Lag BaOmer

From today's Jerusalem Post:

"Lithuanian" haredim, who tend to be more rational in their devotion and shun emphasis on Kabbala, are less likely to trek to Meron.

Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, the preeminent Lithuanian spiritual leader on halachic opinion, once expressed this approach in a pithy statement, "Sure, Rabbi Shimon is alive, right here in my Talmud".

More on Lag BaOmer here.

Comments

Stop looking to mock everything that Reb Elyashuv says.

[Shmarya]

Mock? I simply quoted the man. If you don't like what he said, take it up with him.

[Chana]

I have only recently begun reading your blog, and I simply wondered whether you have had bad personal experiences with Haredim. I can definitely understand why they might bother you, and how being so right-wing and close-minded is irritating, but I'm wondering why you have decided to make that the focus of this blog. If you've answered that question, already, forgive me. Thanks...

[Shmarya]

Because I believe the outcome of their close-mindedness will be disaster, God forbid, for the Jewish people. And because much of the basis for that close-mindedness is itself false, a distortion both of Jewish history and the halakhic process.

[Neo-Conservaguy]

It's the black outfits that really set him off. Me, I just wish they would wear cool black shades to complete the look. All or nothing, I say.

[rebeljew]

What has the Rav said here that is so controversial?

[Litvak]

That is a fine article and a gem of a quip by Rav Elyoshiv shlita. Yasher kayach Shmarya !

[Isa]

Hmmm:
My modern Orthodox rabbi of yesteryear could have said the same thing or even someone secular e.g. "Shakespere comes alive when you read..."

Shmarya should quote some figure in a positive way but without comment and watch people whine how Shmarya is defaming somebody.

That picture of Rav Elyoshiv, I assume was put out by his people, It depicts the Rav in a negative way, like he is some senile old goat who needs help to eat etc.