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We do not say מגן אבות or יקום פורקן for ויכולו if no one else there some say you should say it twice as if you are reading the Torah.One is not יוצא when he lains from a חומש. However, there is an ענין to have a זכר of laining and read from a חומש. This applies to the הפטרה as well. It does not hurt to read פרשת החדש as well you can say חזק חזק ונתחזק
for a transcript of the video click HERE Coronavirus Webinar with Rabbi Moshe Heineman from STAR-K KOSHER CERTIFICATION on Vimeo.
Yom Tefillah and Taanis - אבינו מלכנו מנע מגפה מנחלתך
10:45 pm
-California projects 56 percent of population will be infected with coronavirus over 8-week period Gov orders entire state to stay at home.
10:00 pm
-Moadim Lsimcha reassures there will be enough for all orders no need to worry. Distribution will take place with scheduled appointmens
- First Atlantic Auto Loans. You may defer your payment. During this time, finance charges will accrue, but no late fees.
-9:30 pm
An Aufruf took place this morning by leining in a small minyan for a chosson who is getting married tomorrow 11:00 am wedding.
8:00 pm
-Nasi Project says all face to face shidduch dating should stop.
-For the women who spent all day with the kinderlach: Harav Elya Chaim Swerdloff Shlita R"Y of Paterson will speak tonight for women (in English) on a live teleconference at 10:00 pm. 646-726-9977.
7:00 pm
-CLARIFICATION: Just spoke with 3 family members of Grand Rabbi Aron Teitelbaum, and here's the situation. He got tested yesterday, final results aren't expected for at least another day. His temperature read 98 today. The joint pains he's experiencing predate Covid-19. (Turx)
-NJ.com Mayor Coles on Lakewood cases “It wasn’t real at first,because it wasn’t here yet.” At the same time, the lack of available testing may have given the town a false sense of security, he suggested. The numbers up to now have been skewed.“We’ll look back and say it’s because of a lack of testing,” he said.
6:00 pm
-Tent Chasunas taking place in Backyards one is scheduled for tomorrow Erev Shabbos
-More Lakewood residents test positive numbers are are climbing.
-Rosh Yeshiva Telz Chicago Rav Shmuel Yeshaya Keller shlita tested positive. The Yeshiva said his condition is good and under care of a physician. Anyone who was within 6 feet shushan Purim morning must Quarentine for 14 days.
-Grand Rabbi on conference call with the white house has tested positive for Coronavirus (Turx)
Pennsylvania: All non life sustaining businesses have to close by 8 pm tonight Expect NJ to follow
- Chase bank closes lobby ATM still available
-4 Corner Bagel has set up a drive thru
-SSSS- free delivery with $50 order
- J2 pizza North closed as a precaution
J2 South open for delivery & take out
4:00 pm
-Z Berman stores phone orders curbside pickup only
Thinking of heading to the Catskills? Sullivan county officials ask summer residents to refrain from seeking refuge in the bungalow colonies during the Coronavirus outbreak. Resources are in short supply
NY Gov 90 day mortgage relief waiving mortgage payments based on financial hardship, no negative reporting to credit bureaus, a grace period for loan modification, no late payment fees or online payment fees, and postponing or suspending foreclosures.
3:00 pm
-Israelis on to stay at home short of a lockdown order by PM Netanyahu it is a command can not leave their homes for 7 days they can shop for food and medicine and some
Chap Arein get a haircut before Pesach. All Barber shops in NJ order closed by 8:00 pm tonight until further notice.
2:45 pm
-Hatzola of South Florida asking people not to come to Orlando or south Florida for Pesach there are cases of Corona in the community.
- Lakewood stores overloaded with Deliveries some stores not delivering until next week.
1:30 pm
The Agudah's rabbinical leadership have informed us that one may say Yom Kippur Koton even though they stopped or not fasting, One praying alone should not recite the 13 middos portion of the Yom Kippur Kattan prayers.
1:00 pm
-NJ cases jump to 742 with 9 deaths
-Traffic on Cedarbridge by Circa because of lunch pick up
- Mutphy orders personal care businesses closed tonight that can't comply with social distancing such as Barbershops salons not good for business before Pesach
- State Department to tell Anericans to return home or stay put oversees no more traveling! Will impact going to EY
11:00 am
-40 cases in Lakewood and rising now Ground Zero in NJ
- APP- Lakewood Mayor Raymond Coles has confirmed that “to the best of my knowledge” at least 40 positive cases have been detected in Lakewood. He said cases are spread out around township, but many concentrate in Latino population. Coles said that when testing was done last week, many Latino residents fit the criteria to get tested and that other residents were turned away due to limited testing kits. But that we may see increase in other groups as this progresses
- A Lakewood business has laid off a lot of its employees, one school is not paying its part time workers even though it is open.
-Ocean county freeholders announce they probably will open a coronavirus testing site at the Ocean County College because we think the numbers are going to go up.
- Gelbstein lunch drop off delivered to locations, Bnos Devora has to be picked up from the school
9:30 am
- New Square:Krias hatorah is done via loud speakers outside
-DR. Zelanko of Kiryas Yoel in video message 9 of first 14 tests came back positive meaning that 90% of the population in Kiryas Yoel will have Corona virus that's around 35,000 people in a square mile area , there are 1000 people that are vulnerable and they need to be watched carefully please make sure they are protected.
-Hatbox stores open by appointment only not more than 10 people allowed in the store at anytime allowing maximum social distancing
8:00 am Audio: Rav of Somerset walk shul says many of the kehila were exposed purim morning. Sets up a virtual minyan shul members will daven together at the regular scheduled zmanim of the shul.
7:00 am
-Lakewood Cheveirim and volunteers offering to shop for seniors in need of essential items so they dont have to leave their homes
- Camden county, NJ prohibits self-serve drinks, food due to coronavirus. Wawa, 7-Eleven workers must pour coffee.
6:00 am
-Ocean County Health Department confirms 4 positive cases in Lakewood
-Numbers of cases go up as results come back in Lakewood expected to spike in double digits.
