“Yisrael are holy,” and accordingly aggrieved over the interruption of t’filah b’tzibur; some are even advocating that minyanim be immediately reconvened. “Yisrael are compassionate,” and it is only natural that our rabanim have been touched by the pleadings of their congregants; some even want to accommodate these pleadings. … Read the rest
Category: In-Person Communal Prayer (Page 4 of 9)
Dear Chevra,
… Read the rest
We hope that this update finds you well – healthy, and taking care of yourselves, your families, and your communities and institutions. These challenging times have certainly reminded us how critical our work is as rabbis.
Since we initially distributed funeral guidelines in late March, medical experts and public-health officials have learned much, and societal norms in combating COVID-19 have evolved.
originally published (with the following editor’s note) in Christianity Today
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article implied that people should not sing during gatherings. The author’s suggestion is to wear a face mask when singing or talking. (See updated table for more information.)… Read the rest
What follows is a series of recommended sacramental guidelines for archdiocesan parishes as we foresee a return to public worship in the forthcoming weeks and months. It is anticipated that the reopening of our churches and the resumption of the public celebration of the sacraments will be a gradual process marked in phases:
Phase I – Churches Open for Private Prayer and Confessions
Phase II – Celebration of Baptisms and Marriages (limited to 10 attendees)
Phase III – Celebration of the Rite of Distributing Holy Communion Outside of Mass
Phase IV – Celebration of Daily and Funeral Masses with Limited Attendance
Phase V – Celebration of Sunday Mass with Supervised Attendance
Resumption of Full Parish Mass Schedules and Sacramental Activities
Commencement dates and a detailed description of each phase will be announced by the Vicar General’s Office in the coming weeks, in consultation with health and government officials and in consideration of current health metrics.… Read the rest
Rambam writes in Hilchos Rotzeach U’Shmiras Nefesh, (Laws concerning murder and preservation of life) 11:4:
… Read the restוְכֵן כָּל מִכְשׁל שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ סַכָּנַת נְפָשׁוֹת מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה לַהֲסִירוֹ וּלְהִשָּׁמֵר מִמֶּנּוּ וּלְהִזָּהֵר בַּדָּבָר יָפֶה יָפֶה. שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים ד׳:ט׳) הִשָּׁמֶר לְךָ וּשְׁמֹר נַפְשְׁךָ [מְאֹד]. וְאִם לֹא הֵסִיר וְהֵנִיחַ הַמִּכְשׁוֹלוֹת הַמְּבִיאִין לִידֵי סַכָּנָה בִּטֵּל מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה וְעָבַר בְּלֹא תָשִׂים דָּמִים (דברים כ״ב:ח׳):
Similarly, any obstacle which has the potential to endanger life — we are charged[2] to remove it, to be watchful of it, and to be very, very vigilant in this matter.
All praise is due to Allah, and may His peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his family, his Companions, and those who followed.
The Resident Fatwa Committee of AMJA has received several questions concerning Taraweeh (tarāweeḥ) prayers in the midst of the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic as well as the stay-at-home orders which have been imposed on people to varying degrees.… Read the rest
Dear Friends,
We hope this letter finds you well and that you had a meaningful Pesach. As the Governor has declared his intent to begin the resumption of economic life, some of you have reached out to us to see what our plans are with regard to reopening shuls.… Read the rest
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful , the Most Compassionate.
The Fiqh Council of North America reiterates:
1: That masajids and Islamic centers shall strictly follow the health and state official guidelines for social gatherings and distancing. The Juma’, Jama’ah, Taraweeh and Eid al Fitr prayer shall be suspended until the ban on congregation is lifted.… Read the rest
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
