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BROOKLYN MAMHAnAN QUEEMS Eichlers • 718-258-7£43 West. Side Judaic.a • 212·362·7846 Gitt world • 718-2.61-0233 Fof ct~tilf carCi\Ainex,- Vi-sa arld_ Masterca_~d), fieket orders, calf 718-260-4377 fot more lnfoimatio_n -cal! 718-2604377 An Evening at Carnegie Hall is sponsored by "Friends of Shoroshim." THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021-6615 is published monthly except July and August by the Agudath Israel of America, 84 William Street, 6 New York, N. Y. 10038. Second class postage "Where There's A Rabbinic Will, paid in New York, N.Y. A Subscrtption $22.00 per year; two years, $36.00; There's Halachic Way"-FACTORFTCTION? three years, $48.00. Outside of the United Rabbi Yissocher Fran.cl States (US funds drawn on a US bank only) 12 $10.00 surcilarge per year. Single copy $3.00; The Torah Jew, Child Of Eternity foreign $4.00. Send address changes to The Horav Elazar M. Schach N"\:»'?1:> Jewish Observer, 84 William Street, N.Y., N.Y. 10038. Tel: (212) 797-9000. 17 Printed in the U.S.A. Beyond Time And Place:

RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR TRANSMITTING THE MESORA THROUGH EVER-CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES EDITORIAL BOARD Rabbi Zelig Epstein N"V>?i!J DR. ERNEST BODENHEIMER Chairman 24 RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS Gemora JOSEPH FRIEDENSON A CIRCUU\R ROAD MAP FOR THE STRAIGl-IT ROUTE RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN ro GROwrn IN JEWISH UFE AND UNDERSTANDING MANAGEMENT BOARD NAFTOLI HIRSCH 30 ISAAC KIRZNEA A Question By the Waterfall RABBI SHLOMO LESIN Yaakov Lavon NACHUM STEIN 32 RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING Business Manager The Benefits of Aloneness Noach Orlowek Published by Agudath Israel of America 33 Standing Alone RABBI MOSHE SHERER YaffaGanz PRESIDENT

THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not 35 assume responsibility for the Kashrus of POETRY: Ezekiel In The Garden any product, publication, or service Chaim Feinberg advertised in its pages 36 © Copyright 1990 POETRY: The Seed Of Hope Mrs. Shaindel Weinbach OCTOBER 1990 37 VOLUME XXHI I N0.7 Letters to the Editor Rabbi Yissocher Frand

"Where There's A Rabbinic Will, There's A Halachic Way"

FACT OR FICTION?

here is a brief and compre­ way out of a specific halachic prob­ must adapt religious practices to hensive answer to the title lem, it is only because there is no will their new ways of understanding T question: Fiction! But one to do so. Thus, one may assume, any things. Thus questions arise: Why word answers do not clarify issues. number of problems could be can't women have greater expression and the topic does call for elabora­ resolved legitimately, if the rabbis and participation in religious activi­ tion. only cared enough. This lack of ties? What is wrong, for instance, The title statement is heavy with resolve is to be read as a serious with prayer groups for women? They implications: when the Rabbonim or indictment of the rabbis: they just feel alienated sitting behind the poskim (rabbis and decisors) truly don't care enough. mechilza. spectators instead of par­ want to achieve something, an Before exposing this accusation ticipants. Shouldn't there be a way accepted halachic principle that for the calumny that it is. let us first out of this quandary? indicates otherwise should not be an examine the specific problems to In addition, the call for a rabbinic obstacle. Somehow, they can man­ which the purveyors of this slogan will to find a halachic way has age to sidestep the halacha. Whether apply it. become almost synonymous with by means of a lorndus or a snif (a discussion of the tragic aguna prob­ lem. It is well known that some hus­ clever piece of reasoning or a tan­ TURMOIL REGARDING gential argument), Rabbonim are WOMEN'S ISSUES bands who are estranged from their ingenious enough to find a way wives refuse to give them a get A around any difficulty. Therefore, woman may be in halachic I social / where the Rabbonim do not find a ne area that has become a economic limbo for years, or her fate focus of the search for can be tied to a "ransom" of thou­ Rabbi Frand says a shiur in Yeshiva Ner Israel O halachic innovations is a sands of dollars before the husband in Baltimore, as well as a weekly shiur in the cluster of "women's issues... Women grants her a get Can't we do some­ AgUdath Israel of Baltimore (see JO February '87). The article is based on a fuller treatment of cannot be treated differently from thing about this situation? Can't we the topic that Rabbi Frand delivered at a sym­ men, we are told; they cannot accept come up with a !omclus to get posium at the 67th National Convention of Agu­ old standards and, therefore, we dath Israel of America. around this problem?

6 The Jewish Observer, Octuber 1990 And if the will-and-way formula is true. can't we do something about alacha is ah.solute, halacha cannot be the "Mihu Yehudf' problem. which abolished, halacha cannot befabricated. has splintered Diaspora Jewry? H There are groups within Orthodoxy Halacha is not an amorphous area wherein changing that have come up with a proposal social needs can be legislated; it is the eternal truth qf for a joint commission of Reform, Conservative and Orthodox repre­ Torah applied to t.empora1 activities neflective ofDivine sentatives that would recommend judgment; it co11 esponds to the "blueprint" role of candidates for conversion, to be pro­ cessed only by Orthodox Rabbis. Torah in the olam. hama'aseh, the world of action. This would spare us all the headaches we've gone through by rejecting Conservative and Reform [when the Youell/Jubilee year is not What was assur (forbidden) yester­ converts and the resulting schisms in effect], Shmitta is only rabbinic in day. remains assur today, and what within Jewry .... Can't we do this? nature, and as a result the halacha is mutar (permitted) today was Shouldn't we do this? allows broader latitude. always mutar. Halacha is absolute, "A second consideration: Hejker halacha cannot be abolished, beis din hejker''. That is, in monetwy halacha cannot be fabricated. UNDER THE SAME UMBRELIA matters, the Rabbis have a power Halacha is not an amorphous area akin to eminent domain. which per­ wherein changing social needs can he above questions are pre­ mits them, in effect, to take funds be legislated; it is the eternal truth of sented as though they are from one individual and transfer it to Torah applied to temporal activities T interrelated, all to be solved by another. Obviously, this does not in reflective of Divine judgment; it cor­ some hypothetical "will-way" formula. any manner represent a precedent responds to the "blueplint" role of Those who argue for such innovative to "setting aside laws of the Torah." * Torah in the olam hama'aseh. the approaches in halachic decision­ As for our particular problems in world of action. The so-called inflexi­ making go back to earlier times for the contemporaiy scene, there is no bility of Torah law is a measure of its precedents in employing such tactics. one answer that fits all the above eternal truth- an impregnable Foremost among such cases is the enumerated cases. One statement. strength rather than a weakness to creation of the pruzbul by Hillel Ha=­ however, can be made unequivocal­ be contended with. It is this fortress kein (the Elder)_ 111is, in effect. was a ly: halacha. the bedrock of Norma­ of halacha that has guaranteed our rabbinic ordinance designed to per­ tive Judaism, does not change. survival throughout the millennia of mit the collection of debts incurred Gah.15. When we see what appear to before the Shmitta year- debts that "Another citation, used by Conservative be changes in halacha. things are the Torah would otherwise annul at scholars and some of lhe left-leaning Ortho­ not as they appear. As situations dox, is the expression, ~Eis la'asos laShem, change, so may the application of the end of Shmitta. This step was heifetru Torasecha, H which implies that in a deemed crucial for promoting the time of need, the laws of the Torah are indeed halacha, but not its basic core of lending of money for commerce, set aside. principles. That remains constant.** which had become curtailed with the But once again let us look to the halachic Let us examine some of the topi­ sources.The Rambam says quite succinctly: ~A cal changes that can take place, as approach of each Shmitta. beis din has the power to uproot matters lefi Pruzbul has been cited by Conser­ sha'a - on a temporary basis .... When the beis well as other changes that cannot vatives for generations as the model din seeks to strengthen Torah observance and take place, such as those regarding case of halachic innovation_(See. for to create a protective ordinance so the people agunos or battei dinim for geirus Will not trd.nsgress the words of the Torah·· - (special accommodations for non­ instance. Judaism - 1979, in which Hilchos Mamrim 2,4. Note three key elements. Robert Gordis argues in regard to One: That any such takana (ordinance) be Orthodox converts). pruzbul; 'They [the Rabbis! did not lefi sha"a-only temporary in nature. ---·------' hesitate to set aside what they Two: That the motivation be for the overall ** For instance, cattle farmers, faced with understood to be the law in the strengthening of Torah observance and not. how to deal with first-born calves or lambs G-d forbid, the opposite. which must be set aside to be given to a Torah.") Three: This power is exclusive to a bets din kohefn. resort to selling a share of the flock to In truth, however, even after a of musmachim, which we lack today. Th11s the a non-Jew before birthing, thus circumventing cursoiy reading of the Gemora (Gitlin Shulchwi Aruch and all other declsors do not the problem. This is akin to the standard sell­ 36a), it is obvious that this is simply even mention this rule in defining rules of ing of chometz to a non-Jew in advance of halacha. Pesa ch, to avoid the prohibition against pos­ not the case. The Gemora itself asks: For an in-depth discussion of the Ram­ session of chometz on Pesach. These rabbini­ "ls it possible that Torah Law bam's shita. specifically demonstrating how all cally mandated procedures are based on exist­ absolves the debt, and Hillel would other examples were indeed temporary in ing halachic structures. which exempt rule that it is not absolved?" nature, see Maratz Chayus, Taras Haneviim, non-JeWish commodities from those specific The Gemora responds along two chap. 3·6. See also a responsum by Rabbi prohibitions. but these exemption procedures E.M. Bloch which argues that this rule was were not institutionalized until the rabbis saw lines of reasoning. "F1rst: nowadays only applied in eases involving Rabbinic law. the need to do so.

The Jewish Observer. October 1990 7 MlNYAN IMPOSSIBLE

rthodox Jewry ndected. the n the other hand, a women's minyan is a halachic impos­ 0 promiscuity of the Sixties as O sibility. The Gemora delives hermeneutically (from a gezeira obviously "trei.f," but thefeminist shava) that a minyan consists of ten males. One cannot change that, and movement has threatened Judaism it is futile to attempt to do so. It is sad, then, that women who want to in subtle and insidious ways. daven, and stlive to come closer to Hashem, are betng so misled. As a result, they are misstng out not only on the Torah reading and Kaddish. which women may not conduct or WHEN CHANGES If one explores the sugya (topic) tn recite, but also on tejilla betzibbur DO TAKE PLACE Mesechta Sota, however. one finds (prayer with a minyan) and its spe­ here is no question that distinctions between Torah she 'bich­ cial advantages, for it is always nish­ amongst all the social sav (the Wlitten Law), which is per­ ma'as-G-d always hearkens to it. T changes of the last decades. mitted and therefore could be The women that persist tn davening beginning with the tumultuous Six­ taught, and Torah she'ba'al peh (the in their ersatz minyanim are losing ties, the feminist movement has had Oral Law), which is forbidden. Ethi­ this incomparable advantage. One the greatest impact. Orthodox Jewry cal teachings, hashkafa (philosophy must wonder: for whom are they rejected the promiscuity of the Six­ of faith) and mussar (character davening? Tefil!a is called avoda, ties as obviously "treif," but the femi­ development) are also among the which means service. It is unheard nist movement has threatened areas that are permitted and, there­ of for an eved, a servant. to overrule Judaism in subtle and insidious fore, could be taught.' his master in determining how to ways. The formation of prayer serve Him. Yet these women, osten­ groups for women, for example, rais­ That which had been acceptable sibly desiring to perform avoda es some troubltng questions. Quite was then put into practice when the Hashem. are determintng for them­ apart from those women who have a need arose. We have indeed found selves how the avodas should be political agenda or women with a ways to work innovatively withtn the done! non-halachic orientation, we often parameters of halacha. but we never This, in fact, is an old yeitzer deal with a core of serious, sincere change the halacha. hara. People have always tended to Orthodox women. They come with -----·---- search for innovative ways to serve halachic precedent in hand. They *In his Likutei Halachos to Sota {perek 3), G-d, but for Jews, there is only the lhe Chofetz Chaim says in regard to the rab~ assert: "It was assur to teach Torah binic statement that when a father teaches way delineated by halacha. to girls. Our Bobbes never went to Torah to his daughter it is comparable to The Netziv (Rabbi Naftali Tzvi Torah schools. But Sara Scheneirer teaching her tijlus (foolishness): "This refers Yehuda Berlin. 7":>iT, 1820-1893) recognized that if there would not be only to the Oral Law. As for the Written Law. comments on the followtng Midrash schools to teach Torah to girls, there one should not teach it to her lechat'chtln (as a first choice). but it is not comparable to in a way that illustrates this phe­ would be no future generation of teaching her tiflus." nomenon: Jews." The Chafetz Chaim then adds in a foot­ When the Jews prepared to That is not an overstatement. The note: '"It would appear to us that this was only consecrate the Mishkan (the trav­ Belzer Rebbe, the Gerrer Rebbe, and so in earlier times, when everyone lived where eling sanctuary), Moshe Rabbeinu his parents had lived. and the legacy from ear­ told them, "This is the thing that other Gedolei Hador recogrlized tllis, lier generations was well entrenched. and and after consulting them, Sarah G~d has commanded you to do: everyone conducted his life in line with his then the glory of G-d will appear to Scheneirer launched the Bais parents' traditions. Then it was possible to say you~ (Vayikra that daughters should not study Torah, and 9,6). The Midrash Yaakov movement. "Of course, some comments, "Zeh hadavar spoke out agatnst Sara Scheneirer­ we could rely on the practices of our upright ancestors. Because of our lapses, however. ta 'aseh- this is the thing she was a revolutionruy in her day," our hold on our fathers" traditions has become that...you (should) do: Be rtd of argue the feminists. "Yet the rabbini­ extremely weakened. Moreover, it is common that yeitzer hom from your hearts, cal leadership got around the prohi­ not to live where our parents had lived [fur­ and you will all be of one awe and bition agatnst teaching girls (Sotah ther weakening our link with our traditionJ­ one form of service before Me." 2la). By the same token, why can't especially in view of how widespread the prac­ Said the Netziv, "As the Jews tice is for them to become literate in foreign were about to erect the Mishkan, women have a prayer group? Some languages. It ls thus a great mitzva to teach they formed sub-groups. each people will object, but they probably [our daughters] ChLLmash as well as Prophets wanting passionately to seive G-d would have reacted negatively to and Scripture, and ethical writings of the Rab­ in its own, innovative way. In Sara Scheneirer. as well." bis, such as Pirkei Avos ...

