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Some Important Guidelines from the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Yitzchat Yosef

July 29, 2020

Forwarded by Rabbi Eliyahu Tal

  • A verified coronavirus carrier who suffers from symptoms or excessive weakness is exempt from fasting, and may eat only that which is necessary. And since he is ill there is no need to eat in small measured portions, rather one may eat as usual.

  • A verified carrier not suffering any symptoms must fast, unless the doctor tells him to eat so that he does not become ill. In this case one should eat and drink in measured portions like one would on Yom Kippur in similar circumstances. And if a doctor says one is defined as ill, then he should eat and drink as usual.

  • Asymptomatic carriers in isolation must fast.

  • A patient who had suffered severe pneumonia, etc., or who had been sedated and on ventilator and has now recovered, should consult a doctor whether he may fast. And if the doctor says he should eat and drink he should not be strict with himself.

  • A person who develops coronavirus symptoms in the course of the fast, such as high fever, cough, loss of taste and smell, is defined as ill and is to be exempted from fasting on Tisha B'Av.

  • Those engaged in emergency medicine and coronavirus testing, if by fasting they will be prevented from performing their work, especially if they have to wear special clothes for this purpose in the heat of the day, it should be permitted for them to eat and drink, and it is right that they eat and drink in measured portions.

  • Regarding washing and anointing on Tisha B'Av, it is permissible to disinfect hands with soap and water or alcohol, etc., when one's intention is to clean.

  • Regarding saying Eicha (Lamentations) and Kinnot, the Chief Rabbi said that small minyanim should be formed and Health Ministry guidelines observed. It is possible to say after prayers the Book of Lamentations, and Kaddish yehei shlama rabbah, and the rest of the Kinnot may be said at home, night and day, so as not to be in a group for a long time.

  • Regarding the other mourning customs of Tisha B'Av: Even those who are exempt from fasting must keep the other laws and mourning customs as every year; Not to wear leather shoes, not to change clothes, not to bathe even in cold water, not to learn Torah dealing in the joyous subjects, and not to be distracted from mourning the exile of the Divine Presence

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