Prefer Jewish News on Google
Rabbi compares private minyans during lockdown to ‘idol worship’
New West End Synagogue's Rabbi Moshe Freedman told those ignoring advice: 'You think you're praying to God, but you're actually worshipping the minyan, and that is idol worship'
An Orthodox rabbi in the UK has compared attendance of private minyans during virus lockdown to “idol worship”.
His comments come after Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis took the extraordinary step last week to suspend all services in 120 shuls under his auspices, in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.
Despite this instruction, some have continued to reportedly participate in private minyans – a quorum of 10 men required for prayer.
Taking to Twitter, Rabbi Moshe Freedman of New West End Synagogue condemned those ignoring advice.
He said: ‘If you have taken part in a private minyan during the lockdown, you will not receive an aliya [call up] in my shul. We cannot offer an honour to idol worshippers. You think you’re praying to God, but you’re actually worshipping the minyan, and that is idol worship.”
After his post was retweeted more than 160 times and received support from numerous Twitter users, he thanked them, but said he was “astonished at the pushback from some – including colleagues.”
He said: “I’m just about to go and pick up the second death certificate for one of my congregants. Another is gravely ill. Please stop debating this and take it seriously. Stay in doors unless you have to go out and pray at home by yourselves.”
Today it was announced that at least 22 British Jews had succumbed to the virus, according to data compiled by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
https://twitter.com/MosheFreedman/status/1242448564795695105
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
