Updated March 7th, 2021
1) What are the Yeshiva's plans for the Pesach Bein Hazmanim?
Thursday, March 4th Update:
In our Tuesday email, we recommended Talmidim stay in E”Y for Yom Tov and discuss with their parents and Rebbeim what was best for them. We put in motion a plan for a robust and enjoyable Bein Hazmanim program and began fleshing out the details. While at the same time, we asked you to hold off from canceling your son’s ticket until the end of the week because of this complex situation's fluid nature.
As you can imagine, our recommendation to the Talmidim that they stay for Yom Tov generated much discussion and introspection over the past three days. Rebbeim spoke with and heard out every one of their Talmidim. After much encouragement and guidance taking into account each Talmid’s individual circumstances, a picture emerged. The Rebbeim pooled together their results, and it became clear that the size and makeup of the group staying in E”Y for Yom Tov would not coalesce into a viable Yeshiva for the summer Zman. We went back to HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a, and after much thought and deliberation, we came to a bez”h, final decision that the Yeshiva recommends Talmidim go home for Yom Tov.
Over the past year, the pandemic produced an array of challenges and dilemmas for all of us. We recognize that our initial recommendation to go home, followed by Tuesday’s recommendation to stay, and now our recommendation that they go home may be unsettling. However, it was the path we had to take. We tried our best with our advisors and daas Torah's guidance to tenaciously reach our best possible decision for our Talmidim without leaving a stone unturned. We were not afraid to reassess, nor would we remain stuck in a decision that became outdated in this dynamic and unusual situation.
It is impressive how the Talmidim rose to the challenge during these past couple of days. With strength and maturity, they embraced the dilemma and made the best decision they could with guidance and self-examination. We were inspired by how they chose what was right over what was possibly more comfortable, regardless of the decision they reached. We witnessed real-life decision-making and mesiras nefesh on their part. In their zechus, may we experience only bracha and hatzlacha in the coming weeks! A special thank you to the Rebbeim for all the time and effort they put into each Talmid in their selfless way, to hear them out, guide, and advise.
With this final, bez”h, decision we have reached a place of אין שמחה כהתרת הספיקות and forge ahead with our combined creative energies to prepare for our next steps. We hope that we continue to experience siyata dishmaya and that the Talmidim can return for the start of the summer zman or shortly after. If, however, they cannot return, we will be there for them and devote our time and energies to do whatever we can to make the best of the situation.
The Menahel Ruchani, HaRav Zvi Twersky shlit”a, explained and shared all of the above with the Talmidim with much warmth, wisdom, and understanding. The Rebbeim and Talmidim are inspired by his legendary consistent concern and his insistence on doing all we can for every single Talmid. We are also indebted to the parents, friends, and advisors that have been with us every step of the way. We felt your support.
El Al canceled some of their flights; other airlines seem to be departing as scheduled. Check with your travel agent for the latest updates. Please keep us posted on any changes. Talmidim are obviously welcome to stay on at Yeshiva as long as they need to to get home.
Please let us know if your son needs to stay for Yom Tov (e.g., due to current guidelines in your home country, etc.). The dormitory will remain open, and we will be there for your son to make this work comfortably over the Bein Hazmanim and Yom Tov.
Warm wishes for only besuros tovos!
In our Tuesday email, we recommended Talmidim stay in E”Y for Yom Tov and discuss with their parents and Rebbeim what was best for them. We put in motion a plan for a robust and enjoyable Bein Hazmanim program and began fleshing out the details. While at the same time, we asked you to hold off from canceling your son’s ticket until the end of the week because of this complex situation's fluid nature.
As you can imagine, our recommendation to the Talmidim that they stay for Yom Tov generated much discussion and introspection over the past three days. Rebbeim spoke with and heard out every one of their Talmidim. After much encouragement and guidance taking into account each Talmid’s individual circumstances, a picture emerged. The Rebbeim pooled together their results, and it became clear that the size and makeup of the group staying in E”Y for Yom Tov would not coalesce into a viable Yeshiva for the summer Zman. We went back to HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch shlit”a, and after much thought and deliberation, we came to a bez”h, final decision that the Yeshiva recommends Talmidim go home for Yom Tov.
Over the past year, the pandemic produced an array of challenges and dilemmas for all of us. We recognize that our initial recommendation to go home, followed by Tuesday’s recommendation to stay, and now our recommendation that they go home may be unsettling. However, it was the path we had to take. We tried our best with our advisors and daas Torah's guidance to tenaciously reach our best possible decision for our Talmidim without leaving a stone unturned. We were not afraid to reassess, nor would we remain stuck in a decision that became outdated in this dynamic and unusual situation.
