Items

• 2020-03-18

  Moving & Religion

  These pieces of media were made during the very start of the pandemic on March 18, 2020. They capture the moment when my family moved to a new house in Chandler, Arizona from Tucson, Arizona. This was the beginning of a completely new life in a different place. From that moment onwards, I had no more connection to the outside world and was locked inside this house for the rest of 2020 and half of 2021. I did not have any form of in-person social interaction and only stayed inside this house. This made 2020 and 2021 a miserable experience. The photo is of my mom, who is the one that initiated our move here from Tucson, AZ. She did not like Tucson and wanted to move here as quickly to a more urban area like Phoenix and Chandler as soon as possible, but I really wanted to stay in Tucson. Tucson was a place that I developed a deep connection with. Tucson was the place where I attended high school and made many friends. To have those connections ripped from me for the rest of 2020 and basically the rest of my life was a very difficult experience. The video depicts a ceremony that Hindu families perform every time a family moves to a new residence. The question of whether I should partake in religion is something that I personally struggle with a lot in my life and especially in 2020. My parents forced me to partake in religious festivals and celebrations that I did not enjoy. This is another thing that made 2020 a very miserable experience. Over time, I have turned into an agnostic and a very secular person (something that my parents would probably be very unhappy to know).
• 
  2021-09

  Meme about covid-19 as a religion

  I encountered this meme on twitter in 2021. Someone had shared it not understanding what it meant, to make fun of whom they assumed was an American Conservative who made it, and when I first saw it- it provided me with a lightbulb moment. I had not been able to understand through the pandemic why followers of God based religions were not able to take the pandemic seriously. Outside of conservative politics there was an aspect missing from the conversation about the pushback against pandemic safety measures. This meme showed me that many believers in God were unable to take the pandemic 'seriously' because to be afraid of covid-19 would be to view and interact with it like they do God. If you fear God, if your relationship to God is fear based, you cannot fear Covid-19 unless you wish to treat it in a manner similar to God. I think this simple meme is important in contextualizing the history of the pandemic, how those of God based faiths could not cope with the pandemic in a similar manner as others. The pandemic has changed me in a lot of ways, I had just turned 22 when the pandemic first started and now in December of 2022 I will turn 25 years old. Transitioning from early to mid 20's is always a challenge but the pandemic has created strange times as I transition more into adulthood. This meme has begun an interest and more mature perspective on the role religion plays not only in politics but the psychology behind people of God based faiths. This meme alone has assisted me in developing compassion for people I thought were just stupid when the pandemic started. There is no one rational response to immense fear, only personal widely varied responses; every person has a deeply individualized psychology built off of neural networks formed only by their unique experiences daily.
• 
  2021-05-06

  HIST30060 Practicing religion during lockdown

  Through discussions with my grandmother, I reflected on an interesting intersection between the impact of the lockdown on both older Melburnians and faith communities. My grandmother is a practising Buddhist; a key annual ritual that was unable to be undertaken in 2021 was the commemoration of my grandfather’s death anniversary, typically observed by preparing food and inviting friends and relatives to our home for a ceremony (known in Buddhist ethics as sharing ‘merits’ with the deceased to send them good fortune). As this gathering was not permitted, my grandmother shared ‘merits’ with my grandfather by instead donating to a charity; I think that such as example highlights the mediation between religious practices and natural sciences, in the context of this health crisis. Pictured is the receipt from my grandmother’s donation; sharing her wealth by committing this good deed was important to her during this time.
• 
  2020-05

  HIST30060

  This photo was taken in May 2020, when Melbourne restrictions prevented religious gatherings from taking place. I attend Westgate Baptist Community church in Yarraville in the western suburbs of Melbourne, and it had transitioned to zoom for its church services by this point. On the day this picture was taken, we were meant to organise our own bread and wine for the ritual of communion. It was strange to source these elements on our own and even stranger to just pass them to each other instead of being given them by the pastor. It probably took some sense of gravitas and 'specialness' out of the ritual. At the same time though, it was evident that in a very precarious, unprecedented time, this community was really hanging on to such rituals for some normalcy and comfort in a sense of the divine's presence. We would not be back to in-person services until February 2021.
• 
  2020-05-03

