Bringing a Million Jews to Torah

Rabbi Amnon Yitzchak recently said, “If a million Jews each resolve to bring at least one of Hashem’s children back to Torah within the next year, we will be redeemed!” The response from the crowd was wild cheering. This took place at a “Let’s All Get Together” event held at the Nassau Coliseum.

True to its name, the gathering attracted close to 10,000 Jewish men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds—from Sephardic to Ashkenazi, Hasidic, Mizrahi, newly-observant and not-yet-observant. For some, the evening would be a first time experience; others had been drawn by Rabbi Yitzchak’s reputation for revealing truths and debunking myths about Torah Judaism—and doing so with inimitable style and wit.

Inspiration flowed, not only from the speaker’s words, but from the moving musical interludes that featured a number of meaningful songs composed by Rabbi Yitzchak himself, and beautifully performed by Israeli singer Erev Yechiel. The audience was also treated to stirring musical renditions by Reb Abish Brodt and Hamizamrim.

But it was Rav Amnon’s message of hope and redemption that would have the most profound effect on his listeners.

He also exhorted the assemblage to pay attention to the dramatic events unfolding in the world and in particular, to the poisonous ravings of the “lunatic” in Iran.

As we learn from our forefather Abraham, a Jew’s purpose is to make the Name of Hakodosh Boruch Hu known in the world. By reaching out to our not-yet-frum brothers and sisters and showing them the path back to their Father, we can then change the path of humanity.

In the past 30 years, Rav Amnon pointed out, he has had a positive spiritual impact on more than a million Israelis. Here in America the numbers are far less impressive. The reason? In this country, he lamented, too much energy is being expended on amassing money and too little on outreach to unaffiliated Jews.

Many Jews in America have been lulled into thinking that they are living the best possible life.

“We must improve ourselves by learning more Torah, giving more tzedaka, and doing more hesed. And we must resolve to bring Hashem’s estranged children back home to Him.”

Kiruv is not always easy, Rabbi Yitzchak conceded, and the possibility of being rebuffed often deters people from reaching out to secular Jews.

Shofar, the kiruv organization Rabbi Yitzchak established close to three decades ago, offers tapes, videos and lectures that are downloadable on computers. They can help make secular Jews receptive to learning about their heritage.

“Are you ready to help?” He asked the crowd. “Raise your hand if you are ready! Raise both hands!”

Thousands of arms waving in the air, thousands of voices raised in unison, confirmed that the assemblage was indeed ready to accept the challenge: to create one million baalei teshuva this year—and change the world.

“This was a euphoric experience,” said one participant as the crowd filed out of the stadium. “Coming together with thousands of Jews who want to get closer to Hashem and bring others closer to Him—I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening. Surely, Hashem will send Klal Yisroel blessings in the coming year.”