Leading Haredi Rabbi Rules Short Drives to Synagogue Are Forbidden

He defines the duty by community norms of reasonable walking distance.

Overview

Israeli Orthodox outlets on Wednesday reported that Rabbi Yitzhak Zilberstein told students in a home lesson that driving very short trips to synagogue is a complete prohibition and a disgrace.
He said walking to prayer is part of the mitzvah and brings sechar pesios, the traditional spiritual reward for each step.
He set the cutoff by what most people consider too far to walk, allowing a car only when the distance exceeds that common standard.
He rejected time pressure, bad weather, and convenience as reasons to drive a few minutes, saying such choices disrespect God and the synagogue.
He cited a verse in Psalms and the Ben Ish Chai to support his view, and reports describe guidance from a Council of Torah Sages member in Bnei Brak with no formal enforcement noted.