An exciting and moving 25 minute audio-visual presentation, capturing the major awe-inspiring moments of the 11th Siyum HaShas that emanated from Madison Square Garden, Continental Airlines Arena, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Toronto, Canada, on March 1, 2005/20 Adar I, 5765. This production, captured by more than 15 broadcast-quality cameras, and enhanced by musical and visual effects, was premiered at Agudath Israel's 83rd Anniversary Dinner at the New York Hilton, and has been made available in CD-ROM format due to popular demand. Also available: Full 4112 hours IS CD-ROM set of Nationwide Siyum. Available in all Jewish bookstores or by mail through Agudath Israel of America,
Some of the Highlights featured in this presentation include excerpts of.
Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman (N.J, Siyum) Nationwide Siyum H aShas by Harav Chaim Stein The Novominsker Rebbe (N,Y. Siyum) Niggunim by Reb Abish Brodt and Shlomy Daskal Rabbi Asher Weiss (L.A. Siyum) Panoramic footage of the singing and dancing Dayan David Dunner (Toronto Siyum) Chazzanim Yitzchok Helfgot and Yaakov Stark Rabbi Yissachar Frand (Chicago Siyum) Behind-the-scenes production footage ... and.more.
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I ~ do YOU belo- LOST ••• WITHOUT Along with the advantages and inquiries were, "How are you finding life LOSING ONE'S WAY attractions of the already vast and ever over there?)) "Have you managed to set expanding communities in New York and tle down yet?" and "So, how d'you like he smaller out-of-town commu beyond, there are real dangers that often it in the States?)) nities frequently enjoy a level of escape our attention. Perhaps the most But this individual had a far more Tunity that their large counterparts typical of these is the common phenom original topic to quiz me on. "Did you can hardly compete with. There will be enon of being lost, without necessarily manage to find a kehilla to your liking one shul, maybe two, and a close-knit losing one's way. Jn real terms, this refers over there?" he asked. Fortunately, we communal fabric. Every face is familiar, to the individual's lack of any meaning could answer him in the affirmative and, names are known, visitors are immedi ful connection, due to being somewhat thankfully, the reply remains valid until ately identified and welcomed and, overwhelmed and bewildered by the mul this very day. generally, one is aware of the other per tiplicity of groups, shuls, institutions, However, experience has taught us son's welfare or lack of it. organizations and even mashpiim. that this is definitely not always the On our first return visit to London case .... RABBI PINCHOSJUNG SERVES AS EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PARTNERS IN TORAH, AS WELL AS after moving from the UK to Monsey, In an area blessed with shuls of every DEAN OF BETH ROCH El. SCHOOi. FOR GIRLS, IN NY, one person asked us a question of shape and size, Jews of all stripes, SEY, NY HIS ARflCI E, "CF.I LPHONF. fRH ND extreme relevance - a question which is yeshivas, kollelim and shtieblach of of?" APPEARED JN JO. Nov '04, almost never asked! The familiar every description, the total picture is sure 6 L ------~· ... -···--··-···--·-·--·--··---··--·-·· THE JEWTSl-l 0BSERVEH to confuse the newcomer. The usual as far as communal responsibility is the drasha delivered was not directed at method is to try those that appear to be concerned. him, that the special appeal conducted possibilities and then, by process of elim· Perhaps they never experienced the was meant for the regulars and not for ination, to narrow down the choices. friendly, little, do-it-all village store him, and that the ruling issued by the But even the natives of many years' with that charming personal touch. That rav vvas intended for the members and standing frequently fail to make one luxury is all but extinct in the large cities so excluded him. exclusive choice. We are all a\vare of the advice of Chazal, "Whoever fixes one place to daven, the G-d of Avraham will be there to help him ( Berachos 6b) :'We are even urged to find ourselves a per manent place in the shul of our choice (Orach Chayim 90:19). TRAGICALLY, WHEN A YOUNG MAN OF NO FIXED It has been suggested that the men SHUL SUDDENLY PASSED AWAY RECENTLY, tion of Avraha1n Avinu in this connec tion is to add weight to this principle. ASKANIM WORKED HARD TO SET UP A FUND Here was the man who became involved FOR THE FAMILY. "BUT WHO WAS HE?" in the lives of thousands, the man who probably never had a moment to him EVERYONE KEPT ASKING. self. He had every excuse to daven wher ever he found himself at zcman tefilla, yet he was determined to daven at the same spot each time. This adds discipline and dignity to the daily tefilla routine, rather than reduc· ing it to a casual, incidental habit. No where it has been superceded by the IT STARTED WITH A wonder that when treated this way, the impersonal massive supermarket where WHEELCHAIR tefilla is so much more powerful. you are just another customer, soon to · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · go and be forgotten. The second group represents a more Naturally, the drifter has no family rav aggressive philosophy. These are ME ET THE DRIFTERS either. the anti-establishment supporters · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · But today, with the impressive range of the local convenience minyan where already mentioned, many do of services available to the wider pub- you are in and out in record time. The ruggle with this ideal, and one lie, this might not be seen as a major group started innocently, almost ideal- k ight propose that the searchers problem. After all, there is a "tele- istically, when an elderly, ailing neigh· could be divided into three categories. phone-rav:' She'eilahelplinesareexten- bor became homebound. The locals The first group could be described as sively advertised by various battei din. decided to start a Friday evening min· drifters. Drifters simply don't have a Depending on the nature of the she'eila yan at his home. makom kavua (set place) - everything and the hours of availability, help is only Some of the devotees actually wel· depends on last minute decisions. a phone call away. corned this development, as they had had Determining factors will include wake This system suits the drifter mental- second thoughts about the neighborhood up time, the weather, moods, needs of ity like