On Monday, 8 Adar I (February 10) the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah
met at Agudath Israel of America's 42 Broadway national
headquarters to discuss a number of important issues of the
day, and then were joined by members of Agudath Israel's
Nesius for an unusual joint meeting of the two rabbinic
bodies. Agudath Israel organizational leaders were also
present.
One outcome of the first meeting was the declaration of a
Yom Tefilloh for Thursday, 18 Adar I (February 20).
Jews everywhere were urged to gather in their shuls
and botei medrash to daven Mincha, say
"Vehu Rachum" and Tehillim kapitlach 13, 43,
44, 79, 80, 83, 102, 121,130 and 142. The Moetzes also
suggested that those who are able undertake to fast that day
until Mincha Gedola.
There was general discussion of the historical mission of
Agudath Israel, and its unique role in contemporary society
as the voice and arm of united Torah Jewry. Among specific
issues addressed were preparations for the 11th Siyum HaShas
of Daf Yomi, a mere two years away, and the problem of young
people risking health and safety in misguided attempts to
fulfill the mitzvah of drinking on Purim. A committee of the
rabbonim will be working with askonim to develop
guidelines.
STATEMENT OF MOETZES GEDOLEI HATORAH
"It is a positive commandment of the Torah to cry out in
prayer. in any time of trouble facing the community. This is
one of the ways of teshuva (repentance). . . and it is
through this that the trouble is averted. If, however, the
community does not turn to prayer, it is considered cruel-
hearted. It is written in the Torah: `If you walk with Me
with hardness and indifference -- thinking that all is
happenstance -- then I will walk with you wrathfully in the
same manner, leaving your plight as if to happenstance.'
(Vayikra, 26)." -- Rambam, Hilchos Ta'aniyos
At this hour, with the danger of war hovering, and powerful
evildoers threatening the remnant of the Jewish People in
Eretz Yisroel and in the Diaspora, and the entire civilized
world -- and it is so clearly evident that Hashem
Yisborach is causing great movements of change to
sweep His world in an awesome manner, and all these are His
Divine workings -- how can we not tremble and our hearts not
melt? How can we not raise our prayers in supplication to our
Father in Heaven? "Shield me in the day of armament!"
(Tehillim, 140) Some put their trust in their
chariots, others in their horses; but we -- in the Name of
our G-d we call out. And He will send our help from His holy
place, and come to our aid from Zion. (based on Tehillim,
20)
We therefore see this as a time of urgent prayer for all
Jews, to pour out their hearts to our Father in Heaven
through the recitation of Tehillim and other
entreaties before Hashem.
Our request goes out to the entire public to gather at
Mincha in shuls and study halls on Thursday, 18
Adar I, February 20th (may it be an auspicious time), to
intensify our prayers and to recite Tehillim,
chapters, 13, 43, 44, 79, 80, 83, 102, 121, 130 and 142,
as well as the "Vehu Rachum" that is said on Mondays
and Thursdays, in a heartfelt and prayerful way. And for one
who is able, it is appropriate to fast until after Mincha
Gedolah.
May Hashem Yisborach, G-d of compassion and
forgiveness, hear our cries and accept our prayers with mercy
and favor, for deliverance and for salvation, speedily and
soon.
Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah in America
9 Adar I, 5763
