2020-10-2 Vaad Letter PDF available to view.
Erev Sukkos, 5781
As we are all aware, the COVID-19 virus, which had been largely dormant for several months in our community, has once again begun spreading here, and much more so, in other Jewish communities. While it appears that in most cases the symptoms of the virus are relatively mild, there have also been some extremely serious cases as a result of this spike of COVID-19. Needless to say, it is incumbent upon all of us to exercise great care to minimize any risk of exposure to, or transmission of, the virus.
It is also important to recognize that keeping the infection rate down in our community will, with Hashem’s help, help ensure that our yeshivos, botei medroshim and neighborhood businesses will remain open. If the infection rates in our community climbs high, there is a real threat that our mosdos will need to be closed, and we must do all in our power to avoid such an outcome.
As is well known, medical experts have identified a number of important steps people should take to protect themselves and those with whom they come into contact from COVID-19. These steps include social distancing, face covering, hand washing, special precautions for the elderly and for those with pre-existing medical conditions, and staying at home when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. In particular, as we approach the Yom Tov of Sukkos, it is important that such practices and procedures be implemented.
We stongly urge that the following basic guidelines should be followed by all.
• Anyone experiencing any symptoms of Covid must remain at home. Anyone who has been exposed to someone with Covid should quarantine themselves for the proper length of time.
• At this point in time, everyone should wear a face covering at all times in shul and in public places.
It is important that everyone should be in contact with their Rav for proper Halacha guidance and their medical health professional for proper medical advice for their personal safety.
May Hakadosh Baruch Hu bring refuah and yeshuah to all those in need of healing, and may all of us be blessed with good health, healing, strength and a Yom Tov that brings with it simcha, refuah, yeshuah and geulah.
Rabbi Avrohom Bleich
Rabbi Yosef Bromberg
Rabbi Levi Jundef
Rabbi Shaya Katz
Rabbi Simcha Klein
Rabbi Ari Kostelitz
Rabbi Boruch Levin
Rabbi Yisroel Menachem Levin
Rabbi Dov Loketch
Rabbi Yechiel Morris
Rabbi Elimelech Silberberg
Rabbi Chaim Gershon Steinmetz