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

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Halachot Related to Coronavirus/COVID-19 Pandemic (view source)

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* 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.
* 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.


==Outside Minyanim==
==[[Tefillah]]==
# 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 government allows it. Every person should follow his 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>
===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===
===Praying at Home===
# 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]
 
==[[Tefillah]]==
When davening at home one should be cognizant of the following ideas:
When davening at home one should be cognizant of the following ideas:


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#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.
#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.


===Mechitza===
====Mechitza====
#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.
#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===
====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>
#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 Porches or Technology===


#It is forbidden to have a minyan in person whether it is 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 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>
#It is forbidden to have a minyan in person whether it is 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 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>
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#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>
#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]]===
====Answering [[Amen]]====


#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>  
#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>  
# 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>  
# 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]]===
====[[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]].
#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]].
===Mechitza for Outdoor Minyanim===
 
===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 government allows it. Every person should follow his 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>
# 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==
==Netilat Yadayim==
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#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>
#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>


==[[Early Shabbat]]==
==Berachot==
===[[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 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.<ref>Yabia Omer OC 8:15:15, [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=60346&pgnum=11 Divrei Dovid 5:3]. See Divrei Dovid 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>
#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>
 
==Shabbat==
===[[Early Shabbat]]===
#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 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]].
#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>
#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>


==[[Shabbat Davening]]==
===[[Shabbat Davening]]===
===Friday Night===
====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>
#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===
====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.
#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>
# 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]]===
====[[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>
#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>
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#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>


===Anim Zemirot===
====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>
#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>


==[[Hagomel]]==
===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>
 
==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===


#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>
#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 (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 HaIlanot]] for more details and sources.
#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.<ref>Yabia Omer OC 8:15:15, [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=60346&pgnum=11 Divrei Dovid 5:3]. See Divrei Dovid 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>
 
#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>
===[[Taanit Bechorot]]===
 
#A person should try to finish a short masecheta to make his own siyum.<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]]==
===[[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>
#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>
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#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>
#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]]==
===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>
#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>
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#Some poskim allow ordering chametz on Pesach if one is certain that it will only be delivered after pesach.<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>
#Some poskim allow ordering chametz on Pesach if one is certain that it will only be delivered after pesach.<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>
#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>


==Kitniyot==
===Kitniyot===


#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>
#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>
#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>
#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]]==
===[[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 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.
#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==
===Pesach Davening===
===Hallel Pesach Night===
====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>
#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>
#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===
====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>
#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===
====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>
#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.
#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>
#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===
====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>
# 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==
===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>
#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===
#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>
#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>
#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]]==
==[[Eruv Tavshilin]] and [[Eruv Chatzerot]]==
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#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>
#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>
#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>
==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 (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 HaIlanot]] for more details and sources.
==[[Tanit Bechorot]]==
#A person should try to finish a short masecheta to make his own siyum.<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>
==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.


==Chol Hamoed==
==Chol Hamoed==
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See [[Chol Hamoed]] for many details.
See [[Chol Hamoed]] for many details.


==Using Zoom for the Seder==
#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>
#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>
#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>


==[[Sefirat Haomer]]==
==[[Sefirat Haomer]]==
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# 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>
# 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)]</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)]</ref>
==[[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.
*[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>


==Yamim Noraim==
==Yamim Noraim==
# 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 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>
==Shalom Bayit==
#It is critical to be mindful of other people when everyone is under stress and no one is completely comfortable. [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/ Dr. Pelcovitz] discusses the implications quarantine can have Shalom Bayit.
#It is forbidden for a couple to have [[tashmish]] at a night of famine<ref>Gemara Tanit 11a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 240:12</ref> since everyone is in distress it is incumbent on everyone to take upon himself an aspect of distress.<ref>Mishna Brurah 574:9</ref> The same is true for any time of societal distresses.<ref>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.</ref> Others disagree.<ref>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.</ref>
#It is permitted to have tashmish on mikvah night.<ref>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.</ref>
#It is permitted to have tashmish for a couple who didn't yet fulfill [[pru urevu]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 240:12, 574:4, Mishna Brurah 240:47</ref> Once his wife is pregnant this leniency doesn't apply.<ref>Mishna Brurah 574:12</ref>
#If he has a strong yetzer hara and there is a concern of [[hashchatat zera]] it is permitted.<ref>Mishna Brurah 240:46</ref>
#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.<ref>Tzitz Eliezer 13:21</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==
==Mikveh==
 
===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>
#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 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>
#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>
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#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.
#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==
===Tevilat Kelim===


#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>
#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>
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#Regarding a seder plate and kos shel eliyahu requiring tevilah, see [[Tevilat Kelim]] page.
#Regarding a seder plate and kos shel eliyahu requiring tevilah, see [[Tevilat Kelim]] page.


==[[Brit Milah]]==
==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 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>
#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==
===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>
#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]]==
===[[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>
# 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.
# 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==
===Bar Mitzvah's===


#[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=105558 A message for Bar Mitzvah Boys in the Lockdown by Rabbi Pesach Krohn]
#[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=105558 A message for Bar Mitzvah Boys in the Lockdown by Rabbi Pesach Krohn]
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#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>
#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==
===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>
#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>
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#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>
#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>
#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>
==[[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.
*[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>


==Mezuzah==
==Mezuzah==
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#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>
#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>


==Shalom Bayit==
==[[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>


#It is critical to be mindful of other people when everyone is under stress and no one is completely comfortable. [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/ Dr. Pelcovitz] discusses the implications quarantine can have Shalom Bayit.
#It is forbidden for a couple to have [[tashmish]] at a night of famine<ref>Gemara Tanit 11a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 240:12</ref> since everyone is in distress it is incumbent on everyone to take upon himself an aspect of distress.<ref>Mishna Brurah 574:9</ref> The same is true for any time of societal distresses.<ref>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.</ref> Others disagree.<ref>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.</ref>
#It is permitted to have tashmish on mikvah night.<ref>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.</ref>
#It is permitted to have tashmish for a couple who didn't yet fulfill [[pru urevu]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 240:12, 574:4, Mishna Brurah 240:47</ref> Once his wife is pregnant this leniency doesn't apply.<ref>Mishna Brurah 574:12</ref>
#If he has a strong yetzer hara and there is a concern of [[hashchatat zera]] it is permitted.<ref>Mishna Brurah 240:46</ref>
#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.<ref>Tzitz Eliezer 13:21</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>


==Laid off Workers and Cancelled Contracts Because of Corona==
==Doctors Working in the Hospital==


#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.
#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 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==
*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.
See previous section about the background for this question.
*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.


#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>
*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]]==
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See [[Practices_in_the_Mourner%27s_House#Iyluy_Neshama]] and [[Kaddish]] pages.
See [[Practices_in_the_Mourner%27s_House#Iyluy_Neshama]] and [[Kaddish]] pages.


==[[Kibbud Av Vem]]==
==Monetary Issues==
===Laid off Workers and Cancelled Contracts Because of Corona===


#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>
#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>


==Violating Shabbat for [[Pikuach Nefesh]]==
===Yeshiva Tuition===
'''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]].'''
See previous section about the background for this question.


#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>
#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>
#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>
 
==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>


==[[Mesira]] and Rodef==
==[[Mesira]] and Rodef==
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[[Category:Orach Chaim]]
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[[Category:Choshen Mishpat]]
[[Category:Even HaEzer]]
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