covid19updates

Dear Young Israel Family,
 
By now you may have heard of the case of Coronavirus in the Orthodox community in New Rochelle, leading to the closure of three Jewish days schools as well as a large Westchester orthodox synagogue. We pray for a Refuah Sh'leimah for Eliezer Yitzchak Ben Shifra, as well as all those affected by this and all illnesses.
 
We are all watching, with care and real concern, the spread and danger posed by the Coronavirus. While there is no reason to panic, we want to use this opportunity to remind the community of precautions we should all be taking.
 

• For the time being, consistent with recommendations from the CDC and Department of Health, we ask people NOT to shake hands while at Young Israel. While it may feel uncomfortable or even silly at first, you can nod or bow slightly, or bump fists, elbows or even tap feet. We ask you to respect and understand that Rabbi Brander and your fellow congregants won’t be shaking your hand. It is for your safety and ours.
• We also ask that you refrain from kissing mezuzot and the Torah as it passes by; to show honor to the Torah, we suggest bowing as the Torah passes or kissing your own hand.

 
Additionally, here are some other recommended practices, whether at Young Israel or not:
 

• Clean your hands regularly when you are in public
  • You may do so with soap and water but you must wash for at least 20 seconds for it to be most effective.
  • Hand sanitizer is equally effective in killing viruses like Corona (but does not physically clean dirty hands); to use properly, cover the entire hand and fingers and let dry.
• Cover your cough or sneeze, preferably with a tissue that is immediately disposed of or, minimally, into your sleeve - then reclean your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Keep a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home's entrances and in your care for use when you cant immediately wash your hands.

These are excellent practices, regardless of coronavirus, which help contain the spread of the flu among other illnesses. Millions of Americans this season have gotten the flu, with nearly 20,000 deaths, including over 100 children. If you have not already done so, get the annual flu vaccine, unless medically contraindicated.
 
We ask that if you have symptoms of illness, including fever, coughing, stomach bug or any other sickness, please DO NOT come to shul, during the week or on Shabbat. This is true even if you are a mourner saying Kaddish and even though this coming Shabbat we have the Biblical mandate to hear Zachor (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). Protecting and preserving health supersedes these other considerations. Under these extenuating circumstances, Zachor may be read at home this week from a Chumash and then may be properly fulfilled later in the year while listening to Parshat Ki Teitzei. Additionally, if you are sick (as described above), we ask that you NOT come to any of the megillah readings. Please contact Rabbi Brander to work out alternative arrangements.
 
There is a hand sanitizer shortage. We are making our best efforts to procure some. Please bring your own sanitizer to shul if you can, and be sure to wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
 
Most importantly, we will continue to keep abreast of the situation and update everyone with any adjustments, changes or new instructions, partic. We have asked Drs. Tali Porat, Steven Luger and Carolyn Ganeles to take the lead on addressing the Coronavirus for our Young Israel and we very much thank them for their time, wisdom and expertise.
 
May the Almighty bless us all with good health, wellness and prosperity.
 
Sincerely,
 
Rabbi Tuvia Brander, Mara D’Atra
Les Loew, Coordinator