By Yanky Meyer, Misaskim
As the head of Misaskim, I am on the front lines in dealing with the multitude of tragedies in recent days. Misaskim has been inundated with calls and emergencies. With an unprecedented amount of niftarim in such a short period of time – and dozens of young, innocent yesomim added to our list – it has been a very tough week at Misaskim.
Misaskim’s mission is to alleviate tragedies with compassion – which is ever more important at a time when the traditional sense of shivah is not fulfilled. In addition to ensuring kavod hameis, each niftar has a family that he or she leaves behind, who need comforting in such trying times.

By Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz
Time has stopped. A giant hold button has been pressed and everything has paused. Everything that was so important a couple of weeks ago has receded from our collective memories as we concentrate on getting through the day safely.
Pesach, the chag hageulah, is around the corner, yet it feels so far away. Never in our lives did we feel so lost and lonely, pining for redemption. We sit by ourselves, learn by ourselves, and daven by ourselves, lost in thought all alone.

WATCH:

https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/VIDEO-2020-03-23-17-31-40.mp4

Dear Editor@Matzav.com,
The financial effects of the Coronavirus have been detrimental to many in our community. Earlier today my office sent out an email detailing the stimulus package passed by Congress this week. Although not all details are clear one aspect of the bill is a paid sick leave. The way this will work is as follows (this is purely based on my current understanding as all the details have not been hammered out):
The company must continue to pay the employee for 2 weeks at their full salary.
If necessary they will continue to pay the employee for up to 10 more weeks at 2/3 of their salary.

By Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz
People are confounded. They don’t know what they should be thinking now. As coronavirus spreads, the world panics hysterically. Thankfully, so far, only a minimal number of people have been afflicted. Every person’s health is important, and every life is precious, but from the international anxiety, you would think that many millions have contracted the disease and died.

By Gary Slutkin
I am an infectious disease epidemiologist who worked at the World Health Organization on epidemics in over 25 countries around the world.
As a physician and member of the Jewish community, I prize the Jewish teaching that places the saving of a life above all other laws and practices. It is my expert opinion that as a result of the emergence of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, the Jewish community (along with all religious and community groups) must change what we are doing immediately: We need to suspend our usual religious services and social gatherings.

LISTEN:
https://matzav.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Vayakhel-01.mp3
For more info email the4minuteshiur@gmail.com.

By Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz
Here we are, days after Purim, with the feelings and sounds of joy reverberating in our souls, perplexed by what we can do to keep the euphoria going a while longer. The real world, with its many concerns, invades the Purim bubble and we seek protection. A new virus is creating anxiety, and people everywhere fret over the disease and its repercussions. Yet, through it all, we are told to be happy…and who doesn’t want to be happy?
What are we to do? The concept is so simple, the pursuit is so universal, yet, for so many, it is so unattainable.

By Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz
It was during that last Purim hour, during the moments when day slowly turns to night and the sky begins to darken. Inside the crowded room, a rebbi and talmidim sat around a table, their songs, Torah and quips joining into a burst of sound, as the holy noise of Purim rose heavenward.
At one end of the long table, its surface covered with a wine-stained cloth and festively-arranged bottles, a talmid raised a question. He quoted the Gemara, referred to extensively in halachic discussion of the obligations of the Purim seudah, which recounts how Rabbah rose and slaughtered Rav Zeira (Megillah 7b).

By Rabbi Pinchos Lipschutz
The Gemara in Maseches Megillah (4b) discusses the possibility of observing Purim and reading the megillah on Shabbos. Rabbah and Rav Yosef agree that Megillas Esther cannot be read on Shabbos, but they dispute why that is.