Dear YI Beth El members and Friends,
My very best wishes to all. I'm taking the liberty of sending you a copy of a letter written by the Vaad HaRabanim of Raritan Valley, which encompasses Highland Park, Edison New Jersey and the Brunswick area. I couldn't have written it better myself. The letter applies to all of us and to all our community. It has the potential, if properly followed to be protective of the health and welfare of our entire community. B'ezras Hashem we shall soon be together in our Mikdash Me'At.
Have a wondeful Shabbos.
Your Devoted Morah D'Asra,
Rabbi Moshe Snow
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Lichavod members of the Highland Park, Edison and East Brunswick communities,
The question on everyone’s minds is when are we going to return to our beloved shuls. We all yearn to be back together davening, learning, and strengthening the beautiful feeling of community, sanctity, and friendship which have been staples of our shuls ever since they were founded. At the very least, some members of the community want “backyard minyanim” or “porch minyanim” so they can say Barchu, answer amen yehei shmei rabba, recite kaddish, and read from the Torah.
The fact that so many are wondering, pushing, and even urging for the re-opening of shul and ability to daven with a minyan is inspiring. It is a true testament to where our community’s heart is.
However, at this point, we believe it is still premature. We are aware that State Parks are currently open with restrictions and some Rabbanim of other communities have sanctioned outdoor minyanim. At this time, we strongly feel that there is not enough information that is medically known to allow a safe re-opening or even a partial re-opening of minyanim.
We maintain that these minyanim should not be formed and believe that anyone who participates in them may be putting lives at risk
. While the number of new cases in hospitals is decreasing, which is a positive development, there are still too many people getting sick. This is still a case of Safek Pikuach Nefesh, which would allow for the desecration of Shabbos and therefore pushes aside any Mitvzah
.
It is not yet the safe, prudent, or responsible thing to do to make any minyanim.
This is true for indoor and outdoor minyanim and is applicable regardless of the number of people in the minyan
. Even with social distancing, having a minyan is a slippery slope which may lead to other gatherings where distancing is not properly maintained. Also, neighbors and those who pass by will see the minyanim and this can become a Chilul Hashem.
We still must remain vigilant in social distancing for us and our children. Shabbos walks should be limited to your immediate family
and we should not host any company for kiddush or Shabbos meals
. Social distancing is working and now is not the time to abandon a strategy that has proven effective.
This hurts. This hurts today as much today as it hurt back in March when we closed the doors of our shuls. We also wish we could be back in shul. We too wish we could daven with a minyan. However, looking at the big picture, thinking of the lives that might have been saved as a result of the closing of our shuls back in March, and longing for a healthier future, we are not yet ready.
We are closely monitoring the situation. We are in constant consultation with poskim, medical professionals, and hospital administrators and as soon as it is safe to do so we will initiate the soft opening of minyanim.
We urge you to reach out to us if you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions.
With hopes of continued health and for a quick return to our beloved shuls,
Vaad Harabonim of Raritan Valley
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Amein to the Bracha.
I totally second all that was said herein.
Good Shabbos.
RMS
