In these turbulent times, as Klal Yisroel grapples with ongoing suffering and uncertainty, we stand together, united, turning our hearts and minds to Avinu ShebaShomayim. The past year has been marked by relentless challenges—tragedies, loss, and hardships that have impacted all segments of our people. With the Yemei Harachamim V’haSelichos upon us, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah have issued the following kol korei, urging every member of Klal Yisroel to strengthen our faith, intensify our efforts in teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah, and reconnect with the values that define us as a nation. May our collective efforts bring a year of brachah, health, and shalom for us all.
[Free Translation]
In this time of distress for Klal Yisroel, a year that has been filled with endless suffering for our holy people from start to finish—beginning with the terrible event that occurred during the Yom Tov of Shemini Atzeres, which turned our celebration into mourning—we have been bombarded by reports of bloodshed and captivity. Our eyes are lifted to the heavens, yearning for the release of the captives and the return of those who have been lost in darkness. We have faced harsh decrees against the Torah and those who study it and practice it’s mitzvos, we’ve mourned the loss of our great leaders, and we’ve endured numerous calamities that have impacted all of us, from our youth to elders. Our means of livelihood have dwindled, leaving many struggling to provide for their families. This year has brought us many challenges, and we find ourselves with no one to rely on but our Father in Heaven.
Now, as we turn our gaze upward, seeking Divine mercy, let us heed the call: “Let us return to Hashem, for He has torn and He will heal us.” We all bear the responsibility to strengthen ourselves and to redouble our efforts in teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah, to increase the merit of Torah, and to accept the yoke of Heaven. We must invoke His compassion for His people, His city, His land, and His heritage. Especially now, as we stand on the threshold of the Yemei Harachachim V’haSelichos, we have a precious opportunity to seek out Hashem while He is near. We must add strength and vigor to our service of Hashem, conduct a thorough self-examination, and seek the merit of all of Klal Yisroel as a whole and us as individuals, so that we may all be inscribed in the Book of Life, in the Book of Sustenance and Prosperity, and in the Book of Redemption and Salvation.
The Torah states, “For what great nation is there that has a G-d so near to it as Hashem, our G-d, whenever we call upon Him?” The act of prayer stands at the pinnacle of our service, and we need to strengthen our commitment to pray with heartfelt intention, turning our tefillos into cries for mercy and supplication, rather than mere rote recitation. Additionally, we must reinforce our observance of the many important halachos related to tefillah and other areas where, unfortunately, many have become lax.
Moreover, in this time of crisis, it is our duty to strengthen our faith in Hashem—this complete faith that has been passed down from generation to generation. Throughout all exiles and hardships, we have remained loyal to Hashem and His Torah, steadfast believers, clinging to Him and trusting in His salvation. This commitment requires continuous reinforcement, especially in times of trouble.
We also wish to highlight that a hundred years ago, in the year 5684 (1924), our people faced immense suffering and a severe economic crisis across the Jewish Diaspora. During that time, the Rabbon Shel Yisroel, the Chofetz Chaim, penned a public letter (brought in the Sefer Geder Olam), stating:
“Everyone stands astounded, wondering why the times have changed so drastically for the worse. In addition to the fact that all Jews are being oppressed in every corner of the world, the cost of living is rising day by day, taxes and levies are significantly increasing, and the terrible decrees against the Torah and its mitzvos are overwhelming. Moreover, the state of livelihood everywhere is extremely poor, and our people are lamenting their dire situations.
“The primary reason for our suffering is because we distance ourselves from Hakadosh Boruch Hu. He commanded us, ‘And you shall sanctify yourselves and be holy.’ Our sages teach us that ‘whoever sanctifies himself below is sanctified from Above.’ Another verse states, ‘For Hashem, your G-d, walks in the midst of your camp to save you…’ The expression ‘to save you’ encompasses many matters: saving you from the sword, from famine, from captivity, and from plunder. ‘And your camp shall be holy, and He shall not see among you any unseemly thing and turn away from you.’”
Therefore, we find it fitting to remind the community of several key points that we should all be diligent about at this time:
1. Each person should commit, during these Yemei Harachamim V’haratzon, to be vigilant about davening with a minyan, so that all our prayers may join together with the collective prayer, which is always heard. Additionally, we should join the community in reciting the chapters of Tehillim that are said together at the end of davening in all holy communities, and women and children should also recite these chapters of Tehillim daily.
2. No part of Pesukei Dezimra should be skipped. Therefore, everyone should strive to arrive at shul early and not be late, so that they can recite the entire Pesukei Dezimra with enthusiasm and focus, as mentioned in the halachic sources.
3. Great care should be taken to avoid idle conversation during davening and the reading of the Torah, especially during chazaras hashatz, as it is written in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 124:7) that one who engages in such conversation “sins and his sin is greater than one can bear.”
4. We must strengthen our faith in Hashem, which is the foundation of our faith. It is appropriate for everyone—men, women, and children—to set aside time every morning to review the Thirteen Principles of Faith, thus awakening ourselves to strengthen our complete belief.
5. We should accept upon ourselves practical commitments regarding modesty, for, as the posuk states, “Hashem, your G-d, walks in the midst of your camp, and your camp shall be holy.” By doing this, we will merit the presence of the Shechinah and the supervision of Hashem to protect us from all evil.
In addition to all this, each person knows the state of their own soul and which matters require teshuvah and improvement. In these times, when judgments are weighed, we must awaken to correct our actions and character traits, strengthen our Torah study and set fixed times for learning, serve with our hearts, accept the yoke of Heaven, and increase acts of charity and kindness to uplift the spirits of the downtrodden. May it be Hashem’s will that the Shomer Yisroel accept our service, hear our cries with mercy and favor, and inscribe us in the Book of Good Life for a blessed year, filled with redemption and salvation. Amein, so may it be His will.
Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of America