ARK Centre Rabbi’s plan to help people celebrate Rosh Hashana at home
A Jewish leader says Synagogues could be forced to close as the coronavirus crisis cripples finances at the religious centres. And with restrictions forcing people apart, he’s come up with a unique way to commemorate the upcoming High Holy Days.
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A Jewish leader says Synagogues could become casualties of the coronavirus crisis as lockdown restrictions drive members away.
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann said people traditionally paid about $1500 for a seat at Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services, with attendance on these High Holy Days skyrocketing from about 50 people at a regular Saturday service to more than 500.
Some Synagogues charged up to $3000 for the privilege of a seat, he said.
The money goes towards maintenance, day-to-day running costs, staff and philanthropic endeavours.
But with religious gatherings banned under lockdown restrictions, many Synagogues would struggle to make ends meet.
Rabi Gabi said not being able to meet for the two biggest days in the Jewish calendar was “like calling off the AFL Grand Final”.
“That’s how big it is for us,” he said.
“But, just like the AFL, why would you buy a ticket if you can’t attend? That’s what we’re dealing with now — suddenly there could be huge deficits, some could be down as much as $400,000-$500,000.”
But in a bid to foster community spirit among his members and ensure everyone can observe the High Holy Days, Rabbi Gabi is creating Rosh Hashana DIY kits to help people celebrate at home.
The packs contain prayers, paraphernalia and a honey cake to help people ring in a “sweet Jewish New Year”.
“It’s about finding a way to foster that community spirit and make people feel involved when we can’t actually meet,” he said.
“I’m not a prophet, I’m a Rabbi, but I reckon we’re still about a year and a half away from being able to hold mass gatherings.
“In the meantime we have to find ways to make this work for us — to stay connected without being together.”
He said despite the financial downturn, lockdown had seen a resurgence in people coming to Synagogue.
“I think it comes down to people craving human interaction,” he said.
“When we were allowed to have gatherings of 20 people we had a 60 per cent increase in participation and a waitlist of people wanting to attend just so they could feel part of something and connect with others.
“I’m hopefully we’ll have a similar resurgence once we’re allowed to meet again.”
Rabbi Gabi has also established a Pay It Forward program at the ARK Centre, where donations are used to cook up meals and deliver them to people of all faiths who are doing it tough during isolation.
He also lashed out at members of the Ultra-orthodox community for allegedly breaching lockdown rules.
“The fact that Synagogues, just like businesses, are suffering financially from this virus and that our traditions have been up-ended but we’ve found a way to make do is what makes it so outrageous that a small group continues to look for loopholes,” he said.
“They’re a stain in our community.”
To find out more about the programs on offer at the ARK Centre, visit the website.
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