a hand in a glove, and is partic· shul and its rav. On Shabbos morning, the family, and maybe social consider· ularly attractive to those who favor the they would join the drifters, but this ations. fact that, "I can't see him and he can't Friday evening conclave suited them fine. On closer analysis, we discover see me!" The elderly man and his family were that some free-lance daveners deliber· Question: Who will attend this eternally grateful to this group for their ately resist committing themselves to drifter's family simcha in a rabbinic weekly participation. The crowd was one shul, where their attendance and capacity( equally grateful, as the house was liter- participation in communal affairs Unfortunately, there are those who will ally around the corner, and daveningwas will eventually be expected. Whether argue that this gap in the guest list "chic·chac," with no time lost waiting for or notthey are fully aware of the obvi· doesn't worry them-they have no prob- anyone to finish Shema or Shemoneh ous benefits of full membership, for lem with it! But we do have a major prob- Esrei! themselves and, particularly, for their lem with this - on their behalf.... After the wheelchair-bound invalid children, they elect to be unaffiliated And again, he who davens at no fixed passed on, the group unanimously L.::oy wha:ey see as freedom, -address enjoys the feeling of relief th~~gree~- contin~the minyan. They 7 OCTOBER 2 0 0 5 ------·----- promptly convinced his widow that this va, would make the ideal makom kavua. dayan has been trained to deal with them. would be an everlasting merit for his The Gemara (Berachos Sa) relates how The family man now has different cir neshama, so she quickly acquiesced. But, Rav Ami and Rav Ashi, despite the thir cumstances, which may well be outside in time, the 1ninyan outgrew the living teen shuls in their native Tiberias, made of his realm. room of the modest private residence. a point of davening only "between the Additionally, the head of a family They pooled their resources and offered pillars" where they always studied Torah. halachically assumes certain communal to purchase the residence from the poor A family, however, needs affiliation. responsibilities, as referred to earlier. widow. This would be an even greater Yeshivos are, needless to say, the survival These include support for the local zechus for the niftar. So now the home line of our people. They are powerhous Talmud Torah, mikveh, and the pre has become a shul, governed by the peo es of learning. But they cannot always Pesach kimcha dePis' cha appeal. The typ ple, for the people: the last to start and be expected to cater to the varied needs ical yeshiva, whose residents are not as the first to finish! of every young, growing family. yet earning, and are themselves depend Another sensitive issue should be ents, will not be hosting appeals aimed raised here. A competent Rosh Yeshiva's at homeowners. FOREVER A YESHIVA expertise will be in his own field - the A further point, which is of conse BACH UR? learning and character development of quence in the total picture, is that an his teenage students. To be sure, there organized shul with a competent ravwill inally, we move to category three. are Roshei Yeshiva who guide their normally provide shiurim catering to the Here we find a minority who are talmidim through all stages of family life, needs of baalei battim, and usually for Factually motivated individuals. through the joys and challenges of married women, too. All these services We are treading on eggshells here, as these grandparenthood. It cannot be taken as are, obviously, outside the realm of activ are well-meaning baalei battim who a given, however, that every yeshiva head ities of even the finest yeshiva. would love to forever remain yeshiva will be willing, prepared or qualified to bachuri111. On the surface, their choice cope with day-to-day halacha she'eilos of the yeshiva, maybe their own yeshi- or practical issues - the way a rav or WEIGHING THE NON-ALTERNATIVES xamining the three categories again, albeit in reverse order, we Ehave to admit that the last group is the most benign. After all, the yeshi va is a wonderful institution, but in the 1najority of cases, it is not, and cannot be expected to be, a substitute fur the tra ditional kehilla. A family, however, docs need a kehilla for its spiritual and even physical welfare. The middle category was the popu lar but characterless convenience 1nin yan. This may well have originally been created as an idealist's understanding of chessed - a response to a handicapped Call me today for the attention you deserve. individual's need. But when circun1- (718) 268-1700 stances change and the need ceases, the situation should be reviewed. And if the Martin Levy long-term interests of our children are 103-20 METROPOLITAN AVENUE ~ taken into account, one will be forced FOREST HILLS to admit the obvious shortcomings of MARTINLEVY@ALLSTA TE.COM this non-establishment establishment. Allstate, At best, it will provide tefilla betzib You're in good hands. Call for a free quote. bur, but little else. At worst, it becomes a haven of refuge for those who are dis enchanted with the real kehillos or Insurance subject to availability and qualifications, Allstate Insurance Company and Allstate Property and Casualty those with whom the kehillos are disen Insurance Company, Northbrook. Illinois !;':·2004 Allstate Insurance Company. chanted. It will attract those who are apa- 8 ·~···----·--·----·-.. ---··----.. ------·---·-~------··'"·------·.. ---- .. ·--·--·-·-·-TME--··-·-·-·-·-·-··-··--·-·-·-··-··---·--··--·=i JEW I SB OBSERVER ·-··-·-·-·-·-·---··-···------··------·------... - .... --·--··-----.