Ultimate Jewish Continuity - Toldot 5787

I had a deeply emotional experience at the “Kinus” - the Annual Shluchim Convention - this Sunday.  I felt like I witnessed the power, tenacity and eternity of the Jewish people in a 14 year old boy.  We spent four days with around 6,000 Rabbis learning, schmoozing, encouraging and inspiring one another.  There were workshops on every aspect of the unique, challenging yet rewarding work of Shlichus, meals together, Shabbat Farbrengens and much more.

Then, at the Gala Banquet that caps the four day conference on Sunday afternoon, a young 14 year old boy got up to speak.  He is the son of the murdered Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was cut down in the prime of life by vicious terrorists in Bondi Australia at a Menorah lighting.  Here stood a boy who witnessed his father being shot.  Nobody would blame him for being bitter or giving up, for being disillusioned about the outreach work his family sacrificed for.  It was the opposite, and it was one of the most powerful speeches I have ever heard.

Seasoned Rabbis who have heard and seen everything were wiping their eyes.  This young man spoke in a strong, confident voice, clearly enunciating every word.  He drew on the story of Avraham and Yitzchak in this week’s Parsha.  Avraham dug many wells.  The Philistines filled them with earth.  Then Yitzchak redug those same wells.  The Torah emphasizes that Yitzchak named those wells with the same names that his father had given them.  Why, he asked, does the Torah care what names he gave the wells?

His answer is the proclamation of our people throughout the ages.  After the enemies tried to wipe out Avraham’s work, Yitzchak stood up and stated that he would continue his work, the same work with the same names.

When you dig a well, he said, you are not creating water.  The water is already there.  You are just removing the covering so that the water can be revealed.  His father’s work, young Nosson Schlanger said, was to dig wells.  To reveal the Neshama of every Jew.  The enemies tried to fill in his well, but I, said Nosson, will continue this work of digging wells.  

He said that his father had taught him that when they attack us, be more Jewish, act more Jewish and appear more Jewish.  He concluded his incredible speech with the words: “Tatty (Dad) I will keep digging in your name.”  This is how Judaism  has survived all our enemies, and this is our response to attempts to destroy us.

I strongly encourage you to watch the speech here.  Have some tissues handy.