Reprinted from Westmount Shul, Rabbi Yossi Michalowicz
Dear Friends,
We are all aware of the nuclear deal with Iran that has been agreed upon by the world powers. I am sure, that, like myself, we are very concerned about the future of the State of Israel and the Jewish people, should this deal come to fruition. Indeed, we worry about the potentially hazardous situation of a short “breakout period” that Iran could achieve in going nuclear. It is no coincidence that this deal was pushed off and not agreed upon until, based on the Jewish calendar, we entered into the “Three Weeks” where our Mazel is not that good. This nuclear deal is just another sad event in our Jewish history that falls out during this inauspicious time of the year.
I am sure that our local Jewish organizations and institutions will be making plans on how to respond to this imminent threat, and I encourage all of you to be involved to whatever extent possible.
I spoke in Shul last Shabbos about this issue and I encouraged the congregation not to despair over the present situation. As much as we may feel that there is little we can do to significantly change the politic situation, we are not helpless, and there is much that we can do that can help.
As much as the world is struggling to contain the enemies of peace from achieving nuclear capabilities, the Jewish people are endowed with the most powerful force on the planet - Shabbos!
I explained in great detail the power of Shabbos. Shabbos brings renewed energy for the existence of the next six days of the week. Shabbos is the cornerstone of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. Shabbos is the heart and soul of each and every Jew. Perhaps, because Shabbos comes every week and we enjoy the freedom to keep the Shabbos. we may take it for granted. We need to be reminded that when a Jew observes the Shabbos, one is declaring their belief in the power of the Creator and their trust that just as He took us out of the worst suffering imaginable in Egypt long ago, He is still very involved in every step of our personal and national future. As long as we observe the Shabbos to the best of our abilities, we will merit Divine intervention at the highest level.
The mystical sources explain that the most powerful Shabbosos of the entire year are during the Three Weeks and especially this coming Shabbos, which indeed falls on the ninth of Av (Tisha B’av). When we come to this difficult time in Jewish history and remember all the Jewish suffering that we have experienced during these times, AND STILL KEEP THE SHABBOS AND DECLARE OUR TRUST IN HASHEM, it brings great joy to Hashem and provides us with great Divine protection. By choosing to observe the Shabbos we invigorate our connection to Hashem, which can only bring good things.
Incidentally, the Jewish people also have an unquestionable “break out” period that can overcome any adversary. The Talmud tells us that if all the Jewish people would observe two Shabbasos according to Halacha, we would be immediately redeemed. It is in our power to have a “two week break out period” well before our enemies can break out their weapons of mass destruction. We have nothing to fear - it is all in our control.
I encourage all of us to upgrade the quality of this coming Shabbos. Please try to do something more than usual so that you can strengthen that connection even more. You may consider any of the following:
1. Invite not yet Shabbos observant Jews for a Shabbos meal to show them the be beauty of Shabbos.
2. Sing more Zemiros and say more words of Torah at the Shabbos table.
3. Sleep a little less and study a little more.
4. Come to ALL Shabbos services on time.
5. Bring in the Shabbos early by lighting candles earlier than usual or by attending an earlier Kabolas Shabbos service. Use this extra time to think about your relationship with the Almighty.
6. Prepare yourself emotionally for the upcoming Tisha B’av that begins right after Shabbos.
7. Come back to Shul in the afternoon to absorb the holiest part of the Shabbos as it merges into Tisha B’av.
Over this coming Shabbos, my talks will focus on preparing us for this Tisha B’av weekend and to encourage us to be proud of our personal and national mission. I hope to share with you the tools necessary not just to “get through and survive ” Tisha B’av - but to look forward to this most amazing encounter with Hashem on this most historic day of Jewish history. This will be most powerfully expressed at my 9 PM talk on Saturday night as we experience the bridge between the “Atomically charged Shabbos” and our deepest encounter with Hashem on our day of national mourning,
remembrance, and, yes, continuity and pride for the Jewish people.
Every year, we strive to provide the most qualitative Tisha B’av experience - especially during the Kinos service. Regrettably, as I am still recovering and regaining my strength, I will not be able to both fast and teach for three hours straight. Therefore, we are bringing in the very noted and sought after speaker Rabbi YY Rubinstein to lead the Kinos service. We will also be showing a very inspiring Holocaust documentary by Rabbi Berel Wein. Please check the attached full Shabbos and Tisha B’av schedules .
Please take advantage of this most special weekend where you can experience a very powerful “1-2 spiritual punch” from Rabbi Rubinstein and me. May this be the very last Tisha B’av we commemorate in Golus!
With Torah blessings,
Rabbi Yossi Michalowicz
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