We Need Clarification on Chillul Hashem

 29 Shevat 5786
Yom Kippur Katan
Erev Rosh Chodesh Adar

There is a general misunderstanding of what exactly constitutes Chillul Hashem, which is commonly translated into English as "desecration" of God's Name.

Here, for example, is Google's definition:  Chillul Hashem (Hebrew for "desecration of the Name") refers to any action by a Jew—particularly an observant one—that brings disrepute, shame, or dishonor to God, the Torah, or the Jewish people. It is the opposite of Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of the Name) and is considered a serious transgression, as it causes others to hold a negative view of Jewish moral standards.

I think most Jews, if asked, would agree with that, but it is problematic on several levels.  The Chr*stians, in accordance with their own 'understanding' of our Torah, take our rejection of their Messiah as a Chillul Hashem.  Most Gentiles the world over right now view our just war as a Chillul Hashem.  

When judging whether a Chillul Hashem has taken place, everybody has to be on the same page, so to speak.  When the Erev Rav start foaming at the mouth and pontificating on what is Torah and what is not and what constitutes Chillul Hashem, they cannot be the judges because they are the main haters of Torah and chief instigators of Chillul Hashem.  I would go so far as to add, if you are unsure if a certain action is actually Chillul Hashem, look around and see who is yelling the loudest.  What are the chances that they are on the right side of the issue?

Let's look for some clarity on the real meaning of Chillul Hashem.

Reb. Chaim of Volozin z’tl in the Nefesh HaChaim explains that the word Chillul comes from the word Challal that means “void or vacuum”.  He explains that a Chillul Hashem is when we behave as if Hashem is absent from this existence.  When one publicly violates Hashem’s Will it is considered a Chillul Hashem because the person is conducting himself as if Hashem did not exist (G-d forbid). (Source)

One may argue about tactics and the appropriate means of resistance, but no one can correctly identify engaging the enemy in the war against the Torah in Eretz Yisrael, brought upon us by the Erev Rav, as anything other than a Kiddush Hashem.

The Chareidim are under attack by anti-Torah forces davka because they are seen as the most representative of God in our society.  The anti-Torah forces do not like the Jewish God.  They prefer the gods of their own making.  They want to erase Him and His Name from the world altogether.  Any battle waged to prevent that can only be a Kiddush Hashem.

A line must be drawn somewhere.  "Ad kan and zehu!"  When that line is crossed, the people of the Torah have no other choice but to act.  "Mi l'Hashem elai!!"  

If the persecution and forced imprisonment of Torah students does not constitute the crossing of a line, tell me please, what does??!!

The worst Chillul Hashem committed by the "religious" in this country is the years and years of accommodation made to our enemies and most especially the Erev Rav leadership - both political and religious.  Even the anti-Torah forces were beginning to believe they were well on their way to eliminating the Jewish God from the public arena.  Who was willing to stand up to them for the honor of Hashem's Name?

A new generation is coming of age and they have the souls of all the Hebrew giborim of history.  They are Mashiach's army and they are not afraid to fight for the Torah and for the honor of Hashem's Name. May they grow from strength to strength!!  And may we all get on the same page together!!

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[Here is an informative update:  How It Began: “The Soldiers Chose to Stay and Escalate the Incident”]