How Coronavirus is Upending Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Traditions | NYT News

The New York Times2 minutes read

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit New York's ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities hard, resulting in numerous deaths and changes to traditional practices like funerals. Hospitals in these areas have limited visitors, prompting the establishment of a hotline for final prayers, while Rabbi Berkowitz has been delivering medical supplies to healthcare workers to promote unity in fighting the virus.

Insights

  • Covid-19 has taken a heavy toll on New York's ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, resulting in numerous deaths concentrated in Brooklyn due to the pandemic's impact.
  • Amid the crisis, Rabbi Berkowitz's actions exemplify a call for unity and solidarity, as he delivers medical supplies while stressing the importance of collective efforts transcending racial and religious boundaries in fighting the virus.

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Recent questions

  • How has Covid-19 affected New York's ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities?

    The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on New York's ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, particularly in Brooklyn, where hundreds of deaths have been reported.

  • What changes have occurred in traditional funeral practices due to Covid-19?

    Traditional funeral practices, such as funerals, have been altered due to social distancing guidelines, leading to virtual ceremonies and limited attendance.

  • How have hospitals serving ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities adapted during the pandemic?

    Hospitals serving ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities have restricted visitors, prompting the creation of a hotline for final prayers before death to accommodate the needs of patients and their families.

  • What actions has Rabbi Berkowitz taken to support healthcare workers during the pandemic?

    Rabbi Berkowitz has been personally delivering medical supplies to healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for unity in combating the virus regardless of race or religion.

  • How has the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in New York responded to the challenges of Covid-19?

    The ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in New York has faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, but individuals like Rabbi Berkowitz have shown resilience and unity in supporting healthcare workers and adapting to new practices to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

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Summary

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Impact of Covid-19 on New York's Orthodox Jews

  • Covid-19 has significantly impacted New York's ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, with hundreds of deaths reported in Brooklyn alone.
  • Traditional practices like funerals have been altered due to social distancing guidelines, leading to virtual ceremonies and limited attendance.
  • Hospitals serving these communities have restricted visitors, prompting the creation of a hotline for final prayers before death.
  • Rabbi Berkowitz has been personally delivering medical supplies to healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for unity in combating the virus regardless of race or religion.
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