In light of the increasing numbers of Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in Nassau County (and beyond), we continue to urge people to take the necessary precautions, such as: washing hands thoroughly with soap and water; not shaking hands with others; and staying home if you are not well. Elderly people and those with compromised immune systems should certainly take every possible precaution.
Things are fluid and there are new revelations almost every day. We continue to strongly encourage people to follow the guidelines of the CDC and the Nassau County Department of Health. We are B"H calm, and we urge all of you to be calm, as well, in these challenging times. We will all continue to pray sincerely and powerfully for abundant help in bringing a protection to all in need in the very near future IY"H. Let us never lose sight of the potency of our heartfelt Prayer and Torah learning in arousing the mercy of G-d, and engendering the special protection of the Guardian of Israel.
As things develop, we will continue to update our precautionary measures. These guidelines are focused on the many Synagogues in the community, based on the norms of Synagogue life. This letter does not make recommendations about the yeshivos and schools that will continue to make determinations and establish guidelines for their respective student bodies.
Accordingly, we are adding the following:
Non-Essential Gatherings
All these recommendations are subject to change as the situation on the ground changes.
Kiddush - While we recognize the right of the leadership of each Synagogue to set their own policies regarding Synagogue kiddush, we highly recommend refraining from regular Synagogue sponsored kiddush. Private celebration kiddush may continue at the discretion of the Celebrating Family, ideally with minimized numbers, and naturally incorporating all recommended health precautions. (These may be canceled as per the recommendations of the Department of Health of Nassau County.) Extreme care and caution must be taken to ensure that all remain extremely vigilant in all matters of hygiene, cleanliness, etc. Anyone who is not feeling well and/or showing signs of cold-like symptoms, must stay at home and avoid any and all crowds at the current time.
Lobby gatherings post services- We suggest that people go home soon after services, congregating solely outside as needed (weather permitting).
Torah Classes- Weighing myriad factors and variables relevant to his Synagogue, each Rabbi will determine what Torah Classes in his Synagogue will continue regularly, and which will instead be streamed live (or recorded and made available online).
Social events - We recommend to cancel all Synagogue sponsored social events as of now. Personal social events are left to the discretion of the organizers.
Youth Groups on Shabbat - As long as the local yeshivos and schools remain operational, we will continue to offer Youth Groups on Shabbat.
Minyanim / Daily Services
Each Synagogue will be actively seeking ways to spread people out over different times and spaces, helping to decompress larger-sized minyanim and create more space between individual members.
Elderly and at-Risk Congregants
The CDC notes that the following people are at greater risk:
Older adults and people with compromised immune systems
People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
Heart disease
Diabetes
Lung disease
If a COVID-19 outbreak happens in our community, it could last for a long time. (An outbreak is when a large number of people suddenly get sick.) Depending on how severe the outbreak is, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce people’s risk of being exposed to COVID-19. These actions can slow the spread and reduce the impact of disease.
If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.
Please consult your medical care provider or physician as to the recommendations suggested in your case. Even if you feel well, please take a moment to consider whether you are in any of the above categories, and then please consult your doctor.
If you are unable to come to Services due to illness or are in quarantine, someone else should be arranged to say Kaddish for you. If you do not know someone who can say Kaddish for you, we can help you arrange for Kaddish to be said.
Those with any psychiatric conditions, especially anxiety, or you are experiencing debilitating stress, should consult with a mental health professional. Please contact your Rabbi who can put you in touch with a crisis counselor.
Please note: This is an opportunity to teach our children in non-alarmist, age-appropriate ways, that the Torah teaches us and has done so for thousands of years, to do everything we can to preserve our own health and that of everyone around us. When we exhibit concern about our own hygiene and care, we are showing respect for the well-being of others, some of whom may be at an elevated risk. It is important that we communicate to our children that they are safe in ways that do not dismiss any fears they may have, or any real concerns expressed by our health officials. Every time we remain calm and responsive to our children's daily needs during times of heightened concern, we are strengthening their resilience.
May G-d watch over all our communities, and carry us through these difficult times without any serious illness. May we merit soon a special measure of help from Above, and dance and celebrate together with all of Israel and the Righteous Moshiach, Speedily in our Times amen!
With boundless love, care, and concern,
Your devoted community Rabbonim.
Rabbi Shalom Axelrod, Young Israel of Woodmere
Rabbi Heshy Billet, Young Israel of Woodmere
Rabbi Heshy Blumstein, Yismach Moshe
Rabbi Meir Braunstein, Agudath Yisroel of Long Island
Rabbi Pinchas Chatzinoff, Congregation Tifereth Zvi
Rabbi Dovid Cohen, Congregation Ohr Torah
Rabbi Ariel Edelstein, Kehillas Yagdil Torah
Rabbi Aaron Feigenbaum, Irving Place Minyan
Rabbi Eytan Feiner, The White Shul
Rabbi Yaakov Feitman, Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi
Rabbi Dovid Forsham, Bais Medrash of Lawrence
Rabbi Yitzchok Frankel, Agudas Yisroel of the Five Towns
Rabbi Aryeh Ginzberg, Chofetz Chaim Torah Center
Rabbi Daniel Glatstein, Kehillas Ahavas Yisrael
Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, Young Israel of Woodmere
Rabbi Kenneth Hain, Congregation Beth Sholom
Rabbi Simcha Hopkovitz, Young Israel of Hewlett
Rabbi Elisha Horowitz, Khal Agudas Achim
Rabbi Yehoshua Kalish, Bais Medrash of Harborview
Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, Beis HaKnesses of North Woodmere
Rabbi Simcha Lefkowitz, Congregation Anshei Chesed
Rabbi Yoni Levin, Aish Kodesh
Rabbi Avi Miller, Congregation Beth Sholom
Rabbi Jonathan Muskat, Young Israel of Oceanside
Rabbi Motti Neuburger, The White Shul
Rabbi Uri Orlian, Congregation Shaaray Tefila
Rabbi Ephraim Polakoff, Congregation Bais Tefilah of Woodmere
Rabbi Mordechai Prus, Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach
Rabbi Zvi Ralbag, Congregation Bais Ephraim Yitzchok
Rabbi Isaac Rice, Congregation Anshei Chesed
Rabbi Shmuel Rodkin, Bais Medrash Zichron Dovid
Rabbi Shay Schachter, Young Israel of Woodmere
Rabbi Yehuda Septimus, Young Israel of North Woodmere
Rabbi Dovid Spiegel, Beis Medrash of Cedarhurst
Rabbi Asher Stern, Kehilas Bais Avrohom Zev
Rabbi Mordechai Stern, Bais Medrash Heichal Dovid
Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum, Young Israel Lawrence-Cedarhurst
Rabbi Ya’akov Trump, Young Israel Lawrence-Cedarhurst
Rabbi Shmuel Weinberg, KLA
Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, Aish Kodesh
Rabbi Akiva Willig, Beis Medrash of Woodmere
Rabbi Shmuel Witkin, Kehillas Bnai Hayeshivos
Rabbi Eliyahu Wolf, Young Israel of Woodmere
Rabbi Zalman Wolowik, Chabad of the Five Towns
Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, Kehillas Ateres Yaakov
Rabbi Yussie Zakutinsky, Khal Mevakshei Hashem
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