r-=---=~-- ~------~-- ---~~ ----=-i 1 THE ewish I I ,ftSEitVER Noted in I THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021-6615 IS PUBLISHED IN THIS ISSUE MONTHLY. EXCEPT JULY & AUGUST Sorrow I ANO A COMBINED ISSUE FOR TRAGEDY (LOSE TO HOME, RABBI ELI JANUARYlfEBRUARY, BY THE 6 A AGUOATH IS RAEL 01' AMERICA, YoNosoN RosENBLUM TEITELBAUM I 42 BROADWAY. NEW YORK. NY !0004. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID IN NEW YORK, NY. SUBSCRIPTION Sll5.00/YEAR; ZECH OR YEMOS OLAM ... 2 YEARS, 548.00; 3 YEARS. 569.00. At the levaya of Rabbi Eli Teitelbaum ?"!, a well REMEMBER THE DAYS OF YORE OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES (US known rosh kollel remarked, "All of the Tanna'im FUNDS DRAWN ON A US BANK ONLY) S1s.oo SURC~IARGE PER YEAR. SINGLE 12 A "FoRGOTIEN" EvENT W1TH H1sToR1c and Amora'im are coming to welcome him, because COPY SJ.so: OUTSIDE NY AREA $3.95; I FOREIGN 54.50. CONSEQUENCES, JOSEPH fRIEDENSON there is probably no individual in the world who brought Torah to so many people." POSTMASTER: 18 IN THE AURA OF THE KOPYCZNITZER SEND ADDRESS CHANGl'::S TO: It is true_ Rabbi Teitelbaum - Eli to everyone I TEL 212-797-9000, FAX 646-254-1600 REBBE, RABBI SHLOMO LORINCZ I PRINTED IN THE USA who knew him - was richly endowed with talent, MIRRER IMAGE: PEOPLE, PLACES AND imagination, and stamina, and he devoted it all to RABBI N!SSON WOLP!N, Editor 26 OF I POWERFUL IMPRINTS, YAACOV POLSKIN others. Over forty years ago, he began a weekly radio Editorial Board program to teach Mishnah. He invented and per RABBI JOSEPH EUAS. Chairman 28 OF PUBLIC RECORD I RABBI ABBA 8RUONY fected Dial-a-Daf, Dial-a-Mishnah, and Dial-a-Shiur. I JOSEPH f'RIEOf:NSON RABBI YISROEL MEIR K!RZNER PESA CH: Every week, many hundreds of shiurim RABBI NossoN SCH EHMAN I PROF. AARON TWERSKI THE FESTIVAL OF REDEMPTION were available over the phone. The nerve center of his Torah Communication Fo1mden 32 THE FOURTH REDEMPTION, DR. ERNST I.. Born:NHEIMF.R Z.,L SrMCHA LEtB GRosssARD Network was alive twenty-four hours RABBI MOSHE SHEHErt Z"L a day, the central panel aglow with Management Board 34 WHEN Do WE BAKE THE MATZAH hundreds oflittle red lights signifying NAFTOl.I HIRSCH. ISAAC KIRZNE!~. RABBI SHI.OMO LESIN, THIS YEAR? ARI z. ZIVOTOFSKY callers and listeners. In the fifteen-plus DAVID SINGER, NACHLTM STEIN AND ARI Y GREENSPAN years of Dial-a-Daf, there was an MRS. LE'°'H ZAGELBAliM, amazing total of 1.6 million calls, and .·kh·ertisi119 Monoqe1 MUSINGS the number grows by the day. PUBLISHED BY 47 HEARING WITH YOUR BRAIN, AGUDATH IS!~AEL OF AMERICA Eli could have made a com RABBI SHMUEL BLOOM fortable living from the Torah U.S. TRADE DISTRllHITOR fELDHEIM PUBLISHERS Communications Network, but he 208 Airport fxrcutive H1rh Nam1et. NY to.'!54 accepted not a penny for his work. He belonged STATEMENT OF POLICY to Kial Yisroel. BRITISH REPRESENTATlVf; THE JEWISH OBSERVER HAS DEVOTED A GREAT DEAl M.T Bl BELMAN OF SPACE TO THE PERILS Of'TllE INTERNET AND TO THE He was a phenomenal rebbi of third and fourth Grosvenor 11/orhs 1\.fou11t Pleawmt Ifill ."IEED FOR EVERYONE TO 6E EXTltEMELY V!Gll.ANT IN graders, and his talmidim remembered and treasured l.ondo11 l:S 9NE. ENG/AND !TS USE. WE HAVE ECHOED THE PLEAS OF Oll!t GED- him for a lifetime. Before "Children at Risk" became I OUM Tl!AT IT SHOULD NOT BE IN USE. UNLESS IT IS AN FRENCU REPRESENTAT!Vf: RABBI 8AMBf:RGER UNAVOIDABLE NEf.;ESSITY. ANO THEN ONLY WITH AU
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IJ1NNf:N denly and unexpectedly_ Who can take his place? 11 !Jirriqa Rood APRIL 2008 I VOLUME XLI I NO. 3 &·lfeme Hil!, NS\V eo2J. AUSTRALIA .11i:i ,-or '11' COVER PHOTOS; -Rabbi Nosson Schermanj NA TI SHOHAT / FLASH90: KO Ill G !DEON/ FLASH90 RECORDED WITH SHOCK AND PAIN he terrorist's massacre in Yeshivas Mercaz Harav in Yerushalayim at 8:40. on Thursday evening, March 6/ Rosh Chodesh Adar II, which killed eight bachurim and wounded at least six others who .had been immersed Tin Torah study in the yeshiva library, sent shock waves throughout the Jewish world. The description of the brutal atrocity with photographs of the mut.ilated bodies and the. blood splattered sefarim scattered across the floor added to the horro.r of the incident, and to the profound sense ofloss suffered through the sacrifice of these students of Torah. Which Jew does not feelwounded and diminished! Rabbi Yaakov Shapira, Rosh Ye'.hiva of Mercaz Harav, declared in his hespeid at the levayathat the gunman had apparently realized that Torah study was the wellspring of strength from which we draw our life essence, and thus attacked our youth when they were so involved in their learning. Rabbi Shapira describe YONOSON ROSENBLUM ATragedy Close to Home orah is magein un1aztil. It shields and rescues from harm. But not always. T Speaking just after news of the terrible slaughter in Yeshivas Mercaz Harav first began to spread, Rabbi Reuven Leuchter, one of the premier talmi dim of the late Mashgiach Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe ';r:;r, urged his listeners not to push away the difficult questions raised by the tragedy with pre-fabricated answers. Through those wrenching questions, Hashen1 speaks to us, he said, and to push the questions aside too quickly is to remove Hashem Himself from the picture. (Rabbi Leuchter pointed to Shaar Daletof Nefesh Hachayim, where Rabbi Chaim ofVolozhin explains Torah's protective power, as a place to start the search.) The eight young men mowed down in the library of Mercaz Harav seemed to have been almost Divinely-picked to make the question as "painful" as possible, in Rabbi Leuchter's perspective. They were in the library because ------~---~---·------RABBI ROSENBLIJM, WHO LIVES IN lERlJSALEM, JS A CONTIHB!JTING EDITOR TO TUE )E\VJS/-1 0BSERVEH. HE JS Al.SO DIRECTOR OF THE ISRAEL! 01\/JSJON OF AM ECllAD, THE AGllDATH ]SRAEL-INSPJH:ED ED!i CATIONAL 0\JTl~F:ACl-l EFFORT AND MEDIA RESOURCE. APRIL 2008 the beis midrash had been cleared for a the vacation, when two weeks would be haneitz. From then on, he began sleep Rosh Chodesh party, and they had each entirely adequate. ing outside on the grass, even though decided to catch a few more minutes he was extremely sensitive to cold, and of Torah learning while their friends even though his roommate protested were preparing for the party. Each one ehonadav Chaim Hirshfeld, that he had only been kidding. of them would have stood out as a hen 19, according to my son-in-law, aliya in any yeshiva in the world. Ywas an extraordinarily talented My son-in-law gives a weekly shiur learner. Every month, he learned all n the week after the massacre, more in the Mercaz Harav high school in of Mishnayos - 18 perakim (chap stories began to appear about the the framework of Vedibartem Barn, an ters) a day. He was the great grandson I other sacrifices. And it is clear organization that arranges for weekly of the late Charles (Chaim) Batt of that each was someone very special. shiurin1 by avreichim in national reli Hartford, Connecticut, who popular Perhaps the most amazing story was gious yeshiva high schools to expose ized Mishnayos Yornis in America. Until that ofDoron Meherette, a 26-year-old, the students to the geshmak of yeshivishe Rabbi Aryeh Sokoloff, a rav from Kew Ethiopian-born talmid of Mercaz Harav. lorndus. Three of the murdered bachu Gardens and a native of Hartford, who When he first applied to the yeshiva, rim were past or present talmidini of his, flew to Fretz Yisroel to be menacheirn Daron was rejected because of his weak though none of them needed anyone to aveilim at each of the shiva homes, Talmudic background. But rather than spark their love oflearning. pointed out the connection between being discouraged, he asked the rosh At the Shabbos table after the mur Yehonadav and the great grandfather yeshiva whether he could work in the ders, he described some of the qualities after whom he was named, the family yeshiva as a dishwasher. Every n1on1ent of these bachurim. Yochai Lipshitz, 18, had been unaware of the connection. he was not in the kitchen, he spent in the was part of the furniture of the beis My son-in-law described Yehonadav's yeshiva's beis rnidrash. After 18 months midrash. Whenever one entered, he was interest in hashkafic discussions with oflearning in this fashion, he convinced hovering over his Gemara, a big smile on those whose path differed ftom his own, the rash yeshiva to test him again, and his face. "Everyone came back tired from and how he pursued those discussions this time he was accepted. a hike - Yochai was in the beis rnidrash; with a thirst to arrive at the truth and Neighbors ftom Ashdod reported that everyone was at some kind of celebra- with genuine respect for another point when he returned home for Shabbos, he of view. Every week, he would visit could be found learning for eight hours his elderly great grandmother in straight in the local beis midrash. just Jerusalem, and play his flute to glad three weeks before he was murdered, he den her heart. Yehonadav was shot had completed the study of all Shulchan in the back as he stooped to pick Aruch, with its principal commentaries. up a Shev Shmaytza that had fallen Daron was buried together with the to the floor in the tumult. blood-soaked Tur he was learning when he was shot. In a similar fashion, Neria Cohen, 16, was buried together with the t is hard to look at pictures blood-drenched tractate Nedarim he of the smiling, baby face of was learning as part of his commitment I Avraham Dovid Moses, and to daf hayorni. Just a few weeks ago, he imagine what kind of monster turned out the lights in the local beis could have deliberately sought to midrash at I :45 a.m., after completing destroy that smile. Only 16, he his beloved daf for the day. had already mastered a number of masechtos and knew three sedarirn tion - Yochai was in the beis midrash; of Mishnayos be' al peh. Yet, when he egev Peniel Avichayil, 15, was everyone was studying for a test-Yochai asked a question in shiur or sought Avraham David Moses' chavru was in the beis midrash." to offer a solution, it was always with Ssa, and they were mowed down At the shiva, Yochai's father, the incredible modesty and an effort to hide together. They shared the same studious Mashgiach in Yeshiva! Hakotel, related how much he knew. nature and determination to understand that after first grade, when Yochai was At the shiva house, Avraham David's each sugya with clarity. During the informed that there would be a two mother related how he had regularly shiva, Segev Peniel's father related that month summer vacation, he wrote davened in a haneitz rninyan. One he had always stood up for him when a letter to the Minister of Education tin1e, a roommate placed a note on his he came into the room, and had been vehemently protesting the length of bed saying that one must also take into eager to learn together with him from account those who do not arise for an early age. -~------~------~· !=---~~------·-~~~----~~~~;;-;;~;;E;;I=J ;;E;;;W=<;;>;;<;;<=O=B=>=E ;;R;;V=E;;R= I Segev Peniel regularly visited hospi- If only by , tals to sing and dance for the patients. I, His father once asked him whether he remOVtng any 1,1; didn't feel embarrassed to sing and sense that our shuls dance in front of strangers. He could not understand the question: V11hy should and batei midrash [ anyone be embarrassed to make some- , one else happy? somehow exist 1 One of 18-year-old Roi Roth's class- , mates described how he had taught him above and beyond ! how to daven. He was often seen shed- ! ding copious tears, even during a week- the fray, the 500 or , day Shemoneh Esrei, and was invariably ,m,, ..e b' U,,lf,ets jiot ..ed one of the last to leave the beis midrash 0 ' ' H ' 'II after every tefilla. Yet, there was nothing in the Mercaz Harav , sad or heavy about him. He recently I came over to a downcast looking friend librarv struck and pushed his lips into a smile. I I __ the entire A visitor to the Avichayils' modest, I The youngest of the murdered olam haTorah. sefer-lined apartment wrote to a friend I was Neria Cohen, 15, the son of how she expected to find a "terrible Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen, a rabbi scene of crying and shouting, of blam in Aish HaTorah's Hesderprogram. His that he had seen the question discussed ing and lots of unanswered questions." I father eulogized him in terms of his in a teshuva of the Chasam Sofer. What she and her husband encountered I refusal to ever settle for anything less was just the opposite. Rabbi Avichayil sat than the complete truth. His Gemara with total composure and spoke of how rebbi (as quoted in Hamodia) reported The strength and faith of the the tragedy had only deepened his faith that after receiving a perfect score on a families of the murdered young and love of Hashem, and that of his wife I test just a few days before he was killed, men made a tremendous impres- and their remaining children. The visi Neria had still wanted to discuss one of sion. At the levaya, there were no calls tor left "knowing I was in the presence the questions, which he did not feel he for revenge, just repeated affirmations of greatness and would probably never I had fully comprehended. of emuna. (It took four days for Israeli encounter strength like this again." I Rabbi Aviad Trop, the founder of police to deny a widely broadcast news In the Hirschfeld home, Yehonadav , Vedibartem Barn, told me about his story that the police were investigating Chaim's parents and 12 siblings under I I hospital visit to Nadav Eliyahu Samuels, the planning of revenge attacks by stu- took not to discuss the tragedy at all on whose grandfather davens in the same dents at Mercaz Harav.) A reporter from Shabbos, and to conduct their Shabbos shul as I in Jerusalem's Har Nof neigh- Israel News asked one student whether meals as always. borhood. Nadav Eliyahu, 14, was saved he wanted to kill Arabs in response to only because he somehow refrained the murders. The young man disap- from crying out, despite having shrapnel pointed him by replying, "What to do tragedy of this magnitude inev in both his arms and legs and a bullet with the Arabs is up to Hashem," before itably triggers many feelings. I hole in his leg that has already required returning to the beis midrash. A One was of a renewed sense of two surgeries. Less than a week after A student of Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen vulnerability. There are thousands of [ his brush with death, he lay immobile described on the Aish Ha Torah website minyanim daily in Jerusalem and many 'I in his hospital bed, but with a Gemara meeting Rabbi Cohen in the Old City crowded batei midrash. It is not possible I , propped up in front of him. He did not of Jerusalem around midnight on the to place a guard outside each one. Nor talk about what had happened, but spent evening of the tragedy. Rabbi Cohen is there any reason to feel confident that the entire time speaking in learning with motioned him over and told him that a guard would succeed in preventing a ''II his uncle, a rav in Har Nof. When Rabbi his son Neria was missing, but did terrorist who did his homework and had Trop mentioned a question concerning not tell him that Neria was one of the the element of surprise on his side from I I whether a resident of Jerusalem who victims. He then asked him calmly to entering. Any Arab resident of Jerusalem I 1 sends rnishlo'ach manos to a resident of tell the two students he had invited for can travel freely throughout the city, and J ~ 7:~ Brak on the 15th of Adar has ful- Shabbos that it would not work out Arab workers are a regular fixture in all 1 Jerusalem neighborhoods. L.the mitzvah, he immediately re-p-lie-d--t-his week. .I ------A P R I l 2 o o 8 ____-- ;=-1 r-=- The picture of the murderer was prominently I could not help wondering the next displayed the next day on the front page of the morning at Shacharis: What is there to official paper of Fatah under the title: Martyr. prevent another Arab who has been brainwashed to believe that his highest The picture of the murderer was promi tional hours of uninterrupted learning purpose in life is to give up his own nently displayed the next day on the in response to the mourning that had life to kill as many Jews as possible front page of the official paper of Fatah fallen upon the entire olam haTorah. from entering here? And I doubt that (the party headed by Israel's would-be The Motza'ei Shabbos after the trag I was alone. peace partner Mahmoud Abbas), under edy, the Satmar Rebbe, the ideological If only by removing any sense that the title: Martyr. leader of anti-Zionism in the Orthodox our shuls and batei midrash somehow Nothing so distinguishes the Jews of world, told his Chassidim in Monsey, Israel from their enemies as the reaction "\i\Then a disaster like this occurs, inur to the death of children. The news of the derers penetrating into a yeshiva, it is as death of civilians in Israeli strikes on ter painful to Hakadosh Baruch Hu as the rorists who deliberately use Palestinian destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. This civilians as shields inevitably triggers is an overwhelming tragedy for all of us. gloom in Israel. Celebrations like that They were learning at that moment the which took place in East Jerusalem san1e Torah we learn. The Gemara is the and an1ong Palestinians everywhere sa1ne Ge1nara." in the wake of the deliberate murders In addition to the Belzer Rebbe, the are unthinkable in Israel. Yet, they take prominent roshei yeshivos and Torah place in the Moslem world after every leaders who went to the levayos included: suicide bo1nbing. 