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April 2001 VOLUME XXXIV/NO. 4 ,,,, fr,"lble amount of ,ersy and broad ein the fewish µlted from an peared in the ¢of Moment ; a periodical a substantial ip comprised 'non-Orthodox ftten by Rabbi r:an, Agudath ica's Director II ,airs, the essay utistics and the

f Conservative ust around the time Munawwar halachic observance to consider putting Mohsin, a Pakistani newspaper edi­ their affiliations where their convictions he Conservative tor, accidentally published a letter lie and joining Orthodox communities. criticalJ of Islam and as a result landed No one may have tried to i1nprison ~ii1ent has failed in a Peshawar jail facing a death sen­ me, but the angry and oddly personal in its goal of tence, I had my own unpleasant nature of the response from Conserv­ ?Jy encounter (relatively speaking, to be ative leaders, some Orthodox rabbis and sure) with hot and bothered reaction to an assort1nent of others was certainly the written word. striking. ~?misrepresents My offense was blasphemy of a laity as being decidedly more subtle sort than Mr. "V'LIMKALELEI NAFSHI SIDOM*" ed to halacha. Mohsin's. All I had dared challenge was the claim of the Conservative move­ ( (Anasty diatribe" is how Rabbi ment's leaders that their movement is Alan Silverstein, president of truly committed to halacha. But I did so the World Council ofMasor­ article came, not in an Orthodox periodical or an ti/Conservative Synagogues, character­ edictably, from obscure rabbinical journal but rather in ized the article, \vhich was neither a magazine popular among thoughtful re1notely nasty nor diatribe. ((Let us," he Yve leaders and non-Orthodox Jews. And so, while the announced hopefully, "marginalize stri­ ·· iso from parts reaction was nonviolent, it vvas quite dent voices like that of Avi Shafran." furious all the same. "Does [Rabbi Shafran] really think ox world. The The challenge, which Moment Mag­ that the masses of Conservative Je\'\TS are azine asked me to write, and published going to ... run out and join his little in its February 200 l issue, soberly shtibP." mocked Rabbi Jerome Epstein, summoned an assortment of facts, fig­ executive vice president of the United ures and quotations demonstrating Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, how the Conservative movement's pro­ who also accused me of hypocrisy for fessed theology is at stark odds with its having dared critique his movement actual positions. Framing the hard data while claiming at the sa111e time to care the criticism. was a declaration oflove for all Jews and * "1b those who curse me, let n1y soul be silent"­ a plea to Conservative Jews dedicated to fron1 the final paragraph of Shemone Esrci.

4 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 CLASS(LESS) PROJECT

he angry reaction, sadly, was not limited to rabbis and editors. Ire Twas expressed too by a number of lay Conservative Jews-on Moment Magazine's on-line "message board," in Jewish "chat rooms;' e-mail lists and in other written and electronic venues, as well as in a host of flesh-and-blood gath­ erings of Conservative Jews. One imag­ inative 9'h grade teacher (Orthodox, as it happens) at a "pluralistic" school in Penn­ sylvania even made a class project ont of sending me outraged con1munications. Part of the animus was no doubt due to the unfortunately incendiary title the magazine gave my piece. Instead of my ,,, own choice, "Time To Come Home," Moment insisted on cro\.vning the arti­ cle with a large, bold banner headline I reading: "The Conservative Lie." All the same, the piece itself was about Jewish unity. tor" for "attack[ ing] co religionists over admittedly provocative, laying out as it A joint statement signed by every different religious beliefs" and suggest - did not only examples of the blatantly major Conservative organization in the ed that the anonymous scoundrel did so agenda-driven Conservative "ha/achic United States and Israel labeled my arti­ because of a "flaw deep within [his] process" but open adn1ission of the same cle "shameful" and people like me "fun­ genes" or perhaps because he lacked "a by a number of Conservative leaders. It damentalists." balanced psyche." also did not flinch from illustrating how Rabbi Steven Bayar, of Congregation A "Modern Orthodox" rabbi in the far Conservative law has drifted from the B'nei Israel in Millburn, New Jersey, ren­ same city delivered and published a Jewish religious tradition. dered his own judgment that I was appar­ lengthy sermon accusing me of using And so, in the roiling wake of all the ently trying to make myself "look good "denigrating language," "infighting," ugliness, the question might certainly be by making others look bad;' and confi­ and engaging in "vicious backbiting" - asked: Should the piece have been writ­ dently declared that I surely have not and suggested that I undertake a special ten in the first place? brought as many Jews closer to Jewish fast as an atonement. He also wondered Some-not only angry Conservative tradition as he has. (He went on to reas­ how the same person who decried and "Modern Orthodox" Jews but some sure readers of the New Jersey Jewish News falsehoods published about Orthodox traditionally Orthodox ones as well­ that he simply will not allow the evidence Jews (in an earlier issue of Moment) offer an unequivocal <(no." laid out in my article to bother him. 'Tm could now dare to point out unpleasant not going to lose sleep over it;' he said truths about what Conservative leaders TRUE CONFESSIONS contentedly.) believe and say. For his part, Rabbi Joel Meyers, exec­ And while at least one Conservative o be sure, the project was not utive vice president of the Conservative rabbi conceded that the article had been undertaken lightly. I realized its movement's Rabbinical Assembly, saw the "devastating"-and one of the move­ Tpotential to elicit ill will and data I presented as dear evidence that my ment's foremost experts in Jewish law understood that it would have to be clai1n to be an "ohev Yisroef' is nothing admitted that, in the words of Forward, written carefully, in a way that, while but a "guise:' He also claimed, as did the "some of his colleagues either lack a suf­ pulling no punches about Conservative signers of the joint statement, that I had ficient commitment to tradition or have theology or facts, would not personal­ taken quotations out of context. Neither a misguided historical understanding of ly insult well-n1eaning Conservative he, though, nor they offered any exam­ rabbinic law"-the bulk of at least the Jews. I think that the article-despite the ples (nor could they have). immediate reaction was decidedly neg­ way it was misread or misportrayed by An editor at the Baltimore Jewish ative.And-and, significantly, devoid of some-did properly tread that fine Times derided an unnamed "perpetra- any discussion of my article's substance. line, though I confess to wondering if

The Jewish Observer, April 2001 5 the negative reaction would have been Whether Conservative readers would THE SECOND WAVE lessened had I included yet another sen­ accept what the article says or dismiss tence stressing that I v,ras critiquing a it out of hand, they will have been pre­ nd as it happened, the initial neg­ philosophy, not members of a syna­ sented with the facts, and what they ative reaction an1ong lay Con­ gogue, or had I elaborated on the A servative Jews a bit later, indeed respect I have for all Jews sincerely pur­ gave way to a surprising nun1ber of pos­ suing deeper connection to their her­ itive responses. I received n1any e-mails itage, regardless of their current affili­ • V\1 f speaking up clearly and letters from Conservative Jews ho ations. had questions about Judaisn1, and were In the end, though, I don't think the Ileads even one Jew to clearly exploring a world they found reaction \Vould have been any different; intriguing, a world that they would not those who \Vere scandalized were real­ realize that Halacha is otherwise have given n1uch thought. ly offended by one thing, the article's not Silly Putty, that we One correspondent, \Vho has been thesis itself: that the Conservative phi­ "struggling for years" in the Conserva­ losophy is both a failure and an aban­ Jews are here to do tive move1nent, conveyed his deep donment of the Je\vish nzesora. Hakadosh Baruch Hu's appreciation for what he characterized In any event, the hindsight wonder­ as a "thoughtful article" and that he had ing is moot, for the invitation to write will, not to ascribe our "shared it with several of my Conserv­ the article was accepted only after dis­ own wills to Him, is it not ative friends \vho are intelligent and cussion with a gadol baTornh. He well open-minded." The piece, he wrote, understood the likelihood that my worth all the fuming "opened their eyes." words, as carefully as I might craft them, Another Conservative correspon­ would likely inspire an avalanche of and insults of outraged dent characterized his leaders' intem­ indignation, but felt that the opportu­ Conservative rabbis? perate responses to n1y article as "high­ nity to reach Conservative Jews \Vas just light[ing] your message that the too great to squander. The piece, I \Vas n1ovemcnt is failing." told, should primarily consist of a pres­ "If we \vere strong," he continued, "we entation of facts and avoid any rudeness, read, even if it is initially• rejected, \Nill would not be threatened by your arti­ but it \Vas to address the issue head-on ren1ain in their n1inds, perhaps one day cle or anyone v.1ho believes Conservative and clearly. Here, he said, \vas a chance to rnigrate to their hearts. theology is fla\ved. It is because \ve kno\v to reveal the essential dishonesty of a And so 1 seized the-excuse both the that you are right and that our leaders 1nove1nent that con11nands the affilia­ pun and the pretentiousness-momen­ are lying to themselves that they said tion of hundreds of thousands of Jews. tous opportunity. what they said:' A cantor in a Conservative congre­ gation \vrote to encourage n1e to write further on the subject. "The [leaders of L.S. PRICES the] Conservative movement," he TYPE OF CAR OR SIMILAR 16 APR. 01 20 JUL. 01 averred, "have sold then1selves do\vn the road to political correctness and expe­ A FIAT PUNTO 3 DR. 112 diency." B FIAT PUNTO 5 DR. 126 A renovvned professor of Jewish C1 PEUGEOT306 182 studies, ordained by the Jewish Theo­ C2 MITSUBISHI CARISMA 224 NT MINIBUS 7 SEATS 455 logical Sen1inary, reassured me that "you MT MINIBUS 10 SEATS 518 got people to thinking" and opined that • "the stupidity of the answers should tell D OPEL CORSA 189 Toll Free: the whole story. The best they can do is E DAEWOO LANDS 217 1-800-938-5000 yell at you .... 1 really thought there was F SUZUKI BALENO 1.6 245 more to c:onservative Judaism than is G TOYOTA COROLLA 1.6 273 Tel in NYC: x CHEVROLET CAVALIER 322 212-629-6090 emerging." XL PEUGEOT 406 2.0 357 A number of postings on Man1ent's sx CHEVROLET MALIBU 399 "n1essage board" can1c to the defense of vx VOLVO S-70 630 FREE' one day car rental my article as well, saying in different ~·,' EX MERCEDES E240 770 for each nlgnt spent at iLDAN • ways what one did by simply admitting KX MAZDA MPV 693 ELDAN HOTEL JERUSALEM ·. rrm. ·valid Low Su.son Only that points I raised are "real and legiti- KT GMCSAVANA 763 Gro11p B car I Exe:. Ins.

-----·------· - 6 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 mate," and that I am "ultimately right." is correct in his assessn1ent, and this is ily member being misled-even by And in the end, the 9'" graders, the from someone who HAS been there, not another member of the clan-about, correspondents I ad1nit I \Vas inost con­ just from someone looking in from the say, a financial investment or a medical cerned about, unani1nously accepted n1y outside." course of action? Ignoring the situation? offer to travel to their school to speak There are nlany other conten1porary Pretending it didn't exist? with them. Sadly, the school's adminis­ Conservative Jews, several correspon­ What a caring, concerned parent or tration subsequently disinvited me dents continued, who are currently child or sibling or cousin would do, of (chalk one up for "selective pluralism"), where they themselves once \Vere, and course, is address the less-informed rel­ but I hope to try to stay in touch with who stand to gain much from being ative, calmly and clearly, and lay out the the students all the same. confronted with a clear presentation of pertinent facts and dangers - as blunt­ Another set of encouraging respons­ their moven1ent's blatant self-contra­ ly as necessary. Indeed, the closer the es can1e from once-Conservative Jews dictions. I am mispallel that their hon­ relation, the more urgent would be the who are now observant Orthodox ones. esty prove but a first step on the most effort to provide the loved one with Their letters were remarkably similar, i1nportant journey a Jew can make. accurate information. And if the threat describing how the facts that my arti­ was to something even greater than mere cle had presented had been the very TIME FOR SOME SOUL finances or even physical health, the in1petus for their migration from their SEARCHING ON OUR PART response would be proportionately erstwhile affiliation. urgent and forthright. One gentleman who identified him­ ven leaving aside, though, the Well, we 2l't century 11za'an1inim in self as a "former member of the Con­ practical worth of an article rais­ Torah Min HaShamayitn are witnessing servative Jewish com1nunity,'' a ba'al Eing the provocative issue of the a Jewish movement that tells Jews who tokeah and ba'al tefilla at one of New Conservative 1novement's dishonesty, are sincerely interested in observing York's largest Conservative congrega­ ignoring entirely both the negative and halacha that traveling by car on Shab­ tions, told of how his anguish over the positive responses, there is a deeper rea­ bos, mixed-seating at prayer, and n1ar­ movement's abandonment of Jewish son for why I believe writing it was right. riages forbidden by the Torah, among tradition "fell on deaf ears" and how"in It is hardly a subtle point, and the fact other things, are permitted. That the the end I had no choice but to leave, that that even some Orthodox Jews seem Torah and its laws were merely which I did sadly, leaving behind a num­ not to realize it is surprising - and deeply "inspired"-and hence subject to fur­ ber of old and nevv friends.'' Fortunately, troubling: ther, corrective, inspiration. he went on, he found "a very friendly Either ahavas Yisroel has meaning to It is, admittedly, easier to get to sleep Orthodox shuf' in his neighborhood and us or it doesn't; either Kial Yisroel is a at night by convincing ourselves that is now "n1ore observant than I have ever family or it isn't. politeness (or "unity" or ''concern with been in my life." What, after all, would true familial others' feelings") should trump truth here, ""IO sumn1arize," he concluded in his love and concern dictate \Vere any sen­ or that no one will likely listen anyway, message board posting, "Rabbi Shafran sitive person to witness a beloved fam- or that speaking up simply isn't worth the Not just a cheese, a tradition... Haolam, the most trusted name in Cholov Yisroel Kosher Cheese. A reputation earned through 25 years of scrupulous devotion to quality and kashruth. With 12 delicious varieties. Haolam, a tradition you'll enjoy keeping.

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The Jewish Observer, April 200 I 7 resultant rain of anin1us and insults fron1 offended Jewish leaders. Or that we need only set a good example, and nothing else. What, though, does true ahavas Yisroel Personal responsibility throughout service - NOT JUST "PAPERWORK" mandate? ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT RABBINICALLY APPROVED METHOD It mandates our being good examples, Highly recommended by GedoJai Hador- Here and in Eretz Yisrael to be sure. It n1andates positive outreach 104.l-42nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219 as well. But it also mandates honesty and I>.iy & Night phone: (718) 851-8925 clarity. 10 be sure, some, perhaps even 1nost, J))t"0N1QONj7 ))l"i' - J'"T:l 1Nl n10l/)) •ua Conservative Jews, egged on by their lead­ Kavod Haniftar with Mesiras Nefesh and compassion for the bereaved family. ers, n1ay reject our words and choose to TAHARAS HANIFTAR SHOUtD NEYER BE COMMERCIALIZED ignore the evidence. But have we really any moral basis for remaining complacent and quiet? And if speaking up clearly leads even one Jew to realize that halacha is not Silly Putty, that we Jews are here to do Haka­ dosh Baruch Hu's will, not to ascribe our own wills to Hirn, is it not worth all the fuming and insults of outraged Conser­ "Special children vative rabbis? are like everyone Kiruv rechokim, not only the "profes­ else. We have needs sional" sort, but the personal sort even and feelings ... We 1nore so, is a paramount n1ission of all understand every­ observant Jews today. But pointing out the thing and know every­ wrongheadedness of deviations fron1 thing. We don't grasp our collective n1esora is not antithetical to this knowledge by means bringing our precious Jev>'ish brothers and of our minds, but rather sisters closer to our common mesora. by means of our souls." It isn't even the "flip side" of ahavas "Four and a half years Yisroel. It is an inherent, organic, insepara­ ago, I was introduced ble part of it. to facilitated communica~ tion and my world It's time we really reached out to our became unlocked in an fellow Jews in the heterodox denomi­ instant." nations. With love. hese words were authored by autistic and handicapped children • children With invitations Twho, until recently, had been unable to communicate with the outside world. With cholent. Now they can speak to us, and the messages they share are a direct reflection of the vision of the soul. And with facts. Secrets of the Soul focuses on the amazing phenomenon of Facilitated Communication, a unique means for communicating with the nonverbal. As more disabled people break through their prisons of loneliness and darkness, the words they speak reveal the spiritual world of man. Secrets of the Soul may be one of the most poweriul books you'll ever read. You'll discover more about yourself than you've ever dreamed possible ... as you come to perceive the true essence of the soul that lies within each one of us.

