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

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stringent means being lenient in matters of life and death. And it says ‘Live by them’ and not that you should place yourself even in a situation of possible danger, as is explained in the words of my grandfather [the Baal haTanya] of blessed memory, Shabbat 328, 2”. I was alerted to this by my friend Rav Nachum Grunwald.

IN SUMMARY

As all people admit that the danger is still upon us, we must listen to the words of our Sages that we do not follow the majority in matters of life and death, and that danger is more severe than a prohibition. We must adhere as our sages instructed us in Gemara (אבב אמק ,ס ב): “We learnt, pestilence in the city — retreat your legs, as it says (תומש ,בי בכ): “And you shall not exit your homes till the morning”, and it further says (היעשי ,וכ כ): “Come, my people, enter into your rooms, and shut your doors upon yourselves”, and it says (םירבד ,בל הכ): “Outside the sword is causing bereavement, while indoors there will be dread”.

And therefore, we surely should not be amongst those who are jumping ahead and permitting public gatherings at the first possible chance. On the contrary, let the governments open all areas which they believe are needed for the economy, and other important areas. After they put these things to test, and G-d willing it will become clear that through His great compassion the danger has ceased, only then will we open our Shuls and resume davening with a Minyan.

I see it fit to point out the ruling of Rav Shlomo Kluger ( ת״וש ףלאה׳ ךל ׳המלש ח״וא 'יס אנש) regarding the fast of Tisha B’Av that “as long as the trouble has not been silent for 30 consecutive days, we are still in a situation of possible danger”. Even though it is likely that in our modern times, with the advancement of medicine, we may be able to be lenient even before that 30 day mark if it becomes clear based on studies that the pandemic has indeed ended and there is no more danger.

Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

Budapest. Iyar 11, 5780 — April 25, 2021