If the Chofetz Chaim were alive today, he would proudly admit
that shemiras haloshon is no longer a mes
mitzva, a mitzva that is virtually dead, with no
one to promote its observance. While it once seemed beyond
expectation to refrain from forbidden speech, today one has a
hard time finding a receptive ear to listen to a `juicy'
piece of gossip without being interrupted.
The praise of the Jews in Egypt was that they preserved
intact their Jewish names, language and mode of attire. So
much has been achieved in the area of language, that is,
speech. And now a revolution has begun regarding mode of
dress, thanks to the work Oz Vehodor Levusha -- Modesty,
An Adornment for Life by Rabbi P. E. Falk,
shlita.
The book provides an eye opener for every woman and girl in
revealing and solving obstacles of which they were previously
unaware. It opens new dimensions and clarifies
halochos that were till now "not on the books" but
more of an oral tradition. The work is seasoned throughout
with hashkofa and encouragement. It infuses the reader
with an elated feeling of sanctity. It is the solution for
women preoccupied throughout the day but seeking a source of
purity to lift themselves up and gird themselves with
strength. Just as Torah is the tool which men have, helping
them meet the challenges that life presents, so, too, is
modesty the spiritual fare a woman so desperately needs.
One woman relates: "I didn't think the book had anything to
offer me. I do wear long sleeves and skirts well below my
knees, but after hearing the enthusiastic description from my
friend who has been reading through the book every day with a
partner for one and a half years, I went straight out to
purchase it." Precisely because it can be reviewed with a
partner, discussed in groups or learned in the framework of a
self-study program encouraged by prizes, it has become
popular in many communities across the globe.
The initiator of one self study program in a small town in
Israel reports, "We give tests once in two weeks based on
short learning sections so that it can be completed in over a
year. I have eighty English speaking women on the program.
This method makes it an enjoyable way to learn, and the
simple concise questions provide a deadline for review and
enable women to commit themselves to fit a small amount of
study into their already busy schedules."
In 5683 a historic event took place. The cream of European
Jewry of that golden era flocked to Vienna to participate in
the first Knessia Gedola. As the preparations came to a
close, a debate arose. Was it necessary to erect a curtain
between the men and women's sections since the women would be
seated in an elevated gallery. The Chofetz Chaim stated his
opinion on the matter. The greatest tragedy that can befall
Jewry, he noted, is that of the Shechina departing from our
midst. And of all the 613 commandments, the only one which
threatens that event is our becoming lax in modesty. The
curtain was, of course, erected.
Our generation has taken great strides in promoting Torah
study and gemillus chessed. The world is now lacking
modesty. Whatever we do to increase it will combat the
contamination of the atmosphere and draw down
kedusha.
JOIN the women all over the world participating in the
international self study program. Call today:
U.S.: Passaic 973-472-8324 / Brooklyn 718-871-8827 / Monsey
845-425-9327 / Los Angeles 323-934-3453 / From anywhere in
the U.S. call toll-free: 1-877-769-8342 (also if you'd like
to establish a group) or find us at email dbw66@juno.com
England: Gateshead 191-477-8813 / London 208-802-5050 /
Manchester 161-702-3449
Eretz Yisroel: Jerusalem 02-537-4060 / 642-3123 / 652-2610 /
Beitar 580-8970 / Kiryat Sefer 08-974-3313 / Beit Shemesh 991-
9439 / Bnei Brak 03-616-4836.
If you would like to organize a group in your area, call: 03-
570-8992.
