Rosh Chodesh Nisan, 5780

March 25, 2020

Dear Parents,

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact our lives, sadly it is clear that our schools must remain closed.

You may have heard that Governor Hogan announced that Maryland public schools will remain closed until at least April 24 (first day of Rosh Chodesh Iyar).  Expert medical advice is that keeping schools closed is a critical and effective step in stopping the spread of this virus.  Accordingly, our schools will remain closed as long as medically indicated.  However, we do not know how long that will be.  As of now, our schools will remain closed until after Pesach and, as this is a constantly changing landscape, we will reassess the situation and communicate with you as medical advice warrants.  The loss to us of our children’s Torah study is extremely painful, and the thought of an extended period of closure (some experts expect schools to be closed through the summer, chas v’sholom) is something we do not want to contemplate but unfortunately is possible.

We are strengthened by the guidance of our Rabbonim and medical experts, and are amazed at the ongoing focus of our homebound students and families during these challenging times on Tefila and Limud HaTorah (all while preparing for Yom Tov).  Each of us must continue to follow the guidance of our medical experts and Rabbonim while never forgetting that it is only the Ribbono Shel Olam (Master of the World) who controls this world and everything that happens.

As we enter the Chodesh HaGeula (the Month of Redemption), we pray that Hashem send us a Geula from the current crisis so we can again hear our children’s loud and clear voices ring out very soon – from our beautiful schools – with the sweet sounds of Torah learning, and that He send the Geula Shlaima with the coming of Moshiach speedily in our days.

Bais Yaakov School for Girls

Bnos Yisroel of Baltimore

Cheder Chabad

Darchei Noam Montessori

JEWELS Inclusive School

Talmudical Academy of Baltimore

Torah Institute of Baltimore

Yeshivas Toras Simcha