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 head count 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 mark 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 large social hall.
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.
