I was made aware that the advertisement I placed, titled “Haschasas H’Olam,” on page 81 in last week’s edition was found to be offensive by some.
The intent of the ad was directed to those who spent Friday, October 6 (Hoshana Rabba) in synagogue for what is the culmination of our prayers for a peaceful new year. Yet, less than 24 hours later, over 1,000 Israeli civilians were slaughtered by the Bnei Yishmael.
Our rabbis teach us that when calamity befalls the Jewish community, it is incumbent upon each individual to undergo a cheshbon hanefesh. The process involves understanding that our society is not far from Sodom and its ilk.
Our halachic goal is kiddush Hashem and not, Heaven forbid, chillul Hashem. Unity is only possible through Torah values and each person must find their own way to sanctify His name.
