COVID-19 Updates

We have been monitoring the significant reduction in Covid-19 transmission within our local Washington Heights zip codes as well as in the greater NYC area.

As such, the following updates to our Covid policies will take effect this Shabbat March 4-5:

· We will be making the wearing of masks optional for all kids attending Shabbat groups. This mask optional approach is in response to NY State having lifted its mask mandate for all public schools students, regardless of their vaccination status, and is consistent with the current policies of the overwhelming majority of Modern Orthodox day schools in the NY/NJ area.

· If you are over age 5, but are not fully vaccinated, you are required to wear a mask during davening. Davening will remain mask optional for all fully vaccinated individuals. All individuals who wish to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status, are encouraged to do so.

· We will continue having a mask-only section in the Main Sanctuary. Please do not sit in this section if you are not masked. Individuals who wish to wear masks are welcome to sit in the mask only section or in the unmasked section. 

· We wish to remind you that if you have COVID-19 or any symptoms that may be related to COVID-19, you may not attend davening or any in-person events at MSJC.
We thank you for your cooperation and we will communicate any changes made to these policies in the future.

December 15, 2021

Dear MSJC Community,

Since our shul reopened in June of last year we have relied on our membership to follow our Covid policies and to partner with us as we navigate through this challenging pandemic. The goal of these policies has been to protect the health and wellness of our congregants and congregation and to be in compliance with the current recommendations of the CDC and our local health departments.

B”H these policies have been effective and we cannot thank you enough for your incredible support and cooperation these past 18 months to help ensure our shul continues to function on a daily basis. We are asking for your continued assistance to help us safely and responsibly grow our shul and community as we enter 2022. 

Please be aware that in response to the recently updated NY State Department of Health guidelines we are requiring that everyone attending weekday and Shabbat davening at MSJC adhere to the following policies:
 

1. All individuals over age 12 attending davening or kiddush at MSJC MUST be fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated means 2 weeks have passed since you received the second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or one dose of the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. If you are 18 years or older and 6 months have passed since your second shot, or 2 months since your first J&J/Janssen shot, we urge you to get a booster as soon as possible.
    
2. If you are over age 12 and are not fully vaccinated, you MAY NOT attend davening or kiddush at MSJC even if you are wearing a mask.
    
3. Children ages 5-11 must have received at least one vaccine shot in order to attend davening. They must continue to mask until 2 weeks have passed since their second vaccine shot.
    
4. Children ages 5-11 who have not received at least one vaccine shot may not attend davening even if they are masked.
    
5. Children ages 2-4 may attend davening if they are able to properly mask. Children under 2 may attend davening and are not required to be masked.
    
6. Anyone over age 5 attending davening must be able to provide proof of vaccination. You can do so either in person with Mirasha Moore during office hours or upload a picture of your vaccine card here. If you have already provided us with proof, you do not need to do so again. If you are unable to provide proof of vaccination, you are not permitted to attend davening.
    
7. Children’s groups, programming, and kiddush: In order to maintain a consistent policy for our Shabbat groups and kids programming we are instituting that regardless of vaccination status all children over age 2 attending our Shabbat groups or kids programming must properly mask. On Shabbat, following 9am Minyan we will be setting up a separate kiddush in the gym for families with children under 12 and we will space tables apart. We urge that parents supervise their children in the gym and make sure they do not wander around upstairs during davening or kiddush. 
    
8. We will continue to monitor developments with the Delta and Omicron variants and will communicate any changes to our guidelines. Unless updated, these above policies will be in effect for weekday and Shabbat davening at MSJC from December 15, 2021 - January 15, 2022. For all other events taking place at MSJC we will announce the specific COVID policies and guidelines that we will require attendees to comply with.

We wish to remind you that if you have COVID-19 or any symptoms that may be related to COVID-19, you may not attend davening or any in-person events at MSJC until 10 days have passed since a positive test or the onset of your symptoms. We look forward to welcoming you back when you are feeling better.

If you have any questions about these policies, please email officers@mtsinaishul.com.

Most Sincerely,

Rabbi Yaakov Taubes, Rabbi
Mirasha Moore, Executive Director
Ari Senderowicz, President
Ari Rieser, Vice President
Shani San Solo, Recording Secretary
Shira Bindiger, Financial Secretary 
Gilad Kopelman, Treasurer

Dear MSJC Community,

We are writing to share these important changes to our COVID policies. In accordance with the recently updated NY State guidelines we are instituting the following policies for weekday davening effective Monday, December 13, 2021:
 

1. All individuals over age 12 attending weekday davening at Mount Sinai Jewish Center MUST be fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated means 2 weeks have passed since you received the second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or one dose of the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. If you are 18 years or older and 6 months have passed since your second shot, we urge you to get a booster shot as soon as possible.
    
