Q. I just received an email send by..., with other important institutions displayed in the letterhead, stating that: "Rabbi Shlomo Miller shlita as well as the rabbis listed below have ruled that those who follow the overwhelming advice of medical professionals do not have a chiyuv to participate in a minyan or any other communal obligation that would necessitate gathering together. People should daven and learn at home."
Well, I just came back from the Kollel and I saw Rav Shlomo there as well as a large group of the usual Rabbanim and lerners. So what is really going on!!??
A. This morning (Tuesday 3/17/20) there was also a minyan as usual in the Toronto Kollel, with the attendance of Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Yaakov Hirschman Shlit'a, and other Rabbonim, followed by the rest of the accustomed shiurim and chavrusos, and that speaks volumes as to what the true and real position of the Rov is.
The Rov was approached by many with a copy of the letter quoted above and he said "sheker vekosov," he never instructed people to avoid coming to the Kollel for davening or learning Torah as they usually do and as the letter asserts.
He mentioned that he would only instruct to close down the Kollel, and that "people should daven and learn at home," if it is requested by the official Health Authorities.
As mentioned in prior questions regarding this unprecedented situation, it is defined by the fact that it changes constantly and rapidly. This morning, the Kollel followed today's new official directives by limiting the amount of individuals allowed in a room to fifty. What changes will happen iy'H in the future, we just have to wait and see.
It is very likely that the situation will change and one should be in contact constantly.
As in the last days, tehilim were recited after davening for Hashem's rachamim and compassion, during difficult times.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
