JERUSALEM (JNS) – Israel’s Health Ministry will increase the number of worshipers permitted in synagogues ahead of Tisha B’Av, which begins on Wednesday evening, the heads of the ultra-Orthodox political parties announced on Monday. The current limit is 10 worshippers only.
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The United Torah Judaism and Shas parties said in a joint statement that the decision was reached following a meeting between party leaders, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and ministry deputy director general Itamar Grotto, according to Channel 12.
The statement did not specify what the new attendance limit would be, and the ministry has yet to officially announce any change in policy.
Tisha B’Av (the ninth day of the Jewish month of Av) is a day of commemoration of the destruction of the two Jewish Temples.
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In the statement, Shas leader Interior Minister Aryeh Deri said, “The Torah community is going through a major crisis at the moment … We must all work to achieve order and especially towards the [Hebrew] month of Elul, the days of mercy and forgiveness.”
Deri also said he had requested assistance to regulate and manage the issue of opening the upcoming school year to include the yeshivot and the kollels.
Construction and Housing Minister Ya’akov Litzman (UTJ) said, “Along with the need for extreme caution to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus, everything must be done to continue the world of Torah, yeshivot and kollels, expanding the possibility of prayer in synagogues on a daily basis and ahead of Tisha B’Av. But it must be adjusted according to the size of the area. We held a special meeting with Health Minister Edelstein on the subject and we hope that the right way will be found for the required solution.”
Maybe Tisha B’Av is not the day to take chances with COvid.
l do not have an answer to this. I know that Tisha B’Av is important. But Israel is at the end of a big uptick in cases. How does this make sense. Let’s gather groups together. It is a recipe for trouble.
Saving a life is more important than most commandments.
The number permitted should be based on square meters required for social distancing and not some arbitrary number. Bigger shuls can safely handle more than ten. Some small batei medrash can’t safely handle a minyan. Why hasn’t this been used as the basis for decision making? Are garnering frum votes more important than saving lives?