The Divrei Torah in this section have been translated by Rav Reuven Ungar, Director of Alumni Affairs
Communal Man
By: Rav Yechezkel Yakovson
Rosh Yeshivat Sha'alvim
The sages of the Musar Movement stressed the severity of the Day of Judgment; yet they also searched for tactics to emerge victorious from this battle. They presented the following formula: Be a man of the community; Klal Yisrael. Endeavor to aid the people- zikuy harabim. In regards to the individual the liturgy records "who can survive the depth of the judgment?" We are familiar with the trepidation that our pious Torah sages felt in regards to the Day of Judgment. However, the Jewish People as a unit are confident of the outcome of the Judgment. The Tur Shulchan Aruch records that we approach Rosh HaShanah in a well-groomed state, for we are sure that Hashem will judge us favorably. To the extent that a person identifies more with the Jewish People he can be more confident of the results of the Judgment. This principle provides insight in the dual qualities of Rosh HaShanah. On an individual level all people pass before Hashem. Yet, they all are gazed upon in one glance (niskarim biskara achat)- this focuses upon the communal component of each individual. This concept finds special realization in the IDF. Soldiers who devote days and nights for the sake of the Jewish People enjoy a special merit; they sacrifice personal comfort for the sake of the community. Our students in the IDF should not suffice with this. The army experience provides ample opportunities to re-connect our brethren with our Father in Heaven and to sanctify His name. Setting an exemplary personal example can facilitate zikuy harabim on a significant level. A student in yeshiva possesses the opportunity to become a man of the community as well. One whose study intensifies the level of learning in the yeshiva as a whole has transformed himself into a man of the community. He is a foundation of the yeshiva.
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