This Sunday on “Shalom America” we will be joined by Rabbi Menachem Genack, CEO of OU Kosher, who will discuss Pesach issues in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, and Cleveland native, William Daroff, CEO of The Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, to discuss Jewish communal needs during the crisis, and the latest on the ongoing governmental negotiations in Israel.

“Shalom America” airs at the following times:

7:00-8:30 am on WINT 101.5 FM and 1330 AM

7:00-9:00 am on Radio-J.com

With repeats on Radio-J.com

Sunday 3pm and 9 pm

Monday 3am and 9am

Radio-J is available via Alexa devices (“Alexa, play Radio J”), via the free Radio-J app for iOs and Àndroid devices, and via the TuneIn app.

Dear Cleveland community member,

We hope you and your family continue to stay safe.

We have launched a website to aggregate all resources and information about the Coronavirus and its impact on the Cleveland Jewish community. https://www.jewishcleveland.info/ Please send any suggestions about the website to covid19@agudathisrael-oh.org. Gesher will be posting updates on facebook as well, you can follow them at https://www.facebook.com/geshercleveland/.

You can find previous updates here.

As a reminder, we can be contacted at: covid19@agudathisrael-oh.org or by calling 216-848-0379. Please call for assistance, we’re here to help!

We have an urgent need for block captains to help us collect crucial contact info and serve as leaders in our response. If you are willing to take this on for your block, please email BlockCaptains@agudathisrael-oh.org

The guidelines below are designed to protect our community. You will save lives by taking these precautions and being extraordinarily careful.

With all of the yeshiva bochurim returning home and particularly for those returning from Israel, we wanted to strongly emphasize the advice of our physicians:

• Anyone who has recently traveled from Israel, New York or New Jersey, or any bochurim who have returned from dormitory yeshivos, should be extremely cautious during this time, as they have higher rates of virus exposure, even a-symptomatic.  Good social distancing is crucial and these people should not leave home unless absolutely necessary.  Any of these people who have symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc) should immediately self-quarantine for 14 days (i.e. stay in separate quarters in the house ideally with a separate bathroom without exposure to others).  Similarly, anyone who has had contact with others suspected or proven to be positive for the COVID virus should immediately self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of their last exposure.

• We discourage playdates, socializing, and unnecessary interactions in public places for all ages. We know that it will be difficult for families to keep to themselves while their children are out of school, but it is imperative that children are not mingling in groups.  If they do continue to play as usual, the positive effects of social distancing will be undone.

Furthermore, it is worth reemphasizing the following for the ELDERLY, VULNERABLE and IMMUNOCOMPROMISED:

We implore the elderly population to stay at home. Any community members in those populations who need any kind of assistance can contact us at  covid19@agudathisrael-oh.org or by calling 216-848-0379. Many of the food establishments and grocery stores offer delivery. More information can be found here: https://www.jewishcleveland.info/shopping

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:

• A community-wide committee is forming to prepare for those who have lost their income due to the Coronavirus and thus will have difficulty preparing for Yom Tov and beyond. We will share information on this in the coming days.
• Additionally, we understand that many individuals have questions regarding their personal finances given the current economic climate. We are looking for volunteers that can assist in this arena. If you are able to help, please contact dgross@geshercleveland.org.
• Additional info on unemployment and SBA loans can be found here.

Many families may find themselves in the situation of making Pesach for the first time. Rav Boruch Hirschfeld will be giving a shiur on Hilchos Pesach, Sunday evening at 8 PM. Additional resources can be found on Cleveland Kosher’s website.

All the wonderful Chesed organizations in our community continue to operate. Information can be found here.

Stay safe,

Yitz

On Sunday’s “Shalom America”, we will be joined by Erika Rudin-Luria, President if The Jewish Federation of Cleveland, to discuss Federation’s services and role during the current crisis

“Shalom America” airs at the following times:

7:00-8:30 am on WINT 101.5 FM and 1330 AM
7:00-9:00 am on Radio-J.com

With repeats on Radio-J.com
Sunday 3pm and 9 pm
Monday 3am and 9am

Radio-J is available via Alexa devices (“Alexa, play Radio J”), via the free Radio-J app for iOs and Àndroid devices, and via the TuneIn app.

