May 25, 2022—The Beth Tzedec Re-opening Committee has met to review the mandates that are currently in place for the purpose of minimizing COVID exposure while at the Synagogue. The guiding principle that we use in developing COVID policies for the Shul is that what we propose is effective. We strongly believe wearing masks and staying socially distanced is an essential means of reducing COVID risk. The Provincial standard for ‘full COVID vaccination’ is currently two doses. Many people who were vaccinated with the first two doses received them as much as a year ago. These initial doses are no longer as effective as they were many months ago, in reducing COVID severity. The Province encourages citizens to get boosters but has not mandated them.
Our Committee has decided the following, effective immediately:
Masks will continue to be required in the building.
Social distancing will continue to be required wherever possible in the building.
Proof of ‘full vaccine’ will no longer be required to enter the building.
It is the belief of the entire Committee that all members of the Congregation should have as many boosters as permitted to protect themselves and others with whom they come into contact. If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, or if you have come into contact with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID, please stay home.
We trust that you will take comfort from these regulations. We look forward to welcoming you back to Shul.
Sincerely,
The Beth Tzedec Re-Opening Committee
March 21, 2022—The province of Ontario has lifted many of the COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place for the past two years. At present, for the health and safety of our community and staff, Beth Tzedec continues to require that everyone entering the synagogue areas wear masks and provide proof of vaccination status. The Reopening Task Force will continue to review the policy to see if any minor adjustments need to be made from time to time.
Additionally, as of Sunday, March 27, 2022, we are pleased to announce that our in-person davening opportunities will be expanded to include morning and evening services throughout the week. We will continue to livestream all Friday evening and Shabbat morning services via https://bethtzedec.tv and, for the time being, will offer weekday morning and evening services via Zoom. Saturday evening Minhah-Seudah Shlisheet-Ma'ariv services will be in-person only. We are also pleased to continue to provide the Congregational Kiddush following Shabbat morning services as well as the minyan breakfast every morning and Seudah Shlisheet on Saturday evenings. For information about sponsoring the Kiddush, minyan breakfasts or Seudah Shlishseet, please contact the Synagogue office at 416-781-3511.
Members who have uploaded their official vaccination receipt or uploaded their QR code from the Ontario website to Beth Tzedec will not be required to present proof of vaccination at the door (but will be required to present proof of identification). We encourage members to upload their official vaccination receipt here. Members may also download their QR code from the Ontario website, which is also acceptable proof of vaccination.
Vaccination Policy
To protect the health and safety of our community, we are asking all those who participate in Beth Tzedec programs and services to verify their COVID-19 vaccination status.
o No one 18 years or older will be permitted to enter the Beth Tzedec building or grounds without first verifying that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to entry with a vaccine approved by Health Canada.
o Children and teens aged 12 to 17 (or an adult on behalf of such a person), must verify that they have received two doses of a vaccine for COVID-19 approved by Health Canada at least 14 days prior to entry.
o Children ages 5 to 11 (or an adult on behalf of such a person), must verify that they are fully vaccinated with a vaccine for COVID-19 approved by Health Canada at least 14 days prior to entry.
o Children under the age of 5 are not required to verify their vaccine status.
Health and Safety Practices
Safe Physical Distancing
Everyone on the grounds of Beth Tzedec should follow physical distancing best practices as outlined in Beth Tzedec's Reopening Manual.
In compliance with City of Toronto By-Law 541-2020, all those within the building are required to bring and wear a mask or face covering that covers your nose, mouth and chin, without gapping. In addition, all attendees of outdoor minyanim will be required to wear a mask while on the Beth Tzedec grounds.
Entering and Exiting the Building
To minimize socializing in the building, we will open the doors from 15 to 30 minutes before the start time of a service or program. We ask that daveners and attendees leave the building as soon as possible following.
Attendees will be limited to the marked and available seats.
There can be no sharing, kissing or touching of ritual objects, and all attendees must bring their own kippah, tallit and/or tefillin, as appropriate.
Washroom Access
Please note that Beth Tzedec washrooms are currently undergoing modernization, which means there are a limited number of facilities available for use. In order to practice safe physical distancing, we ask that congregants restrict their use of the washrooms to emergencies only.
Fragrance-Free Please remember that Beth Tzedec is a fragrance-free facility. We ask all members and guests to refrain from wearing fragrant lotions, soaps, perfumes and other personal-care items.
Attendees who do not follow the procedures described above will be asked to leave the grounds and may not be permitted to re-enter until further notice.