The Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Yehuda Leib Shteinman shlita, wrote a letter published this week in Yated Ne'eman on the power of tefilloh, particularly for a person whose Torah scholarship is so widely needed. In the letter HaRav Shteinman stressed the importance, during Purim and Taanis Esther, of augmenting Torah study and tefilloh as a merit for the rapid recovery of Maran HaRav Yosef Sholom Eliashiv shlita.
In his letter the Rosh Yeshiva cites the Rambam's introduction to the shortened list of mitzvas. "And [Chazal] decreed that the Megilloh be read at the appointed time, in order to praise HaKadosh Boruch Hu and the acts of salvation He did for us, and He was close to our pleas in order to bless and praise Him and in order to make it known to the coming generations the veracity of the promise in the Torah: `And who is such a great nation for which Elokim is close to it, like Hashem Elokeinu whenever we call out to Him.'"
HaRav Shteinman then writes, "Boruch Hashem, He has shown us, now as well, that the prayers of Beis Yisroel for the life of Maran Rabbenu shlita were heard and He did not scorn their prayers.
"But since he remains in critical condition, we must add more and plead before HaKadosh Boruch Hu that He bring about a full and speedy recovery.
"The Mishnah Berurah (Siman 119, Se'if Katan 12) cites Likutei Maharil: `And when the Maharil was sick a public fast day was decreed and selichos were recited, even in the middle of the blessing...for the Maharil was an exceptional case since many people need his Torah learning, and therefore he is considered like an entire community.'
"Therefore, during the coming days of Purim and on Tannis [Esther] as well, we must add to our Torah and tefilloh to merit his speedy recovery..."
