A day after Israeli authorities announced aggressive measures aimed at containing the coronavirus outbreak in the country, including a prohibition on gatherings exceeding 100 people, Israelis found themselves with more questions than answers.
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Those who regularly attend synagogue and who planned to hold a religious celebration in the coming days were particularly worried, as the new restrictions could severely disrupt their way of life.
As a result, Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi David Lau issued on Thursday new guidelines aimed at providing some answers to perplexed Israelis who want to uphold their daily religious duties even as they abide by the governmental edicts.
"Everyone must make sure to be safe and must be extra vigilant not to pose a danger to others," Lau said in an online video. "We must follow the various guidelines, even if they are a burden."
Lau said minyans (the religious quorums) should not exceed 100 people, and if the place is particularly crowded, the minyan should be split into several groups who would pray separately and at different times.
People who are in self-isolation should not go to synagogue, and try to synchronize their at-home prayers with the rest of the congregants.
Torah-study sessions should not be canceled, the rabbi said, and various yeshivas should remain open, although abide by the 100-people cap.
Of particular concern is the issue of weddings. The rabbis said that Jewish weddings should not be canceled because they are very important, but the number of attendees must be scaled down.
