The three members of the Crown Heights Beis Din issued a letter containing instructions and suggestions for a proper response to the coronavirus.
By Anash.org reporter
The three members of the Crown Heights Beis Din issued a letter containing instructions and suggestions for a proper response to the coronavirus.
The letter comes in response to the recent developments in Crown Heights, with 3 cases of coronavirus confirmed, and schools announcing that they will be closed until further notice.
Harav Avrohom Osdoba, Harav Yaacov Schwei and Harav Yosef Braun signed on the public letter in which was published in Hebrew. For the benefit of the public, we present a brief summary of the points mentioned.
1. Everyone must strictly adhere to the instructions of doctors and the New York State Health Departement.
2. It is forbidden to ‘play tricks’ with these matters, Heaven forbid.
3. The above includes not gathering in large crowds.
4. The same applies for davening in a minyan at 770 and similar situations.
5. Halacha states that one must be more careful not to harm others, than not to be harmed himself.
6. As Chassidim, we must be especially vigilant about the above, as per the Alter Rebbe.
7. Don’t panic and don’t scare others.
8. Although one must follow all directives of the doctors, one’s mind should be focused on other matters.
9. Add in Torah and Tefillah, especially in kavana during brachos, reciting Tehillim and giving Tzedaka.
10. There is a tradition from the Alter Rebbe to learn Parshas Haketores with Rashi and shnayim mikrah v’echod targum. (Parshas Haketores is in this week’s Parsha, Ki Sisa).
10. Be careful not to speak during davening – Shachris, Mincha and Maariv.
11. Check Tefillin and Mezuzos (if you have not done so in the past 12 months).
12. Add in Mivtzoim – especially a letter on the unity Sefer Torahs and Mitzvah Matzah.