-Ateres Yeshaya: "the Rov Shlit"a is against joining any minyanim in private homes or backyards, etc. He urges us all to take seriously and strictly follow the Hatzolah guidelines for safety and protocol.
-Talmid in Passaic yeshiva tested positive other students notified
-Kol Shimshon closed
-Crown heights: Bais Din forbades davening in outside minyanim
- Landaus shul in Flatbush is closed Audio: Lakewood resident who tested positive for corona speaks.
-DR. Shanik in robo call to all of Lakewood urges everyone to stay indoors and not let children play at other peoples houses or other children in their own homes.
A 40 year old Lakewood youngeman is in critical condition on a respirator. With no pre existing or underlying conditions. Non essential shopping should only be done online or by phone. the safest place for children is int heir own home or backyard.
-Rabbi Noach Issac Oelbaum - was on the phone call with the white house officials and were upset that people are not listenig. We are makpid on all the chumras of pesach and the torah said ושמרתם by Matzah, by refuah it says ונשמרתם מאד לנפשתיכם we must be careful not to make a chilul hashem.
10:00 pm
-Torah Vodaas Yeshiva closes as of tomorrow morning
-Rabbonim of Lakewood Hatzolah are asking residents not to leave the house at all, and to send only one person to do food shopping.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka called for a mandatory curfew
-Ateres Yeshaya: "the Rov Shlit"a is against joining any minyanim in private homes or backyards, etc. He urges us all to take seriously and strictly follow the Hatzolah guidelines for safety and protocol.
-Westgate shuls closed
-Police in Williamsburg and Crown Heights dispersing crowds with outdoor minyanim
8:00 pm
Contidion of Rabbi Mordy Katz, chaplain at NYU, slightly improved B’H, family asks for tefillos for Gimpel Mordechai Daniel ben Sarah Itta.(kol Haolam)
Maimonodies medical center halts visitors
7:00 pm
-Evergreen only 1 member per family allowed no children under 16
-Bingo- Senior hour tomorrow 8:00 am- 9:30 am
-Weddings took place in backyards others may be postponed.
Leter from Rav Mattisyahu Solomon shlita:
Hashem definitely did not come to create a weakness. Just the opposite. What He wants from us is to strengthen ourselves with more fortitude and more force in Torah, and in prayer that we should be strong and fit in order to do the will of our Father in Heaven.
Our prayers are that Hakadosh Baruch Hu, in his infinite mercy and kindness, will accept our supplications with good will, and He will have mercy on us and the entire his nation of Yisrael in every place they are, that they should exit from this predicament and hastily merit the complete redemption.
6:00 pm
URGENT CALL FROM THE MOETZES
No davening in shul
Leave home unless absolutely have to
Half day fast day tomorrow
5:30 pm
The Roshei Yeshiva of Lakewood have asked that all daven at home and learn at home
-All Shuls In Lakewood expected to close
-Many cases in Lakewood numbers not out yet
-Central court shul is closed
-Lutzk is closed
-Columbus is closed
4:45 pm
The Roshei Yeshiva of Lakewood have asked that all daven at home and learn at home
BMG fully closed all buildings shut down email Released by Rabbi Aaron Kotler. This morning they allowed small groups under careful monitoring but are now wholly shutting all buildings down.
The Roshei Yeshiva have asked that all daven at home and learn at home
4:30 pm
As cases come back positive more shul closures in Lakewood:
Bobov
Arlington all area shuls
prospect Square
Oif Simchas: Simcha times have been pushed up or postponed to later dates.
3:45 pm
Kol Aryeh Lakewood at 2:40 pm today: With great sorrow we announce that the we are closing the shul immediately. All minyanim are now cancelled. Please pick up your belongings before 9:00 tonigh
3:00 pm
Dr Shanik: advised not take Ibuprofen (or Advil) while you have fever from Corona Stick to Tylenol
-Positive results come back as numbers of case in Lakewood could spike
-New Jersey corona virus cases spike to at least 427 with 5 deaths. 162 new positive tests announced.
-Car driving around Lakewood with a loud speaker warning people to stay home
- Seasons kosher in Lakewood will only allow senior citizens to shop today between 6-7 pm they can come with 1 helper.
-A virtual reality yeshiva for those home or quarantined HERE
-Misameach daily live shows during school closure starting at 3:00 pm HERE
1:30 pm
-Another positive case in Lakewood today patient was tested a urgent care facility a few positive cases but still not reported by OCHD
-Shomrei shabbos shul in Boro park closes for the first time in 100 years
-Gas prices in NJ plummet because of virus, drop in demand
12:00 pm
- Some phone conference lines for kids are overloaded also scheduling conflicts as siblings have phone learning the same time. Tip try setting up a google voice #.
-Motzes gedolei hatorah in EY- Everyone should listen to the directives of the medical professionals and authorities
-Rav Chaim Kanievskiy now says all chasorim and yeshivos in EY should close as situation escalates.
-Dr Shanik office: Waiting room seats are covered with tape only allowing a few people to sit as they keep it sterile.
-Kupas Yom Tov: Due to the current situation collecting will not take place outside grocery stores, Mikvaos, or shuls call 732- 334-0050
-Bill in NJ would make it illegal to return groceries purchased to hoard food and supplies for the coronavirus outbreak with fines of up to $20,000. Virus can be on the surface of these items.
- Rachmastrivk shul in Lakewood will close today at noon
- The 50-person rule includes hall staff and anyone on premises. Separate rooms of 50 people or even inside/outside is NOT permitted and Lakewood Police tell me it will be shut down immediately.(Shlomo Schorr on Twitter)
- Viral news Police break up 2 weddings in Lakewood HERE
In unrelated news reports of Bernie Sanders dropping out of the race campaign Denies it for now.
11:00 am
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
As per Dr Shanik, as well as other lakewood Doctors, all playgroups and learning groups must be disbanded immediately.
Due to the danger of the virus and the increasing number of sick people in the community, we must take this very seriously and avoid all groups, of any size! This includes babysitting groups, groups learning with rebbeim, and any other kind of group. No Rebbe may meet with ANY talmidim in ANY location. Learning may ONLY take place over the phone.
