Baltimore, MD - Mar. 25, 2020 - 12:30 PM - Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer, President of the Vaad HaRabbonim of Baltimore, explains that any one who made a kabalah yesterday to fast today, whether a half day or whole, should not fast due to the Coronavirus situation and the obligation upon everyone to maintain their strength and health. The kabala is considered a kabala bi'taus, a mistaken acceptance, as it was based on those who did not accurately translate or understand the letter from Rav Chaim, Shlita.
The main mission now is Teshuva and Tefila, and not through fasting.
May Hashem hear our Tefilos and bring Yeshuos to all of us.

Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer,

Vaad HaRabbanim

Please see letter regarding Yom Kippur Koton from HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, below  

Baltimore, MD – Mar. 23, 2020 - As our nation and in fact all humanity faces unprecedented challenges we עם ישראל reach out to אומנות אבותינו the craftsmanship of our ancestors תפילה.

Through out history the day before Rosh Chodesh has been known as Yom Kippur Koton and many have the custom to fast and recite special Teffilos ( Mishna Brurah siman 417 sif koton 4) as originated by Reb Moshe Kardvora. It is a day to atone for each months misdeeds as we say in musaf זמן כפרה לכל תולדותם A time of atonement...

The seforim say that עם ישראל is compared to the Moon which represents the spiritual light in our world. And just as the moon waxes and wanes so too does our awareness of the spiritual dimensions. Right before Rosh Chodesh as the moon becomes invisible right before its rebirth to a new cycle of waxing , we are reminded that in our darkest most distant moment a new cycle of light and rejuvenation is about to begin. This is our moment to express our great desire for closeness with הקב״ה

Now more than ever we are humbled and seeking a renewed relationship with the רבש״ע.

Many stories are recounted of the Steipler Goan advising those in a times of difficulty to recite Yom Kippur Koton as well as his son Harav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita as he is quoted “יעשה סדר יום כפור קטן ״  

Please remember for those that are fasting either full or half a day to be mikabel (accept ) the fast Tuesday afternoon

There will be 2 community wide Yom Kippur Koton’s via conference call this Wednesday at 1:30pm for those that are fasting half a day (to recite Anienu during mincha), and a later one at 6:15 pm

May our Teffilos pierce thru the Heavens and we merit Rachmei Shmayim

Vaad Harabbanim of Baltimore

There will be 2 Baltimore community wide Yom Kippur Koton davening via conference call this Wednesday:1:30pm for those that are fasting half a day (to recite Anienu during mincha), and a later one at 6:15 pm.

Please Note: In Baltimore, MD, Mincha may not be davend before 1:45PM today

Dial-in number for both (425) 436-6307  Access code 525598

Click here for the complete Artscroll Yom Kippur Koton

May our Tefilos pierce thru the Heavens and we merit Rachmei Shamayim

Below is a letter regarding Yom Kippur Koton from HaGaon HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, shlita, below