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Picture Yourself Changing A Life
The people in these pictures are a lot like you. They do pretty much the same things you do every day - daven, work, learn, spend time with their families. Like you, they lead busy lives. But, like countless other men and women, they've discovered that by setting aside time to help others, they also lead richer a lives. Fuller lives. More inspired lives. M.udath Delivering food to families who might otherwise go hungry ... _Israel offering practical or emotional assistance to people coping of America with serious illness ... helping lonely singles find shidduchim ... iij7Y10NJ. 7N1"t" n'1UN mentoring troubled teens ... The chesed possibilities are Volunteer Through Agudah endless. 42 BROAOWAY, NYC 10004 And so are the rewards. TEL. (212) 797 ·9000 So think about getting into the picture. FAX: (646) 254·1600 Because the life you change may be your own.
Agudath Israel of America's Volunteer Service Department assists individuals who want to become involved in volunteer activities by "matching them" with appropriate chesed groups or organizations. (A partial listing is shown below.) !fyou have a little time to spare and a lot of Ahavas Yisroe\ to offer, call the Volunteer Service Department at 212.797.9000,
\ Am Echad: l Bl!WR CHEVRA A& Hase 1 3 ! 4 H Wi!IMB+ J CHO UM KADISHA ~Center •• P R o i t: c i ::7(j, che/ N'SHEI rn 11 CAR.ES SP .RI< PARTN£RS Y. E.S. J7w66o,f CONSOR1 IUM ~TOIWI r-==~ • 'l.. --=-i I ewt n IN THIS ISSUE s r NOTED IN SORROW I 6 RABBi ALTER (HANOCH HEN/\CH LEIBOWITZ<;··:::;; BSEltVER Rabbi Aryeh Z Ginzberg THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) OO:U-6615 JS PUBLISHED 7 RA.BBi UR! 5HRAG1\ HAKOHEIN HELLMAN <;··::;r i MONTHLY. EXCEPT JULY & AIJGUST AND A COMBINED ISSUE FOR JANllARYlfEBRUARY, BY THE I AGUOATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA. RABBI MOSHE SHERER?·,,,: HIS TENTH YAHRZEIT 42 BROADWAY. NEW YoRK. NY 10004. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID JN NEW 8 THE ]NDEUBLE IMPRINT, Rahbi ll/isson V/ofpin YORK, NY. SUBSCRIPTION S25,oo/YEAR: i 2 YEARS, 548.00: 3 YEARS. S69.00. OUTSIDE OF THE lJNJTFD STATES (l!S 9 RE1\llEMBERING RABBI MOSHE SHERER ':r:t7, FUNDS DRAWN ON A lJS BANK ONU') Rcibbi hJosson Scherrnan S15.oo SUUCHARGf: PER YEAR, SINGLE COPY S;;.50; OUTSIDE NY AREA $3.95; FOREIGN S.;..50, I 14 CH.ll.NGING THE LANDSCAPE OF TORAH JEVVRY I I POSTMASTER: IN THE UNITED STATES, Chdirn Dovie! ZvvieiJef SEND AlJDRESS CHANGES TO! I TEL 212-797-9000, F4.x 646·254-1600 I PRINTED IN THE l!SA HALACHA IN THE BUSINESS WORLD
RABBI N!SSON WOLPJN, t.ditor 19 REl\CHING FOR TzEDDEK UrvllSHPAr, Yt--Joel Lazerson Editorial &xird : R.'\BBl JosEPH Eu As, Chairman 24 SuB-PRlfv1E MORTGAGES - Sus-PR11\!1E HALACH/i,, I RABBI ABBA BRUDNY JOSEPH FRIEDfNSON Rc1bbi Ari Marhirrcrcr I RABBI YISROEL MEii~ KIRZNER ! RABIU NoSSON SCHERMA."< PROF. AARON TWERSKI LETTER FROM JERUSALEM I Nmnden DR. ERNST L BODENHEIMER Z"L 26 lSRAEL AT 60, Yonoson Flose.nb!urn I RABBI MOSHE SHERER Z"I. I 'Management Board NAFTOLT HIRSCH. fSAAC KIRZNEH. SHAVUOS REFLECTIONS RABBI SHLOMO LESIN, DAVID SINGER. NACHUM STEIN 31 "VESEfN BELIBE!NU," RABBI Y.£\/;-,KQV WEINBERG
MRS. LEAH ZAGEl.BAUM, Ad1Trtising i\lana9er 35 "HASMADA 101,,, ELIYAHU MEIR I PUBLISHED BY AGlFDATH ISRAE!. OF AMERICA I BOOK IN REVIEW I U.S. TRADE DISTRIBUTOR fELDHEIM PU!lUSHERS 37 REV1,E 1N OF R;\BBI P/\YSACH KROHN's BOOK Tru'!VEUNG 208 Airport tsecuw•e ft11J1 I WITH THE MAGGiD: A jQLJRNEY TO GREAT TORAH I Na11uet. NY 10954 I CENTERS OF YESTERYEAR, BY RaLibi l.ahish Becker BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE I M.T. Bnuo1 ..\1AN I Grosvenor \Vorh1 40 A B1G MAN WITH AN EvEN 81GGER Hc,,RT, Mount Pleasant Hifl I London E5 9Nt: ENCL4ND i\!Jrs. Shari Glixrnan I FRENCH !~EPRESENTATIVE I I RABBI BAMBERGEf~ MUSING 21 Bou/c;·ard fuixhar15 f I 57000 Met:. FR4NCE 44 LESSONS FROM BYPASS SURGERY, I ISRAELI REPRESENTATIVE Rabbi Aaron A1ordechai Brafrnan I I INTNL. MEDIA PLACEMENT I POB 71-95 I 97 Jqffa Road
STATEMENT OF POLICY J BELGIAN}erusal HEPRESENTATIVE1·m"''9q'c.JK',·w"·,.,rs,·R,·4. 'tt. Mfi. E. APTER THE JEWISH OBSERVER HAS DEVOTED A GREAT DEAL OF .~PACE TO I 1 1 9 THE PERILS OF THE INTERNET A:\10 TO THE NEED FOR EVERYONE TO ' 2018 A11tu(erp. BfJ.GfUM BE EXTREMELY VIGILANT IN ITS USf:. WE HAVE ECHOED THE PLEAS j SOUTH AFRICAN REPRESENTATIVE OF OUR GEDOLIM THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE IN USE, UNLESS IT IS AN I MR. v. TABACK UN'\VOIOABLE NECESSITY. AND THEN ONLY WITH ALL SUITABLE THE JEWISH OBSERVER DOES NOT ASSUME I SAFEGUARDS. WHILE ITS DANGERS Ml!ST BE RECOGNIZED ANO CON RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE KASHRUS OF ANY PRODUCT, I TR NOTED IN SORROW Horav Alter Chanoch Henach Leibowitz ""~t ial Yisroel suffered a devastating loss ing his best students over the decades with the petira (passing) of Horav to establish yeshivos and shuls in large KAlter Chanoch Henach Leibowitz and small communities throughout the .,"lit, the world-renowned Rosh Hayeshiva length and breadth of this country. He of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim and founder of was a visionary who created a revolution its international network of yeshivos, on 10 with his strength of leadership. Nisan/April 15. In a subsequent issue, we will analyze Rabbi Leibowitz was Rosh Yeshiva for and review the methodology and the more than 64 years, the longest serving Rosh mesora that he transmitted from his Hayeshiva in his time, and had thousands great father, Rabbi Dovid Leibowitz, to of talmidim spanning three generations. He new generations in an ever-changing succeeded his father, Rabbi Dovid Leibowitz world. Two of his closest talmidim, Rabbi .,.. lit, as Rosh Hayeshiva in 1941, when the Aryeh Z. Ginzberg and Rabbi Yitzchak yeshiva was located in the Williamsburg Brandriss, have been selected to convey section of Brooklyn. In 1956, the yeshiva the life and legacy that the Rosh Hayeshiva moved to Forest Hills, Queens, where it lived with, and then left for future gen flourished for close to 50 years. In 2003, it erations. (Their articles will appear in a relocated to its current campus in Kew Gardens Hills. future issue.) This loss is profoundly painful, and leaves Kial Besides building Chofetz Chaim into one of today's lead Yisroel with a great void. Yehei zichro baruch. ing yeshivos, Reb Henach dedicated his long and productive The following brief tribute was written by Rabbi Aryeh life to changing the face of Torah in this country, by send- Z. Ginzberg. ll!l was issued that anyone who feels a deep personal loss with the A GLIMPSE OF Rosh Hayeshiva's passing should tear keria, reciting the beracha "Dayan Ha'emes" with Sheim Umalchus. OUR BELOVED I was instructed at the beginning of the levaya to publicize the p'sak and allow several minutes for those who felt them RE BB E ?"::n selves in this category to proceed to tear keria. I did so, and tore keria, as well. Towards the end of the levaya, one of my chaveirim from decades ago in the yeshiva whispered in my ear that he had counted over 250 talmidim who had torn keria in that beis hamidrash. Add to it the talmidim who tore keria in the two branches in Yerushalayim, in Los Angeles, in Miami, in Milwaukee, etc., etc., and you have hundreds and hundreds of talmidim from three different generations all tearing keria in unison for our beloved rebbi, the Rosh Hayeshiva. Who has ever seen such an outpouring of grief and of love for a rebbi, including that displayed by talmidim who left the walls of the yeshiva decades earlier? What was it about the Rosh Hayeshiva that brought out such an outpouring oflove and devotion, as well as a profound n the hours after the terrible news of the Rosh Hayeshiva's sense of grief and loss from so many talmidim? petira, word spread throughout the country. Talmidim Tanach records Elisha Hanavi's famous heartbreaking words I of all ages began to stream towards the yeshiva office for at the passing of his rebbi, Eliyahu Hanav4 when he said the details about the levaya. As I and others fielded the calls, the words "Avi, Avi" (My father, My father). Chazal explain the same she'eila was asked again and again: Should we tear keria double expression to actually mean "My father, My mother." for our beloved rebbi, who was like a father to us? After the For Elisha, his rebbi, Eliyahu Hanav4 was like both a father she'eila was presented to several prominent poskim, the p'sak and a mother. He was the father who instructs, teaches and 6 ---~---·------·----·------·------THE JEWISH OBSERVER guides. He was the mother who nur NOTED IN SORROW I tures and shows unlimited love, care and concern. That was how each and every ta/mid viewed our rebbi. The Rosh Hayeshiva Rabbi Uri Shraga played both roles. He instructed, taught and guided us with a mesora that he had HaKohein Hellman ""n inherited from his great rebbi, and at the very same time, he showed us each and every day how much he loved and cared for us in every way. On that very day, a day that will remain a day of incomparable loss to all of us each and every one of us, hundreds and hundreds of us, lost in a real sense "our father and enotewith at the Yeshiva of Rabbi our mother" who loved us deeply and sorrow the Boruch Ber Leibowitz, unconditionally. W passing of in Kremenchuk. They One of the maspidim shared a con Rabbi Uri Shraga joined the Mirrer versation that he once had with the Rosh Hakohein Hellman Yeshiva in its flight to Hayeshiva. He mentioned to "Rebbi" ?-r, who for more than Vilna, Kobe, Japan and that he truly felt the great love that the 60 years devoted his then Shanghai, China, Rosh Yeshiva had for him. The Rosh heart, neshama and where he spent the war Hayeshiva responded, "You think that I insights to his role years learning with love you now. Wait until you leave the as mechaneich and remarkable hasmada. yeshiva and move out into the world. menaheil of the Bais When the war was Then you'll see how much I really love Yaakov High School of Brooklyn - first over, the Hellmans traveled to the U.S., you." Is there any wonder that the talmi in Williamsburgh and then Boro Park. settling in Brooklyn, NY. dim reciprocated that love and devotion Rabbi Hellman was born in 1917 Rabbi Boruch and Rebbetzin Vichna in return to their beloved rebbi? to Reuven and Fraida (nee Heiman) Kaplan, aware of Rabbi Hellman's repu The Rosh Hayeshiva was only 24 Hellman in Dinslaga, Germany. After tation as a ta/mid chacham who was years old when his father and rebbi, having learned and grown in yeshi gifted with the ability to impart his Rav Dovid Leibowitz, passed away on vos in Germany, including that of the learning to others, invited him to join December4, 1941,and he was appointed renowned Harav Yosef Breuer ?"YT, he Bais Yaakov's faculty. He accepted their to replace him. The Rosh Hayeshiva, continued his studies at Mir, Poland. offer, initially teaching Chumash. Not still single, was sickly in those difficult Rabbi Hellman merited learning from long afterward, Rabbi Hellman became days of World War II, in a world where and being guided by Rabbi Eliezer menaheil of the high school, until his yeshivas were just a relic of the past. Yehuda Finkel ?""YT, Rabbi Yerucham recent retirement. The future prospects of the yeshiva were Levovitz ?"YT, and later, Rabbi Yechezkel He also served as manhig ruchani of almost nil. Yet, the Rosh Hayeshiva gath Levenstein ?"'YT. Camp Bnos, in Liberty, NY for more ered together all his strength, talents, Reb Yerucham, the legendary mash than 20 years. and Herculean sense of bitachon, and giach, took special interest in the talmi As Rabbi Yitzchok Kaplan N"""'1ii of began to build. He continued to do so dim from Germany, the U.S. and other Bais Yaakov High School, mentioned for the next close-to-70 years and was countries outside Poland and Lithuania, in his hesped, Rabbi Hellman's "roshem zocheh to see many of his talmidim go and gave them special shiurim contain (imprint) on his ta/midas was hafla on to build their own yeshivas in the ing deep insights into human nature, vafeleh (truly wondrous)." He was a same derech and mesora to which he mussar and avodas Hashem. mechaneich who played a major role in had dedicated his life. Without doubt, When World War II erupted, Rabbi raising thousands of ta/midas who bring the Rosh Hayeshiva's passing is a great Hellman, with other talmidim of Mir, nachas ruach to Hashem Yisbarach and loss for his yeshiva, his talmidim, and experienced countless open miracles nitzchiyus to Kial Yisroel. for Kial Yisroel, but the mesora and the in their flight from the inferno. He Rabbi Hellman, who was niftar on legacy that he taught us will continue had two visas - one for himself and Erev Shabbos, Parashas Kedoshim, at the to live on and to expand for generations one for a spouse. At that juncture, age of 90, is survived by his eishes chayil, to come. he married Bluma Sher, the daugh Rebbetzin Bluma, their five daughters May the Rosh Yeshiva be a meilitz ter of Rav Nochum and Necha (nee and their three sons, all bnei Torah fol yosher for his yeshiva, his talmidim and Brudny) Sher, from Litvania, Lithuania, lowing the derech hakadosh vehayashar for all of Kial Yisroel. !liJ where her father served as mashgiach of their illustrious parents. !liJ 7 2 0 0 8 "WE CAN ONLY CONQUER ALL THE EVILS FACING KLAL YISROEL WHEN WE JOIN TOGETHER, UNITED BESHALOM VE'ACHDUS, WITH ONE HAND, ONE MIND, ONE HEART, ONE NESHAMA, ONE GOAL, ONE ASPIRATION, LEKADESH SHEIM SHAMAYIM BERABBIM" of Orthodox Jews, and spreading the influence of Torah values. One can perhaps reduce all of the achievements to one central theme: ribbui kevod Shamayim - enhancing the respect accorded the Creator, as reflected in the deeds and the image of His children, the Am Hatorah." Rabbi Shmuel Kamentesky ~··V"ro, Rosh Hayeshiva of Yeshiva Gedolah of Philadelphia, wrote in that same issue: "[Rabbi Sherer] incorporated da'as Torah into his thinking, emerging as the prime spokesman and preeminent leader of responsible Torah-directed activism in our time. Thus did he earn the respect of contemporary gedolei Torah .... Such RABBI MOSHE SHERER 7"~: was the leitmotif, the recurring theme of his life:' One might say in sum that during the half century of Rabbi Sherer's HIS TENTH YAHRZEIT leadership, the American Torah world was transformed from a collection of client institutions and communities to THE INDELIBLE IMPRINT an assertive) articulate and proactive movement of indepen dence, of vision and dignity. t is now ten years since the petira (passing) of Rabbi While the eighty-eight pages of that issue conveyed his g Moshe Sherer ':n11, president of Agudath Israel of vision of Torah action on behalf of Kial Yisroel, recounted America, as well as chairman of the Agudath Israel many of his heroic struggles, and recorded his history making World Organization. As we noted in these pages at that time achievements, his influence has not ceased with his pass (May '98): "More than that, he was a vigilant guardian of ing. As the Prophet Yeshayahu phrased it (5,25): "Od yado Taras Yisroel, eloquent spokesman for Kial Yisroel, and friend netuya- His hand is still outstretched" in the long-standing and protector of' Reb Yisroef - every individual Jew who could effects of his efforts, as well as in the model and inspiration benefit from his concern, intervention, or friendly word. he provided- and continues to provide- for those who knew "All the classical expressions of loss that poured with the him and worked under his guidance and direction. tears of the eulogizers at his levaya-the funeral on 22 Iyar/18 In the pages that follow, we present the impressions of two May-bemoaning the fate of'the ship that has lost its captain; people who had an ongoing relationship with Rabbi Sherer 'the world at loss of its prince,' 'the generation that is bereft over the decades of their public service: of its leader; 'I am in anguish for you, my brother; how sweet Rabbi Nosson Scherman, who is a member of the Edi you are to me' - all these phrases took on an immediacy as torial Board of The Jewish Observer, and is a General though freshly minted for this painful loss. " Editor of Mesorah/ ArtScroll Publications; and Rabbi Chaim The following month, The Jewish Observer devoted Dovid Zwiebel, who serves as Executive Vice President of the entire issue ( 88 pages) to the extraordinary nature of Government and Public Affairs for Agudath Israel of America. his leadership. As this writer commented, "Rabbi Moshe These impressions were originally presented as addresses at Sherer ., .. lit distinguished himself in myriad areas of com the most recent National Convention of Agudath Israel of munal activism, advocacy for the rights and entitlements America in November '07. -N. W. 8 Rabbi Sherer with: Rav Aharon Leib Shteinman 1'rv+.rlv, Rabbi Chaskel Besser, Rabbi Zev Schlessinger RABalM RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN RABBI AKIVA EIGER's should be beautiful. Because to my way Focus on him. Impress him, because he's GUIDELINES of thinking, a person is impressed and the maven. When you're finished, the is inspired when he learns in a sefer search committee will meet. If he says any years ago, Rabbi Chaim that is beautiful and well done. When a you were good, then everybody will say Bressler, the rash yeshiva sefer is done that way, it illuminates the you were good." Jvt of Yeshiva Beth Moshe people who learn it. It enlightens them. Rabbi Sherer taught people how to of Scranton, was the chairman of an It inspires them:' conduct themselves and how to present Agudah dinner. He told a story with a Rabbi Sherer embodied that in him themselves. Because when you pres memorable punch line: "You see pictures self. His appearance was