Dear Parents,
The dramatic growth of our South Florida Torah community in the past several years has brought many wonderful new families into our neighborhoods and especially into the Yeshiva. We are now a large institution and we are KE’H many people! Being part of a large group has pluses and minuses, but being part of a large group that learns Torah is a magnificent thing!
…Hashem tells the Jewish People that when they do His will, there will peace without fear… In a dramatic promise, Hashem tells the Jewish People that when they do His will, there will peace without fear, and five (Jews) will pursue one hundred (of the enemy), and one hundred (Jews) will pursue ten thousand (of the enemy) (Vayikra 26:8).
Rashi questions the mathematical proportions mentioned here. If 5 successfully pursue 100, then 100 should successfully pursue 2,000 (keeping the 1:20 ratio). If 100 pursue 10,000, that changes the ratio to 1:100! If so, the converse should also follow – that one (Jew) should successfully pursue one hundred (of the enemy). Why aren’t the ratios the same?
There is no comparison between a small group that fulfills the words of the Torah and a large group that fulfills the words of the Torah. Rashi gives a stirring answer: There is no comparison between a small group that fulfills the words of the Torah and a large group that fulfills the words of the Torah. A larger group of Jews, united in their service of Hashem, has more power per person, simply because they’re part of a larger group. That means if a person learns in a small Yeshiva, his learning generates a certain level of strength, but if that same degree of learning takes place in a large Yeshiva there is more force emanating from his learning.
We are poised on the cusp of a dramatic step forward in our status as a large Yeshiva, one that promises to greatly enhance, empower and energize our children’s learning. We are breaking ground this coming Monday morning in preparation for the construction of a massive citadel of Torah learning for our children. This is a great Simcha for all of South Florida as it is a clear sign that we are moving to a new level in our community’s growth and maturity.
…it is a clear sign that we are moving to a new level in our community’s growth and maturity. All of our parents and friends, supporters of Torah who wish to encourage our children, are urged to participate in the event. When children see that their parents appreciate and value participating as a part of the larger community, they will strengthen their own understanding of the benefit of being a part of a large group of Torah Jews. By observing how their parents value every step in their child’s development into a proud member of the Torah world, the children will find more strength to redouble their efforts in learning, in working on their midos and in serving Hashem.
I hope to greet you personally on Monday as we celebrate the coming of age of the South Florida Torah community and witness the pride and joy that will emanate from our children as they march towards a bright and meaningful future.
Best wishes for an uplifting Shabbos,
Rabbi Kalman Baumann
