Parshiot Acharei Mot/Kedoshim
12 Iyar 5761
May 5, 2001
Daf Yomi: Gittin 87


Guest Rabbi:
Rabbi Ephraim Zaltzman
Young Israel of Brighton Beach, NY

Parshat Kedoshim, like every parsha, is most interesting. Starting with "Kedoshim tihiyu"- you shall be holy - there are 51 mitzvot in this parsha.

The Torah (VaYikra 19:16) tells us: "Lo taamod al dam re'echa Ani HaShem" - Do not stand (aside) upon your friend's blood (as it is being shed), I am your L-rd." Rashi explains that, if you see your friend about to die and you can save him - for instance if he is drowning, or being attacked by animals or bandits - you must do so.

The Rambam in Hilchot Rotzeach V'Shmirat Nefesh 1:14 codifies the obligation as a halacha. The Shulchan Aruch (Chosen Mishpat 426:1) says "one who sees his friend drowning in the sea, or that robbers are attacking him, or a wild animal is coming upon him and (the observer) has the ability to save him - either by himself or he can hire others to save the friend -and does not save him, or one hears that individuals are plotting to do evil... and did not reveal this... or he could have intervened... and did not do so, transgresses the obligation "Lo taamod al dam re'echa."

This obligation is even more far reaching. The Maharashdam in his responsa (Yoreh Deah 204) writes: "If to save the blood of one's friend, one must toil with all his physical and financial resources, how much more so one is obligated to do all that he can to save his friend's neshama (Jewish soul).

The Minchat Chinuch (Mitzva 239, Siman 4) and the Shala in his commentary on this parsha, both explain that one has an obligation to save another Jew from spiritual danger, just as there is an obligation to save him from physical danger.

The above mentioned sources talk so urgently to all of us. There was never a time in Jewish history when such a big bulk of our brothers and sisters were not practicing Judaism. There are millions of Jewish children, today in America, that receive no Jewish education at all. What percentage of these children will have Jewish spouses? I'm afraid not many, G-d forbid. I hope and pray that I am wrong.

In 1946 there were about 14 million Jews. In 2001, 55 years later, it's statistically about the same. What's going on? Assimilation is sky-rocketing.

The Torah demands all of us "lo taamod al dam re'echa" - Do not stand aside upon your friend's blood. Rashi explains, "Do not stand aside to witness his death if you can save him." How can we look the other way when our friend's life is in danger and we can save him. With ahavat Yisrael and patience, it has been proven that very much can be accomplished to not lose a Jewish soul. It might be an invitation to an inspiring Shabbat table, or a weekly or monthly shiur that can ignite the pintele Yid (Jewish spark) into a flame of avodat HaShem (serving G-d).

98% of these Jews can not be blamed at all for their situation. They are the victims of the assimilation of their parents and grandparents. Thus, we have to reach out to them to put out the fire of assimilation.

(Partly adapted from a talk of the Lubavitcher Rebbe zt"l on Shabbat Parshat Kedoshim 1986).

Those who remember the "Kiruv" phenomenon that started about 60 years ago by a small group, remember that it met with a lot of criticism. Today, thank G-d, there are many organizations that do great work. We don't have to go too far."The Young Israel movement, founded in 1912, was originally created to combat the wave of assimilation by providing a palatable synagogue experience that was user-friendly to new generations growing up in America." (From the leaflet "Benefits and Requirements of Young Israel Synagogue Affiliation). However, we have to understand that it is each of us that must act in this vital matter, not just the organizations. In this z'chut, may we merit our true and final redemption through Mashiach very soon, when "no Jew will be left behind."