----··------·----"'--"'- thetic about tefilla and simply want to ! get it over and done with. lt caters for those who arrive late, socialize, and reject 1 11 0::1 authority. In that setting, they can 1naintain their liberal attitude, as no one will interfere with them. If anyone does attempt to raise an objection, they will be dealt with appropriately .... For sure, mi.l1pr.i •l'Xl ?:i:i o>N!IY.ll 0>1inm1 l!n;:n:i;i 1•~ youngsters who grow up in this type of m:>Xl r1'.:i. ::nru' HOME, SWEET EXTENSION-OF-HOME A few key quotations, freely institutions,kashrus,shechita,etc., · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · translated, follow: etc. have suffered terribly in these turning to basics, the reason we "Of late, we have heard of popu- centers, and Yiddishkeit in these re urged to settle on one shul and lation centers where there are shuls, places has gone downhill. llieep to it is not to save our asinallJewishcommunities.Many "Thisbeingso,Iappealtomydear dependents in case of disaster, cha/lila, individuals, however, have chosen brothers:pleasesupportthesurvival nor is it to determine the venue for fam· not to daven in these shuls, Instead, and upkeep of the shuls and kehilla ily simchos. lt is because our Beis neighbors get together to daven in life, and you and your children will Hakenessesis to be an extension of home, small local minyanim.... remain loyal to Torah and mitzvos and for "home;' there is surely a fixed "The result? The youngsters no within the context of your commu- address. longer attend shul, as their parents nity. In order to satisfy our readers that this daven in these private places. This "Yours, and may Hashem thesis is not just an individual's person· has undermined their chinuch in Yisbarach bless you with all the bless- al viewpoint, but an echo of the voices Torah and mitzvos. Several shuls ings of the Torah ' of gedolim, a recent open letter from have been ruined because of this, and "Rav Shlomo Wolbe" I Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe ':>"lit of Be' er all those mitzvos that require organ- Surely these heartfelt lines spea~]for Yaakov is reproduced here. ized communities, such as chinuch themselves.... ~ --~ -----.-.. ------·------·------9 There are hundreds of families, widows, orphans and sick people right here in our community, people you "11.1,l'lli'siJ.isl would never guess, who are literally going hungry. annual Callto 0 These Aniyei Ircho have no money for food, hell "EZras Ylsroel clothing or rent. They are people you might know very well -- or at least think you know very well...... They could be in your DafYomi shiur ... They could be your tenant, your neighbor, your cousin, or your brother. They put up a brave front. They act as if everything is normal. They are too proud or too frightened to reach out for help. Ezras Yisroel has only one purpose-to identify "I re -··------~.. spectfully request ... these people and give them the help they need. brom my friends and rethren to welcome these worth wth y Volunteers 1 generosity " · .. "I beseech · · · the Ezras Yi you to support Th· sroet Fund is worthy and . • chesed f Precious Right now we all strive to do 100°/o Und operates throughout the Teshuvah and Tefiloh. their h year and earts are alwa s Through Ezras Yisroel you will be open to fee/ the . y their fell pain of doing 100°!& TZEDAKAH too. ow Jews ... " r-=····-·------··--==··-··-----····==···-.~=···---_ ···===---·-_T_:_··-_E-.=·-'~-E~:=·=-'-·=,,==o_···=B=,_·-·=E--_R _v==E-.'_;-_-.... _-~---·==-.--·==--··-·---.. --·--=--·-·---... -···==-···-·=l-··- RAB BI HESHY KLEINMAN I Tefilla is one of the major forces employed by Kial Yisroe/ to prepare for the Yamim Nora'im and to help usher in a,"1~"l( year of clo~~ness to Oul" a blessing for the world at large. In lint! · ·· ·· The Jewish, · !owi~g article. '\\,:\ I. ~Ut:rL: ethat FORJODGME . e!!Wn, ate e who judges .••. 'the so . .. ul penetrates deeply and The greatshofarwill be sounded and stirs the soul to repentance. Hashem awaits a still, thin sound will be heard Angels FIRST STEP: ACCEPTING HASHEM each soul's return, His presence so near will hasten, a trembling and terror AS OUR KING as to be almost palpable. will seize them-aud they will say, In Sefer Kochvei Ohr,' Reb Itzele 'Behold, it is the Day of (( From Rosh Chodesh Elul until Yorn Petreburger (Rabbi Yitzchak Blaser) asks Judgment'. ... All mankind will pass Kippur is an eis ratzon, a time of if it would not have been better for Yorn before You like members of the Divine favor. And even though Kippur to precede Rosh Hashana, so that flock ...and You shall apportion the Hashem accepts teshuva of those who our sins would be forgiven first, result- fixed needs of all Your creatures and repent with a full heart at any time dur ing in a favorable judgment on Rosh inscribe their verdict. ing the year, these days are chosen and Hashana. Reb ltzele answers that while "On Rosh Hashana will be reserved as days of compassion ...." 1 the reverse order might well have bene- inscribed and on Yorn Kippur will be Thus, preparation for the crucial life-and fits, one's first goal must be to recognize sealed how many will pass from the death tefillos of the Yamim Nora'im that Hashem is the King who renders judg- earth and how many will be created; begins a full month in advance. Indeed, ment. Only then can one truly comp re- who will live and who will die ... " hendkthe Source of the forgivehness onhe ·1 See. Kit;;;·r da),: RABBI KLEINMAN IS THE AUTHOR OF PUAY!Nl; Sh~lch~;1 Ar~·~h.12U--"Th~-~e WITH f'tUE; A FIVE-MINl.ITE J,ESSON·A-l)A Y, PUB· is see ing. Therefore, H.osh I-fas ana, t e are chosen as days of compassion because l.ISHED BY AwrSCROl.I. MESORAH, FROM WHICl-I day on which we declare Hashem as King, Moshe Rabbeinu ascended Mount Sinai on Rosh PART OF THE ABOVE AHTICl.E WAS ADAPTED. J-IE must precede Yorn Kippur. Chodcsh Elul to accept the second Tablets of the IS Al-SO FOIJNOER OFTl-11-: NEWl.Y l.AUNCl-IED V'ANI One of the most moving prayers of the Covenant. He re1nained there for forty days and TEFILAH f'OIJNDA.T!ON. DEDICATE OTO INCREAS- ch azzan 's repetition o f t I1e Mussarf o f·Ros h forty nights until he descended on Yon1 Kippur ING AWARENESS OF THE IMl'ORTANCf A"llJ when Hashein forgave the Jewish nation [for their POWER OF l'RAYU? ANIJ TO PROVIDE I·'.DUCATEON, Hash an a and Yorn Kippur is" Unesaneh sin of the Gold·n'- c:aJfJ. s1·ncc' then, Ithe~" "" "artyl' JNSPIRATloN AND Too1.s 1-nR MORE siNCERE. Pow- 1''okef'-' In it) we proclaim the terrifying days] were sanctified [for generations] as an 'eis i-:nnJL AND rTFF.cTJVE PRAYEll. THF. AUT1-10R judgment of Rosh Hashana: ratzon."' 2 AcKNoW1.EnG1·:s THE coNTJHBUT10N oF Mns. "Letusnowrelatethepowerofthis Cited in Sefer Ohr Yechezkcil, Elul-Yar11i1n CHANA NESTLEBAllM FOR EDITING Tl-llS ART!