B”H
Dear CIKB and friends,
Greetings and Blessings!
The Holiday of Passover is upon us; in it we celebrate the Exodus from Egypt. With Exodus we became a nation, hence this holiday is central to our belief.
We are commanded to remember the leaving of Egypt every day of our life and to put extra focus on this during the Holiday of Exodus.
A lesson we can learn is found in the name “Egypt”, or “Mitzraim” itself. “Metzar” means “confinement”. Leaving Egypt meant leaving the confinements of slavery and the ideology that it represents. But leaving Egypt today does not mean throwing of the physical chains of bondage and “crossing the Sea of Reeds”.
It means leaving behind all limitation that hold us back from serving G-d and doing the right thing.
One way to leave negative things behind is by running away from it. This is what we did in Egypt of old.
We left so fast, even before the “Matzoth” that we were baking had time to rise. Applying this today would be to ignore our negative traits (our Egypt) and just focus on the good we have, and build upon it.
Another way is to confront our weakness and to change it. To take the evil that is within, and to transform it. That embarrassing past or habit that has held us back becomes our greatest asset and strength, teacher and guide.
In the final redemption when Moshiach will come soon. We will not run but walk into redemption. As it says: “We shall go in calmness”. Through our work and suffering in exile, evil both within and without will cease and be transformed into good. We have nothing to run from or fear any longer.
May G-d help that we celebrate freedom from all our worries and obstacle holding us back this Holiday.
May the tragic events of the past weeks in the Jewish world and in the past year in our Shul be transformed to joy. That G-d protect, watch and only bless us with an abundance of all good things always. Amen
With Blessing for Kosher and Happy Passover and Moshiach’s Coming. May G-d make this happen now!
Sincerely
Y. Winner and family
Monday, March 26, 2012
The Baal Tshuva - A Perspective # 4
B”H
This article is in memory of my dear friend
Reuvan Shalom Ben Avorhom a"h a complete Bal Tshuva,
who passed on Shabbat 26 Shvat of this year.
Part 4 Welcoming the Bal T’shuva into the Jewish Community.
First, is there an obligation to reach out and welcome Balie T’shuva a into a Jewish community; and if yes whose obligation is it?
We can approach this in a few ways:
1-The Torah Obligation.
2- Getting Motivated.
3-Measuring You Success.
4-Bal Tshuva Revolution.
1-The Torah Obligation.
Regarding the Torah obligation, one can find multiple sources for reaching out to another Jew.
A) Ahavat Yisroel: Loving another Jew as you. (Leviticus 19:18). The Love for another Jew is both for his physical and spiritual well being.
B) Hochach Tochiach: The obligation to rebuke another Jew who commits a sin. (Kedoshim 19/17)
C) Arvus: At the giving of the Torah we accepted responsibility to would insure that the Torah is observed by each Jew. (Neztavim30/28)
E) Hashovas Avedo: Returning a lost object. (Deuteronomy 22:2); the person’s soul who is not observing Torah.
F) Lo Samud Al dam Re’achu: Do not stand idle upon your brother’s blood. (Leviticus 19:16).To protect his body from physical harm and the same with a spiritual harm to his soul.
V’Nikdashti: To sanctify G-d name. When G-ds laws are not respected on earth, it is a “chilul-hashem”. When you teach another Jew to observe the law, you are removing that “chilul” and causing instead a “Kiddush Hashem”-Sanctification of His name.
Lfni - Ivar”: To remove the stumbling block from the blind. The uneducated-“blind” who do not observe the law due to ignorance is stumbling. You are helping them by educating him.
Havai M’talmidov Shel Aaron…Ohev Es Ha’brious Um’Karvon L’ Torah: Be of the students of Aaron …loving all people and bring them closer to Torah. (Avoth)
In the case of “do not stand idle by your brother’s blood” , one might say, that doing “kiruv- work” endangers the person that is involved in it. Being it brings you in touch with people who might bring them down in Yiddishkiet.
They argue, “Chayacha Kodam” you spiritual safety is more important that reaching out.
