Parents
Your kids are in good hands!
Parents are indispensable members of our community! We are excited to work day and night to provide the best possible service to students, and we hope to establish an authentic relationship with parents and family members to ensure we get to know you and your children during their time at the U.
As we implement best practices for staying healthy, we embrace the Jewish value of Pikuach Nefesh, the primacy of the sanctity of life. We take this obligation seriously and will do all we can to provide safe spaces to gather as we continue to build the Jewish community at UM this year.
The details below describe UM Hillel procedures that will be in place for Fall 2021 until further notice. Our COVID policies are reviewed regularly to take into consideration evolving CDC recommendations and UM policies. We reserve the right to change these policies at any time.
All UM Hillel students and guests are required to:
- Provide proof of vaccination to attend all events, as they will be requested as part of all required event registrations. You can upload your proof of vaccination here so we can keep it on file for future programs. One-time guests may be asked to show proof of vaccination. If you are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons, please contact Igor Alterman, UM Hillel’s Executive Director at igor@miamihillel.org so we can make proper accommodations. Please also see the section below about accommodating unvaccinated students.
- Wear a mask at all times inside the building. As of now, Braman Miller Center is open for student access daily 10 am-6 pm. Disposable masks will be available to all guests who do not arrive with their own masks. You may remove your mask briefly to eat or drink as long as you are 3 ft or more away from others; please put it back on when you are done. If you do not comply, you may be asked to leave our premises.
- Social distance during all indoor and outdoor events.
- Pre-register to attend Hillel events. All event registration information can be found on our Instagram page, and our weekly newsletters.
Accommodations for unvaccinated students:
Students who are unable to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine for medical reasons must show proof of exception to a Hillel staff member. Upon approval, these students will be permitted to attend Hillel events with the following requirements: (1) proof of a negative test within 24-36 hours; (2) masking for the entirety of the event or engagement even while outdoors.
Are you sick or do you think you might be sick? We ask that you do not go to Hillel if you are feeling sick, have a temperature, or have recently been exposed to any illness, including COVID-19.
If you have any symptoms of any illness and have recently attended a Hillel event or meeting, please notify someone on the Hillel staff immediately, so we can discuss if you have been in contact with anyone else at Hillel. We will make every effort to keep your identity confidential as we share information with those you may have been in contact with. The communication will look something like this: “Dear student, You were recently at a Hillel event where someone may be/has tested positive for COVID-19. Please monitor your symptoms over the next 7 days.”
If you have tested positive with Covid-19, please use the necessary time to recuperate. Please follow the University of Miami and CDC guidelines. After your isolation period, we welcome you back to Hillel. If you were an asymptomatic positive, we request you follow the same CDC and UM guidelines. We look forward to seeing you when the isolation period is over.
What you can expect from staff:
All Hillel staff are vaccinated and will be wearing masks at all indoor Hillel events, at large outdoor events, and where social distancing is not possible.
As always, let us know how we can help! We care about your health which is why we are putting these policies into effect.
What will Shabbat services and dinner be like this Fall?
We’ll be offering a mix of different Shabbat options this Fall where we will continue to gather together for Shabbat either virtually or in small socially distant groups outside.
- Shabbat Shazoom is a virtual Shabbat experience often featuring student musical talents and led by Rabbi Lyle.
- ShabbaTotes is an opportunity to pick up your DIY Shabbat tote bag with grape juice, candles, blessing cards, challah, and a gift card.
There will be no communal Shabbat dinners at the Braman Miller Center in the Fall 2020. As soon as it’s safe to do so, we’d love to see you all in our building for delicious dinner.
Will UM Hillel still have High Holiday services or other holiday celebrations?
We are busy working on various opportunities for the High Holidays and will announce them in the coming weeks. In the meantime feel free to reach out to Rabbi Lyle rabbilyle@miamihillel.org
If I am not returning to campus this fall, will I still be able to participate in Hillel events?
We know that many students have made a decision to stay home this semester. Many virtual options will be open to students both on and off campus. In addition, let us know your current address by completing this form so we can send you any supplies you may need for activities or events as well as goodies!
I am not an affiliate of University of Miami. Can I visit the Braman Miller Center?
Consistent with University policy, only University of Miami students, staff and faculty affiliates can visit campus at this time. No guests are allowed to visit.
How can I connect with UM Hillel?
UM Hillel has designed a Facebook group for Jewish Families. Click here to join this group to stay up-to-date on everything Jewish, everything Hillel, and everithing Miami Hurricanes!
We are excited to invite Parents and Families to participate in a fundraising campaign developed specifically to engage current families. We have worked with many parents to create something that will allow you to stay in touch with your children while supporting Jewish life on campus!
“Hillel is my second home!”