JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Rabbi Yitzchak Zilberstein, one of Israel’s leading ultra-Orthodox rabbis, condemned the practice of driving short distances to synagogue rather than walking, calling it a “disgrace” to the honor of prayer and the synagogue.

Speaking during a recent lesson at his home in Bnei Brak, Rabbi Zilberstein said people who live only a few minutes from a synagogue should walk in order to receive “sechar pesios,” the traditional spiritual reward associated with walking to perform a mitzvah.

“There are people who go to synagogue with their car even though they live on the next street, a five-minute walk away,” Rabbi Zilberstein said. “One should go with his feet. Driving in luxury for such a short distance is a disgrace to the honor of the synagogue.”

Rabbi Zilberstein, a member of the Council of Torah Sages and rabbi of the Ramat Elchanan neighborhood in Bnei Brak, cited classical rabbinic sources supporting the preference for walking to synagogue whenever physically possible.

He referenced the writings of the Ben Ish Chai, who wrote that even wealthy and respected individuals should avoid unnecessary transportation to synagogue when they are capable of walking.

Asked how far a person must walk before using a vehicle becomes acceptable, Rabbi Zilberstein said the standard depends on what most people in a generation consider a reasonable walking distance.

“If most people say it is too far and requires a car, then one may drive,” he said. “But if it is considered close, he is obligated to walk.”

He added that age and physical condition should also be taken into account.

When asked whether someone rushing to work after prayers could justify driving a short distance, Rabbi Zilberstein rejected the argument.

“It is not a reason,” he said. “If it takes time, then it takes time.”