The Baba Sali’s Surprising Warning Before a Military Operation

Rabbi Gershon Edelstein zt”l, the revered rosh yeshiva of Ponevezh, would often repeat a remarkable story about the Baba Sali and the spiritual power of Torah learning.

According to Rabbi Edelstein, soldiers once came to Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, known as the Baba Sali, asking for a blessing before a dangerous military operation they were preparing to carry out.

The Baba Sali asked them what time the operation was scheduled to begin. The soldiers replied that it was planned for the afternoon, between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.

The Baba Sali responded with concern:
“These are not good hours for dangerous activity, because they are the resting hours in many yeshivot, when less Torah is being learned. The merit of Torah is weaker then. Better to carry it out later, during the afternoon learning sessions, when the merit of Torah study is active and can help protect you.”

Rabbi Edelstein would quote this story to illustrate the immense spiritual protection created by Torah learning.

The Spiritual Protection of Torah

Rabbi Edelstein explained that this idea is connected to a broader reality discussed by Chazal and many Torah sages throughout the generations: Torah study brings spiritual protection to the world.

He added that this is one reason many rabbis viewed periods of bein hazmanim, the breaks between yeshiva semesters, with concern.

“During bein hazmanim there were many tragedies, may Hashem protect us,” Rabbi Edelstein said. “Real tragedies, known and unknown. When the merit of Torah is lacking, difficulties increase.”

The Great Importance of Learning During Quiet Hours

Rabbi Edelstein especially emphasized the greatness of learning Torah during times when many people are not learning.

He spoke about:

• Friday afternoons
• Friday nights
• Shabbat afternoons
• Midday hours

According to Rabbi Edelstein, learning Torah during these quieter times carries special significance because the world is experiencing more spiritual emptiness and less Torah study overall.

“There are places where people learn,” he explained, “but there are also places where time is wasted and not used properly for Torah. Therefore, learning during those hours carries especially great merit.”

Why Torah Learning Is Seen as So Powerful

Jewish tradition teaches that Torah learning does not affect only the individual person studying. Rather, it creates spiritual influence far beyond the learner himself.

Many Torah sources describe Torah as bringing blessing, protection, spiritual refinement, and Divine mercy into the world.

For this reason, generations of Torah leaders strongly encouraged even small amounts of consistent learning, especially during times when Torah is less commonly studied.

Who Was the Baba Sali?

Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, known throughout the Jewish world as the Baba Sali, was one of the most famous Torah leaders and kabbalists of the previous generation.

Born in Morocco, he served as a rabbi, rosh yeshiva, and head of a beit din before eventually settling in Netivot, Israel.

The Baba Sali became widely known as a holy tzaddik and miracle worker. Thousands of people traveled to receive his blessings, advice, and prayers, believing deeply in his spiritual greatness and connection to Heaven.

A Reminder About the Power of Consistent Torah Learning

Rabbi Edelstein often used this story to strengthen people in Torah study and remind them that even learning done quietly and privately carries enormous spiritual value.

According to these Torah giants, every moment of sincere Torah learning adds holiness and protection not only to the individual, but to the entire world.