Many hundreds of avreichim and yeshiva students participated in a Chizuk Rally for bnei yeshivos at the beginning of the bein hazmanim period to fortify toil in Torah and to preserve the character and makeup of Torah students. The rally took place on Sunday in the Nachalas Moshe beis medrash in Bnei Brak and was broadcast directly on screens erected in the large square nearby. Torah leadership and roshei yeshiva aroused the public to the obligation of reinforcing Torah study precisely in these hectic times which encourage laxity, and the importance of preserving the true character of a Torah scholar which is our defense against the treacherous breaches and ills of the outside world.
This uplifting and inspiring rally was opened by HaRav Zev Cohen, one of the heads of Yeshivas Meor HaTalmud in Rechovot, who said that "this very rally constitutes a significant show of kvod Shomayim, heavenly prestige, expressed in the quote of "Vayehi biYeshurun - the King is revered by the gathering of the heads of the people together with the masses."
He added, "The Tana in Pirkei Ovos says that one who is awake at night and travels alone and allows his heart to be distracted is endangering his life. There are two ways to read this, as the Nefesh HaChaim explains, interpreting the verses, `She [the Torah] repays him good and not evil throughout the days of her life,' that even during those times when a person is not engaged in study, for reasons of necessary relaxation, he is protected from evil throughout his life because he does not abandon the Torah."
HaRav Eidelstein said in his address, "Boruch Hashem there are plenty of Torah students who are engaged in Torah study during bein hazmanim. Although some consider this chassidus [above and beyond the call of duty, as it were], you should know that this is a false view for it is not so but an obligation. There is no moment when one is absolved of Torah study, and the sin of bitul Torah is applicable and incumbent at all times. Similarly, the reward for Torah study is greater than for anything else, especially during times like these when there is a natural laxity in study, but whoever reinforces himself gains an immeasurable reward."