It is impressive how the Talmidim rose to the challenge during these past couple of days. With strength and maturity, they embraced the dilemma and made the best decision they could with guidance and self-examination. We were inspired by how they chose what was right over what was possibly more comfortable, regardless of the decision they reached. We witnessed real-life decision-making and mesiras nefesh on their part. In their zechus, may we experience only bracha and hatzlacha in the coming weeks! A special thank you to the Rebbeim for all the time and effort they put into each Talmid in their selfless way, to hear them out, guide, and advise.
With this final, bez”h, decision we have reached a place of אין שמחה כהתרת הספיקות and forge ahead with our combined creative energies to prepare for our next steps. We hope that we continue to experience siyata dishmaya and that the Talmidim can return for the start of the summer zman or shortly after. If, however, they cannot return, we will be there for them and devote our time and energies to do whatever we can to make the best of the situation.
The Menahel Ruchani, HaRav Zvi Twersky shlit”a, explained and shared all of the above with the Talmidim with much warmth, wisdom, and understanding. The Rebbeim and Talmidim are inspired by his legendary consistent concern and his insistence on doing all we can for every single Talmid. We are also indebted to the parents, friends, and advisors that have been with us every step of the way. We felt your support.
El Al canceled some of their flights; other airlines seem to be departing as scheduled. Check with your travel agent for the latest updates. Please keep us posted on any changes. Talmidim are obviously welcome to stay on at Yeshiva as long as they need to to get home.
Please let us know if your son needs to stay for Yom Tov (e.g., due to current guidelines in your home country, etc.). The dormitory will remain open, and we will be there for your son to make this work comfortably over the Bein Hazmanim and Yom Tov.
Warm wishes for only besuros tovos!
2) Does my son need to vaccinate? If yes, how does he arrange for a vaccine?
We are unaware of any benefit in having a Covid vaccine over a “recovery” letter (recovery letters are issued to people that tested positive for Covid in Israel or antibodies in Israel through AIM). However, there are no guarantees and we realize that there is a possibility that at some time in the future Israel may consider vaccines better than recovery letters. Israel is currently not offering the vaccine to people that have already recovered from Covid.
All Talmidim that do not have a "recovery" letter are encouraged to get the vaccine before leaving the country. You may need this to return after Pesach or to avoid quarantine.
IMPORTANT the second dose can only be given three weeks after the first dose. You'll want to check the dates for your son's departure to make sure there is enough time to allow for a second dose.
There are three ways to get the vaccine:
1) The Igud (Coalition of Yeshivos) announced that they arranged with Mada (Magen Dovid Adom) to administer the vaccine in Yeshivos for any Talmid that needs it. We've notified Talmidim when they are expected to administer tests.
2) Vaccine centers occasionally have a surplus and offer the vaccine to anyone, provided they do not have a "recovery" letter and bring their teudat zehut or a passport. AIM notifies us when these are available, so far four times. We continue to update the Talmdim about these opportunities.
3) Many Talmidim have signed up with Meuchedet, an Israeli HMO. Meuchedet is now offering the vaccine to anyone age 16 and above.
All Talmidim that do not have a "recovery" letter are encouraged to get the vaccine before leaving the country. You may need this to return after Pesach or to avoid quarantine.
IMPORTANT the second dose can only be given three weeks after the first dose. You'll want to check the dates for your son's departure to make sure there is enough time to allow for a second dose.
There are three ways to get the vaccine:
1) The Igud (Coalition of Yeshivos) announced that they arranged with Mada (Magen Dovid Adom) to administer the vaccine in Yeshivos for any Talmid that needs it. We've notified Talmidim when they are expected to administer tests.
2) Vaccine centers occasionally have a surplus and offer the vaccine to anyone, provided they do not have a "recovery" letter and bring their teudat zehut or a passport. AIM notifies us when these are available, so far four times. We continue to update the Talmdim about these opportunities.
3) Many Talmidim have signed up with Meuchedet, an Israeli HMO. Meuchedet is now offering the vaccine to anyone age 16 and above.
3) What do I need to do before leaving Israel?
Friday, March 5th Update: (Click here to download printable version)
I. Print Documents NOW (or as soon as they become available)
The following documents do not seem to be required when leaving Israel. However, it is best to take care of collecting them know and be prepared for whatever you may be asked for. Individual airline personnel may not know the rules. More importantly, some of these may be necessary for your return to Israel.
