The upcoming Atzeres Tefillah in Eretz Yisrael has the potential to be a tremendous Kiddush Hashem — a gathering that proclaims to the world the supreme value of limud haTorah, the source of our life and the essence of our existence.(see Rabbeinu Yonah Shaarei Teshuvah 3:148)

But it is delicate. We must remember the message of our gedolim who have called for this gathering: that it be conducted b’darchei noam, with peace, dignity, and compliance with all authorities’ instructions.

Only when Torah and kedushah are accompanied by midos tovos, kavod habriyos, and derech eretz, can such an event truly be a Kiddush Hashem that inspires Klal Yisrael and elevates the world. This is always the only formula for Kiddush Hashem.

The Mesillas Yesharim (perek 11) says this powerfully:

במסילת ישרים (פי”א) כתב: “כי כפי רבות חשיבותו וחכמתו, כן ראוי שירבה זהירותו בדברי העבודה ודקדוקו בה, ואם איננו עושה כן הרי שם שמים מתחלל בו חס וחלילה. כי כבוד התורה הוא שמי שמרבה הלימוד בה ירבה כמו כן ביושר ובתיקון המדות. וכל מה שיחסר מזה למי שמרבה בלימוד גורם ביזיון ללימוד עצמו, וזה חס וחלילה חילול לשמו יתברך, שנתן לנו את תורתו הקדושה וצונו לעסוק בה להשיג על ידה שלמותנו”.

Our gedolim, past and present, have made it clear: any expression of pain or protest must be done with kavod, dignity, and menschlichkeit. We never sacrifice our tzurah as bnei Torah. Only peaceful and organized gatherings under the direction of daas Torah are appropriate.

Therefore, we must praise and promote demonstrations marked by shalom and kavod, and reject behavior that causes sinah and Chillul Hashem. Name-calling, spitting, or other disruptive behaviors harm the dignity of lomdei Torah and obscure the true message of Torah — which is one of rachamim and kavod.

Equally painful is the rhetoric that compares the imprisoned bachurim’s situation to that of the hostages in Gaza— comparisons that are deeply insensitive to others.

The Chillul Hashem that results from inappropriate conduct is not limited to the secular world; many sincere bnei Torah feel heartbroken and disillusioned when seeing such scenes. Can we ever compromise the midos of Hashem or the dignity of a ben Torah?

Our message must always be one of love, sensitivity, and compassion for all of Klal Yisrael — conveying that Torah is the greatest source of protection, closeness, and blessing. “We are here for you, we care for you, and we daven and learn for your good.”

(See the Netziv Haamek Davar, introduction to Bereishis and the Keren Orah on Tanis 20a)

Let us do whatever is in our hands to ensure that this Atzeres Tefillah uplift the kavod of Torah, unite Klal Yisrael, and bring nachas ruach to the Ribbono Shel Olam.

Rabbi Shraga Freedman

Email [email protected] for a free file of Sefer Mekadshei Shemecha with a pesicha from Rav Matisyahu Salomon zt”l, who writes:

“כל כך נחוץ שכל אחד יתחזק בקידוש השם ובזהירות מחילול השם, והיא ממש חובת השעה”