Rabbi Amar Calls for Return to Davening in Shuls

Now that the coronavirus restrictions are being lifted, it’s time for those who have been davening in outside minyanim, in streets and courtyards, to return to the battei knessiot, said Rabbi Shlomo Amar, the Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Yerushalayim, on Monday.

The Health Ministry announced that starting on Tuesday the requirement to wear masks indoors will be lifted. The only exceptions the rule will be unvaccinated individuals visiting or working at welfare institutions, individuals en route to quarantine and travelers on a flight.

“How unfortunate it is to hear that there are other people who want to continue to pray in the courtyards. Do you really have such great contempt for synagogues from this thing, that after Hashem has dealt kindly with us, opened the gates of mercy, that we can pray – that we should go and choose a quick and disrespectful prayer?” Rabbi Amar asked, according to Arutz Sheva on Monday.

Rabbi Amar is scheduled to speak Monday night at a conference of the World Organization of Synagogues to mark the return to synagogues.