impeccable. ent yourself, you are representing Kial of Rabbi Sherer with presidents of the The shirt sleeve extended below his Yisroel. You're not an individual; you are United States, with governors, mayors, jacket sleeve to the precise proper length. Kial Yisroel. That's how they view you ... senators, congressmen, statesmen, and Everything about his appearance was And that little man in the corner - he foreign leaders. People look at those perfect. So was his diction, his use of matters, he counts. pictures and say, 'Who's that next to language. To him, language - English, To tell the truth, I myself very often Rabbi Sherer?"' There was truth in that Yiddish and Ivrit - was a precious yes, still - imagine Rabbi Sherer in the depiction. He was a leader of a minority tool. One could learn to speak, one corner, and I think to myself, "Am I of a minority; yet, he had the respect of could learn how to use words, just doing justice to his expectations? Would famous people around the world. from listening to him. He gave a class he be proud of me?" I do not know - and I never did in homiletics in Mesivta Torah Vodaas Another thing he used to say: "Always know - anybody quite like him. What because he wanted to train bachurim leave the audience thirsting for more - was his secret? He was right about issues. and yungeleit in how to speak and how not wishing you had finished earlier." He was right about tactics and strategy. to communicate. Such excellent advice! Don't we wish He was guided by gedolei Torah. But that I regret to this day that I did not that more people had attended his is not enough to explain his phenomenal attend those classes. I was foolish not homiletics classes? achievements. to have gone. Rabbi Sherer told his There is a letter from Rabbi Akiva students, "You'll be going for auditions KEEPING THE DOOR OPEN Eiger to his children, written after they as speakers some day - maybe as a ...... had told him that they were collect Yamim Nora'im speaker. When you're ll of the above is important, ing his teshuvos with the intention of giving the probbe, there'll be an old man but it only serves to open publishing them. He wrote: "Make sure with a shpitz berd'l (small goatee) in the a the door to people who had that it is printed on good paper. The back corner of the shuJ:' [In those days, viewed Orthodox Jews with disdain. uld be black. The font, the print, Jews were ashamed to have full beards.] L ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- _J MAY 2008 later, he called up Rabbi Sherer, whom he had never met. John Hess said, "I dug everywhere to verify the truth of that story and to find more that was not reported in the Post. I have never in my journalistic career found some one who has a higher reputation for integrity than you." That was Rabbi Moshe Sherer. ONE DAY LEFT r-{here was a time when Rabbi L,, Yerachmiel Barash was the direc- tor of Agudath Israel's COPE Institute, which was in line for a $150,000 government grant. (This was in the days when $150,000 was real money.) The deadline for approval of that grant was just one day away, and a number of people in Washington were required to sign off on it. There was no way that this could be done in a day, unless someone with great influence made a critical phone call. Rabbi Sherer with members of the Moetzes Gedolei Ha10rah: Rabbi Barash asked Rabbi Sherer Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, Rabbi Yitzchak Hu.tner, Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky?"-:rr to contact someone high up in the Bluzlu:ver Rebbe, Rabbi Yitzclwk Ruderman, Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky, Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner 7"':1'r Department of Education to get approv al for the grant. Otherwise, COPE What keeps the door open? What kept talked about the importance of Torah Institute would have to wait for another the door open for Rabbi Sherer? in Kial Yisroel. year ... and who knew if it would be The man had absolute integrity. His I heard Reb Moshe many times at approved next year. word was a word. If he told something fundraising Melave Malkas for the bene Rabbi Sherer refused. He said, "What to the president of the United States, or fit ofTifereth Jerusalem. He never men you do is this." He gave Rabbi Barash the governor of New York, or the mayor tioned his yeshiva, Tiferes Yerushalayim. the name of a high official in the of the City of New York, they could put He spoke about Torah. Department of Education, and said, it in the bank. They knew that if Rabbi There was a Black Friday in Rabbi "Call him up and tell him that you rep Sherer had said it, it was absolutely Sherer's life. The New York Post once resent COPE Institute. Explain that it is true. And if it did not turn out that ran a front page story in the Friday a subsidiary of Agudath Israel. Describe way, then they knew that someone else afternoon edition accusing Rabbi Sherer your problem. Ask for advice. But do had betrayed him. They never doubted of influence peddling, of using his not, under any circumstances, ask for anything that he said. contacts with government figures for a special favor on our behalf. And if he There was another point. He avoided the benefit of corrupt businessmen, to does not offer to help, just thank him using his influence with important defraud the state. for his time and hang up." public figures for the specific benefit of The Shabbos that followed was a Rabbi Barash placed the phone call, Agudath Israel. He wanted them to see Gehinnom for him. Whoever planted the and the man said, "Agudath Israel? him as a spokesman for the Jewish peo story chose to run it on Friday afternoon That's Rabbi Sherer's organization. Be in ple, or as a spokesman for the Orthodox for an obvious reason. It appeared at a my office tomorrow morning by 9:oo:· community, not as a spokesman for his time when Rabbi Sherer would not have Rabbi Barash flew to Washington, own particular organization. It brings to time to defend himself. and was in the office at 9:00. At the start mind the approaches of Rabbi Aharon In those days, The New York Times of the meeting, the official called in his Kotler ':>··lit, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein had a superlative investigative reporter personal assistant and said, "This rabbi ?"lit and Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky by the name of John Hess who checked is here for his school. And you're going I ?"'lit. Whenever they spoke, they never into the accusation and had expected to to accompany him and make sure his I spoke aboutthe~r-own ms~tutions. They turn it into a major story. A few \Veeks application is processed today." 0 THE JEWISH OBSERVER I The man spent the entire day with schools around the country. It merely Digest of Meforshim I Rabbi Barash, going from office to office, demonstrates the degree of trust that '.I' and collecting all the signatures that they they had in him. '"1ji? 111:1 '"1ji? needed. When it was over, Rabbi Barash He was not always successful. In 1970 ., .. ~ ivv'm 7N1r.iw J";rmr.i went back to the top official and thanked and again in 1973, there were several Available at him. The man replied, "Give Rabbi Supreme Court rulings that went against LEKUTEI Sherer my regards and respect." c!o Yitzchok Rosenberg That is the product of integrity - "-/ -c::~','.of{<:-~---, --- >L--_-_/----_:- -- 1445 54th Street what happens when people know that Brooklyn, NY 11219-4228 your word is a word, that you're sincere, E~~~#~~ 718-854-6701 that you are an idealist. 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, Medrash, Megilos, Talmud, and Tehilim. INVADING THE CURRICULUM Proceeds of sales distributed among Yeshivos and used for reprinting of vol ::s~~~~~J~~r:1ci9c;irr• umes out-of-print r-/'herewas a time when the New York t.~~~;c:C),urttt.en·how PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME £,, State Department of Education lff,' Rabbi Moshe Sherer kept nothing for himself. He lived for Klal Yisroel. And if it appeared that he lived for Agudath Israel, it is because he felt passionately that the Agudah exists to serve Klal Yisroel. causes that Rabbi Sherer had spent years the name Yisroel because "sarisa im the results of their relationship during fighting for. That was another Black Elokim ve'im anashim vatuchal - You those years was that the Reform move Friday. You fight and you fight for things struggled with a malach and with men, ment did not come out with a campaign that yeshivos, that Kial Yisroel, that and you succeeded" (Bereishis 32,29). against shechita, although there were frume Yidden desperately need - that Therefore, your name will be Yisroel. influential members of the 1novement could have meant hundreds of millions The Imrei Emes says, "But Yisroel comes who wanted individual states in the of dollars for yeshivas all over the coun from the word, 'sarisa,' which means United States to ban shechita, because it try, not just in New York - and all your you struggled. Why wasn't he called involves «cruelty to animals." Schindler work goes down the drain. 'vatuchal - you succeeded? Isn't the would not permit it because Alex and Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner ? 00lll sent him important thing to succeed? Moshe got along. When Schindler was a letter of thanks and encouragement. ''No, that is not the case. The impor in charge, the Reform movement did He wrote, "Remember Rabbi Yisroel tant thing is to fight, to exert effort, to not preach from the pulpits nor put Salanter's principle. He said, 'Somebody never give up, to keep on battling for full page ads into the newspapers say who is involved in klal work should the truth and to fulfill retzon Hashem ing that we Orthodox do not consider always remember three things. Don't lesheim Shamayim." them to be Jews. That happened only get angry if people disagree with you. Ki sarisa - that is the key. Vatuchal after Schindler died. Don't feel exhausted and say that I just success? - That is up to the Ribbono she/ Agudath Israel was the only orga can't do it anymore. And never feel that Olam. Whether you succeed or not is nization that challenged Mayor Koch's you must succeed. Success is up to the up to Him, not you. infamous Executive Order 50, which Ribbono she/ Olam:' declared that any organizational activity Rabbi Hutner continued. "We're still ADVERSARIES - NOT ENEMIES funded by the city could not receive any mispalleil with the zechus of the Akeida. government support for social programs The tefillos of Yamim Nora'im are filled bi Sherer had a rare gift. His unless the organization was ready to hire with references to Akeidas Yitzchak. dversaries were not his ene people of deviant lifestyles. That order The Akeida was never consummated ~ies. He fought like nobody applied to virtually every charity in the because Yitzchak was not slaughtered else in Jewish life against the Reform city, including the Catholic Church and on the mizbei'ach. But he went to the movement. The head of the Reform countless Jewish organizations. Akeida and so did Avraham. They were movement, during most of his profes The Agudah was the sole entity to ready to carry it out, and that's what sional career, was Alexander Schindler, confront the city in court. Yet, Rabbi counts. You need not succeed; you just and they were on a first name basis. It Sherer maintained his relationship with have to do:' was "Alex" and "Moshe:' They fought. Mayor Koch, even though the mayor There is a beautiful vort from the They were serious adversaries, but they was never a graceful loser. Koch wrote Imrei En1es 7"~t: Yaakov Avinu was given never became personal enemies. One of this in his own autobiography about 12 '------~------~--.. someone who crossed him: "I got him The Tshebiner Rav translated it this Rabbi Moshe Sherer kept nothing for back, and then I called him up and said, way: Im lamadta Torah harbei, al tac himself. He lived for Kial Yisroel. And 'I got you back; now we can be friends hazik tova le' atzmecha - If you learned if it appeared that he lived for Agudath again."' Thus, most people were afraid much Torah, do not keep your achieve Israel, it is because he felt passionately to cross swords with Ed Koch. Not Rabbi ments as your personal possession, ki that the Agudah exists to serve Kial Sherer. If it was the right thing to do, he lekach notzarta -you were created to Yisroel. He thus served Kial Yisroelwith would do it. In fact, Mayor Koch told his spread the d'var Hashem. You're only every breath, with every heartbeat, with confidants when he issued the executive a surrogate. It doesn't belong to you. every fiber of his being. order that if anyone were to challenge Don't take credit for yourself. The Let that be his legacy. I it, it would be Agudath Israel. Ribbono she/ Olam gave you the zechus May we merit that sifsosav dovevos to attain Torah to enable you to share bakever, that Reb Moshe should be PRESERVING HIS LEGACY it with others. able to say that we are worthy bearers of his legacy. !i!J would like to close with two things. I The Brisker Rav ?··:n was niftar f} on Erev Yam Kippur, 1959. When I Rabbi Aharon Kotler zt"l was maspid him in the Pike Street Shu] on the Lower East Side, he said, "The Brisker Rav is i not here. We can no longer consult him and ask him what to do. All that I we can do now when something comes up is to think: What would the Brisker Rav tell us if he were here today? What I can we learn from his p'sakim (halachic decisions)? What can we learn from his hanhagos (ways of conduct)? What can he teach us? We must pattern ourselves after his example." In the expression of the Sages, sifsosav dovevos bakever (his lips speak from the A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE GEDOLEI YISROE grave, as it were). What would those lips Experience Pre·war Europe together with world renowned educator, lecturer U author tell us if we were consulting the legacy of the Brisker Rav? RABBI PAYSACH KROHN I believe that we must conduct our Beautiful Shufs ·Breathtaking Moun selves similarly to Rabbi Moshe Sherer. Daven at the Kevorim of THE CHASAM SOFER Memorable Museums • stunning Cas In klal life, there was only one Rabbi 1 THE NODA B YEHUDA VISIT THE Moshe Sherer. What would he be telling REB ELIMELECH OF LEZHENSK CONCENTRATION CAMPS us today? What would he be advising THE MAHARAL OF PRAGUE of Auschwitz/Birkenau, Majdonek & Theresienstadt us if we were consulting him about the problems facing us today? * * * Let me conclude with a vortthat Reb Moshe used to say over in the name of the Tshebiner Rav ?":n. I think that we TUESDAY AUGUST 12 - could say that this was Reb Moshe's THURSDAY AUGUST 21, 2008 Ma~ join tour from Israel or Europe credo in life: Optmn to continlli! on to Israel The Mishnah says in Avos, "Im SPAR IS llMIJID RISIRYI llOW! lamadta Torah harbei, al tachazik tova le' atzmecha, ki lekach notzarta - If you learned much Torah, do not take credit for yourself, because it was for this that you were created." You are just doing your job. That is what you were put on L "·do ·------·-· (Left to Right) Rabbi Sherer with: Rabbi Aharon SchechterM"~, Senator Joseph Lieberman, President Lyndon Johnson Cl:IAIM Dovm ZWIEBEL cka efTortdt THE INTERNAL AND ETERNAL LEGACIES OF RABBI MOSHE SHERER CORE PRINCIPLES ooking back at the remarkable Volozhiner foresaw many years earlier growth and development of as '~the last station in galus," so, too, did ut in addition to these exter ;,Torah Jewry in the United States it place Rabbi Sherer in his position nal accomplishments, there is over the past century, it is not difficult of communal leadership for that very 13 another way in which Rabbi to identify a number of key individuals same purpose. Sherer should be seen as a man of who were instrumental in leading this Without question, Rabbi Sherer was history: his essential internal role in particular American Revolution: the preeminent shtadlan/advocate of shaping the developing Torah com Reb Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz and his generation. He was the voice of munity around certain fundamental the leaders of Torah Umesorah, who Torah Jewry during the critical years principles that constitute the very core established Jewish day schools from sea when the community transitioned from of Agudas Yisroel. to shining sea ... Rav Aharon Kotler and an insignificant blip on the American Specifically, it was Rabbi Sherer, more other distinguished roshei yeshivos, who radar screen to its position as a social than any other person of his time, who built institutions of advanced Torah and political force to be reckoned with. established the primacy of Torah leader learning ... the Satmar Rebbe and other The list of his tangible achievements is ship within the community; who battled great admorim, who recreated old-world lengthy. He was instrumental in securing for the integrity of Torah Judaism Chassidus right here on the "treife shtein various forms of governmental assis against various forms of compromise et'' of America ... Rav Moshe Feinstein tance to yeshivos without compromising and betrayal; and who transformed and other morei hora' a who provided their independence; getting laws enacted disparate individuals and groups into a authoritative halachic guidance to count to protect Sabbath observance and other unified tzibbur whose whole was greater less individuals and communities. religious practices; and accessing public than the sum of its parts. To this august list I would respectfully resources to establish an extensive net suggest that another name be added: work of social service programs for the THE PRIMACY OF that of the legendary Agudath Jsrael community. He utilized his contacts at TORAH LEADERSHIP leader Rabbi Moshe Sherer. Clearly, the highest levels of government and Rabbi Sherer was in an entirely differ in other spheres of power to advance ,...,.