At NSP, we work to ensure that all members of our community can participate meaningfully and safely in community spaces. Through a host of community health practices, we aim to both meet the different needs of our community. Participants at NSP events commit to respecting and trusting others in their assessments of their needs. Our COVID policy is one part of our accessibility and disability justice work, it is part of how we care for and about one another.
As of April 1, 2025, NSP practices these community health and participation protocols:
Stay home when you’re sick
One of our most powerful tools to keep one another healthy and safe is to stay home when we are sick or when we are experiencing symptoms that may mean we’ll pass on a contagious and potentially severe illness. Please stay home if you have COVID, the flu, RSV, norovirus, or another serious contagious illness or if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. For more guidance on when to stay home, please click here.
Masks: Diversity of protocol to meet diverse needs
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- Shabbat services – NSP will hold one mask-required and one mask-optional Friday night service per month, and half of our monthly Shabbat morning services will be mask-required and half will be mask-optional. The masking plan for services will be clearly marked on the website, in our communication with registered attendees in advance, and in person when you arrive. Masks are always welcome and provided! Starting this summer, services will be streamed on Zoom to allow participation from wherever you are.
- Note: If you have a health need that prevents masking, take care of yourself and refrain from masking! We trust you to assess your needs. If you need to remain unmasked at an otherwise mask-required event, take a rapid COVID test before you come or upon your arrival. We have tests available at the greeter table.
- Kids – Children below b-mitzvah age (7th grade and under) are not expected to wear masks.
- Kollel (NSP’s children’s education program) – Beginning in fall 2025, Kollel will be mask-optional. HEPA filters will be placed in each classroom.
- High Holidays – Masks will be required for everyone above b-mitzvah age, unless you have a health need that prevents masking as noted above. Everyone above b-mitzvah age will take rapid COVID tests before or upon arrival (provided by NSP). There will also be outdoor and indoor mask-optional spaces during services and at other times during holidays. High Holidays services will continue to be available by Zoom from wherever you are. Stay tuned for further details when High Holidays registration opens this summer.
- Other events and programs – Masks are optional for events and programs other than the services noted above or when otherwise clearly marked.
- Small groups with consistent membership will begin by polling the group for access needs and working together to find practices that work for everyone in the group – when there are conflicting needs in the group, this may mean agreeing to test, meet virtually, or meet outdoors.
- One-off small events may have COVID-cautious protocols that will be communicated via registration forms.
- For our largest community-wide events, NSP staff and volunteer event planners will do our best to meet the diverse needs of our community, e.g. providing indoor and outdoor space, mask-required and mask-optional space, where logistically feasible.
- Shabbat services – NSP will hold one mask-required and one mask-optional Friday night service per month, and half of our monthly Shabbat morning services will be mask-required and half will be mask-optional. The masking plan for services will be clearly marked on the website, in our communication with registered attendees in advance, and in person when you arrive. Masks are always welcome and provided! Starting this summer, services will be streamed on Zoom to allow participation from wherever you are.
Fresh air
We love being outdoors for lots of reasons, and we gather outdoors when weather and venue allows. We also work to meet high standards of air circulation and filtration in the indoor spaces where we gather, using portable HEPA filters and consulting with our hosts about the air quality their HVAC systems can provide.
Get vaccinated
NSP requires up-to-date COVID vaccination to participate in all in-person events. We expect everyone who can to get all doctor-recommended vaccinations, including annual flu shots. Check vaccines.gov to find a pharmacy near you offering vaccines or talk to your doctor. If you have a health need that prevents vaccination, please contact Rabbi Yosef to request an exemption at rabbi@newsynagogueproject.org.
If there are major changes in public health (ie. G!d forbid a new pandemic) leadership will convene and reassess communal needs. We’re grateful for everyone’s participation in this special community and for our commitment to care for one another.