Issue #3 ∙ Jan. 2014 ∙ Shevat 5774

Message from the Presidium

Dear Alumni, reunions between old chaveirim, rekindling Maseches Yevamos, has been giving a series of and strengthening connections of old. The shiurim in Yeshiva based upon the book. We Boruch Hashem, a lot has happened since palpable feelings of achvah and achdus that wish Rav Dovid success in all his endeavors. you last heard from us at the beginning of the the Class of ’95 radiated at the Dinner, Rabbi New Year, before the yomim tovim. Shlomo Soroka’s presentation and Rabbi We wish all of our alumni a wonderful and Baruch Levine’s performance, were all part of “warm” winter and hope that you’ll enjoy Shortly after Succos the Ner Michoel Alumni an inspiring and memorable evening. reading about Ner Michoel’s most recent Association was launched in the city of developments. Toronto and the Toronto Committee was Just before the Dinner, the Rosh Yeshiva’s formed. The Rosh Yeshiva spent a very busy monumental work on the topic of Torah and Please stay in touch. and very productive weekend in the city of Science entitled “Torah, Chazal, and Science,” With best regards, Baltimore. The fourth CD in the Ner Michoel which was sponsored by Ner Michoel, series on the Yomim Tovim (dedicated l’ilui appeared in bookstores around the world. nishmas Chaya Miriam Shaindel " bas Copies have been “flying-off-the shelves” and Ephraim Shimon ") came out for Chanuka. the second printing is already underway.

The Ner Michoel tribute to the Class of ’95 at Our esteemed colleague and friend, Rabbi st the Yeshiva’s 31 Anniversary Tribute Dinner, Dovid Kornreich, shlita, who returned to was the first of, what we hope will be many Yeshiva this zman to lead a chaburah learning

Rabbi Daniel Sinowitz Rabbi Shmuli Weiner Countering Distortion & Misinformation A seasoned master sets the record straight Rabbi Dovid Kornreich is a respected Marbitz “Whether in print or in the blogosphere,” Reb we have to deal with. Torah and kiruv professional in Yerushalayim. Dovid explains, “these people have clearly A long-time talmid of the Rosh Hayeshiva, overstepped their bounds by blindly and “I started my blog,” explains Rabbi Kornreich, Rav Moshe Meiselman shlita, Reb Dovid first overwhelmingly accepting every scientific “when I really got fed up with the misinformation became intrigued by the the so-called “conflict” pronouncement as the absolute truth”, Rabbi and confusion that these bloggers keep between Torah and science, by way of his Kornreich says. “The ‘conflict’ between Torah generating with every new post. Besides the relationship with Rav Aryeh Carmell zatzal, and science becomes much less troubling incompetence inherent in their approach, post-high school. In further exploration of the when we learn to distinguish between scientific making the Torah and Chazal seem primitive topic, he attended the shiurim and studied the and trapped within their surrounding primitive seforim of Rav Moshe Shapiro shlita. In more Their proofs are arguably culture, their proofs are arguably incomplete recent years R’ Dovid has been personally incomplete and full of and full of lies and contradictions. For example, mentored by the Rosh Hayeshiva in formulating one of the main points that the Rosh Hayeshiva, and concretizing his approach to “Torah and lies and contradictions. Rav Meiselman shlita, articulates in his long- Science.” Rabbi Kornreich has gained notoriety awaited (seven years in the making) book, for effectively debating and discussing these theory and scientific fact. Difficulties based on ‘Torah, Chazal, and Science’, is that a closer look matters, based upon a solid, Torah-true scientific theory, or assertions that we can’t at what our seforim say should give us the self outlook. His blog, “The Slifkin Challenge” is a observe in the lab – that can’t be tested or confidence to say, ‘We know better than what forum of articles and ongoing discussions about proven with any degree of certainty, do not the others claim’. We need to recognize that the hashkafa errors and serious distortions even merit any of our attention. So right at the our mesorah goes way back all the way to Har found in popular literature of the last 20 years. start, we are left with much fewer‘kashyos’ that Sinai, to the nevi’im, originating from Hakadosh continued on page 2 1 Countering Distortion & Misinformation (continued from page 1)

