Multi-Access Services and guidelines for in-person events

Masks are welcomed and encouraged at Beit Am.

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. In the spirit of accessibility and safeguarding the health of our members and the broader community, we are taking the following steps to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 

• 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.

• All people age 12 and older must be up to date on vaccination to attend Beit Am services and events in person. We will not be directly verifying vaccination status. Beit Am is a community built on trust and we trust that you will have taken this crucial step to protect yourself and others.

  • All people under age 12 are welcome at Beit Am. We strongly urge vaccination for children over age 6 months.

• 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. 

• 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.

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.

Information for High Holidays 2022/5782

Beit Am is planning our customary schedule of in-person High Holiday services, with Zoom access for those who prefer to join us virtually. Please watch your email for announcements as we get closer to the holidays for additional information about COVID-19. Thank you in advance for your flexibility as we work to plan a meaningful High Holiday experience that is accessible to the community and includes reasonable COVID-19 precautions.

The community is invited to onegs following each Rosh Hashanah service and for Yom Kippur break-the-fast. Please consider your overall risk of COVID-19 when deciding whether to stay to eat. Weather permitting, the Beit Am deck and patio will be open for folks who prefer to eat outside. 

Please consider taking steps to reduce the likelihood of transmitting COVID-19 during High Holiday gatherings and services. The Oregon Health Authority has some helpful tips. You may also want to consider testing for COVID-19 before traveling, sharing meals, or attending services. The FDA and  Kaiser Health News have information about how rapid tests can be most effective at preventing the spread of the coronavirus. 

FAQ - Ventilation: The Beit Am building has a modern HVAC system which meets current commercial building codes, including the requirement to bring in outside air. The system is currently optimized for both air movement and healing/cooling efficiency, and the filters have been upgraded to MERV 13. The air conditioner will be running and set to a temperature that takes into account comfort while wearing a face mask. To manage the temperature, acoustics, and wear on the HVAC equipment, we do not plan to open exterior sanctuary doors or windows.