“What is foremost now is to object forcefully to any compromise.”
(Free translation)
Table of Contents
What is most important now, is the strongest of objections� *
Some may come forward and argue that this has nothing to do with us *
There are none who oppose it, or who raise any objection whatsoever *
The essence of the argument is whether the Al-mighty is “master” of this world *
The uproar made concerning this has had an effect *
Even a bathroom may not be built with bribe money *
There shall be none who are unaware of this ruling *
In truth it is the responsibility of Rabbis in Israel to cause an uproar *
When it is a life and death situation, one may not be silent *
There shall be an outcry concerning the dreadful situation *
A directive to those involved in community affairs: To affect deliberately, and to cause that there shall not be a compromise of even one iota *
Jews should be prepared to take up arms *
It is preferable to follow the Baal, than to “hesitate between two opinions!” *
“Those who are becoming Hellenists,” may include even Jews who put on Tefillin daily. *
When one is hurt he cries out *
We must take up arms and not permit them to fulfill their desire *
The crying out is not for any intellectual reason, but because it hurts *
The objections are silenced because they have received a check for the Yeshiva *
The ruling that one should stand ready [even] for war, should be publicized to all *
Even if the number of those objecting is small, it will nevertheless have an effect *
There should be an outcry until the matter will be perceived as it truly is! *
The objection may even be verbal, and from afar *
There can be no argument that these matters are a waste of time, for they did not have any effect, and it is preferable to spend time in the study of Torah *
A response from the Rebbe concerning this matter, that it shall be publicized in the name of Chabad *What is most important now, is the strongest of objections�
In my opinion, what is currently most important is the strongest of objections� against any compromise to pressure, that may hurt the state of security. The meaning of which is� that there is no end to compromise, may Heaven protect us.
Another detail that in my opinion is of great import, perhaps because I am an extreme optimist, is that if this objection will be constant, and with the greatest severity, as the situation demands, it will eventually be successful, and in the near future�
(From a letter of the twenty-fourth of Sh�vat 5741 � January 29 1981)Some may come forward and argue that this has nothing to do with us
There are some that argue that the way of compromise for essential security needs, so as to sign a peace agreement, is “the opinion of Torah.”
Thus, we have already spoken many times that there is a clear ruling concerning the correct conduct in the event that “non-Jews have gathered against Jewish cities etc.” and the issues are well-known to all and need not be repeated again.
Furthermore, when a person comes forth and argues that “this has nothing to do with us,” without any reason or substantial explanation as a basis for his words, those words obviously have no substance!
The manner of establishing a ruling that “the opinion of Torah” is such and such, without quoting any source or basis, has never been heard of among Israel!
Think on this:
Even concerning a ruling of the great assembly (the Sanhedrin) together with the leader of the Sanhedrin, the one who was ruled against, a simple Jew who has no comprehension of the knowledge of Torah, may come forward and ask that they should tell him “for what reason did you submit this ruling,” and they must relate to him the source of their ruling!
And if this is so concerning a ruling of Torah in money issues, even concerning one single penny, how much more so when we are talking of a ruling in matters of life and death, and not only of one Jew, who is himself an entire world, but concerning three million Jewish people!
Furthermore, there is something essentially strange in this matter:
That source, upon whom the establishment of the ruling of “the opinion of Torah” is based, writes clearly in a number of his letters (which have been published), that he has no part in rulings concerning the actual, but his entire involvement is in studying the tractates studied in Yeshivas in a manner of delving and discussing and exegesis, as with those studying at the Yeshivas. While now, when there is a discussion concerning an issue of such severity, something that has bearings upon the life and death situation of three million Jewish people, concerning this he suddenly becomes a “Posek” (Halachic authority) of the Jewish people!
On the contrary, let this question be asked of Rabbis who rule in matters of Halacha in Israel, who being there, can easily divine and see the security situation from nearby, even if they do not know (or they act as though they do not know,) the thinking in Washington concerning the politics of those politicians who compromise the needs that are most essential for the security of the land of Israel, so as to obtain the piece of paper that is called the “peace agreement”�
And they will hear from them the ruling and Halacha of Torah, concerning whether it is permitted to endanger the security of three million Jewish people, on the basis of the promise of murderers and terrorists!
(From a talk on Shabbath Chayei-Sarah 5746 � November 9 1985)There are none who oppose it, or who raise any objection whatsoever
They began with nautical issues, followed by the entire expanse of the Sinai, the oil wells etc. And the hope is to continue with this until the areas of Yehuda and Shomron [are discussed], and they even contemplate concerning Jerusalem! � And there are none who oppose it or who raise any objection whatsoever!
