Top Rabbi Urges Students to Return to Studies After Elections
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Rabbi Shlomo Kanievsky urged his students to immediately resume their Torah studies after the elections, emphasizing that continued focus on political outcomes indicates their prior involvement was not solely for spiritual reasons. He highlighted the example of senior rabbis who prioritized study even during election campaigns. The rabbi encouraged students to view the current period as the start of the academic term, especially in this leap year, and seek divine help to recommit to their learning.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Shlomo Kanievsky told students to return to their studies after elections.
- He stated that continued focus on election results indicates prior involvement was not purely spiritual.
- Rabbi Kanievsky cited Maimonides on the importance of returning to study after any activity.
- He contrasted students' potential political interest with senior rabbis' dedication to study.
- The rabbi encouraged students to view the current period as the start of the academic term.
Rabbi Shlomo Kanievsky, Rosh Yeshiva of 'Kiriat Melech', delivered a special address to his students on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of returning to their studies after the recent elections. He stated that while participating in the elections was a mitzvah and a way to sanctify God's name, the current priority is to "return to his studies" and avoid dwelling on election results or coalition-building efforts.
Rabbi Kanievsky explained that according to Maimonides, one should only engage in activities if they are certain to return to their studies immediately afterward. He presented the students with a test: if they are now returning to their studies with renewed vigor, their previous election activities were truly for the sake of Heaven. However, if they continue to analyze election data and political maneuvering, it suggests their prior involvement was not purely spiritual.
He drew a parallel to the actions of prominent rabbis, who despite their busy schedules, dedicated time to the elections, demonstrating its perceived necessity for sanctifying God's name, not for political gain or honor. Rabbi Kanievsky acknowledged that while students might be interested in political matters, the current imperative is to focus on Torah study.
He recalled his own father, Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, a renowned Torah scholar, who consistently prioritized study, even during brief intervals between activities. The Rosh Yeshiva urged his students to view the current period as the true beginning of the academic term, especially since it is a leap year, offering ample time for study. He expressed hope for divine assistance in enabling them to recommit to their learning.
