A NEW NAME IN TORAH CAMPING UNDER THE EDUCATIONAL AUSPICES OF Torah Temimah

With Gratitude to Hashem Yisborach, We Are Pleased to Announce the Opening of a New Camp for All Mesivta Age Bnei Torah!

FOR THE TEENAGE BEN TORAH WHO HAS GRADUATED EIGHTH GRADE AND UP. CAMP SILVER LAKE PROVIDES A UNIQUE TORAH CAMPING EXPERIENCE THAT FEATURES:

• Distinguished Mesivta Faculty Rebbeim • Carefully structured program of • Outstanding and experienced camp recreation and purposeful activities personnel and administration • Spacious grounds on scenic Silver Lake. • Exposure to on-premise full Seder with generous sized playing fields. Beis Medrash program with its modern kitchen and heated swimming encompassing ruach. facilities • Special learning activities pairing • Beautiful rooms with no more than campers with older bochurim 3 or 4 campers per room • Counselors drawn from the fine family • Special "Bein-Hazmanim" schedule for of Torah Temimah Bnei Torah Talmidim of out ot town

CAMP SILVER LAKE PROVIDES A NEW ANSWER TO A VEXING QUESTION: "WHAT DO I DO WITH MY BOCHUR FOR THE SUMMER?"

Camp Silver Lake is a unique camping concept. drawing upon the resources of the Torah Temimah Limudei Kodesh faculty and its administration. to mold a sophisticated camp for teenage Bnei Torah who have graduated the eighth grade thru Mesivta. In addition to a challenging learning program. it will offer a carefully structured program of recreation and purposeful activities.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN TO ALL YESHIVA BOCHURIM WHO HAVE COMPLETED EIGHTH GRADE

Rabbi Dovid Slomovits, Educational Program Director Asher Sabo, Registrar

For further information call: {718) 692-0360 or {718) 377-5118 or write to: Camp Silver Lake/ 1062 East 12th Street I Brooklyn, N.Y. 11230 In This Issue

5 Responding to Religious Crises: Reacting to Symptoms or Treating the Cause'? THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) Based on an address by Rabbi Avrohom Yaakov Pam 0021-6615 is published monthly ex­ ceptJuly and August. by the Agudath of America, 84 William Street, 8 New York. NY 10038. Second class The Challenges of Our Current Golus postage paid at New York, NY Subsclip· Based on an address by Rabbi Elya Svei tion$18.00peryear; two years. $30.00; three years, $40.00. Outside of the (US funds only) $10 sur· 13 charge per year. Single copy: $2.50; The Next Challenge foreign: $3.00. Send address changes Rabbi Yitzchok Alster to The Jewish Observer, 84 William St.. N.Y.• N.Y. 10038. Tut.o (2121 797-9000. Printed in the U.S.A. 17 Torah BaMidbar RABBI NISSON WOLPIN. Editor Binyamin Friedman

Editorial Board DR. ERNST BODENHEIMER 27 Chairman A "Shver Laybfn" Yehuda Sundack RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS JOSEPH FRIEDENSON RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN 23 RABBI MOSHE SHERER Postscript Raising a Family "Out-of Town" Management Board Rabbi Ze'ev Kmines NAFTOLl HIRSCH ISAAC KIRZNER RABBI SHWMO LESIN Second Looks at the Jewish Scene NACHUM STEIN 33 RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING Talking to the Russians Business Manager 37 THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not A "Book" for the Children of the People of the Book assume responsibility for the Kashrus Dr. Bernard Fryshman of any product or service advertised in 39 its pages. Music: To Tame the Heart or Incite the Beast? © Copyrtght !988° AviMenashe 42 One Second to Go JANUARY 1988 VOLUME XX, NO. JO 44 Letters to the Editor Founders Dinner Sunday evening, February 14th Tbe New York Hibon Celebrating the Founding of Sanz Medical Center

7be evening will mark the development of Laniado from a smaU community hospital into a major health facility. In its relatively short history, the hospital expanded into one of the most important medical facilities in Israel, occupyi,ng four spacious buildings, which contain 15 medical and surgical departments.

1HE FOUNDERS Herschel Friedman Martin Kirschenbaum Albert Reichman BROOK.LY[\: 1VY ;\'F\'f' RCX111111:; M' TORONTO, ONTARIO Sigmund Freundlich Leibel Lederman Michael Rosenberg RROGKI, ViV. 1\1 · BROOK!, Y1\ ;\'}' AJOiVTRfAJ, QUEBEC Isi;,~fKLY,~e:n zat,=,/1~1£~/ies 1!/!!}N%~,!,~ Alexander Hasenfeld Shu/em Muller BROOKLYN, !VY Al\7'\'CF.RJ~ BELGJl_.;W I~)YrJ/ jo~ft{?/Z,~~~r;!ggm

Tzedaka U'Marpe Award Special Memorial Tribute In Memory Of W~Beer Yisroel Yehuda Rebenwurzel, Z"L

SANZ MEDICAL CENTER American Friends of Sanz Medical Center 18 West 45th Street/New York, NY. 10036/212-944-2690

Sidney GtiNMWald Lelbls Morget-m Chairman Treasurer RESPONDING TO RELIGIOUS CRISES: Reacting to Symptoms or Treating the Cause'?

based on a public address by RabbiAvrohom Yaakov Pam N"l:>'JI!!, Rosh Hayeshiva Qf Mesivta Torah Vodaath and member Qf Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah. delivered at the 65th annual convention Qf Agudath Israel Qf America.

FROM DUST TO STRENGTH the suffering should come the era of consolation. Why are we experienc­ he beginning of Parshas Va­ ing this delay? yeitzei relates that while T YaakovAvinu slept in Bethel. G-d appeared to him and told him, EARNING THE PROMISE among other tidings, 'Your children will be like the dust of the earth and passage in the prophecies of you will extend your borders to the Amos can explain the obsta­ west, the east, the north and the A cle that might be preventing south" (Bereishis 27.4). The Sfomo a free-flowing offulfillment from one explains that these two predictions phase of the Divine promise-the are sequential: that is, "First you will suffering-to the next-the consola­ reach the ultimate depths of suf­ tion that we so desperately want. But fering-tachlis hashiflus, like the first, an incident in the life of my late dust of the earth-and then achieve grandfather, theShedlitzer Rav'""· the height of gloiy." can help us understand part of the We have surely more than fulfilled message of Amos's prophecy. the prerequisite for achieving great­ upon the Jews during World War IL II! ness. We were treated like the dust of And now we are awaiting the next the earth--despised, trampled upon. step-"and then: 'Uforatzta-you The Rav and his Rebbetzin were and killed. Surely nothing in the will spread out'.... " But this level of well known for their hachnosas annals of history can rival the tor­ national glotyand spiritual strength orchim, their warm hospitality. A ture and dehumanization inflicted has not yet been granted us. After Shabbos never went by without

The Jewish Observer, December 1988 5 guests at their table. As a rule. in your favor, to make place for you protesting man's inhumanity strangers In Shedlitz for a Shabbos so you would be My prophets. My against a fellow man. Why punish would come to the shul for Friday Nazarites. not to emulate them in them now for tolerating Pessel night tefillos, and then report to the the pursuit of earthly pleasures." Micha? Shammos for assignment to a host. We in our time have also been The answer is. the Ribbono she! On a particular Friday night. two granted an enviable opportunity to Olam said: Now you're outraged? strangers came-one, a large. husky again enter the Holy Land and settle Where were you when there was a fellow with a ruddy complexion. and it. A million children and youths live Fessel Micha? If you hadn't toler­ the other a thin, pale man. with a in Eretz Yisroel. Yet. by and large. ated a Fessel Micha. there would not wistful. ascetic look. The Shammos most of the children there are being have been a PLlegesh b'Giva! Anti­ approached the Rav. and whispered. brought up with a miserable chi­ social behavior is a result of mis­ 'We have two guests in Shedlitz for nuch. an education totally devoid of guided chinuch. Shabbos. May I assume that the Rav Torah and Yiras Shomayim (fear of !ii would prefer the thin gentleman?" Heaven). By all rights. these precious Today we are incensed over the "No," said the Rav. "the heavy neshamos could be brought to the violation of Shabbos In Eretz Yisroel one." threshold of a loftier existence. but by the opening of movie houses on The Shammosexpressed surprise: instead are being given the wines of Shabbos. to screen indecent films. "That stout man over there?" a secular culture, and are being These are acts of deliberate provoca­ 'Yes,".said the Rav. 'Tm not Invit­ taught to reject the teachings of the tion. and the religious community ing him to learn, I'm inviting him to Torah. This deplorable chinuch. has responded by crying out publicly eat. And I'm likely to have much which breeds rejection of religion for the kavod of Shabbos. This is more nachas from him.... " and promotes hostility to Torah not a new phenomenon. but part ofa Iii Jews. is the root of the present vio­ pattern: The Mayor announces a In chastising Israel for a trans­ lent conflict between the Orthodox plan to build a stadium on a hill over­ gression that G-d cannot forgive, and the Secularists in Eretz Yisroel. looking . for Saturday Amos says. "I destroyed the Emori, soccer games. and the Chareidim who was as tall as cedar trees, as TREATING THE SYMPTOMS strongly object. ... A new highway mighty as the oak. ... And I brought threatens to bring Shabbos traffic you up from Egypt. and led you en we react to the terrible to the foot of religious neighbor­ through the wilderness forty years. trife that is tearing at the hoods. and the inhabitants protest so you should inherit the Land of the heart of Israel, we must not vehemently. . . . Bus stop shelters Emori. And I raised some of your overlook the root of the problem. and sport indecent posters all over Jeru­ sons to be prophets, and your youths content ourselves with only treating salem, even in Chareidt areas, and to be Nazarites. But you gave the the symptoms. This would be woe­ irate citizens deface the pictures.... Nazarites wine to drink. and com­ fully inadequate. as the Gemora In all of these cases. the objections manded the prophets, 'Do not pro­ teaches us: are well founded. but unfortunately phegy!"' (Amos2. 9-12). they only represent a reaction to the While studying this powerful in­ !ii symptoms. not to the root causes. dictment of Israel, one wonders: In Forty thousand Jews were killed After all. what can one demand from what way is it served by the descrip­ in the battle against the tribe of people who were brought up in a tion of the Emori's physical stature? Binyamin in the incident known as non-religious environment, and were Does It in anyway make Israel's sins "Pilegesh b 'Giva," in protest against indoctrinated with antl-dati ideolo­ worse? brutal treatment ofaconcubine. The gies from childhood? They crave One might say that Amos wanted Gemora explains that although all of conventional types ofentertainment to underscore how Israel had vio­ Kial Yisroel arose against the tribe and relaxation. They want their lated Its refined nature. which was of Binyamin for this atrocity, they sports events and their evening at to have been enhanced by the spirit­ were actually being judged for toler­ the movies. We must recognize that. uality inherent in the Holy Land. ating the transgression of Pessel considering their lack ofexposure to Indeed, that iswhytheywere brought Micha (an act of idolatry). many the beauty and truth of Torah. their there. When Israel rejected spiritual­ years earlier. "They objected to a vio­ defiance of religious norms is to be ity In favor of a materialistic exist­ lation of human dignity. but over­ expected. ence, however. the Prophet pointed looked a desecration of My honor," Our protests may well be an artic­ to the earthiness of the Emori who said G-d (Sanhedrin 103b). ulate statement ofwhat we stand for. had preceded them in the Land of It seems strange that years should and declare for the world that we Israel. to say, "If! had wanted a phys­ be allowed to pass from the time of find public Chilul Shabbos intoler­ icallypowerful. self-indulgent nation Pessel Micha before G-d punished able. But a protest is a response to in My Land, I could have kept the them for that sin. Furthermore. the the symptom. not a remedy to the Emori here. They are as tall as ced­ rest of Israel did at least demon­ deep-seated problems that trigger ars. mighty as oaks. I expelled them strate some sensitivity at Giva, by these confrontations.

6 The Jewish Observer. December 1988 A million children and youths live in the Holy Land, most of them being given an education totally devoid of Torah and Yiras Shomayim.

THE ROOT CAUSE initiative when the opportunity pre­ sents itselfl This is illustrated by an he root-cause is obvious: as incident in Tanach: stated. we are dealing with a Ii T generation brought up with­ out any understanding or apprecia­ Hoshea ben Eila. the last of the tion for Torah. Yet many of its mem­ kings of the Ten Tribes, is described bers are weruy and disillusioned with as having "done evil in the eyes of a secular life. devoid of Torah ideals G-d. but not like the kings of Israel and values. We could reach them. if that preceded him" (Melachim we would but try, by embarking on a 11:17,2). He had improved the spirit­ program to reach out to the parent ual status oflsrael by abolishing the generation with concern and com­ road blocks that Yeravam had set up passion and Torah knowledge; on a hundreds of years before, to prevent concerted effort to teach the chil­ the citizens of the Ten Tribes from dren of this rebellious generation; making the pilgrimage to Jerusalem on a campaign to open more Chi­ on the Regalim (festivals). In this nuchAtzmai-TorahSchools through­ way, Yeravam had hoped to weaken out the length and breadth of the his people's bond to the Holy City, land; to open wide the doors ofTorah which was the capital of the rival schools and fill them with thousands kingdom ofYehuda. Now movement more Yiddishe kinder, and embrace was free and the Jews of the Ten these children and expose them to Tribes could visit Jerusalem as re­ the richness of a life of Torah and removed from our heritage, and do quired. Yet the Ten Tribes of Israel mitzvos, so they become a source of our utmost to strengthen existing were severely punished in Hoshea's pride and joy to Kial Yisroel. It is no programs aimed at spiritual out­ time, and were conquered and exiled longer a matter of knocking on doors reach. by Ashur. Why should the punish­ to sell the idea of a Torah education ment take place when the status of to many of these parents. They have WE HAVE THE CAPABILITY Israel was improving? seen the alternative, and many are The explanation of Chazal ( Gittin desperate to avoid it. We must do our n the past. the Torah community 88a) is that until Hoshea had opened utmost to reach out to them, to was engaged in a desperate up the roads to Jerusalem, the peo­ inform them of our willingness to I struggle to keep its own head ple could not be faulted for not being share the wealth ofour heritage with above water. It lacked financial re­ oleh regel-not making the pilgrim­ them; many of them are ready to sources and manpower to maintain age. It was beyond their control. But respond. We possess the knowledge the few Torah institutions, but that once the. road blocks were removed, and we possess the ability to convey is a matter of the past. Our ranks are making Jerusalem accessible, and the Torah's teachings to them. if we growing, we have highly skilled peo­ the people still did not travel to Jer­ but take this sacred cause to heart. ple in our midst; our collective wealth usalem. they were faulted all the The situation in America is not has increased to the extent that we more. For this reason their kingdom appreciably different. Here. too, the have the financial means to resolve was destroyed, and they were sent disillusion with a secular life runs all the problems that face us. As for into exile. deep and people are more responsive our irreligious brethren, in a good We now have the means to ac­ than ever before. There are children number of cases. their resistance to complish so much. to salvage so crying out for an opportunity to col­ Torah is only a facade that can easily many precious Yiddishe neshamos. lect their share of Torah. if we would be penetrated. If will fail to do so now, v•n, we will be but make it available to them. We We have an overwhelming obliga­ recorded in histoiy as: The Genera­ must embark on more efforts to tion to act when the hour is favor­ tion That Missed Its Golden Op­ educate those who are so tragically able. How important it is to seize the portunity.Ill

The Jewish Obseroer. December 1988 7 THE CHALLENGES of our CURRENT GOLUS An Agenda for Greatness

based on an address by Rabbi Elya Svei N"IJ'JI!!, Rosh Hayeshiva Qf the Yeshiva Qf Philadelphia and member Qf the Moetzes Gedo lei Ha Torah, delivered at the 65th annual convention Qf Agudath Israel Qf America.

