Rabbi Soloveichik Speaks Out Against “Pashkevil”
In his weekly Shabbat morning sermon (Parshat Bemidbar), Rav Hayim Soloveichik spoke out forcefully against a recent “pashkevil” which was distributed in specific locations last week in Bet Shemesh.
Rav Soloveichik told his congregants that a “pashkevil” (a public written announcement, see previous article) had been published and distributed last week, presumably by individual residents of Bet Shemesh, which was unacceptable in both its content and its anonymity.
Rav Soloveichik noted that this week’s Torah portion starts with the counting of the Children of Israel – and this reflects the fact that every member of Israel
Rav Soloveichik said that the recent struggle to retain the local makvaot (ritual baths) under the control of the Municipal Rabbinical Council, is a correct and honorable cause, and the campaign was carefully planned by a committee established for this purpose.
At all times, the tactics approved for promoting this cause were kept in both the framework of halacha, and the “ruach HaTorah” (spirit of the Torah).
The rav said that this pahkevil and its content, which was not approved by the committee, contained an inappropriate threat – which was certainly against the “ruach hatorah”.
Furthermore, Rav Soloveichik explained that, in general, an author’s anonymity may only be used if the truth is required for beneficial purposes, but the personal consequences on the writer can be severe. (Such as a “whistle-blower”)
However, if what is written is of a damaging nature, and the anonymity is solely used by the writer as a shield, then it constitutes “striking a person down from a hiding place” and is prohibited halachikly.
Rav Soloveichik also mentioned his recent conversation with someone who was acquainted with the writer of the pashkevil – who had said, in defense of the pashkevil, that some of the opponents in the struggle of the mikva have been unscrupulous and devious in their tactics – and one must fight fire with fire.
Rav Soloveichik countered that it is irrelevant how one’s opponents do or don’t behave, and one must always strive for Truth & Peace (“v’ha'emes v'hashalom ahavu”).
Rav Soloveichik concluded by wishing the community continuing successes – and that these must always be achieved within halacha and ruach hatorah – and especially in a manner which is respectful to every Jew.
Rav Soloveichik is the shining example of leadership in our community.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree that one should never take one's gloves off, when we're up against rogues. Didn't Yaakov use tricks against Esav?
ReplyDeleteBut I certainly recognize the moral strength shown by Rav Soloveichik in publicly criticizing certain behaviors he finds fault in, within his own camp.
The silence from the haredi leaders, in response to violence and hate-crimes a million times worse than this relatively inocuous pashveil, by members of their haredi camp - is a busha vechirpa.
They can surely learn from Rav Soloveichik's fine example.
Rav Soloveichik is a towering voice of sanity in Ramat Beit Shemesh.
ReplyDeleteKol hakovod to Rabbi Soloveichik.
ReplyDeleteIf in fact there are sinners on the other side who endanger children, for example, then the issue should be dealt with by reporting them. There should not be a quid pro quo, don't threaten us and we won't report you. I do not live in your community, but from what I have read here and elsewhere, the behavior of the chareidi bullies was inexcusable. I know it is infuriating when bullies act holier-than-thou to justify their power plays. I understand the temptation to hit them by exposing hypocrisy on their part. But the best advertisement for a sane approach is dignified advocacy. Firt as hard as you have to. Let them show themselves for the hypocrites they are.