Dear Members of our Congregation,
I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. As your Board President, I am writing to inform you of a potential update to our mask policy that our Health Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors. This letter is to inform you that the Board of Directors will meet on June 20, 2023, to discuss and then vote on these proposed changes.
If approved, the policy change will become effective on July 1, 2023.
As you know, Beth David strives to be an inclusive and respectful community that prioritizes the safety and comfort of all members. After careful consideration of the guidance provided by the CDC and the Santa Clara County Department of Health, the Health Committee recommends the following changes to our mask policy:
1. Mask-wearing will be voluntary during all services, including High Holy Days. Masking will not be mandatory, and members who are more comfortable wearing masks are encouraged to do so. We trust that our members will respect one another's personal choices and make decisions that prioritize their own health and safety.
2. A designated area inside the sanctuaries will be marked "masks required" during services. This area will be available only to those at high risk of Covid-related complications and those who, for any reason, feel more comfortable in a totally masked area. Those who are unmasked will remain in the “masks optional” area.
3. The Health Committee will continue to monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments to ensure all members' safety and comfort.
We understand that these changes may come as a surprise to some, but we believe they reflect our synagogue's values of inclusivity, respect, and pikuach nefesh.
Please direct all comments on this matter to the Health Committee Committee (HealthCommittee@beth-david.org).
Sincerely,
Nathan Handelsman, President
president@beth-david.org
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