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
Category: Lifecycle Celebrations (Page 1 of 2)
Please find information below from Rabbi Elliot Dorff, CJLS chair, Rabbi Pamela Barmash, CJLS co-chair, Rabbi Joshua Heller, chair of the Rites and Rituals Subcommittee, and Rabbi Lionel Moses, chair of the Joint Beit Din of the Conservative Movement, providing guidance for individuals and communities affected by Coronavirus.… Read the rest
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America: Considerations for returning to in-person worship (May 12)… Read the rest
Catholics may become more aware of the need for the sacraments when they become unavailable. Access to the sacraments is a right of the faithful “who seek them at appropriate times, are properly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them.”
In addition to the document “Directions for Essential Ordinances, Blessings, and other Church Functions,” this document may be used to answer questions about administering the Church during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These documents are issued in response to the disruptions in Church procedures and member activities caused by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.… 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
Question
What should be the proper procedure regarding b’rit milah during the COVID-19 pandemic?
(submitted by Rabbi Julie Pelc Adler, Director, Brit Milah Program of Reform Judaism)
Response
In the midst of the current pandemic, it is understandable that parents and mohalim/ot are confused and frightened. … Read the rest
Rav Hershel Schachter, Rabbi Isaac Elhanan Theological Seminary
… Read the restSince 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