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8 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 Rabbi Yoe/ Chonon Wenger

"Sanctity of Life: Quality of Life vs. Equality of Life," by Moshe Borowski, featured in the December 2000 Jewish Observer, stressed the sacred dimension associated with any level of human life, no matter how compromised it may be in terms of apparent ability to function on an intelligent level. This discussion has inspired letters asking for further exploration of the Torah approach to Quality of Life

I. WHEN DOES QUALITY COUNT? ability of the object to its intended role. availing us the opportunity to be trans­ For example, if we were to discuss the ported from point "a" to point "b': from hat is "Quality of Life"? Does quality of an automobile, we would This World to the World-to-Come. it deserve any thought in an readily agree that the main concern is Enhanced mobility, enticing opportu­ W observant Jew's view of med­ whether the car can drive you to your nities and effectual utility cannot ical treatment? One would be tempted destination: Can it transport you from become measuring rods for quality of to answer that the halacha is quite clear point "a" to point "b"? We would cer­ life. They are irrelevant. Only aspects of on the matter. The Mishna Berurah tainly consider the amenities and life that can help bring one closer to the writes that we are obligated to do options that have become commonplace World-to-Come have quality. everything within our means, including over the years: Sunroof, heating, cassette With this criterion in place, we are desecrating the Shabbos, to prolong the players, CD changer, cup holders - all now ready to evaluate various situations life of a dying, unconscious person, even valuable additions to a running car. A in life in terms of how they reflect or if for just a few moments.' It is obvious car that does not move, however, is use­ define - purpose. that the Torah does not want us to make less, and has zero quality, regardless of value decisions. In the Torah view, the how many frills are added on. If it can­ When Quality is Minimal - Or is it? value attached to life is focused on life not fulfill its purpose, it has no value. itself. "Quality of life" is not a factor in On the other hand, even if the extras he question really begins at determining how much we should break down, as long as it provides trans­ ground zero, when dealing with extend ourselves to save or sustain a life. portation, it is useful and has quality. Ta person who is inactive because Although this is true, appraising So it is with life- and quality of life. of age, infirmity, or severe illness. He quality of life can still be a matter of These can only be evaluated after may still have the capacity to perform interest to Torah Jews for determining understanding the purpose of life. the six mitzvos that we are able to ful­ how to enhance our lives. The first step fill at all times. 4 They are: in this discussion should be an attempt II. DEFINING LIFE'S PURPOSE 1. To believe in the Creator. at understanding what the purpose of 2. Not to believe in any other life is. (To be sure, the basic truths upon t is axio1natic to any believing ]e\v power or idol. which the following discussion is based that life's purpose is to transport us 3. To believe that there is one G-d are well known to most of us, yet they I to the World-to-Come.3 Tested by and that all existence emanates from are still worthy of review and clarifica­ trial and tribulation, guided by Torah him. One who accepts Bin od milva­ tion.2 and mitzvos, we are ultimately enabled do ( ... Nothing exists outside of Him) Only after life's purpose is defined is to enjoy the benefits of the World-to­ is actually fulfilling all three of the there a basis to evaluate quality, which Con1e. All amenities and options, on above mitzvos. is determined by measuring the suit- whatever level - such as good food, 4. To love Hashem.

1 See Biur Halacha on Mishna Berurah 329"Ella." money, fun, family, nachas, thrills - are 5. To fear Hashem. 2 Ranzdwl elaborates on the need for constant either extras to or detractions from the 6. Not to follow our hearts' desires. review and clarification of known concepts in his real purpose. No more than that. It is ------introduction to A1esillas Yeshari111. 4 Mishna Bcrurah l:l Biur Halacha (quoting the therefore obvious that, just as in our Sefer Hachin11ch) Six constant mitzvos fro1n which Rabbi Wenger is the Rav of Beis Medrash Eitz analogy to a car, perceived "quality of a person is never exempt - even for one minute Chaim and serves as a 1nember of the hanhala life" is to be judged according to life's - any time that he thinks about them, he fulfills in Beis Hamedrash of Yeshiva Gedola Merkaz a positive Torah con1mand1nent, the re,vard for Hatorah Tiferes Mordechai of Montreal. 3 Mesillas Yesluirim, chapter I. \vhich is beyond any limits.

The Jewish Observer, April 2001 9 (Unfortunately, many of us are often Value at Ground Zero We should not be misled by a person's too busy to think about any of these, too inability to appreciate or enjoy what he is preoccupied with the pursuit of happi­ nore difficult situation is that of doing. His enjoyment or appreciation is ness to stop and consider what is of true an Alzheimer patient or the person only an indication of the quality of his significance.) n a coma. They cannot fulfill physical and mortal achievements. The It is thus simply not true that an old mitzvos, nor are they capable of doing in1portant criterion is whether his life is or infirn1 person does nothing and has fulfilling its purpose of transporting him nothing to do. He sits, or lies in bed, in1mo­ to his true destination. bile ... and thinks about Hashem. He • From that perspective, these patients thanks Him for all that he has received e should not be many be suffering in this world in order from Him. He is filled with awe as he con­ Wmisled by a to make their transition into their prop­ templates the future. This person can con­ er place in Gan Eden that much more pro­ stantly be fulfilling the above mentioned person's inability to pitious.7 Although the last months or years rnitzvos, every minute of his day. of son1eone in such a state are very diffi­ But what about a person who is so appreciate or enjoy what cult for family and friends to witness, that sick or old that he has difficulty con­ he is doing. The important period of life is still fulfilling a purpose. centrating, and drifts in and out of con­ The patient is undergoing a purification sciousness? He does not live \Vith these criterion is whether his life process, which is of great benefit to him. constant mitzvos. The Mishna Berurah, is fulfilling its purpose of At the end, he will reach a stage of ci>':> which we referred to above, also address­ prwrn ]l111N-"rejoicing on that final day;' es the question: Until our last breath, we transporting him to his for being unburdened of the weight of a have the opportunity to do teshuva, and true destination: O/om lifetime of sins. in a brief moment one can change his We may be asked by medical experts status from being a complete rasha to a Hobbo. why we allow such life with "no quality" perfect tzaddik. 5 One never knows to continue. Our ans\ver is both simple which moment of teshuva will merit and logical, from our perspective: the Divine acceptance. That specific teshuva. ls there any• value in n1aintaining process is an in1portant component of life, 111on1ent is of greater quality than even their lives? Our measuring rod addresses and therefore of tremendous quality. seventy years of strength and vigor." the capacity of a life to serve its purpose. Not only will it clarify the benefit accrued from caring for people with severe dis­ abilities, it can help us understand how caring for aging, disabled folks can have profound ra1nifications. This, however, does not address the sit­ uation of the unfortunate souls who were born \vith n1ental disabilities and were never cognizant nor responsible. They do _\jaur daug.11.ter 1~1 a /JClll. Let zu1 create tfie not need the cleansing effects of suffering. pafect setting., (It is beyond the scope of this article to discuss the deeper considerations of Mesorah is the only a/I-girls Jewish gilgul, or transmigrated souls, which High School in the Southwestern would shed light on the issue.) United States. 5 See Ge1110ra (Kiddus/1i11 49b): If a 1nan betroths a won1an "on the condition that l ain a tzaddik," even if he is a con1plete rasha, she ls betrothed because perhaps be entertained thoughts of tcshuva. Rabbi Yonason D. Schie~ Ed M., Headmaster 6 "Rebbi wept and said, 'There is he who earns 11315 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75243 his [share in the future] world in a nn1ltitudc of (214) 691-4949 Fax: (214) 691-8889 vears and there is be \vho earns bis world in a ~ingle n10111ent'" (Avod11 Zora l 7a). www.mesorahschool.org 7 Ka! \!echome1~ Loss of an eye or tooth Iat the Now oaepri11g appliwtions for 200112002 • Housing available for out-of-town students hands of his n1aster], as a basic li1nb, earns a slave freed.0111. Ho\v 1nuch n1orc so does suffering, \Vhich cleanses the entire body of a person .. (13erachos Sa).

10 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 There is, however, another factor, with to the grandparents' account. added value beyond the basic fact that a message that can have an impact on our We are now able to con1e full circle and the person is alive. Here, too, Torah gives lives. As a point of reference, consider one offer a suggestion to explain the halacha us a means of gauging this quality, quite of the many rnitzvosthat remind us of the that we quoted earlier. The victim of a apart fron1 conventional or secular cri­ Exodus fro1n Mitzrayitn, the reden1ption cave-in or earthquake who has only sec­ teria. For a professional athlete, for of the first born, which applies to humans onds to live is a party to a great 1nitzva, example, an ankle injury takes away his as well as to some animals. The donkey is as rescuers endeavor to save hi111. The Kid­ quality of life. While he is so impaired, the only non-kosher animal whose first­ dush Hashem that is mandated by the he has nothing to do and little to enjoy. born is sanctified, and requires reden1p­ mitzva to prolong his life, even for only An over-indulgent glutton would feel as tion. Chazal explain that this distinction seconds, is of tremendous, unin1aginable if deprived of life if he were put on a is due to the donkey's assistance to Bnei Yis­ significance. It supersedes all other 609 2,000-calorie-a day diet. Some teenagers roel in carrying the booty out of Mitzray­ mitzvosof the lbrah-mandated 613,leav­ may feel that life is not worth living if irn. On the surface, this is incomprehen­ ing only three others that are of greater their wardrobe doesn't pay homage to sible. There happened to be donkeys in in1portance.8 The rescue \Vorkers and the the latest clothing fad. Modern day ethi­ Mitzrayirn; had they had horses or camels, victim are causing a tremendous benefit cists will acknowledge that an injured they would have been used instead. Why in the master plan of this world. That is ankle or even restrictive diet does not do the donkeys deserve a reward? also genuine quality of life. Although it is negate quality of life. The ethicists have The Alter of Kelm (Rabbi Sim cha Zis­ true that the tnitzva to prolong life) even developed their own guidelines of sel Ziv) e.xplains that the donkeys had served at the expense of other mitzvos, is not mobility, ability to enjoy, and utility in as a medium for producing a Kiddush dependent on quality oflife, we would be judging a person's quality of life. These Hashem, even though they were enlisted as hard-pressed to find a life that does not do not enter as factors in the Jewish a vehicle with no voluntary involven1ent on have quality and value. understanding of"quality ...." their part. For this, they were granted an How then does the Torah view qual­ eternal, exalted status. In a sin1ilar manner, III. AND THEN THERE IS QUALITY, TOO ity of life? Of course, the manner in Chazal teach us, the grandchildren of Sisra which spirituality informs one's life, the and Sancherev nlerited to convert and learn e have established that even degree to which Torah study and mitz­ Torah because through these two malev­ life qua life has a function in va observance pern1eate one's life, the olent men - through the miracles of their W both the cosmic scheme of extent to \Vhich one's motives are pure defeat - a tremendous Kiddush Hashem things as well as on the individual scale. and not self-serving - these surely took place. Although their intent was dia­ Granted. But there still is a dimension define the quality of a Jew's life. We may metrically the opposite of Kiddush Hashem, oflife that is qualitative, that gives indi­ recognize these attributes as they are they were re\varded with progeny in a man­ vidual experiences and achievements an reflected in the way outstanding 1orah ner that is eternal. 8 Prohibitions against idolatry, in1morality, and figures lead their lives. But what about In an observant family and community, 111urder, which one must never transgress, even the rest of us? the old and infirm are lovingly cared for. to save one's life. In order to evaluate quality of life, How many mitzvos of kibbud av, bikur cholirn, and chesscd are fulfilled because of ...... Th£• ,Jlagazinc that cm•er.i their situation! Ho\V inany instances of a lar_qe "pcclrtun of <)i,,ahi/itie<1 a/Id hatuJit•ap«, Kiddush Hashem are promoted when oth­ e«p£'t'iatly within the ers become aware of the beauty of the Jew­ Orthodo.'"· .lew1:,f, Cort111ut11ity. ish family and community through their involvement with those suffering! Ho\v ISSUE #10 much sanctity is accrued to the credit of Announcing the debut of issue the recipient, the object of all these #10 (Maroon Cover) of Down Syndrome Amongst Us. mitzvos and Kiddush Hashem! The time The magazine is now available he lives as an object of respect and as a in judaica stores worldwide. means for pron1oting chessed is also Subscriptions are now taken into account in in1buing his life with available worldwide. For purpose. By virtue of his life's role in ful­ subscription info in the US please fax request to filling a Divine purpose, he will be grant­ 718-834-5255 or entail: ed a portion in the World-to-Come. The dmt•n,ynd,..mo@o~rihlink.nt•< effect on grandchildren and great-grand­ for advertising and/ or submiption informaliol!, please contad: children who have living models and Down Syndrome Amongst Us/ 32 Rulledge Slreel / Bro11ldyn, NY 11211 For subscription info in Tel, 7!8.834.20SS / fllx 7J8.834.S2SS lsrael/t:rctz Yisrocl, please examples of kibbud av vo'eirn also accrues E-Mail call: 011-972-2-653-5399.

The Jewish Observer, April 200 I 11 one may venture that any normal, manners of activity - is an opportuni­ RABBI healthy, observant adult-Jew has a ty to do mitzvos, as we mentioned ear­ MORD EC HAI high quality of life. He puts on his tall is lier in our discussion of the Six Constant and tefillin, and he prays three times a Mitzvos. GIFTER ~:rsi day. He sets aside an hour or more And then, of course, there is still the every day to learn Torah. Women are opportunity do to teshuva. ENGLISH similarly involved in their Torah­ LECTURE SERIES directed lives. He (or she, as in further t this point, we must express grat­ examples) is mechanech his children in itude to all the modern-day the ways of Torah. He gives tzeddaka A philosophers and ethicists for Series #1 7 and works to benefit the community. challenging us on the issue of quality of O 1 First Night of Selichos - 5741 In addition, he is an asset to society at life. Because of their questioning we can 0 2 Yomim Nore'im - 5744 large. He enjoys life, deriving pleasure be awakened from our coma, from our 0 3 Aseres Yemai Teshuvah - 5745 from all that Hashem has created for unquestioning following in step with the 0 4 Aseres Yemai Teshuvah - 5746 him. He truly thinks the whole world values and judgments of society. We 9 O 5 Pesach - 5746 was created for him. must indeed constantly challenge our­ 0 6 Elul - 5747 When a person ages or becomes selves: What is our quality of life? When 0 7 Before Maariv T. B'Av - 5747 infirm, he loses the ability to work, to was the last time we spent any time O 8 Chol Hamoed Pesach - 5748 enjoy many pleasures, 10 and to fully thinking if we are living life to its fullest? 0 9 Aseres Yemai Teshuvah - 5749 participate in family functions. It can Do we focus on the six constant mitzvos? 0 10 Chanukah - 5749 even be difficult for him to observe Are our conduct and the ways in which 0 11 Pesach Thoughts - 5749 many of the above mentioned mitzvos. we represent Torah values bringing 0 12 Yeshivas Bein Hazmanim He often cannot concentrate on Torah zechusim to the Divine balance of our O 13 Diversity In Orthodoxy studies as in the past. Nor can he man­ life's achievements? Or are we just 0 14 Chanukah - 5750 age to make it to shul three times a day. adding worthless frills and accruing fat [] 15 Derech Halimud Does this mean that the quality of his to feed the affar, rima, vesolaya 13 that are 0 16 Purim life is diminishing? Such a question is the ultimate destiny of mankind? O Entire Series of 16 tapes based on secular norms. As long as he If we learn to appreciate life in a man­ can still perform some mitzvos, his life ner reflecting its true purpose, we will COST: is surely enriched beyond any reckon­ truly enjoy all that Hashem has prepared $7.00 per tape if purchased ing. Who can fathom the value of even for us in this world. We will learn to uti­ individually one mitzva? 11 lize it to its fullest, and search and strive $6.00 per tape if more than 5 There is yet another point to con­ to fulfill mitzvos. We will bring sancti­ tapes purchased $90.00 for all 16 tapes sider that is even more important than ty to the world and honor to the Torah $96.00 for all 16 tapes w/album the specific value of his additional and its teachings. We will surely be mitzvos. The Rambam12 says that it is assured that .tt.>u>::i .1"11"N .i? :m:>l 1''WN. one of the tenets of our faith that if a N:Jn c?l)>';> .i? ::111'1 nm "Ashrecha: You are Series #178 person fulfills even one of the 613 fortunate-in this world; Vetov lach: And O 20 tapes on Sefer Hachinuch mitzvos properly, without any ulterior it will be good for you - in the World­ motive, he will merit acquiring a por­ to-Come." • tion in the World-to-Come. It is quite COST: 9 $90.00; $96.00 with album possible that an ailing patient has still See Sanhedrin 37a. not acquired this "one mitzva." In his 10 As Barzilai Hagiladi told David, "I am 80 years SAVE $12.00 - order present frail condition, he may succeed old today. Do I know good from evil?" Frorn here we see that people's personalities change with both series with album in doing that "one mitzva," without any age .... Their sense of taste fades ... , and their hear­ for only $180.00 thought of personal gain. This is sure­ ing becomes impaired (Shabbos 152a). ly of supreme value. 11 Sec Avos IV,22: "He used to say, 'Better one hour Check boxes of tapes ordered There is yet another consideration to of teshuva and good deeds in this world than the Send payment to: take into account. We n1ust not assume entire life of the World-to-Co1ne."' 12 Tapes that because a person is unable to par­ Rabbi Chananya ben Akashya says, "llashe1n ticipate in as many rnitzvos as he would wished to confer merit upon Israel; therefore he PO Box 504 gave them Torah and mitzvos in abundance, etc." like, that his quality of life has somewhat Wickliffe, OH 44092 (End of Makkos). The Rarnbani is found in his diminished. In reality, every moment of con11nentary to the Mishna. Postage and Handling included. our lives - even as V\'e are engaged in all 13 "Dust, worms ... ," see Avos III,l

