Rabbi Smotrich Refuses to Rebuke Farmers During Drought Fast in Hebron Area

Rabbi Haim Yair Smotrich recounted an incident during a drought in the Hebron mountain region when he was asked to deliver a sermon on a fast day declared for local farmers. Serving then as the rabbi of Beit Yatir, he was expected to offer words of rebuke to the farmers after the afternoon prayer. However, Rabbi Smotrich declined to chastise the farmers, describing them as righteous individuals who diligently tended every plot of land and lived with deep commitment to settling the land of Israel. He expressed discomfort with blaming these devoted residents for the lack of rain, stating, "I am not going to stand in the synagogue and say you are to blame for no rain."

He consulted Rabbi Zalman Melamed about his hesitation, who agreed with his perspective. Consequently, Rabbi Smotrich chose to deliver a different message rather than reproach the farmers. He emphasized that he would not place the responsibility for the drought on the shoulders of these self-sacrificing settlers. This story was shared during a lesson at the Beit El Yeshiva in Netanya, highlighting the rabbi's respect for the farmers' dedication and his refusal to condemn them during a challenging time.