| Our chaver Rav Eytan Feiner sent this letter to his community erev Yom Tov:
Erev Shabbos v’Yom Tov, 14 Tishrei, 5780/ October 2, 2020
Lichvod Dear White Shul Members, עמו”ש:
Shalom U’vracha, a Gutten Erev Shabbos v’Yom Tov, a Gut Kvittel, and a Gut Yahr! We sincerely hope and daven that you and your wonderful families are feeling well and managing well these days, bi’ruchniyus u’vi’gashmiyus.
Please note a few important points as we journey together towards Z’man Simchaseinu, הבא עלינו לטובה אי׳׳ה.
- COVID-19 PANDEMIC:
- Please click here to open and read carefully through the letter signed by several of our local Roshei Yeshiva and two of the senior Rabbonim. It contains extremely important policies and clearly delineated guidelines in light of the current uptick in COVID cases in our community. As your dedicated Rabbonim, we fully support the letter and strongly encourage strict adherence.
- Please see the warning sent by the Agudath Israel of America yesterday (appears below). Everyone must clearly understand that we are currently being closely monitored- a local institution was visited by the DOH just yesterday- and their representatives are especially watching for ubiquitous mask-wearing. Besides the sakanah involved, by not following strictly the safety measures and guidelines now in place, you are also threatening the closure of local Shuls and Yeshivos, chalila vi’chas.
- We have a Shul Sukkah available for those individuals and/or families who might require its use (with social distancing measures in place between families). It may not be used for any Minyanim to hold a Kiddush at this time. Please see the attached letter that clearly states that there are not to be any public Kiddushim (especially on the Shul premises) at the current time.
- Masks must be worn at all times in the Shul building.
- DAVENING:
- Anyone not feeling well or exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms at all (or in quarantine) may not come to Shul. The elderly, infirm, and immuno-compromised, etc., must speak with their physician before attending Shul, and ought to be exercising extreme caution. We currently offer Minyanim both inside and outside, all mask-mandatory.
- For those davening b’yechidus (in your home or Succah): You may recite the full Hallel (with a brachah), and may recite the Hoshanos as well. Although you are not obligated in Kri’as HaTorah, you may lein/read the Shabbos/Yom Tov leining (and Haftorah) from a Chumash to yourself. Even when davening b’yechidus, one should be adorned in proper and mechubadik Yom Tov clothing, adhere to all the regular zi’manei tefilla, and daven in a quiet place conducive to having the proper kavanah. Dalet Minim are not shaken on Shabbos; when shaken on Sunday, Shehecheyanu is recited.
- Anyone who needs any one of the Dalet Minim (or a complete set), may feel free to contact Rabbi Feiner anytime today or over the course of Yom Tov.
- Regarding the second half of Yom Tov (addressing Hakafos, getting an Aliyah, etc.), there will be a separate e-mail that will be sent before the last days of Yom Tov אי”ה.
- LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS (for Chol HaMoed): The following is a link to the Vaad HaKashrus website that has a list of the establishments that have a Succah up for Yom Tov: https://vaadhakashrus.org/sukkos-2020/. Please feel free to take the time to explore our wonderful Vaad haKashrus website– it is extremely professional, informational, and beneficial in many ways.
We are davening incessantly for your health, safety, and, of course, perpetual simchas ha’chaim! Bi’ezras Hashem, we will all merit a most meaningful, enjoyable, productive, and uplifting Shabbos and Yom Tov up ahead, and our unconditional Ahavas Chinam will help bring us all together with Mashiach Tzidkeinu in the ultimate “Succas Dovid” rebuilt speedily in our days!
With an abundance of love, respect, and never-ceasing admiration,
Kol Tuv tamid and warmest regards to all,
Rabbi Eytan Feiner
Rabbi Motti Neuburger
| NYS Health Department to Monitor COVID-19 Compliance |
| Over the last few days, Agudah Chairman of the Board Mr. Shlomo Werdiger, Executive Vice President Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel and Rabbi Yeruchim Silber, Director of New York Government Relations were among a group of Jewish leaders on a number of calls with both Governor Andrew Cuomo and State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker regarding the increasing number of COVID cases in Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods in New York State.
Today, Dr. Zucker informed us that DOH officials will be actively sent into the affected neighborhoods both to prevent large gatherings and enforce mask wearing. We remind and implore everyone to adhere to government regulations. We urgently need to stay safe. In addition, the ability of our Shuls, Yeshivas, and neighborhood businesses to remain open depends on the infection rate in our communities.
Further, we ask that if you are visited, please demonstrate your cooperation with government authorities. We are at risk of another shutdown of our shuls, schools, and businesses. Let’s not go back there.
May all of Klal Yisroel enjoy a most joyous Yom Tov in good health. |
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