Communal Prayer Becomes Prohibited in Some Areas of Italy
New regulations issued by the Italian Health Ministry following fear of COVID-19 spread are causing concern in Jewish communities not only because of the virus, but also the very ability to live a basic Jewish life.
The regulations apply in certain areas in the north of the state and prohibit events and gatherings of all kinds, both in closed public places and in open places, including cultural, sporting, and religious events.
About 35,000 Jews live in Italy and many are worried about what may soon befall Jewish life in the country. Already this Shabbat, a bar mitzvah was canceled in one of the communities in the country and further event cancellations are feared.
Another basic concern is the ability to pray with a minyan, an halakhic quorum of at least ten male Jews needed for communal prayer:
Already a number of synagogues that are not located in the north of the state or districts where the virus is present have stopped or at least reduced mass participation in prayers to prevent potential infections.
Also in other places in Italy where public prayers are still being held – since the virus apparently has not yet reached these cities – provisions have been issued in several synagogues to exempt older people, patients, and pregnant women from coming to synagogue.
