The World Organization of Synagogues responded to the Israeli government's plan for holding prayers during the upcoming three-week lockdown.

"MIllions of worshipers around the world are about to begin the Tishrei holidays while faced with a very complex reality," the organization said.

"The Israeli government approved last night a complex plan for synagogues' operations, which differentiates between the days of lockdown and Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), when a larger crowd may take part in the prayers, in accordance with clear boundaries."

"Despite this, we call on the public to prefer praying in open areas, even during these days. The infection rates are at their highest ever and spending a lengthy amount of time in a closed space, while singing and praying aloud as part of a congregation, may, in some synagogues, present a significant risk.

"Therefore, we must act carefully and prefer, even on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, praying in open spaces, while shortening the amount of time spent together during the prayers, in order to make things easier for the worshipers. In addition, both in synagogues and open areas, there should be a coronavirus supervisor charged with constantly ensuring that worshipers adhere to the guidelines."