  HIST30060 Zoom Church

  This photo was taken in May 2020, when Melbourne restrictions prevented religious gatherings from taking place. I attend Westgate Baptist Community church in Yarraville in the western suburbs of Melbourne, and it had transitioned to zoom for its church services by this point. On the day this picture was taken, we were meant to organise our own bread and wine for the ritual of communion. It was strange to source these elements on our own and even stranger to just pass them to each other instead of being given them by the pastor. It probably took some sense of gravitas and 'specialness' out of the ritual. At the same time though, it was evident that in a very precarious, unprecedented time, this community was really hanging on to such rituals for some normalcy and comfort in a sense of the divine's presence. We would not be back to in-person services until February 2021.
• 
  2020-03-28

  Catch a Jesus Virus and Let it be Contagious

  My boyfriend and I found this church's billboard during the first week of shutdown in March 2020. We were driving around with nothing to do since everything was closed and found this sign too funny to not stop and take a picture.
• 
  2021-10-06

  Reflecting on life. Life has been hard.

  It was August 25th, 2019. I had finally reached my parents’ house, all of our belongings* (all that could fit in one car*) in tow, back in my home state of New York. I didn’t want to be here – I grew up in NY, and until two years ago, never intended on coming back. I like to call it the “tectonic plates of life” moving, that moment when you feel something big on the horizon and suddenly, oh hey, here’s a big life decision you didn’t plan on having to make, have fun! Circumstances change, yeah. Life is a pretty unpredictable time warp, and global warming is such a serious issue; it was already sorta tough to not focus on the negatives before 2020. Relationship issues, financial issues, family issues – so many volumes of problems. I already felt like I had lost everything, pride included. Nothing could have prepared me for the pure stress that inevitably comes from a worldwide pandemic. Moving back into my parents’ house as a single parent in her 30’s was just about the biggest pill I could swallow that autumn. Since I had decided to work at Starbucks again, I finally made up my mind to go to college for the first time. In February, I enrolled in summer classes to start at ASU. I was hearing something about a coronavirus, but I wasn’t paying much attention to the news with taking placement tests for college in between working. In March, my daughter’s school closed, and so did Starbucks. It’s hard. It’s hard to not focus on the bad, and it’s so odd to think fondly of the not-so-bad before it. Life just feels a little bit harder. A lot bit, with the increasing violence, hatred and misinformation being spread on a daily basis. Everyone’s experiencing repercussions in one way or another; but something I cannot deny – the something I’m most grateful for: how much I’ve grown, emotionally and mentally. Maybe I can’t credit the stress from the pandemic completely, but it has certainly put all of my other stress in a different perspective. It turned my attention to world issues – I stopped being so wrapped up with myself and my own country, started learning about other cultures after starting college – falling so deeply for that education that I decided to major in Anthropology, with a Minor in Religious Studies. I watched a Ted Talk once that described the good effects of stress.. I feel as if I’m a better human, or at least, a more knowledgeable one. A lot has changed in the past two years. I started college, moved into my own place, moved back into parents’ (hi, tectonic plates!), went from being faithfully Christian to super agnostic/atheist (that was mentally difficult and I’m still processing it) and although I am quite bitter with life in general, I’m also much happier with it, and with myself. I'm a better mom for it. Life has felt like a constant challenge for years now, but I appreciate how easy it is to appreciate the simple things. I may find it annoying that everyone is more on edge, but honestly, who can blame them? Good on everyone for putting up with life! All we can do is learn and grow. And treat the planet well, guys. Let’s do that, too.
• 
  2021-08-08

  New Normal?

