This is the first time that I am writing to YWN or for that matter to any Jewish newspaper. Tonight (Thursday night) a friend of mine went shopping in a large kosher Supermarket in Monsey and was shocked to see that it was packed to the gills with even elderly people (even more than a regular Thursday night). People were within inches of each other. I will give credit where credit is due; namely, that there were some people wearing masks, that they only allow 1 family member in, and that there was some Plexiglas by the checkout counter. However, I am awe stricken that this is going on. We stopped the minyanim and family pesach sedarim but that is an exercise in futility unless we do something about the Supermarkets. Supermarkets are a breeding ground for the wild spread of Coronavirus.
The obvious solution to the problem is to have food delivery and no in person shopping. However, it is impossible to find any kosher store (or for that matter any store) that does delivery now. I understand that there is high demand for delivery now and that the supermarket have a limited amount of capacity. But there are solutions for every problem. Askanim, should get together to help create more delivery trucks and services. Or in the alternative–it is my understanding that now in Italy there is some sort of program that people make appointments to go to the supermarket at designated times.
I cannot blame people for going to the Supermarket. If they don’t go they will be left home with no food. In fact, I have an acquaintance that is an old lady (who happens to be a Holocaust survivor) who was crying that she is unable to have matza or kosher for Passover food this year because she can’t get food delivery and is afraid to go to the store (I obviously arranged for her to get food–but this is a problem many people are facing).
The frum community is very capable and can figure out a solution. If we were able to figure out how to build a hospital in Shar Yoshuv we can surely figure this out (and this will iyh stop the need for filling up hospital beds).
I beg you to please write an article about this to spread awareness so that the frum community solves this problem asap.
Thank you!!
NOTE: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of YWN.
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6 Responses
I totally agree, we’re having this problem everywhere including Lakewood and Montreal too
for help with shopping for those who can’t or shouldn’t go out contact Zeh Lozeh
Monsey 845-535-1000
You’ll find the list of numbers for different places on the Lakewood Scoop
In switzerland even nonjewish organisations have people who help.the go shopping for the elderly and a lot of shops have no online possibilities.
And all people keep the laws of switzerland not to go out in groups not to be more
then 10 people in a supermarket and 2 meters distanz.But it seems that in the US
Peoüple as usual dont care,also not the chareidim.Even its written
Dineh de malchutcha dineh.
They should have extended hours to Thin out the crowds
So instead of complaining, DO SOMETHING!! BE A GAVRA RABA! Arrange shopping for those who shouldn’t be out.
Talk is cheap.
Thank you for writing and posting this common sense letter.
We have thankfully focused as a community on gatherings in every area except grocery stores. The leaders in every community should be focused on this last frontier, our shopping. We should make every effort to arrange a delivery or curbside pick up only model for our stores. If this is seriously taken under consideration this can be put into action at least after Yom Tov. Even if it means higher prices to make this work and a limited choice of items it will be worth it. This will save lives – PLEASE let us make this happen.
!חג כשר ושמח