Chevre,

The health of each of you and our community is of primary importance to us.  The uncertainty of the evolving Coronavirus outbreak has many concerned. Thankfully, the virus is not widespread in New Jersey at this time.

However, there are five simple things that you can do to keep yourself healthy and protect other members of our community:

  1. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth or nose, preferably with the upper portion of your arm into your elbow.
  2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Hand sanitizer is a good option if you’re unable to wash with soap and water, but washing for at least 20 seconds is your best option. It is best to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your unwashed hands.
  3. While we love having large crowds at all of our services and programming activities, if you are not feeling well (have a cough, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath or feel under the weather), it would be better for you to stay home and seek medical attention accordingly. As a reminder, we livestream Shabbat morning services (https://bnaitikvah.org/watch-our-services/)! We will also be streaming our Monday March 9 Purim service at https://bnaitikvah.org/watch-our-services/ too!
  4. If you have not already obtained your seasonal influenza vaccine (flu shot), it is not too late to get it (with the approval of your doctor).  This has proven to be a very serious influenza season, and the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and the rest of our community members is to receive the flu shot.  The present risk of getting the flu and its associated complications are much greater (by order of magnitude in the millions) than being infected with the Coronavirus.
  5. We encourage you to greet one another with elbow taps and fist bumps, rather than handshakes, hugs, and kisses.

Information & Resources:

For all pertinent and updated information, including travel advisories: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html

For specific questions, see the CDC’s FAQ section: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

For information about COVID-19 in your state, search your state’s health department, which works with the CDC to monitor and implement all recommendations: www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.html

For up-to-date developments, research, and guidance from government health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO), go to: www.idsociety.org/public-health/Novel-Coronavirus

This is also a reminder that one of the strengths of our congregation is the many ways our community comes together to take care of each other. Our Bikur Cholim committee is always in need of volunteers who can help make meals for the sick and help each other in a variety of ways. To volunteer, please visit the Bikur Cholim page and fill out the form or contact Jill at .

We will provide further updates and information as developments present themselves.

B’Shalom,

Congregation b’nai Tikvah