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Introducing a newsletter devoted to giving you and your family inspiration and practical ways to grow in Avodas Hashem and midos. You'll glean from the best advice on effective davening, better relationships and improving middos. Plus each issue offers engaging questions for Shabbos table discussions that will make self-improvement in Avodas Hashem a lively 0 chosen wiirds ~'"=,.-I"", and important topic for __- your family. Whether you're a rabbi, principal or a concerned community member, now is the time to give students and shul
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THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021-6615 is published monthly except July and August by the Agudath Israel of America, 84 William Street, New York, N.Y. 10038. Periodicals postage paid in New York, N. Y. Subscription $24.00 per year; two years, $44.00; three years, $60.00. Outside of the United States (US funds drawn on a US bank only) $12.00 surcharge per year. Single copy $3.50; foreign $4.50. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Observer, 84 William Street, 10 N.Y., N.Y.10038. Tel: 212-797-9000, Fax: A Divine Frown 212-269-2843. NOVOMINSKER REBBE TO Rabbi El1yahu Meir Klugman Printed in the U.S.A. SERVE AS ROSHOFAGUDATH
RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EOITOR 17 ISRAEL OF AMERICA A Conflict of Cultures, Jeremy Kagan EDITORIAL BOARD DR. ERNST L. BODENHEIMER In a historic development, Chairman 23 Chanuka and the Paradox Rabbi Yaakov Perlow, the RABBI ABBA BRUDNY of Jewish Unity, David Sears Novominsker RebbeK""""1>, has RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS assumed the new position of JOSEPH FRIEDENSON RABBI YISROEL MEIR KIRZNER 27 "Rosh Agudas Yisroel of Ameri RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN Good Chumros? ca;' it was .announced at the PROF. AARON TWEASKI Rabbi Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer keynote session of the organiza MANAGEMENT BOARD tion's recent four-day national AVI FISHOF 33 NAFTOLI HIRSCH Rabbi Mordechai Rogow, 7"YT, convention. ISAAC KIRZNER Rabbi J?erlow,who.also is Rosh RABBI SHLOMO LESIN on His Thirtieth Yahrzeit NACHUM STEIN Rabbi Ben~Zion Rand Hayeshiva ~fYeshiva Novomfa, sk-Kol 'fehuda,·h~sformany RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING SECOND LOOKS Business Manager r~ar~.l'lay~damajpr rof~ .in the 41 Weapons of Ahavas Chinam ~¢tiyiti~.sor A_gudll'~ Isra~J, :. He Published by Agudath Israel of America Mrs. T Gootblatt ~~i-v;ec/.¥ll'~em~.er9:£!h~lllo"~·
U.S. TRADE 01sm1BUTOR ISRAELI DISTRIBUTOR 42 Rabbi Scheinberg's Laughter !llent'~.~~si~~t.l'res!di~).fpra. Feldhelm Publlshers Nechemla Rosenberg )"11!slllll~f.OfYe')'sf f!11~•~~ ~~e~. a 200 Airport Executive Park Kiryat Telshe Stone. 108A Sarah Shapiro 0 >·· Spring Valley. N.Y. 10977 D.N. Harei Yehuda. ISRAEL membet:ot l~~ !;:!.ee~~$.,G~iio.lei 44 An Out-of-Town Tradition . (<:{~~l""il~ EUROPEAN REPRESENTATIVE AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR Becky Amster M. T. Bibel man Gold's Book & Gift Co. •l'I'. Grosvenor Works 36 William Street Mount Pleasant Hill Balaclava 3183. Vic .. 45 Hashgacha Prattis & Amein Chatufa .•~ London E5 9NE, ENGLAND AUSTRALIA Rabbi Hillel Litwak
THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not 46 Why Tim Stood Through "Aleinu" assume responsibility for the Kashrus Henoch Plotnik of any product, publication, or service advertised in its pages 47 Jump Start, Delay, and a Siyum Mordechai Tobin © Copyright 1998 48 BOOKS IN REVIEW DECEMBER 1998 Expanding on the Porsha VOLUME XXXl/NO. 10 - In Breadth and in Depth Rabbi Nesanel Kasnett/Rabbi Yisroel Hisiger 5 0 Letters to the Editor 54 Dateline 84 William St. Rabbi Nosson Meir Wachtfogel i1:Ji:i7 p~1:!l i:Jr
he Jewish Observer (a graduate of Sarah Schenirer's joins the entire Torah seminary in Cracow), whom he T world in mourning the married in Australia, while enroute loss of Rabbi Nasson Meir to America. Wachtfogel n:n:i'::> i''"Tll i:it, Reb Nosson was instrumental in Mashgiach of Bais Medrash the founding of what was probably Govoha in Lakewood since its the first Kolle/ in America, with twen- founding, fifty-six years ago. ty dedicated young men, in White Everyone who had contact with Reb Nasson could not help but Plains, New York. When Rabbi Aaron Kotler 7":.t arrived in New be overwhelmed by his profound avodas Hashem coupled with York City, a year later, he was invited to head this Kolle/, which an utter simplicity, his dedication to the welfare and spiritual then moved to the resort town of Lakewood, New Jersey, where growth of the bachurim and Yungeleit over whom he had strong it became Bais Medrash Govoha, with Reb Aaron serving as Rosh influence, as well as an extraordinary yearning and hope for Hayeshiva. It was then that Reb Nasson assumed his role as the advent of Moshiach. Mashgiach of the Lakewood Yeshiva, a position he continued Embodying a relentless search for perfection, accompanied to hold until his passing. by a sense of total self-abnegation - both of which charac His unassuming manner masked a deep sensitivity and self terized pre-War Kelm - Reb Nasson was a living link between less dedication to meeting the full range of the personal needs today's yeshiva world and its roots that stretch to distant shores, of countless individuals. In addition, he was a driving force in in earlier times. With his passing on Shabbos, 2 Kislev (Novem the founding of a number of Bais Medrash Govoha satellite Kol ber 21), that link was lost. lelim throughout America, as well as in several foreign locations.
b Nasson Meir was born to his parents Rabbi Moshe Meir Nasson Wachtfogel leaves behind his Rebbet Yam Tbv Wachtfogel (Rav of Kuhl, a town near Kelm, n, who spent scores of years teaching in the Bais Yaakov ru ithuania), and his Rebbetzin on 9 Adar I, 5670 (1910). igh School and Seminary in Brooklyn (with her close ru 11")), When his parents moved to Montreal, where his father became colleague, the late Rebbetzin Vichna Kaplan, who served Rav of one of the city's largest congregations, young Nasson as dean of the school). He is also survived by his children, who was enrolled in the Yeshiva Ketana of Kelm, to learn under the are leading Torah personalities in their own right, including direct guidance of Rabbi Elya Lopian, one of the leading mus Rabbi Elya Ber Wachtfogel, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Gedola sar personalities of the time. Zichron Moshe in South Fallsburg, NY, and his Rebbetzin; Rabbi When 15, Reb Nasson joined his parents in Canada, learned and Rebbetzin Tzvi Yosef Bnrsztyn (Rosh Yeshiva, Mesivta of in Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yitzchok Elchonon in New York (with the Lakewood) of Lakewood, NJ; Rabbi and Rebbetzin Yehoshna future Rabbi Moshe Bick, Rabbi Yehuda Davis, n~i~7Dl11~l, and Rnbnitz (Yeshiva Karlin-Stalin) ofBrooklyn, NY; and a daugh 11"7~>, Rabbi Avigdor Miller N"P"nl, among others), and then ter, Masha. returned to Europe to study, first in Mir and then in Kelm, where The loss of Reb Nasson leaves a vacuum in the hearts of the he developed into the paradigmatic baa/ mussar. entire Torah world - a vacuum that cannot be filled. iro n:it'n'. He succeeded in escaping the ravages of World War II togeth A more extensive article on the Mashgiach is planned for a er with his kalla (bride), the former Chava Slomowitz, '•nm> future issue of The Jewish Observer.
P!IOTO: MICHAEL MORDECH.A.l DORF Tffcrcs Vcrus'1ala1ifm c•"Jm1,• n,N!ln Deis Yaakov T eachef's Semittanf Jni1r.>~ :&i'»' Jl':& il't>" A'1 Affiliate (Yf Atlkei 'Daas ft»tcati'"1al Network l'.O.Box 16117. Jenfsalem 91161 Jsrael - l''1'"1e (01) Sl7-6lS'6 :fax (01) Sl7-60l7
+ With the encouragement of Maranan Verabanan G'dolei Hador N""''"-' we are happy to announce the opening of a new Seminary in Yerushalayim for girls from abroad. This Seminary is intended for select girls of an advanced religious and spiritual level. The administration and teaching staff is comprised of well known teachers with a wealth of educational experience.
The Seminary will open its doors n'~N for the 5760 academic school year and will offer a highly intensive year of studies, spiritual experiences and personal growth. The atmosphere will adhere to the highest standards from all aspects and will be both serious and enjoayable.
+ The Seminary will be under the auspices of Maran Hagaon Harav Shmuel Auerbach IC'""°"'· The Seminary's Dean will be Rabbi Yaakov Dovid Hacohen IC''l:J'>w (fonnerly the editor of the "Otzar M'forshei Hatalmud" ["Compendium of Talmud Commentaries1 and Rosh Yeshiva in Yeshivas Tai Torah in Antwerp). Rabbi Avigdor Burshtein IC"\7'°"' (principal of Beis Yaakov "Afikei Daas• educational network in Jerusalem) will be General Director. The position of Educational Principal will be filled by Rebbetzin Tehilla Abramov (author of: "The Secret of Jewish Feminity•, •straight from the Heart•, "Two Halves of a Whole", ·our Family Our Strength").
The general program of the Seminary will intergrate the study of Torah principles with practical living and personal growth in both 01pr.i? 01N l':J and Yl:Jn? 01N )>:J. The girls will be undertaking a very basic and deep study offundamentai halachic issues, commentaries and Torah :1ashkofo on one hand, while at the same time, they will receive guidance and direction on both internalizing and practically applying the issues studied within their current day-to-day existence and i1">N throughout the later stages of their lives.
+ The Seminary will be located in a beautiful and spacious building which will adhere to the highest standards (including living quarters, nutrition and recreational activities).
Those involved in the establishment of the Seminary, based on their initial experiences, already feel the special "Siyata Dishmaya" that has accompanied them from the start, and invite the students to join them. Special attention will be given to preparing each girl for her role in life as a Bas Yisroel.
Partial List of the Rabbis and Teachers who will be teaching in our Seminary Rabbi Yirmiyohu Abramov Rabbi Avrohom Atlas Rabbi Yitzchok Berkowitz Rabbi Eliezer Chrysler Rabbi Avrohom Edelstein Rabbi Yisroel Gans Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb Rabbi Zev Leff Rabbi Mordechai Neugershal Rabbi Noah Orlewick Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky Rabbi Dovid Ostroff Rabbi Zelig Pliskin Rabbi Jonathen Rosenblum Rabbi Ezriel TauberrGuest Lecturer) Rabbi Chanoch Teller Rabbi Moshe Vaya Rabbi Mendel Weinbach
Reb. Frumit Altusky Reb. Chaya Blumenfeld(Guest Lecturer) Reb. Sora Rivka Carlebach Reb. Zipporah Heller Reb. Nechama Miller Reb. Yitty Neushdat Reb. Yehudis Samet For further information, brochures and/or registration forms please contact: Tiferes Y erushalayim • Beis Yaakov Teachers Seminary c/o Rebbetzin Chaya Blumenfeld 501416'h Avenue, Suite 128 Brooklyn, New York 11219 {718) 435-6497 {718) 951-0178 FAX {718) 435-8597 Rabbi Eliyahu Meir Klugman
Messages from Oslo and the Wye Agreement
A MAJOR JUNCTURE, end of the Oslo road, it is now clear to The Wye accords did not command A DISMAYING PROSPECT all) stands a Palestinian State on a sub an absolute majority in the Cabinet stantial part of Eretz Yisroel. The only (only 8 out of 18 voted for it), and Knes he recent Wye Agreement giving question, Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon set support was primarily from the Left the Palestinians control over acknowledged in a recent public and Arab parties. Yet the right-wing Tanother 13.!% of Eretz YisroeI's address, is whether that state will be Israeli government will make sure it is "West Bank" ostensibly represents not comprised of the entire West Bank or implemented, despite several terrorist a new departure, but rather another step part of it. The foundations of that state attacks in the days since its signing, on the road that began at Oslo. Some were laid by Menachem Begin in Camp despite Arafat's speech of the day before times one step on a journey, especially David with his recognition of the Pales implementation, promising to capture if it navigates a turn in a winding path, tinians as a national entity; and the Jerusalem in armed battle, and despite can afford a view of the end of the road proclamation of the State of Palestine the fact that close to 80% of all Israelis that was previously obstructed. At the will take place, make no mistake about are doubtful that Arafat has any inten it, under the aegis of a right-wing gov tion of keeping the security commit Rabbi Klugman lives in Jerusalen1 where he is a ernment, whose major partners are the ments he n1ade in those agreements. maggid shiur in a yeshiva gedola. Author of a How are we to understand all this? detailed biographical study of Rabbi Samson Likud and the Religious Zionist parties, Raphael Hirsch (ArtScroll Mesorah), he is a fre both staunchly opposed to giving back quent contributor to these pages, including bio even an inch of Eretz Yisroel. AN IDEOWGICAL CRISIS graphical tributes to Rabbi Chaim Shmulevitz 7'·~ The security components of the Oslo (Feb. '79), the Steipler Gaon 7'1r:T (Nov. '85), Rabbi and Wye agreements are mere cosmet he n1essianic view of the signifi Shin1on Schwab 7 .. :::rn- (June '95), and his "Portrait of a Leader," regarding the late Rabbi Moshe Sher ics, and the personal safety of Jews in cance of the State has been a cen er, 7"'.::lT, (June '98), as well as "A Torah Perspec Israel has hardly increased as a result of Ttral part of the weltanschauung of tive on the Hebron Disaster" (April '94). the agreements and the handover ofland. Religious Zionism. Beginning with
10 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 understanding of the relationship of the Jewish People and the Holy Land, the meaning of galus, our perception of the • State of Israel, and our attitude to the s the Gedolim stressed when they instructed "peace process." Israel became a people only by virtue Aour representatives in the Knesset to vote of the Torah (" Hayom hazeh nihiyeisa le'am - On this day [of Receiving the against Oslo, the absolute hatred of the Labor Torah] you became a nation"),and only Meretz alliance for Torah was itself the cause of afterwards did Hashem bring us to the Land, and grant us prosperity and the lack of security. Their desperate craving for institutions of statehood - not as goals in the1nselves, but as n1eans for the ful "normalization" and acceptance by the other fillment of the Torah. Although the Land was promised and given to the nations as the ultimate goal, would lead them to Patriarchs (''Eretz Yisroel muchzekes be careless with security issues in pursuit of the lanu me'avoseinu-the Land of Israel is in our possession, from our Patri rainbow of their dreams, and makes it archs"-Babba Basra l 16b), the purpose of that gift, and the privilege to settle and impossible to rely on their judgment in matters of enjoy the Land, was defined by the con dition that we observe the Torah. As life and death. David Hamelech said: "He gave them lands of peoples, and they inherited the toil of nations, so that they might safe • guard His statutes and observe His teachings" ( Tehillim I 05:44,45 ). Accord Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Kalisher, Religious For the true believers, led by former ingly, we may live on the Land on one Zionism viewed settlement of the Land Chief Rabbi Avraham Shapiro of Yeshi - and only one - condition: that we as a means to bring the Messiah. Since va Merkaz HaRav, the Oslo process and observe the Torah. Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Kook, Religious the subsequent agreements are nothing Since Jewish existence in the Land Zionisn1 has seen the return to the Land less than a man-made, ongoing, violent depends entirely on obedience to and the subsequent establishment of the earthquake. Piece after piece of sacred Hashem, when we sinned we were sent State as as'chalta dege'ula, the beginning land is being given away, and they are into exile ("Mipnei chata'einu galinu of the Redemption. The conquest of East reduced to watching in angry impotence me' artzeinu - because of our sins we Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza dur as the man they helped elect (Netanyahu) were exiled from our Land" - Mussa[!. ing the Six Day War was seen as a giant and the man they thought would never Our exile was not just a punishment and leap forward in that direction. For inany, sell out (Sharon) allow more land to slide the natural result of the withdrawal of Yishuv Eretz Yisroel became the central into Palestinian hands. Hashem's protection, but also His way mission of lite and the prism through For the National Religious Party, the of salvaging the Jewish people's spiritual which many of the other mitzvos were latest agreement was cataclysmic. After and n1oral existence. (See Hirsch, viewed and evaluated. the government voted to implement the Deva rim 4, 26.) The ceding of significant portions of accord, 160 of the leading rabbis of the Since the cause of Israel's exile is her Eretz Yisroel and the establishment of a Religious Zionist movement issued a departure from the 1orah, her redemp Palestinian state on those lands is thus proclamation calling on the party to tion will only take place with her a contradiction to the central canon of leave the government qnd force new return to the Torah. Without rectifi Religious Zionism, and a hint that elections. The NRP votM to ignore the cation of its underlying causes, the phys half-a-century of as'chalta dege'ula is call and stay put. ical return to the Land will not end the unraveling. Hence, the unbridled fury galus. We also cannot see a secular Jew at Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres for A MATTER OF ish state, whose laws are antithetical to giving it away at Oslo. After five years UNDERSTANDING "GALUS" Torah, established by men who wished of fighting Oslo, the religious Right has to uproot the Torah from Jewish life, as not yet run out of steam, but the protests e, however, view the latest the fulfillment of the Divine promise of and the anger are slowly giving way to events somewhat differently. the ultimate Redemption and return to wearied resignation. WOur outlook flows from our Eretz Yisroel.
The Jewish Observer, December 1998 11 Caius to the Torah Jew is not only a GALUS IMPERATIVES Jew more than ever, and we do not geographical concept, but a spiritual one believe this will change until the advent as well. It is for the" Caius HaSchechi e do not support the goals of of Moshiach (see Zohar, Vo'era). Nor are na;' the "Exile of the Majesty of G-d," the Left and the Oslo archi we interested in the "normalization," that Jewish tears are shed and Jewish W tects in their negotiations which the peace process will supposed hearts grieve. Not for his own galus, but with the Palestinians and their willing ly usher in. We were always an am lev for the galus of the Torah does the Jew ness to give up "real estate," as Yitzhak adad yishkon, a nation that dwells mourn. And so long as the Schechina Rabin called parts of Bretz Yisroel. We alone, and we would like to stay that way. is still in exile, so long as the Torah is not do not surrender any piece of our Land The fact that nowadays Jews are allowed the guidebook of life for Jew and Jew with joy or equanimity. And anyone to gamble in the casinos of)ericho only ish society, we are still in galus, no mat with a minimum of intellectual honesty serves to underscore that view. ter that the language of the country is understands that the term "peace But galus life has a set of time-hon Hebrew and that we can daven at the process" is a misnomer at best, and ored principles that govern our relations Kosel Maaravi. fraudulent at worst. The Arab hates the with others. Without a Sanhedrin sit ting in the Lishkas Hagazis, and without an Urirn Vetumirn (the breastplate worn You can! Just call by the Kohein Cado0 sanctioning a deci wish I could The Yitti Leibel sion to go to war, it is incumbent upon ''r Helpline. us to do everything possible to lessen the shedding of Jewish blood. In addition, HOURS: as long as we are in galus, we are speak to a Monday-Friday ...... 8am -12pm Monday-Thursday ...... 8prn -llpm enjoined by Hashem not to flout the will Sunday ...... 9am -12pm, 9prn -llpm of the international community (see Kesubos 11 la). And the international frum therapist 718-HELP-NOW community, led by the United States, has (718)435-7669 made up its mind that it wants the Pales on the phone [. Chicago ...... (800) HELP-023 tinians to have a land of their own. Lakewood ...... (732) 363-1010 Those two guidelines explain our sup Cleveland ...... (888) 209-8079 port in principle for territorial com without giving 'Baltimore ...... (410) 578-1111 promise and the "peace process." Morris, Union, Essex & Middlesex So why don't we support the Left, counties in NJ ...... (877) 4-LEIBEL which is the moving force behind the my name.'' For addiction problems call our addiction Oslo process? Why has Torah Jewry in therapist, Wednesdays l 1:30pm to 1:30am Israel consistently lent its support to Likud-led governments and voted for Netanyahu in the last elections?
