Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein strongly criticized the growing practice of people driving short distances to shul instead of walking, saying those who are physically able to walk should not choose the convenience of a car for such brief trips.

The remarks were delivered during a small shiur in Rav Zilberstein’s home attended by close talmidim. The senior posek addressed the issue at length, citing multiple halachic sources emphasizing the importance of walking to shul whenever possible in order to receive sechar pesios — reward for the effort of walking to perform a mitzvah.

Discussing people who live only minutes away from shul yet still choose to drive, Rav Zilberstein spoke sharply against the practice.

“There is a question here that is completely contrary to the way the world behaves,” Rav Zilberstein said. “There are people who go to shul during the week with their car. For example, he lives on the nearby block, a five-minute walk, and there are those who always drive. One must know that this is a complete prohibition, similar to what is written in the possuk: ‘B’veis Elokim nehalech b’rogesh.’ These people come in luxury… Walk with feeling, with your feet. This is a ביזוי of the honor of the shul, and there is also sechar pesios. Sechar pesios means walking by foot, without a car.”

Rav Zilberstein pointed to several classic halachic sources supporting the idea that traveling to shul specifically by foot is preferable whenever feasible.

He cited the Ben Ish Chai in Torah Lishmah (siman 40), who brings several proofs that one should specifically walk to shul rather than ride an animal or use other means of transportation when possible.

The Ben Ish Chai concludes: “Therefore certainly also regarding the mitzvah of going to shul, one should be careful that it specifically be done by foot whenever he is able to walk, and he should not be concerned for honor in the eyes of onlookers, even if he is a respected wealthy person.”

Rav Zilberstein also referenced the responsa B’Tzel HaChochmah and Tzitz Eliezer, both of which write that a person who is capable of walking should not use a vehicle merely for added convenience, and instead should perform the mitzvah in its proper form and receive the reward for the effort involved.

One participant asked Rav Zilberstein what distance would justify driving instead of walking.

“The measure is if most people say it is too far and requires a car,” Rav Zilberstein replied.

The questioner noted that previous generations would not have considered even a 40-minute walk reason enough to drive.

“Every generation is according to what most people say,” Rav Zilberstein responded. “If most people say it is a somewhat far distance, he may drive. If not, he is obligated to walk, and one who drives is not acting properly.”

He added that many people unfortunately stumble in this area by driving even for extremely short trips.

“For a tiny trip he gets into a car. Why are you getting into a car?” Rav Zilberstein said. “How do we determine it? Every generation according to the estimation that the rav must decide.”

When asked whether age changes the equation, Rav Zilberstein answered that the standard depends on what most people in that age bracket would normally do.

Another participant suggested that weather conditions such as extreme heat or rain might justify driving.

“If he goes in a car, he is considered as disgracing Hashem!” Rav Zilberstein responded. “There are a few steps — why are you going with a car?”

The discussion also touched on whether someone should intentionally choose a farther shul in order to gain additional sechar pesios.

“One who does that receives reward, but it is not obligatory,” Rav Zilberstein said. “But to drive by car is against the honor of the shul.”

One participant then asked about a person who lives only four minutes away from shul but chooses to drive because he needs to rush to work immediately after davening.

“That is not a reason,” Rav Zilberstein answered. “It will take time — so it will take time.”

{Matzav.com}