The traditional Song of the Sea service on the eve of the last day of Passover, usually held on the beaches and along the rivers and lakes, will be observed tonight in synagogues, partly because of security reasons.
Officially, the waterside service was cancelled because in previous years it was marred by irresponsible people who violated the holiness of the event, a letter from the head of the Tel Aviv Religious Council to the gaboyim of synagogues said. The ceremonies attracted tourists who took pictures of observant Jews praying and thus interfered with the prayers, Because of this it was suggested that the Song of the Sea be recited inside synagogues.
However, it was learned that the mass concentration of people along the seashore and the rivers was causing anxiety among security people who suggested calling off the open air service.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
