Kiddush returns to shuls as restrictions ease
United Synagogue has confirmed that outdoor Kiddush can take place as rules change from Monday, 17 May.
Kiddush is returning to United Synagogue shuls following Boris Johnson’s lockdown easing announcement yesterday.
From May 17, shuls will begin to hold communal meals outdoors, and more weddings are set to be on the cards too after the limit was extended to 30 guests.
The easing of lockdown will also mean that groups of up to six people can meet indoors for hospitality from next week.
“This means that the United Synagogue can proceed as planned with our roadmap, permitting kiddush and other communal meals to restart initially outdoors,” said Jo Grose, Communities Director at United Synagogue.
“We’re delighted that weddings can now have 30 guests and look forward to bringing back more programming and services for children and young families as well as social activities and support groups for senior members.”
While Rabbinic families may be able to host up to six people indoors, the United Synagogue’s guidance is that hospitality should take place outdoors where possible.
Guidance has been sent to shuls which recommends ways of serving Kiddush outside. If sitting at tables, the kiddush should be prepared beforehand with no shared items on the table. Tables should have no more than six people.
Small communities could provide Kiddush as people leave, if they are in an area with no eruv, the guidance also suggests, while some may wish to provide takeaway Kiddush on Shabbat if there is an eruv.
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