  I went to church this past Sunday for the first time since the quarantine of March 2020. I'm not sure what I was expecting but there were a lot more changes than I had imagined. Sanitizing stations, hand wipes, and masks for those who wished to wear them. People were still socializing, not everyone was wearing masks but it was nice to see that it was an option and available to those who wanted. Before the pandemic, there was always a table with refreshments where we would go and grab pastries before Sunday school. Now that table had someone there to grab pastries in an attempt to limit contact. There were so many viable changes outside but the one that stuck to me most was the one I caught inside. Communion is a very important aspect of the Christian faith, I remember growing up in a Hispanic church there was a ceremonial feel to communion. It was a special occasion, a time to reflect and remember the foundation of our faith. I kept that feeling with me growing up but this past Sunday I was taken back when I walked into church. I was handed what I thought was a trinket. I sat down and stared at this object for a second, this was how we were to take communion. Of course, it makes total sense not to pass a tray around with crackers and juice to a building full of people, especially because you can never know for sure who's been vaccinated and who hasn't. This was just an unexpected change that the pandemic brought on, I wonder if this will be part of the "new normal" everyone is always talking about.
• 
  2021-07-24

  Pandemic Response and Religion in the USA: Ritual

  This digital archive consists of online materials related to the COVID-19 pandemic and religious practices during this time.
• 
  2020-12-14

  Recommendations for Tribal Ceremonies and Gatherings During the COVID-19 Outbreak

  These are COVID-19 recommendations from the CDC specifically addressing tribal ceremonies such as sweat lodge, social gatherings and seasonal ceremonies.
• 
  2020-09-19

  PHOTOS: How The World Is Reinventing Rituals

  This article captures images of the continuations of and changes in rituals around the globe during the pandemic.
• 
  2021-02-12

  ‘Open for all’: Local Sikh temples to host COVID-19 testing vans

  The Sikh community has been working vigorously to help the communities they are in as much as possible. In San Joaquin County, Sikh temples have temporarily transformed their worship areas into massive COVID-19 testing sites. As the article notes, Sikhism “is based on giving back to the community and believing in community service.” Even though vaccination is continuing to roll out, the Sikh community is working to help drive down the positivity rate by getting as many people tested as they can.
• 
  2021-04-10

  Sikh temple is offering 1,500 COVID-19 shots

  For most religions, helping in the community is a necessity. For Sikhs, it is no different. This article details how a Sikh temple has allowed its building to be used for the distribution of 1500 COVID-19 vaccines. Throughout the history of Sikhism, a premium has been placed on service and charity. By providing its building for easy access to vaccines, this Sikh temple is playing its role to help get back to normalcy.
• 
  2021-04-22

  Why Religion Can Be Important To Many People

  The pandemic has showed me the importance of religion in many people's lives including my family's.
• 
  2021-04-22

  Uncertainty, Spirituality, and the Inevitability of Change #REL101

  I foolishly thought that it would be easy to write this post. I didn’t anticipate struggling so much with finding the right words to explain the impact the last year of pandemic life has had on me, but I’ve deleted about a hundred paragraphs of rambling, existential stream of consciousness nonsense about cherishing the small moments and growing in the face of adversity because it is surprisingly hard to be concise about your feelings on an event you’re still living through. I’m starting to think that maybe doing so is impossible, so instead of falling into cliche and flowery prose, I want to just be blunt. I haven’t seen my family in two years. My grandmother has dementia and in that time it has worsened exponentially. On a weekly basis, I have a call with my mom that starts with a debrief on whatever the newest updates in her condition are and ends with a plea to visit as soon as I feel comfortable traveling. Every day, I go into my retail job and tell them no, I don’t have symptoms or live with anyone with symptoms while waiting for the beep of a thermometer meant to ensure I don’t have a fever. I breathe through two layers of fabric, disinfect my work area between transactions, and field rants about restrictive mask mandates for six hours a day, then come home and begin the process of undressing, banishing my clothes to the washer, and trying to relax before I have to do it all again. Everything in that paragraph is, to put it nicely, so bleak it hurts. It’s easy to get caught in the feelings of overwhelm that came along with this pandemic and it would be a farce to say that there aren’t days where everything feels like way too much for one person to handle. Surprisingly, though, the thing that has blissfully not survived the most turbulent year of my life is the apathetic, empty cynicism I used to feel. Instead, I feel weirdly hopeful that this is the beginning of massive change both in myself and on a global level. Maybe it’s naive to think that way and maybe it’s just a coping mechanism to help me through the pandemic, but there’s a part of me that thinks that may not even matter because the changes are coming regardless. In the last year, I’ve moved out of Nevada and into a pink house in California with the love of my life. Despite a fraught, stressful prior experience in college, I’ve finally come back to higher education in a way that feels both healthy and exciting. The field of religious studies has reawakened my passion for learning and my ability to grow in academia. I’ve abandoned my skeptical, agnostic views and traded them out for a brand of religiosity that combines self-improvement, magic, and trust in something bigger than myself. I know how that all sounds and if the last sentence has you rolling your eyes reading this, I get it. The last year has been weird, don’t get me wrong. If I told a 20-year-old version of myself that one day we’d be living through the plague of a lifetime, studying religion with hopes of examining cultism, and practicing a version of witchcraft grounded in our ex-Catholic roots, I doubt she would believe me. It admittedly sounds pretty wacky all laid out in plain English like that. Part of what I’ve learned throughout the pandemic, though, is that suspending cynicism, skepticism, and disbelief can sometimes lead you to unexpectedly lovely places. Whether I saw it coming or not, Covid has changed my life in countless ways, just as I’m sure it’s changed the lives of everyone reading these entries. Some changes have been for the worse, certainly, but the things that have changed for the better are what I’m choosing to focus on. I’ve read articles about a reemergence of spirituality amongst young people that make me think others have been having similar ideas and something about that feels good. We’ve spent a lot of time isolated, lonely, and missing a sense of belonging we took for granted before, but there’s reassurance for me in knowing that my experiences aren’t all that different from anyone else’s. That type of community, however it manifests, is (and I hope you’ll forgive this admitted slip into flowery prose) something that the pandemic has taught us we must cherish above everything else because it’s what makes our little human lives worth living. More than anything, whenever this pandemic reaches the time where we split our lives into not just before, but after, I hope we don’t forget that.
• 
  2020-05-11

