There are innumerable mitzvos and chasadim one can perform. Why does kiruv stand out? Why is kiruv so crucial?
I will never forget a scene I witnessed at an amusement park many years ago. A woman, screaming inconsolably, was absolutely mortified and horrified. Her daughter had been lost for over an hour. She wasn’t sure whether she had strayed or was kidnapped. People were searching everywhere. Others were attempting to comfort the mother. But nothing could allay her fear or sadness.
Finally, someone found the child. She had gotten lost and was frazzled and disoriented but otherwise well. The mother’s reaction was unforgettable. She was beyond ecstatic. Everyone witnessing the reunion of parent and child was in tears. The mother could not stop thanking the man who found her daughter. Her gratitude and appreciation was limitless. Had she had a million dollars with her, she would have gladly given them to him.
Later that night, the tear-jerking memories of the incident fresh on my mind, it hit me like a bombshell: Hashem is our father and loves His children intensely. But unfortunately, the majority of His children are lost, completely indistinguishable from the rest of society. The grief and pain Hashem experiences is immeasurable.
But so is the joy when His child is returned to Him. And the person who merits reuniting Hashem with His lost child performs an extreme kindness for which he can expect infinite reward.
At the BJX Kiruv Center last week, Daniel, from a totally secular background, came with a trophy. It wasn’t from an athletic competition; rather he came wearing tzitzis. Daniel is no longer lost. He is an identifiable child of Hashem. I was overjoyed and in tears. And if I was that happy and emotional, I can only imagine how our Father felt to get His child back.
Another idea: There is an indescribable and incredible sense of joy and pride when parents hear their little child speaks his or her first words. Astoundingly, though, most Jews have never yet spoken their first words. They’ve never heard of “Modeh Ani” or “Shema Yisrael.”
I have the immense personal privilege of teaching the beginner’s Hebrew class at BJX. It’s an honor that I prefer not to delegate to other rebbeim or faculty members. To see and hear Jews speak their first words in Lashon HaKodesh is an unbelievable experience. They are not only learning holy letters and words that are the building blocks – the DNA – of creation but are also connecting to the language and tradition of our heritage which spans thousands of years, bridging them to Avraham Avinu, Moshe Rabbeinu, David HaMelech, and all our illustrious ancestors and teachers.
Just imagine how Avinu SheBashamayim, our Father in Heaven, must feel when He hears His children saying their first words.