(From a talk on Shabbath Chayei-Sarah 5746 � November 9 1985)The essence of the argument is whether the Al-mighty is “master” of this world
The argument in this matter is not only whether to compromise with a non-Jew and whether to grant him an inch of the land of Israel. The essence of the argument is whether “there is a master to this capital (this world),” meaning, whether the Al-mighty is “the Master” in the full sense of the word � in Washington, London, Paris and in all other “capitals” the world over!
(The first night of Succoth 5743 � October 1 1982)The uproar made concerning this has had an effect
We clearly see that the uproar that was made concerning this has had an effect, and resulted that there should not be silence and the ruling should be declared explicitly, so that many rabbis had the fortitude to send a letter to the ruler of this country (the U.S.)Even a bathroom may not be built with bribe money
In addition to this, there is the matter that bribes are being accepted by the fact that they give money for Yeshivas. For as spoken many times, it is impossible to build education based upon Torah and the fear of G-d, with money that is stained with Jewish blood! For “you have nothing to do with us in building a house to our G-d!”
Furthermore, not only is it impossible to build Yeshivas with this money, and to educate students to fear G-d, moreover, the Talmud states (Avodah Zara 17:a) that it is even prohibited to build a bathroom from monies such as these!
And indeed, could Yeshiva students benefit from those who wish to feed them with these sort of monies?!
(From a talk on Shabbath Devarim, 5739 � July 28 1979)There shall be none who are unaware of this ruling
When asking an unworldly rabbi, one who closes himself within his innermost chambers, whether it is Halachically true that the government must finance Yeshivas, he would respond that it is certainly so; and when asked whether this may be publicized in his name, he would say that it need not be publicized by others, for he will do so on his own!�
The same, and to an even greater extent, is concerning the ruling in the matter of “the completeness of the land”: There shall be publicity concerning this ruling, so that there shall be none who are unaware of this ruling! �
And when this conduct is followed, they will fulfill their purpose appropriately.
(From a talk on Shabbath Va�yak�hel & Pikudei 5740 � March 15 1980)In truth it is the responsibility of Rabbis in Israel to cause an uproar
I utilize this opportunity to speak in a manner that it shall be heard the world over, although in truth this is not my function, as there are rabbis in Israel, and it is their responsibility to create an uproar. However, there is the ruling of “do not stand idle when your fellow�s life is in danger!”
(From a talk on Saturday night of Shabbath Ha�azinu, 13 Tishrei 5739 � October 14 1978)When it is a life and death situation, one may not be silent
It is no difference whether the outcry will help, for the reason of the outcry is not that it makes sense intellectually to say that this will help, but because the matter is causing pain! And it is thus probable that the matter will be worked on with enthusiasm.
Someone questioned me: How can it be that I should not be bothered that one person may title it in one manner and a second in another, while a third, who “transcends them all,” may title it entirely differently? I answered, that I consider this something a child understands; although I am not saying that it does not bother me, but it is insufficient to effect a change in my opinion.
Which is: That when the matter is one of a life and death situation, it is forbidden to be silent! For this is a clear ruling in Shulchan Aruch (the Code of Jewish law), and is based upon a clear and absolute ruling (concerning which there is no argument) in the Talmud, that is forbidden to be silent concerning a matter of life and death!
(From a talk on the twentieth of Menachem Av 5739 � August 13 1979)There shall be an outcry concerning the dreadful situation
Would that the mentioned words have an effect, at any event from today onward, at least to a small extent. And perhaps there will be others who will join in crying out against the dreadful state of affairs, without shame, and not from behind a curtain (in hiding), particularly among those in the Holy Land, and if there is the need, to even strike down upon the table. For it should be taken into consideration that this is something upon which the actual security of the land is dependent!
The immediate result of the protest shall be that there will not be any more giving away of lands that are in the hands of the Jewish people.
(From a talk of the nineteenth of Kislev 5743 � December 5 1982)A directive to those involved in community affairs: To affect deliberately, and to cause that there shall not be a compromise of even one iota
There is a specific directive to those involved in community affairs, upon whom there is an added responsibility concerning the matter of “and the court shall protect him.” And especially concerning those involved in community affairs in Israel, upon which “the eyes of the L-rd are constantly directed, from the beginning of the year to its end,” for they are given greater strength and they must utilize it fully and to its utmost,
Including, and especially so, to affect deliberately, and to cause that there should not be a compromise, Heaven forbid, of even one inch of our Holy Land�
(From a talk on Shabbath Matos & Mas�ei 5749 � July 29 1989)Jews should be prepared to take up arms
As mentioned above, as there is no other choice, and there is the ruling of the Shulchan Aruch (the Code of Jewish Law,) that since they (our enemies) are saying that they are prepared to come [for war], but they are only discussing whether it is because of business reasons [that they will actually wage war, but they plan on doing so regardless] etc. Then, there is the ruling of the Shulchan Aruch (in the laws of Saving a Life, which are in the laws of Shabbath,) that “we must face them with weaponry.” Therefore, we must prepare the Jewish people to take up arms, and explain to them that they must do so only because of the ruling of the Shulchan Aruch that “the word of our G-d shall endure forever.”
