Across the United States and countries worldwide, schools are shuttering, events are being postponed, synagogue services are canceling or severely curtailing services, local communal resources such as libraries have closed, and supermarkets are running out of supplies as people knuckle down and head inside to halt the spread of the coronavirus. It is in this reality that Jewish communities are searching for ways – and instituting them – to support and provide strength to their constituents.
The moves come as cases of the novel coronavirus have continued to increase with nearly 140,000 people infected worldwide before the start of Shabbat. In the United States, more than 1,260 people have been diagnosed with the virus as of Friday.
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Representatives for the various streams of Judaism, along with the Jewish Federation of North America, have created webpages advising congregations and communities of how to deal with the virus. The guidelines come as rabbis, clergy and communal leaders try to reassure and provide sustenance for already jittery members, particularly those with young children, while ensuring that the elderly and others at risk remain at the top of their concerns.
Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, told JNS, "We are focused first and foremost on helping the most vulnerable populations, especially those isolated and cut off from community-based programs, those struggling with mental health issues, people who are losing income and whose living situations may become compromised.
Together, 146 Federations and 300 network communities support a network of social-service agencies and organizations that deliver to these populations locally and globally, and they need urgent support."
Among those working to ensure that people have what they need is the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, where Jewish day schools are closed and some members of the local community are in quarantined.
"Caring for one another and helping to keep our community safe are the top priorities of the Cleveland Federation," said Robert Berick, the JFC's marketing director. "To that end, we are working closing with local agencies to ensure the vital programs and services continue with minimal disruption. Similarly, we are actively looking for new and creative ways to maintain a strong sense of togetherness and connection in a time when so many feel isolated."
Beyond the Federation, leaders of major Jewish denominations – Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist – were issuing statements and guidance to members.
Both the Reform and Conservative movements are planning to hold virtual service options so that people who are under quarantine or are immune-compromised or otherwise don't feel comfortable being out in a group setting have a way to participate in Shabbat services.
"Live-streaming can be a literal lifeline for such community members who can't be at synagogue physically, but still want to connect with their place of worship," said an online post from the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism.
"When using live-streaming, it's recommended that clergy and lay leaders acknowledge the presence of the virtual community."
The Central Conference of American Rabbis, the rabbinic arm of the Union for Reform Judaism, urged people to utilize technology to stay in touch.
"As we collectively fight to save lives and eliminate this virus, we encourage all who are able to avail themselves of online gatherings and conventions, virtual learning and classes, live streaming of worship services, even pastoral care via telephone or video conferencing," said the CCAR memo.
"While human touch undeniably adds meaning to our relationships and our lives, these efforts are necessary to preserve our health. As Jewish tradition counsels: 'Each of us is enjoined to guard our lives' (Joshua 23:13) and 'Saving even one life is tantamount to saving the entire world' (Sanhedrin 4:9)."
Similarly, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) announced online resources for members.
"USCJ, together with our partners at the Rabbinical Assembly, has compiled an extensive list of resources on our
Reprinted with permission from JNS.org.
