Following Israel’s recent strike on Iran and growing security tensions across the region, the nosi of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah of Shas, Rav Yitzchok Yosef, issued a powerful public message urging Klal Yisroel to strengthen itself in Torah and tefillah, and to ensure that batei knesses and batei medrash remain open unless the security forces issue explicit instructions to remain near protected spaces.
Speaking from abroad during a chizuk mission to North America, Rav Yosef emphasized the critical role of spiritual strength during turbulent times. “In these days, when ‘outside the sword bereaves, and within, terror,’ we have no one to rely on but our Father in Heaven. The strength of Am Yisroel lies in its mouth—its tefillah and its Torah,” he wrote.
Rav Yosef called on the public to recite Avinu Malkeinu following the Amidah, and to say chapters of Tehillim—specifically 121, 130, and 140—during the opening of the Aron Kodesh. He also encouraged an increase in the learning of Torah during these days.
He added that “as long as there is no directive from security officials requiring immediate presence in protected areas, one must continue with tefillah and limud, and increase zechuyos on behalf of Klal Yisroel.”
Rav Yosef concluded his heartfelt message with a tefillah: “May Hashem Yisborach see the suffering of His people and hasten our eternal redemption. May we merit that in our days Yehuda will be saved, and Yisroel will dwell securely in its land.”
Due to the escalating situation, Rav Yosef’s originally scheduled trip to North America was diverted and he landed in Rome, where, as previously reported, it was thought that he may have to spend Shabbos. However, he was ultimately able to continue on to New York. This coming Shabbos, he is expected to be with the Syrian Jewish community at Shaare Zion in Flatbush, where he will deliver divrei chizuk. The continuation of his visit in New York remains dependent on security developments in Israel.

{Matzav.com}