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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*Endangering Oneself to Learn Torah: Ketubot 77b records and praises the practice of Reish Lakish to teach Torah to those ill with tzarat, some translate as leprosy, even though it is contagious. The gemara explained that he did so out of his love for Torah. Daf Al Hadaf cites Mishnat Pikuach Nefesh 69:7 who asks how Reish Lakish could endanger himself and rely on a miracle. He answers that the disease he was concerned with was only dangerous to health but not life threatening. | *Endangering Oneself to Learn Torah: Ketubot 77b records and praises the practice of Reish Lakish to teach Torah to those ill with tzarat, some translate as leprosy, even though it is contagious. The gemara explained that he did so out of his love for Torah. Daf Al Hadaf cites Mishnat Pikuach Nefesh 69:7 who asks how Reish Lakish could endanger himself and rely on a miracle. He answers that the disease he was concerned with was only dangerous to health but not life threatening. | ||
* [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=133917 Rav Asher Weiss (Dec 16 2020)] updates the situation about how important it to listen to the doctors and wear masks. Rav Chaim Kanievsky (Asya Corona Volume, p. 50) agreed that one must follow the doctors and be careful and if he endangers others he is like a rodef. Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Asya Corona p. 47) wrote that there is no halachic factor that could possibly allow violating the medical strictures in the context of corona.</ref> Coronavirus, as it causes a serious health threat to some people, inhibits any social gatherings and semachot, and has severely damaged the economy and livelihood of certain people, poses a serious challenge to everyone. We all need to daven and take advantage of the circumstances in order to best serve Hashem. As a thoughtful Jew, it is incumbent upon a person to take to heart some important lessons of life and re-strengthen himself in his commitments.<ref>Rambam Taniyot 1:1-3, [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?a=105844 Rav Reuven Epstein] emphasizes that we need to take a lesson from corona since it overtly a hardship for Jews and humanity and a sign from Hashem. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949185/rabbi-menachem-penner/shema-everything-is-from-hashem/ Rabbi Penner] discussed how we can revitalize our strength in mitzvot at this time based on better appreciating the lessons of Shema. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22, 2020) introduced his shiur by discussing how we can strengthen our commitment to [[Ben Adam Lchavero]]. [https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha)] wrote many lengthy pieces on the hashkafic questions related to COVID19. | *[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=133917 Rav Asher Weiss (Dec 16 2020)] updates the situation about how important it to listen to the doctors and wear masks. Rav Chaim Kanievsky (Asya Corona Volume, p. 50) agreed that one must follow the doctors and be careful and if he endangers others he is like a rodef. Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Asya Corona p. 47) wrote that there is no halachic factor that could possibly allow violating the medical strictures in the context of corona.</ref> Coronavirus, as it causes a serious health threat to some people, inhibits any social gatherings and semachot, and has severely damaged the economy and livelihood of certain people, poses a serious challenge to everyone. We all need to daven and take advantage of the circumstances in order to best serve Hashem. As a thoughtful Jew, it is incumbent upon a person to take to heart some important lessons of life and re-strengthen himself in his commitments.<ref>Rambam Taniyot 1:1-3, [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?a=105844 Rav Reuven Epstein] emphasizes that we need to take a lesson from corona since it overtly a hardship for Jews and humanity and a sign from Hashem. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949185/rabbi-menachem-penner/shema-everything-is-from-hashem/ Rabbi Penner] discussed how we can revitalize our strength in mitzvot at this time based on better appreciating the lessons of Shema. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22, 2020) introduced his shiur by discussing how we can strengthen our commitment to [[Ben Adam Lchavero]]. [https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha)] wrote many lengthy pieces on the hashkafic questions related to COVID19. | ||
* Rav Asher Weiss ("Safek Bidud" Nissan 5780) wrote that a person who isn't sure if they were exposed to someone with the virus should quarantine since we are strict on safek nefashot.</ref> Additionally, on a practical level, COVID19 has many implications for people, and below is a small collection of the relevant halachot. | |||
*Rav Asher Weiss ("Safek Bidud" Nissan 5780) wrote that a person who isn't sure if they were exposed to someone with the virus should quarantine since we are strict on safek nefashot.</ref> Additionally, on a practical level, COVID19 has many implications for people, and below is a small collection of the relevant halachot. | |||
==Vaccine== | ==Vaccine== | ||
# The poskim recommend taking the corona vaccine.<ref>[http://podcast.headlinesbook.com/e/121920-show-302/ Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky on Headlines (min 23)] stated that if one's doctor recommends taking the vaccine that one should do so. [http://podcast.headlinesbook.com/e/121920-show-302/ Rav Schachter on Headlines] thought that everyone should take the vaccine but if someone is worried about taking vaccines they are not obligated to. [http://www.torahbase.org/%d7%94%d7%97%d7%99%d7%a1%d7%95%d7%9f-%d7%9c%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%95%d7%a0%d7%94/ Rav Osher Weiss] agreed in a lengthy teshuva. [https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/featured/1930228/watch-it-hagaon-harav-chaim-kanievsky-people-are-required-to-take-vaccine-dont-be-afraid.html Rav Chaim Kanievsky] holds that it is an obligation to take the vaccine since it is a practical effort, ''hishtadlut'', to be health.</ref> | |||
#The poskim recommend taking the corona vaccine.<ref>[http://podcast.headlinesbook.com/e/121920-show-302/ Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky on Headlines (min 23)] stated that if one's doctor recommends taking the vaccine that one should do so. [http://podcast.headlinesbook.com/e/121920-show-302/ Rav Schachter on Headlines] thought that everyone should take the vaccine but if someone is worried about taking vaccines they are not obligated to. [http://www.torahbase.org/%d7%94%d7%97%d7%99%d7%a1%d7%95%d7%9f-%d7%9c%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%95%d7%a0%d7%94/ Rav Osher Weiss] agreed in a lengthy teshuva. [https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/featured/1930228/watch-it-hagaon-harav-chaim-kanievsky-people-are-required-to-take-vaccine-dont-be-afraid.html Rav Chaim Kanievsky] holds that it is an obligation to take the vaccine since it is a practical effort, ''hishtadlut'', to be health.</ref> | |||
