Lederman Shul Finally to Install Air Conditioner

Last Shabbos, a monumental decision was made at the Lederman Shul in Bnei Brak where Rav Chaim Kanievsky davens and where his father, the Steipler Gaon, davened.

For decades, the shul resisted installing an air conditioner because it was felt that since they do not use electricity on Shabbos as per the p’sak of the Chazon Ish, if they installed air conditioning and used it during the week and did not turn it on for Shabbos, it would be a slight to the kedushah of Shabbos.

Last Shabbos, in the midst of a strong heat wave, a regular mispallel, who has been davening at the shul for years, fainted. After speaking to medical professionals, it was determined that the intense heat caused the fainting.

It is reported in the Israeli chareidi press that due to possible pikuach nefesh, Rav Chaim Kanievsky encouraged the gabbaim to install an air conditioner as soon as possible and use generators to run it.

{Source: Yated Ne’eman – U.S./Matzav.com}