These guidelines should be implemented in consultation with your local rabbi and medical advisors. Orthodox rabbis and communities have expressed disregard for women rabbis, whom they see as "violating tradition." We reiterate that the measures that this pandemic have forced our community to adopt are exceptionally painful. This guidance remains in place. Travel to other cities, or visits with family even within your city, should be cancelled. Please click here for the recommended Mikvah protocols. OU/RCA Guidance for Succot and Simchat Torah. Due to the rapidly changing situation, we may issue additional general guidelines as the situation evolves. We pray to the Almighty for the recovery of all those already affected by COVID-19, and for the swift success of the efforts of our government for testing, containment, treatment and prevention. 2. Difficult Choices: There is significant halachic and tangible value to davening in a beit knesset, a facility designated and maintained as a House of G-d; to davening “b’rov am,” within a large group; and to following the prescribed and customary order of prayers. Yes, much of Orthodox Jewish life can be conducted without a synagogue, and all the technical elements of a service can be accomplished in a backyard minyan. Seudas Purim: Purim meals and get-togethers must necessarily be limited due to the pandemic, social distancing requirements, avoidance of prolonged exposure, singing and dancing in enclosed spaces. A group of leading Hasidic (‘ultra-Orthodox’) Jewish Rabbis have signed and released a letter effusively praising Donald Trump for his suppor for religious freedom, particularly in light of government shutdowns. [3] Margolies was from Europe, and equally at ease in Yiddish and English, had feet in both camps, with a personality well suited for the modern American congregation. 11:30 AM EDT; 5:30 PM Israel time. The organization has not shied away from controversy in the past . While this guidance of our poskim has addressed vaccine usage generally, the introduction of the novel COVID-19 vaccines required specific reconsideration. In addition to adhering to the letter of the law, we also cannot violate the spirit of the law, whether as individuals, as institutions, or as a community. 9. Full cleaning of the Mikva following each day’s use. But while the Yamim Noraim will be different, they can be profoundly meaningful. As reprinted in the organization's Sefer Knesset haRabbanim, they contained the following message: "Ministering as we do largely among erstwhile strangers in our land, we can testify that they are ready to embrace American ideals at the first opportunity. There is however a minority opinion that does allow for this, provided that the reading is live, and not pre-recorded. The situation continues to evolve and varies significantly from region to region. Protecting and preserving communal health supersedes other considerations. The OU is not recommending mikva closures at this time outside of the previously mentioned caveats. We hope and pray that such steps will help bring to an end the tragic toll that the pandemic has taken on our community and beyond. The clear majority of Halachic authorities do not consider Halachically adequate a Megillah reading heard over the phone or online. There is however a minority opinion that does allow for this, provided that the reading is live, and not pre-recorded. We recognize the great need for practical guidance for shuls and communities with regard to the continuing situation surrounding COVID-19. Its founders were concerned with the Americanized, acculturated character of even the relatively traditional wing of local Jewry, exemplified by the Orthodox Union (OU), which had formed five years earlier, and the JTS. OU Advocacy Executive Director Nathan Diament’s op-ed in the New York Jewish Week – read it here. Observance of this mandate is critical. Most Orthodox rabbis are affiliated with the Rabbinical Council of America, the Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada, or the Rabbinical Alliance of America. Halacha and practical realities demand that a balance be found between the safety of isolation and the importance to health of maintaining a normal life. Social distancing is critical. Including Singles: Communities and individuals should make meaningful efforts to include singles of all ages who live without family. 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