Unprecedented!

COVID-19 test kit (YWN)

Shabbos is about to be upon us. For most of the Orthodox world in this country this will be the first time we will not be going to Shul. Never in all my 73 years would I have ever thought this to be possible. Now it is a reality.

The reason for this is what we have been discussing now for days: The COVID-19 pandemic.  COVID-19 is a disease that has shown to be deadly in many cases. This has caused the entire Orthodox world in America to unite in unprecedented ways.

The Chicago Orthodox Rabbinate (Agudah and the CRC) has issued a joint statement warning all of us to stay home under all circumstances – unless it is absolutely necessary as a matter of health. They have emphatically said that staying home is required by Halacha as a matter of Pikuach Nefesh - saving lives.

The latest bulletin is that there are now dozens of people that have tested positive - scattered throughout all Orthodox neighborhoods in Chicago. Just a few days ago there were only 4 cases. Those who tested positive had surely been in contact with others in the community before they knew they had the virus. Which could mean hundreds more will test positive in the coming weeks. and they too won't be aware of it while being contagious nonetheless. That could eventually multiply into the thousands!

Which is why it is imperative that we all stay home and self quarantine even on Shabbos - a day where it is psychologically very difficult to do. Families should stay intact in their own homes in order to not spread the disease. 

The following is important. 

If anyone in any way feels they might have symptoms, they should call their doctors immediately and get tested. So should the rest of the household. They must call even on Shabbos (with a Shinui - if possible). If tested and awaiting results on Shabbos the  phone should be answered and their doctor’s advice followed - even if it means going to the emergency room on Shabbos.

It is especially important for people with underlying health issues and/or compromised immune systems to avoid contact with anyone outside of their homes. As it is for those of us over 60, 70, and 80  – each decade increasingly susceptible to the disease and its potential deadly outcome!

It is vital not to deviate from this directive. Doing so not only puts YOU at risk. It puts the entire community at risk. 

Unfortunately there have been communities in the greater New York area that have not taken this pandemic as seriously as they should have and will likely pay a heavy price. From YWN (Please watch the video at the end of the article as an example of what a worst case scenario would look like if  warnings are ignored): 

YWN has confirmed that there are dozens of cases already testing positive in Lakewood. One person was in serious condition... at least 4 Roshei Yeshiva from different Yeshivos that have tested positive, and at least 10 different Rabbeiyim that have tested positive…

Asisa (an Orthodox based testing facility in New York )has been running coronavirus testing at separate command centers at its three locations in Boro Park and Williamsburg, as well as at a drive through site in Far Rockaway.  Results are still pending on the vast majority of the nearly 3,000 tests performed over the past five days, but more than 300 have already come back positive.

Asisa Medical Director Dr. Giuseppina Feingold said that the percentage of positive results received from the company’s testing sites is higher than 50 percent and he urged anyone exhibiting coronavirus symptoms who may have been exposed to come in for testing…

A leading physician in Kiryas Yoel, Dr. Zelenko, made a frighting prediction this morning. He says that’s that 90% of the population in the Village of Kiryas Joel will have the coronavirus in just a few days. That is approximately 35,000 people in the area of around one square mile. 

Indeed!

As I have been saying, those of us that do not have any symptoms and are nonetheless self quarantining (as we all should be) - must assure a sense of normalcy to the extent possible.  As suggested above, Shabbos makes that a far greater challenge. That is the day most of us go to Shul. We cannot do that now. But we can try and make our stay at home as ‘normal’ as possible by doing what we do every Shabbos in Shul – but doing it a home.

Which means preparing our homes and ourselves the same way we always do. Which in my case means the following.

During the week I generally dress quite casually. But on Shabbos I wear a suit and tie – and most times even a hat. I will be davening at home at the same time and the same way I would in Shul – singing the same Kabbolas Shabbos. I will be saying Vayechulu after the Shemonah Esreh but not Magan Avos which requires a Minyan. I will be making Kiddush and having a full Shabbos meal.

Tomorrow morning I will begin davening at 8:30 am – same time my Shul would normally start. I will be using the same melodies I do in Shul. Although not saying Borchu, Kaddish and Kedusha which requires a Minyan. There will be no Kriyas HaTorah since there will be no Minyan and no Sefer Torah. There will be no Parshas HaChodseh and no Haftorah. (Although I may make an attempt to read all 3 out of a Chumash.)

I will not be saying Yikum Purkan. But I will be saying the Birchas HaChodseh for Nissan. (Rosh Chodesh is this coming Thursday.) I will not be saying Av HaRachamim.

I will conclude with Musaf, make Kiddush and have the Shabbos meal. The rest of my day will consist of things I would normally do every Shabbos including learning, reading, and taking an afternoon nap. Mincha will be done at home at the same time my Shul would be doing it. that will be followed by the Seudah Shlishis; Marriv at Tzeis HaKochavim; and then Havdalah.

All of this might seem weird.  And it in fact - is. But it is as normal as we can make it until further notice.

Wishing everyone a Good Shabbos and most of all… STAY HEALTHY!

Update
Important post (here and here) for those in New York