Bringing the Geula
The reunification of Yaakov Avinu and his beloved son Yosef after twenty-two years was such an emotional laden event that it moved him even at such an advanced age to make the arduous trip to Mitzraim. It was clear that despite the heart throbbing emotions, Yaakov didn’t act in an impetuous way. For one, it appeared that he was afraid to leave Eretz Cannan. Hashem appeared to Yaakov in Be’er Sheva and calmed him by encouraging him to go and not to worry that he would be with him in galut. Further, we see that Yaakov, the Patriarch of Galut, made decisions in advance to prepare properly for the galut experience. Chazal tell us that Yaakov sent Yehuda ahead to scope out the place they were going to settle and ready it for Yaakov’s arrival. The Midrash clarifies his purpose that he went to set up a Bet Talmud, a place where Limud Torah would emanate and spiritually enrich his community.
This directive by Yaakov to Yehuda provides a telling insight into Yaakov Avinu’s priorities. In reflection on this point, one can make certain assumptions that provide greater clarity of purpose. First, we can assume that going to Mitzraim was unlike his initial galut experience to Charan and to the house of Lavan when Yaakov was unmarried, with no family obligations. Now, he was descending into galut with an entourage of seventy offspring and many possessions. Surely, many mundane but practical preparations were very necessary to be made in advance. Yet, the first order of business was to set up a Bet Talmud. The spiritual needs of community came first. For us, we can understand Yaakov’s directive to include Talmud Torahs, Torah high schools for boys and girls as well shuls and kolels for the community. To better appreciate Yaakov Avinu’s priorities, we can use a parable of a passenger plane flying in extreme turbulent conditions. In the event of a mechanical emergency that impacts the cabin environment, the oxygen masks immediately deploy and only after they are secured on the adult passengers are other steps taken to ensure safety. First, oxygen that is the source of life is set into place and then other important preparations follow.
A second assumption is based upon a keen insight given by HaRav Ephraim Wachsman, Shlita, in the name of the Satmar Rov Z”l. In galut, we are to see ourselves as mere visitors with only temporary visas, that all of our decisions should be with the thought that we have “one foot out door”. However, this mindset does not apply for the establishment of Mosdot HaTorah-Torah institutions. When setting them up it should be with the intent that they will stand for 1,000 years. Perhaps, the Satmar Rov understood that it would be the Holy establishments where Torah emanates that will ultimately be the catalyst for the final redemption. Hence, he held that the Mosdot should be established in a way to promote the greatest level of Kedusha through Kavod HaTorah as well as Limud HaTorah. With this thought in mind, we can assume that Yehuda was directed by his Saintly father to establish a serious and permanent establishment that would be a great Kiddush Hashem that could expedite the impending galut to a speedy conclusion.
For our generation, the Satmar Rov’s outlook serves as a call to service for every member of a community. For the well-established Mosdot, maintaining their Kedusha and importance and upgrading them where necessary is an investment into community spirituality. For new and fledging mosdot, their establishment and viability will further enhance the community in which they reside. In short, everyone in a community has to see all Mosdot HaTorah as the potential catalyst for the impending coming of Moshiach.