Coronavirus: Federation of Synagogues orders its shuls to close

“This is necessary to ensure that every member of our kehilla [community] is afforded the maximum protection,” the rabbis stated.

“This takes precedence over all other mitzvos. The most fundamental obligation upon all of us at this moment is to be stringent in the halachos of pikuach nefesh [saving life] and not to allow for the slightest possibility of endangering others with a life-threatening situation.”

Following government and medical advice was a religious obligation, they emphasised.

There has been controversy within the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations over its decision to restrict attendance at  synagogue rather than that shut shuls altogether.