Never the less “Middos Chassidus” warrants that this risk should be taken. Unless the person is “Vadai” an absolute , certain threat and danger , not if it is a "safek" danger for you and a "vadia" danger for them. (see meforshim). A Jew not practicing Mitzvoth is a "vadia" -certain, spiritual "sakana"- danger.
The real issue here is not, if it is a Biblical obligation or a rabbinic one. A specific commandment or the general one. If it was meant for kiruv professionals. Or perhaps someone not learning Torah and succeeding in Yeshiva in any case (as I once read in a book describing the Yeshiva world). Or if f the obligation is upon the actual person or his money.
All this one can discussed and debated.
The real issue here is not one of obligation but motivation.
Does it matter to you that another Jews is fulfilling his/her purpose?
2-Getting Motivated
The First Mitzvah in the Torah is “ Peru U’rvu” be fruitful and multiply. This concept can be applied not only to biological children to spiritual children as well. To take a Jew a teach him/her how to be one.
Indeed we find that Aaron children are called Moshe’s because he taught them Torah. Certainly if you take a Jew and teach them not only Torah but all of Yiddishkiet is it not then you child?
The Rabbis teaches us that that when a person passes on and stands before judgment before g-d he asked three questions:
1-Have you tried to have children?
2-Have you set a side time for Torah study?
3-Have you been honest in your business dealing?
I believe that we can add to the first question: “How many Bal Tshuva did you make”?
In practice however, unfortunately, the average religious Jew, who is not involved in Jewish community work, does not see how doing kiruv, relates to them and why they should care.
As long as it does not matter to them directly.
One can live in a large very religious Jewish community; go to Shul every morning, then work. In the evening return home, spend time with the children, go to Shiur and fill his day with good deeds.
Marry, have children, raise children and live an entire life within his own community and not get involved with non-observant Jews around them.
They will read about it in the Jewish news. Might contribute to organization involved in Kiruv. But not get personally involved.
Only if the person is working in “out-reach” or something has happened in their personal life or family that some one has "fallen-out" of the fold, g-d forbid. where they now must confront the issue, do they see the need.
On a recent Kiruv radio show I recall and Rabbi who is involved on Kiruv and they asked him various question about the obligation and possible risk of doing Kiruv.
His answer was: “What if g-d forbid it was a member of you own family that needed to be brought back to Yiddishkiet?
Would u help?
Would you find time to take off from shiurim and other good projects you are involved in, to help them”? Obviously yes!
In reality ever encounter with another Jew in whether in business or daily life can be viewed as an opportunity to bring a Jew closer to Yiddshkiet
As far as being trained: The most important thing is that the person feel you care about them. Not intellectuals answer to all their question on faith. Though one can read up on them quite easily as well.
If a person feels that he is falling from his own spiritual level. Will g-d willing be discussed in another opportunity.
3-Measuring Success
This is a tough issue to address as the nature of a human being is to wish to see fruits of your labor. When working with another human being that can be very difficult and slow.
More so when you are dealing with elderly people that are set in their ways or difficult people in general.
The important thing is to know that the person’s neshoma is listening. Also might not show any external show of interest, but inside you have moved them.
In addition knowing that some one is pushing them even if they fight it , sets some sort of standard for them and reminds them they are Jews.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe once shared this story in a public talk at a "Fabrengan".
A group of young Chabad student Rabbis, who traveled during the summer to visit Jewish communities, once banged on the door of a Jew who would not let them in.
Thinking they failed, they left. Unbeknown to them, the person looked out the window and saw these yeshiva boys with “payos” and “tzitzut” and it reminded him of his youth when he was an observant young man in the "alter-hiem".
This inspired him to return to his roots and set of a chain reaction for other positive results. Later the Rebbe heard of it, in a letter written to him.
The young men never new what they accomplished until they heard it at the gathering.
So you never really know the effect you are having on a Jewish Soul.
4-Bal Tshuva Revolution
The Bal Tshuva today are changing the landscapes of the Jewish community, similar to how the European Jews changed Yiddshkiet as immigrants after the war.