8 'The Jewish Observer, OclDber 1990 response to this, Moshe exhorted took their baby and refuse£! to give If these women- and their advo­ them. 'Forget this yeilzer hora, and her a get. After a time, I was cates- would but be aware of the form one united approach to serve tnformed that the woman was finally teshWJOS wtitten on behalf of agunos G-d. the way prescribed by G-d receivtng her get I was so elated that they could never wrtte such drivel.** through Tumhand halacha."' I exclaimed, "Mazel Tov!" Then the I heard from my Rosh Hayeshiva, Unfortunately, this old yeitzer irony of the situation struck me: Rabbi Ruderman ':i":il that the very hora refuses to go away. Are these According to the Gemora. the last act that Rabbi Yitzchok age-old desires perhaps ultimately miZbe'arh sheds tears at the dissolu­ Elchonon Spektor, the Kovna Rav, rooted in a desire to serve one's ego, tion of a marriage, and here I am performed from his death bed, was rather than one's G-d? to write a teshuva to permit an Example: A letter written to aguna to remarry.... lt is told that Moment magazine, from a female Rabbi Moshe Fetnstein ':i":il suffered rabbi, asks for assistance In the fol­ from a stomach ailment. Every time lowing enterprise: he had to deal with an aguna ques­ "As co-editors, we would like to tion, it used to flare up because Reb see the following included in our Moshe took the woman's plight per­ book: rituals for adoption ... career or sonally. He felt that he had to find a life change,. .. empty nest syndrome, hetter, but he could not fabticate a commitment ceremonies. undertak­ fifil.la is called hal=ha Yet these militant feminists ing political action, baby naming, avoda. which claim that the rabbis don't care! abortion, death and remembrance. T To claim that the rabbis do not The existence of such a book will means service. It is have compassion is comparable to Include and encourage the definition saytng that an oncologist who can - of Jewish family and Jewish mar­ unheard offor an not cure a cancer is indifferent to riage and will Include the contribu­ the plight of the patient. The prob­ tion of Jewish feminists." eved, a servant, to lem is that the hal=hos of gtttin and Tills type of travesty occurs when overrule his mast.er agwws are complex. They deal with one fails to follow Turah arhas-one the termination of one marriage, and unifying Torah. 1 do not mean to in detennining the feasibility of entering another mock this "rabbi"; she is In the cate­ one- no light matter. The classical gory of a tinok shenishba-a captive 1ww to serve Him. aguna case involves reconstructing child, brought up without benefit of an event on the basis of incontro­ exposure to Torah teachings and vertible evidence, without the benefit Torah values. Rather. it is incum­ shouting "Mazel Tov." Yet we live in of conventional witnesses. An area bent upon those of us who believe tn a time when on occasion we do say fraught with severe prohibitions, it is Torah she'ba'aI peh, to eschew the Mazel Tuv on the giving of a get. no field for well-meantng amateurs stumbltngs and groptng of the unin­ Such betng the case, there is an or politically-motivated agitators. It formed, and to exemplify for them anguished, legitimate cry: "Rabbon­ calls for vast knowledge, years of unadulterated, purely motivated ser­ lm can't you do somethtng?" shimush (apprenticeship of poskim vice to G-d, in the ways precisely To illustrate how far from reason­ in the field), and breite pleitzes (a outltned by Torah directives. ableness this particular argument sense of responsibility broadened by has strayed, permit me to quote years of study, experience and THE TRAVAILS OF THE AGUNA from an article* by an Orthodox resolve). The greatest scholars in woman who should know better: every era devoted their vast talents he aguna problem is one of the "In an attempt to close the gap and energies to resolving such prob­ most tragic of modem halachic between men's power and lems. For example, the late Dayan quandaries. This is not the clas­ women's powerlessness in the Yltzchok Weiss of the Eida Harharei­ T divorce issue, the rabbis tried sic_al aguna discussed tn the Gemom des distinguished himself with his hard, but not hard enough. It exceptional accomplishments in and poskim where the mbbonim can­ would have taken a little more col­ not establish for certain whether a lective maturity to close the gap **Another example: ~It is precisely this woman's husband is alive or dead. We altogether. [Italics mine-Y.F.) This rabbinic will' that merits more are referring to the aguna who is mar­ leads one to conclude that, in their attention .... Who are lhe rabbis whose will we tied to a man who is very much alive, heart of hearts, many would like are to consider? And is it not possible that the but refuses to grant his wife a get and the gap to exist, apologies not will of even the best of them derives from leaves her in halachic limbo for years. withstanding." sources not altogether impeccable- mistakes In other words, "'There is no Rab­ of fact, mistakes in judgment and even per­ or attempts to extort from her thou­ sonal feelings not necessarily saintly?" - from sands of dollars. binic will." Habbi Emanual Rackman's nationally syndi­ 1 personally recall a case tn which *Published in Lilith Magazine. Summer. cated column, including New York's Jewish the husband abandoned his wife. 1977. Week, January 12, 1990.

1he Jewish Obseroer, October 1990 9 freeing large numbers of agurws fol­ must meet with the approval and eating the Sifrei Torah and burning lowing World War II from their para­ sanction of Gedolei Hador, Gedolei them. This fellow proposed leaving lyzing status through his tireless Haposkim, the leading Torah every community with one Sefer Torah efforts, investigation and expertise in authoiiUes of our time. and collecting the rest to be sent to St. Petersburg for safe-keeping. A brilliant halacha. Rabbi Elya Svei, i'l"'1''':>1!1, the plan! By Rosh Hayeshiva. the same token, attempting to Philadelphia once He approached Reb Meir Simchn in force the hand of a husband who is commented: The (',,emoro, in Derech Dvinsk for his cooperation, but he withholding a get flirts with the Eretz Zutah, relates that Rabbi Akiva refesed categorically. Reb Meir Simcha same highly sensitive areas of said, "At the time when I first started quoted the Chazal: Tzeddaka assah halacha. as will be discussed in the learning, I found a rneis mitzva (an Hakadosh Baruch Hu leY-1Sroel, shep­ next section. unattended corpse), and I carried the izrom bein hawnos- G-d acted charita­ body four miles to bury it." When he bly with the Jews by scattering them PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT proudiy told this to his Rebbeim they wrong the nntions. He then added "'We responded, 'With each step you took, are more secure when we are spread or years now, some have pro­ you committed an aveira. because out, and I won't pennit putting all our assets in one depository." halacha mitzva posed the idea of drafting a the says that a rneis 1he war was lost by the Germans, Fpre-nuptial agreement to be must be buried right where it is but when the Communists took over incorporated into the tena'im (pre­ found." As a result, Rabbi Akiva said, Russia. all those Sifrei Torah that had marital contract). Briefly, it would "Lo zazti mishimush chachomim-I been stored in St. Petersburg were lost. state that in the event of the break­ never ceased being an apprentice to down of the marriage, the wife would the Sages.'' Without the guidance of The communal leader seemed to receive a large sum of money should Gedolei haTomh, what one thinks is a have had the right solution at the the husband refuse to grant her a takana-a positive ordinance- might time, but a gadol can feel what is get instead be a kilkul-destructive. right with his heightened sensitivity This approach would seem to The sub-theme of this discussion before formulating policy or drafting assure that a husband would not is "a Jew thinks differently," and we takanos. leave his estranged wife stranded without a get. Why, indeed, can't this be done? Unfortunately, this approach has sertous problems. For this agreement to have teeth, it ocial means are at our would have to be enforceable in sec­ ular courts, and according to legal disposal.for exerting experts in the U.S., this type of S agreement is probably not enforce­ pressure on · t able in most jurisdictions. In legal terms, it would be considered a penalty clause and would not stand husbands. We cannot do up in the courts. Moreover, the halachic ruling of asmachta lo everything, but that is no kanya applies here; meaning that if a person obligates himself, but ~not to do anything. thinks that he will never have to pay the obligation, it is not considered binding. ('Ibis is the same reasoning that underlies prohibitions against may add to that, "A Gadol thinks dif­ A RAY OF HOPE gambling, quite apart from the ethi­ ferently." What we may deem to be a cal-mussar factor.) good and kosher proposal could in ecause of the severity of the Moreover, if a person swears to fact be disastrous. Our solution problem, we dare not relax give a get or otherwise places him­ could inadvertently cause more B our efforts and tell ourselves self under circumstances of coer­ harm than good. that since no definitive halachic cion, this may become a get me'usa solution is as yet available, nothing - a get not issued willingly, and In the time qf Reb Meir Simcha Hako­ can be done. Even if the halachic thus invalid. The problem is complex hein (the Ohr Somayach}, a seculnr Jew avenue is complex and for the was charged wtth making communal and intricate. A workable solution policy in his region. At the outbreak of moment unclear, certain social has not yet been found. Thls does World War I. he came up with a creatiVe means are at our disposal for exert­ not necessarily mean that the situa­ idea: the Germans were moving East. ing pressure on recalcitrant hus­ tion is without solution. But one taking over town ofter town; they were bands. We cannot do everything, but thing is certain: Proposed solutions laying waste to the communities, confis· that is no excuse not tn do anything.

10 111e Jewish Obseroer. Octnber 1990 Specifically, when it has been as a nation. Now we are faced with a determined by a duly constituted proposal to establish a joint Ortho­ beis din that the husband must give dox-Conservative-Reform commis­ a get and that the husband either sion to deal with non-Jews who fails to appear before that beis din or refuses to obey the p'sak of that beis would like to convert to Reform or din (and as such, has the status of Conservative Judaism. These poten­ not betng a tzayis dinah), that hus­ tial converts would be referred to an band should face the most severe Orthodox beis din for geirus (stmilar form of social ostracism that a com­ to the discredited Denver Conversion munity can muster. For instance, no Plan: see JO, Jan. '84). Why should Rav should permit that husband to this long-abandoned plan be receive an aliya or dauen before the revived? "As a takana. for the sake of amud or say Kaddish in his shul. achdus, unity of the Jewish People," This man should also face various its proponents cry. A worthy goal, forms of sccial humiliation until he but the plan is a sham. The Kotzker Rebbe commented agrees to grant the get (As long as on the following Midrash: The Rib­ these means are not linked or tied to The halacha requires that to con­ bono Shel Olam wanted to create the mention of giving a get it is not vert, one must have true kabollas the world, and asked Chessed. considered a get me'useh.) hamitzvos, complete acceptance of "Should I create the world?" Chessed answered, "Yes, Unfortunately, the above all the milzvos. The halacha is clear: approach is not always feasible. sheha'olam kulo Chessed, the Such a person can easily find anoth­ If one is mekabel all the mitzvos world is full of loving-kindness." er shul-or another neighborhocd­ except for even one deRabannan (a He went to Emes, and Emes and become a member there, no mitzva of rabbinical origin), the said: "Don't create the world questions asked.(Generous contri­ kaboUas milzvos is invalid. The lead­ because the world is full of tng rabbtnic figure of pre-World War shekker-falsehood" butions always help.) He consulted Tzeddaka. and Even more disgusting is the sce­ II Europe, Reb Chaim Ozer Grodzen­ Tzeddaka responded, "Yes, nario of this scoundrel "buytng him­ ski ?"lit. paskened that a candidate sheha'olam kulo Tzeddaka, the self a beis diri' which rules in his for geirus who is misgayer even world subsists on chartty." favor, thereby saving himself from through bona fide rabbonim, but When he went to Shalom, Shalom said: .. Don't create the the title of a lo tzayis dinah. in effect does not have true intentions to making the above mentioned sanc­ world. It will be full of 11111Chlokes." keep kashrus, is not a true ger. Do tions impossible. It was two against two. The When we lived in our land and the authors of the above-mentioned Midrash says that G-d threw Emes had our own judicial system of batei proposal really believe that when a down and created the world. dinlm with ultimate authority, such Reform Rabbi has tnformed a non­ travesties did not take place. But tn Jewish candidate of his obligations Golus, things are not as they should as a Jew. and has not included be. Thus, when we are mispallel belief in Torah min haShamoyim (the Said the Kotzker Rebbe, "But three times a day: "Hashiva Divine origin of Torah), that his what did G-d do with the opposi­ shojteinu kevorishona. return to us acceptance of Judaism is valid? tion of Shalom?" The pungent response: "Onn Emes iz Shalom our judges as we once had," it is to Should we be partners tn this illu­ shoin gring-without Emes, rid ourselves of all the plagues of sion, and help perpetrate this fic­ golus, including the tragic plight of Shalom is easy to achieve." tion- for Shalom, peace? The sug­ the aguna. When we mourn the churban of the Beis Hamikdash. we gestion is so absurd as not even to should also mourn the churban of be worthy of discussion. our societal integrity. In the mean­ "Ha'emes vehashalom e'ehavu"­ time. however, we must continue to Truth and Peace must be paired seek social cures for what is essen­ tially a social malaise. together. Emes without Shalom is worthless. "Lo matza Hakodosh Baruch Hu kli machzik bracha ela COOPERATIVE CONVERSIONS We want Shalom as much as any­ haShalom". Shalom is the ultimate one else. But we want Shalom shel e have stated that ha1acha receptacle for blessings. But we Emes. a peace based on Torah does not change. In its must alsc examine what else it con­ truth- that which has kept us W immutable form, it has tains. If its contents are fraudulent. together and preserved us since time kept us together, and preserved us of what value is the container? tmmemorial. •

