Chukas 5779 - Maintaining Our Standards

This week’s Parsha contains the passing of both Miriam Haneviah and Aharon Hakohein, which was the beginning of the end of the B’nei Yisrael’s sojourn in the desert. Our forefathers watched as Elazar Hakohein was anointed to replace his father, and began to see the end of one era and the beginning of another. To some extent life in Kollel is like the life that the B’nei Yisrael had in the desert. There is a protective wall surrounding those who spend the majority of their day in the Beis Medrash; protecting them from the world outside. The main occupation is learning Torah. And, for some, food, water, and clothing are provided. And then at some point it comes to an end.

When descending from the life in the clouds one must ensure that they are ready for what awaits them. It is important to recognize that there will be a different playing field in which to thrive. Likewise it is important, especially while one is still in the כותלי בית המדרש , to create goals to attain and standards to maintain. At our event this past Adar II Rabbi Zecharya Greenwald שליט”א, Menahel of Meohr Bais Yaakov Seminary, discussed how to plan for the future. Watch or listen above to hear an excerpt from what he had to say.