THE ASSIGNMENT: PERFECTION It is commonly known that Crea­ lowed. the sons of Noach remained tion would have reached its ultimate to be charged with the task of striv­ iyaspectofour existence as purpose had Adam Hartshon fol­ ing for perfection; and then. with the people has its place in the lowed G-d's command not to eat rebellion of the builders of the Tower &Divine scheme of mankind's from the Eitz Hadaas. the Tree of of Bavel. the circle of those responsi­ spiritual ascent-certainly the pres­ Knowledge. But, as we know. he did ble for the elevation of the world was ent stage of our current golus. as \iolate that first mitzva. After his further narrowed. placing the as­ well. Somehow. the conditions in fall, the task of bringing Creation to signment exclusively on the shoul­ which we are currently living must perfection was no longer his alone; it ders of Avrohom's progeny-specifi­ also be designed to bring us closer to fell upon Adam's children, all of cally. YaakovAvinuand his children. our goal of achieving shleimus. per­ mankind. His descendants also fol­ It was now incumbent upon them to fection. To better understand the lowed with failures of their own. and raise the world to its ultimate level of specific role we are expected to play. as a result. this task was assigned to shleimus. we must first step back to gain a yet narrower groups: after the cor­ After the Exodus from Egypt and better perspective of the general ruption of the dor haMabul (the the forty years of wandering In the purposes of golus and the lessons it generation of the Deluge) and the midbar (wilderness). Kial Ytsroel Is meant to teach us. destruction of the Mabul that fol- was on the threshold of entering the

8 The Jewish Observer, December 1988 Generally speaking, golus does possess corrective powers, but it also has a strong liability: exposure to alien cultures; and this persists to this very day.

Promised Land, where it finally could unprecedented death and destruc­ have achieved its goal of shleimus, tion suffered during World War IL once it built the Beis Hamikdash Our current state of affairs in the and the people pursued a life of Western lands and in Eretz Yisroel. kedusha (sanctity). as described in however. is (thank G-d) devoid of the Shims Haazinu: "He [G-d) sought oppression and persecution usually them (the Jewish People) out in a associated with golus. In fact. we are desert land, in the desolation.... He enjoying an abundance that is a enclosed them [with the Clouds of dramatic departure from our earlier Gloiy], Instructed them [with the experiences. Does the life of plenty Torah), watched over them as the that we are now ertjoying actually apple of His eye" (Devorim32,IO). In c~ continue the process of fine-tuning the Holy Land. Israel was expected to i:i our spiritual sensitivity, preparing benefit from the fulfillment of G-d's · us for shleimus. when it was the veiy promise: "He raised him to the lofty ~~~ cause of our downfall when we had plateaus of earth" (ibid.13), refer- ;: been living in Eretz Yisroel, millen­ ring to the Beis Hamikdash For the nia ago? Beis Hamikdash the epicenter of iil One might suggest that our cur­ Kial Yisroel in the Holy Land, same way that a beast kicks at its rent, pre-Messianic era brings to a represented the lofty level Klal Yis­ provider who feeds it. close the years of suffering, and our roel had reached when grouped So shleimus was not Israel's in its new more favorable condition is a around Sinai, and could have own Land. Yet. Klal Yisroel was still final test of sorts, to see if, after all reached again. Jewiy's growth to charged with the task of reaching the grinding away at the grossness shleimus was to be facilitated by shleimus for itself, and in the pro­ of our feelings, we can finally deal Eretz Yisroel's crops, notably its cess, for all mankind. To achieve with affluence: lfwe can be exposed vineyards and olive groves. Demand­ this, Klal Yisroel was moved on to to material abundance as we once ing minimal care and yielding boun­ another stage of activity, another were, as a people in a land ofourown, tiful harvests, they could support a status ofexistence-that of golus. In and this time not fall victim to "Va­ populace that makes spiritual golus, it was expected that the yishman Yeshurun-and Yeshurun growth its major concern, requiring wanderings, sufferings and depriva­ grew fat and rebelled," and not lose relatively little time or effort from tion of exile would remove them our dakus ha 'iyun, our capacity for them for providing sustenance. from the numbing influence of lux­ keen sensitivity and insight-once But instead of using the special urious living and materialism. Golus more. features of Eretz Yisroel for achiev­ would sharpen the dulled sensitivi­ But the struggle to gain and pre­ ing shleimus, Kial Yisroel endured ties of those who were meant to be in serve dakus ha'iyun in a golus set­ the realization of a different, tragic the vanguard of our People's spirit­ ting is complicated by factors of its prediction: "Then Yeshurun became ual ascent, but were not. because of own. True, generally speaking. golus fat and rebelled" (ibid.15 ). The name living a life ofabundance. In golus, it does possess corrective powers, but "Yeshurun" was not chosen at ran­ would be different. it also has a strong liability: expo­ dom to describe Klal Yisroel at this sure to alien cultures; and this per­ stage, Sfomo tells us; it refers not to sists to this veiyday. Dakus ha 'iyun the dull, materialistic hedonists AFTER THE SUFFERING IS OVER calls for clarity of thought, unadul­ whom one would expect to reject G­ terated by non-Jewish ideologies, d's leadership, but to those of dakus ooking back at two millennia and we, in our present setting. must ha'lyun-keen sensitivity and in­ of golus. one could well say endeavor to keep our thoughts, our sight (related to "Ashurenu-1 will L that as a people, Jewiy has values, and our frame of reference gaze at Him"). Even theywould rebel been exposed to eveiy type of perse­ faithful to Torah. This calls for un­ against their Father. in the veiy cution conceivable, climaxed by the usual vigilance, for even the slight-

The Jewish Observer, December 1988 9 est distraction can be confusing. We who are fortunate enough to in mind that when the Torah directs This can be understood against bring children into the world surely us to bring our questions to our the background of two exceptional hope that they will grow to be count­ sages. ittellsustoconsult "thejudge experiences recorded in Scripture. ed amongst the children of Yeshu­ that will be in those days" (Devorim On two separate occasions. the entire run, who will possess that precious 17 ,9 l to which Sifri comments, "Even world was silent-not one bird sang. dakus ha'iyun. Consider, then, the if he is not of the stature of his no leaves rusiled in the wind. to conscientious parent who is highly predecessors, you must listen to him, insure that the impact of the event selective in regard to the school in for you only have the leaders of your be pure. unadulterated. The first which he enrolls his young son. the own time." time was when G-d uttered the first rebbe who teaches him, and the Fortunately, the Torah leadership two of the Ten Commandments: companions with whom the child has articulated its stance on many "Anochi-I am the L-rd your G-d,'' spends his time. Surely, even after ail issues in public life today that cry and "Lo yihye-You shall not have his probing and selecting, the child out for intelligent, responsible as­ any other gods." The second time will still need Siyata diShmaya to sessment For instance. the Conser· total silence pervaded the earth was learn Torah and absorb it well in his vative and Reform movements are when Eltyahu Hanavi called upon tender mind, to become that select putting immense pressures on the G-d to bring a miraculous fire onto member of Yeshurun. Nevertheless. powers that be to grant them recog­ his offering, on Mount Carmel. In after a stimulating and strenuous nition in Eretz Yisroel. While they each of these instances. it was es­ day In yeshiva, many such children mouth appealing slogans, calling for sential that no trace or suspicion of return home. often to tum on their "achdus,'' pluralism, and mutual a foreign element be present. which television sets for entertainment and respect, Gedolei Torah have pointed might confuse the thousands of relaxation. There, within the mezu­ out that their true agenda is to inst!· people witnessing the events: "Ano· zos of the sanctuary of a Jewish tute changes in halacha and cor· chi" is exclusive, with no allowances home, an impressionable young child rode the mesora. This calls for vig­ for sharing of Divine sovereignty sits and fills his mind and heart with ilance and a willingness to take un­ with any other power. To insure the vivid portrayals of ail sorts of blas­ popular positions.... Issues such as purity of this message. no extrane­ phemy, immorality and violence. The this are often dealt with by the lay ous sounds could accompany the evils and pernicious values of the leadership and bureaucracies of the pronouncement of "Anochi." Simi· marketplace do not enter his think­ establishment without the guidance larly. the miracle of Har HaCarmel ing and mold his attitudes by indi­ of a Torah perspective. Such an ap­ resulted from Divine intervention. rection, pursuing some circuitous proach cannot succeed. with the presence of no other ac· route. but forcibly invade the seat of • Many look back at the events companying force. To make certain his intelligence and vigorously en­ surrounding World War II and con· that the people make no mistake gage his emotions. Is it at ail con­ elude that precious lives could have regarding the exclusivity of the ceivable that, come the next morn­ been saved if only people had taken Source of the miracle, no sound was ing. he will be able to absorb Torah more decisive action. Burdened by heard. with any degree of purity. thathewill guilt for this lack of activity, they Our hearts and minds are ex­ engage in his studies with the opti­ attempt to compensate for it with tremely sensitive, and are receptive mum degree of success? That the what often is a surfeit of action. Yet to ail sorts of confusing messages. In clarity of his mind will not be sullied? action is not always called for. and fact. Chazal (the of the Tal­ when not warranted, it can be mud) suggest that a person pray A GUIDE TO CLARITY counter-productive, even deadly before consuming food. that it not destructive.And when action is war­ affect his mind through the material ontemporary life is full of ranted, it must be purposeful. Pie· substances ingested. rendering him crises and challenges. To be ture, if you will, a fire sweeping incapable of studying Torah without Csure, we can not rely fully on through a house. A passerby is des­ any dilution or compromise of its our own judgment to resolve these perate to do something-anything­ message. This concern is in regard issues, but must be in constant con­ to douse the flames. No water is to interference provoked by food. sultation with Gedolei YisroeL They available, but there is a bucket of which enters the digestive tract and truly carry the burdens of Kial Yis­ gasoline. So he picks it up and throws only reaches the brain much later. in roel, suffer its problems, and view it into the fire .... Obviously, "no a highly refined form, after following events from a perspective of Torah. action" would have been far more a circuitous route. Yet Chazal were Beyond doubt, the irreplaceable preferred to "any action, as long as fearful of the possibility of it causing losses of the last few years have left something is done." The only way to some confusion in a person's cogni­ us bereft of the towering leaders of determine if something at all should tive.capacities! Imagine the care one the previous generation. They were be done-and if yes, what-is by must exercise to avoid the direct our eyes, our hearts, our guides. and consulting with our Gedolei Yisroel. influence of false values and ideo­ we have no one else even approach­ Without their counsel, we dare not logies! ing their stature. Nonetheless, bear act

10 The Jewish Observer, December 1988 It is not easy to channel energies and devote finances to desperately needy Torah-and-tzeddaka causes when the major emphasis today is on spending time and money on self-gratification.

A TIME TO GROW agement. a rallying cry for more am­ tain, seeing it as a height yet to be bitious planning and more decisive reached. Yitzchok called ita "sadeh," s we strive for shleimus, we action. If after such a devastating a field to be developed. Yaakov named must have some kind of loss, we succeeded to some degree in it "bayts;· house: it was still a moun­ A vision. some sort of goal in repairing our ranks. and rebuilding tain to be climbed, a field to be culti­ mind. The Ramban (end of Beret­ Torah to its present level-with more vated, yet he envisioned the com­ shis) Introduces Chumash Shemos young men studying Torah today in pleted Beis Hamikdash, and was as the Sefer Hage'ulah, the Book of American yeshivos than in all the not discouraged from striving for Redemption. This redemption pro­ yeshivos in Lithuania before the the ultimate achievement. from the cess continued through the Ten War-with our numerically greater very outset. We. too, must keep our Plagues and all the miracles of the forces, and our vastly greater finan­ vision and our hopes on an ideal. Exodus, on through the encamp­ cial resources, we have the capability even if It seems unattainable at the ment at the foot of Mount Sinai. But to accomplish much, much more. time. Shletmus can be within our it did not reach its fulfillment until Surely. Rabbi '"~t grasp. the erection of the Mishkan (the (whose 25th Yahrzeit is currently It is no simple matter to rise above sanctuary that travelled with Israel being marked) had every reason for the spirit of the society we live in, to through the midbar. Into Eretz Yis­ yiush-resignation and despair­ screen out its subversive influences. roel). With this, the SeferHage'ulah when he arrived at these shores dur­ to reject its corrosive values. It is not is complete. So, in our effort to scale ing the early years ofWorld War II.All easy to channel energies and devote the heights reached bytheAvos, our that he had created and nurtured­ finances to desperatelyneedyTorah­ patriarchs. we strive to emulate their his yeshiva in Kletsk, his role in and-tzeddaka causes when the ultimate achievement and make the Agudath Israel-the society In which major emphasis today is on spend­ mikdash me'at (the miniature sanc­ he flourished and developed to such ing time and money on self-gratifi­ tuary of our communities), our greatness-all of this was almost cation. But then. Reb Tzaddok Ha­ houses of study and worship, the completely destroyed. Nonetheless. kohein of Lublin once commented focal point of our lives; studying he started from scratch and rebuilt that often when one engages in a Torah regularly and faithfully, grow­ on American soil a Torah institution number of undertakings, a specific ing in Torah, and living our lives in of magnitude and stature that in no one may prove to be exceptionally accordance with Torah and mitzvos. way condescended to American difficult as compared to the rest. At transforming ourselves into the conditions. With herculean effort, he first impulse, one might be tempted People of the Torah in the fullest re-established Kletsk, and the Torah to drop that one, and concentrate sense of the word. society that surrounded it, in Lake­ Instead on the easier tasks on hand. Such an agenda may sound over­ wood. in America. We, too, can look But it is the most unyielding one ambitious. especially in view of the back at our own successes, realized that Is the most significant one, and terrible destruction we suffered just in spite of unprecedented hardships. that is precisely why it is so heavily forty. fifty years ago. Indeed, one of These should serve as an incentive invested with obstacles. the leading M ussar figures of the to accomplish even more in the This last phase of golus, our re­ previous generation asked someone future. hearsal for striving for shleimus how severe he thought the Jewish from a setting of affluence and free­ losses ofWorld War II were. "Six mil­ dom in our own Land. is fraught lion Jews were lost." he replied. "SHLEIMUS": with difficulties-difficulties ofa sort WITHIN OUR GRASP "No," responded the questioner. that we never faced before, in recent "Much more. All of Kial Yisroel was fthethreeAvos,onlyYaakov history. Responding to the guidance diminished with the loss of the six Avinu has his name asso­ of our Torah leaders, avoiding the million." O ciated with the Beis Hamik­ pernicious influence of non-Torah Such a comment might sound like dash: Beis Elokei Yaakov. When values-with determination, enthu­ a call of despair. Yet, after some Avrohomcameupon the place of the siasm. and optimism. we can be thought. it should inspire encour- Mikdash, he called it" har," a moun- equal to the challenge.•

The Jewish Observer. December 1988 11 IF THIS IS YOU YOU CAN'T DO IT

You are a sincere, dedicated Je1,.v, and you \vish you ALONE could do more. You wish the true beauty and appeal ofTora_b,coutdt1e held up before the eyes of all Je\vry. Yo -· by the false perceptions that prevail zi·· regarding Orthodox Jews.