1 Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach; Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Farbstein, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron; Rabbi Refael Shmulevitz and t is i1npossible to describe any con Rabbi Yitzchak Ezrachi, from the roshei sequence of the slaughter of eight yeshiva of Yeshivas Mir; Rabbi Asher I yeshiva bachurim as good. But the Weiss; and Rabbi Shmuel Bloom, execu terrible tragedy did break down, even if tive vice-president of Agudath Israel of only n10111entarily, 1nany of the divisions America. Rabbi Yoseif Shalom Elyashiv and barriers that characterize the Torah left his home to accompany one of the world of Eretz Yisroel. Immediately upon levayos as it passed by on the way to hearing the first reports of the massacre, Har Hazeisim. the Belzer Rebbe secluded himself in his There was nothing qualified or half room to recite Tehillitn, even though hearted about the expressions of identi thousands of Belzer Chassidim were fication with the eight yeshiva bachurim, then in Jerusalem to share the simcha mowed down in the middle of their of the bar mitzvah of the Rebbe's old studies. The Chareidi press stressed est grandson. The next day, the Rebbe the virtues of the victims at length, joined in the levaya, and on Sunday and covered in detail the participation exist above and beyond the fray, the morning, he went to visit those wound of the leaders of the Chareidi world in 500 or more bullets fired in the Mercaz ed in the hospital. the levayos. One could almost sense a Harav library struck the entire olam The Gerrer Rebbe was on the way desire to find a point of connection ha Torah. to Jerusalem for a yahrzeit tisch in between tv.,ro sectors of the religious Another thought concerned the honor of the Bais Yisroel and to spend world that frequently hold each other nature of our enemies. I have written parashas Shekalim with his Chassidim in at arm's length. numerous op-eds on the inability of Jerusalem when he heard the news. He The question that faces us now: ls the liberal imagination to comprehend immediately returned to Bnei Brak. The there some way to build upon that the demons possessing much of the next n1orning, a notice appeared in the feeling of closeness in moments of joy Islamic world or the depths of hatred main Ger Yeshiva urging thousands of as well as tragedy? Can we find a way found there. Yet, even 1 still find myself bachurim to take upon themselves addi- to acknowledge the ma'alos of those a1nazed and unable to fathon1 an entire whose path may be far from our own, population that could celebrate the l One slight ray of hope for the future: A Kuwaiti but who still learn the san1c Torah and wanton murders of innocent young paper conde1nned the inurders in Mercaz Harav, t l1e same Gemara, wh i1 e t hey are sti 11 not as Abbas always does as tactically damaging to , men holding only their holy books, with the Palestinian cause, but as an im1noral shedding alive, and not just after they have been I mass jubilation and passing out sweets. . ········------_____ 0 of'_"'_'o-ce~tblood~------cr~ell~t~kenfro~us? --~ TUE JE\VISH 08'\ERVER -1 ''ZECHOR YEMOS O,LAM s Pesach approaches, we prepare ourselves to respond in Bretz Yisroe/, recalling his experi o the command of" Vehigadta ... You shall tell your ences with the Kopicznitzer Rebbe, on on that day saying: 'Because of this Hashem did for Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Heshel me when I went out of Egypt"' (Shemos 13,8). In keeping with 7ji!''Yt. this mitzvah, we not only relate the narrative of the redemp Of course, rnuch of our inspiration tion from Egypt at the Pesach Seder, we relive it. Undoubtedly, and guidance in leading lives of Torah because of this" Vehigadta" element in our families, Kial Yisroe/'s integrity draw from the extraordinary extraordinary success in preserving its sacred mesora ( transn1is devotion to limud haTorah (study) in sion of Torah values and way of life) through the millennia is the pre-War yeshivos. In the two articles unmatched among the nations of the world. that follow, we have - first - Rabbi In truth, this is not a once-a-year experience, but an ongo Labish Becker's review of Rabbi ing force in Jevvish life. In generation after generation, every Paysach Krohn's Traveling senior member of Kial Yisroel responds to the summons fron1 With the Maggid: A journey "Ha'azinu" - Moshe Rabbeinu's parting Song of Blessing to to great torah centers of the Jewish People. His opening directive was: "Zech or ye mos yesteryear. This is fol a/am, binu shenos dor vador .. .. Remember the days of yore, lowed by an apprecia understand the years of generation after generation. Ask your tion of the interaction father and he will relate it to you, your elders and they will tell between veteran talmi- you" (Devarim 32,7). dim of Litvishe yeshivas From studying the pattern of history, we can learn what to of two generations ago anticipate and how to respond to new challenges. The focus and their conte1npo- is on the key word" shenos:' It can be translated, as above, "the rary American counter years" wherein our history took place, in era after era. This word parts, in effect bringing can also be understood as related to "leshanos" - to change together the Litvishe fron1 time to tirne. No two eras are identical. Seek out what legacy with our own distinguishes our particular situation. On the other hand, the young men ... bringing Hebrew word "shenos" can iinply repetition fron1 one tin1e to this precious mesora to another. Which meaning of" shenos" is applicable today? life: "Mirrer Image: To know how to effectively approach a current situation, Of People, Places, & one must seek out the advice of zekeinecha-your elders, your Powerful Imprints;' rabbinical guides.' by Yaakov Polskin. In the pages that follow, we tap into specific events and leading personalities who had a profound effect on the fate -N.W. of Kial Yisroel. The first article conveys impressions of the historic Marienbad World Agudah Conference - the first post World War II international gathering of Agudath Israel, just over 60 years ago - as recalled by one of the participants, Reb Yosef Friedenson rm, longtime Agudah leader, and founding editor of Dos Yiddishe Vort, Agudath Israel of America's highly regarded Yiddish language journal of thought and opinion. In addition, we are fea turing a chapter from Bin1echitzasan1, the mem oirs of Rabbi Shlomo Lorincz, r~n, longtime leader of Agudath Israel ------~~·----- I This multi-di111ensional understanding of "she nos dor vador" was heard fron1 the late Rabbi Eliezer Kirzner 7"Yt, for mer rav of Congregation Bnei Yehudah in Boro Park ·------~ YEMOS 0LAM ... REMEMBER Tl-IE DAYS OF YORE ------~----- JOSEPH fRIEDENSON 1 THE 1947 MARIENBAD WORLD AGUDAH CONFERENCE: II '' IFll WITH HISTORIC CONSEQUENCES Translated and aa•ap1:ea from Dos Yiddishe \fort, Ta1mnw;dA 5767 (August EYES ON THE FUTURE One can well imagine how it felt, after opportunity to share the podium with ix decades ago, in 1947 (Elul 5707), enduring the bitter years of ghettos and prominent personalities. a conference of the International concentration camps, to see once again I'm not certain why this event SCentral Council of Agudas Yisroel the beloved Agudah leader from Poland, was designated as a "Conference of took place in Marienbad, Austria. All Reb ltche Meir Levin ~,..,, and to meet the International Central Council." these years later, I cannot recall every other Agudah personalities from Bretz The truth is that the original Central detail of what transpired there, but I Yisroel, England and the United States. Council (which was headed by the can certain1y never forget this event. Their names were well-known, but most Reisher Rav, Hagaon Rav Aharon To the young activists fr om Germany, of the younger people had only heard Levine i"'i'1, who was elected to this Austria, France, Belgium, Hungary, and or read about them, and had never met post at the third Knessia Gedola) was Poland who attended the conference, it them in person. For that matter, it was destroyed by the Nazis, who mur was equally unforgettable. equally exhilarating to meet the younger dered the overwhelming majority of For some reason, this conference generation of leaders, who took upon its members. Only a few members of seems to have been largely overlooked by themselves the daunting but vital task the Council survived. historians. It is fair to say, however, that of breathing new life into the tattered But come to think of it, perhaps this it played a significant role in paving the remnants of European Jewry, and revi designation was appropriate after all. way for the rebirth of religious Jewry in talizing communities that had been so Reb Yaakov Rosenheim in New York, the years following the Holocaust, and cruelly decimated. Reb Itche Meir Levin in Yerushalayim, it was crucial to the re-emergence of For me personally, it was an over and Reb Aharon Goodman in London, Agudas Yisroel as an important organi whelming experience. I was almost the after consulting with gedolim, wished to zation in the Torah world. only one of the younger generation demonstrate that, despite the horrible who was personally acquainted with churban and all the grievous losses that MR. fRIEDENSON the older, pre-War Agudah leaders. I Kial Yisroel had suffered during the IS THE FOUNDING had been privileged to meet most of Holocaust, we had managed to survive, EDITOR OF Dos them before the war, because during and organized Orthodoxy was not ready YIDDISHE VORT, the 20s and 30s, they were often guests to surrender in its struggle to perpetuate AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICAS at our home in Lodz. Some of them our glorious legacy. The Central Council YIDDISH-LANGUAGE remembered me as Yossele, a little cheder was the legitimate heir to the pre-War MONTHLY JOURNAL yingel, and now, here I was, a delegate body of the same name, and was deter OF THOUGHT AND to an international conference, \Vith an n1ined to continue its work. OPINION. r=-- TH E J E ~I !LH 0 8 SERVER This is also the reason that the conference took place specifically in Marienbad, in the same city and, in fact, the very same hall that housed the last 1 Knessia Gedo/a, which had taken place before the war, ten years earlier. It also (718) 972-4003 explains why much effort was made to include as many delegates as possible :i-~.,~ ib~tv I from the DP (Displaced Person) camps. Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Levin, ?"Yr It was in these camps that former con Specializing in small batim for a perfect fit. centration camp inmates launched small are doubtlessly remembering the Agudas Yisroel groups which evolved Knessia Gedo/a that took place in into bastions of revitalized Yiddishkeit the same hall ten years earlier. The KARKA IN ERETZ YISROEL among the Holocaust survivors. scene brings to mind the passuk Call Rabbi Gavriel Beer for information on I Although these she'eiris hapleita del in Ezra (3,12), which was indeed obtaining cemetery plots in Beth Shemesh and other locations in Israel. egates were not official members of the quoted by Harav Hagaon Klein Agudah Central Council, they were de (the Nurenberger Rav) of Haifa: 011-972-2-656-9427 i facto leaders and Agudas Yisroel activ 'But many of the elder Kohanim, ists, and were functioning in the same Levites, and heads of families, who Unde Moishy, Dedi way as those who were officially elected. had beheld the Bayis Rishon on its Avrohom Fried, In the DP camps, they were the ones foundation, wept loudly when this I who established the kosher kitchens [second] Temple was before their and other leading and the mikvaos, and organized youth eyes, while many [i.e., those who Jewish entertainers I homes. For thousands of boys and had not seen the Bayis Rishon] are available I girls, these Agudah youth homes were a raised their voices in joyous shouts.' to visit miraculous lifesaver, and enabled them Yes, we are happy, we have leaders, to return quickly to a fully observant baruch Hashem, but those who lived seriously ill I lifestyle. In the two years following the through the original Agudah meet 'hildren thanks to I liberation, these homes also played a ing in Kattowice and the first three SIMCHAS CHAVA ,·,., ~ crucial part in helping establish many Knessiyos are crying, because many Ml:W)"Of':J ''""" I new families. The love and esteem of the glorious leaders of old are no n''V :li?V' ,, n:i nin AChessed project run by I with which these delegates from the longer with us .... " Agudath Israel of America DP camps were greeted by the Agudah I recall the deeply moving words, in conjunction with Suki & Ding Productions 'J• I leaders and all the other delegates were delivered by the Unsdorfer-Frankfurter To set up an appointment, call: , f.· ', richly deserved, indeed. Rav, Rav Horowitz, which opened the (212) 797-9000 Ext.235. . "'. I MEMORIES AND HOT TEARS he opening of the conference was very impressive and profoundly Tmoving, but for many attendees, it aroused mixed feelings. These feelings were best described by Reb Avraham Ziemba ~n, one of the she'eiris hapleita delegates, in a report on the convention which appeared just two weeks later (on Erev Rosh Hashana 5708) in Dos Yiddishe Vort in Munich. Here are his words (in free translation): "Glancing up at the table where • Mishnah and Gemara study services [ the members of the presidium are • Completion of entire Shishah Sedarim r· seated, one sees a number of emi • Completion of missing masechtos nent Agudah personalities. One also • On time for sh!oshim or yahrtzeit ! sees some of them constantly wip • Tax deductible I acceptable for ma'aser I • N"D)?VJ D'JJlil '''1) .nr.iJOilJ L the tears from their eyes. The~------. ------·------~ APRIL 2008 conference. The heartfelt recitation of which appeared in the issue of Dos masses who have Tehillim of Rav Semiatitzki ':>"~is like Yiddishe Vort mentioned above. There becon1e estranged wise nnforgettable, and Hagaon Reb Elya I wrote: from Yiddishkeit. "It Meir Bloch's heart-searing memorial "The audience cairned down only is time,'' said Rabbi to the kedoshim and his rendition of when Rabbi Bloch related that in Levin emphatically, "Keil Malei Rachamim" will be forever 1938, after the Germans occupied "to progress beyond engraved in my heart. Indeed, as I sat Czechoslovakia, he saw in a Nazi our modest, limit listening to his words, I silently shed a newspaper a photograph taken dur ed goals, and start torrent of tears. ing the time of the third Knessia. The thinking on a much But I recall the way Rabbi Bloch, picture showed the Gerrer Rebbe larger scale!" Rabbi Elya Meir Bloch, 7"~l despite his own hot tears, managed to walking in Marienbad with some Appropriately, boost the spirits of his listeners, and of his followers, and the caption Rabbi Levin's speech was followed by conclude his speech on an optimistic underneath read: 'Marienbad will that of Reb Aharon Goodman, the note about the present and the future. no longer witness such scenes.' 'But,' political secretary of the World Agudah, Here it is worthwhile to quote a para concluded Rav Bloch triumphantly, who immediately set an optimistic tone graph of my report on the conference, 'as we all can see, such scenes are by noting that Agudas Yisroel, despite all witnessed here. The Nazi foe lies its horrendous and bitter losses during Eretz Yisroel's decimated, and Yidden in shtreirn the Holocaust, remained a formidable Most Reliable Shomer Shabbos lach stroll once again through the force. This, he observed, could be seen and English Speaking Car Service streets of Marienbad!", from the conference itself, in which rep resentatives of no fewer than 28 nations Visiting Israel? Need Transport? TIME FOR EXPANDING GOALS participated. "Wherever there is a pulse -CHOOSE- of Jewish life, wherever there exists a abbi Bloch's concluding words Jewish heartbeat, there is an Agudah Menashe Sopher's were a fitting introduction to the presence," declared Mr. Good1nan. Airport & Limousine Service Rofficial opening speech of Rabbi He went on to make the following Celebrating 12 years of unbeatable .~ervice! Yitzchak Meir Levin, which was a fiery interesting observation, one that was OiJR EFFICIENT ENGLJSll-SPEAKING OJTICE STAFF, call to rebuild Yiddishkeit wherever pos genuine cause for optimisn1 and gave l'ULLY-LlCENSED, INSURED & AIR-CONDtTIONED VANS, DRIVEN BY jEWlSll, POLITE DRIVERS, sible. "Agudas Yisroel must now come hope for the future. He noted that ARE TAILOR-MADE FOR ALL OCCASIONS out with a mighty call of'Shuva Yisroel1" when one attends a Zionist congress, 1.118.360.5083 t''·;; ,c I Rabbi Levin cried out. He declared that there is little evidence of continuity. 1 we should not be satisfied with bringing The children of the Zionists are hardly www.msophcra1rport.co1n,~1:,:~:~;h~~i~::~ -~I~ back only "our own," but we should be to be found. Among the Agudah leaders, courageous enough to reach out to the by contrast, it is an entirely different In Israel: 02-533-3425 story. He cited the following examples: I coach people to help the1n realize their "Over a year ago, we lost Rabbi Moshe Can a Life-Coach own drea1ns and an1bitions. I help the1n Blau':>"! , but his son Rav Amram is here help you realize plan, prograin, and stay 1notivatcd. with us at this conference. At almost WHY COACHING? Improving one's the same time, Dr. Yitzchak Breuer your dreams? life 1neans making change; and people need left us, but his son Rav Mordechai has support and structure to keep distractions and obstacles from swa1nping their drea1ns and goals. joined us at this gathering. This is the Moreover, people rarely see their own capabilities in full measure. A coach is a per· power of a movement whose roots are son who by tempera1nent, experience, and training is dedicated to help you grow and in Torah .... " achieve your own drca1ns. A coach never loses confidence in his client's ability! Incidentally, Mr. Goodman paid me I have over thirty years experience in helping people fulfill their dreruns, have a personal compliment in his speech authored books, articles and produced cassette progra1ns on this subject. In 2-3 nlonths, using weekly private phone sessions, you can learn ho\v to when he said the following: "I erred effectively take control of your life. in thinking that Reb Eliezer Gershon FREE OFFER - I would be happy to give you a free telephone Friedenson is no longer alive. He lives conference. Please call USA 845-352-1175 for an appointment. through his son Yosef Friedenson, who Thank you. - MR. Av1 S1-n1tJl.i..\J"i came to our conference from Munich. Live a Life of Design, Not Default Chazal have taught us that when one leaves behind a son who possesses his qualities, then the term 'death' does not apply to him." I T H E J E W I S II 0 J3 S E R V F. R Underscoring, by their very pres ence, the happy sentiment about the continuity of Agudas Yisroel were PINCFIAS .1\£ANI>E.L Over 50 years experience in Kvura in .E~rerz Yisrael the delegates of the she'eiris hapleita Serving rfie North American Pub/JC and Funeral Industry whose speeches followed that of Mr. ?N'lc.n }'1N 1'N il1lJ.j7 11N Vi'1i' Goodman: Rabbi Meisels of Bergen Personal responsibility throughout service - NOT JUST "PAPERWORK" Belsen, the Sharmosher Rav; Rabbi ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT RABBINICALLY APPROVED METHOD Ausibel, the Ulmer Rav; and Rabbi Highly recommended by Gedolai Hador- Here and in Eretz Yisrael Yisroel Moshe Olevsky; the Tzellar Rav, 162S-42nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11204 zichronam livracha. Day & Night phone: (718) 851-8925 ]))ti>ON1~0Nj7 l'l"j7 - )'1:J 1Nl n10)1)) 'll~ ERETZ YISROEL ON Kavod Haniftar with Mesiras Nefesh and compassion for the bereaved family. THE AGENDA TAHARAS HANIFTAR SHOULD NEVER BE COMMERCIALIZED etz Yisroel's status occupied a prominent place during the open Bng session. It was high on the agenda of the United Nations, which had been founded a year earlier in the It hurts United States. It certainly occupied the 1oc minds of many Yidden, and in particu lar, the half million European Jews who had survived the Holocaust, and were seeking some sanctuary where they could finally feel safe. Many of them were looking towards Bretz Yisroel in hope of finding a haven there. Regarding the future of Bretz Yisroel, • however, there were varying opinions. To be sure,almost all Jews and all Jewish parties were furious with England for breaking the promise set forth in its own Balfour Declaration, to make It hurts Palestine a Jewish state. In 1939, when I the situation of European Jewry was so critical, Britain came out with its I. infamous «White Paper," which severely I restricted immigration to Bretz Yisroel. I All Jewish organizations demanded that '.