Boruch Hu Himself. It is thus far more reliable understanding of their words is incorrect – the The blog is a place of lively, heated dialogue, than what the ‘theories’ of contemporary Rashba clearly tells us which conclusion we with Rabbi Kornreich refuting critics and science say about how the universe and the must draw. Chazal made no mistake; rather, it referring visitors to precisely the chapter world we see today came into being. We have is some aspect of the accepted understanding or page in the book to find the topic under no reason to feel insecure in our beliefs in areas that is in need of modification. discussion. The book’s size (11 topics, 60-plus where science has no authority to talk and chapters) is a result of the excruciating detail make statements. “The devotees of science have devoted a great in which it clarifies, one topic at a time, what deal of time and effort to refute the position needs to be dealt with and defended and what “At the end, though, there will be statements of the ‘right-wingers’ who allegedly claim that doesn’t. For each subject, there is an overall, of Chazal that do appear to be in conflict with no member of Chazal was mistaken regarding comprehensive view, a list of solutions, but scientific fact. As an example, the basis for anything, including science. Rav Meiselman, perhaps more significantly, the reader is left believing spontaneous generation doesn’t however, takes the view that just like in areas of with comprehensive approach, a set of tools occur, is indeed very clear, based on Rav Saadia Halacha, Chazal left many discussions as “Teiku” and a perspective that can be applied to a Gaon’s principle that we are permitted to trust (unresolved) or “Tiyuvta“ (indefensible) based variety of issues. The next time the reader the information about the world gained by on the arguments leveled against it, the same encounters a difficult Gemara, he’ll say, okay, our own senses, and extrapolate backwards – may be the case where they deliberated the let’s see what category this Gemara falls into. regarding natural phenomena only. Our senses workings of the physical world. A crucial caveat directly perceive that the species discussed by here, though, is that we don’t have the right to Reb Dovid clearly identifies which ideas Chazal come into being via eggs or live birth. point out – regarding Chazal’s words – where that the others would have you accept are In these cases, the Rosh Yeshiva will find a new this is the case. Only fellow members of Chazal considered kefirah and why; which authority, Inauguration of Ner Michoel’s approach to understanding a Gemara that he were able to do this. In the absolute sense, gadol, or sefer said this is the case. In a world feels is properly understood when it is viewed therefore, we may indeed find statements by where we generally find people who are either in a perspective that does not conflict with Chazal that do not stand up against what is completely brainwashed by everything modern Toronto Chapter observable fact, even if this will not be exactly accepted as fact. science claims to know, or those who feel that a Milestone in Alumni’s Success the way Rishonim understood the Gemara. In we must be mekabel Chazal’s words without the intellectual world in which the Rishonim “The Rosh Hayeshiva clearly excludes the any explanation or understanding, we now lived, spontaneous generation was an accepted definitive, absolute statements of Chazal have a breath of fresh air, well researched, principle. They had no reason, therefore, not that must ultimately be accepted as fact. If with everything presented built with a solid to explain the Gemora as it appears on the any of these seem to be in conflict with what foundation, backed by sources from Chazal surface. The Rishonim make no claim, however, appears to be the reality, they must be studied through Rishonim and Acharonim. that their understanding of Chazal is complete and viewed from different perspectives in and perfect. Whenever the observable facts an attempt to reconcile it with the truth and seem to leave us with a choice of a) Chazal defended from any scientific challenge. were mistaken, chalila, or b) the accepted