In addition, the disciples and progeny of the great among Israel who were at “the great gathering,” shall declare publicly that they have a clear ruling concerning how they should conduct themselves. And since these have students, and have influence on others, they declare, in a manner that they (those influenced) shall also know of the ruling, until all Jewish people will be aware of this ruling.
It is preferable to follow the Baal, than to “hesitate between two opinions!”
�It is related in Tanach (Kings I, 18:21) concerning Elijah the prophet saying to the people of Israel: “How long will you go limping between two opinions, if the L-rd is G-d, then follow Him, but if the [idol] Baal, follow him.” Meaning, that the state of following Baal is preferable than the state of “hesitating between two opinions.” For if they follow Baal, they will eventually return, whereas it is not so if they are in a state of “limping between two opinions,” for then they will not realize that there is a need to return at all�
“Those who are becoming Hellenists,” may include even Jews who put on Tefillin daily.
The victory of the Jews at the time of the miracle of Chanukah was that they remained loyal to the Jewish nation, to the Torah and to its Mitzvoth, and they went forth with the “pride of Jacob,” without worrying about the pressure from the Greeks (the Hellenists), together with those Jews who were Helenizing � Jews who aspired to the Greeks, mingled among them and made an effort to find favor with them at any cost! To our sorrow however, there are Jews today as well, who follow the view of those Helenizing Jews, and they are the ones who have caused the various blunders, including the Yom Kippur war, the Camp David accords, the Lebanon war, as well as all other matters that arose in between! Indeed, it is a wonder that in all the instances, these “Helenizers” were successful in tipping the scale [in their favor], (even influencing those who had greater positions in the government), that they should agree with their views!
These Helenizers may be Jews who put on Tefillin every day, but in essence they are “children (innocents) who were lost,” for they were trained that they must worry what the non-Jew thinks, to mingle with him and to find favor with him, and as in their own words: A Jew at home and a “person” on the outside!
Therefore, although they are “children who were lost” concerning this matter, it does not justify the fact that a Jew such as this is appointed minister, when it is seen that his conduct and views cause one blunder after another�When one is hurt he cries out
We clearly see that the nature of the person is that when his small finger is severed with a knife, he cries out in great pain. And when asked whether he thinks that this crying will lessen the pain, he answers in the negative. He is not a fool to think that he will be delivered through his screaming, he knows that matters should be done in a specific manner, and when it concerns an even more serious matter a doctor should be called etc. Nevertheless, the first reaction is that he screams, and the reason for this is that it concerns his finger being cut, which is something that pains him.
The lesson is obvious.
(From a talk on Shabbath Mikeitz, Shabbath of Chanukah 5744 � December 3 1983)We must take up arms and not permit them to fulfill their desire
All of Israel belongs to the Jewish people, and every Jew has ownership of every inch of the land. For there to be true peace in the land, the conduct must follow the wish of the “owner,” the Al-mighty, in His Torah, and not to hearken to those of whom it is said, “those who will be your undoing and your destroyers, will be from among you.” One of the directives of Torah is “give them no consideration,” � not to give away even one inch of the land to the non-Jew. Furthermore, there is a clear ruling (in the Code of Jewish Law, ch. 329,) that when non-Jews are trying to surround a Jewish settlement, they (the Jews) must take up arms, and not allow them to fulfill their desires, for it is a matter of life and death. And as all the experts concerning security as in this case say, those who are in the army at present and whose considerations are only concerning security, not political and party matters, that it is prohibited to give away even one inch, for it is a matter of life and death.
This is the only path to true peace (not a seeming “peace,” a peace for the moment alone etc.) � That when they will follow the direction of Torah, they will not “open the land before them” Heaven forbid, and they will thus avert danger, only this will bring a true, lasting peace, and true and absolute security.
(From a talk on the eighteenth of Elul 5738 � September 20 1978)The crying out is not for any intellectual reason, but because it hurts
Even if it will have no effect, nevertheless, when one is in pain he cries out, even if he knows that it will not help. This crying out is not for any intellectual reason, but because it hurts.
Nevertheless, in our case there is a hope that it will help: If the crying out will continue and there will be no shame in doing this publicly, and they will see that the matter is liable to hurt them at election time, then perhaps those responsible will rearrange their priorities to assure the wholeness and security of the Jewish people, as well as the non-Jews, who are in Israel!
And if only there will be others who join in this outcry, particularly from among those in the Holy Land, and if there is the need, to strike upon the table. For indeed, upon this depends the actual security of the land!
And the objections will help that they will not give away to non-Jews any more lands that belong to Jewish people, Heaven forbid. In fact, they should not conceal (even if this will cause heartache,) the great harm and misfortune that was caused by the giving over of the oil fields to Egypt, etc.
