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Dear Yeshiva Family:
As we conclude the second week of the war, it is still very difficult to process the enormity of what has happened. This is coupled with astonishing shock at how all over the world there are sympathizers to the barbaric crimes, or those who justify its motivations, even here in America. We are left with a growing feeling of a need to do something!
The Gemara in Sanhedrin says that during the years before the mabuI, aside from humanity acting in a destructive and promiscuous way, animals as well veered from their natural tendencies, and cross-bred themselves. This is very surprising, for humans can act in improper ways because we have bechira, free will, but animals generally do not have free will; they do everything by instinct. So how is it possible for them to have veered from their normal behavior?
In a famous piece, the Bais Halevi explains that it is understood that everything a human does affects him. For example, if one starts smoking, he moves one step closer to making that his natural way of life. With more usage, he will become addicted to those behaviors, until they become his norm. A person can choose and build his norm. But the Bais HaLevi explains that it goes much further than that; every action a person does also affects his environment, the area around him, and eventually the whole world.
Therefore, if all the humans in the area are acting in a promiscuous way, this will affect the environment and have an effect, not only on everyone else around them, but even the animals; the world itself will change its tendencies! This is why the animals in the generation of the flood veered from their natural course; they were affected by the environment created by the humans of the time.
If this is true in the negative, it is also true in the positive. When one sets a good example and acts properly, be it in shul or Yeshiva, or even at home when no one is around, his actions have an effect on the world. Certainly, if people see the action and learn from the example, such as when a person behaves properly or davens seriously, setting the tone for people around him, he is helping the world. Even if this is performed in the privacy of one's house when no one is watching, and a person fights temptation, or anger, or greed, and does something for Hashem, such as davening, saying a bracha with kavana, he also affects the environment, and will make the world a better place. Even these private acts will subtly change the world, and the natural world will become a better place, making it easier for everyone to become a better person.
So, if a person is sitting across the ocean with no physical way to help, and really wants to do something to contribute to humanity at this precarious time, try being a better person. Try being nicer. Try working for Hashem harder. Showing up on time for davening. Being more meticulous in Shabbos adherence, singing an extra song at the Shabbos table, etc. Here in Yeshiva we gave out cards to all the bochurim asking them to take upon themselves one thing they would try and change for the better. According to this Bais HaLevi, not only do we ask Hashem that the z'chus, or merit, of the mitzvah help specific people in precarious situations, but subtly this will benefit the whole world while we work hard to better ourselves.
These acts to better yourself, aside from giving an immediate lesson and boost to those around you, will subtly change the whole world for the better, and deep down everyone will have an easier time being a good person! Let us continue to win all of our battles, both personal and national, and let there be a geulah for all of Klal Yisrael very soon.
R' Moshe Revah Rosh HaYeshiva, HTC - Beis HaMidrash LaTorah moshe.revah@htc.edu | 
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