Rav Shteinman's surprising response about adding a learning seder

I would not have expected this, but it does show Rav Shteinman's broad vision and perception.

In light of the calls by the gedolim to strengthen Torah learning in response to the "decrees", a Friday-Shabbos kollel came up with an idea how to do so. Their idea was to make a set learning time for a certain amount of time on Friday afternoon just before candle-lighting.

After putting together the plan, the initiators decided to go to Rav Shteinman to present the plan and receive his bracha. they probably wanted a good pat on the back for a great idea. as well.

Rav Shteinman's response surprised them, and me as well.

What would you have expected him to say? I think I would have expected him to say great idea, but it must be done only on condition of the wife's approval. Or maybe, only a husband that does his share and has the house ready for Shabbos before going out to learning in that learning period can participate.

But that is not what Rav Shteinman said. He responded that in no way should they establish such a learning session. Why not? Because just before candle-lighting time is a very tense and stressful time in the house. He even said it is the most stressful time of the entire week. It would be cruel to abandon one's wife to deal with that stress on her own.

Rav Shteinman added that one who wishes to learn at that time, and his wife wants him to learn then as well, he may do so. But it is prohibited to establish that time as a set learning seder. At most a person can think in learning while helping his wife in the house.
(source: Kikar)

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