As of this writing, May 21, 2020, the CDC and the state of New Jersey recommend wearing cloth face coverings in public. New York also requires it. While self quarantined, I have been out walking and/or cycling every day. Why do I see 90% of the frum community not wearing masks or some other face covering?

I am sure we were all somewhat ashamed to see Chassidim gathering in Williamsburg, et al., and not practicing social distancing or wearing face masks (the comments of Mayor DeBlasio, notwithstanding). I personally lost my favorite cousin to COVID-19 one month ago. I give credit to the gentiles in Teaneck who I see are stringent about face covering.

Is it arrogance? Public disdain for law and order? Being somech on the nes? Herein, I do not refer to families sitting or talking on their private lawns, but instead to those walking on the streets, the sidewalks, on bicycles or jogging.

There’s the old joke about the man on a deserted island waiting to be saved. Three ships come by pleading for the man to come aboard and be rescued. He responds that he’s waiting for Hashem to rescue him. When he passes away and meets the
Aybishter in shamayim he complains, “Why didn’t you save me?’ Hashem responds “Fool, who do you think sent the boats?”

Hypothetically, if you knew that there was a 1% chance your parent or child could fall gravely ill, would you not heed all warnings? Does it require the RCBC and every shul’s Rabbi to visit every home and walk the streets wearing face masks? Where is our Rav Yisroel Salanter in 1848 who ate on Yom Kippur as an example for all during the cholera epidemic?

Why does it have to be the Jewish community flouting our government? Why can’t for once it be the Greeks or Italians for a change?