We have seen a serious breach in Klal Yisrael and our zealousness for Dvar Hashem has compelled us to come out and issue this Kol Koreh. We MAY NOT remain silent when there is a Chilul Hashem.
Chazal say on the pasuk ולבן שיניים מחלב that טוב המלבין שיניים לחבירו יותר ממשקהו חלב - It is greater to smile at one's friend that giving him a glass of milk. The pasuk and thus the drasha based on it, was the last will and testament of Yaakov Avinu to arguably the most important shevet - Yehuda, the progenitor of the Moshiach. This is the charge that will help bring the Geulah. And as Chazal tell us - all of the words of Yaakov apply to all of the tribes - איש אשר כברכתו ברך אותם! So it talks to all of us.
In addition, Shammai teaches in Pirkei Avos that we must greeet EVERY PERSON with a joyful countenance - הוי מקבל את כל אדם בסבר פנים יפות. This is not a mere chesed. That is the trait of Hillel. This is DIN - an absolute requirement, the trait of Shammai.
There are Jews, even those who are considered to be the most religious - who are LAX in fulfilling this critically important teaching. This dereliction is מעכב the Geulah - preventing our redemption.
May we all be מתחזק in this behavior and we will surely be blessed in many ways.
חברי המועצת - Members of the Moetzes:
Signed:
Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetzky, Rabbi Malkiel Kotler, Rabbi Aharon Feldman, Rabbi Eliyahu Brudny, Rabbi Hillel David, Rabbi Yitzchak Sorotzkin, Rabbi Yeruchem Olshin, Rabbi Yehuda Svei
