Reopening Update: In-Person Services. Welcome Back! Stay Informed: Weekly updated service information below.

Announcing In-Person Services

As long as our COVID-19 positivity rate remains below the High Risk Level as defined in our Reopening Plan (see the Risk Levels Defined section below), we will be able to meet in person at Temple Sinai for services. Whether we can meet in person or not is subject to change if the numbers go back up. We review this on Wednesdays using data published at Nevada Health Response. After checking the positivity rate each week, we will determine if we can meet in person that Friday. We will then send an announcement to the community that we are meeting–or are not meeting–via our weekly emails and on the home page of our website. Properly worn masks will be required at services. See the “Summary” section below for a quick overview.

If you’ve come to love our online services through our website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page, DON’T WORRY: we will continue to live stream all our services whether they are in-person or online only.

Values Statement

This past year has presented challenges many of us never imagined. Reopening Temple Sinai is an important step in beginning a process of personal and communal healing, as well as returning to our normal spiritual routines. Reconvening in-person, while our end goal, must be done in a way that protects the health and safety of our congregants. In developing these guidelines, our guiding principle is pikuach nefesh, which requires that we safeguard life and that this obligation supersedes all others.

The guidelines in this document balance our growing need to foster community, see our friends, hug one another, and be comforted by one another’s presence against the very serious obligation to protect one another.
Source of Public Health Guidance
Summary
Temple Sinai will reopen with health protocols contingent on Washoe County being classified as having medium COVID risk (as defined below). Upon reopening, we will follow these guidelines:
1. Properly worn masks are required at all Temple Sinai events for everyone over age 2.
2. We will continue to practice social distancing during indoor events.
3. Proof of vaccination will not be required.
4. Indoor events will be subject to 50% fire code capacity.
5. Indoor events will be held in the ‘next biggest’ room than where they are usually held. Shabbat services will be held in the large social hall.
6. Attending events will be based on a first-come, first-served basis.
7. Holding outdoor events will be encouraged.
8. Enhanced cleaning protocols will be implemented.
Temple Sinai will begin loosening restrictions as the CDC, State of Nevada, Washoe County, and the City of Reno recommend doing so AND attending Sinai events is a low-risk activity (as defined below).

Temple Sinai will resume normal, pre-pandemic operations once all current pandemic protocols are lifted by all relevant government agencies AND attending Sinai events is a low-risk activity (as defined below).
Risk Levels Defined
High risk (Sinai ends in-person events):
- 200 or more daily cases per 100k people in Washoe County (last 30 days) and
- 8% or greater test positivity in Washoe County (14-day average)
Medium risk (open at reduced capacity):
- 100 to 199 daily cases per 100k people in Washoe County (last 30 days) and
- 4% to 7.9% test positivity in Washoe County (14-day average)
Low risk (begin loosening restrictions):
- 99 or less daily cases per 100k people in Washoe County (last 30 days) and
- Positivity test rate of 3.9% or less in Washoe County (14-day average)
Note that both conditions must be met for loosening any restrictions. In other words, if the positivity rate indicates low risk, but the case rate indicates medium risk, Temple Sinai will follow its medium risk protocols.

Temple Sinai members will be notified each week on the Temple Sinai Website by Thursday morning to indicate whether there will be in-person Shabbat Services or Live-Stream Only.

A lead time of at least 1 week will be given in announcing re-opening at the medium risk level to allow for necessary preparations.

Data for determining risk levels can be found at: http://nvhealthresponse.nv.gov
Public Health Measures During Times of Medium COVID Risk

Health Measures During Medium Risk

RSVPs

Do I need to RSVP to attend an event at Temple Sinai?
No, you do not need to RSVP for regularly scheduled events like Shabbat services and Torah study. For B’nei Mitzvah or other events you would normally RSVP for, the host will coordinate with Temple Sinai to ensure guests can be accommodated.

Checking In at Events

What will happen when I arrive at Temple Sinai?
For any event, you will check in with a greeter or the event host. They will ask to confirm you are not symptomatic and add you to the headcount to make sure we stay below capacity limits.