12 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 he task of relating to others the many of the Western areas of Russia. getting each consignment into the emotions and experiences that Twenty-seven members of the Vaad country, this task is one of the most chal­ Tone felt during a trip of Chizuk I:Hatzolas Nidchei Yisroel (founded at lenging for us. The decisions are diffi­ to the former Soviet Union would the Knessia Gedolah gathering of Agu­ cult, but make them we must-and we humble the most experienced and tal­ dath Israel in 1980), led by the organi­ do!" said Rabbi Mordechai Neustadt, ented journalist. Since I am merely a zation's Nasi, Rabbi Matisyahu Salomon founder of the Vaad. It is interesting to businessman (recently retired to begin ~"17'7\?.\ spent seven whirhvind days vis­ note that it is the poverty that pushes the a career of fulltime Torah teaching), the iting five Torah outposts in four differ­ non-religious parents of our students to task is overwhelming. However, the sin­ ent independent republics. The group register them for a Jewish education. cere interest shown by all of those who was almost as diverse as the places on "The temptation of free schooling, in learned of my journey prompted me to the itinerary. Rabbi Salomon addressed both Jewish and secular studies, a dean do my best to recapture some of those the group, consisting of rabbanim, bed and free meals is the deciding fac­ feelings and transfer them to paper. mechanchim, and askanim... Ashke­ tor for most parents," explains Rabbi The mention of Russia to someone nazim and Sephardim, men and women, Moshe Mashitz of Monsey, NY, Presi­ who grew up at the peak of the Cold War at the airport. In just a few minutes, his dent of Bais Esther Mindy Girls' School evokes images of mystery, secrecy and lucid thoughts focused all the partici­ in Kishinev. espionage ... a cold, cruel and repressive pants on the purpose of the trip. "We are Assimilation and broken homes are government that espoused principles going to dispel some of the darkness our another fact of life for the Jews of the diametrically opposed to the liberty and brethren have suffered over the last 70 former Soviet Union. On our Shabbos freedom that our country represents to years. We have an obligation to do all that in Kishinev, the capital city of the state the world. The focus of all of those in is within our power to help those that of Moldova, bordering Romania, about our group, however, was not politics. We have been suffering on our behalf dur­ 10 girls from the Vaad's Bais Esther were interested in seeing for ourselves ing this long hard galus: Mindy Girls' School were called one by the accomplishments of those Jewish one to the sefer Torah for" kriyas sh em" pioneers who had committed them­ THE COMMON DENOMINATORS (to receive their Jewish name for the first selves to the task of reviving a vibrant time). They ranged in age from 12 to 17 Torah-true life to the Jews who had sur­ he cities we visited shared many years old. All but one was named "Bat vived the over 70 years of religious per­ characteristics. Poverty is one Avraham"-indicating that they each secution and repression, as well as the Tcommon denominator. An had a gentile father or that they had no onslaught of Nazi v··, occupation of unpleasant task that the Vaad members knowledge of who their natural parent must deal with every day is to decide pri­ was. This depressing situation, unfor­ Raymond Beyda, a retired businessman who resides in Brooklyn, NY, is a noted lecturer (over orities in supplying the needs of our Jew­ tunately, is the norm and not the excep­ 500,000 cassettes of lectures distributed world­ ish brethren. "Do we send a computer, tion in Russian life. wide), Director of Shaare Zion Torah Center (the a pair of tefillin, books, matza or kosher The success of the Communist largest Sephardic congregation in North Amer­ meat? With limited financial resources regime in eradicating Torah from the ica), and is involved as an outreach profession­ al at the Avenue JTorah Center. and with the difficulties we confront in lives of the Jews of Russia was the most

The Jewish Observer, April 2001 13 disturbing of all observations made by While in Kishinev for an inspiring the villages on the outskirts of the city, our group. While in Baku, the capital of Shabbos, we were all impressed by Mrs. \Vhere even men are not safe, to super­ Azerbaijan, \vhere the Vaad's shaliach, Kvit. She serves enthusiastically as vise the production of cha/av Yisroel milk Rabbi Moshe Kishon, has made won­ teacher, role model and, most impor­ for her fellow Jews. Oh, yes. She also drous progress in this community to tantly, "mother" to all of the girls who teaches at the girls' school. This quiet, revive the sparks covered by 75 years of live and learn about Judaism's rich her­ modest heroine, raised under Comn1u­ atheist do1nination, I v1,ras still a1nazed itage at Bais Mindy Esther. Her warmth nist rule, is doing whatever it takes to how the children whom I spent time lit up the room during our Shabbos rebuild Judaism in her home town-not vvith in the classroon1 \Vere una\vare of meal. At the synagogue Shabbos morn­ for money and not for glory; purely 1nany of the basic tenets of our beauti­ ing, each of the ten girls who had l'shem Shamayim. ful heritage; even the nan1es of our received her Jevvish name \Vas greeted These people are just two of the many n1atriarchs and patriarchs \\1ere not with a loving hug, and that evening at we met \\1ho share a" 1nesiras nefesh fac­ known to them. This is a battle that will the Melave Malka celebration, the cama­ tor" that dwarfs the dedication we find take years of hard effort, lots of dollars raderie at the girls' table centered on in the askanitn of our great con1muni­ and persistent dedication to '"rin. their menaheles. \i\That was n1ost sur­ ties here at home. The Russian soil in prising was the fact that this closeness which the Torah must be replanted is THE MESIRAS NEFESH FACTOR developed into genuine love and caring hard as granite, and therefore, I believe for each other in the two short \Veeks Hashetn has provided certain individu­ he dedication of all the shlichim since Rabbi and Mrs. Kvit's arrival in als with "laser beam" strength and ded­ of the Vaad LHatzolas Nidchei Kishinev fro1n Bretz Yisroel! ication to the cause in order to cut TYisroel can only be attributed to Another woman fron1 a different through the stone. \\Therever \\1e trav­ their yiras Sha1nayiln, their under­ background exemplifies the new"Russ­ eled, this clarity of purpose, focus on a standing of the value of their work, and ian Experience." I kno\v that she has goal, and selfless attitude was a key the "stiff-necked" nature of our people, lived in Baku, Azerbaijan, all her life, but ingredient in the initial successes of the which stands up against all odds in all I cannot tell you her nan1e because she vvork of the \Taad. situations. The dedication to their stu­ was introduced to us as the "n1ikveh dents, their acceptance of n1eager living lady:' We subsequently learned that this THE PYRAMID EFFECT conditions for the1nselves, the financial "nan1eless" individual has a se\ving and political pressure inherent in the job shop in the mikveh building where she n the hours spent traveling the of running "free" schools is something produces kipot and tallitei kattan for the great distances betvveen Jewish out­ that only a precious fevv can tolerate and 1nen of Baku. 'I'his special won1an also I posts in the vast atheistic vvasteland endure on a day-to-day basis. At every supervises the baking of pas Yisroel for called Russia, we learned of the history stop we were deeply moved by the the residents of her city. Perhaps most of the revival that has been taking place superb job each of the Vaad local lead­ in1pressive of all, she travels once or for the past 25 years or so. What I find ers vvas doing for his constituency. twice a \Veek on a dangerous journey to most interesting is the "pyramid effect" in gro\vth of the n1oven1ent. It is not merely the fact that more and more cities are opening up to Judais1n. More ''PEOPLE WHO interesting is the fact that every person who has become involved has felt the DON'T HAVE AN need and urge to show others the problems, explain to the1n the dream, and recruit nevv support for the future. AGENT-WHO TAKES The picture starts with Rabbi Mordechai Neustadt's fascination with CARE OF THEM?'' a former refusenik whom he met in Berlin. Rabbi Yitzchak Fischer is recruit­ CALL ME FORA FREE ed to perform hundreds, even thou­ PROTECTION REVIEW. sands, of brissim. Rabbi Naftali Cukier MARTIN LEVY becomes a leader in his O\\'n right, estab­ Exclusive Agent ~ lishing se1ninars and camps to recruit for 103-20 Metropolitan Avenue the schools, as well as libraries and other Forest Hills, NY 11375 Allstate. Bus 1718) 268-1700 You're in good hands. progran1s in the comn1unities. Rabbi FAX 17181 268-4354 Moshe Eiseinann, the first shaliach to

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14 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 encounter the celebrated refusenik, "If you had been with us just last year came with much suffering, high costs in Eliyahu Essas in high-risk times, the one when we visited the site of the beauti­ money and personal sacrifice by the pio­ who discovered the Jews of Kuba, is ful mikveh that we dedicated today," neers of Jewish revival. What is needed recruited to dedicate himself to the Rafael Zucker a Vaad member respon­ is very clear. Money, for sure, is a key ele­ efforts in Kishinev. Rabbi Hershel Lieber sible for the institutions in Petersburg ment. Certainly, this qualifies as pidyon then joins him, followed by Yitzchak said, "then you would understand what shevu'yim (rescue of captured Jews), Mashitz, each taking on additional can be done here \vith a little tin1e, some ""·hich is a "priority mitzva," when responsibilities regarding the physical money and a dream!" weighing \vhere our tzedakka n1oney and the spiritual needs of the Russian This ''what can be done" theme is an should be apportioned. But money communities. Rabbi Zev Rothschild aspect of the trip that was proven alone will not fulfill our obligations to has almost becon1e a commuter to Rus­ repeatedly in every stop on our itiner­ this cause. The dedicated few cannot do sia in the past several years, and he has ary. It is important for all of us living it alone. They need the active partici­ 18 mikvaos already built and function­ comfortably here in our developed pation of inore and 1nore stones in the ing to show for his "mileage." host country, the United States of giant pyramid that must be construct­ In the States, the list of members of America, to accept that there is a lot that ed to reach success. It is difficult for peo­ the \laad is constantly growing. No one must be done over there. But, n1ore ple to find a week to get away and see vvho has made the trip can refuse to add importantly, it is vital that we all under­ for themselves; I understand that per­ this project to his or her already over­ stand how much can be done in a short fectly. When someone's spiritual eternity crowded list of priorities. And so add it time span. I look forward to future trips is at stake and a mission of rescue 1nust they do! As the Mashgiach, Rabbi where I pray Hashem will grant me the be performed, however, then every Jew Salomon, has stated, "We have co1ne and opportunity to see this year's drean1s as must feel that they are the only hatza­ seen what is being done and have vibrant accomplishments. la volunteer available and they must learned what has to be done. This makes leave their hon1e, their shut, their busi­ us all chayav-liable and responsible­ THE COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY ness and their fan1ily to save the needy more than others, to see that the job soul crying desperately for assistance. does get done." e 1nade the trip and we came Should an opening for you to travel to home. The experience has Russia and see for yourself come your A YEAR MAKES A GREAT DIFFERENCE Wchanged all those who made way, seize the opportunity. Only your the time to go and see, from being curi­ eyes and your heart will enable you to here \Vere several n1en1bers of our ous and "intellectually" involved into understand all that ink and paper can­ group who had made trips to visit active participants in the momentous not convey. Only then, will you too TVaad institutions or to actually do task of furthering Jewish revival in the appreciate all that we who have been work on the projects that vvere under­ former Soviet Union. there feel about our brethren who, as the way several times in the year previous We were riding on the bus one Mashgiach said," Having been suffering to our arrival. ()ne day in Baku, \Ve were evening after a grueling day of travel and the darkness of galus on our behalf for being shown a site that the Vaad sha/i­ draining emotional encounters with the over 70 years." • ach, Rabbi Kishon, was anxious to con­ Jews of Russia. One of us took note of vert into a new dining hall and dormi­ the tired look on the Mashgiach's face tory facility. This churban (ruin) that and gathered together the nerve to ask, previously, of all things, was part of a "The Mashgiach has so many responsi­ drive-in 1novie, and part of an unfin­ bilities back home. What makes him feel ished section of the building, which that the right thing for the Mashgiach housed the day school, produced looks to do is to take a full week and come to in the Teaching Profession for over 15 years of cynical disbelief on the part of the Russia?" • Maximize your child's potential • Private sessions available on first-time visitors like myself. As Rabbi In his concise manner, he replied, "All all grade levels in Hebrew Kishon guided us verbally through his of the other duties and mitzvos that I left and English dream for the site, the condition of the behind in America-there are many • learning in fun atmosphere • Classes given after school property fortified our certainty that it others who will pick them up and take • Separate classes for could not be accomplished, in spite of care of them. This is something that I boys and girls the way he spoke excitedly about his feel I must do, and if I don't, chas plans. But those who were veterans and v'shalom (Heaven forbid) it will not be s:~~~~ who were more baki (expert) about pos­ done." .l~:C~0c~-o·:bi sibilities for progress in Russia dispelled There is much to be done. The few our cynicisn1. first "baby" steps have been taken. They

The Jewish Observer, April 2001 15 NOTED IN SORROW -

s we go to press, ~ Upon their return to bbi Shimshon Dovid Pinkus we mourn the c America, Rabbi Miller 'nit was born to his parents­ A petira (passing) j assumed a rabbanus in lliabbi Chaim Pinkus, formerly of two outstanding Chelsea, Massachusetts, menahel of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath and American-born Torah ~ where he succeeded in Jead­ Rebbetzin Chava (nee Weinberg, a personalities-one, a Rabbi Avigdor Mil/er?"::n ing many of his congregants talmida of Sarah Schenirer in Crakow, remarkable Rav who to navigate the gap separat­ later a teacher in the Bais Yaakov Sem­ absorbed the thinking and values of pre­ ing unlettered baalei battim (laymen) from inary in Brooklyn). A talmid of Amer­ war European Jewry and transmitted lomdei Torah. He even inspired his congre­ ican yeshivas, including Yeshivas Beis them to thousands of American-born­ gation to found a yeshiva in their commu­ Hatalmud, he traveled to Yerushalayim and-bred Jews through classes, lectures, nity. He then was invited by Rabbi Yitzchok to study under Rabbi Yosef Dov (Reb thousands of tapes and a number of pub­ Hutner ""'11, the Rosh Hayeshiva of Mesiv­ Berel) Soloveitchik of Brisk. lished works: Rabbi Avigdor Miller '>")l! ta Rabbi Chaim Berlin, to join the yeshiva Reb Shimshon married Chaya Min­ who passed away at 92 on 27 Nissan, as Mashgiach-a position he held from 1945 del Man, daughter of Rabbi Mordechai April 20. The second, a Rosh Hayeshiva to 1965. Man, Rosh Kolle! in Bnei Brak, and after who reached thousands of Jews, partic­ During this time he became Rav of the years in Kolle!, he became the Mena­ ularly in Eretz Yisroe~ ranging from alien­ Young Israel of Rugby in Brooklyn, even­ hel Ruchni of the Yeshiva in the Negev ated secularists to accomplished bnei tually devoting himself full-time to rab­ town of Ofakim. Soon afterwards, he Torah, with his sefarim, lectures and shi­ bonus. became the Rosh urim: Rabbi Shimshon Pinkus '>")l!, who It was in this oontext that Hayeshiva there. Twenty was tragically killed in an automobile he began his breathtaking years ago, he was direct­ accident at age 56 on 12 Nissan, April 5. schedule of shiurim--as ed by the Steipler '>">Hashkafa. With clarity of on the entire region. available education was public school sup­ expression, W1COmpronlls­ In the ensuing years, plemented by afternoon "Talmud Torah:' ing commitment, and a he emerged as a sought­ Rabbi Shimshon David Pinkus In addition to the above, he grew from oompelling emuna that was ,, .. ,,1 after speaker and teacher, intensive private sessions with a melamed. conveyed as much by his presence and tone both in kiruv circles as well as to He then spent several years under of voice as by his carefully crafted words, he advanced Yungeleit in Taras hanistar Rabbi Moshe Soloveitchik '>")l! in Yeshi­ became a key figure in adult education. He and 1nussar. His machshava sefarim va Rabbi Yitzchok Elchonon in Manhat­ also served as Menahel Ruchni ofYeshiva Bais (ideology and philosophy) on tefilla tan's Lower East Side. During this time, Yisroel in Brooklyn since 1983. and limud haTorah, as well as chid­ he was strongly influenced by the leg­ His books as well as his lectures dushim on Shas, revealed him as a endary Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Herman 'n of addressed topics of pivotal importance to talmid chacham of stature, possessing All For the Boss fame. After attending a the searching Jew, ranging from a Torah a widely recognized gadlus. series of shmuessen from Rabbi Isaac Sher view of history to addressing conflicts The fatal accident took place on a trip '>''.:Ir, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean and the between contemporary science and from Ashdod, where he had delivered a European continent for Slabodka, where emuna (basic belief). Rabbi Miller, shiur, to pick up his Rebbetzin (mena­ from Shavuos 1932 through 1938, he was described as a living Chovos Halevavos, heles of the Beth Jacob Seminary in totally immersed in the regimen of study reached many thousands of)ews with his Ofakim) and several children in Bnei and dedication to principle associated with tapes, books and in-person lectures, Brak, and to proceed to their home in this fortress of Torah and mussar(ethical drawing them to a life of commitment to Ofakim. teachings). In 1935, he married Ettil, Torah and mitzvos, and in many cases, His sudden passing leaves a unique daughter of Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Lesin involvement in Torah study. gap that cannot be filled. '>")II (RavofNaishtat), who dedicated all Even in his absence, his life's work will her resources of energy, heart, and mind continue as his words touch yet count­ in the years since, to bringing up their fam­ less more, helping yet others progress on t is our intention to ;i"'N publish ily and ensuring that her husband be able their road to living fully as a conscientious, more about these two great person­ to devote himself fully to his own learn­ growing Jew. I alities in future issues of The Jewish ing, and his mission of harbotzas ha Torah. Observer.

