Responding to Covid-19

As the world is dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19, our thoughts and prayers are with the people affected and the medical professionals working around the clock to help those who are most in need. At Temple Sinai, we are committed to do our part by ensuring the safety of our employees, striving to protect the health and spiritual well-being of the communities that we serve, and providing resources to our members to help them do their best to remain connected and balanced in these trying times.

Covid and Gerneral Status Update video by Temple President Diane Adler

Facilities Status

[Level 1: Severe] the Temple Sinai building will remain CLOSED with no use or gatherings permitted with the following exceptions:

  • The Temple Administrator may enter the building to maintain business, check mail and write checks.
  • Rabbi, Technology Acoompanist, and/or Cantorial Soloist may stream servers from Temple if they are comfortable doing so provided the following guidelines are met:
    • Everyone must maintain a minimum of 6ft of physicall distancing
    • Mask are required
    • Sanctuary may not be used for 72 hours
  • Drive-thru event to distribute or drop-off supplies for a Jewish holiday or food drive provided the following requirements are met:
    • Maintain minimum physical distancing of 6ft
    • Mask are required
    • Hand sanitizer required

[Level 2: Significant] When Harris County moves to Level 2, Temple Sinai will respond in the following manner

  • Small groups may meet outside of building
  • Shabbat morning B’nei Mitzvah may take place
    • Limited to close family not to exceed 20 people
  • Weddings may take place
    • Limited to close family not to exceed 20 people
  • After 3 weeks, if all Covid numbers continue to go down, the Board is responsible for authorizing a soft open:
    • Small Gathering/Event – Sanctuary ONLY
      • Streaming of services will continue
      • Start with 20 people
      • Communal singing/chanting NOT permitted
      • Children must be masked and stay seated with parents at all times, babysitting not provided, playground and playroom closed (discourage children younger than 10 from attending)
    • Temple Sinai School starts to reopen
      • 6th and 7th grade begins
      • Communal singing/chanting NOT permitted
      • After at least two weeks (or more as determined by DCL and VP of Education), we will add two additional classes. After an additional two weeks (or more as determined by DCL and VP of Education), two additional class will be added, and so on.
    • Requirements for Services:
      • Masks required for all. Gloves available and required if handling Torah.
      • Maintain 6 ft. physical distance between household units
      • Covid self-assessment by participants before event
      • Singing/chanting is not permitted
      • Sanitize building after event
      • Hand sanitizer provided
      • Ushers available to help direct people
      • RSVP system in place – preference give to ppl with yahrzeits
      • Bathroom use acc: to Temple Covid Bathroom Policy (TBD)
      • Controlled entrancing/exiting to maintain 6ft. physical distance

[Level 3: Moderate] When Harris County moves to Level 3, Temple Sinai will respond in the following manner

  • Small Gathering/Event – Sanctuary ONLY
    • Streaming of services will continue
    • Increase to 25% capacity/seating
    • Children must be masked and stay seated with parents at all times, babysitting not provided, playground and playroom closed (discourage children younger than 10 from attending)
  • Requirements:
    • Masks required for all. Gloves available and required if handling Torah.
    • Maintain 6 ft. physical distance between household units
    • Covid self-assessment by participants before event
    • Singing/chanting is not permitted
    • Sanitize building after event
    • Hand sanitizer provided
    • Ushers available to help direct people
    • RSVP system in place – preference give to ppl with yahrzeits
    • Bathroom use acc: to Temple Covid Bathroom Policy (TBD)
    • Controlled entrancing/exiting to maintain 6ft. physical distance
  • After the “kinks in the system” are worked out, and we have determined we are not spreading coronavirus (we recommend a minimum of 4 weeks), then we move up to 50% capacity
  • Requirements for School:
    • Masks required for all.
    • Maintain 6 ft. physical distance
    • Covid self-assessment by participants before event
    • Singing/chanting is not permitted; reading aloud is allowed
    • Temperature checks conducted prior to entry
    • Hand sanitizer provided; must be used before entering and exiting the facility.
    • Chaperones available to help direct students and facilitate social distancing.
    • Bathroom use acc: to Temple Covid Bathroom Policy (TBD)
    • Controlled ingress/egress to maintain 6ft. physical distance
    • Parents will not be allowed in the facility.
    • Allow all classes to resume (if various classes have not resumed yet).

[Level 4: Minimal] When Harris County moves to Level 4, Temple Sinai will respond in the following manner

  • Virtual streaming of services continues
  • 100% of room capacity permitted
  • Temple Sinai School Functions at full capacity
  • Requirements:
    • PPE encouraged but not required
    • Good sanitizing habits encouraged
    • Sanitize building after each use
    • No time restrictions between uses

Other Resources

Coming soon