Healthy CBST
Door Policy for In-Person Services and Events
If you are planning a visit to CBST for an in-person service or program, please review our full door policy here. By entering the building, you are attesting that you have been fully vaccinated (including booster if eligible) against COVID-19, will wear a mask when required, have not been diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19 within the last ten days, and will inform the synagogue if you test positive for COVID-19 after attending services or other programs.
COVID-19 Protocols
UPDATED AS OF 10-29-24
At CBST, we aim to protect each other, to spread accurate practical information, and to take special care to keep our clergy and staff safe.
CBST’s Science and Medical Team asks that we rededicate to the practices that have served our community and kept us safe in order to mitigate COVID exposure:
- If you have, or have recently recovered from, respiratory symptoms, please do not attend in-person events. All services will be livestreamed, and we will look forward to welcoming you back soon!
- Consider wearing a mask, especially while moving through congested areas.
- Please respect personal space by not automatically moving to embrace others.
- Keep up to date on vaccinations for Flu and COVID. The more of us who are vaccinated when we gather together, the more effective our efforts will be.
- Please keep our masked seating section in the balcony a place for people who prefer to stay masked.
Sincere thanks, and wishes for health and joy!
Please note these policies are subject to change. Be sure to check back here for the most up-to-date information regarding safety and masking policies.
Other Ways to Participate in Shabbat
If you cannot be with us in person, join our weekly livestreamed services.
Be a Shabbat Sponsor
This Week’s Services
Questions? Call 212.929.9498 or email info@cbst.org
Poliovirus
The City and State Health Departments identified poliovirus in sewage in New York City, suggesting local transmission of the polio virus. Polio can lead to paralysis and even death. We urge unvaccinated New Yorkers to get vaccinated now. Learn more about polio and immunization at nyc.gov/health/polio.
MPV (formerly Monkeypox)
The recent emergence of Monkeypox, a rare viral infection often diagnosed in men who have sex with men, presents yet another concern for our community, even as it reminds us of the darkest days of HIV/AIDS. We confront this news without alarm, but with knowledge, care for ourselves and each other, and the faith that brings us all to CBST.
If you are at risk for m-pox (Mpox – NYC Health), consider reaching out to your healthcare provider to discuss vaccination or visit NYC’s appointment scheduling page: https://vax4nyc.nyc.gov/patient/s/monkeypox.
What’s in a name?
Scientists and advocates (including CBST member Brad Hoylman, NYS Senate and Lynn Schulman, NYC Council) agree “monkeypox” (named in 1958) is stigmatizing, as well as inaccurate. The virus is able to infect humans as well as a variety of animals. “MPV” is preferred. The NYC Health webpage dedicated to this outbreak (this dedicated NYC Health webpage) and the CDC provide background information and current guidance.
The good news. MPV cases in the US, and especially in our area are greatly diminished due to community education, modified behaviors, and the vaccination campaign. In spite of a slow roll-out, vaccine developed for smallpox, a related virus, effectively prevents infection. In our community we recall the role of gay men, e.g., former CBST President, Dr. Mark Bieber z”l, as advocates and community leaders in infectious disease control. The development of the Hepatitis B vaccine in the 1970’s, and addressing HIV/AIDS from the earliest days of the epidemic are examples.