Sweetening the Decree of the Holocaust

During the week, we published a special article regarding the words of our teacher, Rabbi Berland shlit"a, on the subject of the Holocaust (Shoah) that he warned about. The Rav shlit"a established a special order of study that protects those who fulfill it from all decrees of annihilation (shmad), Heaven forbid.

The words of our teacher, Rabbi Berland shlit"a, stirred great resonance throughout the world, leading to many inquiries from readers trying to clarify the meaning behind the Rav's harsh words.

After they approached the Rav with a question, the Tzaddik answered and said, "People did not understand my words correctly; the Holocaust is only supposed to be in another 200 years, Heaven forbid, and with Hashem's help, the Rav will sweeten (mitigate) everything and it will all be transformed for the good."

On the same subject, the Rav spoke in a lesson and said, "Rebbe Nachman could have completely annulled the Holocaust. At the entrance to Auschwitz, on the gate it is written—the Gates of Gan Eden (Paradise). Everyone who was burned for the Sanctification of Hashem's Name (Kiddush Hashem) in Auschwitz entered directly into Gan Eden. In another 200 years, the War of Gog and Magog will begin..."

"Whoever lives in Tiberias lives in the navel of the earth. One must also undergo stoning, burning, slaying, and strangulation (the four types of court-imposed capital punishment)." Thus far are the words of Rabbi Berland in the lesson.

As is known, many times the words of the Rav shlit"a have been published regarding decrees that, Heaven forbid, are looming over the world. The Tzaddik sees things at their root and, thank Hashem, even before they manifest, the Rav takes upon himself more humiliations (bizyonos) and sweetens them. In one of the recent lessons of Rabbi Meir Shlomo zt"l, he spoke about the suffering the Rav endures for the sake of the People of Israel and the world—through this, he sweetens the decrees.

Photos from a home gathering (chug bayit) held by Rabbi Berland shlit"a for the merit of the public

Photography: 'Acharei HaTzaddik Online'