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The Orthodox Jewish Covid Response & Other Orthodox Jews in the News

The Orthodox Jewish Covid Response & Other Orthodox Jews in the News

Driver Screams at Jewish Man for Not Wearing Mask on Quiet Street Then Goes on an Anti-Semitic Rant

An Instagram video posted by Jose Cruz, 32, on Tuesday showed him driving through Brooklyn’s Borough Park – a predominantly Orthodox Jewish community – shouting at the man, who appeared scared by the abuse. ‘Put your fucking mask on,’ Cruz screamed. ‘Put your mask on. There’s Covid cases. Hurry up.’ The frightened man looked at Cruz’s car and quickly scrambled to put on his mask, seemingly in fear of this stranger swearing at him.

We Are Concerned as Americans, and Appalled as Orthodox Jews | Opinion

New York officials have decided to all but shutter houses of worship in zip codes in Brooklyn and Queens with elevated COVID rates. Whether as a cause or an effect of the disappointment in containing coronavirus, communication between local and state governments and a segment of the population has broken down, spawning public outbursts bordering on riots. This goes far beyond restrictions on secular activities, and clearly targets religious practice—something that unfortunately has happened in other parts of the country, most notably California.

Judaism, COVID and Public Health

“To save a single life is to save the entire world.” Growing up in an Orthodox Jewish community, I heard this Talmudic expression countless times. It may have even influenced my decision to go to public health school and medical school, and to eventually become an emergency medicine physician. Ironically, the same culture that prioritizes human life has played host to disturbing scenes of mask-burning and shameful violence in response to new gathering restrictions imposed to curb the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

Rabbis Need to Do Our Part to Help Keep the Coronavirus From Spreading

The spike in Covid cases show that the pandemic hasn’t gone away. Telling our congregants how to fight the pandemic may not be popular, but we still have to do it.

A Former Catholic Dances With the Torah

Stephen Dubner, a co-author of “Freakonomics,” is the son of Jewish parents who converted to Catholicism and raised him in their newfound faith. His 1998 memoir, “Turbulent Souls,” recounts his later return to Judaism. When his then-girlfriend suggested that he visit a synagogue, he did so reluctantly. He instantly regretted the decision, feeling “like an intruder, perhaps an imposter.” Then the Torah came out of the ark. Suddenly, “The air itself seemed to grow lighter, easier to breathe.”

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Sara Levine

Sara Levine is a writer and producer of film, television and podcasts. After graduating from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, she worked in feature film development for Fox and Paramount, and as the head of the Story Department for WME / Endeavor. Her notes and critiques have been used to find and improve material by top buyers and talent in Hollywood.