Rabbonim from Beit Shemesh have convened in the home of HaGaon Rav Natan Kupshitz, a local rav in the city, to discuss issues surrounding chilul Shabbos, including cement coming from the nearby Har-Tuv Industrial Park. The rabbonim discussed chilul Shabbos in the city and were asked to meet in light of factory owners who shut their doors on Shabbos and keep Shabbos to some degree.

Rav Chaim Mundar, rav of Yifei Nof and Motz for the Eida Chareidis, feels that factories wishing to truly close Shabbos will find the way to overcome hardships without their involvement, citing their will is sufficient if they are genuine.

During the meeting, the rabbonim were made aware of the fact that some employees in Har-Tuv work on Shabbos, fearing if they don’t, they will lose their source of parnasa. Rav Mordechai Goldstein, rav of the Mishkenos Yaakov neighborhood said, “This reminds me of the situation that existed in America, the time period before the war. A Jew who dared not to appear at work on Shabbos was fired immediately”. He explained “Yidden who were truly Yirei Shomayim, began looking for work each week,” adding “unfortunately, many did not remain frum as they did not stand up to the test, as they and they children left the path. We mustn’t permit this to occur in Eretz Yisrael chas v’sholom”.

In conclusion, the rabbonim turned to Mayor Rav Moshe Abutbul, asking him not to ‘assist’ factory owners who are mechalel Shabbos. The rabbonim signed a kol korei pertaining to shmiras Shabbos.

Signatories on the letter include HaRav Bentzion Yaakov Wosner, Rav Kalman Weiss, Rav Elimelech Kornfeld, and Rav Shmuel Yosef Steinberg. They explain that about half the cement used has been imported from abroad, costing about the same as the local cement, which originates in a factory that is mechalel Shabbos. Hence, the rabbonim are calling on relevant parties not to buy cement from companies that are mechalel Shabbos in another step towards ending chilul Shabbos in Eretz Yisrael. They are confident that if businesses like the cement provider realize opening on Shabbos will no longer be financially beneficial, they too will permit workers to have the day off.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)