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THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021- 6615 is published monthly except July and August by the Agudath Israel of This is the full Table of Contents of the print edition of the America, 42 Broadway, New York, NY10004. Periodicals postage paid in Jewish Observer. The web edition contains only a selection of New York, NY. Subscription $24.00 per articles (indicated in color). Click on the title to go to the year; two years, $44.00; three years, $60.00. Outside of the United States beginning of that article. Navigate using your browser’s menu (US funds drawn on a US bank only) 8 16 $12.00 surcharge per year. Single 8 and other options. 16 29 copy $3.50; foreign $4.50. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Observer, 42 Broadway, NY., NY. 10004. Tel: 212-797-9000, Fax: 646-254-1600. Printed in the U.S.A. CONFRONTING THE DANGERS OF THE INTERNET

RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR 8 Dealing With Some Major Moral Hazards in EDITORIAL BOARD a”jyls JOSEPH ELIAS Contemporary Society, Rabbi , Chairman 10 Staying Away From The Cyber-Slums, Rabbi Leib Kelemen RABBI ABBA BRUDNY JOSEPH FRIEDENSON RABBI YISROEL MEIR KIRZNER 14 A Ubiquitous Challenge,An Insidious Trap, Rabbi Aaron Twerski RABBI PROF. AARON TWERSKI 16 The Dangers of the Computer and the Internet,

DR. ERNST L. BODENHEIMER Z”L a Compendium RABBI MOSHE SHERER Z”L Founders 22 The Electronic Maakeh, Rabbi Yitzchak Adlerstein

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November 2003 VOLUME XXXVI/NO. 9 SUBSCRIBE TO THE JEWISH OBSERVER. CLICK HERE. he invasive and corrosive effects of the warning them of the irreparable harm that can Internet on Jewish homes and result from allowing their children access to individuals has proven to be a cause of computers and the Internet. deep concern to our community’s In addition, the Agudath Israel Conference of leadership.T This problem was the subject of Synagogue Rabbonim sponsored a meeting this several sessions in last spring’s Torah Umesorah past September on the topic of “The National Convention, where hundreds of Torah Enhancement of Kedushas Habayis,” specifically as educators and a number of prominent Roshei regards home use of computers and the Internet. gathered to discuss pressing educational More than 60 prominent rabbanim from matters. Since then, Torah Umesorah issued a throughout the New York Metropolitan Area and letter to be sent to all Day School parents beyond were in attendance. This gathering was (Intoduction continued on next page) Recognizing And Dealing With Some Major Moral Hazards In Contemporary Society

NEGOTIATING WITH AN ALIEN ture, are we consciously – and uncon- tained without the use of the com- ENVIRONMENT sciously – absorbing? Are we careful puter and Internet, that the Internet enough, sensitive enough, to prevent is a basic living aid which saves peo- hese times of chevlei Moshiach – foreign values from penetrating our ple money, and provides necessary the stormy era prior to the advent Torah lifestyle? information; even divrei Torah.An Tof Moshiach – are fraught with office cannot function without a dangers everywhere. But we have cer- ORTHODOX MODERNITY: computer, and this is the way children tain guidelines taught to us in the ACCOMMODATION OR are being trained to learn, to play, to Torah, which enable us to invoke CAPITULATION? study, to do homework. maximum rachamim v’chassodim – Divine mercy and compassion – in our he defenders and promoters of TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES lives. The first thing to do is to com- Orthodox modernity would mit ourselves to live fully Jewish lives, Tmake it appear that we’re suc- ll this may be true, to one extent uninfected by the virus of alien value cessfully meeting the challenge, at or another. What, however, are systems. Yes, we all adjust to certain least most of the time. But we are not. Athe consequences of this wonder demands of our host society, and we Modernity, unless constantly rein- of technology? You may or may not be accommodate ourselves to many ele- forced with strong Torah values, aware of all the gruesome facts that are ments in the prevailing culture. We do with mussar and yiras Shamayim festering as a result of Internet use, or this technologically, even socially! But and strict behavioral parameters, is a computer with a little gadget called a David HaMelech reminds us, he warns making serious inroads in our fam- modem. Our families, both children and us,“Vayisarvu vagoyim vayilmdu ma’a- ilies, in our youth, in many ways that adults, have open access to the worst seihem – They mixed with the gentiles we tend to sweep under the carpet, pornography. The finest people, other- and learned their ways” (Tehillim 106, pretending not to notice that the yiras wise frum and observant, have fallen vic- 34). If accommodation is necessary in Shamayim is slowly ebbing away. tim to the ugly attraction of gilui arayos order to economically survive, we Worse yet is that recently, accommo- (promiscuity). The Internet, with the may feel that we must adjust in certain dation with modern technology has flick of a button, invades a Jewish elements of our lifestyles; we may not, created a spiritual monster, a ravaging home, a Jewish soul, and makes moral however, allow their spirit or their disease that is destroying the very disaster. And it is happening all the time. norms to invade our thinking, and cer- foundations of our kedusha.I mean One may think that this is an exag- tainly not our behavior. specifically the computer, and more geration, but the rabbanim who are This, then, is the crucial test of liv- specifically, the Internet. We all know unfortunately privy to the facts, who ing in our comfortable galus.How the rationale that is commonly given must deal with the forbidden relation- much goyishkeit,how much alien cul- – that one’s business cannot be main- ships that have developed, Rachmana

8 The Jewish Observer, November 2003 addressed by Rabbi Yaakov Perlow a”jyls (the this field. We are keenly aware of the sensitivity Novominsker Rebbe and Rosh Agudas Yisroel) and of some of these discussions and recognize that Rabbi Yosef Rosenblum a”jyls, as well as by several people who have succeeded in sheltering their men of vast experience in various professional and lives and environment from destructive business fields, with much hands-on experience in influences may find some of these references computers and the Internet. gratuitous and even distasteful. We publish these In response to the urging of our rabbinical discussions under the guidance of our rabbinical leadership to assume an active role in countering leadership, because of the critical grativy of this affront to Kedushas Yisroel, we present, in these problems, and in the hope that these the pages that follow, observations, insights, and articles may call the readers’ attention to these some suggestions from people with expertise in issues and perhaps contribute to their solutions. (Main article begins on previous page)

Recognizing And Dealing With Some Major Moral Hazards In Contemporary Society

Based on excerpts from an address by the Novominsker Rebbe a”jyls, Rabbi Yaakov Perlow, at the recent Leil Hisorerus on September 21, ’03, the first night of Selichos

litzlan, know the bitter truth, more than and your chil- most people do. dren? I think that in most cases, DEALING WITH THE THREAT the home can eas- ily survive without the computer-Internet he time has come that the general hookup. And why must children be which the adults place themselves. Some- public know it too. If there is any exposed to all this, and do their school thing must be done about this. Tone single area that needs tikkun assignments on a computer? Why must Permit me to say, in closing, that – control, improvement, and yes, change they waste many precious hours in the noble intentions are not enough. What – in our tzibbur, it is the pervasive dis- batala of playing games? Why not teach is needed in those areas of our lives that ease known as the Internet. If your busi- them to think, and write, and gather infor- need change is resolute action, an ness cannot get along without it, you mation in the way their parents did, and unswerving determination to be Jews must create the strictest controls around not be subject to sakonas nefashos? who are committed to lead Torah lives yourself and your staff. Create fences, Parents who are not careful about this and conduct ourselves like the Am strictures, around its use. Do not give it destructive instrument and allow it to be Kodesh that we are meant to be. Keep the free rein! Remember that you are deal- accessible to children are being oveir “Lo elohim acheirim (alien influences) out of ing with a force that contains spiritual sa’amod al dam rei’echa”every day (trans- our lives and restore the kedusha v’ta- and moral poison. gressing the prohibition: “Do not stand hara (sanctity and purity) to the Ask yourself further: must it come into by as the blood of your friend [spills]”)… neshama that yearns to be close to the your home – openly accessible to yourself – not to speak of the sakana (hazard) in Ribbono Shel Olam. ■

