I was dismayed to read on JPost that Rav Melamed is considering signing a declaration along with the heads of other hesder yeshivot, which will state that it is wrong for soldiers to engage in political protest. This would negate everything R' Melamed initially did right when he stood up to Barak. Retracting his position will constitute a tremendous desecration of the Almighty's name, and grant the accursed head of the mixed multitude a victory on the national stage. (No matter how they try to spin it.)
I was concerned the moment I read that R' Melamed was putting the matter into the hands of the leaders of the other Hesder yeshivot. Why would he do that? He was the only one with the courage to say the Halachic truth. The others should be listening to him and signing a letter supporting his (original) position. Instead, these spineless mamlachti leaders are pressuring the lone "voice in the wilderness" to recant his position.
R' Melamed's own words suggest that he is breaking under the pressure. It is clear that he isn't comfortable playing the role of the zealot. Nevertheless, he must understand that he has no choice in the matter. The Rav needs to gird himself in the cloak of zealousness and stand firm. Someone needs to defend the Torah.
R' Melamed's actions will resonate long after this issue is "resolved." Future hesder students will either be motivated by an uncompromising position, and sanctify The Almighty's name, or they will desecrate The Almighty's name and play an insidious role in the unforgivable sin of expelling Jews.
The seventh night of Chanukah is upon us. I hope R' Melamed follows the path of Matityahu.
Chanukah Sameach.
I read a segment of a letter Rav Melamed published Thursday saying that after consulting with his father, and other colleagues, that he would not sign the declaration but would leave the decision to the other yeshiva heads. I'm trying to discern whether this is better or worse than signing it. Will he continue to stand against the declaration or not? Those that sign it should be abandoned by their students immediately. How can one continue to attend an institution whose leaders operate in violation of Halacha? It is a Maccabee vs Hellenist decision; very appropriate for these days.
ReplyDeleteLike the actions of Nachshon and Matityahu, Hashem is not going to perform miracles against the Hellenists in the Knesset if Am Yisrael does not act. The decision to be a Maccabee or not is before the yeshiva heads, and the people Israel entire.
In less than two hours I will kindle the chanukiah for the last time this year; one more chance to put physical light into the growing dark. From here out the light must come from within the Jewish soul. It's time for us to choose the blood of swine or cruse of oil.
Melamed, be Nachshon. Be Matityahu. No one else is leading.
And now the Hesder rabbis have sent the mixed message: Don't protest, but don't follow orders if they go against G-d. Rather than withdraw from the Hesder program, they decided to protect their government shekels. Now Barak's war plan against Yesha is out and there is no one to lead the people.
ReplyDeleteVery sad. A great opportunity to sanctify G-d's name and take a stand has turned into yet another mamlachti chillul Hashem. As usual, you make excellent points. If only these hesder Rabbis would see these things as clearly as you and I.
ReplyDeleteBe Well.