The Cry of the Kabbalist

The Outcry of the Kabbalist, HaRav Shlomo Elmaliach shlit"a, Regarding the Difficult Condition of Our Teacher, the Great Tzaddik Rav Eliezer Berland shlit"a

"We have gathered here, in this holy place, where many tzaddikim are buried—may their merit protect us—but here we protest vehemently against the trial, for without a trial, they have effectively judged the Rav for 11 months in prison—without a trial."

"The legal proceedings for our teacher, Rav Berland shlit"a, have already concluded after nine months, and yet they have brought neither evidence nor testimony against Rav Eliezer Berland, son of Atiya—this is a heinous crime, the likes of which have not been heard since the establishment of this state, which waves the flag of justice, law, and trial."

"They judged Rav Berland without a trial and for no wrongdoing. The only accusation against him concerns pidyonot (redemptions), pidyonot just as all the great leaders of the generation perform. All the charity funds... look before you... Kupat HaIr, Vaad HaRabbanim, Kupat HaIr in Meah Shearim—all the Admorim receive pidyonot."

"So, for pidyonot, must they judge Rav Berland without law? There is no law and no judge."

"And in particular, we point an accusing finger here at this gathering toward the Deputy State Attorney, who, after the prosecution had already recommended releasing the Rav and making a plea deal with him, allowed them to work for three months day and night, and then, in his great wickedness, decided not to release the Rav. And of course, the Supreme Court and the judges there are biased by the media, biased by the iPhones and WhatsApps and what they see behind closed doors—so certainly, no true justice is being done here."

"We, the people of 'Shuvu Banim'—this is only a portion of the Shuvu Banim members you see here—protest vehemently against the Supreme Court—oyyy (a cry), oyy..."

"Oyy Tatte, gevalt (a cry)."

"Whoever has seen the pictures of the Rav, how he looks, in a very, very difficult state, just as Rebbe Nachman said. And how is it possible to hold a Jew who is ill with 28 diseases? How is it possible to keep him in prison?"

"Oyyy..."

"Gentlemen, the prosecution itself, with all their investigators, admitted before the Supreme Court that Rav Berland is not fit for detention—Rav Berland shlit"a cannot sit one more minute in prison, and here we protest and scream a cry that reaches the heavens..."

"Oyyy..."

"Well, with the help of Hashem, today is the birthday of our teacher, Rav Berland—today is the birthday of Rav Berland..."