Mordechai Linhart, the Chief Rabbi of Lostisland and Ambassador of Lostisland to Israel, issued a psak (ruling) declaring vaccination against COVID-19 mandatory.
Citing the effect of the pandemic on the world and on the Jewish communities in particular, the Chief Rabbi said the vaccine should be seen as “a gift from Heaven” which could bring the pandemic and the suffering of human beings to an end. The Chief Rabbi also cited the Torah commandment to safeguard health and save lives (pikuach nefesh) and the recommendation of Gedolei Israel (Sages of Israel) for every Jew to get vaccinated.
Established in 2019, the Chief Rabbinate of Lostisland is the supreme rabbinic, religious and spiritual authority of the Federal Republic of Lostisland and is responsible for enforcing religious orthodoxy within the Federal Republic, coordinating the activities of Lostislandic Jewish organizations and communities, administering justice among the Jewish community of Lostisland on matters not covered by secular justice, ensuring Kashrut and Shabbat observance and regulating other matters of the Lostislandic Jewry. While not a government officer, the Chief Rabbi is appointed by the President and the Prime Minister from among a list of candidates selected by Lostislandic Jewish leaders and organizations, and enjoys a status in Lostislandic law similar to a minister.
The Chief Rabbi has also called on the government to issue a similar statement to encourage public health and potentially save the lives of Lostislandic citizens.