Your heart aches for the plight of the fe Ilv reach out to thetn to teach them, and the Jews of the Soviet Union. I o}.irage them.

You worry about your child's yeshi i:.kno\v-how to learn the ropes knew how to seek more govemrrie i~es, )'.0ll are only one person to cooperation.

You care about increasing Torah-Je,b 'o prepare the Oaf on your that of the whole community. ~s give ?_~i~rt~ to others.

'i You're concerned about assin1ila:t p~ssibly hope to locate all of know little about Jewish learnift ¢lasses or have thousands in

You want much more .. a sens¢ responsible activism in Jevvist~;-r youth ... more for the sick, the::e hopeless ... an archives for Or.~h commission, community ser'fic on ... BUT' IRS Join a coalition of devoted Jews ~8U~~l . .. s e spectrum of Orthodoxy, who are working together under Torah leadership to meet these concerns

BECOME A MEMBER OF AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA AND TOGETHER: We can present the outlook of Torah with clarity and dignity. We can strengthen the Torah Education Network and We carry the clout to be recognized as a distinct make Oaf Yomi popular across the continent. community with its own religious rights and We can help JEP and Chizuk bring thousands in touch educational needs. with Torah . We can effectively pursue !t_a_t~<:>l~h work for Iranian let's give authentic Judaism an effective voice and arm. refugees and projects for the welfare of Soviet Jews.

AGUDATH ISRAEL AND YOU-TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

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I Af)!)Rf'SS I B<'cnming ,1 member pf Agl1<1Mh !>rne ve.irsuhscriptmn t<' """ c>t Agud.1th hr.wi·~ lw<> I prmnc c>f Tcor,1h tlwught and n1mmentMI' THE JEWISH OBSERVER or DOS YIDDTSHE \'ORT AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA I if'1;:l1;/I) t)'1ddhl1' l'-f W1lli,1m StrL"el, :\e" y,,r!.,. t\Y 1rnns I AN 518 VALUE A $12 VALUE ~------~ Rabbi Yitzchok Alster

THE NEXT CIIAI4LENGE

We must not only bring Torah to the people, but also bring the people to the beis hamidrash to fulfill the Ram.ham's admonition to make learning Torah primary and work secondary.

SURFING, AEROBICS ••• nessmen and professionals) for those since Torah keneged ku­ AND TALMUD who want flexible schedules ... for lom-the study of Torah takes pre­ such pursuits as surfing, aerobics, cedence over all else?"2 recent report in U.S. News or travel."1 Said the Sekulener, "Emuna and WorldReporlstates that Not long ago, the late Sekulener means honesty, but it also means A "one in eveiy four American Rebbe, '"~t. was told that a success­ faith and trust in G-d. One who jobs is filled by part time workers. By ful businessman would be devoting believes that success and profits the year 2000, the Bureau of Labor the first half of his day to Torah come from G-d and not from 'my Statistics estimates, the number of study. "Now I understand," he said. power and the might of my hand' temporaiy workers alone is likely to "why in the Beis Dinshel Maalo, the realizes that G-d can bring him suc­ grow by more than 80%. Part-time question Nososa venasata be'emu­ cess when he puts in four hours a employment is becoming popular na (have your business dealings been day to earn a living as easily as when (among workers. as well as busi- conducted properly and honestly)? he works eight hours. A person with precedes the question kovata itim such emuna will have no problem la Torah (have you set aside specific keeping his set times for Torah study Rabbi Yitchok A1ster heads the Kolle! HaTorah, which meets in "Rabbi Landau's Beis Midrash" in times for the study of Torah)? (or, for that matter, dealing in busi­ the F1atbush section ofBrooklyn. Shouldn't the order be reversed, ness honestly)."

The Jewish Observer, December 1988 13 L this how the major Jewish cities in Europe looked fifty years ago, with many stores closed for hours during the day, while proprietors stole away to the beis hamidrash'?

The Torah world has successfully Having once answered the question. harnessed the technological revolu­ one proceeds to fulfill this obliga­ tion for the dissemination of Torah tion.... But facing a new world, he through such means as Dial-a-Oaf. must stop and redefine. 'What Is my Dial-a-Mishna. Dial-a-, Torah obligation In this new world." Tapes. the Institute for Science and In America, Torah study on an Halacha. and so on. With modem advanced. scholarly level has been technology. Torah has been brought primarily the purview of the yeshiva to tens of thousands via telephone. student and fellow. For the radio, and tapes. in people's homes. most part. this will always be true. in their cars, and even In their boats! Now, however. a new possibility for And now, a new challenge is on the Torah advancement has appeared horizon: We must not only bring on the scene-batei midrashim and Torah to the people. but also bring kollelim for businessmen and pro­ the people to the beis hamidrash to fessionals. who arrange their work fulfill the Rambam's admonition to schedules to free the morning make learning Torah primary and hours-when their minds are clear­ work secondary.' est and functioning at peak level­ The American Torah community for In-depth Torah study. does not flinch from challenges. Who are these people? Let us meet Meeting them. it has written histoiy. some of them, who have already and continues to do so. The first made the transition: generation of Torah scholarship. • Reb Mendel was a talmid of created by the Roshei Yeshiva and If the average American Is begin­ Novaradok and Kamenltz until the Admorim who replanted authentic ning to realize that the profit motive age of eighteen when World War II Yiddishkeit on this soil. has con­ Is not a deity to be worshipped for its broke out, destroying his family and tributed a glorious chapter to Jew­ own sake, if he is willing to forgo his future. The ghetto of Mezritch, ish histoiy. In 1946, the chancellor greater earnings to have more time the horrible concentration camps, of the Jewish Theological Seminary "for such pursuits as surfing, aero­ Maidinek, Auschwitz. "tantzen" took his son to visit the fledgling bics. or travel," what should be our (throwing oneself out of speeding in Lakewood, response to this new tum in the cattle cars)-countless brushes with N.J .. and he told him, "My son. ob­ technological revolution? death-his survival can only be des­ serve this scene carefully, for what Modem technology has made af­ cribed as a nes. explainable In the you see today is a picture of the Jew­ fluence the province of the many light of the great chassodim and ish past-a relic. that In several years instead of the few. as never before in mesiras nefesh displayed by him will disappear and become obsolete.''4 the histoiyofmankind Weare faced toward his fellow Jews despite His prophecy, sadly, came true­ with new realities. undreamed of threats to life and limb. but only for him and his ideological heretofore. For forty years after coming to movement. For them. Torah Yid­ America. he worked hard to support dishkeitls a relic, obsolete. For Torah ANEW WORLD, his family. unable to open a sejer. Jews. the phenomenal growth and A NEW OBLIGATION Two years ago, he retired and he Influence of the Lakewood Yeshiva started to learn again. Novaradok has proven his prophecy false. The veiy man (says Rabbi Moshe and Kamenltz came back to him. fire and zeal ofReb Aharon. J"~l. and Chaim Luzzatto )5 must ask The derech? It obviously never left his compatriots have created an ir­ E himself: Ma chovasi ba'olam, him. Today he devotes his entire day reversible momentum What is my obligation in this world? to learning, on a level comparable to

14 The Jewish Observer, December 1988 that of people his age who had never stopped. • Reb Shmuel, age twenty six, was -Paks are Back! an outstanding talmid of Philadel­ Shalach Monos To Your Son or Daughter phia and Stamford. When family ob­ Learning in Yerushalayim ligations made it difficult to con­ ,.\guda. Belz. Badatz. tinue in Kollel fulltime, he started Chasam Sofer Hechsher. working as a mortgage broker from his basement. but only in the after­ Send 515 & 3 x 5 card with name. address. tel. noons. He refused to give up his and your message by February 15th. morning seder. His business suc­ PVRIM-PAKS 16 L:n1cs Lane, 1\lonscy, :\'.Y. IOD52 ceeded, and today he employs fifteen 'llW'"n.,,

The Jewish Observer, December 1988 15 • Reb Arye Leib, age forty seven, a Chaim Berliner, and Reb Shmuel, age thirty six, a Ponevizer, changed their entire daily routines to put learning up front "where It be­ longs"-at the start of the day, the bikkurim hours.

A PORTAL TO OLD-TIMEACIDEVEMENT

s this how the major Jewish ci­ ties in Europe looked fifty years I ago, with many stores closed for hours during the day, while proprie­ tors stole away to the bets hamid­ rash? Rabbi Y!tzchok Hutner, '"~'· related how as a young lad In War­ saw he had to avoid certain streets during the day, because they were "unsafe": Some storekeepers would always beg him to watch their stores for a "short while," so they could go to the bets hamidrash to "chop arein a shtikel Toiefos." Is this possibly what Vilna looked like when bakers and shoemakers and candle-stick makers were be­ kiyim b 'Shas, their minds delving Into the depths of the Sea ofTalmud, A Targum Press even while they were kneading dough book or fixing shoes with their hands? Are the programmers and the finan­ ciers ofF!atbush, Boro Park, Monsey and Queens, the replacements of those bakers and shoemakers? Is G-d, in His munificent mercy, giving us back the quality ofJewish life that was so brutally taken from us? Is opportunity knocking again? In describing the era of Moshiach. Land of our Heritage re-examines the profound, the Rambam writes, "In those days eternal meaning of Eretz Yisrael in the context of It will be easy for a person to find his Torah tradition, a tradition which has nourished means for livelihood-with little the deepest love and yearnings of the Jewish work he will achieve much. To what People for the Land throughout the millennia. end will this come about? So that With stories of tzaddikim, maps, photos, diagrams people will have more time to learn, and charts, this book is ideal for all who wish to as It is said, Ki malla ha'aretz de'ah learn more about the holiness of the Holy Land. (The world will be filled with knowl­ $14.95 /hardcover edge of G-d),"6 Is it possible that we are now being offered a foretaste of "those days"?• FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS FOOTNOTES 200 Airport Executive Park, Spring Valley, NY 10977/914-356-2282 1 Visa & MasterCard accepted• Out-of-State Toll free 800-237-7149 US News and World Report. Nov 23, 1987 2 Shabbos 3la Send for your free copy of our new catalog 3 Hilchos Talmud Tomh 3:7 When in Jerusalem visit our Bookstore: 20 Strauss Street. Tel. (02) 233-554 4 Heard from Rabbi . ::"'::fl s Introduction to Mesillas Yesharim 6 Sanhedrtn, Perek Chalek

16 The Jewish Observer, December 1988 Binyomin Frtedman

Jn America's Southwest, where the arid stretches are punctuated by wild sage, cactus and adobe huts, Torah can take root and blossom. TO BaMIDBAR

The midbar, the wilderness, was chosen as the site for the giving of the Torah. vious that these year-around Jews G-d led His people far from population centers to present them with His gift. In were ready for year-around Torah. his "Song ofthe Well," Moshe Rabbeinu promises thstif one makes a transition As preparations began to establish a to a desert mode of existence to receive the gift (Torah), It becomes his Inherit­ full-time kollel. we began to think ance, raising him to new heights. This summer, we experienced the desert both about what to do with our summer. literslly and figuratively when we were fortunste enough to become Involved with a group appropriately called "Torah Bamidbar." ACTING QUICKLY ON INSPIRATION e are a kollel family, living to introduce a community to the joy "Remember what Amaletk did to In an apartment building of bels hamidrash learning while you as you were leaving Egypt" W populated exclusively by providing valuable field experience warns the Torah. ''.Asher korcha ba­ members of the kollel and yeshiva to the kollel fellows and bachurim derech, they ambushed you along rabbe'tm For a change of pace, we that staff it. In a "beginners" bets the way." The Kotzker Rebbe points have spent our summers leading a hamidrash. one is forced to clarify out that the yeltzer hara (evil im­ Torah Umesorah SEED program in his concepts. think imaginatively pulse) acts on a personal leve~ as Atlanta. Georgia SEED is designed and express himself succinctly. I Amaleik does nationally. As indi · benefited greatly from Insights the viduals, we must guard against local rabbis (father and son) shared ambush while travelling that long Rabbi Friedman, currentlya member of the Kollel with me, and Atlanta in tum quickly journey from thought to deed. !fa of Ner Israel in Baltimore. Will be joining the new Atlanta Scholars Kollel. where aside from learn­ developed an appetite for learning. thought occurs, act quickly, lest the ing, he will be directing Kolle! outreach activities. After four summers it became ob- yeltzer hara intervene.

