Uman: In Harm's Way

Now that Russia has publicly offered warning to the Jews who wish to visit Uman for the annual Rosh HaShanah pilgrimage, this ought to be stated: 

One does not put themselves into jeopardy for no good reason, even while claiming religious reasons. This extra caution isn't just an ideal platitude, it is a religious law. An act of religious faith, fulfilling the Torah command to guard one's wellbeing, and also to not risk burdening the community as well to attempt a rescue or provide medical care where it could have been avoided. 

If there is a risk to life, even the laws of the Sabbath are pushed aside. So how come someone who has a strong enough yearning is suddenly allowed to risk themselves? The test of faith here, is in one's self restraint (hiskafia). 

Therefore claiming one must go for reasons of faith into danger, may be OK for a prophet or firefighter, but not the average person.

As the Talmud says, "A person should never stand in a place of danger saying that God will perform a miracle for them, lest God does not perform a miracle for them" (Shabbos 32a)

For those are still planning to go, regardless. For whom said pilgrimage is as a vital part of their annual rituals, they should consult with the highest sage that they know, before considering doing so in this precarious situation of active war in that region.

One person described it as, “It is like being in love, I simply have to go.”
But in love with what? How does one love God in a way He does not want to be loved and calls that being devout? The way to love God, is to heed Him. We love God because He has asked us to. That is how we must worship Him, not merely what we choose to love.

The love should have been for the Torah. King Solomon wrote, "Do not forsake her (the Torah), and she will preserve you; love her and she will guard you. (Proverbs 4:6) and "He who acquires sense loves his soul; he who guards understanding will eventually find good." (Prov. 19:8)

Another person said, “This is a place we can’t give up on. Coronavirus or no, war or no — there’s not even a thought not to come,” 
Not even a thought... Well, that much seems obvious.

The reaction for the rest of us?

If you know someone about to go, stop them. If you know someone who went, tell them to hurry home.

Whereas one who does not make any sacrifices for their faith should learn to be more zealous. Once these well intentioned zealots are safe, we can attempt to learn something good from their zeal. But not while they are in self inflicted jeopardy.

But rather than insulting them, let's pray for them. Pray for peace. Pray that those who are confused do not fall victim to their own foolishness. Pray that Divine wisdom is learned and absorbed by everyone, as is prophesied, "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the water covers the seabed." (Habbakuk 2:14)

May it soon be so, by the grace of God.

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Rebbe Nachman said, "Never insist that everything go exactly your way. Even in spiritual matters."

From the book: "The Empty Chair: Finding Hope and Joy"

Moshe Mykoff,

Jewish Lights Publishing

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Peace Upon All Israel.