Masks

Do I need to wear a mask at Temple Sinai?
Yes, you must properly wear a mask to attend an event at Temple Sinai. This includes wearing the mask snugly over your mouth and nose.

Do I need to wear a mask if I have already been vaccinated?
Yes. Temple Sinai will not be verifying who has received vaccines, so all individuals at an event must be masked.

What if I don’t wear a mask at an event at Temple Sinai?
Masking is mandatory and if you choose not to wear one, you will be asked to leave the event.

What if I forget my mask?
Temple Sinai has a limited supply of surgical masks that can be provided upon request. Please be aware that situations may arise in which a mask cannot be provided. If that is the case, you will be asked not to attend the event until you are properly masked.

When will we stop wearing masks at Sinai events?
We will end mask-wearing when COVID-19 rates in our community are sufficiently low and state and local rules indicate that it is no longer necessary.

Social Distancing

Can I greet friends with a hug or handshake?
Following current guidelines, we will continue to encourage social distancing whereby members not in the same household are asked to remain 6 feet apart.

Where in the building should I be cognizant of social distancing?
Please remember to provide people their space both at the event space but also in other places you may naturally congregate, such as the lobby or the drinking fountain. Additionally, please wait outside the restroom if it is occupied.

When will we end social distancing?
We will end social distancing when COVID-19 rates in our community are sufficiently low and state and local rules indicate that it is no longer necessary.

Vaccines

Do I need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to attend an event at Temple Sinai?
No, you can attend an event at Temple Sinai if you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine. Temple Sinai will not ask you for information about your vaccination status.

Indoor Events

How will rooms be arranged for events?
Before an event, the event host/s are responsible for setting up chairs at least 6 feet apart. Clusters of chairs may be placed together to accommodate households or others who have traveled to the event together.

What will the seating arrangements be?
Please plan on sitting with your household or the ‘pod’ of people you came to the event with. If an area set up with chairs does not have enough seats, please inform the event’s greeter or host. They can move more chairs to your area while ensuring your seats remain socially distant from others.

How will prayer books and song sheets be distributed?
Books and song sheets will be placed on seats before services.

What are the occupancy limitations on spaces commonly used for Temple Sinai events?
We are currently operating at 50% fire code capacity. The 50% fire code capacity for commonly used spaces are as follows:

SPACE THEATRE
SEATING TABLES
& CHAIRS

Sanctuary 97 NA

Large Social Hall 161 75

Small Social Hall 56 50

Combined Social Halls 217 102

Does this mean that we can expect to, for example, seat 97 people in the sanctuary?
The 50% capacity levels do not take into account the required seating arrangements (see above), which, depending on the size of households attending, will vary by event.

Where will weekly services be held?
Friday night services will be held in the space noted above that is most appropriate for the event.

Will all events be held in person?
No, events can also be held virtually.

Will reservations be needed for events?
Reservations will not be required for Shabbat services, as the large social hall can hold a maximum of 161 people at 50% capacity.

Food and Beverages

Will there be food and beverages at Sinai events?
Indoor dining, even with proper distancing, is considered a high-risk activity. Therefore, for the time being, food and beverages will not be served at indoor Sinai events.

What about wine/grape juice and challah on Shabbat?
Wine/grape juice and challah can be served after Kabbalat Shabbat. Wine/grape juice and challah will be placed on tables for congregants before the oneg. Congregants should resume wearing their masks after eating and drinking. Weather permitting, wine/grape juice and challah should occur outside (see “Outdoor Events at Sinai” below). Alternatives to single servings of wine/grape juice and challah (such as serving only wine/grape juice, or serving only the Rabbis) are encouraged.

Is the kitchen available for my event?
Since food and beverages are not being served at Sinai events for the time being, the kitchen will not be open for food preparation or storage. The exception for kitchen use is to fill personal containers/cups with water.

When will events with food and beverages resume at Sinai?
Once public health agencies indicate this risk is reduced, we will begin offering food and beverages at Sinai events.

