Halachot Related to Coronavirus/COVID-19 Pandemic: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:3D medical animation corona virus.jpg|right|300px]]
[[Image:3D medical animation corona virus.jpg|right|300px]]
All rabbinim agree that one should be cautious with all the health guidelines and social distancing<ref>[https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 34)] interestingly describes the sources in general about the Jewish view on handshaking and whether it is a [[Chukot Hagoyim]]. The poskim hold that in it isn't however, at this time it is forbidden because of the health concerns.</ref> set up by the government and other local institutions in order to stay safe and help prevent getting others sick.<ref>[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=104843 Rav Yitzchak Yosef], [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-with-doctors_Mar-15-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter], Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020), [https://www.ou.org/covid19/ OU (March 20 2020)], [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 53)], [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal], [https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/leader-of-ultra-orthodox-world-calls-for-lone-prayer-due-to-coronavirus-622805 Rav Chaim Kanievsky], [https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Shlomo Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 34)], and RCBC letters. An article on [https://www.kikar.co.il/abroad/354170.html kikar.co.il] describes how the gedolim are currently davening privately including: the Gerre rebbe, Rav Shalom Kohen, Rav Gershon Edelstein, Rav Moshe Shternbuch, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, Sanser Rebbe, Rav Bakshi Doron, Rav Dovid Yosef, Bavian Rebbe, and Rav Sheiner.
All rabbinim agree that one should be cautious with all the health guidelines set up by the government and other local insitutions in order to stay safe and help prevent getting others sick.<ref>[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=104843 Rav Yitzchak Yosef], [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-with-doctors_Mar-15-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter], Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020), [https://www.ou.org/covid19/ OU (March 20 2020)], [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 53)], [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal], RCBC letters. [https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/1839949/showdown-despite-police-visit-to-harav-chaim-kanievsky-the-rav-says-that-yeshivas-chadarim-cannot-be-closed.html Rav Chaim Kanievsky] March 15 2020 held that the yeshivot should remain open against the government's health guidelines. It is to be seen if that policy will change.  


*Endangering Oneself to Learn Torah: Ketubot 77b records and praises the practice of Reish Lakish to teach Torah to those ill with tzarat, some translate as leprosy, even though it is contagious. The gemara explained that he did so out of his love for Torah. Daf Al Hadaf cites Mishnat Pikuach Nefesh 69:7 who asks how Reish Lakish could endanger himself and rely on a miracle. He answers that the disease he was concerned with was only dangerous to health but not life threatening.
*Endangering Oneself to Learn Torah: Ketubot 77b records and praises the practice of Reish Lakish to teach Torah to those ill with tzarat, some translate as leprosy, even though it is contagious. The gemara explained that he did so out of his love for Torah. Daf Al Hadaf cites Mishnat Pikuach Nefesh 69:7 who asks how Reish Lakish could endanger himself and rely on a miracle. He answers that the disease he was concerned with was only dangerous to health but not life threatening.</ref> Corona virus as it causes a serious health threat to some people, inhibits any social gatherings and semachot, and has severely damaged the economy and livelihood of certain people, poses a serious challenge to everyone. We all need to daven and take advantage of the circumstances in order to best serve Hashem. As a thoughtful Jew it is incumbent upon a person to take to heart some important lessons of life and restrengthen himself in his commitments. <ref>Rambam Taniyot 1:1-3, [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?a=105844 Rav Reuven Epstein] emphasizes that we need to take a lesson from corona since it overtly a hardship for Jews and humanity and a sign from Hashem. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949185/rabbi-menachem-penner/shema-everything-is-from-hashem/ Rabbi Penner] discussed how we can revitalize our strength in mitzvot at this time based on better appreciating the lessons of Shema. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22, 2020) introduced his shiur by discussing how we can strengthen our commitment to [[Ben Adam Lchavero]].</ref> Additionally, on a practical level corona has many implications for people and here is a small collection of relevant halachot.
*[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=133917 Rav Asher Weiss (Dec 16 2020)] updates the situation about how important it to listen to the doctors and wear masks. Rav Chaim Kanievsky (Asya Corona Volume, p. 50) agreed that one must follow the doctors and be careful and if he endangers others he is like a rodef. Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Asya Corona p. 47) wrote that there is no halachic factor that could possibly allow violating the medical strictures in the context of corona.</ref> Coronavirus, as it causes a serious health threat to some people, inhibits any social gatherings and semachot, and has severely damaged the economy and livelihood of certain people, poses a serious challenge to everyone. We all need to daven and take advantage of the circumstances in order to best serve Hashem. As a thoughtful Jew, it is incumbent upon a person to take to heart some important lessons of life and re-strengthen himself in his commitments.<ref>Rambam Taniyot 1:1-3, [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?a=105844 Rav Reuven Epstein] emphasizes that we need to take a lesson from corona since it overtly a hardship for Jews and humanity and a sign from Hashem. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949185/rabbi-menachem-penner/shema-everything-is-from-hashem/ Rabbi Penner] discussed how we can revitalize our strength in mitzvot at this time based on better appreciating the lessons of Shema. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22, 2020) introduced his shiur by discussing how we can strengthen our commitment to [[Ben Adam Lchavero]]. [https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha)] wrote many lengthy pieces on the hashkafic questions related to COVID19.
 
*Rav Asher Weiss ("Safek Bidud" Nissan 5780) wrote that a person who isn't sure if they were exposed to someone with the virus should quarantine since we are strict on safek nefashot.</ref> Additionally, on a practical level, COVID19 has many implications for people, and below is a small collection of the relevant halachot.
 
==Vaccine==
 
#The poskim recommend taking the corona vaccine.<ref>[http://podcast.headlinesbook.com/e/121920-show-302/ Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky on Headlines (min 23)] stated that if one's doctor recommends taking the vaccine that one should do so. [http://podcast.headlinesbook.com/e/121920-show-302/ Rav Schachter on Headlines] thought that everyone should take the vaccine but if someone is worried about taking vaccines they are not obligated to. [http://www.torahbase.org/%d7%94%d7%97%d7%99%d7%a1%d7%95%d7%9f-%d7%9c%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%95%d7%a0%d7%94/ Rav Osher Weiss] agreed in a lengthy teshuva. [https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/featured/1930228/watch-it-hagaon-harav-chaim-kanievsky-people-are-required-to-take-vaccine-dont-be-afraid.html Rav Chaim Kanievsky] holds that it is an obligation to take the vaccine since it is a practical effort, ''hishtadlut'', to be health.</ref>
#Some poskim advise saying the bracha of [[Hatov Vehameitiv]] when receiving the vaccine because it is good news for everyone. It is made upon the first vaccine.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/981904/rabbi-hershel-schachter/mikeitz-5781/ Rav Schachter in a shiur (Miketz 5781, min 63-4)] and also [https://youtu.be/ca_PMw4BOdg an interview] after he and Rabbi Willig received the vaccine. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/982201/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-should-one-recite-a-beracha-or-say-a-tefilah-on-receiving-the-covid-vaccine-/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz] agreed and explained it further. [https://minchasasher.com/shiur/parsha-shiurim/shechiyanu-covid-vaccine/ Rav Asher Weiss] felt that no bracha is made upon it. [https://www.kipa.co.il/%D7%99%D7%94%D7%93%D7%95%D7%AA/%D7%94%D7%9C%D7%9B%D7%94/1104039-%D7%A6%D7%A8%D7%99%D7%9A-%D7%9C%D7%91%D7%A8%D7%9A-%D7%A9%D7%94%D7%97%D7%99%D7%99%D7%A0%D7%95-%D7%A2%D7%9C-%D7%97%D7%99%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%9F-%D7%A0%D7%92%D7%93-%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%94 Rav Shlomo Aviner (Tevet 5 5781, Sheilat Shlomo p. 682)] also thought no bracha is recited.</ref> Additionally, everyone agrees that one should recite the tefillah for doing any medical procedure. The text is: יהי רצון מלפניך ה' אלקי שיהא עסק זה לרפואה כי רופא חנם אתה.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 230:4, [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/982201/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-should-one-recite-a-beracha-or-say-a-tefilah-on-receiving-the-covid-vaccine-/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz] </ref>
#It is forbidden to violate [[Shabbat]] for receiving the vaccine, however, it is permitted to do [[amirah lnochri]] to get to the hospital, but they should not leave the hospital after taking the vaccine.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/982201/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-should-one-recite-a-beracha-or-say-a-tefilah-on-receiving-the-covid-vaccine-/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (Ten Minute Halacha)], [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/981805/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/from-the-rabbi-s-desk-corona-vaccine-on-shabbos/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (From the Rabbi's Desk)]. The actual taking the vaccine is not a melacha. The data being entered into the computer on Shabbat it is permitted since the non-Jew is doing it and not on one's command or for one's benefit. Since it is permitted to do amirah lenochri it is best to arrange a non-Jew to transport one to take one to the hospital from before Shabbat. The source of Rabbi Lebowitz's opinion is this teshuva of [http://www.torahbase.org/%d7%94%d7%97%d7%99%d7%a1%d7%95%d7%9f-%d7%9c%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%95%d7%a0%d7%94/ Rav Osher Weiss].</ref>
#It is forbidden to jump the line, to get a vaccine before the government warrants you to get it by bribing someone to do that. Doing so is putting someone else at risk.<ref>[http://podcast.headlinesbook.com/e/121920-show-302/ Rav Hershel Schachter on Headlines (min 33)]</ref>


==[[Tefillah]]==
==[[Tefillah]]==
===Praying at Home===
When davening at home one should be cognizant of the following ideas:
When davening at home one should be cognizant of the following ideas:


#The best time to pray is Netz. According to many poskim this is equivalent to praying with a minyan.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz], Laws of Praying Beyachid (Adar 5780) by Rabbi Yonatan Nacson p. 1 citing Yalkut Yosef 89:1</ref>
#The best time to pray is Netz. According to many poskim this is equivalent to praying with a minyan.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz], Laws of Praying Beyachid (Adar 5780) by Rabbi Yonatan Nacson p. 1 citing Yalkut Yosef 89:1</ref>
#A person should daven in a [[makom kavuah]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz] and [https://www.star-k.org/videos.php Rabbi Moshe Heinemann around minutes 5-7]</ref>
#A person should daven in a [[makom kavuah]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz] and [https://www.star-k.org/videos.php Rabbi Moshe Heinemann around minutes 5-7]</ref>
#It is preferable to daven with two people instead of one.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (Minchat Asher, Volume on coronavirus, Inyane Tefila section, Chapter 16, Subchapter 2, page 41). Rav Asher Weiss adds that there is no distinction between a man or a woman in this situation, so praying with one's wife or daughter is equally preferable to praying with one's son. </ref>
#A person should daven in front of a wall so that there's no distractions in front of him.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz]</ref>
#A person should daven in front of a wall so that there's no distractions in front of him.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz]</ref>
#A person can and should daven near a window that serves as a means of being inspired to look towards heaven.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 90:4 writes that there should be windows in a place where one davens. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz] suggested that the same should be done for when we daven at home to daven in a place where there is a window.</ref>
#A person can and should daven near a window that serves as a means of being inspired to look towards heaven.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 90:4 writes that there should be windows in a place where one davens. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz] suggested that the same should be done for when we daven at home to daven in a place where there is a window.</ref>
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#According to some, at this time a person should recite Avinu Malkenu in [[Shacharit]] and [[Mincha]],<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz] quoting Rav Schachter</ref> while others emphasize how one must focus on Teshuvah and reciting all parts of the regular seder haTefillah first.<ref>[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=104864 Rav Bention Mutzafi (55:10)]</ref> Avinu Malkenu should not be recited during [[Nissan]].<ref>[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal] stated that one should not recite Avinu Malkenu during Nissan. See Divrei Yatziv OC 75 for different minhagim about saying Avinu Malkenu during Nissan. See discussion page.</ref>
#According to some, at this time a person should recite Avinu Malkenu in [[Shacharit]] and [[Mincha]],<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz] quoting Rav Schachter</ref> while others emphasize how one must focus on Teshuvah and reciting all parts of the regular seder haTefillah first.<ref>[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=104864 Rav Bention Mutzafi (55:10)]</ref> Avinu Malkenu should not be recited during [[Nissan]].<ref>[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal] stated that one should not recite Avinu Malkenu during Nissan. See Divrei Yatziv OC 75 for different minhagim about saying Avinu Malkenu during Nissan. See discussion page.</ref>
#Eating a meal before davening when the time comes to daven a certain tefillah should be avoided since generally we are lenient about this since we go to established minyanim but for when that isn't possible we should be more strict about this.<ref>Mishna Shabbat 9b, [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz]. [https://www.star-k.org/videos.php Rabbi Moshe Heinemann] around minutes 5-7 says that if one sets an alarm, that should be sufficient</ref> See details here about [[Eating before Davening| eating]] and [[Other Activities before Davening| doing activities before davening]].
#Eating a meal before davening when the time comes to daven a certain tefillah should be avoided since generally we are lenient about this since we go to established minyanim but for when that isn't possible we should be more strict about this.<ref>Mishna Shabbat 9b, [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz]. [https://www.star-k.org/videos.php Rabbi Moshe Heinemann] around minutes 5-7 says that if one sets an alarm, that should be sufficient</ref> See details here about [[Eating before Davening| eating]] and [[Other Activities before Davening| doing activities before davening]].
#A person shouldn't forget to recite [[Birkat Halevana]] by themselves when they see the moon. It can be said from indoors. See [[Birkat Halevana]] page for details.
# When davening as a family, in a temporary fashion, some hold that it isn't necessary to have a [[mechitza]] and the men and women can simply daven on different sides of the room.<ref>Igrot Moshe 5:12:1 writes that regarding a Shabbos Sheva Brachos since it is just the family and it is a temporary situation no mechitza is necessary.</ref> See [[Mechitza]] for more details.
===Parts of Davening to Skip===


====Mechitza====
#On Friday night an individual doesn't recite [[Shabbat_Davenings#Me.27ayn_Sheva |Magen Avot]] after Shemona Esrei of Maariv.<ref>Laws of Praying Beyachid p. 10 citing Shulchan Aruch O.C. 268:8</ref>
 
#When davening as a family, in a temporary fashion, some hold that it isn't necessary to have a [[mechitza]] and the men and women can simply daven on different sides of the room.<ref>Igrot Moshe 5:12:1 writes that regarding a Shabbos Sheva Brachos since it is just the family and it is a temporary situation no mechitza is necessary.</ref> One should be at least 4 [[amot]] away from a person of the other gender during Shemona Esrei.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/957155/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-39-mechitza-for-an-outdoor-minyan/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #39 Iyar 26 5780)]</ref> See [[Mechitza]] for more details.
 
====Parts of Davening to Skip====
 
#On Friday night an individual doesn't recite [[Shabbat_Davenings#Me.27ayn_Sheva |Magen Avot]] after Shemona Esrei of Maariv.<ref>Laws of Praying Beyachid p. 10 citing Shulchan Aruch O.C. 268:8</ref> However, one should recite Vayechulu.<ref>[https://vimeo.com/399141271 Rabbi Moshe Heinemann] at around 24:45. At around 34 minutes, he clarifies that this can be done even by yourself, though normally we try to say it with at least two </ref>
#One doesn't recite [[Baruch Shemey]] when praying by oneself since it is part of the activity of removing the Sefer Torah.<ref>Mishna Brurah 134:13</ref>
#One doesn't recite [[Baruch Shemey]] when praying by oneself since it is part of the activity of removing the Sefer Torah.<ref>Mishna Brurah 134:13</ref>


===Minyan via Porches or Technology===
==Minyan via Technology==


#At an earlier point when it was more dangerous, it was forbidden to have a minyan in person whether it was in a shul, shteibel, home, or backyard.<ref>[https://www.ou.org/covid19/ OU]. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951048/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-14-forming-a-minyan-outside/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #14)] writes that a person shouldn't try to make a minyan on his lawn spread out even if there's a small remote chance of spreading the virus. He also held that making a minyan with ten people standing on different balconies or porches doesn't count as a minyan. [https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 35)] writes that certainly a person should not attend a minyan because of the danger and one may not rely on the zechut of a minyan to protect him, one needs to be safe. Rav Asher Weiss agrees that one must pray alone in order to avoid potential danger (Minchat Asher, Volume on coronavirus, Inyane Tefila section, Chapter 16, page 36). </ref> There however still is an exemption from tefila in a minyan due to the danger of the pandemic.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (Minchat Asher, Volume on coronavirus, Inyane Tefila section, Chapter 16, Subchapter 1, page 40).</ref>
#You can't create a minyan with a video (e.g. zoom or skype) or phone call but one can join a minyan of ten men in one room with a video or phone call in order to answer [[dvarim shebekedusha]]. Even if there is a time delay between the person reciting the bracha and the one answering it that wouldn't be considered an [[Amen Yetoma]].<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)], Rabbi Nacson in Laws of Praying Beyachid p. 4 based on Yalkut Yosef 5775 ed Yamim Noraim p. 17, Yabia Omer 1:19:18, Chazon Ovadia Purim p. 56</ref>
#If there ten people standing on their own porches and can see one another, some say that one can not create a minyan in such a manner, while others hold that one can.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951048/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-14-forming-a-minyan-outside/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #14)] holds that it isn't a valid minyan. Similarly, [https://moreshet-maran.com/%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%9F-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91-%D7%99%D7%A6%D7%97%D7%A7-%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A1%D7%A3/%D7%94%D7%90%D7%9D-%D7%90%D7%A4%D7%A9%D7%A8-%D7%9C%D7%94%D7%A6%D7%98%D7%A8%D7%A3-%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%99%D7%9F-%D7%93%D7%A8%D7%9A-%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%A4%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%90/ Rav Yitzchak Yosef] also holds that it isn't a valid minyan and it involves safek brachot and the like. However, Rav Shternbuch (teshuva Nissan 8 5780) held that it is a valid minyan. To satisfy all the opinions the shaliach tzibur should have in mind that when he does chazarat hashatz that he could be praying a voluntary tefillah. They can't join if they're across the street and within ten tefachim of the ground. The shaliach tzibur needs to be able to see everyone. For kriyat hatorah that is done with porches initially one should call up the baal koreh or anyone on his porch, then one can even call up to an aliya someone on another porch as long as he can hear the baal koreh. The kohanim should leave before retzah because they can't say birkat kohanim. Someone davening alone doesn't have to hear kriyat hatorah since it is an obligation of the community and not individual. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference with Aguda, April 2 2020) was also inclined to hold that it is possible to make a minyan with people on porches who can see each other.
#It isn't considered a minyan for people to join together to daven on a video conference but it is still somewhat spiritually valuable.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)]</ref>


