However, “since individual prayer in our shuls is not a feature of Jewish communal life, it is clear to me that our shuls must remain closed until the government permits places of worship to be open for communal prayer”.
If synagogues were opened now, “those present for individual prayer might be tempted to daven together in a minyan which would be a clear breach of the law and a desecration of Hashem’s name. It could also lead inadvertently to the government delaying the opening of places of worship for communal prayer.”
He thanked congregations for their "much-valued partnership during these challenging times. Together, we are providing a model of responsible Torah leadership for our communities, of which I am immensely proud.”
The Reform and Progressive movements have indicated that their synagogues will remain closed beyond the High Holy-Days.
