Covid

Covid-19 dramatically changed our world, greatly impacting our day to day lives. We are continuing to provide Shabbat services and events in a hybrid manner. Thank goodness for being able to livestream and Zoom. We are most grateful for our strong team of clergy, staff and members who make everything run so smoothly. 

The Board of Trustees established the Covid-19 Response Team (CRT) to establish guidelines and processes to address Covid-19 related needs for temple operations. The CRT consists of the Senior Rabbi, Associate Rabbi, President, Executive Director, Chair of House & Grounds, a Medical Representative, a Legal Representative and a Public Health Representative.

Based on the decrease in the Covid-19 positivity rate, current protocols are below:

• Masks are optional outdoors and in the conference rooms, library, and Benderson Family Hall. 
• Masks are required in the sanctuary for Shabbat services and other events. 
• Refreshments can be enjoyed indoors and outdoors.
• Religious School and the Susan Schwaid Early Learning Center have specific protocols for their programs. Please see the school directors, Sabrina Silverberg and Elaine Sharrock, for details. 
• If you are not feeling well, please stay home to protect yourself and others.

We follow the teachings of Torah as we partner with you during these times. Pikuah Nefesh- Safeguarding Life- is our guiding principle as we explore these unchartered waters together.

Resources for Covid-19

• Great interactive tool to check the risk level for different activities  https://floridasafesurvey.com/
• Tracking tool for covid cases in our area: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/covid-cases-deaths-tracker.html?referringSource=articleShare
• Sarasota Health Department at http://sarasota.floridahealth.gov/
• Manatee Health Department at https://mymanatee.org/
• Department of Health at http://www.floridahealth.gov/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/
• Jewish Together at https://www.jewishtogether.org/
• National Institute of Health at  https://www.nih.gov/coronavirus
• Mental Health America at https://mhanational.org/COVID19
• Sarasota Memorial Hospital https://www.smh.com/news
• Secure Community Network at https://www.securecommunitynetwork.org/