COVID 19 | Guidelines from Chief Rabbi

Dear Friends

At this time of great challenge we must be strong and determined. With the advent of the newly reported cases of those infected with the coronavirus in our community, there are a number of new guidelines with regards to shul and simcha gatherings that have been developed under the direction of Prof Barry Schoub, founding director of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, and Dr Richard Friedland, CEO of Netcare.

These guidelines, which have been discussed with and endorsed by the Beth Din and senior Rabbis, are not easy for us, but it so important that we work together vigilantly and without compromise to adhere to them so that we can impede the spread of the coronavirus.

New guidelines:

1. Shul services can continue as normal, but people should take all necessary precautions, such as hand-washing, etc, as per original guidelines. In addition, it is advisable to maintain safe distances (around 2m) when sitting in shul.

2. No kissing or direct touching of the Torahs or mezuzahs.

3. It is advisable that the elderly and immunocompromised not come to shul.

4. Anyone returning from overseas must go into 14-day self-quarantine. Other members of their family can come to shul, except for children under bar/batmitzvah as per schools' guidelines. However, if a member of the family is tested as positive for having the virus, the whole family must go into quarantine.

5. Shul brochas should be cancelled until further notice.

6. Shiurim can continue, but with a safe distance between people and all the other necessary precautions taken.

7. Family simchas such as weddings and barmitzvahs can go ahead, but the attendance should be as small as possible, ideally limited to close family, with all the correct precautions taken.

8. Family members from overseas should not attend the simcha until their 14-day quarantine period is completed.

9. At simchas, there should be no physical contact between people even when dancing, and with a safe distance maintained at all times.

10. Mikveh use can continue as normal, except for women who have the virus. Those in quarantine should contact the mikveh for special guidance on how they can use it. The Beth Din will be providing the mikvehs with instructions in this regard.

This is a very difficult situation, but let’s all pull together. The important thing is that each one of us takes personal responsibility to create the safest environment for us all. If we stand united and give each other strength, then we will be able to come through together as a community and rise to these challenges.

May Hashem bless our community, our country and our world with health and healing.

With blessings

Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein