Burning of the Bread is an annual Passover ritual – but this year, health concerns hung over the event due to the recent outbreak of the measles.

There have been 186 cases of the measles so far in Rockland County, and health officials fear events like the one in Monsey Friday morning could cause that number to increase.

The ceremony is performed the morning before Passover. It symbolizes the burning of leavened breads and other foods that are forbidden during the holy holidays.

Health officials and some in the Orthodox community said the gathering attracted so many people, it could lead to the spread of measles.

Jewish leaders who spoke with News 12 said any worry is a bit of an overreaction. People who participated in the ritual said they were only there for a few minutes and were not concerned.