The Jewish Obseroer. October 1990 11 The Torah Jew,

Child Of ( ~-) 1hought.s on the Occasion of the Opening hen the late Ponevezher you robbed others, and you cannot Rav, Rabbi Yoseif Hako­ of the YarcheiKalla in do so with impunity. "By your sword" W hen Kahaneman ?"~T, you cut off years from your own life. used to open the Yarchei Kalla, he Ponevezh/Bnei Brak in Should it appear that an illness or an often invoked the pasuk from accident end your life prematurely, Tehillim ''You sheltered my head on MenachemAv, G-d in Heaven knows the true cause. the day of battle (yom neshek)" You cannot have any complaints, for ( 140,8) refening to the War of Gog 5750/August, 1990 G-d owes you nothing. and Magog. There is an alternative interpretation of yam neshek, Excerpts from an address Transitory Man, referring to "that day when this Eternal Man world kisses (nosheiiq the World-To­ by the Rosh Hayeshiva, Come," the day of one's death.On an could not be anything both occassions, the Psalmist Horav Elazar M. Schach but ephemeral, considering implores G-d to protect him. M his source: "And G-d fash­ N"V'7CJ ioned man of dust from the earth" I."YOM NESHEK" (Bereishis 2, 7). Dust is a material TORAH AS THE FRAMEWORK substance, not meant to last forever, FOR ETERNITY and neither is man. Nor for that guarantee from G-d that you will live matter is anything of a material e are all aware that G-d such-and-such a number of years. nature- be it paper, silver, or gold. created two worlds, Olam You cannot even be assured of the Man and all that preoccupies his W Hazeh (This World) and conventional life span- be it the time and absorbs his energy is of Olam Habba (the World-to-Come). standard three-score-and-ten, or the limited duration, with no link to the Okun Hazeh is finite, wherein life is eighty of the mighty. "By your sword eternal. short, limited. One may live "seventy shall you live," and your use of the Not every aspect of man, however, years, and with strength, eighty sword may well cut into your allot­ is marked for eventual dissolution years "(Tehillim 90,10). Others may ted years .... An assassin may end and extinction. The Torah tells us: live less. But no one lives forever. your life; or you may bring an early "And He blew into his nostrils the Such is the lot of man. death to yourself in some other soul of life" (ibid]. Man's soul is not This is implicit in the blessing manner. corporeal, but is of Divine that Yitzchok bestowed upon his On that very day, you (Eisav) were source ... stemming from an eternal son, Eisav: "By your sword shall you guilty of five grave sins; you mur­ source, and perforce eternal, as well. live" (Bereishis 27,40). You have no dered, you violated a woman ... and No murderer can destroy the soul of

12 The Jewish Obseroer, October 1990 a Iighteous Jew. As for himself, hav­ sures that do come one's way in "Where'd you ever get such strong ing severed all connections with his one's lifetime are more than out­ stuJ!?" own spiritual source, "a rasha weighed by the problems, pain and The adc&ted drunkard only focuses (wicked person) is considered dead anguish that he is subject to. But on the pleasw-es that he seeks. shutting in his lifetime." Not so the victim of intoxicated as he is with physical out a-.e pain. disconlfort, and shame of his bullet or knife: "A tzaddik (Iigh t · pleasure, he fails to focus on the his lifestyle. Furthermore, he is so eous person) is considered alive immersed in a self-destructive way of even after his passing." The tzaddik life, that he is incapable qf raising his cannot die, for he does not live by sights to other concerns-a productive his sword, and he is not subject to way of life, the pleasures of a whole· death by the sword. As a descendant some family, nachas from children. of Yaakov, the paradigm dweller of From a vantage point of evil, one the tents of study, he owes his life to generally reinforces one's position: the Divine source of his neshamn. ne who cleaves one does not. under normal circum­ and he maintains his life through to Torah has stances, advance to good. his voice, the kol Yaakov in the beis 0 By contrast. a person of emuna hamidrash, studying the Taras gained eternal life, delives a rarified type of pleasure Chaim from his life. He views whatever One who cleaves to Torah has while the person befalls him as stemming from G-d, gained eternal life. while the person immersed in material­ and therefore does not see any evil immersed in matertalistic pursuits is happening to him, for ''whatever G-d by his very nature removed from istic pursuits is 'by his does is for the good." Thus his eternity. It should be incumbent very nature removed emuna, which informs all of his upon us, then, to examine carefully from eternity. It should expeliences, puts everything into a what sort of life we are fashioning meaningful context, even if the spe· out of the seventy years we are be incumbent upon us, cific meaning evades him. Further, granted here on earth. It is for this then, to examine care­ his time horizon is not one of days or reason that we beseech G-d, "Shelter even years. 1-Ie views events from a my head on the day of neshek," on fully what sort of life timeless perspective that stretches that day when this world kisses the we arefashioning out to eternity. His life resonates with next. We pray that the transition eternity, not the ephemeral. In fact, pass smoothly, and this depends of the seventy years we his every breath earlies with it rever­ wholly on the type of life one has led. are granted here berations of the original breath "Tzaddikim are considered alive after blown into Adam's nostlils by the they have died," because their Olom on earth. Creator Himself. far removed from Habba flows directly from their way the narrow, circumscribed life of the of life in This World. One must con· matelial-bound pleasure-seeker who stantly be concerned that the two only understands life as a selies of worlds are in harmony, that one's <::) unrelating happenings, stemming activities. ambitions, and goals in c from an empty perspective of life, this world are in consonance with leading to nihilism and frustration. the spirituality of the next wor!d ... that one be an Olam Habba ll."YOM NESHEK"-WHEN THE Jew, in the here and now. If this is WORLD IS AT WAR not the case, then one should realize spiritual dimensions of life, and Success Predicated On that his affairs are far from being in remains oblivious to them. This Jewish Existence order, and his lot in life is indeed an blings to mind a well-known parable unfortunate one. told in the Midrash: war is raging in our part of A habitual drunkard brought shome the world, and as Jews, we The Horizons of the to his fwnily because of his intemper· A are especially concerned with Pleasure Seeker ance. On a rare sober day, he was how to strengthen our position. It is strolling with his sons when they crone worthwhile bearing in mind that the nyone lacking somewhat in across a fellow lying in the gutter in a crisis began when a larger nation emuna will believe that the drunken stupor. invaded a small one, simply swal­ A pleasures that he seeks are 'This is how you look, " his sons told lowing it up. There was scarcely a contained in the seventy years allot· him murmur of protest until after the ted him here on earth. Such a per· Contemplating the scene for a few feat of aggression was accomplished son, however, will not even enjoy moments, the father then bent down and further hostilities were threat - those seventy years, for the few plea· and whispered into the drunkard's eru; ened, with broad.ramifications.

The Jewish Obseroer. October 1990 13 We Jews in Eretz Ytsroel may gain a their utmost to blend in with their Judaism consists of... .In our coun­ sense of security from the fact that we countrymen- to no avail. Even fifth­ try, most families do not have more are well-armed, and that the govern­ generation offspring of assimilated, than two children. while the Arabs ment has strong alliances with one or intermarried Jews were persecuted do have large families. Add to these another super-power. But can we by the Nazis and marked for death. the non-Jews among the Russian truly rely on America or the USSR? In our effort to strengthen the immigrants, and in a short time. We are different from other nations, Jewish essence of our people, we non-Jews may be the majority in and our awareness of this essential must take stock of the various Eretz Yisroel. After all, there are difference can be our salvation. threats to our nation's Jewishness those who oppose asking Russians In the final analysis, neither arms that we are facing. Amongst the whether they are Jews or not, nor alliances will save us. Only our thousands of people coming month­ because it would be undemocratic! distinctive Jewishness will- as a peo­ ly from the Soviet Union are a large The prospect of facing an Eretz ple and as individuals. Let us not for­ number of non-Jews- as many as Y'tsroel without Am Yisroel is deeply get that for years, many German 20% by some estimates. Most of the troubling. By the same token, Am Jews were convinced that thetr Jew­ rest of these immigrants do not even Yisroel must consist of knowledge­ ishness was a handicap, and they did have the remotest idea of what able Jews, committed to a life of The Commuter1sChovrusah team Bereishis with ~bbi Yissother Frond, Magid Shiur, Her Israel Yeshiva

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14 The Jewish Obseroer. Octnber 1990 Torah and mitzvos. Otherwise. we will have a Jewish nation without Torah. which is as meanlngless as a Jewish land without Jews.

OfJewish Mothers e are differe1tfi"011t And Fathers other nations, and OW" his emphasis on the Jewish quotient of our lives brtngs to ~of this essential T mind a comment I had made about the lack of Jewishness in the dffference can be OW" salvation. kibbutzim People objected. claiming that I had rejected these people from Am YrsroeL and that I was thus lack­ ing in civility. First of all. no one is capable of excluding another Jew from the Jewish people, and far be it conduct bespeak derech eretz? Are father and mother truly make some­ from me to attempt such an action. they not, on their own, rejecting one into "a good Jew"? Anyone who is born a Jew is a Jew­ Yahadus - Jewish life and its val­ Are those who scoff at chupa as much a Jew as I am. But the ues? And the fathers that brought v'kiddushin (marital laws) and Torah has clearly defined the require­ them up, clothed them and fed rtdicule the foundations of family life ments of Jewish existence, and they them, with such scrupulous atten­ really raising Jewish children? What and their followers have made a point tion to Torah and mitzVos-they, too, is to prevent their offspring from of defying these guidelines, eating are ridiculed as batlonim, worthless. emigrating to America? If all is per­ foods forbidden by the Torah, and Fathers who trembled at the mitted here, but one must suffer the otherwise trespassing the limits set thought of eating on Yorn Kippur hardships of living in a frontier by the Torah. And now, today, in the have children who do not hesitate to country that is in a constant state of all-Jewish city of Tel Aviv, there are feast on this holy day. The stan­ war, why shouldn't one go to Ameri­ only a handful of kosher butchers, dards of old are outdated, only the ca? And why shouldn't one marry a and few reliable restaurants where fare at the kibbutzim is of value. non-Jew, or even convert to another one may dine. Does turning one's back on one's religion. if that is what is asked? If Moreover, the founders of the Kib­ butz Movement were in constant defiance of their own parents. Their .THE Yfl"I'Y LEIBEL mothers, who brought them up with such care, and took such pain that every morsel of food that they fed HELP-LINE them should be kosher, would be shocked and pained at their way of A Free Service of the Yitty Leibel Chesed Fund life. The mothers' food is no longer good enough for their enlightened • Marital problems? • Fear of break-down? children, so they have rejected them • Overpowering stress? • Parent-child friction? and their values. Do you have problems like these and are afraid or ashamed to talk to l recall from my own childhood in anyone? ... Do you want a trained, wise, warm professional who will Llthuania, how mothers lulled their talk to you on the phone? children to sleep with a song of Some of the Torah community's highly skilled psychologists, social Rozhinkes und Mandlen, which workers, and therapists are ready to help. Your consultation will be described the sweetness of raisins treated with the utmost discretion. You may remain anonymous if you and almonds, "ober Torah iz noch prefer. They understand. They're trained. They have Ahavas Yisrael. zisser. .. Torah iz die beste sechoireh­ Torah is yet sweeter... Torah is the H 0 U R S best merchandise." The Kibbutz Sunday through Friday 8:00-12:00 Noon founders had been nurtured on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 9:00-11:00 PM these sentiments, and were brought Wednesday, Thursday 8:00-11:00 PM up with these values, yet they unceremoniously dumped every­ thing their mothers tried to insttll in Dial (718) HELP-NOW (435-7669) them. Is that civility? Does such This project has been approved by leading Torah authorities,

1he Jewish Obseroer. October 1990 15 one's food is not kosher, his wife is not be a country of Jews in another not kosher, and he does not go to n j m YLSTOel must twenty. thirty years. Their children shul on Yorn Kippur, how radical a will no longer be here; and if per· step is it to "accept another reli­ rr consist of chance they are, what will their chil· gion"? knowledgeable Jews, dren look like? And who is to say that the mem­ committed to a life of Please understand, not only do 1 bers of the younger generation who not reject the kibbutz'niks, but I are abandoning their homeland are Torah and mitzvos. invite them to join me, as fellow not correct in their reasoning? But Otherwise, we will have Jews. Let them dine with me, at my in another thirty years, this will no table, on my menu- let them Uve as longer be a Jewish country if the a Jewish nation without Jews and then they can truly be modern approach of our secularist Torah, which is as proud Jews, in accordance with the brothers is to prevail! terms set out clearly in the Torah. I sincerely hope that my words have at least some minimal effect on A Friend OfAll Jews those whom I address. B

ellow Jews, we must strength­ en ourselves. We cannot F change the entire world, but we can improve ourselves, We can see to it that our children receive a Jewish education. that we send our sons to chadorim that teach them Gemora and Rashi. as was done throughout the generations. Go to shul to daven, and take your son along with you. When you eat, make certain the food is kosher, and say You can say all you want... but the best way to get people the appropriate beracha. and see to involved is to SHOW them! it that your child does the same. The kibbutz'niks consider me their enemy. To the contrary. I only No other communications technique has the ability to involve wish them and all Jews well, while its audience as videos and slide shows - and no other studio in they are out to destroy Kial YisroeL I New York is as involved in videos and slide shows as Zelman. desperately want them to remain Jews, but if their chosen mode of Zelman Studios can handle the entire production from creative existence were to prevail, this would concept thru writing and photography. IMl'OR1'AN'f NOTICE For portable presentations Zelman Studios can prepare a to CHJR CANADIAN completely self-circulating, self-contained projection unit that AND OVERSEAS can literally tell your story, by itself, anywhere. SU8$CRIBEliS! So call today, for a free brochure and 6-minute demonstration, and let us SHOW you. The simplest- way tt> pay for your subscription ls through VISA or MasterCard .. They change your payment into USA currency without any sur· charge; We cannot accept for· elgn checks (even Canadian checks in $U.S.), only che.eks drawn or\a bank Jn. the U.S.A.