#Some poskim advise saying the bracha of [[Hatov Vehameitiv]] when receiving the vaccine because it is good news for everyone. It is made upon the first vaccine.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/981904/rabbi-hershel-schachter/mikeitz-5781/ Rav Schachter in a shiur (Miketz 5781, min 63-4)] and also [https://youtu.be/ca_PMw4BOdg an interview] after he and Rabbi Willig received the vaccine. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/982201/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-should-one-recite-a-beracha-or-say-a-tefilah-on-receiving-the-covid-vaccine-/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz] agreed and explained it further. Rav Asher Weiss felt that no bracha is made upon it. Rav Shlomo Aviner (Tevet 5 5781, Sheilat Shlomo p. 682) also thought no bracha is recited.</ref> Additionally, everyone agrees that one should recite the tefillah for doing any medical procedure. The text is: יהי רצון מלפניך ה' אלקי שיהא עסק זה לרפואה כי רופא חנם אתה.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 230:4, [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/982201/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-should-one-recite-a-beracha-or-say-a-tefilah-on-receiving-the-covid-vaccine-/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz] </ref> | #Some poskim advise saying the bracha of [[Hatov Vehameitiv]] when receiving the vaccine because it is good news for everyone. It is made upon the first vaccine.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/981904/rabbi-hershel-schachter/mikeitz-5781/ Rav Schachter in a shiur (Miketz 5781, min 63-4)] and also [https://youtu.be/ca_PMw4BOdg an interview] after he and Rabbi Willig received the vaccine. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/982201/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-should-one-recite-a-beracha-or-say-a-tefilah-on-receiving-the-covid-vaccine-/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz] agreed and explained it further. Rav Asher Weiss felt that no bracha is made upon it. Rav Shlomo Aviner (Tevet 5 5781, Sheilat Shlomo p. 682) also thought no bracha is recited.</ref> Additionally, everyone agrees that one should recite the tefillah for doing any medical procedure. The text is: יהי רצון מלפניך ה' אלקי שיהא עסק זה לרפואה כי רופא חנם אתה.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 230:4, [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/982201/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-should-one-recite-a-beracha-or-say-a-tefilah-on-receiving-the-covid-vaccine-/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz] </ref> | ||
# It is forbidden to violate [[Shabbat]] for receiving the vaccine, however, it is permitted to do [[amirah lnochri]] to get to the hospital, but they should not leave the hospital after taking the vaccine.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/982201/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-should-one-recite-a-beracha-or-say-a-tefilah-on-receiving-the-covid-vaccine-/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (Ten Minute Halacha)], [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/981805/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/from-the-rabbi-s-desk-corona-vaccine-on-shabbos/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (From the Rabbi's Desk)]. The actual taking the vaccine is not a melacha. The data being entered into the computer on Shabbat it is permitted since the non-Jew is doing it and not on one's command or for one's benefit. Since it is permitted to do amirah lenochri it is best to arrange a non-Jew to transport one to take one to the hospital from before Shabbat. The source of Rabbi Lebowitz's opinion is this teshuva of [http://www.torahbase.org/%d7%94%d7%97%d7%99%d7%a1%d7%95%d7%9f-%d7%9c%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%95%d7%a0%d7%94/ Rav Osher Weiss].</ref> | #It is forbidden to violate [[Shabbat]] for receiving the vaccine, however, it is permitted to do [[amirah lnochri]] to get to the hospital, but they should not leave the hospital after taking the vaccine.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/982201/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-should-one-recite-a-beracha-or-say-a-tefilah-on-receiving-the-covid-vaccine-/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (Ten Minute Halacha)], [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/981805/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/from-the-rabbi-s-desk-corona-vaccine-on-shabbos/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (From the Rabbi's Desk)]. The actual taking the vaccine is not a melacha. The data being entered into the computer on Shabbat it is permitted since the non-Jew is doing it and not on one's command or for one's benefit. Since it is permitted to do amirah lenochri it is best to arrange a non-Jew to transport one to take one to the hospital from before Shabbat. The source of Rabbi Lebowitz's opinion is this teshuva of [http://www.torahbase.org/%d7%94%d7%97%d7%99%d7%a1%d7%95%d7%9f-%d7%9c%d7%a7%d7%95%d7%a8%d7%95%d7%a0%d7%94/ Rav Osher Weiss].</ref> | ||
# It is forbidden to jump the line, to get a vaccine before the government warrants you to get it by bribing someone to do that. Doing so is putting someone else at risk.<ref>[http://podcast.headlinesbook.com/e/121920-show-302/ Rav Hershel Schachter on Headlines (min 33)]</ref> | #It is forbidden to jump the line, to get a vaccine before the government warrants you to get it by bribing someone to do that. Doing so is putting someone else at risk.<ref>[http://podcast.headlinesbook.com/e/121920-show-302/ Rav Hershel Schachter on Headlines (min 33)]</ref> | ||
==[[Tefillah]]== | ==[[Tefillah]]== | ||
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====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. | ||
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===Minyan via Porches or Technology=== | ===Minyan via Porches or Technology=== | ||
#At an earlier point when it | #At an earlier point when it was more dangerous, it was forbidden to have a minyan in person whether it was in a shul, shteibel, home, or backyard.<ref>[https://www.ou.org/covid19/ OU]. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951048/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-14-forming-a-minyan-outside/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #14)] writes that a person shouldn't try to make a minyan on his lawn spread out even if there's a small remote chance of spreading the virus. He also held that making a minyan with ten people standing on different balconies or porches doesn't count as a minyan. [https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 35)] writes that certainly a person should not attend a minyan because of the danger and one may not rely on the zechut of a minyan to protect him, one needs to be safe. Rav Asher Weiss agrees that one must pray alone in order to avoid potential danger (Minchat Asher, Volume on coronavirus, Inyane Tefila section, Chapter 16, page 36). </ref> There however still is an exemption from tefila in a minyan due to the danger of the pandemic.<ref>Rav Asher Weiss (Minchat Asher, Volume on coronavirus, Inyane Tefila section, Chapter 16, Subchapter 1, page 40).</ref> | ||