*Mishna Brurah 55:48 based on Rashba responsa 1:96 holds that one can learn from the laws of zimmun that if people can see each other they can join for minyan. However, Shaarei Knesset Hagedola 55:6 and many others hold that they can't join. See Yalkut Yosef 90:29 for the sources.
==[[Kriyat Hatorah]]==
*Rav Asher Weiss writes that a minyan can be created between men praying from their respective porches in order to prevent the grave danger of congregating in closer proximity, and kadish and kedusha may be recited (Minchat Asher, Volume on coronavirus, Inyane Tefila section, Chapter 18, Subchapter 2, page 53). In another teshuva ("Histarfut Lminyan" Nissan 5780) wrote that he thought that one couldn't join people across the street from one another.</ref>
#You can't create a minyan with a video (e.g. zoom or skype) or phone call but one can join a minyan of ten men in one room with a video or phone call in order to answer [[dvarim shebekedusha]].<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)], Rabbi Nacson in Laws of Praying Beyachid p. 4 based on Yalkut Yosef 5775 ed Yamim Noraim p. 17, Yabia Omer 1:19:18, Chazon Ovadia Purim p. 56</ref>
#It isn't considered a minyan for people to join together to daven on a video conference but it is still spiritually valuable.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)]. Rav Asher Weiss says that it is appropriate to fix a time for people to pray together remotely. Rav Asher adds it will help ascertain that prayer is done properly, on time and with concentration. Nonetheless, chazarat hashatz and devarim shebikdusha must be omitted. (Minchat Asher, Volume on coronavirus, Inyane Tefila section, Chapter 17, pages 45-46). In Minchat Asher (Corona second edition n. 24) writes that it isn't clear if there's a special time of mercy when many people daven at the same time even though it isn't a minyan. Nonetheless, it is a good thing to do.</ref>


====Answering [[Amen]]====
#A person who is at home and can't be at shul should nonetheless read the parsha between Shacharit and Mussaf as a way of remembering the concept of kriyat hatorah. He can use that reading as part of his reading of [[Shenayim Mikra Vechad Targum]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz] quoting Rabbi Willig. [https://www.star-k.org/videos.php Rabbi Moshe Heinemann] around minutes 7-10 agrees that you should do so on Shabbat, but that it is not necessary on Monday and Thursday </ref>
 
#When the congregation misses a kriyat hatorah they can make it up by reading two parshiyot next week in Shul. However, if they miss multiple weeks there is a discussion if they should or could make up all of the parshiyot that they missed.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz] based on Rama and Magen Avraham</ref>
#Even if there is a time delay between the person reciting the bracha and the one answering it that wouldn't be considered an [[Amen Yetoma]].<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)], [https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 35)], Rabbi Nacson in Laws of Praying Beyachid p. 4 based on Yalkut Yosef 5775 ed Yamim Noraim p. 17, Yabia Omer 1:19:18, Chazon Ovadia Purim p. 56, Rav Asher Weiss (teshuva "Aniyat Amen" Nissan 5780)</ref>
#A person should not move a sefer torah out of a Shul for a home minyan.<ref>[https://drive.google.com/file/d/14IUOs2OOMhloqYwnbv3iKGrWS6GbYGId/view?usp=drivesdk Rabbi Yonatan Nacson in Laws of Praying Byachid (p. 10)] citing Rav Asher Weiss</ref> See [[Respecting_a_Sefer_Torah#Transporting_a_Sefer_Torah]] for more details.
#If there is a minyan in some place and someone hears on the phone or video a live stream some poskim allow them to answer [[kaddish]], [[kedusha]], and [[modim derabbanan]], though for kedusha they should intend that they are saying it as psukim.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (teshuva "Aniyat Amen" Nissan 5780)</ref>
 
====[[Megillah]]====
 
#There is a major dispute if a person could fulfill their mitzvah of listening to the megillah on the phone or through watching a live streamed video. Some rabbanim advised this,<ref>Rav Schachter cited by [https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 35)] and Rav Aviner agreed.</ref> while others hold that one can't fulfill one's mitzvah at all.<ref>Rav Dovid Feinstein cited by [http://podcast.headlinesbook.com/e/coronavirus-what-the-halacha-tells-us/ Rabbi Fink] and [https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 35)]</ref> See this topic explained more fully here: [[Brachot_Through_a_Microphone]].
 
===Outdoor Minyanim===
 
#There is a great discussion among rabbis where, when, and how to have minyanim while there is still a concern of the virus spreading. The OU's policy is to allow outdoor minyanim 2 weeks after the local or state government allows it, and to resume gradually. Every person should follow his or her congregational rabbi.<ref>[https://www.ou.org/covid19/ OU Policy] (accessed June 3 2020).
 
*Rabbi Meir Twersky ([http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rtwe_chadorecha.pdf in Hebrew] and [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rtwe_chadorecha_Eng.pdf in English]) wrote lengthily how important it is to be careful about health and there shouldn't be any minyanim until it is completely safe such as when vaccines are available. Doing so is endangering the lives of individuals and forbidden for the sake of davening with a minyan.</ref>
#It is permitted to pray outdoor and the minyan can join together as long as they can see each other and hear the Shaliach Tzibbur. As long as there are no walls between them they can join together even over a large area. There shouldn't be a public thoroughfare in between in the middle of the minyan.<ref>[https://oukosher.org/halacha-yomis/ OU Halacha Yomi June 15 2020] based on Minchat Yitzchak 2:44</ref>
 
====Mechitza for Outdoor Minyanim====
 
#Technically an outdoor minyan which isn't permanent doesn't require a mechitza, however, everyone should be at least 4 amot away from the opposite gender.<ref>[Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona Iyar 26 5780)]</ref>
 
====Tefillin====
 
#In some places the rabbis set up a policy to begin davening at [[Barchu]] to shorten the time that the minyan joins together. In such a case, there are few options how Tefillin can be put on:
##Ideally, Tefillin can be put on in the area where they will daven. But this might not be an option if there isn't time to put on Tefillin and daven Psukei Dzimra in that place before Barchu.
##Tefillin can be put on at home and then one would walk with the Tefillin on to the Shul. One should be very careful to be cognizant of the Tefillin while one is walking.<ref>In general it is valuable to put on Tefillin at home and walk with them to shul (Shulchan Aruch 25:2, Yalkut Yosef 25:36). Yalkut Yosef 30:12 writes that if one is going to have to drive to shul it is better to put Tefillin on in Shul than at home and drive with them on since driving with them on is likely to cause a hesech hadaat from the tefillin, interruption of thought, and it is forbidden to have a hesech hadaat while wearing tefillin.</ref> Some say that a person shouldn't walk with tefillin on from one's house if the streets aren't clean or that there are non-Jews on the streets.<ref>Mishna Brurah 25:8. Piskei Teshuvot 25 fnt. 58 notes that today our streets are assumed to be clean but nonetheless the practice isn't to put on Tefillin at home and walk with them in the street to shul.</ref>
##Another option is to say Psukei Dzimra at home with or without Tefillin and then come to shul without Tefillin and put it on between Psukei Dzimra and Barchu.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 53:3 writes that a person who just got their tallit shouldn't put it on between Psukei Dzimra and Yishtabach but rather between Yishtabach and Birchot Kriyat Shema. Mishna Brurah 53:6 cites the Eliya Rabba who says that the same is true of putting on Tefillin. Mishna Brurah 53:5 explains that it is acceptable to make the bracha upon wearing Tallit and Tefillin between the paragraphs of Psukei Dzimra but it shouldn't be said after one finishes Psukei Dzimra before Yishtabach. [https://www.rinat.org/rabbi-adler-communications-during-coronavirus-pandemic.html?post_id=1054226 Rabbi Yosef Adler (accessed Jun 20, 2020)] writes that one should put tefillin on and off for psukei dzimra at home and then come to shul.</ref>
#It is permitted to place the Tefillin inside of the Tefillin bag upon the ground but ideally one should put them on top of another plastic bag or another item. Even though it isn't a tefach off the ground it is fine since they are inside of a double wrapping.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/958726/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/from-the-rabbi-s-desk-tefillin-at-outdoor-minyanim/ Rabbi Lebowitz on Tefillin in Outdoor Minyanim]</ref>
#Technically it is permitted to wear tefillin over gloves.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/958726/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/from-the-rabbi-s-desk-tefillin-at-outdoor-minyanim/ Rabbi Lebowitz on Tefillin in Outdoor Minyanim] based on Rav Ovadia's teshuva that there's no chatzitza for the wrappings upon the hand.</ref>
 
====Kriyat Hatorah====
 
#All the aliyot can be given to the baal koreh himself and then maftir is skipped.<ref>[https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/1861564/the-new-safer-torah-shields-a-halachic-analysis.html Rabbi Hoffman] based on most rabbanim he spoke with thought that the baal koreh should get all of the aliyot. He also quoted Rabbi Zilberstein who opted to giving the aliyot to brothers consecutively as opposed to the baal koreh repeatedly. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/959095/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-father-and-son-receiving-consecutive-aliyos/ Rabbi Lebowitz] quoted Rav Schachter that the baal koreh should take all of the aliyot without brachot and not have others come get an aliyah because of the danger having people not social distancing. [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=113514 Rav Shraga Kallus (at the end)] agreed. The reason maftir is skipped is based on the Rama 282:5 who says that they shouldn't give the maftir which is repeating psukim to someone who already got an aliya. Mishna Brurah 282:29 clarifies that if there's no such person available they shouldn't do maftir since the sheviyi aliya can count as maftir. In such a case, Mishna Brurah writes that the Kadidsh should be done after haftorah and the one who got the sheviyi aliya should do haftorah. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957153/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-38-issues-in-krias-hatorah/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #38)] wrote that this practice of skipping maftir was to be followed for this situation.</ref>
#Some say that there's an alternative to have other people get an aliyah and stand 6 feet away even if they can't see the words of the sefer torah.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/958613/rabbi-yechezkel-hartman/prashat-naso-5780-aliyah-latorah-for-one-who-is-not-seeing-the-words-of-the-sefer-torah/ Rav Hartman] explaining the position of Rav Shternbuch</ref>
#Regarding consecutive aliyot for father and son it is permitted but it is only ayin hara and for this situation it is acceptable. It is acceptable for the father to get aliyot in one sefer and the son for maftir since maftir is separated with a kaddish.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/959095/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-father-and-son-receiving-consecutive-aliyos/ Rabbi Lebowitz] was lenient and he also quoted Rav Asher Weiss being lenient.</ref>
 
===Birchat Cohanim===
 
#[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/958695/rabbi-michoel-zylberman/naso-birchas-kohanim-and-outdoor-minyanim/ Rav Zylberman on the topic of Birchat Kohanim in Outdoor Minyanim]
 
==Netilat Yadayim==
 
#If a person wants to wash his hands with soap and wash [[Netilat Yadayim for a meal]], one should first wash Netilat Yadyaim for the meal, dry the hands, recite the bracha, and then wash one's hands with soap and then recite the Hamotzei.<ref>[https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgm9gww30vkgw7s/_Rabbi_Willig_Shailos_03_25_2020_.mp3?dl=0 Rav Willig (min 30-34)]</ref>
 
==Berachot==
===[[Birkat HaGomel]]===


==[[Hagomel]]==
#A person who was quarantined and got out of quarantine doesn't recite Hagomel since they were in no danger.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)], [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref>
#A person who was quarantined and got out of quarantine doesn't recite Hagomel since they were in no danger.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)], [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref>
#A person needs to recite [[hagomel]] in front of a [[minyan]] of ten men. Some suggest that this can be recited before ten people listening on a video or phone call and can answer amen. Even though they aren't present, the minyan in this context is purely to publicize the idea so it is permissible.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)], [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-29-April-23-2020.pdf Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona, April 23 2020)]</ref> Others disagree and as long as the minyan isn't in the same room one can not recite hagomel. Therefore, a Sepharadi may recite HaGomel in a Zoom meeting eoth ten participants.<ref>Yabia Omer OC 8:15:15, [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=60346&pgnum=11 Divrei Dovid 5:3]. See Divrei David (Teherani) citing Birkat Hashem v. 4 p. 452 who implies that the minyan doesn't have to be in the same room as long as they can hear the bracha.</ref>
#A person needs to recite [[hagomel]] in front of a [[minyan]] of ten men. Some suggest that this can be recited before ten people listening on a video or phone call and can answer amen. Even though they aren't present, the minyan in this context is purely to publicize the idea so it is permissible.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)]</ref> Others disagree and as long as the minyan isn't in the same room one can not recite hagomel.<ref>Divrei Dovid 4:3</ref>
#According to Ashkenazim, if a person is ill with a sickness to the point that he is a choleh sheyesh bo sakana, a concern of mortal danger, he should recite Hagomel, but if he less sick than that there is no need to recite Hagomel.<ref>Rama 219:8, [http://nleresources.com/2020/03/rav-asher-weiss-coronavirus-in-halacha/#.XnoNOIjYrIU Rav Asher Weiss (March 15 2015, min 11)]</ref> Sephardic tradition is to recite Hagomel anytime someone was sick in bed such as with a flu or bad cold even for a short period of time.<ref>[https://itorah.com/global-search/birkat%20hagomel Rabbi Mansour ("Saying Birkat Hagomel Within 3 Days and Laws of Birkat Hagomel Following A Sickness")]</ref>
#According to Ashkenazim, if a person is ill with a sickness to the point that he is a choleh sheyesh bo sakana, a concern of mortal danger, he should recite Hagomel, but if he less sick than that there is no need to recite Hagomel.<ref>Rama 219:8, [http://nleresources.com/2020/03/rav-asher-weiss-coronavirus-in-halacha/#.XnoNOIjYrIU Rav Asher Weiss (March 15 2015, min 11)]</ref>


==Shabbat==
==[[Biur Chametz]]==
===[[Early Shabbat]]===
# Because one can't do a large communal Chametz burning because gatherings aren't safe and even doing it with a few people at a time can look to non-Jews as unsafe. Rather one should just do biur chametz with a Kezayit by flushing it down the toilet.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-3-Mar-26-2020.pdf Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5780)], [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref>
==Selling [[Chametz]]==


#If a family wants to accept Shabbat early they may do so but should be careful that they recite mincha before Plag Mincha and arvit afterwards.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 233:1, Mishna Brurah 233:11</ref> See [[When_Is_the_Earliest_and_Latest_Time_to_Pray%3F#Maariv_Before_Sunset_If_One_Davened_Mincha_Early]].
#If a person doesn't usually [[sell chametz]] and is afraid that if he doesn't sell chametz one year he isn't going to have food afterwards he can sell his chametz. He wouldn't require a [[hatarat nedarim]].<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (min 20)], [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949232/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hilchos-pesach-shiur-04-pesach-with-covid-19/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 9-11)]. [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-3-Mar-26-2020.pdf Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5780)] explained the reason why the hatarat nedarim isn't necessary</ref>
#The acceptance of Shabbat of the husband doesn't impinge upon the wife so that she must accept Shabbat at the same time. Similarly, the wife's acceptance isn't binding for the husband. Additionally, the one who hasn't yet accepted Shabbat can do melacha for the one who did accept Shabbat.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/957150/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-36-tosefes-shabbos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #36)]</ref>
#A person can sell his chametz on the phone or online and if possible a kinyan can be made virtually in order to appoint the rabbi to sell the chametz. The kinyan would take place as follows: the rabbi would ask if there's someone standing next to the one who wants to appoint the rabbi and if there is then that person can give a pen or a utensil to the one who wants to appoint the rabbi as his shaliach. This is considered a valid kinyan between the person standing there and the one who wants to appoint the rabbi on behalf of the rabbi to be appointed. If that isn't feasible it isn't necessary. Nonetheless, one could stipulate in the document that this appointment of the rabbi is done with the full knowledge of its legal ramifications and it is accepted completely.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-1-Mar-24-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva dated 28 Adar 5780 p. 2)], Nefesh Harav p. 179, [https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (min 1-5)] explained that the minhag is to make a kinyan to appoint a someone to sell something for you. This is classically done with a handing of a handkerchief from the rabbi to the one selling chametz. However, when they call on the phone that isn't possible. The Steipler held in such a case it isn't necessary to be careful about that minhag and simply have the person orally declare that he appoints the rabbi. However, Rav Soloveitchik felt that we should try to fulfill the minhag in any event. How can it be fulfilled? One can have someone standing in the room next to the person on the phone give something to the person on the phone on behalf of the rabbi. That is an effective halachic kinyan on behalf of the rabbi (see Kiddushin 7a). [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 10)] explained that one can appoint the rabbi to sell his chametz online. [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal] allowed appointing the rabbi online if he is a talmid chacham.</ref>
 
===[[Shabbat Davening]]===
====Friday Night====
 
#Although the reason for reciting Shalom Alechem on a Friday night is that the angels accompany you home from shul and you welcome them to your home, if one was unable to attend shul on a Friday night, he would still sing Shalom Alechem.<ref>[https://vimeo.com/399141271 Rabbi Moshe Heinemann] at around 28:30 in the name of Rav Moshe Feinstein, because Hashem will not punish you by not sending the angels when you weren't able to attend shul.</ref>
 
====Davening for the Sick or Tehillim====
 
#It is generally prohibited to daven on Shabbat for our needs or for the well-being of a sick person. However, if the person is in a state of mortal danger one may daven for his well-being on Shabbat.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951537/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-25-davening-for-the-sick/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #25)]</ref> See [[Shabbat_Davenings#Personal_Requests]] for all of the details of this topic.
#Some say that one should say an extra paragraph of Tehillim at every davening and on Shabbat to repeat Mizmor Shir Lyom Hashabbat after davening.<ref>[https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/featured/1852946/7-new-rulings-from-hagaon-harav-chaim-kanievsky-regarding-corona.html Rav Chaim Kanievsky]</ref>
 
====[[Kriyat Hatorah]]====
 
#A person who is at home and can't be at shul should nonetheless read the parsha from a chumash between Shacharit and Mussaf as a way of remembering the concept of kriyat hatorah. He can use that reading as part of his reading of [[Shenayim Mikra Vechad Targum]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz] quoting Rabbi Willig. [https://www.star-k.org/videos.php Rabbi Moshe Heinemann] around minutes 7-10 agrees that you should do so on Shabbat, but that it is not necessary on Monday and Thursday. </ref> Some think this doesn't accomplish anything.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950291/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-8-krias-hatorah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #8)]</ref>
#When the congregation misses a kriyat hatorah they can make it up by reading two parshiyot next week in Shul. However, if they miss multiple weeks there is a discussion if they should or could make up all of the parshiyot that they missed.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz] based on Rama and Magen Avraham.</ref> Some poskim advised making up the missed readings as a praiseworthy stringency and if they can't do it in one week they should do it over many weeks.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/953085/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-32-making-up-missed-krias-hatorah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #32)], [https://forum.moreshet-maran.com/index.php?threads/%D7%A6%D7%99%D7%91%D7%95%D7%A8-%D7%A9%D7%9C%D7%90-%D7%A7%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%95-%D7%91%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%94.601/ Rav Yizchak Yosef]. Hear [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45iDGMjg6-I&authuser=0 Rav Dovid Yosef] on this topic.</ref>
#A person should not move a sefer torah out of a Shul for a home minyan.<ref>[https://drive.google.com/file/d/14IUOs2OOMhloqYwnbv3iKGrWS6GbYGId/view?usp=drivesdk Rabbi Yonatan Nacson in Laws of Praying Byachid (p. 10)] citing Rav Asher Weiss</ref> See [[Respecting_a_Sefer_Torah#Transporting_a_Sefer_Torah]] for more details.
#There still is an obligation of [[Shenayim Mikra Vechad Targum]] when the there is no congregation doing the Kriyat Hatorah in shul.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950291/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-8-krias-hatorah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #8)</ref>
#One doesn't recite [[Baruch Shemey]] when praying by oneself since it is part of the activity of removing the Sefer Torah.<ref>Mishna Brurah 134:13</ref>
 
====Anim Zemirot====
 
#A person davening alone doesn't have to recite Anim Zemirot.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951536/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-24-anim-zmiros-without-a-minyan/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #24)] explains that anim zemirot was instituted only for a minyan, and according to Rav Soloveitchik was considered a [[dvar shebekedusha]].</ref>
 
===Violating Shabbat for [[Pikuach Nefesh]]===
'''On Shabbat or Yom Tov, if anyone has any concern whatsoever that they are in serious danger because of deteriorating health, they should immediately call a doctor or [[Going_to_and_Staying_in_the_Hospital_on_Shabbat|go to the hospital]].'''
 
