Rav Aharon Leib addresses Lakewood via live satellite hookup at Acheinu’s Lakewood asifa at the Bais Faiga Hall, 2010.
Morai v’robasi, in our times, the most important thing is zikui harabim. The Chovos Halevavos says that a person can work on himself and reach such heights to the extent that he can attain the spiritual level of a malach, an angel. Still, this [exalted level] does not reach the lofty level that one can attain through zikui harabim.
There have never been as many baalei teshuva as there are today, in our times. What happened? What has changed? I think the answer is because Mashiach is almost here. Once Mashiach comes there will be no more opportunity for us to bring them back. The message to us is that before Mashiach comes we must chap arein, seize the opportunity. We can still save them. Afterward it will be too late!
This is why Hashem has created a special desire among not-yet-frum people [to come closer to Hashem]. He has made it easier to become a baal teshuva today. Once upon a time it was extremely hard. To make a baal teshuva was akin to a kriyas yam suf—the splitting of the sea. Today the neshamos come closer much more easily, much quicker. Otherwise, chas v’chalila, these neshamos will be finished, they will be lost.
Therefore, now is the time to chap arein. Baruch Hashem there are Yidden who are involved in [kiruv]. There are those who have made this their area of expertise, their life’s mission. Baruch Hashem, because of them, we merit to hear every day about more and more Yidden coming back from the worst of places. All they need is a small push [and they return].
It does not happen, however, on its own. We have to do something too! We cannot think it will happen completely on its own.
All of the other tactics in kiruv do not help. The ikar, the main thing, is Torah. Only with Torah, through learning Torah [with them] can we be mekarev. With Torah we are mekarev Yidden to the Ribbono Shel Olam so that they will not remain lost forever.
May Hashem help that we will be able to be mekarev, bring close, as many Yidden as we can to Hashem and may we be zoche that they do not chalila become lost forever.
