FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NEW YORK (October 9, 2024) – In anticipation of Hurricane Milton, the Rabbinical Assembly (RA), in collaboration with ExploringJudaism.org, has released guidance for those observing Yom Kippur in affected areas. As the professional network for Conservative/Masorti rabbis, the RA, along with its Committee on Jewish Law & Standards, provides halakhic (Jewish legal) guidance for rabbis and communities within the Movement.
View the full guidance here:
https://www.exploringjudaism.org/holidays/yom-kippur/considerations-for-yom-kippur-during-or-immediately-following-a-hurricane/
Yom Kippur, starting at sundown on Friday, October 11th, is traditionally marked by a 25-hour fast, synagogue services, and the cessation of work including travel and the use of electronics. However, with Hurricane Milton’s imminent landfall, these observances may be disrupted by evacuations, and dangerous conditions, as well as impose health risks when fasting. The guidance addresses these concerns, offering practical and halakhic advice.
Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, CEO of the RA and USCJ (United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism), emphasizes, “When life is at stake, there is no such thing as ‘breaking’ a holiday. In all matters of Jewish law, the preservation of life takes precedence. We pray for the safety and protection of all those in the storm’s path.”
The guidance includes instructions on modifying or suspending traditional Yom Kippur observance due to emergency conditions. It also offers access to digital mahzors and guidance for communal prayer via Zoom. The RA, in partnership with USCJ, have connected with all our rabbis and congregations along the East Coast in the path of the storm, and have provided a list of synagogues opening their doors and livestreams for evacuees.
For assistance connecting with a congregation, evacuees can contact Jo-Anne Tucker-Zemlack, zemlack@uscj.org, Southeast Seaboard Synagogue Consultant.
About The Rabbinical Assembly (rabbinicalassembly.org)
The Rabbinical Assembly is the international association of Conservative/Masorti rabbis. Its nearly 1,700 members serve as congregational leaders, educators, chaplains, and more, worldwide.
About Exploring Judaism (ExploringJudaism.org)
Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism.
For Media Inquiries:
Emily Jaeger, RA Communications Specialist, ejaeger@rabbinicalassembly.org