Israel’s Chief Rabbis Call to Close Shuls, Hold Minyanim Outdoors

In line with the new directives of the Health Ministry that forbid gatherings of even ten people inside buildings, the Chief Rabbis Rishon LeTzion Harav Yitzchak Yosef and Harav David Lau, have released a letter saying that in line with this, all shuls should be closed. However, as per the regulations, minyanim may be held outdoors, as long as the two-meter distance between mispallelim is adhered to. The Chief Rabbis note that anyone who has any health issue should not leave home to daven with a minyan and rather daven at home. They add that Krias HaTorah can be held outdoors, as is required.