Top Rabbi Calls Yeshiva Prisoner Happiest Man Alive
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Leading halachic authority Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch praised a yeshiva student imprisoned for refusing military conscription, calling him "the happiest man in the world" for his devotion to Torah study. The rabbi made these remarks during a family circumcision ceremony, where he also expressed concern over draft efforts targeting yeshiva students. Sternbuch had previously offered comfort to the student's family during his detention.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch called an imprisoned yeshiva student "the happiest man in the world."
- The student was jailed for ten days for refusing military conscription.
- Sternbuch lamented ongoing efforts to draft yeshiva students into the army.
- The rabbi urged prayers and shofar blowing against draft decrees.
- He also comforted the student's family during his detention.
During a circumcision ceremony for his grandson, Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, a leading halachic authority, lamented the difficult situation facing Torah scholars in Israel due to conscription efforts. Sternbuch, who served as the sandak (godfather) at the ceremony, urged attendees to recite thirteen attributes of mercy and blow the shofar in response to the looming draft decrees impacting the world of Torah study.
Following the ceremony, at a celebratory gathering, a young yeshiva student who had served ten days in prison for refusing military conscription approached Rabbi Sternbuch. The student, referred to as "a prisoner of the world of Torah," had been steadfast in his refusal. Rabbi Sternbuch, visibly moved, blessed the student and declared him "the happiest man in the world," emphasizing the value of his devoted Torah study even in the face of adversity. He added that angels envy such dedicated learning, but God favors this student.
Earlier in the week, Rabbi Sternbuch had also comforted the family of the groom, who was arrested during his own wedding week festivities. He reassured them, stating that many envy the student's merit and that their steadfastness in Torah study would be rewarded. He concluded by affirming that life's true meaning is found only in Torah.