- day's holiness, for it is awesome and Nora'inz, p. 59 CLE. I-Ir-: is A FREQUENT coNTRlllUTOR To THJ-~sE 3 For the stirring story behind Unesaneh Tokef, PA""" frightening. On it, Your Kingship will L ___ --- --·------__ '' ="°' Yoo< On Erev Rosh Hashana 5761, Rabbi embat/kd country and offered to be their When a Jew acknowledges Hashem's Pam7'Yr, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah king. Although the warrior promised to Kingdom with his heart and mouth, Vodaath, was accompanied home from make the country into a great nation, Hashem manifests Himself, and blessing Mincha by a local maggid shiur who, the people were unconvinced. Rather is passed on to this world.11 during the previous year, tragically lost than argue with the people, the warrior his teenage daughter in a car accident. trained an army, built roads, developed BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN 0lJR When the man brought up the subject the country's economy, and built up an PRAYERS ofhow a Jew must accept whatever hap unparalleled security system for the pens as the Divine wil~ Rabbi Pam, told country. When all was complete, the Two patients lie in their beds suf him, "How it happened is irrelevant. warrior stated, "Now you all know what fering from the same ravaging disease. When people would discuss how acer I can do for you, and that I wish to be The first patient recovers, rises from tain person had died, my mother your king only for your benefit" Having his bed and resumes a healthy, vig would say, 'He died from Unesaneh witnessed the veracity ofhis claim, the orous life, while the other grows weak Tokef."' people accepted him as their king. 5 er each day. Rav Pam paused before reflecting, As in this allegory, Hashem our King TheGemaral2 asks, "Why was one ''And tomorrow we will once again say is the source of all our blessings. Thus, patient cured while the other was Unesaneh Tokef.'--4 in addition to" Baruch Atta- Blessed are not?" The Gemara explains that the You Hashem," every beracha must patient who was cured prayed and was include: "Melech Ha'olam - King of the answered, while the patient who was II. "MELECH HA'OLAM": universe," or its equivalent. not cured prayed and was not RECOGNIZING THE KING OF The Rishonim6 explain that a beracha answered. "And why this difference? KINGS expresses that Hashem is the source of all Because the one who was answered blessings, as the word baruch is derived prayed a tefilla sheleima, a 'complete n recognizing Hashem's life-and from bereicha- a pool or spring of flow prayer; while the one who was not death power over us, we are indeed ing water.7 We thus offer praise and thanks answered did not:' I recognizing His absolute sovereign for all that He bestows upon us. 8 Rashi'' defines a "complete prayer" as ty. The King of the universe, however, does Hashem, like the warrior in the alle niskavein - he concentrated. Rabbi Elya not claim His title through this means gory, establishes His kingship by provid '/TH~-wever, see Mi~h;;;; Ber;,.~J;; .. J-24~24 who ~ite~ alone, for He is a King that is not only ing for His People, and we, in turn, the Cliayei Adam, Si man 6, that "for exatnple, when feared, but is relied upon and beloved by recognize Hi1n as our sole benefactor in the chazan says 'Baruch Atta Hashem Magein His people. both our berachos9 and our tefillos. 10 Avrahatn - You are Blessed, L-rd, shield of Avraham; a person \vho responds 'Aniein' should A mighty warrior came to an 5·-See Sh;;;;·~~-Rabba 29~6: ...... ------· have in mind, 'It is true, the Name of the L-rd, If Rav Pa111:·R~bi Shim~-~--f.-inklema~.. : A~tScroll, 6 See Sefer Hachinuch, Mitzva 430; She'eilos who was the shield of Avraham, should be blessed: Uteshuvos HaRashba, Vol. 5, 51; Rabbeinu p. 414. One should have an equivalent intention for all Bec11aye, Kad Hakemach, Eirech "Beracha." berachos." Also see Pachad Yitzchak, lggaros Ukesavin1, letter 52, p. 86. For further elucidation on the meaning of NEW BROOKLYN OFFICE NOW OPEN "baruch" see Sefer Nefesh Hachayim, Sha'ar 2, Ch, 2-4. See, also Pathway to Prayer, Rabbi Mayer Birnbaum, Appendix, p. 75. Torah-Based Cognitive Therapy • EMDR Level II Certified 8 Derech Sicha, p. 540 Parent-Child Relationship • Marriage Enhancement 9The Shulchan Aruch in 214:1 rules: "Any word ing for a blessing that does not contain mention School Social and Behavioral Issues of the Divine Nan1e and the fact that Hashe111 is Career-Life Objective Testing & Counseling King does not have the status of a formal bless ing. If one omitted the Divine Name or the fact that Hashem is King from a blessing he must say the blessing again. In fact, even if one omitted the word 'Ha'olam' (of the universe) alone, he must nevertheless make the blessing again, since say ing the word 'A1elech' (King) by itself is not ade quate." See Biur Halacha, ibid, d.h. "Va'afilu," in which the Chafetz Chairn writes that when one Zalman Lachman, L.M.S.W. says a blessing without mentioning the Divine Licensed Master Social Worker • Career Counselor Nan1e, a transgression is not involved, whereas if one mentions the Divine Nan1c without n1ention 845-362-4556 of the fact that Hashem is King, he transgresses For Appointments in Brooklyn or Monsey the prohibition against vain use of the Divine Name ------(see Shemos20o7). _ 12 __J r-= ·--·-----·-·----··-_------···_i_-___ '._-,-~-~-._-,_~_-·:-~w_---·_-_' __-, -._"~--~-.--'-J -_s- .• _-,_,--_:_v_-·:;:'.~~:_·_·-___- ======-i 1 ('· Lopian, '7"~. 14 explains" la niskavein" to 1 mean that "he did not have intent." 1 I Although the patient who died prayed with the san1e intensity as he whose prayers were answered, he did not real Personal responsibility throughout sen•ice - NOT JUST "PAPERWORK" ly believe in the effectiveness of their ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT RABBINICALLY APPROVED METHOD prayers. Highly recommended by Gedolai Hador- Here and in Eretz Yisrael Why then did he pray? When Jews hear bad news, they instinctively pray, think 162S-42nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11204 ing that perhaps it might work - or that Day & Night phone: (718) 851-8925 at least, it may bring additional merit. 