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| Rav Gershon Edelstein (Arutz Sheva) |
The question is, what are the religious schools that are unaffiliated
with the government doing? Most Charedim send their children to those kinds of
schools. Are they practicing social distancing of any kind? The risk associated with not doing that is not
limited to the Charedi world. They inevitably interact with the rest of Israel.
And with the coronavirus being so of contagious, it places everyone at risk!
Earlier today, I checked with my son who is a Rosh Chabura
(teaches) in the Mir. He has informed me that (if I understand correctly) they
are practicing are limiting each of their Batei Medrash (study
halls) to a maximum of 100 students. I don’t know what other religious schools
are doing. I hope they are following suit.
I have no way of verifying if it is true, but I saw a disturbing notice (in Hebrew) that supposedly
contained a Halachic ruling by R’ Chaim Kainevsky and R’ Gershon Edlestein. These two elders of Israel supposedly said that day schools and Yeshivos should not be disrupted. Students should continue their studies as usual. Preventing the
study of Torah, they say, is far more dangerous than the coronavirus!
I honestly cannot believe they said that! The Gemarah is
very clear on the issue of health versus Halacha: Chamira Sakanta Me’Isurah (Chulin 10a)! Which basically means when there is a conflict
between ones health and violating Halacha, we must choose health and violate
Halacha. This is based on the Torah’s admonition that we are supposed to be extremely
careful about guarding our lives.
Which is the reason – I suppose that the same R’ Kanievsky
issued a notice last week that those who are quarantined because they might
have the virus, should NOT go to Shul. Even though it meant missing the
biblical requirement to erase the memory of Amalek (Parshas Zachor) which is
read every year at this time.
This is why I tend to doubt that this Psak was issued by
either of these two rabbinic leaders. Can it be that that they are willing to
risk the health of so many students, teachers,
and others?! If true, it would seem to be the height of irresponsibility
to ignore that Gemarah and put so many people at risk. Besides – staying home and out of the
classroom does not prevent studying Torah at home, with a parent or brother. Or
even by oneself.
I hope it isn’t true.
Because if it is I don’t get it!
Hat tip Marty Bluke
