From the desk of Rabbi Leonard ( Yehuda) Blank MS, BCC
Director of Chaplaincy Commission and External Affairs
Rabbinical Alliance of America. Igud HaRabbonim
THIS IS TRULY URGENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Doctor after doctor in many of our communities including Hatzoloh have stressed how contagious the Coronavirus COVID-19 is and the serious ramifications should the elderly, those with certain medical conditions and compromised immune systems get this disease. There are reports of many in our communities already on life saving respirators. Every member of the Rabbinical Alliance of America/ Igud HaRabbonim must continue to do outreach and spread the word.
Please see below a JOINT STATEMENT by major Orthodox organizations urging people to stay home in order to save lives.
We must also do what is necessary for the homebound, those without any support system and even those with family and friends, might still be lonely and not able to purchase items he/she/ they need everyday. And what about the forthcoming Yom Tov of Pesach. How many need assistance shopping, getting their apartments and homes ready. Many have their pots, pans, dishes, and other needed items that have been stored away, but because they are elderly or not physically able to do so on their own. What kind of help do they need to be ready for Pesach, or getting their kitchens ready .What about those who will not be able to attend a seder with family and others. What about mchiras chometaz biur chametz etc. How many might be embarrassed to ask for help. Also, we must remember not to visit anyone if you might have the sniffles, cold symptoms etc. Also, children can be like adults’ carriers of this virus without any symptoms. It is possible they can be carriers for weeks. These and other thoughts should be on all our member’s minds.
The Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim is blessed to have Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt as our Director of Medical Halacha Commission and is widely respected as an authority who has given us many serious and vital information and directives. The White House had a call in conference today which was quite informative and reinforced the need for vigilance. I have attached guidelines from the White House. We as members of one of the largest organizations of rabbonim can and do instill much chizuk with congregants ,continued kesher with the Aibershta and a kesher with our medical experts. We can do much to save lives in many ways.
Thank you. Sincerely with much respect,
Yehuda Blank |