Update: I am sorry at this point I am unable to continue taking requests. I will let u all know when I can be of service again. Bikur Cholim will be running a program for Elderly people and those that have a compromising immune system. Please reach out to bc if u r in the above categories. You can email chaykie bikurcholimcleveland.org or call bc office at 216-320-1771. Ext 103. Thanks so much

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With the challenges that arise with being homebound and the daily juggling there’s a FREE service that has been developed in Cleveland.

The way this works is you text/call your shopping/grocery list to the number below. We will pick up your credit card or cash from your house, go to your desired store, and deliver everything back to your door. FULL SERVICE.

Gloves will be worn at all times – no face to face contact is needed. As per our knowledge we have not been exposed to any one sick.

Please call/text Yisroel Dessler 216-403-6600.

Dear Friends,

We find ourselves in challenging times, as the COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting our lives in many ways. School closings and restrictions on our daily social interactions can cause substantial emotional and mental strain on us all.

Along with many other amazing organizations in our city, Naaleh is here to help.

Rabbi Boruch Hirschfeld has offered to share Divrei Chizuk with the community and we will share it with you as soon as it is available.

Additionally, we have asked five mental health and parenting professionals to provide guidance to us in these trying times. Please click on any of these brief (5-10 minute) audio presentations to learn more:

1. “HOW KEEPING CALM CAN HELP YOUR CHILDREN” – Rabbi Chaim Ellis, LISW-S
2. “TIPS FOR PARENTS OF TEENAGE GIRLS IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES” – Mrs. Hudy Neuman, MSSA, LISW
3. “HOME WITH CHILDREN: Making the most of your time” – Mrs. Adina Soclof, MS-CCC-SLP
4. “HELPING OUR CHILDREN WITH THEIR FEARS” – Mrs. Sima Brochie Weinberg, MS, LPCC
5. “7 WAYS TO FEEL BETTER IN THESE TIMES OF COVID 19” – Mrs. Gil Wolovitz, LCSW

These presentations can also be heard by calling this number:

Dial-in Number: (641) 715-3800

Access Code: 954087

Lastly, in these times of social isolation, people can get lonely. Please consider reaching out to anyone who may benefit from a warm phone call or a friendly text. It goes a long way.

For anyone who needs additional support, or a referral, please call Naaleh at 216-591-6191 ext 103.

May we all have good health,

Rabbi Chaim Helman

Executive Director

Posted 3/17/2020

Dear members of the Cleveland community,

Here is a link to Update #1 with some FAQ’s on the bottom.

It continues to be extremely important to be familiar with social distancing guidelines from the CDC.

In addition, please review this guidance from the CDC about what to do if you suspect you have the Coronavirus. 

Thank you to those who responded to our communication on Sunday and to all those who volunteered of their time and expertise. We continue to collect those offers of assistance, and our volunteer coordinator is connecting those offering, with requests from individuals and organizations. Please continue to contact us through our dedicated email covid19@agudathisrael-oh.org and phone line 216-848-0379. We also appreciate all of the responses to the IMPACT SURVEY as we work together to identify the needs and our communal response.

We are continuing to work together with Federation, Gesher, JFSA, Naaleh, Bikur Cholim, Cleveland Chesed Center, Chaveirim, Matan B’Seyser and others. As we noted yesterday, we are setting a centralized response and command center in cooperation with the people and organizations listed above. As a reminder, there is a WhatsApp group designated for volunteers to help deliver items that may be needed to those in quarantine, etc.

Governor DeWine continues to ratchet up the states response to the Coronavirus, including ordering the closure of bars, restaurants, gyms, and certain other public spaces. These changes are not cause for alarm! They are the way that we can preserve essential services by TEMPORARILY foregoing non-essential services. There are many false rumors circulating, which are increasing anxiety unnecessarily. It is worth mentioning that which Governor DeWine said today, “If you hear a crazy rumor, it’s probably a crazy rumor.”

