Chief Rabbi urges caution on synagogues reopening
Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis says 'we must ensure that the easing of the Covid-19 lockdown does not come at the expense of human lives'
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis yesterday indicated shuls under his auspices might not open the moment the government allows faith buildings to do so.
Ministers said on Monday that places of worship could not open until the third phase of the easing of lockdown – starting on 4 July at the earliest.
But Rabbi Mirvis urged extreme caution, saying: “No matter how much we might want to see the reopening of our shuls, above all else we must ensure that the easing of the Covid-19 lockdown does not come at the expense of human lives. Even when the government allows the reopening of our places of worship, the Jewish community must act responsibly and with greatest possible caution.”
The Chief Rabbi has repeatedly emphasised the primacy of preserving life during this crisis and denounced in the strongest terms those flouting social distancing rules for simchas and prayer gatherings.
Senior Reform Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner said: “We are committed to pikuach nefesh, prioritising the physical safety of our members at this time. We are therefore extremely cautious regarding the reopening of synagogue buildings and will not recommend doing so until the evidence is clear that it will be safe to do so.
“We are in close contact with all our rabbis and cantors and communities and discussing all options, including the possibility that our synagogues may not be able to open their doors for the High Holy Days in September.”
Matt Plen, chief executive of Masorti Judaism said the movement’s “communities will only resume face-to-face activities when it is safe to do so.”
Meanwhile, Baroness Altmann has urged rabbis not to issue a ban on over 70s attending shuls when they do open. Writing in today’s Jewish News, she said: “I would respectfully point out that all older people, many of whom consider shul and community a vital element of life, should make their own choices, with guidance or advice, rather than having restrictions forced on them.”
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
