US asks shul-goers to take Covid test before Yomtov
Our shuls want to make sure that members can daven safely’
UNITED SYNAGOGUE members planning to attend services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are being urged to take a lateral flow test on erev Yomtov to ensure they are Covid-free.
The US’s latest advice to communities reflects the higher numbers expected at festival services.
It notes that in light of the higher infection rates among children, services and programming for youth should be held in a separate building — and outdoors where possible —with social distancing maintained.
Those who blow the shofar will need to record a negative lateral flow test on erev Yomtov. They will also be required to stand at least two metres away from congregants when blowing the shofar.
Where a close contact of someone with Covid is double vaccinated or under the age of 18, they can attend shul once they have recorded a negative PCR test result, although they will additionally be expected to take a lateral flow test on erev Yomtov.
Rabbi Nicky Liss, who compiled the document with US communities’ director Jo Grose, said they had taken recent changes in government guidance into account.
“After the challenges posed by the pandemic last Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we know that our shuls are looking forward to welcoming back bigger crowds this year. But they will still want to make sure members feel comfortable and can daven safely.”
The US will also be streaming a range of pre-Yomtov programming for those unable or unwilling to attend services through its on-demand video platform, www.TheUS.tv.
Communications director Richard Verber reported that “this Saturday at 11pm, we will be broadcasting the ever popular choral midnight selichot with the Shabbaton Choir. This year, the selichot are coming live from Bushey Synagogue and can be viewed via https:// theus.tv/midnight-selichot.”
On erev Yom Kippur, the US will broadcast a Yizkor for those unable to attend shul, as well as highlights from Kol Nidre.
Among other movements, both Reform and Liberal Judaism report that some of their congregations will hold only digital High Holy-Day services.
Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky explained that its communities were independent entities, varying “hugely in size, demographics and building configuration. We have worked individually to help them work out solutions that fit their circumstances.
“We have also been very lucky to have access to our own adviser at Public Health England, who has been able to answer our questions on how to reopen safely, including on issues of singing and shofar blowing, which has been of great benefit to our communities.”
The Movement for Reform Judaism expects the majority of its shuls to hold “multi-access services”, which people can join in person or on Zoom.
Congregations are guided by the movement’s “Principles for safer synagogues”, which include the advice that it is reasonable to ask people to take a Covid test before attending synagogue.