Outdoor Events

Will Temple Sinai be using outdoor spaces, weather-permitting?
Yes, we encourage any event host to consider holding their event outside, weather-permitting. This is especially the case for social events (onegs, other celebrations, etc.)

Is there a designated space for outdoor events?
Yes, the parking lot space on the west side of the Temple lot will be a designated space for outdoor events. Events may also be held in local parks (e.g. “Shabbat Under the Stars).

What are the occupancy limitations on the designated outdoor event space?
Occupancy limits will be based on the outdoor space. For outdoor events at Temple Sinai, the buildings and grounds committee will define the occupancy limits. For events at parks, we will not enforce an occupancy limit.

Are masks required during outdoor events?
Mask wearing is required during outdoor events, however, masks can be removed for eating/drinking wine and challah on Shabbat.

Is social distancing required during outdoor events?
Yes, social distancing is encouraged outdoors as well as indoors.

What equipment does Sinai have to facilitate my outdoor event?
Event hosts can move chairs from the social hall to the parking lot if their event is occurring outside. However, the event host must return them to the social hall once their event is over.

Cleaning Protocols

What are the cleaning protocols after events at Sinai?
Event hosts will wipe down high contact areas and materials after events. This includes chairs and the bimah.

Am I responsible for wiping down my own area before or after an event?
No, any furniture or materials will be cleaned before an event. However, if you want to wipe down your space when you arrive, you are welcome to do so. At most events Sinai will make cleaning wipes available.
Future Changes to Temple Sinai COVID-19 Policies
Future changes to Temple Sinai operations will depend on conditions in Washoe County, government regulations, public health guidance, and public health benchmarks that have been adopted by the Temple Sinai board.

Circumstances Necessary to Loosen Restrictions:

No more masking:
- National, state, and/or local mask mandates are lifted and
- Local and national public health agencies guidance indicates masking is no longer necessary to reduce indoor transmission risk and
- Attending Sinai is a low-risk activity (as defined above)
No more or reduced social distancing:
- Local and national public health agencies agree it is no longer necessary or recommend a reduced distance and
- Attending Sinai is a low-risk activity (as defined above)
No more reduced capacity:
- Local governments allow for full capacity events and
- Local and national public health agencies agree full capacity events are low risk and
- Attending Sinai is a low-risk activity (as defined above)
No more enhanced cleaning procedures and special event set-up (i.e., books already on seats):
- Local and national public health agencies agree enhanced clean procedures are no longer necessary
Circumstances that Necessitate a Tightening of Restrictions:

If the current risk is medium:
- A change in local conditions to the high risk category and/or
- Public health guidance (not necessarily a mandate) to end public gatherings
Under these circumstances, Temple Sinai will end in-person operations until the COVID risk in Washoe County is medium again.

If the current risk is low:
- A change in local conditions to medium (or high) risk category and/or
- Public health guidance (not necessarily a mandate) to end public gatherings
Under these circumstances, Temple Sinai will begin a 14-day pause, during which no in-person events will occur. After 14 days, in-person events can continue if the risk level has returned to low. If not, the Board of Trustees can decide whether to reopen under the medium risk protocols or keep the building closed. If the R0 value (infection rate) is greater than 1, we recommend the Board suspend in-person operations until it is less than 1.

A Documented Outbreak at a Sinai Event

Temple Sinai will begin a minimum 14-day pause, during which no in-person events will occur. After 14 days, the Board of Trustees can vote to continue in-person events.

If a simcha is scheduled during the 14-day pause, the board, in consultation with the rabbis and the family, will decide the best course of action. Each situation should be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Checklists for Events
The following checklists should be widely disseminated before re-opening.