2. If you are over age 12 and are not fully vaccinated, you may not attend weekday davening at MSJC even if you are wearing a mask.
    
3. Children ages 5-12 must have received at least one vaccine shot in order to attend weekday davening. They must continue to mask until 2 weeks have passed since their second vaccine shot.
    
4. Children ages 5-12 who have not received at least one vaccine shot may not attend weekday davening even if they are masked.
    
5. Children ages 2-4 may attend weekday davening if they are able to properly mask. Children under 2 are not required to mask.
    
6. There will be a sign in sheet at the shul entrance area for everyone attending weekday davening to sign in and attest that they are fully vaccinated.
    
7. After davening, please stop by the office and show Mirasha Moore proof of vaccination. Once we have a record of your vaccination status you will not need to sign in or provide proof.

Unless updated, these above policies will be in effect for weekday davening from December 13, 2021 - January 15, 2022.

We are discussing what our policies will be for Shabbat davening and we will send out an update later this week.

We wish to remind you that if you have COVID-19 or any symptoms that may be related to COVID-19, you may not attend davening or any in-person events at MSJC until 10 days have passed since a positive test or the onset of your symptoms. We look forward to welcoming you back when you are feeling better.

We thank you for your cooperation!

The MSJC Officers

Since we first closed shul on March 13, 2020 and B”H reopened nearly one year ago, the leadership of MSJC has been in regular contact with our safety and security committee and our medical advisory board. We are indebted to them for helping us create and maintain a safe environment at MSJC. 

In light of new guidelines from the CDC and in consultation with our medical advisory board we are pleased to announce the following updates to our COVID-19 policies:

1) Unless otherwise indicated, masks are still required to be properly worn at all times at MSJC by all attendees, whether or not they are fully vaccinated.

2) Social distancing during davening between non-household members will be reduced from 6 feet to 3 feet and we will be adding more chairs on both sides of the mechitza this Shabbat. We will be updating the available spots on our sign up form and we ask that you continue to register for all in-person davening.

3) Rabbi Taubes will be unmasked when he speaks from the pulpit beginning with his sermon this Shabbat morning. 

4) The safety and security committee will be in contact with individuals who are fully vaccinated and wish to give shiurim on Shavuot unmasked. Everyone else in attendance must remain masked.

5) When called to the Torah for an Aliyah the Oleh will  now be able to stand at the Bima next to the Ba’al Koreh, provided both are properly masked.

6) We will be resuming two person hagbah and gelilah.

While we realize these are relatively small changes, we hope that this will begin a gradual return to normal at MSJC. We thank you for your cooperation as we continue to monitor recommendations made by NY State and the Department of Health. We will keep you informed of any further changes made to our COVID-19 policy in the future.

We are still reviewing the results of our recent survey and we thank everyone who responded and shared their feedback. We will update you with the results in the coming weeks. 

Wishing everyone a Shabbat Shalom and upcoming Chag Sameach!

The Officers of MSJC

Dear MSJC Community,

We want to inform you that someone who attended MSJC on Friday morning, September 18, has tested positive for COVID-19. This particular congregant was sitting in the social hall and the only other person davening near him was at a distance of more than 8 feet for less than 15 minutes. Both congregants were properly wearing masks the entire time. There were no women davening in the social hall at that minyan. The congregant who tested positive did not participate in Hatarat Nedarim and has not been in shul since. Thankfully his symptoms are mild and he is quarantining at home. 

Aside from MSJC, we are seeing a slight rise in COVID cases in the broader Washington Heights community. As such, we wanted to take this opportunity to remind you that you need to sign up here before attending any of our minyanim. This is a critical step in our ability to keep you safe.

Based upon Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order yesterday, our group of medical advisors have recommended we clarify our travel policy as follows:  

If you have traveled in the past 14 days to: 

• ANY country outside of the U.S. or 
• States on the New York travel advisory list (see list below)
   

you may not attend services or events at Mount Sinai Jewish Center until 14 days after you have returned.

Given our guidelines, including the wearing of masks and maintaining physical distance, and our adherence to those guidelines, the chance of spread within the congregation and to yourself is extremely low. Nonetheless, out of an abundance of caution and a desire for transparency, we wanted to make you aware. 

