Rabbi Sternbuch Weeps Over Dire Spiritual Threats

Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, a prominent rabbinic decisor, was overcome with intense emotion and wept uncontrollably in the middle of the night following the recitation of Selichot prayers. Speaking with great anguish, he described the situation as "bitter, bitter, bitter," and expressed concern over spiritual decrees and challenges facing the Jewish people.

Rabbi Sternbuch's distress was so profound that it moved those present to tears, as they noted his uncharacteristic display of emotion. He pleaded with God, referring to Him as a father, and begged for His return and for an end to suffering. "Father, Father, Father! Come back to us! How much longer do we have to suffer? You told us we are Your children, and a father does not abandon his children. Please, do not leave us!"

He lamented that "they want to uproot us completely from God" and make the Jewish people "like all the nations." He warned that "they despise God and do not listen to His voice, and what is the end? They are killing us and fighting us." Rabbi Sternbuch emphasized that "this is a time of troubles" and prayed for divine assistance to overcome them.

This emotional outpouring occurred shortly after another significant event where Rabbi Sternbuch also wept during early Selichot services at his yeshiva in Beit Shemesh. On that occasion, he questioned why the Jewish people were not more distressed by the numerous calamities, wars, decrees, and tragedies that had befallen them in the past year, referencing the verse, "If a shofar is blown in a city, and the people are not afraid?"

His words conveyed a deep sense of urgency and fear regarding the spiritual dangers facing the community, particularly in the lead-up to the High Holy Days, a period of judgment and mercy.