BOURNEMOUTH Reform Synagogue is set to reopen next week for the Jewish festival of Shavu'ot following 15 months of closure.

Shavu'ot is a spring festival that marks the receiving of the Torah, the Hebrew Bible.

It is a time for reaffirmation, which certainly fits the return to the synagogue from Monday, May 17.

Rabbi Maurice Michaels said: "A rearrangement of seating to maximise attendance, while maintaining the necessary social distancing guidelines – wearing masks and not being able to provide refreshments – will make it all rather strange, but we have to take precautions to reduce risks."

While Rabbi Michaels said his excitement at being back welcoming people to the synagogue was tempered by the death of several regular congregants, who will be sadly missed,

However, he said the festival will also present an opportunity to met a number of people who have joined the synagogue during the pandemic.

Rabbi Michaels added: "One of the remarkable things we found was a huge increase in our attendance at Services and other events on Zoom and so we will continue to provide that option once we reopen."