November 10, 2020 - 23 Cheshvan 5781 News from the Agudah: - We are disappointed to report that the U.S. Court of Appeals did not grant a preliminary injunction in the Agudah's ongoing litigation in New York State. We will continue working to support the safe reopening of our community. See below for more details.
- Save the date! The Agudah Convention will be taking place the weekend of November 26-28 virtually - that means you can enjoy the inspiration from the comfort of your own home!
- Rabbi Shafran responded to an offensive Op-Ed in the New York Times. See below to read Rabbi Shafran's response.
- We regret to inform you of the passing of our chaver Dr. Irwin Goldstein. Dr. Goldstein started, developed, and implemented our ESL program, which serviced thousands of immigrants over the years, included many of our brothers and sisters who came out of the U.S.S.R.
- The Iyunim B'hilchos Shabbos continues this week. See below for the new schedule.
| | Winning the War, Losing the Battle; 2-1 Decision on Injunction Received | | Agudath Israel is disappointed that the U.S. Court of Appeals did not grant a preliminary injunction preventing aspects of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's lockdown restrictions against shuls. By 2-1 vote the majority decided, with little explanation, that the very "high bar" calling for "the extraordinary remedy" of an injunction of an executive order during a pandemic simply could not be met.
In a scathing dissent, Judge Michael H. Park wrote that "in the same zones, pet shops, liquor stores, and other businesses the Governor considers "essential" remain open, free from any capacity limits. By singling out "houses of worship" for unfavorable treatment, the executive order specifically and intentionally burdens the free exercise of religion in violation of the First Amendment."
He added, "the Governor's public statements confirm that he intended to target the free exercise of religion." Moreover, Judge Park was highly critical of the fixed capacity limits: "First, the fixed capacity limits do not account in any way for the sizes of houses of worship in red and orange zones... Such a blunderbuss approach is plainly not the "least restrictive means" of achieving the State's public safety goal."
But more important than a court victory requesting such extraordinary relief, is what occurred in the interim. On the day before the appeal hearing, Governor Cuomo rolled out a new program allowing all schools to open, providing testing is performed. A few days later, Brooklyn red zones were reduced by 50% and Rockland and Orange County areas were eased. Earlier today, all of Brooklyn was released from red zone status. Finally, this morning, reporting of positivity rates by zip code has resumed on the NYC site, a measure of transparency that Agudath Israel and others have repeatedly requested.
Agudath Israel credits the work of many askonim who, together with the organization, spearheaded testing initiatives and pressed the Governor for change. Agudath Israel thanks the Governor for his receptivity to the community's pleas.
Agudath Israel also looks forward to working with the Governor's office to balance keeping Orthodox Jewish communities safe while respecting and protecting all freedoms, and especially religious freedoms, a freedom Agudath Israel will never waver defending. | | SAVE THE DATE: Agudah Convention 2020 | | Save the date! We are excited to announce that you will be able to attend this year's Agudah Convention from the comfort of your own home on the evenings of November 26 and November 28. Six short months ago, our beloved leader, the Novominsker Rebbe ztz'l, penned his last letter to the nation. Today, we invite you to join us in carrying out his vision. To convene as a nation, to grow, to build, to heed Daas Torah and join as a united Klal Yisroel in the face of unfathomable challenges... The time is now!
More than 100,000 homes participated in last year's Agudah Convention, using the online viewing options, with thousands more calling in. This year, due to COVID-19, the convention will be entirely virtual, online and by phone, with the same hadrachah, and inspiration from our leaders.
Register early to send in your questions, receive session updates, and early exclusive access to replays.
| | Rabbi Shafran's Response to the New York Times Op-Ed | | The shiurim will continue next week with the access information as follows: | | | | | | |
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