  Faith in a time of crisis

  Many people wonder about the benefits religion may or may not have during times of crisis. Is religion a crutch; or, is religion a legitimate way for people re-orient their lives and perspectives during times of crisis? This article from the American Psychology Association answers these questions. Depending on the person and their perspective of their religion, religion can be either positive or negative, perhaps even both at different times. As a result, the answer to the question is not a simple yes or no. However, even for the agnostic or the atheist, as the article describes, there are many religious and spiritual rituals one can engage with (e.g. yoga, meditation, etc.).
• 
  2021-01-27

  More Americans Than People in Other Advanced Economies Say COVID-19 Has Strengthened Religious Faith

  During difficult times, many people often turn toward religion or faith to provide hope. According to Pew Research, as a result of the pandemic, no Western country with “advanced” economies report that the pandemic has had a net negative impact on religion and faith. In fact, all have a net increase on the reliance of religion and faith. Citizens in the United States, however, are much more likely to say the pandemic has strengthened their faith as opposed to citizens in other countries. While the pandemic has had a net positive for strengthening the faith of people, it has had an even higher positive result for strengthening familial bonds. Family bonds and religious faith has grown stronger for most during the pandemic.
• 
  2020-09-09

  Taoist Priest Honours China's Coronavirus Dead With Memorial Tablets

  In China, there are only a small number of state-approved religions. Taoism, or Daoism, is one of the approved religions. As COVID-19 began in China, many were quickly infected and died as it was a new virus about which little was known. This article discusses how a Taoist priest in China honors those who died of COVID-19. Taoism, as a religion, has a unique history as originally the religion began as a philosophy. Thus, there are very unique ways of thinking in the heavily philosophical religion. Memorializing the dead is extremely important in Taoism, because as the article relays, true death within the system of Taoism only occurs when one is completely forgotten. In order to make sure people are remembered, the priests create memorial tablets for the dead.
• 
  2020-11-11

  Hungary Government Proposes Gay Adoption Ban As COVID-19 Rages

  The story from Reuters talks about how the country of Hungary has people who want to ban Gay adoption as COVID-19 is raging around the world. It is important to note that there are many people who are losing loved ones and who will need a home in the future. The proposed ban would not allow people who are both domestic and international to adopt from this country that currently has a COVID-19 rate that is going up. The Prime Minister is proposing that there be an Amendment stating that children be raised with Christian traditional gender roles. Hungary currently does not allow for same-sex marriage.
• 
  2021-02-02

