From the Anash.org Inbox: As we look for actions to help the Yidden in Eretz Yisroel, we should turn to the Rebbe’s words for a sure way to help our soldiers succeed in battle.
By Bracha T.
During this challenging time for Yidden in Eretz Yisroel, we are all looking for ways to help them. While there are many positive actions that one could do in the zechus of Eretz Yisroel, as chassidim we should turn to the Rebbe’s words for guidance in this matter.
At the 15th Chabad Women’s Convention in 5730 (1970), the Rebbe spoke to the women about what they could do for the security and safety of Eretz Yisroel. The Rebbe specifically highlighted tznius as a prime protector for Yidden everywhere. Quoting the possuk, the Rebbe said that tznius will bring Hashem to be with the army and will cause our enemies to fall.
This sicha from 25 Iyar, 5730 (1970), is printed in Likutei Sichos 8 page 226, and the translation is brought here from Bas Melech Pnima – The Rebbe on Modesty with permission:
“Jews, though they are scattered across the world, remain one nation. For this reason, every Jew feels a connection and unity with every other Jew wherever he may be.
“Surely this is even more so with regard to the Jews of Eretz HaKodesh. They in particular need a bracha and protection from Hashem to free them from the situation in which they currently find themselves. May Jews ‘live securely in the land,’ in Eretz Yisroel and also worldwide, so that even when they sleep they will have no need to protect themselves, since they are sure that ‘no one shall make them afraid,’ much less harm them. Hashem, Who never sleeps, will guard His people, and He tells them to sleep at ease since He is guarding them.
“This protection requires the observance of modesty. As the possuk says, ‘For Hashem, your G-d, walks in the midst of your camp,’ and He should ‘not see any immodest thing among you.’ When He sees that among the Jewish people, wherever they are, there is nothing that is contrary to modesty, He walks among them, ‘to save you and to place your enemies before you.’
“His people then need not do anything themselves, since Hashem saves them, and with His own strength subjects ‘your enemies before you,’ so that they all become lost, and fall before the Jews. In fact, the enemies will act peacefully, as it is written, ‘I shall grant peace in the land.’ They will reverse their direction, and will plead to live peacefully with the Jews.”
I was thinking about tznius being a protection! I challenge my fellow Yiddenas to throw one thing out of the closet that isn’t tznius/isn’t tznius anymore. We can all do this together!!
Please take this message to heart. Just a few extra inches of fabric can literally save the lives of your Jewish brother sister, Uncle, son, friend, in Israel, on the front lines or sleeping in her crib at home.
Please cover your knees and elbows, at least for the duration of the war. Please.