Vancouver Island synagogue to resume indoor services, granted exception to COVID-19 ban

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — A synagogue on Vancouver Island has been given the go-ahead to resume in-person services this weekend as long as strict protocols are followed.

Chabad Vancouver Island has been conducting Shabbat Services outdoors since shortly after B.C.’s top doctor issued an order banning gatherings.

“The reason for that is because, as an orthodox synagogue, we follow traditional Jewish law, we cannot operate services on Zoom, or any electronics. The only way that we can do services on Shabbat is in person,” explains Rabbi Meir Kaplan.

“We got permission to be able to hold it outdoors, which was not always so easy.”

On Friday, the synagogue received a letter from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry giving them permission to move services indoors starting Saturday.

The protocols the congregation will have to follow include limiting attendance to 25 people, mandating masks, ensuring people are seated two meters apart, and thoroughly sanitizing all surfaces. Gathering before or after the service is also not allowed.

More details: the letter ok-ing in-person services is for orthodox services that are challenging remotely and the rules are *very* specific and strict.#bcpoli #covid19 @NEWS1130 https://t.co/wXkvarw7hF pic.twitter.com/H5VLt2UvY5

— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) February 26, 2021

Kaplan says it was fitting that the news came during Purim — a joyful holiday.

“We are very happy that we can return to the sanctuary together with community, though not like we used to. It’s still going to be a very happy service, and it’s going to make us feel together again,” he says.

“For us, it means a lot. As observant Jews, attending services on a Saturday morning is essential for us. Being able to do that again in our sanctuary is something that we look forward to.”

Kaplan says he understands that health officials have a difficult job, and the task of balancing keeping how to keep people safe while keeping essential services, businesses, and institutions open is a difficult one.

“Being that we are unable to do it on Zoom, we are very pleased that the government was open to understanding our position. Dr. Henry understood that this is the only way we can conduct the service, that it is essential for us,” he says.

“To be able to gather in the synagogue and be inspired by reading the portion of the Torah that we read every Shabbat — we’ve done it for thousands of years — it’s a very important part of who we are. This is as essential as it gets for us.”

No changes to the provincial health order have been announced.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health confirmed the exemption in an email.

“We recognize some faiths cannot meet virtually. In this case, the synagogue observes traditional Jewish law which prohibits the use of electronic devices, including computers, on the Sabbath and in-person services were the only option,” it reads.

“An exemption was considered and granted to hold services under strict conditions.”