The Jewish Observer. December 1988 17 We wonder: Who are these people and how can we relate to them? On the Santa Fe end, there is concern that we will be too judgmental and not siifficiently understanding ef their struggles.

able? How about meat? Who kash­ ered the kitchens? How kosher is the mikva? mechitza? Practical questions need to be hammered out. Where will we stay? What will do for transportation? What about ex­ penses? Will our children have playmates? Is there sightseeing nearby? Advice and encouragement is sought from, and provided by, my rabbe'im. I get to live out one of my favorite daydreams when I am forced to choose the essential sefortm that will make the trip. The main question, however, re­ mains unresolved. Who are these people and how can we relate to them? This question is particularly unsettling to mywife. How could she know that by the end of the summer people would be begging her not to leave? On the Santa Fe end, there is concern that we will be too judgmen­ me time around Purim, while they be Interested in a rabbi for the tal and not sufficiently understand­ unchingwith my JO (Feb. '87), summer?" ing of their struggles. Eventually we San article by Hillel Goldberg, We talk, ask each other questions. all realize that only time will tell. Hav­ editor of the Intermountain Jewish Hillel thinks it's worth a try. He ing heard "Santa Fe, isn't that in News of Denver, caught my eye. He knows they can't afford it. but that California?" and, "Do you have to described amazing acts of self initia­ hasn't stopped them yet. He'll call speak Spanish there?" one time too tive by Torah hungry Jews in his them and get back to me as soon as many, we welcomed gratefully the region. Small town builds mikva, possible. "By the way, Hillel, what's day when sheitel boxes and "Uncle persuades Reform Temple to allow the name of this town?" Molshy" records board a plane bound mechitza, Initiates long distance "Santa Fe, it's a beautiful town." for Albequerque. shuirim via speaker phone. A I thanked him, hung up and Santa Fe's motto is "The City Dif­ thought crossed my mind. I had walked over to my neighbor Mena­ ferent'' and It would be difficult to always wanted to do something on chem to borrow his Atlas. argue otherwise. The elevation is my own. Wouldn't it be exciting to 7,000 ft. The buildings are all one- or face the challenges I had seen con­ ON TIIE SANTA FE TRAIL two-story adobe. The climate Is "dry, front my mentors? I re-read the arti­ southwest." This is Big Sky Country. cle. My wife and I wanted to go some e are excited, but more than So big, In fact, that one can see a place really different and we had a little anxious about this thunderstorm complete with light­ never been outWest. Images of shiu­ W trip. My wife is the first to ing to one side, while the other direc­ rim In the shadow of snowcapped receive a Santa Fe call. "They say tion Is flooded with dazzling sun­ Rockies danced through my mind. Baruch Hashem!" she blurts out as I light. After the rainstorm you may Asher korcha baderech. I picked up walk through the door one evening. have an opportunity to make a bra­ the phone and dialed Denver infor­ This Is a good sign. During the next cha over not one, but two rainbows. mation. "Number of Intermountain few months, Santa Fe and Denver Wild sage and cactus line the often Jewish News. ..." "May I speak to became regular fixtures on our unpaved roads. The population is Hillel Goldberg?" "Hello my name is phone bill. Halachic questions have composed of three cultures-Span­ ... just read your article.... Would to be resloved. Is kosherfood avail- ish, Indian, and Anglo. The city and

18 The Jewish Observer, December 1988 mountains that surround it host through Shacharis, including Kor­ scores ofobscure religions. cults and banos. Am I expending the same groups. The mode of dress is decid­ effort on my tefillos? edly casual, health food stores seem After davening, 1 try to sneak in a to outnumber supermarkets. and little Torah before everybody runs off holistic healers are almost as preval­ to work. While they are putting away ent as M.D.'s. Add to this melange of their tallis and tefillin, I begin to booted cowboys, beaded Indians and teach a halacha. "Just a minute. white-gowned sikhs a black-hatted Rabbi, we can't concentrate on what man in dark suit, tie and tzitzis, and you're saying." "The City Different" becomes a little They sit down and join me in a more different. Walking the streets, I spirited discussion of the passage In was very conscious of my external Mishna Berura. Forty-five minutes appearance. As I began to meet the later, one man rises and backs Jews of Santa Fe, I also started to toward the door: "Excuse me, but I notice my internal appearance. have an appointment. I'll try to rear­ range my schedule for tomorrow." A refreshing attitude. A meeting is BARREN AS THE "MIDBAR" ne of our first undertakings organized to discuss what classes is to organize daily Shacha­ people are interested in. One woman The Midrash in parshas Chukas 0 ris davening. At seven that requests Hebrew classes with em­ explains the significance of the To­ first morning. five of us don tefillin. phasis on reading the Siddur. She rah having been given in a mid bar. Approximately forty minutes later, I explains why these classes are so ... One reason is to teach that the conclude Tachanunand beginAsh­ important to her: "At night when I Torah only.findsfulfillment in those rei. The man behind me is also say­ say the Shema with my kids. 1 read that remove from themselves per­ ing Ashrei, but not the one after so slowly that it's all I can do to just sonal concerns, leaving themselves Shemona Esrei. Soon it becomes finish the V'ahavta." barren of everything but the desire apparent that these men are work­ WhatdoesKriasShmaalHamitta to know the ToralL ing their way syllable by syllable mean to me? 1 wonder.

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The Jewish Observer, December 1988 19 NO PWWING IN THE MIDBAR

Furthermore, states the Midrash, the Torah was given in a midbar to demonstrate that just as a midbar is free qf planting and toil, so too, anyone who dedicates himself to the Torah will be granted relief from the burden qf livelihood.

had been told byvisitors to Santa Fe that the people have a tre­ I mendous desire to learn. This is an understatement. Shacharis at seven, followed by halacha that fre­ quently runs until nine. Gemora shiur starts at noon and consist­ Monday Chumash class at Los Alamos Na 1onal Laboratories antlyruns overtime 'till two. Evening vous look of a child who Is skipping these people have relocated sucess- classes start at seven and rarely end school. I also notice that most drive ful careers here because the simple before midnight. In between, the time older, beat-up cars. "As long as it's life-style liberates them from the rat is filled with Individual chavrusos, still running, there's no sense get- race, allowing them more time for children's groups and planning ses­ ting a new one," they explain. loftier pursuits. With this attitude, it sions. Many have large businesses Wardrobesalsoaresimple.Woman Is easier to understand how they with many employees. 'What's hap­ don't change outfits on a Shabbos could neglect their work for seven pening to your business while you're afternoon. Jewelry ls kept to a min- weeks for an opportunity to Immerse doing all this learning?" I ask. imum. The rich and the poor are vir- themselves in Torah. They respond with the mlschie- tually indistinguishable. Many of EXCLUSIVELY NO ONE'S

The Torah was given in a midbar rather than in Eretz Yisroel. This, ADWE the Midrash explains. ensures that no tribe could claim they had emi­ nent domain over the Torah be­ LABORATORIES, INC. cause it was given in their terrttory. Manufacturers of Kosher L'Pesach Products: s the weeks flew by and our students became friends and A then family, we learned to Toothpaste, Mouthwash, accept differences of life-style and Lipsticks, Baby Powder, attitude. We learned that tabooli (I Compact (Facial Make-up), ate it and Istilldon'tknowwhatitls) can be more savory than the best Handcream, Dishwash, and smorg, when prepared in a kitchen Shabbos Soap just made kosher. We learned from people that have been brought to NEW ITEMS FOR 1988! Torah by groups espousing a very Perfumes, Eye Shadow, different approach than ours. His Rebbe might not be my Rebbe, but Powdered Blush and there is much I can learn from the Clear Lip Gloss talmid. Friendships were forged with Jews whose spouses and children Available at your local grocery or drug store. are not Jews, walking a tightrope lf your local store does not carry our product, between encouraging the genuine ask him to call us at (718) 788-6838. searcher, and not condoning an il­ licit relationship. Guests of all sorts passed through the summer. From beard and be-

20 The Jewish Observer, December 1988 Soon it becomes apparent that these men are working their way syllable by syllable through Shacharis, including Korbanos. Am I expending the same ief[ort on my tefillos?

keshe to bandana and backpack, A small group of individuals who and every attire and attitude in· had met each other at a traditional between. Each one contributed from Saturday morning service run by his unique resources and we all the Reform Rabbi convened to dis­ gained. At one point. I walked into a cuss the problem. They decided to home to find a Lubavitcher. a Bres· build this woman a mikva. Some lover, three Santa Feans and a ba· exploratory phone calls were made. chur from Ner Israel in Baltimore Soon a Lubavitcher chassid with studying Gemora together. ''They'll mikva-building expertise was in never believe this back home," I town. The cost of the project seemed thought. prohibitive. until one family volun­ teered its backyard as the mikva site WELL IN THE DESERT and all pledged to do the work them­ selves. Upon its completion. the new­ Be'er chafaruha sarim, the well· ly coalesced group made a le'chaim spring thatwas dug by Israel'sgreat and was photographed in front of ones sustained the people through· the mikva they had built with their out their sojourn in the desert. own hands. This mikva represents everyihing its builders stand for: he mikva is the most cher­ The next night. under improved mesiras nefesh. personal courage ished possession of the Torah conditions, the mission was reat­ and group determination to achieve T Bamidbar community. Not tempted and successfully completed. goals. no matter what the obstacles. only because of its central function. A few days later. a dejected husband Living with these people. I became but because of what it symbolizes. confided to one of his friends that he conscious of how much more I could There was a time before Torah Ba­ couldn't ask his wife to go to the lake achieve. I also became aware of bra­ midbar. when only one woman ob­ another time. chos that I had taken for granted. served taharas hamishpacha (laws of family purity). Then there was no mikva. so a lake a half hour out of town was used. Aside from the ob­ Looki:ng for a vious difficulties of safetyand assur­ Ing proper tznius, during the winter the temperature of this mountain ROSHKOLLEL lake is frigid. One winter evening. this aishes chayil (woman of valor) Needs to be a 'lamdan' and a pel'Sonable individual to set out with a friend for the lake. As lead a very serious group of avreichim (ages 25-30) · they left town, it began snowing. By the time they reached the lake, a in an already established Kollel outside.the USA. blinding storm had set in. Searching Ideal candidate should be in the range of 45'-65 years for the lake, they became lost in the snow. Suddenly. the car slipped down of age. Excellent renumeration-excellent an embankment. almost falling into living conditions. the lake. These two woman struggled to get the car back on the road while ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE HELD IN STRICTEST CONFIDENCE. lightning bounced off the water be· Please reply to: THE JEWISH OBSERVER hind them. They were forced to re­ turn home not having achieved their POB 100, 84 William Street, NYC 10038 goal.

The Jewish Obseroer. December 1988 21 I walked into a home to find a Lubavitcher, a Breslover, three Santa Feans and a bachurfrom Ner Israel in Baltimore studying Gemora together. ''They'll never believe this back home," I thought

CHOLENTSTRONGERTHAN After shul, the group walks to our CLASSES house. Entering our home, we are suprised by the radiance of Shab­ n Shabbos, the community bos. It's just like at home. Why am I joins us in seuda. We have a so swprised? Did I really think that O few borrowed pots and pans it is our materialjinery that brings but no electric appliances. Many of a glow to our home every Shabbos? the kosher products that my wife is Wasn't the home of Sarah Imeinu accustomed to are not available here. devoid qf bracha until Rivka en­ Many people are vegetarians. We are tered ?-and then. . . . The food is expecting about thirty-five people. excellent. The vegetarian cholent is a The only tableware we have is plas­ smash, and the homemade kishka tic. Our furniture is folding chairs quicWydisappears. Coupled with the and tables. Feeling completely out of zemiros, that se 'uda accomplishes her element, my wife begins to pre­ more than hours of classes. Most pare Shabbos. 1attempt to reassure remain after the seuda to talk Torah her-'Whatever you come up with and ask questions. will be good enough." It falls on deaf As the discussion turns to a debate ears. of a G-d who is shomeiya tefillos vs. a (lehavdil) humanist god, I notice my wife leaving the room with a woman and children in tow. A few minutes later, we hear voices of chi!· CONVENTION TAPES AVAILABLE dren singing "Shabbos Yam Menu­ cha." The Rebbitzen has just started Tapes of the major weekdays sessions of the 65th Agudath Israel conven­ the first-ever children's Oneg Shab­ tion are available for purchase through the main office of Agudath Israel bos in Santa Fe. Our conversation of America, 84 William Street, New York, NY 10038 (tel. 212-797-9000). stops. All ears are filled with the sound of the litile Malachei Hasha­ The following recordings are available at $5 per tape, $20 for the entire reis. I read this question In the eyes set of five. of the guests: "Ayei Sarah ish­ Tape No. I Thursday afternoon symposium-"The Jew in Golus: How techa?-Where is Sarah your wife?" High a Profile?" Rabbi Simon Schwab, Rabbi Chaim Dov In my heart I realize: "Hinei ba'ohel­ Keller. Here in the tent." Baruch Hashem Tape No. 2 Above symposium continued: Rabbi Nosson Scherman Tape No. 3 Keynote session: Rabbi and Rabbi Moshe HOME FROM THE MIDBAR Sherer Tape No. 4 "Contemporary Society vs. Jewish Family (Sholom Bayis)"­ y first Friday back from Rabbi Eliezer Horowitz, Rabbi Yissochor Frand. Santa Fe: I'm standing in a M bakery crowded with more Tape No. 5 Above symposium continued: Rabbi Reuven Feinstein and Jews than I've seen all summer. Peo­ Professor Aaron Twerski ple are upset. It seems that they have not baked enough sesame challos to The tapes may be purchased in Brooklyn from: meet demand. A friend notices me, Mrs. Berl, 4514 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, (718) 435-5793 "Sholom Aleichem! !just heard you Copies of the 1987 Annual Report of Agudath Israel, distributed at the were In New Mexico for the summer. convention, are also available free of charge. What's it like out there? Must be a real midbar." ''Yes," I answered "A real midbar."

