Many Orthodox Jews in Florida have decided to remain in their homes despite being told they could travel on Shabbat to escape Hurricane Irma.
Religous leaders instructed communities that violation of the Shabbath was permitted to evade the storm which has already caused 25 deaths and is described as one of the most destructive ever to hit the United States.
But many Jews appear to have ignored the warnings. Rabbi Chaim Lipskar, of the Chabad Downtown Centre in Miami, said around half of his community intended to remain and ride out the storm, which was due to make landfall on Sunday morning.
He told Times of Israel: “It’s a little surreal. The streets are empty. Offices are closed. I’ve never seen a hurricane where they have prepared so much in advance.”
