Utah's houses of worship to get new guidance on when services can resume
05/05/2020 05:23:08 PM
Rabbi Sam Spector at Congregation Kol Ami said it was "to be determined" when their synagogue might re-open.
"Our most important holidays that bring about 1,000 people together are in September. On one hand, we would love for everybody to be together for that. On the other, putting 1,000 people in a room right now is a very scary idea," he told FOX 13.
Rabbi Spector said his congregation was fortunate to have some epidemiologists and health officials who have agreed to be a part of a task force on how they will re-open, when the time is right. In the meantime, they have been live streaming services for members to watch online.
"Traditionally in Judaism, we don’t use electricity on the Sabbath," he said. "We see that this is an extraordinary circumstance and Jewish law says the preservation of life overrides everything else, but we still want to keep people connected."
He said the online services draws hundreds of people logging on, which is something positive. A number of faith groups have launched online worship services. The Catholic Diocese broadcasts a live feed of mass from the empty Cathedral of the Madeleine on its YouTube channel; the Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake has been posting audio of its services as prayer services have been suspended; evangelical churches are utilizing Facebook Live and Zoom chats.
Thu, May 8 2025
10 Iyyar 5785