1. Email the Israeli Health Ministry at lbjepid@moh.health.gov.il your name, passport number, date of birth and cell phone number you’ve been using this year, and attach a copy of your passport. Ask for the following:
2. If you were not able to attain some of the above then you can try the Ministry of Health’s website at https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/ and submit a request for:
3. If you previously tested positive for Covid in the United States, it would be a good idea to get a copy of that documentation.
4. If you vaccinated through Meuchedet, then you should be able to get from them “Certification of Vaccination”. This may be easier for you then via the Ministry of Health’s website.
II. 72-hrs. before your flight
1. You are required to take a PCR test within 72-hrs of your flight. Bez”h you will test negative. (There are cases in which people with "recovered status" still test positive for Covid. It is terribly disappointing when it happens. Unfortunately, you would then not be allowed to fly.)
Vaccination or antibodies do not exempt you from taking this test at this time.
We recommend taking this test at Hatzalah just down the block from the Yeshiva. Cost is NIS 270. (Although Pikud HaOref administers Covid tests for free, we are concerned about the turnaround time and how quickly you can get a copy of the test results.)
Make sure they e-mail you the results in English. Pick up a printed copy from Hatzlah or print them out before you fly.
2. As soon as you get these negative test results e-mail them to office@ytchaim.com and zevfeigenbaum@gmail.com. We’ll then e-mail you your “Clear-to-fly letter”.
IMPORTANT if you tested positive for Covid within 90 days of departure it may not be wise to test again (there is an increased chance of a false positive and will then not be permitted to fly). The American CDC website says you can instead present a positive Covid test and a “clear to fly” letter.
III. 12-hrs. before your flight
Complete Israel’s Exit form https://govforms.gov.il/mw/forms/ExitFromIsrael@health.gov.il within 24 hrs. of your flight. (We recommend you do this within 12 hrs. to avoid mistakenly entering the wrong date.)
You may be asked at the airport to confirm in writing on an “attestation form” that the information you present is true.
IMPORTANT - If you are traveling to any destination other than the United States then you'll want to first find out your countries requirements. Canadians may need to provide a quarantine location and fill out a form. UK passengers will need to complete a passenger locator form.
For more information visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
https://www.gov.il/en/service/request-depart-from-israel-covid19
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories?_ga=2.129468748.1104899293.1613382784-707099757.1613382784
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
I. Print Documents NOW (or as soon as they become available)
The following documents do not seem to be required when leaving Israel. However, it is best to take care of collecting them know and be prepared for whatever you may be asked for. Individual airline personnel may not know the rules. More importantly, some of these may be necessary for your return to Israel.
1. Email the Israeli Health Ministry at lbjepid@moh.health.gov.il your name, passport number, date of birth and cell phone number you’ve been using this year, and attach a copy of your passport. Ask for the following:
- If you already tested positive for Covid in Israel, or tested positive for antibodies through AIM then request a) a copy of your previous positive Covid and/or previous positive antibody test results and b) a “Certificate of Recovery” (תעודת מחלים). Try asking also for c) a “Green Pass”, we don’t know if this is available yet by e-mail.
- If 8-days passed from your second vaccine dose, then try asking them for
2. If you were not able to attain some of the above then you can try the Ministry of Health’s website at https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/ and submit a request for:
- If you tested positive for Covid in Israel or tested positive for antibodies through AIM then submit a request for “Certificate of Recovery” and submit a request for a “Green Pass”
- If 8-days passed from your second vaccine dose, then submit a request for “Certification of Vaccination” and submit a request for a “Green Pass”.
3. If you previously tested positive for Covid in the United States, it would be a good idea to get a copy of that documentation.
4. If you vaccinated through Meuchedet, then you should be able to get from them “Certification of Vaccination”. This may be easier for you then via the Ministry of Health’s website.
II. 72-hrs. before your flight
1. You are required to take a PCR test within 72-hrs of your flight. Bez”h you will test negative. (There are cases in which people with "recovered status" still test positive for Covid. It is terribly disappointing when it happens. Unfortunately, you would then not be allowed to fly.)
Vaccination or antibodies do not exempt you from taking this test at this time.
We recommend taking this test at Hatzalah just down the block from the Yeshiva. Cost is NIS 270. (Although Pikud HaOref administers Covid tests for free, we are concerned about the turnaround time and how quickly you can get a copy of the test results.)
Make sure they e-mail you the results in English. Pick up a printed copy from Hatzlah or print them out before you fly.
