Bnei B
rak
This Year A Change for the Better!
תה
רב
בפיקוח ע יר
These days, our mourning for the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash mingles with apprehension for the rapidly approaching Days of Judgment. The summer, the heat, and the relaxed atmosphere belie the emotions roiling in every Jew’s heart at this time of year. The past years have not brought the longawaited geulah and the longer we wait, the more strident the symptoms of ikvesa demeshicha grow. The approaching Yamim Nora’im add a different, more serious dimension to our summer vacation. What kind of year awaits us? What type of events does it contain, what secrets does it hold? The word shana (year) shares a root with the word shinnui (change). Every year is different from those preceding it. Are the changes the approaching year holds good ones? Every Jew, wherever he may be, does his best to prepare himself for these all-important questions, but these confusing times leave us feeling helpless and vulnerable. How can we humble souls emerge victorious on Yom Hadin? When the Beis Hamikdash was in existence, we used to bring korbonos to atone for our sins and to bring us closer to our Father in Heaven. The Kohen
ני קופ
ם מר“ח אלול עד יום הכיפורים
יו40
Gadol, with Hashem’s name adorning his forehead and the Shem Hameforash against his heart, would perform the holy avodah on the Yom Kippur and the red string would turn white… But the Beis Hamikdash has been destroyed and the avodah nullified. Only a remnant remains. A dear, precious remnant, one wall on the western side…the Kosel Hama’aravi. The entrance to Sha’arei Shamayim. The 40-day period between Rosh Chodesh Elul and Yom Kippur is an eis ratzon. Forty days during which Am Yisrael pours out its heart in prayer, hoping to merit “Salachti” on Yom Kippur. During these 40 days a talmid chacham will go to the Kosel Hama’aravi, the remnant of our Beis Hamikdash from where the Shechina does not budge, and pour his heart out in prayer – for you! For 40 days, a truly G-d fearing Torah scholar will go to the Kosel Hama’aravi.to mention your name and your special requests. 40 days at the Kosel. 40 days prior to Yom Hadin. 40 days in which to prepare for trial. Can we begin to estimate the power of this wondrous segulah? Each and every one of us can merit it. Does this not brook great hope for us?