Tiveria was roiled this week by a heated public controversy following a sharply worded letter from Rav Dov Kook in which he condemned public Shabbos desecration at the Chof Gai complex.

The letter called on chareidi organizations to immediately cancel vacations and Shabbos programs at the site, triggering widespread reaction across the Torah and chassidic worlds.

The issue came to a head with a prestigious and meticulously planned “Shabbos Negidim” scheduled to take place at the location under the leadership of the well-known mashpia, Rav Elimelech Biderman. The organizers, who had finalized arrangements already the previous winter, suddenly found themselves facing a major crisis.

As soon as Rav Biderman became aware of Rav Kook’s protest, he instructed unequivocally and without hesitation: “Cancel the Shabbos.” The directive was issued despite the enormous financial fallout involved—losses estimated at roughly half a million shekels in sunk costs and guarantees—absorbed entirely for the sake of kavod Shabbos.

In light of the severe losses, the organizers turned to close talmidim of Rav Kook: Rav Moshe Chaim Schneider, head of Machon Sifsei Kohen, and Rav Yaakov Brizel. Together with the rov of Tiberias, Rabbi Yigal Mamlia, they undertook a thorough, on-the-ground investigation to determine the precise facts.

The inquiry revealed a materially different picture from what had initially been assumed. Investigators established that the hotel and the adjacent water park operate as two entirely separate entities, both legally and administratively. While the water park does indeed operate on Shabbos—forming the basis for Rav Kook’s original protest—the hotel itself fully observes Shabbos, operates in accordance with halacha, and is under the stringent kashrus supervision of the city’s rav. It was further confirmed that there is complete physical separation between the two facilities, with no access or functional connection between the hotel and the park.

Armed with these findings, the heads of Machon Sifsei Kohen returned to Rav Kook and presented the clarified facts. After hearing the full account and understanding that the hotel conducts itself with strict Shabbos observance, Rav Kook issued a directive: “Immediately contact Rav Elimelech Biderman and ask him not to cancel the Shabbos.”

Rav Kook explained that he had no desire to cause financial harm—directly or indirectly—to individuals or businesses that are meticulous in Shabbos observance and have no involvement whatsoever in the Shabbos desecration at the water park.

Rav Kook followed up by sending a personal letter to the benefactors and organizers of the Shabbos. In the letter, he expressed regret over the initial misunderstanding, praised their unwavering commitment and self-sacrifice in standing up for the honor of Shabbos, and offered heartfelt brachos for continued success in all their endeavors.

{Matzav.com}

Jooish News

Jooish News