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12 The Jewish Observer, December J 998 they instructed our representatives in the Right in security matters is not session of the Land and the physical the Knesset to vote against Oslo, the appreciably better. Our preference for security of Jews living in it flow direct absolute hatred of the Labor-Meretz the Right is rooted, rather, in the con ly from observance of the Torah. In alliance for Torah was itself the cause viction that the privilege to live in the Rabbi S.R. Hirsch's words: "Defending of lack of security. The anti-religious Land and our safety in it are in direct the land is a task taken over by G-d. The Left's concomitant callous view of the proportion to the level of the Torah security of Israel's borders depends not value of human life ("Rak ein yiras observance of its inhabitants. The Right on standing armies nor on troop or Elokim bamakom hazeh veharaguni - does not see the destruction of tradi armament deployment. It depends on There is but no fear of G-d in this place tional Judaism as its central goal, and is the quietly devoted and dedicated ful and they will slay me - Bereishis 20, 11 ), not averse to tolerating its growth. For fillment of the G-d-given Law on Israel's their all-consuming passion for turn that reason alone we are more secure own soil, in its own country." ing the Jewish People into a "nation like when they are in charge. Thus, the real battle for the security all others," their desperate craving for There is more. As the first Rashi of of Israel is being fought not by the "normalization" and acceptance by the Bereishis spells out so clearly, possession Mossad and the army, not on Wye Plan other nations as the ultimate goal, of the Land is decided by Hashem alone. tation and not in the U.N. The real bat would lead them to be careless with It is His to take from other nations and tle for the security of Israel is being security issues in pursuit of the rainbow give to us, and by the same token, His fought in homes all over Israel. It is the of their dreams, and makes it impossi to give away. So, if we surrender parts battle over the soul of the Jewish peo ble to rely on their judgment in mat of Bretz Yisroel, it is because Hashem ple. It is being fought by Shuvu as they ters oflife and death. took them away. The Left can't "give it open yet another class and another While the Likud as a party does not away," and the Right cannot defend it school for Russian Jewish children. It share the revulsion for Judaism of better. Our ability to hold on to it is in is being fought by the thousands of Yun Meretz and Labor, they are hardly direct proportion to our adherence to geleitwho work in the framework ofLev observant, and many of their leading fig the conditions of the ((lease," and with LeAchim and other groups to register yet ures have an antipathy for Torah out a doubt, we are better able to do that another Jewish child in a Torah school, Judaism on par with that of the Left. As under a Likud-led government. to bring that child's parents and siblings such, our view of the responsibility of The Torah Jew is convinced that pos- closer to Yiddishkeit. And the reason we When Unexpected Illness Strikes ...
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The Jewish Observer, December 1998 13 voted for Netanyahu and supported a we never subscribed to the theory of - we, for whom saving Jewish lives is right wing government was because he as'chalta de'ge'ula, we never saw the State the overriding factor in political nego allowed us to continue that fight. in messianic terms, we always insisted tiations with our Arab enemies; - we) that galus is not over, even in a Jewish who know that pikuach nefesh sets A DIVINE MESSAGE state. aside even the mitzva of yishuv Eretz Yis Perhaps, then, we shouldn't be all that roel, it might be thought, should not be ne could think that the Oslo troubled if the Land is taken away from overly distressed at the outcome of the process and the ceding of land the secular Zionist state so long as that Oslo process. 0 in its wake are a blow only to is what the nations of the world want, Nothing could be further from the those who saw the State in Messianic and so long as there is at least a mod truth. terms. We surely sympathize with the icum of increased security in wake of If the establishment of the State, as plight of the settlers whose lives are these agreements. We, who saw the State the Brisker Rav once told Rabbi Avra becoming increasingly endangered. But of Israel as but a new challenge in galus; ham Wolf of Bnai Brak, was a Divine smile, then certainly giving pieces of the land back to Arab control is slowly turn ing the Divine smile of 1948 and 1967 into a frown. And if we are forced to give back land without even an appre ciable increase in security, it is even more It hurts cause for alarm at the message Hashe1n 1o ca.11 is sending us. a11.:d omes11c THE TERM.S OF THE LEASE etz Yisroel was given by G-d to the ewish People and to no other. But auy_se • Eour right to live there was never unconditional. Our contract is the no 1ne. Torah, and the Torah is crystal clear on 11 the conditions of residence. The con tract not only spells out what we have to do to deserve the Land, it is explicit about what serves as grounds for evic tion. And it is equally clear that those It hurts sections of the contract will be enforced. The Sages (Avos 5:9) succinctly list the m o re Torah's grounds for eviction from the Land: idolatry, adultery, bloodshed and no1 1o. lack of Shmitta observance. (See Tosafos Yomtov and Gra there.) The degree of It feels better 1ust to talk about 1!. That's our adherence to those conditions will why we're here Our staff IS made up of determine if Hashem will extend our caring and sensitive individuals. Together, we can help you explore your options. We lease on the Land and to what extent. can refer you to recognized professionals If Hashem is taking the Land away for counseling, legal advice or help in from Jewish control - and He is - it is finding a_safe environment. We can also put you 1n touch with some very special a clear indication that He is dissatisfied Rabbis. But in order for us to reach out to with the way we used the opportunity you, you must first reach out to us. granted us when He gave it to us. Let Confidential Hotline 1.888.883.2323 us be clear. We see the Oslo process as (Toll Free) a Divine frown not because land is being 718.337.3700 taken away from a secular Zionist state, (NYC Area) but because by being given over to Pales Do it for yourself. tinian control, Jews will no longer have Do it for your children. S~alom Tas~ Force 1> a S01(c)(3l ch;wtable orgarnzat ------~·-~-- 14 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 sands of Jewish families on the West Israel notwithstanding. Habayis, 1900 years ago, Bretz Yisroel was Bank whose lives are becoming endan There is a dimension to this Divine dominated by foreign states for whom gered through this process are family. message that makes Palestinian control Palestine was just a colonial conquest. Our family. unlike previous foreign domination of For the first time, the foreign domina Bretz Yisroel. Since the Churban tion is in the form of a state in itself, sit- NO GUARANTEES AGAINST EVICTION bbi Samson Raphael Hirsch warned over a century ago that Itettlement of the land, no mat ter how massive, was no guarantee against eviction: From time to time in the course of the centuries, G-d allowed His people •The l'chus of Living, Breathing and Experiencing the Kedusha of Eretz Yisrael• ever and anon to touch the earth again. • The Torah Touring Experience of o lifetime! •Daven by the Kosel Ho'Morovi •Climb He put it to the test to see whether it Motsada •Inspiring Shiurim • Shabbos in Tzfos • Teveria • Meron •Amazing Workshops I • Kevrei Tzadikim • • Amukah • Experience Yerushaloyim in Depth • Delicious Hoh~/ had become ripe for the Torah-state on Style Meals• Swim in the Kinneref • Shabbos in Yerushalayim •Kayak in the Yarden • earth, whether ... it had at length learnt Rosh Honikra •Fully Equipped Modern Gym• Underground Caves• Ei/at •Gloss Bottom 1 to devote itself unreservedly and Boat • Air Conditioned Dining Rooms • Banana Boating • fin Gedi • Biblical Zoo • I Waterparks • Hor Haziseim • Beautiful Campus & Dormitory • Snorkling • Paddle exclusively to the Torah, and whether Booting• Campfire• Tour the Galil •Daven Va'sekin at Kosel• Light & Sound Desert I it could preserve this devotion ... in Experience• Golan Heights• Gamla •Cable Cars• Be'er Sheva • Make Wonderful freedom and in abundance and in International Friends • Yod Vashem • Swim in Yam Hameloch • Bedouin Tents • I Decoupage• Climb Incredible Mountains• Achdus • Tzipori •Arts & Crafts• Our Own independence and power. Olympic Pool• Grape Picking• Shmiras Halashon Rally• Rabbi lev Leff• Ancient Susya I But Israel had up to now always •Cairo Geniza Museum• Jeeping• Hotel Hamerchazi in Tzefas •Hotel El Artzei in given signs that it has not yet reached Eilat • Kanyan Ha'adom • Silk Screening• Meo Shearim • Rebbe's Tisch• Ffower & Fruit I Decoration• Camel Rides• Color War• Kever Rochel• Kever David Hamelech • Mearat this point. True, it has shown ... that, luzif • Mearot Chazon • Nacho/ Amud Nature Trail• Climb Sand Dunes • Mearat I while having no footing on the earth, Hokemach • Degem 8eis Hamikdosh • Klei Hamishkon • Hay Rides • Banyas • Mock Wedding • Swim in Hatzbonei River• Sunset Kumzitz by the Ocean • Tzfas Condie I it can commit itself with cheerful con Factory • Cave of the Chashmonaim • Orange Picking • and Much, Much More! fidence to the celestial wings of its •Just Ask An.'£ of our Wonderful Machane Brocha Campers! Divine Law. But it has also shown that ... as soon as it touches the soil and thinks that it has firm ground under A Safe, SeC18'e, Warm Atmosphere Magnificent Yael Blnyamln its feet, it runs the danger of aban I In Under the Direction of Rabbi Sholom & i'th. Chaya G/nzberg I doning the Divine Law and revering 1066 E. 23rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11210 (718}377·0234 • as gods, alongside of the Torah of its L G-d, the political independence, the ------social freedom and the civil rights IS which this soil provides. It runs the TYPE OF CAR OR SIMILAR 26 AUG. 98 19 DEC. 98 danger of devoting its life to them and ... finding room for the Torah only in its A RAT PUNTO 3 DR. 126 ~ synagogues, committing afresh all the B CITROEN SAXO 147 c DAIHATSU CHARADE P.S 175 ..,o.t °' old sins which brought on it the c·' PEUGEOT 306 217 ii'.i Churban, the destruction of its state c FORD ESCORT P.S I DAIHATSU APPLAUSE 238 ~·'( ;:) and temple. CD CITROEN XSARA DISEL 259 .., N KIA BESTA 8 SEATS 455 111111 Again and again, G-d has straight M MINIBUS 10 SEATS 490 Z' away allowed this soil to vanish from • D KIA PRIDE I OAIHATSU SIRION 196 o~ Ill • under its feet. E DAEWOO LANOS 238 So Hashem is telling us now in no F •NISSAN ALMERA 280 ~~ uncertain terms that He is displeased G •MAZDA LANTIS/ KIA 1.8 315 lllQ K·' *GMC SAVANA 700 with the way we have been using His x •SUBARU LEGACY 1.8 336 ~~ land, and, as He warned us, He will take XL *MAZDA626 385 sx •CHEVROLET LUMINA 595 -:t USA&CANADA it away. The "piece" process has begun. KX "MAZDA MPV 693 And if we don't get the n1essage, we are Toll Free: (1) 800-938·5000 vx 'VOLV0940 630 Tel in NY: '.212·629·6090 liable to lose more, our inflated confi J 'LANO.ROVER DISCOVERY 980 dence in the strength of the State of " POWER STEERING & ELECTRIC WINDOWS http://www.eldan.co.il/ The Jewish Observer, December 1998 15 uated completely on the soil of Eretz Yis Jews in the last two millennia, and the potential to the maximum, so long as we roel. Thus, Hashem's message that years since the Six Day War when we do not do our utmost to spread the Eretz Yisroel can be given away to oth "conquered" it are no exception. It is beauty and sanctity of His Word and to ers is much sharper. When foreign pow hard to speak of a unified Jerusalem bring more people under the wings of ers had possession, it was being held in under Israeli sovereignty when Jews will the Schechina, we too are culpable. trust, as it were. Now it is being given not venture into most of East Jerusalem. The results of national elections, the to a people who until recently were never With the exception of the Jewish Quar best indicator of the level of religious even considered a nation on their own. ter and the Kosel Hamaarav~ the Six Day commitment of the Israeli public, which War did not really give us sustained con the Chazon !sh viewed as referenda on A POWERFUL COMMUNICATION trol over the Arab neighborhoods of East loyalty to Torah, are a sad reflection on Jerusalem. the success of our efforts. Despite half ne cannot ignore the fact that But in 1967, Hashem did give us access a-century of unparalleled growth of the until now almost all the land to the Kosel Hamaaravi, to Hebron and Torah world, despite a prodigious birth 0 given up was never settled by Kever Rache4 places which help any Jew rate, the standard bearers of Torah Jews. Although Hebron is the city of the become closer to his Father in Heaven. MiSinai can garner barely I 00,000 votes Patriarchs, it is stretching the truth to Lately, though, the passage to these hal out of more than 3 million, and still con say that Jews lived there with any lowed places is becoming more difficult. stitute less than 3-1/2 percent of the elec degree of safety for the last three quar Visitors to the Me'aras Hamachpeilado so torate. With the exception of one elec ters of a century. The Temple Mount, only with an army escort; one can still tion, which for various reasons was a that ultimate symbol of our claim to daven at Kever Rache4 though it is now in fluke, Yahadus HaTorah has the same Eretz Yisroel, was never controlled by the middle ofArab-controlled Bethlehem; four representatives out of 120, that it and although the Kosel is still totally acces had 50 years ago when the State was ilr.J?'IV i1N1!l1? 77!l!1i1?1 11ti77 N) sible, the walk to it through Damascus established. Of the Shas Party's 10 seats, ,,,ii i))J Gate is dangerous by any yardstick. So the n1ost are from non-religious or tradi i1r.l?'I!) ?N1'1!.n o~~n message here is that those opportunities tional voters. ~"l ~? i11~'1!) 1:i to become closer to Him can be taken That is not to say that there have not oir.:iv inri1 lii::zv away as well if we do not deserve them. been gains in the spread of Torah in And that is the ultimate slap in the face. Israel. The yeshivas are thriving as never before, the Baal Teshuva movement is HAT PLUS "HEIS US" expanding. Every year, tens of new Torah Hats • Shirts • Ties •Accessories Schools, chadarim, and yeshivas open l of the above would lead one to their doors, and the existing Torah Your#l Stop onclude that the only guilty ones institutions are bursting at the sea1ns. for Al ere are the Left, Meretz, and Hardly a day goes by without a new pub Quality Hats Labor parties, the anti-religious media, lic shiur being launched in a develop the vulgar performing arts, and all haters ment town or non-religious neighbor WE ALSO ORY CLEAN LARGEST SELECTION of Torah, whatever their politics. They hood. Even Israel Radio - that bastion & RESHAPE HATS OF CHOSON/M TIES IN (All work done an premises) BROOKLYN are the ones who made the State of Israel of apostasy and vulgarity - is having 1368 Coney Island Avenue into a breeding ground for all the difficulty finding technicians to work on (718) 377-5050 abominations that are the basis for evic Shabbos. Because, one after the other, the Major credit cards accepted • We ship UPS tion. We learn, we daven, we perform members of the technicians union are mitzvos. It's the1n, not us. becoming baalei teshuva. It's not so. But have Torah Jews won the battle The Jewish People are called Adam - for the soul of Israel? Hardly. are considered one body and soul. The iinperative of arvus, mutual responsi o the story of Oslo and Wye is not bility, the commandment of hoche'ach about a peace process. It is about toche'ach makes my neighbor's spiritu Sa divestiture. A Divinely orches ality my own personal responsibility. trated divestiture. It is not we who are Making shem Shamayim misaheiv al giving away parts of Eretz Yisroel. cemetery plots in yadcha (inspiring love for G-d in oth Hashem is. Eretz Hachaim Beth Shemesh ers) is the Jew's central mission, not only The message is for us. And it's fright Har Menuchoth - Har Hazeisim in the Diaspora, but - even more ening. 011-972-2-641-1923 importantly- among Jews. Sure, we try; But we can turn that Divine frown but so long as we do not fulfill our own into a radiant smile. • 16 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 Jeremy Kagan A CONFLICT OF CULTURES WHERE THE HISTORIC BATTLE OF CHANUKA WAS FOUGHT, AND IS YET TO BE WON THE GREEK INVASION: worshipers. They accepted that there accepted the culture of MORE THAN JUST TROOPS was some kind of god that transcend their conquerors. Most ed human understanding, who ruled of the difficulties we hen Alexander the Great came and defined reality, even if their under faced during the Greek sweeping through Israel at the standing of the identity and nature of period were not caused W head of a vast Greek army, he that god was corrupt. Because they at by Greeks themselves brought with him more than just troops. least accepted the centrality of a deity, but by renegade Jews He also brought a culture whose world the Babylonians and the Persians, who called in Greek view was completely foreign to that of though more primitive than the Greeks, forces to intervene on the Jewish people. Alexander's person were actually closer to the Torah vision. their behalf. To under- al tutor was Aristotle, the individual who The Greeks, by empowering man to stand the nature of the challenge that completed the foundations of Greek phi define the world, were necessarily Greece posed, we must understand the losophy. The Ramban writes of Aristo opposed to any meaningful concept of historical context in which her conquests tle that he "denied the existence of any transcendence, and were therefore hos took place. thing except that which he could sense, ... tile to the Torah at its most fundamen and thought... that anything which he tal level. A REVOLUTION IN HUMAN could not understand with his own intel As the Greeks spread their empire CONSCIOUSNESS lect was not true" (Chiddushei HaRam across the known world, they did not ban, Vayikra 16,8). He, along with the seek merely to rule others, they were also here were three major develop Greek culture he epitomized, embodied cultural imperialists they wanted to ments in human experience that an extreme rationalism that placed man spread Greek ideas. When they reached Twere roughly concurrent with the at the center of existence, where his intel the Jews, they found a nation uninter rise of Alexander to power: the end of lect had full reign to determine the ested in assimilating their philosophy, revealed miracle, the end of prophecy, nature of reality. because of our staunch dedication to the and the end of the inclination to wor This contrasted sharply with all the One transcendent G-d. The Greeks, ship idols. Together, these represented societies the Jews had encountered therefore, sought to destroy our faith, a revolution in human consciousness until that time. The neighboring peo decreeing, "Write on the horns of your that set the stage for and revealed the ples with whom we traded and fought, cattle that you have no portion in the true significance of the Greek empire. and the distant empires who had pre G-d of Israel" (Bereishis Rabba 2:4). The spread of Greek power fol viously come to conquer us, were all idol They built their gymnasiums and taught lowed on the heels of the Jewish return their ideas, trying to convert us to their to Israel from their exile in Persia. Per Jeremy Kagan teaches in several yeshivos and sem vision of reality. sia was a major watershed in Jewish his inaries in Jerusalem. Feldheim recently published They were, to a degree, successful. tory. While there, Haman attempted to his book, The Jewish Self: Recovering Spirituali ty in the Modern World. His essay, "The Soulful Some Jews became Misyavnim - Hel annihilate us and it was only through a Cry of the Shofar," was featured in The Jewish lenists, or Grecophiles - the first time miracle that we were saved. But it was Observer, Sept. '98. in history that any Jews voluntarily a miracle of a completely different The Jewish Observer, December 1998 17 character from those to which we had maze of nine years' worth of details, the open miracles" (Yuma 29a). From now become accustomed. There was no consistent thread of an invisible hand on, G-d's efforts on our behalf would be plague selectively wiping out the enemy, weaving events to their proper conclu fully clothed within the workings of the no splitting of a sea. Rather, within the sion. But they understood: the outcome natural world. The Book of Esther, framework of normal human experi was too perfect, the tin1ing too precise, which records the events of the time, ence, a series of"coincidences" produced every necessary element falling into does not mention the name of G-d, for the most dramatic turnaround of place at just the right time. 1nentioning His name would indicate national fortune in history. Mordechai's The redemption from Persia inau our obvious awareness of His presence, cunning, Esther's political savvy, and gurated the period of Jewish history and we had no such awareness. (Mahar blind luck conspired to bring about characterized by hester panim, the hid al Ohr Chadash 59) He was hidden, and Haman's downfall and the rise of the den face of G-d. The Talmud asks, "Why - as the Talmud indicates - He would Jews in his place. Or so it appeared. is Esther co1npared to the morning?" and remain hidden. Esther was like morn Only the keen insight of the chachamim answers that, "Just as the morning ends ing, ending an era. When the Greeks (sages) could distinguish, within the the night, so Esther ends the period of entered the scene, open miracles were already a thing of the past. FROM PROPHECY TO AIS YAAKOV OF MONSEYI TALMUDIC INSIGHT ven more directly connected with the spread of Greek power was the Eend of prophecy. Daniel predict ffers a serious half-day ed the rise of Alexander: "And the fourth king of Persia will enrich himself great program with a professional ly and through that enrichment he will faculty, staff and a high level curriculum, awaken the kingdom of Greece. And a powerful king will rise and rule over a great empire, doing as he pleases. And when he rises, he will break the Persian kingdom and spread across the four directions of heaven .... " Teaching preparations, Seder Olam states that the Greek king teaching psychology referred to in these verses is Alexander, and methods for all levels and continues, "Until this time, the prophets prophesied with divine inspi ration. From this time onwards incline ~ Limudei Kodesh and Hashkofo your ear and listen to the words of the wise" (Chapter 30). Seder Olam is Character development & personal growth telling us that Alexander's coming to power signaled the end of prophecy and Vocational courses optional the ascendance of Talmud, the Oral Torah, which relies upon the insights of s~ BaU '!