Is COVID-19 the Death of the Synagogue?

COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on the world, and the Jewish community is not immune to its destructive force. As a consequence of the pandemic, hefker now rules in many synagogues across America. Religious institutions have been asked or told to undergo a shift in business as usual. The numbers of worshipers have been severely restricted. Prayer length has been shortened. Participants have been asked to wear masks and to maintain social distance.