את הציפור החיה יקח אותה…(מצורע יד:ו)

In the late 1980s, a famous gathering for leading Rabbanim was held in Lemberg.  A few hundred Rabbanim and Gedolei Yisroel (Rabbinical leaders) participated from all walks of Jewish life. The gathering aimed to discuss combating strategies against the rising ‘Maskilim’ – an enlightenment movement impacting European Jewry.

Maran Reb Yehoshua Rokeach, the Mittler Belz Rav zt’’l, delivered a resounding speech against the Maskilim, elaborating on the danger prevailing amongst them.  One of the leading Rabbinical leaders at the gathering remained silent throughout the speeches.

Maran asked him, “It says in (קהלת ג:ז) “ עת לחשות ועת לדבר” – there’s a time to remain silent and a time to talk. Now is the time one must talk and not remain silent! Why are you quiet?”

Maran explained why a metzora was required to bring two birds, one to slaughter and the other to be sent away. “The bird that was slaughtered served as an atonement for the transgression of lashan hara in which the metzora said things that he wasn’t supposed to and from hereon, he should only use his mouth for correct speech.

Why did they need to bring a second bird that stayed alive?  Just like the slaughtered bird was an atonement for the lashan hara, when the metzora spoke, instead of remaining silent – the bird remaining alive represents a time when one was supposed to talk and they stay quiet.”

Concluded Maran: “At a time when the enlightenment movement wants to destroy us and the holy Torah, now is the time to call out and scream against them with all our might – and not remain silent!”