-;;Rabbi Sherer, the most impor ent league from these towering ged the interests of Kial Yisroel and to help . .(_, tant event on the Jewish com- olei Yisroel. Nonetheless, just as the countless needy Reb Yisroels. These munal calendar was the annual Hashgacha Elyona placed giants of Torah accomplishments alone would be suf Agudah Convention. This was so not and Chassidus on American shores at a ficient to earn Rabbi Sherer recognition only because the convention served critical juncture in the history of Kial as one of the seminal historical figures Agudath Israel's organizational pur Yisroel to help create what Rav Chaim of his time. poses, but first and foremost because it 14 THE JEWISH O&SE,RVER THE INTEGRITY OF served as a forum for Torah leaders to TORAH JUDAISM address. Kial YisroeLYear in and year out, ba'alebattim and askanim would spend TODAY, ORTHODOX uring the early years of the four days together listening to gedolei JEWISH AMERICA .development ofAmerican Torah Yisroel identify the priority challenges Jewry, the common assump- facing Kial Yisroel and address the issues LOOKS QUITE A BIT tion was that if there were going to be of the day through their da' as Torah DIFFERENT THAN any Orthodox presence in the. United perspective. But even before a wordwas IT DID HALF A States, it would look very different from uttered at these conventions, a lesson that which eXisted in pre-War Europe. was being imparted. The incredible sight CENTURY AGO. WITH Orthodoxy, ifit would survive altogeth of a dais populated by rabbanim, roshei ALL OF THE VERY er, would be part of a larger Jewish com yeshivas and admorim, and a roomful of REAL PROBLEMS munity that encompassed "three wings laymen sitting at their feet, waiting with of Judaism"- Reform, Conservative and great anticipation to hear every word FACING ORTHODOXY, Orthodox - and would have to find its they had to say - that itself carried a STANDARDS OF place within that broader spectrum, most powerful message. SHEM/RAS HAMITZVOS But the gedolei Yisroel said No. They The message was about true Jewish were not prepared to throw in the towel leadership. The Agudah conventions, HAVE BEEN RAISED; and surrender the derech Yisroelsabba to and everything else about the Agudah TORAH LEARNING the "new realities" of American plural movement, proclaimed that leadership HAS BECOME MORE ism. And when they looked for a field is defined by greatness in Torah, not general to lead the battle for the undi by wealth, not by connections, not by UNIVERSAL; JEWISH luted integrity of Torah Judaism, shezos professional skills. Perhaps today, within IDENTITY HAS BEEN haTorah lo tehei muchlefes, the man they our own Torah community, this is no STRENGTHENED. chose was Rabbi Moshe Sherer. longer such a "chiddush." But in the early In 1954, when eleven of the greatest days of the Orthodox Jewish community A HEALTHY SHARE roshei yeshivosof their day issued a pro in the United States, it was a chiddush OF THE CREDIT hibition against joining the Synagogue nifla. Following in the footsteps of his FOR THESE Council of America and the New York cousin and predecessor, the great Reb Board of Rabbis-entities that were pre Elimelech Gavriel Tress, Rabbi Sherer DEVELOPMENTS mised on the notion of a "three-winged taught an entire generation about the BELONGS TO Judaism" - they dictate.cl their p'sak to concept of da'as Torah, of looking to RABBI SHERER. Rabbi Sherer. He not only wrote it for gedolei Yisroel for guidance on matters them, he implemented it as well, doing of halacha and hashkafa. more throughout his career than anyone I will never forget the time about else on the contemporary Jewish scene 20 years ago when Rabbi Sherer pre his cheerful state of mind after his own to combat the destructive heresies of the sented an issue to the Moetzes Gedolei recommendation had just been knocked Reform and Conservative movements. HaTorah, with a specific recommenda down by the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, Today the Synagogue Council no lon tion based on discussions that he had he told me: "Don't you understand, ger eXists, the Reform and Conservative had with a number of experts in the Chaim Dovid? This is what Agudas movements are in disarray, and inde field. The members of the Moetzes Yisroel is all about. This is why I came pendentOrthodoxy continues to grow Gedolei HaTorah listened to Rabbi here, for a day like today, when my by leaps and bounds. Many in our own Sherer's presentation, asked some ques own opinion would be rejected by the camp of Torah Jewry even wonder why tions, and then told him that they gedolei Yisroel:' the non-Orthodox movements occupied did not agree with the recommended I do not think Rabbi Sherer walked so much attention of the Agudah lead approach. Instead, they directed him out of that meeting of the Moetzes ership. In truth, though, were it not for to adopt a different approach, one that Gedolei HaTorah persuaded that they the heroic battle Rabbi Sherer waged the experts themselves had considered were right and he was wrong. What was against the deviationist movements, and and rejected. When Rabbi Sherer walked most incredible was that, despite hold the clear lines of protective demarcation out of the meeting, I noticed that he was ing his own opinion, he enthusiastically he helped draw around the Torah com on the proverbial Cloud Nine, smiling accepted and carried out the contrary munity, Jewish life in America would from ear to ear, and excitedly making directive of Torah leaders. The primacy look very different than it does today. .plans on.how.to implement the.decision ofTorahleadershipwa~ no 1Uereslogan His eff()rts were absolutely essential. of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah. I was for him; it was a way of life, the ol11y But it was not just the ontright fulsili amazed. Sensing my bewilderment at way of life. ers ofJudaism whom Rabbi Sherer took 15 M -A Y -.2 o o B on. so111etimes, painful though it was, Sherer, whose lifelong commitment to I will never forget my first Agudah Rabbi Sherer found it necessary to raise preserve.the integrity of Torah even in convention, nearly a quarter century his voice against dangerous trends that the modern world of America made an ago.About a month before the conven were taking place even within certain indelible imprint both within Agudath tion, Rabbi Sherer and Rabbi Shmuel parts of the Orthodox world. Carrying Israel circles and beyond. Bloom (lehavdil bein chayim lechayim) the message of the gedolei Yisroel, Rabbi had approached me about the possibility Sherer would speak out against laxities TRANSFORMING ofleaving the private practice oflaw and of observance, against glorification of TORAH JEWRY INTO joining Agudath Israel. I was consider secular culture, against destructive forc A UNITED TZIBBVR ing the offer at the time, so I decided to es of"Orthodox feminism" and other ,• ...... ·-· ...... go to my first-ever.convention. I stayed insidious inroads of the secular world ,,,.,.-iie Agudah movement was built just for the Thursday program, but in.to the Torah camp. . (,,, ~pon the principle that Kial was overwhelmed by the experience of Today, Orthodox Jewish America · · Y~roel may have a variety of sitting in the audience, surrounded by looks quite a bit different than it did half shevatim, each with its own distinctive hundreds of people from all different a century ago. With al! of the very real flag, bnt all are united as one large ko'ach backgrounds and walks of life, people problems facing Orthodoxy, standards harabbim. Rabbi Sherer never lost sight wearing up-hats and down-hats, black ofshemiras hamitzvos have been raised; of the illlportance of bringing people hats, gray hats and no hats, people from Torah learning has become more univer together from as many different groups Chassidishe backgrounds and Litvishe sal; Jewish identity has b.een strength- and backgrounds as possible under the backgrounds, American backgrounds . ened. A healthy share of .the credit for unifying umbrella of Agudas Yisroel. and European backgrounds, Sephardim these developments belongs to Rabbi and Ashkenazim, ba'alei teshuva and (~FFBs?) Suddenly, taking in the colorful PINCIIAS 1V£ANI>EL kaleidoscope in front of my eyes, I Over 50 years experience in Kvura in Eretz Yisraef Serving the North Amencan Public and Funeral Industry was overcome by the feeling, perhaps ?Ni\c:n )-'1N PN i111Jj7 l~N VP1i7 for the first time in my life, that I was Personal responsibility throughout service - NOT JUSf "PAPERWORK" part of something larger than my own ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT RABBINICALLY APPROVED METHOD "dalet amos:' I was part of a Kial Yisroel Highly recommended by GedoJai Hador- Here and in Eretz Yisrael that transcends one's own individual 162S-42nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11204 background. It was at that moment Day&N.ghtphone: (718) 851-8925 that I decided to accept the offer to join Agndas Yisroel-because it occurred to J))t"1:lN1~r.JNj;> ))l»;;> - J'1J 11-!l n1r.JY)) 'll~ me that if one is part of a tzibbur, then Kavod Haniftar with Mesiras Nefesh and compassion for the bereaved family. one has a responsibility to that tzibbur, TAHARAS HANIFTAR SHOULD NEVER BE COMMERCIALIZED to live for a cause greater than one's own self. Most of us have several area.-, that co1n- Rabbi Sherer would never tire of pete for our and attention. tim~ ~len articulating his vision of Torah Jewry Life B a l ance these areas are 1n harmony, you will experience a \V!lJil nnuo - peace of as a mighty tzibbur, a ko'ach ha'rabbim A Life-Coach 1nind - 1naking you a n1ore effective, happier person. enhanced exponentially by each one .of can help you In 2-3 months, uSing week1y private phone sessions you can lean1 to its individual members. He would alw,lys effectively take control of your life. develop and seek to expand the umbrella of Agudas HOW MUCH MORE PRODUCTIVE AND ENHANCED maintain a WOULD YOUR LIFE BE WITH BETTER LIFE BALANCE? Yisroel, .reaching out both geographi wholesome WHY COACHING? In1proving one's life n1eans making change; and cally and ideologically to bring more balance people need support and structure to keep distractions and obstacles fro1n and more people under the um.brella. between the ~•vamping their dreams and goals. Coaching provides that solid fnunework And he did all in his power.to resist any of support and structure. important effort to create division and disunity areas of I have over thirty years experience in helping people fulfill their dremns, have authored books, articles and produced cassette progrmns within the Agudah coalition. That he your life. on this subject, m1d have taken special Life-Coach courses. succeeded in doing so, even in the face FREE OFFER - I would be happy to give you a free telephone session. Please of certain great pressures, was based.on call USA 845-352-1175 for an appointment Thank you. - MR. AV! SHULMAN the fact that he had gained. the trust of Live a Life of Design, Not Defa ult gedolei Yisroel form all backgrounds, all of whom said "Around this man, we can um"fy" . 16 SI.FSOSAV DOVEVOS BAKEVER ...... _ .... planted .a numb.er ofyears ago " 17 MAY 2008 I Rabbi Sherer with: NYS Governor Nelson Rockefeller; It hurts Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu 10 c THE SACRED TRUST uring the last years of his life, Rabbi Sherer chose as a motto for Agudas Yisroel of America "Keepers of the Sacred Trust:' It was the • sacred trust that had been bequeathed to him by the great leaders who had founded the Agudas Yisroel movement upon the ideological pillars of recogniz ing the primacy of Torah leaders, pre serving the integrity of authentic Torah It hurts Judaism, and building the community into a unified tzibbur. Rabbi Sherer is no longer with us. We miss him, desperately. In many ways, he is absolutely irreplaceable. But we, like he, are also Keepers of the Sacred Trust. We carry with us the visionary charge of the Chafetz Chaim, It feels better just to talk about it. That's the Imrei Emes, Rav Chaim Ozer, the why we're here. Our staff is made up of T chortkover Rebbe, and all the other caring and sensitive Individuals. Together, founded the Agudah we can help you explore your options. We gedolei Yisroelwho can refer you to recognized professionals movement, and the legacy of the great for counseling, legal advice or help in Agudah leaders Reb Elimelech Gavriel finding a safe environment. We can also Tress and Rabbi Moshe Sherer, who put you in touch with some very special Rabbis. But in order for us to reach out to transformed the American landscape you, you must first reach out to us. through their heroic efforts. We today are Confidential Hotline 1.888.883.2323 keepers of that very same sacred trust. (Toll Free) By carrying that sacred trust for ward, we will ensure that Rabbi Sherer's 718.337.3700 lips will continue to move, so beauti Do it for yourself. (NYC Area! fully and so eloquently, though he may Do it for your chi Id re n. Shalom Ta>k Force,, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization be bakever. fill 18 HALACHA IN THE BUSINESS YISROEL LAZERSON Jewish courts with a frequency must be analyzed and addressed in a mature and constructive fashion. Let us say at the outset that the pur pose of these words is not in anyway to denigrate or cast aspersions on any particular beis din, as many are com prised of dayanim who are great talmidei chachamim and ehrliche, G-d-fearing Jews. Also, these v.rords are in no \Vay meant to justify the conduct of any individual acting contrary to halacha by bringing his dispute to a non-Jewish court. That constitutes a chillul Hashem and is completely forbidden. One is THE STIGMA IS GONE only permitted to take a dispute to a djudicating disputes in a non ...... •' ...... "' ...... civil court in those situations where one Jewish court violates a fairly receives a p'sak from an established beis A well-known prohibition The nfortunately, the terrible stigma, din ruling that the parties may have the first passuk in Parashas Mishpatim tells the terrible breach associated dispute resolved in a civil court. us, "Ve'eileh hamishpatim asher tassifn Uwith bringing disputes between lifneihem-And these are the judgments two Jews before a non-Jewish court How THE INSTITUTION OF that you should place before them." was not transported undiluted to the BEIS DIN IS PERCEIVED Commenting on the word "lif soil of America. Perhaps because of the neihem- in front of them," Rashi cites perception of America as a malchus shel he fact remains, however, that the famous Gemara in Masechta Gittin chessed, perhaps because of the sorry despite the efforts of numerous that infers that the passuk means "In state of affairs related to dinei Torah, a T battei din to decide disputes front of them, but not in front of non basic tenet of our religion - categorized according to the halacha in Shulchan fews." Rashi continues with the very by the poskim as "abizraihu de' avoda Aruch, there is a prevalent perception strong language of the Gemara that zara" - has become significantly neu about the current system of beis din that goes on to say, "Even if you know that tralized. often leaves the disputing parties with an regarding a certain legal matter non Fortunately, over the past two and uneasy feeling. What are the reasons for Jews employ the same legal principles as a half decades, the situation has some these uneasy feelings? What is it about the Jewish courts, still do not bring the what improved. More and more people the current system that perturbs many dispute to non-Jewish courts. For one are turning to beis din to settle their of the general public? who brings the legal matters of Israel disputes. This can be attested to by the Several issues are involved. Some before non-Jews desecrates the Name significant growth of established and people are uneasy about the entire con of Hashem ...." respected battei din and their caseloads. cept of "p'sak gelt" - the remuneration The chillul Hashem- the desecra The problem, however, is far from being paid to the beis din for adjudicating a tion of Hashem's Name associated with resolved. It is still all too common for dispute. In truth, the concept of p'sak bringing a dispute between two Jews to Jews to opt for secular adjudication gelt is centuries old. For generations, a non-Jewish court- is something that under various erroneous pretenses and dayanim have been paid for rendering has been ingrained in the Jewish psyche excuses. Even more, the stigma, the com piskei halacha. It is appropriate that for generations. In times gone by, it munal outcry, has yet to return. they receive financial compensation for was considered a terrible, unforgivable This, in and of itself, is extremely their time and effort, as is delineated breach for one Jew to force another worrisome, warranting contemplation, in halacha. Jew to adjudicate a dispute in front of soul searching and solutions. Chillul a non-Jewish court. Hashem, the Rambam tells us, is one THE ROLE OF TOANIM of the gravest aveiros. The fact that we I YJSROEL LAZERSON, A FREELANCE WRITER, LIVES see otherwise G-d-fearing Jews, who .T.... ·~;;e· i~·~ ~;~f;;e~c~·~;t~;e~· ;~~ IN LAKEWOOD, NJ. THIS IS HIS FIRST APPEARANCE are impeccably fastidious about other present methods and the way I IN THESE PAGES. matters of observance, resorting to non- things were done in t1~ MAY 2008 In bygone times, the two disputing par to'ein can and should play is to help his function that cannot and should not ties came to the rav or beis din seeking client prepare and organize the infor- be minimized. adjudication. Today, however, a large 1nation, and make a clear presentation Nevertheless, the fact that most dis majority of cases are brought before the of the facts, especially when the client puting parties first retain a to' ein, and beis din by" to'anim," rabbinical lawyers himself is not able to do so. Additionally, only then seek a beis din based on who represent the parties in the dispute. in times gone by, disputants would take the to'ein's recommendation, creates a They are the primary "customers" of their cases to the single beis din in the situation where a relatively small group battei din today. city for a p'sak. Today, there are numer of people, the to'anim, are often the Indeed, to'anim have become an inte ous battei din available. The layman primary parties seeking the use of the gral part of the beis din system and they often needs guidance from a to' ein as beis din. Since they are the ones who frequently perform a vitally important to which beis din is best suited for his advise the parties where to take their din function. In many disputes, especially particular case. A good, G-d-fearing, Torah, they are effectively the providers complex ones, the positive role that a capable to'ein performs an important of "business" for the beis din. The resultant relationship between the to'anim and battei din can be cause for concern. THE SLOW PACE OF THE PROCESS nother related issue that 1nany who have required the use of A battei din have found vexing is the seemingly slow pace of the process. Both the actual procedure of placing the claim before beis din and the extended period of time that it takes some battei din to render a p'sak after all the claims and counterclaims have been presented leave the parties to a dispute frustrated. THE VORT • The menu for the seuda is The many billable hours that they have .