Erev Sukkos Letter from Community Rabbonim: Yeshiva & Shul Closures, Government & Media Scrutiny and More Important Information

Lichvod Our Beloved Far Rockaway Community, Amus”h

As we are all aware, we have unfortunately been experiencing a significant Covid-19 uptick
in our neighborhood. Additionally, in recent days, N.Y.C. and N.Y. State have identified and
been focusing upon the high infection rate in our communities.

This is alarming for three reasons, each meaningful in its own right:

A) Covid-19 is a Sakana: Although it appears that in most cases the symptoms of the
virus have been relatively mild, there have also been some extremely serious cases
as a result of this uptick, Rachmana Litzlan.

It is our responsibility to exercise great care and to do whatever we can
to minimize risk of exposure and potential transmission of the virus. This is our
Chiyuv in following the Mitzva of “ViNishmartem Mi’od LiNafshoseichem” to
the best of our ability.

B) Yeshiva, School & Shul closures: The Department of Health has explicitly
informed our community leaders that if our infection rate does not subside, our
Yeshivos, schools, and Shuls may be closed. The DOH is closely monitoring our
community. We must do all that is in our power to avoid this calamity. There is
also the possibility of a lockdown that could close local businesses and negatively
impact Parnassa as well.

C) The government scrutiny and media coverage has generated a Chillul
Hashem, r”l. There has been much focus on the neighborhoods in N.Y.C. and in
Nassau with the highest rates of infection that all share the common denominator of
dense Orthodox populations, and regarding the spread of the virus in the Orthodox
community.

We are therefore asking of our community to comply with the following important
guidelines. We hope and Daven that these measures, with Siyata Dishmaya, will help
lower the infection rate in our community, and keep our Yeshivos and Batei
Midrashos open:

1) Masks & social distancing:

• Masks should now be required in all of our Shuls and Yeshivos, and outdoor
Minyanim should have masks as well.
• We strongly encourage wearing masks in streets and public areas – even for those
who have antibodies – both for safety reasons and to prevent Aiyva and Chillul
Hashem.

2) Dancing on Simchas Torah and at Simchas Beis HaShoeivas: Singing and dancing
in close proximity, even with masks and gloves, creates an environment with a high level of respiratory droplets that can carry Covid-19, and creates a serious risk of potential transmission of the virus, even when dancing outdoors.

• Our Shuls and Yeshivos should adjust their Hakafos, and avoid singing and dancing
in close proximity, as this threatens our communal health and Yeshiva openings.
Accordingly, such dancing in close proximity should be avoided in outdoor Minyanim
as well.

3) Follow Quarantine rules: Individuals who have had direct contact with a Covid-positive
individual must strictly adhere to quarantine guidelines.

• Individuals in quarantine may not attend Shul, and should instead Daven
B’Yechidus.

• Individuals who are experiencing Covid-like symptoms should stay at home.
Someone who isn’t careful and transmits Covid to a child can be responsible for
closing down an entire class for two weeks. If that child then transmits it to a few
friends, it can result in closing an entire school, Chas V’Shalom.

4) Kiddushim: Although Kiddushim play an important role, they can dramatically increase
the risk of infection, and should therefore not take place at this time.

5) Simchos: While we are Makir Tov to HKB”H for every Simcha, weddings and other
Simchas have been identified as a primary source of contagion during this recent uptick in
our communities.

• We are therefore asking of Ba’alei Simcha, when planning their Simcha (whether in
a catering hall or a backyard), to take responsibility to ensure that their Simcha does
not cause harm to health nor to our Chinuch system.

• Masks should be provided & worn by all, and hand sanitizers should be readily
available.

• Dancing should be modified and adjusted.

• Guest lists should be carefully evaluated and limited appropriately.

• Government guidelines must be followed, and any potential for Aiyva and Chillul
Hashem r”l must be avoided.

We continue to Daven for Rachamei Shamayim Merubim, the ongoing Shteiging in our
Mosdos HaTorah U’Tefilla, and a speedy end to this Mageifa, B’ezras Hashem Yisborach.
With an abundance of love and respect for our Choshuve community,

HaRav Yaakov Bender
HaRav Moshe Brown
HaRav Binyamin Forst
HaRav Naftoli Jaeger
HaRav Yechiel Yitzchok Perr

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