The Jewish Observer, November 2003 9 Rabbi Leib Kelemen Staying Away From The Cyber-Slums

A CONFUSED WORLD lications2 – and these sites are heavily traf- ficked. In response to academic surveys, ike most public libraries in the 25-50% of men with Internet access admit United States, the Central spending time online viewing explicit LPhoenix Library provides material.3 While most visitors to porno- adults and children with Internet graphic sites are married college gradu- access. When Toni Garvey, the chief ates4,a Canadian survey reveals that 44% librarian, recently spotted three sep- of men who visit these sites admit that arate men and a group of giggling they began doing so before age 16.5 A girls viewing pornographic material British survey reported that over half of on the library’s terminals, she had no all word searches on the Internet are idea how to respond. She says she aimed at locating pornography. The top feels uncomfortable providing such eight word searches are all pornography material for the public, but so far, fed- related.6 Although much of the explicit eral courts across the country have material available online is free, through ruled that banning the Internet from fee-per-view services and advertisements public institutions or even filtering its the online pornography industry cur- contents “offends the guarantee of rently generates about $1 billion annually.7 free speech” and “restricts First Researchers explain that it is the web’s Amendment rights.” Garvey com- THE SEEDIER SIDE OF CYBERSPACE “Triple-A Engine” – access, affordabil- plains, “For me, this has been one of ity, and anonymity – that drives the the most challenging issues of my ike any metropolis, the Web has online pornography industry:viii career. We all want to do the right neighborhoods, some safer and Access:Unlike material sold in x-rated thing, but it’s not clear what the right some horrific. Unlike any other stores and through mail-order services, 1 L thing is.” metropolis, the Web lacks a government, online images are available instantly and Garvey, like most people of con- laws, or a police force. There are uni- from the privacy of one’s home or office. science in the secular world, is moral- versally acknowledged economic cyber- There is no time for mature contem- ly confounded by the technology that crimes like the intentional spreading of plation to overcome childish impulses – links together nearly half a billion peo- computer viruses – infectious software “and [the yeitzer] knows that if men would ple in a “Worldwide Web” – a global programs that could impair the expe- give a moment’s thought to their ways, city – allowing instant, anonymous rience of other cyber-tourists. Beyond they would certainly begin to regret their exchange of uncensored text and this, there are no moral guidelines. A actions”(Mesillas Yesharim,ch 2). images. Anyone in this virtual-metrop- turn down the wrong cyber-street guar- Affordability:Unprecedented supply olis can put anything online, and antees exposure to information or minimizes prices, and much of the once it is there anyone can access it. images at least as corrosive as anything obscene material is entirely free. Rabbi Kelemen is a rebbe at Neve Yerushalayim available in the streets of New York, Anonymity:Users have the (false) seminary in Yerushalayim, and a prominent Paris, or Tokyo – and often even worse. impression that their web activity is counselor, author and lecturer. His most recent For example, the Web hosts thousands untraceable. The Vilna Gaon writes book is What They Don’t Want You to Know About Television and Videos (Targum/Feldheim, 2003). of pornographic sites – offering materi- that taava rages when a person feels no ix He is a frequent contributor to The Jewish al that is as explicit and generally more one is watching. The reality is that Observer. violent than what is found in print pub- servers – the companies providing

10 The Jewish Observer, November 2003 Internet connections – possess records online gambling, and researchers say the web, destroyed mutual trust and of every site visited by every user (and upwards of fifteen million people visit ripped the marriage apart. Sadly, our have consistently provided these these sites annually and leave several bil- community has been touched by this records to investigators tracking down lion dollars of their family’s funds plague as well. those who spread viruses). But the feel- there.14 In a landmark study, published in ing that “no one knows” corrodes nor- American Psychologist,researchers from mal inhibitions. A GLIMPSE AT THE DAMAGE: Carnegie Mellon University examined While men outnumber women 6:1 in AN ACADEMIC PERSPECTIVE the amount of time people spent inter- their online use of explicit material, acting with other family members women slightly outnumber men when ecent surveys identify a bur- before and after installation of a com- it comes to the “Chat Room” and geoning trend of Internet-relat- puter with Internet access. During the “Multi-User Domain” (or MUD).x A Red divorces.15 In most of these two-year longitudinal study, family Chat Room is a public or semi-public tragedies, visits to explicit sites, or interaction declined dramatically, and site dedicated to facilitating social inter- extramarital relationships forged over the drop was directly proportional to the action among total strangers – the cyberspace equivalent of a singles-bar. Logged-in users introduce themselves and join a live, theme-based group dis- cussion. MUD sites provide public or semi-public, interactive gaming and are also engineered to facilitate friendships between strangers. Studies reveal that about 90% of Chat and MUD users form personal relationships; about one- third of these relationships result in a face-to-face meeting; and about a quar- ter of these relationships evolve into romantic involvements.11 A large study of American teens just revealed that close to 60% have received an instant message or email from a total stranger, and 63% of those teens who have received such instant messages or emails say they responded but never told their parents.12 In the last three years there have been several infamous cases of abduction, rape and murder in which the victim was first approached and lured through a Chat or MUD site, instant messaging, or emails. There are, no doubt, many more cases in which Chat, MUD, instant messaging, or email inter- It feels better just to talk about it. That’s why we’re here. Our staff is made up of actions led to spiritually or psychologi- caring and sensitive individuals. Together, cally destructive relationships. These are we can help you explore your options. We the harsh realities of cyber-streetlife. can refer you to recognized professionals 13 for counseling, legal advice or help in The Ramban describes how indul- finding a safe environment. We can also gence in one taava (desire) creates a put you in touch with some very special drive for another, more depraved taava, . But in order for us to reach out to you, you must first reach out to us. and so forth, in a potentially unending downward spiral towards total degra- Confidential Hotline 1.888.883.2323 dation. In a nightmarish scenario, a ben (Toll Free) Torah could thus wake up to find him- 718.337.3700 self on one of the web’s many sites Do it for yourself. (NYC Area) explicitly dedicated to facilitating illic- Do it for your children. Shalom Task Force is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization it activity. Thousands of sites offer 24/7

