Saturday, August 22, 2020
High Holidays Shutdown ?!
We're approaching the High Holiday season which starts with the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashana) on Sept. 18-20; goes on with the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) on Sept. 27 -28; next Sukkot , Simchat Torah - and ends on Oct.11.
This year it's all going to be different because of coronavirus restrictions on gatherings, both at the synagogues (for worship activities) and at home (family festive meals) .
Things are not looking good on the 'corona' front. It seems that in China and Russia people are afraid of the authorities; here the authorities are afraid of the people (potential voters who oppose restrictions), so nothing is done properly.
Transparency is faulty. We know more or less about the 'red' zones, but almost nothing about age of people in confirmed, as well as in hospitalized cases.
(There was some mention in a newspaper that currently, those aged 20-39 make up over 30% of the confirmed cases).
According to the chief coronavirus coordinator, prof. Gamzu, the decision about a shutdown will be taken by Sept.10. In the meantime Army recruits will be assisting with performing tests and 'tracing of contact'.
The whole world is expecting a vaccine. There'll probably be more than one, by the end of the year, but I tend to agree with the general opinion that it'll take about two years to end the pandemic.
I don't know about other countries, but here,in Israel, even one year might lead to anarchy and even famine. May God help us!
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Israel was founded with such high ideals and aspirations for Jews and it is truly sad to see how this haven, this refuge, this much deserved homeland, has become like the rest of us, with its own share of shady politicians, paralyzed authorities, and all the various malaises that effect society. And then you have the Haredim!
ReplyDeleteI see that you're quite familiar with our situation. You've described it perfectly!
DeleteAnd the Haredim- oh, yes, a tremenduous problem!
I feel sad and pessimistic. My late parents and brother were Holocaust survivors, and I find myself thinking I might also experience that.
May God help us.
ReplyDeleteAmen !
DeleteJust the other night we were talking with friends about what will happen at Thanksgiving and Christmas. By then it will be winter and cold here. I think many will go to family gatherings and numbers will spike again. So, with your high holidays, I understand the concern. Ever since the administration took over the reporting of numbers over the CDC, we aren't quite sure where we stand. Reporting is an issue but the numbers are going up, as are the conspiracy theories and people are still dying and getting ill. The Big 10 university in our city decided to have online only classes till winter, with a few exceptions, mostly lab things and med school, etc. People here are so rebellious about participating in a shutdown or even mask wearing, it isn't helping. Neither is our leadership. I don't know where we go with this. Me? I'm not going anywhere I don't have to -- and if I do, I'll take my mask! ALl the best of luck.
ReplyDeleteYou're certainly doing the right thing: staying home, wering a mask when out.
DeleteThere's big tension here regarding opening of schools next month. There are bitter controversies regarding restrictions and lockdown.
A strong leadership would have helped, but there's none available.
It is indeed a sad time for us all. Eerily enough there are a lot of people on either side, that believe Coronavirus is a ploy to keep either Donald Trump from getting re-elected or Joe Biden from getting voted in to replace him. People just believe that once the election is over corona will go away or a miracle cure for everyone will be approved. As much as I know there are problems with our political system and our politicians, I hate to believe that one side or the other would allow thousands to die just so one side wins. Stay safe DUTA, keep wearing the mask.
ReplyDeleteI feel so sad that I know my mom is 82, and she may not have that many years left and so far this year she has not been able to do any of the things she loves to do. She was so faithful in going to daily Mass and sometimes after going to coffee with friends from church. She loves going thrift store shopping and we haven't gone once since March 18...this is not how I wanted her Golden years to be.
I totally agree with you Alicia both on the politics, and on your Mom.
DeleteThe virus is a blow to the elderly, who wish to enjoy the time left with the little, simple pleasures they are used to.
They say it'll take about two years to stop the pandemic. That's definitely too much!
Governments have done far worse than that throughout history, Alicia.
DeleteSadly enough Sandi, you are correct about that. But you would think in this day and age that we would not need to be that ruthless. We shall see what happens after the elections.
