In response to the ongoing war in Eretz Yisroel, Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman, rosh yeshiva of Yeshivas Rashbi, released a heartfelt and urgent letter of chizuk directed to bnei Torah in Eretz Yisroel and around the world. In it, he underscores the importance of spiritual introspection, the power of Torah, and the proper conduct during these trying times. The letter also includes a special segulah, transmitted from the Chofetz Chaim, for use in times of distress.
The rosh yeshiva begins with a stirring call to Klal Yisroel: “Ana achim, stand up and awaken, and let us cry out to Hashem with strength, over the blood of our brethren that has been spilled like water in recent days, and for those still suffering in captivity and torment at the hands of cruel enemies. We were recently granted a moment of reprieve, through the kindness of Hashem, spared from the sword, from disease, and from harsh decrees. We have witnessed open miracles — all in the merit of those who learn and toil in Torah.”
He continues with a sobering reminder: “Yet due to our many sins, the pasuk comes true for us, ‘As if a man fled from a lion, and a bear met him; and he came home, leaned on the wall, and a snake bit him’ (Amos 5:19). We have not yet returned from our mistaken ways. We fail to recognize that it is due to our own sins that we are faced with such a fierce war.”
Rav Bergman emphasizes that though the hashgachah is hidden, Hashem’s yad is still apparent. “In every generation, they rise against us to destroy us, and Hashem saves us from their hands. But the central thing that Hashem asks of us is to return to Him sincerely — to reflect on our actions, engage in soul-searching, and accept mussar. This is the time when we must strengthen ourselves in the toil of Torah with purity of thought. This is the greatest protection for Klal Yisroel: ‘If war arises against me, in this I trust.’ Therefore, one must be careful not to become overly preoccupied with war stories that distract the heart from what matters most.”
He urges each individual to examine their behavior bein adam lachaveiro, emphasizing the need for peace and menuchas hanefesh in one’s home: “Each person should now pay close attention to matters between man and his fellow — which are among the gravest obligations. ‘With the measure that a person measures, it is measured to him.’ Our conduct with family should be calm and composed, filled with words of emunah and bitachon that soothe the heart and inspire the listener. Let us repeat and internalize the words of Dovid Hamelech, ‘Even though I walk… I will fear no evil, for You are with me.'”
He then shares a treasured teaching passed down from his father-in-law, Maran Rav Shach zt”l, that he received from the Chofetz Chaim zt”l: “Many years ago, I heard from my father-in-law…. Maran Rav Shach zt”l, who said in the name of the Chofetz Chaim zt”l, that when a person finds himself in a time of distress and suffering, rachmana litzlan, he should recite Psalm 20 of Tehillim — ‘Ya’ancha Hashem b’yom tzarah’ — three times.”
Toward the end of the letter, Rav Bergman addresses Jews in the Diaspora, calling upon them to rise to the occasion in unity with their brothers in Eretz Yisroel: “All of this I write also to my dear brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, for all of Israel is considered one body, as stated in the Yerushalmi (Nedarim 9) and in Yalkut Shimoni, Remez 137, and we are all mutually responsible for one another. The obligation at this moment is immense — to plead and to beseech, to strengthen ourselves with added fervor in all the aforementioned areas, so that Hashem will turn away His anger and have mercy on His people and His inheritance.”
Rav Bergman concludes the letter, handwritten, with a pasuk from Yirmiyahu: “Eis tzarah hi l’Yaakov u’mimenah yivoshea” — “It is a time of trouble for Yaakov, but he will be saved from it.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
