HaGaon HaRav Dinar, rav of the Divrei Shir Shul in Bnei Brak told mispallalim the following on Friday night in the name of Maran HaGaon HaRav Aaron Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita regarding how one should act if a siren sounds during Shmona Esrei.

The gadol hador is quoted debating if the halacha is like a snake or a scorpion. The rav explains there is a difference between a snake and a scorpion, for the former is not guaranteed to strike while the latter will. Rav Shteinman quotes the Mishnah that one may not stop davening for a snake but if a scorpion comes in front of him he may.

The gadol is quoted explaining that a rocket siren is compared to a scorpion since the wailing is a warning that rockets are flying in the air and these rockets are fired to injure and cause damage. Hence the halacha is compared to a scorpion and not a snake.

The rav then addressed the fact that so many rockets have been fired and there have been few injuries. Rav Shteinman said “Am Yisrael finds itself among seventy wolves and at such a time one can see vividly just how much they want to harm us”.

Another question posed to the gadol pertains to a couple that married a number of days ago. They wished direction if they should travel to Ashdod which is under heavy attack or remain in the center of the county despite the fact the kallah’s parents prepared a lavish Shabbos for them in Ashdod. The chosson wanted to understand if honoring his wife’s parents was more important that the dangers of attacks.

The rav ruled they should travel to Ashdod for Shabbos to show respect for the parents. The rav added that the young couple must however adhere to all instructions from security officials and use caution during their stay in Ashdod.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)