1vtm:iN1nr.iNp l1l"i7 - p;~ iNl mr.i:iv >un Ultimately, however, the man who was not Kavod Haniftar with Mesiras Nefesh and compassion for the bereaved family. answered did not fully believe that his TAHARAS HANIFTAR SHOULD NEVER BE COMMERCIALIZED prayers would save him. Similarly, says Rabbi Lopian, when one observes people passionately, tear fully praying or saying Tehillim for a sick individual, they may be crying from premature mourning, because they do not believe that the patient will ever recuperate. A co1nplete prayer, on the other hand, is recited with faith and confidence that prayer can heal the sick man even more effectively than the latest medical advances To succeed in our quest for a favor able judgment, the first step is to recog nize Hashem as our King on Rosh Hashana - not only during the special prayers said on that awesome day, but also through the berachos and the regular • The Vort celebration is to be limited to 3 courses followed by a Shemoneh Esrei said during the Ten Days discontinued. The L'chaim (held at regular dessert. of Repentance. Jlut then, we must go fur the time that the engagement is • No Viennese table and no bar. ther, and work to ensure that our prayers announced) should also not turn are complete prayers, spoken with the con into a Vort. THE MUSIC viction that they have unlimited power THE WEDDING • A band may consist of a maximum to bring us all we need and desire in the coming year. •For typical families, only 400 invit of 5 musicians (one of the musicians ed guests may be seated at the chas may act as a vocalist) or four musi OUR FATHER JN HEAVEN: A LOVING suna seuda. (The Guidelines make cians and one additional vocalist. RELATIONSHIP provision for exceptional circum • A one-man band is recom stances - see full text.) mended. Even though recognition of Hashem's • The kabbo/as panim smorgasbord FLOWERS Br. CHUPA DECOR Kingship is a requisite feature of all our should be limited to basic cakes, berachos, His sovereignty is not mentioned fruit platters, a modest buffet, and • The total cost of these items for in the first blessing of the Shemoneh Esrei. the caterer's standard chicken or the entire wedding should not 1tf~i;11(;bbos i"O~~-s~-~/;;;;:Ji~~-,;z-d:·1i:;·ch:i;;~;-01;1r;~:~ meat hot dishes. exceed $1,800. I l J)crcch J1ashcrn, Vo!. 4, Ch. 4:3 12 Rosh l--Jashana 18a !3 Ibid OCTOBER 2 0 0 5 Tosafos I 5 explain that Hashem's Kingship FRUM LIFE COACH is indeed mentioned in the words "Elokei Avraham:' Because Avraham proclaimed Coaching clients as they actualize their life goals to everyone that there is a G-d who is the King of the world,16 the mention of Mrs. Malka Schulman,cTAcc Avraham)s name serves to acknowledge Hashem's sovereignty. Conc/1 • Cotalyst • IJ;cturer Rabbi Eliezer Lopian 17 offers an alle gory that provides a further explanation: Helping newlyweds and married couples enhance their marriage When the king's son speaks before (416) 782-1462 [email protected] (416) 781-9116 a public gathering, he never refers to the king as "my father:' Rather, he telesessions • face to face • workshops refers to him as "his majesty the king:' At home, however, when the son requests his father's help, he does not address him as "your majesty the king." He calls him "my father?' It hurts It is in this role-as children of the King - that we call upon Hashem in 1oc II the opening beracha of the Shemoneh Esrei. Therefore, although I we recognize Hashem as our King and sole provider, we rather call Him "Elokeinu Veilokei avoseinu." When we approach Hashem in Shemoneh Esrei, we are coining home to • our Father. For us, Hashem's children, the fear and awe one must feel in addressing the King are tempered by the knowledge of our Father's love, which assures us that Hashem will deal favorably with us. This, says the late Rabbi Shimshon Pinkus It hurts ?··m,18 is the foundation of the concept of bitachon--the recognition that we have a Father in Heaven Who, out of His boundless love for us, sees to our every need. During the Rosh Hashana Mussaf, immediately after blowing the shofar, we recite" Hayom haras olam- Today is the It feels better just to talk about it. That's birthday of the world:' In tl1is prayer, again why we're here. Our staff is made up of we state, "Today, all creatures of the world caring and sensitive individuals. Together, stand in judgment-whether as children we can help you explore your options. We can refer you to recognized professionals [of Hashem J or as servants. If as children, for counseling, legal advice or help in be merciful with us as the mercy of a father finding a safe environment. We can also for children."19 put you in touch with some very special Rabbis. But in order for us to reach out to The central theme of Selichos20 recit- you, you must first reach out to us. 15 Jbid.~Also, see R~sh, Jbid,·f~r additional a~;;~~ Confidential Hotline 1.888.883.2323 16see Sefer Sifsei Chayin1, Mo'adi1n, Vol. l, p. 124, (Toll Free) footnote 1, that Tosafos's answer also applies to the fact that we articulate in ShC1noneh Esrei that 718.337.3700 Hashc111 is "G~d ofYitzchak, and G-d of Yaakov." (NYC Area) Do it for yourself. 17 Chovcres Kol HaTorah, cited in Se.fer Otzeros 1\!lefarshei Hatefilla, Vol. 3, p. 877 Do it for your children. Shalom Task force" a 501(cJ(3) charitable orgarnzat1ori • 18 Nefesh Shin1sho11, p. 16. L__.______------ ed during the Asen-es Yemei Teshuva is the ed to the upper chamber of his and Yorn Kippur. 28 It is then that we can Thirteen Attributes of Mercy,21 in which palace and cried for mercy for his son. best arouse Hashem's fatherly compas we plead to Hashem, "As a futher has mercy As he went, he cried out uMy son;' sion as we come before Him to plead for on his children, so, Hashem, may You have eight times. Each of the first seven all that is important to us, especially our mercy on us:' cries brought Avshalom out from desire for continued life. Throughout the Ten Days of another of the seven levels of As Rabbi Yechezkel Levenstein 7··01129 Repentance between Rosh Hashana and Gehinnom. The last cry of"My son" writes: Yorn Kippur, we continue to beseech our broughtAvshalom to Olam Habba, "[Zachreinu lechayimJ30 is not Father even after Shemoneh Esrei. Most The World to Come. just a request for life itself; it encom congregations open the doors of the Holy This Gemara is difficult to understand. passes all that is connected to life - Ark and recite "Avinu Malkeinu - Our Avshalom had threatened David's life and health, sustenance, removing obsta Father, Our King;' in which we pray for his throne. Why would the king cry to save cles and hardships are all included:' many personal and communal needs. this traitor from Gehinnom? To access all of these blessings, com- A man must raise a substantial But this king was also Avshalom's father. plete prayer is the key. Even though sum of money to avert a threatened No matter what a child has done, a lov 19Se~ Sef~;&hos Muss~-;,Sha'ar~·iCh~yil;;: foreclosure on his home. He worries ing father's heart feels his child's suffer Ma'a1nar IOI, "Likras Yon1 ffadin," p. 431. day and night about his dire situation. ing. We love our children regardless of 20 Most of the Selichos were composed between One morning, the phone rings; his their competence and moral fiber, sim the 8th and lOth centuries. See The Complete closest childhood friend will be com ply because they are ours. We therefore ArtScroll Siddur, p. 816. ing for a visit. This friend has become usually do our utn1osl to keep them 21 See Rosh Hashana Dafl?b. very wealthy, and this provides him healthy and happy ... as will our Father 22 Adapted from She'arin1 Batefilla, p. 49 with hope. Imagine how great his in Heaven. 