16 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 uring the present Shmitta year SS in Eretz Yisroe/, a quiet revolu­ ythe Cha Dtion is taking place. An unprece­ ing t e twenty years he I ·.· "" dented 250,000 dunams ofland are lying rod-which included the thref..S/l11titta fallow and more than 5,000 farmers have years of 5698 (1937-1938), 5705 (1944- he first sign that a revolution in put down their farm implements and 1945) and 5712(1951-1952)-he laid the Shmitta observance had been set left their tractors in their sheds. They are foundations for the observance of all the Tinto 1notion was the release of the observing Shmitta, the "Shabbos mitzvos hateluyos ba'aretz ( mitzvos specif­ sefer, Chazon Ish Al Shevi'is (1937) just L'Hashem." Farn1ers who choose to ically dealing with farming and using the before the advent of a Shmitta year. The keep Shmitta observance, do so at great crops of Eretz Yisroe[), including Shrnit­ sefer directly contested the validity of the self-sacrifice. After they make the ta. With his gentle, yet forceful insistence Hetter Mechira, and cited halachic rea­ momentous decision to adhere to the that if only the wilt was there, it was sons systematically and comprehensively laws of Shmitta, they now receive guid­ indeed possible to work the land while arguing that this Hetter was simply ance, advice and support from the faithfully observing all of the Torah's unacceptable in Jewish law. Center of Shrnitta Observant Farmers, requirements, he managed to breach the With the founding of the first Agu­ an organization that helps foster obser­ seemingly impenetrable wall between the das Yisroel settlements that winter, one vance of Shmitta. This was not always co1nmandments of Shmitta as stated in of the leading gaonim of pre-World War the case. the Ibrah and the very real problems of II Europe, Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzin­ There was a time in Eretz Yisroel when actual, practical observance. Through his sky ~"":>It, of Vilna, was approached by undertaking to observe Shmitta was sefarim, through the guidelines he laid Agudah leaders. They sought guidance almost a matter of life and death. Vir­ down for the observant settlements and for the farmers on the practical question tually everybody, religious included, felt through the rulings he issued, he re-estab­ of how to observe the Shmitta, which that keeping Shmitta without resorting lished the modern observance of those would begin in fall 1937 (5698). Reb to the" Hetter Mechira" 1 was complete­ Chaim Ozer turned to the Chazon !sh 1 The Hetter Mechira was a conditional hetter ly unrealistic and doomed to failure. given in advance of the Sh1nitta year of 5649 for his opinion. The Chazon !sh imme­ Indeed, 63 years (9 Shmittas) ago, there ( 1888+ 1889) based on selling the land to Arabs. diately replied by letter, stating, "This were only a handful of farmers who fully It was penned by three of Poland's leading Rab­ [situation], by which it [i.e., the Hetter adhered to the laws of Shevi'is. The rest banim and ratified by Rabbi Yitzchak Ekhonon Mechira) has become 'permitted; was Spektor of Kovno. The hetter stipulated in no who were concerned relied on the Her­ not in accordance with any decision uncertain terms that it was only valid for that ter Mechira. Shniitta year. In addition, it was conditional on taken by the chachamim; the force of cir­ The phenomenal revolution that has many limitations being met, with regard to the cumstances alone caused it" (Kovetz Igros taken place since then and the widespread circumstances and the amount of work that could Chazon !sh II). observance of Shmitta that developed is be done on the fields, and whether that work Although the Chazon !sh was strong­ could be done by Jews at all. Suffice it to say that ly opposed to the Hetter Mechira and The above article is culled fron1 material that had in subsequent Shmitta years, the hetter was gen­ appeared in the Israeli editions of Yated Neeman. erally used or misused in ways that the original encouraged any initiative to accept the Rabbi Birnbaum, who prepared this article for 1nattiriln expressly prohibited. full observance of Shevi'is, he was well publication in The Jewish Observer, is an educa­ 2 Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Karelitz (1878-1953), aware of the pressures that could and tor in Lakewood, NJ. I-le is a frequent contribu­ known popularly by the name of his sefarim, would be exerted on individuals who tor to these pages. "Chazon !sh."

The Jewish Observer, April 2001 17 challenged what had already become the half a year has already gone by and real­ The Chazon !sh did everything in his accepted nor1n. ity has embraced me lovingly. power to help those early heroes who Six months into the Shmitta year of I sowed before Rosh Hashana during the confronted the prevailing cynicism and 5698 (spring of 1938), the Chazon !sh, sixth year, but during the seventh I have expressed a desire to observe Shmitta in an atten1pt to counter the prevailing sat idle. I did not plow and I did not sow. completely. attitude) circulated his views in an arti­ I treated the crops of the sixth year that The Chazon !sh also opposed those cle cast in the form of a farmer's solil­ were reaped in the seventh with the sanc­ who were overly stringent in their rul­ oquy in order to counter the arguments tity of Shmitta produce and I consumed ings with regard to what was and what that "Current Realities" make Shmitta then1 in accordance with that sanctity. I \¥as not permitted during Sh1nitta in observance impossible. He wrote: hope to 1nake peace ivith reality or, 1nore cases where the landowner had not I am a farmer who lives off the land, precisely, that reality will make peace with relied on the Hetter Mechira. In many and noiv the Shrnitta year has arrived. As me dul'ing the remaining half year. My such circumstances, he ruled leniently, a descendant of a stubborn nation, the neighbors who laughed at me plowed and recognizing that this was often a ploy thought entered my mind to observe sowed during Shmitta, but reality fought designed to force the conclusion that it Shmitta in all its details, stubbornly. them with bitter fury and devastated their really was impossible to keep Shmitta I was all alone, and a joke to all my crops with torrential rains. I make a sin­ properly under modern circu1nstances, neighbors. "Impossible!" {they said.} cere request of all those permitting agri­ making the Hetter Mechira seem to be ((One who does not sow, does not reap! cultural work during Shmitta: Let them a necessity. Can one fight reality?" forgive me for disobeying them. Perhaps Once, when asked by officials of the But my stubbornness paid off In they niay consider re-examining the 1nat­ Rabbinate to sign a petition to the Peel spite of the fact that anyone in his right ter. Perhaps they may come to the conclu­ Commission, which was exan1ining the mind knows that it is i1npossible to observe sion when, in their right rnind, that the question of the League of Nations' par­ Shmitta, that Shmitta was given only to Torah will never be changed and that the tition plan for Palestine, giving half of those whose granary holds crops sufficient proper obsavance ofShmitta depends only it to the Jews and half to the Arabs, the for three years and that our generation is on the will to do so." Chazon !sh was struck by the irony of the not like previous ones, in spite of all this, [KOVETL lGHOS ll, PG. 74) situation. Here a hue and cry was being raised over division of the land, \-vhile prior to each Shrnitta year, the sale of all the land did not even raise an eyebro\v!

THE CRISIS OF KIBBUTZ MACHANEH YISROEL

s the Shmitta of 5698 (1937- 1938) was approaching, three set­ • Incoming calls from anywhere Atlements affiliated with Agudath ...J ~ ] --J ~ in the world (Where Available) Israel, Hanaor HaAgudati in Kfar Saba, If l J -j -1 •Voic~ mail : Call waiting • Caller ID Chofetz Chaim in Gedera and Itemized bill • Spare battery & more! •·•-••---••-•••-ml • Machan eh Yisroel in Emek Yizre' el, '• Lowest Rates Guaranteed! • Fax & Text Message Service expressed the desire to observe Shrnit­ • Same-Day I Next-Day delivery nationwide • Student Specials ta. As mentioned, they turned to Rabbi Travel Agents & Corporate Accounts Contact Josh Mehlman, President Chaim Ozer Grodzensky, ?··~r for halachic advice, who referred then1 to the Chazon Ish, who until then had lived in relative anonymity in Bnei Brak. The financial situation of Machan eh Yisroel was by far the 1nost precarious of the three. A member of the kibbutz, Rabbi Chaim Schnur, was dispatched to seek counsel on what to do about the upcoming Shmitta. He first met with the great Agudah leader, Dr. Yitzchak Breuer ?"lit, who directed him to the Chazon !sh. The following is Rabbi Schnur's account

18 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 of his historic meeting with the Chazon kibbutz with heavy hearts and deep ta, than would be the Kiddush Hashem Ish, first published in the journal Hali­ regrets, despite having invested so nzuch if we only have individual Shmitta chos Sadeh. labor and hope in it." observers scattered throughout the coun­ As I journeyed to Bnei Brak, the The Chazon Ish thought for a moment try, who would hardly be noticed aver thought occurred to me, "Was I fit to come and responded, "The problem is really not here, let alone in the rest of the world! If before the prince of our generation, the a silnple one. We niust, however, rnake a people in Machaneh Yisroel work the land Chazon Ish, and ask him for a hetter to supreme effort to guard the kedusha of during Shn1itta, chas veshalo111, who work the land during Shmitta when the Shmitta as we are commanded by the will be there to sound the call of this mitz­ Torah expressly forbids it?" On the other Torah. You should know," he continued, va which has not been kept now for 2,000 hand, I was aware ofmy responsibility as years? You have an obligation to observe an emissary of the kibbutz to bring back the Shmitta according to halacha, and by a hetter to permit cultivating the 2,300 • doing so, you will spread awareness of the dunarns of land that lVere under our con­ he Chazon lsh mitzva throughout the country and trol, thereby enabling us to survive there around the world." and strengthen the new Yishuv ofAgudath Treplied, "In my The Chazan Ish spoke with such pure, Israel. So much tail and incredible convincing emuna, that no roorn was left strength, "da1nin1," which nzeans both opinion, selling the far doubt. I shuddered, however, as I con­ money and blood, had already been land to a non-Jew is sidered the reactions of my friends who invested into this land! I was indeed faced had not personally heard the words of the with a difficult, complicated problem. a more serious Chazon Ish. I therefore felt that I had no Upon rny arrival in Bnei Brak, I was choice but to voice my reservations. 'J\s directed ta Givat Rakeach, where the Cha­ violation than a last resort,'' I questioned, "Shnzitta zon Ish resided in a house that stood alone, nowadays applies 'Mi'derabbannan,' so partly built of stone and partly just plain working the land why not use the hetter of selling the land wooden boards nailed together. The door without selling it." to a non-few~as son1e Rabbanirn do? was wide open revealing a spacious shut, There would then be no need far us ta with bare tables, long, plain benches and abandon the kibbutz and it would also shelves full of sefarim. All was silent, the prevent the Chillul Hashem resulting in shul seen1ed etnpty. And then I noticed "that it is our obligation• ta make the call the claitn that religious fe1vs are incapable hi111. Next to the a1nud, near the aron o.fShnzitta ring throughout the land and offounding settlements and farming the kodesh, sat a ji-ail few completely beyond. How much greater is the Kiddush land." engrossed in thought, ivithout any sefer Iiashe111 ivhen blessed with an entire set­ "To begin with," the C'hazon !sh before him. Although I had never before tlement, where all the inhabitants are replied, "in my opinion, selling the land seen the Chazon Ish, I sensed that this was n1eticulous in their observance ofShmit- to a non-Jew is a rnore serious violation the tnan through whorn, with Hashern's help, I would receive guidance. I quietly approached and introduced You can! Just call myself as the treasurer of Kibbutz The Yitti Leibel Machaneh Yisroel. I explained that I had ''r wish I could Helpline. been sent to hinz by Dr. Yitzchak Breuer HOURS: with questions about the upcorning speak to a Nlonday-Friday ...... Sam -12pn1 Shmitta year. I described in detail the Monday-Thursday ...... 8pm -l lpn1 strained, financial straits of the kibbutz Sunday ...... 9an1-12p1n,9pm -l lp1n and explained that our budget was based frum therapist Extra hours Sat. night ..... ?pm - 9pm on the grain crop, that when the harvested produce was sold, it enabled us ta repay fll,A718-HELP-NOW ~~ (718) 435-7669 our previous year's debts at the grocery on the phone and butcher stores. I said, "If it becomes Chicago ...... (800) HELP-023 Lakewood ...... (732) 363-1010 known to the store oivners that we are not Clevelaod ...... (888) 209-8079 working the land, they will draw the obvi­ without giving Baltirnorc ...... (410) 578-1111 ous conclusion that Machaneh Yisroel will Detroit...... (877) 435-7611 have no crops in the fallowing year. They Sao Diego ...... (866) 385-0348 will therefore cut off our credit, and we my name.'' For addiction problems call our addiction will be left with no option but to leave our ! therapist, Wednesdays 11 :30pm to I :30am

The Jewish Observer, April 2001 19 than working the land without selling it. ent on farming the land. We have no cat­ He had apparently heard some of what I Secondly, you stated that Shmitta in mod­ tle stalls or chicken coops, nor do we have had said, and turned to me, saying, "You ern times is only Mi'derabbannan. Eat­ the possibility ofseeking outside work. Our have forgotten what you learned. It is very ing a piece of chicken smeared with holdings are right in the middle of Arab important to refresh your memory, so you butter is also only forbidden Mi'derab­ territory, and we have to guard our peo­ should use the Shmitta year for learning bannan, but would anybody dream ofeat­ ple and property day and night. If we can­ all parts of the Torah. Agudath Israel will ing such a thing?" not farm the land, we will be forced to organize a worldwide appeal for the Keren "Our situation is different," I said. abandon the place entirely, which would HaShmitta, and you will receive a month­ "Eating a piece of chicken is a question bring us great anguish after all our work ly stipend. Let the sounds of Torah be heard ofan indulgence from which a Jew is capa­ and all our hopes for it." in Machaneh Yisroel and the sounds of ble of refraining. Our situation, howev­ Just then I noticed Reh Yaakov Shmitta resound throughout the land." er, is a matter of life and death. Our very Halperin, one of the Chazon Ish's most As I looked back at the Chazon Ish, I existence in Machaneh Yisroel is depend- devoted followers, sitting not far from us. saw his face radiating joy. "It seems that Reb Yaakov Halperin arrived at just the right moment," he exclaimed. "Through an appeal on behalf of Keren HaShmit­ ta, your problems will effectively be solved. Subscribe or give a gift of Let us hope that be'ezras Hashem things will work out. I recommend that you trav­ el to Kibbutz Chafetz Chaim where they The Jewish Observer are grappling with the same problem. Turn to Reh Moshe Schonfeld and discuss with and $ave! him various ideas and solutions for deal­ ing 1vith Shmitta observance." WHY NOT GIVE OR GET A PRESENT I chose to follow Chazon Ish's guidance, THAT WILL LAST AN ENTIRE YEAR? and prior to my departure, he gave his blessing to the people at Machaneh Yis­ Subscribe, or give a gift al lhese reduced price::-; roel, that we should strengthen ourselves and The Jewish Observer- filled with the view> in emuna and in our conduct in accor­ of leading Torah thinkers on current issues- \vi1l be dance with the holy Torah. As I left after two and a half-hours of discussion, I delivered each 1nonth, directly to your door. thought to myself, "Ribbono Shel Olam, The longer you sub,-.cribe for, the larger your savings. You have a Jew who is physically so fee­ (){course, this offer is unconditionally guaranteed; ble, yet who is the embodiment of Torah and emcs. He entertains no doubts, and you may cancel al any tinle and receive a refund for he is totally devoted to You!" all undelivered copies. So order today, and the very next issue will be on FOUNDATION FOR SHMITTA its Vl'ay to you as soon as possible. SUPPORT: KEREN HASHVl'IS

J.O. SlJBS(:RJl>TJON SAVINGS CERTll'l(~A'l'E he Chazon !sh, intent on encour­ 0 YES, I want to take advantage of this money saving offer! Enter my order as follows: aging as many farmers as possi­ ble to keep Shmitta without U NEW Name ______T t:sA •O\!ISlllf. ONl.l' HS,\ resorting to the Retter Mechira, moved Addrf'~s ______0 3 years Cover Priee $105 Your cost $60 $96 to enlist the help of all the religious City ______0 2 years Cover Price $70 Your cost $44 $68 inhabitants of Eretz Yisroel. He instruct­ ed Reb Yaakov Halperin to place a notice 0 I year Cover Priee $35 Your cosl $24 $36 S1ak _____ Zip ----- u s.. nd gift (•ard from: ______in the Erev Pesach edition of the news­ paper, Kol Yisroel. The notice explained 0 Enclosed:$ ___ m that even the originators of the Hetter Charge my: :l Ma~1erCard 0 VISA 42 Broadwav, 14th Floor, Nt>w Yurk, NY 10004 Mechira had stipulated that any work Accoun1 No. ____ The Jewioh Ob.«m,,,1 i.1 published mo111Mr nrepl Jul)· and A"g".11. Please""""' 4 • 6 u·rrh/nr drlw<-ry. done on the land must be performed by Expiration Date: (month/year) ____ ~out"idP l:.S.A. prin· ,-,,11,.d< $12 <'~lla P"' year lo dPfray "ir "hippi"g Arabs, an arrangement that the Arab ''"'''· Fon'ign pa)'ll\<-ll! nm"l he made in LS. dolla", PithPr by dw<'k Signature ______drawn on a bank in the U.S"~· or hJ· \'/SA or Mast<"rCar.J. violence of 5697-99 was to make impos-

