In response to an alarming uptick in public chillul Shabbos, leading rabbonim from across Beit Shemesh and beyond have issued a strongly worded kol koreh, calling on residents to strengthen their observance of Shabbos and to firmly oppose growing trends that compromise its sanctity.
The letter, signed by more than twenty rabbonim and dayanim, decries the rising phenomenon of businesses operating in violation of halacha, with a special focus on the increasing activity of the “BIG” shopping centers on Shabbos. These commercial hubs, the rabbonim warn, are violating the holiness of Shabbos.
“The BIG shopping complexes are openly desecrating Shabbos,” the rabbonim write, “and in doing so, they uproot the spirit of holiness from our city’s public sphere. There is no heter to shop at such places, even if some stores appear to be technically closed, as many rely on revenue from Shabbos or operate with preparations that violate the spirit of the day.”
The letter also expresses concern over shopping that takes place just before Shabbos, which can result in rushed preparations, a lack of proper kavod Shabbos, and inadvertent violations of halacha. The public is urged to plan ahead and refrain from giving business to stores that erode the sanctity of Shabbos through last-minute commercialism.
Quoting previous rulings of gedolei Yisroel, the rabbonim emphasize that material success is never a justification for breaching halachic boundaries. In fact, they stress, true brachah comes from honoring Shabbos, not from desecrating it.
“The observant public must reinforce its ranks,” the letter reads, “and inspire others to join in safeguarding the holiness of Shabbos.”
{Matzav.com Israel}