Adar I 5768
Kol Hadar Bechutza La'aretz...
Rabbi Yoel Klein
It says in the Gemara (Kesubos 110b) "He who lives in Eretz Yisrael is like
one who has a G-d, and he who lives in chutz la'aretz is like one who has no
G-d. The Ba'al Shem Tov paints this Gemara in a beautiful, positive light.
He says there are people walking in Eretz Yisroel whose heart and mind are far
from holiness. These people are only like those who have a G-d. But really,
they're far away from him. Then there are those who are walking in chutz la'aretz
whose whole heart and mind are pining toward Hashem. They might seem to be very
far away from Hashem, but really they're very close.
The Chasam Sofer asks, we know that if a person makes a bracha on food, for example,
and he then gets distracted for a certain amount of time, he's required to make a new
bracha before eating. Why then is the bracha we make in the morning over the Torah
good for the rest of the day, when there might be times in between not spent on learning?
He answers that every action that a yid does throughout the day is guided by the halachos
of the Torah, therefore, his mind is never disconnected from the Torah at all.
Reb Nachman M'Breslov takes this a step further. He says every Jew has to be an expert in Halacha,
in the simple sense of knowing what to do. But also in the deeper sense of going- 'Holeich' with Hashem.
To have this constant living relationship with Hashem means during the times we feel closed off
and far away we have to strengthn ourselves that there is still hope. Hashem is right here with
us guiding our lives for the better. Equally as important is during the times when the good is
flowing and we feel so close to Hashem, we should internalize and rejoice with what we have
been zocheh to, but not become complacent. Rather, we have to say to Hashem, "This is great.
But there is even higher closeness that I yearn for."
Reb Shlomo Carlebach says sometimes we find ourselves in far-flung places, and we don't know
why we're there. Surely there is a deep purpose for us there. Maybe it's to make one bracha, or give
one person a smile. But he says, you should always take a souvenir from wherever you are.
A spiritual souvenir. Hashem is teaching you something. Going in the ways of Hashem's Torah
means that everywhere you are is a chance to come closer to Hashem. Rabbi Jonathan Rietti applies
this to dating. Instead of looking at dating as a long, dark process that will eventually lead to
a beautiful new beginning, approach each date with an attitude of, "What can I learn from this that
will bring me closer to Hashem?"
May we all be zoche to go in the ways of Hashem's Torah, and fill the world with its light.
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