  With museums shuttered, Paris churches are 'well worth a mass'

  As France has continued to deal with lockdowns, one bright spot for the French people is that most of the churches remain open. These churches are serving, for many, as a source of art and culture as museums and theaters have remained closed. Despite the fact that many of the Catholic churches in France are missing some of their most historic items, the interest in the art and architecture of the cathedrals has been renewed during the pandemic.
• 
  2020-05-20

  U.S. faith-based groups fight COVID-19 worldwide

  This article explores how faith-based organizations are coming together during COVID-19 and providing aid where possible. Specifically, the author makes note that Christians, Jews, and Muslims are working together during this time to help all people. Not only is this an example of inter-faith ecumenism, but what is actually being seen is a coordinated multi-faith system to give to those who need help. These charities have together to meet the needs of the hungry, are aiding in taking care of those sick with COVID-19, and are helping the poor overseas push through the economic hardship of the pandemic.
• 
  2021-03-20

  If This Ain't the Energy You're Coming At

  Repost from @hownottotravellikeabasicbitch Repost from @hownottotravellikeabasicbitch • If this ain’t the energy you’re coming at: — •Anti-Blackness •Stolen land •Asian hate crime •Deportations •Kids in cages •US imperialism •Islamaphobia •Anti-Semitism — Then I don’t want it. — If you can’t see how all these movements are connected & how every attack on one of us is an attack on us all, then I can’t help you. It’s only unity for me. — Speech by Isabel Kang from @krclaorg, originally posted on @aapiwomenlead.
• 
  03/12/2021

  Anonymous Marine Oral History, 2021/03/12

  Interview with a Marine that details going through Basic Training during COVID-19.
• 
  2021-03-09

  Oral History with a Rural Church Pastor

  Abstract: Josh Colson grew up in Southern Illinois. He attended Welch College, earning a BS in Christian Ministry and an MA in Theology. Additionally, he is currently a student at Vanderbilt Divinity School, pursuing an MTS. Mr. Colson is currently the pastor of Brandon’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Bumpus Mills, TN. The church is part of a small rural community, being in one of the smallest counties in middle Tennessee. In addition, Mr. Colson is the Faith Representative for the community health board. In this interview, Mr. Colson recounts the effects COVID-19 has had on his duty as a member of the clergy, his congregation, and his community.
• 
  2021-03-14

  Ostara on a Budget

  for Ostara this year, many of us will need to adjust our celebrations due to Covid-19. Many are feeling the loss of jobs, incomes, or stability this year. Lidia Pradas shares some inexpensive ideas to celebrate Ostara and welcome the new season.
• 
  2020-12-07

  Coptic Church suspends services for one month over surge in COVID-19 infections

  The Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt issued new guidelines in early December to protect congregants and members of the clergy. As Egypt’s second wave, the Orthodox Church in Egypt acted, working to slow the spread. While limits on certain gatherings took place to adequately social distance, most events were canceled altogether. The Church limited the number of people who could attend Mass and funerals, as well as limited seminaries and institutions to 25% capacity for classrooms.
• 
  2020-12-07

  Bishop Stika re-emphasizes COVID precautions

  As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, Catholics continue to practice pandemic protocols. From late November through December, East Tennessee was the epicenter of the United States for Coronavirus transmissions. As a result, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville issued renewed guidelines for parishes within the diocese. The declaration makes it clear the practicing Catholics must continue to participate in the Mass. However, the Bishop was also transparent that the Church and its parishioners must practice participation in the Mass safely. This article outlines the precautions the Diocese of Knoxville has taken to continue practicing their faith while protecting one another.
• 
  2020-10-09

  How COVID-19 Is Changing American Judaism

  Judaism in America is rapidly changing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, the Jewish community, while having various splits (i.e. Orthodox, Reformed, etc.), has continued to view itself as one, unified community. However, the pandemic has highlighted the various ways in which the community is perhaps more fractured than previously thought. For example, while the Reformed community has quickly adopted having services over Zoom, the Orthodox community, though allowing certain services to be performed over Zoom, will not allow specific holy days to be Zoomed. The pandemic is not only creating new rifts within the American Jewish community, it is bringing previously extant rifts to the fore.
• 
  2020-05

