This week, HaRav Yaakov Nosson Dormashkin, Rosh Yeshivas Orchos Yaakov for French Jewry, visited the home of HaRav Gershon Eidelstein, requesting him to address his institution with a message of chizuk and blessing which will be conveyed directly to hundreds of his followers to strengthen Torah study. The request was duly fulfilled and he delivered a fervent talk extolling the praises of Torah.
A Day of Talmud in France
In his address, HaRav Eidelstein said, "The best and happiest life is one that is devoted to Torah study. A Torah based life contains love for Torah and yiras Shomayim. `Fortunate are you in this world' applies only to one who delves in Torah through the austerity of bread with salt and water in measurement.[It involves] a minimum of worldly indulgence and a maximum of toil in Torah. This [formula] promises fulfillment and contentment in this world. Whoever follows this path is the happiest person possible.
"One who desires to be content is advised to toil in Torah to the utmost of his ability. His children will be happy to likewise immerse themselves in Torah as much as they can, to their maximum ability. Torah, Torah and more Torah! This is how one gains fulfillment in life. This is the path of Torah, and if you pursue it, you will be happy in this world. There is no greater happiness in this world - neither money nor anything else. A happy life can only be attained through toil in Torah. Rich people are not truly happy nor can their so-called joy be compared to the satisfaction of a man who immerses himself in Torah study. And such a person will be sustained and will not want for anything.
"Whatever he has will satisfy him. He will be content, as will his family. Everyone around him will also share his contentment and be joyful as well. He will be the happiest person in the world, will be beloved by others and he will love them in turn. This state can only be achieved through Torah. There is no other way. This is my advice; this is the most favorable path and fortunate is one who embraces it!"
After his address, he was asked about people who have attained wealth. How can they attain happiness? He replied, "Let them perform good deeds with their money; let them strengthen Torah and give tzedaka. This will grant them happiness. But they must study Torah as well, to the utmost of their ability. They must invest in their children's education. These children must be raised on the principle that money is not everything. Money is not a goal."
At the end of his address, he blessed his audience that they enjoy Heavenly assistance in every area, especially in Torah, yiras Shomayim, blessed income, nachas from their family and in all that they need.
The "Day of Talmud" was established through the initiative of HaRav Ariel Gye, rabbi of the congregation and son-in-law of the late HaRav Sitruk, together with HaRav Eliyahu Hauzi, Dayan and Mo'tz of the community and author of "Yeyn Malchus."