#It is a well established halacha that it is not only permitted but even a mitzvah to violate [[Shabbat]] in order to safe a life or to remove a situation that presents even a slight chance of danger.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 328:13</ref> The question is how to define the threshold of danger.<ref>[http://nleresources.com/2020/03/rav-asher-weiss-coronavirus-in-halacha/#.XnoNOIjYrIU Rav Asher Weiss (March 15 2020, min 18-22) to Beit Midrash Gavoha] explained that the definition of danger in order to violate Shabbat isn't defined by statistics. For vaccinations we assume that it is a sakana not to vaccinate even though the odds of dying because of the measles is low. Since it is preventable it is incumbent upon us to vaccinate. He concludes that as long as it is a natural phenomenon and there is an action that we can do to prevent deaths we must do so.</ref>
#In certain cases of emergency regarding corona virus it would be allowed to violate Shabbat.<ref>[https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/1841156/harav-zilberstein-answer-telephone-on-shabbos-if-awaiting-results-of-coronavirus-test.html Rav Zilberstein] allowed a patient to answer the phone on Shabbat with a [[shinuy]] only to hear the results of a test and answer questions for epidemiological investigation. If the test results that show that a patient has the virus are produced on Shabbat it is incumbent for the health department to deal with the quarantine then and it is permitted to answer the phone for that.</ref> Obviously every single case is different and one should learn the laws of Pikuach Nefesh from a rabbi in advance.
#If a person is discharged from the hospital on Shabbat and they need him to leave because of the lack of space that they have because of the numbers of people who are ill, his family member can drive to get him. They should do a [[Shinuy]] when turning on the car like turning the key with one's weaker hand, or pressing the button on the key with one's knuckle. Also, when turning off the car one should use a Shinuy.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950282/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-6-pikuach-nefesh-on-shabbos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #6)]</ref> However, a similar question regarding a nurse returning from the hospital on Shabbat some poskim say that she may not drive herself but rather should take a non-Jewish cab and just be careful when in and after leaving the taxi.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (teshuva "Nesiyat Achot" Nissan 5780) was uncomfortable permitting driving oneself home from the hospital on Shabbat even if it was for an emergency since it is a large dispute between Rav Moshe and Rav Shlomo Zalman. Rather he said that one should take a cab with a non-Jewish driver. Even though at this time when people are concerned about getting the virus from going in a cab, he still felt that it isn't considered pikuach nefesh and one shouldn't still drive oneself. Rather one should take the cab but very careful.</ref>
#If a relative is in the hospital and the family members would call the hospital that would indicate to the doctors and nurses that the family cares and the patient will receive better treatment, it is permissible to do so on Shabbat or Yom Tov.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951791/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-29-calling-the-hospital-on-shabbos-or-yom-tov-to-advocate-for-relatives/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #29)]. [https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/featured/1848379/important-message-from-flatbush-hatzolah-about-family-members-in-hospitals.html Flatbush Hatzolah] announced the same thing but they said that the calling and hanging up should be done with a shinuy.</ref>
 
==Purim==
 
#It is a mitzvah to hear [[Parshat Zachor]] read from a sefer torah in a minyan each year on the Shabbat before Purim. If you can't come to shul in person because of quarantining, it is possible to read it oneself from a sefer torah without brachot. If that isn't possible to arrange, it is possible to have intention to fulfill the mitzvah when listening to Zachor in Shul when the week's parsha is Parshat Ki Tetsey.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref>
#When donating zecher lmachasit hashekel it isn't necessary to pick up the half dollar coin and pay a half dollar in its place, it is sufficient to donate a half dollar and that's it.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref>
#When Purim falls out on Friday, the seuda should be done in the morning but some say it can be done in the afternoon after davening mincha.<ref>See [[Seudat_Purim]] page.</ref>
#The mitzvah is to have meat, wine, and bread for the seuda even when it is done on Friday.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref>
#Because of the concern of spreading covid, it is preferable to give more [[matanot levyonim]] and less [[mishloach manot]].<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref>
#If a person can't go to the shul in person because of quarantining, he should listen to the megillah over zoom. If he has a kosher megillah at home, he should read along word by word. He should read along so that he can hear himself.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref>
#For the megillah at night, in extenuating circumstances when it isn't feasible to have the megillah read at night in enough places for everyone to hear, it is possible to read it from Plag Hamincha beforehand. Otherwise they should wait until Tzet Hakochavim or at least Ben Hashemashot.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref>
#For the megillah during the day, in extenuating circumstances when it isn't feasible to have the megillah read at minyanim all day it is possible to start from Olot before Netz. Otherwise they should wait until Netz.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref>
 
==Birkat Halevana==
 
#Ideally one should recite birkat halevana outdoors.<ref>Rama 426:4</ref> If one can not do so one can recite Birkat Halevana from inside but initially one should open the window.<ref>Pri Megadim M"Z 426:4, Mishna Brurah 426:21</ref> See the [[Birkat Halevana]] page.
 
==Pesach==
===[[Birchat Ha'ilanot]]===
 
#One can recite [[Birchat Ha'ilanot]] from indoors if one can see the trees but one may not recite them by seeing the trees on a video.<ref>Ateret Paz (Birkat Ilanot) p. 154-6, [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-28-April-23-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona, April 23 2020)]</ref> See the [[Birchat Ha'ilanot]] for more details and sources.
 
===[[Taanit Bechorot]]===
 
#A person should try to finish a short masecheta to make his own [[Siyum Masechet]].<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-1-Mar-24-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva dated 28 Adar 5780 p. 2)], [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim]</ref> Some say that learning one masechta with Bartenura is sufficient.<ref>[https://itorah.com/daily-halacha/lecture/ta-anit-bechorot-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/3802 Rabbi Mansour], [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim]</ref>
#Many poskim say that he can rely on a siyum over the phone or video livestream.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-1-Mar-24-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva dated 28 Adar 5780 p. 2)]. [https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards beginning)]. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949232/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hilchos-pesach-shiur-04-pesach-with-covid-19/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 1-4)] explained that Rav Schachter and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach hold that it is enough to listen and join with the siyum over the phone or video call. However, other poskim don't like this leniency. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020, min 7) agreed that one can be yotzei with a siyum over the phone or video for the tanit bechorot. [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 6)] agreed that this year you can be yotzei the siyum over the phone since it is an extenuating circumstance. [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Avigdor Nevinsal] agreed that you can be part of a siyum over the phone and the meal one has afterwards is a seudat mitzvah. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim] holds that it is better to make a siyum oneself even on a tractate of mishna but if that's not possible one can listen on the phone.</ref>
#Some say that in the event one can't make one's own siyum or even hear someone else's, one doesn't need to fast this year in order to maintain strength in this time of a health crisis.<ref>[https://itorah.com/daily-halacha/lecture/ta-anit-bechorot-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/3802 Rabbi Mansour]</ref>
 
===[[Bedikat Chametz]] and [[Biur Chametz]]===
 
#A person should do bedikat chametz after praying by oneself at Tzet Hakochavim and then immediately begin the bedika. They should not have a meal within a half hour of the bedika.<ref>[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 1-5)],[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/950401/rabbi-dan-cohen-rabbi-meir-gavriel-elbaz/pesach-prep-simplified/ Rav Meir Elbaz (min 17-8)]</ref>
#Because one can't do a large communal Chametz burning because gatherings aren't safe and even doing it with a few people at a time can look to non-Jews as unsafe. Rather one should just do biur chametz with a Kezayit by flushing it down the toilet.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-3-Mar-26-2020.pdf Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5780)], [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]. [https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Chief-Rabbis-Dont-leave-home-to-burn-chametz-for-Passover-623072 Rav Yitzchak Yosef and Rav David Lau] said that one should not go outside to burn chametz or kasher pots.</ref>
#A person should sell chametz in the house or office if he left there before he had the chance to do a bedikat chametz. By selling the chametz there he is absolving himself of having to do bedikat chametz.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/950401/rabbi-dan-cohen-rabbi-meir-gavriel-elbaz/pesach-prep-simplified/ Rav Elbaz (min 26)], Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference, March 29 2020 11am)</ref>
 
===Selling [[Chametz]]===
 
#If a person doesn't usually [[sell chametz]] and is afraid that if he doesn't sell chametz one year he isn't going to have food afterwards he can sell his chametz. He wouldn't require a [[hatarat nedarim]].<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (min 20)], [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949232/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hilchos-pesach-shiur-04-pesach-with-covid-19/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 9-11)]. [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-3-Mar-26-2020.pdf Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5780)] explained the reason why the hatarat nedarim isn't necessary. [https://vimeo.com/399141271 Rabbi Moshe Heinemann] at around 46:45 agrees that if there is a big loss one can be lenient and sell chametz and it would not require hatarat nedarim, although he isn't so sure that it would be a big loss to an individual.</ref>
#A person can sell his chametz on the phone or online and if possible a kinyan can be made virtually in order to appoint the rabbi to sell the chametz. The kinyan would take place as follows: the rabbi would ask if there's someone standing next to the one who wants to appoint the rabbi and if there is then that person can give a pen or a utensil to the one who wants to appoint the rabbi as his shaliach. This is considered a valid kinyan between the person standing there and the one who wants to appoint the rabbi on behalf of the rabbi to be appointed. If that isn't feasible it isn't necessary. Nonetheless, one could stipulate in the document that this appointment of the rabbi is done with the full knowledge of its legal ramifications and it is accepted completely.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-1-Mar-24-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva dated 28 Adar 5780 p. 2)], Nefesh Harav p. 179, [https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (min 1-5)] explained that the minhag is to make a kinyan to appoint a someone to sell something for you. This is classically done with a handing of a handkerchief from the rabbi to the one selling chametz. However, when they call on the phone that isn't possible. The Steipler held in such a case it isn't necessary to be careful about that minhag and simply have the person orally declare that he appoints the rabbi. However, Rav Soloveitchik felt that we should try to fulfill the minhag in any event. How can it be fulfilled? One can have someone standing in the room next to the person on the phone give something to the person on the phone on behalf of the rabbi. That is an effective halachic kinyan on behalf of the rabbi (see Kiddushin 7a). [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 10)] explained that one can appoint the rabbi to sell his chametz online. Rav Asher Weiss (Minchat Asher Corona p. 66) agrees. [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal] allowed appointing the rabbi online if he is a talmid chacham.</ref>
#There is no issue with the selling of Chametz even though the Chametz is in a locked building or in a place that isn't accessible to the non-Jew because of the coronavirus situation.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950290/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-10-chametz-sheeno-birshuso/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #10)]</ref>
#Some poskim allow ordering chametz on Pesach if one is certain that it will only be delivered after Pesach. If Chametz arrives while it is still Pesach by mistake, one must refuse the delivery.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951179/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-17-ordering-chametz-from-a-non-jew-on-pesach-to-arrive-after-pesach/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #17)] explains that it isn't considered rotzeh bkiyumo, wanting the chametz to continue to exist, to order the chametz since one doesn't insist on any particular box of chametz that the company provides. However, one certainly may not acquire it with a kinyan such as picking it up or moving it. Even if it is delivered into one's property if one has intention not to acquire it, one doesn't acquire it. Yet, one can't even protect it since doing so is an issue of rotzeh bkiyumo. [https://yeshiva-university.zoom.us/rec/play/usAsduuh-283HoLAtASDAPZ9W9S0eq2s0igX-_pez0jkW3EFZFr1M7QRa7Qf9B_vOGt5lyO0vcW9I1-0?startTime=1585760529000&_x_zm_rtaid=CQsocm3ZRaq6pGgFL5OMGQ.1585880286593.75ff95374a21dbfc2f0c45524d508e2a&_x_zm_rhtaid=674 Rav Willig (April 1 2020, min 0-2)] agreed in technical terms.</ref>
 
===Buying for Pesach===


==Buying for Pesach==
#If you have raw chicken or raw meat you don't have to worry that it is chametz even if it was processed in a place where there was chametz. You can simply wash it off to solve any question.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949232/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hilchos-pesach-shiur-04-pesach-with-covid-19/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 11-15)]</ref>
#If you have raw chicken or raw meat you don't have to worry that it is chametz even if it was processed in a place where there was chametz. You can simply wash it off to solve any question.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949232/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hilchos-pesach-shiur-04-pesach-with-covid-19/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 11-15)]</ref>
#Sanitizing alcohol gel, such as Purell, isn't [[chametz]] since it isn't edible and can be used on Pesach.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (teshuva "Shimush Bpesach B'alchogel" Chol Hamoed Pesach 5780)</ref>
==[[Kashering for Pesach]]==
# Some poskim allow [[kashering a dishwasher]] for Pesach even though there are plastic and other materials in there that are questionable to kosher. One should wait 24 hours without using it and then use with just hot water and no soap. According to Ashkenazim this should be used to kosher it from Chametz but not from meat to parve or milk or vice versa.<Ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-3-Mar-26-2020.pdf Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5780)]</ref>
# Some hold that one can kasher plastic, while others disagree. See on the [[Kashering_the_Kitchen_for_Pesach#Which_materials_can_be_kashered.3F]] page.


===Kitniyot===
==Machine Matza==


#Out of a concern of the coronavirus, this year some poskim permit taking vitamins which have additives of [[kitniyot]] in order to stay healthy and to strength one's immune system.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950289/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-7-kitniyos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #7)]</ref>
#It is permitted under extenuating circumstances to use [[machine matza]] for the mitzvah of eating matzah on the seder night.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards beginning)]. This is acceptable for Sephardim as well even with a bracha as described by Rav Ovadia Yosef in Yachava Daat 1:14 and Chazon Ovadia (Pesach Hilchot Leil Haseder 5763 Edition p. 76). [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim] holds that one should really used hand baked matzah but if one can't acquire any then one can use machine matzah.</ref>
#Someone with Crohn's disease and needs to drink an enriched milk with kiniyot additives for his health can do so on Pesach. Also, he can do so within 6 hours after eating meat (see [[Waiting between Meat and Milk]]).<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950289/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-7-kitniyos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #7)]</ref>
 
===[[Kashering for Pesach]]===
 
#Some poskim allow [[kashering a dishwasher]] for Pesach even though there are plastic and other materials in there that are questionable to kosher. One should wait 24 hours without using it and then use with just hot water and no soap. According to Ashkenazim this should be used to kosher it from Chametz but not from meat to parve or milk or vice versa.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-3-Mar-26-2020.pdf Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5780)]</ref>
#Some hold that one can kasher plastic, while others disagree. See on the [[Kashering_the_Kitchen_for_Pesach#Which_materials_can_be_kashered.3F]] page.
 
