Amid the ongoing war, Rav Dov Landau visited several yeshivos in Bnei Brak whose talmidim are currently learning in protected areas. During a visit to the temporary home of Yeshivas Ner Zerach–Otzem, Rav Landau delivered words of chizuk and emphasized that following the directives of the Home Front Command is not merely practical advice but a Torah-level obligation.

The yeshiva was evacuated by the authorities at the beginning of the war and has temporarily relocated to Bnei Brak until conditions stabilize. Rav Landau delivered a general shiur and then addressed the talmidim about the challenges of the current period. The gathering took place at the Bnei Akiva community center in Bnei Brak and was attended by the roshei yeshiva, Rav Yitzchok Zev Feinstein and Rav Avrohom Aharon Braverman, along with the mashgiach and the rest of the yeshiva’s rabbinic staff.

Following the shiur, Rav Landau spoke about the difficult circumstances facing bnei Torah during this time. He noted that over the past two years, alongside what he described as pressure placed on those who learn Torah in Eretz Yisroel, the Jewish community has also been living under real danger. Emphasizing the central role of Torah learning, he said that those who dedicate themselves to Torah serve as the protectors and guardians of the Jewish people.

He also spoke about the power of tefillah during times of distress and about the importance of strengthening emunah and bitachon. At the same time, he stressed the responsibility to act carefully and follow safety guidelines, stating that observing the official instructions is a Torah obligation.

Rav Landau explained that in recent years many bochurim have been learning Torah under difficult conditions, and now an additional challenge has been added as the war has forced many yeshivos to relocate and continue learning away from their usual batei medrash.

He noted that the Jewish people living in Eretz Yisroel have been in a prolonged period of conflict, facing serious dangers and concerns. Despite this, he emphasized that the protection of the Jewish people ultimately comes from Hashem, often in ways that go beyond natural explanations.

Rav Landau stressed that the responsibility of bnei yeshiva at such a time is to strengthen their dedication to Torah learning even more. He explained that those who devote themselves to Torah sustain the world, and that their learning serves as protection for Klal Yisroel in the most direct and meaningful way.

According to Rav Landau, the response to the current situation must be greater immersion in Torah study — learning continuously, becoming deeply engaged in the sugyos, and developing a genuine excitement for the words of Torah.

He also called on the students to strengthen their tefillah and to be more careful in observing the halachos of tefillah. Rav Landau cited the teaching attributed to the Chazon Ish that during times of danger, the recitation of Yoshev B’Seiser is especially powerful.

At the same time, Rav Landau emphasized the obligation of practical effort to safeguard life, noting that protecting oneself is a clear Torah commandment. He stressed that people must be careful to follow the safety instructions and not take them lightly, explaining that the obligation of v’nishmartem me’od l’nafshoseichem requires strict adherence to these guidelines.

He added that it is said in the name of the Brisker Rav that by fulfilling the mitzvah of safeguarding one’s life, a person merits siyata d’Shmaya and protection from Heaven.

Rav Landau also encouraged the talmidim to maintain calm and a positive atmosphere during this tense time. One practical suggestion he offered was to avoid constantly seeking out additional news and updates, since excessive exposure to information can create unnecessary fear and anxiety.

Looking ahead to the upcoming period of bein hazmanim, he stressed that there is no exemption from Torah learning during that time — especially now, when Klal Yisroel needs the protection of Torah study.

He suggested that the break could be used productively by studying masechtos or other areas of Torah that are not usually focused on during the regular zman.

At the same time, Rav Landau reminded the students to take advantage of the opportunity during bein hazmanim to fulfill the mitzvah of honoring their parents and helping at home when needed.

He concluded with a tefillah that Hashem should have mercy on the Jewish people, protect them from suffering and harsh decrees, allow them to sit peacefully in the ohel haTorah, and bring about a complete redemption speedily.

In addition to this visit, Rav Landau also traveled to Yeshivas Toras Chaim L’Tzeirim in Bnei Brak, headed by Rav Boruch Dov Diskin and Rav Yosef Shraga Turtchin, which has been conducting its learning in a neighborhood shelter during the war.

During the visit, Rav Landau delivered a Torah shiur and additional words of chizuk to the students. The roshei yeshiva — Rav Boruch Dov Diskin, Rav Yosef Shraga Turtchin, Rav Tzvi Turtchin, and the mashgiach Rav Moshe Mordechai Englard — welcomed him upon arrival.

One particularly memorable moment during the visit was a spirited Torah discussion between Rav Landau and Rav Diskin, reflecting the lively style of debate that characterizes Torah learning. In his closing remarks, Rav Landau again encouraged the students to strengthen their learning, listen to the guidance of their rabbonim, and avoid unnecessary risks during air raid sirens. The students left the gathering feeling uplifted and inspired.

{Matzav.com}