As a child many of my Rebbe’s where survivors, they did not understand the concept of playing ball. Nor the idea of entertainment and making learning fun. Their idea of a reward for good behavior was to tell a story and give a Sefer as a gift.
However what they did contribute, was the warmth of Yiddshkiet and a simple deep devotion to day to day living by the Shulchan Aruch, as a simple way of life. Living as a Yid for these European Jews was their entire being, not just a "frumkiet". B"H , this was something they transmitted to their students by the very fact of us watching and seeing them day in, day out.
They also raised the level that an American born should and could expect of themselves in learning. To “shtaig”; strive in learning and to put in effort to become an accomplished Talmud Cachom not just a nice American "bala boss” -business man , who is “Kovai Ittim L' Torah” and gives tzedaka.
At that time , American born educators, saw that the educational system needs to change to making yeshiva more geared to the American way of excitement. Some of this was the yeshivas incorporating the summer camp spirit into their educational systems. Praying and bentching out load. Having competitions and prizes etc.
In addition Torah books began to be translated into english.
But here an interesting thing happened. What started as translation of books for learning and to explain basic Judaism for "out-reach" and the un-affiliated and uneducated Jew, became a tool for "in-reach". Today Frum From Birth use these same translations to understand better what they learn in yeshiva and principles in Yiddshkiet and faith as well.
Today all types of Yidden read English translation of Torah-Talmud-Mishna-Mussar-Kabbala-Chassdus etc.
Another trend, the idea of inviting people to a lecture and have a workshop on Jewish topics and ideals, originally meant for outreach, now is used for "in-reach" and inspiration.
The Bal Tshuva today has caused a revolution of sorts into the American scene and around the world of Jewish communities. The Bal Tshuva’s interest to learn and grow has brought the “Chala Yatter” - " the extra vigor" (Zohar) into our community and into the Jew who was born into it. The Bal Tshuva inspires and has ignited a spiritual fire.
The Talmud (Tmura) tells us that when the Rich and the Poor meet. The poor gives more to the rich, than the rich to the poor. The term used is “Mayer Enia Shnaiham Hashem” -“ G-d illuminates the eyes of both them". When person does charity psychically and certainly spiritual he is elevated that G-d himself illuminates him. This is much more than, what a student adds to a teacher. G-d help the person reach beyond his nature abilities. (Igras Kodesh)
Indeed the Bal Hatanya often said and taught that when one Jew helps another then “ Nasa Mocho V"libo Zakim Elef P"omim Kacho”- the persons mind and heart becomes (literally) a thousand times more refined” (Lekuite Torah)
Bottom line:
The BAL Shem Tov taught. If you truly love Hashem, Love His children as well.
G-d willing next article:
The Kiruv Guru.
too see more of my writings please look at my blog :http://rabbiyw.blogspot.com/
I am also available for speaking engagements and the like for fee, to contact me email
rabbiyw@yahoo.com
or call 1 646 595 6435
Thank you
y.winner
This article is in memory of my dear friend
Reuvan Shalom Ben Avorhom a"h a complete Bal Tshuva,
who passed on Shabbat 26 Shvat of this year.
Part 4 Welcoming the Bal T’shuva into the Jewish Community.
First, is there an obligation to reach out and welcome Balie T’shuva a into a Jewish community; and if yes whose obligation is it?
We can approach this in a few ways:
1-The Torah Obligation.
2- Getting Motivated.
3-Measuring You Success.
4-Bal Tshuva Revolution.
1-The Torah Obligation.
Regarding the Torah obligation, one can find multiple sources for reaching out to another Jew.
A) Ahavat Yisroel: Loving another Jew as you. (Leviticus 19:18). The Love for another Jew is both for his physical and spiritual well being.
B) Hochach Tochiach: The obligation to rebuke another Jew who commits a sin. (Kedoshim 19/17)
C) Arvus: At the giving of the Torah we accepted responsibility to would insure that the Torah is observed by each Jew. (Neztavim30/28)
E) Hashovas Avedo: Returning a lost object. (Deuteronomy 22:2); the person’s soul who is not observing Torah.