#If there ten people standing on their own porches and can see one another, some say that one can not create a minyan in such a manner, while others hold that one can.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951048/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-14-forming-a-minyan-outside/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #14)] holds that it isn't a valid minyan. Similarly, [https://moreshet-maran.com/%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%9F-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91-%D7%99%D7%A6%D7%97%D7%A7-%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A1%D7%A3/%D7%94%D7%90%D7%9D-%D7%90%D7%A4%D7%A9%D7%A8-%D7%9C%D7%94%D7%A6%D7%98%D7%A8%D7%A3-%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%99%D7%9F-%D7%93%D7%A8%D7%9A-%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%A4%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%90/ Rav Yitzchak Yosef] also holds that it isn't a valid minyan and it involves safek brachot and the like. However, Rav Shternbuch (teshuva Nissan 8 5780) held that it is a valid minyan. To satisfy all the opinions the shaliach tzibur should have in mind that when he does chazarat hashatz that he could be praying a voluntary tefillah. They can't join if they're across the street and within ten tefachim of the ground. The shaliach tzibur needs to be able to see everyone. For kriyat hatorah that is done with porches initially one should call up the baal koreh or anyone on his porch, then one can even call up to an aliya someone on another porch as long as he can hear the baal koreh. The kohanim should leave before retzah because they can't say birkat kohanim. Someone davening alone doesn't have to hear kriyat hatorah since it is an obligation of the community and not individual. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference with Aguda, April 2 2020) was also inclined to hold that it is possible to make a minyan with people on porches who can see each other. | #If there ten people standing on their own porches and can see one another, some say that one can not create a minyan in such a manner, while others hold that one can.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951048/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-14-forming-a-minyan-outside/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #14)] holds that it isn't a valid minyan. Similarly, [https://moreshet-maran.com/%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%9F-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%91-%D7%99%D7%A6%D7%97%D7%A7-%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A1%D7%A3/%D7%94%D7%90%D7%9D-%D7%90%D7%A4%D7%A9%D7%A8-%D7%9C%D7%94%D7%A6%D7%98%D7%A8%D7%A3-%D7%9C%D7%9E%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%99%D7%9F-%D7%93%D7%A8%D7%9A-%D7%9E%D7%A8%D7%A4%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%A8%D7%90/ Rav Yitzchak Yosef] also holds that it isn't a valid minyan and it involves safek brachot and the like. However, Rav Shternbuch (teshuva Nissan 8 5780) held that it is a valid minyan. To satisfy all the opinions the shaliach tzibur should have in mind that when he does chazarat hashatz that he could be praying a voluntary tefillah. They can't join if they're across the street and within ten tefachim of the ground. The shaliach tzibur needs to be able to see everyone. For kriyat hatorah that is done with porches initially one should call up the baal koreh or anyone on his porch, then one can even call up to an aliya someone on another porch as long as he can hear the baal koreh. The kohanim should leave before retzah because they can't say birkat kohanim. Someone davening alone doesn't have to hear kriyat hatorah since it is an obligation of the community and not individual. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference with Aguda, April 2 2020) was also inclined to hold that it is possible to make a minyan with people on porches who can see each other. | ||
*Mishna Brurah 55:48 based on Rashba responsa 1:96 holds that one can learn from the laws of zimmun that if people can see each other they can join for minyan. However, Shaarei Knesset Hagedola 55:6 and many others hold that they can't join. See Yalkut Yosef 90:29 for the sources. | *Mishna Brurah 55:48 based on Rashba responsa 1:96 holds that one can learn from the laws of zimmun that if people can see each other they can join for minyan. However, Shaarei Knesset Hagedola 55:6 and many others hold that they can't join. See Yalkut Yosef 90:29 for the sources. | ||
* Rav Asher Weiss writes that a minyan can be created between men praying from their respective porches in order to prevent the grave danger of congregating in closer proximity, and kadish and kedusha may be recited (Minchat Asher, Volume on coronavirus, Inyane Tefila section, Chapter 18, Subchapter 2, page 53). In another teshuva ("Histarfut Lminyan" Nissan 5780) wrote that he thought that one couldn't join people across the street from one another.</ref> | *Rav Asher Weiss writes that a minyan can be created between men praying from their respective porches in order to prevent the grave danger of congregating in closer proximity, and kadish and kedusha may be recited (Minchat Asher, Volume on coronavirus, Inyane Tefila section, Chapter 18, Subchapter 2, page 53). In another teshuva ("Histarfut Lminyan" Nissan 5780) wrote that he thought that one couldn't join people across the street from one another.</ref> | ||
#You can't create a minyan with a video (e.g. zoom or skype) or phone call but one can join a minyan of ten men in one room with a video or phone call in order to answer [[dvarim shebekedusha]].<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)], Rabbi Nacson in Laws of Praying Beyachid p. 4 based on Yalkut Yosef 5775 ed Yamim Noraim p. 17, Yabia Omer 1:19:18, Chazon Ovadia Purim p. 56</ref> | #You can't create a minyan with a video (e.g. zoom or skype) or phone call but one can join a minyan of ten men in one room with a video or phone call in order to answer [[dvarim shebekedusha]].<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)], Rabbi Nacson in Laws of Praying Beyachid p. 4 based on Yalkut Yosef 5775 ed Yamim Noraim p. 17, Yabia Omer 1:19:18, Chazon Ovadia Purim p. 56</ref> | ||
#It isn't considered a minyan for people to join together to daven on a video conference but it is still spiritually valuable.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)]. Rav Asher Weiss says that it is appropriate to fix a time for people to pray together remotely. Rav Asher adds it will help ascertain that prayer is done properly, on time and with concentration. Nonetheless, chazarat hashatz and devarim shebikdusha must be omitted. (Minchat Asher, Volume on coronavirus, Inyane Tefila section, Chapter 17, pages 45-46). In Minchat Asher (Corona second edition n. 24) writes that it isn't clear if there's a special time of mercy when many people daven at the same time even though it isn't a minyan. Nonetheless, it is a good thing to do.</ref> | #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]]==== | ||
