Recognising that Reform synagogues are individually constituted bodies, they said, “As such we issue guidance and not directives. We hope that you agree that this guidance is to support you and keep your service leaders safe, guarding them from being put in a position in which they feel they cannot say no to endangering themselves.”
Reform had the resources to support live-streaming of funeral services. “We also have Zoom accounts for you to create a virtual shivah and we are already running weekday shacharit and ma’ariv for anyone who would like to say a communal Kaddish. Our funeral and shivah books are online to support you. This applies to all funerals, not only those from Covid-19.”
They went on, “This crisis is putting a strain on all of our essential services and we must ensure that we all recognise that we are individually responsible for doing everything we can to reduce the strain and protect our vital services.
“We know that this will be terribly painful for you and we can only express our profound gratitude for your support in upholding this decision, a decision which we hope will contribute to saving lives, minimising strain on the NHS and other essential services, whilst ensuring that the greatest mitzvah of all, burying the dead, is done in a way that honours the lives of loved ones.”
