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Order commences 11:59pm Monday. Details to follow.

5-7pm Monday at Lee Road Library.

From Cleveland Patch:

The Heights Libraries will be holding a drive-thru produce pantry on Monday. Guests will not need to leave their car for any reason during the pick-up process.

Full article link: https://patch.com/ohio/clevelandheights/drive-thru-produce-pantry-be-held-monday-heights-libraries

At 10:11pm, Governor Mike DeWine announced that the Director of the Ohio Department of Health, Dr. Amy Acton, has ordered the polls closed tomorrow as a health emergency.

Stay tuned for any updates.

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Scholastic says the site will remain free and open indefinitely. Full article at https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/scholastic-learning-website-coronavirus-closures/95-54c8eac3-b8be-4fe5-be5b-acd6ca8447e1.

Scholastic’s website is https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html

Update

Yeshiva Derech HaTorah has announced closure after school Monday.

Update 5:40pm

Hebrew Academy has announced closure after school Monday through Pesach.

Update 4:45pm

Chaviva High School has announced closure after school Monday.

Update 4:35pm

Excerpt from Cleveland.com:

Ohio K-12 schools will be closed from 3:30 p.m. Monday through at least April 3, DeWine said. The order applies to public, private and charter schools.

Full article at https://www.cleveland.com/news/2020/03/ohio-gov-dewine-announces-3-week-spring-break-for-ohio-schools-to-control-coronavirus.html.

The announcement was made Thursday afternoon after Fuchs Mizrachi School had already announced Wednesday they would be closed out of an abundance of caution. As of Thursday afternoon–though seemingly prior to the Governor’s announcement–Hebrew Academy and Chaviva High School remained open per school communications.

Reprinted in full with permission from Dr. Freedman’s blog at mymdmiami.com/coronavirus/

Written by:
Robert A. Freedman, M.D.
Board Certified Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Chief of Infectious Diseases Miami Jewish Health Systems
Chief of Infectious Diseases Kindred Hospitals of South Florida
info@mymd.us (Questions submitted will potentially be answered in future articles/updates)

—
As an Infectious Disease specialist in the community, who has been fielding phone calls over the past two weeks about the coronavirus from hospital administrators, nursing homes, schools, synagogues, businesses, and patients, it is clear there is a lot of misinformation and fear about this disease. I am therefore putting out a statement to try and answer many of the questions I have received, hopefully to provide guidance to our communities, and allay some fears.

Before discussing the history, details and implications about the virus, I want to emphasize one important key fact: at this point, we must practice social distancing. We cannot wait for an index case, because by the time the index case is known, the disease has mushroomed throughout the community.

Coronaviruses have been around for a long time. The majority of them cause a syndrome like the common cold. In the past two decades we have experienced two new novel coronaviruses, and now a third one. All three have originated in China from an animal food market (i.e. animal to human transmission). The first was SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in 2002 to 2003, MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome) in 2012, and now COVID 19, specifically from an animal and seafood food market in Wuhan, China. These three new viruses can cause a severe pneumonia and sometimes death. SARS killed 770 people out of 8,000 infected, and MERS killed 3 or 4 out of every 10 people infected, according to the CDC. Unfortunately, because COVID19 is a novel/new virus, we have little information on its epidemiology (how it’s transmitted), and have no antiviral therapy or vaccines at this time. Therefore, the majority of my statements will be based on current knowledge that has been acquired over the past few months. As we have more experience with this virus, some of the information and beliefs about contagion, transmission, incubation, and mortality that I am going to discuss, may change.

COVID19 as of Wednesday 3/11/20 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. This essentially means it has spread worldwide. Transmission is believed to be from respiratory droplets from people coughing or sneezing which are inhaled by another person or “hand to mouth”. If you shake somebody’s hand or touch a surface that has the coronavirus, and then you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you can contract the virus. You are essentially placing the virus onto one of your mucosal surfaces (mouth, nose, or eyes). This is why you hear all the recommendations about repeatedly washing your hands or using hand sanitizer. People would be surprised how many times they touch their mouth, nose, or eyes throughout the day. This is also why they recommend not shaking hands. The most recent data suggests that respiratory droplets carrying coronavirus can remain in the air for up to three hours, which would increase the contagion. They can also stay alive on surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for up to 3 days, copper surfaces for 4 hours, and cardboard for up to 24 hours. There is also some data that suggests if it is like SARS and MERS, it could remain on metal, glass, or plastic for up to 9 days. In contrast, our knowledge of flu/influenza reveals that it can only remain on surfaces for 48 hours. In a study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection, it was suggested that Coronaviruses could be effectively inactivated by disinfectants that contain 60-71% ethanol, 0.5% hydrogen peroxide, or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite within 1 minute.

The current incubation period is believed to be between 5 to 14 days. This is why people are being quarantined for up to 14 days.  Additional concerns with respect to transmission are that it appears people can be contagious prior to developing any symptoms. This is very dangerous, since if someone is well, the individual and his contacts assume that he or she is not contagious. This contributes to the rapid spread we have been seeing. While we are still acquiring more information about transmission, there is some data that suggests that once the patient resolves from their infection, they’ve still been able to isolate the virus from their secretions up to 50 days!

