Kol HaLev Community Brit for In-person Gatherings, ver. 3.0, March 2022

    This brit (covenant) sets out the practices which constitute Kol HaLev’s policies for in-person gatherings during the pandemic, and the beliefs and values which inform those practices.  All members and their guests must agree to this covenant as a prerequisite to participating in Kol HaLev’s in-person services or events. 

     

    Our community values: 

    We’re a welcoming, caring community which is inclusive of all (regardless of age, health or vaccination status). We honor pikuah nefesh (the value of human life), k’vod habriot (human dignity) and sh’lom bayit (collective harmony) by protecting the health and safety of all members and guests, and by recognizing the diversity of comfort levels and preferences in relation to physical proximity and interaction. 

     

    Turning values into practices:  

    When we gather together for in-person outdoor services or events, we are committing to:

    • Doing more than is required: Our safety protocols will intentionally exceed the recommendations from the CDC and other agencies in order to provide an added degree of safety for all, in accordance with the minhag (custom) of khumra (doing more than what is required).
    • Protecting the vulnerable: We are especially concerned with protecting children who are not (yet) able to be vaccinated, older adults, and others with health conditions whose vaccinations may be less effective.
    • Creating redundancy in our safety net: This extra protection helps create redundancy in our safety net, so that if one element is compromised (i.e. if someone needs to unmask momentarily), we maintain relative safety.   
    • Recognizing the needs of children: We value children’s play and acknowledge that they may have different abilities and needs regarding social distancing. It is up to their responsible adults to decide and enforce their comfort level with social distancing.

     

    Kol HaLev's Pandemic Policy, March 15, 2022: 

    Board policy now permits both 1) in-person outdoors gatherings, and 2) in-person indoors gatherings, unless and until the Pandemic Advisory Committee advises the board that the public health situation merits a suspension or reconsideration of this policy. The board's permission is contingent on the community’s full compliance with the health and safety practices determined by the board at the time of the gathering, as stated below:

     

    Current health and safety protocols: 

    At all Kol HaLev events, members and guests will comply with the following expectations of the Kol HaLev community:

    • Vaccination: Attendees will be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, with the following exceptions:

      • Children under the age of five

      • Members of the community who are ineligible for vaccination for reasons such as underlying disease resulting in immunosuppression. NOTE: Clearance by a physician prior to attendance is strongly recommended

    • Exposure: Attendees and all members of their immediate household will not have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19 within 10 days prior to the event (for more information, see these CDC guidelines)

    • Symptoms: Attendees and all members of their immediate household must not have had any symptoms of COVID-19 within 10 days prior to the event (for more information, see these CDC guidelines)

    • Masking (new guidelines as of March 16, 2022 and for as long as our community risk is LOW according to CDC guidelines):

      • Community-wide events: Masking is mandatory at all community-wide events

      • Smaller gatherings: At smaller meetings convened under the auspices of Kol HaLev for any purpose (including social gatherings and committee meetings), masking is voluntary, provided that:

        • The option of masking is discussed ahead of time with all potential attendees, and

        • The group’s decision about masking does not exclude any member of the group from attending

    • Ventilation: Indoor venues for gatherings of any size must be large enough that the anticipated attendance is approximately 50% or less of the room capacity. Registration may be required to prevent exceeding recommended capacity​

    • Food:

      • Community-wide events: No food will be served at gatherings to prevent unnecessary mask removal. (Attendees can remove masks for sips of water)

      • Smaller gatherings: At smaller meetings convened under the auspices of Kol HaLev for any purpose (including social gatherings and committee meetings), food may be served, provided that:

        • The option to serve food is discussed ahead of time with all potential attendees, and

        • The group’s decision about food does not exclude any member of the group from attending​​

    Respecting one another’s limits:  

    • Because we value a culture of mutual respect, we employ consent-based practices to ensure all participants’ comfort at our events. To that end, we strive to make it possible for all  attendees to be present for Kol HaLev events with minimal stress about masking, physical safety and unwanted proximity.
       
    • The newest CDC guidelines indicate that masking can be voluntary in communities where the risk level is “LOW,” as ours is (March 2022). In practice, however, many members will continue to mask and avoid the physical proximity of hugs and handshakes; many, whether masked or not, will welcome the proximity.

     

    • As you approach others, be alert for verbal cues or body language that indicate that physical proximity is unwanted. It’s always a safe choice to ask for permission before moving in for a hug or handshake:  “May I give you a hug?”  


    Security Guidelines:  

    • Obey all visual instructions, particularly those marking entry points and perimeters. 
    • Obey the directions of Kol HaLev’s Greeters/Safety Corps Volunteers: answer any questions asked of you.
    • Practice situational awareness: If you notice anyone or anything that seems odd or out of place, tell a Kol HaLev Greeter/Safety Corps volunteer right away. 

     

    Your commitment: 

    Once you have read this brit, your attendance at any Kol HaLev event signifies your agreement with the terms of the brit and your willingness to adhere to Kol HaLev’s policies for in-person gatherings – even if you are comfortable with less stringent practices in your personal life. Doing so will enable us to create a communal space that is as safe, supportive, and comfortable as can be for all our attendees.