העורך Editor

I heard this story from Rabbi Elimelech Biderman:

Someone independently opened a synagogue, etc., and started to act as a Chassidic Rebbe but then began wondering if he was worthy for the position, so he went to ask the Chazon Ish.

The Chazon Ish told him that even if his mantle enables him to strengthen the Torah observance of just one Jew, it’s all worth it. Then, as he was leaving (the C.I. is known for the dramatic effect!), the Chazon Ish called him back and added: “And that holds even if the only person you’re helping is yourself!” (By the way, the Chazon Ish likewise believed anyone may, and indeed, ought to, publish their novel Torah thoughts, for the very same reason.)

This Rebbe would often repeat the words of the Chazon Ish to others, and mention how much encouragement they gave him.

Even in the voluntary world of transactions, the attitude, both prevalent and correct, is: What have you done for me lately? Rashi (Breishis 13:3) וילך למסעיו, כשחזר ממצרים לארץ כנען היה הולך ולן באכסניות שלן בהם בהליכתו למצרים למדך דרך ארץ שלא ישנה אדם מאכסניא שלו conveys a weak obligation of “customer loyalty”.

Vote for the lesser evil, vote to avenge the innocent, vote for nobody… whatever. But to go against your own interests?!

(Besides, why would we expect to find good middos in the horrible world of politics? The whole thing is an early auction on stolen goods!)

Reprinted with permission.

The main article finds life lessons on how to live with Emunah from recent Torah reading sections.

Read the lead essay in the attached Parsha sheet below (Hebrew):

Download (PDF, 6.82MB)

Of course, all of this man’s good ideas were plagiarized from “Likutei Halachos” [Breslov].

Note: The percentages are way off (Kal Vachomer in an oligarchic society like ours which enables humanity’s worst members).