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Nevertheless, at the very same time, we were promised that we would be as numerous as the stars of heaven and the sands of the earth. For many centuries, the commentators and great Jewish thinkers have proposed ideas as to how to bridge these two seemingly contradictory predictions. Jewish tradition has redefined the idea of the stars of heaven and the sands of the earth in terms of quality and not of quantity, and out of proportion to their numbers.
It certainly is true that for such a small number of people, we have made a lot of noise in the story of human civilization, both as individuals, as a religion, and as a nation. So, in terms of influence and contribution to human society, there is no doubt that we are the stars of heaven and the sands of the earth. But as far as numbers are concerned, we certainly are still the smallest of all people numerically and, tragically, except for Jewish population growth in the state of Israel and amongst the Orthodox community and the exile, the statistics regarding the Jewish birthrate are very depressing and pessimistic. In fact, for most of American Jewry, the Jewish family is not even reproducing itself at a rate of replacement.
There is no doubt that this demographic disaster will, if it continues, have all sorts of consequences on the future of the Jewish community in the Diaspora. The tendencies to marry later in life, have few if any children, and the general negative attitude of much of modern society towards traditional family life, all have combined to take a severe toll on Jewish numbers. In effect, what is happening for the majority of secular and assimilated Jews, and certainly for those in the Reform and Conservative communities, is to ignore the handwriting on the wall and whistle past the graveyard.
If present trends continue, there will undoubtedly be a smaller Jewish community in the United States numerically and that will undoubtedly also have political and social consequences. That community will become increasingly Orthodox and traditional. The Orthodox Jew, contrary to all predictions and expert opinions voiced in the past, is simply not going to disappear. It is part of the promise of eternity that the Lord made in His covenant with us. Not only will the Jewish people remain eternal, but that the presence of Torah life would also always be preserved, no matter the challenges and difficulties that would arise.
It is remarkable that there are Jews in organizations and Federations in American Jewry, even though they may be non-Orthodox and non-observant in their own personal behavior, that recognize that the salvation of Jewish society and Jewish neighborhoods is completely dependent upon the continued growth of Orthodoxy and Orthodox educational and social institutions.
There are many neighborhoods in large cities in the United States that have been completely revitalized by young Orthodox Jewish couples who have moved into those neighborhoods, establish schools there and created a vibrant Jewish life on the streets and in the homes in these areas. These are the outposts of Jewish growth, not only spiritually but numerically as well.
One can never predict the future in a truly accurate or meaningful fashion. That certainly applies to everything that I have written above. There are many unforeseen forces and factors that lurk in general society that will certainly influence the growth and resilience of Jewish society as well. Nevertheless, I look back in amazement at the growth of Orthodox Jewry in my lifetime, once again, not only in terms of influence and intensity of Jewish life, but merely in terms of numbers and population.
The Jewish world was decimated by the events of the 20th century – by Germany, the Soviet Union, intermarriage and assimilation, etc. – to an extent that many despaired of any future for Jewish society at large, let alone for its growth and strengthening. One of the basic tenets of Jewish life is never to despair over the future, once again, not only individually but even nationally. Because of this, all steps should be taken again to continue to revitalize Jewish communities and Jewish life, so that we will truly be like the stars of heaven and the sands of the earth.
Shabbat shalom
Berel Wein
Ein Aya Why Donate a Kiddush?! Life of Greatness With Israel or Life of Smallness Alone
Ein Aya, Shabbat 2, 283
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
