Parashas Beshallach: Maran HaGaon Rav Moshe Sternbuch shlita, Gaavad of Yerushalayim.

Based on droshos by Maran HaGaon Rav Moshe Sternbuch shlita, Gaavad of Yerushalayim. 

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Prevailing over our enemies 

“It came to pass that when Moshe would raise his hand, the Jews would prevail, and when he would put down his hand, Amolek would prevail” (17:11) 

Rav Zalman Sender Kahana Shapira noted that it does not say, “when he would lower his hand (yashpil)”, but rather “when he would put down his hand (yaniach)”, indicating that not only when Moshe lowered his hand completely was Amolek able to prevail, but even when he let go a little and did not hold his hands up with all his force, was it considered as if he had dropped his hands completely, and Amolek automatically prevailed.

It says “ka’asher yarim Moshe” (literally: “when Moshe will raise” in the future tense), and therefore this possuk serves as a lesson for all future generations that we have to remain completely strong in our Torah learning in order to weaken the power of our enemies, because the Torah is a weapon which saves us in each generation, and if we attenuate our learning in any way, we will be unable to resist the Gentiles persecuting us. 

Bnei Torah, and especially Yeshiva bachurim and avreichim, are the real protectors of the residents of Eretz Yisroel. Instead of feeling inferior or guilty for not serving in the army, they should feel proud to be bnei Torah and a sense of responsibility to act in a way befitting a ben Torah. Those learning Torah to their utmost should feel confident that they are protecting the nation — both soldiers and civilians. In fact, by virtue of Torah study, they are ensuring that the entire Jewish population - a sheep among seventy wolves - can remain alive.

Bachurim and avreichim should take a positive pride in their Torah learning and to rejoice in the fact that Hashem takes pleasure in their dedication to Torah, which provides “fuel” for the upper worlds, and in the realization that in the merit of Torah studied with sanctity below, the Almighty showers us all with an abundance of mercy.

Through our Torah learning we are protecting the entire Jewish population and preventing many misfortunes and wars. This knowledge will surely make us feel an enormous sense of responsibility to utilize every moment of the day for Torah and chesed. Torah learning itself is an immense form of chesed, since it protects and saves the lives of our coreligionists.