A Ripponlea synagogue is now allowed to open to provide limited support services within the public health directions. (Jason Edwards)

Ripponlea Synagogue given green light to provide ‘support services’

A synagogue at the centre of a police investigation has been given the green light to provide “community support services” ahead of the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.

But the facility – which was hit with a prohibition notice by the Department of Health following a violent stand off last week – must not gather for worship or prayer.

The Herald Sun has been told the venue could now open to provide limited support services within the public health directions because it had now implemented Covid-safe protocols and practices.

Places of worship are able to host essential support services, such as operating a food bank or a service for homeless people.

A maximum of 10 people can receive the service at any one time.

The Department of Health maintains that no exemptions were made to allow worshippers to observe Yom Kippur, which began at sunset on Wednesday night.

It comes after ultra-Orthodox Jewish leaders – representing up to 1500 families – pleaded to be granted a permit ahead of the “holiest day on the Jewish calendar”.

They argued that unlike other demoninations, “we do not have the option of electronic broadcast or the use of any other technology on our Sabbath and Jewish festival days, due to the restrictions of Jewish Laws on these days”.

Read the article by in the Herald Sun.