For Your Inspiration
The Gedolim Speak
For Your InspirationA Yamim Noraim Message from Rav Shach, the Steipler, and Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz, zt"l
The gedolim observe that many secular Jews are eager to return. If we ignore their plight, the consequences are severe.
To the communal leaders, Rosh Yeshivas, Rabbis, and G-d fearing people in each and every city,
Your brothers' voice calls out to you,
We are all witness to an encouraging phenomenon. We have seen many of our brothers return in teshuvah, abandon important positions, and earnestly devote themselves to Torah study. In altercations with our confused brothers (who were abducted and raised without a Torah education), we hear thoughts of repentance. They are outright asking to be taught the fundamentals of the Jewish faith and to be drawn closer to a Torah lifestyle.
These Jews live within our community, in each and every city. We have the ability to uplift them, particularly during these Days of Mercy when every Jewish heart is inspired to come close to Hashem.
Woe to us from the Day of Judgment; woe to us from the Day of Rebuke!
If we stand by idly at such a time, if we fail to help our brothers return in teshuvah, the burden of their transgressions will fall upon the religious leadership and all G-d fearing people. It is clear from the Gemara in Shabbos, 54a, that when an individual does not discourage his neighbor from sinning, that individual is culpable for his neighbor's transgression. Yechezkel Ha'Navi alluded to this when he said, "The frail you did not strengthen...for the lost you did not search...and I will seek out my flock from their hand" (Yechezkel, 34: 4-10).
When a person fails to give rebuke, he may even be punished for his neighbor's crime in the present world. This is evident from the account of R' Acha in the Gemara Shabbos, 55a. [The relevant passage is paraphrased in the original Hebrew.]
In his commentary on Devarim, 27: 26, the Ramban writes, "It says in the Yerushalmi (Sotah, 7: 4): R' Assi said in the name of R' Tanchum bar Chiya: 'Even if a person learned and taught, observed and fulfilled, he is included among the cursed if he failed to strengthen others.' The rabbis attributed the responsibility to uphold the Torah (described in this verse) to the king or to the prince because he possesses the authority to establish the Torah among those who have dismissed it. And even if he was a perfectly righteous man, if he failed to strengthen the Torah among the wicked, he is accursed."
In light of all this, there is a powerful obligation resting upon the entire Torah-observant community. We must strengthen our religious observance. Specifically, we must teach those who are confused, and we must draw those who are distant into the warm embrace of Judaism. We are mobilizing every Jewish community under the leadership of the rabbinate. During this season, every individual should dedicate at least one evening to this effort. Go out into a nearby community and visit a number of unaffiliated families. Initiate a friendly conversation with them, as a concerned loved one. Explain to them, on an appropriate level, the principles of our faith and the basics of mitzvah observance. Inspire them to return in teshuvah.
And G-d will help us uphold the yoke of Torah and seal us for good life and a year of redemption.
Eliezer Menachem Mann Shach Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky Chaim Shmuelevitz
(Translated from Michtavim U'Maamarim Mi'maran Ha'gaon Rabbi Elazar Menachem Man Shach, Michtav 741)
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(1)Moshe, Sep 16, 2010
Thank you
What a great msg. Thank you for sharing.