Setting a Trend

In previous generations, it was the custom to wear Tefillin throughout the day. Even after Davening, Tefillin was worn when going about one's business, in the street and at home. However, in later generations, Yidden had lost a certain degree of commitment to the Mitzvah of Tefillin (along with other Mitzvos). 

Rebbi Shimon Ben Elazar said: Mitzvos for which the Jews gave up their lives - in the time of a government decree - are still upheld with a strong commitment by the Yidden, such as: Bris Milah and not serving idols. And all those Mitzvos for which the Yidden did not give up their lives, still lacks commitment and is "weak" by them... such as Tefillin, which is still "weak" by the Yidden. (Shabbos, 130a)

The Gemara relates a story which took place during a time when there was a government edict prohibiting the Yidden from wearing Tefillin altogether. (Of course, Yidden made sure to wear Tefillin, discreetly, at least when at home or in shul, but they did not risk their lives for the additional "bonus Mitzvah" of also wearing it throughout the day and in the street as well.)

Despite the decree, Elisha would don Tefillin and go out to the marketplace. A sentry once caught sight of Elisha wearing Tefillin, and ran towards him. Elisha fled. When the sentry caught up with him, Elisha removed the Tefillin from his head and hid them in his hands. When the sentry asked him what he had in his hands, Elisha answered, "Dove's wings!" whereupon, he opened his hands and, by a miracle, the Tefillin had turned into dove's wings.

Upon first glance, it seems strange that this story would be brought in connection with the statement that the Mitzvah of Tefillin was "weak" by the Yidden. Hadn't Elisha risked his life by going into the street while wearing them in the first place!? Certainly, the Mitzvah of Tefillin was not weak at all!

Tosafos explains that, with this story, the Gemara highlights the fact that the Mitzvah of Tefillin was indeed weak by the Yidden, for if it wasn't, Elisha would have told the sentry that he had Tefillin in his hands!

Even such a seemingly justified "lack of commitment", created a downward trend for future generations. Hence, "...the Mitzvah of Tefillin is still weak by the Yidden".

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Our level of commitment to Mitzvos and Minhagim directly impacts our children's level of commitment, and that of future generations.

When our life is focused on our Tafkid and the tremendous responsibility we have in raising Hashem's children, there is no room for compromise. In fact, we go beyond the letter of the law, to ensure a strong, resilient commitment to Torah and Mitzvos now, and for generations to come.

What steps can we take now, must we take now, to ensure our children's enduring commitment to a life of Torah and Mitzvos?

In what areas in our lives, must we make sacrifices in order to ensure an upward trend for future generations?

If the downward trend can last for generations R"L, certainly the upward trend can and will, too.

Based on a letter from the Rebbe 1 Tamuz 5704