10431 —הסיבה העיקרית לגלות וכוח הדוגמה האישית

B"H, 14 Tammuz, 5732.

Brooklyn, NY.

Mr. Netanel HaKohen Basin Johannesburg

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I have just received your letter from June 20th, in which you write some details about yourself, as well as your thoughts regarding the causes of antisemitism and, in general, about the history of the Jewish people and what they have endured. Naturally, one can and should elaborate greatly on this subject.

The main point here, however—as you yourself write—is that the answer is already present in several places in Torah, which is Toras Emes (the Torah of Truth), to such an extent that it has also been incorporated into various prayers—even very briefly in four words: "U'mipnei chata'einu galinu me'artzeinu" (Because of our sins we were exiled from our land). It is also clear and self-evident that this was not said merely to explain a phenomenon and that's all; rather, it is so that we should reflect on this matter and consider what each person can and must do about it.

This also makes it clear that everyone has a mission to accomplish and achieve according to their abilities. What does this mission consist of? It is very simple: Since "mipnei chata'einu galinu me'artzeinu" (because of our sins we were exiled from our land), with all the phenomena connected to exile, it is obvious that the only way to leave exile—and while still in exile, to lessen its undesirable effects—is to remove the cause: "u'mipnei chata'einu" (because of our sins). Only afterwards is there room to consider what else must be done in a natural manner.

There is a well-known parable and example regarding this: When a person jumps into boiling water, it inevitably brings consequences and pain regarding his skin, flesh, bones, etc. Obviously, it is pointless to smear ointment on his skin or give him pills to lower his temperature and so forth—while doing nothing or not doing everything possible to remove him from the boiling water. Only after he is taken out of the boiling water can and should everything possible be done to heal him from the wounds caused by the boiling water. The lesson is clear.

It is also self-evident that my writing to you here is not meant as a philosophical treatment of this topic; rather, the main point concerns practical action.

Since you come from the old country and have seen true Jewish life in a shtetl—and this has left an impression on your memory and outlook (as can be seen from your letter)—the first thing one must see to is that everyone one can reach should become involved in matters of Judaism. This means simply: living according to Torah and fulfilling mitzvos in daily life.

The way to begin acting on this is by showing a living example—demonstrating how good it is—and always striving for even better. A living example is the best form of outreach (propaganda), especially when followed by "devarim hayotzim min halev" (words that come from the heart), which our Sages z"l assure us "nichnasim el halev" (enter into the heart) and are never lost. Experience shows that when this comes from a Jew who is not a rabbi or preacher etc., it has an even greater effect.

May it be G‑d's will that you should be able to report good news regarding all of the above.

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that exile's root cause lies within ourselves; correcting our actions removes its source. By living as an authentic example of Torah observance—especially as laypeople—we inspire others more deeply than words alone ever could.