HaGaon Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein shlit”a has recounted a ruling he personally heard from his father-in-law, Maran HaGaon Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt”l, concerning participation in Israeli elections and how a talmid should proceed when circumstances have changed since receiving guidance from his rebbi.

Speaking during his weekly shiur, Rav Zilberstein recalled an incident involving an avreich who had been a close talmid of HaGaon Rav Ben Tzion Abba Shaul zt”l.

The avreich explained that Rav Abba Shaul had instructed him not to participate in elections. Following his rebbi’s petirah, however, he was uncertain whether he should continue following that instruction and approached Rav Zilberstein for guidance.

Rather than answering the question himself, Rav Zilberstein brought the avreich before his father-in-law, Rav Elyashiv, to hear his opinion.

According to Rav Zilberstein’s account, Rav Elyashiv explained that the circumstances facing the Torah community had changed since the original instruction was given. He indicated that, under the conditions then prevailing, he believed Rav Abba Shaul himself would have instructed the avreich to participate in the elections.

The account highlights the importance of considering the circumstances in which rabbinical guidance was originally issued, particularly when a question arises years later under different conditions.

Rav Zilberstein’s remarks were presented as a recollection of a personal encounter with Rav Elyashiv, rather than a newly issued halachic ruling.

The story has drawn renewed attention as Israel approaches another election, bringing the guidance of earlier gedolei Torah on communal participation back into public discussion.