Get Vaccinated and Boosted!
For the latest information from the state of Massachusetts regarding vaccination, please click HERE, and to register via the MA government site click HERE.
The state of Massachusetts provides in-home vaccinations performed by medical professionals for anyone 5 and older who is unable to get to a vaccine location. Call 833-983-0485 Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm to register. Once registered, you will generally be called within five business days to schedule your appointment.
What does it mean to say that a vaccine is n% effective? NYTimes explainer. NPR explainer.
Fully Vaccinated? Read the CDC guidelines on how to protect yourself and others HERE.
CDT's Re-Entry Protocol Committee and Guidelines
Last updated December 19, 2022
In response to the evolving COVID landscape, a Re-entry Protocol Committee was formed in 2020 and has been tasked with following ongoing research as well as federal, state, and municipal policy response and guidelines in order to provide time-sensitive recommendations to the CDT executive committee and board on CDT policy for in-person gatherings, including hybrid programming.
In addition, in December 2021, a Religious School Advisory Group was formed and tasked with providing consultation to our religious school about specific cases, potential closures, and to report on covid research pertaining to the heath and safety of our religious school students and families. The Religious School guidelines can be found HERE.
We thank you for your partnership and patience as we work together to celebrate safely. Because the situation with the pandemic is constantly in flux, please know that we will revise these guidelines as circumstances change, and be in touch with Margaret Farmer if you have any questions.
Guidelines for in-person services and other indoor gatherings:
Please note that all Shabbat morning services will continue to be livestreamed via Zoom for guests and congregants who prefer to participate from home.
In the CDT Sanctuary and for other indoor events:
- Vaccination is required for all who are eligible; booster shots recommended. We are maintaining the honor system.
- Masks are required ((K)N-95 recommended) and are to be worn by all persons aged 2 and older for the duration of the program / service. CDT will always have masks on hand in case of need. Children aged 0-1 are not required to wear a mask.
- Attend only if you are symptom free (without elevated temperature, sore throat, nausea, muscle aches, cough, respiratory symptoms, unexplained rash, and loss of smell or taste). Even if you are testing negative, please do not attend if you have symptoms.
- For those who have been vaccinated and have severely compromised immune systems, please consult your physician before attending any large-scale gatherings.
For Shabbat dinners and Kiddush following services:
For meals preceding or following services, masks are optional.
How to Take Care of Yourself During the Pandemic
We’ve collected these resources in response to questions we’ve received from our members. Please check back regularly as we continue to add more, and please feel free to send additional resources to us for posting.
• Government Resources about COVID-19
• Testing
• Resources for Emotional and Spiritual Self Care
• Exercise
• Emotional Health for Kids
• Financial Resources
• Educational Resources
• Resources for Kids
• Entertainment Ideas
• Event Listings
• Go to the Theater
• Go to a Museum
• Watch a Movie
• Listen to a Podcast
• Sing or Listen to Music
• Other Great Lists and Resources
• Ways to Help
Government Resources about COVID-19
• Newton Resource Page
• Mental Health Resources
• Social services, including food assistance
• Brookline Resource Page
• Emotional Health Resources
• Cambridge Resource Page
• Somerville Health Department
US Department of the Treasury Assistance for Small Businesses
Resources for Emotional and Spiritual Self Care
General Resources
• Newton Health Department Mental Health Resources
• Brookline Health Department Emotional Health Resources
• Sunshine Health resources for mental health and addiction recovery
• On Being Podcast - A Listening Care Package for Uncertain Times
• The Science of Wellbeing: online course from Yale University
• William James College Mental Health Resources
• American Psychological Association Mental Health Resources
• Nursing License Map Mental Health Resources
• Advice on Exercising During the Pandemic
• Find a Hiking Trail with AllTrails
• Sign up for a CDT Walking Buddy
Religious Resources
• Kol Haneshamah, the Reconstructionist siddur
• CDT's All-Ages Erev Shabbat siddur
• Siddur Chaveirim Kol Yisraeil for Friday Evening
• Siddur Hallel v'Zimrah for Shabbat Morning
Mass Support Coping Groups
• For those with children being schooled remotely - 2/2 at 7pm, 2/4 at 11am
• For COVID-19 survivors - 2/9 at 7pm, 2/11 at 11am
• For healthcare and mental health providers - 2/16 at 7pm, 2/18 at 11am
Financial Resources
• the City of Newton has information of various financial resources;
including a fund for help with utilities.
• CJP Warmline, for those needing financial and other assistance
• Yad Chesed, for Jewish individuals and families needing financial assistance
• Masshire page, for those seeking work
• FamilyWize discounts on prescription drugs
• US Department of the Treasury Assistance for Small Businesses
• Jewish Re-employment Program, free job search counseling
• Keches Cares, a nonprofit associated with the Keches law group, has opened up funding for those who need any kind of help right now, including assistance filing for unemployment benefits, financial aid, getting groceries or sourcing protective equipment. Learn More & Apply for Assistance
Educational Resources
Learn a Language
• Learn a Language Through Duolingo (most libraries will give you free access)
• Take a Variety of College Courses Online
• Intro to Coding through Making Art
Resources for Kids
• Supporting Children's Wellbeing
• 5 Ways to Help Children Cope with Coronavirus Anxiety
Education
• Math Games – Games for 3–6 year olds that families can play together
• Science Activities for Families
• EDC’s Zoom In! – 18 free U.S. history units that build students’ literacy skills
• PBS Kids: Design Squad Global
Jennifer Stanchfield's blog - for educators now working online
Listen to Stories
Read a Book
• PJ Library has Jewish picture books, including some books online
• PJ our Way has books for older kids
For Teens
• Join Temple Israel's Virtual Tent
• Infectious Diseases – Four free lessons to help teens and young adults understand infectious diseases and make informed decisions
Entertainment Ideas
• Jewish Boston's Event Listings
• Jewish Arts Collaborative JArtsBoston.org
• Broadway.com live stream of Rosie O'Donnell Show
• 15 Broadway Plays and Musicals You Can Watch On Stage From Home
• National Yiddish Theater Folksbiene
• National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. • National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul |
• DC Environmental Film Festival online
• Free 30-Day Trial of Chai Flicks
• Join the New Israel Fund & Other Israel Film Festival Film Club
• Dolly Parton's America produced by WNYC
• Singalong with the Social Isolation Song Series
• Fred Hersch Facebook Live Concerts
Other Great Lists and Resources
• Educational Development Center's Resources for the COVID-19 Crisis