The Yeshiva's Guardian and His Unshakable Belief

Rabbi Elchanan Wasserman, a devoted student of the Chofetz Chaim, shared a fascinating account. During World War I, when asked if this was the war of Gog and Magog, his revered teacher responded it was not. He explained that after this war, there would be a pause, followed by another war, and another pause. The significant war that follows would be the ultimate one.

During Rabbi Natan Wachfogel's tenure at Lakewood Yeshiva, amid fears of atomic bomb threats, he reassured the students by asking, "How can a Torah scholar fear? Those who live a life separated from other nations have nothing to worry from bombs. There's no room for doubt; those living set apart will be spared." Hashem declares, "I have separated you from the nations... to be Mine" (Leviticus 20:24-26). If you are distinct from the other nations, you're with Me, on another plane of existence, safe from outside powers."

Rabbi Wachfogel continued during his compelling talk, citing a tradition he received from Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin. In the final pre-Messianic war, those who maintain their distinct identity from the nations will be saved. "This doesn't mean one of the '36 righteous.' It's not required to exceed your own nature. Simply refrain from adopting foreign customs, culture, media, music, or literature. Remain detached, and Hashem will say, 'You are Mine,' placing you beyond anyone else's control," he articulated.

He illustrated this by examining the Jewish exile in Egypt. The Hebrews maintained their names, dress, and language, and during the Ten Plagues, only the Egyptians suffered. This evidence supports the idea that those who keep themselves distinct are beyond worldly influences.

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