/~ ol MO#l4e4f ~ tlt.e the wise rather than direct prophetic rev elation. Alexander was a conten1porary ~ Ut.oj_~_o'!!__~~~-tlt.e ~- of Shimon HaTzaddik, who saw the passing of the last prophets (Yuma 69a; MRS. LEAH FOGEL Pirkei Avos 1:2, Bartenura). Principal THE END OF IDOL WORSHIP For information call he Vilna Gaon in Seder Olam ties CHANA GOBIOFF 914 425-8757 a third development to the rise of DVORAH KALMAN 914 425-6511 TGreece. The Talmud states that at a certain point in history the inclination for idol worship was elin1inated from 18 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 mankind (Yuma69b). The Gaonteach nection to something larger than his own THE DARKNESS THAT WAS GREECE es that this event coincided with the loss individuality. In fact, this very fading set of prophecy ( Gra on Seder Olam). the stage for Greek conquest. Greece was hen we put these three devel This change was perhaps the most not an idol-worshipping society. They opments together - the end profound of them all. professed the totality of man's mastery W of open miracles, the end of Evil is always the inversion of good. of existence. Their philosophy mirrored prophecy, and the disappearance in man Where there is an inclination towards the change in mankind's internal sense of the need to relate to anything tran evil, there is hidden the potential for scendent- we get a picture of the dark greatness. Bound up with the inclina ened period during which the Jews con tion to worship idols was the energy to • fronted Greece. At the very time when worship G-d. An inclination is a s the Greeks Greece was challenging us with its cul hunger for something, a sense of incom ture, we were losing all direct experience pleteness, which needs to be filled. To Aspread their empire of the truth of our own beliefs. say that we once had an inclination to across the known As they pushed their world view, worship idols is to say that there was a time when we felt a need for worship as world, they did not powerful and immediate as hunger - a natural sense of the necessity of seek merely to rule being connected to something larger others, they were also than ourselves. Its corrupt form was a desire to attach to something that had cultural imperialists - some immediate expression - an idol or the physical forces that the idol rep they wanted to spread resented. Its purified form was an Greek ideas. awareness of the finitude and mortali ty of our individual humanity leading to attachment to the boundless G-d. The need to seek G-d had character of self. Man no longer• felt the need to ized Jewish consciousness since our attach to something transcendent; Greece birth as a nation in Egypt. Its corrupt taught that man did not have to. [t was expression, the need to worship idols, had for this reason that they were successful dominated hun1an consciousness from in war-the Greeks were carrying a cul the beginning of time. This need to wor ture that their enemies sensed was true, ship had faded by the time Greece came and so they had no strength to stand to power - man lost the sense of con- against Greece. •,;~~~'.fiirther details and .•)~ervations please con :£il(dget Israel Fax: 972 6389992 . Email: domicar@budget; •· . USA: 800 4723325 . Canada:800 2688900 Offer is valid till Dec. 1;J;,.~,__ , 'Based on minimum 7 days renta1--:--;-: of car category A, excfuding , insurance. Quote tariff code DH!: "'Rea.l 'l)ea.l'' is valid Nov. 21-March 30, 1999, and can be reserved through your local travel agent or directly with the hotel: Budget. RENAISSANCE JERUSALEM Hffl EL Ruppin Hndgt: at Herzl Bhd Supplement for Renaissance Wing rooms - $20 per room per night j>() B 3369 Jcrusak:n1 91033 Israel Supplement Dec. 24 - Jan. 3 '99 - $20 Fax 972-2-651 18'.24 Car Rental per room per night (both wings). E m.::id rcn1hot®nt:tv1s1on net 11 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 19 which excluded the existence and to abandon their faith. day! We had lived for centuries in prox involvement of G-d, we lost both our We might ask why we had to go imity with G-d, experienced constant natural sense of connection to Him - through all this. G-d created the world ly His revelation in the world. After Per we no longer felt the need to worship in order to give us a relationship with sia, that was taken away and we were left - and direct experience of G-d in the Him. vVhy did He push us so far away? abandoned and isolated in a dim phys world through open miracles and Why did He make it so hard to see Him? ical world. Surely we were entering prophecy. The new sense of autonomy The answer is hinted in the section of night, and not morning! that characterized human awareness Talmud we mentioned earlier - that We must think more deeply about the combined with a consistently natural Esther is called morning because she premise of our question. Yes, as stated, world to confirm the Greek vision. On ends the era of open miracles. Why does G-d created the world in order to give a world level, this allowed the Greeks to the Talmud compare Esther with the us a relationship with Him. But what is wash away any opposing armies. Local morning ending the night? Surely she a real relationship? When a mother rais ly, this helped them convince many Jews should be the night bringing an end to es her child, she trains him to be inde pendent of her and to travel in increas ingly wide circles. At first, the child will not let her out of his sight. Then the child gets braver and begins to strut and march away from Mom, seemingly oblivious to her presence. But the child will only retain his bravery so long as he is confident that Mom is right there and he can get back to her instantly. He needs his mother to be physically present. With FOR time, the child learns that his mother is there for him even when she is not THE FINEST around, and he can go as far as he needs. IN The child is no longer dependent upon her physical presence because he has AND VIDEO come to carry her in his heart. They are USA/ISRAEL Shirts Plus features an exclusive collection We make "housecalls" of: Shirts. Ties. Sportswear. Wallets. Leather. Sweaters. Belts. Cufflinks. Smoking Jackets. 718) 972-4003 Robes. Accessories. :i-~.,~- World's Finest Designers: Gianni Versace. / ~ .,b::>!v Gianfranco Ferre. Perry Ellis. Tommy Hilfiger. Calvin Klein. Kenneth Cole. Giorgio Armani. Mondo di Marco. Many More ... ~" lnvei B~"c~C,.<(r Hagefen (('~(.. ( The Shidduch service tL(. for older singles MEN'S BOUTIQUE L A projeet of N'shei Agudalh Israel with 1374 CONEY ISLAND AVENUE (btwn.J & K) Agudath Israel of America 718-252-4488 HOURS: DAILY.10·6 •LATE NITETHURSDAY 6619 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY !1219 NATIONWIDE SHIPPING Tel. (718) 256-7525 •Fax (718) 256-7578 ------~------·- 20 The Jewish Observer, December 7 998 no longer connected by their chance ed much darkness, allowing us to see by merely sitting in the gloom. Or we physical proximity but rather because G-d even where He was not obviously can take the challenge, get up, and light they have become truly united in a fun revealed. Thus, the sages drew our atten a candle. Merely striking a match will damental sense. They have developed a tion to the Menora by requiring us to not suffice, however. Rather, as the flame true relationship. kindle lights on Chanuka, for it holds begins to take hold of the wick, as our the key to what this time is all about. little candle pushes back the blackness A RELATIONSHIP THAT TRANSCENDS Greece brought with it a great dark of winter, we must search in our own ness - a darkness born of a brand of lives and strive to see the little hints that -d created the world to give us human understanding that hid the reveal G-d peering through the cracks an opportunity to form this kind presence and involvement of G-d in our and touching us in His remarkably sub Gof relationship with Him. If we lives. We live in that darkness today, as tle way. The only reason we suffer the are connected to G-d only when He is the philosophies, interpretations, and painful darkness of this exile is to allow revealed, the connection is an imposed attitudes of Greece define the larger soci us this possibility of creating light. Let one. Rather than joining Him to our ety in which we live. We can respond us not squander the moment. • essential self, His connection is hoisted upon us by the weight of external DavkaWriler... lhe essential Torah word processor! experiece. We must learn to make G-d a true part of ourselves, to carry Him with us even when His presence is not At last-a obvious. This is true relationship. The Hebrew/English Greeks arose in history to help provide word processor the challenge that forced us to develop that can handle this level of internal connection. the writing •Complete The darkness of G-d's disappearance, needs of yeshiva Hebrew/English then, is fundamental to Chanuka and students, kol/el features/ the Greek exile. It provides the exile with and seminary DavkaWriter has purpose by forcing us to create our own students, rabbelmand full bilingual light, our own connection with G-d. teachers with capability, 17 Thus, though the event we commemo easel Hebrew fonts rate on Chanuka is primarily a military with nikud and victory that drove the Greeks from our trop, Hebrew/ land, as mentioned in Al Hanissim, our English spell ritual observance focuses on the mira checker and cle of the Menora.1 The military victory dictionary! by itself could be misunderstood as a • Ideal for day school students! natural result of a brave and skilled DavkaWriter is easy to team and use, guerilla campaign - one more per includes the complete Tanach tor • Perfect for Kolle/ students and mutation of worshipping the false idol easy insertion into your word Rabbeiml of "The strength of my own hands" processing tiles, and comes with DavkaWriter is packed with powerful (Devarim 17,17). The burning of one 100 Judaic clip art images. features tor writing Chidushei Torah, day's worth of oil for eight days in the including footnotes, columns, center Menora, however, was clearly a miracle last line, Hebrew numbering of footnotes, low underline tor text from G-d. That little pulling back of the with nikud, much more! curtain, that small gift from heaven after the fact, served as a subtle reminder that the long and arduous battle with Greece Only $149 had been a great, hidden miracle ( Sif sei Chayim). Available at Judaic bookstores nationwide The Menora's small light illuminat- or from Davka Corporation 1 Why the miracle of the Menora does not con 1-800-621-8227 tradict the Talmud, which states that Esther was the final miracle, is answered cryptically in the Attention Dagesh/Accent/Qtext Users- Call for upgrade details! Talmud itself and explained by many commen taries. See, for example, Rav Tzaddok Hakohein, Davka Corporation • 7074 N. Western • Chicago, IL• 60645 • (773) 465-4070 Machshavos Charutz, 66b. Fax (773) 262-9298 • email: [email protected] • web: www.davka.com The Jewish Observer, December 1998 21 Foster home good.b ·· ... ·.. s are ARE teach .· f.Jl:.EiUse. they "ou' YC!U What ·1d cafl tell you J' re sunip h I be like Ye; osed to As a foster c ' ' at a . u get fed that a good fo;~:~n't mean a normal ti THERE parent to m\here is no su~h to sleep at . me, go perfect one,; rtect parent. If time ,, • ···.• . a normat 'Jourfoster thing as a p~est to help a mother is.· . / you try yo~r erfect enough. there for a Ways REALLY child-thats P YOU, DEVORAH QUEENS, NY RIKKI FLAT'$1!JSJj,,NiY JEWISH CHILDREN A foster home must have a• ..f:~wbas1c WHO thirlf}!ii; ;1~r .. tp9Gl, ·.tl.;.·.a.:•. >.e;f:i.elter. a · · ·· ·· ·.· •... of The size or shape the home does not NEED m~~E~r.Jt is.the · 1oii:;t~~it .c C)l\J~nf~· ... . ii\~. . .. FOSTER l/:.~.NY .. ·. CARE? OHEL'S CHILDREN GIVE ANSWERS YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! E'Veryone needs a Family For information about becoming a foster parent or a family care provider please call OHEL at 718/851-6300. For further information about OHEL's other programs, please call 1-888-311-0HEL CHILDREN'S HOME &FAMILY SERVICES ( 4510 16th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11204 ) David Sears CHANUKA AND THE PARADOX OF I EWISH UNITY n infamous Persian minister once such mag ly con disparagingly referred to the Jew nitude that, doned belief Aish people as am echad - a despite all systems that unique nation, apart from the rest of the the good will negate the world (Megillas Esther 3,8). This descrip in the world, " yesodei ha'e- tion also could be taken in a positive it is impossi muna, the sense. In spiritual terms, we are a har ble for the broad foundations of n1onious whole; however, in religious spectrum of Jewry faith. Tolerance and political terms, unfortunately, this to achieve any signifi dictates that we respect has rarely been the case. The current cant accord on major reli the dignity of those with «state of the nationn is especially trou gious issues. We find this whom we disagree, looking bling. Both in Israel and America, divi extremely painful because, despite beyond immediate, surface dif sions between secular and religious our differences, we are brothers ferences. It does not mean that we Jews have increased to the point that one and sisters. As Rabbi Yechiel must give our assent to false might well be reluctant to say or do any Yaakov Weinberg, author of hood. Tolerance can only go thing for fear of making matters worse. the Seridei Eish, once so far before it becomes Thus, certain Orthodox leaders seek ways wrote at a similar moment capitulation and hypocrisy. to make concessions to the Conservative of crisis, "We wish to be One must know where to and Reform movements, particularly united with you, but we do draw the line. concerning the conversion process as it not wish to be assimilated Perhaps it is necessary to applies to the State of Israel's Law of amongst you.... How difficult and bit remind ourselves that applying "Jewish Return. This law has become the cata ter it is for us to have an argument with pluralism" to our relationship with lyst for an intensely emotional debate our brothers" (Es Achai Anochi non-Orthodox movements is not mere about the definition of Judaism itself. Mevakesh, p. 18). Yet because of this ly a political solution to a political prob What the non-Orthodox world profound and intimate connection, lem. It challenges the very notion that refuses to grasp is that the Jewish reli neither side can simply abandon the Israel bears a Divine message to the rest gion is not determined by popular vote. debate and walk away. of the world - a message that the het If there were but one baal emuna - one Many people on both sides of the erodox movements in one way or person of faith - left in the world, the argument speak of tolerance. It is true another do not share. It extends legit truth would not change. From an that civility is esteemed in rabbinic tra imacy to belief systems that deny the Orthodox point of view, the basic dition. Every year, during the seven divinity of Torah, and that view the Cre tenets of faith and normative halacha are weeks of Sefiras HaOmer, we remind ator as lacking the ability or will to con non-negotiable. Disagreement over ourselves that the 24,000 disciples of trol human events (rn)-concepts that the Divine origin of the Torah and the Rabbi Akiva died by Heavenly decree for violate Judaism's defining principles. authority of Ghazal (rabbis of the Tal not dealing respectfully with one anoth The desire to avoid the cardinal sin of mud) creates a theological chasm of er (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim ((divisiveness" must not be permitted to 493: I). By contrast, the respectful pos result in a failure of will on the part of David Sears, of Brooklyn, wrote "Who Took the ture ofBeis Hillel toward Beis Shammai Orthodox Jews. Our fidelity to Torah 'Jewish' out of Jewish Music?" which was featured in The Jewish Observer, Jan. '97. His most recent is familiar to every yeshiva student and mitzvos is not only a matter of ful book is Compassion for Humanity in the Jewish (Eiruvin 13b). Even the gentle Hillel filling our own religious calling, but is Tradition (Jason Aronson 1998). himself, however, would not have polite- a means for bringing merit to the The Jewish Observer, December 1998 23 "The wisdom of the Menora is of • profound significance.... It has seven ust as oil does not mix with water, Israel branches, three on each side facing the central shaft. This alludes to the seven does not mix with other nations or days of creation that arise from One J Source.'' belief-systems. The seal of the Kohein The seven branches appear to be sep Godo! upon each flask of oil also arate and distinct, arranged to the left and right; yet essentially they are one and the indicates separatism and kedusha (holiness). The Maccabees same. Thus, we are given to understand were waging a war not only against a foreign conqueror, but that the seeming "many-ness" of the phe nomenal world is a reflection of the against cultural assimilation. Divine Oneness - and Divine Oneness is the essence and source of many-ness . The Menora is also symbolic of the • Jewish people, whose individual entire Jewish people, ultimately bene bol of unity. The Torah requires that the predilections and views may widely fitting all humanity. Menora be miksha achas - formed of diverge, while in their spiritual root they one piece) not co1nponent parts. This constitute one harmonious whole (ibid., THE WISDOM OF THE MENORA symbolism is also inherent in its design: end of parsha). This oneness, howev from one common stem emerge seven er, is extremely difficult for the mortal ne of the most eloquent sym branches, suggesting that the appearance mind to grasp. Rendering the word mik bols of this "universalism of diversity in creation is actually an sha ("beaten") as if it were kushia 0 through particularism" is the expression of unity. As Shnei Luchos ("difficulty" or "paradox"), the Gemo Menora. Above all, it is a symbol of HaBris on Parshas Teruma (sec. 5) ra states that even Moshe Rabbeinu could Divine wisdom; as such, it is also a sym- states: not fathom the elusive meaning of the Menora (Menachos 29a). Although cre ated by Moshe, the Menora is a pelleh, a miraculous entity. THE LIGHT OF CHANUKA ince the miracle of Chanuka Israel Torah Trip specifically involved the Menora, Sone can suggest that the two sub ix weeks of touring in a secure and safe atmosphere jects share certain similarities of mean for a select group ofBais Yaakov girls ages 17-21. S ing. The Menora's message of unity sug uchnius instilled through daily shiurim by gests that Chanuka, too, possesses a R well-known D':Jlnr.l. universal dimension. The Chanuka ccommodations will be in a beautiful modem E~erience lamps we place in our doorways or upon A donmitory in o"1vn>. "The Year our windowsills have a cosmic effect. In in Israel" the words of the Sfas Emes: E xperienced tour guides and wonderful 11\:J'1ir.1. "Through the act of lighting the In Six Menora in the Reis Hamikdash, spir eadership - The tour will be personally supervised Weeks itual illumination shone forth to all the L by Sheila Schwebel, well known for her touring With world .... This also takes place when we expertise. Her deep love of Eretz Yisroel is I.T.T. light the Chanuka candles. Then all inspiring to those who come under her influence. creation is elevated to its source in the Divine Oneness'' (Sfas Emes, Chanu New York Coordinator ka 5632, Fifth Night). Mrs. Esther Biberfeld At the same time, Chanuka exempli (718) 435-7575 • (718) 258-2622 fies separateness. The flask of pure oil symbolizes the absolute anti-assimila tionism of the Torah and Kial YisroeL We Our 19th Summer!• Interviews now in progress are "a people that dwells alone and shall 24 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 not be reckoned among the nations" humans.) According to these philoso from the Menora in the Third Beis (Bamidbar 23,9). That is, just as oil does phers, unity is a construct: a sort of meta Hamikdash, may it be rebuilt speedily in not mix with water, Israel does not mix physical Library of Congress in which it our days. • with other nations or belief-systems. The is forbidden to raise one's voice by mak seal of the Kohein Gadol upon each flask ing any claim to absolute truth. Moral of oil also indicates separatism and relativism is one of the articles of faith kedusha (holiness). The Maccabees of contemporary "Hellenists," as well. were waging a war not only against a for The question is: how is unity possible eign conqueror, but against cultural when in one way or another, divergent assimilation. Indeed, the first act of the vie\vs are inevitably mutually exclusive? Maccabean uprising was the striking At best, one can find some common down of a Hellenized Jew publicly denominator and strike a compromise. engaged in idolatry. The Maccabees were But true unity is not attained this way. kana'irn - uncompromising zealots. Such a strategy is like the bed of Sodom Their refusal to compromise was an described by Ghazal: if a person was too expression of their dedication to the tall, the townspeople cut off his feet; ifhe truth. This, too, is symbolized by the was too short, they stretched him to size Caregivers, Inc. Menora. The seven branches of the (Sanhedrin 109b ). By contrast, Chanu more than medicine Menora represent diverse points of ka teaches us that true unity cannot be view, but it is a diversity that springs forth imposed from without, but is an expres When you need the assistance of a from the common ground of truth. sion of the hidden essence of things. This visiting caregiver who is sensitive to your Rabbi Nosson Sternhartz observes: unity can be reached only through fideli needs as a patient and member of the frum "The Menora was absolutely one, all ty to the Divine element that must be community, trust Caregivers, Inc. As one of a piece, because truth is one. sought within. of New York's most qualified health care Although ornamented with numerous providers,,. we offer more than just our buds, flowers, and cups, the entire SEEKING THE LIGHT medical expertise. Our professional and object was formed from a single piece of gold. By analogy, from the core of he true solution to the challenges paraprofessional aides respond to the truth emerge the Torah and mitzvos, as of pluralism and the diversity of special Halachic needs you may have. well as all the worlds, both spiritual and human attitudes and views can T It's all part of how we provide expert care physical, which possess colors and vari not come about through human intel ations beyond number; nevertheless, lect, but through Divine wisdom: the where you're most comfortable-at home. in their source, all things are absolute light of the Menora. We can kindle that 'Based on 19% ocaeditation by the foint Commission on AcCTeditation ofHea/thaire Organizations (]CAHO). ly one.... The Menora was one because light by remaining steadfast in our devo the diversity of existence is one. This tion to everything the Menora repre Professional Services is the essence of truth, which is one" sents. This will bring about not only • Registered nurses (Likkutei Halachos, Yoreh De'ah, Jewish unity, but the unity of all cre • Licensed practical nurses Beheima V'Chaya Tehora 4:30, end). ation. During the Hellenist period, too, • Rehabilitation therapists Truth is not a construct but a sim- a man-made vision of unity stood in •High-tech nursing services ple unity, reflecting the simple Oneness contrast to the Divine unity of the • Case management services of the Creator. Menora. Ironically, it was the anti assimilationist Maccabees who brought Paraprofessional Services UNITY AS A CONSTRUCT about the rededication of the "House of • Home health aides Prayer for all nations" ( Yeshayahu 56,7). • Personal care aides mong the Hellenists there were More than two thousand years later, •Task-oriented services also those who sought unity and the Chanuka lamp remains a living sym Apeace, but on very different bol of Israel's path and goal. It teaches Call the LinkLine Hotline, (718) 921-8800, terms. They wished to put the broken us that maintaining our religious for your free guide to Caregivers. pieces of the world back together, but integrity is neither narrow-minded nor lacked a basis for spiritual discrimina intolerant, but an act of love both of .CAREGIVERS, INC. tion. Their premise was that "everything Hashem and of our fellow Jews. 6.323 Seventh Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11220-4711 is the same"; all religions are of equal Although this posture may at times A part;c;pating agency of Metropolitan Jewish Health System value because they all attest to the appear to be self-centered, it is actual The Jewish Observer, December 1998 25 • :Elaborat~~ art'd~xp~u~Js C>n one or two topjcs from each ,daf l1.1cid English, with t!ebrew footnotes Also used as a study aid by many not studying Oaf Yomi Canada $50 Overseas $60 US Funds only. After Jan 31, '99 Canada $54 • Overseas $65 Order NOW! Send completed form to Al Hadaf • PO Box 791 • Monsey, NY 10952 Phone/Fax E-Mail 1-888-AL-HADAF [email protected] (914-356-9114) SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! If not completely satisfied, cancel within 60 days for full refund. The Al Hadaf issues will be yours to keep. ------o My check'°'°"',,.,., 2 subscription is enclosed ["11• - • • 0]&;[.iqt.f:f.Zt.Jt~.! · VJS.4 .