Originally published by yeshiva.org.il, translated and edited by Hillel Fendel
The educational staff of the Bnei Binyamin Yeshiva High School in Bet El, and others, compiled the following list of lessons, appropriate for all ages during this difficult period.
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| Coronavirus (credit: istock) |
The Gemara in Tractate Brachot states: "See how many laws can be learned from the story of Chana and her prayer when she was barren." It teaches us that one must pray with devotion, enunciate the words, not pray while intoxicated, and more.
Similarly regarding the situation currently ongoing here and around the world: Since there is so much we can learn from it, we must do so – and certainly not ignore its lessons and values in the spheres of faith and mussar [ethics], and for our everyday lives.
For one thing, we must never allow ourselves to remain in the narrow, constrictive space of "fear." Yes, this is a new phenomenon, with many uncertainties – but fear is the worst response. Let us open our minds and hearts to find greatness and meaning, even amidst this current plague!
Clearly, the first thing that comes to mind is proper hygiene. While this is always a good thing, Corona gives us the opportunity to realize that the enactment of Chazal, our Sages, to wash hands before eating and on other occasions has many benefits.
Next: Who is in charge? King David wrote in Psalms, "Man has many plans and thoughts, but it is G-d's ideas that will stand." We have desires and plans, we seek to organize things and control matters – and then suddenly comes along a little microbe and changes the entire picture, on the personal, national and even international levels. Economies are affected, of both super-powers and little countries alike, as is the health of the average person and world leaders. So Who really runs the world??
Then comes the matter of negiah, forbidden physical contact such as touching members of the opposite sex. This is a subject that is not easy for everyone. Many students ask about contact with cousins of the opposite gender, or aunts/uncles, and often don't bother asking about touching friends. In many circles, this is not a Halakha that is taken seriously. And here, all at once, everyone sees that not only is it possible to keep away from physical contact, it is even considered the "in" and accepted thing to do!
Quarantine: Many of us find ourselves or know people who are isolated from their families, friends, and routines. This is undoubtedly a tremendous hardship. For one thing, we should reach out to those who are in quarantine with a phone call and offers of help, each to his own ability. But what about in pre- and post-Corona days? It's time to think about how many people we know who have lived for years alone and without much contact with others. We should make sure we are aware of them and see what we can do to chip in.
And what about those who are in "spiritual" quarantine and have little contact with a faith-based community, or would like to learn more about Judaism but don't know where to start? Is it not our obligation to step up to the plate with whatever capabilities we have?
Me: Many people in this "me" generation generally have little motivation to ask themselves when their own personal benefit must move aside for the benefit of society as a whole. Suddenly, many of us must give up practically our entire physical space in order to ensure that others are not harmed. This is truly a strong test of where we stand on the scale that begins with "me" and ends with "everyone else."
Lavish affairs: It was announced in Israel last week that gatherings of more than 100 people may not be held. Suddenly, we can begin thinking of weddings not as deluxe affairs with several hundred people or more, but as more modest festivities that return the emphasis to the joy itself and not its outer trappings. [Update: Of course, now that the rules recommend or forbid gatherings of more than ten people, the entire subject must be reconsidered…]
The Torah's laws of purity and impurity, which appear to the modern Jew as something irrelevant, not understandable, and impossible to implement – have now taken on a life of their own. The new regulations of quarantine and "social distancing" refer to the distance that must be maintained between people (six feet), and what effect secondhand or third-hand microbes have. Might this be a preparation for a time when these laws will once again be applicable?
And while we're on the topic, we might take note that one of the few other times when we were not allowed to set foot outside our homes was on the eve of the greatest redemption the Jewish People ever experienced, second only to the future Redemption. It happened the night before the great Exodus from Egypt: "And you, no one shall set foot outside the door of his house until morning… G-d will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike" (Sh'mot 12,22-23).
May we, and the entire world, speedily be cured from the Corona virus!