Dear Members,
The COVID Task Force has been working hard to develop a reasonable policy to keep everyone safe. We will continue to meet with that goal in mind.
Here is the current policy:
  • Realizing that full vaccination is the best safety measure
  • Realizing that wearing masks helps protect other people in the room with the mask wearer
  • Realizing that social distancing further minimizes the transmission risk
  • Realizing that 18 is the age of majority in NJ
  • Realizing that vaccine approval for those under 16 is by an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)
  • Realizing that vaccine approval for 5-11 year old’s is under an EUA
  • Realizing that we all want to “reopen” safely
  • Realizing that we want to encourage young families to participate
  • Realizing that public schools have been making mask wearing and lunch periods work
  • Realizing that we want to be welcoming
  • Realizing that we want to be as inclusive as possible under the circumstances
Therefore:
  • Anyone who is 18 years of age or older must be vaccinated to attend any service/event at CBT, regardless of whether food is being served, including guests from outside the congregation. For everyone’s safety, there can be no exceptions.
  • Everyone over two years-old must continue to wear a properly positioned mask that always covers their nose and mouth while in the building, except while eating at events where food is being served.
  • Effective immediately: If the leader(s) of a CBT group want(s) to serve food at an event, the leader(s) can apply to the COVID-19 Task Force for approval. The purpose of this step is to assure that proper COVID-19 protocols will be followed, per this policy. Whenever possible, food should be eaten outside, even if served inside. If the request is approved, all attendees at the event must be fully vaccinated and proof of vaccination must be provided to the leader(s) of the event upon entering the event or to their designee(s).
We suggest downloading the Docket app on your phone, which shows the date(s) of your vaccination, or in the alternative, keeping your vaccination card with you or having a picture of it on your phone. If you are unvaccinated or are vaccinated but cannot show proof of vaccination at the time of the event, you will not be permitted to attend the event. There will be no exceptions.
  • Children under 18 years of age can participate in events where food will be served.
  • Vaccinations are strongly recommended, but are not required, for eligible children under 18 years of age.
  • Where unvaccinated children are expected to attend an event/service, the membership will be advised prior to the event/service that unvaccinated children may be present. In those situations, everyone will be responsible for assessing their own comfort/risk levels.
  • Food will either be served by a server or the food will be plated ahead of time to assure that social distancing will be observed during the process of getting food.
  • Masks must be worn at all times, except for while sitting and eating at an approved event.
  • Tables must be spaced out at least eight (8) feet apart to allow for social distancing while eating.
  • The leader(s) of the event where food is being served must arrange for setup, clean-up and cleaning of the area where food is served, as well as the setup and breakdown of the room. Please note that minyanim (including Shabbat lunch), while subject to the other parameters of this policy, will be arranged separately.
  • B’nai Mitzvah will be reviewed separately, and appropriate notice will go out to the membership beforehand of the expected vaccination status of children. Nevertheless, all participants 18 and over must be vaccinated, including guests from outside the congregation.
  • Events that are catered by Classical Caterers are subject to State rules, which allow for food to be served under different conditions than we are permitting food to be served for CBT events.
This policy will remain in effect until a superseding one is published.
Please contact me with any questions and comments. This is the most controversial topic that our membership has faced in many years. Remember “we can disagree without being disagreeable.”