New York, NY – In a follow-up to its initial July 2012 meeting during which officials from the 9/11 Memorial Museum hosted a forum for Rabbanim with regard to the halachic ramifications of the Ground Zero memorial site, last week Thursday’s event covered the entire layout of the memorial in an effort to assure Rabbanim currently in the process of reaching p’sak halachah that every aspect concerning halachah can be properly analyzed.
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The Medical Examiner’s office, museum administrators, and engineers in charge of construction of the museum explained the building’s infrastructure, including the cooling system that was installed where the remains are stored. Museum officials provided a large conference room, big enough to accommodate the Rabbanim, ME staff, and their personnel to review floor plans and examine every necessary detail.
Rabbanim representing many kehillos attended the meeting including a Rabbi from the Sefardi community, and a Rabbi from the Chabad community.
The Rabbanim said they were gratified by the level of respect accorded them by the Medical Examiner’s office and by museum personnel. They praised their willingness to go way beyond the call of duty to accommodate the needs of the Jewish community.
The event was organized by Misaskim.
So since July 2012 (2 years ago) no halachic decision has been reached?
Something similar, but related. I flew last week PHL-LGA (I’m not a Cohen) and I was surprised to see that we flew directly over a cemetery. I’m not sure if it’s a Jewish one. For some reason I thought that it’s the Gravesend cemetery.
With all respect, is this really a worthwhile use of the time of both these rabbonim and city officials? The needs of a few Kohanim who might want to visit the museum are worthy of consideration but to hold a mini
“asifah” of a gazillion rabbonim and askanim at the memorial seems to be overkill….(no pun intended)
I am not familiar with these halachos. However, 2 things seem odd to me. 1. Some of the Rabbonim that were there, while they are choshov, are completely not a dayan to paskin questions especially not in their realm. Besides for the photo op, why are they there? 2. I thought it highly inappropriate that at such a solemn place someone break out in such laughter as one of the Rabbonim that are shown. Common sense is required because it looks bad for the public.
Halacha for the greater good of the whole world! Wow. Next thing we can do is kippah up the whole world too! Smile, its just for fun.
I’m surprised the article did not mention Cohanim. Our family has been wondering about that, I mean, if cohanim can see the museum at all, since my husband and sons are Cohanim. I guess we have to ask a sheila.