If you had asked me two months ago whether any Centrist Orthodox Posek (decisor) would ever have publicly issued a statement like this, I'd have told you it's impossible. Maybe I'd give you 100 to 1 odds.

Now, to be clear, the Chiddush-novelty here is not the Pesak, not the Halakhic decision itself. It has long been the case that Pikkuach Nefesh (risk to life), including mental health concerns, overrides Yom Tov (and Shabbos).

So what has changed? Just weeks ago, major Poskim were advising rabbis to be aware congregants might face challenges on a 3 day Yom Tov in isolation & made them aware of this permissive ruling, but didn't want to publicize this decision b/c it could be misconstrued or misapplied.

Then, on March 25, Rav Herschel Schachter offered a public Pesak that asserted it was permitted - and mandatory - to call on Yom Tov if one is in mental health crisis or knows someone who is.

Then, yesterday, the Rabbinical Council of America publicized a recommendation from R. Mordechai Willig that rabbis should have their phones available on Yom Tov (listen to answering machines/check cellphones) to respond to congregants possibly undergoing a mental health crisis.

Side note: Everyone should be in touch with their rabbi in case this is relevant; here is a link with important resources for support and volunteering: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15ag7eeXvDa5uXLlKO9LLYdOakIK2Sid6qNRHGx9qoJM/edit?fbclid=IwAR0ovVYvyDqFk6kq_RlYfL-7yU_nzHoYYoXbj2nDmcvq_w28uXXUnvexNAg#gid=1949661330

That this radical change in public policy took place is a testament to these Poskim w/ broad shoulders who took the risk of issuing this decision. Those who advised them as to the stakes also deserve immense credit. There's every reason to assume this decision will save lives.

This is just the latest in a series of rabbinic decisions and statements over the past month that, in the face of new and challenging circumstances, have been on point, bold, and courageous.

Poskim like Rav Willig and Rav Schachter, and organizations like the RCA/OU/RCBC, deserve an inordinate amount of credit for all their leadership through these challenging times.

This is leadership! Ashreinu!