16 'The JewL•h Obseroer; October 1990 BETWEEN THE MARKERS matzeivos (tomb stones). The monu­ decree of the Tochacha as detailed In ments stood there. similar to the Sidra Ki Savo (Deumim 28: 15-68): n the summer of 1989, I Visited classical galeid, marking the start Because of our failings as a nation we Vilna. What once had been hon­ and the close of Vilna's most cele­ suffer punishment and alienation. In I ored in common parlance as the brated era- that glorious period of the words of the Tochacha in Jerusalem of Lithuania was now over a century and a half that began Beclmkosai: "If you go with Me in a desolate, without any vestige of its with the leadership of the Gaon and manner of keri (contrariness) ... then I former glory. Even the cemetery, ended with the passing of Reb will deal with you in a manner of keri' which had been the final resting Chaim Ozer. (Vayikra 20: 21, 24). This describes place of so many Gedolei Yisroel­ Those 180 years had a signifi­ an erratic relationship, lacking com­ great Torah scholars and tzad­ cance beyond the flowering of Vilna mitment or fidelity. If G-d's retaliatory dikim-was no longer there. A sports and its surroundtngs. I would sug­ alienation of Kial Yisroel fails to arena had been built on that sacred gest that they represent a distinct restore the people to its senses. to spot. Only two sections of graves era in our golus experience. return to its loyalty of the past, and it had been spared and were trans­ persists in its keri relationship, "then ferred to another spot: the remains THE ERA OF TOCHACHA I will deal with you with a keri of fury" of the Vilna Gaon and his family, (ibid, 28). and those of Rabbi Chaim Ozer and nce golus began with the Commentaries explain this entire his family, with their respective destruction of the Beis Hamik­ mode of conduct as representing a O dash. over 1900 years ago, structured approach, clearly calcu­ This essay is based on a presentation by the status of Klal Yisroel has been lated to bring an errant Jewry closer Rabbi Epstein at the 67th National Conven­ tion of Agudath Israel of America. that of suffering under the Divine to G-d. The first recorded example of

The Jewish Obseroer, October 1990 17 this is Pharaoh's pursuit of Israel when Pharaoh "brought [them] when it left Egypt. The passage says, near." And it is the response that He PLEASE HELP "And Pharaoh hikriv"- literally desires in our long Golus as He pro­ "brought near," when in fact he vokes nation after nation to threaten Young, disabled Yerushalmi, approached Israel; "karav" would us with oppression. persecution, father of large family, needs have been the correct form. The intimidation and expulsion. As much financial help. Kindly message implicit in this strange Rabbi Shlomo Ibn Gabirol summed issue tax-deductible check form is that Pharaoh indeed did it up in his Kesser Malchus: "When I to: BIKUR CHOLIM INC., "bring near" - he so had threatened flee Your fury, 0 G-d, expressed and mail to Rabbi Avrohom Israel that he prompted the people through Your exacting Divine Jus­ Blumenkrantz, 814 Caffrey Ave., to turn to G-d as its only salvation. tice, where can I find shelter? With Far Rockaway, N.Y. 11691. So they came near to Him, as the You! I rush back to You!" pasuk concludes, "And they feared mightily and Bnei Yisroel called out ENTER "IKVESA DEMESIUCHA" to G-d" (Shemos 14:16). In a different context, Rashi pre­ his Tochacha mode is not sents a parable to clarify this concept: meant to prevail during the MATAN.A A father is canying his son as they T entire length of our Golus. At walk through the forest, to protect some point, we enter an era him from wild beasts, but the child described as Ikvesa deMeshicha (the GALLERY ignores his father's role in protecting footfalls of Moshiach), just preceding 4906 l8thAve., Brooklyn. NY (718) 8.51·4448

Jewish hooks. Talleisim. Mezutos. personalized Tallis bags. 'l "I Tithout the truth ofTorah as a Tefillin bags, Yarmu.lkas tm4 Cha/ah. coverso cassettes, lucite. V V Pomt of reference, there was sterling silver. Judaica and jewelry. no assurance that the Mesora, the ALtATSUPER understanding ofTorah and its OlSCOUNT·PRICES! directives, was being transmitted with HOTLINE jidelityfrom generation to generation. TO JERUSALEM In time of illness. surgery or him. The father is unhappy with his the advent of Moshiach, when the crisis. special prayers will be child's attitude, so he teases a wild suffering and confusion are so pro­ recited at the Western Wall and dog. The dog growls threateningly, found, that rabbis of the Talmud at our Yeshiva in Jerusalem. and the child throws his arms around expressed a deep desire to be spared CALL 24 HOURS his father's neck in fear, crying, exposure to it. Its characteristics 1 (800) 545·PRAY "Father! Protect me from the dog!" described in the Mishna (Sota 9, 16) In a similar manner. says RashL include "an increase of insolence.... A FREE PUBLIC SERVICE OF Israel at times may choose to ignore the knowledge of scholars will rot, The American Rabbi Meir G-d's protective presence in the haz­ and Emes (truth) will be hidden." Baal Haness Charity ards of golus. To arouse His chil­ The clear demarcations between KOLEL AMERICA dren's awareness of their utter truth and falsehood, the differences dependence on Him, G-d provokes between the views of Torah scholars this or that nation to threaten Israel. and those of opponents of Torah, K.A.DDISH In response, the Jews throw their will be lost. Whereas in the earlier Mishnayoth. Yizkor & Yortzeit arms around His neck, so to speak, period, all threats to Judaism had observed with a minyon in Ollr and cry out. "Father! Protect us from come from outside the ranks of Yeshiva Heichal Rabbi Meir the wild beasts!" Jewry, in the form of persecution Baal Haness in Jetusalem. Indeed, "G-d desires the tejillns of and attempts at slunad (forced con­ CALL tzaddikim" and the response of des­ versions), in the era of Ikvesa perate, intense prayer is precisely deMeshicha the corrosive influences, (718)871-4111 what He had wanted - and pro­ the anti-Torah influences, had pene­ 132 Nassau St., N.Y., N.Y. 10038 voked- on the shores of Yam Suf, trated the sheltered confines of Klal

18 The Jewish Obseroer. October 1990 YismeL The threat of de'os kozvos­ A REFUGE FROM THE enter the marketplace of activity and false ideologies- came from within. CORROSIVE FORCES ideas, and still be a Gaon, that One can almost point with a cer­ would be ah kuntz!" tainty to the end of the conventional he Gaon sought a solution to Answered the Gaon, "It is my task Tochacha-type of Golus and the ush­ the problem by creating a in life to achieve maximum great­ ering in of lkvesa deMeshicha. In the T hermetically-sealed shelter ness, not to be ah kuntzenmacher mid-18th Century, winds of change from the deluge of falsehood that (trickster)." began blowing from Western was raining in on Jewish life: the This was the only way to keep the Europe, and entered the strongholds yeshiva. This is contrary to conven­ Mesora pure in spite of the fact that of Torah study and mitzva obser­ tional wisdom that has the Gaon's "Truth is hidden" in this era of vance of Eastern Europe. where talmid Reb Chaim, founder of the lkvesa de Meshicha. until then all Jewish life had famous Yeshiva of Volozhin, as the From the beis midrash of the revolved solely around Torah. The initiator of the Yeshiva Movement, Vilna Gaon, yeshivas later grew­ Vilna Gaon wrote on many occa­ when in fact the Gaon himself creat­ fJrst in Volozhin, and then 1n Telshe, sions that Kial Y-1Smel had entered a ed the progenitor of the Lithuanian Slobodka, Kamenitz, and Pon­ new era wherein confusion and false Yeshiva by withdrawing with his evezh- settings for concentrations of ideologies had invaded the inner talmidim from the streets of Vilna to Emes, where Torah was studied, sancta of Jewish life. Without the the refuge of his home and private and nothing else: where Torah truth of Torah as a point of refer­ study hall. When all is in order in thoughts and values prevailed, and ence, serving as the lodestone of the world, one can function within nothing else. So intense was the Emes, there was no assurance that the context of "Wherever l proclaim presence of Torah in the yeshivas, the Mesora, the understanding of My Name ... ," but once a spirit of that it was said that "a few kilome­ Torah and its directives, was being tuma and sheker (impurity and ters from Telshe. one's nostrils transmitted with fidelity from gener­ falsehood) permeate all corners of twitched from the pungent fragrance ation to generation. our existence. there is no assurance of the Ketzos* being debated there." The same precipitous decline was that the Mesora would continue with noted by the author of the volumi­ integrity, unless the purity of the HOW SENSITIVE THE PROCESS nous Yeshuos Yaakov of Lemberg. atmosphere where Torah is studied OFMESORA! Galicia, a contemporary of the Gaon: is maintained. He wrote that he was witness to a Thus the famous exchange his seemingly obsessive con­ spiritual poverty and confusion so between the Dubno Maggid (Rabbi cern about the purity of the radically different from the atmo­ Yaakov Kranz) and the Vilna Gaon, T Mesora was not by any sphere that he remembered from of who had invited the Maggid to give means excessive; it was essential. In his youth, when the streets had fair­ him Mussar, and point out his fact, when a child begins to talk, one ly throbbed with Torah. His first shortcomings. After a good deal of of the very first statements that he is impulse was to secret away his hesitation and trepidation, the taught is: "Torah tziva lanu Torah manuscripts. for the times Dubno Maggid finally said, "Ah Moshe .. .Moshe commanded us the were simply not suitable for publish· gmise kuntz (veiy artful accomplish­ ing chiddushei Torah ... Only later did ment) to be a Gaon, when you seal "Ketzos Hachoshen-classic 18th Century he have second thoughts and decide yourself off from the rest of the commentary on Choshen Mishpat, featuring to publish after all. world! If you'd mix with others and subtle analyses of concepts in the Talmud.

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The Jewish Obseroer. October 1990 19 Torah, a legacy for the Congregation One does not sweep away such In addition, it is essential that the of Yaakov." His lips articulate a con­ details with a wave of the hand, Mesora not in any way be compro­ cept to be engraved upon his con­ arguing, "What's the difference?" mised through the distorting intru­ sciousness: We are studying the very They are essential. sion of personal weaknesses. A dra­ Torah that Moshe received on Simli. Another case in point: Shmaya matic example of this is an There has been no change in its and Avtalyon, who were the leaders explanation offered regarding the essence, nor in its most minute detail. of their generation. and passed on Divine justice in the death of 24,000 This is borne out in countless exam­ the Mesora to Hillel and Shammai, talmidim of Rabbi Akiva during Seji­ ples in the Gemora where fine points were unable to aspirate the letter ra, because "they did not deal of the Mesora are debated, even "Hay," which introduces the word respectfully with one another." In the though they actually have no bear­ "hiri' (a liquid measure). When they wake of their death, the world was ing on halacha. referred to the volume of water that left in a void, so to speak, without

rom the 'beis mid.rash of the Vilna Gaon, yeshivas later grew-first in F Volozhin, and then in Telshe, Slobodka, Kamenit:z, and Ponevezh­ settingsfor concentrations ofEmes, where Torah was studied, and nothing else; where Torah thoughts and values prevailed, and nothing else.

