Oberlander Báruch rabbi (szerk.): A rabbi válaszol. Modern kérdések, hagyományos válaszok 4 - Zsidó Ismeretek Tára 38. A rabbi válaszol 4. (Budapest, 2021)
I. rész. Kérdezd a rabbit világjárvány idején - Zsinagóga és imádkozás
Zsidó ismeretek tára 38 situation which can be defined as just a slight small chance and possibility of death. We also have to add that which the Poskim wrote - that there is a very big difference between matters of life and death of many and matters of life and death of a private person. When it comes to life and death of many, we must be stringent even more than in a private case, and we apply stringency even in a case of a minute possibility. Because when you apply a minute possibly to many, it almost becomes a certainty. It is unfortunately evident, that gathering in Shuls would be considered a matter of life and death of many. DOES THE DANGER ALSO INCLUDE YOUNG PEOPLE? IN EUROPE ALSO? Some of my friends tried to claim that indeed it is true that in the United States the danger is very great and that among many others, dozens of Chassidim, Rabbonim and Mashpi’im in the Chabad community in New York also passed away. However, they say this applies mainly to old people, and we haven’t actually seen a danger of the same magnitude in our areas of Europe. In my humble opinion, this entire line of thinking is incorrect from the get-go. In addition to the fact, that when it comes to matters of life and death we don’t simply rule based on the majority, we have also sadly seen a case where a group of Rabbonim and Shluchim gathered here in Europe, at a time that according to the government people were still allowed to gather in groups of fifty (I believe this was the case at the time), and out of the thirty Shluchim who contracted the Corona as a result of that meeting, one young and healthy Shaliach passed away (May his memory be blessed!). This shows us that when the government permits a gathering of fifty people it does not mean that there is no danger. Sadly, even young people are in danger, also in Europe, and not only in America and China. STORES AND JOBS YES, BUT SHULS NO? Some people wanted to claim that if stores are open, and a lot of people are going to work, it would be a great Chilul Hashem if Shuls
