Life’s Priorities in Galus
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 appears that he was afraid to leave Eretz Cannan. HaShem came to Yaakov in Beer Sheva and calmed him by encouraging him to go and not to worry that he would be with him in galus. Further, we see that Yaakov, the Av of Galus, made decisions in advance to prepare properly for the galus 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 Medresh clarifies his purpose that he went to set up a Bais 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 galus experience to Charan and to the house of Lavan when Yaakov was a Bachur, alone with no family obligations. Now, he was descending into galus 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 Bais Talmud. The spiritual needs of community came first. For us, we can understand Yaakov’s directive to include Yeshiva Ketanas, Mesivtas, Baatei Medresh, Baatei Horaah and even Bais Yaakovs. To better appreciate Yaakov Avinu’s priorities we can use a mashal 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. Although in galus 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”. This mindset does not apply for the establishment of Mosdos HaTorah. 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 Makomos Hatorah that will ultimately be the catalyst for the Geulah Shlaima. Hence, he held that the Mosdos 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 chashuve Moisad that would be a great Kiddush HaShem that could expedite the impending galus 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 Mosdos, maintaining their Kedusha and chashivus is an investment into community ruchnius. For new and fledging mosdos, their establishment and viability will further enhance the community in which they reside. In short, everyone in a community has to see all Mosdos HaTorah as the potential catalyst for the impending geulah.
A gut Shabbos