DeleteI think 2 years too.
ReplyDeleteI believe there was some statement on that from the International Health Organization of the UN.
DeleteIt may be a guess, it may be true - who knows? We are all in the dark about this virus.
You said it all in your last line May God help us! Our numbers here in Arizona are going down. We have had less than 1000 cases daily reported (highest was over 4500) for the past week or so. So much will be so different this year with all holidays I fear. In other news, I was delighted to have in my Facebook feed last Saturday a live streaming service from Congregation Beth Judah from Florida. Their a messianic Jewish congregation. Totally enjoyed their service. Planning to watch more from them.
ReplyDeleteWe pray for Jerusalem and Israel daily in our prayers.
May God help us indeed. He is the only one that can and will in his perfect timing and his perfect way.
betty
I'm glad the numbers in Arizona are going down. I'm also glad you've enjoyed the service of the jewish congregation from Florida.
DeleteThanks, Betty, for your prayers for Jerusalem and Israel.
Hi ,Just reading thru the comments before replying and was so blessed to come across Betty`s comment, that she experienced such joy in the Beth Judah Congregation in Florida!!!
Delete"K'tiva VaHatima Tova" ("a good writing and sealing [of judgement]") to all!!!xoxo Blessings and Love from Japan!!
Thanks for your blessings and love, Shayndel.
DeleteHatima Tova to you too!
Alas, it seems that wherever in the world we live there is still too much confusion about Covid 19.
ReplyDeleteWe were only talking about Christmas and wondering what that will be like this year.
First things first the grandchildren (all children) are due to be back at school in September. If another wave of the virus hits I think Autumn could be the time...time will tell!
In the meantime Eddie and I continue to be sensible on the occasions that we do go out.
My good wishes.
All the best Jan
Indeed, a lot of confusion and ignorance everyhere. The opening of schools is now in the center of plans and debates. Most kids don't wear masks,and that's against the rules that demand masks for kids starting with age 7.
DeleteAll thr Best to you and Eddie!
Hoping all goes well for you all there, it's a troubled time and will be for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteOur Island has no cases of Covid at present and hopefully won't but we have in the past had a few cases.
Enjoy your New Year when it arrives, well the best you can under the circumstances.
Stay safe..
Your island is a model for all the world.
DeleteHopefully it stays free of covid-19 forever.
Thanks for your kind wishes.
Thanks Duta. I should imagine that a case or two will appear at some stage.
DeleteThank you for wishing us well on this Island :)
Sadly, I also wonder what the holiday season will bring now that here in the states Halloween, Thanksgiving and then Christmas will be fast approaching. I can understand your concern about people gathering to celebrate with families. As for ourselves, we will be spending them at home for the first time in many years and actually looking forward to that experience even though it is hard not to see family and friends. I think this pandemic will last a lot longer than many people expect and those who are not taking precautions seriously only ruin things for the rest who do sadly.
ReplyDeleteThere's always a first time, as they say.
DeleteSpending the holidays at home might prove beneficial. People are tired of the virus events so far. They need rest, planning, preparing for the changes that might occur.
I think things are going to be different for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI suppose you're right. We need a Miracle.
DeleteHi, Duta:
ReplyDeleteI love Israel too and enjoy studying the High Holy Days for richer understanding of my Christian faith. I wish you the best New Year ever. I love to get away by myself for a day and just reflect and pray for guidance for the coming year at this time before Rosh Hashana. But this year is different with the virus so I enjoyed a day alone in my home office last week trying not to give into distractions. Husband yelled at me when I vacuumed. We are all going through so many changes in our daily lives! Wishing you health and safety.
Kudos to you for dedicating time to reflection and guidance request!
DeleteI'm glad that helps you to better understand your own faith.
Thanks for your kind words.
Stay safe and healthy!
My heart goes out to people of Isreal.
ReplyDeleteIn India, we have it hard to. The city I live in is at its peak and people do not follow the government instructions. I belong to the high-risk group with breathing problems and have been isolated for the last 6 months at home. It's difficult but we should overcome it.