  Fighting Pandemics: Inspiration from Islam

  In this article, various Muslims outline how their faith has guided them through the pandemic. For many, faith and religion have been their guidance through the COVID-19 crises. Unfortunately, the pandemic has restricted how Muslims have been able to practice their faith. While this article is specifically written with practicing Muslims as the target audience, one need not be of the Islamic faith to learn and appreciate how the faith can aid in our understanding of the world during the pandemic.
• 
  2020-06-07

  Faith and Values: A Buddhist Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic

  This article speaks to a specifically Buddhist response to the pandemic. The monk in this article offers ways to deal with the pandemic from a Buddhist perspective. While Buddhism is a specific worldview, the advice given in this article can be used by all people. Thinking about questions concerning life and death should be confronted and asked rather than cowering away. From the response given, the pandemic should teach people to love and care for all, even in the midst of a deadly virus.
• 
  2021-01-12

  COVID-19 Advice on the Administration of Holy Communion

  From the start of the pandemic, Christian churches have been debating about how to best handle the practice of the Eucharist (Communion). The Church of England, which spans all of the world, issued guidance on how to best celebrate/participate in the Eucharist. At the moment, the use of the common cup has been suspended. Parishioners during the pandemic are advised to only partake of the bread to avoid potential spread of the virus. These are general guidelines rather than strict rules, however, all Anglican churches are encouraged to follow.
• 
  2020-12-23

  Malaysia Islamic Authorities Say Covid Shots are Permissible

  This article speaks of the way the Islamic world in Malaysia has reacted to the COVID-19 vaccine. The citizens of Malaysia are overwhelmingly Islamic as over 61% of those who live there identify as Muslim. The concern for many Muslims in Malaysia is not based in a religious belief against medicine; rather, many were concerned that some of the ingredients in the vaccine may violate their faith. However, the Islamic religious authorities in Malaysia are encouraging Muslims to receive the vaccine.
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  2020-09-26

  Jewish Melbourne: Jewish Women of Words Lara Lubitz Neilah drash

  A drash written by Lara Lubitz for Neilah 2020, published on Jewish Women of Words
• 
  2020-10-07

  Jewish Melbourne: UJEB virtual Sukkot at Glenallen School Katandra Special School and Ashwood Special School

  "This year our UJEB students at Glenallen School Katandra Special School and Ashwood Special School had a great time beaming virtually into our Project Kulanu Sukkah to shake the Lulav. From all of us at Project Kulanu and especially from Tal Spinrad, Project Kulanu Manager, and his son Reuvi (pictured), wishing everyone a chag sameach and a very sweet new year! 🌿⛺️🍎🍏🍯 #ujebinclusion #projectkulanu #Sukkot #sukkot2020 #lulav"
• 
  2020

  Jewish Melbourne: NCJWA Ushpizot project

  For Sukkot, the NCJWA presented digital information about 'ushpizot' - women who could be digitally welcomed into the sukkah as the special guests
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  2020-10-05

  Jewish Melbourne: NCJWA (Vic) Sukkot zoom event for Seniors Festival

  "We are honoured to take part in the upcoming 2020 City of Port Phillip Seniors Festival. As part of this online event, a special Zoom Sukkot celebration is being organised by NCJWA Vic. Rabbi Yoni Reyder will enlighten all the participants about the traditions and significant of Sukkot; and a Concert of traditional Russian and Yiddish songs will be performed by Gregory Cveigoren and Vered Harel. “We will present the different aspects of Sukkot which symbolise we are different but also strong when we are together” said Nellie Khoroshina, Golden Age Clubs Coordinator."
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  2020-09-18

  Jewish Melbourne: Rosh Hashanah Services at TBI

  Due to the Melbourne lockdown, synagogues were unable to host services in-person for Rosh Hashanah. Temple Beth Israel livestreamed their services instead.
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  2020-09-28

  Jewish Melbourne: TBI N'ilah Service

  Due to Melbourne's lockdown, people were unable to attend services in-person for Yom Kippur in 2020. Instead, Temple Beth Israel livestreamed their N'ilah service.
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  2020-09-30

