Tzedek Chicago COVID Policy
In developing this policy, the Tzedek board
was guided by the following Jewish concepts and values:
Pikuach Nefesh: Saving a life is sacrosanct
B’tzelem Elohim: All humanity is created in the divine image
Kol yisrael arivin zeh l’zeh: All community members are responsible for one another
Din l’chaf zechut: Judging one another on the side of merit/assuming best intentions
Kehillah: Community
Seudat Mitzvah: Sharing a sacred communal meal
Tzedek Chicago COVID Safety Policy (Adopted 11/22/23)
N95 or KN95 masks - or their equivalent - are required for all indoor programs and services. Tzedek will always have masks available for those unable to bring their own.
Vaccinations are required for everyone in attendance (with exceptions only for those who are prevented for medical reasons). Those who have symptoms of a contagious illness are asked not to attend.
Service leaders and speakers may unmask while leading if they receive a negative COVID test within 24 hours prior to the program.
Tzedek Chicago staff and volunteers will state our access and safety practices, including any program-specific information, at the start of all programming.
We encourage the use of masks during outdoor meetings.
When food is served:
When space considerations and weather conditions allow, meals and potlucks will be held outdoors.
When meals are held indoors, we will strive to make arrangements for groups who wish to eat outdoors as weather permits.
Attendees must remain masked when in line for food and in and around serving areas. While eating, attendees may be unmasked.
Tzedek will strive to choose event spaces that allow for social distancing during meals. When social distancing for meals is not possible, we will strive to ensure a space where people can stay masked away from those who are eating and unmasked.
Members who graciously agree to host Tzedek sponsored programs in their homes are expected to adhere to this policy during the event.
We understand that some people are unable to meet these masking expectations due to medical necessity. If you plan to attend a Tzedek Chicago event and need accomdations regarding your ability to mask, please inform us via our registration forms or contacting Aviva at aviva@tzedekchicago.org. We ask that participants who are unable to mask test three days before and the day of an in-person event.
Due to the many challenges of children wearing masks, we encourage but do not require that children under 13 mask at Tzedek Chicago programming. We ask that if a young participant has a single minor symptom (we recognize that it is rare not to have any runny noses in the house) to please diligently mask all members of your household. Any participants exhibiting more than one symptom should please stay home.
We will announce these guidelines publicly at the beginning of all programs and services.
In accordance with these concepts and values and in a world where many of us exist frequently in spaces with less stringent COVID precautions, we encourage each Tzedek event attendee to help remind fellow members of these policies as needed. We encourage attendees to hold one another accountable for following them as a community with respect, compassion and care for one another.
