Editor’s note: The following signed statement was issued by the RCBC as a cohesive community policy regarding vaccinations. Following the letter is an explanatory Q&A with Rabbi Kenny Schiowitz, the RCBC’s new president.
A paramount Torah value is to do our best to help ensure the health and safety of all people. Sadly, we have recently seen the reemergence of diseases believed to have been obsolete and eradicated because vaccinations have not been vigilantly performed by all. Vaccination is not only an obligation to protect the health of our children and ourselves, but a responsibility we have towards others. Those who do not vaccinate can potentially spread life-threatening diseases to others who are vulnerable.
We strongly urge all parents to vaccinate their children as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Everyone who attends our schools, camps, shuls and youth programs is expected to vaccinate as required by the State Health Department for school attendance. We request your compliance even in institutions that do not examine medical records.
We are disheartened that some Jews have cited a “religious exemption” to evade their responsibility to vaccinate. This has no basis in Judaism. Not only are vaccinations permitted by Jewish law, they are obligatory. We oppose the citation of such an exemption and do not accept it in our institutions.
May Hashem grant us all with good health and protection from illness.
Respectfully,
Rabbinical Council of Bergen County
Rabbi Ilan Acoca, Sephardic Congregation of Fort Lee
Rabbi Yosef Adler, Congregation Rinat Yisrael
Rabbi Shalom Baum, Congregation Keter Torah
Rabbi Eli Belizon, Young Israel of Fair Lawn
Rabbi Akiva Block, Kehilat Kesher
Rabbi Aharon Ciment, Congregation Arzei Darom
Rabbi Tanchum Cohen, Beth Abraham
Rabbi Jeremy Donath, Darchei Noam
Rabbi Daniel Feldman, Ohr Saadya
Rabbi Daniel Fridman, Jewish Center of Teaneck
Rabbi Menachem Genack, Congregation Shomrei Emunah
Rabbi Zev Goldberg, Young Israel of Fort Lee
Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot, Congregation Netivot Shalom
Rabbi Howard Jachter, Sephardic Congregation
Rabbi Beni Krohn, Young Israel of Teaneck
Rabbi Andrew Markowitz, Congregation Shomrei Torah
Rabbi Yaakov Neuburger, Congregation Beth Abraham
Rabbi Levi Neubort, Anshei Lubavitch Outreach Center
Rabbi Chaim Poupko,Congregation Ahavath Torah
Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, Congregation Bnai Yeshurun
Rabbi Zev Reichman, East Hill Synagogue
Rabbi Larry Rothwachs, Congregation Beth Aaron
Rabbi Ely Shestack, Congregation Ahavat Achim
Rabbi Kenny Schiowitz, Congregation Shaare Tefillah
Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky, Congregation Ohr HaTorah
Rabbi Moshe Stavsky, Bais Medrash of Bergenfield
Rabbi Michael Taubes, Zichron Mordechai
Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, Congregation Shomrei Torah
Rabbi Ari Zahtz, Congregation Bnai Yeshurun
Rabbi Daniel Alter, The Moriah School
Rabbi Chaim Hagler, Yeshivat Noam
Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, Yavneh Academy
Rabbi Daniel Price, Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey
Rabbi Tomer Ronen, Yeshivat He’Atid
Rabbi Saul Zucker, Ben Porat Yosef
Rabbi Eli Ciner, The Frisch School
Mrs. Rivka Kahan, Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls
Mrs. Deena Kobre, Naaleh High School for Girls
Rabbi Aryeh Stechler, Heichal HaTorah
Ms. Tikvah Wiener, The Idea School
Rabbi Asher Yablok, Torah Academy of Bergen County