------20 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 sible. The only alternative would be the extra equiprnent was purchased for car­ more farmers taking the courageous step response of the handful of farmers, men pentry workshops. On his periodic vis­ of keeping Shmitta as the Torah com­ with strength of spirit, who had its to the kibbutzim, he would often mands. This year, the very essence of the announced their determination to meet bring vegetables that he had purchased mitzva of Shmitta bespeaks Kiddush the challenge by refraining from agri­ from Arabs in the markets of the Old Hashem. That so many farmers should cultural work for an entire year. The City, but even more importantly, he willingly leave their lands fallow, in obe­ notice ended with a call for the estab­ would bring cheer, words of encour­ dience to Hashem's command, almost lishment of Keren HaShmitta.3 agement and greetings from the mem­ defies understanding. As Reb Moshe The response of the religious bers of the Old Yishuv ofYerushalayim. Schonfeld wrote succinctly, "The efforts Yerushalmi Yidden, most of them The ties between the Kibbutz and the made in order to fully observe the mitz­ impoverished Torah scholars, who were Old Yishuv were further intensified va of Shmitta despite the attendant eco­ themselves in need of support, was during the Shmitta by the visits of Rabbi nomic difficulties, explain more force­ amazing and heartening. A collection Dushinsky, Rabbi Zelig Reuven Bengis, fully and dearly than all manner of box was distributed to every family and Av Beis Din of the Eida Hachareidis, and articles, speeches, arguments or debates, Rabbi YosefTzvi Dushinsky':nrr, Rav of Rabbi Moshe Blau, the Agudah leader. the difference between the holy concept the Eida Hachareidis, agreed that the The kibbutzim that adhered to Hil­ of Eretz Yisroel and the secular concept cheder children should be dismissed chos Shmitta made a Kiddush Hashem of a Jewish State." early on Fridays to allow them to go that was evident particularly from the Our gedolim saw the furtherance of around collecting for the newly estab­ sheer number of visitors they received. Shmitta observance as a harbinger of the lished Keren Hashviis fund. Many of these people had strayed far Ge'ula. The deep relationship between One young Yerushalmi whole-heart - from the Jewish way of life, yet they this mitzva and the final redemption edly devoted himself to the well-being came to witness for themselves the should now be clear to all. The obser­ of the young kibbutzniks. He was Rabbi incredible sight of young workers who, vance of Shevi'is despite hardships pro· Eliyahu Nochum Porush-Glickman, a ignoring all material considerations, claims Hashem's ownership of Bretz Yis­ dynamic, energetic ta/mid chacham, were letting their land lie fallow, thus roe/, and indeed, the whole of creation, who became the main force behind the demonstrating willing acceptance of the and-after all-it was to demonstrate fundraising efforts of Keren HaShvi'is, Divine yoke of mitzva observance. His proprietorship that we were ulti­ rallying the community's moral and mately given this land. financial support and spurring others to THE REVOLUTION CONTINUES May the merit of the increased num­ become involved. Throwing himself ber of shomrei Shevi'is this year, heart and soul into this undertaking, he he revolution that began then, notwithstanding the many difficulties, was much more than a mere fundrais­ over sixty years ago, has picked up tip the scales of mercy and usher in the er. Besides taking an intense personal Tmomentum, in this year's Shmit­ final redemption bimheira beyameinu interest in the welfare of the kibbutz ta. Each Shmitta cycle has seen more and amen! • members, constantly encouraging them and imbuing them with his own deep love for the mitzva of Shmitta, Rabbi Porush-Glickman developed a brilliant Jonah's Fashion Inc. plan for easing the financial plight of the Kibbutzim. He introduced a degree of diversification in the kibbutzim's activ­ ities, thus providing employment for those members who had no income during Shmitta because they were • We make skirts and jumpers, solids unable to continue their normal agri­ and plaids, from size 5 thru cultural pursuits. The Keren's funds were junior and pre-teens used to initiate a cattle barn, chicken • Bais Yaacov blouses made from coop and bakery in each kibbutz, and our own custom made 3 Of the above mentioned three kibbutzim, (extra heavy) material Hanoar Ha'Agudati in Kfar Saba, Chofetz Chaim in Gadera and Machaneh Yisroel in Emek Jezreel, the first two succeeded in overco1ning the tremendous difficulties keeping Slunitta and eventually thrived. Machaneh Yisroel, however, was sadly forced by circumstances to dose.

The Jewish Observer, April 2001 21 HELPING CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

01ne topics-for example, secu­ If these children could be helped in Kobre and Mrs. Leah Steinberg, as rity crises and religious ten­ special remedial sessions outside of the director and associate director, respec­ Ssions in Israel, or personal strug­ classroom, and are not, this unmet need tively, has worked to raise public con­ gles in niitzva observance-are of constitutes an unfair burden on the sciousness in the Orthodox comn1uni­ broad concern. shoulders of the rebbi, the morn and the ty on disability issues through se1ninars Others-end-of-life issues, helping teacher. Even if these instructors have the and publications, and has pursued an the predican1ent of our con1munity's training to deal with children having agenda of both helping to initiate new singles-deal with isolated parts of the learning disabilities, it is very likely that programs for yeshiva students with spe­ population, but could touch anyone. they will nonetheless be shortchanging cial needs and assisting them to access These-both the universal and the par­ one segment or another of their class­ publicly funded services that are already ticular-are understandably grist for es, in terms of time and attention, as they available to them. The Jewish Observer's editorial mills. focus exclusive attention on the other Building on Agudath Israel's distin­ And then there are issues that may group; either the well-functioning chil­ guished record of governmental and initially strike the reader as someone dren or those in need of special help will legal advocacy, the project has also been else's problem (yenem's), but are truly be losing out. active in the courts and within the fed­ relevant not only to all individual par­ In the event the teachers lack this spe­ eral, state and local educational bureau­ ents, but to the con1munity as a \Vhole. cialized training, the children with dis­ cracies on behalf of the special educa­ A prime example: children with learn­ abilities will suffer irreparably, and will tion interests of yeshiva children. With ing disabilities. This is a problem of a likely express their frustrations in a dis­ the articles that follow, the JO is pleased nature-and of proportions-that puts ruptive manner, interfering vvith the to contribute its pages to joining Agu­ it on top of the agenda of all of Kial Yis­ class's progress and doing themselves dath Israel in its ongoing efforts to both roel, truly the next chinuch frontier. harm. In addition, normally function­ foster avvareness of, and explore and First of all, every child is unique in ing children will become disn1issive of implement responses to, the educational the manner in which his [or her-to be the weaker children, even ridiculing challenges so many of our children face. understood, as we continue] attention them. When that happens, all children is flagged, in how he absorbs and are losers-some in self-respect, others processes information, the degree to in middos. (Those working with "chil­ which he retains and applies what he has dren at risk" maintain that most of these learned. A rebbi or teacher may fashion youths suffered from learning disabili­ n Unconventional Wisdo1n, 1 a book his lesson to reach the broadest cross­ ties that were not dealt with in ele­ of"Torah Perspectives on the Child section of the class, and feel that he's mentary and secondary grades.) This I vVho Has Difficulty Learning," the extended himself as much as necessary. constitutes an enormous cost to Kial Yis­ author, Rabbi Reuven Elkins, inter­ Yet inevitably, some in the class will n1iss roel, both in terms of unrealized poten­ viewed a number of Roshei Yeshiva and certain aspects of the lesson. While this tial and calan1itous consequences. Rabbanin1, in addition to citing nu1ner­ was always the case, in recent years, spe­ ous Chazal on the topic. He quotes the cific emotional and neurological factors late Rabbi Shlomo Freifeld ?··'1! (Rosh have been identified as causes for many Yeshiva of Shor Yoshuv) in Far Rockaway, learning disabilities that interfere \Vith NY) on the responsibility of teachers the learning process of many of our chil­ ecognizing the implications of and rebbei1n in the contemporary scene. dren. These difficulties affect between these issues for the community at "Today, every rebbe is involved in 15% and 20% of the student population, Ri arge, Agudath Israel of America hatzalas nefashos (saving lives). It which constitutes an appreciable pro­ has made a broad commitment to makes no difference where he teach­ portion of the average classroom. One make assistance for children with spe­ es or with whom he learns. The only out of five or six students is actually in cial learning needs a matter of high com- way to save a child from the storming need of so1ne sort of remediation­ 1nunal concern and response. Agudath winds of our dark society, which are clearly, a population that must be Israel's two-year-old Project Equal Edu­ ------\ Published by 1ilrgun1 Press, distributed by Fcld­ addressed. cational Access, headed by Mr. Eytan hein1 Publishers ( l 997).

22 The Jewish Observer, April 200 I constantly trying to rip him away from becon1e a G-d-fearing Jew and a pro­ experiencing difficulty? his Yiddishe sharashim (Jewish roots), ductive n1ember of society. "It is a communal responsibility, a is success in learning." In fact, this very judgment-placing chiyuvon the b'nei ha'ir (residents of The rebbe, then, acts as the surrogate the learning-disabled child on everyone's the comtnunity). Not only parents, but parent on behalf of all of us. Where he agenda-is clearly stated by Rabbi Pin­ the b'nei ha'ir must help [to provide lacks the expertise or the time to deal chas Scheinberg "'"'"""' (Rosh Hayeshi­ and insure that children get the extra with children with special needs, it va Torah Ohr, Jerusalem) in response to help they need]." devolves on the community as a whole a question posed by Rabbi Elkins: The discussions that follow, then, to save the child from "the storming How does the Rosh Hayeshiva feel surely concern us all-as teachers, as \Vinds of our dark society," and to equip about the responsibility, chiyuv, of the parents, and as b'nei ha'ir. N.W. him with the skills and confidence to community to help children who are

A Compelling Mission For

Raising Children With Learning Difficulties

Based on an address by the Novominsker Rebbe, Rabbi Yaakov Perlow ~-""71!1, at a gathering for parents sponsored by P'TACH

A LOVE OF SPECIAL PROPORTIONS cope inwardly with their plight, to given a special challenge by the Ribbono accept it without feeling stigmatized and Shel Olam; that their tasks of chinuch hen we approach the topic of recognize their situation, however and love and care are those of special learning disabilities, we are unwelcome, as one from \vhich they can proportions; that chessed is to take on W speaking of children who are and should derive spiritual strength. new n1eaning in their lives. indeed capable of growth and can def­ It is this last point-spiritual It requires more than an ordinary initely be helped. But the process and growth-which reqnires, above all, a intelligence to manage and oversee the task of educating these children is often Torah orientation, how to absorb edncational development of a child who accompanied by much pain and disap­ anguish, how to get up after having been has special needs. As we are all aware, pointn1ent, so that it is the parents them­ knocked down. Emotional strength and rnistakes can be very costly; what one selves \Vho 1nust first come to terms with the strong supportive help of family and may consider necessary encouragement their O\Vn inner selves-to learn ho\V to friends are, of course, indispensable ele­ may be, in truth, unnecessary pressure, ments. But Torah Jews \Vho are which can be as harmful as too little Rabbi Perlow is a meinber of the Moetzes Gedolei ma 'arninirn have, or should have, some­ encouragen1ent; and it requires sus­ Hatorah (Council of Torah Sages) of Agudath Israel of America. P''l'ACH is an acronyin for Par­ thing n1ore at their command as an tained wisdom and unlimited patience, ents for Torah for All Children. This conference added resource. It is the realization that, in addition to siyata d'Shrnaya, to raise took place on /'vlarch 4, J 979. in the face of difficulty, they have been such a child-and raise him right.

The Jewish Observer, April 200 l 23 A SPIRITUALLY UPLIFTING CALLING to say that the home of such a child is, ents have been charged with perform­ of necessity, one in which shalom and ing that service. It is a holy charge, a believe it to be an unspoken truth patience and the practice of middos tovos sacred duty. that the parents of a child with must be the norm of everyday conduct. ! greater-than-ordinary needs are And, if this becomes a joint effort of the SETTING FOR A SACRED TASK simply expected to be better, more noble parents and the brothers and sisters of people than those of another child. Let this child, it will be discovered that e read recently in the Torah of me illustrate. Anger is, of course, an rather than a pall of darkness descend­ the construction of the objectionable trait in any person and is ing over this family-on the contrary­ W Mishkan, the edifice for the injurious to chinuch. But with regard to the entire family has become spiritual­ Shechina, and of the keilim, the sacred the chinuch of children with learning ly uplifted, and all the children's chinuch vessels it was to contain within it. The disabilities, anger can be fatal. has been enriched by the exemplifica­ prophet Yirmiyahu compares the Jew­ Shalom, and herein I include shalom tion of the middos of chessed and ahava ish nation as a whole to the Heichal bayis, is the basic ingredient of all and shalom and savlanus. (Sanctnary), and it follows, then, that human relations. The absence of If the challenge of parenting and edu­ each individual Jew is likened to a kli parental shalom bayis is usually an cating the learning disabled child is not shareis, a holy vessel. The Mishkan had insidious, hidden cause in the person­ met with sluggishness and despair, but many such vessels-some large, some ality problems discovered in people later with inspiration and bitachon, then the small; some made of gold and silver, oth­ in adult life. But in the home of the parents and family have carried out a ers of copper and lead. But each of them learning disabled child, the absence of unique shlichus, a special mission had kedusha, a holiness that was invio­ a peaceful home atmosphere or the exis­ entrusted to them by Hakadosh Baruch late. tence of excessive sibling friction is poi­ Hu. Every Jewish child born into this It is a sign of real spiritual maturity son to the already fragile emotional state world, if at all able to absorb Torah and that dedicated mechanchim and Torah of such a child. Yiddishkeit-at whatever level-is enti­ institutions have awakened to the urgent Thus, it is not at all an exaggeration tled to that privilege; and his or her par- need of some of the more challenged klei hamikdash. They merit a blessing for the bold steps they have already taken to include these children in the mainstream educational system, and above all, for their ongoing concern and quest to dis­ cover still more and better ways to help ESHIVA these children emotionally and physi­ o/NewHaven cally. The holy work of helping even one of these children emerge from the • Shiurim with the Rosh Yeshiva abyss of spiritual darkness is beyond question a fulfillment of the dictum of • Mesivta Sedorim plus Novi, Jewish History and more! Chazal that "the saving of one life is tan­ • Small Classes and Individual Attention tamount to saving an entire world.') • Beautiful, Spacious Campus and Dormitory The parents and teachers of these • Superior Secular Studies Program children can be special people, special •Excellent Preparation for PSAT, SAT and AP Exams great people. They can achieve heights • Experience in Layning, Davening for the Omud of education and commitment that other people will never know. Their • Exciting Field Trips in the Connecticut Countryside challenges can be banners of excellence, of middos tovos and mesiras nefesh that A Mesivta preparing bochurim for the best Yeshivos, other people will never achieve. advanced general studies, and communal responsibilities. And finally, "as the effort, so is the reward" (Avos). The strenuous efforts Rabbi Emanuel Gettinger X"U"7W, Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Daniel Greer, Dean and tearful labor that special people invest in their child who has special 765 Elm Street, New Haven, CT 06511 challenges will certainly invoke the chas­ For applications call dei Hashem of much nachas and hap­ 203-777-7199 piness in their entire families, in all their children. •

24 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 AN INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP FOR EXPERIENCED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

This advanced learning opportunity will combine lecture, group discussion, and case study presentation to explore treatment approaches, for rebuilding our clients' self esteem

Rabbi Abraham Twershi, MD NOTED AUTHOR, LECTURER AND THERAPIST

MONDAY, JUNE I I, 200 I 9:30 AM - I :30 PM

To register, or for more information on this and other seminars, sponsored by the Institute, please contact: Arlene Etengoff M.A. Director of Staff Development and Training, OHEL Children's Home & Family Services Phone: 718-85 I -6300 I Fax: 718-85 1-6428

Event to take place at OHEL • 4510 • 16th Avenue, 5th Floor • Brooklyn, NY

~IS EZRA UlfLDREN 'S HOME AND FAMILY SERHCES THE NEXT CHINUCH FRONTIER

CHILDREN WITH LEARNING

INTERVIEW WITH RABBI SHMUEL KAMENETZKY N"~7"7

1. ls the existence of learning disabilities manner in which children become cat­ 3. What are the com1nunity's responsi­ a problem that faced earlier generations? If egorized once their weakness is identi­ bilities to students 1vith learning disabili­ not, 1vhy not? If it did exist, ho1v was it fied. They become relegated to being ties? Can our children receive testing or addressed? outsiders, \Vith the focus on what dis­ related services in a public school setting? In recent years, \Ve have developed tinguishes them from others rather Can non-frurn or non-]evvish public school means of identifying specific problem than on areas of com1nonality1 vvhich personnel test our children or provide edu­ areas in a child's ability to learn and should be stressed. First and foren1ost, cational or therapeutic services to the1n? retain skills and information. Years for exan1ple, should be their comn1on Teaching children with learning dis­ ago, schools lacked this expertise, and humanity with the rest of the class. Next abilities is the com1nunity's responsi­ simply viewed a child in terms of his should come their areas of strength and bility. If government funding is available place on a continuum stretching fron1 normal functioning, which provide for such instruction in the yeshiva set­ being a non-responsive or weak student additional ways in which they are sim­ ting, it certainly should be utilized. If to highly accomplished. It is possible that ilar to their peers, rather than different. funding is available for one child, that his or her teachers could pinpoint areas This type of approach would foster a child will often achieve 1nore progress of strength or weakness, and work on healthy self-image. as part of a group than if alone. If pos­ them ... and perhaps not. It was then 2. Is the obligation to financially support sible, the school should try to structure likely that the child's needs were not the education of students with learning dis­ a group around the individual child's addressed. abilities part of the specific obligation to sup­ reinedial session. A group is a n1iniature While the advances we have made in port Talmud Torah, or is it on a par vvith n1ainstrea1n. identifying disabilities obviously enable 1nore general tzeddakos? There is a strong preference to avoid us to help more children grow to their The Gemora tells of how Rav Freida resorting to remedial sessions in pub­ full learning potential, there is one dan­ tutored a ta/mid who did not master his lic school venues. The child might not ger we n1ust be careful to avoid. In ear­ studies until he taught it to him 400 function optimally because he does not lier generations, when we didn't label a times.' While this was surely an act of feel at horne in an alien environment; child learning disabled, he (or she; we chessed on Rav Freida's part, this dedi­ or - equally regrettable - he might man­ will henceforth use "he" for conven­ cation was also within the parameters age to conform to his environn1ent and ience) was spared being categorized and of Talmud Torah. accept its values. thus stigmatized. Now, though, the Underwriting classes geared for rem­ Successful testing and diagnosis issue of stigma is a very serious prob­ edying learning disabilities is to be depend on effective con1111unication len1. deemed support of Torah study, not just between the teacher or therapist and the My father (Rabbi Yaakov Kamenet­ another chessed. child. Cultural differences that emerge -·------zky 'r:n) was strongly opposed to the 1 See Eruvin 44a. The Gc111ora goes on to recount in conversation or various references in ----·---~·------~ Rabbi Kamenetzky, Rosh Hayesl1iva of the Yeshi­ an occasion when Rav Prcida bad need to repeat the testing setting can inhibit the child va of Philadelphia, is chainnan of the IVcsius this iUll re):,ri1nen- totaling 800 times) - for which and result in a n1isdiagnosis. (How many (Rabbinical Prcsidiun1) of Agudatb Israel of he earned Olwn Habba for hi1nself as weil as for yeshiva or Bais Yaakov students are America. his entire generation.