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===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> | #There is a great discussion among rabbis where, when, and how to have minyanim while there is still a concern of the virus spreading. The OU's policy is to allow outdoor minyanim 2 weeks after the local or state government allows it, and to resume gradually. Every person should follow his or her congregational rabbi.<ref>[https://www.ou.org/covid19/ OU Policy] (accessed June 3 2020). | ||
# 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> | |||
*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==== | ====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==== | ====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. | #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: | ||
## 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> | ##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. | ||
## 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> | ##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> | ||
#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> | ##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> | ||
# 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> | #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==== | ====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.</ | |||
# 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> | #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> | ||
# 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> | #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=== | ===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] | #[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] | ||
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==Shabbat== | ==Shabbat== | ||
===[[Early 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.< | #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]]=== | ||
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#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> | ||
#When the congregation misses a kriyat hatorah they can make it up by reading two parshiyot next week in Shul. However, if they miss multiple weeks there is a discussion if they should or could make up all of the parshiyot that they missed.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz] based on Rama and Magen Avraham.</ref> Some poskim advised making up the missed readings as a praiseworthy stringency and if they can't do it in one week they should do it over many weeks.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/953085/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-32-making-up-missed-krias-hatorah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #32)], [https://forum.moreshet-maran.com/index.php?threads/%D7%A6%D7%99%D7%91%D7%95%D7%A8-%D7%A9%D7%9C%D7%90-%D7%A7%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%95-%D7%91%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%94.601/ Rav Yizchak Yosef]. Hear [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45iDGMjg6-I&authuser=0 Rav Dovid Yosef] on this topic.</ref> | #When the congregation misses a kriyat hatorah they can make it up by reading two parshiyot next week in Shul. However, if they miss multiple weeks there is a discussion if they should or could make up all of the parshiyot that they missed.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz] based on Rama and Magen Avraham.</ref> Some poskim advised making up the missed readings as a praiseworthy stringency and if they can't do it in one week they should do it over many weeks.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/953085/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-32-making-up-missed-krias-hatorah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #32)], [https://forum.moreshet-maran.com/index.php?threads/%D7%A6%D7%99%D7%91%D7%95%D7%A8-%D7%A9%D7%9C%D7%90-%D7%A7%D7%A8%D7%90%D7%95-%D7%91%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%94.601/ Rav Yizchak Yosef]. Hear [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45iDGMjg6-I&authuser=0 Rav Dovid Yosef] on this topic.</ref> | ||
#A person should not move a sefer torah out of a Shul for a home minyan.<ref>[https://drive.google.com/file/d/14IUOs2OOMhloqYwnbv3iKGrWS6GbYGId/view?usp=drivesdk Rabbi Yonatan Nacson in Laws of Praying Byachid (p. 10)] citing Rav Asher Weiss</ref> See [[Respecting_a_Sefer_Torah#Transporting_a_Sefer_Torah]] for more details. | #A person should not move a sefer torah out of a Shul for a home minyan.<ref>[https://drive.google.com/file/d/14IUOs2OOMhloqYwnbv3iKGrWS6GbYGId/view?usp=drivesdk Rabbi Yonatan Nacson in Laws of Praying Byachid (p. 10)] citing Rav Asher Weiss</ref> See [[Respecting_a_Sefer_Torah#Transporting_a_Sefer_Torah]] for more details. | ||
#There still is an obligation of [[Shenayim Mikra Vechad Targum]] when the there is no congregation doing the Kriyat Hatorah in shul.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950291/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-8-krias-hatorah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #8)</ref> | #There still is an obligation of [[Shenayim Mikra Vechad Targum]] when the there is no congregation doing the Kriyat Hatorah in shul.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950291/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-8-krias-hatorah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #8)</ref> | ||
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==Purim== | ==Purim== | ||
# It is a mitzvah to hear [[Parshat Zachor]] read from a sefer torah in a minyan each year on the Shabbat before Purim. If you can't come to shul in person because of quarantining, it is possible to read it oneself from a sefer torah without brachot. If that isn't possible to arrange, it is possible to have intention to fulfill the mitzvah when listening to Zachor in Shul when the week's parsha is Parshat Ki Tetsey.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | |||
# When donating zecher lmachasit hashekel it isn't necessary to pick up the half dollar coin and pay a half dollar in its place, it is sufficient to donate a half dollar and that's it.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | #It is a mitzvah to hear [[Parshat Zachor]] read from a sefer torah in a minyan each year on the Shabbat before Purim. If you can't come to shul in person because of quarantining, it is possible to read it oneself from a sefer torah without brachot. If that isn't possible to arrange, it is possible to have intention to fulfill the mitzvah when listening to Zachor in Shul when the week's parsha is Parshat Ki Tetsey.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | ||
# When Purim falls out on Friday, the seuda should be done in the morning but some say it can be done in the afternoon after davening mincha.<ref> See [[Seudat_Purim]] page.</ref> | #When donating zecher lmachasit hashekel it isn't necessary to pick up the half dollar coin and pay a half dollar in its place, it is sufficient to donate a half dollar and that's it.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | ||
# The mitzvah is to have meat, wine, and bread for the seuda even when it is done on Friday.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | #When Purim falls out on Friday, the seuda should be done in the morning but some say it can be done in the afternoon after davening mincha.<ref>See [[Seudat_Purim]] page.</ref> | ||
# Because of the concern of spreading covid, it is preferable to give more [[matanot levyonim]] and less [[mishloach manot]].<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | #The mitzvah is to have meat, wine, and bread for the seuda even when it is done on Friday.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | ||
#Because of the concern of spreading covid, it is preferable to give more [[matanot levyonim]] and less [[mishloach manot]].<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | |||