For example, the Gemora in Eru­ could render a mikva pasul (Iitually the vast amount of Torah they had vin refers to "ibur ha'iJ" - a populated unfit), they expressed themselves in mastered. In their place, five subse­ section that juts out from the city terms of hin. prefacing the word with quent talmidim of Rabbi Akiva proper, citing two versions of the "Mild' (a full measure). so it be intel­ emerged from the South, and these word "ibur," one spelled with an ligible. Hillel and Shammai after five served as the prtmary vehicle for Agin, dertved from the Hebrew word them had no need for this device, for the transmission of the Mesora, for a fetus, which extends the moth­ they could pronounce "Hiri' with no passing on the Torah to all future er's contours outward, and one difficulty. Yet, they too said "Milo generations. Commentaries have spelled with an Aleph, associated Hin," because that is how they had noted that one might think that the with the Hebrew word for limb. The received the information from their Torah that had disappeared with difference between the two may rebbeim and "A person is obliged to these 24,000 scholars should have seem to be only academic-but it is express himself in the language of been reason enough for Divine for­ vital. The Aleph/Agin is part of the his teachers."' bearance, to earn these men a Mesora, the precise way in which a reprieve. But the contrary is the specific rabbi- a link in the chain of *See Commentary of the GRA on Mesechte case. say the commentaries. Their Mesora-had expressed himself. Idiyos. lack of perfection in midas disquali- 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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NEW:~~~~~~~~ECO.INC. YORI\, N.Y. Haolam • 20 The Jewish Observer, October 1990 fied them, for they would have been flawed in their role as transmitters of the Mesom. It was for this very rea­ son that they died. So aware were Torah leaders of Subscribe now to the sensitive nature of the Mesora that they hesitated to risk any tam­ The Jewish Observer pering with its Integrity. For example, when the great tzaddik and Torah leader Rabbi Benjamin Diskind and$AVE (father of Rabbi Yehoshua Leib of Brisk and Jerusalem) was sum­ moned as part of a rabbinical delega­ Become a monthly subscriber tion to meet with the Czar's Minister to The Jewish Observer and of Education, he refused. "Do you save up to 47% off the single· think that I am afraid of the Czar's copy price (a savings of over ministers?" asked Reb Binyomin. "Not at all! If we are presented with a $40.). The longer you sub­ plan that I understand as compro­ scribe for, the more you save. mising the integrity of our education­ al system. then the halacha And this introductory offer is fully guaranteed. You have but to ask and you wi!! receive demands that one must rather give a prompt refund on any undelivered issues should you decide to cancel at any time, up his life than tamper with the for any reason. Mesora_ And I am ready to forfeit my life. But if the Minister makes Each month, The Jewish Observer wii! be delivered directly to your door, filled demands that strike me as accept­ with the views of leading Torah thinkers on current issues ... comments on the able, and it turns out that they are strengths and foibles within the Jewish community ... analysis of contemporary not, my culpability would be too Jewish events ... inside reporting, interpretive commentary, inspiring biographies, great! This is what I fear! I have infuriating letters and illuminating responses-alt within the covers of one magazine, therefore decided to stay home." The Jewish Observer. By the same token. the Chafetz So don't delay. Check the money-saving terms below and send in your order right Chaim-widely revered and univer­ away. We'll try to get your order filled in time for our very next issue. sally loved as he was-was not so presumptuous as to publish his ------~------· halachic magnum opus, Mishna : SUBSCRIPTION SAVINGS CERTIFICATE : Beruroh, on his own. The saint and : ~--- Suite 1200• 84 William Street : sage of Radin made a point of secur­ I ~-~~·~ I ing haskamos (letters of approba­ I I tion) from leading poskim of the time I 0 YES! Please enter my subscription for: J':v *O~~E I to this work, in keeping with the I requirement for all seforim. 0 3_years:--.at 47,% off the toVer price $48 0 $78 I Because of this guarded attitude, 0 2 years-at 40-010 off the <:over price $36 0 $56 I 0 1 year - at 2 7-010 off the cover price $22 0 $32 I the tntegrity of the Torah studied In I Lithuania was safeguarded up until *Price reflects $10 extra per_ year to defray air shipping costs. Foreign I payment must be made in U.S. dollats,either byched

AFTER AN ERA IS OVER D Enclosed: $ 0 Charge my D MasterCard OVISA irst Reb Shimon Shkop, Rosh ~~~ 1 Lll_ILDJllO_J_J_· I I I Hayeshiva tn Telshe and then in Grodno, was nifiar-. Three F Expiration date: (month) (year) weeks later, the Kamenizter Rosh DJ DJ Hayeshiva, Reb Boruch Ber Signature'------Lebovitz, was gone. And then. after 1. Th1> Jewish Observer is published monthly extept JtAy aodAt1g1.1st. Pl~se a How -4-6.Wet!ks forde!ivci,Y, another eight months, it was Reb ------· The Jewish Observer. October 1990 21 Chaim Ozer Grodzenski. All ihe PINCHAS MANDEL "Litvishe" yeshivas of Lithuania and Poland had been in exile in Vilna, Over 35 Years Experience in Kvura in Eretz Yisrael because Russia and Germany had •Dedicated to Kavod Haniftar with personal divided up large portions of Poland responsibility throughout service under the infamous Molotov-van •Highly recommended by Gedolai Hadar Ribbentrop plan. Those yeshivas, -Here and in Eretz Yisrael- where we had been studying, had not been dwindling in size; to the 1569 - 47th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11219 contrary, they were flourishing. And Day & Night Phone (718) 855-5121 now, with the dramatic political Honesty - Integrity - Reliability changes taking place about us, and

CTlfSED SI IEL EMES ,i' undC'r~tood and practiced by one active in the induotry more than half a century. the passing away of the three lead· Taharas Haniftar Should Never Be Commercialized ing figures of the yeshiva world in a matter of months, we felt blanketed by despair. The great yeshivas of .,.,.,,..,.,.,.,.,,,,...,...,.,1 Talmudical Academy Adelphia New jersey Volozhin, Kamenitz, Slobodka, Mir, Baranovich and Grodno were no has distributed 50,000 of... more. Marching behind the aron ilSUNIOUE (coffin) of Reb Chaim Ozer, we felt ourselves mourning for the loss of PICTURE OF an entire Torah culture, a way of life. Indeed, we were witnessing the ful­ HAGAON HORAV fillment of the prophecy of Amos, "And I will set the sun in mid-after­ MRONKOTLER noon, and darkness will reign in the brightness of the day," a prophecy Z"L TOGETHER not only of the passing of King Yoshiyahu, but (according to Rashi) WITH HAGAON referring as well to the events at the HARAVMOSHE end of days. And we felt ourselves on the brink of those "end of days." FEINSTEIN Z"L, A TIME OF COMFORT THEGREAT ut that was not the end. TORAH Amos the prophet had other B visions, as well: visions of SCHOLARS Nechmno., the comforting rebuilding WHO LED at Kial Yisroe[ after millennia of Golus and Tochacha. And, indeed, in AMERICAN the wasteland of America, and in the arid soil of Eretz YISroe" a new vigor JEWRY FOR arose: "And I will send a hunger in the land, said G-d. Not a hunger for MANY DECADES. bread nor a thirst for water, but to hear the word of G-d" (Amos 8: 11). We have received a large number of insptring and encouraging responses from many households. We are witness to a miraculous ff you are interested in obtaining this special prcture, please complete the desire for Torah knowledge in set­ coupon below. By doing so, you wm also be helping our Yeshiva during this tings where Torah study had been very difficult financial period, to continue to provide our students with their shunted aside- ignored, at best; Torah education. derided, at worst. The miracle of the Please send me __ pictures. J am enclosing my contnbut1on of "isaru.sa deleEila-the inspiration s D SIOO D 572 D 536 D 525 D from Above" has become a reality. But taken unto itself. it is scant talmub1cal acabEmy, abElph1a, nEw JERSEY source of comfort. Of what value is a thirst, if it will not be properly slaked? Of what consolation is a ~~ desire for Torah knowledge if one Roure 524, Adelphia, New jersey 07710 • 201-431 ·1600

22 1he Jewish Obseroer. October 1990 cannot be assured of the integlity and authenticity of the Torah that will be taught in response to this demand? The words of Yishayahu, proph­ esying a second miracle. serve to complement the first: 'The impover­ ished and the needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched for thirst. I, Hashem. will answer them, I will open rivers on high places, and fountains in the midst of valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry lands springs of water" (Yishayahu 41:17,18). A thirst that cannot be quenched is a curse, but in this instance- even though there is no apparent source to satisfy the thirst for Torah- G-d Himself inter­ ra from Europe, to reach the ject matter that our yeshivas study. venes. and sets into motion extraor­ parched soil of Eretz Yisroel and it challenges us in how we apply dinary events. Amelica. Their legacy is alive, pul­ ourselves to our Torah study. We Our generation is the beneficiary sating, and extending even further, may well rejoice 1n that we delve into of this second miracle, which is only with yet more miracles of Torah the sevoros of Reb Shimon Shkop now coming into fruition. providing growth: yeshivas and KoUelim, newly and Reb Boruch Ber, as the lomdei the thirsty with authentic waters. written and published seforim, faith­ Torah of Vilna and its environs did providing those who crave learning ful translations of Torah classics in over a half century ago. But we must with the teachings of the Mesora. the vernact1lar. preserving the Meso­ endeavor to emulate them in our First, the Hashgacha HaElyona ra in ali parts of the globe, for future total immersion in Torah when we (Divine Providence) spared a handful generations. are learrrtng, and we must leave no of giants from the total destruction It is our obligation to see to it that stones unturned in our effort to of World War II-the Chazon !sh, the we master and keep alive as much plumb the depths of the Torah. In Brisker Rav, among others, in Eretz of the Torah that we possess, to our the zechus of this fidelity to our Yisroel: Reb Aharon Kotler, Reb fullest ability, recognizing it as the Mesora, may we merit the fullest Yaakov Karnenetzky and Reb Moshe "Torah commanded to us by measure of Nechama. with the Feinstein. among others, in Amertca. Moshe." as he received it at Sinai. rebuilding of Zion, from whence They extended the flow of the Mesa- Nol only does this embrace the sub- Torah will again emanate. II FAMOUS THE DAIRY RESTAURANT ~

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The Jewish Obseroer. October 1990 23 Abby Mendelson

OF COURSE you've heard it .. a common- In its delightfully labyrinthine way, trails looping and dis­ enough complamt, spoken appearing, there are astonishing nuggets of chachma, of with many sighs and shakes of the head. The world is nechama. Tilis is not merely the tension set up by the two too much. I have to get away- to the mountains, to the sides of Gemora: halacha and aggada, but the remarkable, shore. I have to get away. the Divine. There are many Of course you do. For examples, but none more many, the workday world poignant or affecting than is indeed olarn hasheker, a GEMORA Berachos, daf yud, amud world where greed and Aleph ( 1Oa), where we are insult are the norm, and told never despair, never give nothing but income and up, even if there is a sword position matter. It's an held to our throat. environment as corrosive Here, around an unex­ as acid rain. pected comer, is the heart of But running away is not hashkafa: Hakadosh Baruch our way. Because the Hu is running the world, not problems remain, and blind fate, not resha'im. He often the return is worse can change what He wants than the departure. Yes, when He wants, as parshas the first chapter of Tehillim Bo tells us to view the Ten tells us that we must Plagues. Little wonder, then, remove ourselves from A Circular Road Map that our chachamirn remind­ scoffers. Unfortunately, ed us of this even in the these are most of the peo­ death camps, rachmona lit· ple we have to deal with. For the Straight Route zlan But we can-we must­ separate ourselves mental­ to Growth In Jewish Life IT'S NOT a passive ly, in outlook, response, path to midas. We can wrap our­ learning, as anyone who's selves in the invisible and Understanding ever opened a Gemora knows taleisim of mitzvos and all too well. Gemora is strug­ hashkafa and bring keddusha into the work place. gle, arguing over sugyas, l'shaim Shomayim and lik'vod As such, there's only one way to deal with the world, haTorah. The kushyos are intrtcate knots that are difficult to only one way to get away. Gemora. Tomh lishmo. untie. Tosafos and Rambam make things seem downright impossible. 1'.nl"ll'IT.CQMER S to Gemora: searching for Yet for all its difficulty, learning is sweet. Soaked in ked· .l'£fYY' an Artstotelian structure, dusha: it pulls us onward- not only with a sense of accom­ vainly look for a beginning, middle and end. They're plishment at having mastered (or at least held onto) some­ not there, of course. While the Chumash starts more thing hard, but because with it comes the inescapable feeling or less at the beginning, and does have an ending of of approaching Hakadosh Baruch Hu. It's clear why Rabbi sorts, Gemora doesn't. It begins in the middle, wan­ Aaron Kotler ""YT stressed Tomh lishmo above all else. It is ders for seven years (if taken Daf Yomi-style, a page a the purest avoda we have. day), and stops. Then it starts again. Teeming with ideas, Gemora is virtually devoid of what Gemora is full of conflicting ideas, of edges, of other nations, lehavdil. call theology. Because Torah is Haka· machlok'sim (disputes) to sharpen our understanding, dash Baruch Hu's view of man, and not the other way make us think, keep us awake in the long night of around, we are told what is expected of us and how we can galus. The sides of Gemora are olarn habba and olarn elevate ourselves. Indeed, it's a basic psychological point­ hazeh-this world and the World-to-Come- and meet you can't pull yourself out of the abyss alone. You need a in mitzvos. At its most approachable, it is wonderfully starting point, a guide- clearly someone or something greater human- discursive, argumentative, ornery ("go learn than you. Gemora and its true chachamirn provide that. it in the street")- always striving for emes, only emes. It's fine to say that the structure of Gemora is problem/resolution, except that Gemora is also willing to throw up its hands and say "kashy

24 'The Jewish Obseruer, October 1990 In focusing on mitzvos and hashkafa, and not the In Kohelles, the elter zeide (great grandfather) of midos of Hakadosh Baruch Hu. Gemora posits what the hashkqfa texts, time is the exclusive province of Haka­ other nations don't: that the way to find Hakadosh Baruch dosh Baruch Hu. Things happen per His lime, and Hu is in the details, the mitzvos. Searching for the Divine? there's precious little we can do about it. Yes, we can Gemora tells us to look in ribbis fuss and make all the deadlines we (usury) and lifnei iver (prohibition want. Yet the reality of time belongs against placing stumbllng blocks), to Hashem hashovas aveida (returning lost arti­ GEMORA Megillas Esther further tells us cles) and orlah, shmit1a (agricultural that we understand time only after it laws) and av melachos (Sabbath is full has occurred. This is also part of the laws). For it is mitzvos that keep us lesson taught to Moshe Rabbeinu moving, in touch with reality as when he is told he can see Hashem's Hashem defines it. of conflicting back, as it were. Even Moshe, who had so often spoken directly with 11ALA.Cl:£4. takes Gemora ideas, of edges, HaKadosh Baruch Hu, can only to a refined de­ understand reality through history, gree-what is the iJrur of the mitzvd? of machlok'sim even if it's only seconds old. Does Torah require tzitzis on every Time is hardly devoid of content, pair of arba kanfos. every four-cor­ as Western man would say, a straight nered garment, or merely the one we (disputes) to line with neither beginning nor end. wear at the moment? These mean­ Adar and Nissan are times for ings become the way we serve Haka­ sharpen our geula-redemption, Tammuz and Av dosh Baruch Hu. for tzaar-pain and sorrow. (Paren­ The third perek of Makkos asks understanding, thetically, cyclical lime is one of the why there are so many mitzvos, reasons that the Am Kadosh contin­ including negative ones, which most ues to exist. We work through cycles people never consider transgressing make us think, of history. moving inexorably toward (i.e. not to eat creeping things, etc.). the geula sheletma of Kial Yisroel.) The answer is basic to an under­ keep us awake in That alone is the reason for standing of the Gemora: Hakadosh simcha, and provides us with the Baruch Hu so loves us that He gave the long night strength to take us through the trou­ us mitzvos through which we c.an ele­ blesome task of making a living. For vate ourselves, in effect, without even in the world of commerce, time is trying. of galus. money. Gemora teaches us that the The first perek of Sotah says much Torah concept of time is quite differ- the same. Mitio.h k'negged midah: do ent. Shabbos, Yomim Tovim, daven­ good and Hashem will not only ing-these are the real measures of reward you per measure, He will give time, not billable hours (as important you extra reward. as they are to put food on the table These are not placebos, chas and tzeddaka in the mail). v'sholom, but the nature of reality itself. This, Gemora tells us, is the way the world works. This is how we survive. Our very beings, guj and nes/lll111(1, body and soul, receive the two halves of Torah, aggada and halacha. Surely, this is another meaning of betzelem Elokim, being created in the image of Hakadosh Baruch Hu-to receive His Torah.

