As per the p’sak halacha of our daas torah, Rav Yechezkel Roth shlit”a, whose day to day guidance directs our organization, we will be suspending all deliveries of shiva chairs and gemach supplies effective immediately because of the coronavirus outbreak.

There is no doubt that this is an עת צרה ליעקב and that it is incumbent upon each of us to do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Rabbi Roth has made it very clear that there is no mitzvah for face to face nichum aveilim at this time, and that, for now, the telephone is the optimal way to comfort those who are sitting shiva. Furthermore, Rabbi Roth has instructed aveilim to sit shiva in separate rooms to prevent family members from infecting each other.

As difficult as this decision is for us, we have no choice but to proceed along this path for now l’tovas harabim. It is imperative for each of us to do our part to prevent the additional spread of coronavirus, a goal we can only achieve through social distancing and other safety measures.

We will continue to maintain our shiva listings, as always. Phone numbers will be listed on our website for current aveilim who authorize us to share that information so that people can perform the mitzvah of nichum aveilim over the phone. The email condolence feature on our website will continue to be operational.

All other Misaskim services, such as Emergency Operations, will continue.

We hope that Hakadosh Baruch Hu hears our tefilos and that, B’ezras Hashem, the coronavirus will be contained shortly, allowing all of us to resume our regular day to day lives.

B’suros Tovos,
Rabbi Yankie Meyer

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)