An Urgent Message About Summer Plans
[excerpted from a long letter by a reader]
We are parents who live in a wonderful Jerusalem neighborhood
populated by native Israelis and English speaking
olim, all Torah observant. We write to decry a plague
that has long had its effects on many families every
summer.
This is a plea to neighbors who leave Eretz Yisroel to travel
to foreign lands or who send children abroad. Weigh your
plans with gravity and only in consultation with a Torah
authority.
It is a tragic irony that something that is harmful to our
souls should become an enviable treat in the innocent eyes of
those who remain at home.
Surely Hashem did not gather in our exiles, rebuild our
cities, pave our thoroughfares and bring forth fruit in such
plenty for our enemies to inherit.
How can things be reversed?
Through prayer, asking for His mercy in guarding this
priceless gift of Eretz Yisroel. Also through our adherence
to Halocha in demonstrating our love for the Land.
The Rambam forbids leaving the Land, with certain exceptions.
Also see Mishna Berura 531. Sources aplenty warn that when we
are outside the Land, it is as though we are denying that
Hashem is our G-d, cholila!
Dear friends and neighbors: We ask you to cherish the Land
genuinely and stay within its holy boundaries. Spread the
message that this is the Land chosen for the Jewish
nation.
May we see the ingathering of all the exiles here again, and
the exit of all those who don't belong!
Gemachim Galore!
Just this morning, coming to drop off something at our Beged
Yad LeYad depot, a neighbor who runs a 15-branch carton
gemach mentioned that he was going to order NEW
cartons to satifsy the huge demand for cartons.
Why not open your own CARTON GEMACH on your street? No money
invested, just a corner under the stairs, accessible to
bringers and takers, and a vigilant eye that it remain neat
and manageable. A few signs in the neighborhood and another
CHESSED project has been launched, helping to make the world
go round!
And from a reader in Ashdod:
I'd like you to know that I very much enjoy your columns,
especially tips on how to make things less expensive or
easier. Thank you. [You're very welcome.]
The other thing I really like is hearing about
gemachim to help people. I write down the phone
numbers and pass them on at later dates to those in need.
We, for example, have a baby carriage gemach. No
charge. We receive them in any condition and renovate, clean
and pass them on to needy families -- NOT NECESSARILY IN
ASHDOD! In fact, we have a few friends who take back 3-4 at a
time to their yishuv or collect them for us.
Please print our phone number: Rosa Macabi at 08-855-
2856.
