The Chabad of Vancouver Island in Victoria is resuming some indoor service this week.
Orthodox Jewish congregations in B.C. have been granted an exemption to hold small in-person gatherings this week in order to mark the Jewish holiday of Purim as well as the Sabbath.
The exemption was granted because Orthodox Jewish tradition bans the use of electronic devices during services, meaning they cannot be held electronically.
Synagogues are still expected to follow COVID-19 protocols, masks will be required and there will be a limit on how many people can attend. Synagogues will also be expected to ensure attendees are social distancing.
At Chabad of Vancouver Island in Victoria, the maximum capacity has been set at 25 people, with the windows being kept open throughout the service.
In-person religious services have been banned in British Columbia since November as a result of COVID-19, resulting in some Orthodox congregations holding outdoor services.
However, some places of worship, such as Oaklands Bible Chapel in Victoria, have held indoor services despite the ban. A group of curches on the Lower Mainland have challenged the provincial health orders banning in-person religious services.
READ MORE: Victoria church holding in-person worship services despite provincial ban
With files from CBC News
CHEK News