These changes must take place immediately!!
10:00 am
-Monsey doctors on Hatzola conference call: Kids off from school should NOT visit their grandparents you are doing a disservice to them and putting them at risk! Wait till this passes and you will iy"h spend time with Zaidy and Bubby
-Trump: by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic. Details to follow!
-LPD: will strictly enforce policies limiting gatherings to 50 ppl, they responded to 2 weddings yesterday
-Kol Arye open to members only no kids under BM separation guidelines strictly enforced
-Pine River Village: Shul for residents only no outsiders/
-Public school parents: long lines waiting to pick up laptops and learning material
-Snack and lunch delivered to pick up locations
9:00 AM
The day the yeshivos had to close- Torah learning continues
-Slabodka yeshiva closes its dormitory
-Philadelphia Yeshiva closes
-Yeshiva Telshe Chicago closes
-Lakewood Yeshiva BMG closes
-Slabodka yeshiva closes its dormitory
-Philadelphia Yeshiva closes
-Yeshiva Telshe Chicago closes
- Somerset walk shul open only for residents
-Chestnut shul if your shul closed down you are forbidden on the chestnut shul premisis
-Toms River: All shuls closed
-Toms River Rav who signed Lakewood kol Korei says the guidelines are unique to Lakewood in certain situations but he closed down his own shul
-Lakewood Vaad spokesman: APP: "We do have to understand that it's a very concentrated and compressed community, and we're struggling with it,People are confused, but they're confused everywhere because this is a moving target. "The guidance changes from day to day, so there's a little bit of a lag until it filters down."
8:00 am
-Lakewood begins homeschooling teachers and rebbeim have set up conference calls for the students to call in during the day at designated times.
-Free lunch and snack from Gelbsteins sponsored by the NJ state lunch program will be available in pick up locations around Lakewood from 10:00 am- 1:00 pm (see previous post)
-In a reversal of police many shuls closed down fully instead of having restrictions
-APP: Lakewood police "shut down" a wedding at a catering hall yesterday after passerby sees a chuppa
- schools have cancelled secondary smaller classes, will only study over phone
-Rav Avrohom Schorr closes his shul in Flatbush
-Gur chasidus Main Bais Medrash in Yerushalyim is closed,
Coronavirus - Not to gather in shuls to daven or learn. Every person should not leave their home unless absolutely necessary. People who can should be mekabel taanis shaaos till chatzos and say Yom Kippur kotton. Daven for Klal yisrael and the entire world.
12:00 am 3/18/20
-B"M Bais Mordechai of Lakewood (Mickeys shul) will close as of tomorrow noon as a precaution by Rabbonim and Medical professionals all are asked to pick up their talis & Tefillin
-Hatzolah of Boro Park on Coronavirus: "If if we don’t get serious about this now we will have a mass tragedy in Boro Park C"V"
-Misaskim is suspending delivery of shiva chairs sifrei torah and gemach supplies to shiva houses per psak of Rav Yechezkel Roth. Also Aveilim should sit in separate rooms so not to infect each other. Comforting an avel can take place by phone
-Satmar R Zalman Leib will close all its institutions so does Puppa
-NYC: Cases now 923 up 100 in one day mayor says possibility of an order to “shelter in place” — a decision should be made in the next 48 hours
-Cleveland: all shuls and botei medrah will be closed as per Vaad Harabonim of greater Cleveland
11:30 pm
-Monsey police went into shuls and told everyone they had to leave
-Dagim :Reassures its customers there's enough Tuna Fish enough Salmon enough Gefilta Fish
10:30 pm
-Whispering Pines shul under a psak given by Rav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a, the shul and mikvah have been closed completely after a mispalel was found positive for COVID19 (LNN)
-Crown heights:all shuls including 770 will shut down for 14 days
-Reportedly a positive case in the whispering pines area but OCHD has not reported it or confirmed
-Shidduch dates: Communities arrange private homes for singles to date
-Home of Satmar Rebbe in Williamsburg disinfected
9:00 pm
Lakewood kinderlach bring home Haggadas for Pesach and will finish it up with the teachers and rebbeim over the phone, School teachers worked overtime last few days to get the haggadah and other pesach material ready,
-Lakewood grocers with a message DON'T PANIC there is enough food for now and for Pesach shopping
-Chemed dental closed through the 27th
-Shore pediatric dental closed until further notice
-Detroit: Vaad Harabbonim close down shuls to the public until further notice
Turx- Since the conclusion of the conference call between WH officials and leading rabbis, the few schools, houses of prayer & religious institutions that had previously been planning on remaining operational have since announced their immediate closure.
8:30
-School lunch distribution locations all over Lakewood in many developments and areas schools sent home flyers for pick up spots.( locations posted in comment section thank you anon)
Circa on Cedarbridge is a official food service location during the school closure. G for children 3-18 yrs old 12:00 pm- 2:00 pm
-Panic Shopping: Clothing stores were packed as ppl worry about getting clothes for Yom tov.
8:00 pm
-All Satmar shuls and schools under the leadership of Rav Aaron Teitelbaum will be closed until further notice.
-Crown Heights: Major outbreak hatzola member tells Hamodia the entire community is considered to have been exposed. 10 patients are on respirators
7:00 pm
-Some Lakewood shuls starting to close Stolin, Chabad on Central. Others remain open with strict guidelines and limitations.
- Bais Shabsi cancel weekday Minyanim closes shul will decide about shabbos
- R Gissinger shul 1 person per table rule will have 5 concurrent minyanim shachris.
- Kol Aryeh: Asking anyone over 60 not to come to shul
-England Chief Rabbi says all shuls should close.
-Lakewood Rosh Yeshiva Harav Yisrael Neuman wearing gloves by Krias Kedubah at a wedding in Lakewood today.
6:00 pm
-Urgent Plea from Lakewood Rabbonim: Unnecessary social interaction is a question of pikuach nefashos Mamish!
The only way a shul can remain open is by following guidelines. Mispalelim must stand 6 feet apart in all directions.
