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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==Berachot== | ==Berachot== | ||
===[[ | ===[[Birkat HaGomel]]=== | ||
#A person who was quarantined and got out of quarantine doesn't recite Hagomel since they were in no danger.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)], [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref> | #A person who was quarantined and got out of quarantine doesn't recite Hagomel since they were in no danger.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)], [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal]</ref> | ||
#A person needs to recite [[hagomel]] in front of a [[minyan]] of ten men. Some suggest that this can be recited before ten people listening on a video or phone call and can answer amen. Even though they aren't present, the minyan in this context is purely to publicize the idea so it is permissible.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)], [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-29-April-23-2020.pdf Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona, April 23 2020)]</ref> Others disagree and as long as the minyan isn't in the same room one can not recite hagomel.<ref>Yabia Omer OC 8:15:15, [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=60346&pgnum=11 Divrei Dovid 5:3]. See Divrei | #A person needs to recite [[hagomel]] in front of a [[minyan]] of ten men. Some suggest that this can be recited before ten people listening on a video or phone call and can answer amen. Even though they aren't present, the minyan in this context is purely to publicize the idea so it is permissible.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)], [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-29-April-23-2020.pdf Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona, April 23 2020)]</ref> Others disagree and as long as the minyan isn't in the same room one can not recite hagomel. Therefore, a Sepharadi may recite HaGomel in a Zoom meeting eoth ten participants.<ref>Yabia Omer OC 8:15:15, [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=60346&pgnum=11 Divrei Dovid 5:3]. See Divrei David (Teherani) citing Birkat Hashem v. 4 p. 452 who implies that the minyan doesn't have to be in the same room as long as they can hear the bracha.</ref> | ||
#According to Ashkenazim, if a person is ill with a sickness to the point that he is a choleh sheyesh bo sakana, a concern of mortal danger, he should recite Hagomel, but if he less sick than that there is no need to recite Hagomel.<ref>Rama 219:8, [http://nleresources.com/2020/03/rav-asher-weiss-coronavirus-in-halacha/#.XnoNOIjYrIU Rav Asher Weiss (March 15 2015, min 11)]</ref> Sephardic tradition is to recite Hagomel anytime someone was sick in bed such as with a flu or bad cold even for a short period of time.<ref>[https://itorah.com/global-search/birkat%20hagomel Rabbi Mansour ("Saying Birkat Hagomel Within 3 Days and Laws of Birkat Hagomel Following A Sickness")]</ref> | #According to Ashkenazim, if a person is ill with a sickness to the point that he is a choleh sheyesh bo sakana, a concern of mortal danger, he should recite Hagomel, but if he less sick than that there is no need to recite Hagomel.<ref>Rama 219:8, [http://nleresources.com/2020/03/rav-asher-weiss-coronavirus-in-halacha/#.XnoNOIjYrIU Rav Asher Weiss (March 15 2015, min 11)]</ref> 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> | ||
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==Birkat Halevana== | ==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 | #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== | ==Pesach== | ||
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===[[Taanit Bechorot]]=== | ===[[Taanit Bechorot]]=== | ||
#A person should try to finish a short masecheta to make his own | #A person should try to finish a short masecheta to make his own [[Siyum Masechet]].<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-1-Mar-24-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva dated 28 Adar 5780 p. 2)], [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim]</ref> Some say that learning one masechta with Bartenura is sufficient.<ref>[https://itorah.com/daily-halacha/lecture/ta-anit-bechorot-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/3802 Rabbi Mansour], [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim]</ref> | ||
#Many poskim say that he can rely on a siyum over the phone or video livestream.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-1-Mar-24-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva dated 28 Adar 5780 p. 2)]. [https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards beginning)]. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/949232/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/hilchos-pesach-shiur-04-pesach-with-covid-19/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (min 1-4)] explained that Rav Schachter and Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach hold that it is enough to listen and join with the siyum over the phone or video call. However, other poskim don't like this leniency. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020, min 7) agreed that one can be yotzei with a siyum over the phone or video for the tanit bechorot. [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 6)] agreed that this year you can be yotzei the siyum over the phone since it is an extenuating circumstance. [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Avigdor Nevinsal] agreed that you can be part of a siyum over the phone and the meal one has afterwards is a seudat mitzvah. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950230/rabbi-eliyahu-ben-chaim/passover-with-covid-19/ Rav Ben Chaim] holds that it is better to make a siyum oneself even on a tractate of mishna but if that's not possible one can listen on the phone.</ref> | #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> | #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> | ||
