As communicated on January 3, Holy Blossom Temple adjusted our Covid protocols considering the Omicron variant and rising numbers. Although the Government of Ontario started reopening in various ways this week, Temple leadership, as advised by the Covid cabinet and medical professionals, is taking a slower approach to reopening at this time. In large part, at this time, HBT is continuing with our general approach as in January, hence the repetitive nature of this note. Detailed protocols can be found below, which will continue for a period of time that has yet to be determined, but is being discussed by the Covid cabinet. Our Covid cabinet continues to meet regularly and we will send updates as our guidelines are adjusted. The Holy Blossom website will also be updated regularly to reflect current health and safety measures.

What to Bring at the Door (short version)

• 3 items are required for entry
  • A big green checkmark (phone or paper) as a result of filling out the COVID Screening form properly
  • Proof of vaccine (phone or paper)
  • Identification with your birth date
  • Mask that properly covers your nose, mouth, and chin is MANDATORY at all times for everyone 2 years old and up

Please note the following continuation of our protocols as of February 2022:

• Our building will remain closed to visitors from Sunday mornings to Friday afternoons. Multi-access Kabbalat Shabbat & Shabbat Morning Services will continue with Shabbat services livestreamed from the Main Sanctuary for all to enjoy AND a limited number of congregants and guests will be able to attend in-person. Please use your best judgement when considering your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Congregants are encouraged to participate from home, and yet, our doors will be open on Shabbat. Vaccinations, masks, distancing, and pre-registration will be required for anyone who chooses to attend in-person. Please visit: https://holyblossom.org/calendar-2/ for pre-registration links.
• There will be no choir for Shabbat Services.
• Our congregational “Mask & Mingle in the Atrium” is on hold for the time being.
• All food services continue to be suspended into the month of February. There will be no congregational Kiddush nor private luncheons.
• Holy Blossom employees have the option to work from home, when possible. Rapid antigen testing will be provided and used as an additional screening measure.
• Proper mask wearing continues with these stipulations:
  • Surgical mask with a metal nose piece that fits tightly with no gaps OR N95 (or kn95) mask
  • Cloth masks are permitted to be worn only doubled up over a surgical mask to ensure the surgical mask is tightly fitted underneath
  • Holy Blossom will have surgical and/or kn95 masks on site for those who need.
• Weekday & Sunday morning (Shacharit) and evening (Maariv) Services will take place online only via Zoom for both service leaders and congregants.
• Our Youth Education Centre (YEC) will continue with online classes only at present. Detailed communications will be sent to all YEC families.

Please note the continuation of these health and safety practices:

• Our Early Childhood Centre (ECC) will continue to operate with enhanced safety measures.
• Our B’nei Mitzvah families will still be able to invite up to 75 guests for Shabbat services.
• Physical distancing will continue to be monitored.
• Screening and proof of vaccination will be completed upon entry.
• Pre-registration and screening forms must be completed before attending any Shabbat service.
• Rigorous cleaning will continue throughout the building.
• We encourage all who are eligible for vaccination to do so at your earliest opportunity, including pediatric vaccines and boosters/3rd doses for adults.

Above all, for everyone’s health and safety: PLEASE STAY HOME, IF YOU ARE FEELING UNWELL (even if you test negative for Covid). Our medical professional advisors continue to stress that this is the best way for all of us to remain safe and healthy, in addition to following the masking and distancing guidelines.