A few important updates:

• Based upon the guidance of our rabbanim, the Vaad Hatzedakos has suspended the issuance of Hamlatzas (certificates) for Meshulachim (collectors) from outside the country until after Pesach. This was communicated to the drivers this past Thursday. Please remember, especially in this time where Gemilas Chesed is crucial, that there are many worthy causes in our community. Letters that you can use for your door (in English, Yiddish, and Hebrew), if you choose, can be downloaded here.
• We have been asked to address the very understandable anxiety that many community members are experiencing. Remember, that while this public health issue is extremely concerning, and many of the extraordinary actions that our government is taking is to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, it does not seem to cause children to be seriously ill. These temporary measures are not cause for alarm! The vast majority of those who get the Coronavirus will fully recover, and many will barely know they had it. This is part of our collective responsibility to make sure that those more vulnerable populations can be safe and healthy.
• Based upon the advice of many of the physicians in Cleveland,  we strongly discourage playdates, socializing, and unnecessary interactions in public places. We know that it will be difficult for families to keep to themselves while their children are out of school, but it is imperative that children are not mingling in groups.  If they do continue to play as usual, the positive effects of social distancing will be undone. The cancellation of school and many shuls shows the seriousness of how important this social distancing is. Make sure you consult your physician with any questions you may have. We will be sharing ideas for fun at home activities!
• We are working with schools, teachers, and parents to share fun and enriching educational options that your children can participate in at home. One of these ideas is a national program for Masmidei Hasiyum. Pirchei also has a call in number 718-663-0212 which is available 24/6 with great stories, Divrei Torah, Navi, Hashkafa, and Mishnayos.
• We are also making available our Zoom conferencing software for any rabbonim or maggidei shiur who would like to continue their shiurim remotely. If you would like to reserve a daily time, or weekly time, please email eudman@agudathisrael-oh.org. We will accommodate as much as our capacity allows.
• Please stop panic buying! To the best of our knowledge, suppliers do not anticipate running short on the vast majority of products. Hoarding toilet paper just makes your neighbors lives more difficult in the short term.

This is a very unique and special community. Everyone is doing their best in this difficult time. However, the epidemiological data quoted by the governor indicates that we suspect that there are over 100,000 people already infected with Coronavirus in Ohio. With a doubling period of roughly 5 days, without mitigation, in half a month there will be close to 1 million people infected and 1.6 million people within 20 days.

The Orthodox community in Cleveland is vibrant, with an abundance and variety of religious opportunities. It also is geographically concentrated, with daily mixing in our shuls, kollels, stores, and homes, and it includes many members, particularly among the elderly, who are at particular risk for COVID-19 infection. With deep affection for our unique neighborhood, we feel obliged to register great concern for the well-being of community, our dynamic social environment and our close settlement and congregation. We ask everyone to take significant steps to prevent the spread of this virus for the safety of our community. If we do not, the numbers will soon grow large enough that it will be difficult if not impossible to mitigate.

The state and federal government have made significant changes to the social safety net. Temporary sick leave is expected to be available to those impacted by the Coronavirus, and care must be taken so that it is not abused. Additional guidance on the measures below and others will be forthcoming.

Unemployment: Benefits are being extended for those affected by the Coronavirus. The most comprehensive FAQ document as of yet, can be found here .

Small Business Loans: Governor DeWine is working with the Small Business Administration to offer interest free loans to small businesses and is working to allocate two million dollars to this fund. Applications will be processed through the SBA. Once the process is finalized (hopefully as soon as today) applications will be available at https://www.sba.gov/.

