At a special tefillah gathering held Thursday night in Bnei Brak in response to the ongoing situation, Maran Rav Dov Landau delivered a message of chizuk, calling on the public to strengthen their commitment to Torah learning and prayer, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining a calm, supportive, and even uplifting atmosphere at home.

Opening his remarks, Rav Landau described the current moment as one of danger, while also pointing to the clear Divine protection being witnessed. He said, “It is a time of distress for Yaakov, but from it we will be saved. The Jewish people are in a מצב of war, and the dangers are great—Hashem should protect us. Baruch Hashem, we are seeing great miracles, and the Ribbono Shel Olam is saving us from their hands.”

He explained that the gathering, held in a community known for its strong dedication to learning and prayer—especially during bein hazmanim—was meant to serve as a moment of collective tefillah and reflection. He added, “According to the natural order, there is no logic to being saved from so many cruel and dangerous enemies. There is no doubt that Torah protects and saves, along with prayer to the Creator, and faith that everything Hashem does is for the good.”

Turning to the challenges of this time of year, Rav Landau spoke about the pressures of bein hazmanim and the busy days leading up to Pesach, noting that this period can lead to a weakening in consistent learning, particularly for avreichim with young children at home. He said, “These are the days of bein hazmanim, and a time of pre-Pesach pressures, and it can bring a certain weakening in Torah learning—especially when young children are home, making it difficult for many to find uninterrupted time to learn.”

Despite these challenges, he stressed that each individual must take responsibility to ensure that learning continues. “Every avreich must reflect and find a time when he can sit and learn, and according to the effort is the reward. It is extremely important that not even a single day passes without Torah learning.”

He emphasized that the need for Torah is even greater during such times, while also reminding listeners to remain attentive to their families. “The Jewish people need our Torah now more than ever. But at the same time, one must be attentive to the needs of the home and the difficulties family members are experiencing, helping as needed and caring for the children, who are also going through an unusual and stressful time and may have fears.”

Rav Landau placed particular focus on the home environment, encouraging warmth and positivity. “Each person must create a pleasant and positive atmosphere at home. One can share light, sharp thoughts—even a bit of humor—and even sing at home. The main thing is to act with patience and create a calm environment.”

He also urged parents to set aside time to learn with their children. “It is very important to establish a set time to learn with the children, so that they remain connected to Torah, and the Torah of young children has great value.”

Addressing yeshiva bochurim, he noted that their responsibility is even greater, while also reminding them of their obligation to honor their parents. “Yeshiva students are not burdened in the same way, and therefore their obligation to be immersed in Torah is even greater—each one according to what his heart desires to learn. At the same time, they have the mitzvah of honoring their parents, and these days provide an opportunity to fulfill that mitzvah properly, with respect and with a good spirit.”

He concluded by calling for serious and heartfelt prayer, stressing that it must be said with focus and sincerity. “We need a great deal of prayer from the depths of the heart, that the Ribbono Shel Olam should have mercy on us and save us from all decrees and enemies. One must pray seriously, with proper intent, and not treat it as a burden. Even the additional Tehillim being said now must be recited with sincerity and heartfelt pleading for mercy.”

He also warned against treating the situation lightly. “There is an obligation to be careful and to protect oneself from danger, and not to treat the situation with dismissal or lightheadedness.”

Rav Landau concluded with a heartfelt tefillah that Klal Yisroel should soon see salvation, return to calm, and merit celebrating the upcoming Yom Tov with peace and joy.