NEW JERSEY - While the Governor has said to stay home repeatedly at every news conference, he may be changing his tune. A public letter was distributed early Sunday morning from the President of Beth Medrash Gevoha, the largest Yeshiva in the world, outside Israel. Stated Kotler, "We are pleased that the authorities charged with Covid-19 enforcement have approved a model and venue for weddings that is 100% compliant with the State of NJ social distancing regulations."

According to the letter, a specific legal process is in place that could provide a framework for other faiths. The new framework was requested, if it exists, from the Governor's office on Sunday and the story will be updated as soon as a response is received.

As of the press conference on Monday, there has been no response.

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However, the Star Ledger reported on the matter today

If allowed, this could begin a new phase in reopening New Jersey and events important to everyday life, wedding ceremonies.





The letter in full is below:

Letter from BMG’s Rabbi Aaron Kotler.

Dear BMG Friends, Talmidim and Parents,





As we shared in our previous update, we were working on a way for our Kehilla to hold Covid-19 compliant Chasunos. We are pleased that the authorities charged with Covid-19 enforcement have approved a model and venue for weddings that is 100% compliant with the State of NJ social distancing regulations.

The venue will be available starting this Sunday and will initially run through to Rosh Chodesh and will then resume from Lag B’Omer. The approved location is at Ateres Reva and access to the site will be restricted by law enforcement. Chasunos will be permitted, beginning with a very small Covid-19 regulations compliant religious ceremony, followed by a Covid-19 compliant dinner, with a 1 man band, fresh florist, catered compliant Seuda for parents and immediate siblings, photographer and video.

There will be limited ability for relatives/ friends to wish Mazel Tov from their cars after the Seuda. That car entry will be via placards given at the gate of Ateres Reva that will allow access to the parking lot (no building entry will be permitted under any circumstances for the Mazel Tovs). No one granted entry to the “Mazel Tov” part of the event will be allowed to leave their cars. All Chasunos will be allocated a 2 hour window time slot from start to finish. For information please contact Mr. Bentzi Inzelbuch at 732-908-2302 or by email at lakewoodwedding@gmail.com.

May we see a quick end to the Mageifah and Refuos and Yeshuos for all,

Rabbi Aaron Kotler

President and Chief Executive Officer

Beth Medrash Govoha

You can get updates on COVID-19 data at the state website nj.gov