The Rosh Yeshiva Spends Shabbos in Baltimore

The Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Moshe Meiselman, The Rosh Yeshiva’s main drasha was delivered Rosh Hayeshiva left everyone strengthened, spent Shabbos Parshas Noach, Rosh Chodesh during shalosh seudos at Mercaz Torah with Torah blessings and reinforced bonds MarCheshvan in the city of Baltimore, home U’Tefillah. He discussed the ongoing tensions of closeness and connection between the to a sizable contingent of Toras Moshe alumni in Eretz Yisroel between the governing powers Baltimore community and the Yeshiva in the and parents. and the chareidim. Characteristically, his words Ir HaKodesh. put everything into tremendous perspective, On Friday evening, the Rosh Yeshiva davened at as he presented this as the continuation of the The weekend was coordinated and planned Kol Torah, Rabbi Yosef Berger’s Shul. Between age-old, historic struggle for the character of by Rabbi Moshe Schuchman and R' Daniel Kabolas Shabbos and Maariv, he presented a the yishuv. Ely. Their efforts greatly contributed to the shiur to a packed audience, contrasting the success of the Rosh Yeshiva's visit. extreme materialism of the Dor Hamabul with While the other shiurim were open to the the “enlightened” Dor Haflaga, who viewed general public, a Melave Malka for parents man as a mere utility valued on how much he and alumni was held at the offices of DC can contribute to economy. Rav Meiselman Dental, hosted by Dovid Charnowitz and then applied the lessons of the Parsha by Daniel Ely. Over fifty people attended the elaborating on how they shed light on the exciting event. Rav Meiselman addressed the prevailing ideologies in our time. crowd, a delectable menu was served, and the attendees had the opportunity to greet the On Shabbos morning, Rav Meiselman Rosh Yeshiva and discuss matters with him. davened at Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah, under the leadership of his nephew, Rav Yissocher On Sunday morning following Shacharis at Dov Eichenstein, who hosted the Rosh Yeshiva Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah, Rav Meiselman during his stay. Before Shacharis, at 8:15 gave a shiur entitled: “Choshen Mishpat, AM, he gave the weekly chumash shiur that Civil Law; Beis Din, Courts – Halachos of regularly takes place in Shul at that time. Litigation Relevant to Everyday Life”. The

2 Countering Distortion & Misinformation (continued from page 1)

Inauguration of Ner Michoel’s Toronto Chapter a Milestone in Alumni’s Success

Shortly after Succos, Rabbi Shmuli Weiner all, we used to sit and talk so many things original spot but to grow and perform. I and Rabbi Daniel Sinowitz, made a spe- through with them, whether inyanei hash- look around the room,” Reb Daniel contin- cial trip from Eretz Yisroel to spend a few kafa, the Chumash va’adim, the Chazarah ued, “and I see rebbeim, kollel yungeleit, days in Toronto, on the occasion of the in- shiurim, they were so approachable all the and baalei battim who set aside hours in auguration of the Toronto chapter of Toras time. Although right now, we may be older their day for learning, this is a beautiful re- Moshe’s alumni association. and have moved on to different tracks in flection of Toras Moshe’s ideals successfully life, we still share a common bond. Sharing implanted and bearing fruit.” The two rebbeim spent several days in the what we’ve accomplished since then reig- area, meeting privately with alumni and nites and reinforces this connection.” At the event, Reb Shmuli marked the recent their families in their homes. There was yahrzeit of his father, Rav Michoel Weiner ample time and scheduling to allow pro- Both rebbeim touched on the same theme zatzal, for whom Ner Michoel is named, by ductive sessions with anyone who was in- during the shmuess they gave at the event. making a siyum l’ilui nishmaso. After the terested; all were highly appreciative of the Pointing to the Dor Haflaga, the Rishonim event ended, people just hung around and opportunity to benefit from the rebbeim’s took notice that the Torah does not call schmoozed for several hours, savoring the warm presence and wise counsel. their actions an aveira or any form of sin. warmth and good feelings. Everyone went Hashem simply disrupted what they were away with renewed chizuk and strength, The high point of the visit was a very warm trying to do because it was against His plan and a greater appreciation of their role and and enjoyable alumni gathering, held at for civilization. While their desire to remain mission as Toras Moshe alumni. the home of Ari Messinger, a Toras Moshe close and stick together was understand- alumnus with a close connection to the able, sometimes you have to spread apart, Rosh Yeshiva and the Mashgiach. Notice- to go off and spread the word of Hashem. ably present were quite a few older alumni, Centralization may be good for one’s- for who had left the Yeshiva at least ten years mative years, but then the time comes to ago and still feel very much a part of Toras spread out and go share what you have Moshe. Among these were Rabbi Shmuli learned. Rabbi Sinowitz described how he Zilber, who serves as a rebbi in a local me- used get a bit sad and down at mesibos sivta, and Rabbi Avrumi Rudner, currently a preidah, those “good bye parties” held in member of Rav Shlomo Miller's Kollel. yeshiva when talmidim left. “I can’t believe another one of the guys is leaving,” he used “It was really very nice”, said one of the to think to himself, “but then I realized that alumni attendees, “seeing my old friends this is part of maturing and growing up. Ba- from yeshiva and even people who I’m ruch Hashem, Ner Michoel has branched used to seeing all the time, there’s that spe- out to so many different locations, touching cial sense of camaraderie when you get to- such a wide circle of people, and this only gether as a group who share the common highlights the inherent brocha of spreading ToMo thread. Just recalling the good times and branching out. Look how many talmi- we had, sharing warm memories of how dim ended up in different cities and are be- we grew and shteiged, the years of learn- ing mekadesh shem shomayim there, each ing and growth. Sitting once again with Reb in his own way being mashpia, impacting Shmuli and Reb Daniel, with whom we had and influencing the people that are around a very strong kesher with during our ye- them, a wonderful ripple effect. This is the shiva years is something very special. After true will of Hashem, not to remain in your

