After a meeting that lasted several hours on March 12, at least 14 Five Towns rabbis decided to shutdown the Orthodox synagogues.
“We are writing to inform you that we have made the excruciating decision that our shuls will be closed for all services, [Torah lessons], classes, children and adult programming effective today, Friday, March 13th, until further notice. We recognize and respect the decision of other neighborhood shuls in taking a different course of action.
“We recognize the importance of our institution to the lives of our members of all ages. It is heartbreaking for us to have to come to this difficult decision, and it was made after days and hours of very careful deliberation. New reports this morning concerning the nature of communal spread, have contributed to our painful decision.
“Because the situation is fluid, we will reevaluate these decisions on a regular and on-going basis. We will communicate with you as changes take place. Please take these days as a critical opportunity to intensify your prayers that all those who are not well, will be healed and that our community will be shielded from any further harm.”
The rabbis put together several points of advice. See the Breakout Box.
“We must try our best to stay home with only our immediate family and avoid unnecessary contact with others, and particularly avoid contact with substantial groups. We should only leave home when it is truly necessary,” the stated in the letter.
Officially called a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, the COVID-19 outbreak caused the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County in New Jersey to send out a letter to all its synagogues strongly urging congregants to work from home, no play dates though schools are closed and shuls will be closed for prayer gatherings effective Friday morning, March 13.
No public celebrations, no gatherings for Shabbat meals and phone or video calls should replace shiva calls. The rabbis suggest refraining from taking part in contact sports and eating at restaurants. The rabbis recommend ordering for pickup or delivery.
Rabbi Steven Graber, leader of Temple Hillel, said that his North Woodmere synagogue and Congregation Sons of israel in Woodmere have “canceled all programs through March 16, including Sabbath services. On Mondy we will re-evaluate for the short-term future.”
Chabad of Hewlett Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim said he is not considering canceling services at this time. The Chabad did postpone its annual dinner to May 27. It was originally scheduled for March 18.
“At this point we advise everyone to follow the Health Department guidelines, and obviously anyone that doesn’t feel well should stay home,” he said. “If they need our help they should reach out immediately. At the same time we encourage our congregants and everybody to keep up the good spirit and faith in God. They should keep praying to God for all of us and that we should overcome these challenging time. As always, our Chabad house is here to help. If anyone needs, please reach out.”
Temple Israel of Lawrence Executive Director Alan Freedman said that the synagogue is closing on March 13. “Prayer and hand washing is the best medicines at this time,” said Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum, leader of the Reform congregation said.
