Quarantine Brings Out Best in Shul Congregation & Other Orthodox Jews in the News

Hotel Cancels Yeshiva University Hoops Team’s Rooms Over Coronavirus Fears
Fear over the coronavirus followed the Yeshiva men’s basketball team from New York to Maryland. The team had its rooms canceled on Thursday by The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Pikesville, where they competed in the first round of the Division III NCAA Tournament on Friday at Johns Hopkins University.

Meet a Jew in the City on German TV
Our second pop-up was covered by the German media. See their Instagram post about it here.

I’m a Rabbi With the Coronavirus Whose Congregation is Quarantined. It’s Bringing Out the Best in Us.
We still have a way to go in handling our communal situation. Together we can persevere and triumph over these challenges. With our ever-abiding faith in G-d who is the healer, we pray that we, as well as our fellow Americans and the peoples of the world will conquer this disease speedily.

As Coronavirus Spreads in New York Jewish Community, Fears Rise of Antisemitic Backlash
A major concern is that racist attitudes toward Asian Americans due to the virus’ origins in China could now extend to the Jewish community. Evan Bernstein, vice president of the Anti-Defamation League’s Northeast Division, warned, “We’re seeing stuff online. We’re getting more and more reports of those comments.”

Popular Blogger Hosts ‘Meet a Jew’ Pop-Up in Midtown Manhattan to Fight Rising Antisemitism
Call it sidewalk schmoozing. A tent with the words “Meet a Jew, Make a Friend” stood on 42nd Street at Third Avenue on Thursday in an unusual effort to introduce passersby to Orthodox Jews face-to-face and one-on-one. Its goal was to counter negative impressions of Orthodox Jews, during a period of rising hate incidents.

Having an Esther Moment
Esther was willing to sacrifice her life for a higher cause, understanding that what was at stake was more than her personal dignity or her survival, but the fate of an entire vulnerable, powerless population. Esther gave voice to the voiceless—and succeeded by making a strong case for justice.

Head of N.Y. Port Authority Tests Positive for Coronavirus
The executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, as the state of New York surpassed Washington state with the most cases in the country, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. Rick Cotton is presently working from home.

Passover in the Time of Coronavirus: Cancellations Mount at Kosher Resorts
As the coronavirus spreads across the globe, the effects are being felt not only in the public health arena but in business, education and tourism, including Passover vacations. With the holiday’s extensive home cleaning preparations and succession of major meals, the Passover travel industry has ballooned into a major business, with over 170 programs this year offering kosher meals in nearly every corner of the planet.

6 Heartwarming Ways Everyday Heroes Are Helping People Affected by Coronavirus
Representatives from Chabad of Westchester in New York went house to house in order to help quarantined families celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim. Local Jewish communities sent care packages to Yeshiva University students in quarantine after a student tested positive for coronavirus.

“Jew-in-the-City” Pop-up Sparks Dialogue to Inform People on Antisemitism
“When people see each other as labels and not fellow human beings, walls go up, suspicion goes up, and hate goes up. When there is dialogue, there is a chance for common humanity to be shared.”

Coronavirus Ends Dream Yeshiva University NCAA Run, But They’ve Proven That “Those Jews Can Play Ball”
With COVID-19 shutting down the NCAA Tournament in addition to the NBA, MLS and NHL seasons, the YU Macs are feeling as disappointed as many other sports teams and fans right now. “Heartbreak doesn’t even begin to cut it.”

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