The Jewish Observer, November 2003 11 increase in Internet use. Ironically, increasingly ignored those they were liv- many parents help their children get many study participants justified their ing with.16 In my counseling practice, I online in order to bolster grades, increasing time online, saying they hear complaints weekly from spouses, research reveals that more time spent needed to “stay in touch” with more dis- parents, and especially children who feel online translates into less time spent tant friends and relatives, while they the Internet has robbed them of their reading books and worse study skills.19 loved ones. The Internet cultivates impulsive jump- As Internet involvement increases, so ing from web page to web page, but real do loneliness and depression – espe- learning requires still concentration. At cially among middle- and upper-class a large New York university, the dropout males.17 There are many theories about rate among freshman rose proportion- the relationship between Internet use ally as their involvement in computers and depression. For example, some and Internet access increased.20 Business researchers argue that productive peo- analysts also note associations between ple have only limited time to develop employee Internet-access and decreased and maintain their most significant rela- productivity.21 tionships, and moderate-to-heavy Inter- All these academic studies touch only net use necessarily siphons hours off this on the concerns of the general popula- precious reservoir, leaving people social- tion. They say nothing about the bittul ly isolated and sad. Other researchers Torah or spiritual degradation bnei remind us that the mere act of sitting Torah experience when they visit the still in front of a computer display can cyber-slums. trigger a biochemical chain-reaction that ends in depression.18 STAYING AWAY FROM A whole genre of studies describes the THE CYBER-SLUMS damage Internet involvement can wreak on academic performance. Although here is nothing new under the sun,” Kohelles teaches.22 “TThe Internet is just novel packaging of an ancient threat – a threat to which we have always responded the same way. On erev Nissan, 5735, Rabbi Yaakov Yisroel Kanievsky, Rabbi Elazar Menachem Man Shach, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, and Rabbi l”xz, issued a joint letter High School against television. Before this proclama- tion, television had made its way into Entrance many Torah homes, but bnei Torah Examinations h"ost exhibited wondrous strength and effec- for the 2004-2005/ tively banished television from our midst. Today, the Internet has penetrated school year our community, but with the same strength we will uproot it, too. Baruch will be administered h"ya Hashem, unlike our neighbors in the sec- ular world, we are not confused. We rec- December 14/ vloc j’’y at 10:00 AM ognize the danger; we see the inadequacy of partial protection; and we know what at the school building needs to be done. We possess a vacci- nation. “Barasi yeitzer hara, barasi lo For information and 181 Pennington Avenue Torah tavlin – I [Hashem] created the yeitzer hara, and I created Torah as the applications please 23 applications please Passaic, NJ antidote.” Just as those who clung to call 973-365-0100 the Tree of Life survived the yeitzer’s attacks over the last 3,300 years, so too

12 The Jewish Observer, November 2003 will we survive the era of the Internet for that disease [yeitzer hara], one can mistaken, and will ultimately recognize by clinging to daas Torah. Mesillas only recover by taking the prescribed his error when his sin kills him.”24 Our Yesharim warns,“It is obvious that if the medicine; and one who thinks he can gadolim have advised us to remove Inter- Creator only created this cure [Torah] survive without this prescription is net from our homes, and so we will do.■

1 Michael Janofsky, “What Would Dewey Do? 7 Griffiths, 2001, p. 333. 16 Robert Kraut, Vicki Lundmark, Michael Pat- Libraries Grapple with Internet,” The New York 8 A. Cooper, “Surfing into the New Millenium,” terson, Sara Kiesler, Tridas Mukopadhyay, and Times,2 Dec ’02. Cyberpsychology and Behavior,1998(1), pp. 181- William Scherlis, “Internet Paradox: A Social 2 Jennifer Lynn Gossett and Sarah Byrne, “Click 187. Technology that Reduces Social Involvement and Psychological Well-Being,” American Psy- Here:A Content Analysis of Internet…[Violation] 9 Likutim M’peirushei HaGr”a Za”l B’inyanei Sites,” Gender and Society,Vol. 16(5), Oct. ’02, pp. chologist,September 1998, Volume 53 (9), pp. Taava v’Chemda, p. 122. 917-1031. 689-709. 10 3 Boies, p. 79; Griffiths, 2001, p. 336, 338. 17 Ibid, Kraut, et al. Amanda Lenhart, Lee Rainie, and Oliver Lewis, 11 Teenage Life Online: The Rise of the Instant Mes- M. Parks and L. Roberts,“Making MOOsic: The 18 For a detailed outline of this process, see Leib sage Generation and the Internet’s Impact on Development of Personal Relationships Online Kelemen, What They Don’t Want You to Know Friendships and Family Relationships (Washing- and a Comparison to their Offline Counterparts,” About Television and Videos (Southfield, MI: Tar- ton, D.C.: Pew Internet and American Life Pro- Journal of Social Personal Relation, 1998(15), pp. gum/Feldheim, 2003). ject, 2001), p. 33; Sylvain C. Boies,“University Stu- 521-537. See also K.S. Young, E. Griffin-Shelley, 19 A. Cooper, J. Omara, and J. Buchanan, “Online K. Young, Caught in the Net: How to Recognize dents’ Uses of and Reactions to Online the Signs of Internet Addiction and a Winning Strat- Information and Entertainment: Links to Online Infidelity: A New Dimension in Couple Rela- tionships with Implications for Evaluation and egy for Recovery,(New York: John Wiley, 1998). and Offline Behavior,” The Canadian Journal of 20 Human Sexuality,Volume 11(2), Summer 2002, Treatment,” Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity, A. Wallace, The Psychology of the Internet (New p. 82. in press. York:Cambridge University Press, 1999). 12 21 4 Mark Griffiths, “[Immorality]…on the Inter- Lenhart et al, p. 19. Keith Beard,“Internet Addiction: Current Sta- net: Observations and Implications for Internet 13 Devarim 29,18 tus and Implications for Employees,” Journal of Employment Counseling,March 2002, Volume … Addiction,” The Journal of Research,Vol. 38(4), 14 Mark D. Griffiths,“The Social Impact of Inter- Nov. ’01, p. 338. 39(2), pp. 2-10. net Gambling,” Social Science Computer Review, 22 5 Boies, p. 82. Vol. 20(3), Fall ’02, pp. 312-320. Kohelles 1:9. 23 6 Mark Griffiths,“Excessive Internet Use: Impli- 15 J.P. Schneider,“Effects of Cyber[-] Addiction on Kiddushin 30b. cations for…[Illicit] Behavior,” Cyberpsychology the Family: Results of a Survey,”in A. Cooper (ed.), 24 Mesillas Yesharim,ch.5. and Behavior,Volume 3(4), 2000, p. 541. Cyber[-]: The Dark Side of the Force (Philadelphia: Bruner Routledge, 2000), pp. 127-144. ...Your only real choice when it comes to Foreign Residents’ Mortgages in Israel … and a great deal more

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The Jewish Observer, November 2003 13 Rabbi Aaron Twerski