The person sitting nearby has been contacted, and has been advised that no further action is necessary other than to monitor for symptoms as per NYS Department of Health instructions. 

We ask for and appreciate your continued adherence to the safety procedures that we have put in place and we are doing our best to reduce the risk of spread within MSJC. 

If you test positive for COVID-19 and have attended a service at Mt. Sinai in the past two weeks, or have any further questions or concerns we ask that you contact us at security@mtsinaishul.com. 

Most Sincerely,
 
Ari Rieser & Sam Benson, Co-Chairs MSJC Safety and Security 


This list of states is subject to change. For updated information please go to: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory

April 3, 2020

Dear MSJC family,

This will be the fourth Shabbat that our shul will be closed due to COVID-19. We will remain closed throughout Pesach and likely for sometime thereafter.

With the continued and significant spread of COVID-19 throughout NYC and beyond, it is crucial that we maintain social distancing between ourselves and others to further reduce the risk of transmitting this virus. 

Unfortunately the apex of COVID-19 cases has not yet been reached, and we are living in uncertain and dangerous times. With Pesach starting this coming week, we feel it’s important that we encourage our shul membership and community to continue to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and others based upon current CDC and your specific State guidelines.
 
We certainly understand the importance of gathering together with family and friends for the Seder. At this critical time, however, we urge you to stay at home as much as possible. We do realize that for a number of people in our community this will mean having seder alone and that this is far from ideal. Please reach out to the Shul leadership if you require assistance with any Pesach needs.

If you are feeling concerned or have any other questions about the upcoming Pesach Sedarim, please contact Rabbi Taubes at rabbi@mtsiniashul.com

Although we recommend against this, if you will be having Seder with other people who do not live in your home, please adhere to the following:

Maintain as much distance as possible
Wear masks (except when eating/drinking)
Do not share food or items (e.g. same serving spoon), and use your own matzah.
Thoroughly wash hands with soap and disinfect any touched surfaces 

Some other suggestions we recommend:

Check in on your neighbors and friends before and during Shabbat and Yom Tov
Make plans to take walks with friends outside maintaining appropriate social distancing
Open your window every night at 7pm to join with your neighbors in support of healthcare workers 

We pray for the health and well-being and of all those who have been affected by this situation and we hope they will have a Refuah Shlyama.

Wishing the entire MSJC family and Washington Heights community a Shabbat Shalom and a Chag Kasher v’Sameach.

Most Sincerely,

Rabbi Yaakov Taubes
Mirasha Moore, Executive Director 
The Officers of MSJC
MSJC Safety and Security 

March 13, 2020

Dear MSJC family,

We are writing to inform you that after a great deal of consultation and deliberation, we’ve made the difficult decision to close the Shul and are cancelling all minyanim and shul programs effective immediately. At this point we do not know how long this closure will last.

To provide some background: It was reported to us that someone who davened with the Bridge Shul on Shabbat March 7th, tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday. When in shul, this individual avoided shaking hands and did not have a cough. This person had minimal interaction with MSJC membership that day and has informed people at the Bridge Shul of his diagnosis. Subsequently, we have received reports of other potential cases in the community which we are closely monitoring. The shul leadership met last night to consult with a panel of health care professionals, including four MDs, to discuss what we as a shul and community should do this Shabbat in response to COVID-19. 

Out of concern to not further the potential spread of COVID-19 within our building and thereby unnecessarily tax our local healthcare system (we have been informed that NYC hospitals are as of today only able to perform testing on a very limited basis), we were advised to close down.

This was not an easy decision and it certainly pains us to not have tefillah b’tzibbur. But based on the halakhic guidance of our rabbanim and the advice of medical professionals, we feel that this is the best way to protect our community. 

Many rabbanim have urged people to daven at home to avoid spreading the disease further. Please take the opportunity to daven more carefully, with more kavanah. Daven with the nusach, read the Parsha to yourself, learn some Torah, anything to keep a Shabbat atmosphere even without our Shul. We daven to Hashem that He speedily bring a safe end to this current situation. 

We intend to set up web-conferencing for Kabbalat Shabbat tonight as well as for our shiurim this coming week. Please stay tuned for those details and other information as the situation develops.  

We will be open today for people to pick up any items they have in the shul until 5pm, as well as Motzei Shabbat from 8pm - 10pm, and Sunday morning March 15 from 9am - 12pm. Please contact the office if you need to arrange another time.