·I Britain fulfill the obligations, which were part of its original mandate. These It feels better just to talk about it. That's [ demands were expressed very sharply why we're here. Our staff is made up of , by Rabbi Dushinsky and Rabbi Y. M. caring and sensitive individuals. Together, Levin when they appeared before the we can help you explore your options. We I can refer you to recognized professionals United Nations. for counseling, legal advice or help in I But when England decided to give finding a safe environment. We can also I up the Israel mandate a year after the put you in touch with some very special Rabbis. But in order for us to reach out to , war, and to leave the question of what to you, you must first reach out to us. I do with Israel up to the UN, the parti- [ tion plan, which would create a Jewish Confidential Hotline 1.888.883.2323 · state and an Arab state in Bretz Yisroel, (Toll Free) I was once again revived. This concept 718.337.3700 generated serious controversies in most Do it for yourself. (NYC Area! I Jewish parties. Even among the Zionists, J there was not universal acceptance of L __ _ _ _: fo• you• :~~-'"''' ••~=~j APRIL 9.008 England's pre-War partition plan, which homeland would not be possible without were striving to establish a Jewish state would have meant establishing a Jewish prolonged wars with the Arabs and many that would be" kechol hagoyim," and any country in only part of Bretz Yisroel. thousands of lost lives. state that they would establish, while The situation was no different in Most of the Holocaust survivors were it might be a state composed of Jews, Agudas Yisroel; there were differing opin in favor of establishing a Jewish state would not be a Jewish - i.e., Torahdig - ions about the partition issue just as there because, after having endured so much state. Such a nation would constitute a were ten years previously, at the third suffering at the hands of non-Jews, rebellion against the Ribbono she/ Olam Knessia Gedo/a. There were those in the they could not imagine being able to 7"1. Besides, such a state would not last Agudah leadership who subscribed to live a decent life among gentiles, even long, so why risk so many lives for a the view that only with its own indepen the "good" ones among them. There state that would have no long-term dent state could the Jewish people solve were others, however, who recalled the prospects? the terrible and widespread problem of warning of a number of gedolim, who Moreover, there were more than a homelessness, a problem which was par declared that Jews must never will few within the Agudah who lived in ticularly acute after the war. Only such ingly agree to a partition of Eretz Yisroel, fear because they were convinced that a a state would open its doors wide and thereby relinquishing any part of the Zionist state would forcibly exclude any permit unrestricted Jewish immigration land that was promised to us by the place for Torah in the Holy Land. (The to the historic Jewish homeland. Ribbono shel Olam. truth is that these fears were not unrea There were those, however, who 1'here were also those in our circles sonable, because there were some Zionist argued that it would be unrealistic for who feared the consequences to Torah leaders who had in the past striven to the Jews to ask for a homeland of their Judaism if a Jewish state were to be eradicate Torah from the Jewish people, own. Even if the UN were to accede established. They were aware that the and had even enlisted governmental aid to this demand, establishing a Jewish overwhelming majority of the Zionists to bolster their efforts.) Agu.das Yisroel tones, "The que~tion is, are yon or are you !lot prepared to a.ccept.the authorit;y of the AfoetzesGedoleiHaTorah?" The ~?arp cha!\el\ile elect~i~ed tlie air, and .~ excited, &th~~'!{~i l''.'~l'.(;tantsil<:l'c,e <,$fg11~1ur the '!\!dit0riµin.•A!I eyes focused '?!1·· !'1eJead~r of}?~ .P<)alei Agud&>; a!ld .eyeryone .. waited ';\'ith b~t~ bf!'~th•~() h~~ how he would respond to the Rosh .A9u;il9~ Yeshiva's po~te4 •. \J.\!'OS~\1· Slowly, R~~ ~!au eased his frame <;>ut. ofhis seiu iu;~ got l\P t() face the 11.osh Yeshiva. He .then t.tlie ~nvention, o.& of fliekey i~ti~stl\at ~eup cautiou5ly But tirW1Y worded his reply a~ follows: "Yes, we ~q::pt the aµth0rµ.y of .the Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah -pro- ··.···.A ·.... ··.·•· PoaleiAgudah.w.a•.s···.t ...h ... ·e··.~e.l.at ..... i.ons.h.ip··.·. For some B··.e.. tw····.e···· time,.. e···11A·····g····.·u···· there d·.. •...as had.been Yi.1s···ro·······.e .. 1····.a······.n·.··a•.t··.h constant.. ·.·e. .yi On the other hand, there were those Reb Amram Blau warmly shook hands conference, I renewed my ties with who argued that rescuing the Jews who with Reb Moshe Binyomin Kleinman, Rabbi Y. M. Levin, and with his dear had no home and no roof over their the veteran warrior of Poalei Agudas brother Reb Pinya, with Mr. Aharon heads could only be brought about Yisroel. Everyone was happy .... Goodman, and with Reb Moshe Prager, by a Jewish state. Furthermore, these One of the most dramatic episodes and these connections for many years people claimed that many Jews were of the conference occurred during the played an important role in my activities so shattered and demoralized after closing session. Reb Y. M. Levin publicly in Agudas Yisroel. witnessing and suffering through the read the names of the leading gedolim of Incidentally, my journalistic career terrible destruction in Europe that only that era who would serve as the Moetzes also began at that conference. My cor the"compensation" of having their own Gedolei Ha Torah, the supreme authority respondence with Rabbi Moshe Porush, state would prevent these people from within the Agudah. When the speaker the Agudah leader in Yerushalayim, and fleeing any association with the Jewish asked the delegates to indicate their his son Rabbi Menachem, as well as people and losing themselves among acceptance, they rose to their feet and my close relationship with the Telzer the gentiles. instinctively cried out as one, "Na'aseh Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Elya Meir Bloch venishmaf' This was followed by a lively ';··YT, Rabbi Shlomo Rotenberg':> .. Y!, and RESOLVED: No RESOLUTION rikkud accompanied by a chorus of Rabbi Yosef Elias and others began in enthusiastic voices singing "Veyei'asu Marienbad. his issue of whether or not to chulam aguda echas la'asos retzoncha But in truth, it is not just its per I establish a Jewish state was the beleivav shaleim." At that moment, those sonal meaning to me that makes the Tsubject of heated discussions present appreciated the deeper meaning Marienbad Conference important in my at the Agudah conference, and propo· of these words, and understood the true eyes. Gazing backwards through time, nents of each side had their respective significance of the conference, which I see its greater significance. More than supporters among the gedolim of the transformed dynamite into glue .... twenty new young Agudah askanim, time. Although each side insisted that drawn from the DP camps, as well as the Agudah leadership adopt a resolu· IN RETROSPECT from a number of rejuvenated Agudah tion endorsing its views, at the end, organizations, attended the Marienbad for the sake of maintaining peace and ix decades have passed since that gathering. It was there that they were unity, it was decided that no resolution conference in Marienbad, and I inspired to continue and expand the would be issued, and that instead, the Sfind it difficult to understand why work of Agudas Yisroel. Indeed, almost various opinions that were expressed at this important gathering was never con all of these young men went on to play the conference would be conveyed to sidered a major milestone in the history important roles in the revitalization I the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah for their of the Agudah. For me, personally, it was and dramatic growth of Agudas Yisroel decision. certainly very significant. in the aftermath of the Holocaust. The In his article in Dos Yiddish Vort, Why was it important to me? Was it exhilarating spirit of renewed hope and I Reb Avraham Ziemba describes the because, after five years of being under the sense of responsibility to Kial Yisroel closing days of the conference, when Hitler's evil rule, it was the first time that that pervaded the conference would after long debates on Matza' ei Shabbos, I encountered so many of my father's have a far-reaching impact for years to the resolution committee convened dear and highly esteemed friends, whom come, an impact which would play an I Sunday morning in an effort to bring I had never expected to see again? It's important role in reshaping the Torah I everyone together and conclude the possible. Perhaps it was because at the landscape across the entire world. li!l conference on a note of unity. The de!· egates paced the corridor impatiently, eager to hear some news. At long last, PRINCIPAL of GENERAL STUDIES - HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION Reb Moshe Prager emerged from behind For Academic year 2008-09 closed doors, his face wreathed with a triumphant smile, and announced BAIS YAAKOV SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, BALTIMORE enthusiastically that peace had been achieved, and there was achdus on all QUALIFICATIONS: Record of Leadership and Innovation, Effective fronts. A bottle of fine Czech whiskey Communicator, Advanced Degree Preferred quickly appeared, and soon the young editor of"BeSha'ar,"Yechiel Granatstein, DUTIES INCLUDE: Curriculum Implementation and Assessment Professional Development and Staff Management was drinking a lechayim with the griz· zled but still dynamic editor of "Kol Inquire in confidence: Dr. Jakobovits, Yisroef' in Yerushalayim, Rabbi Moshe Vaad Hachinuch Chair, 410 908-5214; Email CV: [email protected] Glickman-Porush, while the iron kanai 17 j=.______z_ .._· {; H 0 R Y E M 0 S 0 L A M . . . R E M E M B E R T H E 0 A Y S 0 f' Y 0 R E i In the Aura of the KOPYCZNITZER Frnm !he Memoirs REB BE ol Rabbi Shlomo Lorincz WHEN REB AHARON the building. After having spent a few SAID ''THE REBBE" months in the United States withont managing to raise the requisite funds, abbi Shneur Kotler related that the Ponevezher Rav came to bid the when his father, Rabbi Aharon Kopycznitzer Rebbe farewell. When the RKotler, was hospitalized for medi· Rebbe asked how mnch he had sncceeded cal treatment, Reb Aharon asked if in collecting, the Ponevezher Rav burst anyone had mentioned his situation to ont in tears, crying that he had not "the Rebbe:' even succeeded in raising the minin1u1n "To which Rebbe is the Rosh Yeshiva amonnt he needed, and that he had no Of all the great referring?" asked one of his relatives. idea how he would be able to cope with "When I say 'the Rebbe,"' Reb Aharon the yeshiva's heavy debts. Chassidic Rebbes I retorted, "I mean the Kopycznitzer "After the Rav left, my father sat by the was privileged to know, Rebbe." telephone, called a few people, and raised Reb Shneur added that his father $10,000 dollars. (I have no idea whether the unique image of sent every chassan in the yeshiva to the it was in donations or a loan.) He then the Kopycznitzer Rebbe, Kopycznitzer Rebbe to receive a beracha asked me to go with him to the place before the wedding. where the Ponevezher Rav was staying. with whom I was very At a certain gathering of gedolei Torah When my father placed the money (a close, stands out. at which both Reb Aharon and the huge sum of money in those days) on the Kopycznitzer Rebbe were present, Reb table, the Rav again bnrst ont crying. He He gained the respect Aharon turned to the Rebbe and asked said that in the entire time he had been in and admiration of his opinion on the issue under discus the United States, he had not succeeded sion. When Reb Aharon was later asked in raising such a large sum." gedolei hador from all why the Rebbe's opinion was so impor across the spectrum. tant to him, he answered, "The Torah "!AM NOT A MIRACLE was given to the Jewish People in order WORKER" to purify them - and the Kopycznitzer Rebbe has purified himself' (Heard from n 1938, shortly before World War the Rebbe's grandson, Rabbi Avraham II broke out, Rabbi Y. A. came to Yehoshua Heschel) I America from Austria. He came alone, as he thought that his wife would RABBI LORINCZ REPRESENTED AGUOATH ISRAEL WITH THE PONEVEZHER RAV follow him after he secured the necessary IN THE ISRAEU KNESSET FROM 1951-1948, DURING WHICH TIME HE WAS AN INTIMATE OF A NUMBER OF papers for her. But he was unsuccessful in TORAH LUMlNARl£S OF THE PAST HALF CENTURY. heard the Ponevezher Rav say that were doing so, and she remained in Europe. T11£ EXTENSIVE NOTES THAT HE KEPT ON THOSE he to become a Chassid, he already His wife's precarious situation had MEETINGS SERVE AS THE BASIS OF 8£MECHJTZASAM had a rebbe: the Kopycznitzer. a terrible effect on him, and he sank VOL I, NOW AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH. EXCERPTS I Rabbi Meshulem Zisha Heschel (Reb deeper and deeper into depression each WERE FEATURED IN THESE PAGES. THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE IS TAKEN FROM THE SECOND VOLUME, Zyshe), the Rebbe's son, related that day. He told his friends openly that he WHICH WAS DRAWN FROM lllS EARLIER EXPERI when the Ponevezher Rav first visited could not bear his anguish any longer, ENCES. IT!S ALSO BEING TRANSLATED INTO ENGl.ISH America, his yeshiva was in dire straits and that he was considering suicide. His BY DAFNA BREINES. dne to debts accumnlated to finance business partner told him, "Listen to me. 18 There is a rebbe who is a great tzaddik You: Don't turn me into a liar. I will say (I heard this story from the principals and is very wise. Let's go and ask him Tehillim, and You will listen and hear my involved.) what to do." prayers. You can do anything; please do Years after this story took place, The two of them went to the for me what I am incapable of doing Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Flintenstein, the Kopycznitzer Rebbe. Rabbi Y. A. broke on my own. Kopycznitzer Rebbe's grandson, vis out in sobs and cried out his story "Apparently," the Rebbe concluded, ited Antwerp. While there, he met hysterically, eventually saying outright "Hashem had mercy on me. He didn't Rabbi Chaim Mandel, an elderly Gerrer that he was considering taking his own want the Kopycznitzer Rebbe to become Chassid, who told him that he had life. The Rebbe heard him out, thought known to one and all as a liar who makes related the above story to the Gerrer for a few moments and then said, "I promises that he can't keep, so He heard Rebbe, the Beis Yisroel. promise you that your wife will be here my prayers. "The Rebbe was amazed at this two weeks from now." "But I am not a 1niracle worker, story. A little while later, he asked me Rabbi Y. A. was not a Chassid, but and I myself did absolutely nothing." to repeat it. Throughout the day, he the Rebbe's promise penetrated his heart and gave him a new lease on life. He left the Rebbe's house completely confident that his wife would indeed arrive in America within two weeks. And the Rebbe's words came true: His wife received a visa to the United States I. and arrived exactly two weeks after her husband saw the Rebbe. I This man's business partner (who was a Gerrer Chassid) was an1azed at I the miracle the Kopycznitzer Rebbe had I wrought. "How did the Rebbe perform such I a moifes?" he gathered up the courage to ask. I "! am not a baa! moifes (miracle I worker) at all," answered the Rebbe. "I THEVORT • The menu for the seuda is am incapable of performing miracles. .- "The ·vari ·ceie6iation. ls· ·tc,· ·be limited to 3 courses followed by a So, you ask, how could I have promised discontinued. The L'chaim (held at regular dessert. I this man that his wife would rejoin him the time that the engagement is • No Viennese table and no bar. in two weeks? announced) should also not turn "I saw the man's deep depression into a Vort. THE MUSIC on his face, and I knew that this was a i THE WEDDING case of pikuach nefesh, just as you said," • A band may consist of a maximum continued the Rebbe. "! came to the .- .F.or· typlca'i' tamiiies: 'ciri1}i· ·4oci of 5 musicians (one of the musicians I conclusion that since his life was in dan invited guests may be seated at the may act as a vocalist) or four musi ger, I 1nust do whatever I can to save his chassuna seuda. (The Guidelines cians and one additional vocalist. life. There was no way for me to bring make provision for exceptional • A one-man band is recom him out of his depression other than to circumstances - see full text.) mended. i promise him that he would be reunited • The kabbo/as panim smorgas with his wife within a certain amount bord should be limited to basic FLOWERS 8r. CHUPA DECOR I of time. I therefore had no choice but cakes, fruit platters, a modest buf .