The possibility of holding shivah services in shuls has been raised by the United Synagogue following the resumption of collective worship after the second lockdown.
In its latest advice to its congregations, the US suggests that shivah services may be held as part of a standard synagogue service, as well as one commemorative event per day on the premises during the shivah period. These can have a maximum 15 attendees (excluding the rabbi) and last no longer than an hour.
While attendees will not be allowed to sit with those mourning, they may pass by to pay respects at a safe distance.
Rabbi Nicky Liss, chair of the US Rabbinical Council, said: “Shivah houses are a crucial part of the Jewish mourning process and we know bring great comfort to our members. Given government regulations preclude us from visitors in our homes, we are pleased to be able to open up our synagogue buildings to enable shivah services in shul.
“While this cannot replace the traditional shivah in a home, we hope it will provide some consolation to our mourners at this difficult time.”
Although all US shuls in London and surrounding areas will be in tier two, Birmingham Central and Sheffield will be in tier three, for which post-service shiurim and indoor youth programming is prohibited. The US has advised that adult activities should be held outdoors where feasible.
For tier three, officiants and speakers will have to wear a face mask at all times, as will choir members. But if a barmitzvah or batmitzvah celebrant is anxious about wearing a mask, it can be removed when they are leading the service.
Also for tier three, the US suggests that those over the age of 70 and the clinically vulnerable should not attend services — in tier two, people in these categories should “use their judgement”. It also points out: “It is halachically permissible to wear a face covering or mask outside an eruv on Shabbat.”
In a letter to rabbis and rebbetzins, Rabbi Liss and the US communities and strategy director, Jo Grose, wrote that it was “wonderful to sense a growing optimism in society as we hear news of successful trials of vaccines and plans for their rapid roll out, as well as a strengthened programme of community testing.
“However, at this point infection and hospitalisation rates remain high and there is still a very real risk that if we are not careful, the virus could spread rapidly again.”
Many of the previous restrictions and safety precautions remain in place for US shuls, such as two-metre social distancing, both indoors and outdoors, and congregants wearing face masks at all times.
Batmitzvah ceremonies may also take place on Sundays, if part of a regular service. And households and support bubbles will be able to sit together for services. Communities must have someone at the entrance checking people in.
Those who have tested positive for Covid-19, are awaiting the results of a test, or who share a household or support bubble with someone experiencing symptoms, should not attend shul. The same applies to anyone asked to self-isolate through the NHS Test and Trace app.
The US further advises that although Friday night kiddushim and Motzei Shabbat events are pemissible, only the service leader can consume the wine.
It anticipates that most of its shuls will hold services this Shabbat.
