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Jewish Community Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Dear Friends,
 
Jewish life is best lived together. In fact, many of our traditions and rituals command us to gather with others. At a time when Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns are sweeping our community and world, we are reminded of Pikuach nefesh  "saving a life" -- the principle in Jewish law that the preservation of human life overrides virtually any other religious rule.
 
With that in mind, Jewish Federation brings you this Coronavirus-related update regarding Jewish community events. Part 1 concerns Federation events. Part 2 concerns a community-wide resource for all organizations to post updates.
 
1. REGARDING FEDERATION EVENTS
Jewish Federation is following the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)'s direction and encourages everyone to do the same in order to limit the risk of exposure and spread. CDC guidelines include, but are not limited to: 
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds
  • Use hand sanitizer when unable to wash with soap and water
  • Do not touch your face 
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue and promptly throw it away
  • If tissue not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, facing away from others
  • Clean frequently touched and shared surfaces
  • Greet others without making physical contact
  • Stay home if you are sick 
At this time, Federation is postponing all events originally scheduled through April 24. We will continue to monitor public health recommendations and notify you of new dates as well as any further developments that the fluid situation may require. As of now, we do not anticipate cancelling events altogether. If you choose to cancel an event registration until a new date is announced, please call us at 732-588-1800. We will refund your registration fee or couvert.
 
For those who have already registered or planned to register for The Main Event on May 13, we will keep you posted in the event of any changes. Please stay tuned.
 
2. COMMUNITY-WIDE UPDATES
Federation has set up a simple way to search the Jewish community calendar for COVID-19-related cancellations. 
 
Any Jewish communal organization, synagogue, school, group, or agency may post its cancellations by following these steps: 
  • Go to jewishhheartnj.org/events
  • Click on 'Suggest an Event' (top right in red) -- or click here
  • Enter the name and date of the event, where prompted by the web form
  • In the required 'Description' box, type COVID-19 
  • In the 'Sponsors' box, enter the name of your organization
  • Lastly, the web form will prompt you to enter your name and email, also required 
 
To check for cancellations, do the following: 
  • Go to this pre-filtered link on the Jewish community calendar; adjust dates you are searching, if needed. 
  • It will take you to a pre-filtered search for any events submitted with the description COVID-19 
Of course, we are all advised to make the decisions that are right for us as individuals and for the well being of our families, co-workers, and communities.
 
Please feel free to contact Jewish Federation with questions and know we are here with our partners, as always, to connect you with the resources that make Jewish life stronger, safer, and more supportive.
 
To your good health,
 
Susan Antman, Executive Director 

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