In a message to Bnei Brak residents, top city rabbis say prayers and dance rituals of Saturday’s Simchat Torah holiday can be held inside synagogues — in contravention of coronavirus guidelines.
The rabbis say prayers in open spaces are preferable but that gathering inside synagogue yards, as well as in the buildings themselves, is allowed.
They urge “the necessary caution at this time, to not be hurt or — Heaven forbid — hurt others.”
Israelis dance with a Torah scroll during Simchat Torah celebrations in Beitar Illit, in 2009. (Nati Shohat/Flash90)
Meanwhile, the prime minister is urging the ultra-Orthodox public to do the exact opposite on Saturday.
“I ask of everyone who is listening, protect yourselves — no dancing on Simchat Torah,” Prime Minister Netanyahu tells Kol Barama radio. “There is no greater blasphemy than for us to lose lives due to Simchat Torah. Pray outside, and keep to the rules.”
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