TRADITION PODCAST: The COVID Vaccine and Halakha - Dec 21, 2020 - PODCAST: The COVID Vaccine and Halakha

The arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine is a long-awaited and blessed development that requires our gratitude to God, and the scientists through whom His work is done, for providing humanity the means to eradicate the pandemic and its deadly effects. In this podcast, R. Yona Reiss explains that vaccination constitutes a mitzva requirement based on the imperative of “guarding our lives” and preventing harm to others. According to halakhic triage rules, it is appropriate for those who are most vulnerable to take the vaccine first, including the elderly. Finally, he argues, we should exercise our obligation to sanctify God’s name by displaying vigilance in preserving and protecting human life.