GAZING AT THE LIGHTS OF PROMISE

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GAZING AT THE LIGHTS OF PROMISE

Harav Y. Reuven Rubin Shlita

In this world of ever-growing wonder, it is no surprise that due to the ever-developing sophistication of technology, governments can topple, vast military enterprises can become paralyzed, and even worse than all this, Yiddishe neshomos can become corrupted. The internet was developed as a military tool but has grown into a behemoth that straddles the entire globe. It slips into every nook and cranny with a subtle power that can overwhelm the sturdiest of souls. We of the Torah community are particularly vulnerable simply because our connection with Hashem can become contaminated if we don’t remain ever vigilant.

Technology has become the newest double-pronged phenomenon that has presented the Torah Jew with a slew of knotty problems that leave more questions than answers. How should we wrestle with the varied aspects of this ubiquitous entity? What can we use and how can we discard what are the obviously poisonous aspects? These questions have now taken the top of any agenda where Torah Yidden gather for insight and support. The history of Am Yisroel is filled with such challenges, and our growth has been borne on the ability to gather our strength and see a pathway through all such difficulties.

In parshas Vayeishev we learn: “These are Yaakov’s descendants: Yosef……” The Rebbe, Reb Mendel of Rimonov explains that each and every Jew is called a “Yaakov”. Who then are the descendants of a Yaakov? Yosef, which can mean “lehosif”, to increase. It is, says the Rebbe, incumbent upon each and every Jew to constantly strive to increase his understanding and level of Yiras Shomayim. A guta Yid once told me that this could also mean that every generation must strive in adding to the Yiddishkeit, given the generation they find themselves in. The answers of yesterday give grounding for today, but creating kedusha remains the task of us in the present.

Chanukah liturgy places great emphasis on the idea that the “Children of Hashem” instituted the Yom Tov. It is in our young that reposes our hope for future growth and celebration. Our task is to somehow give them the tools to be “hosif” in spirituality despite the many dangers that seek to corrupt them. We can’t change those challenges, just as we can’t turn off the sun and moon, but we can give strength and guidance.

Some of our young are missing a sense of being supported and loved. Schools are large, kids flounder and parents are overworked. The spiral of loss begins at a young age and when the darkness of the secular phantom world beckons, some fall. We must inspire our young ones, give them a sense of the greatness that is a Torah Yid. With warmth and support they can definitely learn to weather the storms of technological mayhem. The most vital thing is they must know they are part of Yaakov, and feel joyous with this. Schools must instill this into every child, despite their academic prowess. Every child is unique and gifted; the sadness is they aren’t always told so.

Chanukah is a family festival; children sit with their parents and grandparents. During a small window of time, we all gaze at the lights of promise. What better gift can we bestow at such a time than the knowledge that all are part of a special unit called “the children of Hashem”, and each one is cherished for who they are?

The answers to the problems of today are as manifold as there are souls, but if we work on supporting each neshoma we can hope for increasing light despite the dismal world around us.