University of Michigan Hillel COVID Guidelines and FAQs
Updated August 2022
Please find below a list of FAQs that will help you navigate how our Hillel is prepared to safely support students to access Jewish life on campus in a meaningful way. We remain committed to ensuring our programming feels welcoming, accessible, and inclusive. And we will continue to uphold the following values to drive our decision-making:
- Uphold safety and wellbeing of our community (pikuach nefesh),
- Align with the university (areivut),
- Seek out opportunities this moment brings (gam zu le’tovah),
- Pursue our mission and goals,
- And be flexible and patient to change with the time (savlanut)
In our effort to keep all students, staff, and visitors safe, we are following guidelines from Washtenaw County Health Department, CDC, and University of Michigan. Therefore, our policies may change to stay aligned with the county’s or university’s policies.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS RE: COVID AND HILLEL
Do I need to be vaccinated to join Hillel events?
Yes. Aligned with the University of Michigan expectations, vaccinations will be required to enter our building and attend any Hillel program or Hillel sponsored event. In addition, any student signing up on our Hillel platform for an event will be asked to submit the date of their latest vaccination or booster.
I tested positive but I’m fully vaccinated. When can I attend Hillel activities?
We hope you feel better soon! We remain aligned with the Washtenaw County Health Department and University of Michigan Guidelines in our decision-making. You may join Hillel activities again when 5 days have passed since your symptoms started (or since your test date if you have no symptoms), as long as you don’t have a fever for 24 hours, AND your symptoms have improved. If you are still experiencing symptoms, please do not join Hillel activities. We strongly encourage you to abide by the Washtenaw County Health Department recommendation to take a COVID test before leaving isolation and entering the Hillel building. Out of respect for your peers and the Hillel staff and their health, we do require that all students, guests, faculty and staff who have tested positive for COVID and choose to join Hillel activities after 5 days continue to wear a tight-fitting mask for 5 more days (this includes refraining from eating and drinking in our building).
Please let us know if you are self-isolating so that we can support you with a Shabbat meal.
I have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID. Can I still come to Hillel?
Yes. However, we recommend you wear a tight-fitting mask after you have been exposed to a close contact who tested positive for COVID for 10 days following the exposure. If symptoms develop, individuals should isolate and seek testing immediately.
Please let us know if you are self-isolating so that we can support you with a Shabbat meal.
Will masks be required at Hillel events?
Our Hillel leadership will monitor the local Washtenaw County levels to determine our recommendations around masking. These recommendations will be posted in the building when the community level is deemed HIGH by the Washtenaw County Health Department. During a HIGH Community Level of COVID, masks will be STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. At a MEDIUM Community Level, masks will be encouraged. Masks are not required for outdoor gatherings at this time. For large, seated gatherings, such as the High Holidays, we recommend masks be worn. This policy can change based on local and national health department recommendations.
What do I do if I’m not feeling well?
We strongly recommend that you get tested and self-isolate while you are not feeling well. Testing is available on campus. Please do not attend Hillel events or enter the building while you are not feeling well or are awaiting test results.
Can I still participate in Hillel activities while isolating?
Yes, but we ask that you do so from home. Please let us know if you need a Shabbat or Holiday meal while you’re in isolation. You may also access Reform services for Shabbat and the High Holidays via Facebook. If you are a part of a weekly learning cohort, such as the Jewish Learning Fellowship, please let your Hillel educator know you are isolating so that we can arrange a zoom option for you.
This is all a lot to navigate. I have questions about Hillel’s policy and if I can participate in events?
Our Hillel Staff is available to help you navigate your questions and be responsive to your wellness needs. Please feel free to reach out to any of us to make a time to chat over coffee, or send us an email with your questions. If you have specific questions regarding our COVID policy decisions, please contact our Executive Director, Tilly Shemer.
Additional Hillel Resources:
With the regulations of the state and university in flux, it is more important than ever that you are connected to Hillel. For the most updated information, it is important that you follow us on our social media pages – Instagram and Facebook. We are also committed to keeping information up to date on our website.
Students – submit or update your information online to receive our weekly Student Newsletter and dedicated emails based on your interests.
Parents – we encourage you to join our closed “Michigan Hillel Parents” Facebook group to receive important updates throughout the year.