>;t§r;··i· D Please charge my MastercardNisa I· , CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT NUMBE:R EXP_ DATf Rabbi/DrJMr. ______ Address------ City/State/ZIP•------ .f.h~n;. • • • • • _ • • __ • • • •••••••..I ALLOW 3 WEEKS FOR THE ~IRST ISSUE TO ARRiVE Rabbi Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer Good Churnros? The Big Question o you merit a greater portion in Rabbi Eliezer said: Just as CHUMROSFOR the World-to-Come if you allowing that which is prohib THE THINKING Dalways read the Shema before the ited is forbidden, so is pro PERSON Magen Avraham's deadline? 1 Do you hibiting that which is allowed generate more nachas ru'ach for HaKa also forbidden ( Yerushalmi n broad terms, we can identify dosh Baruch Hu if you keep your refrig Terumos 5:3).' four categories of chumros: erator on a Shabbos clock? If the answer Many writers have attempt I to these questions is an unqualified "yes," ed to identify sociological I. Based on halachic issues. then why are we not machmir(stringent) reasons why, in their per 2. Based on ahavas (love for) with every conceivable chumra possible? ception, our genera Hashem. Before we continue, let us clarify tion has a more 3. Based on yiras that the converse of a chumra is not a stringent attitude (awe for) Hashem. kula (a leniency). Halacha recognizes toward halacha 4. Based on separa many instances in which kullos are jus is more tion from gashmiyus tified: hefsed merubeh, she' as hadechak, machmir (pursuit of material kavod Shabbos', etc. For our purposes than our par ism and physical plea here, however, these are not the alter ents' and grand sures). natives to chumros. The alternative is parents' genera- "baseline" halachic obser- I tions. • The first category is halachic vance. While the definition tl.'~'1 Mtciil Their various theories in nature: A great poseik reviews an issue of such a standard is iffy, let may or may not consti in depth and comes to the conclusion us say that it consists of tute insightful analyses that halacha definitively follows the halachic behavior endorsed 8:58 of contemporary con stringent opinion in a certain area. by: (a) many great poskim io•aoil'>•!llll"l>- .. ___ ...9:34 -- K".,!lMt,...... ditions. They do noth A case in point: for centuries, most (halachic authorities) who ing, however, to answer of Ashkenazic Jewry was lenient con have weighed in on the issue; and (b) the questions that we posed at the out cerning yashan and chadash.4 When prevalent practice among many obser set. Some chumros may be sociologi Rabbi Chaim and Rabbi Velvel vant Jews. cally motivated. Some people may be Soloveitchik ?"YT revisited the issue, machmir unthinkingly. These may not however, their analysis led them to con ARE THERE UNWARRANTED CHUMROS? be the "right" motivations for adopt clude that the prevailing practice was ing a chumra. We, however, want to incorrect, and that following the strin- f course, chutnros must be warranted. understand what a "right" motivation 4 To be sure, there were always mach1nirim on Chazalwarn us not to prohibit items might be, and to determine if a chum chadash, even among the Chassidim, Some might 0 or activities arbitrarily: ra adopted as a result will truly enhance argue that the "baseline" halachic position is to one's avodas Hashem (Divine service). be stringent in the area of chadash, and that it is 1 This calls for saying the "She1na" at least 36 min a kula- a leniency- to eat grain products froffi utes earlier than according to other authorities. 3 One of my roshei yeshiva once related that he the new crop before 17 Nissan. I have chosen to The questions is, of course, ill-phrased. As had met a man who would not remove or replace deem the observance of chadash outside Eretz Yis Antigonus !sh Soc ho tells us in Avos l :3, we should a bottle cap on a soda pop bottle on Shabbos (even roel as a chumra because the overwhelming not serve Hashem in order to achieve reward. I when the cap had been initially opened before majority of observant Jews have never refrained have intentionally expressed the question inap Shabbos). He based his "chumra" on the prohi from chadash. As '"e have noted, "baseline propriately to emphasize the issue. bition to create a tent (asi'as ohel) on Shabbos. halacha" may be determined by the practices of This rosh yeshiva clearly demonstrated that the 2 a majority of observant Jews: "Puk chazei mai ama Financial hardship, unusual circumstances, to problem of ohel could not, by any stretch of the honor Shabbos, etc. d'var" -Go see how the nation conducts itself" imagination, apply to soda pop bottle caps. The (Berachos 45a). The Mishna Berura (489:45) individual remained adamant: "Everyone has Rabbi Bechhofer is a Rosh KoHel at Yeshivas Beis writes, concerning chadash, that "ba'al nefesh yach their chumros," he said, "this is mine." Perhaps HaMidrash La Torah, and heads its Torah im Derech mir." See our discussion of that concept below. someone may have some reason to take a per Bretz program, as well as Mora D'asra of Cong. Ba is See also the Aruch HaShulchan Yoreh De'ah 293. sonal shevu'a (vow) not to open bottle caps on Tefilla in Chicago. He is a frequent contributor to A fuller appreciation of the complexities of the Shabbos. In the absence of such a slievu'a, this these pages, including "Der Aufttieg. Dr. Nathan Birn issue will have to wait for another opportunity. practice could not be justified as a chumra, as it baum ?~:n, Ascent and Agudah," May '97. As above, the intentional oversimplification here did not reflect any legitimate halachic opinion. is for illustrative purposes only. The Jewish Observer, December 1998 27 gent opinion in this area was necessary. authorities, even to the present day) n1ay er, may be positive. The Nesivos Shalom A chumra arrived at by this process is issue guidelines and enactments - (Kovetz Sichos p. 16), in the name of the inescapable. But very few of us are takkanos - that are not properly clas Taras Avos, cites the verse regarding equipped to engage in this process. It sified as chumros. The Chazon Ish ':>"lit, Bilaam and his donkey, which found is one reserved for Gedolei Torah at the on Orach Chaim 52:6, understood the itself standing in the path among the highest echelon. Often, poskim who prohibition against using an umbrella vineyards, bound in narrow confines by have engaged in such comprehensive on Shabbos as a modern day rabbinic a "gader mizeh v'gader mizeh - a fence reviews and analyses are loath to enactment, based on their mandate to on either side" - which pressed the leg impose the standards implicated by preserve the public aura of Shabbos.) of Bilaam. The Nesivos Shalom interprets their conclusions on the masses of Am the pasuk as an allusion to the necessi Yisroel. Their reasons may be based on • The next two categories of chumros ty to impose gedarim on oneself to keep the principle of eilu va' eilu divrei are best understood by introducing and on the straight and narrow path: Elokim chayim (these and those are the exploring them together. They are For when there are boundaries words of G-d).s They may, however, chumros me'yira and chumros me'aha and limitations on all sides they press advise their talmidim and followers of va - chumros adopted out of fear (of and wear away the habits [ "hergel," a their conclusions, and direct them to Hashem or the defiling qualities of the play on the Hebrew word "regel" - adhere to these rulings. sin itself), or love (of Hashem or Am Yis leg] of Bilaam. He [the Toras Avos] As these talmidim and followers roel).6 explains that there are boundaries and would then be bound to follow the strin The Shelah HaKadosh (vol. 1, Beis limitations intended to free those gent opinion of their poseik, to be per David, Beis Chachma) attempts to who study Torah from negative incli fectly precise, for them this mode of explain the phenomenon of ever-more nations and thoughts, and there are behavior is no longer a chumra. If your chumros. He writes that as time goes by, others meant to assure that those halachic authority has ruled in accor there are many more enticements. The involved in worldly matters not dance with the more stringent opinion power of the yeitzer hara becomes even become too materialistic [ megushatn]. in an issue 1 this beco1nes for you nor greater. Society "devolves," and spiritual The boundaries and limitations, in the mative halacha. To many beyond your danger increases. It beco1nes impera vein of "gader mizeh v'gader mizeh," circle, however, this mode of behavior tive, therefore, to introduce n1ore safe which surround each step, direct the will still be an apparent chumra, as their guards. Halacha may not even mandate individual in the proper path. halachic authority may not accept the these chumros. Any boundary, howev- n1ore stringent opinion. STRINGENCY -FROM LOVE 6 The Min hag Yisroel to be nwchrnir on pas pal (We should note that rabbinic tar (co1nmercial breads and pastries baked by a non-Je\v) during Aserres Yernei Teshuva is an he Maharal (Be'er HaGola 1:4, 5 See "Mezuzos, Machlokos and Eilu va'Eilu I>ivrei exa1nple of a chun1ra n1eant to 1nanifest our love d.h. "HaRevi'i") explains the Elokim Chayim," The Jewish Observer, Jan. '95, avail of Hashen1 at a tin1e when we feel particularly Gemara that states that rabbinic able at http://www.aishdas.org/baistefi.la/eilu.htm. close to Him. T enactments are more precious before Hashem than Torah laws. He notes that the hallmark of love is the quest to give to one's beloved.' The Michtav Me'Eliyahu (vol. 5, p. 234) cites the ;a, Financial Difficulties pesukim in Yeshaya (58,13-14) that ,., Family/Personal admonish the Jewish people to keep Problems Shabbos properly. The stress in those ' . pesukim is on Kavod Shabbos. Rabbi iDm Dessler asks the obvious question: • Personal Counseling • Medical Referral Were it up to us, wouldn't we stress the -=.J •Crisis Intervention • Emergency prohibitions of Shabbos and their pro • Advice and Segulohs Ctn~llti) Medical Funds tective ordinances-not the honor of •Prayer Hotline to Jerusalem Shabbos? We must preface Rabbi Dessler's answer with the comment of the Rambam (Peirush HaMishnayos) on the well-known Mishna at the end of Makkos: Rabbi Chananya ben Akashya said: 1469 42nd Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219 Tel. (718) 436-0666 • Fax. (718) 972·2787 7 As explained at length in the ,\1ichtav Me'Eliyahu's fan1ous Kuntres HaChesed, vol 1. 28 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 "Hashem wanted to enhance the merit of the Jewish people. It is for that rea son that he granted them many • mitzvos." ome chumros may be sociologically motivated. A conventional understanding might SSome people may be machmir unthinkingly. be that Hashem wants to reward us as much as possible, and that is why he gave These may not be the "right" motivations for us so many opportunities to fulfill mitzvos. The Rambam, however, says adopting a chumra. We, however, want to that to qualify for the World-to-Come, understand what a "right" motivation might be, and a "candidate" must have fulfilled at least one mitzva lishmas during his or her life to determine if a chumra adopted as a result will time. This is a very difficult task, as lish ma is not a simple matter to attain. truly enhance one's avodas Hashem (Divine service). s The interpretation of lishn1a is the subject of a great debate between the Beshtand Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin ?·~. The Besht ( Tzava'as HaRivash • simanim 29-30 and the nuscha'os acheirirn there; Rabbi Chananya ben Akashya's message me'ahava-based behavior may be found Rivash =Rabbi Yisroe! Ba' al Shem) held that Torah is that it was to make that difficult task in the regulations set by the Ramchal lishn1a means the study of Torah with the purpose more feasible that Hashem gave us so 7"lll for his group of disciples. Among of achieving dveykus (dose attachment) with Hashem. Reb Chaim expends a great deal of effort many opportunities to complete it suc the seven enactments were: (Nefesh HaChaim, Sha'ar 4, 1-2) rejecting this cessfully, by giving us so many mitzva The reward for all of their mitzvos approach. Reb Chaim defines IOrah lishnza as opportunities. and good deeds was to be given as a Torah for its own sake, as complete and total Rabbi Dessler explains that lishma is gift to all Kial Yisroe~ with the intent in1mersion in study for no other purpose but the study itself. Shabbos, however, is a mitzva, not a critical prerequisite for Olam HaBa to be gomel chessed (as an act of gen Torah. Rabbi Dessler interprets the passage in because the World-to-Come is, by its erosity, so to speak) to the Shechina. Yeshaya as teaching us that the scale of measure very nature, a world of lishma. The char Any mitzva performed by any one by which one's Shenziras Shabbos lishma is mea acteristic of Olam HaBa is ''l'hisaneg al of the group was deemed as if done in sured is the extent to which it is for him or her a true onegand hana'a rne'ziv ha'Shechina. ziv ha'Shechina - to enjoy the tran the name of the entire group. They There are other interpretations of lishma as scendent radiance of the Shechina." Only accepted to conduct themselves with well. The Kotzker Rebbe ?"::fl (Emes v'Emuna p. if that is meaningful to an individual is great love toward each other, and to 26) notes that lishrna begins in the way we !earn. there a point to that individual's attain accept rebuke from each other with Torah lishrna, said the Kotzker, is the same as ing the World-to-Come. It is, says total love and absolutely no anger. No TOrah kishma. We learn Torah to fulfill the mean ing of its name. Torah means "Teaching;' and our Rabbi Dessler, the Oneg Shabbos, which chumra or minhag b'Yisroel was to be Torah is Toras Chaim, the Teaching of Life. If we encompasses one sixtieth of the World disregarded. 9 learn Torah with the intent that it elevate and to-Come- that is, the lishma that is the refine our lives, our Torah is lishma, and divrei barometer of one's Shabbos. RISKS IN PURSUIT OF CHUMROS Elokim chayitn. Similarly, Rabbi Sa1nson Raphael Hirsch 7"~ says (Siddur Tefillos Yisroel p. 8): "Lish Rabbi Dessler goes on to explain the ma means to study Torah with the only purpose concept of hiddur (enhancement of a) here are dangers in both kinds of that it pleases Hashem, and with proper prepa mitzva in this vein: If you buy a more chumros. Rabbi Yerucham Lev ration, to know His will and fulfill it To learn, expensive esrog so as to take pride in it ovitz ?"lit (Da'as Torah, Bereishis to teach, to preserve, and to perfurn1." T In fact, this perspective is grounded in the Succos morning, that is not a valid rea p. 19) reminds us of the exchange words of the Shelah HaKadosh, 1\:Ieseches Shavu son for hiddur mitzva. If, however, you between the serpent and Chava in Gan os: "And the concept of lishrna is the intent to spend more on an esrogas an expression Eden. Chava embellished the command involve oneself in Torah in order to fulfill that of your love for Hashem that is a of Hashem not to eat from the Tree of which Hashern commanded us ... and, therefore, when one learns Tanach, Mishna, Talmud and chumra me'ahava. Knowledge with an added prohibition poskirn, he should undertake that: 'All I shall find, This, then, is the definition of hiddur against touching the tree. The Avos both to pursue and to avoid, I will fulfill like a mitzva: d'Rabbi Nasson'° attributes this "chum loyal servant'... And ho\V wunderful it would be A hiddur mitzva does not mean "a lit ra" to Adam, and says that from here we if when a person opens a sefer he says: 'I want to tle n1ore mitzva." It is, rather, a higher see the danger in adding on stringencies learn in order that the study may lead me to action, to in1proved niiddos and to the knowledge level in one's appreciation of a tnitzva where not essential. The Chovos Hale- of Torah, and I am doing so for the sake of uni in one's heart. If we have not reached 9 Other takkanoscan be tOund in Tenu'as HaMus fying Kudsha Berich Hu u'Shechintei.' This is called such a level internally, of what benefit sarvol. 1, pp. 83-84 and Otzaros Ramchal p. 9. Torah Lislnna." See also the Gernara at the end is an external hiddur? of the fourth chapter of J\1eseches Sukka and also 10 1:5. See also Yeru:;halmi Nedaritn 9:1. Reishis Chochma, in the Hakdama. A noteworthy example of chumra The Jewish Observer, December 1998 29 vavos explains that one should not take to avoid the danger that by peripher Yesharim, Sha'ar Ha'Perishus to realize upon oneself excessive restrictions. al meticulousness to an exaggerated the value placed in Yahadus on refrain They are apt to become a burden and a extent one may, chas ve'shalom, lose ing from material pleasure - even per nuisance, and may eventually tempt a sight of the primary areas in which, to missible pleasure - and histapkus person to cast the yoke of much more our regret, so many fail .... b'mu'at (to be satisfied with mini than the chumra off his or her shoulders. The Yerushalmi (Berachos 9:5) cap mum). Over-involvement in the pursuit This is the danger inherent in chumros tures these pitfalls in its caution: of material possesions and pleasures - me'yira. Do [mitzvos] both out oflove and pursuit of chomer - may prove a dis The danger in a chumra me'ahava is out of fear. Do out of love, for even if traction from the quest for ruchniyus. 12 manifest in a story I heard from one of you are prone to hate you will not, There is value in even artificial dis my Rabbe'im ':>"lit. An impetus for because one who loves does not hate. dain for the material - lest it exert a Rabbi Yisroel Salanter ':>"lit to found the Do out of fear, for one who has fear deleterious effect. An echo of this may Mussar movement was an experience he does not reject. be found in the remark by the Piascezn had on a Yamim Nora'im in Vilna, when er ':>"lit that a necktie is a "kesher he had discovered that pages were A GASHMIYUS TRAP resha'im"1' ( Toldos HaMechaber, by missing from his Machzor. He was Rabbi Aharon Surasky, Chap. 11, print standing next to an illustrious scholar fourth type of chumra is that ed in the back of several of the Piascezn and motioned a request to be allowed alluded to by the Nesivos Shalom er's sefarim). (While this application to look into his neighbor's Machzor. The A cited above, and described by does not resonate with a community scholar's "response)) was to totally ignore him elsewhere in greater detail:' I Exces that has grown to appreciate fine neck him. This scholar had stressed his chum sive Gashmiyus in and of itself is a neg wear as a hallmark of dignified appear ra of davening to Hashem with the ative thing - it is a barrier between one ance, we may identify with other man utmost kavana - which he undoubt self and Hashem. ifestations of the concept closer to edly did. Yet there is in this stress an This type of chumra runs into sig home.14) inherent risk of arrogance that may lead nificant conflict with our contemporary one to improper leniency in other milieu. Baruch Hashem, our generation BA'AL NEFESH areas - here, in one's bein adam enjoys affluence to a degree unknown, l'chaveiro (interpersonal dealings). Even even unimagined, by our forbears, even subcategory of the first and last worse, says Rabbi Dessler (Michtav a few short years ago. The American categories is the advice found Me'Eliyahu vol. 3, p. 294), is overt con dream and upward mobility have a very Aoften in halachic works: "Ba'al ceit - the sin of ga' ava that outweighs real impact on our sheltered society. Yet, nefesh yachmir - a righteous (Rashi, any advantage accrued by the chumra. one need only recall the Ramban on Chullin 6a), or pious (Rashi, Pesachim He says, therefore, that it is proper: Kedoshim ti'heyu and the Mesillas 40a), person should be stringent." ... to be machmirand meticulous in In the Gemara (ibid., and Nidda 16b 1l See also the Ohr Gedalyahu on Parashas Naso, primary areas, such as bittul Torah, who makes a similar point in his discussion of and 65b) and Shulchan Aruch ( Orach lashon hara, etc. [but not other areas], nezirus. Chaim240:9, YorehDe'ah 116:7,among other places), this advice is usually given in cases where a certain mode of con Uncle Moishy, When Did You Last Do duct may technically be permissible, but Mordechai Ben David, The Mitzvah of Cimach? skirts the boundaries of a prohibited act. To engage in such behavior may not be and other top-of-the-line "'Y.l)J nN nl?n "JO:> ON" legally proscribed, but, nevertheless, sug Jewish entet1ainers 'If you lend funds to ... the poor·. gests a proclivity toward indulgence and are available This 'if" is an obligation. (Mechilta). For 15 years, our 15 branches in Eretz 12 For example, there are various "loopholes" in to visit Yisroel have issued Gmach loans to the the halachos of Cha/av Yisroel. A person may seriously ill struggling, KoUeleit, Olim and the 111. decide not to exploit one of these loopholes - 11111 even if he perceives it as a halachically legitimate children o•'l-r Do It Today! loophole- because he feels that excessive indul than~to gence in rich chocolate confections is inimical to i1ll"1 nnr.ll!I YOUR GIFT WILL BECOME A REVOLVING .,.,.,, .,,,,, LOAN; AN ETERNAL lCHUS . his aspiration for dveykus in Ha'Kadosh Baruch ~ ~i?V' .., re. mn Hu. A-Ohessed project_runby OZER l3 A play on words; literally, a knot of wicked peo ~llatb Jspiel of Amcr!c8 • ii ple, used to describe an evil group h\ conjuritfun With _ ;,, "·.,. OzerDalim DAL IM 14 Longtime loyal readers will recall, however, that "'11µ&D1Dg..