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COVID-19 Policies & Procedures

The Health and Safety of Our Community

Nothing is more important than the health and safety of the Ohr Kodesh (OKC) community, and communal responsibility is critical to ensuring that safety. It is for this reason that we have put policies and procedures in place for all in-person activities. 

As we continue navigating what it looks like to move forward together, we must all be mindful that it takes time to adjust. We must continue prioritizing and be guided by our core values: Derekh Eretz (Respect and Courtesy), Chesed (Acts of Kindness) and Kehillah Kedosha (Sacred Community). 

Guidelines & Protocols for Activities at OKC

If you are experiencing any symptoms or have reason to believe you have been potentially exposed to COVID, please stay home and follow all guidance offered by your doctor and/or the CDC. 

Vaccine Mandate for all OKC Activities:

  • OKC requires all eligible individuals (6 Months and Older) who enter Ohr Kodesh Congregation to be fully vaccinated (and boosted) for COVID-19, unless they have a documented medical exemption.
  • OKC Vaccination Requirements Policy HERE.
  • OKC is operating on the basis of “Self-Certification” and will take entrants at their word that they are vaccinated to the required level.

Masking Policy: 

  • The wearing of face masks is optional at all Ohr Kodesh activities, including ABRS. The main exception is the ECC, which has separate policies.  
  • Recommended Masking: We hope that members of the OKC community recognize both the individual and communal benefits of mask wearing in reducing the spread of COVID.
    • The OKC Health Committee recommends continued masking for select, vulnerable populations (as identified by the CDC). 
    • Montgomery County MD officials encourage wearing masks indoors at indoor gatherings except while eating and drinking. 
  • Those renting space for private programs taking place at Ohr Kodesh reserve the right to make their own independent decisions as well.

In the Sanctuary & Chapel - Weekday and Shabbat Services: 

  • To give congregants choices, there is a mask-required section in the Sanctuary in the seat section adjacent to the windows. There are also seating sections that do not require masks.
  • Masking will be optional for Torah gabbaim (assistants), Torah readers, and those receiving aliyot (called up to the Torah) at the shulchan (Torah reading table) or other honors, during the Torah reading and while on the bimah (podium).
  • We will conduct services as normal, including normal spacing on the bimah (podium) and regular practices during Torah Hakafot (taking the Torah around the Sanctuary).  

Shabbat Morning Kids’ Group Programming:

  • Kids from either the Indoor Service or Outdoor Service can attend together.
  • There will be no maximum size of groups.
  • Advanced sign up is mandatory for attendance.

Kiddush:

  • Everyone from the Indoor and Outdoor Services will join together and seating options will be available indoors and outdoors.
Mon, May 29 2023 9 Sivan 5783