Please address any health/safety concerns or questions to security@mtsinaishul.com and feel free to contact Rabbi Taubes at rabbi@mtsinaishul.com with any halakhic or other concerns.

Wishing everyone a healthy and safe Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Yaakov Taubes 
Mirasha Moore, Executive Director
Yehuda Krupka, President 
Naftali Polachek, Vice President 
Sam Benson & Ari Rieser, MSJC Safety and Security

March 5, 2020

As the situation regarding COVID-19 continues to evolve, and as more community members are impacted by the closures at YU, SAR, and Westchester Torah Academy, we are focused on staying up-to-date, mapping out best practices and responses for our community, and supporting each other. We know this can be a trying and stressful time for all of us; MSJC leadership is here to listen and support as best we can. 

After discussion with various medical experts, the email below contains a variety of guidelines and updates for our shul to protect at-risk populations, minimize potential spread, and maintain continued communal life where possible. We ask that you read this email in its entirety.

Most Sincerely,

Rabbi Yaakov Taubes
Yehuda Krupka, President  
Naftali Polachek, Vice President
Mirasha Moore, Executive Director
Sam Benson and Ari Rieser, Co-Chairs Safety and Security Committee
 
I. Current Best Health Practices, At-Risk Populations and Building Cleanliness
II. Interpersonal Contact
III. Parshat  Zachor
IV. Food
V. Children’s Programs 
VI. Purim

I. Current Best Health Practices, At-Risk Populations and Building Cleanliness

1. Health Practices: 
We continue to be advised to follow these basic health precautions: 
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, not your hands
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching your face
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Get your flu shot – it’s never too late
Stay home if you’re feeling at all sick. Call your doctor and let him/her know your symptoms and travel history.
Please note that if you come to shul with a cough and fever, you will be discreetly asked to leave

2. At-Risk Populations: 
We have particular concern about the at-risk populations who have been shown to be most susceptible to the virus: the elderly, those with underlying respiratory conditions, and our general concern for the immunocompromised. If you fall into one of these populations, please consult your doctor before coming to shul. Your safety is our paramount concern.

3. Building Cleanliness: 
We continue to be regularly cleaning and disinfecting our building and more frequently cleaning the regularly-touched surfaces around the building. We are very grateful to Nike for his hard work.

II. Interpersonal Contact, Torah and Mezuzah Contact
Interpersonal Contact: 
In exercising precautions around interpersonal contact, our recommendation is shifting to elbow bumps in lieu of handshakes. We encourage each of you to adopt this approach, inside MSJC and out.

Torah and Mezuzah Contact: 
In accordance with rabbinic rulings, we feel strongly that in this time of health risk, one should not practice the customs of kissing a mezuzah or kissing the Torah.

III. Parshat Zachor
MSJC is currently planning to have regular tefillot on Shabbat. There will be additional readings of Parshat Zachor after Hashkama and Main Minyan as well as after both Mincha Minyanim. Quarantined and at-risk populations and anyone else at home will have subsequent opportunities to hear Parshat Zachor read, either on Purim or at a later point when returning to shul is safe and advisable. We will keep you informed of those opportunities.

IV. Food
We understand the importance for simcha and achdus but have to balance these with the risk of disease transmission. As such, we have decided to take extra precautions and we will be significantly limiting the food we serve this Shabbat. We will not be serving any communal food. There will be no Kiddush following Hashkama or Main Minyan. Parents are encouraged to bring sufficient snacks for their children.

We do plan on having grape juice, water, coffee, and beverages available on Shabbat morning and throughout Shabbat day.

Seudat Shlishit will take place in shul. We will provide challah rolls, beverages, and disposable utensils for your use. You may bring your own food to supplement. Please join us as there will be a siyum on Masechet Brachot.

V.  Children’s Groups
Thankfully, so far no one in our shul has tested positive for COVID-19. However, we are informing you that a number of our shul’s children who attend Westchester Torah Academy (WTA) have been instructed by the DOH to stay home under quarantine. Thankfully, they are not showing any symptoms, and we wish them well! As an added precaution we are suspending most of our children’s groups this weekend including Friday Night Open Play, Minyan Katan, and Jr. Minyan. Tot Shabbat will meet at its regular time and place.

VI. Purim
As of now our plan is to have our full Purim schedule. We will update you after Shabbat if any changes need to be made to our Purim programming.