Rabbi Kanievski And Rabbi Edelstein: Organize Minyanim Outdoors, Wear Masks, No Sukkos Visits

BNEI BRAK (VINnews) — Rabbi Chaim Kanievski and Rabbi Gershon Edelstein signed a manifest calling on the Chareidi public to maintain health guidelines in the wake of the increase in coronavirus infections. The rabbis called on the Gabbaim of shuls to find ways to organize outdoor minyanim in open spaces and added that “anyone who can help do the same in other places will receive great reward.” However they did not call to close shuls as is being requested by the government.

The rabbis also wrote that:

a) During the course of Sukkos, people should not accept invitations to eat with others and those who are at risk or elderly should “be very careful since they are susceptible to serious illness” (from the virus)

b) One of the things which has been proven to prevent infection is wearing a mask which is very beneficial “and one should not be lenient about this.”

c) One of the central mitzvos of Sukkos is to rejoice and people should take steps to increase joy of their family members and children and create a cheerful atmosphere

d) It is a time of distress for the Jewish nation and despite maintaining all the regulations, we must also strengthen our faith and trust in Hashem that He is in control and no person will be infected unless it was preordained from above.

e) Torah protects and saves and therefore we should strengthen our commitment to studying Torah and in its merit we will be saved from all sickness.