Organizational updates:

• Gesher is open and staffed with regular hours. Walk-ins are welcome. However, we encourage you to make an appointment before coming so that we can comply with the social distancing recommendations. Please call the office at 216-862-4599 to make an appointment. We will be checking email and phone messages during and after regular business hours, and will try to get back to you within a reasonable time frame.  We have a dedicated page on our website to keep the community continuously updated. Updates can be found here.
• Cleveland Chesed Center is available if you have any need for food now and/or for Pesach. CCC has moved all food distribution to a drive-through model. Hours for this week for regular monthly shopping, are Wednesday 9 am to 11 am and Thursday 12 PM to 2 pm. Pesach distribution is on as scheduled per previous communications for this Sunday, March 22. Please call the office at 216-932-3115 or email info@clevelandchesedcenter.org if you need assistance.
• Kemach will iy’’H proceed as planned and will do their best to accommodate all orders; no shortages are anticipated. As distribution day comes closer, Kemach will send updates regarding safety rules as well as a new schedule for pick up.
• Naaleh is working with a number of mental health clinicians to provide resources to help address some of the mental health concerns many of us are facing. We will share these with you when they become available. If you have concerns, please contact your physician or Mrs. Herskovic of Naaleh who is available to provide support and address concerns that may arise over the next few months. She can be reached at 216-591-6191 ext.103. If you are feeling anxious or depressed, please contact your physician. 
• Bikur Cholim of Cleveland is continuing to serve at this time the sick and their families/caregivers (including those with Coronavirus) in the community with food, transportation, medical equipment and more to the extent it is safe to do so. Please feel free to call Bikur Cholim at 216-320-1771 or email info@bikurcholimcleveland.org to request services.
• Shuls: Please contact your shul directly for their specific updates and safety precautions. If your shul has stopped minyanim, please do not over-crowd other neighboring shuls in the area as this would undermine the efforts we must make at social distancing.  
• Local Businesses: Please remember, during this time it is crucial to support our local small businesses.  It is very important to do this if you are able to.

We will provide more information on resources as they become available.

Yitz Frank

Dear Friends,

We find ourselves in challenging times, as the COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting our lives in many ways. School closings and restrictions on our daily social interactions can cause substantial emotional and mental strain on us all.

Along with many other amazing organizations in our city, Naaleh is here to help.

Rabbi Boruch Hirschfeld has offered to share Divrei Chizuk with the community and we will share it with you as soon as it is available.

Additionally, we have asked five mental health and parenting professionals to provide guidance to us in these trying times. Please click on any of these brief (5-10 minute) audio presentations to learn more:

1. “HOW KEEPING CALM CAN HELP YOUR CHILDREN” – Rabbi Chaim Ellis, LISW-S
2. “TIPS FOR PARENTS OF TEENAGE GIRLS IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES” – Mrs. Hudy Neuman, MSSA, LISW
3. “HOME WITH CHILDREN: Making the most of your time” – Mrs. Adina Soclof, MS-CCC-SLP
4. “HELPING OUR CHILDREN WITH THEIR FEARS” – Mrs. Sima Brochie Weinberg, MS, LPCC
5. “7 WAYS TO FEEL BETTER IN THESE TIMES OF COVID 19” – Mrs. Gil Wolovitz, LCSW

These presentations can also be heard by calling this number:

Dial-in Number: (641) 715-3800

Access Code: 954087

Lastly, in these times of social isolation, people can get lonely. Please consider reaching out to anyone who may benefit from a warm phone call or a friendly text. It goes a long way.

For anyone who needs additional support, or a referral, please call Naaleh at 216-591-6191 ext 103.

May we all have good health,

Rabbi Chaim Helman

Executive Director

The health and safety of our clients, volunteers and staff is our number one priority. In order to limit the germs coming into the cleveland chesed center, we will not be accepting material donations for the time being.
We thank you for your understanding and continuing support. Please stay tuned for updates.

Posted 3/15/2020

Dear members of the Cleveland community,

There is a lot of confusion and concern about the impact of the Coronavirus on the country and in our local community. The disruption of school closures, work changes, and the upcoming Yom Tov of Pesach alone, are cause for worry. We are committed to reacting to these issues and responding as a community. We are all in this together and we will get through this together!

A group of Rabbonim, physicians, non-profit leaders, and others met late last night. We agreed to coordinate a community response and we will need everyone to help us prepare. We are working together with Federation, Gesher, JFSA, Naaleh, Bikur Cholim, Cleveland Chessed Center, Chaveirim, Matan B’Seyser, and others.