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==[[Sefirat Haomer]]== | ==[[Sefirat Haomer]]== | ||
===Haircuts=== | |||
#If someone couldn't get a hair cut because the barbers were all closed before Pesach, then if one reached the point when it very noticeably long and people would tell him to get a haircut he can take a haircut during [[Sefira]]. Today it can be estimated that if it has been more than 2 months since his last haircut he can take a haircut during the Sefira.<ref>https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950659/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-16-haircuts-on-chol-hamoed-and-sefira/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #16)</ref> | #If someone couldn't get a hair cut because the barbers were all closed before Pesach, then if one reached the point when it very noticeably long and people would tell him to get a haircut he can take a haircut during [[Sefira]]. Today it can be estimated that if it has been more than 2 months since his last haircut he can take a haircut during the Sefira.<ref>https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950659/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-16-haircuts-on-chol-hamoed-and-sefira/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #16)</ref> | ||
===Music=== | |||
# Some poskim permit someone to [[Listening to Music|listen to music]] to help them get out a state of sadness or emotional distress. It is preferable in that situation to listen to music that doesn't lead to dancing.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/952458/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-30-the-aveilus-of-sefirah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #30) explains that the sefira has the status of [[12 Months]] of mourning in which a person minimizes indulgence in pleasures, however, if it leads to pain then that wasn't included in the required mourning. The minhag not to listen to music during sefira can be waived for someone who otherwise would be emotionally distressed. It is preferable that he listen to classic music and not music that leads to dancing. Rav Asher Weiss (Minchat Asher Corona Second Edition n. 47) writes that we can't generally permit music during sefirat haomer. We can be lenient for somenoe who is near depression or for a parent watching small children, especially if it isn't live and when it isn't simcha music that leads to dancing. </ref> | # Some poskim permit someone to [[Listening to Music|listen to music]] to help them get out a state of sadness or emotional distress. It is preferable in that situation to listen to music that doesn't lead to dancing.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/952458/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-30-the-aveilus-of-sefirah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #30) explains that the sefira has the status of [[12 Months]] of mourning in which a person minimizes indulgence in pleasures, however, if it leads to pain then that wasn't included in the required mourning. The minhag not to listen to music during sefira can be waived for someone who otherwise would be emotionally distressed. It is preferable that he listen to classic music and not music that leads to dancing. Rav Asher Weiss (Minchat Asher Corona Second Edition n. 47) writes that we can't generally permit music during sefirat haomer. We can be lenient for somenoe who is near depression or for a parent watching small children, especially if it isn't live and when it isn't simcha music that leads to dancing. </ref> | ||
# It is permitted to listen to music right before Shabbat in [[honor of Shabbat]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/952458/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-30-the-aveilus-of-sefirah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #30)]</ref> | # It is permitted to listen to music right before Shabbat in [[honor of Shabbat]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/952458/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-30-the-aveilus-of-sefirah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #30)]</ref> | ||
==Shavuot== | ==Shavuot== | ||
# An individual does not have to recite Rut when he is at home without a congregation, however, one may do so if one wants to.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957156/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-40-shavuos-customs-flowers-rus-and-akdamos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #40)]</ref> | # An individual does not have to recite Rut when he is at home without a congregation, however, one may do so if one wants to.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957156/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-40-shavuos-customs-flowers-rus-and-akdamos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #40)]</ref> | ||
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==The Three Weeks== | ==The Three Weeks== | ||
