Hagaon HaRav Berel Povarsky, the Rosh Yeshiva of Ponevezh, said Thursday that in light of Maran HaRav Shteinman’s physical condition, the entire generation is under threat and we must daven for his well-being.

The eyes of the entire Jewish world are turned to the intensive care unit on the fourth floor of Mayanei HaYeshua hospital in Bnei Brak. Jewish leaders and laymen alike around the globe have been praying for an improvement in Rav Shteinman’s condition since the Gadol Hador entered the hospital a few days ago.

Roshei Yeshiva from around the world have asked all students, avreichim and children to Daven for the Gadol Hador.

“Our generation is in danger, and it is mandatory that we all pray and learn Torah in his merit,” said Rav Povarsky. “I recall that Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz said once after a great Gadol had passed away in Chutz La’aretz on Rosh Hashanah, that Hashem didn’t want people in Eretz Yisroel to Daven. That is why he took that sage away from us in the blink of an eye without anyone even knowing because prayer has the power to stop this and avert the decree.”

Rav Povarsky continued: “Rav Chaim explained then that when Moshe Rabbeinu passed away the Torah used the phrase “B’Etzem Hayom Hazeh”. The explanation is that this way the Bnei Yisroel simply needed to stop. Because when you pray for something you help change it, even in the case of Moshe Rabbeinu who hit the age of 120 and it was his time according to all opinions. Therefore, we need to pray. We have to. It is our responsibility,” he concluded.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)