THR.QUGH Gemora we come to an understanding not only of life, but of time- the great flux and flow in which we live. We see how time works, how we use it, how we sancti­ fy it. The Jewish Observer, Octnber 1990 25 That's one reason why Gemora is in the present tense. commands. In Mosechtos Makkos and Sanhedrin, for Rebbe Akiva is saying because Torah is reali1y. The Tan­ example, various punishments are called for, many of naim Amoraim, et. al. are all alive, all in the room with them public and distasteful. Yes, these malefactors have us. (If only they could answer a couple of questions!) done evil, but still the Torah does not say they are unequivocally evil in G.EM'O.RA. is also remarkable their hearts. They are for what isn't Gemorais still Jews- and their there. Despite our long and often Yiddishe neshamos will nightmarish history, there is no Hakadosh be cleansed by the pain dwelling on cruelly. none of the fixa­ and indignity of the tion on barbarism that seems to fuel kappora they must so many of the nations of the world. BaruchHu's endure. And even when Nissim. yes, and punishments, but no being punished by the embrace of evil. For in a world built, love song beis din, they deserve owned and operated by Hakadosh our compassion (i.e .. Baruch Hu. evil- as the nations of the "choose for hJm a pleas­ world understand and practice it­ ant death" as part of does not have a viable place. "laving your neighbor as Neither do bad motives. In its our shir hashirim, yourselr- "see San­ countless discussions of halachn. of hedrin45a). dinei nefashos and dinei nwmenus, shiur hashiurim, So it is clear that the the Gernora never assumes, as a mat­ Torah hardly has a ter of course, deliberate frauds or hopelessly rosy world­ cheats. Instead. it assumes that we song of songs, view. The Torah knows all want to do the right thing- and how bad It can get- the will, as long as we are guided to it- measure of measures. Bavli was written in but tend to rationalize or procrasti­ gablS, after all. Yet both nate when given a chance. It is our joy and Chumash and Gemora Certainly, there are Jews who are non-apologetic despite all protestations and legal about the world. When warnings callously and deliberately our future. we leave Mitzrayim in violate mitzvos lo sa'aseh-negative Sefer Shemos, we meet Amaleik, and later the other nations. who wish to destroy us. They are enemies, we are told. What enemies? We came to MiJzraim as a family of shepherds! After minding our business in Goshen, we were made slaves, then sent away. Wlw had time In develop enemies? D 1; Mi¥:ahf;I:i.1'its There are many pirushim on Amaleik, of course, but one point is that this is of.thew~.; ...... the way of the world. We understood it then, and we should understand it now: we did not question, nor did we complain. We certainly did not sponsor ''!:\'

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26 The Jewish Observer; October 1990 FQR many, Gemora begins as an interesting intellec- Even the words of Gemora have an upUfting effect. As tual adjunct- and winds up taking over your life. our thoughts and mouths are filled with learning, daven­ That's because Gemora is not merely a body of knowledge. tng, benching, we have no time, no taste for the detritus It is keddusha. and keddusha changes you. Indeed, ked­ and lashon ham of the West. Further, Gemora makes us dusha is such a potent keenly aware of our mission, of force that its hashkafa being Hakadosh Baruch Hu's active becomes you, and the ITSNITT agents, becoming one with Hashem hour-long shiur becomes and His Torah. That's our covenant the way you deal with the a passive path to with Hashem- and that's the only world- the gibes and way to get through the day. insults. the fiery furnace In so being, Gemora answers the of commerce. learning, as anyone question why it is not merely an out­ In the third perek of line of do's and don't's. Because Meseehte Megilla, we are who's ever opened Gemora is how it is learned- the told that Moshe Rabbeinu medium is the message (a thousand stood when he learned a Gemora knows years before Marshal McLuhan, Torah from Hakadosh lehavdilj. Baruch HIL Why don't we? Of course, as soon as you think The Gemora answers that all too well. you've mastered something. you the generations have haven't. The next time you learn it­ debilitated since Sinai, Gemora is struggle, Chumash next year, Gemora in the and that since the death next Daf Yomi cyde-you find such of Rabban Gamliel, Bnei greater depths. Because, like one of Yisroel is so weak that we the nissim In the Beis Hamikdnsh, have reshus to sit. Torah is infinitely expandable. Haka- Has life- and learn­ ing- turned so bad? Per­ ~ ::t~::f~ haps not. We are also enjoined to view each day's Torah learning as something entirely new. Indeed, Beis Shammai taught that all learning is ~ AUn+oRS & ~RTISTS ~ a replication of Mattan Torah-in all its freshness, splendor, wonder, and glory. Such is an idea to be pursued! authors and artists to submit That way, gradually, the daas becomes the person, so that we view the manuscripts and artwork for world and interact with it in a Torah way. The Torah posits true commerce, evaluation. We seek manu· even though we see little of it in Western business. When most of what passes scripts in aU areas of judaica for commerce, from the silly to the obscene, no longer affects us, we no longer publishing with originality, feel its eonlliets and stresses. Certainly we all want a change of scene now and creativity and high literary again, but the need to get away? The mountains and shore are nice- Haka­ standard. Our editors develop dosh Baruch Hu made them for us to enjoy. But we don't have to go away to and highlight the individuality get away. We just have to go to Gemora of the author and our graphics Unfortunately, there are those who misstate Gemora or Uy to change it. department gives each book Obviously, they have not learned correctly. Because Gemora is so pure. so t its own identity. beautiful. So glntl TJ We welcome the opportu· 16 nity to work with you. Considering a move e toMOJVSEY?

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The Jewish Obseroer. October 1990 27 dosh Baruch Hu made it so that no matter how many people crowd tn, they all fit. There was always room for anyone who wanted to come. The Daf Yomt, now having finished its remarkable ntnth cycle, is a parallel: tn this most Hellenic age that demands tnstant gratification, we turn to Ge1110' ra. In shiurim and chavrusos all over the FOR MANY, world, our thirst for Torah- for the eternal, for the real- is never 49161:\thAve.,B'klyn,N.Y 11219 Gemora begins as an quenched, only (718) 854-2911 increased. Because the interesting intellectual lure of learning is more, always more. adjunct- and winds up NO matter how har- Iied I am tn get­ INVESTMENT taking over your life. ting to a shiur or a MANAGEMENT chavrusa, the moment That's because Gemora I slip into a Gemora, the change is sudden, uplifting, My so-called is not merely a body of problems evaporate, Fee Only. This best behavior No sales or commissions. knowledge. modification, what a week at the beach is It is keddusha. and supposed to do, is a (914) 352~1919 look squarely at reality, at Torah. (TIIis is one keddusha changes you. reason why the Yun· geleit of Kolle] Bais Yltz­ chok always want to learn with people: to elevate the person and the relation­ Feivel Kirshenbaurn, Ph.D. ship,) Everything else is sheker, a Jong, difficult kappara for Adam Harishon. Registered Investment Adviser When I worked at a particularly dreadful advertising agency, I called each daily shiur or chavrusa my one hour of reality surrounded by 23 of chaos and lunacy. The cheshbon is not entirely accurate, for I took time off for davening, family, and so on. And I learned Mishna on public transportation, listened to Torah tapes tn my car. (Travel is another opportunity for Kiddush Hashem) SINGLE & DOUBLE Still the Beis Midrash was about the only sane place I knew. It is different tnside the Beis Midrash, a makom Torah, not a makom gash­ BREASTED MEN'S SUITS mius, The trtck, of course, is to carry your Gemora back tnto the reshus harab· biJn. back tnto the street. And we have to take Torah tnto the street, because it defines who we are, SILBIGER'S and how we act. The more we learn, the further we go tnto hashkafa, the fur­ ther we go from greed and self-tndulgence, • Slacl

28 'The Jewish Obseruer, October 1990 Indeed, our most powerful, potent symbol remains Yaakov Avinu wrestling with the malach. to bless him, to teach him more Torah. to give him another hour with his chavrusa before tossing him back into the street.

ITHADbeen an- other difll. cult evening. I tussled with Yonason, my 12- 1HE MOUNTAINS year-old, over pre­ dictable pre-adoles­ and shore are nice- cen t narishkeit, clothes strewn about, telephone time ab­ Hakadosh Baruch Hu used, room un­ cleaned. Words made them for us to e~oy. became heated, tem­ pers lost. punish­ But we don't have to go Perek Aleph, Mishna Gimme! ments threatened. If begins by saying that a tailor is for­ the minutiae were so bidden to go out Erev Shabbos with crushing. I wondered away to get his needle. I said that l thought this about his ability to was in keeping with the other deal with life's real away. We gezeiros we have in the first perek, to problems. prevent the tailor from mistakenly It came time for carrying the needle on Shabbos. our learning, our plan just have Yonason agreed that it was a being to cover the gezeira, but one to prevent the tailor Mishnayos of Seder to goto from accidentally doing melacha on Moed before his bar Shabbos. mitzva n"'N. We went Gemora. I looked at him, a smallish 12- to Yonason's room. year-old with glasses and an eager barely speaking, and look. This is what it's all about. I opened Mishnayos thought, the heart oflife, ofTurah. Shabbos. "You know what?" I smiled. "G-d Immediately, our attitudes changed. There were two new people in the willing, you just might make it room. a father and son, striving for only thing- for Torah, for keddusha. through." •

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The Jewish Obseroer. October 1990 29 Yaakov Lavon

A Question By the Waterfall

ever had I seen such rain in work very well, and last expense to the manage­ Yerushalayim: and of all night's torrential downpour ment, right at the top N times, just before Sukkos! had completely swamped of the esrog market. Worse yet, l had already put the them- quite literally. (Three guesses whieh Sukkah up. Well, either it would dry Granted, between me and side l was on.) out or it wouldn't. Having done my my esrog was mostly high The funny thing part, l could be sure that one way or ground, but the streets of was that l didn't care. another it would work out. the Buchanan Quarter l had forgotten wet The problem was how to get an had temporartly gone feet and cold hands esrog. Not where to get one: in on vacation and when l saw those Yerushalayim that's certainly no turned into water­ mounds of beautiful problem. From Rosh Hashana falls. The sight was a esrogim. How often onwards, esrogim come bursting out remarkable one as l does one see Olam at you from every comer of Beis Yis­ stood at the edge of Habba piled up for rael, Me'ah She'artm, and Geulah. Bar -Ilan Boulevard. sale? For just a few F1oridly painted banners nm across l had zig-zagged dollars. you get eter­ the streets: .. Reuven·s Esrogim!" down my street, nity- talk about bar­ "Shimon's Esrogim!!" "Esrog Cen­ from swamp to lake gains! ter!!!" and back again, l got across the Nor was it a question of what lo wishing all the way .. lake (I forget how) buy an esrog With. If you know your that good-quality ··:.1,., •'."" and it was all worth it. dinim and are prepared to bargain, water-proof boots ftll$ °'('€=. · • Here was a lovely esrog you can get a very nice esrog for not hadn't been so pro­ for just the right price, plen­ much. The problem was how to get hibitively expen- ty of good hndassim, some there to buy one. sive. fine lulavim. and heaps of l was living in Tel Arza then. just But what about aravos Then it was squelch! across from the Buchanan Quarter this titanic river in homeward up the steep and only ten minutes' walk from front of me? There was only streets. By now they were Rechov Me'ah She'artm. But l had one thing for me to do: dry (at least in the middle), neither an airplane nor a submarine throw Bobbe's advice to the winds With roartng cataracts pelting to make the trip, and the prospects (which were strong that day), and down on either side- and l was of getting there on foot looked very slog right through it. 1 had no idea singing. dim. ll seems that the sewers of that rain water could be so cold in a As l squelched and sang my way Yerushalayim were constructed by Mediterranean country. Nor that two down another street, skirting pud­ sun-loving optimists: they never did feet could make so loud a squelch. dles, With roaring white water on When l got to Me'ah She'artm­ both sides, along came an old Yaakov Lavon studied in Yeshivas Ohr out of breath, cold. and unbelievably Yerushalmi Yid with the regulation Somayach and Netzach Yisroel in Jerusalen1. and cUrrently serves as the safer STa.M for the wet- I was confronted by the latest black coat, broad black hat, and Yeshiva community of Yeroham, in Israers tourist attraction: Lake Me'ah white beard. He looked up to see Negev. His article. "A Lovf'"Song for Pesach." She'arim, erected at enormous who was coming, and, seeing a was ft>atured in JO. March, 1990.

