Covid-19 at High Holidays

 

When designing this year’s Covid-19 policies and protocols for High Holidays, we took into account many factors, including:

• Recommendations from the Illinois Department of Public Health
• The specifications of this year’s venue, The Copernicus Center, which is large enough to maintain a 50-75% capacity throughout services
• Recommendations from local subject matter experts, including physicians, public health workers, and members of the disability and chronic illness community

We have built this policy based on the information currently available to us. If that information changes (for example, if a new variant that is substantially different becomes the dominant strain, if trends around community transmission materially change), we reserve the right to change these policies to better address community safety. 

In 5785/2024, our Covid policy for High Holidays will be as follows (includes kids and family programs as well):

• In the sanctuary, we will offer seating sections that are both mask-required and mask-optional. For those who mask, we strongly recommend using a NIOSH-certified n95 mask, KF94 mask, or equivalent. Mishkan will be able to provide a limited number of these on-site. There is robust evidence that wearing a mask of this quality provides a high protective factor for the wearer. 
• Areas outside of the sanctuary, including the registration areas, classrooms, and lobby spaces, will be mask-optional. 
• While we are not requiring proof of vaccination, we strongly encourage our community to stay up to date with available Covid-19 vaccines and boosters, per CDC guidelines. Evidence shows that updated Covid-19 vaccines boost waning immunity and offer protection against many variants, reducing both transmission and hospitalization. 
• If you are feeling ill, including respiratory symptoms, please stay home. We will offer refunds to anyone who is feeling sick. If you have had an exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past five days, please stay home. Please email [email protected] to arrange a refund. We are also offering a high-quality live-streaming option for anyone who needs to stay home. 
• Masking in the sanctuary, or in any other part of the building, is absolutely welcome and supported. We recognize that members of our community make decisions about masking depending on a variety of factors. No one should be shamed or judged for choosing to wear a mask.