Rabbi's Blog

Last Shabbos, upon concluding Sefer Bamidbar, we all called out the words ‘Chazak Chazak V’Nischazeik!’-  ‘Be strong, be strong, and be strengthened!’ On all levels, the Jewish people continuously look to strengthen themselves in Judaism and in our connection to Hashem. Chizuk,  getting strength, comes to everybody in different forms. Sometimes we anxiously seek  out strength; at other times, it just comes to us. Unfortunately, last Shabbos I missed Rav Lopiansky, a leader of the Jewish people who gave chizuk to those who attended lectures, classes, shiurim and one-on-one meetings. I, with  those who attend the lectures and classes of our guest speakers, usually gain immensely.

Despite missing the Chizuk of a Gadol, I did receive a different kind of inspiration by spending Shabbos with a group of over one hundred Gedolim (great people) in Marshall, Indiana. Camp Nageela Midwest has two sessions, each three weeks long, one for boys and one for girls, none of whom are religious or observant.  For three solid weeks boys ranging in age from eleven to seventeen attended  an all-boys orthodox camp. While there was encouragement to put on Tefillin or  to attend davening, there was no pressure to do so or to do anything religious per se. There are some rules that must be upheld, however, including no turning on lights on Shabbos and attending at least some of the “learning programs” such as schmoozing with a counselor. The full three weeks area screen-free environment: no cell phones, no iPads or any other electronic devices. There is no question that the kids “missed” their devices, but without their devices and campers of the opposite gender, they are able to have a great, natural time and grow spiritually. Without the pressure of having to be someone who they really are not, without needing to impress girls, every camper is given the opportunity to markedly gain from what was being offered. I was only there for Shabbos, which is the highlight of the week. The excitement began Friday afternoon with ‘Shnitz Blitz’, a pre-Shabbos snack of poppers, hot wings and potato kugel. As Shabbos approached, everyone gathered for pre-Shabbos ruach.  Their joyous dancing and singing lead into a spirited kabbolas Shabbos which crescendo into wildly enthusiastic singing and dancing. Campers wearing shorts, t-shirts and flip flops, the majority without kippot, grasped each other’s hands as they danced in circles welcoming Shabbos. They may have not fully appreciated or understood Shabbos, but the aura of joy which enveloped  them, melting into their souls, was tangible and awesome to behold. The night was rounded out with a rocking Seudah which culminating with an oneg (which I spoke at). Shabbos day was chilled (not the weather) with optional davening which many chose to attend. The meals, accompanied by wonderful games served as a constant reminder of their Jewish identity and the pride that comes with it. Shabbos culminated with ebbing at Shalosh Seudos. Slow songs were sung as  everyone walked and sang to an inspiring Havdala ceremony.  I was overwhelmed by emotion and could not hold back  my tears as I watched every one of  the staff, counselors and campers  enveloped by the massive energy that Shabbos brought to these hungry and willing Nashamos.

 The retention rate continues to climb as greater numbers of  boys return for a full, religious experience year after year. Although not observant, they accept davening and a deepening understanding of mitzvos now as a way of life. We heard from boys who try to maintain some of what they do in camp the rest of the year. The underlying success stems from an authentic, non-watered-down version of Judaism, it is not giving in to what the rest of the world does, but rather experiencing the real thing. Shabbos is Shabbos, and there is commitment not only from the campers but obviously from the parents who send their children to the camp.   There is no reason why we need to offer anything less than a complete Shabbos experience and a life full of Torah and Mitzvos without compromise. Surely there are Heterim/leniences that are necessary, but Halacha is maintained one hundred percent. Surely there is no watering down of the actual Torah and Mitzvos that is taught and the philosophy of Torah with which guidance is given.

Along similar lines there is a tendency among many of us today to “go easy” on the rebuke and sugar coat the matter. Instead of telling it the way it is or should be, we become soft. The process of giving rebuke/Mussar is always very delicate. We must know to whom we are speaking  and how to apply the right touch. This is not to say that a good, harsh and sometimes hurtful mussar isn’t necessary - even though such mussar may not be politically correct! Mussar, when directed to “the choir” needs to be clear and, when necessary, “sugar-free”. 

Sefer Devarim begins with Moshe Rabbeinu rebuking the Jewish people for all the sins and rebellious acts carried out during their forty-year journey from Egypt to Israel. Despite the fact that Moshe disguised the Mussar by being a little indirect, only mentioning the locations of the sins, he did not hold back his fiery and direct rebuke. Rabbeinu Bachya brings a Midrash Yelamdeinu on the first words “El Kal Yisrael” in Devarim 1:1. The focus on ‘Yisrael’ was that Moshe’s voice was only heard by Klal Yisroel as it reached up to twelve Mil which was the length of the camp. Only the Jews heard Moshe’s voice;  the other nations did not. (No need to hang our dirty laundry in public.) On the other hand when Bilaam the wicked blessed the Jews, his voice could be heard from one end of the world to the other.

The Midrash states: “Mochiach Adam Acharei Chein Yimtza MiMachalik Lashon”: Moshe is the rebuke while the Jewish people are the rebuke. Ater the rebuke Hashem finds favor in the eyes of the Jewish people because this rebuke ultimately brings us closer to Him. This is supported by a verse in Shmos 33: “Ki Matzasa Chein B’Einai”: “Because you have found favor in my eye, God says.” Contrary to Moshe is Bilaam, who, with his smooth-talking tongue gave sweet blessings to the Jews, who loved hearing all of his compliments and good wishes. Unfortunately, those words were used as a ploy to make the Jews feel comfortable in order to catch them off-guard. Bilaam’s blessings were used to make the Jews feel haughty, leading them astray in sinning with the daughters of Moav. Twenty-four thousand people died in Shittim. Shlomo Hamelech says in Mishlei 27:6 “Wounds of a lover are faithful, whereas kisses of an enemy are burdensome.”

We must keep in mind that while giving too harsh of a rebuke to someone who is not yet on a high level is not only unwise, it is wrong,  So, too, giving mussar/rebuke that is too light will also be ineffective. The more the Jews sinned, the more Moshe rebuked them to return and to be desired by Hashem. Perhaps during these nine days as we near Tisha B’Av, we should take the time to reevaluate our approach once in a while. I know this is definitely not politically correct in the Jewish world of today, but then again Moshe wasn’t running for Mr. Popular either. Once in a while let’s call a spade a spade, and maybe a different kind of approach will bring deeper, more meaningful results.

Ah Gut Shabbos

Rabbi Avraham Bogopulsky