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Oct 4, 2009
Interesting Psak from Rav Elyashiv: Business with Iran
Mishpacha newspaper reported about a businessman with extensive holdings and dealings who went to Rav Elyashiv, and other gedolim, to receive a bracha for his business.
The businessman was urged to support the Torah community, and he agreed to do so, committing half of the profits of his business to supporting Torah in Eretz Yisrael. In exchange for his supporting the Torah community, he would want them to daven for his success, which Rav Elyashiv said they would do.
He then asked a shailoh, if it would be permissible for him to do business with Iran, via a third party.
Rav Elyashiv paskened that it is assur. He said that it is helping our enemy, and that is assur. As well, Rav Elyashiv added that he should not think the Iranians will be looking out for his success. Eventually they will find out that a Jew is behind the middleman, and they will only participate as long as it is convenient, but once they discover their business partner is Jewish, they will look for any way to cause his downfall.
The fellow later asked that Rav Elyashiv promise that his business would succeed, in the zechus of his commitment to supporting Torah. Rav Elyashiv said that he could not make such a promise or guarantee, all he could promise is that they would daven for his behalf to the best of their abilities.
I like the idea that Rav Elyashiv refused to make a promise for something that is not really in his control. But I do find it strange that we see the tzedaka funds, specifically the fund of the Vaad HaRabbonim that is associated with Rav Elyashiv, frequently advertises that they promise success to the people who donate to them.
Strange.
The businessman was urged to support the Torah community, and he agreed to do so, committing half of the profits of his business to supporting Torah in Eretz Yisrael. In exchange for his supporting the Torah community, he would want them to daven for his success, which Rav Elyashiv said they would do.
He then asked a shailoh, if it would be permissible for him to do business with Iran, via a third party.
Rav Elyashiv paskened that it is assur. He said that it is helping our enemy, and that is assur. As well, Rav Elyashiv added that he should not think the Iranians will be looking out for his success. Eventually they will find out that a Jew is behind the middleman, and they will only participate as long as it is convenient, but once they discover their business partner is Jewish, they will look for any way to cause his downfall.
The fellow later asked that Rav Elyashiv promise that his business would succeed, in the zechus of his commitment to supporting Torah. Rav Elyashiv said that he could not make such a promise or guarantee, all he could promise is that they would daven for his behalf to the best of their abilities.
I like the idea that Rav Elyashiv refused to make a promise for something that is not really in his control. But I do find it strange that we see the tzedaka funds, specifically the fund of the Vaad HaRabbonim that is associated with Rav Elyashiv, frequently advertises that they promise success to the people who donate to them.
Strange.
Labels:
business,
interesting psak,
Iran,
rav elyashiv,
tzedaka
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"But I do find it strange that we see the tzedaka funds, specifically the fund of the Vaad HaRabbonim that is associated with Rav Elyashiv, frequently advertises that they promise success to the people who donate to them."
ReplyDeleteNot for the first time, RE himself is too honest to say the kind of thing he is constantly presented as having said.
Similar thoughts as Anon. Just because a tzedaka fund SAYS it's under the guidance, haskama, etc. of Rav E., doesn't mean it really IS. What I find strange is that Rav E. does not speak up whenever his name and credentials are used falsely. Why doesn't he issue a KK/Pashkevil saying, "I did not sign that KK/Pashkevil" or "I am not associated with this organization that says I am." or "I did not say what XYZ said I said." Why does he allow his name and reputation to be stolen like that?
ReplyDeleteA gut moed.
Wanna --
ReplyDeleteSimple. Because he doesnt know what his name is used for. He doesnt read the papers or the pashkevilim thrown about.
And even if you tell him that they exist, he probably doesnt think anyone pays any attention to them anyways
What about the photos themselves of all the Rabbonim giving tzedoko - it seems almost repugnant, demeaning to the Rabbonim that they've been turned into some kind of good luck charm. They don't realize the public presentation is so simplified?
ReplyDeleteA Jew is forbidden from helping an enemy of the Jewish people to harm it.
ReplyDeleteRav Elayshiv's Psak simply reaffirms longstanding Jewish law.
The psak holds for all Jews.
ReplyDeleteHere's a list of companies actively doing business with Iran you should avoid.
DoubleTapper
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DoubleTapper, blogging on Guns Politics Defense from Israel
The Torah promises things such as "If you take care of mine, I will take care of yours"- the "quotes" from the Rabbanim are just a reiteration.
ReplyDelete