03/26/2020
Dear members and friends
One of the greatest mitzvahs in the Torah is וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּם מְאֹד לְנַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם (to safeguard and watch over one’s health) me’od (very much). Very much means to the nth degree. Recently, a letter had been sent out signed by the rabbanim and many of the doctors of South Florida stating that it is absolutely forbidden for anyone from NY to come to Florida. Anyone who does so is not only violating a biblical command, but you are literally putting people’s lives in danger. One who does this should be ostracized by the Jewish community and if you are a member of our Young Israel and you are coming here from NY, you will have no place in our shul in the future.
On a second note, in consultation with prominent halachic authorities and a well-known infectious disease specialist with whom I consult on a regular basis, let me state unequivocally that one is absolutely forbidden to invite anyone to their Pesach seder. The only people allowed at the Seder is the immediate nuclear family that you are already with.
We realize how painful this must be not to invite someone who is alone for Pesach or to have grandchildren grace your Seder. But the number one mitzvah for this Yom tov is to watch one’s health and save lives. Again, anyone in our Young Israel who sees fit to ignore these warnings has no place in our shul. One who saves a life is as if he has saved the entire world. Our service to G-d during these trying times is to save lives. Those who listen to my directives are fulfilling the greatest mitzvah and will be showered by G-d with much blessing. Those who do not adhere to these rulings are contributing to the ill health and, G-d forbid, death of others, and the consequences will be on your shoulders.
Please, I beg all of you, take what has been stated here to heart. I want all of you to be healthy and well. Today is Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the month of freedom and miracles. May Hashem bring us the miracle we so desperately desire, which is freedom from the Corona plague.
With love and admiration,
Rabbi Moshe Gruenstein
