What about Hashem?

 Some comments by a prominent Rosh Yeshiva:

The Rosh Yeshiva opened his remarks by saying, “Naflah ateres rosheinu. Our crown has fallen.” He added: “We thought that Moshiach would come before Rav Chaim would leave this world.” He later said, “Who is not afraid of the death of the righteous? What will happen to us? Who will protect us? Who will protect the world? Who will protect Eretz Yisroel? Who will protect Bnei Brak?” It is known in the name of the Arizal, he said, “that at the time of a petirah, one can gain the virtues of the niftar.” 

“Only the Torah HaKedosha and its study is our protection. Yehi Ratzon that we’re zocheh to a yeshuah in ruchniyus and gashmiyus, the yeshuah of the klal and the individual. Amen.” 

And they criticize Chabad for building themselves around the Rebbe. How is this any different? Ironic that this Rosh Yeshiva (who I know and have had good experiences with) is from the Rav Shach chevrah. And how is it different from this? 

In case that doesn't show, it's a meme from Facebook of a verse from Tehillim about the guardian of Israel with a photo of an Israeli soldier underneath it. The message is that the soldier is your protector, not Hashem. 

So likewise, does Rav Chaim protect you, does Torah study protect you, or does Hashem protect you?

Now, if I went to the local rabbi or my yeshiva rabbi and voice complaint against these comments, I'd get blasted with shame and rage. How dare you question a great Rosh Yeshiva! DO YOU EVEN KNOW ONE MESECTA OF GEMARA! Blah, blah, blah. What is the mantra you hear day and night, you must follow the gadolim! Your brain is so programmed. One web commenter wrote this, "Thank you Please post more things like this from gedolim not naarishkeiten." Yes, he has been programmed to latch onto buzz words and loaded language and to obey the authorities.

And not just that, since your yeshiva doesn't take you to see gadolim, you really only deal with your rav, who is likely even more small minded. With that programming, they keep you locked into a life without Hashem. And that's a big problem for a baal habayis who is working all day and (giving half his money to yeshiva tuition). The Rosh Yeshiva is studying Gemara which does have kiddushah to it even if they are not thinking about Hashem. But the baal habayis who has been trained that Gemara learning is the only holy activity really is going to feel empty.