23 Nefesh Shin1shon, p. 301 hope would be if, instead of a friend, 24 From Bava Kama IOOa the imminent visitor were his 25 Rav Pan1, Rabbi Shimon Finkleman, ArtScroll, wealthy father, who loves him and has Ill. ASERRES YEM El p.415 always helped him in the past. TESHUVA: PLEADING FOR 26 Sota, lOb Awaiting his father's arrival, how con OUR LIVES 27 Yeshayahu 55,6 fident he would feel. ...22 28 Rosh Hashana 18a 2 The love ofa father is uncondition he Navi 7 advises us: "Seek 29 Sefer Ohr Yechezkiel, Elul-Yainin1 Nora'im, al. It is not dependent on a child's spir Hashem when He can be found; p. !09 itual standing or on his merits. As the Tcall upon to Him when He is 30 "Zachreinu le'chayim Melech chafeitz bachay Father of each and every one of us, near." There is a specific time when an in1, vekasveinu besefer hachayin1 fema'ancha Hash em desires our spiritual and individual can find Hashem - during the Eloki111 Chayin1 - Remember us for life, 0 King, Who desires life, and inscribe us in the book of material success. Regardless of our ten-day period between Rosh Hashana life-for Your sake, 0 Living G-d." station in life, we can rely on our Father in Heaven.23 Afonnertalmid came to Rabbi Pam to discuss a serious matter. After some discussion, Rabbi Pam offered his advice. As the talmid prepared to leave, he said, ''Rebbi, in all honesty, I Obtain the precious negatives from your am still not at peace with the situation." Wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah or other event. Rabbi Pam replied, "Say to the Please provide the following information: Ribbono she! Olam: 'Chazi de' aloch ka Date of your Sirncha/event ..... ------·----·------Year ... -----... - samichna'24 -See that I am relying on You. Bride __ - ... - ______... __ _ Said the talmid, "With this under- Mai! your check. with this form, in the amount of $120.00, made payable standing, I was able to accept his to: Zelman Studios Attn: Negatives. Mail to: 623 Cortelyou Road, WEDDINGS & advice with inner peace .... To this day, Brooklyn, NY 11218-4803. Your negatives will be shipped within 30 days. BAR MITZVAHS those words continue to be a source of [Please print] Your name ------.. ----·- ---·------... Since 1966 25 strength for me." Addeo" ----··-- - - - "' -- - - 623 CORTELYOU ROAD The unbounded expanse of a father's City-.. ------.. ·---.. -- ST Zip ------·---- (Off Ocean Parkway) love is illustrated by the following: 26 BROOKLYN NY J 218 Upon hearing of the death of his Email_ ------Email: [email protected] ' J \ 15 Lon, Avshalom, King David ascend-·- "'' =·'-··------···--·· ·-···-···-····-·---·· ~!8) ~ '"-.~ ------·· ---- OCTOBER 2 0 0 5 ···=lI Hasheni's treasure house contains all that struggle plays out before his dimming alize. At the end ofthe year, Reb Bunim we need, these blessings do not automat eyes; the stab of what could have been returned to the Chozeh to report that ically flow into our lives. They remain is the last sensation he ever feels. he had not suffered a loss. "What did locked in Heaven until we pray with the That piercing remorse is the lot of one you do to thwart the evil decree?" the conviction that our prayers can change who does not believe in the power of Chozeh asked. our lives. prayer and therefore does not utilize it. "I cried to Hashem the entire year," A person has been living in unbear The Nefesh Hachayim explains this he answered. able pcrverty his entire life. He never has through a verse in Amos.31 "He recounts "The decree that you would lose your enough food nor can he pay his bills. to a person what were his deeds:' This, money was without [your] tears," the People tell him that a treasure is he explains, refers to the revelation Chozeh explained. "When you prayed buried under the floorboards of his people will experience in the World to with the confidence that your prayers house, but he doesn't believe them. He Come regarding the gifts that would have can change everything, however, every gives the floor a curious kick every so been theirs had they only believed in the thing did change."33 often - maybe he'll hear the jingle of power of prayer and used it. coins - but he only hears the clunk of Says Rabbi Pam ., .. ,.,, "These people his heel against the wood. On the last will be shown how their prayers could IV. CONCLUSION day ofhis life, a man walks in, lifts up have made a difference had they been said a plank and reveals a chest filled with with heartfelt concentration and convic In Koveits Sichos Ma'amar gems and gold. All the wealth the dying tion. The sick person could have been Mordechai,34 Rabbi Mordechai man could have ever needed is in that healed; the childless couple could have Schwab7'lzr relates that a student once chest. His whole lifetime of miserable been answered; the person looking for cried to Rabbi Yechezkel Levenstein.,..,., a spouse could have found one."32 that he had sinned and was unable to CHEVRA OSEH CHESED Reh Bunim ofPeshis'cha was a suc do teshuva and change his evil ways. OF AGUDATH ISRAEL cessful businessman prior to his Rabbi Yechezkel advised him not to appointment as Rebbe of his despair. He assured him that he would BURIAl PlOTS Chassidim. During that time, he once succeed by beginning with just one traveled to visit the Chozeh ofLublin. small step and that help from Hashem IN ERETZ YISROEl He hoped to receive a blessing from him. would surely follow. Interment in a Shomer Shabbos The Chozeh, however, was not able e have the same power to Beis Olam near Beis Shemesh to tell Reb Bunim what he wanted to evoke from Heaven all that we Please phone or write to: hear. "You are destined to lose all your W need. To do so, we must Chevra Oseh Chesed of Agudath Israel money this year," the Chozeh told him. understand that Hashem is our King, and 42 Broadway. New York. NY 10004 The year progressed, and the also our Father; He is our Judge, and also (212) 797-9000 Chozeh 's prediction failed to materi- our Benefactor Who loves us uncondi tionally, and