There have been many proclamations from the Torah leadership exalting outreach activities and declaring it obligatory for all those who could participate, to do so…
A joint statement was publicized by Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, Rav Yechiel Michel Feinstein, Rav Shmuel HaLevi Wosner, Rav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg, and Rav Simcha Zissel Broyde. It spoke of the “sacred responsibility” and the “strong obligation” of engaging in kiruv; prioritizing this over attending weddings and other joyous events (for which we all find time). It set the minimum obligation at one night a month, (although it also stated that we should be doing our utmost in this regard). It suggested family visits, preferably two kollel students together at a time, and to engage families in friendly conversations.
Similarly, Rav Chaim Shmuelevitz, the Steipler Gaon, and Rav Eliezer Shach issued a joint statement asserting that it was a major obligation to teach those who have strayed out of ignorance, and to bring closer to Judaism those who are distant. At an individual level, the statement exhorted everyone to dedicate at least one night during our generation, a period of Divine mercy. However, the proposal called on Roshei Yeshiva and other communal leaders to organize their own communities to be able to do kiruv.
Please click here to continue reading: What Do Torah Leaders Maintain About Engaging in Outreach.
Please click here to purchase a copy of the Laws of Outreach.
Please refer to the archives below for the previously published chapters of the Laws of Outreach:
Preface to The Laws of Outreach
Chapter I: The Mitzvos of Kiruv
Chapter II: Kiruv as a Rescue Mission
Chapter III: Categories of Transgressors and Our Obligations Toward Them
Chapter IV: Contemporary Non-Observant Jews
Chapter V: Halachic Applications of Tinokos Shenishbu in our Time
Chapter VII: Invitations for Shabbos
Chapter VIII: Kiruv Through Food
Chapter XI: Male – Female Interactions
Chapter XII: Loving and Hating All in One
Chapter XIII: Tochachah – Giving Rebuke
Chapter IV: Chanufah and Outreach – Undeserved Flattering
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