Although the illness can infect anyone, it appears that the disease and its complications are more severe in the elderly and people with immune compromised conditions. Young people seem to fare well with the illness and recover. With respect to disease course, in approximately 80% of the patients the symptoms are slightly milder than the flu, that is: runny nose, sore throat, cough and fever. In severe cases, people can have difficulty breathing. 20% of the patients will develop complications such as Covid 19 pneumonia, and 15% of those will die. As stated above, this mortality is more in the elderly and people with pre-existing immune compromised conditions.

Although the current mortality rate is quoted as 3.4% when compared to the flu which has a 0.1% mortality, I personally believe that the mortality rate from this disease is much less than 3.4%. This is because a majority of patients have a mild illness similar to a cold or mild flu, and they do not come to clinical recognition, that is, they never see a doctor. Mortality rates are calculated based on putting the number of deaths in the numerator and the number of people with the illness in the denominator. Since a large proportion of people are not reporting their illness, because they’re not very sick, the denominator is actually much larger than the current data suggests, which would bring the mortality rate down significantly. I believe as we get more experience with this virus, and have more testing, we will see a fall in the mortality rate.

The classic teaching in Infectious Diseases is to isolate contagious diseases. This is why, travel has been restricted, schools have gone to virtual classrooms, parks and museums have closed, and the NBA has cancelled the season, etc. Social distancing is extremely important. We need to isolate this virus and let it “burn out” within each community, not allowing anyone else in who could carry the virus back into the community. Unfortunately, these decisions are extremely costly, which has delayed the decision to practice social distancing. As leaders however, we have a higher responsibility, not just to ourselves, but to the entire community, and I believe these tough decisions need to be made. This is classical Infectious Disease principles, and if they are adhered to properly and in a timely manner, we will be able to stop the spread. Waiting for an index case to occur in the community before we start practicing social distancing is very dangerous. By the time the patient is diagnosed, they’ve had contact with multiple people, those people have had contact with multiple people, and the disease has already mushroomed and spread throughout the community. Therefore, one should not wait for an index case. There are currently no recommended/approved antivirals (medications) to treat this illness, nor is there a vaccine at present. But we are currently studying some antivirals that may have some promise, and are trying to develop a vaccine as well.

I want to ensure the community that the United States of America has the best healthcare system in the world. We have an infrastructure that is unparalleled. There is a Department of Health in every major city in the United States. We have the CDC, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, headed by one of the most prominent physicians in the world, Dr. Anthony Fauci. By following the recommended principles and guidelines, we will be able to stem the tide of this pandemic.

I hope this has been informative and educational, and that I have answered some of your questions and concerns.

Excerpt: News has been rippling through the Jewish communities in greater Cleveland as people celebrate Purim, a festive holiday commemorating the salvation of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire.

Full article at https://www.cleveland19.com/2020/03/10/members-cleveland-jewish-community-address-coronavirus-after-jewish-education-center-staffer-tests-positive/

Excerpt:

Cuyahoga County Board of Health Commissioner Terry Allan said the three patients, who are ages 54 to 56, are isolated. Two of them were on a trip to Egypt and one was at a conference in Washington D.C. Six additional people who had close contact are also on home quarantine.

There are five people under investigation for the virus, the Ohio Department of Health said. Health Director Dr. Amy Acton said you will be notified if you’ve had contact with an infected person.

Full article at https://fox8.com/news/coronavirus/three-ohioans-test-positive-for-coronavirus/

A Cuyahoga County man who tested positive for the coronavirus is employed by the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland.

“We can confirm that a Jewish Education Center staff person has tested positive for the coronavirus. This individual is now quarantined,” the Jewish Federation of Cleveland said in a statement to the Cleveland Jewish News March 9. The JEC is a partner agency of the Federation.

The individual attended the American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference from March 1 through March 3 in Washington, D.C.

Full article at Cleveland Jewish News: https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/news/local_news/jec-staff-member-confirmed-positive-for-covid/article_72f0a992-625d-11ea-99a8-83cdb84ca1b2.html

Excerpted from a Cleveland Jewish News article by Jane Kaufman

The program aims to nurture a passion for Judaism and Jewish learning among students in a narrow niche: those who are inspired deeply by Judaism but who decide not to pursue a gap year in Israel or attend a yeshiva.

…

His intent for the program is to match students with mentors remotely or, if possible, at their colleges and universities to continue one-on-one Torah study, to offer weekly webinars to the entire cohort on philosophy and to offer smaller, interactive web-based study for groups on more focused topics. In addition, each participant is expected to take a deep dive into a single mitzvah, such as keeping kosher or visiting the sick, and to design and produce a capstone project by the end of the semester.

https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/news/local_news/rabbi-friedner-pilots-torah-institute-for-college-students-seeking-deeper/article_4e5dedf8-518a-11ea-8f64-53bc65e0d9bd.html

From Heights Observer article by Mike Cook

Saundra Berry, a longtime University Heights resident with a wealth of work experience, is set to fill the city’s vacant council seat.