I agree with you the part where you say it will take atleast 2 years. I don't believe a vaccine - a proper working one will be one this soon.
Please take care. Stay safe.
Thanks.
DeleteI sometimes read a blog written by Jill, a scottish woman with COPD (Land of the Big Sky).
She refuses to stay home, goes daily to the nearby sea as she claims the sea air keeps her alive.
Feel well, and stay safe!
I am praying everyday for this to be over. In here people were kind od responsible before Summer holidays, but now we have more sick people everyday, because of trips, weddings and events like that.Very irresponsible and scary! We are opening schools in September...Who knows what Fall brings. Stay safe everyone!
ReplyDeleteYes, Fall looks scary! Schools opening, people returning from trips, religious and cultural gatherings,
Deleteand rather incompetent authorities.
Stay safe and healthy!
Hi Duta,
ReplyDeleteI hope that the circumstances improve in times for gatherings for the High Holy Days and there will be much healing and hope in Israel and all the world in this time of repentance.
God bless you and all Israel and may there be Shalom in Jerusalem during this appointed and wonderful time and season. I say it is wonderful because it is set up and set apart by the God of Creation. Whether in our homes or in the synagogue, the appointed days of God will never end until all the heaven and earth cease, as they are part of His word and fixed into His eternal plan! Heaven and earth may pass away, but His word will remain forever!! It is a different year, but it is still a time of Salvation , Hope, and Joy .
Blessings and Love!!♡
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem—
May those who love you be at peace!
May there be shalom within your walls—quietness within your palaces.”
For the sake of my brothers and friends,
I now say: “Shalom be within you.”
For the sake of the House of ADONAI our God,
I will seek your good.
Once agai, thanks Shayndel, for giving us hope, blessings, and love.
DeleteIt's time of repentance, as you say. Perhaps repentance will save us and heal us.
Hi DUTA...tough times the world over at present...with no signs of settling down any time soon, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteNegativity, anxiety and despondency rule throughout...few seem immune from such feelings.
Common sense and consideration must prevail.
Take good care...all the best. :)
Sensible words, Lee. I do agree with your call for common sense and consideration.
DeleteAll the best to you too!
I agree Duta I think this is going to take some time. Here everything is cancelled as well and lots of businesses are going bankrupt. Don't know were it all ends. We are lucky in the South Island here that we can still move freely, with distancing etc. I feel sad though that my trip is cancelled in april as my mum is already 88 and I have no clue of when I am able to fly over again. Strange times You take care and kia kaha
ReplyDeleteSad times. Perhaps till april things will change to the better, and you'll be able to visit your Mom.
DeleteThis virus is definitely against people moving around the globus.
Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteThank you. The same to you: be safe and healthy!
DeleteI think it is a little bit everywhere the same ! In Europe we are all sitting in the same boat ! More or less the same restrictions, we are allowed to invite 10 people now, and always the same (?) I think we need University studies to understand the logic of some rules. Marriage 10 people, funerals 50 !! Two persons are allowed to go shopping ! (I meet the other two inside ...) Everybody is fed up of this strange life, we all want to go back to normal !
ReplyDeleteThe concluding sentences of your comment reflect the wish of each one of us.
DeleteI'm afraid , though, it'll be some new kind of normal. Who knows what kind. Perhaps, poorer, more isolated, but also less selfish, and more appreciative of life and nature.
Scary times. I hope a vaccine is on the horizon. Stay well.
ReplyDeleteVery. We're told that there will be a vaccine by the end of the year. Hopefully, an efficient vaccine.
DeleteStay well, you too Sharon!
The world over is in crisis, adn people are hesitanat to give up their rights to NOT wear a mask. I do not understand how something so simple and effective is seen as a volation of rights. Prayer for peace, strength, and healing. I do hope we all survive.
ReplyDeleteI believe the mask is even more safe and effective than a vaccine.
DeleteWe should all pray for our survival and well-being!