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England’s oldest shul shut for first time in 350 years
'Even during the Blitz it remained open', but this week London's Bevis Marks closes its doors due to the virus
The virus has done what German bombers could not by closing England’s oldest synagogue – London’s Bevis Marks.
David Ereira, vice-president of the S&P Sephardi Community, said: “Bevis Marks is the only shul we believe in the world that has never closed in its 350- year history. Even during the Blitz it remained open. This Shabbat is the first time [it] had no official service.”
Bevis Marks’ Rabbi Shalom Morris told congregants he had started recording videos from the historic building “as a way of welcoming you
into the synagogue even though you may not be able to make it in yourself ”. He said: “I’ll be posting daily video updates on YouTube to keep everyone abreast of what is happening on-site, along with a selection of Jewish ideas, historic anecdotes, synagogue object sharing, and insights into parts of the
building itself.
“I hope that through these videos
you will continue to feel connected and through learning more about it feel even more invested in it. We will have a grand celebration when the restrictions are lifted.”
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