R' Aharon Leib Steinman: "Danger of missiles like scorpion"

Hagaon R' Yehudah Arye Diner, Rabbi of Divrei Shir shull of Central Bnei Brak, related in his shiur on Friday night that Hagaon R' Aharon Leib Steinman was asked what to do when the alarm sounds and one is in the middle of the Amidah.

He said R' Aharon Leib was asked whether the siren is like a snake or a scorpion, as the Mishnah says that one praying with a snake wrapped around his heels may not stop whereas if the same happens with a scorpion, one is entitled to stop. The cause of the difference between a snake and a scorpion is that a snake is not definitely harmful, but the scorpion's nature is harmful and therefore one is allowed to stop praying.

R' Aharon Leib said that certainly during a siren the law is like that of a scorpion, because the alarm warns against missiles and the entire nature of the missile is to be harmful, and therefore the law is like when a scorpion is in front of a worshiper.

R' Aharon Leib added that one should strengthen one's faith that, despite the large amount of missiles being launched whose sole purpose is to harm and wreak havoc – there have hardly been any casualties recorded. "The nation of Israel is among seventy wolves," he said, "At this time we can see concretely how they want to harm".

Another question was brought before R' Aharon Leib at the end of last week, as to what to do following the rocket attack, when a couple who got married a few days ago came to consult if they should go to Ashdod which attacked with missiles in greater quantity than in the center, as the bride's parents took pains to make them sheva brochos in their home in Ashdod.

The groom wanted to know whether it is proper to respect the parents who made the effort and go to Ashdod despite the greater risk involved in traveling there. R' Aharon Leib debated the question but finally ruled that they had to go to Ashdod to respect the parents. Along with that, R' Aharon Leib added that the couple should act with great caution and make sure they obey all the necessary precautions.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!