2. As soon as you get these negative test results e-mail them to office@ytchaim.com and zevfeigenbaum@gmail.com. We’ll then e-mail you your “Clear-to-fly letter”.
IMPORTANT if you tested positive for Covid within 90 days of departure it may not be wise to test again (there is an increased chance of a false positive and will then not be permitted to fly). The American CDC website says you can instead present a positive Covid test and a “clear to fly” letter.
III. 12-hrs. before your flight
Complete Israel’s Exit form https://govforms.gov.il/mw/forms/ExitFromIsrael@health.gov.il within 24 hrs. of your flight. (We recommend you do this within 12 hrs. to avoid mistakenly entering the wrong date.)
You may be asked at the airport to confirm in writing on an “attestation form” that the information you present is true.
IMPORTANT - If you are traveling to any destination other than the United States then you'll want to first find out your countries requirements. Canadians may need to provide a quarantine location and fill out a form. UK passengers will need to complete a passenger locator form.
For more information visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
https://www.gov.il/en/service/request-depart-from-israel-covid19
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories?_ga=2.129468748.1104899293.1613382784-707099757.1613382784
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
4) Short checklist of items before leaving Israel
Here’s a convenient short check list:
- Print previous Positive Covid test results – email the Ministry of Health
- Print previous Postive Antibody test results - you already have this from AIM through Yeshiva or email the Ministry of Health
- If you tested positive for either of the above, print recovery letter from AIM – you already have this from AIM through Yeshiva
- If you tested positive for either of the above, print recovery certificate from Ministry of Health – email the Ministry of Health or request via their website
- If 8-days passed since second vaccine dose – print certificate of vaccination – from Meuchedet or Ministry of Health website (possibly by e-mail from Ministry of Health)
- Green Pass – you are eligible if you either tested positive for Covid in Israel, or tested positive for antibodies through AIM or 8 days have passed since your vaccine. Request via Ministry of Health’s website (possibly by e-mail from Ministry of Health).
- 72-hrs prior – take Covid PCR test at Hatzalah and print results
- Email negative results to Yeshiva and Rabbi Feigenbaum and ask for Clear-to-fly letter.
- 12-hrs prior – complete Israel’s exit form.
5) What will I need to do before returning to Israel?
We don't know when Israel will open borders again to returning students. In the meanwhile, we list below the expected procedure. Check back here for updates as more information becomes available.
You’ll need the following documents:
You may also need:
We don’t know which documentation will be needed in order to apply for entry permits or avoid quarantine. The following may end up being important.
For more information visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
https://www.gov.il/en/service/request-entry-to-israel-covid19
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories?_ga=2.129468748.1104899293.1613382784-707099757.1613382784
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
You’ll need the following documents:
- Entry Permit - When Israel bez"h opens its borders for students to return, the Yeshiva will apply for student entry permits within 14 days of your scheduled flight. We don’t yet know what documentation will be required in order to apply for an entry permit.
- Inbound Passenger form - Within 24 hours before your flight to Israel is scheduled, you must fill out an Israeli inbound passenger form here. You’ll need to provide identification information, specific places you have visited, make health declarations and attach documentation. After submitting the form, you'll receive notification immediately of either being cleared or denied to board your flight. Print and take it with you.
- Negative COVID-19 PCR test - ALL passengers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result to airline staff. The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure to Israel. At this time, this requirement applies even to people with an Israeli vaccination certificate or tested positive for Covid or antibodies.
You may also need:
We don’t know which documentation will be needed in order to apply for entry permits or avoid quarantine. The following may end up being important.
- Documentation of all prior positive tests. You can contact the Israeli Health Ministry 02-531-4813/4814 or email them at lbjepid@moh.health.gov.il and request a copy of all previous Covid and antibody test results. Let them know your name, passport number, and date of birth. If you tested positive for Covid before arriving in Israel this year then we recommend you have a copy of those test results as well.
- "Recovery" letter - If you've tested positive for Covid in Israel or tested positive for antibodies in Israel through AIM (other testing centers may not help) then you already received your "recovery" letter from AIM. We recommend you also download a recovery certificate from the Israeli Health Ministry website https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/. You’ll need to submit a request form and they'll send you a code.
- Proof of Vaccination – If you were administered the second dose of the vaccine then you may have already received proof. You'll also want to download your "vaccination certificate" from the Israeli Health Ministry website at https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/. (Note, this may only be available eight days after the second dose.) You’ll need to submit a request form and they'll send you a code. If you received the vaccine through Meuchedet then you can also go to the Meuchedet office and ask them to print it out for you.
