Swine flu

Swine flu fears lead shul to plan online Yomtov

By Robyn Rosen, August 13, 2009

Maidenhead Synagogue is making the ultimate preparation for a major swine flu outbreak with plans to transfer its High Holy-Day services online.

Minister Rabbi Jonathan Romain says that should the government call for a ban on large public gatherings, he will cancel services and connect with his Reform congregation through the internet, with recordings of prayers, shofar blasts and even sermons.

More immediate precautions include a notice to members urging them to wash their hands before kiddush and the shul is providing extra antibacterial gel dispensers, tissues and dustbins.

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Swine flu suspected at Jewish schools

By Jessica Elgot, July 3, 2009

Two London Jewish schools have suspected cases of swine flu.

A boy at JFS whose sister was diagnosed with the virus last week is being tested for the virus but the results of the test have not been disclosed.

Kerem House Nursery in Hampstead Garden Suburb has also had a swine flu scare when a number of staff members were taken ill and the school has been closed since Monday until reopening yesterday.

JFS said the school "is taking and following the regular advice from both the local authority and the area health authority".

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New swine flu case in Israel

May 8, 2009

A seventh Israeli case of swine flu has been announced, with health authorities concerned that the carrier may have passed it on to other passengers on a flight back from New York last Sunday.

The 58-year-old West Bank resident, who had not been hospitalised and has since recovered, was found to have contracted the virus according to the results of tests carried out in the United States.

The Israeli Health Ministry said that anyone who was on the woman’s flight from New York on Sunday – El Al 008 – and was feeling unwell should get tested.

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Mexico community shuts down

By Isabel Janner, April 30, 2009

In Mexico City, all 12 Jewish day schools are closed and synagogue services have been reduced from large congregational gatherings to smaller minyanim as the 40,000 strong Jewish community follows its government’s advice on preventing the spread of swine flu.

Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, hosted by Israel’s ambassador Yosef Levine, were also cancelled.

Many community services have been stopped and the Jewish Sports Centre in Mexico City is closed, along with all kosher restaurants.

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