March 13, 2020
Dear Friends,
We at Chabad have been diligently discussing and implementing precautionary measures to protect the health and well-being of our community and families. We are closely monitoring the situation and are following the guidelines of the CDC and Health Department.
As the Rebbe said, "...in medicine, the best policy is not to wait until something has happened, and then correct it, but to prevent it from the beginning."
With this in mind and with the recommendations of the CDC, we will practicing the following measures:
1) Upon entering the JDC, please stop at the sink to wash hands with soap and water before coming in contact with anyone or anything.
2) Please use the provided clorox wipes to wipe down your seating area.
3) Please avoid handshaking, hugging or kiss greetings.
4) Please use a tissue to cover a cough or sneeze.
5) People who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions are recommended to stay at home.
6) People with cold, respiratory concerns, cough, fatigue or anything of the like should remain at home. (Having one or multiple of the above symptoms does not indicate contracting of the virus, rather these are extra precautions to ensure safety and well-being of the entire community.
We will evaluate the situation and follow guidelines from the CDC and health professionals in our community.
For further recommendations from the CDC, please click on link below: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/protect/index.html
As Jews, we know that every challenge must be addressed with both a natural/rational response as well as a spiritual/Torah approach. While we adapt to this new reality, this is a powerful teachable moment for our children, relatives and others around us who observe how we react. They can see our resilience and how we are making the best of the situation. They can see that despite our fears, we are strengthening our trust and faith in G‑d that He will protect us and our families. They can see us remaining positive and optimistic in the face of difficulty and challenge.
Here are some suggestions that can be done to strengthen one’s 'spiritual' immunity:
1) Be sure that you have kosher Mezuzot in your home. (Call to arrange home visit)
2) Be sure men 13+ have a pair of kosher teffilin and don them weekdays.
3) Woman and girls, be sure to light Shabbat candles on Friday at sunset, before Shabbat begins.
4) Give extra charity on a daily basis. Have a dedicated Tzedakah box in your home. Women have a custom of giving charity before candle lighting on Friday.
5) Recite chapters of Psalms daily: Suggested chapters 20, 22, 69, 150.
6) Torah is the source of all life. Study from any of the Jewish books in your home or visit these sites with online learning: Torahcafe.com, Chabad.org and many many more..
7) Strengthen oneself and others in the faith that: "if one thinks positively, it will be positive."
Friends, let us channel the negativity into a positive: Every hand we don't shake, must become a phone call we place. Every embrace that we avoid must become a verbal expression of warmth and concern. The feet of distance that may separate one from another can turn into thoughts as to how we might be able to help the other should the need arise!
Friends, please read and watch less news and stay away from social media; instead, engage in Torah study, work, and other forms of educational and constructive uses of your time.
Eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids, get a good eight hours of sleep every night, relax, do exercise, smile in the mirror and to others, laugh, sing, say please, thank you, and you're welcome, use common sense, follow the medical guidelines, be safe and trust in G‑d.
Wishing everyone good health, and may we have only good news to share,
Rabbi Benny Rapoport
570-881-1833
Chany Rapoport
570-885-8252
PS If you can’t connect in person, please call, text or whatsapp the numbers above and stay connected!
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PPS If you or anyone needs any assistance in any way, please call.