22 The Jewish Observer, December 1988 Rabbi Ze'ev Kraines

RAISING A FAMILY ''OUT OF TOWN'' Demystifying the Challenges, Pitfalls and Rewards

GOALS FOR OUR CffiLDREN I believe the educational goals of will lag behind his yeshiva counter­ the yeshiva curriculum can be part in bekiyus and in those ana­ erhaps the greatest anxiety grouped Into a few major categories: lytic skills peculiar to Torah study. facing those considering a fu­ The development of analytic skills The most glaring difference between P ture as a rabbi or educator in ( iyun), mastery of material (bekiyus), the two systems is the amount of a city lacking a strong Torah obser­ love ofTorah study (cheishek), trans­ time devoted to secular studies. The vant community is pondering the mission of emuna (yira, emunas day school must project an image of effect of that environment on their chachamim, etc.) and personal dev­ excellence in secular disciplines to children. Besides the obvious prob­ elopment (midas). gain the support of even the Ortho­ lems of transmitting Torah values in Undeniably, the child educated in dox parents it serves, whereas the an alien culture. the more complex even the finest Hebrew Day School yeshiva is free to grant secular stu- uncertainty is the long-term effect on the child"s educational develop­ ment. Though my family has chosen the option of frontier life, this article is CAMP YEDID In no way a sales pitch. To para­ phrase the Mesillas Yesharim, one must have made It through a maze For religious boys ages 9-14 in order to guide others within it. These words are rather an attempt Summer overnight camp in the Baltimore area to demystify the subject by laying Beautiful 40 acre site-Ball Fields-Olympic Swimming Pool out the diverse factors for the read­ Daily Torah studies program with experienced rebbeyim er's consideration. Glatt Kosher-Cholov Yisroel For detailed brochure on program and staff: Rabbi Ze'ev Kraines studied in Ohr Somayach Call 301·358-1317 or write: and Yeshivas Mir in Jerusalem. He is presently Assistant Rabbi at Brith Sholom Beth Israel Con­ CAMP YEDID, 3810 Menlo Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215 gregation in Charleston, South Carolina

The Jewish Observer, December 1988 23 dies the secondruystatus It deserves. that he owes a major share of his ''"" among other Those same analytic skills and abilily to dramatize the subtleties of leaders ofour generation, has warned study habits, however, though devel­ M!drash to Mrs. Magillicutly (fict.), that the flame of chshek can be oped In secular modes, can be a his high school English teacher. dampened by giving prominence to strength to the yeshiva-bound child secular studies. This lowering of when he is able to begin his Torah sights unquestionably harms most studies In earnest. The truth is that THE FLAME THAT children In a Hebrew day school, many of our American-bred Torah DARE NOT BE DAMPENED especially those from unsupportlve leaders devoted a good part of their homes. youth honing their skills on algebra he danger of a Hebrew Day Experience has shown, however, before they were introduced to Rabbi School education is that it that the children of mechanchtm Akiva Elger. A prominent speaker In T limits the child's aspirations show great cheishek when they ar­ yeshiva circles once confided In me in Torah study: cheishek Rabbi rive at the yeshiva or seminaty en­ vironment. They are fueled by the lesson of their parent's self-sacrific­ ing dedication for the spread of Torah. They are graced with the COMPU1'ER blessings of our gedoltm who con­ sistently encourage appropriate tal­ midtm and their families to teach in PROGRAMMING the less-than-supportive communi­ WILL BEGIN ties. CLASSES FEBRUARY lfil It is this special cheishek and idealism that, I believe, more than compensates for the belated techni­ SHOULDN'T ft cal development of these children. Have we not learned through the accelerated progress of the dedicated ba 'al teshuva that the mature mind YOU~-, is capable of mastering great amounts of material In a few short years? Similarly, the halls of all con­ ventional yeshivas and kolleltm are LANGUAGES: HARDWARE: REPUTATION: filled with legions of students who • Basic State of the art IBM 370 An international one with did not begin learning seriously until •VS/Cobol system (using IBM 3090 students coming from as far after Bar Mitzva. Including VSAM and 3081KX), two as Europe, South America To be sure, in today's climate of • OS/JCL computer labs, IBM PC and Canada to benefit from intensified early study. a child should •BAL Computers, Networking the COPE quality-well notdelayhisyeshivayearsaslongas •With optional courses in Telecommunications. known and accepted by he may have in a previous genera­ CICS, DATA BASE major corporations. Languages, and tion. One seasoned Torah educator Interactive Cobol recently told me that, although he himself was sent off at thirteen, he • Full tuition grants available for income eligible applicants under JTPA. has found It necessruy to allow his • Financial aid including grants and loans can provide full tuition assistance for own children to leave home as early eligible applicants. as eleven. It Is because of these agon­ izing personal decisions that many For Information and Enrollment Procedures Calf: families return from the front lines COPE when their children come of age. INSTITUTE KINDLING THE SPIRIT The Computer Programming Training Center to Business and Industry 4419 18th Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11204 eyond these considerations 718-436-1700 there are intangibles that will B ultimately determine who will gain the crown of Torah. While for many, the intensive cheder back­ ground will blossom in the yeshiva

24 The Jewish Obseroer, December 1988 environment, others who pass One other consolation. A trip to an extremely important wayofkeep­ through the same process may lose the outer limits ofJewish America is ing children in touch with their true steam. The homogeneous environ­ not as far as it was before the ad­ society. ment has afforded him no sense of vancement of Torah media. One can Certainly the challenges of life urgency. Rav Meir SimchaHakohein fill one's home with Dov Dov stories away from a Torah community are has noted in his oft-quoted com­ and Uncle Moishy tapes in Charles­ for an appropriate few. It is the hope mentary on Parshas Bechukosai ton as well as in Lakewood. Summer of the author that this article will (Meshech Chochma) that the chil­ visits to Torah communities are also inspire a few to become appropriate. dren and grandchildren of Torah pioneers often sense that the goals of their ancestors have ail been achieved and that their challenge lies only in the secular arena. The child of the mechanech. on the other hand, comes early to a sense of self. in sharp contrast to his surroundings. The Torah and mitz­ vos stand out as "the quality oflight is perceived from the darkness" (Kohelles). His parents' uniqueness in the community is a vivid lesson in is pleased to announce the establishment of a the elevation of self. acquired through study. As he overcomes the childhood struggles of being differ­ Branch in Flatbush ent. he kindles that spirit which will drive him to prominence in the as of 5748-September 1988 yeshiva world. under the direction of Frankly. there may even be some advantages in the unpressured small Rabbi Dovid Harris Rabbi Zvi Turk towns ofAmerica as an environment for midos education. Ironically, our Rabbi Yehuda Jacobson Torah communities have flourished in the harsh spiritual climates of The Yeshiva will initiate programs for the Northeastern cities. The pages of highly motivated talmid, on the this magazine often deciy the en­ croachment ofcrass materialism and ELEMENTARY, MESMA, and BAIS MBDRASH Levels urban coldness onto our society. Though there are corruptive influ­ fill] 1 1:h~ ELElllEl'ITARY • 1:h.e lllllSWfA ences in all contemporary society, diVISIOD offers: division offers: the openness, discipline, and the • experienced and devoted • intensive learning with genuine warmth of the surrounding Rebbeim and staff shiurim in lyun & Bekiyus culture in small-town America can • an extensive Limudei Kodesh • special emphasis on MUSSAR nurture the Torah values fostered in program that develops Yedios andMIDDOS the home. and learning skills • close Rebbe/Talmid The strength of the home is, of • special emphasis on DERECH relationship course, the crucial element. Any ERETZ and MIDDOS development • rigorous secular studies cracks in the Yiddishkeit of either • excellent secular studies program parent will become schisms. without department the aid of other role models and the social restraint of ajrum commun­ (Applications forldndergalfen, l're·lA, (Applications for ninth grade are ity. The function of the parents as 1st grade are now being accepted.) now being accepted.) role models magnifies when there are few others in the community For application and further information contact: with whom their child should iden­ Rabbi Yehuda Jacobson Rabbi Dovid Harris tify. On the other hand, the more ELEMENTARY DMSION MESIVfA DMSION subtle and perhaps more difficult 718-263-1445 day 718-263-1445 day challenge of setting a higher stand­ 718-805-1058 evening 718-847-7919/846-2890 evening ard within a flawedjrum society are absent.

The Jewish Observer, December 1988 25 Home Attendants ;;:: (~if:

needed for housekeeping and personal care for the disabled and homebound good pay and benefits Boro Park, Bensonhurst and Flatbush Area full-time live in positions only Project OHR Inc. (Office for Homecare Referral) 1308-40th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218 (718) 853-2700 Yehuda Sundack

You may have dodged a bull in a china shop, but have you ever considered the plight of a shver in Lakewood?-on Shavuos? Contemplate, then, Yehuda Sundack's experience: ASIIVERL IN SHAVUOS IN LAKEWOOD

Written by a new-breed father-in-law, with tongue in cheek, and foot in mouth.

"LEARN AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR"

'm at the stage in my life when travel offers few inducements. ""My own shul, my own table. my own I chavrusa"" is my motto. And I am not hesitant about expressing my views. Especially when my wife makes noisesabout "visiting the children," orsomeothersillynotions. This time she was not to be put off. Two days of Sha­ vuos, no problems about getting to Lakewood after work, our own apartment. and a judicious mixture of promises and threats were all that I needed to spend Shavuos in Lakewood. By the time we arrived, I had been adequately briefed about the consequences of attaining designation of ""most obnoxious shverof the day." Although a lifetime of training would have me an odds-on favorite for this trophy, I selected discretion as the better part of valor. Marveling all the while how this wonderful mother of my children had taken the time to graduate from a course in Assertiveness Training.

Yehuda Sundack informs us that the JO, by permitting him to use a pseudo­ nym, can add Shalom Bayts to Its list of accomplishments.

The Jewish Observer, December 1988 27 I resolved to reinforce the image Qf a shver immersed in the problems Qf the world, who was at the same time a part Qf the world Qf Torah.

I felt better as soon as I came to the Yeshiva. Several "I WANT TO GET A SHTENDER" fellow shvers, spirited young colleagues all, were follow­ ing their sons-in-law with appropriate subdued de­ t the table, I was a ball of fire urging evecyone to meanor: proper somber clothing and a hallowed, shuf­ finish eating quickly. "I want to get a shtender," I fling walk. Unquestioningly. each shver stopped at an A said. "And I want to get seforim Lots to accomp­ assigned shtender, accepting the Siddur thrust before lish tonight," I muttered. him. (One person didn't dare turn the page to which his We arrived early, with only a few hundred people there Stddur had opened, and davened a weekday Mtncha before us. Looking around, I noticed few if any other with eyes glued to a page of "Al Chait") shvers, and was delighted that so many of the young men I made It through Mincha-Maariv without too much assigned to praise the yungeleit to their shvers made a trouble, and even the "shake-hand" sessipn at the end of point of coming over to do their spiel at my corner first. (I the evening passed without incident. In fact, when a brief think Shmully was best, extolling my son-in-law's has­ pleasantcy ("My son-in-Jaw wants to make sure I learn at mada and dedication.) I thanked each modestly, adding least once a year") raised a smile on the lips of one Rosh a quip that "I had intended to jarher my son-in-law all Yeshiva, I perked up. This won't be so bad, I thought: evening, but because of your comment it won't be these are my folk-the fact that there are about one necessaty!" thousand menand boys packed into the beis hamidrash I could almost feel the waves ofawe and respect sweep­ shouldn't make any difference. ing over these delightful young men. I resolved to rein- ARE YOU MOVING? IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL?

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28 The Jewish Observer, December 1988 force the image of a shver immersed in the problems of the world, who was at the same time a part of the world of learning. l carefully selected the largest Gemora l could safely cariy; l seated myself in front of an iron pole, so l could lean back without fear of disturbing anyone else, and seized upon a shtenderwhich had clearly seen years of use. Footholds had been grooved into the base: no doubt the shtender had heard Shas learned over it, and l was certain that in its earlier years the shtender had been zoche to have RebAharon '"'1.and Reb Shneur'.1"'1 lean over to add a comment, an insight, and a clarifica­ tion. What a companion with which to receive the Torah on this Shavuos night! •Analyzes. •Reports. "RESIST THE BLANDISHMENTS OF SLEEP" •Evaluates •Reviews. •Comments. •Reflects. y son-in-law's chavrusa joined our little area, and as they went off into their part of the Tal­ •Inspires. •Projects. M mud, l went off into mine. l was awakened by a surreptitious nudge by my son-in-law, who suggested that coffee was available just outside. Of course, l thought THE furious with myself. Coffee! There are days I'll drink six cups during a working day to keep sharp: could l expect to fight sleep without a cup of coffee? JEWISH I hurried outside to find myself surrounded by a group of ten year olds, all ofwhom were making coffee. It was all l could do to contain myself from lecturing them about OBSERVER "first learn to learn, then learn to drink coffee." But l restrained myself. These children would soon be going Wedo more home anyway. Better that they have something to re­ member the Shavuos night by. thanjust observe. I prepared a strong cup of black coffee, and drank it . Not in the beis hamidrash, of course. l used the time to ...... •...... •...... visit with friends and acquaintances who where passing the anteroom, encouraging all within earshot to devote Subscribe, Renew or Give the holy hours to Kabbolas HaTorah in the bels ha­ midrash. Resist the blandishments of sleep, l urgf'd. The Jewish Observer Reinforced, I sat down once again at the Gemora, now and save. reserving a pitying glance for a neighbor who was en­ grossed in saying Tikkun. Not for him the joy of rising to U.S.A. ONLY OUTSIDE U.S.A. dizzying heights of resolving the challenge of the ages, of OOne Year/$18.00 (for ten issues) 0$28 bringing harmony between the Talmud and a shevere OTwo Years/$30.00 (a $50 value) 0$50 Rambam. l made certain to bring a Rambam over to my seat; l could barely wait to relish the moment when one of OThree Years/$40.00 (a $75 value) 0$70 U.S. FUNDS-DRAWN ON A U.S. BANK ONLY Suite 1200, 84 William Street, New York, NY I 0038

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The Jewish Observer, December 1988 29 the Roshei Yeshiva would come over to say hello. I would SECLUDED nonchalantly raise a question I just happened to notice­ andjust as off-handedly propose a solution, which would OCEANFRONT VILLA undoubtedly have them rush off to examine with their ON TROPICAL ISLAND fellows. I could see it now; my son-in-law being asked to the • 3 Bedrooms • Private Pool hanhalla room. Could he arrange for me to come to • Fully Stocked Glatt J

his time the Tikkun-sayer woke me. 'Tm sorry to disturb your learning," he ventured softly, "but T there Is an inspiring sight to be seen in the dining Famous room." Inspiration Is fine, I thought, but the night Is designed for Torah. Nonetheless, I thanked him, and The Dairy Restaurant went off hurriedly. At least one hundred young ten-, eleven-, and twelve­ 222West72nd5treet(212l 595-8487 year-olds were sitting quietly, engrossed-as the world's Chofov Yisroel • Shomer Shobbos most energetic Rebbe held them spellbound. I was Under the Supervision of K'hal Adath Jeshurun Impressed, noting at 1; 15 AM my young coffee drinkers, alert and sharp-eyed. Open for Breakfast, Luncheon and Dinner I thought it over: Of course! Black coffee is fine in the Catering • Parties • Meetings middle of the day. But this late, the body needs energy. I prepared a cup of coffee-flavored sugar, with a half cup of milk as a chaser. The wiles of sleep are no match for the strength of a determined scholar. I had at least six more cups of coffee between then and 4:00 AM; my son-in-law was suitably impressed to learn that, unlike most shvers, I hadn't covered ground that night, choosing Instead to spend four hours on a Mishna. Eveiyone was impressed, too, that having stayed in the beis hamidmsh until 4:00 AM, I was going to rest a little while so I could daven at the regular hour, with kavana. BENNY'S My spirits were elevated, enough to cariy me past the scene of a dining room full of ten-year olds (including my PHOTO • ELECTRONICS • GIFTS coffee drinkers) and their Rebbe-still going strong. As I (718) 8S3-8888 trudged home, I wondered: did the ten-year-olds imbibe a 471713th Avenue• Boro Park, Brooklyn different brand of coffee? Like a port In the storm, I found a small shtiebel in Lowest Prices! Big Savings! Lakewood for Shachartsand Mussa]. and came home for lunch quite at peace with myself. My family couldn't believe that I had come to the home of Beth Medrash COME IN AND SAVE Govoha-and davened in a shtiebel! "It's like spending a WE CARRY A FULL LINE OF week In Israel without leaving your hotel room," my wife CAMERAS • RADIOS • TVs • STEREOS • protested. VIDEOS• TELEPHONES• GIFTS• WATCHES• I reacted not a whit. Suffused with food, facing nothing WALL CLOCKS • RECORDS •TAPES but five hours of sleep ahead of me before the Daj Yomi Authorized Seiko, Pulsar, Bulova dealer shiur, I was In a magnanimous mood.

