Despite the fact that the third closure is over, it is still forbidden to pray inside the synagogues. According to existing guidelines, only five people are allowed to stay in a closed space, and in an open area, up to ten people are allowed to pray – a much smaller number than was allowed only a few months ago. The fact that there is an almost sweeping ban on prayer in the minyan means that in many places the guidelines are ignored or “bent” when it comes to the number of worshipers.
The Constitution Committee discusses the outline of the “green passport” // Photo: Knesset Channel
“Unfortunately, we are seeing a trickle of worshipers, even of a public that does not hold a green passport, to pray in enclosed spaces,” the World Synagogue Organization said. “We fear that the phenomenon will expand and endanger the health of many.” At the same time as calling for the creation of an outline, the organization added that “worshipers should follow the guidelines and go get vaccinated immediately as recommended by all experts. This is both a halakhic and moral obligation.”
The organization of synagogues calls on decision-makers to act for the immediate and safe opening of synagogues, according to the outline they created together with Ministry of Health officials, in order to allow safe prayer for the worshipers and prevent the expansion of closed spaces in a way that endangers the health of many.
“To observe the reading of the Megillah according to the outline”
According to the proposed outline, prayer will be allowed in synagogues for those with a green passport only – vaccinated (one week after the second dose), those with a recovery certificate and those who received a negative answer to the corona examination during the 72 hours prior to arrival at the synagogue.
In addition, the entrance to the synagogue will be allowed for a number of people to be determined by the professionals, in order to maintain the appropriate distances between worshipers who are not members of a nuclear family. In addition, entrants will be required to wear masks and strict hygiene and hand disinfection will be maintained. The corona supervisor at the synagogue will be responsible for implementing the guidelines and will ensure that entry will be allowed to green passport holders only. Those who do not have a green passport will continue to pray in the open space, while maintaining the rules of distance and existing restrictions.
This coming weekend will mark Rosh Chodesh Adar, and with it the beginning of the Purim celebrations. They will culminate next weekend, when the masses will recite the Parshas Zachor, and of course in the week of Purim. “Ahead of Rosh Chodesh Adar and the upcoming Purim holiday, it will be possible to observe the recitation of Parshas Zachor, the recitation of the Megillah and, of course, the weekday and Shabbat prayers,” the organization noted.