Rabbi Adler Communications during Coronavirus pandemic

Chaveireinu HaYikarim,

I hope you and your family are well . I take this opportunity to clarify the implications of the last brief you received from the RCBC. The issue at stake is a very serious one, as a Vaad and individually, the Rabbanim recognize that our highest priority is maintaining the health of our respective kehilot. The mitzvah of וחי בהם , that our Torah promotes life, overrides 610 of the 613 mitzvot . Even ספק סכנה , the remote possibility that one might lose his/her life, we are directed to exercise every avenue to remove the possibility of one losing their life. The fact that the government has relaxed its standard and allowed public gatherings of 25 people does not override the halachic decision making process . We have consulted with many doctors who have opined that the recommendation of the OU to wait two weeks after the Governor’s announcement before validating the opening of minyanim . This decision was affirmed by Rabbis Schachter, Willig and Asher Weiss giving the RCBC the halachic guidance as to what is appropriate. As indicated in the RCBC letter we will begin with outdoor minyanim for Mincha and Maariv on June 4th. Unfortunately, that means we will not be able to daven together for the Yom Tov of Shavuot and I appeal to you not to make rogue minyanim. I can state unequivocally that no Posek would say that tefilah Btzibbur overrides potential safek sakanat Nefashot .
 
Minyanim will be formed among neighbors.  Based on RCBC guidelines, we require that there will be a limit of 15 people for each minyan.  The seats will follow the social distancing requirements of 6 feet between seats and every person must wear a mask.  The home owner will (or will appoint someone to) be responsible for the smooth operation of each minyan.  Everyone should bring their own Siddur and Chumash.  As we were advised to bring these minyanim in slowly, the Chazzan will begin with the Kaddish and Borchu.  Birchat HaShachar and Pesukai Dzimrah should be recited at home.  Tallis and Tefilin should be put on and off at home. No bathroom facilities will be available and as such the davening will move along at an accelerated pace. At this initial stage, there will be no kriat haTorah.  There will be no derashot.  If you plan to host a minyan in your backyard, we ask that you send an email to our Gabbai David Schiff at gabbai@rinat.org so that we can help those who may appeal to us for assistance in finding a suitable location.  Critically, as per the RCBC guidelines, we ask that once you participate in a minyan location you maintain that location and not move around to "visit" other minyanim periodically, for everyone's safety.  There is an honor system in effect.  No one is policing anyone else's conduct.  There are no monetary fines to be levied.  But as a Torah community, our emphasis must be on everyone's welfare.  I appeal to you, please do not deviate from these directives.
 
Every doctor we consulted stated that attendance should be limited to those not in the high risk category. That means that if you are over 60, are immunocompromised, suffer from diabetes, obesity or have other serious medical conditions, you should not attend these minyanim. Consequently, I personally will not be permitted to join any of the minyanim.

We will be in constant contact with our doctors who will be monitoring the number of covid patients that are entering our local hospitals. If the current trend is not sustained and G-D forbid there be a rise in the spread of the virus it may be necessary to stop these minyanim once again . As we get closer to our opening date further details will be forwarded.

I also asked the doctor if we can relax the visitation rule in light of the decreasing number of covid cases. The strain on the collective mental health of Teaneck is something that must be taken seriously.  Hence they said that if both families have been abiding the safety rules thus far it would be okay to invite ONE and only one family to join you for Yom Tov. That would include parents with their married child or a friend. However, they were firm in their insistence that social distancing be observed even during the meals and that a mask be used for as long as possible . I just saw that someone in Medinat Yisrael created a mask with a zipper to allow you to eat while wearing the mask.

I encourage everyone once again to maintain social distancing and wear a mask every time you are outside

Best wishes for meaningful Zman Mattan Torahteinu
 
Yosef Adler