Progressive communities have taken a sympathetic view of the government’s decision to ban services at places of worship in England.
Although most Liberal and Reform synagogues have remained shut since the original lockdown, a small number had begun holding in-person services, with one congregation citing “Zoom fatigue” as the reason.
Interim Liberal Judaism director Rabbi Charley Baginsky appreciated “how important it has been for many to take the small steps back into our buildings. But closing places of worship is undoubtedly the right decision.
“The Jewish principle of pikuach nefesh [saving a life] must be put before all others and this is a time where suspending physical services can certainly save lives.
“Furthermore, it shows solidarity with all those other groups in society, from shops and businesses to sports and after-school clubs, that are also having to shut.”
Finchley Progressive Synagogue only resumed physical Shabbat services last weekend.
Its rabbi, Rebecca Birk, was sad to have to close its doors once again but felt it was “the right thing to do” given the scientific advice.
“It was wonderful to have those moments when our building was open. We built systems to protect everyone for when we can return again.
“Our online services and learning are successful in their intimacy and community building.
“We are stronger as a synagogue than ever before. We will stay strong and safe.”
At Alyth Reform in Golders Green, which has been holding small-scale gatherings “in a Covid-secure way” Rabbi Josh Levy said he was “disappointed” that on-site worship had not been allowed to continue.
“However, we also understand that a lockdown is not actually about the nature or safety of a particular activity. It’s about reducing activity in general and encouraging us to stay in our homes in order to reduce the prevalence of infection. We will continue to offer services online, as we have since March, reaching thousands of people.”
He added: “The greatest loss is for those in mourning so I am grateful that funerals are still allowed to go ahead.”
Elsewhere, Masorti issued a statement through senior rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg and chief executive Matt Plen saying that although closing synagogues “is painful for all of us, especially at a time of crisis when we need community and spiritual sustenance more than ever”, the move was justified to help save lives.
In addition, “while very few outbreaks have been associated with places of worship, closing our synagogues marks our community’s solidarity with the rest of society. We can only stop the virus if everyone genuinely feels that we’re all in this together.”