Attending an Event:
- Remember to bring and properly wear your mask.
- When you arrive, check-in with the Sinai greeter.
- Please maintain social distance, especially at indoor events.
- Books and song sheets will be on your seat. Please leave them on your seat at the end of the event.
- If you need to move chairs or more books, please ask the event host to bring them to you.
Hosting/Setting Up/Cleaning Up an Event:

Before your event:
- Set-up chairs in small pods that will approximate the size of the groups attending
- Place any materials used during the event (e.g., siddurim, song sheets) on the chairs
- Place extra masks, hand sanitizer, and wipes at the entrance
- Plate any food or drinks
- As people arrive, move chairs to accommodate pods that do not have enough seats in their area
During your event:
- Greet people at the door to check them in and to make sure they are properly masked
- Maintain a count of congregants to make sure the event stays within capacity limits
- If capacity is reached, you will need to turn away people at the door
- Remind people to remain distanced, especially indoors
- Distribute food and drinks. Weather-permitting, encourage people to enjoy them outside
After your event:
- If necessary, leave check-in forms in the office mailbox for the administrator.
- Wipe down all furniture used during the event, including the bimah.
- Put away extra masks, hand sanitizer, and wipes.

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Springtime is in the Air

May 12, 2021 Michael E. Gorden 2021 Posts, Newsletter

Can you believe it is May already? Time is flying by! A year ago, I felt like time was standing still and there was nothing we could do about it. So I am happy that we are moving forward and cannot wait to see all your faces soon. The COVID risk meter is inching down day by day thanks to all of you getting your 1st and 2nd doses of the vaccine. If you have not noticed, we have a Reopening Plan that was approved by the board that outlines a solid platform for all of us to follow and allows us to come back together safely. We know that not everyone agrees on each and every detail – should we wear masks if vaccinated, do we need to social distance anymore, etc. – but the reality is that there is still so much unknown that we will continue to be cautious. We do not want another outbreak if we can help each other avoid it. Many thanks to Jeremy Gelman and Sarah Friedman, chairs of our reopening committee, for their commitment to understanding the science and keeping us together in the safest way possible.

Speaking of May and Spring: do not forget, our Annual Meeting is scheduled for this upcoming Sunday, May 16, 2021, at 1:00 pm. You must be registered to get the Zoom information and be able to vote. At this meeting, we will vote on the next slate of officers, review the upcoming budget, and have some more by-laws to vote on. If you aren’t yet a member, you’re welcome to watch on our YouTube page or on our website’s live streaming page.

Spring has raised the concerns of the uprising in weeds at our beloved Synagogue. This past weekend we had a company come and do a huge weed cleanup job including the “Back 40.” They did a wonderful job and it looks great. I am asking and encouraging you all to help us brainstorm ways to maintain what we can in a safe manner. The last thing we want is our property becoming a fire hazard or neighborhood eyesore! If anyone has any connections or great ideas on making some of the space usable – parcel by parcel, I would love to hear from you. I know that the rabbis are dreaming about a small, outdoor worship space. What are your dreams?

As Spring has sprung and we start to turn to the very warm summer nights – it is that time of year that we can gather outdoors for our Shabbat Under the Stars. Speaking of that – Toby Pechner will be here for a “Live and in Person” Shabbat Unplugged Under the Tent event at Sinai on Friday, June 4th at 7:30 pm! Seating will be first-come seating and feel free to bring your lounge chairs and sit anywhere in the parking lot by the tent. We will require masks and social distancing.

Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday at 1:00 pm… via Zoom!

L’Shalom,
Michael

Reopening Temple Sinai

Announcing In-Person Services

High risk (Sinai ends in-person events):

Medium risk (open at reduced capacity):

Low risk (begin loosening restrictions):

Health Measures During Medium Risk

RSVPs

Checking In at Events

Masks

Social Distancing

Vaccines

Indoor Events

Food and Beverages

Outdoor Events

Cleaning Protocols

Circumstances Necessary to Loosen Restrictions:

Circumstances that Necessitate a Tightening of Restrictions:

A Documented Outbreak at a Sinai Event

Attending an Event:

Hosting/Setting Up/Cleaning Up an Event:

Temple Sinai

Vision

Mission

SPACE	THEATRE SEATING	TABLES & CHAIRS
Sanctuary	97	NA
Large Social Hall	161	75
Small Social Hall	56	50
Combined Social Halls	217	102