#If a person can't go to the shul in person because of quarantining, he should listen to the megillah over zoom. If he has a kosher megillah at home, he should read along word by word. He should read along so that he can hear himself.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | #If a person can't go to the shul in person because of quarantining, he should listen to the megillah over zoom. If he has a kosher megillah at home, he should read along word by word. He should read along so that he can hear himself.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | ||
# For the megillah at night, in extenuating circumstances when it isn't feasible to have the megillah read at night in enough places for everyone to hear, it is possible to read it from Plag Hamincha beforehand. Otherwise they should wait until Tzet Hakochavim or at least Ben Hashemashot.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | #For the megillah at night, in extenuating circumstances when it isn't feasible to have the megillah read at night in enough places for everyone to hear, it is possible to read it from Plag Hamincha beforehand. Otherwise they should wait until Tzet Hakochavim or at least Ben Hashemashot.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | ||
# For the megillah during the day, in extenuating circumstances when it isn't feasible to have the megillah read at minyanim all day it is possible to start from Olot before Netz. Otherwise they should wait until Netz.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | #For the megillah during the day, in extenuating circumstances when it isn't feasible to have the megillah read at minyanim all day it is possible to start from Olot before Netz. Otherwise they should wait until Netz.<ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]</ref> | ||
==Birkat Halevana== | ==Birkat Halevana== | ||
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#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.< | #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=== | ||
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#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=== | ||
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==[[Sefirat Haomer]]== | ==[[Sefirat Haomer]]== | ||
===Haircuts=== | ===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=== | ===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> | |||
# 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> | #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> | |||
==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> | |||
# There is no minhag to say Akdamut when praying by oneself at home, however, one may do so if one wants to.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957156/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-40-shavuos-customs-flowers-rus-and-akdamos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #40)]</ref> | #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> | ||
# There is no reason to adorn the house with flowers on Shavuot. The minhag was to adorn the Bet Midrash, around the entire area, or around the bimah in a Shul.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957156/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-40-shavuos-customs-flowers-rus-and-akdamos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #40)]</ref> | #There is no minhag to say Akdamut when praying by oneself at home, however, one may do so if one wants to.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957156/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-40-shavuos-customs-flowers-rus-and-akdamos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #40)]</ref> | ||
# Making early Yom Tov sheni is generally a dispute. Some allow starting Yom Tov Sheni early, while others oppose it so that a person doesn't come to violate preparing from the day of the first day of Yom Tov for the nighttime. Additionally, this year when the second day is Shabbat and there's no concern of preparing because of the Eruv Tavshilin, one can be lenient to start early. With regards to Shavuot there's another factor that perhaps one shouldn't start early the second night of Shavuot since the Kiddush needs to be on the actual date of Shavuot. Most are lenient and allow starting the second day of Shavuot early especially this year when the second day is Shabbat.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957152/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-37-the-proper-time-to-daven-maariv-on-the-second-night-of-shavuos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #37)]</ref> | #There is no reason to adorn the house with flowers on Shavuot. The minhag was to adorn the Bet Midrash, around the entire area, or around the bimah in a Shul.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957156/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-40-shavuos-customs-flowers-rus-and-akdamos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #40)]</ref> | ||
#Making early Yom Tov sheni is generally a dispute. Some allow starting Yom Tov Sheni early, while others oppose it so that a person doesn't come to violate preparing from the day of the first day of Yom Tov for the nighttime. Additionally, this year when the second day is Shabbat and there's no concern of preparing because of the Eruv Tavshilin, one can be lenient to start early. With regards to Shavuot there's another factor that perhaps one shouldn't start early the second night of Shavuot since the Kiddush needs to be on the actual date of Shavuot. Most are lenient and allow starting the second day of Shavuot early especially this year when the second day is Shabbat.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957152/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-37-the-proper-time-to-daven-maariv-on-the-second-night-of-shavuos/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #37)]</ref> | |||
==The Three Weeks== | ==The Three Weeks== | ||
===Shaving=== | ===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=== | ===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=== | ===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=== | ===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]]== | ==[[Tisha B'av]]== | ||
===Washing=== | ===Washing=== | ||
