An image portraying how funerals have changed in response of the COVID-19 pandemic, including reduced attendance, face masks, and social distance between attendees.
Rabbi Mark Urkowitz teaches his weekly Torah class, now via Zoom, for the residents of The Medallion, a Jewish senior care facility in Houston, May 2020. Photo credit: Stephanie Kleiner
From the collections of the Houston Jewish History Archive, Woodson Research Center, Rice University
Capital Camps' first ever Virtual Havdalah. 150 Camp Families connected with them over Zoom and facebook live, and even more have watched the recording posted to their facebook page. It was a magical evening connecting their camp community across the US and globe
As the COVID-19 pandemic forced communities to change how they celebrated religious holidays, Dr. Ron Moses sought to fill a need in his community. As the rabbi of his church planned to host Seder service over Zoom, they realized they would need a Haggadah that would fit with the transition to a socially-distanced, virtual meeting place. The "Express Haggadah" would fit on a single sheet, keep family members engaged, work for those leading Seder for the first times, and still be able to be a beautiful family heirloom. Dr. Moses and his son distributed the "Express Haggadah" to members of their community themselves.
This urgent community warning urges out-of-staters to avoid coming to Florida for Pesach, citing a Halachic requirement to keep their communities safe and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
This notice from the CrownHeights.info editor announces that they will no longer publish information on any public or private gatherings taking place in Crown Heights in attempt to discourage such gatherings and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
AsktheRav.com allows members of the Jewish community to ask any Halachic questions they may have. According to the website, "AskTheRav is affiliated with the Beis Din of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY, and with the Va’ad Hakohol of Crown Heights. The AskTheRav project is overseen by Rabbi Yosef Yeshaya Braun, Morah D’Asra and executive member of the Beis Din. All answers are reviewed by Rabbi Braun." This question (tagged under אבילות (mourning), Coronavirus, and Shiva) asks whether a partner has to make up days of Shiva they missed if they were placed in a medically-induced coma for seven days. AsktheRav replied by saying that they do not have to make up those missed days.
This article from BoroPark24-- a Jewish news outlet in Brooklyn, New York-- allowed readers to click a link to track the location of a truck, which helped residents of Boro Park celebrate Birchas Ilanos.
Rabbi Adam Starr posted this infographic on his personal Facebook page, letting his friends know he will be visiting a different area of Toco Hills each week for a socially-distanced "Just For Kiddush" visit outside congregants' houses.
Listed under Breaking News on matzav.com, this article advertises the Pesach Box to readers. The box was created as a response to COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings, offering a $199 box of kitchen equipment needed to make Pesach at home. The box is intended for "Lakewood, Toms River, Jackson, Passaic and Clifton, NJ, families only who are making Pesach for their first time only and who do not yet have Pesach kitchen wares."
Sixth Street Community Synagogue released this statement on May 25, 2020, announcing that they would remain closed due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement came as Governor Cuomo (NY) allowed religious institutions to hold services of no more than 10 people (with masks and social distancing in place).
Congregation Beth Israel in Portland, Oregon was first established in 1858, It is currently part of the Union of Reform Judaism. The congregation is dedicated to meaningful spiritual experience and commitment to social justice.
Since mid March of 2012 CBI has reached out to those most vulnerable to Covid-19 and offered events and services on Zoom and other platforms.
This Facebook post from the Hebrew Free Burial Association ask for used Talleisim, regardless of condition. The Talleisim should be mailed to Mount Richmond Cemetery, 420 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10306.
As COVID-19 affects the way people interact, this advert prompts people to reach out if they are spending Pesach alone or as a caretaker, especially if they are prone to depression and suicidal ideation. A url listed on the image (tiny.cc/jewishmentalhealth) brings users to a Google Sheet with volunteers people can reach out to.
Shalom Y'all, a triannual publication of the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL), documents ISJL programs across a thirteen-state southern region. This issue outlines the organization's programs and services, with a focus on changes to programming in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
