B"SD
Kvod Horabonim,
The following is a joint statement of the Rabbinical Council of Australia and New Zealand, the Rabbinical Council of Victoria and the Rabbinical Council of New South Wales. Please feel free to disseminate it to your congregations.
During these challenging times and having regard to the most recent announcement of the Prime Minister dated 29/03/2020 we wish to reiterate a number of core priorities and to reinforce the Halachic mandate of these priorities:
1) Continue to strictly adhere to the health guidelines issued by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Prime Minister including social distancing (no minyanim indoors or outdoors, avoid gathering of more than two people, stay home except to shop for essentials, medical purposes, exercise, work or education if these cannot be done remotely) and continuing to wash one's hands regularly.
2) Help others who are struggling financially, physically, emotionally or psychologically. This can be achieved by reaching out to those who need emotional support or contributing money to any of the fundraising initiatives, free loans, food drives and essential product collections which have been established across the community such as the Jewish Care hotline and others. Try to support Kosher eateries via their delivery or take away facilities. Should members of the community seek guidance as to which initiatives have been established please contact your local rabbi or other communal leader.
3) Commit to an extra mitzvah or increased prayer and be particularly vigilant to engender a stronger sense of Ahavat Yisrael within the community.
Should you have any enquiries please do not hesitate to contact me directly at rabbiglasman@gmail.com.
Rabbi Yaakov Glasman
President - RCANZ