Current Policies and Status of Upcoming and Ongoing Events

Check here for the latest updates and other important information about the Coronavirus/COVID-19.

Dear JTS Community,

As we continue to monitor the situation involving the coronavirus/COVID-19, we will regularly update you about any decisions regarding campus activities and policies. While there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus at JTS, we have determined that out of an abundance of caution we would take further steps to help protect the health of our community and those around us.

As you know, we have canceled in-person classes for JTS students the rest of the week. In addition, we have been evaluating whether it would be prudent to postpone certain other events as well. In doing so, we have been guided by several criteria: whether the event is critical to the mission of JTS; whether it is geared for the internal JTS community or for visitors to campus; whether the event is on or off campus; and the size of the event. In general, we are trying to avoid large gatherings and to limit the number of people coming to campus from outside JTS.

We are basing our decisions on the latest and best information from health officials. Earlier today, for instance, we met with the administrative chief of Columbia Health, with whom we are in regular touch, and determined our next steps in light of his advice and the guidance of local government health agencies.

Remember, the two most important ways you can protect yourself and our community remain:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds.
  • Do not come to school or work if you feel sick.

In addition, please check JTS’s Coronavirus Information webpage frequently to find the latest information about cancellations, policies, and precautions to take. There is also a wealth of information, including a lengthy FAQ, about the virus, on the Columbia coronavirus site.

Below you can find a list of current policies and the status of upcoming and ongoing events.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding of the measures we are taking to help safeguard the health of our community, which remains our highest priority. We will continue to be in touch with health authorities in order to respond to changing conditions and will let you know immediately of anything new that arises. Again, please also check our website for the latest information at www.jtsa.edu/JTS-coronavirus-information.

Thank you,

Marc Gary
Executive Vice Chancellor and COO

Current Policies and Status of Upcoming and Ongoing Events

JTS CLASSES

In-person classes are cancelled for the week of March 9. Please look for information coming soon regarding online classes.

MINYAN/PRAYER

Daily minyan continues as usual.

EVENTS

March 9, Purim Eve: This will now be a livestream-only event, featuring the service, megillah-reading, and shpiel.
You can find it at its normal time at www.jtsa.edu/live. Registration is not necessary for the livestream.

March 10, Purim Services and Seudah at  JTS: Shaharit will take place as planned; the seudah will be in the form of box meals.

March 12, Judge Simon Rifkind Award Luncheon: This annual gala, honoring  members of the legal profession, will be canceled.

March 15, Prozdor Teen Learning Open House: This event will occur as planned.

March 17, Book Talk: Judaism—A New Compendium: This event is postponed.

March 22, Celebration of the New JTS Campus: This event is postponed (including emeriti faculty brunch and the Jewish Professional Leadership (JTS/CUSSW) alumni reunion and breakfast).

March 23, AJRS Seminar: This event is postponed.

March 26, A Dialogue of Love: Interreligious Cooperation and Global Well-Being: This event is postponed.

March 29, Cocktail Reception in Honor of Stephen Garfinkel: This event is  postponed.

March 29 – 30: Visioning Justice: This event is postponed.

JTS COMMUNITY COURSES

Prozdor Teen Learning: All classes will meet as usual.

Context: All classes will meet as usual.

Dr. Eitan Fishbane’s Weekly Evening Course (Rebbe Nahman): This course will meet as usual.

Dr. Alan Cooper’s Morning Course (“Stranger Things”): This course will meet as usual.

TRAVEL

In addition to these precautions, there will be no JTS-funded international travel. Domestic work travel should be approved by your supervisor.