In the midst of efforts by the Rishon Lezion municipality to demolish the synagogue used by Rabbi Shlomo Yehuda Beeri, known as the Yanuka, Rabbi Moshe Tzadka issued an unusual handwritten letter defending him and warning sharply against speaking about him. In the letter, Tzadka addressed Beeri as “the righteous rabbi” and said that the Yanuka is already widely recognized.
Tzadka wrote that “it is a clear sin to speak about him” and added, “One who guards his mouth and tongue guards his soul from troubles.” The message was written entirely by hand and was described as a rare show of support.
A recording shared with the article shows Rabbi Yaakov Buchris, one of Tzadka’s disciples and close associates, handing the letter to the Yanuka. In later footage, Buchris describes the background to the letter and Tzadka’s emotional reaction when he heard about the situation. According to Buchris, after he told Tzadka about the persecution the rabbi was facing and the effort to tear down the synagogue, Tzadka was deeply shocked and said, “Do not tell me such things, I cannot hear this.”
The letter adds to growing support for the Yanuka as the dispute in Rishon Lezion continues, amid concern about damage to a place of Torah and prayer that, according to the article, is visited daily by hundreds and even thousands seeking advice, blessings, and salvation.
