During our October 2021 meeting, the Board of Directors approved a new immunization policy. The key change from the previous policy is the naming of specific illnesses as examples and the inclusion of links to web pages of reference. The purpose of the revised policy is to provide clear guidance on the immunizations that are expected.
While we know that vaccination is a personal decision, we also feel it is an important part of our communal commitment to each other and the Jewish value of “pikuach nefesh” - the prioritization of human life.
Below you will find the full language of the policy. This language can be found on our website, and it will be included in materials that are sent to guests and others who use the building and on signage. Additionally, Rabbi Kelley is working on a plan to gather the necessary documentation from families in the Himmelfarb School.
Anyone entering the building or participating in person in a TI event is expected to be fully vaccinated, as recommended by the CDC. However, we are not generally requiring proof of immunization for attendees at this time. But we are asking students in the Himmelfarb School to provide proof of the vaccines required by their school district.
One other important update is the inclusion of the flu vaccine in the new policy. The policy states that flu vaccines made available in September should be received by November. Due to the timing of the communication of this policy, we ask that congregants work to get flu vaccines as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please send them to TIPresident@Tifereth-Israel.org and I will work with Board members and staff to answer them.
Shabbat Shalom,
Sara
TIFERETH ISRAEL VACCINATION POLICY - UPDATED 10-11-2021
In the spirit of ‘pikuach nefesh’ and in the interest of protecting the health of all who enter, including our members, staff, students, visitors, and renters, a sign should be posted at the entrance to Tifereth Israel stating roughly:
“Airborne vaccine-preventable illnesses may pose serious health risks to congregants and their families. Immunization is an important layer of protecting our community. It is the policy of Tifereth Israel that all individuals entering the building or attending TI events be up to date with their immunizations as recommended by the CDC. This includes vaccination against measles, pertussis, chicken pox,Covid-19, and the seasonal flu. Seasonal flu vaccinations made available in September should be received by November.”
All students attending the Himmelfarb School are required to have received
all vaccinations required by the public school system of their jurisdiction and
present to the Director of Education written documentation, unless a doctor
certifies that (1) One or more vaccinations are contraindicated for the student,
and (2) that the CDC vaccination guidance for “special situations”
is being followed for that student.
