From the desk of Rabbi Leonard ( Yehuda) Blank MS, BCC
Director of Chaplaincy Commission and External Affairs
Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim

April 7, 2020

                                          PLEASE NOTE: 

THE FOLLOWING WERE INCLUDED AT THE END OF THIS ARTICLE

On the one hand we are now reading and hearing about patients finally having a refuah from the COVID-19 and the other hand we are still hearing about and reading of those in r’l in critical condition and others being niftar. There are serious challenges ethical and al pi halacha. Of course it is important for Klal Yisrael to seek Daas Torah and with the help of the Aibershta, we will have the yeshua. HaGoan HaRav Dovid Feinstein shlita so zein gzundt would say to me “ Yehuda, are you asking me or are you telling me”. When one seeks the advice of a Rav, a Posek, is the person interested in really wanting to know what to do or more interested in telling what he/she thinks is best. The same with many issues when dealing with a doctor. We have today many erlicha doctors such as our very own Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt who have in collaboration with our Gedolim have been giving vital advice and most of all, our Gedolim and Rabbonim have been giving very firm directions if -when- how to do certain things that are considered pikuach nefesh  on Shabbos and Yom Tov ,all the various laws for pre, during and after Pesach and other challenging situations many have not encountered beforehand. Yet, with all the multitudes of shailos being answered there is tremendous chizuk – there is much hope. In many or our tefilos we are mispallel and acknowledge the hope from the Ribono Shel Olam. As Rabbonim, seeing the tears, sharing the tears, giving the strength to all those who need that extra encouragement to go on with life is so important. It is not easy, knowing what to say, how to say, when to say or should it be said. The Rabbinical Alliance is truly fortunate to have such wonderful relationships with Gedolim and also professionals in the many fields we seek advice from. The Igud has grown to become a worthy rabbinical organization gaining recognition for it’s outstanding members, collaborations with other organizations, professionals and new horizons with shiurim, programs and events. Let us be mispallel all those who need a refuah should have a complete one, all those who need to be comforted , may their days, months and years ahead be filled with comfort and happiness. May we all be zocher the geulah shelaima. May the Aibershta infuse us with the direction and strength so that our kesher will continue to grow and be closer than ever. We do believe, we do know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Respectfully and sincerely, Yehuda Blank