Coronavirus 'Fire' Burns In Crown Heights, Rabbis Say

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — Hasidic leaders in Crown Heights shut down the movement's headquarters and other places of worship as the new coronavirus spreads through their community, according to reports.

Three rabbis described the COVID-19 outbreak and the need to close certain meeting places in stark terms in a letter published by COLlive, a Crown Heights and Chabad news site.

"A fire is burning now in our community," they wrote. "It is absolutely (forbidden) for anyone over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions to attend shul, mikvah, weddings or any other public places."

The Beth Din of Crown Heights letter was released Monday. Since then, they closed all their shuls — or synagogues — according to COLlive.

COLlive reported Tuesday that 770 Eastern Parkway, the World Headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement, remained open despite concerns. It later closed in what the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reportedwas the first time in its history.

The Gedaliah Society and other community members set up a COVID-19 isolation hotline, COLlive reported. The number is 212-901-2000 and it offers help on coronavirus questions, including requests for assistance.

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