BLACK CLOTHING, AT YOUR FINGERTIPS husband discovered is confessed that he Reb Illai the Elder said: If a person sees relatively remote. The “place had become addicted to that his evil inclination is overwhelming where they do not recognize him”is no viewing immoral sites and him, he should go to a place where they longer hundreds of miles away. It is the cannot break the addiction. Expo- do not recognize him and clothe himself next room. The “black clothes” are the sure to these sites began quite inno- in black, cover himself in black, and he locked door and the password. The bar- cently when an image came across the should do as his heart desires. He should riers that R’ Illai envisaged as protection screen and he clicked onto the forbid- not desecrate the Name of Heaven against immoral conduct have been den site. Aside from the very difficult openly (Kiddushin 40a). almost totally obliterated. The yeitzer hara problem of breaking serious addictive eb Illai’s intent was not to give has been given a weapon of almost behavior, the wife is convinced (with advice or succor to a person con- unparalleled power and it has inflicted considerable justification) that her Rtemplating immoral conduct. mortal wounds upon the weak and spouse’s moral compass has been dam- Tosafos comments on R’ Illai’s dictum: unsuspecting. aged for life. He will never be the same Rabbeinu Chananel explains: Chas person she married. V’Shalom [Heaven forbid] that [R’ PERSONAL PEEPHOLE • Teenagers or adults using the Internet Illai] permits one to transgress [under INTO PURGATORY for seemingly legitimate purposes begin the stated conditions]. Rather R’ Illai surfing the net. Material that would never said that traveling long distances as a et me begin by confessing that I find its way into any self-respecting Jew- wayfarer and clothing oneself in black am neither a computer nor an ish home is read and then clicked off. will serve to break the hold of the Evil LInternet maven.The reader will Since each exposure is a mere fleeting Inclination and prevent one from find in this issue excellent articles by minute or two, it does not seem to be transgressing (Kiddushin 40a). those knowledgeable in this technolo- based in reality. It, so to speak, exists only Sadly, today it is no longer necessary gy.They deserve your careful attention. in the air. But heart-rending discussions to travel long distances and clothe oneself What I bring to the table, so to speak, with those who have been exposed tell a in black to attain anonymity.A user of the are my discussions with families devas- very different tale.“I am confused and I Internet can travel worldwide by several tated by the Internet, and observation can’t get my head straight. I was the clicks on a mouse and visit the most of professionals who have shared with frumest girl in my class and I will never immoral of sites and the most amoral of me cases very much like the ones to get back there again. I feel violated. How people under the blackness of almost total which I have been personally privy. did this happen to me?” anonymity. By locking the door to one’s • An anguished spouse called to say • One spouse (either husband or wife) room or office and by utilizing a person- that her husband had become distant experiences some dissatisfaction with al password, the likelihood of being and remote over the past several some aspect of the marriage. The cause months. He had either locked himself of the dissatisfaction may be inattention Rabbi Twerski,a member of the Editorial Board of The Jewish Observer, is a professor in Brook- up in his home office professing to be (e.g., long hours at work), lack of lyn Law School and serves as chairman of the working or returned to his office after warmth, or general malaise. Instead of board of Agudath Israel of America’s Commis- hours. When the spouse suspected that seeking counseling, either professional sion on Legislation and Civic Action. something was seriously wrong, the or rabbinic, one of the spouses enters

14 The Jewish Observer, November 2003 into chat room relationships with I have no easy solutions. The ubiquity rooms should be considered chazar anonymous correspondents of the of e-mail, the undeniable fact that thou- treif without exception. How we meet opposite gender. Persons to whom the sands of our brethren conduct businesses this challenge will be determinative of the spouse would never talk to in a real per- on web sites, and thousands more must tzura (image) of Klal Yisroel for gener- son-to-person encounter become con- utilize the Internet for their business or ations to come. Vigilance, vigilance and fidants from whom nothing is withheld. professions, make total rejection of the more vigilance is our only recourse. ■ The respondent need not be Jewish nor Internet impossible. But every Internet pay homage to any religious or moral user must understand the profound dan- Jerusalem's only licensed BUYER'S BROKER Personalized weekly update service values. But they offer a comforting gers that this new medium presents. incl ALL agents' listings & owners' ads shoulder and advice on any and all Every safeguard available must be used. 2nd home in Israel Chosson/Kallah apt aspects of marriage. Spouses have One must impose the most stringent ARTZEINU Investment Aliyah shown me correspondence between limitations on oneself and one’s children REALTY sales rental ph: 011-9726-7602-644 them and chat-room friends. At best, it to prevent access to improper sites. Chat m anagement www.artzeinurealty.com was stupid. At worst, its immorality would shock the conscience of even a primate. I can attest to the fact that some have acted on cyber-advice with hor- Simcha Guidelines rendous consequences. THE VORT • The menu for the seuda is limited to 3 CHAT ROOMS: EVEN WORSE • The Vort celebration is to be courses followed by a regular dessert. discontinued. The L’chaim (held at ut the story gets worse, much • No Viennese table and no bar. the time that the engagement is worse. Chat-room relationships THE MUSIC are serious relationships. Emo- announced) should also not turn into a B Vort. • A band may consist of a maximum of tional entanglements with anonymous partners can have a profound impact on THE WEDDING 5 musicians (one of the musicians may act as a vocalist) or four musicians and one the psyche of the correspondent. The • Only 400 invited guests may be anonymous correspondent is not a real additional vocalist. seated at the chassuna seuda. person with warts and faults. He or she • A one-man band is recommended. is a fantasy: compassionate and caring. • The kabbolas panim smorgasbord The cyber-partner trumps real life should be limited to basic cakes, fruit plat- FLOWERS & CHUPA DECOR human relationships by a country mile. ters, a modest buffet, and the caterer’s • The total cost of these items for the entire Not only does a troubled marriage not standard chicken or meat hot dishes. wedding should not exceed $1,800. get the attention it needs, it can be destroyed beyond repair by a phantom FOR THE FULL VERSION OF THE SIMCHA GUIDELINES person who is neither identified nor AND THE ACCOMPANYING KOL KOREH, identifiable. please email [email protected] or call 212-612-2300 Some will say that what I am describ- ing is the result of over-sheltering our We the rabbinical signatories — barring familial obligations — and unusual and children and even ourselves from the extraordinary circumstances — will not participate in or attend a wedding celebration that real world. If we would only be more disregards these guidelines. (Rabbinical Listing in formation) open and less protective and insular, we Rabbi Shmuel Birnbaum Rabbi Eli Simcha Schustal Rabbi Elya Ber Wachtfogel would be less vulnerable. There are sev- Rosh Hayeshiva, Mirer Yeshiva Rosh Hayeshiva, Bais Binyomin, Stamford Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Gedolah of South Fallsburg eral responses. First, a huge body of sec- Rabbi Rabbi Yisroel Rokowsky Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva Gedola of Philadelphia Rabbi Yisroel Simcha Schorr Rabbi Chaim Boruch Wolpin ular literature finds these problems to Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva Karlin Stolin Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetzky Roshei HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Ohr Somayach be universal. Internet addiction in gen- Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva Gedola of Philadelphia Rabbi Aryeh Rabbi Zecharia Gelley Rav, Khal Adas Jeshurun eral, and addiction to immoral sites in Rabbi Yaakov Perlow Rosh Hayeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood particular, is not limited to the frum Jew- Novominsker Rebbe Rabbi Yisroel Tzvi Neuman Rabbi Lipa Margulies Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva & Mesifta Torah Temimah ish world. But even if they were so lim- Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Feigelstock Rosh Hayeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva of Long Beach Rabbi Dovid Kviat ited, we would have to address it. The Rabbi Dovid Tzvi Schustal Rabbi Moshe Wolfson Chairman, Conference of Synagogue Rabbonim Rosh Hayeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood very essence of kedushas Yisroel is at Mashgiach, of Agudath Israel stake. The entirety of Torah rests on the Rabbi Aron Moshe Schechter Rabbi Yeruchem Olshin Rabbi Shlomo Mandel rejection of the kind of immorality that Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva Chaim Berlin Rosh Hayeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva of Brooklyn pervades our society. This is a battle that Rabbi Yosef Rosenblum Rabbi Mattisyahu Salamon Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman cannot be lost. Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva Shaarei Yosher Mashgiach, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood Rosh Hayeshiva, Mesivta Meor Yitzchok

