Is There Disunity Because of Frumkeit?

The Way We Were (Jewish Action)

I know this subject has practically been ‘discussed to death’ (no pun intended). But I can't help it. The COVID-19 pandemic is on my mind constantly. As I’m sure it has been on just about everyone else’s mind. It  has been the subject of practically every post here since the serious nature of the disease became known to us. Which has– required all of us to ‘shelter in place’ at home unless absolutely necessary.

Since about early to mid March, the infection rates and deaths had been going up. Eventually every state in the union was effected. And with each passing day there seemed to be more bad news about this virus. 

Although the situation seems to have improved somewhat in the sense that the infection and death rates are either plateau-ing or going down, there are still a lot of people getting sick and dying every day despite that statistic. Which means that the danger is still out there. There is still communal spread. New people are getting infected every day. And some of them are dying.

And yet if we are to survive as a country, we can’t stay home forever. We have to get back to work. It can’t be only about essential businesses. People need to work and make a living. The unemployment rate is at nearly the level of the Great Depression. And predicted by some economists to possibly even surpass it! There are now ‘food lines’ reminiscent of the bread lines of the 30s.

If there is a ‘positive’ side to this, it is that the fundamentals of the economy are strong and not what caused it to collapse. A virus did. If for example the virus was somehow completely eliminated, we would likely spring back very quickly to what we had before. At least in most cases (And according to Fed Chief Jerome Powell maybe even surpass it.) Back in the 30s it was the fundamentals of the economy itself that was the problem.

This has been pretty much acknowledged by most economists. Meanwhile there have been very loud and emotional protests for several weeks now by people who want to go back to work, or open up their businesses. They simply want to support their families.

So a federal plan was devised to cautiously open things back up. Illinois has taken an even more aggressive position on opening things up. Insisting that it is being done with the caution heath officials require. It is a balancing act to see what can be done for the economy while maintaining safe working conditions and the safety of consumers. 

Nothing will look quite the same. And not all will benefit. Some businesses (e.g. certain restaurants)  have already closed permanently.  Business that cater specifically to big crowds will surely not reopen any time soon. Airlines are struggling to stay alive. Major department stores – that were already in trouble - are facing accelerated rates of bankruptcy. Major sporting events will soon begin, but without any fans in their stadiums. I don’t know if I’ve covered everything, but there is one additional thing that is about to change that I have been commenting about a lot lately. The opening of Shuls.

Illinois has already been allowing church and synagogue services to be held with a maximum of ten people in attendance. They must however wear masks and observe a social distancing policy of at least 6 feet. New York is now permitting this too.

The question arises about how Orthodox Shuls should handle this development after being shut down for so long. As mentioned yesterday there has been a break among Orthodox factions in this regard. 

When this whole thing began, there was unity. The rabbinic leadership across the entire spectrum of Orthodoxy required Shuls and Yeshivos to be shuttered. All for the same reason. Leaving them open would kill people. 

As I’ve said many times Pikuach Nefesh requires even the desecration of Shabbos. Davening with a Minyan comes nowhere near that. So as bad as the pandemic is - the unity that was expressed at that time was a silver lining.  But  now it is gone with the wind. Gone nationally and gone locally. Two letters have come out – each with different message. 

The OU/RCA (and the CRC in Chicago) have announced that it will not be too long before Shuls begin opening up in limited ways. However, even though it is now legal to do that, they will not be doing so yet since the required guidelines are not always followed by everyone. (Even if unintentionally). And as mentioned above the dangers are all still very real. They will be waiting a bit more until things improve further. 

I think that is the right decision. That should have been the unanimous decision. But it wasn’t.

The Agudah is allowing Shuls to open now since the government now feels it is safe enough to do so if guidelines are strictly followed. 

Which is easier said than done.

I said it yesterday, and I will say it again. Because it really irks me. I do not understand why the Agudah is being Mekil in Pikuach Nefesh! Why must they break with the unity they had on this issue? Why do they feel that Teffilah B’Tzibur, which is at most a D’Rabbanon, is worth the very real risk of someone getting infected and possibly dying. Even if it is now permitted by the government? I’m sure if they were to ask heath officials which is the safer option, they would be advised to still stay home for now.

I get the psychological desire to go back to the way we were. I understand the importance of T’fillah B’Tzibur.  As  I have said, before the pandemic I had been going to a Minysn 3 times every day for decades. I miss doing it. Davening at home alone is not the same as Daveing with a Minayn. Not even close. I can’t wait to go back. But I am not going to. I don’t want to risk it. I want to increase my chances of surviving. Not decrease them.

What is it about Rabbonim of the Agudah that makes them more anxious to go back to Shul - more than do the Rabbonim of the OU/RCA?  Why take a chance like this when the health of everyone is at stake?

Is it worth the break in unity that we had so that they could start going to Shul a little earlier?  Why couldn’t they wait so that we can all do it together? And thereby maintain this newfound unity? Especially on issues of Pikuach Nefesh? 

Is it to show how Frum they are compared to everyone else? Because if that’s it, by doing this I think they fail to demonstrate that.

Yes. I am angry! And very disappointed.