In response to a wave of public inquiries amid ongoing rocket attacks and wartime anxiety, the Rosh Yeshiva of Orchos Yosher and Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah member Rav Shraga Shteinman offered detailed guidance on practical and spiritual matters, ranging from the use of bomb shelters to yeshiva operations and travel during the crisis. Central to his remarks was a powerful reaffirmation of the Chazon Ish’s historic assurance regarding the spiritual protection of Bnei Brak.
Chazon Ish’s Promise and the Fear Among Residents
When asked whether the recent rocket strike in Pardes Katz invalidates the Chazon Ish’s promise of protection over Bnei Brak, Rav Shteinman responded by referencing the posuk in Bereishis in which Hashem promises Yaakov Avinu protection—yet Yaakov was still “greatly afraid.”
“Was the promise invalid? Of course not,” Rav Shteinman said. “But Chazal teach us that chait—sin—can interfere with even the greatest promise.”
He clarified that the Chazon Ish, based on firsthand testimony, stated that Bnei Brak is “surrounded by pages of Gemara”—a spiritual safeguard not dependent on city boundaries or municipal governance. However, Rav Shteinman cautioned, in areas surrounded by the spiritual equivalent of internet content rather than Torah, the protection may falter due to chait.
On Using Bomb Shelters
Responding to questions about entering shelters, Rav Shteinman emphasized: “There is no halachic prohibition anywhere in the world against going into a shelter. Doing so is not a lack of emunah. It’s common sense.” He dismissed those who refuse to take cover out of misguided faith as “fools,” especially when shelters or protected rooms are easily accessible.
However, in cases where no shelter is nearby or waking children in the middle of the night would pose harm, and especially if the shelter itself presents spiritual risks, Rav Shteinman said, “That’s a different matter. In such cases, we rely only on our Father in Heaven.”
Conflicting Messages from Other Rabbonim
When told that other rabbonim have questioned the Chazon Ish’s promise or its authenticity, Rav Shteinman replied that those who heard directly from Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l—and who knew how often he repeated the Chazon Ish’s words—cannot simply rewrite history. “Even my uncle, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, has spoken clearly about the continued relevance of the Chazon Ish’s promise in places where Shabbos is observed,” he said.
Still, he urged the public to take every reasonable safety measure: avoid standing near windows or in open spaces during sirens. “But to erase such clear and longstanding words that generations have relied upon? I am not great enough to do that.”
Citing Rav Dov Landau’s Comments
Asked about reports that Rav Dov Landau had said not to rely on miracles, Rav Shteinman affirmed: “Of course one may not rely on miracles.” He explained that sometimes overconfidence can lead people to neglect tefillah, much like in the time of King Chizkiyahu, who hid the Book of Remedies because people stopped praying. “Perhaps,” he added, “this is a wake-up call for us to lift our eyes Heavenward in tefillah.”
Yeshiva Operations Must Continue
Rav Shteinman reiterated his firm directive from the start of the war: Every yeshiva in the country, from north to south, must remain open without interruption. “If bochurim are left without a structured learning environment, especially when there’s this urge to constantly check the news, the spiritual risk is greater than any threat from Iran.”
One large yeshiva relocated, but Rav Steinman noted that it was for unrelated reasons.
Maintaining Normal Sederim
To yeshivos considering starting Shacharis later due to interrupted sleep from sirens, Rav Shteinman was adamant: “Absolutely not. The yeshiva schedule is sacred. Once bochurim feel the schedule is loosening, it turns into a ‘yeshivas bein hazmanim’ atmosphere and everything falls apart. Better a few boys missing Shacharis than lowering the entire standard.”
Travel, Safety, and Returning to Yeshiva
Asked whether a boy who returned home should wait out the danger due to perceived safety at home, Rav Shteinman dismissed the idea: “What if this continues another month? Every moment in yeshiva is precious. No place is safer than the beis medrash.”
To a maggid shiur concerned because his wife fears his travel between cities, he responded: “Shluchei mitzvah are not harmed—not on their way there and not on their return. There’s no need to worry.” He did recommend returning before dark, noting that rocket fire is less frequent during the day.
On Yeshivos Lacking Adequate Shelter
For yeshivos without enough protected spaces, Rav Shteinman advised against running to stairwells in neighboring buildings. “The safest place in the world is the beis medrash—stay as close to it as possible. The farther you go, the less protected you may be.”
Concerns About Improper Conduct in Shared Shelters
In cases where mixed or secular neighbors act inappropriately in shared shelters, Rav Steinman advised: “If there’s pritzus, that is the real danger—it’s worse than anything. Stay home and go to an interior room.”
If a neighbor brings a smartphone to the shelter, he said, “Unless he’s showing inappropriate content to others, it’s not your concern. Take a Tehillim and focus on it.”
Attending Simchos During Wartime
Regarding a distant wedding scheduled for the afternoon, Rav Shteinman said that if one’s presence will bring joy to the chassan and kallah, “then it’s a mitzvah and shluchei mitzvah einam nizokim.”
Caring for Elderly Parents During Sirens
To someone caring for a frail elderly mother who cannot be moved during sirens, Rav Shteinman responded emotionally: “She is your protection. The merit of honoring your mother is your shield. During the siren, everyone in the home should stand around her—that is your safest place.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
