Leading Rabbi Sternbuch Convenes Scholars Amidst Torah World Attacks
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Leading halachic decisor Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch convened dozens of scholars at his "Teshuvot VeHanhagot" yeshiva network, which has grown to 350 students. He decried the lack of study places and criticized attacks on the Torah world, vowing to increase scholars. Rabbi Sternbuch also stressed the importance of deep analysis in studying Jewish law and praised his son-in-law who will lead a new branch.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch convened scholars amid criticism of the Torah world, stating "let it increase."
- The "Teshuvot VeHanhagot" yeshiva network now has nearly 350 scholars from diverse communities.
- Rabbi Sternbuch highlighted a severe shortage of study places for scholars, especially in Beit Shemesh.
- He emphasized that learning Jewish law requires deep analysis of its roots in Talmud and commentaries.
- Rabbi Sternbuch praised his son-in-law, Rabbi Yissachar Schreiber, as a profound scholar to lead a new branch.
Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, a leading halachic decisor, unexpectedly convened dozens of new scholars at his residence for the "Teshuvot VeHanhagot" network of yeshivas. The network currently comprises nearly 350 scholars across ten branches nationwide, uniquely bringing together students from various Hasidic and Lithuanian communities. Rabbi Sternbuch expressed concern over the severe shortage of study places for scholars, particularly in Beit Shemesh, where he personally opened four new yeshiva branches in the past year.
Addressing the attendees, Rabbi Sternbuch lamented the current state of Torah institutions, stating, "Unfortunately, there are many scholars today who do not have yeshivas, and their souls yearn for Torah." He strongly condemned recent criticisms of the Torah world, stating, "Especially at this time when the wicked say 'lest it increase,' and fight against the Haredim by saying we are idlers and have no purpose, we tell them 'let it increase,' and we are bringing in more scholars to sit and study the Torah of God diligently day and night."
He also clarified the proper method of Torah study, warning against misconceptions that distinguish between the study of Halakha (Jewish law) for rabbis and the study of "iyun" (deep analysis) for yeshiva students. "This is a great mistake," he asserted, emphasizing that learning Halakha requires deep study of its roots in the Talmud and early commentaries. Rabbi Sternbuch highlighted the critical lack of qualified halachic decisors in the current generation, expressing a fervent wish for more scholars to emerge who can derive rulings from foundational principles.
Concluding his remarks, Rabbi Sternbuch praised his son-in-law, Rabbi Yissachar Schreiber, who will head a new branch of the yeshiva, describing him as a "profound scholar" capable of teaching the proper method of issuing legal rulings. The event concluded with blessings for the scholars as they prepare for the upcoming academic year.
