US shutdown remains after the PM’s address
V UNITED SYNAGOGUE leaders have said they will not relax its policy over the pandemic following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of a tentative easing of the lockdown.
In a statement, US chief executive Steven Wilson and Rabbi Nicky Liss, chair of its rabbinic council, stressed there would be “no changes to synagogue operations, including, sadly, the full closure of our shul buildings.
“According to the content of the Prime Minister’s address, the relaxing of certain outdoor activities does not allow for minyanim outside.
“As guided by the Chief Rabbi, dayanim, trustees and medical professionals, our guiding principle to any changes to the current closure of all US synagogues and associated policies will be to protect life — pikuach nefesh.
“While every day that we do not open our synagogues is painful, it is essential that we follow a cautious path centred on the wellbeing of our members, rabbinate, staff and volunteers.” Leaders would “take the necessary time to consider any future changes announced by the government so that they can be carefully applied in our context. We will not be afraid to be behind the curve in reopening.”
The US remained “enormously troubled” by the general scenario — “for example, the situation in care homes nationally is tragic.
“Many of us are mourning for people that we have lost in our communities and we sense we have a long path ahead to a new normal.”
Other mainstream synagogue bodies have also told the JC that their policies remain unchanged.
We will not be afraid to be behind the curve in reopening’