- Green Pass – The Green Pass is expected to become available next week. You’ll be able to download it from the Israeli Health Ministry website at https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/. You’ll need to submit a request form and they'll send you a code. Anyone who has "recovered" status (tested positive for Covid in Israel or antibodies through AIM) or is vaccinated in Israel will be eligible.
For more information visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
https://www.gov.il/en/service/request-entry-to-israel-covid19
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories?_ga=2.129468748.1104899293.1613382784-707099757.1613382784
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
6) My son doesn't have a valid visa, what should he do? My sons passport will expire soon, what should he do?
Student Visa
If your son does not have a student visa that is valid until after his return to Israel, please be in touch with our office immediately. A student visa is essential for being able to return to Yeshiva bez”h after Pesach.
Passports
It is currently difficult to renew US passports. Chaim Vchessed, an organization that helps Anglo’s navigate government procedures, recently posted here RE these difficulties and how they are trying to help.
If your son does not have a student visa that is valid until after his return to Israel, please be in touch with our office immediately. A student visa is essential for being able to return to Yeshiva bez”h after Pesach.
Passports
It is currently difficult to renew US passports. Chaim Vchessed, an organization that helps Anglo’s navigate government procedures, recently posted here RE these difficulties and how they are trying to help.
7) Is my student visa valid?
Check your student visa's expiration date. Student visas, in general, are given for 2-3 years but if the passort is expiring the visa expiration date will be 3 months before the expiry date of the passport.
8) I only received my negative Covid test in Hebrew? What should I do?
We advise you to go back to them and ask for the test results in English. Make sure it also lists your passport number.
9) I submitted flight dates to the Yeshiva office but needed to reschedule. What do I do?
E-mail our office your updated departure date. Note, you will still need negative Covid test results within 72 hrs. of your rescheduled flight.
10) Besides Ichud Hatzalah down the block from Yeshiva, are there any other Covid testing centers that can give results within 72 hrs?
- Ichud Hatzalah offers corona testing at the corner of Hatzvi and Yirmiyahu streets, next to Yeshiva. They guarantee results in English with a Passport # and within 24 hours.
- Refuit clinic on Chiram Street In Yerushalayim 02-566-8888 does corona testing.
- In the Ben Gurion Airport, there is a corona testing stand. To schedule an appointment (you cannot come without an appointment) email: info@check2fly.co.il or call: 076-530-0873. The cost of the tests is 45 shekel. The test can be taken from 72 hours and up until 17 hours prior to departure.
- There are hospitals around the country that also offer corona tests: Click here for more information.
11) I was told Israel is telling people that recovered from Covid to get only one dose of the vaccine. Is this true?
That may be the case however to the best of our knowledge at this time, unlike the regular 2-dose vaccine procedure, this will not grant you vaccine certification status.
12) I'm having trouble downloading documents from the Health Ministry's website?
We are aware of two challenges in downloading documentation from their website. a) Vaccines distributed by the Pikud Haoref (Home Front Command) have not been uploaded to the Health Ministry's website. They are behind on this at the moment and b) The website is having trouble recognizing passport numbers. We are told that the Ministry of Health is aware of both these problems and working on them. You'll want to try again later. Note, if your vaccine was done at Meuchedet, you can get proof of vaccination from them.
13) I've emailed the Health Ministry and asked for my positive test results and for a recovery certificate. I received the positive test results. However, I'm not sure if I received the recovery certificate. It says recovery confirmation and says it's only valid with doctor's signature. Is this what I am meant to receive?
A recovery confirmation does not seem to be the same as a recovery certificate. A recovery certificate has a QR code and therefore cannot be forged, and it does not require a doctor's signature.
The recovery letter you received from AIM with Dr. Eagles' signature is just as good as a signed recovery confirmation so there is no point in getting the recovery confirmation signed.
We prefer you get the recovery certificate to be safe because it's harder to forge and may be valuable in the future. The reason why the Health Ministry did not send this to you seems to be that as a passport holder your information is not available on their website, and therefore also not available via email. You'll want to try again when their website recognizes passport numbers.
The recovery letter you received from AIM with Dr. Eagles' signature is just as good as a signed recovery confirmation so there is no point in getting the recovery confirmation signed.
We prefer you get the recovery certificate to be safe because it's harder to forge and may be valuable in the future. The reason why the Health Ministry did not send this to you seems to be that as a passport holder your information is not available on their website, and therefore also not available via email. You'll want to try again when their website recognizes passport numbers.