Preaching Goes Viral

OU/RCA Guidance for Succot and Simchat Torah

Preservation of human health and life, as a priority

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[OLD] Accept or reject public health guidelines

The situation continues to evolve and varies significantly from region to region. As such, these recommendations and guidelines are formulated based solely on information and advice available as of September 30, 2020. As always, shuls and communities – with the guidance of local rabbinic and medical leadership – should follow, at a minimum, the guidelines provided by local and national authorities, including the CDC and local health departments. Celebration of Succot may continue while conscientiously applying the principles that have governed our behavior thus far. Within the parameters provided by local health departments, shuls may continue to conduct services with masking and social distancing. The communal Succah should be used with similar caution, and the use of shared communal arba minim – which should be held without wearing gloves – should be preceded and followed by hand sanitizing. To conduct the hoshanot with proper social distance, rather than having everyone present join the hakafa at once, it may be most practical to divide into smaller groups that take turns making the circuit around the bimah.

2022-12-13

Orthodox Union

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