As in all things, we are guided by the hadracha of our Poseik, Rav Margareten. We are setting a centralized response and command center in cooperation with the people and organizations listed above. The committee is in formation, if you are able to participate, please contact us asap! There will be a need for many volunteers.

We have set up a dedicated email covid19@agudathisrael-oh.org and phone line 216-848-0379. We need information, any ideas you may have, any problems or concerns you foresee, and help you can provide! Please contact us! There will be many opportunities for us all to pitch in together. If you are able and willing to be involved, let us know. There is also a whatsapp group designed for volunteers to help deliver items that may be needed for those in quarantine etc.

In addition, we are working to quantify what kind of economic disruption may occur in the community. Please fill out and share this survey so that we can help coordinate the appropriate response!

It is extremely important to be familiar with social distancing guidelines from the CDC.

In addition, here is a great resource for how to talk to your children about what is happening: Healthy Children in a Coronavirus World.

In the coming days, we will share more resources via email and through Gesher’s Facebook page @GesherCleveland, about the following issues, among others:

• Economic resources (there is significant assistance being contemplated by the US Government). Gesher and CCC are preparing plans.
• Information to access food (HAC and YDT will be providing meals to students). The Cleveland Chessed Center and Gesher are there to help.
• Mental health resources as we all cope with the stress of being at home with our children etc. Remember that Naaleh is there to help.
• Activities for our children that are kept at home
• Educational guidance, in particular for students on IEP’s

In the meantime, it is worth reviewing this list of FAQ’s. Bear in mind, this is ever-evolving and physicians may change their advice based on changing situations on the ground locally.

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How concerned should I be about this virus? Is COVID-19 highly fatal?

• It is our halachic duty to take this situation seriously, but calmly. This is serious, but know that the overwhelming majority of those with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) recover without incident.
• These general guidelines must be adjusted to local conditions on the ground and the rapidly changing circumstances. Orthodox communities experiencing an increased number of cases must take precautions beyond those recommended below. Even communities with no cases should heed the precautions recommended below, due to the interlinked nature of our communities and the contagious nature of COVID-19. The goal is to prevent, not deal with cases after the fact. We need to establish a uniform baseline of precaution throughout our communities, or the virus will exploit the weakest communal link.
• Those over 50 or 60, those with cardiovascular disease (including high blood pressure), diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or certain other chronic or immunocompromised conditions, are especially vulnerable to complications from COVID-19. All such people should take precautions beyond those listed below. Those who care for, or have close interaction with such individuals, should also adopt a more careful approach.
• If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 – fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat, STAY HOME. Call your physician. This includes anyone with a fever or a cough without another known cause.
• Proper hygiene practices are A MUST. See here.

Are the responses below intended as blanket rules for all locations and times?

No. They will differ by time and place. The situation is different in Eretz Yisroel than it is in the US and different in Westchester County than Ohio. The general advice below is given for areas in the US that have experienced some cases but have not (yet) reached outbreak status like Westchester County. Use common sense.

Moreover, Orthodox communities are often closely linked. We interact and congregate more frequently than the general population. We are community and family-centered. Thus, it is unrealistic to think that if the virus has afflicted one Orthodox community it will not soon affect other Orthodox communities. It, therefore, behooves members of all Orthodox communities to not only exercise additional caution regarding a contagious disease spreading because it is our religious duty, but because the scientific reality demands it.

Finally, guidance given here is stated as of, and shortly after, its publication. Recommendations may change as the situation progresses.

Is everyone equally at risk?

No. While anyone can contract COVID-19, the elderly are far more vulnerable to the disease. Reports of mortality rates of those under 50 are very low, and there have been no fatalities, and very few severe cases reported in young children. But these rates increase exponentially for every decade after age 50. In addition, those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and some other chronic conditions, are more vulnerable to complications. The recommendations below are for generally healthy people under 50 or 60. Others may wish to take additional precautions.

In light of new recommendations by the health authorities, what additional steps should Orthodox communities be taking to slow the spread of COVID-19?

Social distancing. In addition to not shaking hands, the CDC and local authorities are now recommending that we maintain a healthy distance from each other.

What social distancing steps have the health authorities recommended or required to prevent COVID-19?

