfects high-touch areas several times a day, and our building is cleaned and disinfected at the end of every business day. Worship areas also receive additional cleaning and disinfection before and after services.


We have installed upgrades to our air handling system that have improved overall air quality and will mitigate many health risks – including coronavirus.


If you have any additional questions, we are happy to help! Please email Lindsay Feldman, WHC’s Executive Director.