With a feeling of reverent awe, for the purpose of spiritual self-preservation, the rabbonim of cities and of suburb kehillos who are involved in child education in their areas gathered in the home of HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman this past Monday parshas Pinchos to discuss the real threat of collapse of the structure of chinuch in the various Chinuch Atzmai institutions in peripheral areas. These schools are raising the children of families distant from Torah and mitzvos, with the goal of their continuing in yeshivos. Now, however, due to tremendous debts accrued through the cost of transporting these students, the entire structure is threatened.
The rabbonim gathered, one by one, and before the meeting began, discussed the dire situation with deep concern and the immediate obligation of saving it, for "if there are no kids - there will be no goats."
As soon as the Rosh Yeshiva — who had called this meeting — entered the room, the tension was palpable, for suddenly the full impact of the situation, the threat of continuity, penetrated the hearts of those present in its full scope.
HaRav Chizkiyah Mishkovsky opened the gathering, evoking deep emotion with his words: "With permission from the Rosh Yeshiva, the eminent rabbonim, each with his individual prestige, we [come to discuss] the reason for this emergency meeting at this stormy time."
The words of the Rosh Yeshiva at the emergency gathering:
"We are hoping that Hashem will come to the aid of the Torah lest it be forgotten ch'v. For without Torah students, Klal Yisroel cannot exist. We need Heavenly mercy for this, so that these children continue to be part of Klal Yisroel. May He, indeed, assist us that our expectations be fulfilled and that we see much good and blessing."