- i'tie ·vori ·ce.1etiiat'ion· 15 ·ta· ·tie limited to 3 courses followed by a to pay the to'anim and the beis din discontinued. The L'chaim (held at regular dessert. combined with the long wait until the the time that the engagement is • No Viennese table and no bar. beis din actually issues a p'sak contrib announced) should also not turn ute to the uneasy perception that has into a Vort. THE MUSIC developed with regard to the present day beis din system. It should be noted, THE WEDDING • A band may consist of a maximum nevertheless, that by and large, the cost .- .F.cir· 1:,,i>lC:a1· i'amiiies: ·ori1y· ·400 of 5 musicians (one of the musicians and duration of a din Torah process is invited guests may be seated at the may act as a vocalist) or four musi a fraction of its secular alternative. But chassuna seuda. (The Guidelines cians and one additional vocalist. the general public holds the din Torah make provision for exceptional • A one-man band is recom process to a higher standard, and right circumstances - see full text.) mended. fully so. • The kabbo/as panim smorgas A third related issue is what one bord should be limited to basic FLOWERS Br. CHUPA DECOR person familiar with the system termed cakes, fruit platters, a modest buf ; 'rfie.tc.iti11 'casi 'cit'ttiese· ftems· for (•unprofessional conduct." fet, and the caterer's standard the entire wedding should not The fact is that most dayanim and chicken or meat hot dishes. exceed $1,800. to' anim have occasion to meet in beis din fairly regularly. The cadre of to' anim FOR THE FULL VERSION OF THE SIMCHA GUIDELINES and battei din is sufficiently small to WITH ITS RABBINICAL ENDORSEMENTS ensure that the to'anim are fairly fre quent presenters before battei din. This AND THE ACCOMPANYING KOL KOREH, has resulted in a situation wherein the please call 212.612.2300 to'anim and dayanim know one another and have developed a certain sense of 20 l -----~~=~=~=----_·-----=T;;;H=E;;;. =J ;;;E;;;W=l=S ;;;H=;;;O=B;;;S=E ;;;R;;;V=E=R=- ! familiarity with each other. Their inter would serve as an integral component however, is completely removed actions and seemingly casual manner of in restoring the public's perception of from the dayanim, the actual indi· I relating to one another can diminish the trust in the holy, vital institution of viduals ruling on the dispute, as sanctity of the din Torah process. beis din. their own salaries come from a Ghazal derive from the words of the different source, resulting in lower I passuk, "Elokim nitzav ba'adas Kei~" that THE SUGGESTIONS fees and in an altogether low cost Hashem, as it were, is present when beis process. din rules on disputes, which requires a l. Establish a beis din with a special 3. The beis din must make a commit I standard of decorum and seriousness. fund from which dayanim are paid ment to issue a formal p'sak din Additionally, this casual interaction a set monthly salary, regardless within two weeks of receiving all I between the to'anim and dayanim often of the amount of hours spent or pertinent testimony and informa ! demoralizes and intimidates the parties not spent on adjudicating dinei tion, with an administrator ensur to the din Torah and contributes to a Torah. In this way, there will be no ing compliance. perception of impropriety. monetary relationship whatsoever 4. The beis din must commission I There is no question that some of the between the parties to the dispute recognized, prominent senior rab issues mentioned above are responsible or the to'anim who present the banim who are not formally associ I for spurring parties to erroneously arguments, and the beis din hear· ated with rendering piskei halacha ' I choose to bring their disputes before ing that dispute. This removes any at the beis din to periodically come secular courts. perception that the dayanim are in, review and supervise the work I beholden to the to'ein or the disput· ings of the beis din to ensure that DAYAN IM: ing parties, as they have no interest it is living up to the exalted calling I I UNHAPPY WITH STATUS Quo in an elongated session. of a beis din that, kivyachol, part 2. The beis din may collect an hourly ners with the Ribbono shel Olam he question arises: How can the fee from the disputants to defer Himself. Of course, they are not I I above issues be addressed to curb running expenses. That payment, permitted to discuss the specific Tthe steady hemorrhaging of trust I in the beis din system? How can the r.------~ i resultant colossal chillul Hashem, which I I takes place with bringing disputes to the Are You Movi 7 secular courts, be stopped? I I In truth, many dayanim are also I IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED I I unhappy with the status quo that has INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? I evolved. They are also seeking a method I We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the Jewish Observer to your home. I to bring more dignity to the system I Please attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address and I i and remove the niggling perception computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the address label. of unfairness that seems to be evident I I current system. I I Prominent rabbanim and roshei Affix old label here yeshivas have bemoaned the present I situation and the damage that it has I I caused - and is continuing to cause I - to kevod Shamayim. Rabbi Yosef Name~~----~~~------~~--~~~- Rosenblum, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva I New Address Shaarei Yosher, and RabbiYaakov Perlow, I I the Novominsker Rebbe, have been I City, especially vocal in raising their concerns State, ______.Zip · and calling for solutions. I I i After consultations with the above I Date Effective------I mentioned senior sages and many other 1 Send address The Jewish Observer ' distinguished rabbanim, dayanim and changes to: Change of Address I I leaders familiar with the present day I 42 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 i beis din system, it was clear that sev- I Please allow 4-6 weeks for all changes to be reflected on your mailing label. We wifl not I era! seemingly minor changes would be responsible for back issues missed unless you notify us 6 weeks prior to your move. .J ' ,1 effect an absolutely massive impact, and L ------~· 21 L ______------r-=· MAY 2008 I piskei halacha with the dayanim, in between them and the dayanim of a wide range of communities from order to ensure the independence outside of beis din. across the spectrum, have given their of the dayanim and privacy of the enthusiastic haskama to the found disputing parties. A PIPE DREAM OR REALITY? ing of such a beis din. They include 5. The beis din must adhere to the Rabbi Shmuel Berenbaum ?"lll, Rosh highest standards of professional am afraid that the reader may be Yeshiva of Mir, and n"?:l', Rabbi Yaakov conduct. Its dayanim must accept nodding his head in agreement with Perlow, the Novominsker Rebbe, Rabbi upon themselves not to discuss with I the above mentioned recommenda Ephraim Fishel Hershkowitz, the anyone, not even roshei yeshivas or tions, but simultaneously shaking his Haleiner Rav, Rabbi Aharon Shechter, rabbanim, any case that is brought head doubtfully or perhaps in exaspera Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Rabbeinu Chaim before them. tion over the fact that such seemingly Berlin, Rabbi Yosef Rosenblum, Rosh 6. The beis din should be an indepen revolutionary changes simply cannot Yeshiva, Yeshiva Shaarei Yosher, Rabbi dent beis din that is unaffiliated with and will not happen. "It is a great idea," Matisyahu Salomon, Mashgiach, Beth any group or organization. he might be saying to himself, "but Medrash Govoha, Rabbi Yechezkel 7. A safra dedayana (rabbinic secre wishful thinking ... :• Roth, Karlsburger Rav, Rabbi Dovid tary) must sit in on every din Torah The truth is, however, that it is a great Feinstein, Rosh Yeshiva Mesivta Tiferes and make sure that the proceedings idea and it is not wishful thinking. One Yerushalayim, and Rabbi Moshe Wolfson, adhere to the solemn decorum such beis din has indeed recently been Mashgiach, Yeshiva Torah Vodaath, and that should characterize the exalted established. The name of this beis din is Rav of Kehal Emunas Yisrael. Some of standing of a beis din that rules on Beis Din Tzeddek Umishpat. these gedolim offered their own sugges dinei Torah. He is also to serve as The impetus behind the founding tions, as well. the sole point of contact with the of Beis Din Tzeddek Umishpat was There were three particular rab parties and the to' anim in order to precisely the above mentioned issues. banim involved in all practical aspects avoid and prevent any such contact Senior gedolei Yisroel, representative of the founding of the beis din and the institution of its bylaws and who con tinually monitor the beis din to ensure that it lives up to the lofty ideals of its founders. They are Rabbi Hillel David, Rav of Kehal Shaarei Torah of Brooklyn, Rabbi Yaakov Shraga Horowitz, Rav of For careful attention to your the Telzer Minyan and Rosh Yeshivas individual needs, call us today! Bais Meir, and Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Rav of The Agudas Yisrael of Madison (845) 354-8445 (Flatbush) and a Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshiva Torah Vodaath. You ca.n! Iustcall THE DAYAN IM OF BEIS The Yitti Leibel DIN TZEDDEK UMISHPAT ''I wish I could Helpline. HOURS: he beis din has retained four Monday-Friday ...... Sain -12pm world-class, respected daya speak to a Monday-Thursday ...... 8pm -llpm nim. The Rosh Beis Din, Rabbi Sunday ...... 9am -12pm, 9pm -llpm T Daniel Geldzhaler, a dayan at Beis Din 718-HELP-NOW Tzeddek Machon Le'Horaah of Monsey, frum therapist 1~l& t\l (718) 435-7669 Rabbi Dov Kahan, av beis din of Beis Chicago ...... (800) HELP-023 Din Maysharim of Lakewood, Rabbi Lakewood ...... (732) 363-1010 Avrohom Braunstein, dayan at Beis on the phone Cleveland ...... (888) 209-8079 Din Tzeddek Machon Le'Horaah and Baltimo;e ...... ( 410) 578-1111 Beis Din Evven Mishpat, and Rabbi Detrnit ...... (877) 435-7611 Mordechai Shuchatowitz, Rosh Beis Din without giving San Diego ...... (866) 385-0348 Tornnto ...... (416) 784-1271 ofBaltimore. The safra de'dayna is Rabbi The Rebbetzin Phyllis Weinberg Branch of the Yitti Leibel Helpline Yerachmiel Barash. '1"!.' c'.:rv We look forward to the time thropists who were encouraged by the I rabbanim to support a noble cause that when all battei din will have would add honor to the institution of institutionalized the above beis din and the concept of din Torah. These philanthropists and their fami mentioned safeguards in their lies were excluded from ever using the own system so that the passuk services of the beis din, thereby ensur ing that no appearance of a relation that states, "Veshaftu es ha'am ship between them and the beis din mishpat tzeddek - And they shall I should exist. In fact, even the names of the philanthropists are concealed judge the nation with righteous from the dayanim. judgment" 10EvAR1M16,1s1, and the words I Many innovations were instituted in order to preserve the honor of the beis of Tehillim of "Elokim nitzvav ba'adas Keil" din process. Even the physical structure will be fulfilled both in practice and perception. I of the court room and the way the daya nim are seated were designed to bring I honor and dignity to the system. it is possible to have a beis din system The fascinating aspect of Beis Din that avoids so many of the pitfalls with Tzeddek Umishpat is that it has sur which they are all too familiar. prised even the skeptics. Some of the More importantly, it is also to I most vocal skeptics were those regu encourage changes within the system Hats • Shirts • Ties • Accessories larly involved in the beis din process. and the opening of more battei din of Your # 1 Stop I When they saw how the culture of this nature. It is imperative that the beis dignity impacts on the proceedings, din process not only actually be beyond for how a proactive safra dedayana can be reproach, but also that it be seen and 11ality Hats I instrumental in maintaining decorum, perceived by the wider public as glatt WE ALSO ORY CLEAN they were deeply impressed with how kosher and glatt yosher. & RESHAPE HATS I I (All work done on premise$} •II I the atmosphere and the procedures were Beis Din Tzeddek Umishpat is only transformed by the institution of some one refreshing, long overdue change and 1368 Coney Island Avenue of these vitally important changes and opportunity for ehrliche Yidden to bring (718) 377-5050 I innovations. their disputes to a beis din that will offer Major credit cards accepted • We ship UPS Some to'anim have privately admit a totally new beis din experience. ted that they feel far more comfortable This is not enough, however. We look I with the process at Beis Din Tzeddek forward to the time when all battei din Umishpat than in other places, and will have institutionalized the above that their clients have been encouraged mentioned safeguards in their own by the decorum of the parties in the system so that the passuk that states, dinei Torah. "Veshaftu es ha'am mishpat tzeddek - I And they shall judge the nation with We make "housecalls" THE IMPERATIVE FOR righteous judgment" (Devarim 16,18), I OTHER BATTE! DIN TO and the words of Tehillim (82,1) of (718) 972-4003 "Elokim nitzvav ba'ad as KeiI" will be ful FOLLOW THE TZEDDEK :i-~.,N UMISHPAT TEMPLATE filled both in practice and perception. .,b:;)!P May we merit soon to see the fulfill he purpose of these words is not ment of the words of Yeshayahu Hanavi, I Specializing in small batim for a perfect fit. so much to inform the public of (26-27, see Masechta Shabbos 139a) who Tthe existence of Beis Din Tzeddek teaches us that the establishment of I Umishpat. Those involved with battei proper battei din will herald and hasten din are already well aware of the revo the final redemption. May it be speedily KARKA IN IllTZ YISROIL lutionary change that Beis Din Tzeddek in our days. Call Rabbi Gavriel Beer for information on Umishpat has wrought since its recent Beis Din Tzeddek Umishpat is locat obtaining cemetery plots in Beth Shemesh inception. ed at 141 Livingston St., Brooklyn, NY and other locations in Israel. I Rather, the purpose of these words 11201. The be is din can be reached at Oll-972-2-656-9427 is to publicize to the wider public that 718.222.5252. ll!l :J HALACHA RABBI ARI MARBURGER SUB-PRIME MORTGAGES - SUB-PRIME HALACHA ecently, sub-prime mortgages have been Rreceiving a lot of atten tion. Apparently, lending large Comprehensive and authoritative will be left to the reader, along with his sums of money to unqualified answers to these questions will be left moreh hora'a. applicants without sufficient to authors and publications more quali fied to address these matters. For the HETTER [SKA collateral is not a wise business purposes of this essay, I would like to practice. It seems that many make a general, and perhaps obvious, hetter iska is a mechanism to of the most sophisticated Wall observation. convert a loan into a joint ven Any time a situation exists where A ture agreement that circumvents Street financial companies vast amounts of money can be earned the laws of ribbis. It accomplishes this were apparently oblivious of in an exploding market with minimal by creating a partnership with virtually these risks, and engaged in oversight, trouble is not far behind. no risk. While a detailed explanation Almost by definition, regulators do not is beyond the scope of this essay, it is hundreds of billions of dollars' interfere with markets until a crisis has important to note that there must be a worth of such transactions. developed. Until then, the players are certain (although minimal) level of risk The fallout has been quick free to "push the envelope" until they for a hetter iska to be halachically valid. go too far. While not lending money to Arrangements