ISRAEL (VINnews) — Rabbi Efrem Goldberg asked Rabbi Shaul Alter, the Rosh Yeshiva of Ger, whether this Purim, with the war raging and the hostages being held captive, and soldiers in danger, Jews should change something such as mitigate their celebration, or do something different than normal years.
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Should we make any changes to Purim this year given the matzav? Gerrer Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Shaul Alter. pic.twitter.com/ztW15MPZ0f
— Rabbi Efrem Goldberg (@RabbiGoldberg) March 13, 2024
The Rebbe replied to the Mara D’Asra of Boca Raton Synagogue that in his opinion, people should be happy as usual. He said that if people sit in sadness, it will not benefit anyone, including those in danger. He also pointed out that our happiness is coming from the belief that Hashem brings salvation.
Rabbi Alter seemed to say that in general, a state of sadness is not beneficial, and that on the contrary, a person’s tefillos and z’chusim will hopefully be more powerful through simcha and can bring about yeshuos for those in danger.
However the Rabbi also said that this is only his opinion, and seemed to suggest that people should decide on a personal level how they should best celebrate. He joked that “Two Jews have three opinions”, and appeared to say that others may have a different opinion.
Rabbi Goldberg then asked what the general “avoda” should be during this month of Adar Sheini, and Rabbi Alter said that it is a time of Kabbalas HaTorah, because the Jews accepted the Torah on Purim, and unlike Har Sinai, it was done with simcha and ahava and that should be our mindset.
Rav Shaul Alter Of Gur is a giant in Torah , Chsides and Chochma שכל הישר
The disrespect shown to a Gadol B’Torah is shocking!!! One point, I don’t think he is officialy the Rosh Yeshiva of Ger. He was removed from that position. People commenting here should be careful how they comment about a Gaon and Tzadik
well said.
Sad that he doesn’t know who he’s sitting with,
Vhameyvin yohvin
Very simple solutions: let your conscience be your guide.
Happiness is an internal thing, the loud music and dancing is not required.
We all need to be happy and help our troops!
I hope & pray Rabbi Goldberg survives the Gerrer Rebbe’s Goon Squad.
One wonders what prompted Rav Shaul Alter to agree to meet with this “Modern Orthodox” leader who could easily have consulted his own mentor instead of meeting Rav Alter.
B’mchilas kvod haRav, this view reflects a disconnect from a large part of Klal Yisrael, where people are living with either the pain of lost or injured loved ones, or with the worry for family members currently fighting in Gaza. There is a concept of Imo Anochi b’Tzara – when your fellow Jew is in pain, you should not celebrate too boisterously.
I’d be interested in knowing why Rav Shaul, who is a major Talmid Chacham, does not feel this applies now.
It doesn’t look like he wants to give up his human tashen