Bnei Brak

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish teens attend the funeral for Rabbi Mordechai Leifer in Ashdod, Israel, Oct. 5, 2020.

Israeli ultra-Orthodox celebrate Simchat Torah holiday despite lockdown orders

Sacred Nation

Under lockdown rules, gatherings are limited to 20 people outdoors and 10 indoors. But on Saturday night, in the Shikun Hahistadrut neighborhood, music and singing rang out from the open windows of a Torah study seminary as celebrants gathered.

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish family wearing masks

Coronavirus restrictions challenge customs of ultra-Orthodox in Israel

COVID-19
Tell us about your experience accessing The World

We want to hear your feedback so we can keep improving our website, theworld.org. Please fill out this quick survey and let us know your thoughts (your answers will be anonymous). Thanks for your time!

We respect your time, attention and privacy

This is a news website, not a click casino. We do NOT employ deceptive behaviors, display annoying ads or use third party cookies and trackers to monetize your visit or help advertisers track you across the internet.

Simply, we ask that you would consider a donation to support the journalism we produce every weekday. Thank you.