Video shows hundreds of men defying social distancing restrictions by crowding into a Crown Heights synagogue for prayer services ahead of the Jewish High Holy Days—against state health regulations amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
A journalist for an Israeli radio station published the video on Twitter, showing crowds praying in Slichot services at the synagogue:
Crowds with little-to-no mask wearing gathered at the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway on Sunday, according to a livestream.
COLlive, a news website for the Orthodox community, reported on Saturday that masks were supposed to be worn "at all times" inside at the headquarters, often referred to as 770. The news outlet published photographs of blue surgical masks being distributed to those attending.
The Gedaliah Society, a group of Orthodox Jewish healthcare professionals, cautioned the community of a rise in coronavirus cases in Crown Heights in recent days.
"It is critical that those at risk for serious illness remain protected," the group wrote in a statement on Sunday. They recommended holding services outdoors and on porches. Additional services should be held indoors to "allow for increased distancing, and everyone should be wearing masks."
The group said on Friday that many positive cases "are associated with 770."
New York's guidelines for regions in Phase 4 of the reopening plan, which includes NYC, require religious services held inside to include no more than 33 percent of the maximum occupancy, or no more than 50 people for outdoor services. Worshipers must remain at least six feet apart, or 12 feet apart during singing, the guidelines say.
The guidelines also say "face coverings are required at all times except while seated, provided all individuals are 6 ft. apart except for immediate household members."
"We've worked closely with the Jewish community to make sure the rules are clear on worshipping safely while we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic," said Mitch Schwartz, a spokesperson for Mayor Bill de Blasio. "We know this is an especially meaningful time of year and we'll keep the conversation going throughout the holiday."
The Sheriff's Office, which leads social distancing enforcement, was not involved.
The Hasidic community has faced devastating impacts from the pandemic since March. The Chabad headquarters closed for more than three months due to coronavirus, quickly leading to crowded services again.
The Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters did not respond to an email or phone call, and Chabad.org's media director, Motti Seligson, a spokesperson for the organization, did not respond to an emailed inquiry.
This article has been updated with a comment from City Hall and the Sheriff's Office.