--. . " 28 West 25th Street NY, NY 10010 ro Set up an appol_ntment, call; ,' i in Jan. '78 we did draw the line at a $2000.00 neck (21il797·9000Ext.42 • M·F, 9.5' --' (212)924-0023 tie!~ NW. 30 The Jewish Observer, December 7998 pleasure not befitting a person at high which to justify a later reading of er levels of divine service. (The Ran in Shema. Rather, because one followed Nedarim 9!b seems to use "latzeis yedei • one's poseik, manifested Yiras Hashem Shamayim" in the same way.) 15 hiddur mitzva does or Ahavas Hashem, or dissociated one The Mishna Berura employs this dic not mean "a little self from the material and mundane by tum in cases of major contention, A that chumra. where a significant opinion - perhaps more mitzva." It is, A simple example of the importance only a few poskim - tends toward a of assessing the advisability of choos stringent approach although another rather, a higher level in ing a chumra may be found in Hilchos equally valid opinion - perhaps even Succa. The Rama ( Orach Chaim 639:7) 1nost poskitn - is inclined to be lenient. one's appreciation of a says: "Anyone who is exempt from [the If neither opinion is manifestly defini mitzva] of Succa [because rain is tive, then the Mishna Berura may give mitzva in one's heart. If falling, etc. J yet does not leave it, the advice, "Ba'al nefesh yachmir." This we have not reached receives no reward for his activity ... means that the weight of the sources . "The Bi'ur Halacha there comments: allowing leniency grants halachic legit such a level internally, "This principle applies specifically to imacy to that standard. Nevertheless, the a scenario where an aspect of trans weight of the poskim on the other side of what benefit is an gression, such as anguish [ mitzta'erJ, is of the equation led the Chafetz Chaim involved, which is Chillul Yam Tov . .. ':nrr to conclude that those who are yerei external hiddur? . "We see here an elementary illustra cheit (fear sin) should incline toward tion of a chumra not thought out, that churnra.!6 ends up being detrimental to one's avo (This is similar to Rabbi Shimon • das Hashem. Shkop ?··::n's (Sha'arei Yosher 1:2) expla chumra in cases of safeik d' ora,vsa, so too But . . . it is possible that one may nation of safeik d'oraysa /'kula accord does the Mishna Berura advise a ba'al diminish one's avodas Hashem by strict ing to the Rambam. Reb Shimon inter nefesh to be machmir in cases he per adherence to the Magen Avraham's prets this as follows: The Torah ceives as questionable.) time frame - if it led one to arrogance, distinguishes between an unquestioned fractious behavior toward others, or prohibition, that one may definitely not THE DECISIVE ANSWER other negative byproducts. And there are transgress, and cases of doubt, where TO THE BIG QUESTION scenarios in which following the later one is entitled to take chances. If, how time frame of the Gra or Ba'al HaTanya ever, you ultimately discover that the o return to our opening ques may enhance one's avodas Hashen1 - case in doubt did indeed entail a defi tions: The answer (you knew this if, for example, it frees a person to be of nite prohibition, you have committed a Twas coming) is: It depends! If one help to other people (including mem transgression and teshuva is mandated. of the four legitimate reasons for chum bers of one's own family). Just as yir'as cheit led Chazal, from the ros motivates one always to read Shen1a If nothing else, what should we take Rambam's perspective, to 1nandate before the Magen Avraham's deadline, away from our discussion? That the one's avodas Hashem is enhanced. Not motivations for our behavior are criti 15 See Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin's Ruach Chainz on Avos 3: l d"h "Din v'Cl1cshbon" (free transla necessarily because one has always said cal, and that we must carefully analyze tion): "Hutnan free will allows an individual to Shema earlier than others. After all, when them. 'fhen, in consultation with our change a materialistic existence into a spiritual after 120 years one comes before the Beis mentors, we must carefully consider and one, and, chas v'sha/01n, the opposite as well ... Din shel Ma'ala, (the Divine Court) one plan how in every area of our avodas Individuals who elevate their flesh toward spir it are kno\vn as Ba'alci Nefesh ...." will have fine, solid, halachic founda Hashem we can attain higher levels of tions - the opinions of the Gra and accomplishment and lishma. It> Through the wonders of modern technology, m we can list the thirteen times that ba'al nefesh is Ba'al Ha Tanya, among others - upon 111entioned in the A1ishna Rerura, allowing the reader to verify this usage: 27:33, 246:34, 257:49, 271:21, 30I:141, 303:65, 345:23, 364:8, 444: 17, 453:17, 462:11, 489:45, 581:160. (Readers with access to one of several CD-Ron1 search progra1ns will also find several places in the Bi'ur Halacha where the Chafetz Chaini employed this phrase.) .It is this attitude that the Kotzker Rebbe prob For careful attention to your ably n1eant to disparage v-lhen he said that Chas sidirn fear G-d, while Misnagdirn fear the individual needs, call us today! Shulchan Aruclt; but the disparaging comment does not n1ean that the attitude is not legitin1ate! (914) 354-8445 The Jewish Observer, December 7998 31 !li'P'!~f~~ ...') ,, SfollleyAoFetfer THt WASHINATON POST •.• OutstQJlding from Italy is Bo.rtenura's Asti Spumante, in a delicate yet full-flavored mode ... Nathan Chroman LOS ANGELES TIMES ... Bortenura Asti Spumante is among the best Asti Wines on the market. Robert M. Parker, Jr. THE WINE ADVOCATE Rabbi Ben-Zion Rand Rabbi Mor e ogow, 7"~t - The Lipnishker Illui On The Occasion of His Thirtieth Yahrzeit hicagoans occasionally feel it Rabbi Mordechai Rogow ?"lit, can Likutei Halachos - to discuss various necessary to remind others that endow the reader with a profound sense topics in the Talmud. The next day, the Cgreatness in Torah does not end of pride to be a member of Kial Yisroel. Rav's son brought him a message from at the Allegheny Mountatins. Unfortu his father, inviting him to learn with him nately, few, even among those familiar I. EARLY LIFE as a chavrusa. It was quite an honor to with the Atteres Mordechai on Shas and be singled out from among the hun the derashos on the Torah, merited abbi Mordechai Rogow was born dreds of talented and capable bnei knowing the author, Rabbi Mordechai in 1900 in the city of Lipnishok, Torah who resided in Aishashok. Before Rogow, ?"lit. His physical stature was Rto Rabbi Binyamin Rogow and they began learning, Reb Zundel told his small, his voice was soft, but his very his Rebbetzin Liba. Reb Binyamin, an young study partner," Mir vellen lernen being was powerful and uniquely established lamdan, earned his liveli b'chavrusa un ich vel eich gebben a schnitt impressive. hood in the lumber industry. Rabbi in lernen-We will learn together, and Rabbi Rogow lived in pre-war Mordechai Rogow's mother was the I'll give you a methodology in learning:' Europe, was nurtured by the gedolim of daughter of HaGaon Reb Yakov Kop They learned day and night for four the early part of this century, and sur stein, the Nemenchiner Rav, the author years, completing three sedorim (orders) vived the Churban of Europe, finally of many sefarim including Bais Levi, Pri of the Talmud - Nashim, Moed, and arriving in America and becoming a Yaakov, and Taras Haleviim. Kodoshim, which Rabbi Rogow knew monumental figure in the rebuilding of Orphaned from his father at a young almost by heart. Yiddishkeitas we see it today. In Chica age, he was sent at the age of twelve to go, he taught and guided a generation study in the yeshiva of Radin, where he The Nurturing of a Gadol B'Torah of budding talmidei chachamim who learned with an older chavrusa for two were inspired by him to become lead years. er World War I, Rabbi Rogow ers of Jewry throughout America and At age fourteen, he was sent to oined the Mirrer Yeshiva, where the world. Reflecting upon the life of Aishashok (Eisiskes)-a town renowned Af e became close to the Rosh for its kibbutz (group) of bachurim who Hayeshiva, Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda ("Reb Rabbi Ben-Zion Rand is a Rebbi in the Fasman studied diligently. He once called on the Laizer Yudel") Finkel and became Yeshiva High School of Bais Midrash LaTorah, Rav, Yosef Zundel Hutner - who was known as the Lipnishker Illui (genius), Skokie, II. He is also editor of Likutei Peshatim, a popular Torah bulletin on the weekly Parsha, among those who gave a haskama and admired as a baki b'shas (a master distributed widely in the Chicago area. (approbation) to the Chofetz Chaim's of the entire Talmud). The Jewish Observer, December 1998 33 In the city Drusgenik, Poland. Sitting from left to right, Reb Boruch Ber Leibovitz ?"::IT, his brother Reb Yisroe/?"::ll, standing Reh Mordechai Rogow, 7"::ll At this time, Rabbi Yaakov (Shapiro) Rav, a small segment Volozhiner reopened the yeshiva in of the ba'alei battim Volozhin, which his grandfather, the invited a member of Netziv, had closed in 1891 rather than the Novarodok com submit to the Russian government's munity to also be a demand that Haskalla teachings be Rav there. included in the curriculum. After the Rabbi Rogow war, Volozhin was no longer under Russ feared for elements ian control. Searching for the best stu of discord, and decid dents available, he sent bachurim to Mir ed to leave the city. to recruit R' Mordechai Rogow. When The townspeople the Mirrer Rosh Yeshiva, Reb Laizer insisted that he stay, Yudel, refused to permit the bachurim but he would have to approach him, they returned a sec nothing to do with ond time and took his belongings, conflict, and upon hoping to force him to follow them to hearing that the posi Volozhin. Seeing that he had no choice, tion in Sejny was and recognizing his ties to Volozhin (his available, he quietly father, Reb Binyomin, was related to the left Telechan. The Shapiro family), Rabbi Rogow joined the community of newly reopened yeshiva. Telechan, deeply sad Reh Mordechai Rogow once met Rabbi dened, accompanied Boruch Ber Leibovits, 7":st on a train, where him along the way, they discussed Talmudic topics the entire begging him to stay, night. Some time later, Rabbi Eliyahu but to no avail. Bentzion Garber, Rav ofHorodok and broth Reb Mordechai was the Rav of Sejny, used to send talmidim to Sejny to er-in-law of Reh Baruch Ber, asked him to near Suvalk, until 1939. Located on the develop in halacha. recommend a shidduch for his daughter, Lithuanian-German border3, it was not Rabbi Rogow was respected and Nechama, as it was known that the best a large city, yet it was nonetheless an beloved by bnei Torah both near and far. bachurim were learning in Kamenitz. Reb important Rabbanus. When a town near Sejny did not want Boruch Ber advised him to go to Volozhin To make certain that no trace of a to accept a young Rav who was in line and seek out Reh Mordechai, whom he had grudge remained in his heart, Rabbi to inherit the position, only the influ met.1 They were married in 1925. Rogow would specifically give prefer ence and encouragement of Rabbi Rabbi Rogow then joined the kollel of ential treatment to anyone who came Rogow swayed the bnei Torah of the Rabbi Chaim Ozer Godzenski in Vilna, and from Novarodok. For example, he town to accept this appointee. was one ofthe three or four people to whom would personally host any Novarodok Reh Chaim Ozer gave semicha. Rabbi er visitor to Sejny. This unusual gen Soft-spoken, Yet Revered and Respected Moshe Shatzkes, the Lomzer Rav2, was once erosity of spirit was noted by the late sitting with Reh Chaim Ozer when Rabbi Rosh Hayeshiva of Novarodok, Rabbi ensitive and soft-spoken as he Rogow entered the room. Reb Chaim Ozer Avraham Yafen, who marveled at his was, when the situation demand rose to his feet and told Reh Moshe, ''.A cab total lack of rancor. Sed, Rabbi Rogow was prepared to inet ofsefarim has just entered the room." Many bachurim came to Sejny from lead with effective authority. Once, a Grodno and Suvalk, among other group of performers from the Vilna II. DISTINGUISHED POSITIONS IN places, for the express purpose of dis Theatre Troupe came to Sejny to enter RABBANUS: TELECHAN AND SEJNY cussing Talmudic topics with Reb tain, announcing that they would be Mordechai. Among the more promi playing throughout the week, including fter two years in the kollel of Reb nent of them were Reb Elya Mishkovsky, Friday night. Chaim Ozer, he learned in who later became Rosh Yeshiva in Kfar Rabbi Rogow sent his Gabbai to tell A Horodok, and later (approx. Chassidim, and Rabbi Shraga Grosbard, them that they would not be allowed to 1931) he became the Rav of Telechan who became the head of the Yeshiva perform on Shabbos. Their response was (near Pinsk), home to a branch of the Ketana in Ponevezh (Bnei Brak), and a mocking rejection of his request. The Novarodok Yeshiva. While serving as later of Chinuch Atzmai. Reh Baruch Ber following day, he sent his Gabbai to repeat his message, and again they 1 Reb Baruch Ber had also introduced his own 3 It appears on the Shaar Blatt (frontispiece)of ridiculed his declaration. The head per sister to Rabbi Garber, who had been his student. the Vilna Shas as the city where HaRav Yehuda 2 See Chaim Shapiro's article on "Lomza," JO April '76 Bachrach ( Chidushei HaGri"v) served as Rav. former was summoned to appear before 34 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 him, and Rabbi Rogow offered the space for temporary safekeeping. The Community's Rebbe, troupe fifty per-cent of the evening's Everyone had thought that the German the Children's Father anticipated proceeds up front if he invasion and the war would last two would cancel the public desecration of weeks or a month, at most. No one pon Reb Chaim Ozer's request, Shabbos. The leader refused. By Thurs anticipated such a devastating cata Rabbi Rogow and his brother day, however, the troupe realized that the strophe. Tragically, these items were all Uin-law, Rabbi Betzalel Kadin, Shabbos performance was destined to lost, never to be retrieved. Almost went to Lazdijai and Kalvarija to raise fail, for the people were obeying the Rav. everything in the Atteres Mordechai is money for the refugee Rabbanim. In the The leader frantically offered to cancel of post-war vintage. interim, Sejny had been overrun by the the performance for one hundred per The Rogow family escaped from Germans, as had been feared, and the cent of their anticipated revenues, but Sejny, and traveled east, toward the Russ Jews who were expelled, fled towards the Rabbi Rogow refused. On Friday, the ian border. One night, near Grodno, Lithuanian border. troupe agreed to receive the 50% the Rav their wagon pulled to the side of the At first, the Lithuanians would not had originally offered, but he told them road to make room for a group of Pol admit the Jews, and these men, women that they had caused so much anguish ish soldiers marching toward the front. and children were stranded in a no that he would not offer them anything. Suddenly a vehicle stopped and some man's land for about five days. The Jews Posters were placed all over town, one called out: "Sejnyer Rav ! Sejnyer in Lithuania appealed for their fellow warning parents to make certain that Rav!" One of the soldiers ran to Rabbi Jews, and finally, the refugees of Sejny their children not attend this perfor Rogow and embraced him. were allowed into Lithuania. As Rabbi mance, which would publicly dese "Rebbe! Do you remember me?" It Rogow was walking down one of the crate the Shabbos. The troupe intend was the leader of the troupe of enter wide streets of Kalvarija, he was spot ed to perform, but the room was empty tainers from Vilna, now serving as a sol ted by many of the children, who were except for a handful of outcasts. dier. He and Rabbi Rogow both cried, out with their teachers. Word spread like When the final performance took as he begged for forgiveness for the ear wildfire that their beloved Rebbe was place the next Tuesday, the head of the lier incident, and asked for a beracha. there! The children spontaneously troupe opened with a farewell speech to Rabbi Rogow spoke with him for broke away from their teachers and ran the crowd: Wherever they traveled, he quite a while, offering him strength and to him. He suddenly found himself sur said, they always performed the entire encouragement, and a beracha that he rounded by hundreds of children, week, even when the local Rav spoke up return in peace. This man was originally unable to move. He simply sat down on against their violation of Shabbos. Here, irreligious and confrontational, and the spot and broke down in tears, in Sejny, it was different. He com now Rabbi Rogow had become his sole together with the children. The people mended the people for having such a source for solace and comfort in time of the town quickly came to see the wonderful Rav, and that he had learned of need. remarkable sight, an event that turned to admire Rabbi Rogow, who was more into a public expression of love between astute than any other Rav they had met.4 Escape from Churban the Rav and his town's children - a demonstration of Kiddush Hashem.' III. THE WAR REACHES POLAND hen the Rogows heard that Meanwhile, the Japanese consul in Russia had given Vilna back to Vilna - Sugihara, by name -who was hen WWII began, in Sep Lithuania, they went to Vilna, W s Rabbi Rogow was never able to relate this par tember, 1939, several ba'alei where they joined hundreds of other ticular story without being overcome with emo W battim feared that the Rav Rabbanim among thousands of strand tion. The story never went further than his heart. would be singled out as the Germans ed yeshiva-leitrefugees. No one dreamed Even his son, Reb Binyomin, had difficulty relat advanced into Poland. They knocked of a position in Rabbanus around Vilna. ing this incident. out a large cavity in his basement wall, Once, in the middle of a Thursday in to which they placed many of his night, a messenger from Reb Chaim valuables, including candlesticks and Ozer came with a wagon and a driver silverware. Rabbi Rogow brought a to take Rabbi Rogow to Podborodz, near large stack of his precious k'savim Vilna, to replace the Rav who had just (manuscripts), including large books of died. Rabbi Rogow went for Shabbos, chiddushim, to be included in the wall spoke, and was accepted as the new Rav. The family prepared to move to Pod 4 Because Rabbi Rogow had expressed a will borodz. By Divine Providence, howev ingness to give them SOo/o of their projected earn er, they did not have time to move; had ings, he insisted on keeping his word, and later they done so, they would have been lost paid the leader of the troupe the money. in the war. The Jewish Observer, December 1998 35 not authorized to issue visas to go to avoid his being disappointed in their con Japan, agreed to provide transit visas duct, especially to the point where they through Japan to go to South America'. would get the "closet treatment." With these transit visas, the Rogows He would encourage the talmidim to traveled east, eventually finding refuge record their chiddushim (insights and in Shanghai. notes). The first time Rabbi Wein com mitted his original thoughts to writing, Poseik of Shanghai was for him, and due to Rabbi Rogow's encouragement, he continued to write bi Mordechai Rogow was the regularly. Rabbi Rogow never put down oseik for the entire refugee com a student. Should a talmid make a con ruunity in Shanghai. Among fused statement, Rabbi Rogow would those who regularly referred their rephrase it and develop it into something halachic queries to him were Rabbi Shi worthwhile. mon Kalish, the Amshinover Rebbe, and His eyesight was so poor, that when Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz, the Mirrer he taught the Gemora and the Tosafos, Rosh Yeshiva. Reb Chaim was very close he held the Gemora close to his face. to Rabbi Rogow. When Reb Binyomin When he came to Rabbeinu Chanan'el, Rogow visited Yeshivas Mir in Yerusha he must have known it by heart! layim in 1969, Reb Chaim told him in When he gave a bechina (test), he the presence of Rabbi Beinish Finkel and On the boat from Shanghai to San Francisco, Reb would point to someone to answer, but Rabbi Nochum Parsovich, "If I would Mordechai Rogow sitting, talking in learning. if he did not know the answer, the per not have had the pressure of having to son next to him would answer. The give shiurim, I would not develop chid hon, and he invariably helped them. bechina thus only had an upside, and no dushim as much as I do. Yet, your father, Rabbi Chaim Zimmerman ':>"llT said that downside, encouraging the talmidim to the Sejnyer Rav ':>""llT was always being he never found any area in the entire all join in, in an excited manner. Again, mechadesh (creative) without any such Torah with which Rabbi Rogow was not when a bachurwould answer part of the pressure!" fully familiar. information, Rabbi Rogow would draw The entire Mir Yeshiva had come to out information until the response was Shanghai, but there were smaller groups A Gadol in Our Midst complete. Friday morning he delivered from other yeshivos. Some twenty a pilpul shiur, the only time when he did bachurim from Chachmei Lublin were abbi Berel Wein was among the not restrict himself to the page they were there, and they regularly discussed first group of talmidim who on. Time for debate followed, as he Gemora topics with Reb Mordechai. Rl earned under Rabbi Rogow in encouraged everyone to argue the point When they printed the Sfas Emes al Chicago. He recalls how his Rebbi had until it was clarified. For the last twen HaShas in Shanghai, they presented him appeared to be removed and unworld ty minutes, he treated the boys to a with the first copy, inscribed in appre ly, but once one became familiar with derasha on the Parsha. Although the ciation. him, he realized that Rabbi Rogow was yeshiva was not known for mussar, these far from naive. He had an uncanny per mussar derashos were well attended. IV. ROSH YESHIVA IN CHICAGO ception of human nature and he knew Rabbi Yitzchok Sender recalls the way how to tap into the reservoirs of moti Rabbi Rogow presented Midrash, with hen the Rogow family came vation necessary to promote growth and stories and parables, Ghazal and classic to America in 1946, they set development. He loved all of his stu thoughts, thus teaching the talmidim W tled in Chicago, where Rabbi dents, the good and the better. He was how to darshen. Indeed, he was a great Rogow filled the position of the Rosh expert at leading the talmidim to antic orator. Many of his derashos were Ha Yeshiva of Bais HaMidrash La Torah, ipate the next step in a discussion and included in Sefer Atteres Mordechai al succeeding Rabbi Chaim Korb, who was to ask a Rishon's question. He then guid HaTorah, which he published the year planning to move to Eretz Yisrael. ed them to complete the thought. before his petira (1968 ); there are more Many Rabbanim and illustrious When he had to mussar (reprove) a writings which have yet to be printed. Roshei Yeshiva would call him in the talmid, he would wait until after class, and When shiur ended on Friday, the middle of the night if searching for a invite the talmid into the closet of the talmidim lined up to wish him "Good particular passage in Gemora or a Ris- room, where no one could see them even Shabbos." His warm hand shake and if he were walking by. The talmidim had whole-hearted greeting resonated with 6 See Chaim Shapiro's "Escape From Europe - such a deep appreciation of Rabbi Yaakov Avinu's beracha to his son Yosef a Chronicle of Miracles" - JO, May '73. Rogow, that they would do anything to after a 20 years' absence. 