BAIS HAVAAD Halachos of Kiruv - Sefira Program Week #2

(PLEASE LEARN THIS FOR A REFUA SHELAMA FOR THE GEDOLIM Rav Elyashiv -Yosef Sholom ben Chaya Musha, Rav Shteinman - Aaron Yehuda Leib ben Gitel Feiga, Rav Weiss - Yitzchak Tuvia ben Rikal, Rav Belsky - NAME ADDDED Chaim Yisroel ben Chana Tzirtel, Rav Yosef - Yaakov Chai ben Margalit Harav Shlomo Leib Ben Miriam - HaRav Shlomo Brevda Harav Yeshaya Yaakov Ben Raizel - HaRav Yeshaya Yaakov Portugal Harav Meshulem Fish Ben Tziril - The Toshe Rebbe Harav Yitzchok Issac Ben Treina - HaRav Isaav Ausband for a refuah shleima b’soch kol cholei am Yisrael.)

~ INTRODUCTION ~ Halachos of Kiruv Of the many revolutions that have plagued world history, we can say that there is one that only brings smiles to concerned Jews all over the world, and that is the Kiruv movement. It is told that two secular Jews from a Kibbutz once came to the Kollel of theChazon Ish, to learn about their heritage and return to their roots. Upon seeing this, the Chazon Ish told his students that at this point in time there are only few people returning to Torah observance, but there will come a time when they will be flocking to return to Hashem by the hundreds and the thousands. We are fortunate to witness this prophecy be fulfilled. Kiruv is not only a praiseworthy endeavor, it is actually a Mitzvah. The Rambam in Sefer Hanitzvos (Asin 4) explains that theMitzvah to love Hashem includes the obligation to reach out to others and encourage them to believe in and serve their creator. The concern that others should know about Hashem is a direct result of our love for him. He quotes the Sifri on the Possuk - ve'ahavta es Hashem, make Hashem be beloved in the world like Avrabam Avinu did out of his great love and understanding of Hashem. From a Bein Adam L'chaveiro aspect, the greatest gift that one can give his fellow Jew, is a sense of direction in life, and the help in finding his true self after generations of alienation. Kiruv - closeness, is not only the experience of becoming closer to Hashem, but also the concept of becoming closer and more in touch with one's real self and one's real goals and aspiration. One who returns to the Torah is actually like a child freshly born, and the one instrumental in enabling his return is regarded as having fathered him (see Sanhedrin 19B). An obvious prerequisite for bringing others back to the Torah is a boundless love for all of Jewry, as the catalyst for impressing ideas upon others is always a genuine concern for them. Derashos Haran (9) writes that anyone wishing to correct a person who has done wrong should do this in two steps. First, he must let him know what he did wrong. Second, he must let him know that despite his wrongdoings he is beloved by his friend and remains in his good graces. The Mishna in Avos (1, 12) tells us, Be from the pupils of Aharon, love and seek peace, love all creations, and bring them closer to the Torah. The author of this Mishna is Hillel Hazakein, best known for his humility and patience. Even when provoked very strongly by two mischievous characters who harassed him with ridiculous questions on Erev Shabbos, he kept his cool and didn't get upset. It follows that he is the one to teach us that bringing others closer to the Torah must be preceded by a love for peace and for all of creations. A special Tefillah has been composed, and it can serve as an excellent substitute for those who aren't involved in active Kiruv. It reads, "Master of the world, may it be your will that you dig a special tunnel under your Kisey Hakovod, to enable all those who are astray to return to you. Along with them, may you also bring back such and such a person, etc, that he may return to you with a complete Teshuva." May we all merit to constantly get closer to our Creator and to our true self, and to steadily grow and thrive in the service of Hashem. (AUDIO PART 1: CHIYUV OF KIRUV) AUDIO PART 2: HALACHOS OF KIRUV Clear Maare Mekomos with a running English explanation