Hagaon HaRav Yitzchak Zilberstein, a member of the Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah, the Rav of the Ramat Elchanan neighborhood of Bnei Brak, and the son-in-law of HaRav Elyashiv, z’tl, paskened that Jews are obligated daven for the refuah shleimah of President Trump due to the obligation of Hakaras HaTov (gratitude).
On the first day of Chol Hamoed in Israel, following the announcement that US President Donald Trump tested positive for the coronavirus [and was subsequently hospitalized], Kikar H’Shabbos asked HaRav Zilberstein: “Is the Jewish nation obligated to daven for the refuah of US President Donald Trump?”
HaRav Zilberstein initially responded that he’s not worthy of paskening on the issue, saying that this can only be decided with the approval and at the instruction of Gedolei Yisrael since it’s only appropriate for a great Jewish leader to call to daven for the most powerful leader of the nations of the world.
However, Rav Zilberstein then added that in his opinion we are obligated to daven: “It’s a great obligation to daven for the refuah of Trump and this is due to the din of Hakaras HaTov and this is how Hagaon HaRav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv paskened.”
The Rav added that we should daven for Trump using his name and the name of his father, Donald John ben Fred Trump, noting that this is what the Maharshal writes.
(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated on the first day of Chol Hamoed Sukkos in Israel)
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8 Responses
What’s his mother’s name?
We’re Obligated To Daven For President Trump Absolutely & Obligated to vote for President Trump.
Actually its Donald John ben (Reb) Fredrick Christ (Trump Sr.)
President Trump’s father’s name was Frederick Christ Trump Sr.
Two kashas on the name used to daven for Trump
1) If you’re using is full name, why not his father’s full name? Frederick Christ
2) Why mention his last name? I doubt the maharshal said to do that..
Sorry my mistake the second word in the name I posted was part of his last name. At the very least it should be Donald John Ben Frederick
Pretty sure I just heard Gadolhadorah’s head explode.
His mothers name was Mary