To Our Brethren, Kol Beis Yisroel, Here and Everywhere
To our regret, almost a full year has elapsed during which the destroyer has struck us, and everywhere there is a cry and outcry as the terrible plague spreads with so many people ill and dying. It is clear that each and every one of us must strengthen himself exceedingly to return to our Father in Heaven with complete repentance, and each heart knows its own bitterness.
And now, with His infinite mercy and kindness, seeing that the Creator has sanctioned physicians to heal (Brochos 60a), an inoculation has been produced against the Corona virus, which, according to the experts and after many examinations and experimentation, has proven to be beneficial in preventing this harsh viral illness and it has been clearly proven that there is no danger in being inoculated.
The Shulchan Oruch Yoreh Dei'ah explains in Siman 333 that insofar as the Torah has sanctioned doctors to heal, however, this is not only an approval for man to be healed but is actually "a mitzvah in which is included the principle of self-preservation and if one withholds himself, he is considered as shedding blood."
This is all the more true regarding this deadly epidemic. Aside from an obligation which is incumbent upon every person regarding his own body, this duty also applies regarding society, not to harm others ch'v. As the Tosafos says (Bovo Kama 23), "A person must be more vigilant in not harming others than in harming his own self."
We therefore call upon everyone who has the fear of Hashem in his heart, to be quick in taking the vaccine against Corona as is urged by doctors, without hesitation. It is available for all ages as suggested, and in doing so one fulfills his duty of hishtadlus that he be saved from contagion, as we have been commanded, "and you shall be exceedingly watchful for your lives."
In the merit of your alacrity in keeping the mitzvah of 'venishmartem,' may we merit that the Healer of all flesh remove all plague and illness from us, speedily, and that He command the Destroyer to cease, and call a halt to all of our suffering so that we can again be occupied in the holy Torah as of yore, without any distraction, until the coming of Yinon-the Moshiach speedily, Amen.
Israel Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah
