Florida Jews to New Yorkers: Don’t Come Here Pesach

An unprecedented letter written by 35 Orthodox Rabbis and 9 doctors in Florida telling Jews from out of state "it is halachically prohibited and medically irresponsible to come for Pesach." Full Story

March 19, 2020 – 23 Adar 5780

By COLlive reporter

An unprecedented public letter was written by 35 Orthodox rabbis and 9 medical professionals in Florida in an effort to halt the spread of coronavirus in their communities.

They are demanding of New Yorkers and Jews of other states not to visit.

“To all those from out of state considering spending Pesach here in Florida: It’s Halachically prohibited and medically irresponsible to come for Pesach,” they wrote in their letter on Thursday.

The Sunshine State has been a popular destination for many frum Jews to spend the 8-day holiday. The warm climate, area attractions and access to kosher food and institutions has led many from the Tri-State area and elsewhere to join the Pesach programs in hotels or rent villas there.

But the rabbis and doctors said that the Florida health care system is currently overburdened and an influx of new patients can lead to deaths. “In addition to being a chillul Hashem, we have a Halachic requirement to keep our communities safe,” they said.

They added, “If you choose to come anyways, jeopardizing the lives of many in Florida, you must quarantine for 14 days. This means no leaving the house, no excursions, no beach, no pool, no restaurants, etc.

They informed that local Shuls, Mikvahs, restaurants, Chabad Houses, organizations and other establishments “will not be able to accommodate you for davening, mikvah, meals, tickets to parks or similar.”

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Guest

14 day quarantine

Is that for going to any state?

Guest

Elderly

I would imagine that they are particularly worried about Florida because of the high percentage of senior citizens that live there, which we know that is deadly for them to contract Coronavirus

Guest

Thank You Rabbis

In Florida we have a very large population of elderly people very much at risk PLEASE abide by the above letter.
All shules are closed, we have no minyan for you, all mikvehs are closed, all attractions are shuttered, beaches and parks closed.
Lets all have Pesach together in the beis Hamikdash hashlishi immediately!!!

Guest

Thank YOU rabbis AND doctors

its important to know for anyone coming from out of state, our shuls and yeshivos are closed, many of our kosher stores will ONLY SELL to residents. All businesses are closed here except for grocery stores and pharmacies. THe beaches and public parks are closed. The chillul Hashem would be horrific. not to mention sakanas nefashos to all who live here. This goes for any city any where. everyone has been instructed to STAY HOME that means STAY HOME>

Guest

enforce the store ban strictly against out of stat

don’t be afraid if these out of towners threaten legal action. You as a supermarket owner are answerable only to Hashem. If they cannot prove they are a Florida resident DO NOT LET THEM IN YOUR STORE. LEt them go to 7-11 or shoprite NOT IN YOUR STORE.

Guest

This will in no doubt save lives

This will save countless lives

Guest

Sad that it has to said

I am shocked anybody is even considering travelling anywhere, state-to-state or certainly internationally, at this time. Stay indoors please.

Guest

Sad but true

Unfortunately there are many that simply are selfish and do not care and plan on coming down to FL. I’ve already seen people slinking in. B”H so far I (personally) have NOT seen anyone from the Chabad community. But have from others. It is shameful.

Guest

I get it, but...

Wonder if they will be happy if NYers don’t come at all
Their economy depends on the tourists!

Guest

Yes we would

That would be a dream come true if NYers stopped coming to Florida. We who live here would be ecstatic.

Guest

Everything is canceled

Theres no tourism happening right now.

Guest

THIS TIME OF CRISIS

Now is the time to use that money in helping our communities.
Think how are people physically going to get what they need? There will be lots of logistics meeded this year and it will require money and the right ma power.

Guest

To Travel or Not

With hotels now closing along with beaches and other attractions, of course it makes sense for others not to travel into FL.
But for stores to ban anyone without a Florida license is illegal under interstate commerce laws.
What about snowbirds and college kids ? Can they not shop?

Guest

Pesach in Florida

While I agree traveling now to another state for Pesach seems insane, the fact is “Orlando” where many were planning on going isn’t a residential area with senior citizens. It’s the opposite. Villas for vacation rentals & holidays. To simply rule out the entire state of Florida is a bit excessive & easier said than done.