30 The Jewish Observer; October 1990 Jewcanbe ARE YOU MOVING? A happy and rwt IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED even know why, until INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? he meets a little old. We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the /0 to your home. Please man at an impromptu attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address and computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the waterfall and hears a address label. question he wasn't ADDRESS CHANGE FORM expecting. {Affix label here) young man with his arba'as hamin­ im and (I guess) a broad smile, he stopped and without any preamble said, "Ah! You're happy! And why?" Name ______~ He paused a moment for affect while l stood bewildered, then con­ Address ______tinued, "Yismach lev.... " He looked expectantly at me, and City, State, Zip------­ l finished the pasuk: "Mevakshei Date Effective------Hashem! (The heart of those who Plea~e allow 6-8 weeks !or a!l r:hanges to be reflected on your mailing label. VV[ \A/Ill NOl Bf seek Hashem is happy.)" RESPONSlBLE FOR BACK ISSUES MISSED unles~ you notify u~ 8 wf'eh prior lo your m(NP I could feel the cold begin to leave my bones. The old man beamed. "Ott azoy!" he declared in a satisfied tone; and with a nod and a smile he went on his way. I waiked on too, rather dazed. My American East Coast sensibilities had just suffered a severe shock; l mean. people just don't do things like that. Talking to strangers, gMng At last-a compre­ them impromptu hashkafa lessons. hensive and practical guide relating beaming at them. and then disap­ to the laws of 'Choshen Mishpat'l pearing without another word. But as I squelched on homeward The text includes chapters on other things occurred to me. This profits, loans, overcharging, partner­ was Yerushaiayim, not New Jersey. ships, faulty goods, mortgages, 'heter And after all, we all met each other isskoh', disputes, landlord and tenant at Mt. Sinai. Do you really need a formal introduction to share the obligations, business on Shabbos and Torah that belongs to all of us? Chol Hamoed, a special section on l have forgotten many people who interest, and much more. were introduced to me. yet I have This pioneering work on business never forgotten that old man whose ethics and Jewish law is full of prac- H.C. S14.95 name I never learned, whom I never saw again. Torah gave our meeting a tical, everyday examples, and is written in a way that makes the life beyond its brief moment. 'The material easily accessible to all readers. heari of those who seek Hashem is Extensive footnotes and references appear in Hebrew at the happy." Nothing more is needed, bottom of each page. nothtng else will work. A Jew can be happy and not even know why, until iO::wf>I he meets a little old man at an \'-->- ,.- ;,- )',isa_&)•~a~e~td-~Pt~tl- impromptu waterfall and hears a '$,ehd 'fO,t'~~ur: _ffee"topy ot_ ~-ll!:~,page)t1bilee-:~•nafog::: question he wasn't expecting. •

7he Jewish Obseroer, October 1990 31 Nooch Orlowek

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DON'T -~ DELAY! uch has been written about Third-How'- do youfeel during loneliness as a malady that your time alone? If you focus on Now is the M should be cured. One planning and on learning from mis­ aspect of the subject was neglected, takes, then the time is being spent time to ioin the however- the benefits of being positively. If. however, you've con­ alone. Time to think and plan, time stantly re-opening some old wounds 1M: ~11Q'.lJ1llN .,'II< J11:1_'?T.Ju ;ii:ir:i U:Agudist Benevolent Society. Inc. to evaluate the past and project for or bewailing your situation, then the future are a direct result of being this would indicate time unwisely • Full Bu"ol Bcr.e/110 foe 1he ~afl'1ly able to have time alone. The Gesher spent. (Children up 10 the 09e d 20 yeoro, Fourth- How do you feel after • Blood Bo~k Benrl1!' lor the Forndy HaChayim Vol.III pg 27. quotes the • fveryrh,~g ccrr,cd oul "' wrnrdo'''~ w,:h 1-'c:io< ha Gemora (Yoma 20b), which tells how you've finished? When you termi­ the noise of the street can obscure nate your period of solitude, do you {718) 436-1458 feel better, do you feel that you have Orw,.reio the truths oflife. Aguclist hnevolent Society I would suggest that there are a better handle on your problems? 84 William Str-t certain basic yardsticks by which a Do you perhaps recognize, and N- York, NY 10038 person can determine as to whether accept, that sometimes problems his "alone" time is being used prop­ have no immediate solution? DIGEST OF MEFORSHIM erly or not. Fifth- What are the length and First- Was it planned? Planning frequency of your time alone 't:lip? in::i 't:lip? is a hallmark of intellect: the emo­ sessions? Since solitude is basically meant for evaluating and planning, ""YT i:Vt:l'7K '7K1l:ll!l l";"Ji;"Jr.l tional side of us reacts to the pre­ what we call cheshbon hanefesh Available at sent, the experiential. So if you've planned your quiet periods, it"s a (introspection). then the frequency LEKUTEI sign that the time will be spent in and duration of these times are gen­ do Yitzchok Rosenberg evaluating and projecting rather erally smaller than the time devoted 10 West 4 7th Street, Room 503 than in fretting or worrying. to implementation and activity. If a New York, NY 10036 Second- Are you in control? Can person finds himself needing (212) 719·1717 you cut short your time alone at will increasingly more frequent and 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, and with relative ease? This would lengthier times alone, this could be a Medrash, Megilos and Talmud. show that your being alone is your danger signal that the solitude is an choice and that you are not at the unhealthy escape, or worse. Proceeds of sales distributed We are a nation that dwells alone, an1ong Yeshivas and used for mercy of a depressed or withdrawn this being one of the roots of the reprinting of volumes out-of-print state of mind. Kial ···-----··------eternity of YisroeL As individu­ PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME Rabbi Orlowek is Mashgiach in Yeshiva Ohr als. we also have much to gain from Baruch in Jerusalem. being alone. •

32 1he Jewish Obseroer, October J 990 YaffaGanz

lives. It serves. firstly. as a warning individual- a separate soul standing that not all is well in our bodies. If a alone before G-d. But how often do broken leg or an infected ear didn't we stand "alone"? Even the most hurt, irrevocable damage might unsociable of human beings is sur­ ensue by the time we discovered rounded day and night by the world anything was arruss. he lives in- the people, the material Pain is also undoubtedly one of accoutrement. and the social and the many ways in which G-d signals moral dictates that provide the frame­ to us that it's time to stop our mad work for every society. How many of race and take stock. That something our thoughts and feelings are truly STANDING is amiss in our psyche, as well as our "own"? How often do we strip our body. Pain tells us it's time to ourselves of all the extraneous "cloth­ think and evaluate. and perhaps to ing" we have acquired, and stand, so initiate a bit of remedial action to speak. naked and shivering, facing A 1 one somewhere along the line. the Creator Who made us? How often Yet none of these reasons necessi­ do we remember the Inside Me who tates the need for the huge wave of inhabits the Outside Person we usu­ acute, crystallized pain we all experi­ ally are? Rarely. ence at one time or another. What But when one is in the throes of good is pain that leaves you alone, gripping pain, everyone and every­ gasping for breath. unable to think thing else recedes. The kind and lov­ or to function? Pain that completely ing people who surround us, anx­ demobilizes, demoralizes and debili­ ious to help, cannot reach us. As we STOP-AND TAKE STOCK tates? Pain that no one else can alle­ are sucked into that awful wave of viate, or share, no matter how much obliterating pain, helpless and com­ ain is an integral part of the they empathize? For real pain is pletely alone, we would gladly give human condition. There's no exquisitely private. Since nothing away our most precious of posses­ P getting through life without happens haphazardly, and since sions if only our suffering would bumping into it-or having it bump everything serves some purpose, this come to an end. into you. Or bowl you over. pain, too. must be "good" for some­ rm not talking about the minor thing. But what? YET, NOT COMPLETELY ALONE aches and pains we all know. the ones that are scattered through our TIIE ISOLATIONIST QUAUTY e are not completely alone. days like little stumbling stones. of course. not even in our There are ways to rrutigate and pro­ erhaps the very isolationist W pain. In that black void tect ourselves from these pint-size quality of the pain provides a there is Another, and in our free­ pains. I mean the major league P key. When all is said and done, falling terror. we find ourselves face events. The kind of pain that engulfs we are, each and every one of us, an to face with Hlm. For only when we and overwhelms you, pushing every­ thing else out and away. The ear or tooth or stomach or knee which suddenly spreads and takes over, beconllng You. You can hear the sounds of traffic or children playing or a telephone ringing, but it's coming from some other pain­ free planet. far away; thse things have nothing to do with you. Your world has condensed and blackened into a sort of womb-like knot which includes only you- and your pain. What is the purpose of such deep. all-encompassing pain? Pain surely has its Importance and place in our

Mrs. Ganz, a much~published author of popu­ lar juvenile literature, lives in the Bayit Vegan section of Jerusalem. Among the articles she has written for JO is ~You Can't Sell a Book by its Cover (But it's a Good Place to Start)"­ May'BB.

'The Jewish Observer. October 1990 33 are able to shed our superfluous, born. From the desolation of Iyov, 1b Relive the Unforgettable outer self- the self which deludes us new faith was established. From an into thinking we are stronger and anguished slavery, redemption Moments ofa Historic Event: richer and smarter, more competent ensued. Evidently, when nothing is and important than we really are­ left, when we have been smpped of only then, as we realize the extent of all illusions, when no hope, no help our impotency, are we able to face is forthcoming, only unremitting G-d with true humility. Only then pain- then we remember the Rock, are our prayers sufficiently pure which has not only the power to (Please Hashem, please, make it crush, but also to heal. stop!), and therefore, powerful. Perhaps the fact that we cannot It is undoubtedly preferable to tolerate more than a trifle of excruciat­ find G-d through blessings and joy, Whether you were part of ing pain without losing control or con­ but frail creatures that we are, we sciousness Is related to the fact that often tend to search more actively this unique demonstration of Kiddush we cannot sustain "direct contact" for Him in times of stress. Fortu­ Sheim Shomayim and Kavod HaTorah, or with the Divine for any extended peri­ nately for us, He is to be found then were unable to be there, you will want to od of time. It's an interesting thought. too. Even when we think we are have a copy of the official recording of From the grievous sufferings of alone, in the throes of acute, over­ the entire proceedings, to hear every King David, glorious songs were whelming pain. • inspiring word spoken, every stirring note sung, every "Omein Yehei Shmay Rabba" proclaimed. Urgent Get your copy now of your Message/ COMMEMORATIVE TWO-CASSETTE SET A widowed mother of three encased in an attractive customized became religious two years ago. binder, including a copy of the Souvenir To her great distress, one chlld Program that was distributed at the occasion. Only a limited number of sets is learning disabled.· The available. Submit your order while the mother lacks the funds fo fulfill supply still lasts. You will treasure this her deep. desire to educate her commemorative set for years to come! child in the roots of herJewish. Trus commemorative set has heritage. I been produced by popular request as a "1? :i1:>>1". O>nl:)ll ~1r.i). states fo. the Z'chus of your aiding public service, and is available for an that anyone who issensitive .to this child to thrive, may you $18 contribution for each set (plus $2 others in their suffering will merit the posuk! postage/handling). live long. Also, in tran~posing N1pn U>I excellent gift item. Order An the letters of the w6rd oni l'l)y~ 1i1 extra sets for friends and family! (mercy) we receive the word ''Then you will tall n"Y.11 (248). If we will.be merciful and Hashem.will answer." to others, Hashem will surely ;~~~~~~J~s·~·· Plta5t sml !JOu lax ikducliblt contribution lo: . ~4~o,S!rm, l\ll'Cljj()$8 · · Midah keneged Midahbe merciful ~"~~111~.llJl tor··· -111sper,set) iJf the. 911\. to us and guard the 24.8 limbs . Siyunt ~Uh~O! tlje l!if filill fur pt>stage:..,a ~dliilg.; ! HCR.148 way to substantiate ou'r pleas Fallsburgli, N, ¥, 12733 ~··======to Hashem for a healthy and good New Year!

Cliy, .State/Zip: ======"-'-'-"" We verify lhal is a vali~Tzedaka and lhe abO'Oeaddres< i< a rn;nmunity member, check_ Or inQOey--_of¥!;nit'tst_~com~~Y,~is:.~.•.•. ~n .. d(JI ,">J ,,,, . Pl!>m •U<>w 4 ""'''ror.dtliveey. 61 0 ,>tr.l~G . ·\,~ .. ~11 Rabbi Eli Dov Wachtfogel ·Rabbi Eliyahu Coldshmid.t · Rosh Yeshiva_ _ Mashgiach J'rol:eedStulll-tJil'.oUgbli(ittb/1-. uulillz

34 The Jewish Observer; October 1990 Chaim Feinberg 'Eze/(je{ In 'Ifie (jarden

A ripe hruvest hangs from the backyard cheny tree, sweet birds nip the sweet fruit, and the breeze wanders fruit-stained, like a satiated child, humming. 1 chant Ezekiel's words, words that mix All is ripeness today. with the hum of little yellow birds June is a green garden sponge in a single jubilant song: swelling with birds and cherries­ the little yellow birds "So says the L-rd G-d: and glossy black fruit that feeds them Come from the four winds, breath, out back. and breathe into these dead, so they may live." I think of Ezekiel and the promise of ripeness The Hebrew letters whirl to the flowering dead: in the iridescent breeze, white rays of light pure breath of June slip through the branches. that crosses my yard spill down on the bright backs of beetles, chanting its melody. and ignite the smallest grain of sand. rich with the promise of fruit.

