Rav Berland: Writing a Sefer Torah to Avert Calamity and Bring Complete

In a deeply moving and spiritually charged event, the revered Gaon and Tzaddik, Rav Eliezer Berland shlit"a, was seen meticulously writing letters in a new Sefer Torah (Torah scroll). This sacred act, performed amidst the ongoing challenges faced by the Jewish people in Israel, served as a powerful teaching on the profound spiritual significance of every letter of the Torah and the unwavering connection to the righteous.

The Power of Each Letter

Rav Berland emphasized that the act of writing a Sefer Torah is of immense spiritual magnitude. "Now is the greatest moment," he declared, explaining that by fulfilling the commandment to "Write for yourselves this song" (Deuteronomy 31:19), a profound spiritual rectification takes place. Each letter written in the Torah is not merely ink on parchment; it is a complete world unto itself. "Every letter written is a full world," Rav Berland taught. "By writing the letters, we are saved from all troubles."

He starkly illustrated this point by stating, "If they had written one Sefer Torah in Uman, there would have been no Holocaust at all!" This highlights the immense, almost unfathomable, power inherent in the Torah's letters to influence and even reshape reality, averting even the most catastrophic events.

Connecting to the Tzaddikim (Righteous Ones)

The Rav stressed the vital importance of connecting to the Tzaddikim, particularly Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. He explained that this spiritual connection is a potent force for salvation. "That we are connected to our Rebbe," Rav Berland stated, "then we cancel the current Holocaust." This refers to the ongoing struggles and conflicts in Israel, which the Rav views through a spiritual lens as a contemporary 'Holocaust' requiring immediate spiritual intervention.

He drew a parallel to the Baal Shem Tov, who was also 'kidnapped' (spiritually or physically, depending on the interpretation of the story) and saved through the power of the holy letters. Similarly, Rav Berland himself has faced immense challenges, and his own salvation is attributed to this same spiritual power. The writing of this Sefer Torah, therefore, is not just a general act of piety, but a targeted spiritual effort for the collective good.

Torah as a Source of New Life and Protection

Rav Berland further elaborated on the spiritual benefits of writing a Sefer Torah:

* New Soul with Four Wings: Referencing Rabbi Elazar ben Shimon, the Rav taught that writing a Sefer Torah brings a new soul with four wings. This signifies a profound spiritual elevation and renewal.
* Complete Torah is a Song: The entire Torah is called a 'Song' (Shira). Just as Moses connected the upper and lower waters through song, the Torah, when written and studied, connects spiritual realms and brings harmony.
* Protection from All Troubles: Every letter in the Torah contains endless secrets and is a source of divine protection. It is not enough to simply own a Sefer Torah; one must actively participate in its writing, even if it's just one letter, to fully harness its power.

Lessons from Biblical Narratives

Rav Berland wove in several biblical narratives to underscore his teachings:

* Joseph the Righteous: Joseph's ability to turn evil intentions into good (Genesis 50:20) serves as a model for the power of the righteous to transform negative situations. His story illustrates that even when faced with immense suffering, a Tzaddik can see the divine plan and bring about a positive outcome.
* Moses and the Burning Bush/Tablets: The image of the bush burning but not being consumed (Exodus 3:2) symbolizes the eternal nature of the Jewish people, who endure through all trials. Moses breaking the first tablets, which were divinely written, and then writing the second tablets himself, highlights the importance of human effort and repentance in receiving the Torah. The letters of the Torah are described as 'fire on fire,' emphasizing their immense spiritual energy.
* Balaam and Balak: The story of Balaam, who was afraid of the 'mixed multitude' (Erev Rav) and their destructive potential, serves as a warning. The Rav explained that this 'mixed multitude' represents forces that seek to destroy the Jewish people and the land of Israel. Moses's struggle against them underscores the need for spiritual vigilance and strength.
* Jacob's Struggle: Jacob wrestling with an angel (Genesis 32:25) symbolizes the spiritual battles that individuals and the Jewish people must wage. Jacob's victory demonstrates that through perseverance and faith, even angelic forces can be overcome.

The Call to Action

Rav Berland passionately connected these ancient teachings to the present reality in Israel, describing the current situation as a 'Holocaust' where children, women, and men are being kidnapped. He emphasized the urgent need for spiritual action:

* Unity and Tefillin: He called for unity among the Jewish people and stressed the importance of putting on Tefillin, even for those who may not regularly do so. This act of spiritual connection is seen as crucial for bringing divine protection.
* Prayer for Soldiers, Captives, and the Murdered: The writing of this Sefer Torah is dedicated to the peace of the soldiers, the release of the captives, and the elevation of the souls of those who have been murdered.
* Repentance and Spiritual Elevation: The Rav urged everyone to engage in repentance (Teshuvah) with Kavanah (intention), emphasizing that every letter of the Torah is a soul, and through this spiritual work, even the most wicked can be brought back to God.

In conclusion, Rav Berland's discourse underscored that the path to salvation and complete redemption lies in strengthening our connection to the Torah, the Tzaddikim, and engaging in fervent prayer and Mitzvot. This Sefer Torah, written with such profound intention, is a beacon of hope for the Jewish people, aiming to bring about a complete and final redemption, speedily in our days. Amen.