- 'rhe· icit·a·1 ·c0·s1 of· these· fteiris tai to tell him that she was going to arrive fet, and the caterer's standard the entire wedding should not I safe and sound. chicken or meat hot dishes. exceed $1,800. "After I gave him my promise and he left my home, I picked up my Tehillim. FOR THE FULL VERSION OF THE SIMCHA GUIDELINES I I started to cry: Hashem, Master of the WITH ITS RABBINICAL ENDORSEMENTS World, You know that I had no other means of saving this Jew from killing AND THE ACCOMPANYING KOL KOREH, I himself besides promising him that please call 212-612-2300 c:romised. I therefore beseech I I ------~~ APRIL 2008 asked to hear it over and over. When that the questioner was someone whom new son-in-law to spend a year in his the Beis Yisroel arrived at shul to daven he knew. presence, in order for him to learn the Mincha, he ordered me to repeat it yet "'Due to my many sins; replied the manners of conduct that were unique again for everyone to hear. When I fin Kopycznitzer Rebbe, 'I would not know to the Kopycznitzer dynasty. To that ished, the Beis Yisroel said, "Dus heist how to answer such a question. When end, the Rebbe asked me to obtain an a rebbeshe ma'aseh (That's a rebbeshe people ask me for decisions, I turn to exit pass from the Draft Office, without story)." (Heard from Rabbi Yitzchak the Ribbono she! Olam and ask that He which his son-in-law could not travel to Meir Flintenstein) allow me to answer properly in the merit the United States. of my holy ancestors, so that "those who At that time, no one in full-time "I WOULDN'T KNOW wait for You not be shamed through learning was able to obtain an exit pass, How TO ANSWER" me" (Tehillim 69,7). But; the Rebbe with the exception of extraordinary continued, 'that is only the case when circumstances such as illness. (I once (( I had the honor of sitting next to they come to ask me. Now, however, I asked then-Prime Minister and Defense the Kopycznitzer Rebbe at the am not the one who was asked; how Minister David Ben-Gurion why the gov chanukas habayis (dedication can I know how to answer? Better that ernment refused to allow yeshiva bachu ceremony) of the 'Menuchas Zekeinim' the Klausenberger Rebbe answer on rim to leave the country. After all, they retirement home;' recalled the late his own, as the questioner directed his were in any event not serving in the army. Klausenberger Rebbe .,.. ,.,."The Rebbe query to him."' Replied Ben-Gurion, "You say that Torah was a beloved, devoted friend, and his learning protects the country even more presence lent honor and prestige to the "I KNOW THAT IT Is NOT than the army. If that's the case, then I occasion. In the middle of the festivities, WITHIN MY POWER TO want them to learn here and protect us, a man approached me and asked that ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING" not to protect the United States:' As a I make a decision for him regarding a result, an absolute order was given not patient who had to undergo surgery. I ne of the Rebbe's daughters to let anyone possessing an exemption turned to the Kopycznitzer Rebbe for married a man from Bretz from army duty on the basis of full-time his opinion on the matter, and added 0 Yisroel. The Rebbe wanted his learning to leave the country.) "Impossible," I told the Rebbe, and related Ben-Gurion's position to him. "When my fellow Jews come to me;' answered the Rebbe, "I know that I can do nothing. I do not have the power to do anything to help them. But I have compassion for them, so I don't tell them that I am powerless. I hear their requests, and then I turn to Hashem ,,~9 ~ii>;> ~,t'.~~if9:>;R;>:> mo•J~ ;-in·. and ask Him to fulfill them. So don't """-'-_..,,_,....,..,.._...,---'--,F~~-,~+~"-~,~-~~":~ ~!>---<€~·,.,..,,....,,,,,. say that there's nothing you can do. You do what you can, and if Hashem sees fit, He will help." That was an objection that I couldn't refute. I went to see Mr. A. N ., the administrator of the Draft Office, and told him about my conversation with the Kopycznitzer Rebbe. "That's the story;' I said. "That's what the Rebbe said. I've done what I could. Now, please do what you can do:' Then I added, "I don't know if you have the authority to do anything, but I ask you all the same." He enjoyed the story very much. "It's true that I do not have the authority to do anything, but I'll try;' he answered. A few days later, Mr. A. N. called to tell me that the Rebbe's request had been granted, and that his son-in-law 20 I -=~~------·--·;;;-;;;T;;;•;;;•;;;r·;;;;;;;'=';;;';;;';;;';;;';;;. ;;;"=;;;O;;;B=s;;;r;;;; ;;;R;;;v=E=R;;;; ------ should go to the Draft Office to pick ing to do whatever is asked of me, but I ! up his exit pass. "Don't ask me how I leave the da' as Torah to others. Whatever did it," he added. they decide, I'll do:' '/\LL You'RE MISSING ls NEVER LEFT MONEY A LITTLE BITACHON" OVERNIGHT • HOW to Evaluate Compatibility hen the Kopycznitzer Rebbe he Kopycznitzer Rebbe lived in • HOW to Marry lived in the United States, a Vienna at the time of the Nazi the RIGHT ONE! W young, destitute Holocaust TAnschluss. Even after the Nazi Order NOW! survivor who had lost most of his corps entered the city, the Rebbe did family attached himself to him. When not want to leave the Jewish com the bitterness in his heart became over munity there. Only after the situation whelming, he unburdened himself to a CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 I member of the Rebbe's family, but asked that he not divulge the contents of their conversation to the Rebbe lest it cause him anguish. FATHER&SON The confidante had compassion for israel experienc(! . .·. .. the young man, and, despite his request, A challenging. & Inspiring August 19"'27,. 2()08 informed the Rebbe as to his emotional state. The Rebbe summoned him and 11 !Jil1~t® 911'1 ~;90~~ ·•· asked how he was doing, whereupon the young man poured out all his troubles and woes. "Do you owe people money?" asked the Rebbe. "No, I don't owe anyone anything." "How is your health?" "Thank G-d, just fine." "Do you have enough money to meet your current needs?" The young man answered that he had some money set aside, to which the Rebbe replied, "Now, look at my finan cial situation:· and took out a list of all his debts. "My health is also poorer than yours," continued the Rebbe, "so neither money nor physical well-being are the problem. All you are lacking is bitachon (trust) in Hashem. I bless you that He help with that as well." ( Koveitz Sichos IN E ETZ YISROEl p.11, as told by the Rebbe's grandson) JIINE 22 .. JIILY 23, 2008 "[AM A SIMPLE SOLDIER" once asked the Kopycznitzer Rebbe • Kayaking, Camel Riding, Gof I Uttered wor~ can so:eti~esbe more revea:n~ ~a~ t:e: ;p:a:ers:n:e:: ;h:y:a: be a source ofdeeperu~;.rsta-nd-i-ng---s-om-e 11 yielding smiles; others, tears. With the goal of mining contemporary quotations for insights, intended or otherwise, The Jewish Observer here continues its feature, "Of Public Record," which presents illuminating citations culled from various media. Of Public Record 84% "Reducing [population "P'mJ wortying that you guys - Percentage of Palestinians growth} and tfle human are askJng questions like this who support the attack on footprint are-tfle challenge using funds approved by the the Mercaz Harav yeshiva and responsibility of every appropriations committee that in which eight bnei yeshiva person on this planet. I am a member of." were murdered, according to The papBt' should not be - U.S. Congressman Palestinian pollster celebrating those who flaunt t•"l Mark Kirk, in his posting Khalil Shikaki responsible parenting." Ibid The New York Times, March 19 - Debbie Spivak of Providence, Rhode Island, in a letter to "dirty Jew" "The attack at tfle the editor of the local Jewish - Words written on the face of· I [Mercaz Harav} yeshiva newspaper, which carried a a 19-year-old wh0 was held was a barbaric murt/BI' of front page feature article about captive and abused in a Paris eight children who the Providence Kolle! suburb, a crime thatpolice,said I were engaged In religious was not being treated as .having Jewish Voice and Herald, I study ••• This odious and March 7 had a racial motive Inhuman terror attack Reuters, March 5 exemplmes the extremist "The Shoah fills us llemlans I and Inhuman path wilh shame. I bow tr1 tfle "ff people want Mozart instead of the terror organizations victims. I bow tr1 the survivors of Keil Malael Rachamlm, I Hamas and Hezbollah." and tr1 all those who helped that Is fine." them survive.!' - Reform movement I - An op-ed in the Kuwaiti - German Chancellor Angela representative Anat Hoffman, newspaper Al-Watan Merkel, speaking to the Knesset, celebratingthe announcement I The Jerusalem Post, March II the first German head of state to that Jerusalem city authoriti_es address the Israeli Parliament approved the building ofa I ''These vennln are Still Jewish Telegraphic Agency, secular cemetery (JBl'fonnlng rituals, stealing March 19 Forward, Febrt.tary 22 small children and draining VOICE OF MOD_l!RATION DEPT. tfleir blood tr1 make their ·~you people nuts?" "At lflis time, I object to ~e anned I sacred bread." - "Patricia in California;' posting sttuggte, since we are un;rble to - Poster on a wall in her response on a U.S. State conduct it; howe'flfll', fn _fuWre Novosibirsk, Russia Department weblog to the stages, things 11111' change.~' Haaretz, March 20 question: "Should the United ~ Palestinian Authority Presiclent States engage Hamas as part ''Well, yes. But not ... Mahmoud Abbas of its efforts to bring about The New _York Times, quoting remad .Ji OF PEOPLE, PLACES. & POWERFUL IMPRINTS Torah Lithuania Firsthand accounts of Kamenitz, Kletzk, and prewar Vilna I. THEY PERSONIFIED "LITA" As for their outlook and mores, their hashkafos have continuity, too, through ow does one convey Old Europe's members of the younger generation seek Jews' fealty to the preeminence ing out the wisdom of Litvishe elders. For H of Torah and mitzvos with just example, nowadays, people make their one word? A denizen of Lodz or Warsaw way to a small house in the Flatbush will say "Poilen," while someone from section of Brooklyn for guidance in Himmeneh will say "Ungaren." And a life-affecting choices from the scion of Litvak will say "Lita" - that is, Lithuania Grodno, Rabbi ZelikEpstein 1'l:l'11><'C""'1. of yesteryear. Jews live with their past. And years ago, I was a member of an What's old becomes new again. Today, appreciative group in Lakewood, New Lita's descendants are the standard bear Jersey that looked for directives and ers of its tradition. insights to Rabbi Abron Kreiser, 7">1!, a For the longest time, people have talmid of the Mirrer Yeshiva of Europe, remarked, "Their yeshivas are rebuilt, who - after years of teaching Gemara but the familial Litvishe pedigree is gone. on an advanced level - then retired to The outlook and mores of Lithuanian our town. Laymen and yeshiva people Jewry are a thing of the past." This is a alike enjoyed sagacious advice that was misconception on both counts. As of uniquely his - strident, yet always glatt. 1904, over 38,000 Lithuanian Jews had Here was the fifth cheilek of Shulchan emigrated to South Africa - from Kovno, Aruch, replete with all of the four other Shadowa, Wilkomir, Keidan, and Aniskt volumes, and it molded the worldview of and these einigrants became a pron1inent many of us. His was a world of political presence among South African Jewry.' At incorrectness, where the unvarnished 2 their peak, in the 1960s , they numbered truth was offered, no holds barred. between 120,000-140,000 souls. In addi I. This Cedar of Lebanon could pul tion, many second and third generations verize you in learning. A question of Jews of Litvish origin can be found posed without broad background both here in the United States and in knowledge on the subject earned Israel, some with ancestry on both sides a retort - "Stam freggen ah kushya? of the aisle. Men darf hobben cash flow!" Just as an investment has to be backed up with currency, your probing ques I The Jews ofSouth Africa, by Gustav Saron & Louis tion has to be grounded in relevant YAACOV POI.SKIN LEARNS IN BETEl MtDRASH Holtz, Oxford University Press, 1955 - pp. 63,75 GOVOllA JN LAKEWOOD, NJ. TH!S JS lltS FIRST 2 Chinuch & Kiruv in South Africa, by Rabbi information. But it was offered as a APPEARANCE IN TllESE !'AGES. Yitzchok Rudo1nin, J.P. 1/18/07 directive 1nore than as a rebuke. 26 r-==---- 2. Upon learning that someone the ing to the verse, "Asher barra Elokim it were easy, it would not be a kunst writer of these lines knows well was la'asos - Which G-d created to (achievement).'' involved in shidduchim, Reb Ahron accomplish things": The enthusiasm with which Rav told his son, "Sruly, give him the A man enters a factory for an Ahron would relate this vignette seemed car" - his only car, the one he used appointment with the boss, who will to reflect the motto he employed for each day; it was now readily avail soon emerge from the office at the life's issues: "Az ah mentsch chapt a zetz able for a chessed .... And that Chevy rear. "Hmm," he muses, "look at the .... A person weathers setbacks, much Impala put on some mileage. maze of workers gingerly operating like a car absorbs a dent." You got the 3. When he spoke on Yorn Kippur to machinery on an assembly line - feeling that he identified with the vic the Beth Medrash Govoha Alumni some outfit this is. The owner will tim on a personal level, and you were minyan in their Lakewood beis probably greet me decked out in a inspired to incorporate his message into 1nidrash, his message was, "Parnesu $500 suit. He's well off, isn't he?n your personal outlook: Don't be a stick zeh es zeh!" Patronize and frequent Minutes later, a man in greasy ler for perfection in others - champion each other's stores and businesses. overalls emerges from the back, cov the cause of the underdog' Humanism In that way, all will have parnassa. ered from head to toe with soot and like this is a different brand of chessed. 4. Without a position of his own, he grime. "That's him?!" exclaims the It's called vittur- to sacrifice one's own eagerly advised my friends how to chagrined visitor with skepticism. quality of life for another's benefit. go about opening their own meko "Could it be?" Reb Ahron offered us a window to mos haTorah. At weddings, Reb "Yes, that's him," says Rav catch a glimpse into a celestial world of Ahron approached people affili Chatzkel. "How so? Veil oif der yesteryear, Yahadus Lita and its yeshivas. ated with the Orthodox Union, velt, yedder einer geit mit geshmirte "Yungc/eit need jobs. Perhaps you kleider - In this mundane world, As THEY TAUGHT, know of an opening in the kashrus everyone lumbers around in grimy So DID THEY LIVE field?" clothing [i.e., life isn't 'Easy Street' 5. His Friday night Chumash shiur for anyone]. Why? Because - 'Asher his is not merely the philosophy conveyed that human adversity is barra Elokim - Almighty created of one stellar individual, but the not a rare experience, as Rav Ahron man ... la'asos - oifton oif der velt.' Tvision of the Mirrer Yeshiva itself. had heard from the Mashgiach, Life is a work in progress, to pro When it can1e to chessed, its mentors Rabbi Chatzkel Le cure real estate in Olam Habba. If lived by what they taught. venstein 7"~t pertain- Years ago, Rabbi Michel Barenbaum 7"'1T. Mashgiach of Mesivta Tiferes Yerushalayim, related to us what he had once heard from the Mirrer Mashgiach, Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz: When Avraham asked his servant to step outside his tent and invite wayfarers, Eliezer returned empty handed. "There's no one around," he reported. "La meheimana lach, I don't believe you," said his master [Babba Metzia 86b]. This seems incredible - wasn't Eliezer ofDamascus "Mosheil bechol asher lo" - presiding over all that Avraham possessed? Avraham even entrusted his steward with a most fateful mission - to select a match for his son Yitzchak, Kial Yisroel's future. Why, then, the loss of cred ibility? Explained Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz for something even so I crucial as procuring Yitzchak's soul mate, Avraham said, "I can rely on I your perception and unstinting loy- I alty. But performing chessed is~myi 27 L_ . ------·--~----- APRii. 2008 chiyus, my life's essence, something tzeit - A time of uncertainty and The NKVDist spoke further, "!ch I cannot do without. Fahr dem hist upheaval," in his words. hob gelernt in Slabodka ven ich bin du nisht bagloibt - I can't rely on Under Soviet domination, NKVD gevven zibitzen yohr alt - men hott you for this!" Ahavas agents controlled Vilna's borders. gelernt dortan tzu ton chessed. - Gez1 chessed - the drive to Forged papers could be bought for I studied in Slabodka years ago at bestow benevolence on 65 American dollars - a hefty sum seventeen years of age. They taught others - was Avraham's back then. But the Russians, eager us there to practice chessed. Go on signature trait. for American currency, wanted bak your way!" A few months ago, I sheesh - a bribe - an additional $25 The miraculous episode resonat asked talmid of Bialyo to look the other way. ed among all the refugee yeshiva stok, "Reb Simcha Stein Then the policy changed - no people. "Der ma'as eh hott geklungen 3 berg, " "Was gemillas more fake documents or money. tzuvishin de alleh yeshivaleit," in chessed the order of the The borders were closed to anyone his words. day in pre-War Lita?" with papers that were anything less Here was a hard-nosed Com "For some it was, oth than fully legitimate. Nonetheless, a munist who had left the fold at the Rab/Ji Baruch Ber ers not," he replied, but Slabodka bachur purchased a pass age of nineteen or so; discovery of Le/Jovits, 7"~t for the former, their mid- port and made his way to a table his blatant act would have meant das hatava \Vas unparal where a customs official waited, a job dismissal and possible jail time, leled. He recalled the final days of his man in his fifties. too. Yet, he could not depart from odyssey in Lithuania: Peering over the papers, he wryly his yeshiva foundation; he felt com The year was 1940. Lita's yeshivas remarked, "Ich zeh dein visa iz nach pelled to help another Jew walk to closed and their talmidim hunkered nas - The ink on your passport is freedom, even under the shadow of down in Vilna - "Ah fartumulter not yet dry:' The fellow was caught the Bolsheviks. Nothing short of a red-handed, his dream of escaping nes, the Slabodka disciple was now to freedom shattered. an ud mutzal mei'eish- a firebrand 3 pseudony1n for a senior talnzid who prefers to reinain anonyn1ous plucked from the inferno. This speaks reams about the lofty madreiga of hatava (benevolence) Slabodka burned into its students' con· sciousness. A Jewish Communist heard his calling, albeit from far off. "Kol For careful attention to your n1evateir, n1evateir ve'oin1air" - self individual needs, call us today! sacrifice so that one of his bretheren could make it out of Vilna to safety. (845) 354-8445 It was common knowledge among the refugees that from then on, any one attempting the same should not You can! Tust call approach the table where that agent sat, The Yitti Leibel as he would risk being caught for already "I wish I could Helpline. having let someone through before. HOURS: Monday-Friday ...... Sam -12pin JI. RECOLLECTIONS: speak to a Monday-Thursday ...... 8pm -1 l pn1 ANONYMOUS, FROM A Sunday ...... 9am -12p1n, 9p1n -1 lpm TALMID OF KAMENITZ 718-HELP-NOW frum therapist (718) 435-7669 amenitz numbered about three hundred bachurim. The talk Chicago ...... (800) HELP-023 in the yeshiva was that Rabbi Lakewood ...... (732) 363-1010 K on the phone Cleveland ...... (888) 209-8079 Chaim Ozer Grodzenski ':,..