This week, on the 15th of Ellul, we marked (with chodorom . .) the day of the establishment of Tomchei T’mimim. [The actual seder commenced on Chai Ellul, and it’s known the vort of Chassidim that on 15 Ellul the dining room was opened and they spent 3 days farbrenging to commemorate the great event]. Thus we are now in the spirit of celebrating the holy Yeshiva of Tomchei T’mimim.
About Tomchei T’mimim, as well, it is said “der vos est di kasha fun Tomchei T’mimim vet nisht shtarben ohn Teshuva” [anyone who partakes of the food of Tomchei T’mimim is assured that he will not pass on from the world without first doing teshuva]. Although I haven’t heard so explicitly, possibly here, as well, the “kasha of Tomchei T’mimim” can be understood on 3 levels. Firstly - as we know that food symbolizes Torah – the experience of Tomchei T’mimim is felt in an intellectual level. Being a Tomim means acquiring a new mindset, a brand new outlook and way of thinking. It is learning in Yeshiva, internalizing the teachings, and acquiring the “hanachos” of a Tomim.
But that is not enough. Just as, with regards to learning Torah in general, we are taught “Kol ho’oimer ein li elo Torah, afilu Torah ein lo” [anyone who thinks they can make do with only studying did not even master the studying of Torah], because Torah knowledge must manifest itself into practice as well, so too with a Tomim, the hanachos of a Tomim need to be reflected in the minhogim, the practices of a Tomim. If you are – or were at one time – a bochur in this illustrious Yeshiva, then – in addition to the great zechus – this places a tremendous responsibility on you. Many conducts, that may be appropriate or acceptable for someone else, are not fitting for you. You have to always be consciously aware of what is the way a Tomim conducts himself – ‘what would a true Tomim do in this situation’ – and then act accordingly.
But, after all, ein inyon yoitzeh midei pshutoi. You can act like a Tomim, and even think like a Tomim, but ultimately, the great zechus of Tomchei T;mimim is acquired by being there, being a part of it literally and physically. You have to show up b’gashmiyus to seder according to the mundane clock, and be in the physical place and time designated. Then, and only then, are you a fitting vehicle for all of the kochos and brochos, that penetrate your being and help you change your actions and mindset.