# Despite the prohibition of washing on Tisha B’Av, if one has regularly been following the CDC recommendation of washing hands, one may continue doing so on Tisha B’Av. If one has not been following the CDC recommendation, one must follow the washing prohibition.<ref> | |||
[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/964139/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-47-washing-hands-on-tisha-bav/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #47)], Rav Dovid Lau (responsa Av 6 5780). Although [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=119256 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Devarim 5780 min 0-3)] stated that one shouldn't wash one's hands on Tisha B'av during corona like every year, however, he can use purell or sanitizing agents, in a written responsa on Av 7 5780 he wrote that it is permitted to wash one's hands with soap and water or alcohol as long as one's intent is purely for cleanliness.</ref> If someone isn't concerned to always disinfect their hands but they are working for a hospital or others who are concerned for this he can wash his hands.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/965450/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-48-washing-hands-on-tisha-b-av-part-2/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #48) explained that the idea of shomer petayim Hashem applies to each and every individual differently according to what they are not concerned about. If someone isn't concerned about a certain minimal danger then we can apply shomer petayim Hashem and then they wouldn't be allowed to wash their hands on Tisha B'av. However, if they are concerned then they can wash their hands. If their actions affect others, such as if they work in the hospital or is in contact with others who are concerned he can wash for their safety.</ref> | #Despite the prohibition of washing on Tisha B’Av, if one has regularly been following the CDC recommendation of washing hands, one may continue doing so on Tisha B’Av. If one has not been following the CDC recommendation, one must follow the washing prohibition.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/964139/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-47-washing-hands-on-tisha-bav/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #47)], Rav Dovid Lau (responsa Av 6 5780). Although [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=119256 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Devarim 5780 min 0-3)] stated that one shouldn't wash one's hands on Tisha B'av during corona like every year, however, he can use purell or sanitizing agents, in a written responsa on Av 7 5780 he wrote that it is permitted to wash one's hands with soap and water or alcohol as long as one's intent is purely for cleanliness.</ref> If someone isn't concerned to always disinfect their hands but they are working for a hospital or others who are concerned for this he can wash his hands.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/965450/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-48-washing-hands-on-tisha-b-av-part-2/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #48) explained that the idea of shomer petayim Hashem applies to each and every individual differently according to what they are not concerned about. If someone isn't concerned about a certain minimal danger then we can apply shomer petayim Hashem and then they wouldn't be allowed to wash their hands on Tisha B'av. However, if they are concerned then they can wash their hands. If their actions affect others, such as if they work in the hospital or is in contact with others who are concerned he can wash for their safety.</ref> | ||
===Fasting=== | ===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 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> | ||
# Someone who has symptoms of corona should not fast on Tisha B'av.<ref>Rav Yitzchak Yosef (responsa Av 7 5780)</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> | #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> | #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=== | ===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> | |||
#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]]=== | ===[[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)]</ | |||
#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]]=== | ===[[Rosh Hashana]]=== | ||
# If a shul needs to abbreviate the davening in order to accommodate all of those davening together at several times it is permitted to skip all of the piyutim as well as the extra shofar blowings.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/963046/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-45-tefilla-b-tzibur-on-the-yamim-noraim/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #45)]</ref> | |||
#If the congregation for health concerns needs to shorten the davening on Rosh Hashanah, they can do so by onyl blowing 30 blows before Mussaf and 30 during Mussaf and not 100 which we usually blow. They can skip reciting Lamnase'ach 7x and say it only once or skip it entirely. They can skip the piyutim in Chazarat Hashatz.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/968541/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-50-inyanei-rosh-hashana-and-yom-kippur/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #50)]</ | #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 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)]</ | #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> | ||
#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)]</ | #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==== | ====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.</ | |||
#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==== | ====[[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]</ | |||
#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==== | ====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> | #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]]=== | ===[[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)]</ | |||
#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=== | ===[[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> | #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]]== | ==[[Sukkot]]== | ||
===Eating in the Sukkah=== | ===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.< | |||
#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.< | #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 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.< | #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 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> | #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=== | ===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> | |||
#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=== | ===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> | |||
#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=== | ===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> | |||
#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=== | ||