36 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 Extra-Curricular Inspiration Yeshiva at Yeshiva Atteres Mordechai in Detroit) would speak to them. e used to invite the talrnidirn to He and his Rebbetzin taught his his house on Shabbos, and the talmidirn many important lessons about H better bachurirn would take life and mutual respect - lessons that full advantage of the offer.' Older cannot be conveyed in words alone. bachurirn would take turns speaking in One day, a stranger knocked on the door the yeshiva on Shabbos mornings from of their apartment on Independence Blvd. Shabbos Bereishis until Pesach, and they in Chicago, and presented the Rebbetzin would often approach Rabbi Rogow for with a large photograph of Rabbi Rogow material. When the yeshiva was on the walking down the block. He explained that West Side of Chicago, some 250-300 he had come from a religious family, but he people were in attendance. On Yorn Tov, had not been religious, until he observed when all the talrnidim would come visit Rabbi Rogow walking to and from the yeshi their Rebbi, Rabbi Rogow's son-in-law, va every day. He was impressed with this Rabbi Leib Bakst (currently the Rosh man's apparent holiness. "The Shechina is with him!" He took a picture and hung it 7 Personal refections- a sampling. Rabbi Yisroel up in his living room, where he could gaze Garber, the brother-in-law of Rabbi Mordechai at Rabbi Rogow's image ... and this brought Rogow, who lives in Manhattan, remembers the Rogow house as being always open to talmidim him back to Yiddishkeit. He now offered in Europe and Shanghai. The Rebbetzin was not a copy to her to hang in her dining room. always in good health, but whenever she was able, Rabbi Rogow never turned his back Chicago were eons away from his world, she would cook and bake for the guests. He on a ta/mid. After talking to a ta/mid - and Americans in general were not describes Rabbi Rogow as a tremendous rnasmid (diligent) even during the An1erican bombard whether in the beis midrash or in the aware of what Europe was like. More ment of Shanghai. D'varitn b'teilin1 (non-Torah shiur room - he would back away when over, Chicago did not have New York's discussion) did not exist in his lexicon. finished, rather than turn around. The large European immigrant population. Rabbi Jack Rajchenbach, President of Torah taln1idim, in turn, learned to respect and Yet, the talrnidim felt that he understood Umesorah, remembers how his Rebbi, Rabbi Rogow, had served as a link to European Gad revere those who study Torah, no mat them, and they craved to be close with /us, and his keen insight enabled him to allow ter how young. him. every talmid to realize that he was important in He brought the talrnidim into the Once, after delivering a complex insight, the Rebbi's view. The self-image which was Lithuanian Torah world, and they he asked if everyone understood it. One imparted provided each person \vith a life's goal for which to strive. breathed its heady atmosphere while talmid admitted that he did not. Rabbi Rabbi Aryeh Rottman, Rosh HaYeshiva of they were with him. Surprisingly, there Rogow reviewed the entire thought patient Nierkaz HaTorah in Yerushalayim, was a dose was no generation or cultural gap ly, and then asked again if it was clear. The talmid of Rabbi Rogow in Chicago. During the between them. True, students from other students kicked the talmid under the first year - it was aseres yemei teshuva- Rabbi Rogow stood in front of the shiur, a group of young bac11uri1n, and asked them for mechilla (forgiveness), and immediately began to cry. His Ainws hadin (awe of Divine judgment was over whelming. Rabbi Chain1 Zelig 1:asman, Rosh Kol/el of Los Angeles, learned under Rabbi Rogow for three years. He re1netnbers how Rabbi Rogo\v intro duced the talmidiln to the concept of chakira (analytic examination of a topic). Rabbi Rogow was always extremely well prepared, to the last word, and was expert at leading the talnzidim to anticipate and discover the chiddush. Full Service Community Total Torah Community Rabbi Morris Esformes, an international sup •Healthy Job Market •Cheder porter of 10rah, had the merit of being an1ong •Affordable Housing •Bais Yakov Rabbi Rogow's "drivers" while he was a ta/1nid •Nurturing Community •Yeshiva Gedo la in the shiur. He developed a special relationship •Learning Opportunities •Kolle! with the Rebbi, and feels - as many talmidim •Shomer Shabbos •Mikveh do, each in his own way- that Rabbi Rogow was the single most influential person in his life. Medical Residencies •Eruv "Rabbi Rogow was a walking Chovos Halevavos." •Community Activities •Wisconsin School Tuition The taln1iditn all treasure the indelible lessons Vouchers For Qualifying Families both in Torah and nziddos that they merited to The Torah Co111111unity of Rabbi Michel Twerski /11vites Your Interests 1~800w226~3129 observe and to experience with him. The Jewish Observer, December 1998 37 table, so he said, "It's OK." Rabbi Rogow detected a problem and insisted, "Keep ask ing! Ask! Ask! You have to know it clearly!" Rabbi Rogow once announced to the class that since a talmid was expected to inform the Rebbi when they would miss shiur for whatever reason, and he was planning to attend the bar mitzva ofhis grandson, Meir Simcha Bakst, in Detroit, he wanted their perrnission to miss shiur on Sunday. If any one would have objected, he was prepared to forgo the bar mitzva. Once, while giving shiur on Bava Basra Sb (dealing with a relatively complex topic of ritual impurities), Rabbi Rogow noticed that even stronger talmidin1 seemed left out, In Shanghai, at a vort of a yeshiva bachur, Reb Mordechai Rogow standing, speaking. Sitting to his immediate left is Rabbi Ashkenazi'7"YT, Rabbi of Shanghai. The third from the right, sitting face partly covered is Reh Chaim Shmuelevitz'7"::n. so he announced that instead of continu ing with the prepared lesson, he would shift give my shiur, I did not mean that you was not feeling well. Rabbi Rogow told him to the Gemora with Rashi and Tosafos. The weren't listening; rather that I was dreying that a talmid had approached him after talmidim were overcome with a terrible (vacillating). I apologize for confusing shiur that day and had cried that he ivas sense of guilt. For the next 20 minutes, you .... " not successful in his learning, and had want ed a beracha. Rabbi Rogow tried to encour instead of lively questions, one could hear Once, Reb Binyomin arrived home age the talmid, bur this boy had other trou a pin drop. At the end of shiur, Rabbi before Shabbos and he found his father Rogow, recognizing their 1nisgivings, told upset; in fact, his eyes were damp. Reb Biny bles as well. The Rebbi was distressed over them, "When I said that I could no longer omin insisted that his father tell him if he his difficulties, and now, many hours later, he was still ovenvheln1ed with the condition .. ------~ of that bachur. ARE You MOVING? abbi Rogow elevated "all Amer ican boys" from the "Heartland IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED Rof America"-from Rockford, INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? Illinois, to Sioux City, Iowa, and of We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the Jewish Observer to your home. cause, Chicago-and linked their lives Please attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address and to the legacy of Mir and Volozhin. computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the address label. In a generaton and location far removed form the intense Torah envi ronment of the Eastern seaboard-to say nothing of Sejny and Vilna-his teach Affix old label here ings, and even more, his demeanor, was the first line of defense against tides that broke down many barriers; it was Name ______Rabbi Rogow who laid the foundation for the resurgence of unadulterated Torah in New Address ______the Midwest. • City, 8 Due to their dose feelings for their Rebbi, sev State, eral forn1er talmidin1 joined to purchase the Yeshi va Gedo la building in Detroit and to dedicate the Date Effective ______facility in 1ne111ory of Rabbi Rogow, nan1ing it Yeshivas Ateres Mordcchai. Send address changes to: The Jewish Observer Change of Address Many of the divrei Torah fron1 Rabbi Rogow's 84 William Street, New York, NY 10038 Atteres Mordechai on the Torah have been trans Please allow 4-6 weeks for all changes to be reflected on your mailing labeL We will not be I lated, and are available through the archives of responsible for back issues missed unless you notiiy us 6 week~ prior to your move. I Likutei Peshatim at the following URL http:// sha111ash.o rgllistarchives/\ !kpcsha t/ L------~ 38 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 Not just a cheese, a tradition... Hao!am, the most trusted name in Cholov Yisroel Kosher Cheese. A reputation earned through 25 years of scrupulous devotion to quality and kashruth. With 12 delicious varieties. ttaolam, a tradition you'll enjoy keeping. All Haolam cheese products are made in the U.S.A. under the strict rabbinical supervision of: The Rabbinate of K'hal Adath Jeshurun 1~~1 Washington Heights. NY Cholov Ylsroel THURM BROS. WORLD CHEESE CO. ll'!C. BROOKLYN, NY 11232 Hao la The Thurm Families wish Klal Yisroel a Ah Freilechan Chanukah If it has no cholesterol, a better than-butter flavor, and a reputation for kashruth you can trust... It has to be 1111 I the new, improved parve I a unsalted margarine I~~ I SECOND Mrs. T. Gootblatt LOOKS warmly smiled, "Gut Shabbos! Gut Shabbosf' and made polite way to let the car pass .... I decided to try out this theory on the soldiers posed like a rock-hard picture at the entrance to the Bar-Ilan area. Weapons of With what I thought was disgust, they watched all the dati'im strolling down the hill to the famous intersection. There they were in the heat - with Ahavas Chinam heavy uniforms, rifles, ammunition, and other army paraphernalia - obeying orders to carefully guard the crosswalk from the ((enemy." You can just imag ine what they were thinking. I decided to try a new phrase after seeing so much veryone who knows Mother and so bad that even the other prisoners success with" Shanah tovah." So with my me has probably heard our clas shunned him: he had murdered his wife best guttural reish, I said" Todah rabba." Esic exchange whenever Jews say or in cold blood while she was taking their Wonder of wonders! Warm smiles and do something against other Jews: little child out for a walk. But Rabbi laughing Hebrew. When a heart speaks Mother: "Oy, again we are our own Levine held his hand with affection and to a heart, who needs translators?! worst enemies." love, and warmly spoke to his very soul. Eyes say everything. Me: "Actually, aren't we our only One day, the other prisoners found him Being a professional Bubby already, enemies?'' davening with tefillin wrapped around I began to wonder if they had anything And Mother just sighs in pain. his right arm (instead of his left arm as to eat or drink. Which brings me to Mother has the good fortune to live required). They- justice-seekers and Phase II of this plan. Suppose neigh in a Bubby-sandwich with different sets all - were incensed at his mockery of bors were to bring a few chairs to this of married grandchildren on each side Jewish law and wanted to physically corner and set up some cake and cold of her near the edge of Geula. Her view restrain him. But then, Rabbi Levine soda on a pretty napkin. Suppose some is extraordinary: golden sunsets behind went over to him, and the man burst out one were to make Kiddush for his fam Shmuel Hanavts keverand countless suc crying like a baby, "You filled me with ily right here and include these soldiers cas in burgeoning new neighborhoods. such a desire to do teshuva, but how who are also his family. Suppose every But visiting her this past Succos, when could I think of putting tefillin on the one walking by would feel the heat and I looked out and saw enormous, sprawl hand that did such an evil deed? So I the ignorance that these boys and girls ing Ramallah poised to swallow up its put it on this hand which stayed pure suffer from. unsuspecting Jewish neighbors, I asked and clean." Would Ramallah even be in the pic- her, "Mother, what's going to be???" That was the answer! ture? • But she just sighs .... Isn't it possible that Ramallah threat It was probably because Simcha Raz ens us because chilloniim think that spoke in her building during Chol dati'im snub them and they in turn Hamoed that I finally decided to look respond with hate and malevolence? into his famous book about the tzaddik, Maybe the answer is the opposite of Rabbi Aryeh Levine. I only had time to what I saw during Yam Tov. Beautiful glance at one or two stories, but one of Rechov Malchei Yisrael was filled with them gave me the answer to my ques families walking, Chassidim singing, tion. children running and laughing. All of As I remember it, the story told of a a sudden, a car came barelling down vicious prisoner whom Rabbi Levine from Rechov Sarei Yisrael. Countless • MAXIMIZE YOUR CHllO's PoTENTIAJ. used to visit. The man was apparently Yid den angrily screamed, "Shabbos, • PRIVATE SESSIONS AVAILABLE ON Au Shabbosf' and the car just continued on. !JRADE LEVELS IN HEBREW AND tN!JllSH • lEARNIN!J IN A FUN ATMOSPHERE Mrs. Gootblatt, who lives in Lakewood, NJ, is a Of course, they screamed. They are former principal of the General Studies Depart • CLAssES IJ1VEN AFTER Sc//001. ment of a Yiddish-speaking girls' school, and is pained for the holiness that is profaned • SEPARATE CLASSES FoR IJIRLS 6 BoYS author of the soon-to-be-published book, The by willful ignorance in the Palace of the For More Information Etnperor's lVew Clothes: Rethinking our Children's King. Call Mrs. Schonfeld Secular Education. But suppose, instead, that people had (718) 376-5545 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 41 Sarah Shapiro were coming fearlessly now into the entrance of the building: "I'm scared of Rabbi Scheinberg's Laughter them, if you want to know." "Really?" said Miriam. " But they're more scared of you than you could ever be of them:' e all know - or spines and drawing their just then a gaunt, ill-looking kitten aspire to know - claws. Who needs such appeared at their feet, meowing pierc W that all things animals? ingly, and the woman jumped. "You see! come from G-d. But that We do our best to You just don't understand. You're being Miriam was given an allergy to cats ignore them. We realize kind to them but cruel to me. And they is too ironic for words. To say that she they keep down the rat population, and bother my husband now when he goes likes them is an understatement. She's for this we're grateful. out early to daven." felt an affinity for them ever since child When springtime comes and the kit That was it. Miriam stopped feeding hood. She feels their pain. Understands tens are born, the littlest humans them. But the cats didn't go away. Their what they're saying when they purr. respond. They bring out saucers of milk numbers didn't diminish with time. And So she does what she can, since she and stand there watching, lips parted in that piteous meowing. can't bring them home. And Jerusalem wonder. provides her with ample opportunities. This soon passes. The kittens become * * * A cat in a religious Jerusalem neigh cats. The children get bigger. She went to ask a she'eila. borhood is chaya non grata, regarded with contempt. Reviled, disdained, and * * * "So;' said Rabbi Chaim Pinchas viewed with suspicion, the cat's shied But we were talking about Miriam. Scheinberg, "can't you move away down away from and scorned, shooed away the street a little? Feed the cats some harshly if it dares come near. It scares She can't bear the sights and sounds where that it won't bother the neigh us when we take out the garbage. Chil of their starvation. Especially the kittens. bors?" dren stamp their feet to see it freeze in Can't bear that meowing of hungry So that's what she did. Further mid-motion, shout to make it startle, babies. So much meowing! So many kit more, she carried out the scraps each throw stones to make it run. tens! morning before dawn, so the sight of her The children think this is fun. And She's discussed it with Israel's Soci with the food in hand wouldn't aggra their parents don't mind, if the kids keep ety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Ani vate anyone. their distance. For the lowly cat reminds mals. They say they're overwhelmed. Time passed. us pleasantly, if only half-consciously, of They're doing the best they can, short A few weeks ago she got a call, this our own exalted position in Hashem)s of killing them all. They haven't the time a friend who lives down the block Creation - n1easurable in direct pro means to deal with the situation. - a baalat-chessed, someone who)d once portion to the separation between our She started taking them scraps, out gone out of her way to help Miriam her species. In other words, holiness has behind her building's garbage bin, self on an unrelated matter. nothing to do with cats. Felines in warm where they'd congregate and prowl. She "Look," the woman began, "I appre houses far away (whose owners don't knew this wouldn't solve the larger prob ciate what you're trying to do. I know know better) ... felines such as these may lem, but what could she do? She heard you're feeding the cats, and I think it's well be kings and queens before the fire, them from the window. very admirable, really. But Miriam, sleek as panthers and petted and trust After a while, they started recogniz you're killing me." ing and licking milk from their ing her, and got used to her, relaxing bit Miriam's heart jumped to her throat. whiskers, but the cats of whom we by bit their brittle wariness of this "The cats aren)t scared anymore;' the speak.... The parents say they're dirty, human, and at last, after a number of woman continued, "because of you. And and that's the truth. Their eyes are infect weeks, would on occasion entwine since we're on the ground floor, we're the ed; their eyes dart here and there. Their themselves in her steps as she made her ones who get the brunt of it. They jump fur's matted and rangy. They carry dis approach. But the neighbors com right up onto our merpesset (veranda). eases) slink along like thieves, hiss as if plained, and with good reason. "You'll 1 have to keep the windows and doors we were ene1nies, dash too close, like just increase the cat population. You shut all the time - in this heat! - lightning in the night, arching their think you're doing them a favor? They'll because if not, they come right into the get used to being fed and it'll be hard living room! I found one sitting on my Sarah Shapiro of Jerusalem is a frequent con er for them to survive on their own. And couch today and that's when I decided tributor to these pages, most recently with " A they won't kill the rats anymore!" to ask you: Miria1n, please, do some Gift Passed Along" (Oct. 98). One neighbor told her how the cats thing." -·------42 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 Miriam went back to Rabbi Schein know, getting up early, going out there "Pardon me? Could-" berg. The next day, I asked her how he when it's still dark, trying to be very There was rachamim again, and a had responded. quiet. And I felt terrible, having my long sentence that sounded as if it were Now, I've never mentioned it to my neighbors mad at me. I'm so sorry to be coming from a thousand miles away. He friend, but I myself have little love for upsetting them, they're such nice peo was saying something about the time cats, and therefore identify with the ple. But now I don't know how I can before Moshiach. neighbor's position .... I had no doubt stop. Especially the kittens. When I don't "Could the Rosh Hayeshiva repeat that under the circumstances, Rabbi come, they're just out there meowing all that? I'm sorry, I-" Scheinberg would pasken that shalom the time. I feel responsible for them. Laughter again. Rabbi Scheinberg was comes first, and that in this case, she Who else is going to do it? Oh, and there laughing? Then on a buoyant stream, must forego kindness to animals in favor was something else. Rabbi Scheinberg among some other words, came mitz of kindness to her fellows Jews. said that I should tell my neighbor she va ... Moshiach ... Rachamim ... his voice But I was interested, anyway, in can have a cheilek of my mitzva." reaching me like faint... starlight, from hearing precisely how he'd framed it. "You're kidding." a different realm altogether. • Miriam said: "Rabbi Scheinberg told I asked if it was all right with her if me to tell my neighbor that if she has asked Rabbi Scheinberg about it rachamim of Hashem's creatures,then myself, and a few moment later, the Rosh Hashem will have rachamim on her. Hayeshiva's phone picked up. "What?" "I know. I was surprised, too. And I *'* have to admit, I was almost disap pointed. I was sort of hoping to be let n my end, I could just catch his off the hook. It's hard sometimes, you far-off "Yes?" I could picture 0 him there at his table, under neath his n1any layers of tzitzis, could see the Rebbeztin in her housecoat emerg "Don't Forget ing from her kitchen, placing before him a plate of vegetables or fruit for his sup the Cat!" per. I could see her telling him some One summer, Rabbi Yitzchak thing, how he would nod ever so slight • Shabbos Sheva Brochos Elchanan Spektor was vacationing out ly in reply, and could see her returning side Kovno. Every day Rabbi Yaakov to the kitchen to get him something else. • Weekend Bar Mitzvas Lipschutz took the ferry and brought And for me, as always, understand him all the she'ei/os that had come in ing his quiet voice over the telephone • School Shabbatons the mail. Reb Yitzcbak Elcbanan would would present me with a challenge. immediately write histeshuvos and give I explained that I'd heard about the • Family Reunions them to Rabbi Lipschutz to take back problem which had arisen over feeding to Kovno and mail. the stray cats. "She told me what you One day: Reb Yitzchak Elchanan said, Rabbi Scheinberg, and I'd just like For reservations to check that I understood correctly. Did came chasing after Rabbi Lipschutz and information who was.already on·the boat,"Reb you say she should tell the neighbor that ca I I Yaakov! Reb Yaakov!" if she has rachamim on Hashem's crea Concerned, Rabbi Lipschutz ran tures, then Hashem will have racharnim 1-800-CAPITOL toward Reb Yitzchak tlchanan and on her?" asked what was the matter; On the other end, ever so quietly, Yes. (227-4865) "I forgot to tell you that there's "And did you say she can have a a cat that has been coming around cheilek of