===Pesach Davening===
====Hallel Pesach Night====
 
#There is a custom of Sephardic and some Ashkenazic communities to recite Hallel Pesach night in Shul. However, being that the current situation demands that a person needs to remain inside there is no way to fulfill this minhag and should not recite Hallel after davening. Rather one should only recite it at the Seder.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950285/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-9-hallel-on-pesach-night-and-tefillas-tal/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #9)]</ref> Some Ashkenazic poskim would allow reciting a bracha.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (Minchat Asher Corona p. 73-4) writes that a person who has the practice to recite the Hallel the night of the seder after davening can do so with a bracha even when davening individually. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951672/rabbi-hershel-reichman/hallel-in-maariv-with-or-without-a-bracha-during-covid-19-the-rav/ Rav Hershel Reichman], based on Rav Moshe Soloveichik (as quoted in Shiurim L'zecher Abba Mari Part I, Kuntres B'inyanei Kriat Shema, ft. 4), agreed. </ref>
#According to Sephardim, one should recite Hallel the night of the seder after davening with a bracha even though one is davening at home.<ref>Yachava Daat 5:34, Teshuva written by Rabbi Mordechai Lebhar author of Magen Avot (Erev Shabbat Hagadol 5780), Kaf Hachaim 487:38-42</ref>
 
====Shir Hashirim on Chol Hamoed====
 
#Ashkenazim generally have the custom to read Shir Hashirim on Shabbat Chol Hamoed Pesach. This year since there is no minyanim available, when one davens at home individually, there is no obligation to read Shir Hashirim. One may do so but it isn't in fulfillment of the minhag.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950655/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-13-shir-hashirim-on-chol-hamoed-pesach/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #13)]</ref>
 
====Tefillat HaTal====
 
#One can recite the piyut for tal on Pesach was only instituted for a congregation, however if one wants to recite it one may do so.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950285/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-9-hallel-on-pesach-night-and-tefillas-tal/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #9)]</ref>
#In Mussaf everyone should stop saying [[Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem]] and instead recite Morid Hatal because one is davening individually and one may not change from the practice of saying Mashiv Haruach of the congregation until the Shaliach Tzibur has done so and this year there are no minyanim switching at mussaf. After Mussaf, starting with Mincha, one should follow their regular minhag if they usually recite Morid Hatal or not.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950285/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-9-hallel-on-pesach-night-and-tefillas-tal/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #9)]</ref> See [[Mashiv_HaRuach_UMorid_HaGeshem#When_to_Stop_Morid_Hageshem_and_Start_Tal]] for the background.
#For Sephardim, one may begin to recite Morid Hatal in Mussaf even though he praying individually and there is no minyan nearby.<ref>Kaf Hachaim 114:8 and Halacha Brurah v. 6 p. 145 rule that the primary halacha is that there's no prohibition to begin to start to say Morid Hatal before the Shaliach Tzibbur. It is only forbidden for an individual to begin Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem before the congregation does. This is the approach of the Bet Yosef citing the Ran, Pri Chadash, and Maamar Mordechai, unlike the Raavad cited by the Tur 114:2. However, in a regular year, the Kaf Hachaim and Halacha Brurah recommend being strict for the Raavad to have the Shaliach Tzibur announce before the Mussaf that everyone should begin to say Morid Hatal.</ref>
 
====Yizkor====
 
#Ashkenazim generally say yizkor to mention the names of the deceased on the last days of Yom Tov. A person can say the yizkor even as an individual. The accepted practice is to recite both the paragraph of yizkor and the kel maleh rachamim even when praying without a minyan. If the community wants they can push up to do yizkor on Chol Hamoed with Zoom.<ref>Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon (Teshuva Chol Hamoed Pesach 5780)</ref>
 
===Machine Matza===
 
#It is permitted under extenuating circumstances to use [[machine matza]] for the mitzvah of eating matzah on the seder night.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards beginning)]. This is acceptable for Sephardim as well even with a bracha as described by Rav Ovadia Yosef in Yachava Daat 1:14 and Chazon Ovadia (Pesach Hilchot Leil Haseder 5763 Edition p. 76). [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim] holds that one should really used hand baked matzah but if one can't acquire any then one can use machine matzah. [https://yeshiva-university.zoom.us/rec/play/uMB7I-D--j83ToDAtgSDUaJ7W9Xueqis0nRK-6FfmUm0VSMBZ1qjYLIbZbHenouY882eTH8fEnI5K7DA?startTime=1585587811000&_x_zm_rtaid=5PWyeRatQdGWZ2q1UH7K6w.1585657713810.05dafc99f0c11cb46ffb1a63ddd87e47&_x_zm_rhtaid=904 Rav Willig (min 2)] has a similar approach.</ref>
#Some say that there's no concern to have the hand baked matzot this year.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020, min 19) said that there's no concern to use the hand-baked matzot since they were baked earlier in the year. His personal minhag is to have only hand baked matzot. In terms of using machine matzah he felt that it is only a chumra not to use them even for the mitzvah of motzei matzah and one could use them if there's no other option.</ref>
#Some say that there's no concern to have the hand baked matzot this year.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020, min 19) said that there's no concern to use the hand-baked matzot since they were baked earlier in the year. His personal minhag is to have only hand baked matzot. In terms of using machine matzah he felt that it is only a chumra not to use them even for the mitzvah of motzei matzah and one could use them if there's no other option.</ref>


===Using Zoom for the Seder===
==Birchat Ha'ilanot==
#One can recite birkat hailanot from indoors if one can see the trees but one may not recite them by seeing the trees on a video.<Ref>Ateret Paz p. 154-6</ref> See the [[Birchat HaIlanot]] for more details and sources.


#Although a minority of rabbis allow using Zoom for this emergency situation in a very extenuating circumstance where an elderly single person is alone for the seder away from family because of the quarantines to use technology to leave a video conference going for Yom Tov to join with a family seder,<ref>[http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/277764 Rabbi Eliyahu Abergel and other rabbis]</ref> most rabbis consider this to be a breach of halacha.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020 11am, min 39; teshuva in Minchat Asher Corona pp. 75-6), [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-2-Mar-25-2020.pdf Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Adar 29 5780)], [https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgm9gww30vkgw7s/_Rabbi_Willig_Shailos_03_25_2020_.mp3?dl=0 Rav Mordechai Willig (min 20-22)], [https://www.inn.co.il/News/News.aspx/432065 Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon]. Rav Willig's held that it is absolutely forbidden and it is a tremendous zilzul Shabbat besides questions of others prohibitions of Shabbat.</ref> There is a discussion if the firstgroup of rabbis retracted.<ref>[https://vosizneias.com/2020/03/24/the-heter-for-zoom-at-the-seder-is-incorrect-and-should-be-retracted/ Rabbi Yair Hoffman] describes how 3 of the original signers of the lenient ruling would only permit under life and death needs and not in general. However, [https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/zoom-passover-seder-rabbis-hit-back-at-critics-622494 another article] describes how some of the original rabbis who were lenient confirmed their opinions.</ref>
==[[Tanit Bechorot]]==
#It is suggested to perform a pre-pesach zoom seder for people who you can't invite to your seder in order to share divrei torah, songs, and the experience of the seder before Yom Tov.<ref>[https://www.inn.co.il/News/News.aspx/432065 Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon]</ref>
#A person should try to finish a short masecheta to make his own siyum but if he can't he can rely on a siyum over the phone.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-1-Mar-24-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva dated 28 Adar 5780 p. 2)]. [https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards beginning)]. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949232/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hilchos-pesach-shiur-04-pesach-with-covid-19/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 1-4)] explained that Rav Schachter and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach hold that it is enough to listen and join with the siyum over the phone or video call. However, other poskim don't like this leniency. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020, min 7) agreed that one can be yotzei with a siyum over the phone or video for the tanit bechorot. [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 6)] agreed that this year you can be yotzei the siyum over the phone since it is an extenuating circumstance. [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Avigdor Nevinsal] agreed that you can be part of a siyum over the phone and the meal one has afterwards is a seudat mitzvah. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim] holds that it is better to make a siyum oneself even on a tractate of mishna but if that's not possible one can listen on the phone.</ref>
#For someone who is clinically depressed to the point that there is a concern of suicide or just losing one's mind it is permitted to use a phone to call him to cheer him up and check on him. However, if there's a way to check the patient before Pesach one should do so.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-2-Mar-25-2020.pdf Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Adar 29 5780)]. [https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgm9gww30vkgw7s/_Rabbi_Willig_Shailos_03_25_2020_.mp3?dl=0 Rav Willig (min 24)] agrees that we violate Shabbat for someone who is suicidal but they can use the phone.</ref> A person should check with his rabbi in each case.
#A person should recite Ha lachma anya this year as one would any other year, even though that phrase is a call for inviting guests and this year that is impossible.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951299/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-21-can-we-say-kol-dichfin-this-year-/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #21)], [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref>


==[[Eruv Tavshilin]] and [[Eruv Chatzerot]]==
==Birkat Halevana==
 
#Ideally one should recite birkat halevana outdoors.<ref>Rama 426:4</ref> If one can not do so one can recite Birkat Halevana from inside but initially one should open the window.<ref>Pri Megadim M"Z 426:4, Mishna Brurah 426:21</ref> See the [[Birkat HaLevana]] page.
#A rabbi should establish an eruv tavshilin on behalf of his whole community. Even though usually he acquires it to another person who isn't a family member on behalf of the community, this year because of social distancing one can acquire it to one's wife.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951181/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-19-eruv-tavshillin-and-eruv-chatzeiros-and-social-distancing/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #19)]</ref>
#An eruv tavshilin works to allow cooking from Yom Tov to Shabbat even though it isn't possible to have guests in most cases.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951181/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-19-eruv-tavshillin-and-eruv-chatzeiros-and-social-distancing/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #19)] explained that usually we use the concept of ''hoil'', since guests might arrive who can eat the food one cooked, to permit cooking from one day of Yom Tov to Shabbat. However, this year that seems not to be applicable. Rav Schachter explained based on the Maharam Chalavah that ''hoil'' doesn't necessitate that one actually have guests or even have the ability to have guests, it is rather a halachic principle since objectively it is possible to have guests the eruv is effective.</ref>
#The communal eruv chatzerot continues to be effective even though the communal box of matzah's might not be accessible.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951181/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-19-eruv-tavshillin-and-eruv-chatzeiros-and-social-distancing/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #19)] explained that since theoretically it is possible to get the box alone for a few minutes it isn't completely inaccessible (see Har Tzvi OC 2:16).</ref>
#It is permissible to wear a surgical mask on Shabbat outside and it isn't [[carrying]] as long as it is fastened well and won't fall off.<ref>[https://itorah.com/daily-halacha/lecture/may-one-wear-a-surgical-mask-on-shabbat-in-a-public-domain/3803 Rabbi Mansour], Rav Yitzchak Rubin of Har Nof (teshuva Erev Shabbat Shemini 5780)</ref>


==Chol Hamoed==
==Chol Hamoed==
 
# One can't buy stocks or sell them on Chol Hamoed, however, if not selling them could lead to a loss of one's original capital that one invested one can sell it.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim]]</ref>
#One can't buy stocks or sell them on Chol Hamoed, however, if not selling them could lead to a loss of one's original capital that one invested one can sell it.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim]</ref>
#It is permitted to do art projects with children on Chol Hamoed.<ref>[https://www.kipa.co.il/יהדות/חגים/פסח/958678-הרב-אליקים-לבנון-להתיר-בחול-המועד-מלאכות-שאסורות-בשנה-רגילה/ Rav Elyakim Levanon] wrote that it is fine to do art projects with children on Chol Hamoed even if they involve coloring, weaving, decorating the house because they aren't considered an exaustive effort and are meant for the kids to have a good time.</ref>
 
See [[Chol Hamoed]] for many details.
See [[Chol Hamoed]] for many details.


==Using Zoom for the Seder==


==[[Sefirat Haomer]]==
#Although a minority of rabbis allow using Zoom for this emergency situation in a very extenuating circumstance where an elderly single person is alone for the seder away from family because of the quarantines to use technology to leave a video conference going for Yom Tov to join with a family seder,<ref>[http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/277764 Rabbi Eliyahu Abergel and other rabbis]</ref> most rabbis consider this to be a breach of halacha.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020 11am, min 39), [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-2-Mar-25-2020.pdf Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Adar 29 5780)]</ref>
===Haircuts===
# For someone who is clinically depressed to the point that there is a concern of suicide or just losing one's mind it is permitted to use a phone to call him to cheer him up and check on him. However, if there's a way to check the patient before Pesach one should do so.<Ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-2-Mar-25-2020.pdf Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Adar 29 5780)]</ref> A person should check with his rabbi in each case.


#If someone couldn't get a hair cut because the barbers were all closed before Pesach, then if one reached the point when it very noticeably long and people would tell him to get a haircut he can take a haircut during [[Sefira]]. Today it can be estimated that if it has been more than 2 months since his last haircut he can take a haircut during the Sefira.<ref>https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950659/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-16-haircuts-on-chol-hamoed-and-sefira/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #16)</ref>
==Mikveh==


===Music===
#Each community rabbi needs to decide these sort of questions however in theory it is possible for the Mikva to remain open and allow women who aren't having symptoms or aren't quarantined to go to Mikva. They should be extra careful about hygiene and prepare completely at home, go to the Mikva where there is no contact with anyone besides a brief contact with the water which has chemicals for cleanliness. Then upon returning home there are poskim who allow the woman to take a shower when she gets home to clean herself off.<ref>[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=105574 Rabbi Shay Tahan]</ref>
#The RCBC also stated that Mikva's are remaining open for the time.<ref>[https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/featured/1839350/no-shul-yeshivas-shabbos-guests-levayos-shiva-vaad-harabanim-of-bergen-county-releases-letter.html RCBC letter on yeshivaworld.com]</ref>
#The men's mikveh's should be closed at this time. Even if a person is careful to go to mikveh each day he can fulfill this custom by taking a 5 minute shower.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020, min 12)</ref> See [[Preparations_for_Davening#Going_to_Mikveh]] for details.


#Some poskim permit someone to [[Listening to Music|listen to music]] to help them get out a state of sadness or emotional distress. It is preferable in that situation to listen to music that doesn't lead to dancing.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/952458/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-30-the-aveilus-of-sefirah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #30) explains that the sefira has the status of [[12 Months]] of mourning in which a person minimizes indulgence in pleasures, however, if it leads to pain then that wasn't included in the required mourning. The minhag not to listen to music during sefira can be waived for someone who otherwise would be emotionally distressed. It is preferable that he listen to classic music and not music that leads to dancing. Rav Asher Weiss (Minchat Asher Corona Second Edition n. 47) writes that we can't generally permit music during sefirat haomer. We can be lenient for somenoe who is near depression or for a parent watching small children, especially if it isn't live and when it isn't simcha music that leads to dancing. </ref>
==Tevilat Kelim==
#It is permitted to listen to music right before Shabbat in [[honor of Shabbat]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/952458/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-30-the-aveilus-of-sefirah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #30)]</ref>
#Each community should decide whether or not close the kli mikveh out of a safety concern. You can do the [[tevilat kelim]] in the ocean.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949232/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hilchos-pesach-shiur-04-pesach-with-covid-19/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 5-9)], [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim]</ref>
#Alternatively, one can use tevilat kelim in the mikvah while wearing gloves, then throw out the gloves, wash off the kelim with soap and water.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949232/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hilchos-pesach-shiur-04-pesach-with-covid-19/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 5-9)]</ref>  
#As a last resort one can avoid tevilat kelim by giving the pots to a non-Jew and borrowing them back. One can rely on this until the virus passes.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949232/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hilchos-pesach-shiur-04-pesach-with-covid-19/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 5-9)], [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim]. [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal] said that one could rely upon this if there was no other option.</ref> If one can't sell or gift the pots to a non-Jew oneself one can do so online through [https://nirshamti.co.il/e-%D7%98%D7%91%D7%99%D7%9C%D7%94/ Zomet].
#Another option is for a person to declare the pots that need tevilat kelim to be ownerless (hefker) in front of 3 Jews. One has to have full intent that the pots are ownerless and if someone took them one would have no claim upon them. If these Jews can't be there in person it is sufficient if they are present through social media technology but they should be people who live in the neighborhood. They should then leave the pots outside their house for a few minutes so that if someone wanted to take them they could. <ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-1-Mar-24-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva dated 28 Adar 5780 p. 1)]</ref>


==Shavuot==
==[[Brit Milah]]==
# A Brit Milah can be done without a minyan since gatherings aren't safe.<Ref>[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref>
==Naming a Girl==
# A person doesn't need a minyan in order to name a girl and under the circumstances should do so.<Ref>[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref>
==Bar Mitzvah's==
#[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=105558 A message for Bar Mitzvah Boys in the Lockdown by Rabbi Pesach Krohn]
#A bar mitzvah boy who missed the opportunity to read his parsha in shul when he became bar mitzvah'ed when it is next possible to go to shul he can add his parsha as a hosafa and read it then. Additionally, the haftorah can follow that hosafa.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards end)]</ref>
# The father of a Bar Mitzvah boy who couldn't layn should wait until he can do something that shows he's Bar Mitzvah like layn or daven as Shaliach Tzibbur to make such a bracha.<Ref>[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref>


#An individual does not have to recite Rut when he is at home without a congregation, however, one may do so if one wants to.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957156/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-40-shavuos-customs-flowers-rus-and-akdamos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #40)]</ref>
==Weddings==
#There is no minhag to say Akdamut when praying by oneself at home, however, one may do so if one wants to.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957156/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-40-shavuos-customs-flowers-rus-and-akdamos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #40)]</ref>
# Ideally a wedding shouldn't be pushed off if both parties are ready even though it means having a tiny wedding.<Ref>[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref>
#There is no reason to adorn the house with flowers on Shavuot. The minhag was to adorn the Bet Midrash, around the entire area, or around the bimah in a Shul.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957156/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-40-shavuos-customs-flowers-rus-and-akdamos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #40)]</ref>
#A rabbi should not officiate at a wedding that isn't abiding by the CDC guidelines of health because he is furthering unsafe practices.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards beginning)]</ref>
#Making early Yom Tov sheni is generally a dispute. Some allow starting Yom Tov Sheni early, while others oppose it so that a person doesn't come to violate preparing from the day of the first day of Yom Tov for the nighttime. Additionally, this year when the second day is Shabbat and there's no concern of preparing because of the Eruv Tavshilin, one can be lenient to start early. With regards to Shavuot there's another factor that perhaps one shouldn't start early the second night of Shavuot since the Kiddush needs to be on the actual date of Shavuot. Most are lenient and allow starting the second day of Shavuot early especially this year when the second day is Shabbat.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957152/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-37-the-proper-time-to-daven-maariv-on-the-second-night-of-shavuos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #37)]</ref>
# It has been asked whether or not the poskim are more lenient this year regarding weddings during [[Sefira]] but the answer is that it is not determined because the situation is still unclear.<Ref>[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref>
 
==The Three Weeks==
===Shaving===
 
#As with every other year the discussion of shaving during the three weeks is equally relevant. Some are lenient for those who usually shave every day or every few days to shave once it is has been twice the amount of time that they would normally shave.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/962617/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-43-mourning-customs-of-the-three-weeks/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #43)]</ref> Others hold that one may not shave during the three weeks. See [[Three_Weeks#Shaving| here]] for the discussion.
 