WE HAVE A FULL LINE OF ELECTRICAL IBE DAF YOMI DISTINCTION APPLIANCES FOR EXPORT 220 V th a smug self-confidence born of a decade-long ove affair with the "Daj," I entered the small DEVELOPING SERVICE W!room resolved to distinguish myself. My son-in­ 503 OFF law would hear of his father-in-law's exploits.... I got blown away.

30 The Jewish Obseroer, December 1988 Myfamily couldn'tbelievethatlhadcome to the home Qf Beth Medrash Govoha-and davened in a shtiebel!

The young man giving the shiur did move somewhat that I had done nothing to disgrace myself?Wlll I vanish quickly. He didn't translate the words. He raised some in the vast sea of shverdom?Will I leave nothing over in questions from the Rishonim I followed smoothly, when Lakewood, other than a check? a question came to mind. Without hesitation I asked. The young man disposed of my brllllant insight in a few "HOW ABOUT A SECOND NIGHT ..•?" well-chosen words. To all intents and purposes it wasn't even a question. ''H owaboutspendlngthesecond night in Yeshi­ Evidently this young man wasn't used to teaching a va?" I suggested, waiting for the awe that DajYomiclass.Hedid nothing to help draw me out of the would enter my son-in-law's eyes. I waited. hole I had dug myself. So I objected weakly with another 'You're sure, Ta? It's not too hard for you?" comment. Young but respectful. Good stock. my Moishy. The glimmer in his eyes resembled the expression of "Is it possible that something ls too hard for Torah?" the volleyball player ready to spike the ball. And I was the Lay it on thick. My four little ones are listening hard. A ball! I looked around for support-but instead of a group lesson for the generations. "What a zechus to be in Lake­ of fortyish businessmen, I found myself in a roomful of wood and to be mekabel Torah two nights in a row." sharp-eyed Lakewood talmidim Watching avidly. There Molshy looked down. "I won't be able to learn with you," was one other shverln the room. His terror stricken eyes he said quietly. I was prepared to be magnanimous; I mirrored my feelings. Exactly. understood. When I was a young manl only stayed up one This ls it, I thought. For years I would be identified in night also. 'You see, I already made arrangements with Lakewood as the shverwho was wiped out during Daj my chavrusa for the whole night." Yomi. ... It didn't happen, Instead, the young man saying I made it until 2:00 AM that night. Without coffee. On the shiur-a paragon of chessed-smiled tightly, and the way home I stopped by the dining room and found went on. sixty or seventy ten-year-olds and their Rebbe stlll going At the meal that night, I was visibly disturbed. I had so strong. Did their mothers know what kind of coffee they far done nothing to distinguish myself. Wlll it be enough were drinking?

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The Jewish Observer,· December 1988 31 FEIVEL KIRSHENBAUM, PH.D. hacharis In the beis midrash. Organized bedlam. Registered Investment Adviser People entering in droves. Eveiy once in a while, a S shtender or chair would rise into the air, seem­ ingly from the exuberance of the tefilla. Actually it meant Money Management that another Jew would have a place to .sit or stand this and Financial Advising morning. ls this cacophony the vaunted Lakewood dav­ ening? Did Reh Aharon expect this kind of crowd in his beis midrash? Did Reb Shneur? Did they really build Fee only. No sales or commissions. this beis midrash to attract 1500 men and boys? The answer came from the veiy hall itself. By some (914) 352-1919 strange happenstance, my seat projected into the aisle. Eveiyperson passing by brushed me, nudged me, touched me. Slightly. Each person passed by me gently, apologeti­ cally. How could l protest? Why don't some of you help ease the crowding, I thought, by joining me in the shttebel? Again the answer seemed to come from the walls of the beis mid rash as the reverberating responses to Kaddish and Kedusha, announced to the world the eternity of the Jewish People. The quiet during layening-and the thiriy-odd voices of the kohanim in unison, bringing a shefa of blessings on the Jewish People. I had never experienced anything like it. ... Maybe the beis midrash wasn't meant to attract 1500 people. But if 1500 people want to learn here, shouldn't there be a bets midrash big enough to house them?

"OURS IS NOT TO SHINE" SINGLE & DOUBLE BREASTED walked home In a benevolent mood, at peace with the * MENS' SUITS * world, touched by the spirituality of it all. I finally I realized that my role, like that ofall other shvers, was not to shine. Our role is to come and to appreciate what SILBIGER'S this yeshiva, like all other yeshivos, was doing for our children and for us. And our role is to support the yeshiva * Slacks * Rainwear movement. •All Wool Coats •Sports Jackets My feeling of magnanimity accompanied me into the Unbelievable Prices late evening. "All yeshivos need our support, but clearly 1769 51 St., Brooklyn, NY (718) ll54-1WG this substantial part of the Torah world needs help for a Daily 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.: Sunday All Day new building. We must exert ourselves to help.'' Silbiger Suits You Best And in a burst of altruism and charity. I sat down and wrote out an eighteen dollar check.• Not just a cheese, a trad.ition ...

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32 The Jewish Observer. December 1988 Second Looks at the Jewish Scene

TALKING TO THE RUSSIANS Undoubtedly refuseniks and Soviet Jews in general draw encouragement from a mass outpouring of sympathy by . But who can truly gauge the full range of Soviet responses to such demonstrations?

he Chofetz Chaim never let a behalf of our Soviet brethren must TWO DECADES OF day pass without shedding go with his Chumash in hand.''. So PUBLICACTMSM T tears for the plight of the our cues come from one source-the Russian Jews. In the half-centucy prototype confrontation between he movement for improving that has since passed, many changes Yaakov and Eisav. Tefilla-prayer­ the lot of the Soviet Jewcy have taken place-most of them for looms large. as it did for Yaakov. And T through public, visible activ­ the better. But describe itas detente. we. in our time, should-like the ism has been around for some eight­ or call it glasnost. the basic problems Chofetz Chaim in his time-emulate een years. Its many activities have remain: It is forbidden to teach Torah Yaakov Avinu. and nurture deep felt ranged from writing Congressmen to Jewish children in the Soviet concern for our Soviet brethren in to organizing mass demonstrations Union and immigration is still our hearts. and brtng the words of in America's large urban centers. severely restricted. The Jew in Rus­ tefilla on their behalf to our lips. But And now these efforts reached a sia is beset my many problems, in­ we must not be content with our climax with the convening of over deed. tefilla alone. We must. as did Yaakov, 200,000 participants in a demon­ Our approach to helping our ask: Is there more that can be done? stration in the Washington (D.C.) brethren in distress has been chart­ If the answer is yes. then the agenda Mall on the day before the Reagan­ ed by Chazal (sages of the Talmud), stands to be expanded. But each Gorbachev summit meeting began for all time. Indeed, as Rabbi Shimon option must be carefully examined last December. Schwab (Rav of K'hal Ada th Jeshu­ before it is adopted. Yet, not evecy segment of con­ run) put it so succinctly, "A Jew who •At the recent National Convention of Agudath cerned Jewcy was represented in sets out to accomplish things on Israel of America. Washington. Absent in large mea-

The Jewish Obseroer. December 1988 33 Let those who chose to remain at home out of conviction respect the motives of those who participated in that massive rally in Washington, and at the same time reinforce their own abstention as a conscious choice.

sure were the yeshiva world, the Rescue Fund. Vaad Hatzalas Nidchei Chassidic communities, and gener­ Yisroel's programs and housing ef­ ally, those who identify with Agu­ forts for Russian baalei teshuva in dath Israel. From the inception of Israel, and JEP and Bais Yaakov the mass movement to activism, High School's activities in America, these circles have eschewed public among others. Genuine concern can manifestation, in accordance with be demonstrated in highly effective the directives of the Torah leader­ ways that do not grab headlines. ship. This is not to say that every form of GAUGING THE EFFECTS public expression has been ruled out. Seventeen years ago, when the dmittedly, the spirit sur­ Soviet Jewry movement took to the rounding mass demonstra­ streets in a most dramatic. media­ A tions has changed since the grabbing way. we abstained: but we riotous melees of the early 70's, but did organize and participate in a caution is still the byword in the mass public tefilla assembly that Torah councils. Every step of the was convened on January 10. 1971, way, certain considerations must be [in the words of the proclamation addressed: calling for the gathering] "to plead to First, as a matterofcourse, we hes­ our Father in Heaven to have pity itate to participate in demonstra­ and compassion on our brethren: to tions if Torah authorities are not bring them forth from anguish to fully in control of the substance­ liberation from darkness to light." and the tone of expression-of the This call to tefilla was signed by the can harm many. Therefore we can­ gathering. We cannot waive our dis­ Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah (Council not participate in any of the general tinct identity as the Am HaTorah, of Torah Sages) of Agudath Israel of demonstrations that are taking and submit carte blanches to others America-·(according to the Hebrew place, because it is impossible for us to speak on our behalf. alphabet) Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky to control the character and nature Then, there is a second considera­ J"~•. Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Halevi of these gatherings." tion: We can never know for certain Ruderman ""'· Rabbi Yitzchok Since the time of that tefilla as­ what the outcome of even the most Hutner '""·Rabbi Moshe Feinstein sembly, the Orthodox community, "successful" demonstration truly is. '""•Rabbi Nachum Mordechai Per­ under the leadership of Gedolei The core of this problem was elo­ low (Novominsker Rebbe) '"~l. and Ha Torah. has continued to act on a quently summed up by Britain's '"~' Rabbi Yisroel Spira (Bluzover growing concern for our Soviet wartime Prime Minister Winston Rebbe). brethren: For those in Russia Churchill in a famous radio broad­ This was a deliberate step away through a series of discreet projects cast in 1939: "I cannot forecast to from the demonstrations. which oft­ which some day can be told; for you the action of Russia. It is a riddle en erupted into ugly confrontations, those who have succeeded in emi­ wrapped in a mystery inside an as was clearly spelled out in another grating from the USSR. with special enigma" This gloomy observation statement the Moetzes Gedolei Ha­ schools catering to Russian im­ on the impenetrability of Soviet so­ Torah issued at the same time. It did migrants-such as Be'er Hagolah ciety and politics, echoed by numer­ not condemn public demonstrations. and the newly-founded Sinai Aca­ ous Western analysts, remains a per se'. But it did sound a warning: demy High School in Brooklyn, and trenchant comment on the state of "Every manifestation concerning Yeshiva-and-Kolle! Shvut Ami in Sovietology in the Gorbachev era. Russia that is provocative and arro­ Jerusalem; with klita and kiruv ef­ "To a great extent what Churchill gant is a highly dangerous act which forts such as Russian Immigrant said back then is still true today,"

34 The Jewish Observer, December 1988 notes Arnold Beichman. a research minor risk. bear in mind: it is safek from public demonstrations. can fellow at the who pikuach nejesh-one must be serve a more valuable purpose in has studied the Soviet Union exten­ stringent when dealing with lives. crucial moments in dealing with sively.... No less, the Kremlin's atti­ In fact. the point has been made Soviet authorities. as the need artses. tude toward. and its treatment of. repeatedly by some of the most effec­ It must be restated with emphasis Soviet Jewry. tive workers for an improvement of that the Torah community. which Undoubtedly refuseniks and Soviet Jewish life in Russia, that while considers itself part of this segment. Jews in general draw encouragement demonstrations may help emigra­ goes beyond simply refraining from from a mass outpouring ofsympathy tion. Jewish population increases communicating through public by American Jews. But who can truly through births outnumber the total manifestation. It expresses its con­ gauge the full range of Soviet res­ of people who leave. That accentu­ cern in positive. admirable actions, ponses to such demonstrations? Let ates the need to maintain quiet con­ engaging in activities that some day us consider. for example, the recent tacts to permit activities aimed at will be revealed for their singular Washington gathering. Gorbachev preserving the Jewish spark in Rus­ contribution to the well-being of and company had been looking for­ sian Jewry-and surely to avoid ag­ Soviet Jews. ward to the December summit as a gravating their situation. This brings One last word: Let those who chose climactic achievement in their effort us to our third consideration which to remain at home out of conviction to present a moderate. likeable image follows: respect the motives of those who to Western society. A gathering of participated in that massive rally in several hundred thousand on the Washington, and at the same time day before Gorbachev's arrival, dec­ ANOTHER VOICE reinforce their own abstention as a laring that human rights is a myth conscious choice: a choice that calls in the USSR, was not likely to endear edolei Torah, men of great for increased support of those who the Jews and their sup-porters to wisdom. have constantly carry out discreet missions of aid to the Kremlin. Nor was the unrealistic G counseled as a matter of pub­ Russian Jewry; a choice that makes demand that the Soviets change lic policy that-irrespective of the educational efforts on behalf of their entire social system. And. even debate of the efficacy of demonstra­ Soviet Jewry an item of top priority; ifGorbachevwould have returned to tions-there must always be a seg­ and a choice that also summons a Moscow to immediately release some mentwithin Kial Yisroel that should genuine outflowing of constant of the more prominent refuseniks, be perceived by the Russians as not supplication on behalf of "Acheinu what is to prevent him from then being amongst those who talk to Kol Beis Yisroel . ..." By the same dealing even more severely than in them from the streets or through the token, let those who chose to travel the past with the two million Jews mass media. The Torah leadership to Washington also understand that that remain in his grip? Can one­ has continually emphasized that. in each pursues his own course, in may one-risk trading off the wel­ a practical sense. it is wise to hold in response to his own genuine moti­ fare of the multitude for the freedom reserve a battalion within Kial Yis­ vation and the guidance of his own of the few? For those who see it as a roel which. because of its abstention leadership.•

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The Jewish Observer, December 1988 35 URGENT CALL REGISTER TO VOTE

February 19, 1988, is the last day to register to vote in order to participate in the New York State Presidential Primary Elections on April 19, 1988. Registration days for other states in the country vary but all are coming up quickly.

Our Gedolei Torah have recognized the importance of registering and voting. They themselves registered and voted, and made their views on the matter known to us.

Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky, zt"I in a letter 1-e issued many years ago to encourage voter registration, stressed the importance of voting as it affects, among other things, the security of Israel and the interests of Yeshivos. These issues remain as critical today as when he first expressed his opinion.

Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt"I wrote concerning the same question of voter registration: "A fundamental principle of Yiddishkeit is Hakoras Hatov - recognizing benefits afforded to us and giving expression to our appreciation. Therefore it is incumbent upon each Jewish citizen to participate in the democratic system which affords us the freedoms we enjoy. The most fundamental responsibility incumbent on each individual is to register and vote."

