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Halachot Related to Coronavirus/COVID-19 Pandemic: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:3D medical animation corona virus.jpg|right|300px]] | [[Image:3D medical animation corona virus.jpg|right|300px]] | ||
All rabbinim agree that one should be cautious with all the health guidelines set up by the government and other local insitutions in order to stay safe and help prevent getting others sick.<ref>[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=104843 Rav Yitzchak Yosef], [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-with-doctors_Mar-15-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter], Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020), [https://www.ou.org/covid19/ OU (March 20 2020)], [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 53)], [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal], [https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/leader-of-ultra-orthodox-world-calls-for-lone-prayer-due-to-coronavirus-622805 Rav Chaim Kanievsky], and RCBC letters. An article on [https://www.kikar.co.il/abroad/354170.html kikar.co.il] describes how the gedolim are currently davening privately including: the Gerre rebbe, Rav Shalom Kohen, Rav Gershon Edelstein, Rav Moshe Shternbuch, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, Sanser Rebbe, Rav Bakshi Doron, Rav Dovid Yosef, Bavian Rebbe, and Rav Sheiner. | All rabbinim agree that one should be cautious with all the health guidelines and social distancing<ref>[https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 34)] interestingly describes the sources in general about the Jewish view on handshaking and whether it is a [[Chukot Hagoyim]]. The poskim hold that in it isn't however, at this time it is forbidden because of the health concerns.</ref> set up by the government and other local insitutions in order to stay safe and help prevent getting others sick.<ref>[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=104843 Rav Yitzchak Yosef], [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-with-doctors_Mar-15-2020.pdf Rav Hershel Schachter], Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22 2020), [https://www.ou.org/covid19/ OU (March 20 2020)], [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=106099 Rav Shmuel Fuerst (min 53)], [https://youtu.be/Yo6IJi2V-bw Rav Nevinsal], [https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/leader-of-ultra-orthodox-world-calls-for-lone-prayer-due-to-coronavirus-622805 Rav Chaim Kanievsky], [https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Shlomo Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 34)], and RCBC letters. An article on [https://www.kikar.co.il/abroad/354170.html kikar.co.il] describes how the gedolim are currently davening privately including: the Gerre rebbe, Rav Shalom Kohen, Rav Gershon Edelstein, Rav Moshe Shternbuch, Rav Yitzchak Yosef, Sanser Rebbe, Rav Bakshi Doron, Rav Dovid Yosef, Bavian Rebbe, and Rav Sheiner. | ||
*Endangering Oneself to Learn Torah: Ketubot 77b records and praises the practice of Reish Lakish to teach Torah to those ill with tzarat, some translate as leprosy, even though it is contagious. The gemara explained that he did so out of his love for Torah. Daf Al Hadaf cites Mishnat Pikuach Nefesh 69:7 who asks how Reish Lakish could endanger himself and rely on a miracle. He answers that the disease he was concerned with was only dangerous to health but not life threatening.</ref> Corona virus as it causes a serious health threat to some people, inhibits any social gatherings and semachot, and has severely damaged the economy and livelihood of certain people, poses a serious challenge to everyone. We all need to daven and take advantage of the circumstances in order to best serve Hashem. As a thoughtful Jew it is incumbent upon a person to take to heart some important lessons of life and restrengthen himself in his commitments. <ref>Rambam Taniyot 1:1-3, [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?a=105844 Rav Reuven Epstein] emphasizes that we need to take a lesson from corona since it overtly a hardship for Jews and humanity and a sign from Hashem. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949185/rabbi-menachem-penner/shema-everything-is-from-hashem/ Rabbi Penner] discussed how we can revitalize our strength in mitzvot at this time based on better appreciating the lessons of Shema. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22, 2020) introduced his shiur by discussing how we can strengthen our commitment to [[Ben Adam Lchavero]].</ref> Additionally, on a practical level COVID19 has many implications for people and here is a small collection of the relevant halacha. | *Endangering Oneself to Learn Torah: Ketubot 77b records and praises the practice of Reish Lakish to teach Torah to those ill with tzarat, some translate as leprosy, even though it is contagious. The gemara explained that he did so out of his love for Torah. Daf Al Hadaf cites Mishnat Pikuach Nefesh 69:7 who asks how Reish Lakish could endanger himself and rely on a miracle. He answers that the disease he was concerned with was only dangerous to health but not life threatening.