With COVID numbers on the rise, some places of worship close their doors for Hanukkah

SWAMPSCOTT, Mass. — Boston 25 News reporter Malini Basu spoke with a local Rabbi, who says it was a difficult decision to close the doors for Hanukkah. After seeing the rise in numbers of COVID-19 cases, and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s message, Rabbi Yossi Lipsker says it was the right thing to do. He wants to protect the community.

“Thank you for joining me, I’m taking off the mask for the interview,” demonstrated Rabbi Lipsker, from Chabad Lubavitch of the North Shore.

Rabbi Lipsker is making sure to send out that very strong message about COVID-19, and the importance of wearing a mask.

“We are very cautious about keeping it on,” said Lipsker.

As Hanukkah is next week, this synagogue is one of many places of worship that will keep their doors closed.

“It’s extremely difficult, the community worship is defined by, not an I, you, but a we,” said Lipsker.

Lipsker says, they will be closing the doors at their Swampscott, and three other satellite locations, because of the number of people that would be traveling here from all over the country. The locations that will not open for Hanukkah are 682 Lowell St., Peabody; 34 Malden St., Everett, and 151 Ocean St., Lynn.

“We took a look at the rising numbers, very alarming. We don’t see it as shutting this place down, but opening up so many other places, every single home of every single worshiper is an extension of our synagogue,” he said.

During the height of the pandemic, he says, they were the first to close the synagogue, and during the summer months they were one of the first places of worship to hold outdoor services.

Lipsker has been educating himself, and the Jewish community about the virus, and why it’s so important to heed the warnings.

“The heart and soul of Judaism at the end of the day is in the home. Everyone gets it. Everyone is okay with the abundance of caution,” said Lipsker.

The Rabbi says, they will have their public Hanukkah menorah celebration, but without any people. It’ll be on Zoom.

Once everything calms down, they plan on opening the doors for everyone. If you would like to join their Hanukkah celebration, click here.

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