A Call to Action
- In particular, Jews situated in "countries of plenty" (such as America), where they are able to observe Torah and Mitzvos free from persecution, intimidation and the like, should utilize their positive situation to arrange public parades – expressing the theme of the Jewish people's upwards journey in matters of Judaism.
To the contrary – in these countries, the authorities extend their aid and support [to the Jews]. We are able to point with our finger and exclaim, "Look! Over there stands a Jew, together with his wife, who spent half a century in a country which, via intimidation and persecution, did not permit Jews to observe Torah and Mitzvos. Yet they allowed nothing to prevent them from progressing in Judaism, and going from strength to strength. We are now privileged to see them right here, in immediate proximity, in this very synagogue and study hall!" Undoubtedly, we will take [their story] to heart and derive a lesson from the living example provided by these Jews, who formerly lived in Communist Russia. They provide us with a lesson for our own lives in this country – for Hashem has redeemed us from a condition of state-sponsored persecution and brought us to a situation where the state actually aids and supports all areas of Judaism. (Parshas Behar-Bechukosai, Iyar 8, 11 and 15 5748; Hisvaaduyos pp. 269-270)
