BS’D
Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai ztk’l teaches, “It is more difficult to contend with the bad culture (influence) inside one’s home than the war of Gog u’Magog.” The Chofetz Chaim ztk’l explains the comparison of the two – we will be fighting for our emuna at the end of days within and outside our homes.
Our battleground has moved into our homes in addition to the enemies outside. We combat the outer influences that permeate our homes and seep into our walls; it has swept so many of our children away, r’l. On one hand we must hold Hashem’s honor above it all, yet what to do with my child… my spouse? We are confronting a war with our own families.
Rebbe Chaim m’Santz ztk’l expounds: Parenting our children during these times is compared to Akeidat Yitzchok. On one hand we’re committed to kavod Shamayim; bestowing honor to Hashem by performing an Akeidat Yitzchok. On the other hand, “I don’t want to lose my son.” The not-so-simple nor one-sided answer is to strive to ‘win’ our son back with a great deal of love, empathy and understanding. These are great battles they are fighting and they need tremendous help in fighting the tumah of this world.
Their nefesh is enslaved by worldly temptations. Particularly if this occurs to a young teenage child we should understand they are not following their da’at, but are enveloped in physical enticement. Essentially what we understand from this is, they did not ‘choose’ to weaken their connection with Torah but it is a tikkun (spiritual rectification) their soul needs to go through. Criticizing and putting them down will not help. Love and acceptance will. We should strive to explain to them that we are in this battle; some on the front line and some in the camp… but every moment towards kedusha is beloved and treasured by Hashem.
This does not suggest there is nothing that can be done; Torah, mitzvot and good deeds always brings merits and sweetens the difficulty. Yet emuna is the most powerful weapon to use during these times. We so desperately wish to fill our homes with Torah and kedusha nonetheless all is somehow, someway a part of Hashem’s plan to lead us to geula. Accepting the hardship while knowing Hashem is with us and helping us through it is an important defense tactic to get us through the most challenging times.
May the zechut of Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai ztk’l guide, comfort and elevate our lives to the ultimate tikkun of our neshamot, b’rachamim, Amen.
