Accessibility & COVID Safety for High Holidays 2023
In keeping with the Jewish value of Pikuach Nefesh (safeguarding life) as well as our collective commitment to disability justice, the Tzedek Chicago board has passed the following policy for High Holiday services:
N95 or KN95 masks are required for high holidays indoor services. Children over 2 years old should also wear a mask. We will have masks available at services for those unable to bring their own.
Service leaders and speakers may unmask while leading if they receive a negative COVID test and maintain more than 6ft of distance from the congregation.
For the Tashlich gathering (outdoors) we encourage the use of masks and social distancing.
Everyone is encouraged to take a rapid antigen COVID test within 24 hours of services.
Vaccinations are required for everyone in attendance (with exceptions only for those who are prevented for medical reasons)
If you have symptoms of a contagious illness, please join us by Zoom only.
We expect children will have a difficult time remaining masked for the duration of the service and will take off masks indoors to eat snacks. We want everyone to be aware that kids may not be masked, and know that parents are doing their best.
Additional Accessibility Information for In-Person Services:
The main entrance to Ravenswood Fellowship has two steps that lead to the front door of the building; a short ramp will be made available for those who need it. There is also an ADA accessible entrance with a chairlift on the Hermitage Ave side of the church.
There is ADA accessible seating on the main floor of the sanctuary located by the entryway.
We will reserve the first row of pews for people whose engagement with the service will be made more accessible by sitting closer to the bimah. Please note that the lighting in the sanctuary is dim in the evening, so be sure to bring any magnifying devices or flash lights (including your phone) that will help you to read in a low light setting (for Kol Nidre, in particular). The lighting is slightly brighter in the first row, which will be reserved for those who need it.
All of the bathrooms at Ravenswood Fellowship are all-gender and can be accessed by either a few stairs or a chairlift.
