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The Gedolim Speak

For Your Inspiration

Day 3, Parshas Shemini, 5730 (March 31, 1970)

To the esteemed Rav. I am not sure what title to ascribe to a person of your great stature.

I hope that everything is well with you .

Last week, you approached me with a question regarding your activity as a communal leader. Everybody knows that I do not offer direction in practical matters. Instead, I refer such queries to gedolei Torah. At the time, I dealt with you accordingly. However, after you left I reconsidered. Since this is an issue that affects society at large, I should have shared my humble perspective.

It is obvious that whenever there are promising opportunities to strengthen Jewish observance and return young Jewish children to the Torah, it is absolutely necessary to take action. Our sages warned (Gemorah Shabbos, 54b), "When an individual does not discourage his neighbor from sinning, that individual is culpable for his neighbor's transgression."

You are of the opinion that this (communal) duty is not compatible with kollel study. In truth, these two responsibilities do not conflict. It is possible to actively promote Jewish observance by simply being sensitive to the problem and devoting a few hours of concentrated effort each week. That is all that it requires. Moreover, those that labor for the sake of the greater community receive heavenly assistance that drastically exceeds their natural abilities. Therefore, it is certain that they will continue to excel and succeed in their Torah study.

I write for the sake of heaven on behalf of the holy Torah

Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky

(Translated from Krayna De'agrasa, Volume II, Michtav 63)