</ref> Corona virus as it causes a serious health threat to some people, inhibits any social gatherings and semachot, and has severely damaged the economy and livelihood of certain people, poses a serious challenge to everyone. We all need to daven and take advantage of the circumstances in order to best serve Hashem. As a thoughtful Jew it is incumbent upon a person to take to heart some important lessons of life and restrengthen himself in his commitments. <ref>Rambam Taniyot 1:1-3, [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?a=105844 Rav Reuven Epstein] emphasizes that we need to take a lesson from corona since it overtly a hardship for Jews and humanity and a sign from Hashem. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949185/rabbi-menachem-penner/shema-everything-is-from-hashem/ Rabbi Penner] discussed how we can revitalize our strength in mitzvot at this time based on better appreciating the lessons of Shema. Rav Asher Weiss (Teleconference March 22, 2020) introduced his shiur by discussing how we can strengthen our commitment to [[Ben Adam Lchavero]]. [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.</ref> Additionally, on a practical level COVID19 has many implications for people and here is a small collection of the relevant halacha. | ||
==[[Tefillah]]== | ==[[Tefillah]]== | ||
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==Minyan via Porches or Technology== | ==Minyan via Porches or Technology== | ||
#It is forbidden to have a minyan in person whether it is in a shul, shteibel, home, or backyard.<ref>[https://www.ou.org/covid19/ OU]. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950656/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.</ref> | #It is forbidden to have a minyan in person whether it is in a shul, shteibel, home, or backyard.<ref>[https://www.ou.org/covid19/ OU]. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/950656/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. </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/950656/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-14-forming-a-minyan-outside/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #14)] holds that it isn't a valid minyan. 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/950656/rabbi-hershel-schachter/piskei-corona-14-forming-a-minyan-outside/ Rav Schachter (Piskei Corona #14)] holds that it isn't a valid minyan. 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.</ref> | * Mishna Brurah 55:48 based on Rashba responsa 1:96 holds that one can learn from the laws of zimmun that if people can see each other they can join for minyan.</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 | #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 somewhat spiritually valuable.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)]</ref> | #It isn't considered a minyan for people to join together to daven on a video conference but it is still somewhat spiritually valuable.<ref>[https://zoom.us/rec/play/7sJ8f-2h_Dw3T4KRtgSDC6AoW429LfqshnVI-_tcmkewVnQEZlDyMrYTarN3uUfeS8PCmTWJp298J75t Rav Schachter (towards middle)]</ref> | ||
===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</ref> | |||
===Megillah=== | |||
# There is a major dispute if a person could fulfill their mitzvah of listening to the megillah on the phone or through watching a live streamed video. Some rabbanim advised this,<Ref>Rav Schachter cited by [https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 35)] and Rav Aviner agreed.</ref> while others hold that one can't fulfill one's mitzvah at all.<Ref>Rav Dovid Feinstein cited by [http://podcast.headlinesbook.com/e/coronavirus-what-the-halacha-tells-us/ Rabbi Fink] and [https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 35)]</ref> See this topic explained more fully here: [[Brachot_Through_a_Microphone]]. | |||
==Netilat Yadayim== | ==Netilat Yadayim== | ||
#If a person wants to wash his hands with soap and wash [[Netilat Yadayim for a meal]], one should first wash Netilat Yadyaim for the meal, dry the hands, recite the bracha, and then wash one's hands with soap and then recite the Hamotzei.<ref>[https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgm9gww30vkgw7s/_Rabbi_Willig_Shailos_03_25_2020_.mp3?dl=0 Rav Willig (min 30-34)]</ref> | #If a person wants to wash his hands with soap and wash [[Netilat Yadayim for a meal]], one should first wash Netilat Yadyaim for the meal, dry the hands, recite the bracha, and then wash one's hands with soap and then recite the Hamotzei.<ref>[https://www.dropbox.com/s/tgm9gww30vkgw7s/_Rabbi_Willig_Shailos_03_25_2020_.mp3?dl=0 Rav Willig (min 30-34)]</ref> | ||
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*[https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/1841977/hagaon-harav-chaim-kanievsky-calls-to-fast-for-half-a-day-on-erev-rosh-chodesh.html Rav Chaim Kanievsky] declared a half fast on Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5780.</ref> assuming he is still fasting when he prays Mincha.<ref>Mishna Brurah 562:6</ref> According to Sephardim one can only recite anenu if one fasts the entire day.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 562:10-11 holds that a incomplete fast is not considered a fast with respect to saying anenu. Therefore if one only fasts until chatzot one should not recite anenu.</ref> | *[https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/israel-news/1841977/hagaon-harav-chaim-kanievsky-calls-to-fast-for-half-a-day-on-erev-rosh-chodesh.html Rav Chaim Kanievsky] declared a half fast on Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan 5780.</ref> assuming he is still fasting when he prays Mincha.<ref>Mishna Brurah 562:6</ref> According to Sephardim one can only recite anenu if one fasts the entire day.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 562:10-11 holds that a incomplete fast is not considered a fast with respect to saying anenu. Therefore if one only fasts until chatzot one should not recite anenu.</ref> | ||