===Music===
 
#A person who is [[listening to Music| listening to music]] to alleviate pressure or tension may do so even during the three weeks.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/962617/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-43-mourning-customs-of-the-three-weeks/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #43)]</ref>
 
===Prayer===
 
#In order to minimize interactions and time of davening together on [[Shiva Asar Btamuz]] it is permitted to daven as a [[minyan]] and then say selichot on zoom without the 13 middot of rachamim. Alternatively, they can be said before [[mincha]]. <ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/963045/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-44-laundry-on-the-nine-days-and-tefilla-on-tisha-b-av/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #44)]</ref>
 
===Laundry===
 
#Although generally it is forbidden to do laundry during the nine days, if a doctor or someone else who is concerned for catching corona needs to do extra laundry during these days they can.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/963045/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-44-laundry-on-the-nine-days-and-tefilla-on-tisha-b-av/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #44)]</ref>
 
==[[Tisha B'av]]==
===Washing===
 
#Despite the prohibition of washing on Tisha B’Av, if one has regularly been following the CDC recommendation of washing hands, one may continue doing so on Tisha B’Av. If one has not been following the CDC recommendation, one must follow the washing prohibition.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/964139/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-47-washing-hands-on-tisha-bav/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #47)], Rav Dovid Lau (responsa Av 6 5780). Although [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=119256 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Devarim 5780 min 0-3)] stated that one shouldn't wash one's hands on Tisha B'av during corona like every year, however, he can use purell or sanitizing agents, in a written responsa on Av 7 5780 he wrote that it is permitted to wash one's hands with soap and water or alcohol as long as one's intent is purely for cleanliness.</ref> If someone isn't concerned to always disinfect their hands but they are working for a hospital or others who are concerned for this he can wash his hands.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/965450/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-48-washing-hands-on-tisha-b-av-part-2/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #48) explained that the idea of shomer petayim Hashem applies to each and every individual differently according to what they are not concerned about. If someone isn't concerned about a certain minimal danger then we can apply shomer petayim Hashem and then they wouldn't be allowed to wash their hands on Tisha B'av. However, if they are concerned then they can wash their hands. If their actions affect others, such as if they work in the hospital or is in contact with others who are concerned he can wash for their safety.</ref>
 
===Fasting===
 
#Someone who is healthy and has no symptoms should fast on Tisha B'av whether or not he is in quarantine.<ref>Rav Yitzchak Yosef (responsa Av 7 5780), Rav Asher Weiss (Piskei Corona 3). Also, Rabbi Dovid Lau (responsa 6 Av 5780) wrote that someone with symptoms shouldn't fast but someone with in quarantine without symptoms should fast.</ref> Others disagree.<ref>Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Halperin responsa July 25 2020 wrote that someone with symptoms shouldn't fast at all. Also, someone who is in quarantine, has corona, or is in a high risk category (above 60, heart or lung issues, or diabetic) shouldn't fast but should eat less than the requisite amounts (kezayit or reviyit in a kdei achilat pras).</ref>
#If the doctor told someone not to fast out of a concern that he not get sick he should only eat less than the amount of a [[Kezayit]] of food and less than a [[Reviyit]] of liquids in the time of [[Kdei Achilat Pras]].<ref>Rav Yitzchak Yosef (responsa Av 7 5780)</ref>
#Someone who has symptoms of corona should not fast on Tisha B'av.<ref>Rav Yitzchak Yosef (responsa Av 7 5780)</ref>
#Someone who starts to feel symptoms in the middle of the fast, such as a fever, cough, loss of sense of smell he is considered sick and can break the fast.<ref>Rav Yitzchak Yosef (responsa Av 7 5780)</ref>
#A doctor or nurse treating patients with COVID and if they fast will not be able to do their job, especially because of wearing all the protective gear could make a person overheat, he can be lenient to eat and drink. It is proper to eat less than the requisite measures of food described above.<ref>Rav Yitzchak Yosef (responsa Av 7 5780)</ref>
 
===Prayer===
 
#In order to minimize interactions and time of davening together on [[Tisha Bav]] it is permitted to daven as a minyan and then say kinot and eicha at home over zoom.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/963045/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-44-laundry-on-the-nine-days-and-tefilla-on-tisha-b-av/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #44)]</ref>


==[[Fast Days]]==
==[[Fast Days]]==
#If the rabbis declare a half fast day until [[Chatzot]] according to Ashkenazim an individual can recite [[Anenu]] in Mincha Shemona Esrei<ref>Rama 562:1 writes that Ashkenazim hold that even for an incomplete fast one can recite anenu. Mishna Brurhah 562:48 references this Rama in discussing a fast that was accepted to fast until chatzot. The Mishna Brurah 562:7 cites a debate as to whether one should omit the words צום תעניתנו while reciting עננו in such a scenario as many poskim argue that a half fast is not considered a fast and therefore one would not want to risk speak falsely, particularly when he is speaking to Hashem.
#If the rabbis declare a half fast day until [[Chatzot]] according to Ashkenazim an individual can recite [[Anenu]] in Mincha Shemona Esrei<ref>Rama 562:1 writes that Ashkenazim hold that even for an incomplete fast one can recite anenu. Mishna Brurhah 562:48 references this Rama in discussing a fast that was accepted to fast until chatzot. The Mishna Brurah 562:7 cites a debate as to whether one should omit the words צום תעניתנו while reciting עננו in such a scenario as many poskim argue that a half fast is not considered a fast and therefore one would not want to risk speak falsely, particularly when he is speaking to Hashem.
 
* [https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/1841977/hagaon-harav-chaim-kanievsky-calls-to-fast-for-half-a-day-on-erev-rosh-chodesh.html Rav Chaim Kanievsky] declared a half fast on Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5780.</ref> assuming he is still fasting when he prays Mincha.<ref>Mishna Brurah 562:6</ref> According to Sephardim one can only recite anenu if one fasts the entire day.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 562:10-11 holds that a incomplete fast is not considered a fast with respect to saying anenu. Therefore if one only fasts until chatzot one should not recite anenu.</ref>
*[https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/1841977/hagaon-harav-chaim-kanievsky-calls-to-fast-for-half-a-day-on-erev-rosh-chodesh.html Rav Chaim Kanievsky] declared a half fast on Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5780.</ref> assuming he is still fasting when he prays Mincha.<ref>Mishna Brurah 562:6</ref> According to Sephardim one can only recite anenu if one fasts the entire day.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 562:10-11 holds that a incomplete fast is not considered a fast with respect to saying anenu. Therefore if one only fasts until chatzot one should not recite anenu.</ref>
#A person should accept the fast from the day before, as is traditionally done at mincha time. If one didn't do so, according to Sephardim one shouldn't recite anenu, but according to Ashkenazim one can recite anenu.<ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama 562:5</ref>
#A person should accept the fast from the day before, as is traditionally done at mincha time. If one didn't do so, according to Sephardim one shouldn't recite anenu, but according to Ashkenazim one can recite anenu.<ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama 562:5</ref>
==Yamim Noraim==
===[[Selichot]]===
#We're strict to consider the 13 middot of mercy to be a [[dvar shebekedusha]], holy matter, and requires a [[minyan]]. There is a dispute whether an individual can answer a congregation reciting it over the phone or zoom.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50)]</ref>
===[[Rosh Hashana]]===
#If a shul needs to abbreviate the davening in order to accommodate all of those davening together at several times it is permitted to skip all of the piyutim as well as the extra shofar blowings.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/963046/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-45-tefilla-b-tzibur-on-the-yamim-noraim/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #45)]</ref>
#If the congregation for health concerns needs to shorten the davening on Rosh Hashanah, they can do so by onyl blowing 30 blows before Mussaf and 30 during Mussaf and not 100 which we usually blow. They can skip reciting Lamnase'ach 7x and say it only once or skip it entirely. They can skip the piyutim in Chazarat Hashatz.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50)]</ref>
#If someone is davening by themselves they don't blow the shofar together with Mussaf. If possible it should be before Mussaf, otherwise it can be done afterwards.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50)]</ref>
#In a dire situation it is theoretically possible to daven mincha on Shabbat before Plag Hamincha and Maariv after Plag before sunset. The reason for this would be that if they're davening outside and it is dark and they can't see for Maariv they can daven early. They could do this for Shabbat or the second day of Rosh Hashana. They may only do this if the local rabbi agrees considering that such an instutition could possible lead to terrible mistakes to think that Shabbat is over early when praying early which is not the case.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50)]</ref>
====Substituting Shower for Men's Mikveh====
#The minhag is for men to go to Mikveh on Erev Rosh Hashana. For a concern of COVID-19 the men can fulfill their obligation by taking a shower having 9 kav fall on their head.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50)], Rav Asher Weiss (Yerach Eytanim Biydan Corona n. 13). See [https://www.torahmusings.com/2019/03/can-a-shower-substitute-for-mikveh-for-a-man/] for the background.</ref> See [[Preparations_for_Davening#Going_to_Mikveh]] for details.
====[[Hatarat Nedarim]] on Zoom====
#It is permitted to perform via zoom. However, the Bet Din needs to be in one place and they need to be aware of who it is they are doing hatarat nedarim for. They don't need to know them personally but they need to be aware of who it is and if they can see them that is effective. They should recite the text of the hatara together over zoom.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50).] see also [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/956697/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-hataras-nedarim-on-zoom/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz]</ref>
====Opening the Aron Kodesh====
#An outdoor minyan which uses a Torah from a nearby house ideally should get an Aron Kodesh for the purposes of having the Aron open and closed for certain parts of davening. If that isn't the case, there is no reason to bring the Sefer Torah to the minyan or open the Aron where the Sefer Torah is residing.<ref>Minchat Asher (Yerach Eytanim Bidan Corona n. 8). He explains that there's three reasons for opening the Aron for certain tefillot: 1) It inspires people to pray with kavana. 2) The Tefillot are accepted in the merit of the Sefer Torah. 3) Symbolically when we open the Aron in our world, Hashem opens the gates of Heaven. Rav Asher Weiss explains that the minhag was never to take out a Sefer Torah for these tefillot and if there's no Aron Kodesh there is nothing to be done in place of this minhag.</ref>
#If a minyan is partially inside and partially outside it is appropriate to open the Aron Kodesh at the times when the minhag is to open it. Even if the Shaliach Tzibbur can't see the Aron open but others in the minyan could it is nonetheless worthwhile to open the Aron at those times.<ref>Minchat Asher (Yerach Eytanim Bidan Corona n. 8)</ref>
===[[Yom Kippur]]===
#On Yom Kippur they should not skip the Vidduy at the end of Chazarat Hashatz nor the Avoda during Mussaf. The tefillah of Hineni the Shaliach Tzibur can recite quietly and not aloud.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50)]</ref>
===[[Shaliach Tzibbur]] Twice===
#It is permitted for a shaliach tzibbur to be the shaliach tzibbur twice, once for an early minyan and again for a later minyan. This is applicable to Shemona Esrei but not Birchot Kriyat Shema. Also, he would not repeat the silent Shemona Esrei at the second minyan.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/966721/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-49-being-a-chazan-twice/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #49)]</ref>
==[[Sukkot]]==
===Eating in the Sukkah===
#In order to maintain social distancing with a Sukkah it is critical to plan ahead to be in a place where they is a proper sukkah that can accommodate everyone. In a communal sukkah they might need to have shifts to in order to accommodate everyone. If that is the case if the later shifts are very bothered to have to wait so late into the ight it is potentially possible that they are exempt from the sukkah. However, this does not apply the first two nights according to Ashkenazim when even someone in discomfort is not exempt from the sukkah.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968540/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-51-inyanei-sukkos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #51)]</ref>
#If there's going to be several shifts it is possible to be lenient to have the first group say kiddush before nightfall and have a kezayit of bread in the sukkah after tzet hakochavim. The first shift could do this by praying Mincha before Plag and Maariv after Plag. Even going into the second day of Sukkot which this year is Saturday night it is possible to do this. However, the congregation may only do this with the permission of the local Rabbi considering that it is possible that davening Maariv early on Shabbat could lead to mistakes.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968540/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-51-inyanei-sukkos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #51)]</ref>
#If they are having shifts to eat in the sukkah, they should only recite Kiddush, eat bread, and then recite Birkat Hamazon. The rest of the foods they may eat indoors.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968540/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-51-inyanei-sukkos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #51)]</ref>
#If it isn't possible to get a Sukkah at home and the only way to have access to a Sukkah is by going to a hotel or motel one should do so. If it is very uncomfortable to do so, theoretically one is exempt from sitting in a Sukkah.<ref>Minchat Asher (Yerach Eytanim Biydan Corona n. 14)</ref>
===Sleeping in the Sukkah===
#Generally there is no reason that sleeping in the Sukkah is different this year than any other. There isn't any danger of catching COVID with sleeping in one's own Sukkah under regular circumstances.<ref>[https://www.kipa.co.il/%D7%A9%D7%90%D7%9C-%D7%90%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91/%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%9B%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%94/ Rabbi Yuval Sherlow]</ref>
===Shaking the Lulav===
#One should fulfill the mitzvah of shaking the lulav without anything in between one's hands and the lulav. Therefore, one may not wear gloves while shaking the lulav. Instead if one needs to share a lulav one can sanitize one's hands before and after using someone else's lulav.<ref>Minchat Asher (Yerach Eytanim Biydan Corona n. 15) based on Mishna Brurah 651:33</ref>
===Hoshanot and Hakafot===
#For Hoshanot or Hakafot to avoid any health concerns only the Rabbi or Shaliach Tzibbur should hold the Sefer Torah and circle the Bimah and not the entire congregation.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/972253/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-55-hoshanos-and-hakafos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #55)</ref> See footnote for other suggestions.<ref>Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon (Sukkot 5781) has an entirely different plan for hakafot during Corona. He says that they should do minimal hakafot with each family circiling the bimah socially distanced way. Person should not touch the Sefer Torah. Instead people should bring their own Sefer that they are currently learning (such as Eruvin for those doing daf yomi) and dance with it. It is possible for everyone to do dancing in their place. He concludes that if there is a concern that social distancing won't be upheld it is better to skip hakafot.</ref>
===Kohelet===
#Kohelet can be read after Kriyat Hatorah in the morning as usual or after Kriyat Hatorah of Mincha if time in the morning doesn't allow.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/972253/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-55-hoshanos-and-hakafos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #55)</ref>
===Simchat Torah===
#If there's only two Sifrei Torah for Simchat Torah, some say that they should roll the Beresheet Sefer Torah to Pinchas for Maftir since it is the Sefer that the congregation just finished using,<ref>Biur Halacha 669:1 s.v. vchozrin</ref> while others hold that they should roll the Vezot Habracha one since it is closer.<ref>Aruch Hashulchan 669:1</ref>
#If there's only one Sefer Torah for Simchat Torah, some say that the congregation should still read the aliyot for Vezot Habracha, Beresheet, and Pinchas in that order and roll it each time. However, others say that it is permissible to switch the order of the Aliyah from Beresheet and Pinchas, making Beresheet the maftir.<ref>Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon (Corona Teshuva dated Tishrei 26 5781) cited the Shaarei Efraim (Pitchei Shaarim 8:43) as holding that the congregation should continue to do the regular order even though it means rolling it a lot, while the Shalmei Chagiga (Dinei Kriyat Simchat Torah s.v. vda) holds that the congregation may switch the order of Beresheet and Pinchas. It happens to be that the order of Beresheet and then Pinchas is the order initially recommended by the Tur 669, though our minhag follows the Avudraham. Rabbi Rimon advised following the Shalmei Chagiga this year out of a concern of extending the minyan during Corona.</ref>
#If a minyan is not going to do a kiddush the kohanim should do Birkat Cohanim during Mussaf. If they're doing a kiddush between Shacharit and Mussaf they should do Birkat Cohanim in Shacharit.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/972499/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-56-simchas-torah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #56)]</ref>
#If a person is eating together with others and for health concerns are eating outside if they want to eat in the Sukkah on Simchat Torah they need to invalidate the Sukkah. They can use a Shlock to cover the Schach if they have that set up. Alternatively, they can ask a non-Jew to remove some schach.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/972499/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-56-simchas-torah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #56)]</ref>
==Chanuka==
#If there is an outdoor minyan or a minyan not in an established shul there is a dispute whether they should light Chanuka candles there.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/980098/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-57-lighting-chanuka-candles-in-shul/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #57)] wrote that there's no obligation to light for a minyan in a place that it isn't a shul even if they have been davening there for months. [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=132525 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Vayishlach 5781, min 28)] disagreed. He felt that they should light Chanuka candles with a bracha any place that they are davening with a minyan even outdoors.</ref>


==Shalom Bayit==
==Shalom Bayit==
Line 374: Line 116:
#During the time then the plague of corona virus is rampant in the world there is a lot to rely upon to have tashmish. Someone who wants to be strict can do so.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949166/rabbi-ally-ehrman/is-tashmish-hamitta-permitted-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-/ Rabbi Ehrman on yutorah]. Rav Asher Weiss (Zoom Conference, March 22 2020, 11am, min 15) was lenient he said that the situation presently isn't one that rises to the level where we need to declare a fast. Also, since domestic violence recently has been on the rise because of the quarantines one shouldn't be strict in this area. </ref>
#During the time then the plague of corona virus is rampant in the world there is a lot to rely upon to have tashmish. Someone who wants to be strict can do so.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949166/rabbi-ally-ehrman/is-tashmish-hamitta-permitted-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-/ Rabbi Ehrman on yutorah]. Rav Asher Weiss (Zoom Conference, March 22 2020, 11am, min 15) was lenient he said that the situation presently isn't one that rises to the level where we need to declare a fast. Also, since domestic violence recently has been on the rise because of the quarantines one shouldn't be strict in this area. </ref>


==Mikveh==
==Laid off Workers Because of Corona==
===Niddah===
 
#Each community rabbi needs to decide these sort of questions; however, in theory, it is possible for the Mikva to remain open and allow women who aren't having symptoms or aren't quarantined to go to Mikva. They should be extra careful about hygiene and prepare completely at home, go to the Mikva where there is no contact with anyone besides a brief contact with the water which has chemicals for cleanliness. Then upon returning home there are poskim who allow the woman to take a shower when she gets home to clean herself off.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/950654/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-12-showering-after-the-mikvah/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #12)], [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=105574 Rabbi Shay Tahan]. Rav Asher Weiss (March 29 2020) said it is obviously permitted to overlook the chumra of not showering when the woman returns from mikveh at these times.</ref>
#On Shabbat, if a woman goes to mikveh she can not take a hot shower when she gets back since turning on the hot water is causing cold water to enter the boiler and cook. Rather she should either decide to take a completely cold shower or delay the mikveh until Motzei Shabbat. She should also not decide not to take a shower at all because one shouldn't do something unsafe when there's an option to delay going to mikveh.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951538/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-26-showering-when-returning-home-from-the-hospital-or-the-mikvah-on-shabbos-or-yom-tov/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #26)]</ref>
#On Yom Tov, according to those who are lenient to permit [[showering on Yom Tov]], when a woman returns from the mikveh should do so. Rav Schachter's opinion is that it is only permitted to take a shower on Yom Tov with water that is just hot enough to remove the chill from the water (less than lukewarm). If she decides she doesn't want to take such a shower, she should delay going to mikveh until after Yom Tov.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951538/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-26-showering-when-returning-home-from-the-hospital-or-the-mikvah-on-shabbos-or-yom-tov/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #26)]</ref>
#The OU has established [https://www.ou.org/covid-19-and-the-mikvah-recommended-protocols/?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mikvah%20Guidance%20(1)&utm_content=&spMailingID=32100310&spUserID=MTM2NTc0Mjg0NTYwS0&spJobID=1683098314&spReportId=MTY4MzA5ODMxNAS2 health guidelines] in order to allow a mikveh to remain open.
#The RCBC also stated that Mikva's are remaining open for the time.<ref>[https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/featured/1839350/no-shul-yeshivas-shabbos-guests-levayos-shiva-vaad-harabanim-of-bergen-county-releases-letter.html RCBC letter on yeshivaworld.com]</ref>
#The men's mikveh's should be closed at this time. Even if a person is careful to go to mikveh each day he can fulfill this custom by taking a 5 minute shower.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020, min 12)</ref> See [[Preparations_for_Davening#Going_to_Mikveh]] for details.


