As we enter the month of Mar-Cheshvan, in which there are no holidays, or even fast days, we can more easily endeavor to incrementally internalize one potent lesson from Shmini Atzeres, namely that when the relationship with HaShem is close enough, nothing else is truly needed.
Rav Dovid Soloveichik ZY"A explains (in Droshos) the Gemara about R' Chanina needing only a kav measure of carobs every week, as follows: it's not that he lacked in material needs, but rather that his relationship with HaShem was so close that he needed nothing else.
Of course, such a relationship is not at all easy to attain. Perhaps small exercises in selflessness may help us gradually approach such a lofty goal, freeing us from some of our material dependencies, measure for measure. In these trying times, we're often called on the rise above our habitual approach to life, and do things beyond of our comfort threshold.
As we enter the new year, after having pleaded with HaShem to forgive us and grant us all of our needs, and beyond that, "LeMa'anchah," "For Your Sake," perhaps it would behoove us to more often place Kovod Shomayim ahead of our own personal desires, in a manner meaningful for those who need our help the most.
Although this suggestion could apply to many issues, I'll take the liberty to apply it to one burning issue I've been personally involved with, as a She'luchah D'Rabbanan, for years.
As the end of the secular year approaches, the danger that NY Gov. Kathy Hochul may allow "Assisted Suicide" (A136/ S138) to pass into law grows every week. This bill would allow doctors to actively help poison any patient they deem "terminally ill," and that "witnesses" claim expressed the will to die. As terrible as that shefichus domim bill is on its' face - do we realize how much more catastrophic it will be in actual practice? Thousands will be killed - including many who never wanted to die, if not vetoed, R"L. Both the poor and wealthy are at elevated risk.
The NY voters who can most influence the Governor to veto this bill are those from Democratic-voting communities, including both large Satmar factions, New-Square, and democratic-leaning sectors of the Modern Orthodox community.
Do not rely on the public opposition of various Orthodox organizations, such as the Queens Board of Rabbis and the OU - or on any other communal leadership - alone. It's not been sufficient; the grass-roots must heed the call of leading Rabbonim and get directly involved. We must make it unmistakably clear that stopping state-mandated murder matters to us far more than government funding.
Also consider who you know who had influence, social media access, or can help in other ways. For more information, and to partner in this holy work, please email TorahJewsForDecency@gmail.com.
The first day of Rosh Chodesh falls out on the day corresponding to Reviyi in Parshas Noach, containing the universal prohibition of murder, as well as the prohibition of suicide. Perhaps we should take that as a message to us, here in the largest Orthodox community in the Diaspora. By taking a simple stand against institutionalized murder, may we merit to avoid the tragic deaths unrelentingly plaguing our communities.
Thank you and Good Chodesh,
Rabbi Noson Shmuel Leiter,
Executive Director,
Help Rescue Our Children
Monsey, NY
771-215-8892
