President Trump on Friday announced that new Centers for Disease Control guidance will classify houses of worship as “essential,” as he called on governors to allow them to open “right now” after being closed during the coronavirus lockdowns.
Trump announced the policy for churches, synagogues and mosques, during a short briefing at the White House.
“The governors need to do the right thing and allow these very important essential places of faith to open right now–for this weekend,” Trump said. “If they don’t do it I will override the governors.”
“In America, we need more prayer not less,” Trump said.
The announcement comes after Trump has been hearing concerns of faith leaders who are unable to hold Sunday services due to coronavirus restrictions at a time when their parishioners are grappling with the crisis. Families may be grieving the loss of loved ones from the virus and struggling with job loss but unable to seek respite in their places of worship.
“I consider them essential,” Trump said earlier Friday of houses of worship of all faiths.
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17 Responses
Thank G-d we have a President who respects Bill Of Rights and Constitution.
Can I vote for him now???? Why must I wait till November 3?
President Donald Trump:- WE LOVE YOU!! You are so correct in opening Houses of Worship as essential, and deeming them essential. We will pray for your victory November 3rd. Mark my word:- G-d shall reward you handsomely for reopening Houses of Worship.
What a phony.
He announced that Jesus will watch out for all who attend services.
He has no authority to override the governors
Playing to his evangelical base
Does this mean without limiting the amount of people?
as yidden we believe “LEV MELACHIM VESARIM BYAD HASHEM” as rav moshe wolfson says the meaning is that when a melech speaks its really hashem speaking.
oy lanu that we didnt deem the shuls essential & we sort of got used to it in some way
so tonight do as the alacha says walk quickly to shul beis hashem nelech berogesh…with the words “eshtachave el heichal kodshecho…
why do I get the comment ‘ you have already made tjis comment’ when in reality I have not made it. YWN needs to get their act together.
First of all: “Will override governors” is a strange thing to write since of course the President does not have that authority. I would write “President says he will override governors”. Also, according to our religions houses of worship are not essential – that’s why we’ve left them. Halacha requires us to protect health over going to shul. The Agudah has affirmed this: they call for stricter rules than the government. The President’s rules will kill people.
Does this lmaaseh change anything?
Other than the fact that he has no authority to so designate and also lacks the authority to “override” the governors’ determinations, its a great idea. He can direct his AG to file a lawsuit or intervene in existing cases in support of opening but he cannot mandate actions reserved to the States. Even Fox’s Judge Nepalitano was laughing at the Trumpkopf’s assertions but also noted it was simply a political nod to his right wing evangelical base.
b”h we have such a great president B”H thank you hashem you should be blessed and win win win again TRUMP 2020!!!!!
So Trump siding with R Frankel??
Now what are the misyavnim going to say and do?
He CAN’T override the governors. He has no authority over them, or over this.
But since quarantine is a matter of state law, Trump’s decision will only affect religious activities on Federal property such as military bases, veterans hospitals, or federal prisons. But its a nice thought, and very symbolic.
Bill Of Rights of American Constitution that guarantees freedom of religion OVERWRITES all State and local laws. It is SUPREME. Only a President can suspend Bill Of Rights temporary by declaring martial law in extreme situations.
“OVERWRITES”?! What is that supposed to mean?
Only a President can suspend Bill Of Rights temporary by declaring martial law in extreme situations.
No, he can’t.