JERUSALEM (VINnews) — There were shocked and angry reactions Wednesday after the Karlsburger Rebbe, Rabbi Moshe Roth, was arrested by Israeli police for opening his Beis Midrash to all those arriving in Meron in violation of Home Guard guidelines.
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The Rebbe, who follows the tradition of his father and spends many periods during the year at the site of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s tomb (his father, Rabbi Yechezkel Roth who authored the Emek Teshuva, is buried in the nearby Beis HaChaim), arrived in Israel for Lag Ba’Omer and opened his Beis Midrash for all who wish to stay there.
The Beis Midrash is a focal point for all the thousands who ascend to Meron, since it is airconditioned and lit up at all times of day when the Rebbe is present in Israel, and also has rooms for those who wish to eat and drink in comfort. This year the Rebbe wished to continue the acts of kindness at the Beis Midrash and therefore prepared hot and cold drinks and light refreshments for the thousands who hope to travel to Meron.
As Meron was officially closed on Wednesday to visitors, several police cars arrived outside the Beis Midrash of the Karlsburger Rebbe, handcuffed him and took him into custody for the “crime” of operating his Beis Midrash in the vicinity of the tomb despite the prohibition on visitors.
Within a short time, the chasidim raised a huge protest and after the intervention of important askanim, the policemen were forced to release the Rebbe and left without pressing any charges.
One of those present said that local residents were “shocked to the core at the desecration of the Torah’s honor and do not intend to remain silent about the injustice which was perpetrated at the tomb.”
I’m struggling to understand why anyone would think a rebbe deserves special treatment. He was arrested for violating a law – plain and simple. Why should someone who claims to be a spiritual leader be exempt from the law, especially during a time of war when we need to uphold the rules and protect each other?
PLEASE, Somebody explain how going to Meorn became a Ikkar of Torah and Avodas Hashem. Why are so many people obsessed with this? There’s so much Torah to learn and mitzvos (those really written in the Torah) to do.
I am “shocked to the core” by the blatant disregard of the Mitzvas Asei d’Oreisa of Vachai Bahem – also known as Pikuach Nefesh – by anyone who encourages and facilitates visits to Meron this year – Rebbe or not.
I fail to understand all the criticism here of the Karlburger Rov.
He is legally allowed to be there – he OWNS his house in Miron.
His father z”l bought it many years ago and spent considerable time there throughout the year.
All the people that live in Miron are allowed to stay there according to this year’s regulations. So he is also entitled legally to stay there.
Perhaps those that wrote their comments are upset at his Hacnochas Orchim, wherein he offers free food and drink for people that are in Miron. Sounds like a very Jewish and nice thing.
I think the police did not understand this situation, or they were just overzealous in doing their job.
Kol hakovod to the Karlsburger Rov shlit”a.
Who says this rabbi is above the law? Does he realize there’s a horrific war going on in Israel? Nit only are his chassidic not defending the land from murderous Palestinians, he puts his chassidim into danger by going to the place that is being bombed nonstop???? He thinks he’s so holy that the bombs won’t come flying? These Arab murderers are well aware where Jews will congregate on lag b’omer and will def attack that place first. Not right at all.
Everybody should please take in mind the Lashon Hora and Rechilus that is going on here… on both parts… we should also take into consideration the Ruv and the police. No one is here to blame obviously Hashem wanted it to happen even though it was a big chillul Torah and yiddishkeit. but it is not our job to judge and to speak badly about other Yidden! Especially in such times!! C’mon everybody , behave yourself! Pls! Not for me, but for our Father!!
I am not shocked that the Rov Shlit”a was arrested for helping others. He is known for going out of his way for another Yid. He would sacrifice anything to help another Yid. He would be Moser Nefesh to feed anyone that doesn’t have anything to eat or where to sleep. How many hours does he spend in order to be Maatir a Shaila and to find a Heter where it is necessary. I personally had witnessed once Purim in middle of the Seudah he left his family and his Chassidim and was going into his office immersing into Seforim in order to find a Heter for someone that was looking for his guidance in a very complicated matter. You can’t explain these sweat and toil that these Rabbanim go through to anyone.
aren’t we supposed to follow the law of the land?
Maybe the law doesn’t mean anything to him and his followers. It is not only dangerous as we have seen with all of the boys who were killed there but in time of war, it is insane to have a huge gathering in range of Hezbollah rockets. The laws were put in to protect people so don’t break them
I’m no chasid of the Meron carnival, but this is a travesty. Firstly, he broke no law. Period. Police may close the roads and barricade them, but his house is perfectly legal. Secondly, many far worse real crimes do not warrant arrest- especially regarding public figures. If at all, they may have had a right to demand he close his shul, or close it forcefully. This arrest is just another manifestation of the decades old hatred of anything Jewish, by Israeli officials and police.
They mean ” our safety”….
They really should have pressed charges. There is no reason why he should get special treatment.
I’ve never heard of this rav
It is painfull to hear the reaction of the orthodox media. The one who disgraced the Torah is this Rebbe whoi cant follow laws of a country that was rightfully trying to protect the people from real danger , Thje chareise world has its priorities all wrong , Going to Meron is a recent minhag but protecting life is a responsibility from the Torah , The proplr who forced theit wasy into Meron deserve npo respecyt nor sympathy , a lawless society cannot survive
The area was in lockup after a certain point. Up until that point people were able to get into the area. So if he got there before that, this is a non-issue except to the haters of Torah.
As for those posters who want to know when this whole thing started, the truth is it is mentioned in passing in gemora. I’m guessing we shouldn’t expect you to know that.
Why must VIN join the other site which kvells whenever it can report negatively on Jews? VIN, you’re better than that!
Just chewing the scenery. Very traditional.
We need to first find out if if took the Covid19 Shot with the required boosters. If any is in the know please post the lot numbers.
The Israel Police should deport him immediately.
DIDNT REALIZE THAT VIN NEWS HAS SO MANY ANTI-SEMITIC READERS AND COMMENTATORS.
WHO EVER WANTS TO GO TO MERON SHOULD BE ALOWED .
ITS MOST PROBABLY ONE OF THE SAFEST PLACES IN THE COUNTRY
NO ONE CLEARED OUT ASHDOD AND OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY WHEN ROCKETS WERE FLYING ALL OVER THE PLACE AND ESPECIALLY IN THE SOUTH ON OCT.7
ALLWAYS THE WRONG LAWS IN THE WRONG PLACES