Unite Together as One!
This is the Greatest Thing that can be done
for our Brethren in Eretz Yisroel
By Rabbi Shimon Raichik
This week’s parsha charts the travels of the Jewish people through the desert on their way from Mitzrayim to Eretz Yisroel. The job of the Leviim was to take apart and then erect the Mishkon while everyone traveled through the desert. Everyone had his or her own place, but we all travelled together as one.
The Bnei Yisroel who were shaken when the passing of Ahron HaKohen occurred starting heading backward eight journeys. It wasn’t until the Leviim went to war against their movement that they were able to get back on track traveling toward Eretz Yisroel. The Leviim made sure that no one was left behind. All of the Bnei Yisroel escaped the desert because of their efforts, not just those who knew better.
The celebration of the Yovel-Jubilee year as well as other mitzvos only occurred during the period of our history when we were all together the first time that Eretz Yisroel was settled. Since the churbon we haven’t been able to celebrate the Yovel year. Halacha requires that Yovel can only be celebrated when Eretz Yisroel is settled in its entirety, each person in his or her place. This teaches how great the kedusha and the power of our community is and that can only achieved when we are all together as one. This unity is greater than any thing else. It’s a great thing to have many different groups, each having it’s own shteibel etc., just as every Shevet had it’s own portion. This provides many options for those that need it. In addition to the shteibel we need to come together as one, especially now with what is happening in Eretz Yisroel.
The Rebbe instituted to go out and put Tefillin on every Jewish man above Bar Mitzvah, to get everyone a letter in the Sefer Torah Haklalli along with all other Mivtzoyim, say Tehillim together and add in learning Torah and doing mitzvos for the protection of the entire people. The Rebbe made us, Lubavitcher Chassidim into Shevet Levi. Shevet Levi’s job was to put up the Mishkon wherever we went. So too Lubavitcher Chassidim have Chabad Houses, schools and shuls etc., wherever there are Jewish people. Also, just as Shevet Levi went to pull back those that had strayed, so too the Rebbe demanded from all of us and made us Shluchim to prepare every Jew and the world to reach its final destination, Yarden Yericho, which is Moshiach.
The following is a quote I received from a group chat this week from a soldier from the front in Gaza:
A letter from a soldier in Gaza: Today our hearts are pounding in fear. Who of us will die? And who will return safely? We are your messengers in fighting . We are fighting so you can live peacefully with your children. So you can stay alive. We are your protection. Will you be ours? We are going to this dangerous mission knowing some of us will not come back, but will rise to their next position in a storm to heaven, as Eliyahu the Navi did. We are going with devotion and dedication. We are asking you to be our protection with your prayers. Protect us by going above and beyond yourselves through Ruchniyus and good deeds. Pray for us. Pray that you won't see another mother burying her son. Pray that you won't see our wives as widows raise our children in tears. Pray that our children will grow up knowing who their fathers are. Pray that we will eliminate the terrorists who aim to destroy us, and that we will not injure innocent women and children. Please, we are begging you, as you are reading this, don't just go on to the next thing you are doing. Say a chapter of Tehillim. Wake up David HaMelech to ask Hashem for full Geulah and peace for the all world. Take upon yourselves another good deed. And please pass this on. I'm certain that your prayer will make a difference. Remember, we are in it together. We are on the front lines carrying the weapons and you are fighting along with us in your prayers. Each word of your prayer gives us strength, protection and success!!!!!!
This week is Shabbos Mevarchim Chodesh Menachem Av. Our minhag, which was instituted by the Previous Rebbe is to say the entire Tehillim on Shabbos Mevarchim. Therefore everyone should make an effort to come to be together as one in Shul and say Tehillim. This will surely protect the Jews in Eretz Yisroel and wherever they are. Let us not forget the responsibility the Rebbe has placed on our shoulders, to be Shevet Levi and do all that we can to reach Yarden Yericho, Moshiach Now!
A Good Shabbos