(From a talk on the nineteenth of Kislev 5743 � December 5 1982)
The objections are silenced because they have received a check for the Yeshiva
There is the argument that for peace it is worth to do anything, and as it is said of the generation of the Tower of Babylon, that despite the fact that they wished to wage war against G-d, “they were not destroyed,” “for they had conducted themselves with love and friendship among themselves.” However, in truth there is no peace here (in our situation,) whatsoever: In every party, there is an argument concerning every significant or even insignificant matter (besides concerning “religious coercion,” against which they are all unified�)
Even in the Torah (religious) world, there has never been such a deep darkness, where any objection concerning the matter of saving lives is silenced, for some person had received a check (from the government) for his Yeshiva! He worries only concerning his Yeshiva, while the life and death issues of other Jews make no difference to him! This is something that has never before happened!
A true peace can only be according to the wish of G-d and according to the directive of Torah, whose “ways are all peaceful.” (And when matters are conducted in this manner, the redemption is brought nearer, while otherwise, all the Jewish people, and the Presence of the Al-mighty, are delayed for [even] one more moment in exile).
(From a talk on Shabbath No�ach 5742 � October 31 1981)The ruling that one should stand ready [even] for war, should be publicized to all
When discussing matters of saving lives, the Halacha dictates (in the Code of Jewish law, and in the later Halachic authorities etc.) that [concerning saving a life,] it is prohibited for one to wait until approached with the question of what is the [Torah] law � for “the one questioned is shamed and it is as though you are spilling his blood.” Thus, the clear and explicit ruling should be publicized “openly to all,” (without anyone arguing that he was not asked, or who knows whether he would have been directed to do so [if he had asked] etc.), to stand at the ready with arms, and not to permit whatsoever, that “the land shall be opened before them.” For this is a clear ruling concerning the laws of saving a life, even outside of Israel (that it shall have no connection to (being contrary to) “give them no consideration” etc!)
When the conduct is such, there is no need for war, for when [the approach is that if] “one comes forth to kill you, [you will] rise up to kill him,” a fear and awe befalls the opposing side, and specifically in this manner can true peace be achieved. And “if there is peace here, then everything [positive] is here.”Even if the number of those objecting is small, it will nevertheless have an effect
Ultimately, even if those crying out are small in number, or even if they are individuals, they should nevertheless raise their objection and it will help matters.There should be an outcry until the matter will be perceived as it truly is!
[One may say concerning an argument:] I will not argue with anyone concerning the meaning of a verse or a Rashi (commentary on the Torah), as it is not a matter of life and death. Even if one will be stubborn, and although spoken to [concerning the issue] from morning until night, he will remain with his view, not listening to any intellectual reasoning,
Nevertheless, when it concerns a matter of saving a life, truly a life and death issue, one must continue crying out until the matter will be perceived as it truly is.
(From a talk on the thirteenth of Tishrei 5740 � October 4 1979)The objection may even be verbal, and from afar
�There is no need to explain how important the matter is for the Jewish people; and therefore, even one who cannot effect with action, should at least object verbally. Furthermore, even if he is far, the Mishna rules that an objection helps to annul something that has the force of a Chazakah (a right of claim). And since the objection will eventually reach where it must, and will have its effect, it will suffice if one objects as much as he is required.
(From a talk on Saturday night of Shabbath Va�yeitzei, the ninth of Kislev 5740 � November 29 1979)There can be no argument that these matters are a waste of time, for they did not have any effect, and it is preferable to spend time in the study of Torah
The Torah commands every Jew “you must admonish your neighbor,” and there is no difference whether the admonishment will be successful and have its effect. This depends upon the Al-mighty, but the Jew from his part must fulfill the [commandment of] admonishing (and may not argue that these issues are a waste of time, for they did not have their effect, and it is preferable to spend one�s time in the study of Torah and the fear of G-d)�
[And to emphasize once more: According to their opinion, that because of “saving a life” we must forgo the territories � then we must also forgo the old city of Jerusalem, the western wall, the Temple Mount and everything else there. There is no reason to differentiate between them!]
(From a talk on Shabbath Bamidbar 5739 � May 26 1979)
A response from the Rebbe concerning this matter, directing that it shall be publicized in the name of Chabad
In 5753 (1993), when the talks concerning giving away land began to take center stage, and people were frightened to ride the buses because of the “peace” extremism that was raging in the streets, Chabad rabbis and leaders of the community wrote to the Rebbe, asking whether to take steps concerning:
A) Publicizing clarification about the issue.
B) Arranging public rallies.
C) Pressuring the government.
The response on the twenty-fifth of Adar 5753 (March 18 1993) was:
A) Tze�irei Agudas Chabad and the Chabad houses should be involved in this.
B) This shall be worked on openly in the name of Chabad.
C) With blessing.