After a formal vote by UH City Council, Berry will be sworn in during a special meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m., at the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Board of Education building.

Reminder that due to the snow, University Heights has a city-wide overnight parking ban even if you previously received permission to park overnight in the street. As of this posting, 11pm Sunday, the ban is in effect indefinitely.

Article from Cleveland Jewish News

In the wake of the violent attack in Monsey, the Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs Association sent the following letter to the community.

A mitzvah campaign in the memory of Rabbi Yossi Bialo, of blessed memory.

Every day, we say Tehillim for those we know, love, and care for. And in times of pain, anguish, and affliction, Klal Yisroel comes together and besieges Hashem with millions of chapters of Tehillim for those we don’t even know. Because we are one.

It’s high time Klal Yisroel come together and commit to saying a chapter of tehillim on a daily basis. Let’s daven for each other. Proactively. Preventatively. Passionately. And with love. Because we are one.

Together, bring Mashiach!

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Our suggestion, in consultation with Daas Torah, is to say the shortest chapter, 117, daily or more frequently. This chapter is full of hope, praise, and thanks: hope for the time of Mashiach; praise for Hashem for everything He has done; and thanks to Hashem for He only does good.

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In order to give this campaign momentum, simply visit www.tehillimforgood.com/one every time you complete a chapter of Tehillim or do a good deed in the merit of the continued good for Klal Yisroel. We will implement a counter shortly you sign up via email (at www.tehillimforgood.com). We will also create a WhatsApp group shortly.

---

To sign up for Mishnayos for Rabbi Yossi Bialo, please visit https://www.lzechernishmas.com/signup.php?id=7118.

A mitzvah campaign in the memory of Rabbi Yossi Bialo, of blessed memory.

Every day, we say Tehillim for those we know, love, and care for. And in times of pain, anguish, and affliction, Klal Yisroel comes together and besieges Hashem with millions of chapters of Tehillim for those we don’t even know. Because we are one.

It’s high time Klal Yisroel come together and commit to saying a chapter of tehillim on a daily basis. Let’s daven for each other. Proactively. Preventatively. Passionately. And with love. Because we are one.

Together, bring Mashiach!

---

Our suggestion, in consultation with Daas Torah, is to say the shortest chapter, 117, daily or more frequently. This chapter is full of hope, praise, and thanks: hope for the time of Mashiach; praise for Hashem for everything He has done; and thanks to Hashem for He only does good.

---

In order to give this campaign momentum, simply visit www.tehillimforgood.com/one every time you complete a chapter of Tehillim or do a good deed in the merit of the continued good for Klal Yisroel. We will implement a counter shortly you sign up via email (at www.tehillimforgood.com). We will also create a WhatsApp group shortly.

---

To sign up for Mishnayos for Rabbi Yossi Bialo, please visit https://www.lzechernishmas.com/signup.php?id=7118.

Starting and ending at Legacy Village, the 2019 Light After Dark Menorah Parade and Festival will cover approximately nearly 20 miles and pass through Lyndhurst, South Euclid, Beachwood, University Heights, Cleveland Heights and touch Cleveland near University Circle.

The parade will include public-facing speakers playing lively Chanukah music, Lolly the Trolley, a police escort, media, and a large portion of pirsumei nisa.

The first half of the parade will see the expected dozens of vehicles with Menorahs and lively music pass through Jewish residential neighborhoods in Beachwood and University Heights including Brentwood, Timberlane, Green Road near Synagogue Row, and East Carroll. The second half of the parade will see the procession continue through Cleveland Heights including Staunton, Bendemeer and South Taylor Road.

The parade will wind its way back to Legacy Village where there will be a Menorah lighting and celebration open to the community from 6-7pm.

Parade organizers are still looking for families on Bendemeer to put “The Parade Will Pass Through Here” signs on their treelawns. Please email clemenorahparade@gmail.com with your address and a sign will be placed by Thursday. Also, as of this posting, there are only a couple of spots left to participate in the parade but if you’re interested, visit www.clemenorahparade.com ASAP. If you’re interested in joining the Menorah lighting and celebration afterwards, just show up with your Chanukah spirit.

 

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced that $33,102,355 has been raised by more than 13,000 donors representing 9,869 gifts in the 2020 Campaign for Jewish Needs, the annual fundraising campaign that serves Jewish Cleveland and the global community. The grand total was revealed at the Campaign Closing Celebration on December 11 at Fuchs Mizrachi School, one of the 15 local beneficiary agencies that receive funding from the Campaign.

For more information about the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Campaign for Jewish Needs, visit www.jewishcleveland.org.

The status of the eruv can be checked by calling 216-219-5713 (starting tomorrow), or through www.bees-eruv.org, or our Facebook site.

The eruv has been covered in the CJN (here and here). There is also lots of information on the www.bees-eruv.org website.

(Photo credit Jane Kaufman/CJN from article linked above.)

Package UPC 

016000196100

Better if Used by Date

06SEP2020KC

From www.generalmills.com/flour.

On September 16, 2019, General Mills announced a voluntary recall of five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour with a better if used by date of September 6, 2020. Consumers are reminded that flour is not a ‘ready to eat’ ingredient.