Tishrei this
year will present several conflicting goals. On the one hand, the Yomim Nora’im
are the focal point of our national aspirations. The tefilla of the tzibur
into which we all unite enables us to plead our case before Hashem during these
auspicious days, through which we hope to secure His blessings for the whole of
the ensuing year. The second half of the month is marked by Sukkos, a time for
sublime joy culminating in Simchas Torah with its dancing and partying.
By contrast,
these very activities of tefilla betzibur
and of merrymaking are the principle fertile breeding grounds for the
mushrooming of COVID-19. While it is true that, right now, the serious illness
rate of hospitalizations, ventilator supports, and deaths are, baruch Hashem, much lower than during
the outbreak of Pesach time, the potential seriousness should not be dismissed.
It must be recognized that the disease rate continues to rise, and that life
will not be secure until it passes. While it is likely this outbreak will
resolve, either spontaneously as the flu epidemic of 100 years ago did or with
the development of an effective vaccine, the time frame is quite unknown.
The editors
of this magazine asked me to write a few words regarding best practice
guidelines for Sukkos and Simchas Torah. Recognizing that these are hallowed days
in which we all revel in being especially close and intermingled, they raise
special logistical issues and threats. The following guidelines should be
considered:
·
To
propagate, the COVID-19 virus requires clusters of people. Its spread can be
mitigated by keeping people who do not normally live together apart from each
other. Limiting the density of people in shul will be necessary this year.
·
Situations
which require vigilance and avoidance include crowded shuls, lobbies, entrance
and exit points, kiddush venues, etc.
·
Respiratory
droplets are the principle route through which the virus migrates from one
person to another. Masks are an effective way to place a barrier to such flow
and should always be worn.
·
Distance
of more than six feet is another effective way to interrupt passing of the
virus.
·
Although
surface contamination and spread seems to be of lesser importance, frequent
hand washing can further reduce the risk of viral spread. Hand holding, as in
dancing, should be avoided. Gloves and sashes are a useful way to reduce skin
contact.
·
Outdoor
events with good ventilation and circulation of air can also reduce viral
exposure by diluting the viral load. Outdoor activities are always preferable
to indoors.
·
Sukkah
construction may enable better ventilation. Further risk reduction can be
achieved by opening the sides and by separation within the sukkah of people who
do not normally live together.
·
During
Simchas Torah dancing, hand holding and close, crowded conditions should be
avoided. Adequate liquid soap and water should be available and used
frequently. Avoid using common utensils at a kiddush.
Other than being placed in a
sterile, hermeneutically-sealed bubble, there is no single, 100 percent
effective way to block the virus. However, by applying each of these guidelines,
the risk can be reduced. Their application is cumulative; the more restrictions
are adhered to, the greater the reduction of the risk.
Presumably, a
balance scale is called mozna’im
because of its resemblance to a pair of ears. The use of the same word for
balance and for ear suggests another idea: Ears can best hear opinions which
are reasoned and balanced. The confusion that characterizes the wide range of
views regarding every aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic has spawned numerous so-called
expert assessments right across the spectrum. In truth, there are no fully
knowledgeable experts. But there are balanced views. These are informed by the
medical facts, as they are known, as well as the social, educational, communal,
economic, and psychologic dimensions of the impact these opinions have.
Hopefully,
our tefillos during these lofty days
will be accepted as we all seek a year blessed with good health, peace,
tranquility, and fulfillment, culminating in the geula shleima.
