Liberal Judaism cancels youth camp amid coronavirus fears

Liberal Judaism has cancelled a youth camp in the spring to reduce the risk of the coronavirus spreading.

The six-day Machaneh Aviv, which was to run from 4 to 19 April, will not go ahead, but the movement’s biennial weekend and summer programme remain scheduled.

Rabbi Charley Baginsky said the synagogue movement is “watching the situation closely” in a letter to members on Friday morning.

She urged congregants to consult the Public Health England website for medical advice and make behavioural changes, such as wearing gloves when cutting challah and refrain form kissing, hugging and shaking hands.

“I know that this is a very uncertain time for many people and the level of fear in our community and in the world at large is rising,” she wrote.

“I am sure that many of you are considering how to change your behaviours to keep you and your loved ones safe, as well as spending much time contemplating how this may affect our lives for a long while to come,” she added.