26 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 familiar \vi th a bearded man in a red suit tutor weaker students in areas vvhere a suggestions that apply across the board whose sled is pulled by flying reindeers?) child would be capable of doing so. to all children. On the positive side, par­ Some children simply freeze up at the Chessed should have an active place in ents should create occasions to read sto­ mention of con1monly recognized sym­ the classroon1 situation. It is in1portant ries to children. Help them appreciate bols associated with ( lehavdi[) other reli­ to keep testing and re-testing until you the joys of the printed word. gious groups. Thus the child will not be discover the child's areas of strength. On the other hand, do not resort to diagnosed correctly and, as a result, not They may not surface immediately. television as a time filler or distraction. receive proper help. fn addition, Jewish Once they're identified, build on them. First of all, it is a passive experience and therapists of religious background and Children with learning disabilities does not foster activity and taking ini­ commitment will usually take the plight should be encouraged to feel part of tiatives. Further, it induces the viewer to of the religious child to heart. He (or their peer group. For this reason, main­ function \Vith shorter attention spans. she) recognizes that he is dealing with streaming is always preferable, and These negative aspects are present even a precious Yiddishe neshan1a. should be pursued, whenever possible, when the content of the program is pos­ If there is no alternative, then one even if it is only for lunch and recess. itive. And, needless to say, so much of should accept help from whoever is This will help him or her feel more pos­ the programming on television has available (within limits). itive and vvill likely achieve n1ore as a content that is decidedly negative, and 4. How can parents be helpful in the result. Even if children can only main­ has absolutely no place in any Jewish gro1vth of their children ivho are suff'i?ring tain pace with bentching, davening, or home - let alone with young impres­ frorn learning disabilities? sports, they should be part of their age­ sionable children. • Parents are obligated to bring out grade group for these activities. every child's potential. Unfortunately, 6. Can a child be taken out o/lin1udei parents are often not instructed in how kodesh for rernediation in secular studies VISITING NY? to help their children. Some children subjects? MIDWOOD respond better to spoken instructions, Only if there is no choice. To be sure, GUEST SUITES others to written directions. Son1e chil­ certain skills can be applied across the Ave. J, Brooklyn dren absorb verbal information without board. Still, a child should always be 718-253-9535 difficulty, others can follow a picture encouraged to feel that his limudei sequence more easily. Some have diffi­ kodesh are of greatest importance. This GOLDBERG~R POCKET SERIES culty vvith oral expression, others have applies to girls as well as boys, even trouble coordinating hand movements, though they are not accountable for bit­ Watch Your Wealth and would rather talk than write. Some­ wl Torah (wasting time from 10rah TORAH GUIDELINES FOR times the focus should be on the child's study). Religious studies are central to FINANCIAL SUCCESS strengths, to give him confidence. Other a fewish girl's identity and self-under­ Rabbi Moshe Goldbeiger times, he might be ready for remedial standing. This latest, pocket-size volume from the pop­ ular author is packed with wisdom on how help, and weak areas should be strength­ 7. Is concern about potential stignza ever to control your money-and make sure it ened. The schools - that is, the remedial a basis for not obtaining the services a child doesn't control you! In today's money-driv­ personnel - should inform the parents needs? en times, this book puts things into perspec­ tive, explaining the Jewish way to financial as to which approach they should pur­ The stigma is not imposed on the stability. 160 pp. Targum Press sue and which areas they should child with learning disabilities by his $11.95/pocket hardcover emphasize. classmates. The school and the parents 5. Students with learning disabilities are often guilty of this by speaking dis­ often have loiv self-esteetn because of their paragingly of children who need extra repeated failures in school. What kind of attention, or referring to remedial class­ encouragenzent can ive give them? es in a punitive or dismissing frame­ As n1entioned above, the e1nphasis work. With adults articulating a positive, nlust often be on areas of competence accepting attitude- and acting accord­ and developed skills. Jn addition, test ingly- children with special needs will marks and report cards should be feel accepted by all. adjusted to be relative to a child's 8. Are there any non-learning activities capacity, not responding to so1ne objec­ that parents can pursue to help children tive scale. A child of limited capacity who overcorne disabilities? produces fully in accordance with his While therapists and specialists will abilities is an "A" student. More accom­ have certain re1nedial activities designed plished students should be assigned to for the child's benefit, there are certain WWW.FELDH EIM.COM

The Jewish Observer, April 2001 27 TuE NEXTCH!NUCH FRONTIER Rabbi Chaim Aaron Weinberg Rising To The Challenge of Edu eating Our Students

CHALLENGES AMIDST GROWTH commun1tles are blessed with many that will enable them to overcome such families-is statistically likely to their learning disabilities. There are he overall achievements of the include at least one child with learning other parents who insist, at all costs, on contemporary Orthodox world in difficulties. If, thankfully, a particular keeping their children in yeshiva for its Tthe area of chinuch are truly proper religious environment, but remarkable. Practically every yeshiva and thereby forego providing those young­ girls' school in every community with • sters with the help they so desperately a concentration of Orthodox Jews is ur schools are need. overflowing with children, bli ayin hara. Classes numbering 30 children or O not meant to THE PARENT'S ROLE more are not unusual. This phenomenal success is not only be servicing prize he purpose of this article is to quantitative, but qualitative as well. The students exclusively. address what must, can, and is level of learning today, when contrast­ Tbeing done to meet the needs of ed with that of 30 years ago, is without Just as our yeshivas these children. Dr. Nosson Solomon doubt much more encon1passing in provides a description of the various cat - terms of both amount of material cov­ strive to engage the egories of learning and attentional dis­ ered and the depth with which it is stud­ orders in his very informative article ied. best possible elsewhere in this issue. It suffices to say With all of this commendable and for our purposes that all of these dis­ encouraging progress, however, there are rebbe 'im and abilities can be addressed successfully. issues in our chinuch system that need teachers, to offer The key is early identification and to be addressed. One of the most press­ remediation, and in this regard, parents ing of these is the large number of chil­ the most up-to-date have a crucial role to play. dren in our schools who have learning All too often, parents are in denial of disabilities, but whose needs are being facilities, and so on, their child's predicament. Refusing to met either inadequately or not at all. admit there is anything wrong with their To appreciate the scope of this prob­ so too do they need child, they seek to place the blame else­ lem, consider the following statistic. In to service the where-on the rebbe, the teacher, the the general student population nation­ principal, the child's friends, and so on. wide, as well as within our own yeshiv­ educational needs Yet, parents who react in this way are as (and let no principal deny this fact), doing their child a terrible disservice, for 10-15% of students have learning dis­ of all their students. not only do they make everyone that has abilities of one form or another. This fig­ contact with the child-and the child ure holds true in all types of yeshivas and himself-miserable, but they deprive girls' schools. • their child of his best opportunities for The situation takes on a very personal family does not, a neighboring family remediation. Parents faced with this immediacy when one realizes that a fam­ most likely has two such children. challenge need to know that a child with ily with six or seven children-and our The sad reality is that there are scores a learning disability will bring them no ------of Yiddishe kinderlach in heavily Ortho­ less nachas than any other; he is simply Rabbi Weinberg serves as a Menahel of Yeshiva Ateret Torah in Brooklyn. This article is based on dox neighborhoods whose parents have a child with greater-than-usual needs the author's presentation at a sy1nposium on the no option but to send them to public who can and will succeed if given the topic at the 2000 National Convention of Agu­ school programs to receive instruction tools to do so. dath Israel of A1nerica.

28 The Jewish Observer, April 200 I ·..·.~. lf'm"'--'1b. 11··.·.·.·

A controversial issue in this area is whether to medicate children with learning and, to an even greater degree, attentional deficits. Parents should take this question up with their rav and physician. Clearly, however, parents who unequivocally oppose medicating their child even under extreme cir­ cumstances should consider that they might well be depriving their child of a childhood. Children who are repeated­ ly sent out of class for disturbances are not happy children; they see themselves as social misfits and, as a result, suffer from terribly low self-esteem. Educators know that a child whose morale is high because the adults in his life create an atmosphere of loving acceptance and believe in his ability to succeed has a far greater probability of A WORD TO MY COLLEAGUES tools to both identify potential dis­ achieving that success. But acceptance abilities and to make appropriate mod­ entails a willingness to face the reality e menahalim 1nust face the ifications for such children within the of a child's disability. Every yeshiva child chaJlenges that our calling mainstream setting. is entitled, as a matter of federal law, to Wcreates for us. Our schools are Even in the best of worlds, however­ receive a comprehensive evaluation not meant to be servicing prize students one in which every yeshiva would have from the local school district free of exclnsively. Should any of us take steps a spacious, fully equipped resource charge. A parent who suspects that to address the needs of the learning dis­ room staffed by an adequate number of something is significantly amiss in his abled population in his yeshiva, he need trained professionals-there would still child's progress in any academic area not fear it \vill tarnish his institution's remain a significant number of children should have that child evaluated with­ reputation as a first-rate school. Just as whose level of disability requires a self­ out delay. Even before a child begins our yeshivas strive to engage the best contained class with a maxi1num of 8- school, it's never too early to identify and possible rebbe'im and teachers, to offer l O students, taught by a special educa­ address developmental delays through the most up-to-date facilities, and so on, tor. In fact, P'TACH pioneered this testing and remediation that are often so too do they need to service the edu­ concept decades ago and operates such available even in the comfort of one's cational needs of all their students. classes in several New York yeshivas with own home. When the few learning disabled chil­ much success. On file in my office is a reproduction dren in every class have access to a of a composition written by a then-sec­ properly staffed resource room, the A BOLD NEW RESPONSE ond-grader in the yeshiva where this benefit redounds not only to those stu­ writer serves as principal. The compo­ dents, but also to the rest of the class. ost schools, however, are sition was written backwards, in mirror The rebbe or mora, who generaJly does unable, independently, to host image. The child who wrote it is today not have training in special education, M a program for the learning dis­ an outstanding ta/mid in one of this is relieved of having to spend an inor­ abled encompassing several grades, due country's leading yeshivas gedolos, and dinate amount of time addressing the to lack of space and budgetary con­ his rash yeshiva delights in engaging in needs of the learning disabled students straints. The result has been an appalling Torah discussions with him. Had this and can focus on the other students. Of dearth of self-contained classrooms for disability been ignored, it is not hard to course, resource room services occupy learning-disabled yeshiva students. Ear­ imagine that he might today be on the only a limited amount of time in a stu­ lier this year, in a groundbreaking roster of an "at-risk teen" program like dent's school day and, thus, it is imper­ response to this situation, nine promi­ Project YES. ative that our teaching staffs receive nent Brooklyn boys' yeshivas joined Happily, however, his parents and his training in dealing with the learning together in a new initiative, aptly named yeshiva believed in him, nurtured him, disabled children present in their class­ Ichud Mosdos Hachinuch of Brooklyn, and helped him become the success rooms. The focus of such sessions which pools the resources and children story he is today n·v?::i. should be on giving mechanchim the in need within these schools.

The Jewish Observer, April 200 7 29 Miriam Kulik

Leah's Story Her parents' unwillingness to con­ Why It Works sider the P'TACH program reminded t was the eve of one of the most me of the proverbial reluctance of men he phenomenal, life-changing exciting events of the school year, to stop and ask for directions that successes of P'TACH that occur I graduation day. Leah expressed her women so often joke about. In both Tin both its programs-for girls wish to speak at this ceremony, and I cases, people seem to prefer remain­ and for boys--is due to several factors. must admit to having been a bit skep­ ing directionless as a means of avoid­ First and foremost, these programs tical when she made the request. ing a perceived embarrassment. There help students develop self-esteem in Leah, you see, was my student in the were the usual well-meaning wrong a very specific manner. Telling students Bais Yaakov D'Rav Meir/P'TACH pro­ turns taken, such as undirected tutor­ that they are great is simply not gram, for children with learning dis­ ing, which only served to frustrate her enough. They must be helped through abilities. more as she tried to maintain the a process that develops self-awareness. Under the inspired leadership of learning level of a conventional class­ The process must include an under­ our menahel, Rabbi Michael Levi, Bais room. standing of their unique pattern of Yaakov D'Rav Meir and P'TACH have From one look at Leah, it was obvi­ strengths and weaknesses, coupled been partners for eighteen years now, ous that it was time for a rest stop. Her with experiencing real progress and providing both self-contained classes slumped posture bespoke defeat. Poor achievement. The progress and and extensive resource room services eye contact showed that her confi­ achievement is only actualized for children in the mainstream class­ dence was anything but 20/20. She through flexibility in teaching meth­ es. It is remarkable to see how all stu­ mumbled when spoken to, her words ods that can incorporate the latest dents in this school blend seamlessly as indistinct as any reason to contin­ research in special education. into learning partners, all enjoying the ue persevering. Leah was failing aca­ \t\!hether it is phone1nic a\vareness, advantages of this Bais Yaakov envi­ demically, socially and emotionally. visualizing and verbalizing, or a con- ronment. 'fhe ca1naraderie is such, She believed herself to be a loser, and ' crete program of developing study that were you to ask any special edu­ this negative self-concept was clear to skills, each student is approached as a cation participant which school she all. distinct learner with very specific attends, she would definitely answer, After 1nuch persuasion and en10- needs. For students \Vho are several "Bais Yaakov D'Rav Meir!" tional support, her parents placed Leah years behind grade level, or who pos­ This program, then, is successful­ in the P'TACH program. sess serious attention deficits) progress ly engaged in teaching learning-dis­ l'ast forward two years, if you will, can only be accomplished through a abled children how to overcome the to Leah's address at her commence­ small student-teacher ratio of four- or challenges presented by their disabil­ ment exercises. I could have never five-to-one. ities, and ultimately remove self­ guessed the outcon1e as she rose to The professionals who are present imposed limitations to maximizing address parents, students and teach­ at every progran1 site) ready to inter­ their potential... which brings us back ers. "For seven years I thought I was vene and manage problems should to eighth-grader Leah, who shared her a 'dumbbell' and could not learn they arise as well as the larger network story with us at her graduation cere­ anything. I felt really awful about of P'1ACH consultant experts, are mony. myself. But when I joined the P'TACH responsible for P'TACH's twenty-year Leah had joined our program in class, things suddenly changed. Slow­ track record of helping countless seventh grade. When we first met, she ly, but steadily, I moved up three grade "Leahs" turn their lives around to showed the unmistakable signs of the levels in reading and math, and I began beco1ne productive men1bers of soci­ weary traveler. For years, she had to feel really good about myself But ety. It is our hope that our community trudged down the familiar road of frus­ most of all, I learned that I can do any­ continues to seek to understand learn­ tration and failure that many a learn­ thing I set my heart on doing. Thank ing-disabled youngsters, thereby ing-disabled child finds herself on. you, P'TACH, for believing in me, and enabling the vast potential they most Miriam Kulik, 1\1.A., serves as coordinator most of all, for teaching me to believe certainly possess to be fully recog­ of P'TACH/Bais Yaakov D'Rav Nlcir in in myself." nized ... and realized. • Brooklyn.