designed to guarantee and brutal. Banks have been people who cannot afford to repay it that the "lender" will never suffer a loss, forced to write down billions seems like basic common sense to any and to preclude the recipient from ever of dollars of the value of these objective outsider, a broker caught in exercising his rights granted by the iska, the frenzy of quick closings and flip void the halachic integrity of the iska. loans, and some of the mighti ping loans will be tempted to take the An unfortunate example of this is a est American banks have been risk - and the cash - now, and worry rider that is sometimes added to an iska forced to turn to foreign sover about the consequences later. stating that it is a religious document As in life, so, too, in halacha. As that is not intended to be enforced. Such eign funds to bail them out and our financial dealings have become riders make it clear that the transaction to provide them with addi more sophisticated) the "regulators)) is truly a loan, and that the iska was not tional capital. This, of course, have been struggling to keep up. Novel intended to be relevant. As such, it is financial structures are being adopted meaningless in both halachic and legal raises obvious questions. How by members of our co1nn1unity, without terms. As Rabbi Moshe Feinstein 7··:.r and why did this happen? appropriate consultation with halachic writes in Igros Moshe, a hetter iska is experts to ensure that they are consistent not a kameia (amulet) - it is a halachic RAHBI MARIHIRGER IS DIRECTOR OF MACHON with halacha. and legal document that defines the L'CHOSHEN M!SllPAT, SERVES AS A DAYAN OF BAJS The goal of this article is not to relationship between the "borrower" DIN MAYSHARtM, AND IS AUTHOR OF BuSlNl::SS promote a particular halachic opinion; and "lender." HAl.ACHA/-1 (ARTSCROl.LMESORAH, DEC. '07). rather, it will be a discussion of some Another scenario is when the lender HE rs CURl~ENTl.Y A MEMBER OF THE CHOSHEN rib bis issues that exist in today's market refuses to sign the iska, or, in the alter MISllPAT CHABURAH OF BETH MEDRASH GOVOHA, LAKEWOOD, ANO SERVES AS RABBINIC CONSUi.TANT place and a brief summary of the dif native, refuses to provide the borrower FOR PLATINUM CREDIT MANAGEMENT. l-IIS ARTICLE, ferent opinions. The halacha lema'aseh with a copy. As a matter ofhalacha, there "CHOSHE'N MISHPATIN TODAY'S BUSINESS WORLD," APPEARED JN JO, DEC. '07, 24 TME JEWISH OBSERVER is perhaps no requirement for the lender This applies only if the bank is con to sign the iska. In addition, there are trolled by frum Jews. If, however, the halachic sources that do not require the bank is controlled by non-observant "borrower" to receive an executed copy. Jews who do not follow halacha, we have Yet, this behavior begs for an explana no right to make such assumptions. On tion. Why is the lender refusing to sign? the contrary, if the bank owners are not What is his hesitation in providing the particular about ribbis and have engaged borrower with an executed copy? While in loans without a hetter, they no longer Child Development Specialists there are legitimate answers to these retain their chezkas kashrus. If the iska Helping Infants &Toddlers questions, in a situation where it is clear is unenforceable in civil court, and the with Developmental Delays and Disabilities that the lender has no intention of ever bank clearly will not submit to arbitra honoring the iska, the legitimacy of the tion, it seems unjustifiable to rely on a hetter is highly questionable. hetter iska. BANKS POINTS, PENALTIES, AND DEFAULT CLAUSES ~7~o~;hun:~:; i~r:a;~v:::i~ .M... ••.. ~·s; ~~~~;~ ~:~ ;~~~~ ~;e· ~~; B owned, they are heavily regu- simple transactions. There are lated by the government. The reason is many different fees and costs clear - the government has a tremen- that the borrower pays. There may be dous vested interest in their viability. points paid at the closing, penalties for A dysfunctional banking system can late payment, and default interest rates cripple an economy (i.e., the Japanese that apply in various circumstances. banking crises). In addition, the govern- Often, these fees are written in a legal ment insures most deposits. To protect contractorpromissorynote,butomitted this guarantee, the government imposes from the hetter iska. According to hala- strict rules and regulations to ensure cha, this arrangement is problematic. that banks remain conservative and do The document that defines the parties' Evaluation and a full range of not engage in business activities that rights and obligations is the hetter iska. Therapeutic Services provided entail excessive risk. In general, banks If the iska does not include the various at our Center or in the privacy may extend loans. Their ability to enter points and fees, collecting them will be of your home into partnership agreements with their ribbis. This problem is easily resolved by Bilingual Services Available clients, and to assume additional risk, simply adding these fees into the hetter is highly restricted. iska. It must, however, be addressed cor- Services are provided based on the child's needs This leads to some interesting ques- rectly in the iska document. as detennined by the NYC Early Intervention Program. The Early Intervention Official will tions. A hetter iska creates a partnership A hetter iska is a mechanism that pos- determine the location and provider of any between the "lender" and borrower:' Is kim devised in order to allow people to needed services. This Early Intervention it legal for a bank to execute a hetter engage in transactions that are similar to Program is funded & regulated by the NYC Dept. iska? Does it violate public policy? Is it loans, but are nevertheless halachically of Health & Mental Hygiene. enforceable in civil court? permitted. The hetter iska itself, how- There are, perhaps) different opinions ever, must be a meaningful document. Executive Offices: about these questions, and again, it is It must be executed in a manner that 649 Thirty-Ninth Street not my intention to offer any legal or is serious and meaningful, and accu- halachic rulings. I would, however, sug- rately reflects the terms of the deal. Brooklyn, New York 11232 gest the following proposal. If the bank Haphazardly using a standard hetter iska is owned and controlled by frum Jews, form without reading or understanding Queens Office: I the legal enforceability of the iska seems the concept is not appropriate. 70-14 141 st Street I irrelevant. One may rely that in the In conclusion, I believe that virtually Flushing, New York 11367 (highly unlikely) event that according to all modern transactions may be done halachah the recipient is not obligated to in a manner that is consistent with SERVING BROOKLYN, QUEENS, I repay the funds he received, the owners halacha. This is only possible, however, I will follow halachah. The theoretical if the parties are aware of the possible STATEN ISLAND & MANHATTAN question of how government regulators issues, and make an effort to address I will treat the iska should not impact the them appropriately before executing the www.challenge-ei.com I halachic validity. legal contracts. iJ;J I L _____ ------~----~ --~--~---__d I '"'···- '""'"'·"· LETTER FROM JERUSALEM I THE UNREALIZED VISION (IDF) is widely considered one of the today, and whether as an ideology it will most powerful armies in the world. continue to serve as an animating force one level, Zionism has proven Despite lacking virtually any natural in Jewish life. In the pages that follow, we one of the most successful politi resources, and despite the huge drain on will examine Zionism's specific promises AJ al movements of the 20th cen the economy entailed by the necessity and the degree to which the existence of tury. When the first Zionist Congress of devoting a major part of its GNP the State has brought them to fruition, convened in Basel in 1897, the dream of to defense spending, Israel enjoys a and we will explore its unmistakable one of the world's smallest peoples of standard of living near that of all but a failure to regenerate its initial idealism returning to their ancestral homeland few of the world's richest nations. The and appeal to sacrifice for the sake of its after nearly two millennia of exile and number of venture capital start-ups is goals. In contrast, we take note that since establishing a sovereign state seemed the second highest in the world, and this the establishment of the State, Torah in little more than an impossible fantasy. small country of less than eight million Bretz Yisroel has experienced a growth Scarcely half a century later, that state ranks in the top two or three nations in unmatched in close to two millennia, was a reality. the world (in absolute terms, not per and this burgeoning of Torah on all Israel was immediately attacked by capita) in terms of high-tech patents. levels can certainly be a key factor in the armies of seven Arab states. It not Israel is also a world leader in medical the flourishing of the yishuv in the years only held them at bay, but expanded the technology and pharmaceuticals. ahead. That growth of Torah is relevant territory granted by the United Nations. Finally, Israel has been since 1948 not only to the Torah community itself. In the succeeding 60 years, Israel has the focus of Jewish identity for most of It also contains within it a potential never known a 1noment's peace from the world Jewry. Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky antidote to the failure of the "new Jew" threats of its Arab neighbors, and fought once said of the creation of the state of anticipated by Zionism, v.1ho was seen as major wars against them in 1956, 1967, Israel, most non-religious Jews were so remaining connected to Jewish history and 1973. The Israel Defense Forces despondent after the Holocaust that while dramatically severing his loyalty they would have fallen away entirely to that history. The role of Torah in the but for the enthusiasm engendered by Jewish state will be examined in greater RABBI ROSENBLlJM, WHO LIVES IN JERUSALEM, IS Israel's birth. length in an article that will appear in A CONTRIBUTING EDITOR TO THE h;:WfSH 0BSI;RVER. HE IS Al.SO DIRECTOR OF THE !SRAELI DIVISION Yet, those who rejoice in the establish next month's issue, i1"'N:. In this article, OF AM £CHAD, THE AGUDATH ISRAEL-JNSPIRED ment of a sovereign state under Jewish our focus is on the specific ideology of EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH EFFORT ANO MEDIA leadership may well be asked whether secular Zionism and the degree of its RESOURCE. Zionism continues to enjoy any vitality success. 26 I THE JEWlSH OBSERVER Two PROMISES community nations than individual aniel Gordis, probably the most Jews were into 19th century European I eloquent writer in English from society. Da classical Zionist perspective, I has described Zionism as making two A THIRD GOAL promises: The first is that a sovereign Jewish state would ensure the security ionism had yet a third goal I of Jews around the world; the second, not mentioned by Gordis the that the creation of such a state would Zcreation of a "new Jew.'' The "normalize" the condition of a despised Zionists' goal was, in the words of the people. Theodore Herzl came to the historian of Zionism Anita Shapira, realization during the Dreyfus Trial ((to see the rise of a generation from that Jews would never be able to fully whom spiritual characteristics would assimilate into European society as be completely shed; one that would individuals. But he believed that a sov be outstanding in its lusts, its physical ereign Jewish state would be accepted bravery and its belligerence." That proj as an equal member in the community ect has, in some ways, been a success of nations. on its own terms, but a success that Neither of those promises, Gordis Yisroel has constitutes perhaps the single greatest I candidly admits, has been realized. threat to Israel's future existence. The While it is true that Israel has offered experienced a effort to break with the Jewish past has a place of refuge to Jews under threat growth unmatched resulted in sharply diminishing human anywhere in the world, it is today argu capital in Israel and a dramatic decline ably the most dangerous place in the in close to two in the national will necessary for Israel i world for Jews to live. More than five millennia, and this to sustain itself in the world's worst million Jews in Israel appear destined neighborhood. to soon come into the crosshairs of a burgeoning of And ironically, the "new Israeli Jew" I nuclear Iran that has declared many Torah on all levels has often proven far less proud than the times its desire to wipe Israel off the Ma Yafis Jew of European lore, a familiar I face of the map. can certainly be a object of contempt in Zionist literature. Heavily armed Iranian proxies threat key factor in the The latter knew, even as he danced and en from the north and south. Hezbullah sang before the drunken poritz, who was has doubled the number of missiles that flourishing of the truly Hashem's chosen and who an ele it had in its possession at the outset of yishuv in the gant beast. He feared the poritz, but did the second Lebanon War and dramati not seek his approbation. Israel's leaders, cally increased their range. Hamas con years ahead. by contrast, have long been obsessively tinues to shower its missiles on Sderot concerned with the good opinion of and southern Israel, while constantly the nations of the world, and many upgrading its capabilities. Though ter members of Israeli academia and elite rorism has substantially decreased in Council serve as nothing more than opinion makers have adopted the stance recent years, more than 1,000 Jews have debating societies for the passage of of Israel's harshest critics. There are been killed by terrorists since the onset anti-Israel resolutions. many academic departments in Israel of the Oslo process. The European media and political today in which a traditional Zionist As the prophet already assured us would elites regularly accuse Israel of practic cannot secure an appointment, accord be the case, Israel has not been notably ing "genocide" and ((ethnic cleansing" ing to Professor Amnon Rubinstein, a more successful in bringing about the against the Palestinian population. If former justice minister from the left normalization of the Jewish people. so, it was certainly genocide of a most wing Meretz party. Israel regularly tops European opinion peculiar nature. Under Israeli rule from All this does not mean that the Jews polls asking which nation constitutes 1967 to 1991, Palestinian life expec of Israel are far more irreligious than the greatest threat to world peace. It tancy increased by 50% from 48 to 72, their Western counterparts, as spokes I is the only country in the world that and the West Bank economy was the men for the Reform and Conservative lacks internationally recognized borders fourth fastest growing in the world. But movements often contend. Quite the I and whose capital enjoys no interna when it comes to discussions of Israel, opposite is true. A majority of Israelis I tional recognition. The United Nations facts mean nothing, proving that Israel still identify themselves in polls as Jews General Assembly and its Human Rights has been no more assimilated into the fi<& '""'"cl" =•d. .%omm •-• I 27 But the Jews of Israel need far higher doses 2000, Haaretz reported on the wave of of Jewish identity if the State is to survive. No affluent Israelis transferring assets and country in the world faces the multiplicity and buying homes abroad. In the long run, brain drain is one of magnitude of threats that Israel does. the greatest threats to a country whose only natural resource is the intellec tual abilities of its citizenry. Between constitute a much larger percentage of that there are no prospects for peace 2002 and 2004, the rate of emigration the Jewish population in Israel than any with the Palestinians in this generation of researchers and professors almost where else in the world. And even those or for however long the latter educate doubled from .9% per annum to 1.7%. who describe themselves as secular are their children that the greatest glory At this point, almost a quarter of all far more likely to fast on Yorn Kippur, is to blow oneself up in order to kill Israeli professors are teaching in the avoid chameitz on Pesach, and avoid Jews. Sixty years without peace, as well United States. milk and meat mixtures, at least in the as the prospect of an indefinite future Nor are those who leave being home, than are American Jews. without peace, drain the spirit. Ehud replaced. The educational system is Olmert spoke for many when he said, in shambles. In the early days of the TIRED OF FIGHTING prior to becon1ing pri1ne minister, "We State, the products of an older Jewish •.. OF WINNING? are tired of fighting, tired of winning:' ethos that revered learning produced, (Presumably, he did not mean that he on far smaller budgets than today, an ut the Jews of Israel need far would prefer losing.) educational system that regularly pro higher doses of Jewish identity if Given the emotional and physical duced results at or near the top of the Bthe State is to survive. No country toll exacted by simply living in Israel, developed world. Today, the results on in the world faces the multiplicity and it requires more than simple inertia to international tests consistently place magnitude of threats that Israel does. keep those with talent and the resources Israel's students below those of coun Moreover, a large majority of Israelis to go elsewhere from doing so. Already tries, like Romania, from which Israel are now convinced - rightly, I believe- at the outset of the Al Aqsa intifada in imports manual laborers. And the failures of the Israeli edu- cational system are across the board. The top tenth of Israeli students do ---•----OUR STAND significantly less well than the top tenth of students from most developed coun NOW YOU CAN tries. As a consequence, Israel's hi-tech industry, the engine of its econo1nic PUT THE SPARK BACK growth, is living on borrowed time. IN YOUR INSURANCE. Skyrocketing rates of school violence have turned our schools into places where education cannot take place. Call me today to hear about these new optional features: New Car Replacement. Once, the thought of a Jew killing Accident Forgiveness and Deductible Rewards. another Jew provoked horror. Today, brawls outside of pubs and discos that (718) 268-1700 claim one or more stabbing victi1ns are weekly occurrences. The decline in educational standards and rising youth violence are the bitter fruits of the rejection of the spiritual Martin Levy values and reverence of learning asso 103-20 METROPOLITAN AVENUE ciated with European Jewry. Aaron Ciechanover, the 2004 Nobel laureate I FOREST HILLS [email protected] in che1nistry, writes: Ii Allstate. Even when speaking to those You're in good hands. Call or stop by for a free quote possessing academic degrees, I find ,I',! garbled language, the lack of cul- Feature is optional and subject to terms and conditions. 