By COLlive reporter
The Rebbe’s Ohel, the resting place in the Old Montefiore Cemetery in Queens, New York, remains open for public visitation and prayers despite the outbreak of Coronavirus.
Located on Francis Lewis Blvd in Cambria Heights, the holy site is frequented by Jews of all backgrounds and ages, and even non-Jews.
Rabbi Aba Refson, Director of Ohel Chabad-Lubavitch Center which oversees its activity, said the site and its adjacent visitors’ tents remain open “without restrictions.”
Speaking to COLlive.com on Sunday morning, Rabbi Refson said: “People can come but we are asking everyone to be cautious and follow the health guidelines of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention).”
He said that visiting are asked to wash their hands with antibacterial soap that is available as they enter and before touching the water dispenser, coffee and tea station. Their staple cookies have all been individually wrapped.
“We are asking everyone to protect themselves and protect others,” he said, as people come to the Ohel to pray for their health and well-being.
He added that a private message he sent to a group that regularly visits the Ohel and has been circulating on WhatsApp was not a policy for the general public.
Those not feeling well, or who live afar, can send names and requests for prayers to the Ohel at OhelChabad.org