Cancellation of the Purim Shpiel, Carnival, and Magic Show for March 15

Dear Congregation Bet Haverim Families,

We have been closely monitoring the local situation regarding COVID-19 and taking advisement from Yolo County Health & Human Services Agency. We take seriously the health and well-being of each person in our community. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with questions, concerns, and suggestions.

In light of the current circumstances, and in consultation with CBH Staff and the Purim Carnival Committee, we have decided to cancel the Purim Shpiel, Carnival, and Magic Show scheduled for this Sunday, March 15.  We know this is disappointing to everyone who has been so excited about celebrating Purim at CBH and has worked so hard to put it all together. However, we feel this is the most appropriate decision we can make to support everyone’s health and well-being.

If you have purchased wristbands or tickets, we ask that you consider redirecting your Purim Carnival purchase as a donation to the Education & Youth Programs.  You may also request a credit towards your CBH or Gan Haverim account.  Please be in touch with Wendy Haworth, our CBH Bookkeeper, to make a donation or request a credit.  If you need additional information, you may also be in contact with Wendy Haworth or Ardyth Sokoler, Director of Education & Youth.  Please make your request for a credit to your CBH or Gan Haverim account no later than March 31st; if we do not receive a request by this date, we will assume it is a donation.

If you have ordered hamantaschen, those pre-orders will be available in the CBH Office next Monday and Tuesday.  Please plan on coming to the CBH office or be in touch with Doug Walter, our CBH Office Coordinator, if you need to make alternative arrangements.

At this time, Hebrew and Religious School will continue as scheduled.  Religious School will not meet this Sunday, March 15th, but will resume on Sunday, March 22nd.  You may however notice some changes such as wearing of gloves during food service, avoiding hand to hand or in person contact, encouraging more frequent hand washing, and adjustments in classroom interactions.  Please also know that the cleaning protocol throughout the CBH campus is being constantly reviewed and upgraded to try to provide the healthiest environment for everyone in our community.

As a reminder, if you are not feeling completely healthy, we ask that you do not come to the CBH campus until you are feeling better.  In addition, here is the current list of recommendations from the CDC with regards to the Corona Virus:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face-mask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face-mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Face-masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face-masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

We thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this complicated situation.  If you have questions and concerns or need support, please reach out to your CBH staff and fellow community members. We are all here to help each other during this challenging time.

Warmly,
Ardyth Sokoler, Director of Education & Youth
Rabbi Greg Wolfe
Patrick Bell, Interim Executive Director
Laurie Stillman, Education & Youth Committee Chair
Joanna Stone, Purim Committee Chair
Sam Applebaum, Purim Committee Chair