will always act for our good. This knowledge gives each of us the power to pray effectively during this crit ical time of year. With that understanding comes the focus, the concentration, the outpour GE SELECTION OF ing of emotion and the confidence that make our prayers real vehicles of teshu BORSA.LINO HATS! va and open the channels of beracha in We Also Carry our lives. Ultimately, we must look with Expert fitting • Courteous service Brand Name confidence toward our all-powerful, Individualized attention • Hat cleaning & Sbirf§ & Ties, for infinitely loving Father in Heaven, rely Big & Tall as ...ell. ing upon Him alone to ensure that the Renovating • Follow-up care long after sale at Oi!i>count Prices coming year will be blessed with good ness, both spiritually and materially. IID 32 Tf1e Pleasant Way, Rabbi Sholom Sn1ith, p. 54, Israel Bookshop 33 Tiferes Avos, p. 46 34 Vol. I, p. 87 16 THE JE\VISH OBSERVER As a source of inspiration and direction in our preparation for the Yamim Nora'im, we often look to accounts of the dedication, love for Torah and refined character of those who teach us by their spoken word and their way of life. In this spirit, we present - Impressions ot Rabbi Nesanel based on an appreciation tendered at Camp Ohr Shraga, by Rabbi Zev Smith. Rabbi Nesanel Quinn served as Menaheil of Mesivta Torah Vodaath for close to fifty years, and founded Camp Ohr Sh raga 40 years ago. He was niftar on 28 Shevat/February 7. A short biography appeared in The Jewish Observer, March '05. So MANY FACETS About 25 years ago, Rabbi Yitzchak Quinn was a dedicated masmid. Early Karp spoke to us in Camp Ohr Shraga mornings, late at night, Friday nights, the am told that at the shelashim gath about his father-in-law, Reb Shraga long Shabbos afternoons, Motza'ei ering (n1arking a month since his Feivcl. At the end, he said, "Bachurim, Shabbos right after Melave Malka, on the l passing) of Reb Shraga Feivel you never saw Reb Shraga Feivel. If you bus and train with his Gernara, and even Mendlowitz 7""1 (Tishrei 5709/1948),one want to see him, watch Rav Quinn:' On Motza'ei Tisha B'Av. No doubt that's why could have thought that each speaker was a different occasion he added, "Although he had that passuk displayed in front of paying tribute to a different person: One Reb Shraga Feivel was unable to remain our beis midrash in Camp Ohr Shraga. gadol spoke about Rcb Shraga Feivel's a nistar(hidden tzaddik), Rav Quinn suc It's not just the intensity with which enies, another about his n1esiras nefesh, ceeded:' he learned; he never sat back on the chair, and a third about his Torah or about his but always leaned forward, into the avoda. Such was his gadlus. Gemara. Most of his life he tried when The same thing could be said about TOILING IN TORAH ever possible to learn standing - in keep Rabbi Quinn. He was a man with so many ing with the Mishna (Sota 49a). That was different aspects, features and facets, and irst and foremost, Rabbi Quinn was his expression of kevod haTorah. He they were all accurate in their portrayal. a yagei'a beTorah - he toiled in exuded a youthfulness and vigor in his Torah. His life was a never-ending learning that lasted until his final days. RABBI SMITH IS A Ml·:MBEH OF THE Kou.u. OF F expression of" MESIVTA TORAH VOIJAATH, A REGlll.AR MAGGIO Ma ahavti sorasecha kol Just a few years ago, after spending 5HHJT? (LECTUREH) FOR RES HE f SHll'IU:I TORAH, hayom hi sichasi- How I love Your Torah' months teaching Mesillas Yesharim on AND SEHVES AS MASHG/ACH IN CAMP OHi~ I speak of it all day long:' In all the years Thursday nights in the Mesivta, the group Sl-!l{A(>A. that I was zocheh to be with him, Rabbi completed the sefer. "Bachurim;' he 17 .. --...-- .... - .. --..---·-- .. - .. --....- ...... __ --...... - ...... - _ .. _____ ...... ____ .... _ .. ___ .. ~--.. OCTOBER 2 0 0 5 said "what's my feeling now? Vehu his office on the second floor of the life, he was no longer preparing his shiur. yosheiv pesach ha'ohel' - Avraham Mesivta, and watch him through his It was pure Torah lishma. Avinu, after his achievements, was still slightly opened door. He would be sit This is why he cherished time so at the doorway. He was just beginning. ting and learning, hour after hour, with much. He would often say: "Time is life. Rabbosai, we are just beginning Mesillas the intensity of a bachur, the gentle kol Because life is Torah - Ki heim chayeinu Yesharim on this Thursday night:' demama daka (soft voice) that person - The words of Torah are our lives - In recent years, I would stand outside ified Rabbi Quinn. Toward the end of his time is Torah." Before his afternoon rest, he would .. ------~ tell his family: "Wake me up in seven ARE MOVING? minutes." Not eight minutes; that You would have wasted a minute. IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED In keeping with his diet, he would INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? eat part ofan onion for breakfast. His daughter (Mrs. Moshe Herskowitz) We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the Jewish Observer to your home. Please attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address and would store the unfinished part in a computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the address label. plastic bag in the refrigerator. He told her not to bother wrapping it. Seeing he was unhappy, she asked, "Does it bother you if I bag the onion?" Affix old label here He replied, "When taking out the onion tomorrow, I waste seconds unwrapping it." Name ______Time is life. When asked about his special New Address attachment to Masechta Bei'ah, he explained: City, When he was a bachur, his State, chavrusa came ten minutes late every day. So he decided to devote those min Date Effective------ utes to Masechta Bei'ah, which he even Send address The Jewish Observer tually finished in that time slot. changes to: Change of Address 42 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 In the Mesivta, he would constant Please allow 4-6 weeks for all changes to be reflected on your mailing label. We will not ly tell us, "Bachurim, when you're going be responsible for back issues missed unless you notify us 6 weeks prior to your move. .J L on the bus, or on the train you're safer • ------• with a sefer." In fact, he had a seder in DafYomi on the train. When the doctor would examine Rabbi Quinn during his final severe ill ness, he was amazed to find him sitting from up learning... embodying "Ki