30 The Jewish Observer, April 200 I These pace-setting schools, so through eighth grades, and on into high some other, "special" school. All that deserving of recognition for their lead­ school, which serves hundreds of chil­ remains at this crucial stage of the ership in this area, are: Ateret Torah, dren in numerous schools, yet allows Ichud's inception is for the broad com- Chaim Berlin, The Cheder, Mirrer each individual child to remain in one 1nunity, vvhose children these are, to Yeshiva K'tana, Ohr Shraga D'Veretzky, yeshiva throughout. make a declaration of its own, signaling Ruach Chaim, Tiferes Elimelech, Tiferes An essential aspect of the program is that it is prepared to ensure the finan­ Yisroel and Yeshiva of Brooklyn. that the Ichud class is fully integrated cial viability of such programs so that The Ichud program, modeled after into the school and treated as another they can expand and realize their poten­ the CAHAL program that has been suc­ parallel class. The school administration, tial to profoundly change the face of cessful in the Far Rockaway/Five Towns which retains ultimate responsibility for contemporary chinuch. community over the past eight years, this class, like any other, works in tan­ At the Ichud's recent inaugural services the collective learning-dis­ dem with the teachers of both the Ichud fundraiser, the Novominsker Rebbe, abled students of its member yeshivos­ class and the classes parallel to it to cre­ N'"P'71P, referred to this program's a novel idea for Brooklyn, but rather ate an accepting atmosphere devoid of founding as an event of historic pro­ basic in concept. A first grade opens in stigma, and to ensure the mainstrea1n­ portions, one that \Vould have been one yeshiva, comprised of children ing of the Ichud students for lunch, unthinkable even 10 or 20 years ago, but from all member schools who need a recess, assen1blies, transportation and whose time has arrived. It is my self-contained classroon1 on a first­ any other opportunity. prayer-and it should be our collective grade level. The following year, that The defining element of the Ichud aspiration-that we be worthy of this class continues on in the same school concept can be expressed in one word: challenge, and that we will summon the as a second grade class, while a new first responsibility. Its initiation by these foresight and fortitude necessary to real­ grade Ichud class opens in another yeshivas is a declaration of their will­ ize the navi's vision of V'chol bonayich yeshiva. In just a few years, this ingness to take responsibility for the limudei Hashem-"And all your children approach results in a program of self­ education of their children, rather than will be students of Hashem" ( Yishayahu contained classes spanning first assuming that it will be attended to by 5~13). •

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Chaim appears to be lethargic in class. The nature and severity of such dis­ end. She believes she has failed as a par­ Lately, he has become disruptive, behaving abilities vary and may affect language ent. She does not understand that in a silly fashion and making funny sounds. comprehension or expression, me1no­ Moshe's problems are neurodevelop- Upon investigation, it is discovered that he ry, attention, visual-spatial skills, per­ 111ental in nature. She believes them to has serious reading deficits. ception, or other areas. 'fhey n1ay be her fault, and in these feelings of fail­ Leah has been depressed and socially iso­ invade a child's ability to listen, think, ure and self-blame, her experience mir­ lated in school. She cannot ren1e111ber speak, read, write, spell, compute, or pay rors that of her son. classroom material or her teachers' instruc­ attention. Leah comprehends her class tions. Evaluation reveals significant mem­ work easily but remembers little of it, EFFECTS ory frnpairn1ent. and therefore regularly fails tests and Moshe cannot seem to focus his atten­ accumulates little knowledge. he effects of learning disabilities tion on classroo1n activity for more than a A learning disability, as defined in this on school performance and the minute or two. He frequently asks to go to article, is not the result of emotional dis­ Tacquisition of academic skills the bathrootr1 and can be found wandering turbance, n1ental retardation, physical can be profound. Though, as neuro­ the halls. The school psychologist says he has hanclican. or

32 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 sequences and their corresponding understanding, the patience and special incidences of depression, delinquency, sounds. Then, smooth vocal-motor pro­ attention that could carry him through and substance abuse. It is also no secret ductions must take place. This means school and peer relationships. that these problems are often a first step that the child must be able to imitate all The learning disabled child feels he toward disengagement from Torah speech sounds heard. is fundamentally different from other observance. Sound blending is also essential. The children and so does not belong. He may child must be able to combine letters and express his frustration in withdrawal and IDENTIFICATION sounds to create words. As if this were not social isolation. He may be surly with enough, the child must be able to orient peers and teachers; he may bully others he alert and educated teacher or in space such that our standard left-to­ or become the class clown, desperate for parent can often spot the child right can be followed. Then the crucial any kind of appreciation or attention. Thaving learning problems. Con­ skill of sound-symbol correspondence And so, among other problems in this cern should be noted whenever a child recognition comes into play. The child population, we find disproportionate is observed habitually to be daydream- must be capable of recording and repro­ ducing the arbitrary sounds that corre­ spond respectively to the arbitrary shapes we call "letters." Furthermore, the child must be capable of conditional learning, It hurts so that he understands letters do not have the same sounds in all contexts. 10 c II It should be clear that a significant deficit in any one of these functions can om es IC sabotage the reading process, so that a learning disability results. In Chaim's case, we n1ay discover that he is unable to blend sounds; as a result, though he ..... can recognize letters and even reproduce • their sounds, he cannot form their sequences into words. This small, sub­ tle difference in Chaim's brain functions in comparison to other children's is enough in our culture to destroy most of his education. He cannot read. He It hurts cannot read in two languages. He is impaired in limudei kodesh (religious studies), as well as in limudei chol (sec­ r ular studies). What most people fail to recognize, o. however, is that the most important effect of learning disabilities is not aca­ demic. It is emotional and interpersonal. It feels better just to talk about it. That's A learning disabled child will feel he is why we're here. Our staff is made up of a failure, as though he is to blame for caring and sensitive individuals. Together, we can help you explore your options. We the problem, even if he is fortunate can refer you to recognized professionals enough to have been told that he is not, for counseling, legal advice or help in but especially if others have told him finding a safe environment. We can also put you in touch with some very special that he is. His self-esteem is profound­ Rabbis. But in order for us to reach out to ly affected, and he will prefer to suffer you, you must first reach out to us. day after day of academic bewilderment Confidential Hotline 1.888.883.2323 in silence, rather than experience the (Toll Free) shame of admitting, "I don't under­ stand." Without awareness of the true 718.337.3700 (NYC Area) nature of his problem, teachers and par­ Do it for yourself. ents cannot offer the support and Do it for your children. Shalom Task Force is a 501(c)(3) charitable organ•zat•on

The Jewish Observer, April 2001 33 ing, learning slowly, undisciplined, e1notionally unsteady, disruptive, provocative, or lazy. THE ~NK BETWEEN PROBLEM CHILDREN A cardinal rule to remember is that laziness is not a natural state. The human child is naturally curious and given to intellectual growth. If a child AND LEARNING DISABILITIES is not growing, there is an impediment. He does not need to be tricked or threat­ Dr. Judah Weller ened. He needs to be evaluated and helped. If the adult notices impaired mem­ tudies have shown that 40-60% of could and should be dealt with in a reg­ ory, reasoning or speech; expressive dif­ juveniles undergoing social diffi­ ular classroom become a major obsta­ ficulties; attentional problems; or hyper­ Sculties have a pattern of previously cle to acade1nic success. We all remem­ activity, a professional should be undetected or unaddressed learning ber the "raised bar" that we consulted. If the child omits, mispro­ problems. 1 Ask parents of a "child-at­ encountered in the higher grades of our nounces, or substitutes words \vhile risk" about their child's history in own schooling. The teacher informing reading; can do some math operations school, and they will most likely recall us "I don't write on the board. You are but not others; has conceptual difficul­ frustration and failure at some point in now in high school, and you should be ties or sequencing proble1ns or even very his or her early life. Our community has able to listen and take notes;' is but one poor hand\vriting, an evaluation should focused a great deal of resources on example of a lack of flexibility in teach­ be sought. helping our children-at-risk. Unfortu­ ing that was a fact of life for many of nately, we have not been devoting suf­ us. This across-the-board toughness left EVALUATION ficient thought to "prevention"-so little room for the reality that children that we stop making the same mistakes, come with all kinds of minds and all hildren with any of the above fostering an even larger tide of children­ sorts of ways of absorbing and apply­ problen1s require co1nprehensive at-risk. ing knowledge. If the will and the con­ Cpsycho-educational evaluation. One of the keys to prevention is to cern exist, these individual approach­ Such evaluation should include intel­ insure that children with significant es to learning could often be lectual, educational, neurocognitive learning problems are identified and are accommodated in the regular class­ (cognitive brain function), and per­ provided with appropriate special edu­ room. Chanoch lanaar al pi darko sonality assessments. A less-than-com­ cation services. We need to counsel our should not be a maxim only for spe­ prehensive assessment leaves open the parents and principals not to ignore a cial education teachers, but for all possibility that the evaluator has con­ problem that will only grow. The stig­ mechanchim who truly want to help cluded his investigation prematurely and ma of dealing with a learning problem each and every child reach his or her that an additional and possibly related is far less oppressive than that of con­ potential. By loosening up and diver­ disorder is contributing to the child's dif­ stant academic failnre and possible at­ sifying their approaches to the unde­ ficulties (a common phenomenon), risk behavior. niably diverse classes they teach, our but has been overlooked. Obviously, the An even greater challenge, howev­ dedicated mechanchim could truly suc­ long-term implications for the child of er, is not to allow a minor problem that ceed in this noble aspiration. • such an oversight could be enorn1ous. At times, the evaluator may suggest Dr. Weller is Educational Director of P'TACH 1 Source; National Council of Learning Dis­ adjunct evaluations other specialists. for the past twenty years. abilities by These can include pediatric, neurolog­ ical, speech and language, hearing, vision, or other examinations.

WHAT CAN BE DONE

good evaluation will provide For careful attention to your not only an understanding of the individual needs, call us today! Achild's problem but also recom­ mendations for remediation. Often, (845) 354-8445 tutoring is recommended. This 1nay

34 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 entail either regular or special tutoring Therefore, the only reasonable and Without diagnosis and treatment, focusing on particular areas of weakness. hu111ane option for most youngsters is Moshe can be expected to grow into the School-based interventions may be remediation of one of the sorts men­ eccentric ne'er-do-well, unable to hold recommended. These could include tioned above. Without intervention, the onto a job or a marriage, because he is 111odifications \Vithin the mainstrea111 effects are often devastating, severely and too impulsive and inattentive to others' classroon1; use of a resource room, the unnecessarily limiting the lives of oth­ needs and sensitivities. child receiving special tutoring during erwise intelligent people. Of course, the lifetime emotional toll the school day; a special, self-contained Without the help of a reading spe­ of these painful problems can be dev­ classroon1 devoted to specialized instruc­ cialist, Chaim n1ay never be able to read astating, much more devastating than tion; behavior 1nodifications; or a self­ a text or a ne\vspaper. He inay never have the practical implications of the learn­ contained, special school. a driver's license. He 1nay require that ing disabilities themselves. Too often, this At hon1e, parental or sibling tutoring others read his job manuals to hi1n, is demonstrated for me when I explain may be suggested to support learning while he tries to conceal from others his to the family the nature and meaning of weaknesses. Often, behavior rnanagernent embarrassing disability. He wili likely be a learning disability I have diagnosed. is needed and can be supervised by a underemployed, because he will avoid Most often, this is the first time any­ mental health professional. jobs that require reading. one has put all the pieces together, and It should be ren1en1bered that accen­ Not having learned the strategies for the family responds with tears that are tuating the positive is very important for supporting her weak memory skills, both bitter and sweet. Now that the building the confidence that learning Leah may shrink from social contacts, secret is out, now that the blan1e has disabled youngsters so greatly need. It embarrassed by her ditliculties in recall­ been expunged, parents and child can is essential to find a skill in which the ing names or conversations. Her poor express the terrible misery of past, child is strong (at least relative to his academic performance 1nay severely lonely struggles. Now, they can also weep other skills) and to emphasize and help i1npair her self-image, vvith chronic and with relief, knowing that the ghost that the child to develop it. This will aid in debilitating depression the tragic out­ has haunted them has a shape and a confidence building and satisfaction and come. name. Now help can be obtained. • 1nay later lead to vocational options. 1 \ arious therapies may be in order. r.------~ Among these are individual psychother­ apy (with parental guidance), family I ARE You MOVING? I therapy, speech and/or language therapy, I I occupational therapy, and pharnza­ IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED catherapy (medication). I I I INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? I OUTCOMES We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the Jewish Observer to your home. I Please attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address and I computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the address label. hat are the long-term effects I I of learning problems? Some I I W children learn on their own to compensate for a disability by intensi­ I I fying other functions to fill in the gaps. I Affix old label here I Without remediation, this task is an I I I extremely lonely and burdensome one. I I In the case of attention deficit hyper­ I Name------activity disorder, the child may leave I I I much of the disorder behind, as he I New Address------I develops into adulthood. This, howev­ , I City, er, holds true for only a minority of I learning disabilities. Others are lifelong I I State, ______Zip I deficits that require professional help of Date Effective ______varying intensity and length to mitigate I I their effects. I Send address The Jewish Observer I changes to: Change of Address ------I 42 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 I 1 New York University Child Study Center Let­ ter, Nov./Dcc. l 997. I Pfe

let "learning problems" create more serious issues for your child let failure become a way of life for your son or daughter allow pride or fear of stigma to stand in the way of giving your child specialized help take action by visiting one of our elementary or high school prograr: ,s make an informed decision to ensure your child's successful, productive future call P'TACH today at 718.854.8600

Thousands of children have become proud and productive members of our community... THE NEXTCHINUCH FRONTIER Mrs. Leah Steinber0 Meeting Need It's up to All of Us

The Problem A Workable Solution Crucial to Success: Parental Cooperation

n many communities, a significant deally, a yeshiva should be a place . t should be self-evident that for a segment of the yeshiva population in which each child can be edu­ child to be helped within the yeshi­ I is suffering from blatant neglect. I cated on the basis of his unique I va setting) it is imperative for par­ I refer here to the child who does not strengths and weaknesses. In many ents to be fully cooperative. If a child require a special class or special cases, these children can be helped behaves inappropriately or is educa­ school but who nevertheless cannot through the medium of a resource tionally incompatible with his class, par­ "make it" in our school system as it room, where the specific areas of ents should logically make every effort is structured today. The challenges weakness are identified, and then to make use of the appropriate servic­ such children face are many and var­ addressed. While at present, some es that are available. When parents fail ied, and often stem not from the yeshivos do have resource rooms for to do so, however, a yeshiva can hardly child's cognitive make-up-his par­ secular studies, many of them lack the be faulted for disciplining the disruptive ticular mode of learning, with indi­ same for limudei kadesh, although the child or not allowing him to continue vidual strengths and weaknesses-but need is at least as great in those sub­ in a school that is not really appropri­ from the attitudes prevalent in home, ject areas. Our yeshivas properly put ate for him. school and community. their greatest emphasis on limudei Parents who take a recommendation Desk-space in yeshivas in frum kodesh; as a result, when a child lags for remedial sessions as an insult harm neighborhoods is usually in short sup­ behind his peers in those areas, the no one but their own child. The cycle ply and correspondingly strong damage to his self-esteem and social of being unable to be forthright about demand. Since schools can afford to integration is inestimable. a child's learning issues often ends be selective, they maintain stringent with nightmarish results. It is in place criteria for admission. While the to stress once again: Attending to a average student can very often gain Overcoming the Stigma Factor child's learning issues should not be a admittance to such a school, should source of shame. Many, many bright a child have any minor issue calling or a yeshiva to fulfill the true children are falling short of success for special attention, the doors of one sense of "Chanoch lanaar al pi largely because of the stigmas attached yeshiva after another begin to close Fdarko" would require the cre­ to getting them the assistance they before him. ation of both resource rooms for require. As a result, many parents feel pres­ remediation and enrichment groups sured to be less than fully honest for gifted children, to accommodate Of Dreams and Realism about their child for fear that disclo­ the full range of students. In those sure of problem areas will lead to schools where this "three track" system rue, we all have dreams for our rejection of their child. This failure to within the classroom is a functioning children. But let us not allow our alert schools to a child's particular reality-as it is in a select number of Tdreams to stand in the way of a needs may indeed enable the child to yeshivas and Bais Yaakov schools-an child's progress. Insisting that one's child gain entrance to the school, but also additional benefit, beyond meeting fulfill the parent's own aspirations guarantees that those needs will go individual needs, is realized. rather that the child's realistic potential unadressed, leaving the hapless child When some children leave class for is a recipe for lifelong frustration and foundering. Inevitably, these chil­ enrichment and others do the same for failure. dren act up and are labeled "problem remedial sessions, much of the stigma Helping a child reach his fullest children." In truth, however, they are presently associated with being potential and develop a good sense of not problem children; they are sim­ "pulled out" for a period in the self along the way is not an easy task, but ply children whose problems have not resource room is negated. Such a des­ it is, without question, the approach that been addressed! tigmatized climate also enables more ultimately will yield the greatest Yiddishe parents to face their child's problems nachas. Parents and school must see Mrs. Steinberg, of Brooklyn, NY, serves as Asso­ ciate Director of Agudath Israel's Project Equal squarely and unhesitatingly seek help themselves as equal partners in this cru­ Educational Access. for them. cial mission. B