===Tevilat Kelim===
#If there's a employee that is unable to work because of a societal or national crisis the employees should continue to be paid by the employers according to many opinions or at least they should make a compromise.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949287/rabbi-michoel-zylberman/coronavirus-and-laid-off-employees/ Rabbi Zylberman on yutorah]. Mordechai b"m 343 writes that if there's a decree in the town that the teachers can't teach the teachers should still be paid. Rama C.M. 321:1 cites this Mordechai and applies it to any worker in 334:1. The Sama 334:2 argues with the Mordechai and holds that since the employee can't work and both aren't at fault and both couldn't foresee this the employer is exempt. Netivot 334:1 limits the idea of the Mordechai to a teacher and not other employers since a teacher is paid for sachar betela (see [[Laws_of_Learning_Torah#Taking_Money_for_Learning_and_Teaching_Torah]]). Shach 334 holds that this opinion of the Mordechai only applies if majority of the town ran away because of a crisis but if only a minority runs away then the employee isn't entitled to payment. Aruch Hashulchan 334:10 has another approach. If the situation prevents the worker from working then he is entitled to pay but if he runs away then he isn't. Rabbi Zylberman explained from Mishpat Poalim we think that this is a case of Hamotzei Mchavero Alav Harayah, whoever is holding onto the money can claim that he is exempt from paying or returning the money. Rav Asher Weiss in Minchat Asher 2:106 says that they should make a compromise, and Rav Bleich ([https://www.sefaria.org/Contemporary_Halakhic_Problems%2C_Vol_IV%2C_Chapter_XIV_The_Intifada_and_the_Gulf_War.35?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en Contemporary Halachic Problems v. 4]) thinks that we follow the Rama. Once the Chatom Sofer had a case in his town and he felt that they should pay but he couldn't force everyone to pay it so he told them to pay half. Rav Yona Reiss had a case where they made a compromise.


#Each community should decide whether or not close the kli mikveh out of a safety concern. You can do the [[tevilat kelim]] in the ocean.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949232/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hilchos-pesach-shiur-04-pesach-with-covid-19/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 5-9)], [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim]</ref>
*Rav Asher Weiss (Zoom Conference, March 22 2020, 11am, min 21-25) thought that one should compromise and give the workers who aren't working 30% of their pay. This applies Jewish and non-Jewish workers. This is based on the Rama and Sama CM 221. As for the day schools and daycares that are closed and not providing services one theoretically should be exempt. Since it might be devastating to the schools one needs to wait until the government makes a decision. Either way, we should wait until there is a major decision from the government or authorities and follow that. Until then for the schools we should pay so that the teachers can have a salary for their [[parnasa]].</ref>
#Alternatively, one can use tevilat kelim in the mikvah while wearing gloves, then throw out the gloves, wash off the kelim with soap and water. If the community has other procedures for safety one should observe them.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949232/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hilchos-pesach-shiur-04-pesach-with-covid-19/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 5-9)], [https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgm9gww30vkgw7s/_Rabbi_Willig_Shailos_03_25_2020_.mp3?dl=0 Rav Mordechai Willig (min 3-4)]</ref>
#This applies to contractors for cancelled events as well.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949287/rabbi-michoel-zylberman/coronavirus-and-laid-off-employees/ Rabbi Zylberman on yutorah]</ref>
#As a last resort one can avoid tevilat kelim by giving the pots to a non-Jew and borrowing them back. One can rely on this until the virus passes.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949232/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hilchos-pesach-shiur-04-pesach-with-covid-19/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 5-9)], [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim]. [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal] said that one could rely upon this if there was no other option. [https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgm9gww30vkgw7s/_Rabbi_Willig_Shailos_03_25_2020_.mp3?dl=0 Rav Mordechai Willig (min 14-16)] allows selling the kelim to a non-Jew. Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon (teshuva dated Nisan 1 5780) recommended this.</ref> If one can't sell or gift the pots to a non-Jew oneself one can do so online through [https://nirshamti.co.il/e-%D7%98%D7%91%D7%99%D7%9C%D7%94/ Zomet].
#If someone rented out an apartment to someone and then he wants to retract because of a concern that the potential tenants have the virus, some say that it is forbidden to back out of the contract.<ref>[http://kol-barama.co.il/item/%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%97-%D7%A0%D7%A4%D7%A9-%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%94-%D7%A2%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%94%D7%94%D7%9C%D7%9B%D7%94/ Rav Yakov Sinai] based on Rama in teshuva, Shach CM 312 and other sources</ref>
#Another option is for a person to declare the pots that need tevilat kelim to be ownerless (hefker) in front of 3 Jews. One has to have full intent that the pots are ownerless and if someone took them one would have no claim upon them. If these Jews can't be there in person it is sufficient if they are present through social media technology but they should be people who live in the neighborhood. They should then leave the pots outside their house for a few minutes so that if someone wanted to take them they could.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-1-Mar-24-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva dated 28 Adar 5780 p. 1)], [https://itorah.com/daily-halacha/lecture/if-one-has-new-utensils-which-he-is-unable-to-immerse/3801 Rabbi Mansour]</ref> Others disagree.<ref>[https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgm9gww30vkgw7s/_Rabbi_Willig_Shailos_03_25_2020_.mp3?dl=0 Rav Mordechai Willig (min 5-12)] said that one shouldn't use the solution to make the pots hefker since you're using the kelim. See Sefer Tevilat Kelim p. 84 based on Maharil Diskin. See Shulchan Aruch Harav 445:1 that hefker that isn't meaningful since you plan to reacquire it isn't a solution. However, Rav Elyashiv and Rav Soloveitchik allowed it in extenuating circumstances. Rav Asher Weiss (Minchat Asher Corona p. 72) writes that one should avoid using new pots and relying on this leniency to mafkir but in an extenuating circumstance one can rely on it.</ref>
#If there's are no solutions, some poskim would allow using the pots without tevilat kelim in this extenuating circumstance.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference, March 22 2020 11am), Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon (Teshuva dated Nisan 1 5780)</ref>
#Regarding a seder plate and kos shel eliyahu requiring tevilah, see [[Tevilat Kelim]] page.
 
==Lifecycles==
===[[Brit Milah]]===
 
#A Brit Milah can be done without a minyan since gatherings aren't safe.<ref>[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal], [https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/featured/1852946/7-new-rulings-from-hagaon-harav-chaim-kanievsky-regarding-corona.html Rav Chaim Kanievsky]</ref>
#A grandfather or someone else involved in a brit milah via zoom can recite the naming of the baby but he should not recite the bracha of asher kidash yadid mbeten.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951300/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-22-participating-in-a-simcha-via-zoom/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #22)]</ref>
 
===Naming a Girl===
 
#Although normally we try to name a baby girl at an aliya to the Torah, a person doesn't need a minyan in order to name a girl and under the circumstances should do so without delay.<ref>[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Neventzal], [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950292/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-11-krias-shem-for-a-baby-girl/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona Teshuva #11)], [https://vimeo.com/399141271 Rabbi Moshe Heinemann] at about 16:45</ref>
 
===[[Pidyon Haben]]===
 
#In order to do a [[Pidyon Haben]] the father has to give 5 shekalim (of the days of the Torah) to a kohen. If they can meet in a safe way while following all of the social distancing practices they should. If not, then the father should leave the money or equivalent outside his door for a neighbor<ref>Rav Rimon pointed out that using one's wife to acquire the money to someone else is a dispute and should be avoided.</ref> to pick up on behalf of the kohen and that acts as a kinyan for the kohen to acquire the money. Then the father should video the kohen to recite the bracha and the rest of the text for the pidyon haben.<ref>Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon (teshuva 12 Nissan 5780)</ref>
#The money to be used for the pidyon haben needs to the pidyon haben coins, silver, or any other valuable item which has actual worth. One can not use cash or check for this.<ref>Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon (teshuva 12 Nissan 5780)</ref> These item collectively need to be worth 100 grams of silver. See the Pidyon Haben page for details.
 
===Bar Mitzvah's===
 
#[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=105558 A message for Bar Mitzvah Boys in the Lockdown by Rabbi Pesach Krohn]
#A bar mitzvah boy who missed the opportunity to read his parsha in shul when he became bar mitzvah'ed when it is next possible to go to shul he can add his parsha as a hosafa and read it then. Additionally, the haftorah can follow that hosafa.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards end)]</ref> Some disagree and suggest instead that they could take out the sefer torah after davening mussaf and lein the parsha without brachot.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (Corona Teshuvot 3:14 pp. 44-6) writes that he doesn't know any source to justify Rav Schachter's ruling that it is permitted to substitute another parsha for the maftir and haftorah. Rather it is better to take out the sefer torah after davening to read without brachot. He explains that there's no prohibition to take out a sefer torah for learning and teaching torah even without brachot unlike the Netsiv (Meishiv Dvar 1:16 based on Magen Avraham 144:5 and Yerushalmi Brachot 52b; see also Torat Refael 2). Furthermore it isn't considered a disgrace to the sefer torah in an extenuating circumstance such as this. However, the rabbi should judge what makes the most sense and what will lead to the most kavod shamayim.</ref>
#The father of a Bar Mitzvah boy who couldn't layn should wait until he can do something that shows he's Bar Mitzvah like layn or daven as Shaliach Tzibbur to make such a bracha.<ref>[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref>
 
===Weddings===
 
#Ideally a wedding shouldn't be pushed off if both parties are ready even though it means having a tiny wedding.<ref>[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal], [https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf (Keter Yitanu Lecha p. 38)]</ref>
#A rabbi should not officiate at a wedding that isn't abiding by the CDC guidelines of health because he is furthering unsafe practices.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards beginning)]</ref>
#It has been asked whether or not the poskim are more lenient this year regarding weddings during [[Sefira]] but the answer is that it is not determined because the situation is still unclear.<ref>[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref> Some are lenient but it is best to schedule for [[Rosh Chodesh]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim]</ref>
#If in this dire situation it isn't possible to have a minyan, it is possible to have a wedding nonetheless without [[Sheva Brachot]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951180/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-18-getting-married-with-less-than-10-men-present/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #18)] explained that although it isn't possible to recite Sheva Brachot and seemingly they forbid the couple to each other without Sheva Brachot in this extenuating circumstance one can rely upon the opinion that the wedding is valid and they are permitted even without Sheva Brachot (see Nodeh Beyehuda EH 1:56). For birkat erusin certainly having a minyan isn't critical (Shulchan Aruch E.H. 34:4) although it is preferable and in this circumstance unnecessary. From Bet Shmuel 64:4 it appears to be a dispute between the Shulchan Aruch and Rama whether one is allowed to have a wedding at all if it is extremely difficult to get a minyan, the Rama being lenient. See [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/958681/rabbi-simon-basalely/the-socially-distanced-wedding/ Rabbi Basalely] about a social distanced wedding.</ref>
#A minyan for [[sheva brachot]] can not be created via Zoom. Additionally, one can't recite a bracha of sheva brachot for the couple via Zoom.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951300/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-22-participating-in-a-simcha-via-zoom/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #22)]</ref>
 
==Mezuzah==
 
#A person should not kiss any mezuzah, or any siddur or chumash of a shul or a public area at this time because of concern of spreading COVID19.<ref>[https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 35)], [https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/chief-rabbi-of-israel-due-to-coronavirus-stop-kissing-the-mezuzah-619753 Chief Rabbi Rabbi David Lau]</ref>
 
==[[Kibbud Av Vem]]==
 
#If one's parents ask him to do something which the department of health has deemed unsafe a person should not listen to his parents in such a case and that isn't a breach of Kibbud Av Vem.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-2-Mar-25-2020.pdf Rav Schachter (Teshuva Adar 29 5780)], [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref>
 
 
==Doctors Working in the Hospital==
 
#Regarding the larger issue of halachic triage see [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951531/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-15-triage-in-medical-decisions-updated-/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #15 Updated)]. Here is a relevant [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CtQ_XHzQarzg_0PEQODCO1ATKlM_cEmvPsXa8kdpgJA/edit sourcesheet on Halachic Triage]. [https://aiayk.org/pesachaudio/ Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference April 6 2020, min 5-15)] discusses triage in halacha and what doctors should do.<ref>Rav Asher feels that there are only two factors that we consider for halachic triage: give precedence to someone who is in immediate danger, and give treatment to whoever has a better chance for survival. Age or spiritual need for the community are not factors for precedence.
 
*Rav Asher says that for choleh shebifanenu the knowledge that another choleh is going to come in soon is considered pikuach nefesh if will with certainty be helpful. Therefore, if an older patient comes into the hospital but they know a younger patient is going to come in, they can consider them as though they came in together and treat according to who is in immediate danger and who has the better chance to live. Rav Schachter felt the same way in his teshuva.
*If a hospital has a certain regulation, does he need to disregard the hospital protocols? Rav Asher Weiss felt that the doctors should not disregard hospital protocol, for multiple reasons but partly because if he doesn't he'll lose his license and having more able doctors at this time is pikuach nefesh.
*Pulling a patient off a ventilator because someone entered the hospital who has a better chance of living, Rav Asher (min 27) felt is forbidden. Rather the doctor should say that he feels uncomfortable to do this and should let another doctor do it. Rav Schachter felt that one should try to convince the older patient to sign a DNR at that point in order to save the younger patient.</ref>
#A doctor may and is encouraged to perform a life saving procedure if he is wearing the correct protective gear.<ref>[https://aiayk.org/pesachaudio/ Rav Asher Weiss (Aguda Teleconference, April 6, 2020, min 18-22)] explains that you can’t put yourself in danger. However, you can if you’re saving someone from an immediate danger and you’re putting yourself in minimal danger then it is a middat chasidut to do so. Therefore, a doctor should do mechanical ventilation CPR on a COVID19 patient if he has the correct protective gear.
 
*Rav Asher (min 33) allowed sharing ventilators when the doctors see fit in order to save another life because moving a patient from a single ventilator to a shared ventilator isn't considered doche nefesh mipnei nefesh since it isn't proven to be dangerous to use a shared ventilator. He also cited the Chazon Ish regarding turning the arrow to the side killing fewer people to save more people.
*Rav Asher (min 38) said that a doctor who isn't in that particular field or is retired or has vacation doesn't have to volunteer but his doing so would be a middat chasidut. However, if he is endangering himself such as if he's over 70, he is immune compromised, or has a family member who is, then he shouldn't volunteer.</ref>
#A doctor returning from the hospital on Shabbat and needs to shower for health reasons so as not to catch the corona virus on his body or clothing, may do so. If he can manage with a cold shower, he should do so. If he can't, he may turn on the hot water with a [[shinuy]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951538/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-26-showering-when-returning-home-from-the-hospital-or-the-mikvah-on-shabbos-or-yom-tov/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #26)]. See there for how he distinguishes this from the woman returning from the mikveh on Shabbat.</ref>


==[[Bikur Cholim]]==
==[[Bikur Cholim]]==


#A person doesn't have to and shouldn't visit someone who has a virus that contagious such as corona.<ref>[http://kol-barama.co.il/item/%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%97-%D7%A0%D7%A4%D7%A9-%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%94-%D7%A2%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%94%D7%94%D7%9C%D7%9B%D7%94/ Rav Yakov Sinai (min 3)] explains that although the Rama in a teshuva and Knesset Hagedola hold that one should visit the sick even if they have a contagious disease, the Shulchan Gavoha and others disagree and that is the halacha.</ref>
#A person doesn't have to and shouldn't visit someone who has a virus that contagious such as corona.<ref>[http://kol-barama.co.il/item/%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%97-%D7%A0%D7%A4%D7%A9-%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%94-%D7%A2%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%94%D7%94%D7%9C%D7%9B%D7%94/ Rav Yakov Sinai (min 3)] explains that although the Rama in a teshuva and Knesset Hagedola hold that one should visit the sick even if they have a contagious disease, the Shulchan Gavoha and others disagree and that is the halacha.</ref>
#A person fulfills the mitzvah of bikur cholim on the phone according to many poskim.<ref>[https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Shlomo Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 34)] citing Igrot Moshe YD 1:223 and Tzitz Eliezer 8:5. Rav Aviner added that the main idea of bikur cholim is to do what is best for the patient and in our context that is to call.</ref>
#Someone who is praying for a mortally ill patient to get better and doesn't know if he is still alive should pray for his well-being and not specifically for him to get better.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951537/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-25-davening-for-the-sick/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #25)]</ref>


==Burial and Mourning==
==[[Kibbud Av Vem]]==
===Burial===
# If one's parents ask him to do something which the department of health has deemed unsafe a person should not listen to his parents in such a case and that isn't a breach of Kibbud Av Vem.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-2-Mar-25-2020.pdf Rav Schachter (Teshuva Adar 29 5780)], [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref>