3 American Friends of Yeshivas Toras Moshe PRESORTED FIRST CLASS MAIL 1412 East 7th Street US POSTAGE Brooklyn, NY 11230 PAID permit #41 Lakewood, NJ

Phone: 718.336.1770 | Fax: 718.336.1799 Email: [email protected] shiurim by mail Pre-Yom Tov Shiurim CDs Unite Toras Moshe Alumni As many alumni already know, the pre-Yom Tov The CDs feature the full spectrum of Toras CD production is the latest project of the Ner Moshe’s rebbeim, reflecting their varying nuances Michoel Alumni Association, and has already had and distinct approaches, thereby providing an a tremendous impact on so many Toras Moshe opportunity for each talmid to connect with the talmidim, both in the professional world as well as unique derech he has come to appreciate and those who are serving as klei kodesh. best relate to. The shiurim are geared to convey a powerful, timely message with “something for The alumni response thus far has been truly everyone” both alumni who are still learning in astonishing. When talmidim hear the voices of Kollel full-time, rabbonim, mechanchim, lawyers, their beloved rebbeim giving a shiur once more, doctors, and businessmen, each in their own they feel transported back in time, as if they were way are finding a very positive benefit from the sitting in yeshiva once again. “It was actually sessions. amazing”, said one alumnus with a huge smile, after listening to a pre-Yom Tov shiur from Rav At the end of each CD, there is a brief halachic Michel Shurkin. “It was like I was sitting there, right overview by Rabbi Shmuli Weiner, summarizing back in shiur the way it used to be.” Timing is also the seasonal halachos pertaining to the a factor, as each Yom Tov season is a time when approaching Yom Tov. The son of Rav Michoel people are generally most receptive to a spiritual Weiner zatzal, for whom Ner Michoel is named, shot in the arm, and are looking for deeper insight Reb Shmuli is well-known to many alumni as warm and meaning to make the most of what this and approachable member of the kollel during the particular chag has to offer. their yeshiva days. He currently serves as a posek to whom many American yungerleit turn with But the alumni reaction and feedback tells even their halacha questions. Sponsorship Opportunities a greater story. The sense of satisfaction and the Available sparkle in their eyes indicate that it’s not just that For the Yeshiva, whose recent Dinner celebrated they’ve picked up a tidbit or two to say repeat at the the one thousand alumni milestone, this project Sponsoring the publication and dissemination of the Yom Tov table, which in itself would be a significant has special significance as it truly connects scores shiurim is a great z'chus for a refuah sh'leima, yahrzeit, accomplishment. More than just evoking nostalgia of diverse alumni from different periods in its or to simply honor a special occasion. Join those for their yeshiva days, the shiurim have a way of history, who share the same mehalach hachayim who've already taken this opportunity to partner taking the messages and the limudim they have they received from their rebbeim, united in study with us in this special project. These CD's are mailed out to over 1,000 Toras Moshe alumni and friends, learnt back then and making it all applicable to of the same pre-Yom Tov material approaching the 5 times a year. To sponsor a publication call Rabbi their day-to-day lives at their current stage in life, upcoming chag in the Toras Moshe tradition. Daniel Sinowitz 054-465-4988 or Rabbi Naftali Katz at to who they are and what they’ve become today. 732-600-9336 or email [email protected].

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