In light of the difficult war situation on all fronts, and with many tragic deaths, the former Chief Rabbi Rav Yitzchok Yosef, nosi of the Moetzet Chachmei Hatorah of Shas, wrote a letter to yeshiva students urging them to strengthen their limud haTorah during these days and to cancel all activities during bein hazemanim that are not related to Torah learning.
In his letter, he writes: “To my brothers and friends, the Torah scholars and the holy yeshiva students, we are at the end of the days of elevation and closeness to the Almighty. Boruch Hashem, we have merited that the benches of the bais medrash remain filled, and the Torah scholars have stood guard in tefillah and learning , diligently fulfilling their holy mission, devoting themselves day and night in the shelter of Torah throughout the entire period of the terrible war despite the severe disruptions from both within and without.
“During these days, the days of bein hazemanim, alongside the established and special learning schedules for this time, some are organizing evenings of chizuuk and short trips for those who study, in order to help them gather strength for the long winter zeman ahead. However, during these days, when the enemies of Israel have raised their heads, alongside the miracles and heavenly wonders we have been privileged to witness daily, they do not cease in their attempts to inflict casualties on Israel through acts of aggression and war. Unfortunately, many have fallen, and we are in great need of Divine assistance. We must uphold the words of the novi in Yeshayah (26:20): ‘Go, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide for a little while until the wrath has passed.’
“We must seclude ourselves in shuls and botei medrash, focus on the shelter of Torah, and increase our tefillos for the salvation of the people of Israel. Therefore, it is clear that we cannot act as usual during these days, and all activities outside that do not pertain to Torah study or tefillah must be entirely canceled.”
He concludes his letter: “The strength of Yaakov lies solely in its mouth, and we must persevere and strengthen ourselves in the study of the holy Torah that protects the people of Israel and pray for the well-being of the security forces wherever they may be, for the healing of the wounded, and for the return of all Israeli captives. May it be the will that we quickly merit the salvation and redemption of Israel, and may Hakadosh Boruch Hu save us from the hands of our enemies who rise up against us to destroy us. May He disrupt their plans and thwart their thoughts, and may Israel prevail. It shall be fulfilled for us: ‘And violence shall no more be heard in your land, wasting nor destruction within your borders,’ Amen v’Amen.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
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