Will we see a change in policy regarding weddings, camps, shuls, schools and yeshivos?
It crept up upon the world months ago as rumors of a frightful disease in far-off China, then rapidly metastasized into a full-blown calamity that visited virtually every metropolis across the globe. The novel coronavirus has killed more than 300,000, wiped out entire economies, and locked millions inside their homes. New York was particularly hard-hit, with nearly a thousand deaths a day. Now, though, with the numbers drastically down — Friday saw 132 victims — and several countries around the world beginning to ease their lockdown regulations, the next phase is looming.
Actually, the reopening of New York and New Jersey is more than looming; it is being heavily pushed by a variety of groups. Industry wants to get people shopping again. The political right wants to get people back to work. Religious groups want to reopen shuls and houses of worship. Nonprofits want to begin fundraising so they can cover the costly upsurge in those seeking social services. Parents want kids in school, and they want to know what will happen this summer.
Most of all, people are frustrated by the lack of transparency. They seek clarity in what the government plans next. How long will distancing laws be in effect? When can shuls open? Will there be summer camp? Day camp?
“We’re not getting the kind of clear guidance from the government that we need,” acknowledged Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, the executive vice president of Agudath Israel of America.
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