Aug 2, 2026
kiddush hashem in Bein Hazmanim
This was not an interesting psak but I'll bring it here anyway... With the start of "bein hazmanim" Rav Yiztchak Zilbershtein, rav of Ramat Elchonon neighborhood of Bnei Braq, offered words of chizuk and enocuragement to the avreichim of his kollel, especially considering the current environment that is hot right now against Haredim and them now going to be out there in public as targets while on vacation.....
Hamechadesh brings Rav Zilbershtein's words of warning and encouragement... Ra Zilberrshtein said the people who learn here in his kollel are like learning in Slabodka where they act and speak with great levels of derech eretz and they are identifiable by their gentleness of spirit. They do not scream in the streets like a donkey.
When people insult us, as bnei yeshiva, we forgve the insult immediately and simply say thank you for the comment I will take it under consideration. This is what we learned in Slabodka how a ben yeshiva behaves, Rav Zilbershtein said.
During bein hazmanim, while out and about in the streets, your behavior has to be such that people who see you will know that these are people who were blessed by God. No screaming in public. No eating in the street, not even eating or licking ice cream and the like.
And mostly, if someone insults us, simply respond by saying forgive me, perhaps you are right, I will work to be better in the future.
This type of behavior will be a tremendous kiddush hashem.
Yeshiva boy or not, we could all benefit from better behavior in public and bettering our own behaviors in public.
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If only R’ Landau would take this lesson to heart
ReplyDeleteIf only R’ Landau would take this message to heart
ReplyDelete> And mostly, if someone insults us, simply respond by saying forgive me, perhaps you are right, I will work to be better in the future.
ReplyDeleteSo in other words, lie.
Seriously, if Israel is still at war and Torah study is the true protection for the state, why is Bein HaZemanim allowed at all?
You want to know why people are mad? Men who learn in yeshiva or university or who have full time jobs have to put their lives on hold to do miluim. They don't get a break - work, study and army, repeat.
But the Chareidim? Vacation! The defense of the country can wait because we've earned a break!
Beat me to it. Of course he's telling them to lie.
DeleteThis is quite significant for me. A major posek has just permitted lying.
DeleteThere is an Islamic principle that Muslims don't like people knowing about: takiyyeh. You're allowed to lie to protect the honour of the faith. Of course Islam doesn't support suicide bombers! Of course Islam doesn't encourage violence! Etc.
Seems that R' Zilbershtein believes that there's a halakhic equivalent.
Another thing it reminds me of is that meme where the guy is talking to an old Indian yogi and asks him how he deals with fools. The yogi says that no matter what the fool says, he replies "You're right." The guy says "But that's a terrible way to handle a conversation!" And the yogi says "You're right."
DeleteFor R' Zilbershtein we're the guys and he's the yogi.
I don't think arguing with a stranger on his vacation is going to accomplish anything. The fellow is already deeply invested in both in his leisure time and דעת תורה™.
DeleteBut this advice is catch-22. If the fellow argues with you, you're not going to convince him. And if he agrees with you, then it's because you haven't convinced him as per the advice of דעת תורה™.