Reform shul offers its site as vaccine centre
MAIDENHEAD SYNAGOGUE is under consideration as a Covid vaccination site.
The Berkshire congregation’s minister, Rabbi Jonathan Romain, has offered the local health authority use of its building, which is currently closed for services, providing the specifications of its halls “so they know how best to utilise it.
“It is now being considered for the next stage of the vaccine roll-out with the date dependent on what supplies the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead are given and the capacity to distribute it,” Rabbi Romain explained.
He pointed out that its two large adjoining halls and spacious car park were ideal for such a purpose.
Rabbi Romain has been encouraging members of his Reform congregation to have the vaccine when offered and feels that hosting the roll-out both reinforces the message while benefiting the wider community.
“We do have a couple of members who think Covid-19 is an overblown hoax but the rest of our 900 households take it very seriously. To those who doubt the danger it poses, I suggest they attend the next funeral at which I am officiating. It is astonishing that some people can be so blind to what is happening in the country at large.” Coronavirus was the cause of death of five of the 16 members whose funerals Rabbi Romain has conducted since the start of the pandemic. “Those who died of Covid were either over 80 and in reasonable health prior to catching it or younger but with underlying conditions, such as asthma or lung problems. The youngest to die was 72; the oldest was 100.”
If the shul is chosen, it would be used for vaccinations in midweek, then given a thorough cleaning before Shabbat, when Rabbi Romain conducts services solo for streaming.
Its religion school, adult education classes and friendship club are all currently operating digitally and there is also a Zoom kiddush after every service at which members socialise.