the mitzva?" outside the hol.lse,and I've been giv He said something about cheilek of 325 Seventh Street, ing it a bowl of milk every day; Now the mitzva. Lakewood, NJ 08701 that I'm on vacation no one is tak· "Is it all right if! quote you on that? (732) 363-5000 ing care of it. Please. be my substi Because I don't think people will Catering under Rabbinical Supervision of it." tute until I rewm and give itthe mi.If<:' believe the Vaad Hakashruth of Lakewood, NJ He gave what sounded like a laugh, from The Story of Rav.Yitz then said something else, in i,.vhich I 'l.?N'::>l ,l!I::> CE§) chok Elchonon l',,;-n:i';> '::>N,l!I' :i'::>ri caught the words gemillas chessed. The Jewish Observer, December 7998 43 Beck Amster AN OUT~OF~TOWN TRA TION hanuka was still an hour away. I born on a December ka lights? Not on our had brought down the bridge just two years ago. I r ~!J},~~( block! Ctable from the attic, covered it was feeling over- ~~!!:<~~=! I had an idea: with gleaming foil, and skirted it with whelmed by the sea come nightfall, I the children's latest Chanuka artworks. sonal lights - in the loaded the kids Out of the high cabinet came the stores, in the media, but into the car and menoras, one by one - my husband's most of all, festooned announced that we low, metal-backed oil menora, the chil on all our neighbors' were going on a dren's nursery creations of wood blocks homes. When my kids menora hunt. My and nuts, including the newest, which excitedly pointed out each one husband wouldn't be arrived home just yesterday. Then Avra we passed, I responded, "You know that home to light for another hour or so, but ham asked, "Can we go around for lights is for non-Jews. We don't keep that." I figured most 9-to-Sers in the com tonight?" So this too had become a tra The older ones remembered my refrain munity were already home. (Our "rush dition! from last year, and repeated it now for hour" traffic doesn't hold a candle to the Our own out-of-town tradition was the younger ones. jam-ups on the BQE.) With a smile, I The lights were everywhere to be explained the rules of the game. "When Mrs. Amster lives in Rochester, NY. Her article, seen, but where in this town was the you see holiday lights, rfinger to my lips l "Teaching the Learning-Disabled Student," appeared in JO, April '86. modest, dignified beauty of the Chanu- don't tell me. But as soon as you see a menora, yell!" We zig-zagged through the deserted, lamp-lit, suburban streets, with 1ne strategically aiming for the addresses I figured would be the best bets. With every distant light, the kids strained to distinguish if it was a small electric bulb or a truly holy little flame. The kids were great! Non-Jewish decorations were met with absolute silence. And we found seven menoras! At each one, we pulled over for a Jong, appreciative look. Then a we hit the jackpot! A friend's home, with Shiurim Directory", featuring a the vertical blinds pulled aside, held five listing of hundreds of shiurim in menoras arrayed across the breadth of the wide living room window sill. We dozens of locations across the sat together quietly in the darkened car country and around the world, and watched the rows of tiny flames. has just been published by The multitude of steady lights shone with the warmth and quiet strength of... Agudath Israel of America's of.... There is no other light I know of Daf Yomi Commission. to compare it to: With the quiet strength of our faith in Hashem's protection, and the quiet strength of the Chashmonaim's faith which smothered the garish "lights" of the Greeks. We drove home, each of us brimming with a pride that outshone the blinding, multi-colored lure of our exile. • 44 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 Rabbi Henoch Plotnik headed for a 3:00 appointment at the Holocaust Memorial (after consultation Why Tim Stood with Gedolei Torah if it was appropri 11 ate). Since we had a tight schedule to complete after the memorial, it was Through "Aleinu decided that we daven Mincha between stops. Washington was its oppressively t was our annual graduation trip. All ta!. We greeted our driver, Tim. humid self. I asked Tim if it would be year long we planned for it and As with other groups of eighth all right if we davened on the bus, in air I dreamed about it. It was, after all, a graders, the bus was abuzz with excite conditioned comfort. "No problem;' was school tradition. ment, and Tim was the target: <'Tim, the response, as usual. ''I'll park by the For a full week we would take a whirl could you please turn up the tape?" post office headquarters so the police wind tour of the East Coast, visiting "Tim, are you Jewish?" "Tim, how do won't make me move and you can pray yeshivas and gedolim, landmarks and you know where to find kosher food in peacefully." halls of government. If your brother had Marlyand?" and on and on. Tim had I announced over the loudspeaker done it before you, he would undoubt remarked now and then how the boys that everyone should take down their edly have told you about the thrill of were so well behaved and polite. They hats and jackets from the overhead racks meeting Rabbi Avrohom Pam, the aura returned the compliment with compli as we figure out which way was mizrach. of Monroe [the Upstate New York Sat ance with the rules and schedules and The bus was quiet. My colleague, Reb mar community-ed.], and the "gen just the right balance of friendship and Chaim, spotted Tim out of the corner uine" Rolex watches for sale on 13th dignity. of his eye. He was standing up. "Out of Avenue for only $20. Having the front seat afforded the respect,'' he answered to the obvious Every trip has its highlights. But this rabbe'im!chaperones the most oppor question. We were about to begin, and one would be different. tunity to converse with our pleasant bus Tim was spotted again, this time with As Hashgacha had it, our long await driver. He told us how his father used his hand over his head. "If these boys are ed and carefully planned-out trip would to bring him to worship in his particu praying, then I want to show respect the have us arrive in New York the day of lar place, but Tim was not impressed by same way. They're a nice bunch of guys." Rabbi Sherer's levaya. True, we missed the pastor, and left religion altogether. And so he stood until after Aleinu. Not our opportunity to meet the Philadel "No great loss;' he said, "as long as you're bad for a guy that chucked religion 40 phia Roshei Yeshiva, but the focus of the decent and respectful." He could not years ago. day was nonetheless on Kiddush have forseen how religion would touch It was proud moment. Our trip Hashem and appreciation for the man his soul. would end as it began. Kiddush Hashem who was largely responsible for creat It was 2:30. We had just finished see and appreciation that we could serve ing an environment where yeshivas ing the Air and Space Museum, and were Hashem as we please. • such as ours could flourish all across the land, serving Hashem as we please. Our spirits were lifted on Tuesday, when we were granted private audiences with the Gerrer Rebbe and Rabbi Pam. Things were back on track. Our assort ment of ruchniyus and gashmiyus kept everyone in high spirits and prepared us for what was going to be a highlight of a different sort. On To The Capital fter spending Wednesday night on the campus of Yeshivas Ner AIsrael of Baltimore, we boarded our bus for a tour of the nation's capi- Rabbi Plotnik is a Rebbi of the 8th Grade of Yeshivas Tiferes Tzvi in Chicago, where he also serves as Rav of K'hal Adas Bnei Yisroel. The Jewish Observer, December 1998 45 Rabbi Hillel Litwak comments: "Whoever answers a snatched Amein will have his days Hashgacha Prattis and snatched away:' I approached the man to explain the gravity of an Amein Amein Chatufa .--~ Chatufa. I wanted to show it to him in the Mishna Berura, but after searching the shul and not hile davening in a shul in Boro end of a beracha ----• finding that volume, I simply Park on Shabbos, I heard a before answering Amein. If he does not referred him to siman 124. W inan answering "Amein" in a wait, his response is called an A.mein The following Friday, 1 received a let loud voice before the Chazan conclud Chatufa - a snatched Amein. Such an ter from the bank stating that I had failed ed the beracha. As stated in the ill-timed response is so serious an to sign one of my checks; however, the Shulchan Aruch, one n1ust wait until the offense that the Gemora (Berachos 47) check which the bank had enclosed for signature was not mine. Shortly after wards, a woman called saying that she had received a similar letter from the Subscribe or gi,ve a gi,ft of bank and the letter contained my check instead of hers. I then looked at the check the bank had sent me; it was this The Jewish Observer woman's check. I assured her that after Shabbos I would come to her house and we'd exchange the checks. At the time, and $ave! this little mix-up of checks seemed quite insignificant. WHY NOT GIVE on GET A PHESENT On Friday night, as I was preparing THAT WILL LAST AN ENTIHE YEAH? to make Kiddush, I realized with a start that the name on the check was the same Subscribe, or give a gift at these reduced price~ as that of the man whom I had spoken and 1'he Jewish ()bserver- filled with the \'iews to about the Amein Chatufa, and the of lt~ading Torah thinkers on current issues- "\\-0 i1l be address was near the shul I had attend delivt~red each rnonth, directly to your door. ed the previous week. Immediately after Shabbos, I called lbe longer you suh'">c1ibe.. f()J~ the larger your savinbrs. this family and spoke to the husband, ()f course, this offer is unconditionally guaranteed; and he confirmed that I had corrected you rnay cancel at any ti1ne and receive a reflind for him the previous Shabbos. all undelivered copies. A s\i\1itching of checks is not a usual occurrence, and for the mix-up to So order today, and the very next issue will be on involve the person I had corrected its \Vay to you as soon as possible. about a halachic matter the previous Shabbos was too big a coincidence for J.O. SlJBSCRIP'J'ION SAVINGS CERTII<'l(:ATE me to relegate to just happenstance. Per 0 YES, I want to take advantage of this tnouey saving offer! Eute1· 1ny order as follows: haps just as I had corrected the man in Cl NEW' SUBSCR!Vl10N 0 HENE\VAL 0 GJVJ' regard to the Amein Chatufa, so should U.'V. •OFNllf: !IN!l' !l'iA I make others aware of this common 0 3 years Cover Price $105 Your cost $60 $96 I problem. 0 2 years Cover Price $70 You,. cost $44 $('8 I Hence my writing of these lines to the 0 l year Cover Price $:15 Your cost $24 $36 I ~ta10· ------Zip ______readers of this journal. The appropri 0 ::iend gift card from: ______ate moment to pronounce an Amein is dictated by halacha, and the proper Charge my: U MaslP1{:an:I Ll VISA observance of this halacha will be a Suite 1200, 84 William Street. New York, NY ]0038 Tlw J••U'i.1h Olhl~nw i.1 pub/i.,/oed 11um!li/y 1•x;oepl j,d, ""'/ A11g11.\/, Ac<~ount No. ------source of berachos to us all. • Pletm· a/fow4 · 6 WN'li. 46 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 Jump Start, Delay, and a Siyum Mishnayos To the Editor: When I saw my talk," Siyum on Pesachim," printed in the May '98 issue of The Jewish Observer, I was given a start. There facing me was a reproduction of a painting by Max Weber, "In beis medrash." A copy of this painting has been in my house for about forty years. I've looked at that painting, for more secular years of my life than frum years. It's uncanny that your staff selected just that painting to grace the article! In the article you printed, "Siyum on Pesachim," I mentioned a siyum made on the gantze Mishnayos. I'm including the talk that I delivered on that occasion for your interest. Sincerely, Mordechai Tobin A SIYUM ON THE ENTIRE MISHNAYOS courage in my t\vo hands to let the or this sixteen-year old, the tears words rush out: "Papa, I'm not going to were soon forgotten and I went the his siyum of the gantze Mishnayos Yeshiva College. I'm not going to lay F\.Vay of my brothers and sisters, and on my father's Yahrtzeit happens tefillin anymore. I'm not going to shul all the other Jews charmed by America. Tto be the hundredth anniversary on Shabbos, and I'm going to be just like Later in life I remembered the tears. of his coming to the Goldene Medina. n1y brothers and sisters and n1y When my son, Shlomo Michael, who is I realized that the year 1996 would be friends." named after my father, wrote to me to the centenary of his coming to Ameri The courage dropped from my tell me that he was learning at Yeshiva ca, and this inspired 1ne to learn the hands as I lifted them up to protect Ohr Somayach to learn what it means entire Mishnayos for the centennial. myself from the expected slap, for no to be a Jew, I immediately flew to Inspiration n1ay initiate a project. child told my father anything; one Jerusalem to talk him out of his Sticking to it completes the project. This asked. My father's eyes blazed, and he nahreshkeit. Then I remembered my was a big project for me. Sometimes it stepped towards me. Suddenly he father's tears. seemed too big for one of small skills. stopped and began to plead. "Motke, du So on this centennial of my father's I quit a couple of times. And each time bist die letzte - you're the last one. My coining to America and on his Yahrtzeit, that I quit, I remembered what spurred last hope. You are not like the others. I want this siyum to tell America: that inspiration to embark on this Don't say what you said. G-d forgive "America, you beat us Jews bad, but you siyum. you, don't mean what you said:' didn't win." The spur - tears. The tears my I was shocked to hear my father And to tell my father, "Papa, you were father shed when I was sixteen years old. beg. Begging was not his way to deal beaten badly, but didn't lose." • It was the only time I ever saw my father with the family. I realized he must be cry. Let me tell you what brought on the deeply wounded if he didn't attempt tears. to hit me. I couldn't bear to see his hurt. I loved him. "Papa, please don't 'm the youngest of nine children. make me learn to be a rabbi. I just The Goldene Medina to which my want to be like my friends and every I father fled one hundred years ago one else in the family." destroyed his family. All were as goyim "So don't be a rabbi. You can still be 70%0FF in his eyes. None practiced the mitzvos. a good Jew- put on tefillin, stay kosher, • Crtllf Stwings I was his last hope. keep Shabbos. But don't you also • FllSI Serlliee My father was pressing me to enroll become a gay like the others. It's enough in Yeshiva College, which had recently for me that I raise eight goyim. I don't started in the Washington Heights sec need nine. Motke, Motke, it's enough tion in New York where we lived, for I already." was graduating from high school in my Papa burst into tears. I also burst into sixteenth year. tears and threw my arms around him. The morning of my sixteenth birth "Papa, Papa, please don't cry. I don't day, before my father and I began to want to hurt you. it makes no sense to daven and to Jay tefillin, I took my me to be frum, but I'll try, I'll try." The Jewish Observer, December 1998 47 Rabbi Nesanel Kasnett B~~SIN 1. REV w Expanding on the Parsha In Breadth and in Depth Pirkei Torah by Rabbi Mordechai Gifter explaining why Bretz Yisroel is de Sedra - "A Jew Mesorah Publications, 1998, New York, called a "morasha" (heritage) must live with the 296 pp. Hard Cover $20.99/Paperback rather than a "nachala" weekly Torah portion." $17.99 (inheritance), the Rosh Yeshi Each week the Torah va states - with an eerie addresses a specific set of prescience - that «we have concerns of the individual his past year has seen a plethora been granted Bretz Yisroel Jew and of the communi- of important parsha publica only to use in accordance ty. The sedra instructs, Ttions. Pirkei Torah is a collection with the Torah and to guides, counsels and of exegeses culled from the written and pass it on to future gen inspires, illuminating every recorded discourses of the Telshe Rosh erations to do likewise." nook and cranny of the Yehsiva, Rabbi Mordechai Gifter N"~, Does the Wye Memo- human experience. And, of and is arranged according to the week randum come to mind? course, it is the great sages of ly Torah readings. The selections One could go on and on; the every generation, including our were compiled by Rabbi sefer is replete with precious gems. own, who extract the precious insights Chaim Yehudah Nuss And yet this reviewer found cer and moral teachings imbedded in vir baum, a devoted disciple tain pieces confusing [perhaps tually every verse of the Torah. It is of the Rosh Yeshiva, and due to his own limitations]. An therefore an added joy and privilege to were translated into Eng example would be the transla be presented with four more fine vol lish by Ephraim Lever, a tion of "tamim" in the verse umes that convey a portion of these trea current talmid of Telshe. "Noach ish tzaddik tamim" as sures to us. Augmenting these pieces are "consistently perfect" (p. The Genesis and Exodus volumes of several essays written in Eng 28). "Consistently" strikes The Parashah Anthology are Rabbi Yosef lish by Rav Gifter himself, and me as a purely subjective Reinman's translations from Rabbi Yis they include "Talmudic and unnecessary adden sachar Dov Rubin's modern Hebrew Jurisprudence;) a transcription dum (no other English classic, Talelei Oros, a work in progress of the precedent-setting lecture translation I checked has it), and that already numbers twelve books. The he gave at Western Reserve Uni indeed seems almost redundant. Since luminaries most often quoted therein versity; "The Dual Nature of Man," a - to my mind - it deserves deletion, include the Vilna Gaon, Rabbi profound philosophical article that the exegesis built upon it was uncon Yehoshua Leib Diskin, the Beis HaLe originally appeared in The Jewish vincing. Here and in other places a more vi, Rabbis Chaim and Yitzchak Zev Observer (Jan. '66); and "Judaism in judicious and vigorous editing would Soloveitchik, Shem MiShmuel, the Practice," from a series of articles in The have improved what is nonetheless an Steipler Gaon, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, Jewish Parent ('54-'55) that explain the excellent work. and Rabbi Elazar Shach. Moreover, the Jewish holidays to day school parents. anthology features numerous anec Rabbi Gifter's Chiddushei Torah on The Parashah Anthology by Rabbi Yis dotes and vignettes from the lives of Chumash are, as would be expected, sachar Dov Rubin, Arazim Pub., Israel, gedolim that illustrate the themes devel thoughtful, brilliant- and provocative: 1997, 401 pp. (Genesis) Arazim Pub., oped from each parasha. Many of these In Haazinu (p.292), he avers that Israel, 1997, 410 pp. (Exodus) stories have been previously unpub Moshe's death was "al pi Hashem" - lished; the Brisker family is particular Moshe was commanded to die! But ly well-represented in this regard, as are how, short of suicide, does one effect his he foreword to The Parashah Rabbi Yisroel Salanter and the Chofetz own demise? In Va' eira (p. 97), while Anthology quotes the wonderful Chaim. All in all, this collection of aphorism of Reb Shneur Zalman, insights and stories will expand the Rabbi Kasnett, senior editor of the ArtScroll Shas, is a fre~ T quent contributor to these pages. I the Ba' al HaTanya: A Yid darfleben mit mind and uplift the soul. 48 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 Rabbi Yisroel Hisiger Peninim on the Parsha Illuminations. Thought lnspir· i Rabbi Adler does not shy away from Torah by Rabbi ing Insights On the Weekly Parsha, informing the reader on such topics as, A.L. Schein· Baruch Adler, Israel Book Shop, "The Torah of Women" in Parshas baum, Penin· Brookline MA/Lakewood NJ, 1998 Vayeilech and "To Establish im Publica Bretz Yisroel - or Not" in tions) nlike many sefarim on Parshas Masei. Cleveland, the parsha in English, A brief example of the Ohio, 1998, Uwhich feature a verse style of the author will serve 350 pp. followed by a short thought as a "teaser." On page 214, in elucidated by an anecdote or discussing Parshas Mishpatim, story, Rabbi Baruch Adler has Rabbi Adler quotes the passuk, presented the reader with a "Counsel in the heart of man is ~:me can be said major philosophical concept like deep water" (Mishlei 20:5). T for Peninim on the Torah (vol. 4). or Torah thought, with a wide variety The author explains, "Every man Rabbi AL. Scheinbaum also has select· of sources. Indeed, Rabbi Adler treats possesses the potential for the greatest ed Torah thoughts from a host of com· the reader to a wide sampling of Torah wisdom; it is up to him to evoke that mentaries, ranging from the classic to giants including, but not limited to, wisdom from within. The training of the contemporary, while maintaining an Mahara4 Ramcha4 Ramban, Ralbag, R' Man does not involve teaching him any· emphasis on the centrality of Torah Yehuda Halevi, R' Saadia Gaon, Ohr thing alien to his nature, it involves the study and middos (character develop· Hachaim Hakadosh, Alshich and Gerer evoking of wisdom already present. The ment). His flair for integrating the var· Rebbe. asiya - the doing - of Man involves ious insights into everyday situations is These Divrei Torah, originally deliv· a continuation of the initial work of evident throughout the work. The con· ered in the Beis Haknesses established by Hashem. Therein lies the partnership." summate pedagogue, he has included Rabbi Adler, were later arranged in the This is not a seferto read while relax questions of varying difficulty at the end order of the Parshios Hashavua. Rabbi ing in a recliner. Although eminently of each sedra presentation in order to Adler credits his Rebbeyim and readable, it is something to study and stimulate family discussion. Mashgichim, specifically singling out "sink your teeth into:' It is especially rec· Rabbi Yitzchok Hutner, ?"llT and Rabbi ommended for the serious thinking Pars ha Parables by Avigdor Miller, N"1"71:1, for influencing individual who wishes to broaden his Rabbi Mordechai and encouraging his development of horizons of Torah thought. The "index Kamenetzky Bentsh Torah machshava. of people, sefarim and holidays" is a very Press, Hewlett, NY, Some of the topics covered in this useful tool, especially for cross refer· 1997, 203 pp. Vol.