#Each place should follow the guidelines that are in place for safety. If a minyan isn't possible, then the next thing that is to try to have is Jews doing the burial. If they don't even let that, then afterwards a Jew should check that the burial by the non-Jews was done properly in the ground.<ref>[https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgm9gww30vkgw7s/_Rabbi_Willig_Shailos_03_25_2020_.mp3?dl=0 Rav Mordechai Willig (min 26-8)]. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951298/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-20-tahara-for-meisim/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #20)] said that they should specifically have as few people as possible for the burial and maybe just the workers and that too fulfills the mitzvah of burial.</ref>
==Violating Shabbat for [[Pikuach Nefesh]]==
#It is forbidden to cremate and it is still considered not dangerous to properly do a burial with no tahara and minimal involvement of the fewest people or simply the cemetery workers.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951298/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-20-tahara-for-meisim/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #20)]</ref> Recently, the situation in NY changed and it is possible to do a minimal tahara with proper safety guidelines.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957158/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-41-guidance-for-the-chevra-kadisha-during-corona/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #41)] quoting Rabbi Elchanan Zohn, a international expert on Jewish burials</ref>
#At this time the chevra kadisha should not perform a tahara for the deceased since it could lead to danger.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951298/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-20-tahara-for-meisim/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #20)]</ref>
#A person who was buried in America because of the corona virus but was planned to be buried in Israel can later when the virus isn't an issue be reburied in Israel, even though generally we don't rebury someone who was buried.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951535/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-23-temporary-burial-in-chu-l-and-issues-of-aveilus/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #23)]</ref> See the topic of [[Laws_and_Customs_of_a_Funeral#Under_What_Circumstances_is_it_Permitted_to_Move_Someone_Buried.3F|reburying a corpse]] in general.
#Regarding burials on Yom Tov and Yom Tov Sheni, see [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951790/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-28-guidelines-for-burial-on-shabbos-and-yom-tov/ Rav Schachter's Guidlines for burial on Shabbat and Yom Tov]
#The chevra kaddisha should make sure not to bury in a plastic bag. The proper procedure halachically is not to use a plastic bag or to tear it.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957158/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-41-guidance-for-the-chevra-kadisha-during-corona/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #41)]</ref>


===Kriyah===
#It is a well established halacha that it is not only permitted but even a mitzvah to violate [[Shabbat]] in order to safe a life or to remove a situation that presents even a slight chance of danger.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 328:13</ref> The question is how to define the threshold of danger.<ref>[http://nleresources.com/2020/03/rav-asher-weiss-coronavirus-in-halacha/#.XnoNOIjYrIU Rav Asher Weiss (March 15 2020, min 18-22) to Beit Midrash Gavoha] explained that the definition of danger in order to violate Shabbat isn't defined by statistics. For vaccinations we assume that it is a sakana not to vaccinate even though the odds of dying because of the measles is low. Since it is preventable it is incumbent upon us to vaccinate. He concludes that as long as it is a natural phenomenon and there is an action that we can do to prevent deaths we must do so.</ref>
 
#In certain cases of emergency regarding corona virus it would be allowed to violate Shabbat.<ref>[https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/1841156/harav-zilberstein-answer-telephone-on-shabbos-if-awaiting-results-of-coronavirus-test.html Rav Zilberstein] allowed a patient to answer the phone on Shabbat with a [[shinuy]] only to hear the results of a test and answer questions for epidemiological investigation. If the test results that show that a patient has the virus are produced on Shabbat it is incumbent for the health department to deal with the quarantine then and it is permitted to answer the phone for that.</ref> Obviously every single case is different and one should learn the laws of Pikuach Nefesh from a rabbi in advance.
#The rabbi could do the [[Kriyah]] for the mourner with gloves and a mask or he can simply tell the mourner to do it.<ref>[https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgm9gww30vkgw7s/_Rabbi_Willig_Shailos_03_25_2020_.mp3?dl=0 Rav Willig (min 29)]</ref>
 
===Avelut===
 
#A person who is no going to be involved in the burial anymore because the deceased was given to the chevra kaddisha then he is not considered an [[Onen]] anymore and should begin [[Avelut]] (mourning). However, if he is going to call relatives to tell them about the levaya then he is still an [[Onen]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951535/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-23-temporary-burial-in-chu-l-and-issues-of-aveilus/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #23)]</ref>. If he is going to watch the burial with Zoom or listen on the phone it is unclear if he is still an Onen.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951535/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-23-temporary-burial-in-chu-l-and-issues-of-aveilus/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #23)] isn't certain if a person involved in the burial merely because he is watching via Zoom is still considered an Onen. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/839779/rabbi-asher-bush/%d7%94%d7%aa%d7%97%d7%9c%d7%aa-%d7%90%d7%91%d7%99%d7%9c%d7%95%d7%aa-%d7%9c%d7%9e%d7%99-%d7%a9%d7%90%d7%99%d7%a0%d7%95-%d7%a0%d7%9e%d7%a6%d7%90-%d7%91%d7%a7%d7%91%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%aa-%d7%90%d7%91%d7%99%d7%95-%d7%95%d7%9e%d7%a9%d7%aa%d7%aa%d7%a3-%d7%a2-%d7%99-%d7%94%d7%98%d7%9c%d7%a4%d7%95%d7%9f/ Rav Asher Bush] wrote based on MPeninei Harav p. 202 that he considers someone phoning into a burial to not be an Onen unless they're going to ask him questions about the burial.</ref>
#On [[Erev Pesach]] if someone is buried before [[Chatzot]] (midday) the relatives should observe [[Avelut]] (mourning) before Chatzot and then at Chatzot it is considered like a Yom Tov and the rest of the [[Shiva]] is cancelled. If the person is buried after [[Chatzot]] they should observe Avelut before Yom Tov and then the Yom Tov will come and cancel the rest of [[Shiva]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951535/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-23-temporary-burial-in-chu-l-and-issues-of-aveilus/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #23)]</ref>
#A mourner shouldn't eat his first meal after the burial, the [[Seudat Havrah]], from his own food; other should provide that food. If at this time when people are concerned for COVID19 and might not send food, if the mourner knows that he isn't going to be sent food, he can eat the first meal from his own food.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951535/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-23-temporary-burial-in-chu-l-and-issues-of-aveilus/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #23)]</ref>
#A mourner whose relative isn't going to be buried for some undefined time because of the backlog at the cemetaries, once he completed preparing for the burial he isn't considered an [[Onen]] and also doesn't begin his period for [[mourning]]. However, if he knows the date of when the burial will begin and will not be able to be involved in the burial, he is considered to have begun his mourning period once he completed preparing for the burial.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/952459/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-31-aveilus-and-aninus-with-delayed-burials/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #31)]</ref>
 
===Kaddish and Iyluy Neshama===
 
#Under the circumstances a person can not recite the kaddish because minyanim aren't available. Therefore, a person should take upon himself to learn mishnayot for the deceased.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (Minchat Asher Corona pp. 58-9)</ref>
 
See [[Practices_in_the_Mourner%27s_House#Iyluy_Neshama]] and [[Kaddish]] pages.
 
==Monetary Issues==
===Laid off Workers and Cancelled Contracts Because of Corona===
 
#If there's a employee that is unable to work because of a societal or national crisis the employees should continue to be paid by the employers according to many opinions or at least they should make a compromise.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949287/rabbi-michoel-zylberman/coronavirus-and-laid-off-employees/ Rabbi Zylberman on yutorah]. Mordechai b"m 343 writes that if there's a decree in the town that the teachers can't teach the teachers should still be paid. Rama C.M. 321:1 cites this Mordechai and applies it to any worker in 334:1. The Sama 334:2 argues with the Mordechai and holds that since the employee can't work and both aren't at fault and both couldn't foresee this the employer is exempt. Netivot 334:1 limits the idea of the Mordechai to a teacher and not other employers since a teacher is paid for sachar betela (see [[Laws_of_Learning_Torah#Taking_Money_for_Learning_and_Teaching_Torah]]). Shach 334 holds that this opinion of the Mordechai only applies if majority of the town ran away because of a crisis but if only a minority runs away then the employee isn't entitled to payment. Aruch Hashulchan 334:10 has another approach. If the situation prevents the worker from working then he is entitled to pay but if he runs away then he isn't. Rabbi Zylberman explained from Mishpat Poalim we think that this is a case of Hamotzei Mchavero Alav Harayah, whoever is holding onto the money can claim that he is exempt from paying or returning the money. Rav Asher Weiss in Minchat Asher 2:106 says that they should make a compromise, and Rav Bleich ([https://www.sefaria.org/Contemporary_Halakhic_Problems%2C_Vol_IV%2C_Chapter_XIV_The_Intifada_and_the_Gulf_War.35?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en Contemporary Halachic Problems v. 4]) thinks that we follow the Rama. Once the Chatom Sofer had a case in his town and he felt that they should pay but he couldn't force everyone to pay it so he told them to pay half. Rav Yona Reiss had a case where they made a compromise. [https://businesshalacha.com/en/business-weekly/archive/545 Rabbi Orlian on the Business Halacha Weekly (Shabbos Hagadol 5780)] writes that basically the one cancelling doesn't have to pay and there is a case to be made for a refund, however, one should compromise.
 
*Rav Asher Weiss (Zoom Conference, March 22 2020, 11am, min 21-25) thought that one should compromise and give the workers who aren't working 30% of their pay. This applies Jewish and non-Jewish workers. This is based on the Rama and Sama CM 221. As for the day schools and daycares that are closed and not providing services one theoretically should be exempt. Since it might be devastating to the schools one needs to wait until the government makes a decision. Either way, we should wait until there is a major decision from the government or authorities and follow that. Until then for the schools we should pay so that the teachers can have a salary for their [[parnasa]].</ref>
#This applies to contractors for cancelled events as well.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949287/rabbi-michoel-zylberman/coronavirus-and-laid-off-employees/ Rabbi Zylberman on yutorah]</ref>
#If someone rented out an apartment to someone and then he wants to retract because of a concern that the potential tenants have the virus, some say that it is forbidden to back out of the contract.<ref>[http://kol-barama.co.il/item/%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%97-%D7%A0%D7%A4%D7%A9-%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%94-%D7%A2%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%94%D7%94%D7%9C%D7%9B%D7%94/ Rav Yakov Sinai] based on Rama in teshuva, Shach CM 312 and other sources</ref> The same is true of a hotel or pesach program that was cancelled.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951789/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-27-the-importance-of-tzedaka-and-chesed/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #27)] writes that it is important to reach a peshara, compromise, with respect to the question of how much a person should be paid in return for the pesach programs that were cancelled.</ref>
 
===Yeshiva Tuition===
See previous section about the background for this question.
 
#Even though the question of whether a person should pay tuition while it is closed is subject to debate a person should make sure to pay in full as the yeshivot do not have enough money and it is critical to give tzedaka at this time, which is a great merit to protect oneself from any danger.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951789/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-27-the-importance-of-tzedaka-and-chesed/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #27)</ref>
 
==[[Mesira]] and Rodef==
 
#If your doctor actually ascertains that there is a sakanat nefashot, mortal danger, involved with a certain large gathering that someone is doing then it is permitted to tell the authorities. However, otherwise it is forbidden because of informing upon another Jew ([[mesira]]). This can be a very difficult measure to actually properly assess.<ref>[https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgm9gww30vkgw7s/_Rabbi_Willig_Shailos_03_25_2020_.mp3?dl=0 Rav Willig (min 41)]</ref> Some say that it is obligatory to be moser to the police on someone who is supposed to be in quarantine and isn't.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (teshuva  "Mechuyav Bbidud" Chol Hamoed Pesach 5780)</ref>
#Some hold that if a person is supposed to be in quarantine and they are not they are considered a rodef. However, obviously one should first speak to him and convince him to do what is safe.<ref>[https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 36)] citing Rav Zilberstein</ref>


==Links==
==Links==
*[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal Q&A about Corona]
*[https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal Q&A about Corona]
*[https://rabbidunner.com/coronavirus-qa-with-rav-hershel-schachter/ Transcription of Q&A with Rav Schachter by Rabbi Dunner]
*[https://rabbidunner.com/coronavirus-qa-with-rav-hershel-schachter/ Transcription of Q&A with Rav Schachter by Rabbi Dunner]
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<references />
<references />
[[Category:Orach Chaim]]
[[Category:Orach Chaim]]
[[Category:Yoreh Deah]]
[[Category:Choshen Mishpat]]
[[Category:Even HaEzer]]

Revision as of 03:23, 29 March 2020

3D medical animation corona virus.jpg

All rabbinim agree that one should be cautious with all the health guidelines set up by the government and other local insitutions in order to stay safe and help prevent getting others sick.[1] Corona virus as it causes a serious health threat to some people, inhibits any social gatherings and semachot, and has severely damaged the economy and livelihood of certain people, poses a serious challenge to everyone. We all need to daven and take advantage of the circumstances in order to best serve Hashem. As a thoughtful Jew it is incumbent upon a person to take to heart some important lessons of life and restrengthen himself in his commitments. [2] Additionally, on a practical level corona has many implications for people and here is a small collection of relevant halachot.

Tefillah

When davening at home one should be cognizant of the following ideas:

  1. The best time to pray is Netz. According to many poskim this is equivalent to praying with a minyan.[3]
  2. A person should daven in a makom kavuah.[4]
  3. A person should daven in front of a wall so that there's no distractions in front of him.[5]
  4. A person can and should daven near a window that serves as a means of being inspired to look towards heaven.[6]
  5. A person can daven Shemona Esrei aloud if it helps his kavana. It also serves as a role model for children.[7]
  6. A person shouldn't daven in a room that is usually used for frivolity.[8]
  7. A person shouldn't daven in front of an open bathroom.[9]
  8. At a time of a plague such as our times it is advisable to say ketoret which has the power to end a plague.[10]
  9. According to some, at this time a person should recite Avinu Malkenu in Shacharit and Mincha,[11] while others emphasize how one must focus on Teshuvah and reciting all parts of the regular seder haTefillah first.[12] Avinu Malkenu should not be recited during Nissan.[13]
  10. Eating a meal before davening when the time comes to daven a certain tefillah should be avoided since generally we are lenient about this since we go to established minyanim but for when that isn't possible we should be more strict about this.[14] See details here about eating and doing activities before davening.
  11. When davening as a family, in a temporary fashion, some hold that it isn't necessary to have a mechitza and the men and women can simply daven on different sides of the room.[15] See Mechitza for more details.

Parts of Davening to Skip

  1. On Friday night an individual doesn't recite Magen Avot after Shemona Esrei of Maariv.[16]
  2. One doesn't recite Baruch Shemey when praying by oneself since it is part of the activity of removing the Sefer Torah.[17]

Minyan via Technology

  1. You can't create a minyan with a video (e.g. zoom or skype) or phone call but one can join a minyan of ten men in one room with a video or phone call in order to answer dvarim shebekedusha. Even if there is a time delay between the person reciting the bracha and the one answering it that wouldn't be considered an Amen Yetoma.[18]
  2. It isn't considered a minyan for people to join together to daven on a video conference but it is still somewhat spiritually valuable.[19]

Kriyat Hatorah

  1. A person who is at home and can't be at shul should nonetheless read the parsha between Shacharit and Mussaf as a way of remembering the concept of kriyat hatorah. He can use that reading as part of his reading of Shenayim Mikra Vechad Targum.[20]
  2. When the congregation misses a kriyat hatorah they can make it up by reading two parshiyot next week in Shul. However, if they miss multiple weeks there is a discussion if they should or could make up all of the parshiyot that they missed.[21]
  3. A person should not move a sefer torah out of a Shul for a home minyan.[22] See Respecting_a_Sefer_Torah#Transporting_a_Sefer_Torah for more details.

Hagomel

  1. A person who was quarantined and got out of quarantine doesn't recite Hagomel since they were in no danger.[23]
  2. A person needs to recite hagomel in front of a minyan of ten men. Some suggest that this can be recited before ten people listening on a video or phone call and can answer amen. Even though they aren't present, the minyan in this context is purely to publicize the idea so it is permissible.[24] Others disagree and as long as the minyan isn't in the same room one can not recite hagomel.[25]
  3. According to Ashkenazim, if a person is ill with a sickness to the point that he is a choleh sheyesh bo sakana, a concern of mortal danger, he should recite Hagomel, but if he less sick than that there is no need to recite Hagomel.[26]

Biur Chametz

  1. Because one can't do a large communal Chametz burning because gatherings aren't safe and even doing it with a few people at a time can look to non-Jews as unsafe. Rather one should just do biur chametz with a Kezayit by flushing it down the toilet.[27]

Selling Chametz

  1. If a person doesn't usually sell chametz and is afraid that if he doesn't sell chametz one year he isn't going to have food afterwards he can sell his chametz. He wouldn't require a hatarat nedarim.[28]
  2. A person can sell his chametz on the phone or online and if possible a kinyan can be made virtually in order to appoint the rabbi to sell the chametz. The kinyan would take place as follows: the rabbi would ask if there's someone standing next to the one who wants to appoint the rabbi and if there is then that person can give a pen or a utensil to the one who wants to appoint the rabbi as his shaliach. This is considered a valid kinyan between the person standing there and the one who wants to appoint the rabbi on behalf of the rabbi to be appointed. If that isn't feasible it isn't necessary. Nonetheless, one could stipulate in the document that this appointment of the rabbi is done with the full knowledge of its legal ramifications and it is accepted completely.[29]

Buying for Pesach

  1. If you have raw chicken or raw meat you don't have to worry that it is chametz even if it was processed in a place where there was chametz. You can simply wash it off to solve any question.[30]

Kashering for Pesach

  1. Some poskim allow kashering a dishwasher for Pesach even though there are plastic and other materials in there that are questionable to kosher. One should wait 24 hours without using it and then use with just hot water and no soap. According to Ashkenazim this should be used to kosher it from Chametz but not from meat to parve or milk or vice versa.[31]
  2. Some hold that one can kasher plastic, while others disagree. See on the Kashering_the_Kitchen_for_Pesach#Which_materials_can_be_kashered.3F page.

Machine Matza

  1. It is permitted under extenuating circumstances to use machine matza for the mitzvah of eating matzah on the seder night.[32]
  2. Some say that there's no concern to have the hand baked matzot this year.[33]

Birchat Ha'ilanot

  1. One can recite birkat hailanot from indoors if one can see the trees but one may not recite them by seeing the trees on a video.[34] See the Birchat HaIlanot for more details and sources.

Tanit Bechorot

  1. A person should try to finish a short masecheta to make his own siyum but if he can't he can rely on a siyum over the phone.[35]

Birkat Halevana

  1. Ideally one should recite birkat halevana outdoors.[36] If one can not do so one can recite Birkat Halevana from inside but initially one should open the window.[37] See the Birkat HaLevana page.

Chol Hamoed

  1. One can't buy stocks or sell them on Chol Hamoed, however, if not selling them could lead to a loss of one's original capital that one invested one can sell it.[38]

See Chol Hamoed for many details.