The charge of these Gedolim to us on this matter is clear and simple: 1) Register by the deadline. 2) Vote on election day.

For a voter registration card in call (212) VOTER 88, 24 hours a day. Out of New York, contact your local Board of Elections for forms and information. If you are interested in sponsoring a voter registration campaign in your neighborhood, with your shul membership or yeshiva parent body, call Mr. Avigdor at the Agudath Israel Office, at (212) 797-7386.

Remember, before we register our opinion we must register our vote. We CAN make a difference. Bernard Fryshman

"that" picture to anyone, under pain of severe curtailment of visiting rights to my grandchildren. Then what? One answer seems to be "everyone does it." For some chil­ dren, this is the key to turning their parents into unwilling accomplices. But. any yeshiva worth its salt will teach its children how to determine right from wrong, and the fact that "others do it" has never meant any­ thing In a Torah setting. Taken to its logical conclusion, "everyone will do It because everybody does It." Rea­ A "Book" for the soning for, and of, the 80's.

Children of the SOLUTIONS, SOLUTIONS

People of the Book ur proposed solution is a single class picture. With the 0 money saved being used for FOR WHOM THE PORTRAIT? of an eighth grader? Will the photos some chessed project which will bear be used for shidduchim? Maybe. but the names of the participants, and s it turns out, we have two it's my feeling that it would be a which a young woman will proudly eighth graders graduating brave young man who would risk show her chassan five or six years A simultaneously. one boy, one being blinded by the reflection of the later. girl. And along with the talk of high braces that are the hallmark of As justification of yearbooks, we school, there is the inevitable lobby­ eighth grade girls. sometimes hear plaints that seniors ing by the lady of the house In oppo­ Memories? My daughters, on "need something to do." If such sition to the yearbook. turning sixteen, each made me sign young people do exist in this com­ Mind you, we aren't alone in our a document promising never to show munity of large families, of special battle. In the case of our older girls, long graduated, we found yeshiva administrators delighted with par­ ental pressure on the side of "less" THE Yl'l*I'Y LEIBEL HELP-LINE rather than "more." Nor were we the A Free Sel'Yice of the only parents who felt this way. We were pleasantly surprised at the Yitty Leibel Chesed Fund support we received from others who were unwilling-or unable-to ar­ • Marital problems? • Fear of breakcdown? ticulate their views, but who were happy to support ours. • Overpowering stress? • Parent-child friction? Indeed, In many schools the battle is quite different from what it was a Do you have problems like these and are afraid or ashamed to talk to decade ago. Here the professional anyone? ... Oo you Want a trained, wise, warm professional who will talk to glitzy yearbook. requiring students you on the phone? to bring two hundred dollars in Some of the Torah community's highly skilled psychologists, sotial workers, "ads," Is a thing of the past. Nowa­ and therapists are ready to help. )'our consultation will be treated with the days we are faced with thirty-five dol­ utmost discretion. You may remain anonymous if you prefer. They under­ lar photos for eighth graders. My stand. They're trained. They have Ahavas Yisrael. wife says "no." Even though we can Hours: afford it, she says there's an impor­ Monday through Friday 8:00-12:00 a.m. tant principle involved. Sunday through Thursday 9:00-11:00 p.m. Why should families be forced to Sunday morning 9:00-12:00 noon spend thirty-five dollars for a photo Dial (718) HELP-NOW {435·7669) Dr. Fryshman, a regular contributor to these pages, teaches physics at the New York Instltute This project has been approved by)eading Torahauthoiities, For irifonnation only call (718)435·7700. of Technology.

The Jewish Obseroer, December 1988 37 not be seen by the public, and will Any yeshiva worth its salt will teach its children not likely be seen by the "private,'' how to determine rightfrom wrong, and thefact either. ("If you want to see my year­ book. you have to wipe the peanut that "others do it" has never meant anything in a butter off your hands!") Some busi­ Torah setting. ness people may not realize that all the ad money is to be used to pay for the yearbook. They may feel they are children needing help, of patterning, offered a simple solution: Get ads! doing a charitable act on behalf of tutoring, nursing homes. kirnv. .. , l Children need just bring in two the institution. A child (or parent) will be happy to refer them to some hundred dollars worth of ads from who encourages this misconception useful activities. the baker, tailor, candlestick maker. probably didn't do too well in their A problem of a different order of And the obligation for the yearbook mussar courses at yeshiva. magnitude lies in the two hundred is met. But don't organizations solicit ads dollars a child in another school Only they aren't ads. Any busi­ for their dinner journals? Of course must bring in for the yearbook. Here nessman who feels he is going to get they do, only with a difference. Or­ the question is not one of principle, paying customers from the hundred ganizations live off these ads! In this but of penuiy. And we are joined in or so yearbooks in which the ad will case, the ads are an important form our penuiy by virtually all other appear Is probably doing too poorly of charity-and the ads/greetings yeshiva families. But here we are to afford an ad anyway. The ads will are precisely what they purport to be. Support for Torah, not money to pay for the ad book.

NOW AVAILABLE I LOSE, YOU LOSE ut hold! There's Bubby May TO AGUDATH ISRAEL MEMBERS and Zaidie Max, Uncle Harold, B Cousin Zvi and the mechut­ COMPREHENSIVE antm Twenty-five dollars each isn't much, is It? No. But there is another MAJOR MEDICAL cost here, measured in the units of hashkqfa. Children are learning to HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM ask for charity in order to pay for something they want. And they are learning to do it in an "honorable" For Information.Call: way. 'Would you take out an ad?" they ask. What they really mean is, 212.797.7388 "Please give me twenty-five dollars." Between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM We won't win. of course. My child will probably remain the only one in the class without a yearbook. (Al­ though when the yeshiva adminis­ tration hears about my son being left out, they will undoubtedly see to PINCHAS MANDEL it that he gets a yearbook. Some­ Over 35 Years Experience in Kvura in Eretz Yisrael how.) if I've brought him up properly, he will understand. If not, the •Dedicated to Kavod Haniftarwith personal Fiyshman house will get a session responsibility throughout service on what a Jewish family is supposed •Highly recommended by Gedolai Hador to do with a spare two hundred dol­ -Here and in Eretz Yisrael- lars that happens to be lying around. 1569 • 47th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11219 Actually we all will lose. About ten thousand dollars will leave our Day & Night Phone (718) 855-5121 community from this one class. As it Honesty - Integrity - Reliability does eveiy year. For eveiy eighth CHESED SHEL EMES. as understood and practiced by one active in the industry more than half a century. grade, for eveiy twelfth grade, for vir­ Taharas Haniftar Should Never Be Commercialized tually eveiy yeshiva, and virtually eveiy Bais Yaakov! •

38 The Jewish Observer, December 1988 AviMenashe

out at you from beneath the cello­ phane wrappers. The sheer mass of available recordings is amazing. It seems the public just can't get enough to satiate its stereophonic hunger. Much of this avalanche of record­ ings is good solid educational mate­ rial, sugar-coated with wholesome musical entertainment-something to stir the soul as it lifts the spirits, the advertisement might read. Unfortunately, though, a lot of these productions reek of the im­ moral entertainment world and the fringe element of society that inhab­ its it. The music-plagiarized from rock-and-roll often with only the slightest deviation from the original lyrics. The themes-unidentifiable or, worse, ridiculously silly and imit­ ative, a reflection of the leading in­ spiration behind even the most kosher entertainment-the ubiqui­ MUSIC: tous boob tube.

i"Ol To Tame the Heart CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST or Incite the Beast? DR. BENZION SOROTZKIN AN AVALANCHE OF TAPES appear on these pages in a subse­ N.Y. STATE LICENSED quent issue. Here. then, is my point: ADULTS ow and then a letter to The Have you passed the display of AND Jewish Observer or a short cassette tapes and records at your local seforim store lately? The psy­ CHILDREN Nessay in its pages has acted as a springboard to healthy introspec­ chedelic graphics and bold themes (718) 266-7151 tion by the Torah community. Talk­ of Torah and mitzvos seem to leap ing during davening, bringing noisy children to shul, driving with con­ sideration for neither fellow drivers INSURANCE BROKERS & CONSULTANTS nor pedestrians, were just some of Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Life 5 Health the timely topics discussed in this forum, which led many of us to con­ template if indeed our own actions are meeting the standards we expect from others. The problem as presented by this article and my proposed solution are by no means definitive. 1 just feel • PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • that by airing my personal conten­ • QUALITY 11'/SURAl'/CE CARRIERS • tion, a viable approach would per­ haps be coaxed out of hiding, and • COMPETITIVE PREMIUMS •

Avi Menashe sings to his children when he is not BARBARA GOLDGRABEN/HESHY SCHWEBEL/EZRA HES playing pre-approved tapes for their entertain­ ment.

The Jewish Observer, December 1988 39 conscious, placed a plumbo (seal of kosher populace as to the dangers of KOSHER WITHOUT QUESTION? approval) on all the recordings in the indiscriminate tape purchasing. I. he bottom line should really store. for one, would like to see this taken a give us pause. A generation of The obvious rejoinder would be to step further. In recent years, the T people who have learned to simply say that after malting their Kashrus industry has developed a demand only the most stringent of way through one playing, the offend­ highly sophisticated system of mon­ hashgachos (supervision) on the ing recordings are immediately re­ itoring food production. Perhaps we food they consume can yet be so turnable to the place of purchase. could apply some of these practices naive as to assume the kashrus of a The sad truth is that this just isn't to the products that we, and our record Withoutpriorinquityas to its as simple as it sounds. Perhaps it's children, consume With our ears and content. It seems that the novelty of because we are afraid of being eyes. those original Plrchei and JEP rec­ branded old-fashioned or humorless, The scenario: A respected educa­ ords-featuring words from Tehil­ for once a tape has entered our tion organization such as Torah ltm and Torah-true themes on a homes it tends to stay there. Umesorah would appoint a commis­ soundtrack With Yiddishe taam­ Basically, the solution lies in an sion on audio-visual Kashrus. This somehow, somewhere In our sub- increased awareness amongst the highly respected group of educators would evaluate a recording before it hits the market. If approved, it can now display the coveted symbol on CAMPRANINU its wrapper, identifying it as accep­ "Where Learning Comes Alive" table for the conscientious kosher consumer-a Good Chinuch Seal of For the True Beis Yaakov Type Girl Ages 11-17 •Summer 1988-5748 Approval, if you Will. If rejected, the producer can amend his product. Lovely campus in the heart of Eretz Yisroel - This would correct the especially close to separate swimming beach. sorty situation of an otherw!se excel­ * Extensive touring on air conditioned buses* Outdoor swimming lent record going on sale With one or pool with slides and water park* Exciting memorable trips to Mekomos HaKedoshim "'Strong stress on Middos & Tznius"' Daily shiurim on relevant topics* Experience first hand two sore spots. Mitzvos Hatluyos BeOretz *Exceptional camp program-including painting, music, ALS, Of course, the artist who takes Drama, Dance, Sports, Arts & Crafts, Aerobics, Conversational Hebrew, Concert performance umbrage at his masterpiece being for Tzedokah * Sichot by Rabbi Yisroel Garnish, Rav D'Khal Chizuk Hadas, Brooklyn, NY criticized can market it Without * Shacharis & Mincha Tefillos Daily making any change. (He probably SIX FUN PACKED WEEKS Will be able to get a symbol of ap­ For further information and registration contact our directors: proval from one of the less stringent IN U.S.A. IN ISRAEL organizations that Will surely pop up Rabbi Yisroel & Rebbitzen Shaindy Garnish leible & Miriam Gluck to claim his business!) At least the (English Principal, Yeshiva of Brooklyn H.SJ Moshav Beit Hi!qiyya concerned parent and his children 1421 Avenue 0, Brooklyn, NY 11230 D.N. Emek 5orek, 76815 Tel: (718) 376-3755 Tel: 055-93358 Will be protected in the seforim store as theyare in the groceiy-bysimpiy sticking With the hechsher they trust. Once successful, who knows? Perhaps concerts and orchestras Please Reserve This Date! would agree to have their material scrutinized in advance and then stick to an approved routine on stage . - Mav'88- May 15th, 1988 in return for a hechsher. ... Imagine how more enjoyable a chassuna F s T w T for the would be without all that mind­ s M 7 4 5 6 jarring noise we've come to accept as . 1 2 3 66th Annual Dinner 13 14 Jew!sh music. 10 11 12 8 9 21 of 19 20 17 18 NOTES AND NUANCES 15 ) 16 28 25 26 27 Agudath Israel of America 23 24 ~ renowned Mashgiach com­ 31 New York Hilton 79 30 mented that each nation's . A collective personal! ty can be discerned from the nuances of its language. For example-French, With

40 The Jewish Observer, December 1988 its absence of harsh consonants exudes a tone of romance, in keeping with the celebrated French preoccu­ pation. Arabic, with its guttural enunciation, evokes a picture of un­ FREEDA® since 1928 cultured, backward tribes. In fact, even one language, English, can be spoken so differently on these shores as to be a foreign tongue to a listener VITAMINS from Great Britain. One can hear in THE BEST IN THE VITAMIN WORLD the hurried tempo of Eastern Sea­ board American speech its obses­ sion with acquiring wealth, while the upper-class British version Over 250 Vitainins, Minerals and Amino Acids to cover all your vitamin needs. Our vitamins are made on the smacks of pomp and formality, de­ premises under strict pharmaceutical and kashrus stand· noting its consciousness of status ards. Freeda Vitamins are parve and vegetarian and are and social rank. under the Rabbinical Supervision of The In the same vein, I venture that and Rabbi Mordechai Kohn from New Square, N.Y. our music makes a clear statement • no sugar • no sulfates • no coal tar dyes • no starch • no salt filler • no animal stearates about us, too. If we are allowing, and Please write for our brochure and complimentary article on, even enjoying the sounds of deca­ "How To Get Enough Calcium". dence in our homes and at our cele­ brations, we had best act quickly, before the way in which it describes Send for free brochure on FREEDA VITAMINS us becomes too accurate. FREEDt'iS new and 36 E. 41st St. It's time we sent a message to the New York, NV 1001 exciting products '1 bands and songwriters about what (.212) 685a4980 we are willing to hear, instead of hav­ ing them dictate to us. • Goldmans Select·™ we Make It Better RJr You~M • The rich creamy taste your whole famity will prefer. • You'll feel better serving Cholov Yisroel­ MILK supervised milk in your home. Make it better for yourself; Drink Goldmans

