Top Rabbi Condemns Harassment of Fellow Lithuanian Rabbi

Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, head of the Ponevezh Yeshiva, has sent a personal letter of support to Rabbi Eliyahu Meir Fabelzon, head of the P'tichei Olam Yeshiva. The letter comes in response to severe harassment and repeated disruptions targeting Rabbi Fabelzon's recent lectures.

Rabbi Hirsch strongly condemned the actions, stating they are "not the way of Torah" and cause "desecration of God's name." Rabbi Fabelzon is a prominent and unique thinker in the Haredi community, whose lectures on Jewish philosophy, faith, the Bible, and Kabbalah attract large audiences. However, his teachings have historically sparked controversy within various Haredi circles.

The harassment against Rabbi Fabelzon has included blatant attempts to disrupt his lectures and repeated affronts to his honor. The letter's publication follows a conversation between Rabbi Hirsch and Rabbi Fabelzon's wife during the week of mourning for their daughter, Rivka Fabelzon. During that discussion, she detailed the harm caused by those persecuting her husband, prompting Rabbi Hirsch to express deep sorrow and promise to address the issue.

In his letter, Rabbi Hirsch wrote, "I heard with sorrow about the violent persecution against you under the guise of false zealotry." He blessed Rabbi Fabelzon, expressing a wish that he be able to continue his spiritual work undisturbed, "studying Torah and serving God in peace and tranquility, and continue to teach Torah and knowledge to his students, drawing them closer to their Father in Heaven."

During the mourning period for his daughter, Rabbi Fabelzon also received letters of support and condolence from Rabbi Boruch Dov Povarsky and other prominent figures. He also received visits from leading rabbis and yeshiva heads, including Rabbi David Miller and Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Berman of the Ponevezh Yeshiva.