The Jewish Observer, November 2003 15 Rabbi Shimon Finkelman The Chazon Ish k’’mz Fifty Years Since His Passing 15 Marcheshvan 5714

very neshama has its own passing, it became obvious to me that unique mission…. There are he had forgotten none of his learning “Ethose who are destined to [despite his advanced age and failing accomplish out in the open. My lot, health]. He was as fresh in what he had however, is to sit in my small room, learned decades earlier as if he had and from there perform chessed for studied it just now. I know with cer- my fellow man.” tainty that it was in the merit of his The above statement by tzidkus, for he studied Torah lish- Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Kare- ma (for its own sake, without litz, known as “the Chazon Ish” any ulterior motive) and he (the name of his classic, possessed the ‘forty-eight qual- multi-volumed Talmudic ities [through which Torah is work), was reflective of his acquired]’ ” (see Avos II,6). modest nature. Yes, he per- formed countless acts of FOR ITS OWN SAKE lovingkindness for his fellow man, but much of his time he opening Beraisa of was devoted to kindness of the sixth chapter of another sort. As Rabbi TAvos2 enumerates the Chaim Volozhiner taught, rewards of one who studies the continued existence of the Torah lishma. In fact, that world is dependent on Torah Beraisa actually describes the being studied somewhere in the quintessential gadol beYisroel. world at every moment of the “... It [the Torah] makes him fit day and night1 – and it was to this to be righteous, devout, fair and pursuit that the Chazon Ish devot- faithful…. From him people enjoy ed his life from an early age. counsel and wisdom…. The Torah Almost from the day in 1933 that he gives him kingship and authority, set foot onto the holy soil of Eretz Yis- and analytical judgment...he becomes roel until his passing twenty years later, like a steady strengthening fountain [of he was an acknowledged leader of his Torah knowledge] and like an unceas- people and poseik hador – a prime ing river.” authority of halacha of his time. From Brak as a city of Torah; was intimately On the day when he became a bar his humble dwelling in Bnei Brak, this involved in the founding of mikva’os, mitzva, the Chazon Ish resolved to unassuming giant, who never held any development of religious agricultural devote his life to the study of Torah lish- official position, guided his generation. settlements and expansion of Torah ma, his sole motive to acquire a knowl- He rendered halachic decisions in all communities throughout Eretz Yisroel; edge of Hashem’s commandments and areas of Torah; wrote seminal works of and was available to hundreds of men to strive to fulfill them. For the next forty halacha and hashkafa (Torah outlook); and women from all walks of life who years, he studied with unsurpassed dili- spearheaded the development of Bnei sought his sage advice, encouragement gence and self-sacrifice, in seclusion and and blessings. as a virtual unknown. He submitted Rabbi Finkelman,a rebbe in Yeshiva Darchei Torah, Far Rockaway, NY, is a frequent contrib- How did he merit all this? Rabbi Yis- chiddushei Torah anonymously for pub- utor to these pages, including “Rav Pam’s Spe- roel Yaakov Kanievsky l”xz, better lication, signing them: “s”ya (an cial Friend” (October ’02). He is the author of known as the Steipler Gaon, was the 1 Nefesh HaChaim 4:13 several biographies published by ArtScroll Meso- Chazon Ish’s brother-in-law, and his suc- rah Publications, including The Chazon Ish: The 2 The final chapter of Avos is actually a collection Life and Ideals of Rabbi Avraham Yeshaya Kare- cessor in many ways. He once remarked: of Beraisos (lit., outside), Tanaatic teachings that litz, (’89). “Shortly before his [the Chazon Ish’s] were not selected for inclusion in the Mishna.

The Jewish Observer, November 2003 29 acronym for ‘yisy Mhrba) from Kossowa.” relentless toil in , to the very Torah and chiddushim,for he merit- Even his first volume of chiddushim, limits of his strength. He once remarked ed to draw, reveal and propound in all which made waves in the Lithuanian that when he wrote in Sefer Chazon Ish, areas of Torah. His being was entirely Torah world, was published anony- “A copy of Rashba is not presently at sanctified for diligent toil in Torah, mously under the title Chazon (Vision hand,”this did not necessarily mean that without any personal inclinations or of) Ish. he did not have a Sefer HaRashba in his obligations…. He engaged in ameilus beTorah, possession at that time. It could have To our teacher [the Chazon Ish], all meant that at the time of that writing, areas of Torah were the same [i.e., many he simply did not have the physical of his writings pertain to factual areas KARKA IN ERETZ YISROEL strength to rise from his chair and walk of mitzva observance such as meas- Call Rabbi Gavriel Beer for information to his bookcase to take the sefer. urements and computations, and on obtaining cemetery plots in Beth Shemesh and other locations in Israel. In his eulogy of the Chazon Ish, which are not conducive for pro- Rabbi l”xz said: pounding dazzling chiddushim]. For all 011-972-2-656-9427 He enriched the generation with his his toil in Torah was simply to know it le’amita (in its quintessential truth). When laboring in any topic, he plumbed the matter to the full extent of his capabilities.3

HIS LIGHT IS REVEALED

he Chazon Ish might have remained unknown his entire life, Thad Providence not arranged that he should relocate to Vilna, where he developed a relationship with the leaders of Lithuanian Jewry — Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzensky (the Rav of Vilna) and the Chofetz Chaim, who often visited Vilna to meet with Reb Chaim Ozer on Klal matters. These luminaries came to appreciate not only the Chazon’s Ish’s genius and piety, but also his proficiency as a poseik and his astuteness in communal matters, and they prevailed upon him to attend meetings of rabbanim and communal leaders. At one such meeting, the Chofetz Chaim bemoaned the generation’s weakened spiritual plight, and he declared that the hour demanded every- one’s casting aside feelings of modesty to act for the sake of Klal Yisroel. He con- cluded,“Every nistar (hidden personage) is obligated to reveal himself!” Reb Chaim Ozer, who was sitting at the Chofetz Chaim’s side, turned him- self completely around to face the Cha- zon Ish and asked, “To whom do these words apply if not you?” The Chofetz Chaim then rested his gaze on the Cha- zon Ish and added, “Even I – do you 3 Mishnas Rav Aharon, Maamarim V’Sichos Mus- sar, Vol. III.

30 The Jewish Observer, November 2003 hear? – even I could develop into a gaon acquisition, a given item can be looking forward to spending the Seder were I to cast aside the yoke of com- acquired [only] through its designated with family. The Chazon Ish responded, munal responsibilities and dwell solely kinyan and no other, so it is with “A great mitzva has come your way. One within the walls of the beis midrash!” Torah…. To attempt to acquire Torah cannot imagine the pain those girls will After that incident, the Chazon Ish without these qualities... accomplishes suffer if they will have to conduct a Seder often took the initiative in involving nothing. This applies to all the quali- by themselves. If you will not join them, himself with communal issues. He ties listed, even those that seem to have I will!” The young couple heeded the Cha- worked behind the scenes, avoiding any no direct connection to Torah knowl- zon Ish’s request. sort of recognition or official position. edge.4 One Yom Tov, he was walking in Bnei He wanted desperately to remain Below are a few of the forty-eight Brak when he chanced upon a man weep- unknown. qualities, and illustrations of how the ing openly. The man explained that he In the summer of 1933, his aspiration Chazon Ish embodied them: was a ger tzeddek, and he felt that others to settle in Eretz Yisroel was realized. Reb looked down upon him and treated him Chaim Ozer wrote to the rabbinic lead- A Good Heart like an outcast. ership in the Holy Land, informing them The Chazon Ish asked the man to sing of the Chazon Ish’s impending arrival. One Erev Pesach, the Chazon Ish asked a niggun, and as he sang, the Chazon Ish “My dear friend, the outstanding gaon, a young married man to conduct a Seder danced in front of him as one would is on his way to you. For us, it is a great for a group of girls who had been before a bride and groom. The man’s spir- loss. Eretz Yisroel, however, will reap orphaned in the Holocaust. The young its were revived. great benefits from this.” man replied that he and his wife were 4 Mishnas R’ Aharon,Vol. I, p. 62. From then on, when questions were sent from Eretz Yisroel to Reb Chaim Ozer or his illustrious brother-in-law, Rabbi Elchonon Wasserman, they would suggest that the Chazon Ish be consulted. Within a relatively short time, he was recognized as a quiet but very effective leader of the Land’s grow- ing Torah community.