===Shaving=== | |||
#As with every other year the discussion of shaving during the three weeks is equally relevant. Some are lenient for those who usually shave every day or every few days to shave once it is has been twice the amount of time that they would normally shave.<ref> [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/962617/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-43-mourning-customs-of-the-three-weeks/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #43)]</ref> Others hold that one may not shave during the three weeks. See [[Three_Weeks#Shaving| here]] for the discussion. | #As with every other year the discussion of shaving during the three weeks is equally relevant. Some are lenient for those who usually shave every day or every few days to shave once it is has been twice the amount of time that they would normally shave.<ref> [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/962617/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-43-mourning-customs-of-the-three-weeks/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #43)]</ref> Others hold that one may not shave during the three weeks. See [[Three_Weeks#Shaving| here]] for the discussion. | ||
===Music=== | |||
# A person who is [[listening to Music| listening to music]] to alleviate pressure or tension may do so even during the three weeks.<ref> [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/962617/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-43-mourning-customs-of-the-three-weeks/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #43)]</ref> | # A person who is [[listening to Music| listening to music]] to alleviate pressure or tension may do so even during the three weeks.<ref> [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/962617/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-43-mourning-customs-of-the-three-weeks/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #43)]</ref> | ||
===Prayer=== | |||
# In order to minimize interactions and time of davening together on [[Shiva Asar Btamuz]] it is permitted to daven as a [[minyan]] and then say selichot on zoom without the 13 middot of rachamim. Alternatively, they can be said before [[mincha]]. <ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/963045/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-44-laundry-on-the-nine-days-and-tefilla-on-tisha-b-av/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #44)]</ref> | # In order to minimize interactions and time of davening together on [[Shiva Asar Btamuz]] it is permitted to daven as a [[minyan]] and then say selichot on zoom without the 13 middot of rachamim. Alternatively, they can be said before [[mincha]]. <ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/963045/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-44-laundry-on-the-nine-days-and-tefilla-on-tisha-b-av/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #44)]</ref> | ||
===Laundry=== | |||
# Although generally it is forbidden to do laundry during the nine days, if a doctor or someone else who is concerned for catching corona needs to do extra laundry during these days they can.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/963045/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-44-laundry-on-the-nine-days-and-tefilla-on-tisha-b-av/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #44)]</ref> | # Although generally it is forbidden to do laundry during the nine days, if a doctor or someone else who is concerned for catching corona needs to do extra laundry during these days they can.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/963045/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-44-laundry-on-the-nine-days-and-tefilla-on-tisha-b-av/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #44)]</ref> | ||
==[[Tisha B'av]]== | |||
===Washing=== | |||
# Despite the prohibition of washing on Tisha B’Av, if one has regularly been following the CDC recommendation of washing hands, one may continue doing so on Tisha B’Av. If one has not been following the CDC recommendation, one must follow the washing prohibition.<ref> | # 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)]. Although [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=119256 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Devarim 5780 min 0-3)] stated that one shouldn't wash one's hands on Tisha B'av during corona like every year, however, he can use purell or sanitizing agents, in a written responsa on Av 7 5780 he wrote that it is permitted to wash one's hands with soap and water or alcohol as long as one's intent is purely for cleanliness.</ref> | [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/964139/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-47-washing-hands-on-tisha-bav/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #47)], Rav Dovid Lau (responsa Av 6 5780). Although [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=119256 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Devarim 5780 min 0-3)] stated that one shouldn't wash one's hands on Tisha B'av during corona like every year, however, he can use purell or sanitizing agents, in a written responsa on Av 7 5780 he wrote that it is permitted to wash one's hands with soap and water or alcohol as long as one's intent is purely for cleanliness.