The Jewish Observer, April 2001 37

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York StoO and in New York C•ry, York Cr!y Deportmen Heaiih, Menial Retor A!dwholii:m Serv"es. s Rabbi Laibish Becker Torah sources teach that the proper other mitzvos are considered as indi­ disbursement of our financial resources vidual acts, the mitzva of tzedakah is can have the most far-reaching conse­ cumulative. The Maharal in Nesivos quences. On a personal level, the giving Olam states: of tzedakah is portrayed in Mishlei as an "Thus, all the thousands upon thou­ act that can spare the giver from death sands of charitable gifts a person dis­ The Tzedakah Treasury, Rabbi Avrohom and calamity, and is credited by Ghaz­ tributes throughout his lifetime are Chaim Feuer, Mesorah Publications, al as one that bestows prosperity upon inseparably bonded into one huge, Brooklyn, NY $29.99 hardcover, $21.99 the giver, as well. And, on a national lifelong mitzva." soft cover level, the Gemora teaches that Kial Yis­ But even more than the mitzva roefs redemption from exile will come aspect of tzedakah is the transformation oney has always been viewed about in the merit of charitable giving. that occurs in the person who becomes in Torah literature as a double­ The overriding importance of this a baa/ tzedakah. It expands his horizons M edged sword. It can be a topic makes the appearance of an excel­ and brings him to greatness in a love of means of achieving enormous good, lent new seferthat inspires and instructs his fellow travelers in this world. Rabbi which, when used for such purposes as regarding the proper use of our money Feuer writes: hachzakas HaTorah or supporting the such a welcome event. The Tzedakah "We think that we give things to the poor, can bring its possessor to great Treasury by Rabbi Avrohom Chaim people we love. In truth we only love spiritual heights. When pursued and Feuer, Rav of Kehilath Bais Avrohom in those to whom we give. If I give of amassed for their own sake, however, Monsey and a veteran author in the myself and of my wherewithal to you, money and possessions can be a cause ArtScroll series, is a true Torah classic. I have expanded my definition of self of spiritual downfall and depravity. Rabbi Feuer has mastered the art of to embrace you as well." This duality is vividly portrayed by weaving halacha, hashkafa, story-telling Yaakov Avinu's vision of a ladder (sulam) and inspiration into one seamless The Power ofTzedakah that reached all the way to Shamayim, whole. He takes us on a journey of dis­ but at its base, also touched the earth. covery, probing deeply into a mitzva so he Tzedakah Treasury is divided The mefarshim explain that the word important that Ghazal place it among into seven sections. The first two, sulam has a gematria (numerical value) those unique mitzvos that are considered T entitled "Introduction to of 136, which is precisely that of the word equal to all the others. All this is accom­ Tzedakah" and "The Value of Giving;' are mammon (money). Hence, sulam con­ plished in a lively, literary style that keeps devoted to inculcating in the reader a veys the message that money has the our hands turning page after page. sense of the primacy of the mitzva of alternate potentialities to lead its owner The Tzedakah Treasury begins in clas­ tzedakah and the benefits that accrue to into heaven or to leave him "in the dust." sic ArtScroll style, with an Overview of the baal tzedakah. This overwhelming Rabbi Laibish Becker,A%istant Executive Direc­ the mitzva of tzedakah. In an essay enti­ importance is demonstrated in the pasuk tor of Agudath Israel of America, is a frequent tled "Tzedakah, the Mitzvah of a Life­ in Mishlei: "rnr.ir.i ""'n np-r.<, Charity res­ contributor to these pages. time;• the author explains that while cues from death:' What few people know is that this is a fragment of a pasuk men­ tioned twice. Mishlei 10,2 reads: "Treasurer of weakness shall not avail but charity res­ t"Tntt ~trvict efJnint11nity cues everyone from death:' In 11,4 it says: • HEALTHY JOB MARKET "Wealth will not avail in the day of wrath, • AFFORDABLE HOUSING charity will rescue from death:' The • NURTURING COMMUNITY Gemora (Bava Basra lOa) states that this • LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES signifies that charity rescues one from an • SHOMER SHABBOS unnatural death and from the terrible MEDICAL RESIDENCIES punishment of Gehinnom after death. e COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES The next three sections are a prin1er on the what, how, and when to give. They include both halacha and practical advice • CHEDER e KOLLEL on the mechanics of tzedakah. e BAIS YAKOV • MIKVEH In the section on "What to Give;) the • YESHIVA GEDOLA • ERuv intricacies of ma'aser (tithing) are clear­ • WISCONSIN SCHOOL ly delineated. Included are such common TUITION VOUCHERS FOR questions as to whether one tnay use QUALIF'Y!NG FAMILIES ma'aser to pay for aliyos, raffles, tuition

40 The Jewish Observer, April 2001 for older children, and a host full amount he Zusya ofHanipoli, Rabbi Meir of Prem­ of other she' eilos. Also dis­ requested, I ishlan, Rabbi Chaim Soleveitchik, the cussed is the relationship of would actually Brisker Rav, the Kapishnitzer Rebbe, the tna'aserto inflation and the cost have made him Satmar Rebbe and many other gedolirn of living. Also explored is the sad. The man of tzedakah. We are also introduced to Gernara in Kesubas 58 that says: would go the lesser known, but most worthy gab­ "The sages enacted in Usha around think­ ba'ei tzedakah of history, and the spe­ that one who lavishes money mg that I cial connection between women and and charity should not lavish an would be tzedakah. amount that exceeds 115 of his ready to give The final section deals with the income." hin1 any amount recipients of tzedakah, defining who This limitation on charitable that he wanted. By giving him less qualifies for tzedakah and what the pri­ giving has many caveats, \vhich are clear­ than he requested, I actually made him orities are for giving tzedakah. A sum­ ly explored. Interestingly, the Shulchan happier." 1ruly, the way a Gadal B'Yis­ mary of halachos mentioned through­ Aruch rules: roel gives tzedakah can teach us much out are appended at the end for ready "The amount to be given to chari­ about how we should give tzedakah. reference in finding the halacha ty is as follows: If one has sufficient The book continues with a section l'rnaaseh. resources, he should give charity replete with great stories about the givers Rabbi Feuer has produced a seminal according to the needs ofthe poor. If his of tzedakah from the days of Chazal up work on the mitzva of tzedakah which resources do not extend so far, he to our current times. We are introduced belongs in every Jewish home, to be should give up to one fifth of his to legends of tzedakah such as Rabbi learned and acted upon. • money for an ideal fulfillment of tzedakah, one tenth for an average ful­ fillment, anything less is considered giv­ ing ungenerously, with a bad eye." 1" Invei This is updated by a conversation the author had with Rabbi Avrohom Pam, B~(\( Hagef en Ye$hlVi!ih N"V'?v: ~(fer Classical "Rav Avrohom HaKohen Pam told Israeli ~~(,, ( The Shidduch service Klezmer me that in times such as ours, when in (,LL for older singles the United States ofAmerica, as well as (.L A project of N'shei in may other countries, the Jewish peo­ Agudath Israel \\'ith ple are sharing with the general popu­ Agudath Israel of America lation an unprecedented level ofpros­ 6619 13th Avenue. Brooklyn. NY 11219 perity, it is appropriate, even for the Tel. (718) 256-7525 •Fax (718) 256-7578 average, middle-class person, to con­ sider giving chomesh (one fifth) in recognition of and with gratitude for the amazing bounty which G-d is ~ Prim• P11l11ce ~--A showering upon us." ON.,X".J i1D "l"l The section on "How to Give" sen­ 0 • ., 14.1 1 , • Hotel PRIMA PALACE sitizes us to the plight of the poor and JERUSALEM (Formerly "MERKAZ") the need to give in such a way that it is tzedakah v'chessed, charity with kindness ~Glatt Kosher and understanding. Many delightful sto­ ~Luxuriously Refurbished ries are appended to this segment, ~ Close to Admorim, Yeshivot illustrating how Gedolei Yisroel helped & Kotel. every person to whom they gave ~ Shul &Mikva on Premises tzedakah maintain their dignity. A For Further Information & Reservation favorite of mine is that told on page 173 Please Call: of a poor man who approached the Sat­ Prima Palace Hotel mar Rebbe with an urgent request for 2A Pines St. Jerusalem twenty thousand dollars. The Rebbe gave Tel: 972-2-5311811 ;Fax:972-2-5381480 him nineteen thousand nine hundred, Prima Hotels Israel LTD explaining, "Had I given this man the 105 Hayarkon St., Tel Aviv Tel: 972-3-5275660 Fax:972-3-5275665

The Jewish Observer, April 2001 41 It's hard to find a good business partner. At Mifal Hashas, we've been matching part­ One who is motivated and dedicated. Who ners for years. Mifal Hashas is an interna­ accepts responsibility. Who respects you tional organization dedicated to developing totally for your talents and skills. One whom outstanding Torah you can trust all the time, scholars by who looks after ------helping them your interests to master as well as "Gantz his. Shas". Thousands The best of students business ofShas partner, receive monthly says the stipends from donors Torah, is one like you when they pass rigorous monthly who studies Torah. The merit of his study tests. But as the number of students grow will rub off on you. Look it up. It's the Rashi from year to year. so must our pool of on Ytsoschor & Zevulun in Parshas Zos donors/partners grow. Habrochoh. 1\vo brothers, together in a partnership conceived by their mother for the pursuit of Torah Excellence. Mifal :~ r------,I ! TISOSChor/Zevulun Partnership Hashas ~~ l I would like to become a partner in the wonderful work of Mifa1 hashas by contributing I 0 I I TM Best 1 O $150 per month as aShutaf Ha Torah• o $36 per month as a Mo~r HaTorah •~ - I / : O $100 per month as aParnes Ha Torah O $18 per month as a Chai Supporter : O $50 per month as aTomech HaTorah o $ other Buslnossyartners I / : Name ------l Address ______For'YourBuslnoss ~Telephone ______I I *The cost of supporting one scholar. Any and an contributions to "Mifal Hashas" are tax deductible and most appreciated. MIFAL HASHAS is an international. non-profi1 organlza!ion deOicated lo the development MIFAL HASHAS, 4415· 14tll Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11219 (718) 436·7790 of outstanding Torah scholars. It administrates and directs ttie studv am! examination process of t11e entae "shas", and dispenses monthly stipends to only those who excel. PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR PLACE •••

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rl'!:lO Machinery i'l'Yi' Infrastructure '!1itpn ~i, lie idle , ::i.iv 11't.l families must ii::in ~s be fed !"Ult' 11ri:::itt Bills must ''ft' ri~s be paid KEREN HASHVllS > Suppo1'ts koHclim tOt·rcligious farmers with stipends. > ~·faitttains JO coo1·di11ators to encourage Shmitah observance. >Coordinates mass le,tures for farmers. > PUr

A Great Literary Event! fourth installment in the Harry Potter to Manchester in 1990. Not surprising­ he launch of a new children's book series, has broken every book-selling ly, the extraordinary success of the Harry is usually not the sort of incident record in history. And the three titles that Potter series has not only propelled her Tto make headlines. Yet publication have preceded it, between 1996 and 1999, immediately to fame, but has also of Harry Potter and the Goblet ofFire on are already translated into 37 different transformed her almost overnight from July 8 oflast year was a major event one languages and have proceeded to a virtually penniless, unemployed sin­ can hardly ignore. All over the world, become the world's three all-time best­ gle mother into one of the world's most children and adults alike counted the selling books to date. powerful (read richest) celebrities, in a hours and waited with bated breath for To add to the excitement, the launch very conten1porary "rags to riches" tale the 1nagic inoment when their favorite of the new book was shrouded in secre­ that is nothing short of amazing. novel would finally go on sale. No less cy, with the countless boxes containing the than 345,435 advance orders were made books, identified only as "Harry Potter IV" What It's All About in the USA over the Internet and 65,000 (even the title was kept a secret!), stored in the UK. With a first printing of 5.3 in unmarked warehouses in different loca- million copies (3.8 million in the USA ((Lama ragshu Goyirn"-why by Scholastic and 1.5 in the UK by are the nations of the world Bloomsbury), the sales of this, the making so much noise? The Mrs. Warhaftig lives in London with her fami­ unprecedented success of a book, and ly. She is a teacher in special education and is a a children's book at that, certainly regular contributor to various periodicals under makes one curious about the contents. a pseudony1n. Harry Potter is the story of a young boy, orphaned from both parents, who The Once-in-a Lifetime Purchase grows up with his cruel uncle and aunt. that you should never have to use: There is nothing extraordinary about Harry except a strange scar, shaped like KARKAIN a bolt oflightning, on his forehead. But when Harry turns eleven, all that BRETZ YISKOEL changes. Harry discovers that he is a wiz­ Call Rabbi Gavriel Beer for ard, the son of a v.rizard couple who were killed by an evil soothsayer when Harry information on obtaining was a baby. Now that he has reached cemetery plots in Beth Shemesh maturity, he is summoned to join Hog­ and other locations in Israel. warts, a boarding school for wizards and tions in an attempt by the publisher to witches, to learn witchcraft. Each part 011-972-2-656-9427 keep the contents of the book almost of the series, which, the author envisages, completely under wraps. Booksellers will eventually be comprised of seven had to promise not to open the boxes con­ installments, takes Harry through taining the most sought after novel on another year at the school. record before the official date. When that Part of the appeal of the novels date finally arrived at 00:00 a.m. on July seems to stem from the familiar English 8, thousauds of children all over Great fascination with boarding school life. But ---- v;~;iing New York? Britain and North America rushed to that is where the comparison stops. At claim their copies. Many of them had Hogwarts, students do not study tame Beautiful rooms, with kitchen facilities. in been queuing up for hours previously. subjects like Geography and Math. It is the heart of Soro Park, by day or week. The author of the series, Ms. J.K. all about Potion Making, Transfiguration Near Shuls, take out foods, etc. Profits to Mifal Torah Vodaas. Rowling, a 34 year old teacher, who lives and Charms. Teachers, professors, and in Edinburgh, Scotland, with her daugh­ other staff, including the students them­ Call (718) 851-2969 ter, conceived of the idea for the popu­ selves (pending on the amount of time No T.V.'s lar series on a train ride from London they have already spent at tl1e institution),

44 The Jewish Observer, April 200 I possess an array of magical powers tend to dismiss it all? In other words, out against the series, accusing the author which are used and abused for all kinds when dealing with impressionable chil­ of teaching"devil worship" and prevent­ of intents and purposes. The school is dren, can we risk to tamper with the ed their followers and children from read­ inhabited by an assembly of fantastic fundamentals of their budding emuna? ing the books. creatures ranging in character from Is confusing children with kishuf not It is to be hoped that our rabbanim kind and benevolent to wicked and cruel. just as perilous as exposing them to and mechanchim will come up with The author succeeds in creating a fan­ immoral material? some clear guidelines, and make the tasy world with its own set of rules and just a case in point. In the USA, read­ public aware of the hazards of these pop­ regulations, yet one that has at the same ing of the Harry Potter books has been ular books. Because the latest version of time enough familiar features to strike challenged in at least 17 states, and they Malory Towers definitely has a strong a chord with the reader. Children can have been banned in schools in Kansas appeal to our vulnerable children, but, easily identify with Harry, a courageous, and Colorado. Gentile religious leaders, as harmless as it may seem, it is far less shrewd, yet often bewildered and vul­ teachers and parents alike, have spoken innocent. • nerable young boy.

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Hats • Shirts • Ties •Accessories hether parents will allow their offspring to read secular Your #1 Stop Wbooks, censored of course to for ensure that they are free of any undesir­ Quality Hats able material, is an open question) one Tape #1 WE ALSO DRY CLEAN LARGEST SELECTION that each family has to answer for them­ 57th National Convention (1979) & RESHAPE HATS OF CHOSONIM TIES IN selves. So for those of us who allow their 58th National Convention (1980) (All work done on premises) BROOKLYN children to read selected books, what 59th National Convention (1981) 1368 Coney Island Avenue about Harry Potter? Do we not have here Tape #2 (718) 377-5050 a contemporary children's book, that is 60th National Convention (1982) Major credit cards accepted • We ship UPS clean, free of foul language and lewd over­ 61 st National Convention (1983) tones? That remains to be seen. Harry is 63rd National Convention ( 1985) growing into adolescence. Tape #3 Do we want our children to get car­ 64th National Convention (1986) ried away into a world of magic, a world 65th National Convention (1987) that is ruled by the kochos hatuma Tape #4 (sources of defiled spirituality)? Will our 7th Siyum Hashas of the innocent youngsters be able to draw the DafYomi (1975) 8th Siyum Hashas of the line between reality and fantasy? The 1537 50th Street, DafYomi (1982) problem with these books is that they 67th National Convention (1989) Brooklyn, NY 11219 are so realistic and superbly written that Tape #5 (718) 854-2911 the feeling of make-believe seems to Tisha B'Av Address at vanish on the first page! And what is Camp Agudah (1988) more important, if our children are Tisha B'Av Address at forced, when finishing the book, to Camp Agudah (1989) shake off all these false beliefs to get Individual tapes @ $7 .50 back to the real word, how will they then plus $1.00 postage per tape relate to Midrashim and Aggados Chaz­ Entire set in an album - $30. 00 a/, in which the supernatural features, (includes postage) but a supernatural that draws its power lehavdil from the kochos hakedusha (sacred spirituality)? (This was the essence of Rabbi Samson Raphael ORCHESTRAS Hirsch's objection to children reading 516 569.4949 fairy tales.) Will they still be impressed and inspired, or will they chas veshalom 718.237.2988

The Jewish Observer, April 2001 45 n1~ THE NEW BAIS YMKOV SEMINARY @)oin the mau1;1 talmiBos 111/10 have sut:t'esstul/1;1 complPleD our proqram!

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