The Jewish communities of New York and New Jersey are reeling, as COVID-19 rips through its population, robbing us prematurely of many precious neshamos.
New York’s confirmed cases are nearing 100,000, and Dr. Anthony Fauci estimates that there will be “millions of cases.” Funerals in Crown Heights have been postponed due to the high number of passings. It seems the wave has just begun, and what was once fear and apprehension has turned to grief.
The first level of tragedy is that of those who lose their lives: Ultimately they die in isolation for fear of spreading the disease, and do not receive a full ‘tahara.’ Painful video footage shows chevra kadisha in NY preparing bodies in plastic bags for burial.
The next level of tragedy, however, reaches its gruesome grasp into the next generation: Many orphans are now left behind to grieve in poverty. The pandemic has hit the economy hard and unemployment rates are skyrocketing. Those who have lost a parent to COVID-19 are now grappling with shock, grief, a lack of income, and the upcoming holiday to prepare for. It is an unbearable task.
Emergency funds are being raised by tzedaka organization Ezras Yisroel to help these families cope through this painful time.
One of the most destructive aspects of the virus is that it has isolated us: The Jewish People have been forced to stay in their homes, without guests, without family for the seder, and for those who lose their lives, without the warm touch of a loved ones hand as they leave this Earth.
This is our opportunity to rise above this isolation and to join together as a global community, to support those who have been hit hardest. Hashem should comfort them, and all of us.
As a member of the chevra kadisha of Crown Heights, this breaks my heart. Our best people, young and old, snatched from us because others can’t stop their daily routines. Hatzalah and CK members pushed to the limits of their endurance. Doctors crying over their patients. And the worst: our holy Meisim stacked up like Grocery orders for delivery because the chapels can’t deal with the numbers.
If every community continues to ignore the law and congregates, more will die. Face the truth: do you want this for YOUR loved ones??
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People listen and follow the advice of the doctors and the government, CDC etc… Respect all boundaries and hopefully this can end. Even these levayas Chesed Shel Emes cannot be done in the full respect that the MES and the members of our community deserve.
Korbonos!!!!! We need to say a worldwide Shema Yisroel at the same time!!! Someone please organize this online!!!!!
My heart bleeds. As an active member of the Chevra Kadisha here in Florida, I am looking for answers as to how to safeguard each of our members when we do a normal taharah, as we are totally unaware as to whether the meis, who was nifta through normal circumstances, has been exposed to the virus which might still be active in them. I feel that the normal protective gear we wear might not be sufficient to protect each of us as we perform a taharah. How are the different Chevra Kadisha organizations dealing with this question? I know that… Read more »
Yes, there are protective measures that are in place. You may contact me privately. [email protected]