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Why did I decide to close the synagogue? | Israel today

2020-07-05T22:35:12.083Z


| synagogueA community rabbi in Modi'in opposes closing the synagogues in the second wave • So why did he close his synagogue? • Opinion Illustrative image (The photographers have no connection to the article) // Photo: Yossi Zeliger This week, the synagogues received a recommendation from the Modi'in City Council to close their doors and pray again in the open spaces. In light of the rise in morbidity an...


A community rabbi in Modi'in opposes closing the synagogues in the second wave • So why did he close his synagogue? • Opinion

  • Illustrative image (The photographers have no connection to the article) // Photo: Yossi Zeliger

This week, the synagogues received a recommendation from the Modi'in City Council to close their doors and pray again in the open spaces. In light of the rise in morbidity and entry into the second wave, naturally, a legitimate debate began as to whether this call should be responded to and shut down the synagogues or left open as the Ministry of Health permits.

On the part of the 'refusal of the request', they argued that while the municipal library, the mall and many other places were open, it was precisely from the synagogues that the request had to be closed. On the part of the 'responding to the request', we argued that it is precisely us 'religious' that need to be more careful, and if there is a contagion in the synagogues, there will be an 'upheaval' for the religious public. It should be noted that the synagogues in the city, as far as I have seen and heard, are as strict as possible in all the provisions of the Ministry of Health.

Among the various arguments, I insisted that the prayers in the synagogues should be continued, but we nevertheless decided to close the synagogue and pray outside. I will now explain why.

When the Corona's first wave began, we decided to close our synagogue even before the Ministry of Health ordered it. The epidemic was already in its beginning and everything was unclear. It also seemed that the direction of the Ministry of Health was also towards closure, except that it was gradually being done. So we decided to go ahead and close the synagogue as soon as possible. Only God knows whether this decision was right, but in the flesh and blood it was indeed a courageous and life-saving decision.

Now, with the opening of the Corona 'second wave' and after a few months of corona, we still do not know what will happen with this deceptive virus. By contrast, we already know some rules that help us to keep to ourselves. For example, we know to warn people at risk of not going to the synagogue, we have to wear masks, disinfect hands and surfaces, and so on.

Therefore, it seems to me that arriving at the synagogue at this stage is similar to any departure of any one of us outside of their home. We understand the particular danger of leaving home these days, and each one makes an informed decision that suits them whether to leave. Therefore, it seems to me, in my humble opinion, that it was not advisable to close the synagogues, but to leave it to everyone's free choice.

But despite all of the above, we eventually decided to close our synagogue. why? Because the municipality recommended. When a local authority in charge of public peace recommends an act that makes sense to prevent the spread of the corona, then even though I think otherwise, I respect their recommendation. In my humble opinion, this should be seen as the loyalty of a citizen to city leaders who seek the good of their residents. In the meantime, I pray we made the right decision.

Rabbi Shlomo Sobol is the head of the Barkai rabbinical organization and head of the Sha'ir Yona Menachem community in Modi'in

Source: israelhayom

All news articles on 2020-07-05

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