A database for comparative study
A leading Orthodox rabbi rules that Jewish communities in Europe should embrace cremation if their governments require it — and consider it a posthumous “mitzvah,” or fulfillment of a commandment, on the part of the deceased.… Read the rest
Rav Hershel Schachter, Rabbi Isaac Elhanan Theological Seminary
The last few week has thrust us all into a frightening new reality. Coronavirus, and COVID-19, have permeated our lives like a flash flood, upending routines, exposing the fragilities – and regular imbecilities – of our social and especially political structures, and challenging us all to rethink how to relive our lives, so that we can go on, literally, living our lives.… Read the rest
As the weeks go on, I’m hearing from more and more of you who are ill yourselves, worrying about friends or family who are ill, or mourning deaths. I’m sending much love and prayers for healing your way.
This week has been dominated by conversations about how many deaths would be acceptable in order to save the economy.… Read the rest
This year, with the need to physically distance and isolate ourselves collectively so as to curtail the spread of COVID-19, community has become something even more precious. We cannot gather around the seder table as we do most years. We cannot come physically to synagogues to make a minyan.… Read the rest
Dear Friends,
I wanted to let everyone know about a community-wide virtual gathering for the recitation of Tehillim today at 6pm. The session, which is being organized by Rabbi Landa, will last about 15-20 minutes and will include recitation of psalms, led by Rabbi Shulman.… Read the rest
I’m okay, if I don’t look a little closer
I’m okay if I don’t see beyond the shoreThe Indigo Girls, Perfect World
Buddhist philosophy tells us nothing about virology, public health, or how to treat respiratory illness. But it may have something to teach us about what we can learn from a pandemic, how we might best contribute to the lives of others in the context of a pandemic, and how we might develop in insight and moral sensitivity by reflecting on the pandemic and on our place in the world in which it unfolds.… Read the rest
At this time of global pandemic and the urgent need to stop the spread of Coronavirus, we Jews find ourselves caught between a number of dearly held values. We have the desire and significant precedent of coming together in times of crisis, especially to celebrate holidays and observe family milestones, and we also understand the need to separate and physically distance ourselves from one another for the sake of the health and wellbeing of all of us.… Read the rest
Considering the rapidly evolving situation of the Covid-19 pandemic and taking into account observations which have come from Episcopal Conferences, this Congregation now offers an update to the general indications and suggestions already given to Bishops in the preceding decree of 19 March 2020.… Read the rest
In this unique and challenging moment, the Conservative/Masorti movement calls on its clergy, professionals, lay leaders, and participants to adhere to guidance provided by government and medical authorities and cancel or postpone all physical gatherings, and maintain practices that adhere to all national and local governmental directives.… Read the rest
