As seminaries and yeshivas make preparations for camps and other summertime leisure activities, gedolei Yisroel are urging organizers to visit and stay only at places that refrain from Shabbos desecration.
"In light of the increasing breaches and trampling of the sanctity of Shabbos," read a notice issued by the members of Vaadas HaRabbonim Lemaan Kedushas HaShabbos following a special meeting last week, "we must remonstrate against chilul Shabbos and chilul Hashem, and strengthen the boundaries set forth by our rabbonim to raise the banner of Shabbos in Eretz Hakodesh.
During the course of the meeting, remarks by Maran HaRav Eliashiv and the Rosh Yeshiva HaRav Shteinman were reiterated: "At a time when hands are being raised to wage battle against the Shabbos, it has become a war to uphold the religion, and not a time to shirk, and dedicated efforts must be made to raise the banner of Shabbos, even when it entails inconvenience and added expenses."
A letter written by maranan verabbonon in 5768 (2008) was also read. "And therefore we call on all who feel yiras Hashem touching their hearts," reads the letter, "to avoid going to sites that desecrate Shabbos, even if that involves additional effort and costs.
"And likewise, a holy call goes out to all principals of institutions for both boys and girls, yeshivas and seminaries, and all organizers of leisure programs and summer camps, not to arrange visits to any place that desecrates Shabbos — certainly not places where modesty arrangements are inadequate. [Adhering to these guidelines] will boost kvod Shomayim and kvod Shabbos."
In accordance with the directives of gedolei Yisroel shlita and the decisions of Vaadas HaRabbonim Lemaan Kedushas HaShabbos, all educational institutions will sign a written pledge not to visit or patronize Shabbos desecraters. In parallel, representatives of these institutions will compile a list of Shabbos-observant establishments and the
Vaadoh will regularly verify compliance with the directives of gedolei Yisroel.]
For information, call 02-640-0160 or fax 02-540-1990.
Vaadas HaRabbonim has expressed hope that widespread and resolute adherence to the instructions of gedolei Yisroel shlita will encourage more businesses to uphold the Shabbos, thereby extending the bounds of kedushoh and Shabbos observance in Eretz Hakodesh, and increase kvod Shomayim.