-Lakewood mosdos will be supplying lunch and snack free of charge to all children under the state summer lunch program. Schools and yeshivos set up pick up locations all over town everyone is eligible to participate.
-President Trump is expected to hold a conference call with leading rabbis admorim Jewish faith leaders from around the US, details to follow. Jake Turx on Twitter
5:00 pm
-OCHD has yet to report any positive case in Lakewood
-Rav Dovid Cohen shlita of Flatbush Gvul Yaavetz writes letter to all Rabbonim im Flatbush Midwood Marine Park to close the shuls until further notice
-FDNY inspectors sending out everyone now at the Ateres Avrohm hall in williamsburg in middle a wedding.
- Stolin shul in BP and Lakewood are closed, mispalelim in BP getting tested after a positive patient
- 4 Yidden died R"L from the corona virus 2 in Iran 1 in NY 1 in Italy
- drive-thru testing for the COVID-19 virus beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday at a urgent care center 479 Route 520 in Marlboro another opening at PNC bank arts center.
4:00 pm
OCHD: Woman from Jackson tests positive for Coronvirus, 3 more cases in Ocean County include a woman from Jackson, a woman from Berkeley and a male from Toms River.
-Wedding halls in Brooklyn Ateres Golda Eminence and others announce they are closing immediately
- Central court shul in Lakewood only 2 per table policy, no outsidersonly members, no kids under 12
- Early intervention services cancelled for 2 weeks
- Beginning today, all parks and playgrounds in Toms River will be closed to the public.
- 86% of people with coronavirus are walking around undetected, study says The findings indicated that these undocumented infections with no or mild symptoms known as “stealth” cases — were behind two-thirds of the reported patients.(NYP)
3:30 pm
-Bobov shul in BP being disinfected
-NJ Positive Cases now at 267 and 3 deaths
-NYC: Mayor de Blasio says New Yorkers should be prepared for shelter in place order. There are 814 confirmed cases in NY, 157 of them in Bklyn.
-NJ Murphy says no shelter in place considered yet but if no flatten the curve other drastic measures will be taken
-New Jersey all indoor shopping malls and amusement centers to close from 8 pm tonight until further notice to help battle the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Phil Murphy announced.
-Chai Urgent care says will only test 1. if you have come in contact with someone who has covid 19 symptoms. 2. Have symptoms yourself. 3. You are in high risk group
-Update from Lakewood Bikur Cholim: Any patients needing bloodwork done and are unable to leave their homes please call Bikur Cholim at 732.905.3020 We have purchased ten new oxygen concentrators and acquired three respirators Unfortunately, there are a few seriously ill patients locally. May Hashem help that it not spread further.
2:30 pm
-As situation escalates there is talk of possibly closing all shuls.
-Boro Park may be on lockdown after outbreak intensifies. Patients traced to a tish held on purim by Bobov.
-Boro Park Maimonidies hospital overwhelmed.
-Oakly Hills shul in Jackson Closed. Rav Micha Cohen shlita sent email notifying of rapid changing situation.
1:00 pm
- Over 100 Boro Park residents test positive for Coronavirus an urgent care clinic confirms. Lakewood so far has no reported case by the OCHD but dr's say that will likely change.
-Executive order in NYS for school closures no later than tomorrow 3/18/20 for 2 weeks.
-Dial in phone for Yom Tefilah 718-298-2077 at 1:30 pm Livestream torahanytime.org
-Tehillim in BMG with אבינו מלכנו by Mincha
12:00 pm
-Lakewood Balei Batim offering their large backyards to host weddings.
- Yom Tefillah - Torah Umesorah Tehillim recited together at 1:30 pm for all schools, children at home joining together to say kapitel צ''א ק''כ קכ''א ק''ל
11:30 am
-APP: "unlike other colleges, students at BMG won't be able to take classes online while the campus is closed, Kotler said. Students at BMG study the Torah and other rabbinical works in text form. Study halls are completely devoid of computers and students leave their cell phones outside".
Tuesday March 17, 2020 – כא 'אדר תש"פ URGENT PLEA FROM THE רבני העיר שליט"א
LOCAL PHYSICIANS and HATZOLAH OF CENTRAL JERSEY
The Rabbonim have been inundated with calls from very concerned members of our kehillah as how to proceed in these tumultuous times. In truth, these are very concerning times on many different levels. Hkb”h is truly testing us on many levels and we require rachamei shomayim merubim.
We would thus like to bring some of our insight to the general public. The Novel Covid19 Virus, is a brand- new virus which has not been seen prior to a few months ago. This virus has had devastating affects throughout the world. In some countries the death and destruction has been horrific. Hundreds of deaths per day, hospitals are overwhelmed and have no beds, staff and equipment. In some countries, patients as young as 60 are not being given respirators and sadly being left to die.
Other countries have taken extremely aggressive steps to lock down the country and the result has been far better and clearly saved thousands of lives. A group of doctors from Lakewood ran the projections of what has happened in other places similar to Lakewood and the results are frightening. Compounded is the fact that our hospitals are almost full to capacity as it is, and additional cases of the virus can completely overwhelm the system. We must make sure that we stop preventable deaths. We have spoken to frum Infectious Disease specialists who said that if we do not take drastic precautions the risk of death R”L is staggeringly high.
The only way to stop this is by ceasing the social contact with other people!
As such, we feel that unnecessary social interaction is a question of pikuach nefashos mamish!
Letter was written last night by Harav Micha Cohn shlita, kehilas Oakley Hills Jackson.
"I followed the unanimous advice of all three experts to put minyonim on hold as of now. As a shul I feel we can simply not take the responsibility to ignore the unanimous expert opinion. In such a situation we must err on the side of caution. If I overacted – I will be happy".
Dear Mispalelim Chashuvim,
I would like to update you as far as the current situation of the COVID-19 outbreak as it pertains to our community. Sunday night there was a conference call with many local doctors and Rabbonim with Dr. Elliot Frank, a specialist in infectious disease from Jersey Shore University Medical Center. On Monday afternoon there was a Rabbonim’s meeting at CHEMED with Dr. Ahron Glatt, an Infectious Disease specialist from New York and Dr. Freidman CEO of CHEMED. Later last night I spoke with Dr. Kofsky, (our Tzvi Eli’s father) who is an Infectious disease specialist from Brooklyn.
