Yeshiva Darchei Torah Closing; Area Shuls Likely to Close

The following is a message from Rabbi Yaakov Bender of Yeshiva Darchei Torah:

Erev Shabbos Parshas Ki Sisa

Dear Parents,

There are some possible new developments in our community which may necessitate a change of approach at Yeshiva Darchei Torah.

A small number of local adults are being tested for COVID-19 due to symptoms that they are experiencing.

Rabbi Dr. Aaron Glatt, an assistant rav at the Young Israel of Woodmere and a renowned infectious disease specialist, who has been an authority in our decisions on this matter, has advised all local shuls to close until the situation is clarified.

I spoke to Maran Rav Shmuel Kamenetsky shlita a few minutes ago, who told me to follow Rabbi Dr. Glatt’s guidance.

This Shabbos, it is likely that our local community shuls will be closed. Yeshiva Darchei Torah, including all its divisions, form nursery through Kollel, will be closed this coming Sunday and Monday, during which time we will be cleaning and disinfecting our buildings from top to bottom. By Monday night, we will Im Yirtzeh Hashem be updating you as to next steps.

Our Rashi-Mishnayos celebration, scheduled for Sunday, will be rescheduled. PTA conferences are cancelled.

Please reassure your children that Hashem is in control and that all will turn out well.

I just want to express my feelings of support for those who have simchos in town this Shabbos. Im Yirtzeh Hashem you will see many years of nachas from all of your wonderful families.

Most importantly, please remember to have in mind all those who are now living in fear because of their medical conditions. Let us try to be “nosei b’ol” with them in this challenging time.

I would like to suggest that everyone – men, women and children – set aside time on a daily basis to say Perek 142 in Tehillim with real kavana. May Hashem cause this mageifah to disappear quickly.

Let us hope and daven that all of the suspected cases turn out to be false alarms.

Have a great Shabbos, stay healthy, and may we see the geulah sheleimah b’karov.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Yaakov Bender