Rabbi Covers Ears, Scolds Student for Reciting Blessing Prematurely

During a pre-Rosh Hashanah gathering at the Ponevezh Yeshiva, Rabbi Bunam Schreiber, head of the 'Nativ HaDa'at' yeshiva and rabbinical judge in Ashdod, was about to deliver a lecture. Before he began, a student loudly announced "By permission!" and proceeded to recite the "Shehecheyanu" blessing, which is typically said upon completing a significant event or starting something new, in front of Rabbi Schreiber and many other students. Rabbi Schreiber reacted by covering his ears and reprimanding the student, calling the blessing "a blessing in vain."

The incident, captured on video, occurred in the main hall of the yeshiva before the holiday.

The "Shehecheyanu" blessing is traditionally recited to give thanks for reaching a particular occasion or time. Reciting it before the intended moment, as the student apparently did, is considered inappropriate in Jewish law.