What we need to understand is a few points;
• While there are few confirmed cases in Lakewood, this is largely a result of the difficulty to test. It is believed that there are numerous cases, if not more. I know of plenty of people closely related to our community that have been in contact with individuals that may have the virus.
• The officials this week became very concerned of a mushroom affect, as is being seen in Italy when cases multiply rapidly when there is not proper containment.
• While the over 60 age group is at a far greater risk there are plenty of young people being hospitalized without preexisting conditions.
• A person could transfer the virus even before symptoms arise. This means that one person in a shul can infect many others, especially elderly, without knowing it
. • As of Monday the CDC prohibited gatherings of more than 50. Dr. Frank on Sunday night wanted the number to more like ten or max twenty.
• I was hoping that we could have small minyonim, possibly with 10-15 people outside with space apart. As of last night, given the rapidly changing situation, all the above doctors advised against that.
As a frum doctor in Lakewood, I am writing this to help people know what I believe they should be doing RIGHT NOW, based on halacha and on standard medical practice. These guidelines will protect yourselves, your families, the rest of our community, and will SAVE LIVES.
If YOU practice these guidelines, you will be fulfilling your responsibility as a member of the klal. Every single person who follows these guidelines might actually be saving a life, even if others do not follow these guidelines. The fewer people the virus can reach, the fewer people it can infect and the fewer people it can be transmitted to.
Hamodia- In a Mazeldige Shaah — Baalei Simchah Move Up Weddings to Beat Crowd Restrictions
“My Rebbi, Harav Avraham Pam, zt”l, imparted to his talmidim on many occasions that we must focus on the pnimius of the wedding, the essential elements of the chasunah and not the externals, which are just window dressing. If the focus is to begin building a bayis ne’eman b’Yisrael, and we concentrate on what the Eibishter wants, then we can accept it as His will.”
BROOKLYN, NY - “My brother’s son was scheduled to go to the chuppah Monday evening at 8:30, with the kabbalas panim called for 7:30,” said Chany. “I had appointments scheduled for my daughter to have her hair done at 4:00 pm. Suddenly, I got a call that the kabbalas panim was moved up to 4:30, with the chuppah at 5:30. I’m trying to get everything done by then, but if I can’t get an appointment, we will just have to make due with what we have.”
Monday morning’s announcement by NY, NJ and Connecticut that social gatherings of more than 50 people will be prohibited after 8:00 pm Monday evening triggered a rush of families who had planned their children’s wedding for the evening to reschedule them for early afternoon in order to be able to have their guests attend. Halls which had weddings booked are hurrying to be ready for the earlier start time, with some beginning as soon as 2:00 pm on Monday afternoon.
10:00 pm
-Effective immediately, all Lakewood Township Municipal Offices and Buildings are closed to the
public until further notice. Offices will remain open and staff members are available by phone and
email. Planning board meeting cancelled
-Rabbi Yaakov Bender message to parents that will stay home with children cherish the opportunity, bond with them show them how to clean a yiddishe house for Pesach get them involved
-Chase Bank are waiving late fees for those who have missed credit card payments due to the financial strains
9:00 pm
Bergen county invokes blue laws for 7 days 5 big shopping malls are closed, as is the county buildings closed
7:30 pm
-Voluntary encouraged Curfew will go into effect for the tri state area at 8:00 pm restaurants will only be open for take out or delivery. Supermarkets are open.
-Yeshiva asks everyone to say אבינו מלכנו furind davening because if the gezrira closing down the mekomos haTorah.
6:15 pm
-Lakewood schools will be open for tomorrow and close on Wednesday. Rebbeim will have call in conferencing. The yeshivos will not use the zoom online portal.
-Dr. Roberts shul KNA will close shortly
-Bais Mordechai restrictions only members can enter building no coffee or tea from 8:15-11:30 am
- Kol Aryeh will have parallel minyanim in the basement to keep crowds under 50
4:30 pm
Area Supermarkets placing limits on items. Stop n Shop cuts hours first hour in the morning will open only for seniors 60 and okder.
Staples offering free shipping no minimum
4:00 pm
-Day care centers can remain open in NJ
-Weddings in Lakewood tonight starting at 5:00 pm
-BMG Bochurim will spread out across Lakewood in groups of 50 learning in botei Medrash
- Tehillim for R Mutty Katz today 4:15 pm at 613 Madison avenue Lakewood situation took a turn for the worst.
2:30 pm
Lakewood Roshei Yeshiva write painful letter informing talmidim that Bais Medrash Govoha will have to close the botei medrashim and call on everyone to continue with limud HaTorah and Refills.
2:00 pm
- Canada closes border to non citizens. US citizens are allowed but will have to self isolate.
-NJ positive cases surges to 176
Lakewood health officials expecting a spike in positive cases once test results come back over 100 tested at local clinic takes 3-5 days for results.
1:00 pm
-Weddings getting pushed up some will relocate to smaller venues or outdoor backyards!
12:00 pm
-Colleges and universities included in closure. BMG will have to close.Youngeleit will learn at home or outdoors.
-Murphy on Twitter: All schools will be closed starting this Wednesday March 18.
Gathering of 50 or more will be banned.
Chasunas will be limited to 50
Businesses have to limit capacity to 50.
-All Branches of Ocean county library closed for 2 weeks
11:00 am
Torah Umesorah updates policy "It would be best to close our yeshivos and day schools during the coronavirus outbreak.
-Chestnut shul in Lakewood all minyanim will be held outdoors.
-Pesach programs in turmoil after limitations on gathering of 50 or more. Also people don't want to spend pesach together with a few hundred people.
10:30 am
-AT&T T- mobile Sprint Mint offering unlimited data for users. You can now use your phone as a hotspot
-Gov Murphy NJ,NY,CT anounces statewide curfew at 8:00 pm to 5am. Not mandatory or travel restrictions only strongly discouraged
- Restaurants Bars Gyms casinos must shut down tonight by 8 until further notice restaurants will only be able to offer takeout or delivery service. supermarkets will remain open.