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The Jewish Obseroer, December 1988 41 ,il1,1 'MK ,it:ir.rt ,,_,,_, 11:i=i7 - n"'tui1 1 tup:::n:n n.,in i:inix 7.::n !O"\J~l ~, ·1?tu

n11;vo::i ,XY'1 ·n p":itu:i 1l!l:t ,.,l1Yl 1M'tu in:Hltu' ,n1ttr1i,tuit 7tu 'nluin 01l':J::l W1ipit 7np:i 'W!l.'.l .,~:i ,n,:i,, ,"r,K,W'' ni11K" 7K'1tu' ,.,,, •g?K m~:i,lll m ?v One Second To Go 1iV!lM 11l'tMC, tl':11nl i1W'i,pit 1:1Y1K:J. ,n:il!?'l tl!K, niin tviitll KH1tu he timekeepers of the world have informed us that the universe Is .n"'W'i'f - 1yx:ir.n: nin 1r(1iw r,,1Y.l1 slowing down a bit. In advance of the closing minutes of 1987, we were T advised to count down the seconds:" ... 3, 2, 1, Leap Second, O." That's 017w mtul17 J'K J!>1K 01tu:i mn fine for those who attend to the 150 atomic clocks that note the passage of '7l1 •1?tu "11t.lK?1 .tlt:l!U :lYt.l 0)1 time world-wide, but what does it mean to the rest of us? '11t.lK?1 !UK'Mn? 1l? ..,,,,n .'!U!>l The question was posed to a friend. He did not hesitate-not even a i11'11:i W' urn 01''.:l ."nituYl7 il'O PK" second-and replied, "Don't the rabbis say that a person can acquire his MK M1ltu':> ,Kt.l m?,,l J'\1'1'1!UbK world-the world-to-come, that ls-in a single moment?" 01pt.i'.l -- , i1Ypil r,K i1Yp!t lY.l '.lYY.liT "Sha'ah achas-one hour, or one unit of time of significance, yes. But a ."t 1'1:1 !U,1p ll'1T '>"fl? l:l'll"lt.l ll,T mere second?" My companion recalled for me a discussion he once heard on the revenge 11l'Mn ll,t MK ptn?1 ft.lKMn7 1l'7ll taken by Dovid Hamelech's general, Yoav ben Tzruya, against Avner ben Ner ,,,ll io,n:itu .'''K'l:lYY 11.:i'n" 'l11nn (see Shmuel II: 3,27). Yoavsurprised Avnerand plunged a dagger into his fifth i:l.Yit 11'1:1 r,K11U' 'ilK'l:l1 '71"11 rib. Avner was a powerful man, and even as he felt his strength waning, he - 1liii:i_ n11nn: ,r,,,l '"DY -r,n1nr.i1 clapped his hands on Yoav in a life-threatening, crushing grip. 7:i1'tu 1?1:il :i,n,n'n 1r.ir.i1,?1 1?;l? "Stop!" protested Yoav. .m,,r.i?m O''t't.i?M •!>7K ,,ll ?':in? "But you have extinguished my light!" gasped Avner. 11l'n .Kpii tl'tup:iY.ltu O'i1i1it i!lOJ::l "Let us settle that in the next world. For now, Kial Yisroel needs me." om ,Cl' 7K ol't.l ?;n 17111 nr In his last second oflife, Avner relaxed his hold on Yoav, permitting him to live and serve his people, changing history. And then Avner fell dead. 'Kl:l:>'.)1 1\l'M 'MM!> ?l1 0'?!>1't One second. That was all it took.• "1!>0 'M:l nlM!>? O'llMMt.lt ci'oin7 ,nin:l t)ioin':1 ,on,n11i:iw:i illi ill 7311 .i1Y.ll"T:J1 ,ilt.l?iT_ MllTtU For the Yeshiva Student and Businessman itu!lK 'K •oo:in :lllt.ln ??i~tu ,1J::i':> '1K"1:l . 7Y1'>1 ,M1!U''1'tl'1 7:i MK K'>l:l? the becnstcl~ Mltull? MKtn "1!U1:l11 Mll!U MK 117tu -,j"ii::l '"iK:l M':IMii i'1'.:l!li1Y.l FOR YOUNG MEN ... AND MEN NOT SO YOUNG MK il'."littil ni.:n:i tv'nf171 ,Oll'lli . THE BE-All AND END All IN MALE OUTERWEAR .1lMl11!U'1 llM71Kl SPORTSWEAR, DRESSWEAR, AND EVEN UNDERWEAR ?w 11tu? ?:i::i m1!> 'll;t p~1 .'rn '!UJK tlll n?1v!l 9Mtu'> ntup:i PREPPY SIZE 21 TO MEN'S HARD-TO-FIND SIZES M7.Yn7 !U!lll :i?::i 0'"110t.lM O'lj>Olll'1 in:v?i ,i"tlli n1::1:1nY.l C'K:li1 n1i11n LET OUR TRADEMARK PERSONAL SERVICE 01< ,Kli!IU 1t11K i1t1K:J n'llltltl i11TY GUIDE -BUT NEVER PUSH- YOU o•tu1v MW1?1 Jll:ll:l:i OK 9n:i ivw? ?:ii' 'l:l1 .1ni1n71 .,, o•tuvr.i1 1314 Ave. P (side door) SUN. TUES. WED. THURS. 11-5 Municipal Parking around the corner FRI. 12-4 ??:i 1•1:1 Kmtu m pov:i m~m ?;n 718-627-8724 EVES. MON. & WED. 7:30-10 'il' !Cl'l'l:liT 11tl!K .tut.ll1 7K1U1' tl't>?1v 'l:l71J1?1 iv? t>.'l:l'lll~ op?n It's worth a trip from anywhere for our Open Motzaei Shabbos, legal Holidays TRADITIONAL and UPDATED collections & Erev Yorn Tov !lltuK, ?v 0?1l1 nnt.itu1 of coats, suits, sweaters, shirts, slacks and Appointments Welcome tl.K!l !M!:IM !:lj'lll QM"l:l.K much more. We Ship UPS

42 The Jewish Obseroer, December 1988 My Dear Friends, n,i! and hostility to niin -,,,r.nw thousands more Yiddishe' Kinder,: _and On .KY,l '!3 n:nv at the Agudah nnYJJt This is the root of the escalating give !hem a Torah Chinuch, to ~me.a Convention, I was privileged to aadress conflict between the Orthodox and the pride and joy to ':>l<11"' ':>?:> . .Strengthen the -great assembly, and I made ~ heart­ Secularists in Israel today, and expand the ne_twork -Of ,X~YY ii~n: rending appeal to "go all out" to promote "-Get involved/! _~s -,_the-. Novorolnskei There is only one remedy that could Rehbe said at ·the Convention. , and expand the Torah Chinuch in Eretz change the whole image 9f Isr_ael and -turn Yisroel it into the Holy Land, the residence of the Let us mobilize .all our effort$ ~nd How can we tolerate a situation, Divine people, that it should be. It is a dedicate all our resources to. this n~n111:l where hundreds of thousands of children peaceful, amicable remedy, without niyn and we _will achieve: mi,ra:cl.es_ -eV,en ate exposed to a non-religious or offense to anyone, Open wide the doors as in the days of the tl,Xl10tun irreligious chinuch, which breeds nXJtv of Torah schools and fill them with - n",ll.liJt.Y::t

II ... and we will· au~ve-L!-7 nurac• I es. ''

·------,. 5'0.ldlu. Sn iy:i. approach, many so-called disadvan­ tages associated with "out-of-town" A bag for women to cany l'1'fll'1' ~NQi can be found In our "in-town" com­ their prayer book(s). Has munities, and can be beneficially ,,,, ~ni n:>i:i l!l utilized to help our children reach room for glasses, tissues, 0'1.l'IJ >r.in1 1'1::1'1! greater heights and fulfill their po­ etc. Made ofvinyl, in a tential. color, to match all outfits. N.Z.LEVY Brooklyn. N.Y. GET YOURS NOW MATANA •Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz 7"'.:H in his Stchos A PERFECT GIFr Mussar (Shnas '32- '37} comments on the pas­ sage: "Had I not fallen I would not have risen, and GALLERY had I not sat in darkness I would not have been Please add New York Sales enlightened byG-d ... for the falling and sitting in Tax and $2.50 for shipping. 4906 18th Ave. darkness are that which bring a person to see the Brooklyn, N.Y. (718) BS!-4448 truth. and from [being! amidst the darkness will Prayer Book Bag one [come to] recognize the light ofG-d." This Is Jewish books, Judaica, Taleisim because the main hinderance to growth ts com­ $16.50 each placency and lack of ambition. Not only does the Mezuws, personalized Talis bag;, Individual not feel the need to grow and reach 1'efilin bag;, Yarmulka.s and Cha/ah greater heights. he also loses his sensltlvtty. Check or money order to: covers, records and tapes, lucite, Taking this one step further. there Is no safer silver, semi-precious stones and gold method to recognize one's need to strive and grow Remark Book Service than from the viewpoint of a spectator-constant­ jewelry. P.O. Box23 ly learning from the mistakes of others.

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44 The Jewish Obseroer, December 1988 NEW BOOKS: WHY NOT in the book. My daughter just fin­ A PRE-PUBLICATION ished reading a ':frum" best-seller DIGEST OF MEFORSHIM REVIEW BOARD? that debates vigorously Jewish laws and customs, while providing ambi­ 'tnp? ,n:::i 't11p? To the Editor: guous and inadequate answers­ ?"lit 'WIJ':>!< 71

The Jewish Observer, December 1988 45 Most authors would be delighted MORE ON AUTOMATION'S NON-ZIONISTS: BUILDER OF to ascertain that their books are POSITIVE IMPACT ZION right on target. After all, their pur­ pose is to enhance Kavod Sha­ To the Editor: To the Editor: mayim and now no inadvertent error I enjoyed greatly Eliezer Bruck­ On a number ofoccasions you and in judgment will block their goal. your columnists have written arti­ They should welcome the opportun­ stein's article in the September '87 JO, "The Impact of Automation on cles stating that you are non-Zion­ ity to have an expert committee pro­ ists. This has generated a certain vide them with guidance. However, the Torah World," in which he dis­ cusses various applications of mod­ anger and hostility among your those who would choose not to sub­ Zionist readers, as though being a mit their manuscripts to the com­ ern technology to Torah. May I mention an obvious omis­ non-Zionist means being anti-Israel, mittee would still not be able to and insensitive to Kedushas ha­ market objectionable books under sion in Mr. Bruckstein's list ofappli­ cations of computers in enhancing Aretz. the guise of an innocent cover. The The odd thing is that so many committee would read the book kiyum mitzvos? Computers, having started out as greatly enhanced cal­ non-Zionists that I know have (perhaps before its publication-by moved to Israel, or have invested agreement with the publishers). culators, can still be used for their original function to calculate. Pro­ personally in Israel with married Should any objection artse and be children and their families studying sustained· by the Gedolim, then JO gramming can tell us the proper zmanim according to halacha to Torah in that county, and settling and other Jewish publications could there. By contrast, my Zionist friends carry notices to the effect that the put on tefillin, to daven our tefillos, to beginand end Shabbos, and more. continue to support aliya and the book Is unacceptable, similar to State-from a safe distance. Their those that Kashrus organizations For the individual, these zmanim change daily. and also according to support is important and so af!> place when there is a Kashrus their periodic visits. But it doesn't bf!>.ach. The impending explosion in location, i.e., when in summer re­ sorts, on business trips. or other begin to approach the non-Zionist English books for the Jewish Ortho­ commitment. dox reader will thus be guided, and travels. I myself produce printed yearly charts of the more commonly MRS.CLARA KRASNER insured to deliver what it promises. Brooklyn. NY SHLOMO BARON used daily zmanim, others produce Woodside, New Jersey similar programs. QUESTIONABLE AD IN JO Computers can help us perform See article by Avi Menashe in this mitzvos in their proper time. To the Editor: issue on a similar suggestion.-The HERSHEL EDELSTEIN Editor Having enjoyed your November is­ Monsey, New York sue, especially the wonderful article on Rabbi Ruderman ofblessed and saintly memory, I feel I must express some MAGAZINESParamount Subscriptions surprise and disappointment that you alro urries Jewish Papers & Magazin~• cany an advertisement forwinewhich • 1,000 to choose from FROM FACTORY portrays a non-Torah gathering (i.e. • New subscriptions and renewals at large DISCOUNTS REPRESENTATIVE mixed, with men whose heads are CALL CHAVA NOW SAVE!!! (718) 851 9698 n~w "\t.nw bare). ASK ABOUT OUR SUPER SPECIAL PRICES The non-verbal message of adver­ FOR RECEPTION ROOMS & BUSINESS SHOMER SH~880S tisements such as this to the impres­ sionable young (and the impression­ able not-so-young) runs counter to all PROFESSIONAL··PHOTOS we believe in. ALAN BURIAND . < .. OF SEEKING Salford. England The advertisement was delivered to GED9LIM excellent Gemara Rebbe for the printer in a later-than-usual stage lARGliSTSftECTION small group of gifted H.S. boys of production, and thus was not sub­ ject to normal scrutiny. which surely 3-?iJ;"_ ~ :,5~' for ,yoiH' cotiection with strong learning back­ would have excluded its appearance.- _5'.'.-x,_ -z:::;u,p:t<,>_ :1£»: ~ 2Q"Jor display grounds. Knowledge of Nach NW. and good lvra required. Top salary offered. Send letter and CORRECTION :/ '5321 13th Aveiiue resume to P.O. Box 163, New The date of passing of Rabbi -:~_-: . . . ·.. . . . J)rookly_n, N.Y 112-19 (718) 851·:0600 Haven, CT 06501. Nachum Partzovitz '"~I {JO Dec. .. '87)was 18Marcheshvan5747.

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ENGLISH PROGRAMMING YIDDISH PROGRAMMING

Ort The Hour 20 Min. A.her The Hour 40 Min. After The Hour On 111e Hilf Hour On The Hour P"~'ll:I EIN YAACOV NA.CH HALACHA J'Q" •>n ,., "''l'IP'tl 1KUl1T &SUN. lb.bbl Fishel Shachter Rabbi Chaim Dov ,\husky Rabbi Noach I. Oelbaum "lllli:7iT ~·l':l :nn "Ur.17'1 ~~ :nn MON. JEWISH HISTORY nffllOS STORIES ·:s .,,Jl"'IW n1ii11rnn ,,:a, '" "IW'V nMiwnn ,,:a, 1KUJMl3 Rabbi Berel Wein Rabbi Yehoshua Kaganolf as read by Shlomo Hill "lll:r-Dw D"n t1m~ ::n:i TKTIKl1U t1f.rw J"li'T TUE< HASHKOFAH PERSONAllTifS IN NACH STORlfS n:rm "''l'IP'tl llCUOJli Rabbi Chaim 0. Keller Rabbi Moshe Eisemann Rabbi M. Finkelman "lll:r'DID D"n C

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