There is expected to be a meeting of Five Towns rabbis tonight, March 12, according to Rabbi Zalman Wolokwik of the Chabad of the Five Towns, as the religious leaders grapple with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak that has infected a good portion of the world’s countries.
Officially called a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, the COVID-19 outbreak caused the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County in New Jersey to send out a letter to all its synagogues strongly urging congregants to work from home, no play dates though schools are closed and shuls will be closed for prayer gatherings effective Friday morning, March 13.
No public celebrations, no gatherings for Shabbat meals and phone or video calls should replace shiva calls. The rabbi suggest refraining from taking part in contact sports and eating at restaurants. The rabbis recommend ordering for pickup or delivery.
Chabad of Hewlett Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim said he is not considering canceling services at this time. The Chabad did postpone its annual dinner to May 27. It was originally scheduled for March 18.
“At this point we advise everyone to follow the Health Department guidelines, and obviously anyone that doesn’t feel well should stay home,” he said.
“If they need our help they should reach out immediately,” Tenenboim added. “At the same time we encourage our congregants and everybody to keep up the good spirit and faith in God. They should keep praying to God for all of us and that we should overcome these challenging time. As always, our Chabad house is here to help. if anyone needs, please reach out.”
Orthodox Five Towns rabbis sent out a letter today, March 12. See Breakout box.
“So far the local consensus is that we will hold services but some congregations like mine, will not serve our normal Kiddush,” said Rabbi Claudi Kupchik of Temple Beth El in Cedarhurst. “Others are considering using pre-portioned food. We are all attuned to the situation and to what the directives are so things might change at any time.”
Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum, leader of the Reform congregation Temple Israel at Lawrence, sent a message to his congregants.
“There is no question that these are times of concern that call for caution. In this light, as your rabbi, who is here for you now, I will be with you throughout this period, I ask that first and foremost, that as members of a family, we be of support and help to one another.
“Next, follow closely the guidelines of sanitary measures put forward by the CDC and local, state and national government. While we have the natural instinct to shake hands and kiss, don’t do it!
“For three millennia, Jews have greeted each other with the word Shalom, which means Peace. Therefore, a good way of greeting one another with the Peace Sign or until further notice, greet each other with the Bracha — elbow bump. It’s a blessed way of greeting one another; a real Bracha.
“And to help lift your spirits, join me and the Cantor for Shabbat Services Friday 7 to 7:30 p.m., beginning this Friday and until further notice.
