Quote:
Originally Posted by theflipflop
Yes, we discussed all the major opinions at shul yesterday. Main takeaway was that one should not hold by R Moshe’s opinion except in the greatest possible time of need.
A freilichen Purim to all of you.
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From the YU email
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As we have been reinforcing in all our communications and presentations, it is absolutely critical to follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and local health officials.
With that in mind, we expect that some members of the community will be precluded from attending Megilla reading at their local Shul. All efforts should be expended to provide an opportunity for such individuals to hear a private Megilla reading in a manner that accommodates the recommendations of the CDC. Other options include, reading personally from a kosher Megilla at home. If one finds themselves in a circumstance that entirely precludes such an option, Harav Hershel Schachter has ruled that, for this year's unique extenuating circumstances, it is worthwhile to listen to a live broadcast of the Megilla from Shul rather than miss Megilla reading altogether.
In order to accommodate this opportunity, there will be a live webcast from Yeshiva University. This webcast is being streamed entirely for the purpose of accommodating those with no options to hear a live Megilla reading. It should not be relied upon by anyone who has the opportunity to hear the Megilla read in person, even if it is inconvenient to find such a reading.
When watching the livestream, one should also follow along with a printed Megilla text in order to read any words that may be disrupted by the connection.
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The OU's email said something similar:
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For those who need to be in isolation due to COVID-19, the following Halachic guidance is based on the ruling issued for our communities by Rav Hershel Schachter, שליט״א.
The clear majority of Halachic authorities do not consider Halachically adequate a Megillah reading heard over the phone or online. There is however a minority opinion that does allow for this, provided that the reading is live, and not pre-recorded. Following the Halachic principle that we may rely upon minority opinions under extenuating circumstances – שעת הדחק כדיעבד דמי וכדאי הוא ר״ש לסמוך עליו בשעת הדחק - this minority opinion can be relied upon for those who are in mandated isolation.
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