F) Lo Samud Al dam Re’achu: Do not stand idle upon your brother’s blood. (Leviticus 19:16).To protect his body from physical harm and the same with a spiritual harm to his soul.
V’Nikdashti: To sanctify G-d name. When G-ds laws are not respected on earth, it is a “chilul-hashem”. When you teach another Jew to observe the law, you are removing that “chilul” and causing instead a “Kiddush Hashem”-Sanctification of His name.
Lfni - Ivar”: To remove the stumbling block from the blind. The uneducated-“blind” who do not observe the law due to ignorance is stumbling. You are helping them by educating him.
Havai M’talmidov Shel Aaron…Ohev Es Ha’brious Um’Karvon L’ Torah: Be of the students of Aaron …loving all people and bring them closer to Torah. (Avoth)
In the case of “do not stand idle by your brother’s blood” , one might say, that doing “kiruv- work” endangers the person that is involved in it. Being it brings you in touch with people who might bring them down in Yiddishkiet.
They argue, “Chayacha Kodam” you spiritual safety is more important that reaching out.
Never the less “Middos Chassidus” warrants that this risk should be taken. Unless the person is “Vadai” an absolute , certain threat and danger , not if it is a "safek" danger for you and a "vadia" danger for them. (see meforshim). A Jew not practicing Mitzvoth is a "vadia" -certain, spiritual "sakana"- danger.
The real issue here is not, if it is a Biblical obligation or a rabbinic one. A specific commandment or the general one. If it was meant for kiruv professionals. Or perhaps someone not learning Torah and succeeding in Yeshiva in any case (as I once read in a book describing the Yeshiva world). Or if f the obligation is upon the actual person or his money.
All this one can discussed and debated.
The real issue here is not one of obligation but motivation.
Does it matter to you that another Jews is fulfilling his/her purpose?
2-Getting Motivated
The First Mitzvah in the Torah is “ Peru U’rvu” be fruitful and multiply. This concept can be applied not only to biological children to spiritual children as well. To take a Jew a teach him/her how to be one.
Indeed we find that Aaron children are called Moshe’s because he taught them Torah. Certainly if you take a Jew and teach them not only Torah but all of Yiddishkiet is it not then you child?
The Rabbis teaches us that that when a person passes on and stands before judgment before g-d he asked three questions:
1-Have you tried to have children?
2-Have you set a side time for Torah study?
3-Have you been honest in your business dealing?
I believe that we can add to the first question: “How many Bal Tshuva did you make”?
In practice however, unfortunately, the average religious Jew, who is not involved in Jewish community work, does not see how doing kiruv, relates to them and why they should care.
As long as it does not matter to them directly.
One can live in a large very religious Jewish community; go to Shul every morning, then work. In the evening return home, spend time with the children, go to Shiur and fill his day with good deeds.
Marry, have children, raise children and live an entire life within his own community and not get involved with non-observant Jews around them.
They will read about it in the Jewish news. Might contribute to organization involved in Kiruv. But not get personally involved.
Only if the person is working in “out-reach” or something has happened in their personal life or family that some one has "fallen-out" of the fold, g-d forbid. where they now must confront the issue, do they see the need.
On a recent Kiruv radio show I recall and Rabbi who is involved on Kiruv and they asked him various question about the obligation and possible risk of doing Kiruv.
His answer was: “What if g-d forbid it was a member of you own family that needed to be brought back to Yiddishkiet?
Would u help?
Would you find time to take off from shiurim and other good projects you are involved in, to help them”? Obviously yes!
In reality ever encounter with another Jew in whether in business or daily life can be viewed as an opportunity to bring a Jew closer to Yiddshkiet
As far as being trained: The most important thing is that the person feel you care about them. Not intellectuals answer to all their question on faith. Though one can read up on them quite easily as well.
If a person feels that he is falling from his own spiritual level. Will g-d willing be discussed in another opportunity.
3-Measuring Success
This is a tough issue to address as the nature of a human being is to wish to see fruits of your labor. When working with another human being that can be very difficult and slow.
