| Several years ago, HaRav Matisyahu Salomon, Shlita, had given Shiurim with practical advice to Bnei Torah in a time of war in Eretz Yisroel, published as a Hebrew Kuntrus Ki SaVo'u Milchama B'Artzechem. We present below a short summary of his points: 1. The first time we were attacked as a people was when Paroh and the Mitzriyim chased us, and it is from there that we must learn. The pasuk records that the first reaction of Bnei Yisroel is VaYitzaku Bnei Yisroel Ehl Hashem. The Torah is teaching us that the first thing we are to do in time of danger is to daven to Hashem to save us. We have to understand that Paroh chased us not because of his own mastermind but because VaYechazek Hashem Es Lev Paroh...VaYirdof Acharei Bnei Yisroel. Enemies are sent by Hashem. Indeed, the Pasuk continues U'Pharoh Hikriv....Chazal teach that Paroh's drawing closer to attack was a more powerful source of Teshuva for Bnei Yisroel than a hundred fasts--for they turned to heaven and cried out in Prayer and Teshuva. 2. But what did Bnei Yisroel have to do Teshuva for? After initially crying out in Mitzrayim, and experiencing their salvation during the 10 Makkos that the Mitzriyim suffered, Bnei Yisroel stopped davening, as they were already confident in their position. They had forgotten that the Avos established davening, our daily tefillos of Shacharis, Mincha and Maariv, and that when the Avos davened--even when not in an Eis Tzara--it was with an absolute sense of Ein Ohd Milevado and with the absolute awareness that we are always in need of Chesed and Rachamim Min HaShomayim. It is for this reason that Rashi brings here--when Bnei Yisroel cried out to Hashem at the sea--Tofsu Umanus Avosam, that by crying out Bnei Yisroel followed the path of the Avos. Incredibly, HaRav Matisyahu teaches that the Teshuva Bnei Yisroel had to do was actually in Tefillah! HaRav Matisyahu continues that this means that one must have the proper appreciation for Tefillah at all times, even when not in trouble--by such matters as starting on time, not talking during davening, not rushing away, focusing and trying hard to concentrate so that one has Kavannah , and recognizing that one is standing before Hashem Who is the Only Capable One. Every individual needs to make a Cheshbon HaNefesh if there is an aspect of Tefillah to which he is not giving the proper regard. Our Teshuva has to be to have charata (remorse) on any zilzul in Tefilllah, and to be mekabel to daven as a son before his father, and a servant before his master--with the appropriate fear and respect, with supplication just as a person in need who stands at the door, from the depths of our hearts and feeling, with the knowledge that all of our success is in Hashem's Hands--just as our Avos did! Hashem in turn responds because He is a Kel Chanun V'Rachum Erech Apayim V'Rav Chesed V'nicham Ahl Ha'Ra'ah (Avos 2:13, Devorim 4:7). 3. HaRav Matisyahu then brings the powerful words of the Chofetz Chaim in his Sefer Machane Yisroel (Chapter 10), addressed to the needs of Jewish soldiers in the Russian army. The Sefer is known for its straightforward and sincere direction to soldiers. The Chofetz Chaim teaches them two essential points to follow when davening. First, davening should be from deep in the heart and not by lip service, if possible with tears.This will indicate true sincerity and feeling in davening. Second, one should have Kavana that his Tefillos travel to Eretz Yisroel and from there to Yerushalayim and then to the Kodesh HaKodoshim (see Melachim Aleph, 8:44-49, and 9:3, regarding Shlomo HaMelech's request about davening towards Eretz Yisrael and the Beis HaMikdash, and Hashem's acceptance of his Tefillah). Picture your Tefillah 's route! If one follows these two rules, the Chofetz Chaim assures the soldiers that their Tefillos will not be returned empty handed. HaRav Matisyahu teaches that the Chofetz Chaim's guidance is especially directed to the soldiers and to all instances of sakana. We have the direction--we have the guidance--it is up to us to follow it through--to success for all of K'lal Yisroel!
--------------------------------------------------------
If you have not already done so--please see below, and click on the image to join together with K'lal Yisroel! | 
No comments:
Post a Comment