THE FORTY-EIGHT QUALITIES

s mentioned above, the Steipler stated that the Chazon Ish pos- Asessed “the forty-eight quali- ties.”He was referring to another Beraisa in the sixth chapter of Avos which lists forty-eight qualities that the student of Torah must develop within himself to truly attain his potential in Torah study and make it part of his very essence. The Beraisa refers to these qualities as kinyanim, literally translated as methods of acquisition, a term usually associat- ed with the mechanism through which the halacha makes it possible for one to acquire a given item. Rabbi Aharon Kotler wrote: It is well known that Rabbi Chaim Volozhiner taught: one’s attainment of Torah knowledge is in exact proportion to his prior efforts in developing the forty-eight qualities through which Torah is acquired. This means that just as with the Torah’s monetary laws of

The Jewish Observer, November 2003 31 Happy With One’s Lot Purity,Limited Physical Pleasure formance in mitzvos relating to G-d alone, though his middos are wanting From the time that he arrived in Eretz He once remarked that he never felt and he is deficient in his dealings with Yisroel, the Chazon Ish subsisted on the a need for food. He relied on those who others. meager income from the sale of his prepared his food to decide when and One who sees to the core of this mat- sefarim. His apartment had the very what he should eat. ter perceives the hollowness of this barest of furnishings. He refused many Once when his meal was interrupted belief. A Jew who has not refined his offers of assistance from grateful visitors by visitors a number of times, he said that middos... is in the clutches of his evil who benefited from his counsel, concern apparently he was better off not eating at inclination. As such, it is inconceivable and blessings. that time, and he put the food aside. It was that he will be wholesome in matters He would discourage individuals later discovered that the food had not been between man and G-d. The fact that he from purchasing his sefarim if he felt that properly tithed (as required of produce fulfills these mitzvos in grand fashion the person would not make use of the sefer. grown in Eretz Yisroel). His sister, Reb- is only because their observance does “I want buyers who are bnei Torah, not betzin Miriam Kanievsky, testified that not run counter to his negative traits. benefactors who seek roundabout ways to similar incidents occurred many times. When such conflict does occur, howev- support me. This is not the proper way.” He once remarked, “I wish to learn er, his yiras Shamayim will not be Torah lishma, therefore I am extremely enough to weather the storm.5 To Love Hashem careful as to what enters my mouth.” HIS POWERFUL FAITH His love of Hashem was evident in his Sharing Another’s Burden self-sacrifice for a mitzva. muna, faith in Hashem, was Shortly before Succos during the First A few days before his passing, when he deeply ingrained in the Chazon World War, he found himself in a town was alarmingly weak, his confidants EIsh’s soul from his early youth. He where there was not one set of arba min- attempted to turn away those who came wrote that already in his youth he had nim (lulav, esrog, etc.) Travel was fraught to his door seeking his help. They asked evaluated the circumstances of his life with danger, but this did not stop the Cha- him, “How can one accept visitors under through the lens of the Thirteen Prin- zon Ish from heading for Minsk, where he such conditions?” to which he replied, ciples of Faith as formulated by Ram- succeeded in procuring the species. When “How can I turn away those who come bam.He added that his constant aware- someone asked him why he had gone to to me with broken hearts?” ness of these principles infused him with such lengths when the halacha clearly It is noteworthy that in his Emuna a boundless love of Torah. freed him of his obligation, he replied, “If U’Vitachon, the Chazon Ish explains that His confidant, Rabbi Shlomo Kohen, you found yourself without matza before character refinement impacts not only wrote: Pesach, would you resign yourself to not on one’s success in Torah study, but on “And a tzaddik lives by his faith” eating on Yom Tov?” Mitzvos are food for his fulfillment of all mitzvos bein adam (Chavakuk 2,4). Our master’s strength the neshama, and the Chazon Ish could laMakom (between man and Hashem): and power were rooted in his pure not live without them. ...There is a misconception that a person can be wholesome in his per- 5 Chazon Ish, Emuna U’Vitachon 4:5. Notworld just cheese a cheese, 3” aworld tradition... cheese 3” Haolam, the most trusted name in Cholov Yisroel Kosher Cheese. A reputation earned through 25 years of scrupulous devotion to qualitypick and kashruth. up With 12 jandelicious varieties.02 pageHaolam, a tradition 22 you’ll enjoy keeping.

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32 The Jewish Observer, November 2003 emuna. This man was weak and afflict- operate, and wrote the text of a halachic The Chazon Ish’s knowledge of med- ed with serious illnesses and condi- document that was the basis for the icine and his counsel in health-related tions – whence did he draw such pow- stores’ functioning within the parame- matters was truly incredible. He was as erful determination and decisiveness? ters of halacha. familiar with the human anatomy and From where did he acquire the broad He rarely participated in public its remedies as any professor of medi- shoulders needed to bear the burden gatherings. In 1945, however, he par- cine, and he routinely rendered medical of thousands of communal and per- ticipated in a gathering held at Bnei decisions in cases where the patient’s life sonal matters, to involve himself with Brak’s Ponovezher Yeshiva for the ben- hung in the balance. all sorts of dilemmas, as if the respon- efit of Shemitta-observant farmers. The His nephew, the late Rabbi She- sibility for the entire generation rest- Ponovezher Rav implored the Chazon maryahu Karelitz of Brooklyn, lived with ed upon him alone? Not once did he Ish to address the assemblage and he the Chazon Ish in Bnei Brak for a num- seek to remove himself from a prob- obliged with three words: hnrmat ytvmxi ber of years. He testified that the Cha- lem or ease his load…. lc, All my limbs will say [“Hashem,who zon Ish never read medical books of any Without a doubt, it was his pure is like You?”] (Tehillim 35:10). sort; all his knowledge came from emuna that enabled him to attain what With every fiber of his being, a Jew Torah. Rabbi Karelitz recalled the fol- he did. It was this that uplifted him to must sing Hashem’s praises. The Cha- lowing incident: his sublime level of service of Hashem. zon Ish was saying that the farmers had After undergoing major surgery, a boy accomplished this, by demonstrating did not regain consciousness for some SHEMITTA their firm emuna and bitachon that time. The doctor said that if twenty-four Hashem would not forsake them as their hours would elapse without the patient’s n area where the Chazon Ish’s fields lay fallow. regaining consciousness, all hope would faith found great expression and be lost. After hearing all the details of the Ainfluence was Shemitta obser- ALL-ENCOMPASSING TORAH case, the Chazon Ish declared that the doc- vance. Almost from the time that he tor’s ominous prognosis would be true only arrived in Eretz Yisroel,four years before elve in it [the Torah] and if a seventy-two hour period of uncon- Shemitta of 5698 (1938), he was engaged continue to delve in it, for sciousness would pass. in monumental efforts to restore this “Deverything is in it” (Avos The boy awoke after twenty-four mitzva to its original glory. 5:26). All the world’s true wisdoms are hours, but before seventy-two hours. In In 1937, he published Sefer Chazon hidden in the Torah, the “blueprint” of response to someone’s inquiry, the Cha- Ish on the laws of Shemitta, and in it he the world. But this can be perceived only zon Ish explained, “I knew it from a Mish- elucidated his firm opposition to sell- by the most exalted tzaddikim,who have na in Maseches Oholos.” No one but the ing land in Eretz Yisroel to non-Jews as refined their spiritual vision through a Chazon Ish saw any connection between a means of circumventing Shemitta lifetime dedicated to service of Hashem that Mishna and medicine. requirements. At the same time, he and especially to relentless toiling in In an interview with biographer directed the legendary Reb Yaakov Hal- Torah. Rabbi Aharon Sorasky, a renowned pren of Bnei Brak to found the Keren HaShemitta fund to raise money for [email protected] farmers who would let their land lie fal- www.gefenfinancial.com low during the Shemitta year. And he inspired religious farmers to commit themselves to faithful observance of this Registered Mortgage Brokers mitzva. NYS Dept. of Banking In succeeding Shemitta years, the Corporate Headquarters: 2164 Victory Blvd., • Staten Island, NY 10314 Chazon Ish continued to seek every Dovid Winiarz, President Phone 718-983-9272 • 914-MORTGAGE “We make you feel at home” 973-MORTGAGE • 212-983-1000 means for spreading and facilitating Loans arranged through 3rd party providers observance of Shemitta.During Shemit- $ ta of 5705 (1945) and 5712 (1952), it became extremely difficult to procure Considering a move Arab and foreign-grown produce for to MONSEY? consumption. The Chazon Ish conceived and implemented the idea of opening For careful attention to your stores in every community that would market Shemitta-grown produce in a individual needs, call us today! halachically acceptable way. He detailed (845) 354-8445 instructions on how the stores would