· very readable sefer are: "Motive is every· encing. The author has also con· $17.95; Vol 2· thing)" "Torah or Common Sense," tributed a very moving account of his $16.95 "Two Paths · One Choice," "The Mys· father's activities during the dark days tery of the North;'" Rationale for Kor· of World War II. bonos;' "The Individual is Special" and It is hoped that in a future edition, inally, ''A Brief History of Torah Shebe'al Peh." a glossary of transliterated Hebrew Pars ha terms will be included. We eagerly await Parables Rabbi Hisiger is the principal of General Studies ofYeshi· the next endeavor of Rabbi Adler's fruit· F va and Mesivta Torah Temimah in Brooklyn. His reviews is a collection have been featured in these pages. ful pen. B of homiletic pieces on the weekly sedra that Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky has faxed to his readers around the globe. Written in a breezy and humorous style, he typical Personal responsibility throughout service - NOT JUST "PAPERWORK" ly identifies one or two textual or the· ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT METHOD matic problems, recounts an invariably Highly recommended by Gedolai Hador- Here and in Eretz Ylsrael fascinating story involving a gadol, and then applies the lesson of the story to 1043-42nd Street, Brooklyn, 1\'Y 11219 resolve his difficulty. In doing so, he dis· Day & Night phone: (718) 851-8925 plays great psychological acuity, and pro· 1ll1' 1 r.IN,~r.1Nj7 ))l"j7 - 1'1:1 iNl nm~)) '1)~ vides us with a positive, joyous and a...ed Shd &llES •ilh - Nde;it.a; unlmlood and Jl""iwl by one"""" in lhe inWslry lir more dm half a """'11' BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS • TAHARAS ffANIFTAR SHOULD NEVER BE COMMERCIALIZED Torah-true perspective on life. B The Jewish Observer, December 1998 49 is 'cheap' and 'strange; and refuse to be 145,18). meshadech with them." We can be sure that the so-called A word of chizuk is in place. story cited above is not factual, and that "Micha came and established the the more we do to promote true simchos entire Torah on three principles -what in a Torah manner, the more \Ve will is good and what does Hashem require benefit in this world and in the World of you? Justice, kindness, and to walk to-Come. privately with Hashem (Micha 6,8)" Consider: Of the weddings that are (Makkos 24a). described in Tanach, one of the most sig FOLLOWING THE INSPIRATION OF The Gemora ( Succa 49b) gives an nificant is that of Boaz and Rus. Only "LEADING ASPIRATIONS" example of when one should "walk pri ten people were in attendance, and its vately with Hashem": "VVhen accompa results led to the birth of David Ham To the Editor: nying a bride to the wedding canopy:' elech and the dynasty of Mashiach. In his inspiring article, "Leading Even when performing a public (RABBI) MOSHE GOLDBERGER Aspirations" (Oct. '98), Rabbi Yisroel mitzva such as a wedding, surrounded Staten Island, NY Miller not only espoused Torah ideals, by a multitude of family, friends and The writer of the above letter is the but also gave some specific illustrations well-wishers, one can walk in private author of a number of informative and for carrying them out, including tack with Hashem, ifhe thinks of Hashem at inspirational books and pamphlets on a ling the issue of spending limits for Jew that time and acts in His service. wide range of topics. ish weddings. We should be grateful to Not only are we judged by what we him for actually doing something con do, we are even judged by how we per ACCEPTANCE OF DIVERSITY IN ISRAEL, crete about the problem, and then form good deeds. Whom are we trying AN EMBRACING REALITY teaching us about it. Sticking one's neck to please? Are we ostentatious? Do we out on any topic has potential hazards. conceal as much as is feasible, or are we To the Editor: We always have to be sensitive to the feel seeking to display our good fortune? This letter is in response to "A Gift ings of others, and that is part of why The virtue of "private service" has Passed Along," (Oct. '98) by Sarah we owe a great yasher koach to those who unlimited rewards: "Great is he who Shapiro. I felt the article was one-sided lead the way to inspire us to action. gives in secret" (Bava Basra 9b ). This and gave such a bleak view of the lives One potential fallout reaction I've form of mitzva performance protects of the people mentioned. There are sev heard was the so-called "story" - "Did one from punishn1ent: "Giving in eral points I would like to make in ref you hear about the Rosh Hayeshiva who secret turns away wrath" ( Mishlei 2l,14). erence to the subject matter. married off his first child in the yeshi When we do things with Hashem in The article speaks about a convert, an va building, and subsequently had trou 1nind, we become closer to Hi1n: African-American Jewish male, and a ble finding shidduchim for his other chil "Hashem is close to all who call Him; to Russian immigrant, all of whom seem dren? People would say that the family all who call him in truth" ( Tehillim to experience some form of hardship, prejudice and ill-treatment by Israeli society. Their situation reminded me of a story about a rabbi, who used to bow to everyone he met in the street. Some one asked him, "Rabbi, why do you bow to strangers?" The rabbi replied, "Every time I see people, I am reminded that they are created in the image of G-d, and FREE I bow to that part of the Divine in every person." COMPUTER If mitzvos are to elevate humanity, then should not parents, teachers and COURSE Roshei Yeshiva teach our children not just For Women Coping On Their Own responsibility, but the proper way to act? (Widowed, Divorced, Separated) In Micha 6,8, it states, "What does the L-rd require of you, but to act justly and 30 Hours of Instruction - Day Classes to love kindness and to walk humbly:' For More Information or To Register, Children are not born prejudiced. Shouldn't those who live in Israel, the Holy Land, be an example for all Jew- 50 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 ish people to learn tolerance and the There is a flip-side of the coin; not every an inherent aspect of being human. No acceptance of diversity? What signals are one is like those the people encountered one ever said that fulfilling Torah ideals we sending to our children, if they in the article. would come easily. exhibit such negative behavior? May we all learn to walk in the light The Torah gives us guidelines for of G-d. Hiney mah tov umah na'im GRATITUDE FOR "STATION" BREAK every aspect of our lives, including our sheves achim gam yachad! May we dealing with other people. The Torah always be inspired to elevate ourselves To the Editor: tells us to be kind to strangers, to pro in the service of Hashem. Although I have never met Mr. tect widows and orphans, to do daily REBBETZIN TZ!PORAH PRONMAN Akiva Davidsen, and he has never met deeds of lovingkindness. In Deuteron Fort Hood, Texas me, I owe him a great measure of hako omy it says, "You shall not deny the rights ras hatov. It is because of him that I was of the stranger," and "Remember that Response from Sarah Shapiro: able to start my married life with the you were a slave in Egypt." V\!hen we When reading Rebbetzin Pronman's right perspective on what I want my new embrace humanity and learn to live by letter, at first I couldn't quite pinpoint home to be like. the Torah, then we become closer to where our perspectives differ- so con Hashem. As it says in Berachos 6a, "Just sistent with the ideas I was hoping to get as you have declared Me a oneness in the across in the article were the very ones universe, so will I make you into a sin she puts forth in her letter. It was only gle entity:' This is what should be taught upon reaching her delightful closing to our children and this is what adults comments that I understood. should demonstrate. "Just as G-d is It's a great joy to hear a story such as merciful, you be merciful," and "Just as hers, one in which an Orthodox com G-d is compassionate, so you be com munity lives up to the Torah ideals of passionate." which Rebbetzin Pronman eloquently As in the story of Cain and Abel, G- The Jewish Observer, December 1998 51 I read his article, "From Station to Sta reading the cholim list (names of ill peo and lung cancer is more common than tion" (Feb. '97), several months prior to ple whom we pray for) is the prevalence other cancers) is away from their home my marriage, and it made a tremendous of individuals afflicted.,.. , with chron environment for a period of time. impression on me. I made the difficult ic diseases. This is not just in frum com I'm not trying to put the lollypop decision on the spot that I would not munities, but in American society as a man at shulout of business; however, in open up the radio in my home. Baruch whole. The most common causes of the vein of"Shomer Psa'im," I feel it is Hashem, my husband was willing to go death in our society are preventable. time that we start correctll1g some of the along with my decision. Heart disease, cancer, strokes, etc., are excess that we are so used to. Daily We have recently celebrated our all related to diet and lifestyle. The sta events that may not seem foolhardy by anniversary, and I am happy to report tistics clearly show that individuals themselves have a cumulative effect. that we have never broken our pron1ise. who do not eat properly or get some Having a fast food kosher restaurant on I must admit that I was very tempted on form of exercise are more likely to suc every corner doesn't mean we have to at least one occasion to cheat, but I held cumb to these deadly illnesses. The rela eat there three times a day. Instant soup back by telling myself that after switch tionship between obesity and heart is a modern day miracle, but it certain ing the thing on once, nothing will keep disease is a proven and indisputable ly isn't a meal-even if it fills our stom me back from doing it again. This is not medical fact. ache. to say that I know nothing about the In 1982, the National Academy of Sci Shomer Psa'im is the pasuk used to country's news. On the contrary, I know ence said that up to 60 percent of can protect fools: people who don't know any a lot more than what is necessary for me cers in woman and 40 percent of can better. We know better! Yet, we continue to know. (And even I found out with cers in men are related to diet. Many to act naive and foolish. As Mr. Kuper in minutes after the winner was dyes and chemicals in foods are proven wasser said, if we continue to ignore the announced, that my husband and I were carcinogens in laboratory animals. Yel dangers around us, we are being foolish. not the winners of the New York lottery! low# 5 and Red# 40 (found in most lol When we ignore safety, prevention and A loyal friend made sure to call me np lipops and candies) is actually outlawed the understanding that we are all ulti with this piece of news.) in some countries! Yet, it seems these mately responsible for the net effects of A simple thank you to Mr. Davidsen are found in the largest section of most our actions, our foolishness can only lead would certainly not suffice. May Kosher food stores: the candy aisle. to pain and suffering. Hashem repay you for your good deeds, The second largest section in the gro DR. YAKOV WEIL and for the good deeds that anyone has cery is the deli section. Most deli prod Chicago done in your merit. ucts contain nitrites that are also proven NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST carcinogens. The FDA only allows the OF FOOLS AND ''ACCIDENTS" nitrites because they prevent salmonel la from causing botulism. These nitrites To the Editor: MORE ON "G-D GUARDS FOOLS" may not be dangerous to have once in After reading Chaim Kuperwasser' s a while, but how many parents and article (Sept. '98), it struck me that much To the Editor: yeshivas serve hot dogs and deli meats of what he was trying to say was left I commend Chaim Kuperwasser for 2-3 times per week? unsaid or was very vague. I am sure that bringing up some very important points How about increasing our efforts to the editor had to take into account cer in his article, "Shomer Psa'im Hashem - cut down smoking among teenagers and tain sensitivities, and rightly so. G-d Guards Fools: Commentary or young adults? Many post-high school There are, however, a few "parve License:' I agree wholeheartedly with his students go to Israel (where they are actions" (things done by everybody, all recommendation that we all begin to about 20 years behind the US in edu the time) I would like to inform your drive a little more carefully. I am con cation about smoking) and get hooked readers about. Hopefully, it will be a stantly embarrassed and overwhelmed on this habit. I still remember my Rebbi learning experience for everyone. with a feeling of Chillul Hashem when in Israel, upon hearing that a bachur had I have been a member ofHatzoloh for I see a frum person blatantly not stop at gotten hooked on smoking, say, "Great, about 18 years; there are numerous calls a "STOP" sign in our residential neigh you will go back to your parents and that I have responded to which have been borhood. When most of us are driving, show them that you learned how to unhappy ones, to say the least. The calls, there is a certain aggressiveness that over smoke here in yeshiva." We must make that affect me the most, however, are takes even the most mentchlich person. it a priority to educate our children MVA's, motor vehicle accidents. These It should always be an obvioius conclu about the dangers of smoking. That edu are calls which for the most part are not sion that bein adam I'chaveiro should be cation must be strong enough to prevail "accidents;' rather negligence on the part increased when operating a deadly even when a bachur or se1ninary student of somebody. Although most states weapon. (let's not forget the number of womeu define accidents as ((No Fault,» we know Another thing that strikes me when smokers is rising faster than that of men, somebody is at fault. What I am most 52 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 appalled by, is that most of these "acci fie, not with it (riding a bicycle is dif Rebbe'im are sensitive and considerate, dents" should never have happened. ferent; there you ride with traffic, also a and are far, far removed from such How many times have I heard from one law, by the way). This is common sense; behavior. But in this case it was a Rebbi, of the drivers, "I wasn't paying attention;' you will be able to see any cars coming and we published it as it was written. We or "I was tired"? How often do people your way. Stay as far away from mov did not choose the subject matter. shave while driving? Possibly put on ing traffic as possible. Just the other day, On the other hand, very few individ makeup? Talk on a cellular phone?? Not I passed two frum ladies who were push uals have as profound an influence on to mention the cases where one driver ing their babies in carriages on the shoul young people as their teachers and is totally inconsiderate of others and der of an extremely busy/fast/narrow Rebbe'im-for the positive and the neg changes lanes without using a blinker, road. They were walking side by side! ative. For a case of an extraordinarily stopping suddenly to look at something, In summation, what Chaim Kuper dedicated Rebbi who had an over or maybe just making a quick left turn wasser pointed out in his article is very whelmingly positive effect on his charges, in front of oncoming traffic (which, apropos. Yes, we should learn Torah one need only read Hanoch Teller's trib believe it or not, the law states in every more, we should daven better and ute to Rabbi David Heckscher ':>":It in the State: that one must give the right of way improve our middos. Surely these earlier pages of that same issue, or to oncoming traffic, unless there is things will help even in case of high risk; Yonason Rosenblum's ''An Appreciation light or other traffic direction). but in any case," Ein mikra yotzai midei of Rabbi Yehudah Naftali Mandelbaum The bottom line is, if you are not pay peshuto" - Scripture has a literal mean ':>":It" (Jan. '98), certainly exemplary ing attention, or you don't obey laws, ing that must be respected. cases of Rebbe'im bechessed elyon. DON'T DRIVE! Then maybe you AUTHOR'S NAME WITHHELD UPON REQUEST Not surprisingly, the story in ques won't pass a school bus with its red flash tion is written by a Rebbi who made a ers on (another accepted law in every TAKES EXCEPTION TO IMPLICATIONS public (albeit anonymous) confession, state), and maybe the child running to OF "A REBBI'S CONFESSION" after going through an excrutiating the bus won't get hurt! A poseik recent experience, and engaging in painful ly told me that Rabbi Moshe Feinstein To the Editor: introspection and teshuva. Others may ':>":It said that every time someone gets The article, "A Rebbi's Confession," do the same, in their role as a parent, into a car, he is using up merits. How featured in your November '98 issue, was Gabbai, or counterman; but isn't it more much more so when we are careless. very moving, but also quite troubling. If likely to be the sensitive ruchniyus Another pet peeve I have is, very often you wish to portray how a Jew makes a focused Rebbi who does so? at the scene of an accident, the driver will mistake, suffers from it, and later comes Rather than open the door for whisper to one of us that they or their to grips with it, why must it be a Rebbi Rebbi-bashing, the Rebb1"s confession is child was not strapped in (another law). - especially in the title? How about a addressed to the reader to guide him You can usually tell this by the bruise or parent, or the Gabbai in a shuP. or her in being more sensitive to oth cut on the child's or adult's face. How Anyone who reads the story will ers - with the author fulfilling his role careless and inconsiderate (one for the automatically say, "Yeah. Just like the as the consummate Rebbi in how to do parent and one for the child). Rebbi that wounded me in high school:' teshuva for what he perceives to be a There are just a few more things I Or "... who picked on my Yossi in the lack of sensitivity. How fitting, how would like to point out to your readers: eighth grade, and made such a mess out beautiful for a Rebbi to take the pains a)Everyone who rides a bicycle should of him." to instruct us all, even in his time of wear a helmet, and at night should wear Whatever your intention in publish anguish and contrition! some sort of reflector. 1bis includes those ing the story, you have contributed NW who go roller blading. Also, they should mightily to the current atmosphere of also wear knee and elbow pads and gloves Rebbi-bashing. You owe the members of NOTICE TO OUR READERS (your child should be able to walk to this noble profession a public apology. his/her chupah by his/herself, with you (RABBI)LEVI MELAMED The Jewish Observer has received a only to guide them). Brooklyn, NY long communication from Rabbi Yehu b )When about to cross a street da-Herzl Henkin, in his response to Levi (especially a busy one), keep the carriage Editorial Response: Reisman's reply to Rabbi Henkin's with your child in it on the sidewalk next While the article in question tells the defense of his position (Letters, Oct. '98). to you, not in the street in front of you. story of Rebbi- a highly accomplished Mr. Reisman in turn has written a If you think the child is safe in the street, one, at that - it could very well have rejoinder to Rabbi Henkin's communi you stand in the street, and leave the car happened with a parent, a Gabbai in cation. riage on the sidewalk. shul, or the counter-man in a pizza par Copies of this latest exchange are c)When walking in the gutter (side of lor, who judged someone hostilely and available from The Jewish Observers edi the street or shoulder) walk againsttraf- incorrectly. True, 99% of today's torial office on request. The Jewish Observer, December 1998 53 DATELINE 84 WILLIAM TORAH SAGES ISSUE "CRY OF PAIN AND PROTEST" AGAINST AGUNAH TRIBUNAL The Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah (Council of Even before the halachic rationale for the ing of Rabbi Feinstein's words in its defense, Torah Sages), the highest rabbinic authority of tribunal's "freeing" of agunos was made pub asserting that the renowned decisor "were he the Agudath Israel movement in North Amer lic, a number of rabbinic bodies - including with us now, would have issued an issur ica, has issued a sharply worded denunciation Agudath Israel of America's Conference of Syn v'cherem [a prohibition and excommunication] of a tribunal \vhose declared mission is to "free agogue Rabbonim - issued their own criti against all who perpetrate this violation of our agunot" - Jewish women "stranded" without cisms of the renegade tribunal. In the weeks Torah law." religious divorces by recalcitrant husbands. since the advertisement ran, several groups The Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah refrained The tribunal in question, the "Beit Din have pointed out that the tribunal's citations from engaging the published rationale in a L'ba'ayot Agunot>" headed by Rabbi Emanuel of earlier sources for its actions had been taken, detailed analysis. "The entire thrust of the tri Rack.man and Moshe Morgenstern and affil often jarringly, entirely out of their original bunal's approach to contemporary Jewish mar iated with the organization Agunah Inc., has context. riage," said an Agudath Israel spokesman, been allowing large numbers of married The Beth Din of America, affiliated with the "namely, that it lacks binding sanctity, is so women- as many as 190 since the tribunal's Rabbinical Council of America, sent all RCA bizarrely at odds with clearly established founding a year and a half ago, according to members a point-by-point refutation of the tri halachic precedent that the Moetzes Gedolei recent reports - to marry again without bunal's arguments, concluding that "there are Ha Torah saw no need to dignify the tribunal's receiving gittin (Jewish divorces) from their not even minority opinions that adopt the view contentions with substantive response." husbands. taken by this new bet din," that "women Instead, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Although one of the tribunal's leaders, released by this new bet din are still married;' issued a "Cry of Pain and Protest," unequivo Rabbi Morgenstern, was quoted in The New and that "it would be a violation of halacha ... cally declaring that the tribunal's arguments York Times candidly stating his philosophy that to perform a wedding based on a psak :ruling] "are entirely without merit" and reflect an a woman "has a right to say I loved you yes of this new bet din." intent to "undermin[eJ the halachic tradition." terday and if I change my mind today, the man Prorninent members of the family of the [Following is the full Hebrew text and free 1nust go," the tribunal contends that its posi late halachic decisor Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, translation into English of the Moetzes Gedo lei tion is firmly rooted in halacha (Jewish reli ?"~,took public offense at the tribunal's invok- HaTOrah statement:] gious law). Thus, in August, "in cooperation with" Rabbi Rackman, Agunah Inc. took out a two-page adver tise1nent in the New York Jewish Week to pub licize what it called the "Halachic Principles and Procedures" underlying the tribunal's approach. ti•im~i~•l:ii:i.ti~l)"ll~n MT.1 •oin~1 c•;!l 'Ill illi' iiitiNl't)~~~ The Jewish Week ad justifies the tribunal's actions through wholesale invocation of the "111311:) '!D1"l'i'" i13Q ';)r pry;:i,11 mip '1l"1l !11.n.,,:i Ql ,.,~ m~ ~; .. heretofore tightly limited halachic concept of "1•11¥177 iiin.,n1l.1Ull1M •iDq:i '(K~· ''ml ~ ;!li1~"13il ~13¥31 ~li~j "kiddushei ta'ut" - a fundamental error at the ti1ne of the original marriage that renders the •J:l 54 The Jewish Observer, December 1998 *WHEN BfARING THt @ V1so us AT www.WISH·BONf.COM Now WISH·BONE'S ITALIAN AND ROBUSTO ITALIAN DRESSINGS ARE CERTIFIED KOSHER BY THE UNION OF ORTHODOX JEWISH CONGREGATIONS OF AMERICA.* 'v THEY'RE THE #l ITALIAN DRESSINGS IN AMERICA so n's A DEFINITE CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION. \V~