From the day you arrived in Brooklyn, your world has been confused
and troubled. Nothing seems right to you. Finally, you ask for an
audience with the Rebbe, and you try to explain your problem. My
child,
this holy man responds, you are trying to do too much. What
Hashem wants from you is a simple life. Marry, raise a large family,
study the holy books. That will be enough.
You follow the Rebbe's advice, and it appears to work. Your mind is now at ease, and all your troubles appear to be in the past.
All your troubles – except your relationship with another group
of Chasidim who live nearby in Williamsburg. These Chasidim are
opposed to the creation of the State of Israel. Only the Messiah may
reestablish Zion,
they claim. The Zionists are taking over what the
Messiah alone can do. It is a sin, and it is doomed to failure.
You and the other people of the Mir Yeshivah respond angrily.
Maybe God wants us to act now,
you scream out. Besides, we
have family at the Yeshivah in Jerusalem. Without Israel, they would
be slaughtered by the Arabs. Israel must live.
But you cannot
convince your opponents, and the two groups continue to live with
bitter antagonism.
Despite the problems which still exist, following the Rebbe's advice has been a good decision. Your life is stable and productive. With your spouse and six children, you live out your life as a secure member of a fine Jewish community.
END