As society adapts to life with Covid-19, our synagogues must also determine how to provide essential Jewish rituals in ways that address our shared commitment to health and safety. In doing so, we are heeding the advice of governmental authorities and health experts – and recognize that this advice (and our response to it) may continue to change and evolve rapidly.… Read the rest
Author: David Freidenreich (Page 7 of 22)
We are living in difficult times. Jewish community is built around gathering together in prayer, ritual, and relationship. And yet, during this Covid-19 pandemic, we are unable to do these things together in the ways to which we are accustomed. We have seen remarkable innovation, creativity, and lovingkindness from the individuals and institutions of the Toronto Jewish community, which have risen to meet this moment–all the while, looking forward to the day when we are able to resume gathering and celebrating our rituals together in person.… Read the rest
Prepared by Rabbis Suzanne Brody and Susan Grossman
Please note that this is not an official responsum of the CJLS.
Despite early claims that children did not become ill from COVID-19, as of May 20, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control have announced that some children who had the virus that causes COVID-19, or had been around someone with COVID-19, developed a serious, occasionally deadly, condition known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).… Read the rest
The Fiqh Council of North America is alarmed at the spike of COVID 19 cases and related deaths in various cities and states after relaxation of restrictions. The Council advises the Muslim community of Canada and America to be diligent, careful and cautious about reopening the masjids.… Read the rest
An Urgent Call from the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah:
The Hand of Hashem has struck us twice, with a terrible pandemic and a difficult decree, incomparable to anything in recent memory: a plague in which thousands of our brethren fell, among whom were great Torah scholars and community leaders; and by being removed from Hashem’s Presence by having shuls and batei medrash closed around the world.… Read the rest
Prepared by Rabbi Robert Scheinberg.
Please note that this is not an official responsum of the CJLS.
Because of the potential of the release of dangerous levels of aerosols in the act of Shofar blowing, many communities are contemplating ways to do Shofar blowing outdoors and for smaller groups.… Read the rest
Prepared by Rabbi Pamela Barmash and Hazzan Scott Sokol.
Please note that this is not an official responsum of the CJLS.
Shiru lAdomai shir hadash
The choral tradition is one with deep roots in Jewish musico-liturgical practice. From the time of the Levites in the Beit Mikdash (Jerusalem Temple) to the present, choral music has enhanced Jewish worship.… Read the rest
Prepared by Rabbi Pamela Barmash and Toby Schonfeld, Ph.D.
Please note that this is not an official responsum of the CJLS.
Our need for community is even greater during this time of pandemic and physical distancing, and even though holding davenning in person as a community poses a significant challenge, our role as klei kodesh and the needs of our communities for being together, even with physical distancing, call for us to rise to the occasion, where governmental and medical authorities allow, and where the architecture of our prayer spaces permit.… Read the rest
Great news! Our health officials who have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation have determined that it is safe for us to begin meeting this Sunday, May 31st. This news came to Mainers on Friday. On Sunday evening, our Leadership Team (Deacons and Staff) met and grappled with the question of ‘How may we open First Baptist in the safest way possible?’… Read the rest
שאלה
שלום הרב,
בתחילה היה קשה להתפלל בבית ביחידות, ללא בית כנסת וללא מניין. אך אחר כך התחלתי דווקא להינות מכך, להתפלל בשקט, עם עצמי. מאוחר יותר התחילו אצלנו מנייני מרפסות. לקח זמן לגבש את המניין, אולם, כיום יש לנו מניין נחמד, כל השכנים יחד (יש גיבוש…).… Read the rest