# 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> | |||
#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=== | ===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 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 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.< | #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 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.< | #If a minyan is not going to do a kiddush the kohanim should do Birkat Cohanim during Mussaf. If they're doing a kiddush between Shacharit and Mussaf they should do Birkat Cohanim in Shacharit.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/972499/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-56-simchas-torah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #56)]</ref> | ||
#If a person is eating together with others and for health concerns are eating outside if they want to eat in the Sukkah on Simchat Torah they need to invalidate the Sukkah. They can use a Shlock to cover the Schach if they have that set up. Alternatively, they can ask a non-Jew to remove some schach.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/972499/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-56-simchas-torah/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #56)]</ref> | |||
==Chanuka== | ==Chanuka== | ||
# If there is an outdoor minyan or a minyan not in an established shul there is a dispute whether they should light Chanuka candles there.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/980098/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-57-lighting-chanuka-candles-in-shul/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #57)] wrote that there's no obligation to light for a minyan in a place that it isn't a shul even if they have been davening there for months. [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=132525 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Vayishlach 5781, min 28)] disagreed. He felt that they should light Chanuka candles with a bracha any place that they are davening with a minyan even outdoors.</ref> | |||
#If there is an outdoor minyan or a minyan not in an established shul there is a dispute whether they should light Chanuka candles there.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/980098/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-57-lighting-chanuka-candles-in-shul/ Rav Hershel Schachter (Piskei Corona #57)] wrote that there's no obligation to light for a minyan in a place that it isn't a shul even if they have been davening there for months. [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=132525 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Vayishlach 5781, min 28)] disagreed. He felt that they should light Chanuka candles with a bracha any place that they are davening with a minyan even outdoors.</ref> | |||
==Shalom Bayit== | ==Shalom Bayit== | ||
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==Mikveh== | ==Mikveh== | ||
===Niddah=== | ===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> | ||
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#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> | |||
# 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. | #In order to do a [[Pidyon Haben]] the father has to give 5 shekalim (of the days of the Torah) to a kohen. If they can meet in a safe way while following all of the social distancing practices they should. If not, then the father should leave the money or equivalent outside his door for a neighbor<ref>Rav Rimon pointed out that using one's wife to acquire the money to someone else is a dispute and should be avoided.</ref> to pick up on behalf of the kohen and that acts as a kinyan for the kohen to acquire the money. Then the father should video the kohen to recite the bracha and the rest of the text for the pidyon haben.<ref>Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon (teshuva 12 Nissan 5780)</ref> | ||
#The money to be used for the pidyon haben needs to the pidyon haben coins, silver, or any other valuable item which has actual worth. One can not use cash or check for this.<ref>Rav Yosef Tzvi Rimon (teshuva 12 Nissan 5780)</ref> These item collectively need to be worth 100 grams of silver. See the Pidyon Haben page for details. | |||
===Bar Mitzvah's=== | ===Bar Mitzvah's=== | ||
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===Burial=== | ===Burial=== | ||
#Each place should follow the guidelines that are in place for safety. If a minyan isn't possible, then the next thing that is to try to have is Jews doing the burial. If they don't even let that, then afterwards a Jew should check that the burial by the non-Jews was done properly in the ground.<ref>[https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgm9gww30vkgw7s/_Rabbi_Willig_Shailos_03_25_2020_.mp3?dl=0 Rav Mordechai Willig (min 26-8)]. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951298/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-20-tahara-for-meisim/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #20)] said that they should specifically have as few people as possible for the burial and maybe just the workers and that too fulfills the mitzvah of burial.</ref> | #Each place should follow the guidelines that are in place for safety. If a minyan isn't possible, then the next thing that is to try to have is Jews doing the burial. If they don't even let that, then afterwards a Jew should check that the burial by the non-Jews was done properly in the ground.<ref>[https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgm9gww30vkgw7s/_Rabbi_Willig_Shailos_03_25_2020_.mp3?dl=0 Rav Mordechai Willig (min 26-8)]. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951298/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-20-tahara-for-meisim/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #20)] said that they should specifically have as few people as possible for the burial and maybe just the workers and that too fulfills the mitzvah of burial.</ref> | ||
#It is forbidden to cremate and it is still considered not dangerous to properly do a burial with no tahara and minimal involvement of the fewest people or simply the cemetery workers.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951298/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-20-tahara-for-meisim/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #20)]</ref> Recently, the situation in NY changed and it is possible to do a minimal tahara with proper safety guidelines.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957158/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-41-guidance-for-the-chevra-kadisha-during-corona/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #41)] quoting Rabbi Elchanan Zohn, a international expert on Jewish burials</ref> | #It is forbidden to cremate and it is still considered not dangerous to properly do a burial with no tahara and minimal involvement of the fewest people or simply the cemetery workers.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951298/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-20-tahara-for-meisim/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #20)]</ref> Recently, the situation in NY changed and it is possible to do a minimal tahara with proper safety guidelines.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957158/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-41-guidance-for-the-chevra-kadisha-during-corona/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #41)] quoting Rabbi Elchanan Zohn, a international expert on Jewish burials</ref> | ||
