August 2022/Elul 5782
The GJC Values Statement identifies a key value of our community to be “K’vod Habriyot (Honoring Each Other) – Every human being is made b’tzelem Elohim (in the image of God–Genesis 1:26).” It goes on to explain that “we honor our members, rabbis, staff, lay leaders, and all who come into contact with our community. In recognizing each person’s dignity, we exercise our commitment to diversity, egalitarianism, inclusion and pluralism, and we strive to act with kindness.”
In accordance with this value and others, GJC strives to prioritize the safety of every member of our Religious School (RS) community. While we feel that learning together in person is imperative at this time to maintain our community and instill a positive Jewish identity in our students, the GJC RS is implementing the following measures in consultation with health authorities to keep each other safe, knowing that conditions and plans are flexible and subject to change:
NOVEMBER 2022 UPDATE:
From the GJC Executive Committee:
In an effort to align more closely with our broader community, current health guidelines, and in acknowledgement of the success of the available COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, the GJC Executive Committee has approved the most recent COVID Committee recommendations:
COVID vaccination and updated boosters will now be strongly encouraged for all entering the building but it will no longer be a requirement for entry. This change reflects the high degree of efficacy and protection provided by the vaccines/bivalent booster. Masks continue to be strongly recommended.
In addition, the Religious School policy will change to make masking optional in alignment with area schools and in an effort to permit educators to more effectively communicate with students. The Religious School staff will ensure that any who prefer to mask or families who prefer their children remain masked will feel welcome to continue that practice. Masks will still be available on-site.