Note: Because the link for this article was not correct last week, we are putting it in again this week with the correct link.

After HaRav Nissim Karelitz suffered a heart attack, those close to him used to give him a copy of the Musaf Shabbos edition of Yated Ne'eman to provide him with easy Torah writings that required less mental effort.

In the edition of Parshas Poroh of 5757, he read an article about HaRav Meir Posner, the author of Beis Meir, as follows:

It is brought in the sefer Tel Talpiot that our fathers told us about his (HaRav Posner's) holiness and piety, including the fact that he was very magnanimous in charity to such a degree that he was only left with enough to sustain himself.

There was another story which his fathers were wont to relate. He once involved himself in marrying off the daughter of a distant relative but had no money to give. He decided to go to a wealthy Jew of the community to raise money for the kallah.

The rich man said he was willing to give the entire sum needed, three hundred reichs-thaller, on the condition that when he passed away, HaRav Meir would guarantee, in writing, to study a perek Mishnayos every day for his soul.

My grandfather was so determined to help the kallah that he agreed. They shook hands, wrote up the agreement and the transaction took place. The rich man lived a long life and at one point, moved away. The entire matter was forgotten.

"We find ourselves at the present at the beginning of a period of forty days," are the opening words of HaRav Nosson Zochovsky shlita.

These forty days, from Rosh Chodesh Elul until after Yom Kippur. are divided into two sections: thirty up until Rosh Hashonoh and ten inclusive are the Aseres Yemei Teshuva. The reason behind the division is because Elul is the time for reflection upon the past year and introspection on how to improve our conduct in the coming year. During the two days of the new year, we are expected to shoulder new resolutions to be adopted and implemented in the upcoming year.

In addition, we must bear in mind that in all Jewish communities, Torah students return to their yeshivos and various places of study. I once heard HaRav Zelivansky say that the day when students resume their study in the tents of Torah is a most favorable time. It offers the opportunity for one to ask for success in study and for spiritual advancement.

When the aron kodesh containing the Sifrei Torah is opened, we recite the prayer of Brich Shmei - Blessed is the Name... The Zohar in Parshas Vayakhel notes that when the ark is opened to remove a Sefer Torah to be read for the congregation, the Gates of Lovingkindness are opened in Heaven and a deep love is generated Above, which a person is obligated to seize the opportunity of learning Torah and latching on to the great love of Hashem for His people.

Part II

In the first part, we saw the beginning of the war as Germany suddenly attacked Poland, and swiftly overran it. As the Nazi war machine gained control over more and more of Europe, the Americans hoped that they could sit out the fighting.

President Roosevelt began to sell war material to Britain and gradually began more and more openly to take the side of America's traditional allies in Europe. Little by little, the U.S. administration drew closer to its friends in Europe. However, there was an unmistakable reluctance on the part of the U.S. to be drawn into the conflict, even after it was clearly evident that Hitler was clearly in the wrong.

Slowly, America began to take a side in the conflict. There were incidents and provocations in the North Atlantic, but the final declaration of war came after crucial events in the Pacific.

The front page headlines in one of the leading weekend editions quoted the words of the head of the Security Service aimed at Netanyahu: "...And I am sending you a warning today about war." Thus, simple and unequivocal. The Shabak issued the warning and Netanyahu ignored it. Here, as they say, is the smoking gun, proving that Netanyahu was forewarned and knew about an imminent war but did nothing to prevent it. Then, a smaller subtitle stated: "The severe warning which Netanyahu received on July 23rd - 76 days before the war." Or in simpler terms: The Shabak served its warning two-and-a-half months before the war.

What was Netanyahu expected to do with this warning? To preempt the war with an attack? To invade Gaza, demolish it, destroy the tunnels and murder Sinwar? This is probably what is expected from a Head of State.

But can anyone in the country presume to imagine what would have been the reaction had Netanyahu gone ahead and done that? ...

Thoughts for Elul...