- will follow CDC guidelines and limit gathering of 50 or more. This will limit chasunas and learning or davening.
9:45 am
NY, NJ, CT governors will make joint statement at 10 am
-Tehillim frum man in France critical with Coronavirus משה בן רוזט
- IRS to extend tax filing deadline
- US sticks halted as markets plunge
7:00 am
-Gov Murphy will close all schools in NJ today k-12 including yeshivos & Mesivtas.
-Lakewood Braces to deal with closed schools as Parents will be home with the children through Pesach bein hazmanim.
Businesses set up working from home, yeshivos settling up phone lines for each Rebbe to call in. Boys & Girls school coordinating to stagger phone conference times. Playgroups will close, kids will have to learn about prsach and Ma Nishtana at home.
- In NYC private schools can remain open despite public schools closings. Some boys yeshivos are staying open such as Yeshiva of Brooklyn, The Cheder, Bobov open with social distancing of 6 feet, Bobov 45 boys & girls open, Novominsk closed until after pesach.
-Ruling: Do not kiss stones at the Kosel because of the virus
-Orange county NY closes schools including yeshivas in Monroe
10:00 pm
Agudah of NJ official notice to Roshei Mosdos: Gov Murphy will announce closure of all schools Public and Private tomorrow and will go into effect shortly after. Schools and yeshivos are encouraged to make the necessary preparations.
-Supermarket owners in Lakewood -There is no shortage of food and no reason to panic no problem of the food supply
-DR. Shanik - If child is not feeling well don't come worrying about corona unless they were exposed, treat it as if they are just not feeling well
-Parents can come to their children for pesach unless someone was exposed to Caronavirus
-Hatzolah members wearing masks is no reason to suspect anything its only there as a precaution.
Patient who thinks they have Coronavirus will be treated as a regular medical emergency
-Dr shanik only 3% mortality rate no reason to panic even if you have the virus
9:00 pm
-Agudah of Chicago announce there is enough Matzah or those whose pesach travel plans have been cancelled Also Meals for Children the community will be offering drive-through pickup for free breakfast and lunch. The meals will be available for anyone ages 18 and under.
-Lakewood should calm down and relax: - Listen Live 9:00 pm HERE Q&A with Dr. Shanik, Hatzolah members and supermarket owners and Reb Sholom Mordechai Rubashkin to bring chizuk in Emuna and Bitachon on Radio Kol Berama 107.9 FM
-Rav Yisrael Reisman Torah Voddas never had to close for a few weeks in its 101 year history our response should be to take it seriously and hashem wants to see how we respond and make it a period of aliya better people from this whole experience
8:45 pm
-Lakewood private schools and yeshivos will close with order of Gov Murphy to shut schools statewide. Schools will be open for Tomorrow but bracing for closure as of Tuesday through Pesach.
- Whispering Pines shul sticks to one person per table rule.
- The Federal Reserve took massive emergency action Sunday to try to help the economy withstand the coronavirus by slashing its benchmark interest rate to near zero
8:00 pm
-CDC recommends no events of more than 50 people for next eight weeks could impact chasunas.
-Virtual Asifa tonight on Coronavirus by Rav Yisrael Reisman Rav Elya Brudny at Agudah.org at 8:15- 9:00 pm Phone: (718) 298-2077 ext. 42 watch Livestream HERE
7:45 pm
Harav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, and Harav Gershon Edelstein, shlita, decided to leave all Torah institutions open, including Yeshivos, Talmud Torahs and Kollelim. They urged to be vigilant with all guidelines of the Ministry of Health, which requires splitting into groups of no more than 10, etc.
- Name for Tehillim added to R' Motty Katz גימפל מרדכי דניאל בן שרה איטא
6:30 pm
-Prospect Square Shul closed after member comes in contact with patient who is positive
-Pawnee shul, Bais Shabsi: Mincha will be divided in 2. A-K outside. L-Z inside.
DeBlasio Shuts down NYC Schools including yeshivos
5:00 pm
Lakewood Patients exposed to cardiologist from ny who tested positive for Corona.
-Chemed statement after much confusion of people with symptoms not getting tested: Due to limited supply only testing pertinent cases. It's only a matter of time that Lakewood will have positive cases.
- Chaim Berlin Yeshiva and Mesivta closed
4:30 pm
Agudah update: Infectious disease specialists are now strongly recommending extreme measures to severely limit all social or communal gatherings, including closing shuls and schools . These necessary, preventative steps deserve strong consideration, even in communities that have not experienced appreciable incidences of COVID-19. The tipping point has been reached.
· Where shuls have closed, people should not unsafely congregate in house minyanim , as this will defeat the purpose.
· Mikvaos need not close, but should enhance their cleaning protocols, and should not include any congregating. A woman who exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend the mikvah before consulting her doctor and Rav.
4:00 pm
-Report: New Jersey Gov Murphy says a statewide closure of public schools is "imminent."anoucement tomorrow.
- Yeshiva Toras Emes- Kaminetz in Flatbush was closed Sunday morning, due to a suspected coronavirus case in a high-school teacher.
-Gov Murphy - 31 new positive test results since yesterday, bringing our statewide total to 98.
- Lakewood school will stay open for tomorrow pending an order from Gov. Phil Murphy closing all schools in the state The decision to stay open is driven in part by the fact that parents in the district cannot afford to stay home from work.
2:00 pm
Couple in EY gets married in Osher Ad supermarket were 100 people are allowed instead of the limit of 10. Other couples getting married outdoors in the streets all over the country.
-Please continue to daven for מרדכי דניאל בן שרה איטא in critical condition from Corona virus at Cornell medical center
-Lakewood Physician: Because there are no tests people may have the virus and not know.
-chemed reportedly only testing unless one was in contact with a known positive case or was in a hotspot atea
1:00 pm
Tehillim B'tzibur across Lakewood in BMG and shuls around town at 1:15 pm atzeres hisoirerus in BMG 1:00 pm
Bais Medrash of Beacon Ridge in Lakewood (Heichal Tzvi) closed and being sanitized after 2 members were in contact over Purim with an infindivid who tested positive for Coronavirus. They have not been tested but experiencing symptoms.
