Saturday Morning Services - January 9 

COVID-19 Reopening Policies

Temple Beth Shalom Long Beach is happy to welcome members and guests back to in-person Shabbat morning services. During this second phase of reopening, we will continue to have virtual-only Havdalah services; Friday night and Saturday morning services will be in-person on the South Patio.

We have established the following policies to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. Adherence to the following policies and to all instructions provided by staff, clergy, and ushers is required for service attendance.

No one should feel obligated to come to services, especially those most vulnerable to the virus – the elderly, immunocompromised, and those who have underlying health conditions. We have incorporated accommodations that are in violation of Shabbat only if they are absolutely necessary for the community’s safety. The principle of pikuah nefesh doheh et ha-shabat – to save a life takes precedence over the observance of the Sabbath – applies. Anyone experiencing symptoms associated with COVID 19 or who suspects they may have the virus is asked to perform the Mitzvah of saving a life by staying home. We are in the final stages of setting up streaming of live services to allow our entire community to attend our services virtually.

Reservations

1. People intending to attend services should sign up in advance, either by using the registration form shared by e-mail or by calling the office. If you are unable to sign up in advance, you are still welcome to attend, but we will need to write down your name and contact information for the purposes of contact tracing.
2. Adults over 65 years of age and individuals with certain underlying health conditions or co-morbidities (such as, but not limited to, hypertension, obesity, uncontrolled asthma, and diabetes), or with immunosuppression conditions are strongly encouraged to consult with their physicians prior to registering or attending services.

Entry Requirements

1. Entry and egress from the building will be limited to the gates leading to the South Patio. Directional signs and arrows will be available to help guide you. A temperature check will be made at the entry to the South Patio. If you have an elevated temperature, for everyone's safety, you will be asked to return home.

Masks and Social Distancing

1. Masks that cover your nose and mouth will be required to be worn at all times. Persons leading the service will be separated from the congregation by a tempered glass shield. People should observe social distancing of at least six feet while on the premises. To ensure socially distant seating, chairs will be set out in clusters. We ask that you please only sit where chairs have been provided.
2. Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own kippot and talitot. We will provide a small stock of plain kippot for those who need them to use and keep.