#At this time the chevra kadisha should not perform a tahara for the deceased since it could lead to danger.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951298/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-20-tahara-for-meisim/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #20)]</ref> | #At this time the chevra kadisha should not perform a tahara for the deceased since it could lead to danger.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951298/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-20-tahara-for-meisim/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #20)]</ref> | ||
#A person who was buried in America because of the corona virus but was planned to be buried in Israel can later when the virus isn't an issue be reburied in Israel, even though generally we don't rebury someone who was buried.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951535/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-23-temporary-burial-in-chu-l-and-issues-of-aveilus/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #23)]</ref> See the topic of [[Laws_and_Customs_of_a_Funeral#Under_What_Circumstances_is_it_Permitted_to_Move_Someone_Buried.3F|reburying a corpse]] in general. | #A person who was buried in America because of the corona virus but was planned to be buried in Israel can later when the virus isn't an issue be reburied in Israel, even though generally we don't rebury someone who was buried.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951535/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-23-temporary-burial-in-chu-l-and-issues-of-aveilus/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #23)]</ref> See the topic of [[Laws_and_Customs_of_a_Funeral#Under_What_Circumstances_is_it_Permitted_to_Move_Someone_Buried.3F|reburying a corpse]] in general. | ||
#Regarding burials on Yom Tov and Yom Tov Sheni, see [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951790/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-28-guidelines-for-burial-on-shabbos-and-yom-tov/ Rav Schachter's Guidlines for burial on Shabbat and Yom Tov] | #Regarding burials on Yom Tov and Yom Tov Sheni, see [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951790/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-28-guidelines-for-burial-on-shabbos-and-yom-tov/ Rav Schachter's Guidlines for burial on Shabbat and Yom Tov] | ||
# The chevra kaddisha should make sure not to bury in a plastic bag. The proper procedure halachically is not to use a plastic bag or to tear it.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957158/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-41-guidance-for-the-chevra-kadisha-during-corona/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #41)]</ref> | #The chevra kaddisha should make sure not to bury in a plastic bag. The proper procedure halachically is not to use a plastic bag or to tear it.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/957158/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-41-guidance-for-the-chevra-kadisha-during-corona/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #41)]</ref> | ||
===Kriyah=== | ===Kriyah=== | ||
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#On [[Erev Pesach]] if someone is buried before [[Chatzot]] (midday) the relatives should observe [[Avelut]] (mourning) before Chatzot and then at Chatzot it is considered like a Yom Tov and the rest of the [[Shiva]] is cancelled. If the person is buried after [[Chatzot]] they should observe Avelut before Yom Tov and then the Yom Tov will come and cancel the rest of [[Shiva]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951535/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-23-temporary-burial-in-chu-l-and-issues-of-aveilus/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #23)]</ref> | #On [[Erev Pesach]] if someone is buried before [[Chatzot]] (midday) the relatives should observe [[Avelut]] (mourning) before Chatzot and then at Chatzot it is considered like a Yom Tov and the rest of the [[Shiva]] is cancelled. If the person is buried after [[Chatzot]] they should observe Avelut before Yom Tov and then the Yom Tov will come and cancel the rest of [[Shiva]].<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/951535/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-23-temporary-burial-in-chu-l-and-issues-of-aveilus/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #23)]</ref> | ||
#A mourner shouldn't eat his first meal after the burial, the [[Seudat Havrah]], from his own food; other should provide that food. If at this time when people are concerned for COVID19 and might not send food, if the mourner knows that he isn't going to be sent food, he can eat the first meal from his own food.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951535/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-23-temporary-burial-in-chu-l-and-issues-of-aveilus/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #23)]</ref> | #A mourner shouldn't eat his first meal after the burial, the [[Seudat Havrah]], from his own food; other should provide that food. If at this time when people are concerned for COVID19 and might not send food, if the mourner knows that he isn't going to be sent food, he can eat the first meal from his own food.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/951535/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-23-temporary-burial-in-chu-l-and-issues-of-aveilus/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #23)]</ref> | ||
# A mourner whose relative isn't going to be buried for some undefined time because of the backlog at the cemetaries, once he completed preparing for the burial he isn't considered an [[Onen]] and also doesn't begin his period for [[mourning]]. However, if he knows the date of when the burial will begin and will not be able to be involved in the burial, he is considered to have begun his mourning period once he completed preparing for the burial.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/952459/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-31-aveilus-and-aninus-with-delayed-burials/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #31)]</ref> | #A mourner whose relative isn't going to be buried for some undefined time because of the backlog at the cemetaries, once he completed preparing for the burial he isn't considered an [[Onen]] and also doesn't begin his period for [[mourning]]. However, if he knows the date of when the burial will begin and will not be able to be involved in the burial, he is considered to have begun his mourning period once he completed preparing for the burial.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/952459/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-31-aveilus-and-aninus-with-delayed-burials/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #31)]</ref> | ||
===Kaddish and Iyluy Neshama=== | ===Kaddish and Iyluy Neshama=== | ||
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#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. | #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> | *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> | #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> | ||
