Seven Chief Rabbis have penned an open letter calling on the Jewish world to “strengthen Jewish unity and togetherness” for Shavuot.

The call to action, initiated by South African Chief Rabbi Dr Warren Goldstein, comes as Jewish communities around the world face down the challenge of Covid-19.

“In our respective positions as Chief Rabbis in every corner of the world,” the letter reads, “we humbly call on you to seize this unique moment in history to strengthen Jewish unity and togetherness in every way possible.”

The letter cites the “powerful moment of Jewish unity” experienced at the foot of Mount Sinai, when the Jews were “ready to receive the Torah”, as inspiration for the Shavuot appeal.

The letter is signed by the Chief Rabbis of Israel, France, Russia, South Africa and Argentina.

The short letter urges that Jews take “very practical steps” towards achieving Jewish unity in their personal lives.

“If you are in a situation of conflict, tension, resentment or anger with another – reach out to them to peacefully resolve the matter,” the Chief Rabbis counsel.

This is not the first joint letter to have been issued by groups of Chief Rabbis during the coronavirus pandemic.

In March, ten Chief Rabbis – including British Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis – signed a joint letter urging Jews to unite for a “Shabbat of kindness.”

The South African Chief Rabbi, Dr Warren Goldstein, explained that the coronavirus pandemic provided an urgent need for Jewish communities around the world to come together in recognition of shared challenges.

“The Covid-19 crisis has many dimensions – medical and financial, but also social and spiritual,” he explained.

“These are challenges we’re all facing, no matter who we are or where we come from, and we saw it as a crucial time for Jews around the world to set aside our differences and overcome conflicts, both communal and personal.”