Shuls should retain online presence after reopening, United Synagogue says
'Whilst some members will return to our buildings for services as soon as they are open, others will be unable to attend or will not wish to return yet'
Shuls should retain an online presence after reopening so congregants unable to attend in person do not feel excluded, United Synagogue leaders were told on Wednesday.
“Whilst some members will return to our buildings for services as soon as they are open, others will be unable to attend or will not wish to return yet. As a result, it is essential that the online provision remains strong and that those that cannot or are not ready to return do not feel excluded,” reads detailed guidance produced by the movement this week.
The 22-page document, shared with communities ahead of the government’s easing of restrictions on places of worship on 4 July, warns that evidence from around the world suggests places of worships “have been centres of outbreaks.”
Reiterating advice shared with communities last week, it cautions against reopening for the first time on 4 July and recommends rolling out smaller weekday services before welcoming larger crowds on Shabbat.
United Synagogue policy also includes a two-metre social distancing rule even outdoors and for face coverings to be worn indoors, but does not feature any mandatory temperature tests.
Communities must not hold kiddushim, seudot or other meals and those who attend services cannot shake hands, embrace nor kiss the Sefer Torah, mezuzot and tallitot, the guidance says.
There can be no singing other than from service leaders, and the blowing of the shofar is not permitted at present.
Those who handle ritual items such as the Sefer Torah should wear disposable gloves and the advice is for congregants to bring their own religious books wherever possible or select a copy from a shelf of titles cleaned in advance.
Those who live with people who are shielding are advised to use their own judgement when deciding whether to attend services, as should those over 70, it adds. Meanwhile, when travelling to shul, congregants should be advised to avoid public transport during the week and abstain from sharing car rides with other households.
While children under 12 should not to attend services during the initial reopening period, the guidance does allow for early exemptions on Shabbat mornings for the families and close friends of bar and bat mitzvah children. “When communities feel ready and confident that they are able to manage social distancing and people flow, they might wish to invite children to shorter services initially, such as Kabbalat Shabbat,” it adds.
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.
