The United Synagogue has issued further guidance to community leaders of synagogues in Tier 4 areas requiring them to lower the number of people they can accommodate by at least a further 25 per cent to aid social distancing.
As of yesterday, around 60 per cent of the US’s communities had opted to close their shuls, including Belmont, Bushey and Cockfosters – despite places of worship being allowed to remain open at any level of the coronavirus restrictions.
As well as the reduction in those permitted to attend services, US synagogues may have to stop services which include simchas if guests do not adhere to current protocols and “if necessary” ask them to leave.
Families celebrating will have to confirm in advance that they understand the policies and would explain them to their guests.
