Coronavirus Information

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AAC Covid Policies

A letter to the congregation, 09/20/21

Dear friends,

As the COVID caseload in the region continues to rise, the board of Agudas Achim congregation has implemented a consistent and uniform policy that enables us to prioritize the health and safety of our staff, congregants, and guests. This policy began for attendance at Rosh Hashanah services and is now modified to cover all in-person activities at the synagogue.

Universal masks: Masks are required for everyone older than two years of age for any programming, activity, or services indoors or outdoors on the grounds of the synagogue. Masks are to be properly worn completely covering the nose and mouth. If you need a mask break, you may take your mask off outdoors if you are at least 6 feet distanced from other people.

Vaccination for building entry: We require all medically eligible persons coming into the synagogue building for any purpose to be fully vaccinated. Please be prepared to show proof of vaccination (paper or electronic scans of the CDC vaccination card) to staff or ushers who request to see them upon entry. We are working with staff to enable you to register your vaccination card with the office. Those under age 12 who are medically ineligible for vaccination are not required to be tested.
Anyone with a medical exemption should raise their requests directly with Barry Nove, Executive Director.

Anyone who is sick, showing any potential COVID symptoms (congestion or runny nose, cough, fever or chills, headache, muscle or body aches, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea), recently exposed to someone with a positive case of COVID, or is awaiting the results of a COVID test, should stay home and should not come to the synagogue for any activities.

We appreciate your continued cooperation as we seek to fight the pandemic and keep our community safe and healthy.

5 Things To Know About Coronavirus Variants

(From Virginia Department of Health, April 7, 2021)

1.   Current COVID-19 variants of concern spread more rapidly and some cause more severe illness.
2.   Rapid spread could lead to more cases, more deaths, and could overwhelm hospitals and healthcare resources.
3.   The more the COVID-19 virus circulates, the greater the chances that new mutations or variants can develop.
4.   Variants of concern have been identified in Virginia and are likely more common in our communities than the number of reported cases suggest.
5.   Public health recommendations to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 will also work to protect us from these new variants. Keep yourself and others safer by:
- Wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth when you are around people not in your own household, even if you are outside
- Staying at least 6 feet apart from other people when possible
- Keeping away from large crowds
- Washing your hands often
- Getting the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s your turn

Make Sure Your Mask Works the Best It Can

From the CDC

1. Make sure your mask fits snugly against your face. Gaps can let air with respiratory droplets leak in and out around the edges of the mask

2. Pick a mask with layers to keep your respiratory droplets in and others’ out. A mask with layers will stop more respiratory droplets getting inside your mask or escaping from your mask if you are sick.

A Prayer Upon Vaccination

Rabbi Rein and Hazzan Dienstfrey offer this message and prayer upon receiving the coronavirus vaccine.

Local Health Departments

Please refer to your local health department for vaccination information.

City of Alexandria Health Department COVID-19 Information
https://www.alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus
Vaccination registration form: https://redcap.vdh.virginia.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=FHW4TYF8MP

Arlington County Health Department COVID-19 Information
https://www.arlingtonva.us/covid-19/
Vaccination registration forms: https://www.arlingtonva.us/covid-19/vaccines/registration/

Fairfax County Health Department COVID-19 Information
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus
Vaccication registration form: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus/vaccine/registration

D.C. Department of Health
Distribution, registration: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccine

Community Updates

Message to the community from our clergy, January 14, 2021

Letter to Our Community, from Congregation President Meredith Ludwig, March 11, 2020

Message to the community, March 13, 2020

Video message from Rabbi Rein, April 1, 2020

Video message from Hazzan Dienstfrey, April 1, 2020

Message from ALIVE!

ALIVE! needs a lot of support now. Read the message (03/23/2020) from ALIVE! President Eric Winakur, and ALIVE! Executive Director Jennifer Ayers.

Fri, October 22 2021
16 Cheshvan 5782

AAC Covid Snapshot

Event/Program Attendance

Please join the community for services, programs and events in person. Proof of vaccination (for those who are eligible) is required to enter the building and masks must be worn.

The office is maintaining a list of vaccinated congregants. To be added to the list:
1. bring proof of vaccination (ages 12+) when you arrive for services or events, OR
2. bring proof of vaccination to the office during the week, OR
3. Email proof of vaccination to Rachel Goldberg

Vaccinated or not, PLEASE stay home if you...
1. don't feel well.
2. have any symptoms--fever, runny nose, chills, nausea, etc.
3. are waiting for results from a COVID test.
4. have been exposed or might have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

If you enter the building anytime and later develop symptoms, please notify Barry Nove immediately.

Do your part to keep our community healthy!
Attend services (or any AAC in-person program) at your own risk.
Questions? Call the office, 703-998-6460.

Mental Health Support

During the past months, while we have been social distancing, sheltering in place and in lock down, we have all been hit at various points by anger, fear, a sense of helplessness, loss of control, depression and so many other powerful emotions. This time of change and uncertainty bring up different emotions in each of us. If you need support or are looking for tips to help a friend or family member, remember that you are not alone.

Below are some mental health resources to support you when you need it:

Call: 703-J-CARING (703-522-7464)

Text crisis line: Text HOME to 741741

Financial Impact of Coronavirus

Are you or a loved one impacted financially by the coronavirus? Has your livelihood been affected? The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Greater Washington is offering interest free loans of $1,000 to eligible borrowers. To apply, please visit www.hebrewfreeloandc.org/covid19.