Most Rev. Anthony Fisher, Archdiocese of Sydney: Easter and Holy Week Announcements (April 24, 2020)… Read the rest
Category: Electronic Communication (Page 1 of 2)
Rav Hershel Schachter, Rabbi Isaac Elhanan Theological Seminary
… Read the rest[Corona Guidance editor’s note: This document was originally published on April 16, 2020, then updated on June 11 to include the technology section.]
In exceptional times, ordinances can usually be accomplished while exercising necessary precautions. For example, when communicable disease is a concern, those who perform ordinances should thoroughly wash their hands and may also use gloves and face masks.… Read the rest
As we enter the holiday of Pesach during this time of crisis and upheaval, we are deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of some of the members of our community. The social isolation which is so necessary at this time can significantly impact a person’s mental or physical well-being.… Read the rest
Since March 4, 2020, I have been asked many halakhic questions about the current crisis by rabbis and laypeople living in Israel, the US, France, Argentina, Chile and Ukraine. Some of the questions have been asked multiple times. I answered all of the questions as they came in.… Read the rest
It has been suggested to utilize Zoom in order to connect families during the Seder Night.
Aside from the Halachic problems, this would also create serious practical problems. It is far more likely that this would cause great distress, rather than peace of mind.… 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
Please find below a letter from Rabbi Joshua Heller, chair of the CJLS rites and ritual subcommittee providing guidance for communities affected by COVID-19. Thanks to Rabbis Aaron Alexander, Pamela Barmash and Ashira Konigsburg for contributions. Please note that this is not an official responsum of the CJLS. … Read the rest
If the government or a physician has decided that an individual must remain in isolation over the course of Yom Tov and this individual has a psychological condition where physicians who know this patient have determined that there is a possibility that this person being alone over the course of Yom Tov would be in a situation of pikuach nefesh (possible suicide) if the individual was not able to communicate or speak with family members, then the family members must reach out to this person over Yom Tov to speak on the phone or use the internet by leaving a connection open from before Yom Tov.… Read the rest
5780.2
Question:
May we rely on technology to create a virtual minyan in a time of crisis when we cannot gather in our synagogues? If so, what are the criteria for constituting a valid virtual minyan? How does one recite Kaddish in a virtual minyan? … Read the rest
