A Question of Priority: Judaism 101

Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein, esteemed rabbi of the Ramat Elchanan neighborhood and member of the Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah (Council of Torah Sages), once shared a remarkable story involving a weighty halachic dilemma presented to Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman, one of the leading Torah sages of the generation.

"Several years ago," recounted Rav Zilberstein, "a couple who had recently begun their journey toward religious observance approached the late Rav Shteinman with a question. They were ready to take their first steps toward mitzvah observance and wished to begin with one mitzvah - either Shabbat observance or taharat hamishpacha (the laws of family purity)."

This question was extraordinarily difficult, Rav Zilberstein explained, because both mitzvot carry serious consequences when neglected. "Violating Shabbat incurs the penalty of skilah (stoning), while failing to observe taharat hamishpacha is punishable by karet (spiritual excision). How can one possibly decide which mitzvah to prioritize?"

To resolve the issue, Rav Shteinman turned to the late Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, the preeminent halachic authority of the time. Rav Elyashiv’s ruling was clear: the couple should begin with the observance of taharat hamishpacha. His reasoning was profound: "Observing this mitzvah involves a person in an ongoing struggle against their own desires. It requires self-discipline and spiritual sensitivity. That inner battle and surrendering to Hashem’s will elevate the mitzvah and give it tremendous merit."

This story offers not only a halachic insight but also a glimpse into the depth of thought and spiritual consideration our Sages bring to every Jewish soul’s path toward Torah observance.