Using Zoom for the Seder

  1. Although a minority of rabbis allow using Zoom for this emergency situation in a very extenuating circumstance where an elderly single person is alone for the seder away from family because of the quarantines to use technology to leave a video conference going for Yom Tov to join with a family seder,[39] most rabbis consider this to be a breach of halacha.[40]
  2. For someone who is clinically depressed to the point that there is a concern of suicide or just losing one's mind it is permitted to use a phone to call him to cheer him up and check on him. However, if there's a way to check the patient before Pesach one should do so.[41] A person should check with his rabbi in each case.

Mikveh

  1. Each community rabbi needs to decide these sort of questions however in theory it is possible for the Mikva to remain open and allow women who aren't having symptoms or aren't quarantined to go to Mikva. They should be extra careful about hygiene and prepare completely at home, go to the Mikva where there is no contact with anyone besides a brief contact with the water which has chemicals for cleanliness. Then upon returning home there are poskim who allow the woman to take a shower when she gets home to clean herself off.[42]
  2. The RCBC also stated that Mikva's are remaining open for the time.[43]
  3. The men's mikveh's should be closed at this time. Even if a person is careful to go to mikveh each day he can fulfill this custom by taking a 5 minute shower.[44] See Preparations_for_Davening#Going_to_Mikveh for details.

Tevilat Kelim

  1. Each community should decide whether or not close the kli mikveh out of a safety concern. You can do the tevilat kelim in the ocean.[45]
  2. Alternatively, one can use tevilat kelim in the mikvah while wearing gloves, then throw out the gloves, wash off the kelim with soap and water.[46]
  3. As a last resort one can avoid tevilat kelim by giving the pots to a non-Jew and borrowing them back. One can rely on this until the virus passes.[47] If one can't sell or gift the pots to a non-Jew oneself one can do so online through Zomet.
  4. Another option is for a person to declare the pots that need tevilat kelim to be ownerless (hefker) in front of 3 Jews. One has to have full intent that the pots are ownerless and if someone took them one would have no claim upon them. If these Jews can't be there in person it is sufficient if they are present through social media technology but they should be people who live in the neighborhood. They should then leave the pots outside their house for a few minutes so that if someone wanted to take them they could. [48]

Brit Milah

  1. A Brit Milah can be done without a minyan since gatherings aren't safe.[49]

Naming a Girl

  1. A person doesn't need a minyan in order to name a girl and under the circumstances should do so.[50]

Bar Mitzvah's

  1. A message for Bar Mitzvah Boys in the Lockdown by Rabbi Pesach Krohn
  2. A bar mitzvah boy who missed the opportunity to read his parsha in shul when he became bar mitzvah'ed when it is next possible to go to shul he can add his parsha as a hosafa and read it then. Additionally, the haftorah can follow that hosafa.[51]
  3. The father of a Bar Mitzvah boy who couldn't layn should wait until he can do something that shows he's Bar Mitzvah like layn or daven as Shaliach Tzibbur to make such a bracha.[52]

Weddings

  1. Ideally a wedding shouldn't be pushed off if both parties are ready even though it means having a tiny wedding.[53]
  2. A rabbi should not officiate at a wedding that isn't abiding by the CDC guidelines of health because he is furthering unsafe practices.[54]
  3. It has been asked whether or not the poskim are more lenient this year regarding weddings during Sefira but the answer is that it is not determined because the situation is still unclear.[55]

Fast Days

  1. If the rabbis declare a half fast day until Chatzot according to Ashkenazim an individual can recite Anenu in Mincha Shemona Esrei[56] assuming he is still fasting when he prays Mincha.[57] According to Sephardim one can only recite anenu if one fasts the entire day.[58]
  2. A person should accept the fast from the day before, as is traditionally done at mincha time. If one didn't do so, according to Sephardim one shouldn't recite anenu, but according to Ashkenazim one can recite anenu.[59]

Shalom Bayit

  1. It is critical to be mindful of other people when everyone is under stress and no one is completely comfortable. Dr. Pelcovitz discusses the implications quarantine can have Shalom Bayit.
  2. It is forbidden for a couple to have tashmish at a night of famine[60] since everyone is in distress it is incumbent on everyone to take upon himself an aspect of distress.[61] The same is true for any time of societal distresses.[62] Others disagree.[63]
  3. It is permitted to have tashmish on mikvah night.[64]
  4. It is permitted to have tashmish for a couple who didn't yet fulfill pru urevu.[65] Once his wife is pregnant this leniency doesn't apply.[66]
  5. If he has a strong yetzer hara and there is a concern of hashchatat zera it is permitted.[67]
  6. There is what to rely upon to have tashmish at a time of war and there is no midat chasidut to be strict, especially for young couples even for someone who fulfilled pru urevu.[68]
  7. During the time then the plague of corona virus is rampant in the world there is a lot to rely upon to have tashmish. Someone who wants to be strict can do so.[69]

Laid off Workers Because of Corona

  1. If there's a employee that is unable to work because of a societal or national crisis the employees should continue to be paid by the employers according to many opinions or at least they should make a compromise.[70]
  2. This applies to contractors for cancelled events as well.[71]
  3. If someone rented out an apartment to someone and then he wants to retract because of a concern that the potential tenants have the virus, some say that it is forbidden to back out of the contract.[72]

Bikur Cholim

  1. A person doesn't have to and shouldn't visit someone who has a virus that contagious such as corona.[73]

Kibbud Av Vem

  1. If one's parents ask him to do something which the department of health has deemed unsafe a person should not listen to his parents in such a case and that isn't a breach of Kibbud Av Vem.[74]

Violating Shabbat for Pikuach Nefesh

  1. It is a well established halacha that it is not only permitted but even a mitzvah to violate Shabbat in order to safe a life or to remove a situation that presents even a slight chance of danger.[75] The question is how to define the threshold of danger.[76]
  2. In certain cases of emergency regarding corona virus it would be allowed to violate Shabbat.[77] Obviously every single case is different and one should learn the laws of Pikuach Nefesh from a rabbi in advance.

Links

Sources

  1. ↑ Rav Yitzchak Yosef, Rav Hershel Schachter, Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020), OU (March 20 2020), Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 53), Rav Nevinsal, RCBC letters. Rav Chaim Kanievsky March 15 2020 held that the yeshivot should remain open against the government's health guidelines. It is to be seen if that policy will change.
    • Endangering Oneself to Learn Torah: Ketubot 77b records and praises the practice of Reish Lakish to teach Torah to those ill with tzarat, some translate as leprosy, even though it is contagious. The gemara explained that he did so out of his love for Torah. Daf Al Hadaf cites Mishnat Pikuach Nefesh 69:7 who asks how Reish Lakish could endanger himself and rely on a miracle. He answers that the disease he was concerned with was only dangerous to health but not life threatening.
  2. ↑ Rambam Taniyot 1:1-3, Rav Reuven Epstein emphasizes that we need to take a lesson from corona since it overtly a hardship for Jews and humanity and a sign from Hashem. Rabbi Penner discussed how we can revitalize our strength in mitzvot at this time based on better appreciating the lessons of Shema. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22, 2020) introduced his shiur by discussing how we can strengthen our commitment to Ben Adam Lchavero.
  3. ↑ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz, Laws of Praying Beyachid (Adar 5780) by Rabbi Yonatan Nacson p. 1 citing Yalkut Yosef 89:1
  4. ↑ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz and Rabbi Moshe Heinemann around minutes 5-7
  5. ↑ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz
  6. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 90:4 writes that there should be windows in a place where one davens. Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz suggested that the same should be done for when we daven at home to daven in a place where there is a window.
  7. ↑ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz
  8. ↑ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz
  9. ↑ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz
  10. ↑ Laws of Praying Beyachid by Rabbi Nacson p. 2, Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz citing Rabbi Akiva Eiger teshuva 71
  11. ↑ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz quoting Rav Schachter
  12. ↑ Rav Bention Mutzafi (55:10)
  13. ↑ Rav Nevinsal stated that one should not recite Avinu Malkenu during Nissan. See Divrei Yatziv OC 75 for different minhagim about saying Avinu Malkenu during Nissan. See discussion page.
  14. ↑ Mishna Shabbat 9b, Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz. Rabbi Moshe Heinemann around minutes 5-7 says that if one sets an alarm, that should be sufficient
  15. ↑ Igrot Moshe 5:12:1 writes that regarding a Shabbos Sheva Brachos since it is just the family and it is a temporary situation no mechitza is necessary.
  16. ↑ Laws of Praying Beyachid p. 10 citing Shulchan Aruch O.C. 268:8
  17. ↑ Mishna Brurah 134:13
  18. ↑ Rav Schachter (towards middle), Rabbi Nacson in Laws of Praying Beyachid p. 4 based on Yalkut Yosef 5775 ed Yamim Noraim p. 17, Yabia Omer 1:19:18, Chazon Ovadia Purim p. 56
  19. ↑ Rav Schachter (towards middle)
  20. ↑ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz quoting Rabbi Willig. Rabbi Moshe Heinemann around minutes 7-10 agrees that you should do so on Shabbat, but that it is not necessary on Monday and Thursday
  21. ↑ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz based on Rama and Magen Avraham
  22. ↑ Rabbi Yonatan Nacson in Laws of Praying Byachid (p. 10) citing Rav Asher Weiss
  23. ↑ Rav Schachter (towards middle), Rav Nevinsal
  24. ↑ Rav Schachter (towards middle)
  25. ↑ Divrei Dovid 4:3
  26. ↑ Rama 219:8, Rav Asher Weiss (March 15 2015, min 11)
  27. ↑ Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5780), Rav Nevinsal
  28. ↑ Rav Schachter (min 20), Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 9-11). Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5780) explained the reason why the hatarat nedarim isn't necessary
  29. ↑ Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva dated 28 Adar 5780 p. 2), Nefesh Harav p. 179, Rav Schachter (min 1-5) explained that the minhag is to make a kinyan to appoint a someone to sell something for you. This is classically done with a handing of a handkerchief from the rabbi to the one selling chametz. However, when they call on the phone that isn't possible. The Steipler held in such a case it isn't necessary to be careful about that minhag and simply have the person orally declare that he appoints the rabbi. However, Rav Soloveitchik felt that we should try to fulfill the minhag in any event. How can it be fulfilled? One can have someone standing in the room next to the person on the phone give something to the person on the phone on behalf of the rabbi. That is an effective halachic kinyan on behalf of the rabbi (see Kiddushin 7a). Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 10) explained that one can appoint the rabbi to sell his chametz online. Rav Nevinsal allowed appointing the rabbi online if he is a talmid chacham.
  30. ↑ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 11-15)
  31. ↑ Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5780)
  32. ↑ Rav Schachter (towards beginning). This is acceptable for Sephardim as well even with a bracha as described by Rav Ovadia Yosef in Yachava Daat 1:14 and Chazon Ovadia (Pesach Hilchot Leil Haseder 5763 Edition p. 76). Rav Ben Chaim holds that one should really used hand baked matzah but if one can't acquire any then one can use machine matzah.
  33. ↑ Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020, min 19) said that there's no concern to use the hand-baked matzot since they were baked earlier in the year. His personal minhag is to have only hand baked matzot. In terms of using machine matzah he felt that it is only a chumra not to use them even for the mitzvah of motzei matzah and one could use them if there's no other option.
  34. ↑ Ateret Paz p. 154-6
  35. ↑ Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva dated 28 Adar 5780 p. 2). Rav Schachter (towards beginning). Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 1-4) explained that Rav Schachter and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach hold that it is enough to listen and join with the siyum over the phone or video call. However, other poskim don't like this leniency. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020, min 7) agreed that one can be yotzei with a siyum over the phone or video for the tanit bechorot. Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 6) agreed that this year you can be yotzei the siyum over the phone since it is an extenuating circumstance. Rav Avigdor Nevinsal agreed that you can be part of a siyum over the phone and the meal one has afterwards is a seudat mitzvah. Rav Ben Chaim holds that it is better to make a siyum oneself even on a tractate of mishna but if that's not possible one can listen on the phone.
  36. ↑ Rama 426:4
  37. ↑ Pri Megadim M"Z 426:4, Mishna Brurah 426:21
  38. ↑ Rav Ben Chaim]
  39. ↑ Rabbi Eliyahu Abergel and other rabbis
  40. ↑ Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020 11am, min 39), Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Adar 29 5780)
  41. ↑ Rav Herschel Schachter (teshuva Adar 29 5780)
  42. ↑ Rabbi Shay Tahan
  43. ↑ RCBC letter on yeshivaworld.com
  44. ↑ Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020, min 12)
  45. ↑ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 5-9), Rav Ben Chaim
  46. ↑ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 5-9)
  47. ↑ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 5-9), Rav Ben Chaim. Rav Nevinsal said that one could rely upon this if there was no other option.
  48. ↑ Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva dated 28 Adar 5780 p. 1)
  49. ↑ Rav Nevinsal
  50. ↑ Rav Nevinsal
  51. ↑ Rav Schachter (towards end)
  52. ↑ Rav Nevinsal
  53. ↑ Rav Nevinsal
  54. ↑ Rav Schachter (towards beginning)
  55. ↑ Rav Nevinsal
  56. ↑ Rama 562:1 writes that Ashkenazim hold that even for an incomplete fast one can recite anenu. Mishna Brurhah 562:48 references this Rama in discussing a fast that was accepted to fast until chatzot. The Mishna Brurah 562:7 cites a debate as to whether one should omit the words צום תעניתנו while reciting עננו in such a scenario as many poskim argue that a half fast is not considered a fast and therefore one would not want to risk speak falsely, particularly when he is speaking to Hashem.
  57. ↑ Mishna Brurah 562:6
  58. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 562:10-11 holds that a incomplete fast is not considered a fast with respect to saying anenu. Therefore if one only fasts until chatzot one should not recite anenu.
  59. ↑ Shulchan Aruch and Rama 562:5
  60. ↑ Gemara Tanit 11a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 240:12
  61. ↑ Mishna Brurah 574:9
  62. ↑ Rama 240:12 based on Yerushalmi Tanit. Olot Tamid 240:6 (cited by Kaf Hachaim 240:85) understands the Rama to apply to any type of tragedy that we would declare a fast over.
  63. ↑ Shaarei Knesset Hagedola (Hagahot Tur 240:5) writes that tashmish is only forbidden during a famine, plague of the crops, locusts and the like which cause a famine but not for other tragedies or troubles. Kaf Hachaim 240:85 rules like the Shaarei Knesset Hagedola either because that is the explanation of the Yerushalmi or we don't follow the Yerushalmi.
  64. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 574:11 writes that it is permitted for a couple to have tashish on mikva night. Mishna Brurah 574:11 cites the Magen Avraham who argues with Shulchan Aruch but then he cites the Bigdei Yesha and Nahar Shalom who are lenient and there's what to rely on to follow Shulchan Aruch. Mishna Brurah concludes that certainly one can be lenient at a time when it isn't a famine and it is just another time of distress in the world.
  65. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 240:12, 574:4, Mishna Brurah 240:47
  66. ↑ Mishna Brurah 574:12
  67. ↑ Mishna Brurah 240:46
  68. ↑ Tzitz Eliezer 13:21
  69. ↑ Rabbi Ehrman on yutorah. Rav Asher Weiss (Zoom Conference, March 22 2020, 11am, min 15) was lenient he said that the situation presently isn't one that rises to the level where we need to declare a fast. Also, since domestic violence recently has been on the rise because of the quarantines one shouldn't be strict in this area.
  70. ↑ Rabbi Zylberman on yutorah. Mordechai b"m 343 writes that if there's a decree in the town that the teachers can't teach the teachers should still be paid. Rama C.M. 321:1 cites this Mordechai and applies it to any worker in 334:1. The Sama 334:2 argues with the Mordechai and holds that since the employee can't work and both aren't at fault and both couldn't foresee this the employer is exempt. Netivot 334:1 limits the idea of the Mordechai to a teacher and not other employers since a teacher is paid for sachar betela (see Laws_of_Learning_Torah#Taking_Money_for_Learning_and_Teaching_Torah). Shach 334 holds that this opinion of the Mordechai only applies if majority of the town ran away because of a crisis but if only a minority runs away then the employee isn't entitled to payment. Aruch Hashulchan 334:10 has another approach. If the situation prevents the worker from working then he is entitled to pay but if he runs away then he isn't. Rabbi Zylberman explained from Mishpat Poalim we think that this is a case of Hamotzei Mchavero Alav Harayah, whoever is holding onto the money can claim that he is exempt from paying or returning the money. Rav Asher Weiss in Minchat Asher 2:106 says that they should make a compromise, and Rav Bleich (Contemporary Halachic Problems v. 4) thinks that we follow the Rama. Once the Chatom Sofer had a case in his town and he felt that they should pay but he couldn't force everyone to pay it so he told them to pay half. Rav Yona Reiss had a case where they made a compromise.
    • Rav Asher Weiss (Zoom Conference, March 22 2020, 11am, min 21-25) thought that one should compromise and give the workers who aren't working 30% of their pay. This applies Jewish and non-Jewish workers. This is based on the Rama and Sama CM 221. As for the day schools and daycares that are closed and not providing services one theoretically should be exempt. Since it might be devastating to the schools one needs to wait until the government makes a decision. Either way, we should wait until there is a major decision from the government or authorities and follow that. Until then for the schools we should pay so that the teachers can have a salary for their parnasa.
  71. ↑ Rabbi Zylberman on yutorah
  72. ↑ Rav Yakov Sinai based on Rama in teshuva, Shach CM 312 and other sources
  73. ↑ Rav Yakov Sinai (min 3) explains that although the Rama in a teshuva and Knesset Hagedola hold that one should visit the sick even if they have a contagious disease, the Shulchan Gavoha and others disagree and that is the halacha.
  74. ↑ Rav Schachter (Teshuva Adar 29 5780), Rav Nevinsal
  75. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 328:13
  76. ↑ Rav Asher Weiss (March 15 2020, min 18-22) to Beit Midrash Gavoha explained that the definition of danger in order to violate Shabbat isn't defined by statistics. For vaccinations we assume that it is a sakana not to vaccinate even though the odds of dying because of the measles is low. Since it is preventable it is incumbent upon us to vaccinate. He concludes that as long as it is a natural phenomenon and there is an action that we can do to prevent deaths we must do so.
  77. ↑ Rav Zilberstein allowed a patient to answer the phone on Shabbat with a shinuy only to hear the results of a test and answer questions for epidemiological investigation. If the test results that show that a patient has the virus are produced on Shabbat it is incumbent for the health department to deal with the quarantine then and it is permitted to answer the phone for that.
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