Community Magazine January 2017

24 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE He knows that as long as he grabs hold of that piece of wood, he can survive the raging waters. This is precisely the function which Torah serves. We are in a raging current of secularism, materialism, and decadence. We need to muster every bit of strength we have to grab hold of our eternal “tree of life.” Even if this means making difficult sacrifices, such as by denying ourselves certain comforts to which we’ve grown accustomed, we have no choice. Living as we do in the turbulent waters of 21st-century immorality, we need our “tree of life” now more than ever. Whatever time, energy and resources we can muster for supporting and learning Torah must be used for this purpose. There are no legitimate excuses. The Wonder of Torah King David pleads in Tehillim (119:18), “Open my eyes that I shall see wonders from Your Torah.” Yeshiva students to this day recite this prayer each day when they begin studying. The word “ niflaot ” can be read as a combination of the letter nun and the word “ pela’ot ” (“marvels”). King David prays that Gd should show him the wondrous effects of Torah, its ability to rescue students from even the 50 th level of impurity. I myself have been privileged to witness this phenomenon firsthand. I have seen many disaffected youths who had lost their way, who had fallen into the lowest depths of sin, make their way back through the power of Torah. It may have been one class, one speech, one recording, or one book – but just a brief exposure to Torah triggered a process that resulted in their return to their roots. Of course, like all medication, Torah must be “administered” properly and with professional guidance. Each individual must be taught the right way, by the right people, and in the right “doses.” Torah is most certainly not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. But there is a Torah solution for every soul. There is something for everybody. No matter where a person currently finds himself, on any level he or she is, Torah can do wonders. The aforementioned verse in Mishle concludes, “ vetomecheha meushar – those who support it are fortunate.” There is no greater satisfaction than saving lives. Fundraisers will tell you that the easiest campaigns are for ambulances, hospital wings, and medical equipment. People rush to generously donate to life-saving causes, and we should feel very proud of the extraordinary generosity shown by our community members for these causes. We must remember, however, that spiritual life is no less important than physical life. The “tree of life” must continue to be supported to allow more and more Jews throughout the world access to Torah so they can protect themselves from the turbulent cultural waters that rage all around them. Let us strengthen our “tree of life” so it can strengthen us, and allow us to withstand the hostile pressures that abound and usher in our long-awaited national redemption, speedily and in our days, amen . Dedicated in memory of the pure neshamot of the Sassoon children