2 interesting statements from the Chief Rabbinate

The Chief Rabbinate has put out two interesting statements today.

1. the Chief Rabbinate put out a statement reminding everyone that while part of the tradition of Lag B'Omer is to make bonfires burning wood, all should remember that wood should not be taken from building sites or private property, but only from hefker. As well, care should be taken not to destroy trees, or parts thereof, as that would be destructive for no purpose and is prohibited.
As well, they warn about taking care of all safety issues, and not to harm the environment.


Funny that the Chief Rabbinate should need to warn about this.

2. Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar has issued a statement in response to the Swine Flu (or Mexican Flu if you prefer). According to Ladaat.net, Rabbi Amar has called upon everyone to accept this Thursday as a day of fasting and prayer. He quotes the gemara that says when there is illness by the pigs, they declared a fast day - because the digestive tracts of the swine are similar to that of humans. As well, when there is a plague in one place, they should fast in other places as well, as the plague can spread from one place to the other easily.

Rabbi Amar also warns us that we should all take care to follow all health instructions from the experts in order to prevent infection.