~!had com Baltimorc ...... (410) 578-1111 mented on the shiurim on Yevamos of Detrnit ...... (877) 435-7611 the Rosh Hayeshiva, Rabbi Baruch Ber without giving San Diego ...... (866) 385-0348 Leibowitz's, "Di shiurim farnemmen di 1 Reb Baruch Ber, in turn, would say, flee for safety. Should people try to leave paid the driver for the "Der oilam ken nisht der Brisker Rav - for elsewhere in Europe or stay put? Reb entire trip and stayed People don't really know the depth of Elchanan Wasserman i"~n was unsure, on instead of continu the Brisker Rav's greatness. and when someone persisted, he finally ing on his way. The time would come for Reb Baruch replied, ''Tu vi ihr fahrshtait- Use your The sainted Rabbi Ber to commence the lecture. As soon own judgment.'' Yisroel Yaakov Lub as the bachurim would see him com Bachurim from various yeshivas went chansky-rm, Mashgiach ing, they would rush to their seats. Reb to hear a shmuess from Reb Elchanan in of Baranovitch, said a Baruch Ber would say a shiur twice Vilna. "Der velt zeiger dreit tzu shnell - hesped at Reb Baruch weekly, and no one raised a question The world's dock is ticking too quickly:' Ber's levaya in Vilna during his lecture - only afterwards. Things that once took ten or fifteen - "Ver vett unz yetzt Rabbi Aharon Kotler, ?"31' Then three bachurim arrived from years to occur were happening in a n1eva'eir zein ah shvereh Grodno, since its Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi matter of a few weeks - governments Tosafos? A shvereh Shimon Shkop ?·on, was not well - crumbled, countries changed hands Shita?- Who will eluci Elya Mishkovski (later to become Rosh via different regimes. "Men iz gewen date a difficult passage Yeshiva of K'far Chassidim), Shraga in Poilen, in Baranovitch - yetz iz men in Tosafos for us now, Grossbard (director general of Chinuch in Lita. Men ken nisht vissen vi es vet or a Shita Mekubetzes?" Atzmai), and Hershel Markovitch (Rosh zich ois-shpillen. Men darf hoffen, s'vett Later, at the Vinla Yeshiva of Stalin-Karlin - Israel). To oiskummen gut!" One can't discern how Shu/ Hoif, his son-in everyone's chagrin, they raised questions things will play out, but we must hope law, Rabbi Reuvain in the middle of the shiur. To them, the outcome will be favorable. Grozovsky ?"on, called it was only natural - by Reb Shimon, The Russians planted an NKVD agent the great niftar" Fatter:' that was standard fare. What do you to monitor Reh Elchanan's address. as though he were his think occurred? "Reb Baruch Ber hott Some yeshivaleit heard the Soviet own father. zei ge'enfert! Reb Baruch Ber answered Communist's reaction: «Emmes takeh Rabbi Eldianan their queries." vos Reb Elchanan zogt, der zaiger drait BIALYSTOK, Wasserman, ?"::itt "Did bachurim grasp the shiur?" I far uns! It's truly like Rabbi Wasserman KLETZK -As asked tells it - the time clock is ticking in our PER A FORMER TALMID "Yedder einer loit zein kishron/' was favor!" the rejoinder- the depth of understand A ta/mid of Baranovitch who stayed To grasp the tzeitgeist of pre-War ing varied, according to each listener's on, while others left for the Mir and Europe, it must be put into intellectual grasp. Kamenitz, became a ben bayis in Reh context. After the Friday night se'uda, the o/am Elchanan's home. Once, an envelope One attended yeshiva until age 13, would fill Reb Baruch Ber's house for with funds for the Rosh Yeshiva arrived and then helped out at home. It was chazaras hashiur (to review the lecture). by mail. Reh Elchanan put aside part rare mesiras nefesh for a mother to send <(Wait a minute," I interjected. of the pile and said, "Di gelt is far unz, her son to learn. Many became frumeh "Wouldn't it be difficult to keep one's di iberiker iz gleich vi hekdash, un men ba'alei battim in this manner, though eyes open and be alert after a whole tor dos nisht onrirren - This money is the Betar and other secularist parties week's grind?" for our family's needs; the rest is to be were a dangerous attraction. "Men hott gelebt fun di shiurim," considered holy, off limits." The young In Bialystok, they were very poor. came the reply. The talmidim literally man was struck by the higher standard, For breakfast, one would wait until thrived on the shiur - it meant every as others elsewhere would continually someone brought something in from thing to them. draw from their yeshiva's monies as outside - one had bread and tea, and An afterthought here: Rabbi Avigdor needed, but Reh Elchanan saw things sometimes an egg. Miller 7""7 used to say, "No one yawns differently. One could be tempted to Bachurim slept in various batei during breakfast." I guess when ruchniy draw funds for personal use incessantly midrashim, while some of these had a us is your "menu," the same applies. in this manner, so a safeguard was in bayis sheini, an extension to the building VILNA - As PER order here. used for dorm facilities. One filled a sack "REB SIMCHA STEINBERG"'rm Rabbi Simcha Steinberg recalls that at with straw; that was his mattress. In the the levayaofReb Baruch Ber Leibowitz morning, one put it on the side. Some he situation in Vilna, on the 7''1!, a man descended from a drushka, a could afford to rent a room. . threshold of the war, was fluid - a coach commissioned for long distance Emphasis was on Torah and yiras , I Tmixed multitude of yeshivas in travel. Seeing the throng, he asked what Shamayim. Some joined a group with I I flux, full of anxiety, unsure of where to the tumult was all about. When they told total emphasis on learning; others, a him, he said, "Ah! Reb Baruch Berl" He group with some stress on~ussar. ------udonym for a senior talm1d who prefers to 1n anonymous 29 L: ------APRIL 2008 This talmud (Rabbi Symcha Nad was - a ben Torah is a yeshiva man in any whose life shall be tranquil, who bornyl"'ri), formerly from Bialystock, situation, always the Tatteh's kindt. shall experience travail." The stage joined Kletzk, as it had already gravi A Kletzker talmid, Rabbi Alter Pekier and scenery were unconventional, tated to Vilna with other yeshivas. Rabbi 7"t, recalled his Siberian experience. but the script of heartfelt emo Aharon Kotler 7":n was rash yeshiva. As they marched to work daily, tion brought out the essence of the Rabbi Yoseif Leib Nendik, ·rri, talmid of straying from the line meant to be moment. When you're by yourself the Alter of Kelm, and chaveir of Rabbi shot. On Yorn Kippur, they marched with the Ribbono shel Olam, you're Yerucham Levovitz, was the mashgiach. to work, too, this time reciting what really not alone at all. True to Kelm, being mesudar - neatly ever tefillos they knew from memory. This embodies an observation on dressed and orderly-was of paramount Reb Alter was the ba'al tefilla. the verse ''And they rushed Yoseif importance. Hence, he could mention One wonders what their from the dungeon. He shaved and to someone that his torn sleeve needed "Unesaneh Tokef' prayer sounded changed his clothes, and he came mending. But his signature message like as they said "Mi yanuach ... to Pharaoh" (Bereishis 41,14). How could Yoseif possibly experience such a sudden metamorphosis from dun geon prisoner to viceroy overseeing Special Issue about a nation's future? "Torah Integrity in the When he appeared to the king, Workplace" and also Pharaoh saw the prince in Yoseif, his true cast. He recognized the royalty "The Well-Guarded Tongue". of this individual, who need only undergo a change of clothing- from They're abuzz about the prison jumpsuit to royal robes. The September issue on rest was there - an able statesman ''Adults at Rish of ready to take charge. spiritual oblivion." Deep in the Russian hinterland, the yeshiva people of Kletzk wore worksman's garb on the holiest of days. Nonetheless, they seized the moment to coalesce around the Creator and declare<( Hamelech!" to It's not too late to get the current attain the atonement of the day. October Jewish Observer focusing on After Vilna, the Kletzker Yeshiva split Shalom Bayis - the challenges, some successful up into three groups: one went to Salok approaches, and their rewards ... plus special features, under the rash yeshiva's auspices, one current topics, and historical reminiscences from to Yanova with the mashgiach, and the older bachurim to a different venue. leading writers and commentators. Rabbi Shaul Goldman 7"~t, a stellar talmid of Kletzk, recalled how Jewish Communists sent the entire kevutza (group) at Salok on trains to Siberia. He escaped to the forest, but was later yoUr subscriptiOn-o,~~-: ~~,:~iicl'g~-'.il~ ·•··...... free of change- as our\ilejeomingglfttc): . caught. His fate took a different route -'"""'"------_-;., '---..;--~- _.;.-..;·--- .;,;-.;;.------;;, -- ;.;/..:-.::..;.. .. ,;;. - _;;;. ------.:.- -:;.---i:;.--,;. than that of his colleagues; instead of O~R SubscriPlitm Dlscoum Certilicate being put into forced labor, he was 42 Broadway I New York, NY 10004 • Phone 212· 797-7394 • Fax 646-254-1600 drafted into the Russian army. Please enter '.1 my subscription :J my gih MONEY BACl GUAllANTEll Stationed in Uzbekistan, he recog ff for .1m reason .of an_c /1111r _•011 M•' 1101 s:<11.'11e.i. _mu m;i.> .::wrel nized an old colleague from Kletzk $l J.i Von save up to $491 1our .<11/J.,mptwll :mt/ r,·au~ ·'full rdwul "".,I/ 11m11;11hl M"~·' Your cost - 169 taking a stroll - Rabbi Moshe Margolin, CJ l vears Your cost -148 $78 You save up to $31! J Enclosed: $___ ot '.'J Charge my MasterCard/VISA ('ARD Ml who had been deported to Siberia and I year f(lllt cost -125 HO Von save up lo $141 " [[}__LJ CITIJl_LIJ:JiTH T had completed his stint there. The NAME EXPIRATION DATE 3 DlG!T CODE =~J"~J/'.~~l~J ______LLLJ latter, eyeing a soldier in full uniform '-"-'"_E_ss ______(MONTH) 1YEAR) SJGN,\TlJRE approaching, fled. The "soldier" called •liJm~!J pr1<~ rdh~ Sli <'>Im Jkf '""' /o defr:1_< "" ,/!Ji'flJli~ c SIMCHA LEIB GROSSBARD I BASED ON ION SEFAS EMES, VA'EIRA, 5643 MOSHIACH Now? uch acts of impudence are, unfor tunately, not exceptional in the Scity that I have made my home, and years of living here have made me somewhat unresponsive to such rude and selfish behavior. But what made this incident of many years ago so memorable for me were the thoughts that followed. After I comforted myself with the hope that Moshiach is coming soon, and then all will be as it should be, a terrible thought entered my mind. Why do 1 don't recall the detail of my being in a rush, but the incident think that with the coming of Moshiach, of many years ago is still quite vivid. I was in a long line rude people will suddenly change for the better? While Moshiach will certainly of cars waiting at an intersection that was notorious for I bring more spirituality to our world, and its long red light and very short green one. The temptation to we, together with the other nations of the world, will know and fear Hashem, race through on a yellow or even just-turned-red light was great and resolve not to make wars, and so and often succumbed to. The light turned green, then quickly on, how will his coming improve one's i bein adam lechaveiro (interpersonal) turned red again, and the traffic slowly advanced several car conduct? Insolence, selfishness, lack lengths. Suddenly, a car zipped by on my left driven by someone of consideration, and similar traits are ingrained. To change one's personality obviously religious, passing all the cars in the line. At the head of takes years of hard work- honest intro the line, he made a sharp right and braked in front of the first car spection, learning of mussar, proper chinuch, guidance, and so on. Moshiach in the line. From being the last car in line, he was now the first. may begin an enhanced chinuch pro "The audacity of some people;' I thought to myself. "What cess, but will it not take a long, long time before proper regard for others gives him the right to make others wait longer by pulling ahead becomes part of one's character? Even of them? Maybe other people are also in a rush! Why does he more frightening, will Moshiach come to a society that lacks basic consideration think only of himself and not of other people?" for others? These questions upset me for some S!MCHA LEIB GROSSBARIJ, A FORMER TALMJD OF BETH MEDRASH GovOHA (LAKEWOOD), SERVES AS CO· time. Then, while learning a piece of ADMINISTRATOR OF BETH MEDRASH GOVOHA OF !SRAEL IN JERUSALt;M. HE IS AUTHOR OF TWO SEFARIM BASED Sefas Emes, I realized the answer in his ON 8EFAS EMES, "KASHE!.EG YALBJNU (AI. lNYANEJ MUSSAR UMACHSHAVA AND AL PARASHJOS HASHAVUA)" AND THE "SEFAS fMES HAGGADA SHEL PESACH." words. 32 Ir-~- - --~-===-~·THE JEWISH OBSERVER EXPRESSIONS OF I REDEMPTION of our sina. For the word chinam has the sively drawn to Him, causing us to forget additional implication of free. That is, selfish interests. At once, the only thing he Sefas Emes writes that we sinas chinam is sina resulting from the that will hold any interest for us will be I find in regard to our exodus desire to be free - free of Hashem and doing what pleases Hashem. Then, we Tfrom Egypt four expressions of His commandments, free of communal will want to be polite because we will I I redemption, ... and I will take you out or social responsibilities, free of obliga realize that communal responsibilities from under the burdens of Egypt, and I tion. When everyone in society wants to and norms, like acting politely, please will rescue you from their servitude, and be free in this manner, then everyone will Hashem. Then, we will not want to I will redeem you with an outstretched demand priority over others. Under such sneak ahead when in line, because such I I arm and with great judgments. And I circumstances, society cannot exist and acts displease Hashem. If you will, with will take you unto Me for a people .... ' its members will disband and disperse. Hashem's revelation, Kial Yisroel will Hinted in these four expressions is We still find ourselves m galus become like a dynamic, harmonious deliverance from the four future exiles because, in varying degrees, sinas chi business partnership where no single destined for Bnei Yisroel, as recorded in nam, the sin responsible for our present partner is jealous of his co-partner for the Book of Daniel.2 galus, is still among us. And, unfortu doing better and making more profit, Take note that while the first three nately, it exists even among those of us because the profit made by one part expressions of redemption are linked who received a frum chinuch, and were ner is the profit of all of the partners, to consequences of exile, the fourth raised in frum environments, and spent equally. So, too, after His revelation, we expression, And I will take you unto Me years learning Torah in yeshivas. In fact, all will understand that "his" being first for a people, is unrelated to adversity or so detrimental is the sina that sprouts is just as profitable as "my" being first, exile. Why is this so? from selfishness and the desire to be because we will all realize that the only free of obligation, that it can even make thing relevant for ourselves is doing SINAS CHI NAM the weaker among us construe halachic what pleases Hashem. directives incorrectly, perverting the This theme, in fact, is the intent of the he destruction of the first Beis mind to think that the will of Hashem fourth expression of redemption, And Hamikdash was due to Kial is just as I understand it to be. I will take you unto Me for a people .... YisroeI's breaching of the three Consequently, without ridding our Hashem will take us by revealing His T 3 major prohibitions. The destruction selves of sinas chinam, redemption from sublime, enchanting, and charismatic of the second Beis Hamikdash, which physical adversities in manners similar to holiness, and we will truly become His launched the fourth (our present) exile, the redemptions from the first three exiles people - so enthralled with Hashem I was due to sinas chinam.4 But what would be short-lived. Our selfish quest as our Ruler, that all of our selfish is sinas chinam? The word chinam is for a state of no responsibilities, even aspirations, even ingrained ones, will understood to mean «without cause simple communal responsibilities like vanish. r or reason," and sinas chinam is com common courtesy, would prod us to find ' monly translated as "groundless hatred:' excuses for acting rudely and for taking ANTICIPATING OUR However, is there such a thing as ground advantage of others. With sinas chinam FOURTH REDEMPTION less hatred? Hatred is provoked, be it for haunting us even as a redeemed nation, I legitimate reasons - for example, being we would, in our selfish pursuits, soon he Sefas Emes's interpretation of I wronged by someone - or for illegiti disaffiliate from eachother and scatter, the fourth redemption not only • mate reasons - for example, jealousy and again be drawn to the Diaspora. calmed my fears about the nature T 1 and envy. Without provocation, normal of our social behavior in Moshiach's I people do not feel hate. Furthermore, THE FOURTH EXPRESSION time, not only gave me an optimistic why is sinas chinam stressed, rather than OF REDEMPTION view about the future, but also gave me a 1• just plain sina? new direction in how to prepare myself .I' To be sure, plain sina is, indeed, the he fourth redemption will be for the hopefully soon to come day. ' cause for the dispersion of Kial Yisroel. the final one. As such, it will May we merit ingraining ourselves . 1I By its very essence, sina encourages dis- secure us against further exiles. with a strong mindset that Hashem T 1 1 affiliation and division, and to avoid Consequently, with the fourth redemp is our Ruler even before the coming '[ . hostility, promotes dispersion and exile. tion, there won't be any more sinas of Moshiach, and thereby deserve the I But Chazal, with their addition of the china1n. But how will sinas chinam cease hastening of his coming. And, with .1 I word chinam, indicated to us the origin to exist? his coming, we will surely merit to be In the End of Days, Hashem will overwhelmed even more by His glory, I reveal Himself in all of His holiness and and our entire essence will transform in ' I 21 ISbhiedmosDanie/7,2-7 6,6-7 I 3 Yonta 9b glory. His revelation will so captivate realization of the verse, And I will take I 4 and so enchant us that we will be exclu- you unto Me for a people . ·~·li;J 33 L ______~ ------~~-~--- When Do We Bake the Matzah This Year? his year, Erev Pesach THE OBLIGATION OF falls on Shabbos, and Our matzos, whether made by hand BAKING ON EREV PESACH or inachine, are commercially pro that raises several AFTER CHATZOS T duced and purchased well before Pesach. interesting halachic and However, in the not-too-distant past, practical concerns.' All of these there was no such thing as commercial he custom of baking matzah matzah production, and before about Erev Peasch after chatzos was so will undoubtedly be dealt 1858, there was no machine matzah. 