The Satmar Rebbe delivered his opening address for the winter zman this past Shabbos to close to 1,700 students of Satmar yeshivos from across the United States.
The Rebbe opened with divrei Torah and aggadah on the weekly parshiyos and on sugyos in Maseches Kesubos currently being studied in the yeshiva.
He then called on the bochurim to conduct themselves at all times and in all places as befits a true chassidishe bochur: to immerse in the mikveh daily, to set aside fixed times for learning chassidishe seforim and mussar, to complete shnayim mikra v'echad targum each week, and to involve themselves in raising tzedakah and assisting a fellow student in need, whether in body or in money. When a friend requires help, the Rebbe said, one must stand by him immediately to support and sustain him.
The Rebbe also emphasized the obligation to observe all three Shabbos meals properly, particularly seudah shlishis, during which the bochurim should gather together and sing the zemiros with longing and yearning.
He demanded that the students guard with utmost care all the takanos of the yeshiva, both in the sedarim of learning and in keeping to the yeshiva's schedule. In particular, he invoked the holy takanos established by the Divrei Yoel zt"l, founder of the yeshiva: to refrain entirely from driving a car, not to attend weddings or engagements outside the accepted framework, and to maintain absolute distance from all devices of technology and their harmful influences, alongside the other stringent takanos of the yeshiva.
The Rebbe expanded on the style of niggunim and dancing customary today at simchos and weddings, urging the bochurim to ensure that simchos are conducted only in the old and traditional manner, with chassidishe niggunim of value and refined and pure dancing.
"Distance yourselves from the impurity of Zionism"
Toward the end of his remarks, the Rebbe shlita spoke sharply about the obligation incumbent on every bochur to disconnect and distance himself from the impurity of Zionism in all its shades and matters. He warned the students not to be drawn after their propaganda, their news, and their campaigns, while maintaining strict adherence to the mesorah handed down from generation to generation from the Rebbe, the Divrei Yoel zt"l.
At the conclusion of his divrei kodesh, the Rebbe shlita blessedthe bochurim with great success in their learning.
