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21 Teves 5773 - January 3, 2013 | Mordecai Plaut, director Published Weekly
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NEWS
"There's a Fire! Danger! Beware! Torah Must Not be Forgotten!"

by Maran HaRav Aharon Yehuda Leib Shteinman

Jews are mutually responsible, both as individuals as well as for the Klal, all the more so for Jews who are not bnei Torah and must be guarded against [spiritual] danger. Anyone might say that this does not relate to me personally but it does! Every Jew in Eretz Yisroel, every individual, is responsible for the body of Jewry following the Torah path.

I often mention what is said in the name of R' Eisel of Slonim about Yerovom ben Nevat who set up guards to prevent Jews from going up to Jerusalem. These Jews were already idolaters but after he removed the guards, they were all the more blameworthy for not making the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The same applies here. For secular MKs and representatives defying the Torah is an everyday occurrence and we must struggle to foil them. Now, with elections coming up, we have the chance to change the situation, and if this opportunity presents itself, we are obligated to seize it for if not, we are culpable of `spilling innocent blood' by default, that is, enabling secular elements to act against the spirit of the Torah. This is our responsibility and duty.

We hope that everyone will understand this, despite the fact that many people simply don't care. `This doesn't relate to me; it doesn't affect me.' But if there is a fire in one's house, will he stand by and also say, `What do I care?'

But a fire is burning! There's a danger. If we don't [show our force], they are liable to pass laws that negate the Torah. It will likewise cause bitul Torah if, G-d forbid, Torah be forgotten among Jewry! All of Jewry must assure that Torah continues to be studied, for if a young man is prevented from learning Torah, what will become of him? And what become of Klal Yisroel? We are accountable for all these matters [and must make it possible for Torah to be studied].

It must be made clear that every single person is held answerable for this; he cannot come and say that it does not relate to him. For if not, who knows what can happen?

Therefore, everyone must take action, not only to fulfill his personal duty but to see to it that others are influenced and propelled to act, lest a mishap result through our fault and default. We must make it possible for many to study Torah and keep the mitzvos and not do anything that goes against the Torah.

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