Updated: 7/27/20
In these challenging times Hillel of Colorado continues to work hard to keep our 2,000+ students grounded in the Jewish values they need more than ever. Our students count on us during these difficult days! The health and safety of our our community is always our top priority – and never more so than during these days of Covid19.
Our Hillel of Colorado Task Force is closely tracking all local and statewide Covid19 regulations as well as those of our universities and sister Hillels, nationally. While Hillel staff, student leaders and students continue to shelter at home while our universities plan their re-openings, we will update and revise this message as needed. Please contact any of us should you have questions, input, need more information or just wish to chat. Reach us at our cell numbers or by e-mail:
• Noam Dahary, University of Denver Hillel Campus Director, 720.434.1131 or noam@hillelcolorado.org
• Mariah DeGear, Colorado State University Hillel Campus Director, 970.519.1925 or mariah@hillelcolorado.org
• Daniel W. Bennett, Hillel of Colorado Executive Director, 303.818.8207 or daniel@hillelcolorado.org
Over the summer our Hillel of Colorado Covid19 Safety Task Force members has spent countless hours in discussion with our colleagues at Hillels across North America; with experts at Hillel international; with our universities’ staffs and boards; with local medical experts and with governmental officials. We will – of course – prioritize safety above all while striving to maintain the community we all value so highly.
The situation, of course, remains highly fluid. The task force will continue its deliberations with an expanded group to include Hillel student leaders and others during the first week in August, and well before the campus opens we will announce our fall programming – with protocols and procedures in place that are at least as stringent as those of our universities. Of course, we will also adhere to all of our state’s regulations and Governor Polis’ executive orders.
The following sign appears on the doors of our Hillel Houses:
Covid19 Safety Protocolsfor all students, parents, staff, lessors and guests
July 24, 2020
Welcome to our Hillel, an inclusive community where all students are welcome to enjoy our space, share in our fellowship, and attend our programs. The safety and well-being of our participants is always our primary concern, so please follow these health and safety protocols carefully.
Please note that even with our enhanced infection and disease-transmission controls and procedures in place to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19, there is a risk that you could be exposed to COVID-19.
Your entrance into this building and/or your participation in activities is:
– your consent to and acknowledgement of this risk.
– your agreement to comply with Hillel’s protocols for infection and disease transmission control (including contact tracing), and to provide accurate health, travel, and safety information for the welfare of all.
Covid19 Safety Protocols
To comply with current Covid19 mitigation best practices and to protect yourselves and others within the spirit of Jewish communal practice, we require that you adhere to these protocols:
Stay away if:
b. you have had a positive Covid19 test result within two weeks – and return only after you have a negative test result.
You must:
b. observe all social distancing protocols and use hand sanitizer (available at Hillel) and wash your hands often.
c. refrain from touching another, and from kissing mezuzot, siddurim, chumashim, or Torah scrolls.
Most of us have never experienced anything like this pandemic and its disruptive nature. Our Jewish tradition teaches us to be thoughtful, resourceful, and calm in the face of challenges both small and great – and to assure the health and safety of all to the best of our ability. Our sources provide us with many teachings about how to serve each other, our community, and the wider community best during challenging times. Hillel is here to help you process your thoughts & feelings, to provide you with extra support, and to help us become our best selves.