2 Tentrenched that the Tur ( Orach with in numerous shiurim by Matzah was baked by the family or by Chayim 458) cites a teshuva reporting a few neighbors in private ovens or that a person once baked his matzah on community rabbanim and in son1etimes in a communal one, and Erev Pesach before noon, and the major the plethora of special booklets was often soft and thick, resembling a ity of poskim wanted to prohibit him modern pita, except for the fact that it from using those matzos for the seder. to be published. Yet, an issue had no ingredients other than flour and Two poskim from Mayence, while agree that very much agitated the water and was baked quickly. And the ing that one should not do such a thing, uncontested common practice was to permitted the matzah ex post facto. Geonim and Rishonim will bake matzah for the seder3 after chatzos This incident is also cited by the receive scant attention: What is (halachic noon) on Erev Pesach' Ra'arya, 5 who provides a rationale for the insistence on baking the matzos after the appropriate time to bake the 2 See Ari Y. Greenspan and Ari Z. Zivotofsky, chatzos. Rava (Pesachim 120b) explained matzos to be eaten at the seder? "Hand or Machine: Two Roads to Fulfilling the that there is a hekeish (link) between the Mitzvah of Matzah," Jewish Observer, Apr., 2004, korban Pesach and matzah that leads to For most people today, the pages 20-31. 3 The matzos discussed in this article n1ay be an identity of some of their halachos. question does not even register. those eaten on lei! haseder (l)arkei Moshe), all One of these that is well-known and matzos eaten on Pesach (Beis Yosef, Bach), or only widely practiced is to finish the last mat I For many, these questions are by now familiar the three matzos for the seder. zah at the seder - the afikoman - before and do not see1n daunting. After all, Erev Pesach 4 Two in1portant articles that deal with this topic was on Shabbos in 5765 (2005) and 5761 (2001 }, and that collected n1any of the sources are: Yaakov midnight, similar to the korban Pesach, i.e., three times in 8 years. But it is not always that Gertner's, "Afiyas niatza beErev Pesach: Mekoros which had to be consumed by midnight common. Before 2001, it happened only twice in Jiaminhag Vehishtalshaluso, Sinai, 82 (5738): (Mishna Berura 458:1).6 According to the previous 20 years, in 5754 (1994) and 5741 pp. 123-139 and Yisrael Ta Shema, Masai Ofim ( 1981 ). And co1nmit the halachos to long-tern1 Matzos she! Pesach, in Sefer Hayoveil, S. Yisraeli, 5 Rav Eliezer hen Yoel Halevi, d. 1225, Sefer Avi memory this year because on our fixed calendar, N. Lamn1, and Y. Raphael, editors, 1984, vol. 2, Bzri, sinian 452 it will not happen again until 5781(2021),5785 pp. 1286-1296. See also Rabbi Josef Lewy, Minhag 6 The Ran1bam does not seem to accept this link. (2025), and then, not until 5805 (2045). Yisroel Torah, Vol. 2, pp. 244-247. He rules (Hilchos Chanieitz U111atza 6:1) that the -~------, THE JEWISH 0BSERV~:R ·----·------I F-- There are two I the early Ashkenazic authorities, this possibilities matzos used must be kneaded and link also applies to the preparatory baked "lesheim matzos mitzva" 14 and stage of the mitzvos. Just as the korban for when to those baked stam (without an explicit Pesach was shechted in the afternoon7 bake: either declaration) at an arbitrary time prior to of Erev Pesach, so, too, the matzah must the chagwithout an explicit declaration be baked in the afternoon of the 14'" Erev Shabbos or (stam) might be intended for consump I of Nissan. Motza'ei Shabbos. tion at any time during the week. It is The Ra'avya explains that those who only by baking specifically on Erev chag ! ex post facto permitted matzah baked that there is an implicit declaration that earlier did so because they did not matzah. The Aruch Hashulchan ( Orach this is le'sheim matzos mitzva. 15 I extend the hekeish to the baking. Rather, Chayim 458:2) refers to the opinion of I they held that the reason for baking those who expand the hekeish as "very, BAKING MATZAH ON 1natzah specifically on Erev Pesach, very strange." The concept of" chaviva MOTZA'El SHABBOS I which everyone agreed was preferable, mitzva besha'ata" usually encourages is because (( chaviva n1itzva besha' ata," early performance of a mitzvah rather f, indeed, the matzah must be baked I and that is not a strong enough reason than postponement until the last pos on Erev Pesach) what is one to do in I I to prohibit matzah baked early. The sible moment, as in this context. In I a year like this when Erev Pesach is I Ohr Zarua also brought a proof from addition, the eating, not the baking, of Shabbos?16 This question was dealt with I the Gemara that the halachic link only the matzah is the mitzvah, making it at length by the Geonim and Rishonim, I applies to eating. 8 strange to apply this notion to the bak and less so by the Acharonim. There are i It is dear that the majority of the ing.10 An interesting way to understand two possibilities for when to bake: either i authorities in early Ashkenaz held that this concept in this context is offered by Erev Shabbos (possibly specifically after the matzah had to be baked on the 14th Rav Kohein Tzeddek Ga on (early I Q!h chatzos) or Motza'ei Shabbos. i I of Nissan,9 either because of the link century),'' who explains that the benefit The requirement to bake the mat between the korban Pesach and matzah of baking the matzah Erev Pesach in the zah on Erev Pesach is not found in the and the requirement was thus even afternoon is that one then has warm Gemara, but seems to have been so well I I bediavad, or because of the principle matzah for the seder. When all of Kial entrenched in the period of the Geonim of valuing mitzvos, and the require Yisroe/ ate thick, "pita-like" matzah, there that it required no discussion other I ment was only lechat'chi/a. There would was a significant taste difference between than to suggest reasons and clarifica I seem to be problems with both of the fresh and stale matzah, a difference that tion of what to do when Erev Pesach I ses approaches. The only mitzvah that exists, although less pronounced, with falls on Shabbos. The Tur (early 14'" I the Torah mentions regarding matzah our thin, hard matzos. 12 century; Orach Chayim 458) presents I is eating it. Hence, when Rava makes A recent) novel reason for why Erev the two options, and summarizes the I the link from the karban Pesach to Pesach matzos are preferable comes pros and cons. One possibility is to bake I matzah, he links it to the eating of from Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch.'3 The on Motza'ei Shabbos, either before or ~~- -~------during the seder. This option prevents matzah may be eaten al! night, and nowhere does I 0 Regarding if building the sukkah is a mitzvah, ------·-~ he hint at any custo1n to bake the matzah any see Ha'ameik She'eila 169. 14 See Mo'adirn U'zenwnin1 7: 170, page 84, particular time. In Hilchos Chotneitz Urnatza 6:9, l l Quoted in Shibbolei Halekket and Machzor where he similarly explains why one should 1 he implies that matzah made earlier is acceptable Vitry (early l 2 h century, France) not say "lesheini mitzvas n1atza," which could I (Haga'hos Maitnoniyos). 12 Note that the Yen1enites bake fresh matzah be understood as for matzah for all the days 7 The Torah (Shemos l2:6) calls the time of shech every day of Pesach, and thus, the Yemenite of Pesach, but rather, one should say "leshei1n ita "bcin ha'arbayi1n." The Mishnah (Pesachirn women always baked the matzah for the seder on 111atzos mitzva," which refers only to the matzos 59a) says that the earliest shechita \Vas when Erev Erev Pesach (Halichos Tei1nan, pp. 18-19). In a cute eaten at the seder. Pesach was Erev Shabbos, \vhen it was shechted co1nment, Rav Yosef Kapach says that his grand 15 For a novel reason for the Erev Pesach baking I when 6 hours of the day had elapsed. Many father explained that the reason that the Torah related to lishnia, see Mipeninei Harav by Rabbi 1 sources (e.g., Tosafos, Pesachi1n Sa; MB 468: I) say included permission to prepare food (including Hershel Schachter, pages 84-85. It is suggested 1 it 1nay be shechted after 6 hours have elapsed. See, baking) on Yon1 Tov in the context of Pesach there that there can be no halachic category of however, Bach on Orach Chayhn 458, who says (She1nos 12:16) was because G-d foresaw that in matzah when there is no issur of chan1eitz, and l!I it is when 6 hours have passed, and not earlier. the future the /e\vs \vould start being so stringent thus, before the l4'h of Nissan, there is no halachic Because in other years it was not shechted until that they would prohibit baking matzah on possibility for lisl11na. ' later, so1ne actually have the custom of waiting Pesach, and He wanted to hint that it is not only 16 The Aruch ffashulchan notes that no one I to bake until 7-and-a-half hours have elapsed pennissib!e, but an obligation to bake on Pesach applied the link to the extent ofpennitting n1at I I (Sha'arei Teshuva 458:1). and thus have hot, fresh "bread" for the holiday zah baking on Shabbos, even though the korban ·. 8 See, however, Chazon Ovadya, page 102, note (Comment 15 on Rambam, Hilchos Shevisas Yorn itself does push aside Shabbos. There is, however, ! I 56, who finds a difficulty with the proof. Tov 1:1 and Halichos Tein1an, p. 19). In contrast, the opinion of Rebbi Eliezer, which is not accepted 9 Son1e sources only mention the date; others Rav Chain1 Kanievsky (Shoneh Halachos 458:2) as the halacha, that when the seder is on Friday I require that it also be in the afternoon, either calls those who hake all the matzah before Pesach night, the matzah n1ay be baked on Leif Shabbos I I after 6, 6-and-a-halt: or 7-and-a-half hours of the 1nedakdikim, the careful ones. (see Shabbos l3la-b and Ohr Satnei'ach, Karban 13 Mo'adim U'zemanini 7:170, page 85 Pesach 1:18 for an explanation). I Lay have dap~-d---- __d I APRIL 2008 the "zilzul of the mitzvah" [explained concern to be that if people see matzah have passed on Erev Pesach, and when below J by people who would bake on ready at the start of Yom Tov, they will Erev Pesach is Shabbos, the only option Erev Shabbos. Similarly, he cites the suspect that it was baked on Shabbos. is Matza' ei Shabbos. The Mordechai view that the matzos for the second Alternatively, the zilzul mentioned by cites both Rav Shimon Mishantz and night for those in chutz laAretz should Rav Hai Gaon is that mentioned by Rav Rabbeinu Tam as prohibiting the bak be baked the second night because Matisyahu Gaon (quoted in the Tur and ing of matzah before the 14'\ and thus chaviva mitzva besha' ata. Rav Hai Gaon Beis Yoseif), who said that it should be requiring the Matza' ei Shabbos option. (939-1038) 17 says that the custom is baked Motza'ei Shabbos, because if it is In the l 4'h century, Rav Menachem ben nonetheless to bake on Erev Shabbos so baked Erev Shabbas, an observer might Rav Aharon Hazarchi ( Tzeida Laderech) as to not have to bake on Yom Tav and suspect that it will be eaten on Shabbos, notes that both customs existed and each delay the mitzvah of eating the matzah, which is Erev Pesach, and that denigrates person should follow the local custom. an undesired violation of the principle the mitzvah of matzah. Rav Matisyahu that zerizim 1nakdimin lemitzva, i.e., a Gaon may also have been concerned THE WINDS OF CHANGE - NOT mitzvah should not be delayed. This was that one might actually come to eat it BAKING AfOTZA'EI SHABBOS also the opinion of Rav Hilai Gaon (ca. on Shabbos and thus ruin his "appetite" 900). The Tur notes that his father, the for the matzah of the mitzvah. he early Geanim and many Rosh, baked on Erev Shabbos. Machzar Vitry, reflecting Rashi's Rishonim were emphatic in their About 150 years before Rav Hai Gaon, position as stated in Sefer Hapardes, Topinion that the matzos should Rav Yehndai Gaon ruled that the mat says emphatically that it is a biblical(!) be baked on Matza' ei Shabbos rather zah should be baked Motza' ei Shabbas prohibition to bake the matzah on than on Erev Shabbos. The winds shifted, because of mar'is ayin. The Beis Yosef Erev Shabbas. Usually, it must be baked however, and the opinion of the vast (Orach Chayim 458) understood the after 7-and-a-half hours18 of the day majority of later authorities is like Rav . - 17 Both the Tur and the Sefer Itur quote this in 18 There are three times offered for the baking Hai Gaon, that the matzah should be the nan1e of Rav Hai Gaon. Others attribute it to start: chazos (e.g., Magein Avraham, E/iyahu baked on Erev Shabbas. The Maharil to Haritz Gios (Rabbi Yitzchak hen Yehuda Ibn Rabba, Gra), after 6-and-a-half hours of the day Harav ( 458: 1) says that the time is really when 6 Gios; 1038-1089). See Yosef Tabory, Al Aflyas have elapsed (e.g., Bach, Taz, Chayei Adan1), and hours of the day have passed, but because of the Matza Be'erev Pesach, Sinai by Yoseif Tabory, after 7-and-a-half hours of the day have gone by inaccuracy of telling time, we wait an additional 84(5739): 83-85 explanation pp. for an why it (e.g., Birkei Yoseif in the na1ne of the Rokei'ach half hour. 1nay be Haritz Gios. cited in Sha'arei Teshuva). The Shulchan Aruch Through a unique par1llership with Young Israel Educational Programs, Inc., Bellevue Universi1y accepts bachelor's degrees from any regionally accredited or Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Tulmudic Schools accredited or affiliated institution. Earn your Master's Degree through a combination of online courses accessible anywhere and in-class courses at a location convenient to you. Register rww for summer 2008: Master's programs in Educational J.eadership, Biblical Literature, and Business Adniinistration. Student loans are available. To register orfor more information on Master's Programs, contact us at: (212) 929-1525, ext. 115 [email protected] www.youngisrael.org/bellevue National Council of Young Israel Bellevue, Nebraska ----·------THE JE\VISH OBSERVER No REQUIREMENT TO BAKE ON EREV PESACH y the end of the period of the Rishonim, the perceived degree Bof obligation to bake on Erev Pesach was starting to shrink. The first crack can already be seen in the Ra'avya ( 452) who suggested that the obligation is based on the Yerushalmi, but that the Tosefta disagreed and permitted baking earlier. Because it is debated, he sug gests that one should bake Erev Pesach. However- and here is the key- if this is not possible, one is permitted to violate (died 1427) writes that his custom was is averted annulling any chameitz before to bake on Erev Shabbos. The Levush the time of the prohibition, properly concurred, and explained that that way washing the utensils ( Orach Chayim the matzah can be eaten as early as pos 459:4), preventing the children from fall sible, and people will not be confused ing asleep, the afikaman not being eaten in other years, and wait to bake until after midnight, not baking more than is lei/ haseder. The Beis Yosef agreed, and needed for Yam Tov, and the halachic codified it in the Shulchan Aruch ( Orach complexity of taking challah on Yam Tov Chayim 458). ( Orach Chayim 457) is avoided. The Bach, Radbaz(l:477), Taz(Orach Exceptions to this trend include the Get.a cellphone Chayim 458:1), Be'eir Hagola (458:2), Gra, who says that if one follows the Rav Ovadia Yosef ( Chazon Ovadya, page custom of baking on Erev Pesach, then from th~ people I I 02 ), Shulchan Aruch Harav (458:4), and Mata'zei Shabbos is the logical choice Rav Chaim Kanievsky ( Shoneh Halachas when Pesach begins on Sunday, and the yoµ. con trust! 458: I) all say that Erev Shabbos is the Chasam Sofer, who, following one of his established custom and suggest numer principle teachers, Rabbi Pinchas Halevi ous benefits to this alternative: the prob Horowitz (1730-1805; the Ba' al Hafla'a), lem of measuring the flour on Yom Tov baked on Motza'ei Shabbos." 19 Piskei Chasarn Sofer (pg. 109) .... -~ Total Communication Don't s.olutions 11 pass over" l-866· Tl\LK·N-SAVE our great . .(1-866-.8:~5-5672) rates. e-~ail:· info@•alknsave.net Cust this custom. He says that, indeed, that is and not being annulled. The Shulchan toda is not brought Erev Pesach" - proof what they do in France where there are Aruch has a siman of one se'if ( Orach that such matzah is usable. 11 There are people who simply need more matzah Chayim 458) devoted to the topic of also two relevant Toseftos. One says than they can bake on Erev Pesach. The baking matzos on Erev Pesach, labeled that when Erev Pesach is Shabbos, the Rokei'ach (280) similarly shows that "Mitzvah to knead the matzah on Erev matzah should be baked Erev Shabbos, there is no Talmudic source for this Pesach," which states "the practice [not and the other says that "old matzah" is custom and that the Tosefta seems to requirement) is to not knead the matzah acceptable as long as it was made with say otherwise, but he, too, is unwill for the mitzvah until after midday on the correct intention (Pesachim 3)." ing to simply abandon the practice. Erev Pesach, which was the time that the Furthermore, the Yerushalmi ( Sukkah So, too, the Sefer Mitzvos Gadol (Rav korban Pesach was sacrificed.20 2:4) says that matzah made more than Moshe Mikutzi), the Orchos Chayim The Gra, in a very long co111ment, 30 days before Pesach is subject to (Rav Aharon Milunil), and the Shibolei proves from an extensive list ofTannaitic the same debate between Beis Hillel Lekket recognize and give value to the and Talmudic sources that this is not an and Beis Shamai as they have regard custom, but permit matzah baked ear absolute requirement. His first proof is ing an "old sukkah;' implying that all lier. These poskim, although expressing that in a year when Erev Pesach is on agree that matzah made within 30 doubt regarding the obligatory nature of Shabbos, the baking would perforce days is acceptable. Tosafos ( Sukka 9a this practice, did not want to advocate have to be on Matza' ei Shabbos, and s.v. Sukkah) further clarifies that if it changing it. Five hundred years later, yet, the Mechabeir himself says to do was made specifically for Pesach, all the Gra had no such qualms. it on Erev Shabbos. He then quotes the agree that it is acceptable, even if very The Tur ( Orach Chayirn 458) notes Gemara about using chalos toda for the old. In summary, the Gra says that the that he had observed that in Barcelona seder, and says that it must mean that halacha is clear that baking the matzah the custo1n of baking matzos on Erev t_heywere baked on the 13"', b~ca_lls'C~ Erev Pesach after chatzos because of the Pesach was already gone and that they 20 The Rania does not com1nent, but the Darkei hekeish to the korban Pesach is a hiddur baked all their matzos earlier, with the Moshe states that the custo1n in Poland was in and not a requirement, and according general to bake the 111atzos for the seder on the reason given that they should not have afternoon of the l 4'h, although all other 111atzos to the Ma'asei Rav, the Gra did not bake to worry about any charneitz developing were baked earlier. rie says nothing about Shabbos on Erev Pesach. Erev Pesach. Rav YoseifMesas (1892-1974; Mayim Chayim, 181) was asked by a harried ...... •. ba'al habayis what to do; he simply OUR STAND could not fit matzah baking into his NOW YOU CAN Erev Pesach schedule and would be exhausted for the seder. He responded PUT THE SPARK BACK that although it is a machlokes among IN YOUR INSURANCE. the Rishonim, all Acharonim agree that it is a minhag and a chun1ra \Vith no Talmudic basis. He further cites Rabbi Call me today to hear about these new Yoseif Molcho (Greece, 1692-1768; optional features: New Car Replacement. Shulchan Gavo'a) that in his time, in Accident Forgiveness and Deductible Rewards. places where the community arranged (718) 268-1700 the matzah baking, they baked on the night of the 13"'. Rav Mesas agrees that the Shulchan Aruch is in favor of this practice and one should not change a minhag. However, that refers to one who "kicks" and rejects the minhag of his Martin Levy 21 Hence, we do not say Mizn1or Lcsoda (Psaln1 103-20 METROPOLITAN AVENUE 100) on Erev Pcsach in Pesukei Dczimra (Magci11 FOREST HILLS ~ Avraham 429:7). 