Your coronavirus Jewish resource guide
Close-up of sign on metal surface warning workers of the risk of COVID-19 coronavirus. Image by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
With rabbis and public health officials warning against participating in Jewish life activities due to the spread of coronavirus many are wondering how to have an active Jewish life amongst the many cancelations and advisories. We will be updating this guide with resources as they become available.
(Last updated 3/16 2:11 p.m.)
As a public service during this pandemic, the Forward is providing free, unlimited access to all coronavirus articles. If you’d like to support our independent Jewish journalism, click here to make a donation.
Shabbat services
With congregations warning to stay home many are offering up streams of services.
An updated Google doc is being shared here.
What precautions should I take?
The JCC of Manhattan posted the following guidelines:
- The CDC and NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene recommend that you stay home if you have a fever and/or flu-like symptoms and see your healthcare provider if appropriate.
- The CDC recommends that older adults and those who have chronic illness or are otherwise immunocompromised should stay home as much as possible, avoid those who appear ill, and avoid large gatherings.
- The Department of Health & Mental Hygiene is asking New Yorkers who return from the following countries to self-isolate for 14 days as a precaution: China, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Japan. Please note, other countries may be added to this list and it may be updated based on current news.
What steps should I take to avoid becoming ill?
- Wash your hands frequently and vigorously for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially after touching public surfaces. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid handshakes, hugs, and high fives.
- Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, sleeve, or your elbow.
- Immediately dispose of used tissues and wash or sanitize your hands.
Education
Kids at home? This Google doc is being shared amongst parents on tips on how to home school your children.
The PJ Library has also put together this family activity guide.
Adult education
Natan Sharansky will participate in an online learning session about Jewish Unity in History and the story of Soviet Jewry on March 23.
Mental health resources
A free webinar on how to cope with coronavirus is available here.
How to help
Those who rely on Jewish social services and the organizations that serve them are struggling with unique challenges posed by the spreading pandemic. Read more about how you can help here.
A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.
At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse..
Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO
