“ENORMOUS MIRACLE”: Rav Zilberstein: We Should Bentch Gomel on the Bus Bombing Neis!

Following the great miracle that occurred Thursday night when terrorists planted multiple explosive devices on buses across the Greater Tel Aviv area with the intent of causing mass attacks, but by Hashem’s abundant mercy, the devices detonated prematurely—before anyone was on the buses or in the surrounding area—a recording was released on the Siach Yitzchok hotline. In it, Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein, rov of Ramat Elchonon, addresses the meis and instructs the public on what should be done in response.

Reb Aryeh Zilberstein, a grandson of Rav Yitzchok, asked the rov as follows: “Yesterday, very great miracles occurred. There were five buses where they had placed explosive devices weighing five kilograms, and they exploded before their time. They were supposed to explode today. Hashem should protect us, but if this had happened in cities like Cholon, where the yeshiva of my grandfather is located, and in Bat Yam, it could have been catastrophic. A suggestion was made to thank Hashem for the miracles, by having everyone say Nishmas with a minyan on Shabbos. What is your opinion on this idea?”

Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein responded: “Yes, I truly believe so. I think we should say Nishmas with a minyan. But since we already say Nishmas Kol Chai during Pesukei D’zimra on Shabbos morning, what we should do is concentrate deeply on that, and throughout the Shabbos, thank and praise Hashem. Every rov should encourage their kehillah to recognize the miracle and explain to them what we were saved from—we were spared from a terrible disaster! Therefore, they should say Nishmas with a minyan, focus deeply, and say, ‘We thank Hashem for the miracles and wonders.'”

Rav Zilberstein then added: “Another thing we can say is that when a person experiences a miracle, they recite the brocha of ‘HaGomel Lechayavim Tovos Shegemalani Kol Tov.’ Since we already say ‘HaGomel Chassadim Tovim Le’amo Yisroel‘ in the morning brachos, every person should concentrate and recognize that we might have needed to say the brocha of HaGomel for the enormous miracle that occurred last night. We will direct our intention during this brocha, thanking Hashem for the kindness and miracles He bestowed upon us.”

{Matzav.com Israel}