'Synagogues should remain mindful of more vulnerable members having to watch the physical experience of other members, which feels very different to everyone being online'
June 26, 2020 11:05
Reform Judaism leaders have warned against creating a “two-tier community” as the movement plans for the reopening of its synagogues after the High Holy-Days.
In a document signed by Reform chair Geoffrey Marx and Rabbi Fabian Sborovsky, chair of its assembly of rabbis, the movement notes that factors such as age or a positive Covid-19 test would lead to a scenario where “some people can take part in services and events in person [but] others must watch as onlookers.
“We encourage all synagogues to remain mindful of more vulnerable members having to watch the physical experience of other members, which feels very different to everyone being online.”
The leaders say that after “a seismic shift in activities” within communities, attention had shifted to how to move forward.
“This is a delicate balance. While we all want the normal rhythms of Jewish life to return, we must also accept that there remains a very real risk. Making bad decisions now could open the door to a second peak, with more illness and more deaths.
“We must not be taking actions which we know risk our own lives or the lives of others by enabling the spread of Covid-19 in our communal spaces.”
Communities were responsible for members’ mental and spiritual wellbeing and “must offer support on all of these fronts in whatever ways are safe”.
The leaders acknowledge that as the government lifts restrictions, “there will be a temptation to rush back to reopening. We encourage every synagogue to move slowly and with caution.
“Many of our communities are particularly vulnerable to transmission of coronavirus, as seen by the devastating number of Jewish cases and deaths. And many of our activities are difficult to perform with appropriate distancing and safety precautions.”
Given the “significant diversity in numbers, demographics and activities” among congregations, “further work will be required between Reform Judaism, rabbis, lay leaders and members of communities over the coming months as the situation evolves”.
For now, congregations were urged to make plans for online High Holy-Day activities as soon as possible.
The quick adaptation to online platforms had been “one of the true successes of our response. Even as some physical activities return, we encourage communities to continue to make their activities equally accessible online and to consider keeping some activities as wholly virtual.
“We recognise that those who wish the most to return [to shul] are likely to be those who are isolated and vulnerable. We must acknowledge that these are often the people whom we are most determined to protect and that by opening a building we create risk.”
Reform cheders should continue online, as should board or council meetings.
“Some may be tempted to meet in gardens but that risks pressuring someone who is at risk into taking part.”
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