Rabbi Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Lockdown

I have a certain nostalgia for the lockdowns we experienced. At first, I admit, it was indeed frightening and oh so constraining. But slowly, as we moved our center of balance inwards, we discovered a whole new world that had been all but forgotten.

The great wonder of the body and the soul

We know that the coronavirus is a disease, and that it's not good for us. But our body cells do not know that the omicron is their enemy/How can it be?

Frustration

There is no question that the most prevalent and constant feeling during our lifetime is that of frustration. However, there is also a very bright silver lining that is to be found within this dark cloud of frustration.

Why Does G-d Test Me With Such Difficult Challenges?

Rav Uriel Tuito of Beit El delivers an important answer to a series of similar but different questions on a critically crucial topic.

After Corona

I certainly feel it is safe to say that for most of Israel and its citizens, the year of Corona has passed. However, we are all aware that the year of Corona has left indelible scars on the population of our country.

Refund for Bar Mitzva Cancelled Due to Covid – part I

based on ruling 80099 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts

based on ruling 80099 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts

The Depths of Winter

We really cannot complain about this past winter, for it was a winter of abundant rain, nevertheless, winter is winter, and the short days and long nights can be depressing, especially since this winter brought with it two severe lockdowns occasioned by the continuing ravages of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Workplace Requirement for Vaccination

A business owner demands that his employees be vaccinated against Corona due to the type of work done and makes them sign a waiver of claims for damages stemming from the vaccine. Can an employer make such a demand and transfer risk to a reluctant employee?

Behavior during Kedusha of Street Minyanim

My neighborhood is filled with outdoor Covid 19 minyanim. I was walking down the street on Shabbat and a minyan across the street was in the middle of Kedusha. In such cases, do I need to stop, keep my feet together, and respond to Kedusha until they are done, or may I continue walking?

Mutations

I am certain that all of us have become knowledgeable regarding the subject of mutations. In my opinion, mutations are not strictly limited to viruses. The truth is that all societies continually mutate.

Taking a Shot

Lifted Spirits

At the Shabbat Table

At the Shabbat Table

Even the Details of a Sickness Like Corona- Are Important

Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 250

For we, who believe that God runs the world, even the smallest details of a sickness, like Corona, are significant and meant to be noticed and analyzed. Just as Hashem speaks to us through Torah, He also does so through how He runs the world and its challenges, as well. We must utilize each challenge to grow, but our soul-searching must be within ourselves and not, as Job's friends tried, suggesting that he sinned on this or that, to deserve his sickness and tragedies. The class discusses also some of the inevitable outcomes of the Corona Covid virus.

Davening Outside with Gloves

I daven in an outdoor minyan due to Corona. Is it permitted to wear gloves while davening in cold temperatures?

Corona Conundrum

At the Shabbat Table

At the Shabbat Table

Isolated Chance

At the Shabbat Table

The man didn't stay in quarantine, the police came to look for him. What did his wife do?

Lockdown Fever

Open Orthodoxy

Corona Policies and Clarifications for Yom Kippur

We will review some practical issues for Yom Kippur that are likely to come up this year, in the shadow of Corona. Although local rabbis will address many of them and public policy may change, we assume our discussion will be helpful.

Shut questions on Corona

A Kaddish without a Minyan. B Responding to Kaddish or Kedusha heard over the phone. C Praying at the same time the community is praying. D Reciting Hagomel following recovery from the coronavirus. E Automated hand washing system on Shabbat and Yom Tov. F Guidelines for hearing the Megillah for people in quarantine. G How to conduct a quick Seder. H Using a microphone for services on Yamim Noraim. I Automated Temperature screening on Shabbat and Yom Tov. J Participation in a Siyum by Skype. K 100 Blasts for the Homebound. L Covering a shofar with a mask.