</ref> If someone isn't concerned to always disinfect their hands but they are working for a hospital or others who are concerned for this he can wash his hands.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/965450/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-48-washing-hands-on-tisha-b-av-part-2/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #48) explained that the idea of shomer petayim Hashem applies to each and every individual differently according to what they are not concerned about. If someone isn't concerned about a certain minimal danger then we can apply shomer petayim Hashem and then they wouldn't be allowed to wash their hands on Tisha B'av. However, if they are concerned then they can wash their hands. If their actions affect others, such as if they work in the hospital or is in contact with others who are concerned he can wash for their safety.</ref> | ||
===Fasting=== | |||
# Someone who is healthy and has no symptoms should fast on Tisha B'av whether or not he is in quarantine.<ref>Rav Yitzchak Yosef (responsa Av 7 5780), Rav Asher Weiss (Piskei Corona 3). Also, Rabbi Dovid Lau (responsa 6 Av 5780) wrote that someone with symptoms shouldn't fast but someone with in quarantine without symptoms should fast.</ref> Others disagree.<ref>Rabbi Dr. Mordechai Halperin responsa July 25 2020 wrote that someone with symptoms shouldn't fast at all. Also, someone who is in quarantine, has corona, or is in a high risk category (above 60, heart or lung issues, or diabetic) shouldn't fast but should eat less than the requisite amounts (kezayit or reviyit in a kdei achilat pras).</ref> | |||
# If the doctor told someone not to fast out of a concern that he not get sick he should only eat less than the amount of a [[Kezayit]] of food and less than a [[Reviyit]] of liquids in the time of [[Kdei Achilat Pras]].<ref>Rav Yitzchak Yosef (responsa Av 7 5780)</ref> | |||
# Someone who has symptoms of corona should not fast on Tisha B'av.<ref>Rav Yitzchak Yosef (responsa Av 7 5780)</ref> | |||
#Someone who starts to feel symptoms in the middle of the fast, such as a fever, cough, loss of sense of smell he is considered sick and can break the fast.<ref>Rav Yitzchak Yosef (responsa Av 7 5780)</ref> | |||
#A doctor or nurse treating patients with COVID and if they fast will not be able to do their job, especially because of wearing all the protective gear could make a person overheat, he can be lenient to eat and drink. It is proper to eat less than the requisite measures of food described above.<ref>Rav Yitzchak Yosef (responsa Av 7 5780)</ref> | |||
===Prayer=== | |||
# In order to minimize interactions and time of davening together on [[Tisha Bav]] it is permitted to daven as a minyan and then say kinot and eicha at home over zoom.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/963045/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-44-laundry-on-the-nine-days-and-tefilla-on-tisha-b-av/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #44)]</ref> | |||
==[[Fast Days]]== | ==[[Fast Days]]== | ||
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==Yamim Noraim== | ==Yamim Noraim== | ||
===[[Selichot]]=== | |||
# We're strict to consider the 13 middot of mercy to be a [[dvar shebekedusha]], holy matter, and requires a [[minyan]]. There is a dispute whether an individual can answer a congregation reciting it over the phone or zoom.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50)]</reF> | |||
===[[Rosh Hashana]]=== | |||
# If a shul needs to abbreviate the davening in order to accommodate all of those davening together at several times it is permitted to skip all of the piyutim as well as the extra shofar blowings.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/963046/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-45-tefilla-b-tzibur-on-the-yamim-noraim/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #45)]</ref> | # If a shul needs to abbreviate the davening in order to accommodate all of those davening together at several times it is permitted to skip all of the piyutim as well as the extra shofar blowings.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/963046/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-45-tefilla-b-tzibur-on-the-yamim-noraim/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #45)]</ref> | ||
#If the congregation for health concerns needs to shorten the davening on Rosh Hashanah, they can do so by onyl blowing 30 blows before Mussaf and 30 during Mussaf and not 100 which we usually blow. They can skip reciting Lamnase'ach 7x and say it only once or skip it entirely. They can skip the piyutim in Chazarat Hashatz.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50)]</reF> | |||
