Challenge of the Times
Over the past two centuries, particularly in America in the past 50 years, Jews were faced with a new challenge: assimilation. Gone are Pharaoh, Haman and Hitler. In their place is emancipation and freedom. Rather than cowering from the stick, now we are enticed by the carrot.
Our rise from the ashes has indeed been astounding, unprecedented in the history of the world. A small core of dedicated and sincere Jews became the seed of a new beginning.
Gedolim and leading layman fought valiantly to create a comprehensive infrastructure of Torah institutions to educate the next generation. They oversaw the implementation of guidelines for behavior in our newest home in America. They strove to rebuild the sense of a Jewish community, an identity that would protect our distinction as the nation of G-d.
Instead of beguiling the Jews to leave the safety of their homes and blend in to their surroundings, the surroundings are being brought right into our homes! Remain in your own home, in a separate Jewish community. No need to change your clothes to fit in, no need to give up your Shabbos cholent. Keep lighting your menorah.
Keep going about every aspect of your life as a fine Jew. No need to go out and buy a television, only to have to hide it from your neighbors. No video screen, not even a computer!
We have it down to a palm-sized device, right there masquerading as your innocent cell phone. No one will ever know. Just keep it safely in your pocket until everyone is out of sight.
Bam!
Got you!
Of all the many traps facing the Jewish people in its long trek through history, none has come close to this latest ruse. The best has been saved for last. Just as Mashiach finally seems to be perched on the doorstep, the most potent poison of all is released. And the devastation it is leaving in its wake is absolutely horrifying.