| |
 |
|
|
|
Misc 2 The Russian Minister of Culture was a rabid anti-Semite and led many attempts to destroy traditional Yeshivas in Russian with the active help of numerous Jewish "intellectuals" and leaders of the Haskala movement mostly led by a Dr Lilenthal. At a major meeting with Rav Yitzchak the Rosh Yeshiva of the famous Volozner Yeshiva, the Minister asked Rav Yitzchak. "Why is it that you wear such a large Tallis Koton with such long Tzitzis that extend out of the garment and offend others who see them. After all Dr Lilenthal is an observant Jew but does not display his Tzitzis in an obtrusive manner?" Answered Rav Yitzchak, "The Tzitzis help us remember. The Passuk clearly says "when you have Tzitzis and see them then you will remember." Dr Lilenthal has a limited amount of Torah learning to remember and does not concern himself with all the details of the Mitzvos, so for him suffices a small Tallis Koton with short unobservable Tzitzis. However I am already an elderly man who tries to fully observe all the Mitzvos and therefore must struggle and remember all their details. I need a large and easily seen Tallis Koton with long Tzitzis."....... Perhaps today one may add the thought of how important it is for us to wear Tzitzis - and be seen doing so - in order that our younger generations should see how we are pleased to fulfil Hashem's Mitzvah and be identified as an observant Jew. The Passuk tells how Moshe told the spies to check the trees of the land. Rashi explains that they were to ascertain if in C'nan there were any good men who would be able to intercede on their behalf. If that is what they were searching for why did they wander in the fields and the streets? They should have gone to check out the places of learning and study. The answer perhaps is that a really good man who can intercede on behalf of a community must have influence in the street as well, and not only in the places of study. His learning should touch everyone. |