Chaim Feinberg, a published poet. lives in Sprtng Valley, N.Y.

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The Jewish Observer. October 1990 35 .Mrs.Sheindel\Veinbach

The Seed

Of Hope Wlw would touch off the stirring of new life? Help pierce the loamy blackness like a knife?

For spring to life it would It lay still looking up at me, And sttr and grow, Harri and black and rmmd. Upward, outward, sideways and below. I studied it dispassionately A root a slwot and lo! And thrust it in the growid. A miracle occurring down below. And then a wave ofpanic Made me clwke and gasp for breath, It breathes! It is alive! Was I, perlwps, consigning It has a pwpose. an unconscious drive. This little seed to death? The germ ofcontinuity activated. The thirst to live. to give, to grow as fated. Bwied in the suffocating earth How could it possibly give birth? My gasp turns to a sigh, Seen in the sunlight, an unlikely thing, Relieved, I cry: Could it, deep under, be a harbinger ofspring? So will the dead spring up in.future time. What is the wonder if it happens all the time? Was not this earth the place of no return? Is not this little seed a balm,a suture, Where dead were bwied-not where things were born? Against the pain ofdeath- a promise for the future?

Mrs. Weinbach, a published author and poet who lives in Mattesdorf, Jerusalem, ts an occasional contributor to these pages.

Uncle Moishy and other NOTICE OF If you learn in a NONDISCRIMINATORY Yeshiva Gedolah Top-Of-The Line POLICY AS TO STUDENTS Beis Medrash Jewish Entertainers The Yeshiva Gedolah Zlchron or Kolle! are available to visit Moahe of South FallSbU'll admits Seriously Ill Children student$ of the OrthOdox Jewish and are not yet receiving felth of any race, COio!\ national In The Hospital and ethnic origin to all the rights, The Jewish Obser\ler prlvltqes, programs, and actlv· at a substantial discount, thanks to ltles.11er1erally accorded or made n1n nnnv available to students at the call (212) 797·7394 school. It do88 not discriminate on to arrange for a the basis of race, color, national A New Chessed Project Run By and ethnic origin In .admlnlstra· group subscription Agudath Israel of America tlon of Its educational policies, Minimum order Is IO subscriptions. in conjunction with admissions policies, seholalllhlp Magazines are shipped In bulk directly Suki & Ding Productions and loan 11rogram11, and athlatlc to the Yeshiva. Coordinator Is entitled to To set up an appointment, call: and other school-administered (212) 797-9000 ext. #57, M-F, 9-5 programs. ~~~~~ Call 1bdayll!

36 The Jewish Observer, October 1990 singles give well-meaning shadchan· im pause. May I mention some? Letters Frum singles are not immune, unfortunately, to the non-Torah val· ••••••••••• to the ues with which we are bombarded ••••••••••• on a daily basis. External factors­ extraneous to the intrtnsic worth of Editor a person, and to a lasting relation­ ship, such as age, looks, and money- have become more and more important to even the cream of doing- operations, medical "proce­ our crop! PROBLEMS ON BOTH SIDES dures," test. consultations, etc. (and, OF THE FENCE When did a Bais Yaakov girl begin of course, doing things b'zchus, hop­ judging bachurim on the crtterton of ing to be asked to be K'Fotter at a "what he does," rather than "who he To the Editor, Bris, etc.). is"? When did a learning Yeshiva From my "side of the fence," your Miss Anon's "This Side of the bachur begin asking for wealthy girls Fence" (The Jewish Obseroer. May problem is more readily solved than who portray the "Barbie image" over mine, but I don't envy you. Just 1990) and two quotes in Yaakov the "Yiddishe mamma" image? don't envy others- even those with Salomon's "Connecting the Uncon­ I will not dwell on the 47-year-old children may have their own peckel nected" seem to say that being single male who stubbornly insists on includes a set of problems that dis· of tzuros. someone no older than 30, nor the Remember, Hashem gives us only appear upon getting manied. 42 year old grandmother-divorcee A quote in the latter article is what we can handle, if we use what who requested no one who earns we have and meet the challenge. from a 34-year-old who says: "I feel less than $75,000/year salary! so out of place in shuI with everyone MR.FENCE And then there are those singles wearing a tallis exeept me. But the Brooklyn, N.Y. who show the simple unwillingness worst is Simchas Torah when every­ or inability to make the most of their NOT ALL SINGLES ARE body brtngs their kids- and I watch appearance (sporting sloppy or soiled them dancing, sitting on their Tatti's EQUAL-OR BLAMELESS clothing, dirty fingernails). shoulders and laughing. And I say, These are but a few of the cases of Wow · I should be doing that! But I To the Editor: some singles' own undoing that I have will." just don't know if I ever I feel sympathy for Miss Anon encountered as a shadchan. I think the problem is one of false when callous comments- whether May I suggest that all singles expectations. As someone who has intentional or casual- are insensi­ evaluate-and constantly re-evalu­ put on a tallis in order to lead tively passed her way. ate with shifting age and circum­ hakafos for over fifteen years (eleven There are, however, some occa­ stances- their expectations 1n find­ of them manied), I still can't put my sions when the attitudes of some ing their bashert? In dolng so, they own kids on my shoulder. My wife and I haven't as yet been so-blessed. Regarding the second quote- "I'm just sick and tired of hearing the gabbai's voice calling me for an NOW AVAILABLE aliya, referring to me as 'habochur"' - I think that a prtvate TO AGUDATH ISRAEL MEMBERS discussion may help. As a gabbai, I had the opportunity to negotiate what could work: Neither "Reb COMPREHENSIVE Chaim" nor "Habochur Chaim"­ MAJOR MEDICAL just "Chaim ben (Reb] Dovid" (not actual names). HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM As for Miss Anon's being asked to Availableto New York State residents only explain "Why" and, in effect, to demonstrate that she's doing "her For Information Call: part," at least she can She can say she went out on a recommended date, 212-797-7388 or consulted another shadchon People who don't as yet have chil­ Between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM dren aren't about to say what they're

The Jewish Obsen;er, October 1990 37 should realize from whence their more fully reflect our Torah-true val­ gles in the Iyar /May issue. My mar­ often great "over-expectations" ues, enabling us to tear down the rted friends show a great deal of con­ come- from a world which stresses fence! cern and interest in helping single values that are not ours! And may I (MRS.) MARGIE PENSAK people, and tell me (as I see from further suggest that the yeshivas Baltimore, Md. experience) that when they meet an and Bais Yaakovs implement classes unmanied person, they always try which will have a hashpa'ah on our THE VALUE OF FRIENDSHIP to think of a possible shidduch for b'nei and b'nos Torah in their deci­ TO SINGLES him or her.... They are generally hos­ sion of what is important to look for pitable, frequently inviting singles for in a potential spouse, and the mak­ To the Editor: Shabbos. Those people who are not ings of a good maniage. Then the Thank you for your interesting as involved are usually extremely singles in our fium communities will and timely sertes of articles on sin- busy with small children, or may live in cramped quarters, lacking space for Shabbos guests. HOLD THE DA TE! We must face it: it is very difficult to make shidduchim for people past 3rd Annual West Coast Convention of their twenties, when the parties are expertenced enough to be discern­ Agudath Israel of California ing, yet the choice is just not there. January 4-6, 1991 As a result, there must be a certain at the amount of burn-out among friends Palm Springs Hilton who have been trying on our behalf. There are, of course, married people Join the broadest coalition of Orthodox Jews who make insensitive remarks, and headed by eminent Torah authorities Miss Anon's article brought this to for a three day Torah experience, their attention. However, I take such Convention catered by Beverly Hills Caterers comments as a sign of caring and a well-meantng (albeit clumsy) attempt Rabbi Chaim Schnur to help the unmarried person. Director, Agudath Israel of California Among the marrted people who Don't be disappointed; make your reservation early try to make shidduchim, there is For more information, call Elaine at 213-937-1675 unfortunately not much follow­ through, so well-meant first steps often lead nowhere. But I appreciate just someone's thinking of me, even if it doesn't lead to tachlis. I enjoy the company of my marrted friends, aside from their role as sources for To Schools and Organized Groups shidduchim. Planning Trips to Washington Finally. being single is not the only problem in life. If there is a way Add this newest "must" stop on any to perhaps ameliorate one's own prt­ Orthodox tour of the nation's capital: vate sorrow, short of marrtage, it is by recognizing and caring about the pain of others. I see marrted people THE WASHINGTON OFFICE OF with insoluble, life-and-death prob­ AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA lems. How I wish I could help them! Gust a few short blocks from the White House). But their problems are not amenable to solution by making Be briefed on the most important current activities in Agudath shidduch phone calls or by extend­ Israel's advocacy for Orthodox Jewish rights and interests. ing an tnv!tation for Shabbos. I am Visits must be arranged in advance. For information, write or call: truly less fortunate than my manied Agudath Israel of America Washington Office friends, not because I am single, but Suite 411, 1730 Rhode Island Avenue N~'V., Washington, D.C. 20036 because I can never give them what (202) 835~'414 they have given me. EIIEEN POU.OCK Lakewood, New Jersey

38 'The Jewish Observer, October 1990 PICKY NO MORE, AT FORTY

To the Editor: C.I.S. Publishers You did a public seIVice by focusing is pleased to announce the release of on the loneliness of the singles, and by letting others know their needs and Piskei Hilchos Shabbos Volume Four sensitivities. At the same time. how­ ever, I'm afrrud that you did them a disservice. Now men and women in their late 20's, 30's and upward will be reinforced in their sense of entitle­ ment to pickiness and refusal to com­ promise. I know whereof I speak. because I was there. I had a very clear picture of Mr. Right, and all those young men that 440 pages came calling- this one couldn't speak hardcover English straight, that one was too much of a dandy, and the other one $16.95 couldn't learn half as well as my broth­ Also available in this series: ers- they all fell sbort. When I passed Piskei Hilchos'Shabhos Vol. I $10.95 35, I realized that even those not-quite­ Piskei Hilchos Shabbos Vol. II $9.95 good-enough fellows stopped coming, Piskei Hilchos Shabbos Vol. III $13.95 but I refused to panic. Finally, as my Piskei Hilchos Shabbos Vol. IV SI6.95 fourth decade of life was coming to an Piskei Hilchos Yorn Tov Vol. I $14.95 end I gave up on Mr. Right, and settled Complete Set S66.75 for Mr. O.K.- a divorce' that I wouldn't have even looked at twenty years earli­ er. I compromised. I stopped being This new volume of Piskel Hilchos Shabbos includes ALL picky. But at least I'm not alone. I don't care what the feminists (and their NEW\topics relating to modern and up-to-date applications of champions) say. The Gemom is light. Hilchos Shabbos and Yorn Tov, including a step-by-step guide The Aramaic expression, rtdiculed by to the Halachos of childbirth beginning with the preparation the women's rightists. is as true as before Shabbos till after birth. ever: 'Tau lemetav tandu milemetav armelu-Two is better than one. Period." All Halachos are a compendium of the Responsa of: It's probably too late for us to have · Hagaon Harav Yitzchok Yakov Weiss J"~1 (Rav ofYerushalayirn) children, but at least we have each Hagaon Harav Moshe Stern N"\'.).,?'tf (Debretziner Rov) other. I can't sign my name out of · The Mishnah Brurah respect for my husband- but I'm sure tempted to, just so his first wife should recognize what a fool she was Any subject at your fingertips with a comprehensive alpha­ to dump her imperfect husband for a betical index. life alone. To all well-meaning, would-be All Halachos are footnoted with accurate sources. shadchanim out there: be gentle with your single friends, and don't use negative words like "compromise" and "pickiness." But-for fieaven's sake­ Available from your local bookseller or order directly from the publisher: don't encourage them to indulge in their fantasies! Loneliness gets worse I.~ as the years advance, and compro­ mises become less and less attractive, ~]~ and less and less available, for count­ P·U · B· L-1 ·S·H·E·R·S less reasons. 180 Park Avenue• 1..akewood, NJ 08701 • (201) 905-3000 NAME Wm!HEW BY REQUEST, Rechov Mlshkalov 18/16 •Har Nof,Jerusalem •Tel: 02-538-935 Ocean CoW1ty, New Jersey 1 Palin Court, Queen Elizabeth Walk• London, England NI 6 •Tel: 01-809-3723

The Jewish Observer; October 1990 We take great pleasure in inviting you to join the broadest coalition of Orthodox Jews, headed by eminent Torah authorities, for a four-day Torah experience at the

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CONVENTION RA.tts~l'A.RSIPl'ANYHILTOJll 1 am enclosing: o P1ease reserve accommodations' for .. . . . persons to o Deposit $125 per person the 68th National Convention ofAgudathisrael of America, f()r Hilton reservation. . .•. :.• : ..... : .. S•~----'~ Thursday through Sunday, November 22-25, 1990 at the n J?ayment .in full for room .oniv Parsippany Hilton, Parsippany-Troy Hil!S,New Jersey. reservation at the Hanover Marriott .•.. s,~~~- 25 Check type of accommodations req)l~sted. (Give first and d 5751 Membe.rshi!! Dues: , •.• _.. .$•;.._~'".-~oo""-'-"""' .1 84 WILLIAM ST. second choice.)· If accommodation requested is. not NLW YORK, NY 10038 TOTAL ENCLOSI:D .... .- .. >.. .-... .- •.... :-. .. $,-'-__..__.._~ 212·797·9000 available, the next category Will be assigned. Please ll\ak.e all checksp81Jab!e to: AgudaWlstaefll!:Alllerlcll i

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