Mixed-access services and events

Multi-Access Services and guidelines for in-person events

Beit Am is currently offering mixed-access services and events with both in-person and Zoom options. Care will be taken to integrate all participants into one community. Based on the current trends in the disease, guidelines from the CDC and Oregon Health Authority, and assessment from independent public health experts, we are implementing the following guidelines for in-person services, events, and meetings at Beit Am:

• Do not attend if you are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have recently tested positive, or have had a close contact with somebody who has COVID-19. Please refer to current guidelines for quarantining.
  • We are aware that the CDC guidance occasionally changes. In the interest of protecting the health of our vulnerable members, please err on the side of caution when deciding whether to attend in person following a COVID-19 exposure or having symptoms of any illness. Extra care to avoid exposure is requested for Beit Midrash and other events where children are likely to be present.
  • Households currently under quarantine/isolation due to school district policies are asked not to attend Beit Am in person.
• All in-person attendees age 12 and older must be fully-vaccinated against COVID-19. Beit Am will not be directly verifying vaccination status. We are a community built on trust, and we trust that you will have taken this crucial step to protect yourself and others.
  • At this time, the CDC definition of fully-vaccinated does not include boosters. Attendees at Beit Am are strongly urged to get their booster when eligible to keep our risk as low as possible. 
  • All people under age 12 are welcome at Beit Am. We strongly urge vaccination for children aged 5-11.
• Masks are be required for all attendees age five and older and strongly recommend for children aged 2-5. We request you choose a well-fitting cloth or surgical mask ​or consider using a KN-95 or other ventilator-style mask. 
• To facilitate contact tracing, please sign in using the binder on the table by the main entrance. 
  • If you are attending services with a person who does not write on Shabbat or yom tov, please add their name. 
• Attendees are asked to seat themselves with social distancing and maintain 6ft of distance between household whenever possible.
• We are not hosting organized meal, but groups have resumed snacks or kiddush. If you do choose to eat at Beit Am, carefully consider the risks. Consider lighter snacks and provide space for groups to maintain their distance while eating. Masks should be worn when people are not actively eating or drinking. 
• Please notify Beit Am if you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 within one week of attending an in-person event.
• Non-members and guests are welcome and are expected to review and fully comply with these guidelines.

Requests for accommodations regarding face covering and vaccination requirements based on disabilities or medical conditions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All requests will be handled in confidence.

Despite these precautions, it is still possible for attendees to catch the virus and spread it to others, particularly children and people at high risk for COVID-19 complications. Please carefully consider your health and comfort levels, along with the overall risk to your household and close contacts, when deciding whether to attend services in person.

Beit Am will update this page with sign up information for future services, along with any necessary updates to guidelines and frequently-asked questions. We appreciate your flexibility and patience as our community navigates creating a hybrid service experience that is both safe and meaningful for all our in-person and online attendees. We want to emphasize that these decisions were not made lightly, and took into consideration a number of factors including Jewish values and persistent inequities in access to the vaccine.