Dear Fellow Congregants, 

The COVID-19 Advisory Task Force met this week and reviewed our current operating procedures, along with data from the CDC and Illinois Public Health. As of May 19th, we are making some significant changes that more closely align with the recommendations put out by the CDC and the State of Illinois. Please see the updated policy below. We continue to keep Pikuach Nefesh, the preservation and protection of life, front and center. This one command supersedes almost every other command in our Jewish tradition. We are optimistic that we will be able to make updates as the situation evolves later this spring and into the summer. 

How, and when, will we reopen? 

As mentioned in our previous updates, as tempting as it is to identify a specific date for when we will go back to “normal,” the nature of COVID-19 and its spread makes this virtually impossible. Drawing upon guidelines established by other faith communities and the recommendations of the CDC, we have initiated a phased reopening as outlined below. The COVID-19 Advisory Task Force will evaluate our procedures every six weeks to determine the best course of action moving forward. The following procedures will be applicable to all synagogue gatherings (both onsite and offsite), usage of the facility by synagogue partners, and all who enter into a rental agreement with Temple Jeremiah. 

Current Specifics (as of May 19, 2021) 

We will follow all guidelines as indicated by Cook County, the State of Illinois, and the CDC, yet reserve the right to further enhance our procedures to fulfill our number one goal: the health and safety of our community. 

  • Individuals who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear a mask. Masks will be required for those not yet vaccinated. We strongly encourage all those who are eligible to receive a vaccine. 
  • We will allow up to 100 people in the facility for programs and worship. Events taking place outdoors will follow the state’s guidelines. 
  • Seating will be modified to maintain physical distancing. 
  • Guests need to bring their own tallit and kippah. Prayer books will be available to use and safely stored after use. 
  • The building will continue to follow stringent entrance and safety procedures which include: 
    • Pre-registration for anyone entering the building three days prior to the event. 
    • There will be designated entrances and exits to help maintain physical distance. 
    • If you have any symptoms (cough, cold, sneezing, fever, etc.), please stay home.
  • All worship and programming being held within the physical building will continue in a digital format as possible. 

WHEN ENTERING, YOU ASSUME THE RISK AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WHILE TEMPLE JEREMIAH REGULARLY CLEANS AND SANITIZES OUR BUILDING, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL BE PROTECTED FROM THE SPREAD OF COVID-19. 

We will also follow the above guidelines if the clergy is officiating at a lifecycle event at a different location, such as a funeral or wedding. The above guidelines will stay in effect until such time as new information has been released by the Governor and the CDC, or health officials. To say that these are very trying times seems so inadequate. We join you in the prayer and the hope that we will see a re-opening of our world soon. Until that time, know that we are doing everything we can to keep our community safe and connected. 

Best, 

Temple Jeremiah COVID-19 Advisory Task Force
Scott A. Levin, MD, President
Barbara Miller, Immediate Past President
Ed Shapiro, Legal Counsel
Cory Franklin, MD
Charles Ieuter, Insurance Advisor
Rabbi Paul F. Cohen, D.Min., D.D.
Danny Glassman, Executive Director