On March 12, the CDC released new guidance detailing social avoidance strategies depending on setting and local outbreak levels.

Ohio has closed all public and private schools for the next few weeks and will limit visitation to nursing homes.

Of course, it is required to comply with state or local governmental requirements on this matter.

Should shuls and community organizations cancel their upcoming events or gatherings such as annual dinners, weekly kiddushim , seudos shlishis and various social gatherings?

These are halachically discretionary events. Given the current circumstances, we urge a shul’s Rav or Rebbe to strongly reconsider having them, especially if it entails people sitting close to each other.

Does that mean shuls should close?

Tefilah betzibur and krias haTorah are definitive requirements and an important component of Jewish life. A community may reach a threshold of infectious activity that necessitates shul closings. However, all shuls should make every effort to create circumstances that enable social distancing. For example, on weekdays, perhaps adjoining sections can be opened to spread mispalelim over a larger area; perhaps a larger building auditorium can be temporarily used; minyanim times can be altered to reduce traffic, etc. Agudath Israel also recommends that all shuls redouble their cleaning procedures, especially on high-touch surfaces like door knobs. Soap and hand sanitizers should be made readily available.

A shul that can only function in a manner that would force its congregants to be tightly squeezed together should ask a shailah about its continued operation. It should also consult intra-communally to not unduly increase capacity on other shuls.

The elderly, and those with the above noted health conditions, should think carefully before appearing in public settings such as a shul, shiur, or simchah. Talk to your doctor and Rav to ascertain your fact-specific risk level and psak.

Should simchos be postponed or altered in light of these social distancing recommendations?

In states that have limited the number of people that may gather, some simchos will have to change. State guidelines may intensify as the situation progresses, and other states may follow suit.

In any case, baalei simchah should be prudent in not hosting events that will cause many people to be gathered densely. Hand-in-hand dancing should be avoided.

Should I avoid touching siddurim or other items touched by other people?

It is important to understand how COVID-19 spreads. COVID-19 is generally spread by respiratory droplets expelled from an infected person that come into contact with another’s eyes, mouth or nose. This typically occurs from a cough or sneeze, or micro-droplets from speech. Disease can also spread when a person touches a contaminated surface and then rubs his own eyes, mouth or nose. The virus survives on surfaces for a short time.

Therefore, rather than avoiding touching all surfaces, one should focus on employing good hygiene practices described in FAQ #11. Appropriate cleaning of high-touch surfaces like doorknobs may be recommended, especially for high-risk individuals described in FAQ #3 or those in quarantine.

How about avoiding shaking hands?

Health authorities are now recommending avoiding shaking hands. Note there is no halachic requirement to shake hands on Shabbos or any other time. Any avoidance should be done respectfully.

How about going to mikva?

Agudath Israel is not advising mikva closures or avoidance. However, this is not the case for anyone with COVID-19, in quarantine, or suspects he has COVID-19. The Cleveland Mikva has guidance on its website and has been working with the Cuyahoga County Department of Health.

Based on how this disease is spreading worldwide, is it realistic to expect that this will be stopped? Shouldn’t we just accept that there is disease – COVID-19 and otherwise – in the world and live normally? “Shomer pesaim Hashem!”

COVID-19 may well continue to spread despite our best efforts. However, there is a legitimate threat of disease, especially to susceptible individuals. Following the appropriate health procedures will save lives, especially of the elderly or those with conditions that place them at risk of COVID-19 complications.

Further, there will be a toll on the health care system and other industries if cases increase quickly which will adversely impact current patients. Several vaccines and potential treatments are aggressively being pursued worldwide. In other words, there is value to slowing the pace of the spread of the disease to buy time.

What general practices should I exercise at this time to help keep myself and others safe?