  Jewish Melbourne: TBI Sukkot Shabbat Video - Rabbi Gersh Lazarow

  This is a video produced by Temple Beth Israel for Shabbat in the Sukkah
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  2020-10-12

  Jewish Melbourne: TBI visits their Chatan and Kallah Torah for Simchat Torah at home

  "Mazal tov to Craig Levin and Sue Silberberg, our Chatan and Kallat Torah for 2020! To celebrate their incredible contributions to our community, we took Torah to their homes. During our a Simchat Torah services each also shared some thoughts about the past and future of our community. Watch our video here: https://youtu.be/4mALluYXlis"
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  2020-11-09

  Covid-19 and Religious Observance

  Religious observance was one of the many aspects of daily life affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In my home country of Bahrain, congregational prayers were prohibited in mid-March, in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. The Friday prayers were restricted to only a single mosque, Bahrain’s largest. Under normal circumstances, Muslim congregants would stand shoulder to shoulder in prayer. This was no longer the case as seen in the photo, social distancing and mask wearing was enforced. The Islamic call prayer (the Azan) was altered, the normal line summoning the faithful to prayer “come to prayer, come to good deeds” was instead replaced with the line “pray in your homes” (as seen in the attached video, which I recorded in Bahrain on). It was surreal hearing this for the time. The Covid-19 pandemic was the first event, at least in my lifetime, where this was done. Historically, this had precedents in times of plague. Moreover, the Muslim Hajj pilgrimage, which draws millions to the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia every year, was this year limited to a symbolic 1,000 pilgrims. Having attended the Haj myself a decade earlier and been in the midst of the human masses that descend on Mecca, it was very strange to observe the images of the few socially distanced pilgrims which undertook the Hajj in late July 2020.
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  2020-10-06

  Jewish Melbourne: Sukkot Party

  Organised by a range of Jewish organisations, including Project High Holy Day, a virtual Sukkot party was held online.
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  2020-09-27

  Jewish Melbourne: St Kilda Hebrew Congregation pre-Kol Nidre Service

  Due to the need to follow halachah, St Kilda Hebrew Congregation pre-recorded a pre-Kol Nidre service for their congregants, which they shared on Facebook.
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  2020-09-28

  Jewish Melbourne: St Kilda Hebrew Congregation Yom Kippur shofar blowing

  At the end of Yom Kippur, the rabbi at St Kilda Hebrew Congregation blew the shofar, and it was livestreamed on Facebook
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  2020-10-08

  Jewish Melbourne: Kehilat Kolenu website

  Kehilat Kolenu moved their services online. This screenshot of their website on 8 October 2020 provides a sense of what they were doing during Melbourne's lockdown.
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  2020-07-31

  Jewish Melbourne: St Kilda Hebrew Congregation newsletter update 31 July

  St Kilda Hebrew Congregation provided an email newsletter update, discussing Tisha B'Av, as well as other arrangements and events during Covid.
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  2020-08-25

  Jewish Melbourne: online services at Kehilat Nitzan

  During lockdown Kehilat Nitzan ran synagogue services online, through youtube and zoom. They provided congregants with instructions about how to access these services in a kosher manner.
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  2020-08-20

  Jewish Melbourne: RCV Letter to the Community re Yamim Noraim

  In August the Rabbinical Council of Victoria wrote to community members about the plans being made for the Yamim Noraim (High Holy Days), explaining the conversations that were happening with government as well as the launch of Project High Holy Days, to accomodate the community's needs.
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  2020-03-31

  Jewish Melbourne: Rabbinical Council of Victoria Pesach guidelines

  The Rabbinical Council of Victoria, working with the Melbourne Beth Din, produced guidelines for Pesach during Covid-19. Information is provided on inviting guests, using Zoom for the seder, 'Reaching out to the Vulnerable,' and giving tzedakah
• 
  2020

  Jewish Melbourne: Kehilat Nitzan congregating protocols

  For a brief moment in May, lockdown was lifted across Victoria and synagogues could have small gatherings of people. Kehilat Nitzan released details of their protocols for attending services.