The Jewish Observer, November 2003 33 Israeli neurosurgeon, Doctor Hadran always new problems to resolve. Day molding a Torah stance toward the sec- Askenazi, related: after day, I am faced with decisions ularist government and its policies, for “I was always profoundly impressed upon which a patient’s future hinges. his and future generations. by the Chazon Ish’s inquiries. They It is many years since the Chazon Ish’s The very creation of the State caused revealed a clarity of mind, a penetrat- death; yet, when faced with difficulties, a wave of confusion among religious ing insight into the human anatomy I still often think: if only I could discuss Jews. How was a Jew faithful to Torah and its cures. Brain surgery was often this with the Chazon Ish….” to understand this earth-shattering our topic of discussion. His questions event? The Chazon Ish’s opinion was were always on the mark and proper- THE STATE unequivocal:“We are not witnessing the ly formulated. He attacked the heart of as’chalta dege’ula (beginnings of the the matter, shedding new light on the he Chazon Ish lived for five years Redemption), but the conclusion of the situation — causing me, in many following the founding of the galus.” On another occasion he instances, to alter my opinion. TState of Israel in 1948. His pres- remarked,“Perhaps this [the State] is the “In the world of medicine, there are ence during that period was crucial in final test before Moshiach.” Torah education was among a number of major issues in the State’s early years.6 The Chazon Ish was not Subscribe or give a gift of opposed to yeshivos accepting gov- ernment funding – as long as the gov- ernment had absolutely no say in for- The Jewish Observer mulating school policies. But this could only happen if the religious schools would not rely solely on gov- and $ave! ernment money. Thus, the Chinuch Atzmai (lit., Autonomous Education) WHY NOT GIVE OR GET A PRESENT school system came into being and THAT WILL LAST AN ENTIRE YEAR? developed imto an ever-growing, highly successful network of yeshivos ubscribe, or give a gift at these reduced prices S and Bais Yaakovs. To Rabbi Aharon and The Jewish Observer– filled with the views Kotler, founding Nasi (President) of of leading Torah thinkers on current issues– will be Chinuch Atzmai, the Chazon Ish delivered each month, directly to your door. remarked, “Without Chinuch Atzmai, The longer you subscribe for, the larger your savings. it would be impossible to live in the Land.” Of course, this offer is unconditionally guaranteed; you may cancel at any time and receive a refund for BEN GURION’S VISIT all undelivered copies. n the fall of 1952, Prime Minister So order today, and the very next issue will be on David Ben Gurion asked to visit the its way to you as soon as possible. IChazon Ish at his home in Bnei Brak. J.O. SUBSCRIPTION SAVINGS CERTIFICATE Ben Gurion was well aware of the Cha- zon Ish’s leadership role within the Torah ❏ YES, I want to take advantage of this money saving offer! Enter my order as follows: community, and he thought that his visit ❏ SELF ❏ GIFT Name______USA *OUTSIDE would achieve a better relationship ONLY USA between his government and its religious ❏ Address______3 years Cover Price $105 Your cost $60 $96 adversaries. City ______❏ 2 years Cover Price $70 Your cost $44 $68 While many viewed their meeting ❏ 1 year Cover Price $35 Your cost $24 $36 State ______Zip ______as a momentous occasion, the Chazon ❏ Send gift card from:______Ish placed little hope in it. He made ❏ Enclosed: $ ______or it clear to Ben Gurion that there was ❏ ❏ Charge my: MasterCard VISA 6 Other major issues included: religious freedom 42 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 The Jewish Observer is published monthly except July and August. Account No. ______for soldiers, draft deferments for full-time yeshi- Please allow 4 - 6 weeks for delivery. va students, and exemption for religious women Expiration Date: (month/year) ______*Outside U.S.A. price reflects $12 extra per year to defray air shipping from compulsory national service. The Chazon costs. Foreign payment must be made in U.S. dollars, either by check drawn on a bank in the U.S.A. or by VISA or MasterCard. Signature______Ish was deeply involved in resolving these issues, particularly the last one, until his final day.

