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Federation Star
JEWISH FEDERATION
July/August 2021
Reopening Jane Schiff Federation Board Chair
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s has been reported in our weekly e-blast since late May, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is back, open for business, but not as usual. We closed to the public in late March of 2020 for a total of 14 months, reopening June 1, 2021. During the pandemic, a committee of medical professionals, an attorney, Jeffrey Feld and I met on a regular basis to assess the reopening risks to our community as well as how to go about reopening. In early May, it was agreed that opening outdoor activities with restrictions was appropriate. Then, two or three weeks later, the CDC
changed the guidelines, so we changed our policies. Below is our current policy. Be aware that, as conditions change, we may change our policies. We strive to keep up with all changes from the CDC, being as open and welcoming as CDC guidelines allow. A large thank you goes to the reopening committee — Dr. Jerry Shier (chair), Dr. Bernie Lublin, Dr. Art Siegel, Dr. Karen Ezrine, Dr. Nat Ritter, Dr. Brian Wolff, Stanley Deutsch (pharmacist), Bill Petasnick (hospital administrator) and Josh Bialek (attorney). The committee wishes to remind ever yone that nothing in life is without risk. While the guidelines protect most people, especially those who have been vaccinated, it is still possible to contract COVID-19. Each person must take responsibility for their decision as to when, or if, to reengage in person.
Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is in the process of creating programming that will be available in person and virtually whenever possible.
Fortunately, there were some “silver linings” during this cloud also. For me, personally, during this time, my son and daughter-in-law made Susan and me firsttime grandparents. And more recently, my daughter got married. These are two wonderful things that happened for my family during this timeframe. Hopefully, each of you can point to things that happened to you, or for you, that were bright spots during this very dark time. Many good things happened at Federation, despite the pandemic. We all learned how to do things in a different way. Virtual became standard operating procedure. Our Jewish Federation was able to engage with our community members for a multitude of programs and events, with Zoom becoming a way of life. In actuality, more people participated in more virtual activities then we could
have imagined. Thousands of households participated in MCA, WCA, JCRC, CJD, IAC, PJ Library, Mix & Mingle, Young Jewish Professionals, Families with Young Children and, of course, Federation’s iconic program, the Jewish Book Festival, all 19 events with 22 authors. In addition, people stayed connected by participating in a myriad of board and committee meetings. For some individuals, who are otherwise isolated, these virtual meetings and programs provided some opportunity for seeing and talking with other people. You may not have been able to shake hands or hug, but you could see and talk with other individuals. Zoom was and is a silver lining, allowing Federation to connect with you. As we begin to emerge from this pandemic, I hope we will all try to find those good things that happened to us.
Criteria for participating in indoor activities • All participants are encouraged to be vaccinated and wait two weeks after required number of injections (waiting period is mandatory) • Group size for indoor activities will be at 50%, but this will be reevaluated monthly • Social distancing encouraged for those not vaccinated • Masking is optional for those vaccinated • Masking is mandatory for those not vaccinated • Hand sanitizer is suggested • Do not attend if: 1) ill (mandatory) 2) diagnosed with COVID-19 (mandatory)
3) waiting for, or have, positive COVID -19 test 4) not vaccinated and exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days (mandatory) • Participants must notify Federation and activity leader if you become ill with COVID-19 or if you test positive for COVID-19. • After being ill with COVID-19, you may return to activities if: 1) Three weeks have passed after the onset of symptoms or 2) You have a negative COVID-19 test by PCR Federation will keep a log of attendance at all its activities. If a participant at any activity reports a positive COVID19 test or becomes ill from COVID-19, Federation will endeavor to contact everyone exposed.
Silver linings Jeffrey Feld Federation President/ CEO
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hese past 15 months or so have been very challenging. The coronavirus pandemic has caused all of us to change. Let me be very direct – the pandemic has been, and is, a very bad thing. Many of us know of family, friends and acquaintances who became quite ill and even some who may have lost the battle. Our routines were certainly interrupted and changed. There were times when we were forced to quarantine. Activities were suspended and canceled. It was lonely. Being isolated was horrible.
I am sure virtual programs and meetings will be a part of our future. Although we are creating in-person opportunities, some people, for a variety of reasons, may want or need to continue participating through virtual means. We look forward to connecting in person, but we know we are also capable of maintaining personal connections virtually. Federation will do everything we can to be “live, in person” while simultaneously providing virtual engagement opportunities. The real silver lining to me is that even through challenging times, our vital and vibrant Jewish community found a way to sustain and build our community. Thank you, each of you and all of you, for helping to be the silver lining for our Jewish community.
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