Last Erev Shabbos, a letter of chizuk was printed on the first page of Yated Ne'eman written by HaRav Dov Lando, as follows:

"As we find ourselves now at the beginning of the winter months, we each have the merit and obligation to utilize the long Shabbos and Motzei Shabbos evenings for Torah study, each according to whatever he prefers and wherever he desires, be it in one's home or in the beis medrash. It is important that all communities provide shiurim during these times. Similarly, yeshiva students should also exploit these hours for study in their yeshivos."

His letter goes on:

"Certainly, at this time when Klal Yisroel here needs merits so desperately to protect us from enemies who rise against us from all sides, the most effective action is Torah study, for its merit and the merit of supplementary study shall spare us from persecution and harm, both from within and from the outside. Only goodness shall protect Jewry and impose peace and security from every side."

The letter already evoked much positive reaction in all study halls this past Shabbos...

When we see so much hatred of Jews in the campuses throughout the world, many cannot help but be bewildered. How can it be that in the enclaves of enlightenment and academic rectitude there are dynamics of benightedness, racism and supporters of murder and crime, which ostensibly should be distanced from such human society?

Wherefore do distinguished professors in England and Moslem imams vociferously call for the destruction of Western culture? Wherefore do eminent campus deans of liberal academies equally support crime against humanity together with Moslems?

This is a stark reminder that there is no connection between education, culture and ethical distortion. The world saw this clearly in 'progressive' Germany, which was the epicenter of Western culture in the first part of the 20th century, yet from which emanated the arch murderers in history, many of whom boasted distinguished academic degrees.

But why go so far when here, in this tiny province, in our local academies, there exist such wild weeds?

Part I

This article was published in the print edition in 1993.

The great gaon, R' Rafael Boruch Toledano would sign his letters with the words: "eved Hashem." This simple description defined his worldly mission and marked his every deed. The members of his community also viewed him in this light, for he devoted himself to their spiritual and physical needs so selflessly.

He resided in Eretz Yisroel for only six years, yet in that brief time her inhabitants learned to recognize and appreciate his great worth.

He did not wait for people to come to hear his rebukes. He would go out to them, to their cities, villages and settlement. He utilized every opportunity to arouse the people, and at assemblies and election rallies, he would spread Torah. His sweet and heartfelt words penetrated the hearts of his listeners and drew them closer to Torah.

At his funeral, R' Adas of Bnei Brak said: "It is written, `For six years you shall sow your fields, for six years you shall prune your vineyards, and on the seventh, the land shall lay fallow.' We are your vineyards, your fields. The numerous bereavement announcements placed on bulletin boards throughout the city testify that you were beloved and revered by Jews from all communities. The weeping and wailing heard at your funeral prove how great is our loss."

Ish Haeshkolos