Israel – At the end of the sabbath Torah reading, in Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue ‘Hichal Shlomah’, a Torah Scroll slipped and fell out of the Aaron Hakodesh or Holy Ark in which the scrolls are contained.
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Rabbi of the synagogue, Zalman Druk, ruled that all those present must do repentance and fast for one day. Those who find it hard to fast were told to give tzedaka (charity).
Why must all those in the shul do “tshuva” if the sefer fell by itself from the ohron…what are they repenting for??
And to make his point Hashem replied three times.
It’s no different than when rain doesn’t fall, or when a dangerous animal is seen in the city. They are specific signs that Hashem sends as a warning. These warnings have prescribed actions (fasting and repentance) that will hopefully mitigate any judgment that may have been decreed (or pending) upon the city/synagogue/etc.
Let’s not think that only one Shul needs to do teshuvoh…
To all, most people go through a lifetime without witnessing or even hearing about a Sefer Torah being dropped. Why? Because it is obvious Hashem gave a special Siyata Dishmaya that noone should drop one. I mean, people drop things no? Even things they are careful with, but as a rule, not a Sefer Torah. Thus, when one does fall on the floor, R”L, for any reason whatsoever, its a sign from our Father In Heaven to repent.