22 See also lvlr:'iri, Pt:slJchin1 38a, who asks si1ni [email protected] Allstate~ lar!y. Rabbi Shlo1no Zaln1an Auerbach attempted You"re in good hands. to answer son1e of these questions (Halichos Call or stop by for a free quote Shlomo, Mo'adci Hashana: Nissan-Av, 5767, 7: J J, note 17,p.160). Feature is optional and subject to terms and conditions. Available in select states now and in most states by 1/31/06 (subject to 23 The Mordechai refutes this by saying that regulatory approval where required). Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company Northbrook, IL. ©2005 Allstate Insurance maybe it refers to n1atzah baked the previous Company yeai on Erev Pesach after 6-and-a-half hourjof the day had elapsed I 38 ------Learning about this ancient custom of personally baking matzos mitzvah and seeing the tension and excitement that an Erev Pesach on Shabbos threw into it should kindle within us the love of personal mitzvah preparation. OLD MATZAH esides Erev Pesach, are there any Probably the most extreme question other time constraints? Although of "old matzah" was that dealt with by forefathers. But if he wants to change a Bmatzos may be baked months Rabbi Shalom Hakohe in Shwadron 1ninhag because it is undermining the in advance (see end of Mishna Berura 7'"'1t (1835-1911; the Maharsham 6:29). essential mitzvah or causing physical 458:1), the Rokei'ach and Bach (458) He was asked about a town where they pain, then it may be changed without held that older than a month is "old could not bake their own matzah and hesitation, and thus the matzah may be matzah" and is passul, and in defer so i1nported it via mail. Because of the baked before Erev Pesach. ence to that opinion, Rabbi Shlomo difficulty and expense, when some was Zalman Auerbach" would use for the left over, they kept it safe from chameitz THE SOCIOLOGY seder only matzah baked within 30 in order to use it the following year. OF A MINHAG days of Pesach. After discussing the issues cited above, ------·-·-~----·~· he concluded that they indeed could he Aruch Hashulchan (Orach 24Halichos Shlorno, Mo'adei Hashana: Nissan-Av, 5767, 7:11, note 54 (page 159) Chayim 458:3) gives a very prac Ttical and sociological explanation for the development of this custom. In the old days, everyone baked fresh matzah each day of Pesach. In that case, why should the matzah eaten at the seder be inferior and stale? Hence, the WORlOWIDf ~f llPHONf Rf NTAlS requiren1ent to bake it Erev Pesach in the afternoon is so that it is warm and fresh. Incoming Calls FREE in over 70 countries! The link to the korban Pesach was only an asmachta, and those who prohibited • Ove night nationwide shipping matzah baked before noon did so only • Blackbeny rentals worldwide to safeguard the practice in the manner CELL PHONE RENTAL I of our ancestors, who were particular • Student & Group discounts FREE about mitzvos and careful to preserve • Corporate accounts welcome FREE MOBILE TO MOBILE i' [ Jewish customs. Therefore, he says, when all matzah is baked in advance, I ! there is no reason for this custom, and 1.877.CELLPHONE in reality, only a few people are careful TravelCelI I I about it, and most of the Jews never Global Cellular Rental Solutions www.travelcell.com I L:d of;,>< •LI I ~'"_-..... -- _____-_ -·· -----·-·------~ APRIL 2008 saying Halle/ with a beracha. 27 When thereby annulled them prior to their fulfill their obligation with the matzah baking one year with Rabbi Abraham becoming chameitz, at which point he that was over a year old. Twerksi, we were surprised to hear him would legally no longer be able to rid 28 £REV PESACH MATZAH TODAY mention that was the custom of his himself of it. Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch fathers and he proceeded to make the elaborates on the mechanism of this his practice is now viewed only as beracha with G-d's name. (When the annulment and suggests a precise for a hiddur, but one worth following baking is on Friday the 13'" of Nissan, mulation of what to say. Because of his T when possible. 25 As mentioned, Halle/ is usually not sung.) trepidation regarding this prohibition, there were Geonim and Rishonim who Others daven Mincha before bak he suggests that even though many great viewed the baking of matzah on Erev ing, just like the korban tamid was Acharonim, including the Hafla'a and Pesach as an indispensable requirement. brought before the korban Pesach (Birkei the Chasam Sofer," continued to observe Rashi invalidated all other matzah! For Yosef). The Shla (cited in KafHachayim this custom, many others, including the those who follow this custom, there is 458:19), says that because the Erev Gra,:'° did not observe this practice, and a real specialness to the process and to Pesach matzah is compared to the kor therefore, he does not think it worth the the matzah itself. ban Pesach, unlike all other matzah it risk. On the other hand, Rabbi Shlomo One aspect of baking Erev Pesach may not be given to a non-Jew, just like Zalman Auerbach was punctilious to is the link to the korban, and this has the korban Pesach was not to be eaten use for the middle matzah, the lechem generated other practices. One of the by non-Jews. oni, matzah that was baked after chatzos more beautiful traditions is the sing There are risks associated with all on Erev Pesach. 31 This was true even ing of Halle/ during the baking, just good things. Baking matzah on Erev when he used machine matzah. He as it was sung in the Beis Hamikdash Pesach carries with it the danger that explained to his students that although courtyard during the sacrificial service the baker will violate the prohibition it was clearly not an obligation, it was (Chida; Kaf Hachayim 458:9). 26 While of owning chameitz on Erev Pesach certainly a hiddur. this is widely practiced, a more daring due to the remnants of the dough or version attributed to the Ariza! suggests matzah that is not fully baked. In order 28 Mo'adim Uzemanim, 3:262 (pagesl45-147) 29 According to Piskei Chasam Sofer(page 105), 25 Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 113:8; Chayei Adam to prevent this, the Shulchan Aruch this is an error, and the Chasatn Sofer used to 128:33; Shulchan Aruch Harav 458:3 - who ( Orach Chayim 460:3) advises that one bake on the Sunday before Pesach. writes not to change the practice unless a real who kneads on the l 4'h in the afternoon 30 See lvla'asei Rav 188 and Biur HaGra to Orach need exists should declare that any crumbs or stuck Chayim 458:1. Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen 26 For those who have the custom (e.g., Maharani dough should be annulled, and he has Kook also did not bake on Erev Pesach; see Shick; Rav Shabsai Rappaport) not to speak at all Mikra'ei Kodesh: Hilchos Leil Haseder, by Moshe during the baking lest their saliva land on the 27 Mis!mas Yaakov458; see Piskei Teshuvos458, note 4, Harari, 5759, page 83. dough and accelerate the fermentation, those 31 Halichos Shlo1no, Mo'adei Hashana: Nissan-Av, that this is the custon1 of the Chemobler Chassidim. actually working the dough do not sing. 5767, 7:11 (page 159) Sweeten your Pesach with Schmerlin_g r=----······--·----- THE JEWISH OBSERVER ···· =-i 1 THE LOVE OF DOING MlTZVOS The Mechabeirwrote ( Orach Chayim Learning about this ancient cus I I t the beginning of this article, 460:2), "The Rosh was involved in the tom of personally baking matzos we mentioned the problem with matzos mitzvah and would supervise mitzvah and seeing the tension and Aapplying a link between the kor their production, urge on the workers, excitement that an Erev Pesach on ban Pesach and the baking of matzah, and assist in their manufacture. It is Shabbos threw into it should kindle i because the only mitzvah involving appropriate for every person to attempt to within us the love of personal mitzvah I matzah is to eat it. There is, however, be personally involved in the mitzvah:' preparation. a way to salvage this connection. Our I worldview in this regard is shaped by the Talmud Bavli, but the Yerushalmi had an i entirely differently outlook. From the I Yerushalmi's perspective, the prepara tory steps in a mitzvah are also an inte gral part of fulfilling it. The Yerushalmi mentions berachos that were said on the making of tzitzis, a sukkah and tefillin. I I Even the harvesting of a lulav had to be done lishma and was accompanied by a beracha, as was the fashioning of I Registration is now open for the summer program of 5768 which will be I the Chanuka menorah. Some of these held IYH in Yerusholayim. Once again, the program which has been recom I berachos survived into the period of the Rishonim, as evidenced by the Rishonim mended and endorsed by Gedolei Yisroel, will present an intensive course of trying to abolish them. While we have study, prepared for Bnei Torah to enable them to develop their full potential no knowledge of whether the Geonim and early Ashkenazi Rishonim said a as Mechanchim in Yeshivas and Day Schools. berachaon the baking on the matzah,32 it is reasonable to assume that the tenacity We will present the full range of subjects vital to the success of the rebbe in with which they defended the custom the classroom. We invite motivated individuals possessing higher Yeshiva to bake matzah on Erev Pesach reflects and (or) Kolle! education, to participate in this program. the Yerushalmi's influence. Today, not only have most people Recognized for a Yeshiva Teacher's License abandoned this custom, but so, too, the For further information contact preparatory stages of many mitzvos. RABBI NACHMAN ZAKON RABBI HILLEL MANDEL RABBI CHAIM ROBERTS I Most Jews rarely see an esrog tree or Administrator Dean a matzah factory, or know how to tie Jerusalem 02.651.9739 NY 718.805.1191 England 161.740.3465 tzitzis. The inside of tefillin is foreign. limited space available. If interested, please contact us immediately. Pressing olives for Chanuka oil or wine for Kiddush is unknown. The MahariP 3 notes that the passuk (Shemos 12,34) states that the Jews left Egypt with their unleavened dough on their back. Why, he asks, did they put it on their backs if they had plenty of horses and donkeys? fIE SELECTION OF Because, he answers, the mitzvah was BORSi\.LINO Hi\.TS! dear to them. So, too, he says, each per We Also Carry son should personally involve himself Expert fitting • Courteous service Brand Name in the preparation of matzah for the mitzvah. If something is truly impor Indillidualized attention •Hat cleaning & SI.iris & Ties, for Big & Tall as "Well, tant to a person, he will get personally Renovating • Follow-up care long after sale involved. The Gemara ( Shabbos ll 9a; at Discount Prices Kiddushin 4la) lists ways in which the saintly Amora'im personally prepared for Shabbos. 32 Maybe the Halle/ was in heu of that. L1ted m Ia'ame1 Haa~nhagm1, page 219 ..---~------··--··--- A P R I L 2 o o B -----· ··==-i KOPYCZNITZER AEBBE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 ! deteriorated and the authorities put a he had done, and Reb Tzvi Blaug and In a similar vein, the Klausenberger ban on davening with a minyan did the his wife came before the Rebbe. Mrs. Rebbe said, "When someone performs a Kopycznitzer Rebbe follow the directive Blaug set all her jewelry down on the mitzvah, one should publicize it. By way of his uncle, the Husyatiner Rebbe, and Rebbe's table so that the Rebbe could of fulfilling this imperative, I will tell a decide to emigrate to the United States. pawn them. story about the Kopycznitzer Rebbe, a The Rebbe had a sum of money that The late Klausenberger Rebbe, Rabbi man of truth who never left money in was just enough to cover the travel costs Yekusiel Yehudah Halberstam, loved to his home overnight. This custom was to America. The night before his depar· tell this wonderful story, about which he passed down from the Rebbe's ancestors, ture, an urgent matter of relief came to said the following: "In this generation, who originated in the house of Apia and his attention and, in his tren1endous I knew a holy Jew who had reached were known as great ba' alei tzeddaka. faith in Hashem, he donated the entire the level of giving tzeddaka with the "When Hitler's troops entered Vienna, sum to tzeddaka, leaving himself with mesirus nefesh of the Divrei Chaim (the the Kopycznitzer Rebbe had a small sum out a penny to his name. The next day, first Sanzer Rav) in his time." (Lapid of money in his possession. The Rebbe the local Chassidim heard about what Ha'aish II, p. 70) wasn't sure if he should give out all the n1oney) as was his custo1n. No one knew what the next day would bring; perhaps the Rebbe wouldn't be able to go out into the street the next day (as proved to be the case), and he might need the money for basic necessities. But, in the Rebbe's own words, his conscience did not allow him to leave the money in his possession. How could he deviate from a custom to which he had adhered so stringently for so many years? So that evening, he gave all the money to the poor. 10 me, this was extraordinary, and it was in the merit of this deed that he "\Vhat gives us success in u1ar) Please use my donation to: and his entire fa1nily were saved," con The spiritual fbrtresses of1Vrah. N • Help a young Choson cluded the Klausenberger Rebbe. Rabbi Ychoshuah ben Levi (Makos) Kallah get married! For thousands of years, the 1brah has kept Ain • Give a Turah scholar in A HAT FOR THE Yisrocl alive. need of surgery peace WORLD TO COME Keep the learning of 'Ibrah alive. of mind! • Enliven the lives of a Due to severe reductions of 80 o/c) or n1ore in Israeli Torah fimily 'vith a Yo1n wo lay activists once visited the govern1nent subsidies, Yeshivas and Torah fa1nilics Tbv grant! Kopycznitzer Rebbe. They told are turning to us \Vith ever-increasing requests for • Help provide a hon1e him that among the recently assistance. We cannot let then1 down. Ezras Torah T fOr a ne\vly\ved couple! arrived Holocaust survivors was an now more than ever needs your help. • Endo\'>' a Free Loan important rabbi who was dressed in Becon1e partners \Vith Ezras 1brah and send in Fund or Medical your generous contnbution today! Etnergcncy Fund 1 tatters, and that they were trying to Call The 24-Hour Ezras Torah Tzedekah Hotline 1·800-514-0348 collect respectable clothing for him. They then asked the Rebbe if he could donate his old hat. r i~lk}~!T!!C:.~~ L~~~~~~~!!~~;~~!~~o~~~~t:;~h- __ • The Rebbe went to the closet, took ""{T.es would like to help Ezras Torah's needy. ..I. I •'l Enclosed is my tax deductible contribution for: out his new hat and gave it to them. The 0 $18 0 $36 0 $50 0 $100 0 $180 0 $250 0 $360 0 $500 0 $1.000 0 $. ___ two public servants were embarrassed. Method of payment: D Check 0 Visa 0 M/C D AJE Ac. #: Exp. Date: ___ "We meant that the Rebbe should Please contact me regarding establishing an Ezras Torah Endowment Fund for a: give us his old hat, the one he doesn't 0 Free Loan Fund 0 Medical Emergency Fund use anymore," they explained. Please sena me an Ezras Torah Halachic Pocket Calendar & Guide, for the current year. (checked Replied the Rebbe, "In the World to below, contribution enclosed) Come, a person's clothing will be made D Pocket-sized Hebrew Luach D Pocket-sized English Luach 0 Wall-sized Hebrew luach up of the mitzvos and good deeds that he Name Tel. ( did in this world. Do you want me to sit Address City State Zlp in Olam Habba with an old hat?" (Heard :,1e:;"_ma:_e ;_he,;.k ~y:.,b~-";__' E-:_-m-~o:h~3!E!_"_!_";_.•d:•y_N=:'~N~-~_o:~2~1 ~'-_·8-9!,_o___ J_o __ --~~~the Kopycz~itzer Reb~e's.grandson) I 42 he Kopycznitzer Rebbe was the first to volunteer for any holy Tundertaking, and he was one of those who shouldered the burden of fundraising for Chinuch Atzmai. Together with Rav Aharon Kotler, Rav Moshe Feinstein, Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky and the Novominsker Rebbe, he knocked on people's doors for hours each night to appeal for donations. Each month, ten thousand dol lars had to be collected. Before Yorn Kippur, Rav Aharon Kotler called the Kopycznitzer Rebbe and said that the n1oney inust be sent immediately to Your child can be socially Eretz Yisroe/ for the teachers to be paid before Yorn Tov, but he did not yet have adept, self-confident and the entire sum. Rav Aharon asked the Rebbe to please lend five thousand dol happy. with social skills lars to the cause, and he himself would make up the difference. coaching and training. The Rebbe answered that there was no way he could take a loan since he had not yet paid back the loan from the ~~ Rifka Schonfeld 718-382-5437-KIDS ~~ previous month, but he agreed to raise ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL SKILLS WORKING WITH All KINDS OF MINDS the requisite sum. On Erev Yorn Kippur, as everyone was getting ready for the se'uda hama fsekes (final meal before the fast), the Kopycznitzer Rebbe called Rabbi Henoch Cohen, director of Chinuch Atzmai's American office, and requested that he conic to him at once. VVhen Reb Henoch arrived, the Rebbe said to him, "Go to my table and gather up all the money that's there." Many Jews had come to the Rebbe on Erev Yorn Kippur, in order to receive a beracha and give a pidyon. Reb Henoch knew that the money on the table was the Rebbe's means of sup porting himself for the next half a year and he hesitated to take it. But the Rebbe insisted, saying, '(Don't worry about me." So Reb Henoch took the money and indeed, it added up to the requisite sum needed for Chinuch Atzmai. (Heard from Rabbi Henoch Cohen) HE TURNED MANY AWAY FROM SIN I ,T,....~; ·!