Q. Dear Rabbi As you realize from my name. I'm an old friend and member of the Kehila in Mexico, your former community. I'm sadly hospitalized in a Catholic hospital in Mexico City and suffering from covid 19. The rooms in this particular hospital have a cross over the bed's headboard and also on the opposite wall facing the patient on the bed. I would not even think to ask them to remove them or cover them, since in the actual conditions, they are doing me the greatest favor in letting me be treated in their facilities. Can I daven, say brochos and learn Torah in such a room? If I cover my eyes or place in front of me sign of 'Shivisi Hashem,' would it then be permitted?
A. On question 1650 regarding if one can say tehilim and tefilos in a beis olam, where you can see the crosses on the non-Jewish cemetery across the fence, we wrote: 'Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that one should not recite tefilos, brochos or learn Torah when facing a Christian cross. He should turn to another direction even if he does not face now mizrach (east).' See also similar questions 1654 and 2180, dealing with the historical proliferation of religious signs on coins, stamps and even vehicle plates, as a tool of publicity and promotion of religious ideas.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one facing such situation, should attain a light folding room divider, that could also be used for privacy and separation. He should also wear a cap with a long visor, to shields him from the cross above his bed. But most important, he should have in his room plenty seforim, pictures and objects that should constantly remind him of the presence of the Shechina.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