• Per the MOETZES GEDOLEI HATORAH, we should all increase our Tehillim. Let us all take full advantage of this opportunity to beseech Hashem to remove this decree of sickness from the world.
• Shuls and yeshivas should adequately stock tissues so mispallelim can cover sneezes or coughs with a tissue. See FAQ #5 for a description of how the disease spreads.
• Throw out used tissues; do not leave them on tables or shtenders.
• Wash hands with soap and water regularly for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is unavailable.
• Shuls and yeshivas should adequately stock soap and make them available for use.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• If you think you are sick, stay home. See FAQ #4 for symptoms to look out for.
• The EPA recently approved several products by Purell, Clorox, and Lysol to kill COVID-19. Disinfecting surfaces is currently being recommended primarily for those with suspected/confirmed COVID-19, some high-touch surfaces, and for those at high-risk. See FAQ #3 for who is most at risk.
• This is a new disease. More information will come to the fore as time goes on.

Let’s talk real hishtadlus! What spiritual measures should we take to combat this worldwide gezeirah ?

During the persecutions of 1648-1649, the Tosfos Yom-Tov stated that an important cause of the gezeirah was people talking during davening . It is sensible to strengthen ourselves in davening properly in general at this time, and without talking.

The Vaad Roshei Yeshiva have pointed to the Gemara in Maseches Shevuos, 15b, which refers to Tehillim 91 ( Yoshev B’seser ) as ” Shir shel paga’im ” or ” Shir shel nega’im ” – a special tefillah for protection from plagues. This tefillah is especially fitting for today.

Others have pointed to the Chiddushei Rabbi Akiva Eiger (Nedarim 39), who advised saying Pitum Haketores bitzibur in the morning and evening to stave off the malach hamoves during the plague that occurred during his time.

We expect the number of COVID-19 cases to increase dramatically in the near future. As testing to detect COVID-19 ramps up, what in another year may have been dismissed as a cold or flu, may turn out to be COVID-19. However, our reaction to challenge has historically been to look inward, and resolve to fortify ourselves spiritually in some way. In general, an increase in Torah, tefillah, and tzedakah, which have been taken when facing previous adversities, is always a positive approach. The challenge of COVID-19 is no different.

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We will get through this together!

Best,
Yitz Frank

Nishmas Miriam Jewish Children’s Library is closed until further notice due to the coronavirus concern.

In light of COVID-19, under the guidance of local and national Rabbonim and doctors, the local mikvaos have updated their protocol.  Anyone coming to the mikvah must read the new protocol on the mikvah website before coming to the mikvah.  May HKBH grant us all protection and good health.

I want to keep you updated on additional measures we are putting in place at Bikur Cholim to keep our patients, volunteers and staff safe.

We have been consulting with experts in infectious disease control and they have repeatedly emphasized that because Coronavirus spreads from person to person, isolation is key. We need to limit face to face interactions as much as possible especially between patients.

Therefore, effective immediately Bikur Cholim is implementing the following rules:

All events have been cancelled until further notice.

No visitors are allowed into the Bikur Cholim houses.

Encourage family and friends to “visit patients” virtually—by phone, skype, etc.

Patients should not be around other people.

All deliveries should be made by healthy people who wash their hands beforehand in addition to wearing gloves; preferably they should wear a mask as well.

If you don’t feel well, stay home.

Travel should be limited, including patients’ families and friends.

Cleaning crews should not come more than once a week to clean our homes and, while in the homes, the patients and caregivers should stay away from the cleaning crew (ideally, they should go outside).

In each Bikur Cholim house there will be a log in sheet to track those who come in. If, Chas v’shalom (G-d forbid), the virus is spread, it will be easier to track its origin.

There should not be any volunteers during this time.

No food will be made and/ or prepared by volunteers.

Visitors to the Bikur Cholim kosher hospitality rooms must wash their hands before entering.

Bikur Cholim plans on providing all our services uninterrupted during this time. Please be understanding if you see any discrepancies in our services. We are working closely with local hospitals and medical facilities so that we can continue serving our patients and their caregivers. Feel free to reach out to Carol@bikurcholimcleveland.org with any questions you may have.

Please refer to the CDC website for more information and to make sure you are best prepared.

The health and safety of our clients, volunteers and staff is our number one priority. In order to limit the germs coming into the cleveland chesed center, we will not be accepting material donations for the time being.
We thank you for your understanding and continuing support. Please stay tuned for updates.