~;~~~,; ·:c;; ·~f· ;~;i~~~;~~~ ,I ness were not limited to tan- 1 gible assistance. With his pleasant L APRIL 2008 demeanor, he brought many back into store on Shabbos - but he refused to many cab drivers upon whom he pre the religious fold. accept the compensation. He told the vailed to start putting on tefillin, and he When the Rebbe lived in Vienna, he Rebbe that he decided to keep Shabbos himself purchased pairs of tefillin for prevailed upon n1any storeowners to without receiving any compensation for drivers who promised that they would close their businesses on Shabbos. When his monetary loss. put them on daily, even if for just a few one storeowner explained that he could Whenever the Rebbe rode in a taxi, he moments. (Heard from his grandson, the not close up shop because Shabhos was always sat next to the driver, despite the current Rebbe) the day that he made most of his money, fact that doing so might be unfitting for the Rebbe asked him to make an exact a Rebbe. Most of the drivers were Jews, TOGETHER IN TIMES calculation of his revenues so that the and his purpose in sitting next to them OF TROUBLE Rebbe could compensate him in full was to engage them in conversation with for any losses incurred on Shabbos. the hope of having some influence on en Germany annexed That storeowner did in fact close his their religious observance. There were Austria in 1938, the Nazis orced the Jews to clean the streets of Vienna using nothing but tiny ANNOUNCING brushes. The Jews had to get down on OPERATION READ 2008 their hands and knees and clean the streets as the Gentiles looked on. The Orton-Gillingham work was backbreaking, not to mention humiliating. Among those forced to clean the streets were the Kopycznitzer Rebbe and Teacher Training his brother-in-law, the Sadigura Rebbe. The Jews of Vienna did everything in Scholarships Available their power to have the two revered Through a Gruss Upper Family Foundation Teacher Training Grant Rebbes released from their grueling, degrading labor, and they succeeded This Associate Level Course is designed in accordance with the curriculum in bribing the officials to release them and guidelines of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educa and accept two other Jews in their stead. tors. This evening course is open to both men and women with separate When the official in charge told the seating. Learn how to help all children in our community to read using a Rebbes that they were free to return research-based approach. Course begins early May 2008. A Certified Level to their homes, they asked him why he was discharging them. He answered that Course is also being offered for those who have completed Associate Level two other Jews had volunteered to take coursework or equivalent. Call today for the course application package! their places. Joln us and become part of the Ohr Halimud Team. "If that's the case;' answered the Call today for course application package! Kopycznitzer Rebbe and his brother-in law, "we are not willing to be released. We will continue working just like everyone else." ::-~-::.''I // THE S.S. MAN WAS OHRHALIMUD FRIGHTENED The Light of Learning bbi Yoe! Pollack and Rabbi 1681 42nd Street• Bklyn, NY 11204 718-972-0170 • [email protected] Eliezer Breuer were present when www.ohrhalimud.org n S.S. officer approached the Kopycznitzer Rehbe with the intention Now accepting applicauons for our successful Sais Yaakov Girls' School ages 7-14. of cutting off his beard. The Rebbe held Join our after school tutoring program f_or boy_s and girls, his beard with one hand, extended the ASK FOR OUR SPECIAL PRICES FOR CHILDREN AGES 7-9. other toward the S.S. hooligan and said, Mainstreaming !'hildren with the tools for reading, wrWng, spelling and learning! "You can cut off these two fingers, but not my beard." The S.S. man was so frightened that ' he left the Rebbe alone. I 44 ___ __J TUE JEWISH OBSERVER At one point, they Nazis threw the her and the rest of the guests. Eventually, Rebbe in jail. His Chassidim did every everyone got up and went home. thing they could to secure his release, The turning point came a few hours and eventually their efforts bore fruit. later. After the Rebbe was freed, he said that he The daughter turned to her father. prayed throughout his entire incarcera "I regret everything," she said. "I want tion that he not be released on Shabbos to call off my engagement. I was born in order to avoid desecrating the Shabbos a Jewess, and so I will remain for the by signing his name. And indeed, he was rest of my life." set free Motzaei Shabbos. Needless to say, her father was ecstat Digest of Meforshim ic, and tears of joy replaced the tears of ~v1p7 in:i ~v1p7 SAVING A JEWISH WOMAN pain he had shed earlier. He asked no fROM INTERMARRIAGE questions, but ran to the Kopycznitzer Rebbe's home in order to thank him for Available at man once came to pour out the miracle he had performed. LEKUTEI his troubles to the Rebbe. His The Rebbe was thrilled at the good c/o Yitzchok Rosenberg daughter had unfortunately news. "Please," he said, "sit down and 1445 54th Street A Brooklyn, NY 11219-4228 strayed so far from Judaism that she let me explain why your daughter had 718-854-6701 wanted to marry a non-Jew. Her father a complete change of heart. begged her not to inflict such pain on "Know that a Jewish neshama is 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, Medrash, him, but to no avail. He therefore decid- always on a higher spiritual level, no Megilos, Talmud, and Tehilim. ed to tell her that if she went through matter how far a person has strayed. Proceeds of sales distributed among Yeshivos and used for reprinting of vol~ I with the marriage, he would cut off all Your daughter's soul cannot stand low umes out-of-print contact with her. liness and lack of values. I knew from PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME I The Rebbe heard the man out and the start that even if she married him, empathized with his pain. After thinking she would find him insufferable once the matter through, he said, "My opin ion is that you should stop discussing i the issue with your daughter. Don't try to force her hand by threatening to cut I off contact with her. I "! will advise you to do one thing," continued the Rebbe. "Tell her that you I want the engagement party to be held in your home, and that you want the non Jewish man's entire family to participate, with no exceptions. The party will not I take place until everyone can come. I Prepare a lavish meal with abundant food and plenty of liquor. With G-d's help, everything will work out fine. Just keep trusting Him:' On the day of the party, the gentile fiance's entire family arrived at the Jew's house. They sat down to the extravagant I meal, all the while joking boisterously. Those present stuffed themselves with food and drink as though they were in a saloon, until they were completely inebriated. In their drunkenness, they began to swear and curse the Jews. The father stood at the side and wiped the ftd_,-d;:,,,,$,.1' I tears that streamed down his face. His ro ,,g;,,,,, 718.258.26:u • 718.258.2256 daughter sat at the head of the table, and pfrase call • • there seemed to be no difference between Tourrific Travel at [email protected] L____ _ 45 ------~--, A P R L 2. 0 0 8 ------~--- I When people ask me for decisions, I turn to the Ribbono she/ Olam and ask that He allow me to answer properly in the merit of my holy ancestors, so that "those who wait for You not be shamed through me." IT•hillim69,11 she became familiar with his way of life. What a shame it would have been for the wool to be lifted from her eyes only after her intermarriage was a fait accompli! "Liquor is one of the things that brings out a person's true colors. That is the reason I advised you to make the party for the entire family, in order to give your daughter the opportunity to see their true ways within a short period of time. And that is exactly what happened:' (Rabbi M. Toibenfeld m Bepikudecha Asicha vol. I p. 13 7) THE AKEIDAH he Kopycznitzer Rebbe said the following on the first day of Rosh THashana, his father's Yahrzeit, in 1955. "All of the prayers we say during ISH YEHUDI the Ya1nim Nora'im revolve around the RAV Joseph Tzvi Carlebacll was the Akeida. The question is obvious: What most prnminent orthodox rabbi in Ger many during the two decades before the was so great about Avraham being will Holrn:aust. His vast erudition in Torah ing to sacrifice his son? After all, almost lore as well as in se<:u\ar disciplines, gained him recognition in kchillot every generation saw scores of Jews who throughout Germany and beyond. As a were ready and willing to be killed al cdcbnued orator and prolific author, he invited ad1niration from a vast spectrum kiddush Hashem. What was so special of Jewish society, besides his constitu about Avraham Avinu?" ency as Chief Rabbi of Altona and Ham burg, two of Germany's most venerated The Rebbe continued, "If G-d had kehillot. Though a giant of the spirit, he a;-. commanded Avraham Avinu to slaugh sumed larger than life greatness as a lov ter himself, that would not have been a ing father of orphans, a sympathetic friend of the destitute and as a caring test of faith. That is something that any brother to those in need of reassur•tnce. Jew is willing to do. But G-d told him During the Hi1ler years he stood tall as a tower of strength to his follow Jews. When to kill another Jew. That is a difficult the fateful hour of deportation to the test. How can one take the life of his death can\ps struck for the members of his kehilloh, he did not abandon them, fellow Jew?" but together with his valiant wife and his Tears flowed down the Rebbe's cheeks three younger daughters, he went with them 10 his death al kiddush Hashem. as he spoke."] had the same experience,'' This volume detaib his ancestry he added. "When they took me to jail from one of<;crmany·s most famous rab binical families, his scholastic nchieve and I knew that my life was in danger ments and his 1neteoric career as a spirit ual leader du-ring the years ofturbulem::c as many Jews had been transferred from which threatened the very survival of our there to Dachau - I went confidently people. Rav Shlo1no, his younger son who and happily, since I knew that I was survived the deportation, captured the fulfilling Hashem's will. But when they I)istributed by: rriuinph and the tragedy of his fa1her's Im Hasefer - Yaakov Levitz life in words and pictures, whkh are cer took my fellow Jews, I was unable to tain to stir the emotion:. as if these events withstand the pain." (Heard from the 1188 East Eighteenth Street happened yesterday. Brooklyn, New York 11230 Rebbe's grandson) !i!J (718) 377-0047 BUDGET FORM SERVICES (718) 651·2493 46 r-=~~,-~~~~~E-L BLO~~ .. . ------;;;;====M=U=S=l=N=G=S==== . --=------I Was I - and was the farmer - jumping to an irrational conclusion? 1 Hearing Dr did we simply have our eyes - and brains- wide open? •th V. B • My son-in-law, Eliyahu brain that must interpret the input and I .our rain Rubinovich, was so inspired "decide" what it represents, and deter- W by the story that he wrote mine if it is significant or should be an article about it, and the ignored. A simple example of the latter piece was picked up by media is someone who lives near the train. After throughout the world. I was a while, he will come to "not hear" the very pleased that the story was train; his ears work fine, but his brain being so widely disseminated, wants him to get some sleep. A more knowing how gedolei Yisroel familiar example for many of us might had expressed the importance be the father on whom the newborn's in such cases of '' sichu bechol cry doesn't register, even as the mother is nifle'osav - speak of all His woken by the baby's slightest whimper. wonders." I think something similar takes place Now comes the criticism in other ways. Hakadosh Baruch Hu sends of a letter writer to one Jewish us messages all the time. Our eyes and newspaper where the story ears, the keilim, receive them. But then we The outhor with Rabbi Nissan Zweibel, Chairman of Otzar Bais Din of Bnei Brak with bananas on a Shmitta-observant plantation. appeared. How could I know, have to actively use our consciousness, he challenged, that the miracle our thoughts, to see the messages' sig received some criticism recently happened because the farmer carefully nificance. As a mother hears her infant's ! think unfairly, but I'll let you judge. kept Shmitta? Maybe he has given much wailing and recognizes his specific needs, I Let's start from the beginning. tzeddaka or had some other zechus. Well, so do we, who have heard striking stories During my recent visit to Eretz no, I thought, reading the letter. I cer- of clouds of locusts that devoured fruits Yisroel, I heard about a banana plan tainly cannot know with certainty what of non-Shmitta observing farmers and tation owner in Ashdot Yaakov - just zechus merited the farmer his unusual skipped over the orchards of the Shmitta south ofTeveria - who believed he had good fortune. But it reminded me of keepers, have a frame of reference to experienced a miracle. The farmer had something I was taught by a doctor many interpret the messages that we receive. arranged with Rabbi Landau's beis din years ago. He was an audiologist at Johns And so I do not have to wonder: Was in Bnei Brak to keep all the halachos of Hopkins University by the name of Dr. I - and was the farmer - jumping to an Shmitta, and the Otzar Beis Din would Vincent Hardy. "You hear," he said, "with irrational conclusion? Or did we simply pay all of his expenses. He would be your brain, not with your ears." have our eyes - and brains - wide open? used as the supplier of bananas for all What he meant, and went on to At least my ears and eyes have been Bnei Brak. The otherwise non-religious explain, was that the ears are only treated to similar miracles before, and farmer agreed to keep Shabbos at least the keili (medium) that transmits the were tuned in to the message of the phe for the year of Shmitta, and to have a sound waves to your brain. But it is the nomenon on the banana plantation. ITeJ mashgiach oversee the field to make sure that only melachos (ways of tending the plants) that are permitted during Shmitta were done. The year started out uneventfully, and then a n1ajor frost occurred in the area. The bananas of neighboring plantations were frozen and destroyed. To the farmer's amazement, his own See The Himmelsteln Family bananas were spared. Come Alive! When I heard the story, I wanted to The Herman Brothers enchanting puppetry confirm the facts. And so, on a Sunday & visual production of "When laidy Was morning, I was driven nearly two hours Young" series tale two, is at your stores now! to the plantations in question. There, Continue to enjoy the saga of the I witnessed firsthand the state of the Himmelsteins & Anshei Kartoful! farmer's banana crop: healthy. Driving a AN UNBEATABLE TREAT FOR few hundred meters to the neighboring YOUR WHOLE FAMILY! farm, which was not observing Shmitta, the banana crop was decimated. £~ABBI Bl.QOM IS Tl-IE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIOEN"! OF AGUDATll !SRAEL OF AMERICA. ------·--·------~is third volume In the Maggld Stories for Childl'en seriestakesyoungreaders n A Touch of Warmth, on an unforgettable Rabbi Spero's latest journey around the year. I These tales, adapted anthology of masterfullyMtold by Chaviva Krohn tales, there are vivid accounts Pfeiffer from Rabbi of hope and triumph that Paysach Krohn's "maggid warm the heart and elevate stories," are exciting and ~---..~ the soul. This collection entertaining, and their J will awaken such positive imaginative illustrations character traits as wisdom, make them even more patience, courage, selfM memorable. This series will sacrifice, moral excellence, reinforce our youngsters' ~~~~~ 1 understanding of Jewish loving·kindness, forgiveness, faith and practice through stories that and gratitude. they will want to read again and again. THE SIMCHAH HANDBOOK RAv AsHER W~oolttf HAi~ WEDDING • SHEVA BRACHOS • BIRTH • BABY NAMING• BRIS PIDYON HABEN • UPSHERIN • BAR AND BAS MITZVAH • SIYUM av Ashe< Weiss ;, ooo of the mo.t ~~~Jj HACHNASAS SEFER TORAH •(HANUKAS HABAYIS ~c:?tO-'.::'.'.::~· Routstanding gaonlm of our time. He is a (·! ·' ~ \.J,Jj distinguished Rav and Rosh Yeshivah in Jerusalem. l ..:;,.J •What do we need to know before r-" Known as the Minchas Asher after his several buying a wedding ring? i --lJf@n: •What are the various honors at a l\ extraordinary sefarlm, Rav Weiss is revered throughout bris? Which is most Important? '~F ,~ the world for his encyclopedic Torah knowledge, eloquent ,;;;,,;.". oratory, authoritative shiurim, and ha!achlc discourses. *Is there a Chanukas Habayis ritual for I a new home? His Minchas Asher Hagpdah is a brilliant tour de force by a phenomenal Torah scholar, who not on!y David has complied \ ~1·' Rabbl Weinberger offers an original and captivating commentary on the a practical, handy guide to all \ Important and meaningful celebrations. Haggadah, but also captures many of the qualities that make Pesach unique. It includes remarkably profound yet The Slmchah Handbook wm help \ everyone say the prayers correctly, \\ readable essays on such topics as why the Sea of Reeds practice appropriate decorum, and had to be Sl)llt and why there is a need for miracles. This maintain uncompromising halachic Haggadah Includes a section based on the author's observance - to enhance the shlurlm on the laws and customs of Pesach. simchah. IVING & PARENTINC ~/ p abbi Yakov Horowitz, ~'01rector of Project Y.E.S., is a respected educator and youth counselor. In Living and Pat'enting he writes with uncompromising directness and clarity about the challenges and rewards of raising children In today's complex society. Living and Parenting deals with reaHife situations, and is filled with practical advice and solutions, applying traditional Torah wisdom to today's challenges so that we may nurture well·adjusted, mature, and responsible children. It is a book for every thinking and caring parent and educator. Israelis and staring, out-of-his-tree, fordaniandailyAl-Du5tour, Palestinians?') March 12 · flown·lflfMJOOll nuts." The New York Times, March _19 I - Columnist Mark Steyn, TEACH YOUR CHil.[JREN WELi. i>llPT. responding to Senator Barack "The very fact that you "I will bite them and eat them!" i Obama's statement that "many are asking this question - Assud, a giant rabbit on a of you have heard remarks Is troubling." Hamas television children's I from your pastors, priests or - ({Terry in Colorado;' program, sharing with his I rabbis with which you strongly posting his response young viewers his intentions I disagreed!' Ibid for "the Jews;, · I The New_ York Sun, March 24 Middle East Media Research _[ I Tnstitute, February 12 . L ______------~ ------~=.d r-=------'-E_c_'_'_o_•_<_Y_•_·:M 0 S 0LAM ..• REMEMBER THE DAYS 0 F Y 0 R E . YAACOV POLSKIN ~ I