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The Gedolim Speak

Shalosh Seudos, Mikeitz, 5734 (December 22, 1973)

If we consider the situation, the events that occurred during the last phase of Jewish history... and now again we are in the throws of such a difficult war (i.e. - the Yom Kippur War). It weighs on me constantly. The thought is with me all the time: "Why is G-d doing this?"

So many thousands of Jews have been massacred... truly G-d-fearing people. And it worries me. Can we say that we are innocent, that our hands did not spill this blood? Let's consider how we can improve ourselves. Is it possible to say that the deficiency is in Torah study? Thank G-d, there are many batei midrashos, yeshivos, and talmudei Torah that are well attended. And even if you will argue that our learning is not lishma, how many people in our generation are capable of studying Torah lishma? Is it possible to say that we are deficient in charitable deeds? Welfare organizations are abundant in every Jewish community. On an individual basis, we must improve ourselves. However, as a community we are doing well.

So what is the problem? Why are all these things happening? What are we supposed to change?

It occurred to me that the problem must be that we have not done enough for the misguided souls. Wicked people uprooted these souls from the faith, forced them to abandon their beliefs, and transformed them into sinners. And we watched all of this, and we did not do enough to stop it.

I often contemplate the following idea: Weren't the parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents (of these confused souls) God-fearing, holy people? I am certain that these deceased ancestors cannot rest in peace. They are standing before the thrown of glory and screaming, "How could this happen to our children?" Jewish souls are deserting Judaism. This is the most severe indictment of the Jewish people.

I realize that I cannot make a difference with my own limited resources. But this much is clear to me. If the entire orthodox world would stand united, all of the resources from every faction and stream, we would definitely make an impact. We cannot help those people that are entirely unreceptive. However, we must do everything possible to rescue those that can be saved.

It is likely that the Adversary has devised a strategy to preempt our unified effort. There are many factions that claim that they will sanctify G-d's name and make an impact. But those that know the truth realize that these efforts are counter-productive. There are well-meaning people who think that they can discharge their obligation (to rescue other Jews) by appointing representatives. On this basis, they believe that they have already done enough.

(If this is the approach,) I am certain that within two or three years a large segment of our people will be completely lost. Those people that currently maintain a faint association with their Jewish heritage will fall. Their children will not know the Creator of the Universe, or Torah, or Judaism at all. At that point, we will not be able to anything. We must unite now... the entire orthodox camp together. Maybe we can still save some of them.

It is a mitzvah to set the Chanukah candles outside the entrance to your home. The message is that we must shine the light of faith and Torah to all of those souls that are stuck outside and bring them close to Judaism.

For more material in Hebrew, click here for a kuntrus written by the Belzer Rebbe. http://oznidberu.com/files/The_Belzer_Rebbe_on_Kiruv.PDF

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The Belzer Rebbe, Shlit"a, & the Yom Kippur War

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