1:00 am
Panic shopping- Stores begin to restock experts said food supply chain is good for now but some disruptions can occur if theres labor shortage or restrictions on transport. Also millions of Americans who previously got food at restaurants or in school or at work cafeterias will have to serve themselves at home, with food bought from grocery big-box enterprises.
-Dr Stuart H. Ditchek, pediatrician from Flatbush calling on all Jewish schools and yeshivos to close immediately and not follow NYC Mayor Deblasio lead in keeping schools open. Shuls should close as well. He begs parents not to send children to school. Children will get exposed and pass it on to family members parents and grandparents.
-Israeli police went to elementary schools that defied the gov ban and stayed open Based on Rav Chaim Kanievsky ruling and threatened with legal action if they didnt shut down.
-Rockland county will issue updated guidelines Details of the final actions will be announced on Monday, March 16, at 1:00 PM (expect shul closures)
12:00 am
-7 family members in Telz Stone test Positive, the entire community may have to quarantine
-Please say tehillim for מרדכי דניאל בן שרה איטא - who was diagnosed with corona and is on a respirator R"L chaplain at NYU hospital in NYC (Reb Motty Katz)
-Member of Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi Rav Feitmans shul in Cedarhurst, NY tests positive for Coronavirus, shul closed down immediately
- Stolin B"M in Lakewood guidelines those 28 above will daven in the main shul, under 28 in Ezras Nashim, no davening in hallways, kids under bar mitzva only allowed with a parent only 3 ppl per table
- Outdoor Minyanim for Krias Hatorah took place this Shabbos every hour on the hour from 11 AM through 3 PM
- Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, the spiritual leader of the Shul of Bal Harbour, FL has been diagnosed with coronavirus, all minyanim, classes and programs canceled
11:00 pm
- Satmar instituting sanitary precautions for the mikva no children under bar mitzva allowed,men over 60 should be mindful of going or go earlier before the crowds, everyone should wear crocs and shower pre and dry off after
-Please say tehillim for מרדכי דניאל בן שרה איטא - who was diagnosed with corona and is on a respirator R"L chaplain at NYU hospital in NYC (Reb Motty Katz)
-American Dream mall will be closed starting Monday
10:00 pm
-Passaic closing all shuls
-Lakewood schools and Yeshivos k-12 bracing for possible shut down order by Gov. Murphy early this week. Teachers and corriculum coordinators preparing learning material through Pesach.
-Lakewood school district settling up wifi hot spots with Altice USA for internet around town for the remote learning
as many students don't have internet access.
-Seasons kosher in Lakewood departments are freshly and fully stocked for this week's shopping, including our Meat & Grocery Departments.
-Arlington shul in Lakewood disenfecting the building (LNN)
9:00 pm
-2nd patient in Ocean County tests positive a pregnant women from Toms River, NJ currently in stable condition, Other patient is a 70 year old man from Manchester he is recovering at Ocean Medical Center in Brick.
-Chasunas taking place now in Israel at 3am before ban takes effect to only allowing 10 people to gather indoors together.
-Israel no more gathering of more than 10 people for 5 weeks! non essential facilities will be closed all mens mikvaos shut across the country no schools, restaurants, shopping malls, judicial systems, government offices. food stores, pharmacies, hospitals will stay open
-N.J.’s major power companies won’t shut off service for non-payment during coronavirus outbreak
-Teaneck, NJ mayor urges all residents of the town to self quarantine after 18 positive cases of Coronavirus in a town of 40,000 people. Bergen county has 31 cases 18 in Teaneck.
-ADL: Conspiracy theory that Jews created virus spreads on social media,
-Toms River schools will be closed including busing.
-Lakewood Botei medrash in yeshiva will not shut voluntarily unless mandated all cleaning crews on hand and hygiene strictly enforced
-All yeshivos in Chicago k-12 will be close from March 17- March 30 per goverment mandate
BS"D
Erev Shabbos Kodesh, Parshas Ki Sisa/Parshas Parah
March 13, 2020/ 17 Adar 5780
Lichvod the Incredible Far Rockaway Community amu"sh:
Shalom U'vracha and A Gutten Erev Shabbos Kodesh to all. I sincerely hope that this e-mail finds everyone managing well, bi'ruchniyus u'vi'gashmiyus, under the challenging circumstances surrounding us at this time.
With a broken and heavy heart, I write to you all after an hour and half conference call with the Roshei Yeshivos shlit"a and Rabbonim shlit"a of the Far Rockaway community (and some beyond). Our final decision was in conjunction with the Posek HaDor, HaRav Dovid Feinstein shlit"a, in light of recent news that came to our attention this afternoon regarding some individuals within our
After a 1 hour 40 minute conference call between all community Rabbonim and Harav Dovid Feinstein, shlita, it was just decided that ALL shuls in the Far Rockaway and Five Towns community will be closing for Shabbos. (Hamodia)
-The OU The OU arranged a live kabalas Shabbos at 6pm for the thousands of homebound mispallelim
5:30 pm
- The Jackson School District will be CLOSED beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 until further notice. Remote Learning Plans will begin then. no transportation either for children going to Lakewood schools.
Lakewood school district expected to close early next week after students are given instructions for home remote learning plans.
- Letter with unsigned names of BMG Roshei Yeshiva on it issue guidelines based on prominent Lakewood doctors : People should refrain from shaking hands, not kiss sefer Torah or Mezzuzza, anyone who suspects they may have a virus or cold or fever should not daven in a large minyan but join a smaller one.
-Yeshivas Bais Hatalmud in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn will be splitting its Shacharis minyan this Shabbos – one in the bais medrash, and the other in the dining room downstairs – to increase spacing among mispallelim, due to coronavirus fears. Additionally, the yeshiva will be replacing its trademark towels with paper towels. (Hamodia)
3:00 pm
1 confirmed case of Coronavirus in Ocean county NJ
--Yeshiva Darchei Torah Rabbi Bender will close all it's schools for Sunday & Monday while they disinfect the buildings and will update afterwards
- Crown Heights 3 confirmed cases of covid19 all schools closed. They are expecting a large outbreak in the community
2:00 pm
- Gov. Murphy- Limitations on public gatherings may become Mandatory.
