CHICAGO (VINnews) — In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Chicago Rabbinical Council has announced that all Chicago Shuls should close for the time being.
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The following is a statement by Rabbi Yona Reiss, the Av Beis Din of the Chicago Rabbinical Council:
Considering recent developments in our community and our nation, and following the latest guidance from health officials regarding the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus, the following safeguards should be instituted immediately, and for the foreseeable future in our community.
• Batei Knasiyos in the Chicago area should close, effective immediately.
• Individuals should daven B’Yichidus, at home.
• Shiurim and Chavrusos should be conducted exclusively by phone or videoconferencing.
• Non-essential gatherings for children or adults should be canceled.
• Simchas will be limited or postponed, to be celebrated publicly when safe to do so.
• While kaddish cannot be said without a minyan, yahrtzeits can be commemorated by Limud Mishnayus.
Tefila B’Tzibur is being curbed to protect the very life of that Tzibbur. We recognize the emotional impact of this decision, which must be considered in terms of the lives it can save. This is a weighty and unprecedented short-term decision to protect life and allow us to continue our regular routines in the long run, L’Orech Yomim Tovim.
To be clear, while we may refrain from going to shul, now in particular is a time to strengthen our Tefila. While we may not meet in a Beis Hamedrash, we must rededicate ourselves to Talmud Torah. And as we increase the physical distance between us, now more than ever we come together, as families, and as a united community.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Yona Reiss
Av Beis Din
Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc)
The CRC does not speak for the entire community. They are more towards the MO, NOT the the yeshivish crowd.