March 20, 2020
The Rabbinical Alliance of America — Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis — advises that due to the highly contagious nature of COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus), all men’s mikvahs are closed and men should refrain from attempting to enter or use a mikvah.
Men that feel that they need to use a mikvah because of Takanas Ezra can use Tisha Kavim instead, which according to our poskim can be achieved by taking a shower with full force for 7 minutes. During the shower, a man should stand with his hands and feet loose while the water washes over his body, with his head down while he stands straight.
All those who ignore this warning are committing a Mitzva Habo’oh B’Aveyrah and will be responsible.
This ruling does not apply to women using the mikvah, and anything that pertains to halochos of noshim, which continues in its regular fashion without any changes. This Psak Halacha only pertains to men using the mikvah during this medical crisis.
It is further advised that a segulah in resolving the current medical crisis is brought down in today’s Zohar HaKodesh found in Chok LiYisroel, in Thursday’s reading portion of Parshas Vayakhel. According to the Zohar HaKodesh, the reading of Parshas HaKtores twice daily, once in the morning and once at night, is the kiyum of this world and the world to come. Please take upon yourself to read Parshas HaKtores before Schacharis and before Mincha.
Sincerely,
HaRav Herschel Kurzrock
Av Bais Din Igud HaRabbonim
HaRav Herschel Schachter
Posek Orthodox Union Kashrus
HaRav Binyamin Hammer
Director of Rabbinic Services National Council of Young Israel
HaRav Eytan Feiner
Congregation Knesseth Israel, Far Rockaway, New York
HaRav Dr. Aaron Glatt
Director Medical Halacha Commission, Rabbinical Alliance of America
HaRav Mendy Mirocznik
Executive Vice-President, Rabbinical Alliance of America
HaRav Yaakov Klass
Presidium Chairman, Rabbinical Alliance of America
HaRav Duvid Katz
Menahel, Rabbinical Alliance of America