Rabbi bans Purim firecrackers

A Safed Rabbi on Sunday issued an edict banning the use of firecrackers during the Purim festive day this week.

Rabbi David Lakhiani of the Kabbalh town explained his decision saying: “Over the last few years, as the rabbi of the local hospital, I met parents whose children lost an eye or a finger because of firecrackers exploding near them over Purim. Few days ago, I visited a kid suffering from burns in the waist area caused by firecrackers he had placed in his pocket. These events have Halachic repercussions.”

Lakhiani added that according to Jewish law one should avoid endangering his and other people’s lives. “It is forbidden for men to injure themselves or others in any way and I think these firecrackers are dangerous and endanger children’s lives and the Halacha proves my words,” he said.

The rabbi recalled a service over the last year when he heard an explosion inside the synagogue. “We have to listen to every word of the scroll, if we do not do so we won’t be able to fulfill our religious duty. A synagogue is not a battle field, it is a sanctified place and I hope that the Halacha edict will save us injuries and let us enjoy the festive day,” Lakhiani said.

The rabbi added that as alcohol is banned for sale to teenagers under 18 years of age, a similar law should be passed to control the sales of firecrackers to teenagers “who do not understand the great danger they are exposed to during the most joyous festive day in Israel.”