by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Sefas Tamim Foundation
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QUESTION: I am a Yeshiva student who is studying in one of the Brisk Yeshivos in Yerushalayim.
Every time I go back to Eretz Yisroel, there is a non-religious Israeli man or woman who, allegedly for security purposes, asks me where I am learning, who the Rosh Yeshiva is, and what Mesechta I am learning. I know that they have absolutely no idea what they are asking at all, and probably just cull their information from asking such questions to other Yeshiva students. I am quite tempted to just make up the most preposterous responses such as, “I am studying in the Volozhin Yeshiva under Reb Naftoli Tzvi Huda Berlin. and we are studying the Ktzos HaChoshain straight on meseches Bava Genush. The goal is know every Ktzos on the Mesechta. Am I allowed to do such shtick?
ANSWER: While one can certainly see and understand the temptation to do so, you should definitely NOT DO IT. The reasons for avoiding it are as follows: 1] We should first and foremost demonstrate hakaras hatov for the fact that they are on guard and on watch fr our safety. A wise person once said that they look for bombers not only for a bomb. As hakaras haTov we should not tease them or take them for granted, 2] The Chofetz Chaim in the 7th chapter of his sefer “Sfas Tamim” cites the Sifrei on the pasuk of “vehalachta bidrachav – and you shall walk in His ways” that since Emes is one of the traits of Hashem, it is a negation of a positive Mitzvah in the Torah to lie. This is called a “bitual Assei.” Most people are entirely unaware of this ruling of the Chofetz Chaim. 3] There is a three-way debate regarding the Pasuk in the Torah that states, “Midvar Sheker Tirchak – stay far away from a false matter” (Shmos 23:7). Some say that it only applies to Dayanim (judges) involved in adjudicating a ruling (Orech Meisharim 9:1). Others say that by Torah law, it applies to all – but only when harm can come to someone through the lie (Sefer Yereim Mitzvah #235). The third opinion, which is Halacha L’maaseh (the practiced law) and the conclusion of most Halachic authorities is that it applies to everyone – even when no harm will come from the lie. (Chareidim Mitzvas Assei 4:26). This is your case.
4] And then there is also the higher level concept found in a Rashi at the end of Makkos (24a). “And speaks truth in his heart”; this is referring to one such as Rav Safra. Rashi explains that Rav Safra was reciting Krias Shema when a customer approached him to purchase an item. He intended to accept the man’s offer, but was unable to respond because he was in the middle of Shema. The buyer misinterpreted Rav Safra’s silence and raised and raised his offer. Rav Safra, however, insisted on selling him the item for the original amount. This was because of his quality of being true to himself and being dedicated to always being absolutely truthful.
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The security personnel are trained to note conduct such as body language and ease of response more than the verbal content. And yes, knowing that a large contingent of young Americans are coming to study in Israel, they are well versed in the names of the various schools and those at their helm. A guy without halachic payos would draw their attention if he were to claim he learns in Brisk, just as a heavily bearded man practicing shmiras einayim and claiming to be a student at Hebrew U would. Answering politely and respectfully is part of carrying the banner of Torah true Yiddishkeit. We must be grateful that they go to such lengths to keep our flights safe.
Too late, I tried something similar and the inspector laughed and told me that she grew up in a chareidy family and knew a lot more than her appearance would indicate.
“allegedly for security purposes”
That is the purpose. Terrorists have been known to dress up as yeshivaleit to sneak in. The questioners don’t have to be religious to be able to tell if the answer sounds fake or not. In fact, if you give a shtick answer, you are more likely to be detained as suspicious.
A major goal of learning Torah is to become a Torah personality. Perhaps we should spend more time inculcating within us the midos of kavod habrios, respect and appreciation. And especially for those who are risking their lives to protect you so that you can comfortably learn and safely go to the mekomos hakedoshim. Enough with the childish chutzpah! It is time for bnei Torah to concentrate of growing in their kavod habrios!.
They are trying to weed out a masquerading Shaketz who might try to R’L blow up the plane.
BESIDES THE POINT
that they most likely know alot more the you think and want to make sure people arent just lying
reminder the bad people can dress up as yeshivah students to get into eretz yisroel and do harm
They are trained to observe your answers and know skit more then You give them creat for they also ask you questions in Hebrew to text your knowledge if you are returning.
And remember it’s their country security is always on their minds
Someone I know ran into a problem once when travelling to eretz yisroel with the questions. He was asked what parsha would be lained the coming week and he initially was pulled aside as an imposter. What happened was that year Pesach fell out like this past year and achron shel pesach was on shabbos, So chutz la’aretz fell behind by a sedra. The security personnel weren’t informed of this and pulled him aside. Once a rav was called and the issue was resolved through the authorities.
Another problem: security staff are trained today detect signs one is lying or under stress … it’d be foolish to lie and waste the time of security personnel or raise suspicions that could get the “wise guy” in a lot of trouble.
maybe she looking for a shidduch and she wants a talmid chocham a yodah sefer
The Israeli airport security people know how to recognize a phoney. So even if they do not know anything about Yiddishkiet, still, by talking, they see your reaction, in your eyes, in your speech and posture.
But like R. Hoffman says, there is no excuse for lying here.
Thank you for your clarity and simplicity!
These are old and repeated security measures. I always get asked what shul I daven at and who the rabbi is. Security is looking for people who are up to no good. Sometimes the simplest and seemingly more irrelevant questions help identify the bad guys. Just answer their questions honestly if you’re an honest person.
If only they could differentiate between the boys going to learn with hasmadah & those going to sleep til noon, drink coffee & smoke cigarettes all day & party all night I’d be really impressed.
its not easy finding a good learning boy these days some girls have to do their own investigation cant trust theses shadcunim
Amen!!!!
They asked me the same in Hebrew. I answered them in Yiddish. No further questions!
They always ask me how I know to read hebrew!
I think they should ask my kindergarden teacher!
Yes
Jews use their brains
They once asked my son-in-law what Parsha is this week. Even though he wore the whole livush for Vishnitz, he is very dark-skinned. They only want to rule out terrorism.
Enjoyed reading this Halacha informative article very much.
Aha. So it’s only the Chareidi Bnei Torah that they’re concerned about being undercover agents and spies, NOT some chiloni. I hear.