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There are PHONE RENTAL • Corporate accounts welcome 50% OFF better places in the world to study such Promo Code}008 I JI universal studies. Only if Israeli Jews feel some sense of attachment to Eretz i Yisroel, only if they believe in a universal TravelCell® 1.877.CELLPHONE I mission for the collective Jewish people i Global Cellular Rental Solutions www. travel eel I.com I does it make sense for them to remain I in Israel. Unfortunately, he writes, that : I is precisely what modern Israeli society i I has failed to provide its products due to Special Issue about 'r its "attempt to copy, unsuccessfully, the developed societies of the West in an "Torah Integrity in the I effort to be like every other nation." Workplace" and also i I "The Well-Guarded Tongue". I I THE LEBANON WATERSHED I I They're abuzz about the I he second Lebanon War was a September issue on i I watershed. For the first time, the ''A.du/ts at Rish of I spiritual oblivion." ! Tvaunted IDF, the most revered I I institution in Israeli society, was seen I as having failed badly. The Winograd I Commission found a deep crisis in pre I cisely those values in which the IDF has I always excelled: "operational discipline, It's not too late to getthecurrent I determination in carrying out the mis October Jewish Observer focusing on I sion, combat leadership, aspiration for Shalom Bayis - the challenges, some successful I victory, personal example, and taking approaches, and their rewards ... plus special features, current topics, and historical reminiscences from I I initiative." The Commission found that combat troops repeatedly concentrated ! on evacuating casualties rather than achieving their combat goals. i I During the war, Israeli civilians in the north remained in shelters for a I month to avoid involving the IDF in I operations that might involve high casualties. The same situation pertains 42 Broadway I New Tork, t.'l' 10004 •Phone 212-797-7394 •Fax 646-254-1600 I today on the Gaza border, where the Please enter n my subscrtpUon U fly gill MONEY BACll: GUAIWiTBE I '"'\ONL\ "'-'""""'' If for :mr "''"'on ar ~llF lime ;mi '"" no/ '"!Mier!, you may ,·.,net'! 1· residents of Sderot continue to absorb Your cost -169 S l H You sa.. up to H91 )'()Dr. daily missile barrages to avoid a costly Your CO$/ - $48 S~f! You sa•e up 10 $311 HO You save up to $141 ground operation in Gaza. In a peculiar "·'"'" ,,EX'~,,,',"·,;,,.>•))i•·,,·,·,"n, .,.,., .., .,., .. ,. ,,.,L·!·!!Q····c>l·£cQ'R·>, I inversion of the norm, the civilian popu· ------c:'.11·, ' ' ! I . lation is being called upon to protect ="'="'="Sc.>------f\lQ)irfl) (YEARl SJG!'.'f\'.ll.'R5 '_i __ "---- 1 soldiers rather than soldiers protecting (ffY. >TAlli. ZIP civilians. Even on his own terms, then, ,. ___ ---·---~-1 j ··----'· ---- MAY. 2008. .. . ==l --··--·--·--··--··---- ···--··-·------·-·--··----··----·--·--·---... In one form or another, even secular Israelis, have begun to see the reconstitution of I national purpose and Jewish identity as the I Specializing in High Quality key to Israel's long-term survival. The "new Silver Repair & Restoration 718.387.4207 Jew," disconnected from his past, rather than being Israel's salvation, endangers its future. [ft) ( PUt\t"er) the "new Jew;' who would be a model of The Palestinians in particular have ~NGARTEN martial excellence, has failed to sustain been quick to see the struggle as one of Experienced Shadchan himself. national will. Their spokesmen continu· for all age groups >' All that is left of the effort to create a ally proclaim that they will make life so 347.702.9494 new Jew is the disconnect with the past. miserable for the Jews that eventually And the result has been the sapping they will just get up and go. They view of national will. Ari Shavit in Haaretz the Jews' loss of connection with the I 1 suiiNiEii vA"ciiioN ·oN cAi>&-coo·1 f Clean sandy beaches, boating, crui$es. fishing, ! was merely the most vehement in his Land and sense of themselves as a people 1 water pal'ks, family fun and much more l critique of the country's elites for having with a mission as their Achilles' heel. ICONGREGATION8EllllSRAELOFONSETCAPECOD! destroyed every element of national will, And they are only encouraged in I l A Family Friendly Orthodox Shul l trashed the traditional Zionist narrative, that view when they see successive ~ OaiJy and Shabbos • End of June through Labor Day 1\ and convinced themselves that Israel is Israeli governments pursuing negotia· Nearlly coltBges and holels · 1 so insanely strong that it does not need tions - i.e., further concessions to the L·;~cWJffefof;~}!~~~·Y~fl? .. Pl,~.to ~NidihliJUs·toM}%'· r -:i;\fQf1f1Y_f#.~qJ_:,!B~l~5:3·°'e?i~~~,ccm their kids in the IDF, certainly not in Palestinians-as iflsrael were the weaker www.capecodshul.org , combat units. power and more desperately needed •••~~·~,,_M•---·~--·•·--~~·--~·-•-- -··~-•-"" "-"""-~-~} peace than do the Arabs. The inability oflsrael's leaders to dearly enunciate red lines and to assert Jewish rights reflect a lack of core identity. In one form or another, even secular Israelis, like Shavit, have begun to see the reconstitution of national purpose and Jewish identity as the key to Israel's long-term survival. The "new Jew:' dis connected from his past, rather than being Israel's salvation, endangers its future. Registration is now open for the summer program of 5768 which will be Torah Jews, who insisted that the held IYH in Yerusholayim. Once again, the program which has been recom Jewish people could never be preserved mended and endorsed by Gedo lei Yisroel, will present an intensive course of by severing the bonds to Torah and the national mission given us at Sinai, could study, prepared for Bnei Torah to enable them to develop their full potential perhaps be forgiven for experiencing as Mechanchim in Yeshivas and Day Schools. a certain schadenfreude at Israel's cur· rent predicament. We cannot, however, We will present the full range of subjects vital to the success of the rebbe in afford such feelings. If Israel does not the classroom. We invite motivated individuals possessing higher Yeshiva survive, its demise will claim, as well, and (or) Kolle! education, to participate in this program. the majority of Torah Jews in the world and the most vibrant centers of Torah Recognized for a Yeshiva Teacher's License learning. It therefore behooves us to ask what role can and should Torah For fm1her infom1ation contact Jews play in helping the broader Israeli RABBI NACHMAN ZAKON RABBI HILLEL MANDEL RABBI CHAIM ROBERTS Administrator Dean population reattach itself to its Jewish Jerusalem 02.651.9739 NY 718.805.1191 England 161.740.3465 roots. That will be next month's Letter ~---Li-m-it-ed space available. lf_i_n-te-re-s-te_d_•_l•_•_••_c_on_•_ct_u_"•_m_e_d_iat_•_' ______F_r_o_m_ Jerusalem. ------r==---- ____ _SHAVUOS REFLECTIONS RABBI YAAKOV WEINBERG I "Our Father, the merciful Father, who acts mercifully, have mercy on us, and cause our hearts to understand and elucidate, to listen, to learn, and to teach ...." (FROM THE MORNING PRAYER "AHA\!'.4. RABBA - WITH AN ABUNDANT LOVE" - SAID IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SHEAfA) ''cause our hearts to under and can understand a new sugya (topic) Meir learns in spurts. He has his "hot stand." The heart is con faster. Levi understands with more depth streaks" and his slumps. sidered the seat of wisdom. and Yehuda can be mazbir (verbalize In this sense, the above request would and elucidate) better. In short, Mendel seem to be similar to a combination is good, but does not excel in any area. of the first two berachos (blessings) of What, then, will the future hold for him? Zalman is often ungezetst, fardrust, bakasha (request) in the Shemoneh Esrei: The question affects his learning. be'atzvus ... mildly depressed. "Atta Chonein" and" Hashiveinu" ("You Endow [a person with knowledge]" and "Return us [to Your Torah]")- Mendel can be described as a good, reli Binyamin keeps having flashbacks to Bere/ was a good learner, a masmid able student. He is on time for davening, the night when, through his negligence (diligent). The time came to look for and for the sedarim (learning sessions), or carelessness, a loved one was injured. a shidduch (prospective spouse}. One understands theshiurim (Torah lectures), Although Binyamin wants to learn and year went by, two, and now three. All his learns well with his chavrusos (learning excel, the recurring feelings ofguilt cast a friends are married. Berel, to put it mildly, partners}, etc. He also has high goals for pall and shadow over his efforts. is frustrated. His learning is down, his the future. And yet... and yet, there is hasmada (diligence) is down. He finds it an element of frustration that pervades difficult to crack open a sefer. He starts his being. Reuvein has a better memory thinking about a job. He wants "to get on than Mendel. Shimon has a quicker mind Elchanan is troubled by oft recurring with his life." That life will no longer be thoughts and desires that would be termed devoted to learning as he once thought. RABBI WEINBERG, A MUSMACH OF YF:SHIVAS NER unyeshivish. How can he shteig (grow The girl he will now be looking for will YISROEL, LIVES IN BALTIMORE, WHERE HE LECTURES in Torah) with this kind of problem? he also be different. ON TORAH TOPICS FORMALLY, AS WELL AS BY TEI.E wonders. PHONE CONFBRENCF.. HE IS A FREQUENT CONTRIBU Life is full of challenges, and the H)R TO THESE PAGES. MOST RECENTLY WITl-I "AVODA MITOC/-1 Arzvus," (JtlNE '04). above samplings are no exceptions. Sometimes they are just phases that 31 MAY 2008 OF FAILURE AND GUILT pass with time, or the bachur will work that, but the entire process of bringing things out by himself. At other times, t is important to realize that these Eisav to heel and bringing the world to he will seek advice and encouragement two feelings - often intertwined - its shleimus (perfection) was dependent from an elter bachur or yungerman, his I are potential hazards, even for those on Yoseif. (See Rashi, Vayeitzei 30,25.) rebbi, or a ba'al eitza (a wise advisor). who "have made it" onto the higher Now, with Yoseif "dead," all this was In severe cases, professional help might rungs. A rebbi inadvertently says some brought into question. Also, as the Ohr be advisable. thing, or fails to say something, or does Gedalyahu ( Vayigash 138; see Rashi, The following are some suggestions not stay on top of a slippery situation, Bereishis 37,35 d.h. aveil she'ola) points for various situations or just to acknowl and thereby a bachur leaves the yeshiva, out, Hashem had given Yaakov a sign edge the situations themselves. and perhaps Torah and mitzvos, chas that if none of his (Yaakov's) children veshalom. The feeling of failure and would die in his lifetime, he was guar guilt can be horrendous. Yet, one must anteed that he would not see Gehinnom keep on going. Guilt is a double-edged (purgatory) after his death. This was also sword. On the one hand, it can spur a now called into question. Perhaps the person to teshuva and a more careful biggest hurt was that during the whole and cautious approach in the future. twenty-two years of Yoseif's absence, On the other hand, a person can be the Shechina (Divine Presence) did not * HOW to £valuate Compatibility overcome to such an extent that he can appear to Yaakov. It seemed to Yaakov • HOW to Marry no longer function. Guilt that spurs a that Hashem was very much berogez the ll/GHT ONE/ person to growth and healing is good. (angry) with him (ragzo shel Yoseif). Order NOW! Guilt that brings stagnation and depres Evidently he had erred and erred badly. sion is devastation. It was a situation that was laden with Who is greater than Yaakov Avinu? potential guilt and depression. "This Yet, he was confronted with the apparent was a tremendous nisayon (test) for death of his fuvorite son, Yoseif. Not only Yaakov, but he nevertheless (lo zaz ziz kal shehu) did not change even one iota from his previous service to Hashen1. From Ghazal (the Sages), it appears that that was the main nisayon during the twenty-two years of Yoseif's absence." If he had erred, he would attempt to discover where and correct it. But he did not allow it to stop him from doing what still needed to be done. MORNING AND EVENING (( In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not be idle, for you cannot know which will succeed: this or that; or whether both are equally good" (Kohelles 11,6; see Yevamos 62:2). "Morning" refers to the time of youth and "evening" Your child can be socially to when one is older. Each age has its benefits and its problems. Youth is a adept. self-confident and time of passion and can-do, get-up and-go optimism that can be used for happy, with social skills learning Torah and setting high goals. Passion, however, can be misdirected coaching and training. and one must be careful to channel it correctly. The nisayon of"evening" is the Rifka Schonfeld 718-382-5437-KIDS ~~ opposite. One does not get up and go as easily; one tends to relax more and rest ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL SKILLS WORKING WITH ALL KINDS OF MINDS 32 epression. Yet, as Harav only able to learn a Ii Menachem Man Shach ':>"Yr said: his heart was turned to moment of life affords an opportunity tried his hardest and best to learn as for eternity.' Here the nisayon is kum inadvertently says much as possible.)" ve'asei (get up and do). "For you cannot something, or fails Interestingly enough, this is brought know which will succeed- which is the down in halacha (Mishna Berura siman bigger nisayon: this or that; or whether to say something, I, s.k. 12): both are equally good." or does not stay on " ... Regarding this, we learned, top of a slippery '[It matters not J whether one did BACK TO MENDEL much or did little. as long as his heart situation, and was turned to Heaven. And so, also in or that matter, "evening" encom regard to learning Torah, everything passes any form oflimitation that thereby a bachur is dependent in the eyes of Hashem Fcan cause one to weaken his drive, leaves the yeshiva, if a person did all that was possible his ambition for Torah, his "get-up (without excuses and without fool and-go:' Our friend Mendel found that and perhaps Torah ing oneself) for him to do."' In other Reuvein has a better memory, Shimon and mitzvos, chas words, a person's cheilek (share) in understands faster, Levi delves deeper Olam Habba will depend on how and that Yehuda is mazbir better. These veshalom. The much sweat and tears (in davening) are all forms of"evening," because one's feeling of failure a person shed. perception of his abilities and chances Rav Tzaddok Hakohein in Resisei for success has become bleak. Optimism and guilt can be Laila 120 states: weakens and the"get-up-and-go become horrendous. "Even though Leah gave actual depressed." The kum ve'asei becomes birth to the Shevatim, Rochel all that much more difficult. her days desired and longed to give Mori verabi Rabbi David Kronglas birth to the Shevatim, but in actual ?"Yr, the late Mashgiach of Ner Yisroel, The Maharal, in his foreword to ity, gave birth to only two of them. in his sefer Sichos Chachma UMussar Tifferes Yisroel, writes:" ... therefore, we Nevertheless, the desire and longing (vol. 2, p. 39 - first edition), cites the say in Birchos ha Torah 'la'asok; to work is greater than the actual birthing, words of Rabbi Yisroel Salanter ':>"Yr: diligently (as opposed to learn) in the and it is Rochel who is called the "The main thing is to work hard in words of Torah, because a person should 'Akeres Habayis."' order to know and understand Torah attempt to learn the truth (of Torah), Mendel, therefore, no longer needs ... even if in fact he understands noth even if he makes mistakes." to look at Reuvein, Shimon, Levi, etc. to ing:' The Mashgiach explains that one's The Gemara ( Berachos 5:2) tells us that gauge his own worth. His "worth" will knowledge of Torah in Olam Habba will Rabi Elazar became seriously ill. be gauged by the exertions and deter be according to and dependent on the Rabbi Yochanan went to visit him mination that he brings to his strivings. hard work and exertion with which he and saw that he was crying. He said Only in regard to these will his chashivus toiled in this world." to him: "Why are you weeping - is (stature) be determined. He indeed it because you have not learned as should look to Reuvein to see if Reuvein ------·-~--~--~--- much Torah as you wanted to? (But) As the Yiddish saying goes (translated): does certain things to aid his memory, "Keep pouring oil into the lamp as long as it's still we learned' [It matters not Jwhether and to Shimon regarding eitzos to help I / one was able to learn much or was him understand more quickly. ~ Ling~·· ______:.:J MAY 2008 All the above do not just apply to a Hishtadlus is up to the individual bachuror yungerman learning in yeshiva hatzlacha is up to cheshbonei Shamayim. or kollel, but also to the professional or job holder. One learns to the best of his abilities and limitations, whether they rabbi and poseik of the day. The man midrash, hunched over a book. As I be intellectual, time constraints, or other related to Rav Shach: ca1ne closer, I saw that the book was a mitigating circumstances. Hishtadlus is "When I was young, I studied in the Siddur. It was opened up to the prayer up to the individual - hatzlacha is up to Yeshiva of Rav Hirsh Schles, in Krasson, 'Ahava Rabba,' and I heard him tearfully cheshbonei Shamayim. near Kiev. There was a boy there who pouring his heart out over the words, had an intense desire to learn, but was 'Put understanding into our hearts, that WHEN "SWEAT AND quite dim-witted. He could never keep we may understand and comprehend ... TEARS" MADE ALL THE up with the others, and asked stupid, the words ofYour Torah.' He was crying DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD annoying questions all the time. He out to G-d that he be granted the wis would come over to the other boys in dom to learn on his own like everyone v Shach2 recounted that when he the yeshiva and request that they explain else, and not to have to make a nuisance was a youngster, an older man- a the simple meaning of each sugya of himself. When I saw this, I felt so R imple layman from his town - (Talmudic discussion), going over each sorry for him that I took him to sit by told him about a certain well-known step - question, answer, proof, refuta my side and told him that he could ask tion - until it penetrated his thick head. me questions to his heart's content. 