# If someone is davening by themselves they don't blow the shofar together with Mussaf. If possible it should be before Mussaf, otherwise it can be done afterwards.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50)]</reF> | |||
#In a dire situation it is theoretically possible to daven mincha on Shabbat before Plag Hamincha and Maariv after Plag before sunset. The reason for this would be that if they're davening outside and it is dark and they can't see for Maariv they can daven early. They could do this for Shabbat or the second day of Rosh Hashana. They may only do this if the local rabbi agrees considering that such an instutition could possible lead to terrible mistakes to think that Shabbat is over early when praying early which is not the case.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50)]</reF> | |||
====Substituting Shower for Men's Mikveh==== | |||
# The minhag is for men to go to Mikveh on Erev Rosh Hashana. For a concern of COVID-19 the men can fulfill their obligation by taking a shower having 9 kav fall on their head.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50)], Rav Asher Weiss (Yerach Eytanim Biydan Corona n. 13). See [https://www.torahmusings.com/2019/03/can-a-shower-substitute-for-mikveh-for-a-man/] for the background.</reF> See [[Preparations_for_Davening#Going_to_Mikveh]] for details. | |||
====[[Hatarat Nedarim]] on Zoom==== | |||
# It is permitted to perform via zoom. However, the Bet Din needs to be in one place and they need to be aware of who it is they are doing hatarat nedarim for. They don't need to know them personally but they need to be aware of who it is and if they can see them that is effective. They should recite the text of the hatara together over zoom.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50).] see also [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/956697/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-hataras-nedarim-on-zoom/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz]</reF> | |||
====Opening the Aron Kodesh==== | |||
# An outdoor minyan which uses a Torah from a nearby house ideally should get an Aron Kodesh for the purposes of having the Aron open and closed for certain parts of davening. If that isn't the case, there is no reason to bring the Sefer Torah to the minyan or open the Aron where the Sefer Torah is residing.<ref>Minchat Asher (Yerach Eytanim Bidan Corona n. 8). He explains that there's three reasons for opening the Aron for certain tefillot: 1) It inspires people to pray with kavana. 2) The Tefillot are accepted in the merit of the Sefer Torah. 3) Symbolically when we open the Aron in our world, Hashem opens the gates of Heaven. Rav Asher Weiss explains that the minhag was never to take out a Sefer Torah for these tefillot and if there's no Aron Kodesh there is nothing to be done in place of this minhag.</ref> | |||
# If a minyan is partially inside and partially outside it is appropriate to open the Aron Kodesh at the times when the minhag is to open it. Even if the Shaliach Tzibbur can't see the Aron open but others in the minyan could it is nonetheless worthwhile to open the Aron at those times.<ref>Minchat Asher (Yerach Eytanim Bidan Corona n. 8)</ref> | |||
===[[Yom Kippur]]=== | |||
#On Yom Kippur they should not skip the Vidduy at the end of Chazarat Hashatz nor the Avoda during Mussaf. The tefillah of Hineni the Shaliach Tzibur can recite quietly and not aloud.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50)]</reF> | |||
===[[Shaliach Tzibbur]] Twice=== | |||
#It is permitted for a shaliach tzibbur to be the shaliach tzibbur twice, once for an early minyan and again for a later minyan. This is applicable to Shemona Esrei but not Birchot Kriyat Shema. Also, he would not repeat the silent Shemona Esrei at the second minyan.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/966721/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-49-being-a-chazan-twice/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #49)]</ref> | |||
==[[Sukkot]]== | |||
===Eating in the Sukkah=== | |||
# In order to maintain social distancing with a Sukkah it is critical to plan ahead to be in a place where they is a proper sukkah that can accommodate everyone. In a communal sukkah they might need to have shifts to in order to accommodate everyone. If that is the case if the later shifts are very bothered to have to wait so late into the ight it is potentially possible that they are exempt from the sukkah. However, this does not apply the first two nights according to Ashkenazim when even someone in discomfort is not exempt from the sukkah.<Ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968540/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-51-inyanei-sukkos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #51)]</ref> | |||
#If there's going to be several shifts it is possible to be lenient to have the first group say kiddush before nightfall and have a kezayit of bread in the sukkah after tzet hakochavim. The first shift could do this by praying Mincha before Plag and Maariv after Plag. Even going into the second day of Sukkot which this year is Saturday night it is possible to do this. However, the congregation may only do this with the permission of the local Rabbi considering that it is possible that davening Maariv early on Shabbat could lead to mistakes.<Ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968540/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-51-inyanei-sukkos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #51)]</ref> | |||
