A Dream Inquiry - Why Did The Harsh Decree Come Upon The Nation Of Israel
For back then, they asked the world's leading sages during the decrees of (Tach v'Tat) 1648–1649, why, on account of what did the decree come? There was a dispute. Some said because they talk in the synagogue, and some said because they are not modest, that there are improper deeds due to a lack of modesty. They performed a dream inquiry.
Why did the decree come? They posed a dream inquiry [consulted Heaven via dream]. This is all the Cause of Causes from the Reason of Reasons. It is impossible to comprehend what these holy souls are! Why were they chosen? To be offered as a sacrifice! To atone for his Nation of Israel! Just as it was during the decrees of 1648–1649 (Tach v'Tat). Just as it was during the Holocaust. What severe decrees! Who thought, who uttered, who expected that such a decree would happen?! These are our sins with it [causing it]!
And therefore, it is good that we—everyone should accept upon ourselves, every day, before a person sleeps, during the day, several pages of Zohar, every day Pitum HaKetoret (Incense passage), which is the remedy for these things. The modesty (tzniut) of the daughters of the Nation of Israel, this is one of the greatest matters! For back then, they asked the world's leading sages during the decrees of 1648–1649, why, on account of what did the decree come? There was a dispute. Some said because they talk in the synagogue, and some said because they are not modest, that there are improper deeds due to a lack of modesty. They performed a dream inquiry. Which verse came up for them? "Should he treat our sister like a harlot?" (Genesis 34:31). "Like a harlot" (Hachzonah)—this indicates immodesty, that people do not conduct themselves with modesty. But the Aramaic Translation (Targum) translates—look—"Should he treat our sister like a harlot"—talking in the synagogue! Not to talk in the synagogue! Everyone should guide his wife and his children to walk in modesty, so that these decrees will not occur! And thus we will be saved from the great trouble, so that trouble will not arise twice! Do not sit complacent! So that it will not arise from the North! Woe unto us! If it arises against us from the North, Heaven forbid, who knows what will happen?! They will rise in every single place, Heaven forbid. What will become of his Nation of Israel?! All of this—we are capable of stopping it all!
With Hashem's help, the Holy One, Blessed be He, will aid the Nation of Israel, save us from every trouble and distress, from every plague and illness, from all enemies. With Hashem's help, He will cast down all enemies beneath us (Amen). "And you shall tread upon their high places" (Deuteronomy 33:29). And He will elevate the fortune of the Nation of Israel higher and higher (Amen). And He will send us the Messiah of our righteousness speedily in our days, Amen and Amen.