2 The Rav Shach Haggadah, pgs. 74-75 Eventually, everyone got sick of him and "And that boy,'' the old man con Eretz Yisroel's avoided him at all costs. I was the only cluded, ''is none other than that famous, Most Reliable Shomer Shabbos one left who managed to muster up the learned Rav So-and-So! Look at where and English Speaking Car Service patience to answer his questions. But it he is today, and where I am!" was a never-ending process, for as soon The words of the tefilla, "Vesein beli VISiting Israel? Need Transport? as I would explain one line to him, he beinu bina lehavin ulehaskil, etc.'' now -CHOOSE- would insist on an explanation of the also have a different meaning for us. We following line - and then another, and find in Chazal that the leiv is not only the Menashe Sopher's another, until I had no time left for seat of understanding, but also the seat Airport & Limousine Service my own learning. Finally, I, too, grew of emotion and desire. "Ha'ayin ro'eh Celebrating 12 years of unbeatable service! weary of his burdensome questions vehaleiv chomeid (The eye sees and the OUR EFFICIENT ENGUSH-5PEAK1NG OFFICE STAFF, and told him to leave me alone. Only heart desires).''We can now understand FULLY-UCENSED, INSURED & AIR-CONDITIONED VANS, DRlVEN BY jEWJSH, POLITE DRIVERS, a few moments later, I felt guilty about the tefilla (prayer) as a bakasha (plea) ARE TAILOR-MADE FOR ALL OCCASIONS what I had done. 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BROOKLYN, NY 11232 Haolant. 34 SHAVUOS REFLECTIONS ELIYAHU MAYER "Are you going to Aaron's chassuna tonight? If you are, please let me know and I will make copies of the daf we are learning. That way maybe we can learn asmada together for a few minutes tonight." My first reaction was, He's crazy! Maybe tax season is getting to my 101 accountant chavrusa. Who learns Gemara at a chassuna? But then I remembered the impres sive demonstration of hasmada that I had observed the previous week at the bar mitzvah. If those two fellows can learn Gemara at a bar mitzvah, I rea soned, then Yaakov and I can get away with it at a chassuna just as easily. So right after the chupa, Yaakov and I I washed, had our first course, and then witnessed a priceless demonstration ! place to the right or the left. As I did put in a good half-hour of uninter of hasmada the other week. The • not know anyone at the table anyway, I rupted learning before the first dance. I example was not set by a rebbe, I graciously complied. While it is the opinion of Rabi rosh yeshiva, or mashgiach. And I did ' By way of apology, the anonymous Yehuda in the Gemara that even two not witness this display of hasmada ! guest pointed to the man sitting next to times constitutes a halachic chazaka, I I in a yeshiva or a beis midrash. Rather, I me and gave me the following explana- certainly do not believe that these two I observed it by two computer pro ; tion: "You see, we are chavrusos. And we incidents constitute what sociologists grammers in a catering hall. Let me wanted to sit next to each other so that would call a trend. Nevertheless, with explain. we could catch up on our learning:' the recent advent of low priced printer/ I Last week, I attended a friend's bar 'I copiers for home and office, the feasi mitzvah - actually, it was not his bar bility of more people imitating these I mitzvah, but his son's. Now, that might I~:~:~:~~;::~p2~::;;ts as~;~:~:s episodes of hasmada has dramatically not be so unusual for you. For me, i of Gemara out of their pockets and increased. however, it was a rare treat, as most of transformed the catering hall into a heis Rabbi Reuven Bengis ., .. ,,.,,once made I my friends now invite me only to the I midrash, while I made small talk with a siyum haShas a few weeks after an chassunos of their children and grand ! the guest on my left. earlier siyum haShas. When asked how children. I, Now that's what I call hasmada, I it was possible for him to complete I Surveying the small crowd when I thought to myself, as I stole glances at Shas in such a short period of time, entered the simcha hall, I did not find , the two chavrusos from the corner of he explained that this later siyum was anyone I knew besides the ha' al simcha. ,I my eye. Those two are really fulfilling not on learning conducted since the Although I came about an hour and a , the injunction of"Vehagisa ho yomam last siyum. Rather, it was a separate half after the time printed on the invi I valaila" ( Yehoshua l,8). They had man cycle of learning conducted over many I tation, I had arrived well before any of aged to tune out the myriad distractions years - while waiting for a train or bus, ! my friends. around them and had zeroed in on their or at a simcha. By celebrating the sec Having long since passed the stage rather intense Torah study. And I must ond siyum, he was demonstrating how in life when not knowing anyone at a confess that I even experienced a twinge much can be accomplished with a few simcha bothered me and since there of jealousy as I compared how I was minutes of Torah study here and a few were no place cards, I just sat myself using the time between speeches to what minutes there. I down at random. these guests were accomplishing. And I observed a similar demonstra- Before I even got settled, someone This week I happened to - or, more tion at that bar mitzvah, which I was able I tapped me on the shoulder and politely correctly, Hashgacha prattis orchestrated to replicate at a chassuna a week later. i asked if I would mind moving over one for me to - have the opportunity to put Perhaps it is not a trend ... yet. But maybe .1 the lesson I learned at the bar mitzvah someday, we will come into a simcha hall EUYAHlJ MAYF.R, A FREELANCE WRITER LIVING into practice. One of my chavrusos, and see dozens of pairs of chavrusos, as 1' IN BROOKLYN, NY, IS A FREQUENT CONTRIBUTOR Yaakov, left me the following voice mail well as individuals, applying the funda- TO THESE PAGES, MOST RI::CENTLY WITH, 'I\ LESSON message: m'""' k~ REVIEWED BY RABBI LABISH BECKER Traveling With the Maggid: A ]ourno/ to Great Torah I i; Centers ifYesteryear I I by Rabbi Paysach Krohn I (Published by Mesorah Publications. Broohlyn, NY. 2001) I o properly understand the by a rabbi not wearing a yarmulke." He however, it is, if anything, more vibrant [ I extraordinary significance of ended with a sigh. than ever, with yeshivas throughout the 1 •1 Tthis book, permit me to share When my brother told me this story, world carrying on the legacy of these I 1 with you a true story that transpired we marveled at the impact that just see- outstanding mekomos hakedoshim. ! I some twenty years ago. At that time, ing the Chafetz Chaim could have on a As Rabbi Krohn writes in his pro- I I my brother was living in Tel Aviv. He person. The encounter took place when logue: "In the summer of 2003, I made I I once had occasion to travel by taxi to the man was in his seventies. He had not a journey that turned out to be one of .f Yerushalayim, a trip of approximately seen the Chofetz Chaim in more than 60 the most inspirational experiences of I one hour. Upon entering the taxi, he years. Nonetheless, the roshem (imprint) my life." It is a true statement, not only 111 I noticed that the nahag (driver) was a that it made upon him was indelible and for Rabbi Krohn and those who accom- I 1 chiloni (non-observant) Jew in his mid- lasted his whole lifetime. panied him, but, potentially, for anyone .1 seventies.As is the custom of taxi drivers Indeed, as a bachur in yeshiva, I who takes the time to read this book. 1 everywhere, the conversation was soon remember that there was an older man Traveling With the Maggid is written 1 underway, and it became quite lively from the neighborhood who came into with the typical flair that Rabbi Krohn 1 and animated. the yeshiva to daven. We were told to has brought to us in all of his other When my brother inquired as to have great respect for this man, for inspirational volumes. It is written in where in Europe he came from, he he was someone who had seen the a very lively and informative way. The merely responded that it was a small Chafetz Chaim. reader is brought along on the journey town near Vilna. Curious, my brother It was therefore with great excite- as if he were there, through beauti- asked what the name of this town was. ment and anticipation that I began ful pictures, and well-written prose. The nahag soon changed the topic. For reading Traveling With the Maggid, The text and photographs not only the next hour, despite several inquiries, which recounts the trip taken by Rabbi document what it is like today in these 1 my brother's new friend would not open Paysach Krohn and more than one places, but what it was like fifty years up as to the exact name of the town that hundred companions to that legendary ago, a hundred years ago, and more. I1 he came from. place known as Lita. Just perusing the The gedolei Torah and leaders of each Finally, toward the end of the journey, table of contents and the names of the generation thrived and taught, by word [ when a real rapport had grown between cities mentioned generates a chill of awe and by example. Their presence is keenly 1• them, the driver suddenly exclaimed, "I and reverence. Vilna, Ponovezh, Telshe, felt throughout. 1 come from the city of Radin. Indeed, Kelm, Slabodka, Radin, Volozhin, Minsk, One example of history brought 1 when I was a 12-year-old child, and my Mir, Baranovich and Grodno. Each one to life is in the chapter about the holy I friends and I played together, we often was the home of an incredible amount Chafetz Chaim. The Chafetz Chaim's f I saw the Chafetz Chaim walking past of Torah, alive with Yidden dedicated to life is outlined with inspirational divrei I I us. I was embarrassed, as someone who serving Hakadosh Baruch Hu in every Torah and stories. What helps make (I i once saw the Chafetz Chaim, to be seen way possible. It is even more poignant the Chafetz Chaim a real and not just because of the fact that in the physical legendary figure, however, is a copy sense, much of this world no longer of a letter of gratitude signed by the 1 I RAsn1BEcKER1s AssoclATE EXECUTIVE DrnEcToR exists, and the people that inhabited it Chofetz Chaim himself to Rabbi Krohn's j L ~-" ...... _.A_____ "'_"~ "'""' ''"-'" ''"'iri'"" """· --W"'d"""· R Two thugs, a Lithuanian and a German, noticed a young Jewish boy walking determinedly. They sus pected that he was going to see the great rabbi. After all, why would any youngster be out alone? They fol lowed him, and when he entered the Friedman home, they forced their I way in at gunpoint. Sensing that ! they had their prey, they rounded 1. up 12 noted talmidei chachamim, and then they saw Reb Elchonon, I1 who was learning quietly near the first-floor staircase. I They immediately recognized him. At that moment, he knew his I end ~s near. :~remained :J posed as they shoved him against the 70 years. We know so little of our reli We can only hope that Rabbi Krohn wall and frisked him. His demeanor gious traditions. Either you befriend and travels to those areas of Europe where did not change. His faced radiated embrace us, or we will go back and die Chassidishe rebbes and their Chassidim holy G-dliness. He had to know that a spiritual death." thrived and prospered, leaving an indel it was only a matter of time until he It is now almost seventy years since ible imprint on Yiddishkeit. And perhaps would be an akeida, a sacred offer the beginning of the end of European there could be a future trip to the land ing. Awed by Reh Elchonon's coun Jewry. We must never forget the awe of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch's Torah tenance, the German realized he was some greatness of those years. Traveling im derech eretz, which added so much to in the presence of greatness. He said, With the Maggid helps us reconnect to the Torah world. Then our abilityto turn "Maybe we should let him go." our spiritual roots. our nza' asei avos into siman labanim - I The Lithuanian shouted, {(No, My only disappointment with the the achievements of the fathers becom he must be taken to the fort like book is that it deals primarily with the ing their children's aspirations - will everyone else." "Litvishe Veit." begin to become more complete. IE As the 13 men were huddled WARSAW • LUBLIN • ZAMOSC • BELZEC • LANCUT KRAKOW • AUSCHWITZ • PRAGUE &MORE FAMILY TRIP YESHIVABOCHURIM leaving June 30th leaving Aug.11th return July 9th .return Aug. 19th · optional visit to Hungary MAXIMUM 30 PEOPLE PER TRIP I matic story and then turned to those I assembled and said, "We in the Soviet Ln have been sprritually asleep for ------A BIG MAN WITH AN EVEN BIGGER HEART BIG MIKE WORKS ALONE TO CLEAN UP THE STREETS IN YERUSHALAYIM "ALL THEY NEED Is ... " "BECAUSE THERE Is A NEED" to meet with "Big Mike:' Big Mike'' is a ( ( These kids want to turn their 31-year-old ex-drug addict. He stands at lives around; you can't hon 6'9" and must be close to 400 pounds. estly think that any Jew t didn't shock me, because I've been He has a beard and smicha, and wears enjoys living like this," he adds. So many there before. However, if you haven't, the biggest black velvet kippa I have of them have been given up on, and not I it is guaranteed to shock you. Even ever seen, which matches his fra1ne. necessarily for such "bad things." Many though it wasn't a "shock," now, after a He played college football, and claims parents, rebbei'im and menahalim push dozen hours and days, the sick feeling that all of his old friends are either in away a child that they don't know how in my stomach still remains. prison for life or they are dead. He is to deal with, or one whose questions Did you ever hear that there are married and has two sons and a (just they can't answer. It is these special places in the center of "town" in the born) daughter. He, too, hangs out in searching neshamos who can so easily holiest city in the world, Yerushalayim Ir "Crack Square." get lost and feel rejected. All they need Hakodesh, where our children are hang I asked him why he does it. "Because is a little love, a drop of acceptance, and ing out all night? Did you know that there is a need," he replied. Then he a feeling of fitting in. there is a whole strip of bars? Did you went on, "There are only a handful of He told me that there was a time know that many clean kids hang around people around who can handle this kind when "I was worse than most of the there just because they are bored and of work." Hashem has clearly included people out here and most people gave this serves as an exciting type of danger Big Mike amongst those able to, and he up on me. Someone gave me a shot- it's ous entertainment? They are searching. considers it a gift and a responsibility. mamash a neis that I got out of that life Many are drunk, and high on drugs. You Why is it that there are not another style:' Big Mike has committed himself cannot even imagine what it's like unless ten or a hundred guys out there like to helping these kids. you've seen it for yourself. I will try my Big Mike? He believes that people don't He told me that he has to double his best on these pages to describe to you want to admit that there is a problem. learning in the day in order to make up what it is like, what one man is doing They think that if they ignore the for the tuma that he is exposed to on about it, what you can and should do problem, it will simply go away. People these streets. about it, aud why you should