More so when you are dealing with elderly people that are set in their ways or difficult people in general.
The important thing is to know that the person’s neshoma is listening. Also might not show any external show of interest, but inside you have moved them.
In addition knowing that some one is pushing them even if they fight it , sets some sort of standard for them and reminds them they are Jews.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe once shared this story in a public talk at a "Fabrengan".
A group of young Chabad student Rabbis, who traveled during the summer to visit Jewish communities, once banged on the door of a Jew who would not let them in.
Thinking they failed, they left. Unbeknown to them, the person looked out the window and saw these yeshiva boys with “payos” and “tzitzut” and it reminded him of his youth when he was an observant young man in the "alter-hiem".
This inspired him to return to his roots and set of a chain reaction for other positive results. Later the Rebbe heard of it, in a letter written to him.
The young men never new what they accomplished until they heard it at the gathering.
So you never really know the effect you are having on a Jewish Soul.
4-Bal Tshuva Revolution
The Bal Tshuva today are changing the landscapes of the Jewish community, similar to how the European Jews changed Yiddshkiet as immigrants after the war.
As a child many of my Rebbe’s where survivors, they did not understand the concept of playing ball. Nor the idea of entertainment and making learning fun. Their idea of a reward for good behavior was to tell a story and give a Sefer as a gift.
However what they did contribute, was the warmth of Yiddshkiet and a simple deep devotion to day to day living by the Shulchan Aruch, as a simple way of life. Living as a Yid for these European Jews was their entire being, not just a "frumkiet". B"H , this was something they transmitted to their students by the very fact of us watching and seeing them day in, day out.
They also raised the level that an American born should and could expect of themselves in learning. To “shtaig”; strive in learning and to put in effort to become an accomplished Talmud Cachom not just a nice American "bala boss” -business man , who is “Kovai Ittim L' Torah” and gives tzedaka.
At that time , American born educators, saw that the educational system needs to change to making yeshiva more geared to the American way of excitement. Some of this was the yeshivas incorporating the summer camp spirit into their educational systems. Praying and bentching out load. Having competitions and prizes etc.
In addition Torah books began to be translated into english.
But here an interesting thing happened. What started as translation of books for learning and to explain basic Judaism for "out-reach" and the un-affiliated and uneducated Jew, became a tool for "in-reach". Today Frum From Birth use these same translations to understand better what they learn in yeshiva and principles in Yiddshkiet and faith as well.
Today all types of Yidden read English translation of Torah-Talmud-Mishna-Mussar-Kabbala-Chassdus etc.
Another trend, the idea of inviting people to a lecture and have a workshop on Jewish topics and ideals, originally meant for outreach, now is used for "in-reach" and inspiration.
The Bal Tshuva today has caused a revolution of sorts into the American scene and around the world of Jewish communities. The Bal Tshuva’s interest to learn and grow has brought the “Chala Yatter” - " the extra vigor" (Zohar) into our community and into the Jew who was born into it. The Bal Tshuva inspires and has ignited a spiritual fire.
The Talmud (Tmura) tells us that when the Rich and the Poor meet. The poor gives more to the rich, than the rich to the poor. The term used is “Mayer Enia Shnaiham Hashem” -“ G-d illuminates the eyes of both them". When person does charity psychically and certainly spiritual he is elevated that G-d himself illuminates him. This is much more than, what a student adds to a teacher. G-d help the person reach beyond his nature abilities. (Igras Kodesh)
Indeed the Bal Hatanya often said and taught that when one Jew helps another then “ Nasa Mocho V"libo Zakim Elef P"omim Kacho”- the persons mind and heart becomes (literally) a thousand times more refined” (Lekuite Torah)
Bottom line:
The BAL Shem Tov taught. If you truly love Hashem, Love His children as well.
G-d willing next article:
The Kiruv Guru.
too see more of my writings please look at my blog :http://rabbiyw.blogspot.com/
I am also available for speaking engagements and the like for fee, to contact me email
rabbiyw@yahoo.com
or call 1 646 595 6435
Thank you
y.winner
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