Why Do Extremists Throw Rocks at Cars on Shabbos and Scream “Shabbos!”?
This question cuts to the heart of one of the most painful misconceptions about Charedim today. When a non-religious Jew drives through a neighborhood like Meah Shearim on Shabbos and has rocks thrown at his car, or hears someone scream “Shabbos!,” it leaves a bitter impression—not only of that moment, but of religious Jews in general.
Let’s make one thing absolutely clear from the start:
The Torah prohibits violence. The Torah prohibits chillul Hashem. And the Torah forbids embarrassing or harming other Jews. Throwing rocks is wrong. Period.
1. Do People Still Throw Rocks at Cars Today?
While this behavior was more common decades ago, today it is extremely rare and generally limited to a tiny fringe of individuals in isolated areas like Meah Shearim or certain parts of Beit Shemesh. Most Charedim do not support it—and are deeply embarrassed by it.
Police statistics and media reports show that violent incidents like rock-throwing on Shabbos have decreased significantly. In most Charedi neighborhoods—including Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, and Modi’in Illit—such incidents virtually never happen.
So why does this perception still exist?
Because the media loves to amplify any behavior that fits the narrative of “crazy extremists.” A single rock from a lone teen gets magnified into a trend. This damages the reputation of an entire community and drives a wedge between religious and secular Jews.
2. Why Do They Scream “Shabbos!” in the Streets?
Yelling “Shabbos!” is not inherently wrong. In fact, it can be a sincere, pained cry—a reaction from Jews who feel anguish over public desecration of the holiest day. They may not have the right tools to respond gently, but the emotion comes from a place of kavod Shamayim.
That said, how one expresses that pain is crucial. Chazal teach us:
"דרכיה דרכי נועם וכל נתיבותיה שלום"
“Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace.”
— Mishlei 3:17
Shabbos is a time of shalom, of light—not yelling, and certainly not violence.
3. Do They Think It Helps?
Most of those who shout or act out are not leaders or deep thinkers. They are often emotionally charged youths—sometimes poorly educated, sometimes lacking guidance—who were raised in isolated subcultures. In their mind, they are standing up for Hashem’s honor.
But as Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l once said:
“If your shouting causes someone to become more mechalel Shabbos—then it’s not a mitzvah. It’s an aveirah.”
There’s a fine line between zealotry and damage.
4. What Do the Gedolim Say About This Behavior?
Across the board, Gedolei Yisrael have opposed these acts—both in speech and in writing.
- Rav Elyashiv zt”l ruled clearly that violence against chilul Shabbos is forbidden and constitutes a chillul Hashem.
- Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l was pained by reports of such behavior and called for peaceful protest, not violence.
- Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman zt”l once commented: “They think they are defending Shabbos, but they are driving Jews away from it.”
Even the Edah HaChareidis, which opposes Zionism and Israeli institutions, has issued statements against violence, and has tried internally to control its more radical fringe.
5. What Is the Correct Torah Approach to Shabbos Desecration?
Our greatest leaders never chased cars or screamed at others. They taught, they inspired, and they cried.
- The Chofetz Chaim would weep when he saw chilul Shabbos, but never once raised his voice.
- Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l, in Igros Moshe (Orach Chaim 4:26), wrote about the need for patience and loving outreach.
- Rebbe Shlomo Halberstam zt”l (Bobov Rebbe) taught that “a warm Shabbos table does more to bring a Jew back than a thousand rebukes.”
We are not allowed to stand by silently while chillul Shabbos spreads—but our response must be with Ahavas Yisrael, wisdom, and kavod haTorah.
6. Why Does This Still Happen at All?
Every large society has extremists. The fact that a handful of misguided teens act violently does not mean their community condones it. It is the same in every sector—secular, religious, or otherwise.
But for Charedim, there’s an added problem: Anyone with a black hat and beard represents all of us in the public eye.
So when a 17-year-old throws a rock, the whole world sees “the Charedim.” And when someone screams “Shabbos” with hate instead of love, it sounds like all religious Jews are angry.
But the Torah path is not one of noise. It’s one of quiet dignity, emunah, and light.
"יֵשׁ שׁוֹתֵק נֶאֱהָב"
“There is one who is silent—yet beloved.”
— Mishlei 17:28
7. What’s the Charedi Response to Chilul Shabbos Today?
Real Charedim today are responding with chesed, tefillah, and outreach.
- Shabbos campaigns in secular neighborhoods.
- Warm invitations to Friday night meals.
- Kiruv organizations gently teaching Jews what Shabbos is.
The average Charedi yid today understands that violence repels, but love inspires. That’s the Torah way—and that’s the true Charedi way.
Footnotes
- Mishlei 3:17 – דרכיה דרכי נועם וכל נתיבותיה שלום
- Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach – cited in Halichos Shlomo, Tefillah vol. 1
- Rav Elyashiv – Kovetz Teshuvos 1:88
- Rav Chaim Kanievsky – quoted in Derech Emunah, end of Hilchos Shabbos
- Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman – cited in Aleinu L’shabeach (Parshas Ki Sisa)
- Rav Moshe Feinstein – Igros Moshe, O.C. 4:26
- Mishlei 17:28 – "יֵשׁ שׁוֹתֵק נֶאֱהָב"