go there choose to see this place as an irrelevant Rabbi Yerucham Shain, Rosh Yeshiva and see for yourself. place for kids who have hit rock bottom. of Adelphia, came by to meet Big Mike, I sat outdoors at a cafe across the Really, they should be focusing, as Big too. He had heard so much about him street from Crack Square ( Kikar Tziyon) Mike does, on the potential that is held and wanted to meet with him. It was inside all of these kids. "Sometimes it's impossible to have an interview with so simple, just a little bit of attention, a Big Mike without dozens of interrup MRS. GLIXMAN, OF MIAMI, WRITES A WEEKLY COLUMN IN HAMODJA, "NOTES FROM THE SUNSHINE kind word;' as he puts it. tions from yeshiva boys and seminary -~~------girls who spotted their mentor and just STATE." THIS IS HER FIRST APPEARANCE IN THESE 1 Big Mike, CASAP (Certified Addictions and PAGES. Substance Abuse Professional), can be contacted 40 at [email protected]. "B;g M;ke" d;>wss;ng the matzav w;th the Ro>h Ye>hh·a. I Rabbi Yeruchim Shain of Adelphia, New Jersey "Big Mike" with friends. had to say "Hi." Rabbi Shain said, "It is much tuma out there in the world." He very heartbreaking, what is going on suggests being aware. He wants parents over here." He was mechazeik Big Mike, and rebbei'im and mechanchim to come "You could accomplish, you certainly see the place. See a bunch of Yiddishe can.'' The Rosh Yeshiva told him, "This neshamaswho are desperate for love and is not a one-man job," and suggested attention. It can come from you. that Big Mike create a team, train other capable young men to join him, and PLANTING SEEDS IN have it funded. THEIR HEARTS Rabbi Shain believes that other roshei yeshivas should come and see for them ig Mike, who was born in Queens, selves. He said it is not about religion, New York, came to Israel when he but rather, about pikuach nefesh. Bwas 24 years old and searching. "I thought it was awesome that Baruch Hashem, he found his way to Rabbi Shain came out here:' said Big Yeshivas Ohr Somayach and to Torah. Mike. "You could see he was filled He stresses that he is simply a shaliach with kedusha because I could see how for Hakadash Baruch Hu, here to plant uncomfortable he was here." yeshiva do you go to?" Most had an seeds in the hearts of our children. answer - a name of a yeshiva, a semi He lives in Yerushalayim with his HARD TO PINPOINT nary - and that told me that someone "amazing and supportive wife." He is responsible for them ... most likely claims he can only do this because of ig Mike attributes the problem someone who has never spent five min her encouragement. to several things, although he utes in this place. I asked a young lady Big Mike says that the young roshei Badmits it is very hard to pin whose father is a rav if she knows Rabbi yeshivas have to come out here because point. He says that many of the kids' So-and-So, who I know teaches in her "if they don't know what they're fight parents made aliyah when the kids were seminary. In her drunken state, she told ing, they're gonna lose." too old to make aliyah. Many parents me, "I don't know any of the rabbis, Big Mike comments that we would work too hard to make money, and because I have never gone to a class since be amazed at the huge strides that these the kids come home to no parents and I'm here." I also tried to close her coat kids are willing to take when they feel no home cooked suppers. He said that jacket, saying that it was very cold out. that someone cares. He personally has they have no real relationship with Her words still ring in my head: 'Tm so been matzliach in getting many boys their parents, so how can they possibly drunk, I don't feel anything:' off the streets and into yeshivas. He has be expected to have a relationship with I met Yoni from Montreal. He told influenced many girls to wear skirts and Avinu Shebashamayini'. "These kids have me that he had asked Big Mike to tziniusdigclothing and to make berachas been beaten down; they need a hand," learn with him, after years of learn for the first time in many years. He he said. The biggest problem, he said, ing nothing. He referred to Big Mike insists that it all starts with a simple, is that these kids don't even care about as the "big brother" everyone always "Hi, how are you."' themselves. wanted. He said that he makes him feel Big Mike is out there two nights a So Big Mike says it straight, "My like family. So I asked him if they ever week without fail. "But our kids need job is to grab kids out of Gehinnam." really got together for that learning more, they deserve more. They are So he took me to see the Gehinnam. session. "Big Mike didn't even hesitate. responding so beautifully to such simple We crossed the street, and at the exact He called me and made sure we did acts of compassion on my part. You can moment that the big man's right foot it right away," he said. And then he see how they are starving for love, for touched the pavement, I heard them: added, "Big Mike rocks." spirituality, for Hashem," he said. "Hey, Big Mike!" "Big Mike, I'm com Avraham, eighteen years old, and Big Mike says that he does what he ing over to see you!" "Big Mike, hey!" in yeshiva, popped out of literally can with the resources and time that he Hug, hug, hug. Tens of boys within only nowhere and jumped up from the has available, and feels badly that it is minutes had their heads in the big man's ground into Big Mike's arms. [ asked not nearly enough. It's a real shame that chest as he gave them warm bear hugs, him why he did that. "Because I love there isn't more financial support to get affectionately calling them "Bubbala, him," was his answer. more people involved and out there. bubbala, bubbala:' I asked Big Mike: What do parents Big Mike shared his dream: "! have The smell of the alcohol, the shmeck and rebbei'im have to do? His answer a dream that one night I will show up of smoke, the wobbly boys and girls, it was quite simple, "Open up their eyes. here and the place will be empty." Kein all got to me. I asked every one, "What These kids have nothing, and there's so yehi ratzon. fill 41 MiiM .,ice ci"e' C"'=i'Q M''QlM "C' C!\i We have superior quality Sifrei Torah that are ready for completion. You can celebrate your :-riiri ice rie~!:)M during the summer, before Rosh Hashana, Simchas Torah or start from the beginning! We take care of all the details, from ?bl:i'V"' ?~ "'~"'')'? i')' J"l"''Vbl:i:i. R' Zvi Chaim Pincus t:l"l"lO icio 718·336·6866 • 800·45-TORAH Email: [email protected] www.tiferes.com 1664 Coney Island Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11230 MUSINGS RABBI AARON MORDECHAI BRAFMAN I ~flf~. Bypa Surgery F/J]Jii;~;~ ! ' ! ,::/:·{~.{r;;f/$1 J I ,;,_; ...... ' ~/1(1 .... ·., ! I" ! /_:- L,__,: :. :-f"-- ---'.·f- --- ! • ~ «~~!~~1,/)1fa ;,q\1'w I ·y:~,',I 1 ight after Purim, I •. > j,1 I went through multiple I Rbypass surgery. During the traumatic ordeal - which baruch weeks after surgery. One's blood is an Hashem was successful - I tried to but rather the garment for my neshama essential factor in the healing process. learn lessons for my ruchniyus (spiri I, that defines me. tual growth) and avodas Hashem This is not a new idea, but it is 1,. ~dC/~j' (Divine service) from what I was something that we often overlook. Later, I experiencing. I would like to share 1, during my recuperation, I thought that NO UNDIRECTED, some of the insights that I gained, for • with this insight, I had a new under THOUGHTLESS MOVEMENT they may be beneficial and a source standing of a Ghazal: "The Shechina of chizuk for others. .'I is above the head of the sick person." There are stories about great tzaddikim I Because during an illness, the patient who did not make a move, even with their hands, unless it was purposeful. / ~dtl//:~ l t~hoactusmesucohnchdimensions, andisserr.uchniyus, thus connects his spiritual to the For several days after the surgery, it was ''l'M NOT A PIECE OF MEAT" Shechina - so the Ribbono she! Olam is hard for me to move my right hand. Il Every move involved a degree of pain, I .. 10 During the preparation for surgery and I had to decide each time if it was with all that it entails (the same goes I ,h.'_tc/iz worth the effort and the agony. I was for some other experiences during a thus in awe over how tzaddikim can live hospital stay), one's dignity can be lost. on that level, where nothing is haphaz .1~R BLOOD IS THE NEFESH" When you are told how they will cut ard and is only done with a cheshbon, I you up, you may feel like you are just A new understanding of that passuk after careful calculation. a piece of meat. To fight those feelings .1 came to me. After surgery, one's blood during the pre-op and the hospital stay, sugar rises and they give you insulin you have to say and remember "Elokai, intravenously. They want to determine, neshama ... Hashem, the soul that You however, if this is a temporary spike or CONSTANT SELF-EVALUATION I gave me is pure .. . :'Focus on the soul if you are a diabetic. They do a blood that I have. My body is not the real me, test to see what was happening in the In order to make sure that my blood ------blood three months ago to make that sugar was getting under control, medi RABRI BRAFMAN, A FREQUENT CONTRIBUTOR TO determination. Also, the loss of blood cal attendants came every hour - day THESE PAGES, IS MENAflETl. OF YESHIVA DERECH during surgery makes one anemic and and night - the first two days following AYSON IN fAR ROCKA\\/AY, NY. therefore very weak and tired for several surgery and jabbed my finger to test L 43 MAY 2008 When you take into account all the machines and intravenous lines that are connected to ' you to maintain your body's functions, and contemplate the surgery and all the different medications that you have to take afterwards to stabilize your body, you recognize the miraculous aspects of the body's functions that the Ribbono shel Olam created. -&dc/t t)' THEM AND US my blood. (It then went to every four During my hospital stay, I was taken hours.) It reminded me of what Rabbi from my room and wheeled into the Shlomo Lorincz wrote in his classic x-ray room (another one of the demean book, Bimechitzasam, about the Brisker ing experiences). You are in a room with Rav - that his level of yiras Shamayim many patients waiting to be x-rayed, was such that he analyzed his behavior then you wait there afterwards to be every hour. Tzaddikim are aware that transported back to your room. (I only behavior can change every hour. Would waited for half an hour.) Two non-Jews that we could make a cheshbon hanefesh next to me had been waiting for a longer Get a cell phone more often than just during Asseres period of time. One was in pain and the Yemei Teshuva! other was generally very impatient. The from the people flow of expletives and foul language that -&dc/i,_;- I heard then was more than I had been you can trustl treated to in the last several years. When EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL a frum person is in crisis, he cries out in pain to the Ribbono shel Olam, and he Judging from my outer appearance recognizes that yisurim (pains of suffer and eating habits, everyone used to ing) are meant as a kapara, a source of comment that I did not have to worry atonement. "Ashreinu ... How fortunate about my heart. But when my brother, we are, how good is our portion, how Ben, had emergency bypass surgery pleasant our lot, and how beautiful our ~ .... two months ago, I was sent for a stress heritage." Total Communication solutions test. One thing led to another, and I wound up with bypasses on five arter ies. I realized that in the physical world, -d:Jc/C/?/" ] .. 866-TALK·N-SAVE outward appearances could belie what THE MIRACLE OF LIFE (l-866-825-5672) is happening inside. And the same is e-mail: [email protected] true in regard to ruchniyus growth. If When you take into account all the Customer service now available we do not work on our penimiyus- our machines and intravenous lines that from 9:00 o.m. · 12:00 midnight - Israel time! inner essence - correcting our middos are connected to you to maintain your *Celkom :Certified Agetlts (character) and uprooting our negative body's functions, and contemplate the traits, one can add layers of external surgery and all the different medica frumkeit, while seeking to fulfill drives tions that you have to take afterwards Groups/Missions of kina (envy), ta'ava (unchecked desire) to stabilize your body, you recognize the (GET SPECIAL RATES/SERVICES) and kavod (honor) at the same time. miraculous aspects of the body's func Coll toll free from USA/Conodo: These can eventually destroy the inner tions that the Ribbono shel Olam created, 1-866-403-8454 person. Thus, there is a constant need and you achieve a deeper appreciation e~mail: for limud hamussar - study of classic for what we say in the "Asher Yatzar" [email protected] texts on personal ethics- and/or works beracha - ending with "umafli la'asos on Chassidus. Who acts so wondrously:' 1--- THE JEWISH OBSERVER I 1 I I -!#Jcacl; I ONE FACES DEATH I THE WAY ONE LIVES I I Even though the doctors and everyone I else tell you that the surgery is routine, you know that it is not so simple, that I there are no guarantees, and that you I might not come out alive. During the last few minutes before the anesthesia I I took effect, my head was full of divrei Torah, chapters of Tehillim, and some I deveiykus'dik songs. This was a great I comfort to me. In Bimechitzasam, Rabbi FAlHER&SON Shlomo Lorincz relates a story told by israef experience : Rav Shach about a Yid who was on A challenging. & inspiring August 19-'27, 2008 his deathbed. This person was always B days in pursuit of money, and he told the I people standing around his deathbed that if someone would come in now I with money, he would stretch out his hand and grab it. Thus, one dies the I way one lives. It matters not what one I does for a living (although someone in Torah and chinuch may find it easier to give expression to ruchniyus/spiritual strivings during one's final moments). I know many businessmen and pro fessionals who view their work as a I means of supporting their families and giving tzeddaka, but that is not who they are. Their essence is more obvious when they are in the beis midrash, where their aspirations to grow in Torah and avoda emerge. If one, however, gets trapped in the pursuit of wealth and luxury, then "Whoever attains a hundred desires two hundred," and "No person dies with half of his desires attained." And then, on his deathbed, he will grab for the dollar. What a pity! I am far from claiming that I have achieved lofty madreigos (spiritual lev els), but one can want to rise above the status quo, and reach for inner growth. One need not wait for a new lease on life to realize that one does not have to stay on the same level, but can truly enhance his standing. I hope these words will be helpful to others, as well as to myself. !ill 45 ------·------.... A better classroom for your students begins with a classroom for yourself. .. Does that describe your feelings about your profession? Choose from two exceptionally valuable Masters degrees in Education. OpttOt\ , MA in Education: Curriculum and Instruction • Maalot Los Angeles and California State University Bakersfield join together to offer a Masters degree in Education. • Exceptionally low price, well under $10,000 • Pay as you study. Finish the coursc\vork in 12··20 months • Sc1nestcrs scheduled according to the Jewish calendar. 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You may also the Volunteer Service contact the department if you would like your organization or agency to be included in a listing of Department at volunteer opportunities currently being compiled for publication. 212.797.9000, ext 271. -§b:1~e~f :_ >: _< --_------_, _:'' ------;:::_--__ >_---:<-:'->>:::- --_;--:·--_:_ :--_::-:--: -- ; Ah: engaging--_Engllsh_-language: ~rans!atibn adaj.)ted for children brings the-words and concepts to life; Many fascinating "Old You Knows" and "Closer looks~ enrich and interest young readers (and Older ones too!); An inspiring introduction by Rabbi Nasson Scherman; Lively and exciting full"page color illustrations by celebrated children's artist Tova Katz spark the imagination and make the words almost jump from the page! The Children's Book of Tehillim is a wonderful way to inspire young people to love the words of David Hame!ech, so that they will remain a faithful companion and a lifelong friend. A /me storyo; i 1 re>~, fuiifi. /i.:tMH --£•!.'( i''';i pi! .._ /l book about cancer - that's fun to read? (,Z)abbi Dr. Abraham Twerski has almost J-1:. Amazingly enough, that's what Tzlpl Ca d\;iegendary powers of insight into the ton has written. human psyche, and he is a master storyteller Tzipi was just another sixteen-year-old Bais Yaa as well, kov girl - and suddenly, sl1e was the girl with cancer. In the first volume of The Shabbos Companion he showed us how to infuse Tzipi chose to face her illness with her own unique brand of therapy; a our homes with the spirit of Shabbos joy on Friday night, as we greet the combination of humor, unfailing optimism, and deep bitachon. Shabbos Queen. Now, in the Shabbos Companion 2, Rabbi Twerski turns to the Shabbos day, and completes his guide to making our Shabbos obser This remarkable journal that she kept during that time is always upbeat, vance more meaningful. In this beautiful volume he provides us with a faithful sometimes poignant, often funny, and definitely uplifting. Tzipi's miracle ride companion to enhance our Shabbos - and, indeed, all seven days of the to healing with its true, fairy tale ending, will leave readers amazed and In week. Also available, The Shabbos Companion: Shabbos Eve. spired - and, yes, entertained as well.