# If they are having shifts to eat in the sukkah, they should only recite Kiddush, eat bread, and then recite Birkat Hamazon. The rest of the foods they may eat indoors.<Ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968540/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-51-inyanei-sukkos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #51)]</ref> | |||
# If it isn't possible to get a Sukkah at home and the only way to have access to a Sukkah is by going to a hotel or motel one should do so. If it is very uncomfortable to do so, theoretically one is exempt from sitting in a Sukkah.<ref>Minchat Asher (Yerach Eytanim Biydan Corona n. 14)</ref> | |||
===Sleeping in the Sukkah=== | |||
# Generally there is no reason that sleeping in the Sukkah is different this year than any other. There isn't any danger of catching COVID with sleeping in one's own Sukkah under regular circumstances.<ref>[https://www.kipa.co.il/%D7%A9%D7%90%D7%9C-%D7%90%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91/%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%9B%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%91%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%94/ Rabbi Yuval Sherlow]</ref> | |||
===Shaking the Lulav=== | |||
# One should fulfill the mitzvah of shaking the lulav without anything in between one's hands and the lulav. Therefore, one may not wear gloves while shaking the lulav. Instead if one needs to share a lulav one can sanitize one's hands before and after using someone else's lulav.<ref>Minchat Asher (Yerach Eytanim Biydan Corona n. 15) based on Mishna Brurah 651:33</ref> | |||
===Hoshanot and Hakafot=== | |||
# For Hoshanot or Hakafot to avoid any health concerns only the Rabbi or Shaliach Tzibbur should hold the Sefer Torah and circle the Bimah and not the entire congregation.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/972253/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-55-hoshanos-and-hakafos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #55)</ref> See footnote for other suggestions.<ref>Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon (Sukkot 5781) has an entirely different plan for hakafot during Corona. He says that they should do minimal hakafot with each family circiling the bimah socially distanced way. Person should not touch the Sefer Torah. Instead people should bring their own Sefer that they are currently learning (such as Eruvin for those doing daf yomi) and dance with it. It is possible for everyone to do dancing in their place. He concludes that if there is a concern that social distancing won't be upheld it is better to skip hakafot.</ref> | |||
===Kohelet=== | |||
# Kohelet can be read after Kriyat Hatorah in the morning as usual or after Kriyat Hatorah of Mincha if time in the morning doesn't allow.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/972253/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-55-hoshanos-and-hakafos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #55)</ref> | |||
===Simchat Torah=== | |||
# If there's only two Sifrei Torah for Simchat Torah, some say that they should roll the Beresheet Sefer Torah to Pinchas for Maftir since it is the Sefer that the congregation just finished using,<ref>Biur Halacha 669:1 s.v. vchozrin</ref> while others hold that they should roll the Vezot Habracha one since it is closer.<ref>Aruch Hashulchan 669:1</ref> | |||
# If there's only one Sefer Torah for Simchat Torah, some say that the congregation should still read the aliyot for Vezot Habracha, Beresheet, and Pinchas in that order and roll it each time. However, others say that it is permissible to switch the order of the Aliyah from Beresheet and Pinchas, making Beresheet the maftir.<ref>Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon (Corona Teshuva dated Tishrei 26 5781) cited the Shaarei Efraim (Pitchei Shaarim 8:43) as holding that the congregation should continue to do the regular order even though it means rolling it a lot, while the Shalmei Chagiga (Dinei Kriyat Simchat Torah s.v. vda) holds that the congregation may switch the order of Beresheet and Pinchas. It happens to be that the order of Beresheet and then Pinchas is the order initially recommended by the Tur 669, though our minhag follows the Avudraham. Rabbi Rimon advised following the Shalmei Chagiga this year out of a concern of extending the minyan during Corona.</ref> | |||
# If a minyan is not going to do a kiddush the kohanim should do Birkat Cohanim during Mussaf. If they're doing a kiddush between Shacharit and Mussaf they should do Birkat Cohanim in Shacharit.<Ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/972499/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-56-simchas-torah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #56)]</ref> | |||
#If a person is eating together with others and for health concerns are eating outside if they want to eat in the Sukkah on Simchat Torah they need to invalidate the Sukkah. They can use a Shlock to cover the Schach if they have that set up. Alternatively, they can ask a non-Jew to remove some schach.<Ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/972499/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-56-simchas-torah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #56)]</ref> | |||
==Shalom Bayit== | ==Shalom Bayit== | ||