-Gov Murphy- school closings will happen state wide is "when" but not a 'if". They are preparing for closure but want to make sure all kids will have food security and remote learning set up since student rely on those meals.
- BMG will have a atzeres Tefillah on Sunday 1:00 pm for the spread of the Virus and the potential Bittul Torah of closing yeshivos. Everyone is asked to learn 2 Halachos of Sefer Chofetz Chaim with their Families.
Mesamchei Lev has teamed up with Bingo wholesale in Lakewood to carry discount bulk products for pesach. The promotion will go on for 2 weeks starting Sunday March 15 - March 29 no pre orders necessary and absolutely no restrictions. see product list below
יום ה' לפרשת ולא יהיה בהם נגף בפקוד אתם
Chasunas:
Modes - Lieberson at Ateres Chana Hall Bais Faiga
Sokol - Plotnik at Kesser Moshe Yehuda Lakewood Cheder
Vort: Hachosson Mendy Abrams to Hakallah Malky Ottensoser at 68 Madison Ave, Lakewood 7:30 pm
Vort: Hachosson Rafael Baruch Tepper to Hakallah Rochel Schechter at Estréia, 978 River Avenue Lakewood 7:30 pm
Mir Yeshiva Yerushalayim will set up satellite locations in the US for bochurim to finish the zman. There will be a live-stream video shiur from The yeshiva and learning will go on for 2 sedarim daily.
5:25 pm
Satmar only those under 60 years old can use the mikvah
Frum schools in Baltimore are closing for 2 weeks
Stores in Lakewood running low on Meat and chicken as people panic amid rumors that some patients in Lakewood tested positive. Ocean county Health Dept has not reported or confirmed.
4:45 pm
-Today was the Worst day for the stock market since the crash in 1987
- Trump may restrict domestic travel
-3 Seminaries in Israel chartered a flight and sending the girls home. (BJJ, Seminar)
3:30 pm
NJ now has 29 positive cases
Lakewood school heads meet prepare for eventually if they will have to shut down
NY bans all gatherings of 500 people or more and rooms may only be full to half capacity a room allowed 200 can only have 100
Schools in EY will be closed till after Pesach
NJ Gov Murphy all Public gathering of more than 250 should be cancelled. It is only A recommendation not Mandatory.
Lakewood stores limiting cases of water and tissues.
Pesach Program in Arizona canceled.
Unconfirmed reports circulating of suspected coronavirus patients in Lakewood, no statement issued from Ocean county board of health
Lakewood school district approved the purchase of up to 500 new Apple iPADS for students to study from home in case schools shut down because of coronavirus. It will cost $200,000 subject to survey results and availability of funds.
School buses will deliver meals to all eligible students each morning dropping off a brown bag breakfast and lunch parents will pick it up at the designated bus stops.
Torah Umesorah hosts conference call for yeshivas and school principles with infectious disease experts recommending that schools close but will be up to each one to make the decision.
Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky daily kabolas kahal and reception of visitors at his home is temporarily canceled, due to a Health Ministry directive banning congregations of over a hundred people.
Jackson busing will be delayed tomorrow morning for 2 hours as officials meet about the virus.
STATEMENT FROM
TORAH UMESORAH'S VAAD ROSHEI YESHIVA
IN REGARD TO HOW YESHIVOS AND DAY SCHOOLS SHOULD RESPOND TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
We have been asked, in light of the pandemic spread of the terrible coronavirus, whether yeshivos and day schools should close down until the danger of infection has passed.
It is our opinion, at least as of now, and at least in cities or municipalities where public and private schools are not required to close, that yeshivos and day schools should remain open. The koach haTorah generated by tinokos shel bais rabban is inestimable, and is urgently needed in times like these.
The general consensus among health officials at this time appears to be that schools may remain open, as evidenced by the fact that most local health authorities have not at this point ordered the wholesale closing of schools, neither public schools nor private schools. We do not think that yeshivos and day schools need to hold themselves to a different standard than that determined appropriate for neighboring public or private schools.
Of course, yeshivos and day schools must do all in their power to minimize any risk of students or staff becoming infected by the coronavirus. Large gatherings should be avoided. Good hygienic habits must be
Last night the board accepted the proposed budget and it will be sent to the county and state for final approval after a public hearing in May, 2020. The school budget increased by $32 Million dollars from last year up 18% for a total of $204,266,868, from $172,492,195.
Lakewood property owners will pay an average of $150 more after the district taxed to the maximum allowed of 3%.
Included in the budget is a loan request for a whopping $61 million dollars. Lakewood already owes the state $80 million dollars in loans that have to be repaid and now are asking for an additional 61 million which means to put it bluntly Lakewood Taxpayers will owe the state $140 million dollars!!!!
The board members initially voted no on the budget hoping that the state monitor would override and approve but he said he will not do so this time and left it up to the board. District officials including the board attorney instructed the board members that they must pass some part of the budget in order to start the process. In the end the board voted for it with contingencies that they do not approve the loan and the state must kick in with aid to pay for mandated services. Officials acknowledged the craziness of kicking the can down the road if this would be a business they would have gone bankrupt. They mentioned the ongoing lawsuit of Aaron Lang that can hopefuly increase state aid to Lakewood
The 30 million expenses that went up from last year includes additional $7 million for Schi school
another Million for custodial workers after they unionized
payroll is going up 10% another 5 million because the district is giving raises of 3.5% and new hires.
professional services goes up 1 million which includes legal architectural services
Charter school is up to 5.7 Million
172,492,195 to
the loan 83 million loan town owes 80 million dollars to the state in projected loans of 139 million dollars 204 this is unsustainable and could bankrupt based upon information $100 assessed at increase on the average home assessed at 332k
boe raises property taxto the max of 2.94%