#A person should accept the fast from the day before, as is traditionally done at mincha time. If one didn't do so, according to Sephardim one shouldn't recite anenu, but according to Ashkenazim one can recite anenu.<ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama 562:5</ref> | #A person should accept the fast from the day before, as is traditionally done at mincha time. If one didn't do so, according to Sephardim one shouldn't recite anenu, but according to Ashkenazim one can recite anenu.<ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama 562:5</ref> | ||
==Mezuzah== | |||
# A person should not kiss any mezuzah, or any siddur or chumash of a shul or a public area at this time because of concern of spreading COVID19.<ref>[https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 35)], [https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/chief-rabbi-of-israel-due-to-coronavirus-stop-kissing-the-mezuzah-619753 Chief Rabbi Rabbi David Lau]</ref> | |||
==Shalom Bayit== | ==Shalom Bayit== | ||
#It is critical to be mindful of other people when everyone is under stress and no one is completely comfortable. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Dr. Pelcovitz] discusses the implications quarantine can have Shalom Bayit. | #It is critical to be mindful of other people when everyone is under stress and no one is completely comfortable. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/949205/dr-david-pelcovitz-dr-rona-novick-rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz-rabbi-dr-ari-berman/living-learning-and-thriving-in-the-era-of-covid-19/ Dr. Pelcovitz] discusses the implications quarantine can have Shalom Bayit. | ||
#It is forbidden for a couple to have [[tashmish]] at a night of famine<ref>Gemara Tanit 11a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 240:12</ref> since everyone is in distress it is incumbent on everyone to take upon himself an aspect of distress.<ref>Mishna Brurah 574:9</ref> The same is true for any time of societal distresses.<ref>Rama 240:12 based on Yerushalmi Tanit. Olot Tamid 240:6 (cited by Kaf Hachaim 240:85) understands the Rama to apply to any type of tragedy that we would declare a fast over.</ref> Others disagree.<ref>Shaarei Knesset Hagedola (Hagahot Tur 240:5) writes that tashmish is only forbidden during a famine, plague of the crops, locusts and the like which cause a famine but not for other tragedies or troubles. Kaf Hachaim 240:85 rules like the Shaarei Knesset Hagedola either because that is the explanation of the Yerushalmi or we don't follow the Yerushalmi.</ref> | #It is forbidden for a couple to have [[tashmish]] at a night of famine<ref>Gemara Tanit 11a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 240:12</ref> since everyone is in distress it is incumbent on everyone to take upon himself an aspect of distress.<ref>Mishna Brurah 574:9</ref> The same is true for any time of societal distresses.<ref>Rama 240:12 based on Yerushalmi Tanit. Olot Tamid 240:6 (cited by Kaf Hachaim 240:85) understands the Rama to apply to any type of tragedy that we would declare a fast over.</ref> Others disagree.<ref>Shaarei Knesset Hagedola (Hagahot Tur 240:5) writes that tashmish is only forbidden during a famine, plague of the crops, locusts and the like which cause a famine but not for other tragedies or troubles. Kaf Hachaim 240:85 rules like the Shaarei Knesset Hagedola either because that is the explanation of the Yerushalmi or we don't follow the Yerushalmi.</ref> | ||
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#A person doesn't have to and shouldn't visit someone who has a virus that contagious such as corona.<ref>[http://kol-barama.co.il/item/%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%97-%D7%A0%D7%A4%D7%A9-%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%94-%D7%A2%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%94%D7%94%D7%9C%D7%9B%D7%94/ Rav Yakov Sinai (min 3)] explains that although the Rama in a teshuva and Knesset Hagedola hold that one should visit the sick even if they have a contagious disease, the Shulchan Gavoha and others disagree and that is the halacha.</ref> | #A person doesn't have to and shouldn't visit someone who has a virus that contagious such as corona.<ref>[http://kol-barama.co.il/item/%D7%A4%D7%99%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%97-%D7%A0%D7%A4%D7%A9-%D7%A7%D7%95%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%94-%D7%A2%D7%A4%D7%99-%D7%94%D7%94%D7%9C%D7%9B%D7%94/ Rav Yakov Sinai (min 3)] explains that although the Rama in a teshuva and Knesset Hagedola hold that one should visit the sick even if they have a contagious disease, the Shulchan Gavoha and others disagree and that is the halacha.</ref> | ||
# A person fulfills the mitzvah of bikur cholim on the phone according to many poskim.<ref>[https://www.kimizion.org/maamar/5780_5784/keter.pdf Rav Shlomo Aviner (Keter Yitnu Lecha p. 34)] citing Igrot Moshe YD 1:223 and Tzitz Eliezer 8:5. Rav Aviner added that the main idea of bikur cholim is to do what is best for the patient and in our context that is to call.</ref> | |||
==Burial== | ==Burial== | ||
