Thanks to VeHogiso, a new organization that promotes the in-
depth study of hilchos Shabbos, Shabbos has become a
source of brochoh in many Torah homes. Confirming this
statement, a young avreich relates: "Now that I have
begun to study the halachos of Shabbos in depth, I feel like
a new person, and Shabbos in my home has taken on new
dimensions. It is more qualitative, more befitting Shabbos
Hamalka."
But this statement should come as no surprise to us, since as
the Chofetz Chaim writes: "Shabbos is a segulah for
all types of blessing. There is no better tzeida
lederech a person about to establish a Jewish home can
take with him [than the proper and meticulous observance of
Shabbos]."
The very fact that Eretz Yisroel's most illustrious rabbonim,
among them HaRav Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg, rosh yeshivas
Torah Ohr, HaRav Dovid Cohen rosh yeshiva of Chevron, HaRav
Refoel Shmuelevitz, rosh yeshiva of Mir, HaRav Yaakov Hillel,
rosh yeshiva of Ahavas Shalom, HaRav Yehoshua Eichenstein,
rosh yeshiva of Yad Aharon, and HaRav Osher Weiss --
participated in a gala Melave Malka on behalf of this
organization, testifies to its vital importance. The
heartfelt praises heaped on it by HaRav Yosef Sholom Eliashiv
and HaRav Aharon Yehuda Leib Steinman, confirm its
importance.
Although we heard about VeHogiso's activities over a year
ago, at that time its initiator and director, HaRav Nochum
Kastner, a ram in the Mirrer yeshiva, refused to be
interviewed. When we asked him to explain the reason for his
refusal, he replied, "Brochoh rests only on what is
hidden from the eye."
This year though, VeHogiso's pressing, nearly unbearable
financial burden made it imperative for him to inform the
public of its remarkable activities. Eager to learn more
about an organization with such an astounding record of
zikui horabim, we approached HaRav Kastner for
details.
What is VeHogiso?
It is an organization which sponsors a two-and-a-quarter-year
program during which yeshiva and kollel students study
hilchos Shabbos in-depth, as they are presented in
Mishnah Berurah Part Three.
How did the program begin?
About five years ago, a number of students in Mir asked me to
conduct a study group on hilchos Shabbos, during a
break between the yeshiva's regular sessions. As we advanced
in our studies, I discerned that the students had gained
amazing mastery of the most complex halochos, and had become
even more proficient in this area than many prominent
avreichim.
Soon the idea began to spread, and students from other
yeshivos asked if we could arrange shiurim for them
too.
At that point, we appointed qualified ramim in every
yeshiva who would deliver shiurim in hilchos
Shabbos to interested students and would also test
them.
Do these shiurim interfere with the regular schedules of
the respective yeshivos?
As a ram, I am fully aware of the importance of
maintaining strict study schedules. These shiurim take
place during breaks between sedorim, and in no way
interfere with the regular gemora study sessions. The
shiurim meet half an hour a day.
How much material is covered in these shiurim? On what do
they focus?
At they end of the week, the participants are tested on two
and a half pages of Mishnah Berurah. One of the
participants serves as the head of the group, and prior to
the test he delivers a summarizing shiur. We begin
these shiurim with a study of the roots of the
halachos, and then proceed to analyze all of their practical
ramifications, including issues and questions involving
modern day problems and advanced technology.
How many students participate in these shiurim?
Today, 600 students from all over the country
participate in these shiurim.
Do they receive scholarships?
Yes!
How much does it cost to run this program?
50,000 shekels a month.
How can interested students apply for admission?
Hundreds are already waiting to be admitted, but sadly we
still can't accommodate them all, due to our dire financial
situation.
Do you sponsor other activities?
Yes. This year VeHogiso issued a special calendar, which
presents the main halachos of Shabbos in a clear and
succinct manner. We were inspired to produce this calendar by
Maran HaRav Elozor Man Shach's practice of studying two
hilchos Shabbos at each meal. Interspersed in the
calendar are scores of sayings of Chazal on the merits of
studying Shabbos.
How many of these calendars have you distributed this
year?
6000.
Have you any special message to relay to potential
supporters of this program?
Someone once asked the Steipler Rav how to atone for
chillul Shabbos. He replied, "By studying hilchos
Shabbos." I think that whoever joins such a group or
supports it, has performed a tikkun for his soul.
These halachos are so intricate and all-encompassing, that it
is impossible for anyone who has not thoroughly mastered
them, to observe them perfectly.
Some Ma'amorei Chazal from the Calendar:
"Caution to avoid violating any of the prohibitions
pertaining to the 39 melochos on Shabbos is the best
tikkun possible" (Chazon Ish).
"The tefillos of Shabbos do not return empty, and are
accepted with the same grace as the prayers of Aseres Yemei
Teshuva" (Tikkunei Zohar, Shabbos Malkeso).
"Tsnius is the body of the Nation, Torah the heart of
the Nation, Shabbos the neshomoh of the Nation"
(Chofetz Chaim).
A Story
One Shabbos, Maran HaRav Elozor Man Shach took a walk near
the outskirts of Bnei Brak. Suddenly he asked the student
accompanying him: "Why are cars driving down this road on
Shabbos?"
"That road is on the border of Ramat Gan, too," the student
explained.
To this Maran replied: "That's not the reason. The influence
of those who sanctify Shabbos takes effect up to this road.
If Shabbos observance were strengthened, this influence would
increase and no one would drive on this road either."
