Groom Arrested During Celebration Seeks Guidance From Torah Leader
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Groom Yaari Lieberman, arrested during his Sheva Brachot celebration, met with Torah leader Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch after his release. Lieberman described spiritual decline and disruptions in military prison. Rabbi Hirsch ruled against compliance, citing distrust, morale concerns, and spiritual impact. The rabbi blessed Lieberman, who pledged to follow his guidance.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Groom Yaari Lieberman met with Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch after his controversial military arrest.
- Lieberman described spiritual decline and disruptions during his time in military detention.
- Rabbi Hirsch ruled against the groom complying with army demands for three key reasons.
- The rabbi cited distrust, potential damage to other students' morale, and spiritual harm.
- Lieberman pledged to follow Rabbi Hirsch's decision regarding his future actions.
A newlywed groom, Yaari Lieberman, whose arrest during his Sheva Brachot celebration in front of his bride sparked outrage and protests, met with Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, a prominent leader in the Torah world, immediately after his release from military detention. Lieberman, seeking guidance on his next steps, expressed his complete submission to the rabbi's decision, stating, "I came with complete submission to the rabbi, whatever the rabbi tells me to do, I will do!".
During the meeting, Lieberman recounted his difficult experiences in military prison, describing spiritual decline and attempts by the army to hinder Torah scholars, including blatant disruption during the Amidah prayer. Rabbi Hirsch issued a decisive ruling, stating three reasons why Lieberman should not comply with the army's demands: "First, they cannot be trusted! Second, even if they could be trusted, it would lower the morale of many, many boys outside who would see that you have surrendered! Third, it would undoubtedly lower your level in Yiddishkeit!".
Rabbi Hirsch concluded the meeting by warmly blessing Lieberman, saying, "May God help you very, very much!". The article includes a video documenting the encounter.
