With the many halachic questions arising due to coronavirus and quarantine, Anash.org presents practical Halacha for Shabbos.
With the many halachic questions arising due to coronavirus and quarantine, Anash.org presents practical Halacha for Shabbos.
Based on pesokim by Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin – Rov of Anash in Petach Tikva
One who is ordered to be in quarantine by the doctors, must stay in quarantine. The Torah instructs us to guard our health “ונשמרתם מאוד לנפשותיכם”
Davening – If one is in quarantine, he should absolutely not attend a Minyan. Poskim state that even if one is davening alone, he should daven shmoneh esrei at the same time as a minyan. Friday night one should add the paragraph of “ולומר” before borchu. According to minhag Chabad, one recites vayechulu even when davening alone.
Kiddush – One in quarantine may hear the kiddush being made in a different room and does not need to drink from the wine. In general, if one is concerned about the coronavirus, he need not drink from the kiddush cup.
Krias Hatorah – This week is Parshas Parahn and some opinions hold that is a d’oraysa obligation. If one cannot come to shul, if he can attend next week and arrange a minyan of those who missed Parshas Parah, it can be read together with Parshas Hachodesh from a third Sefer Torah. Rabbonim should be consulted for the exact details of this krias hatorah.
Hand Sanitizer – Most hand sanitizers are sufficiently liquidy and may be used, provided that they are unscented.
Hand Soap – Bars may not be used on Shabbos. Some are strict with liquid soap to dilute it.
Shuls – One must make sure that shuls are not too packed and distance between individuals is maintained at all times.
Mikvah – Men under quarantine are strictly forbidden from going to Mikvah, Erev Shabbos or otherwise. Women must consult a Rov.
Wearing a medical mask outside where there is no eiruv may pose a shailah. However, a ski mask or the like may be worn.