34 The Jewish Observer, November 2003 no room for compromise on any of forever. Who will replace his countless and raised the sights of an entire gen- the issues affecting Torah life. In a acts of charity? At the funeral, one eration. well-known exchange, Ben Gurion yeshiva administrator wept, saying that It is incumbent upon us all to strive asked, “The majority of our country’s without the Chazon Ish he sees no way to emulate his ways in at least some people are irreligious. You are in the to maintain his institution. The Cha- small way. May his merit shield us minority. Who should conform to zon Ish’s deeds were so concealed that from Above, just as it did during his whom?” even those closest to him were often years on this world. May Hashem have The Chazon Ish replied by citing the unaware of them. mercy on the remnants of our nation Talmudic law (Sanhedrin 32b) that Rabbi Chaim Volozhiner once and may we soon merit the Redemp- when two ships, one laden with cargo compared his rebbe, the Vilna Gaon, tion, Amein. ■ and the other completely empty, travel to the who lived centuries towards each other down a strait scarce- earlier. Rabbi Elchonon Wasserman ly wide enough for one, the empty ship asked the Chofetz Chaim why Heav- must back up and allow for the full one en decreed that a soul such as the to pass. The Chazon Ish continued,“Our Gaon’s should descend to a generations ship is laden with three thousand years in which it did not belong. The of history, heritage and tradition. Yours, Chofetz Chaim explained as follows: however, is empty, devoid of any real In every generation, the presence of substance. Confrontations are Torah leaders serves to impede that inevitable. Who, then, should step back generation’s spiritual decline. for whom?” In certain generations, however, the Just as his condemnation of secular- risks of spiritual decadence are greater ist Zionism was total, so was his love and than usual. Heaven may then deem it compassion for the individual who necessary to send to this world a soul had been led astray. In his writings, the that actually belongs to an earlier, Chazon Ish clearly differentiates more sublime period. Such a soul can between secularism as a movement single-handedly uplift an entire gen- and as a way of life for the tinok shen- eration and raise its spiritual heights. ishba, the Jew whose environment has Such was the Chazon Ish. A soul caused him to reject Torah. Of our way- that belonged to an earlier generation ward brethren, he writes, “It is incum- was sent to preserve Torah life in our bent upon us to draw them to us with time. He planted the seeds of Torah bonds of love, so that the light of truth throughout the Holy Land, combated will illuminate their ways to whatever ignorance and secularism, illuminat- degree possible.”7 ed the world with his Torah wisdom, We conclude with a quote from the Chazon Ish’s brother-in-law, Rabbi Shmuel Greineman l”xz: No “English” The Chofetz Chaim would say that Homework! the answer to every problem lies in Torah. However, one must know Is it possible? where in Torah to find a given answer and then approach the matter with a pure Torah outlook, which is absolute- A revolution: quiet, ly free of any foreign attitudes or per- goal-oriented, sonal interest…. It is for this reason that so many, including scores of respectful. roshei yeshiva, sought the Chazon Ish’s counsel. Always, they came away with But, still ... a revolution. the definitive Torah viewpoint. He sought to conceal his awesome Available at Torah Treasures: 732-901-1911 Judaica Plaza: 732-942-4500 ways. He revealed an inch and con- Brenco Judaica (L.A.): 888-273-6266 cealed two. So much remains hidden Eichler’s (B.P.): 718-633-1505 Tuvia’s: 845-426-0824 Or order from Advocacy Associates: 732-367-6079 7 Chazon Ish, Yoreh De’ah ch. 13. For bulk order discounts only: 866-367-8572

The Jewish Observer, November 2003 35 Avi Menashe Answering the Call

n this land of unlimited personal a steady link with the general public to The tally was duly recorded, the freedom, the invasion of our col- keep themselves financially viable. Let us coins swept into the leather bag, and the Ilective privacy by telemarketers has take a moment to consider what options parting ritual began. With a solemn inspired a backlash of total annoyance. for fundraising are available for our insti- handshake for Poppa and a stream of Finally, in response to public outcry, leg- tutions and what severing the telephone blessings for Mama, the “Pushka Man” islation has been enacted making it ille- link will mean to them…and us. bid farewell and made his way to the gal for a telemarketer to call anyone next house on his list. whose name appears on the special “Do A Fundraising Perspective Eventually, the meager sums collect- Not Call” registry. ed and long hours of work ate away at Within a month and a half of its erhaps while growing up, some the cost-effectiveness of this system and availability, more than fifty million decades ago, you lived in one of rendered it obsolete. homes had joined the list and telemar- Pthe major Jewish population cen- keting industry analysts predict that ters. If so, you might recall the follow- Tzeddaka Value most of the nation will sign on before ing scenario. – Are We Getting Bang For Our Buck? too long. It would seem that no longer It is evening at your house and a will you be disturbed during dinner by knock on the door heralds the arrival oday’s high cost of living calls for cable TV salespeople or be interrupted of an honored visitor. His white beard methods of fundraising that will from learning with your children to hear and black attire underscore the image Tproduce substantially more a pitch extolling the praises of yet anoth- of the Orthodox Jewish institution he money per man-hour than pushka col- er long-distance telephone carrier. represents. lections. Professionalism and graphics Forgotten amidst the celebration of He was the “Pushka Man” and his are the hallmark of the new tzeddaka our newfound freedom is the fact that bi-annual appearance was as much a world of today. We have witnessed a charities will still be allowed to make harbinger of the passing seasons as the giant leap in sophistication and a con- telephone solicitations. One can only first snow of winter or the blooming of current skyrocketing of fundraising imagine the reception these legitimate the crocuses in Spring. expenses. The question of how that telemarketers will be receiving now that Clearly in awe of her distinguished money is being spent is more relevant the public has become so militantly pro- guest, Mama would quickly retrieve the than ever and it behooves us all to tective of their privacy. pushka from its special spot. On the demand greater respect for our tzedda- We all know that many of our Mos- way back to the dining room a few ka dollar. dos Torah V’Chessed rely on maintaining more pennies would be hastily added Obviously, in every fund raising as the “Pushka Man,” squinting effort, the individuals and mosdos Avi Menashe is the nom-de-plume of the direc- through thick lenses, surveyed his involved have done their arithmetic. It’s tor of one of the leading tzeddaka organizations in America. His byline appears often in the Amer- record book for the total amount worth it for them. But again, the ques- ican Yated Ne’eman. retrieved when he visited last. tion remains; is it worth it for us?

40 The Jewish Observer, November 2003 The Telemarketing Solution if you just wish to say No, no one is stop- not allow them to churn out reminder ping you and it will have cost the organ- statements needlessly. If a caller comes he fact is that we are rarely self- ization less than a dollar to ascertain that across as a bit too aggressive, let the motivated to support an institu- you are not a candidate. No mail, no organization know. They cannot correct Ttion. If not for all the various gifts, no guilt. There is no reason to get a troublesome situation without your methods of getting our attention and upset, the caller is just trying to help our input. holding it for a few minutes, many a mosdos and deserves a civil response for So let us not allow ourselves to be mosad would have to close its doors. performing this unenjoyable task. swept away by the euphoria of the anti- Mailings yield a notoriously low Naturally, human error being what it telemarketing movement. The few sec- return (4% is considered good!) and are is, there will be mistakes and misun- onds you will graciously spend on the no alternative to the personal touch. One derstandings. A negative response might phone will make a great difference. Your of the more cost-effective ways of indi- result erroneously in a bill; a pledge of parents treated the “Pushka Man” like vidually reaching a large donor base is $18 may be recorded as $50; and so on. visiting royalty. The least you can do is through legitimate telemarketing. A The proper response is to inform the treat the telemarketer like a human carefully planned campaign will maxi- mosad of the mistake immediately and being. ■ mize the time spent and even one caller can speak to twenty-five potential donors in the space of just one hour. The best firms in this field have this down to a science. They take a flat fee per caller hour and pay their callers by the hour. With no commissions on pledges, there is no incentive for a caller to fab- ricate pledges where they don’t exist. “We monitor our callers to ensure that the people on the other end of the line are not hassled,” says the head of a prominent Brooklyn telemarketing company. “If the time is inconvenient, the caller politely asks as to when they might call back. We have a double responsibility toward the institutions we represent. We must maximize their income and maintain their positive rela- tionship with the public.” Another respected fundraising con- sultant interviewed for this article con- curs. “We never forget that as far as the giving public is concerned, we are the voice of the Yeshiva or charity we are calling for,” he declared. “That is an achrayus we don’t take lightly.” Thanks to firms like these, we can WEDDINGS & hear a pitch, respond immediately, or just ask for some literature in the mail, BAR MITZVAHS all within a minute. No caterers, no FOR Since 1966 expensive prizes or advertising cam- THE FINEST paigns; just a quick call and a statement IN in the mail within a day or two. Neat, 623 CORTELYOU ROAD pleasant, and above all, cost-effective. PHOTOGRAPHY (Off Ocean Parkway) You don’t have to pick up the phone AND VIDEO BROOKLYN NY 11218 during dinner, and even when the expectation of an important call USA / ISRAEL prompts you to answer, you can ask the (718) 941-5500 telemarketer to call back later. Indeed,

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