Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, one of Israel's most noted Ultra Orthodox Rabbis was approached by a yeshiva student involved in a traffic violation for a blessing, and the Rabbi refused.Following is the transcript of the discussion between the 2, (originally in Hebrew, here)
Student: Honored Rabbi, I have a trial next week and they want to imprison me. Would the Rabbi please bless me to save me from this?
R' Kanievsky: What is the trial about?
Student: I was caught driving without a license after I crashed into a wall
R' Kanievsky: So you're actually a murderer! Actually, they should put you in jail. That would be very good.
Student (yelling): Why? G-d forbid, I didn't kill anyone, and I didn't even hurt anyone. I just had a small car accident between myself and a wall.
R' Kanievsky: But you were driving without a driver's license, were you not?
Student: Yes
R' Kanievsky: So are you called a real killer. You could have had an accident involving people.
Student: But I know how to drive well. Besides this could hurt [my chances] for a shidduch and yeshiva [study]
R' Kanievsky: There is no such thing as "know" [how to drive]. Without a license you don't know how to drive. Regarding shidduchim, its smart not to want you, you're dangerous.
Student: I really regret [my actions]. I just want the Rabbi to give me a blessing to save me in the trial.
R' Kanievsky: What do you regret? If you get a car tomorrow, you won't drive it? You will! Its best for you to sit in jail and study, "do not murder."
Student: Would the Rabbi bless me if I promise to be more careful starting today?
R' Kanievsky: I cannot bless you. May G-d help that you be sentenced [by the court] with whatever is best for you.
Wherever I am, my blog turns towards Eretz Yisrael טובה הארץ מאד מאד