heim chayeinu - The words of Torah are our AGUDAS YISRAEL OF DETROIT lives." Southfield, Michigan Rabbi Quinn was the first kollel yungerman in America. In June, 1934, Reb Shraga Feivel was sick, and he Rabbi Dov Loketch entrusted Rabbi Quinn, who was then 24 years old, with the Mesivta. Reb Shraga Rabbi Asher Eisenberger Feivel recuperated, and Rabbi Quinn was Mr: In.vin Cohen, President relieved of his duties, so he sat down to learn full time. This was before Rabbi Mr: Sheldon Mandelbaum, Treasurer Aharon Kotler or the Mirrer Yeshiva had come to America and pioneered kolle • lim here . r-=------·· -. '~· -;,._._,,, "~" .; '·~ - __ -· - --=i I His whole life resonated with Ki he11n than everybody else. If the Eibershter became the other person. A dedicated I I chayeinu - from when he was the first gives me the strength, I want to com- 1ttasmid, solving the other's problems was I kollel yungerman, to his very last days fort patients.'' his ruchniyus when he learned Torah lishma in the office, and then in the hospital. We heard Rabbi Quinn when he spoke in Ohr Shraga about his yedid YASHRUS - INTEGRITY nefesh, Rabbi Pam. He said, "I knew MIDDOS-THE MEASURE OF him intimately for 70 years. He never abbi Quinn was an embodiment THE MAN got angry." We all saw the same of the passuk: "Elokim assa es midda in Rabbi Quinn. Rha'adam yashar- Hashem made abbi Quinn possessed exception To Rabbi Quinn kavod- honor- was man upright:' Rabbi Don Ungarischer al middos. Not only did he learn nonsense. Yet, week after week, he spent said that he heard Reb Shraga Feivel com RShas, Shas hut em gelernt. His con Erev Shabbos with the gabbai, going over ment, "Ich hub gemacht ein gleichen duct reflected "dracheha darchei no' am the aliyos, to make certain that everybody rnentsch, und dos iz Nesanel- I made one - its ways are ways of pleasantness:' would get the proper kavod. As the baalei upright individual, and that is Nesanel A grandson told me that during the mussar say," Yen ems gash1niyus iz meine [Quinn]." last few days of his life, Rabbi Quinn could no longer daven, so he suggested: "Just say a small tefilla:' At first Rabbi Quinn found that too difficult, and then EVF.RY DAY. RABBI QUINN THANKED THE responded with, "Vesishlach refua COOK FOR THE DELICIOUS MEALS. HE WAS sheleima, leNesanel ben Devora Miriam;' NOT A FOOD CONNOISSEUR. HE ALWAYS ATE barely getting the words out. Then with a surge of energy, he said," besoch LEFTOVERS. BUT HE SAW PEOPLE BEHIND she'ar cholei Yisroel- amongst all the sick EACH SERVING of Israel." No strength for himself, but beseeching on behalf of others, he was suddenly energized. ruchniyus. Meeting the other person's When I discussed things with him The kitchen staff in Camp Ohr material needs is my spirituality." Rabbi over the years, at ti1nes he would say, "It Shraga told me that every day, Rabbi Quinn took it up a level more. What he has to be done right." In other words, it Quinn thanked the cook for the delicious understood so deeply to be nonsense, 1nay not be wrong; it's not an aveira. But meals. Rabbi Quinn was not a food con ober far yenem iz es epes -is, neverthe we don't do that. It's not right.. .. It must noisseur. He always ate leftovers. But he less, of significance for others. be yashar. saw people behind each serving. Rabbi Quinn was the classic Several months ago, the Ohr About 50 years ago, a bachur in mistapeik bemuat- he made do with a Shraga office in error sent a bill to a Mesivta had lost his father. Rabbi minimum. He never used air-condition bachur who had already paid for camp. Quinn called him into the office the first ing. He tried not to use the lights. He ate Rabbi Quinn found out about it, and Friday after the shiva. "Take this leftovers. His seat in the shiur room was was mortified: "You must apologize." quarter [then, it was a lot more than a milk crate that he stood on end, cov He himself called up, and left a tele it is today]," he told him, "and buy your ered with a piece of cardboard - official phone message. Still not satisfied, he mother flowers. Tell her that you ly, so he could see the boys better. We wrote an apology to the bachur. It was were thinking ofher. Don't say it came knew the truth. Gashmiyus meant little n't his responsibility. But he could not from me. You were thinking of her." to him. But for the other person? He ran live with a breach in yashrus Ohr Shraga, forever giving generously to He not only lived yashrus - he Recently, he was working with a others. taught it. Every summer in Ohr bachur who was very difficult and not Time was so precious to him, yet he Sh raga, he would say divrei Torah after responsive. Finally, he said, "Do me a gave of himself freely to others. When davening, often on how a person does favor" - he was over 90 at the time - you would sit down to talk with him, not like to admit that he's wrong. '~ "please learn. I'm fasting- in fact, I've he would take off his glasses to focus on person persists in reinforcing his ini already fasted a few times so you should you, his head constantly nodding, his tial statements, and that's the cause of start learning. And it's hard for me." facial expressions reflecting concern. If machlokess and agmas nefesh (argu you told him of a simcha, his face would ments and anguish). And I have a solu Rabbi Quinn asked a friend of mine light up with that classic smile. If there tion," he would say. "Stand in front of· to take him to visit a nursing home. He was a problem, you would see the pain the mirror, and say over and over-say said, "Really, I should be here. I'm older on his face. A phenomenal listener, he it 100 times - 'I am wrong. You are 19 ------~---' OCTOBER 2 0 0 5 ------;======~------ right."' It was a training session in on how to be zahir bikevod ishto (metic He said, "I'm in l'amp Ohr Shraga, yashrus: learning to say, "I'm wrong." ulous regarding the honor due one's near Ellenville." He would call for "respect for people, wife). One need only recall what he said As if it struck a raw nerve, shocked, respect for property." More than verbal two years ago, in Ohr Shraga, after she she said '~Jewish boys' camp?" izing, he taught this by his very being. had passed away: "We were married over He said yes. He spent his last Sukkos with his 70 years, and we never had a 1nachlokess. "There was a Ukrainian bungalow daughter and son-in-law. Leaving the Chilukei dei'os (differences of opinion), colony across the road from it?" sukka during the night, he slipped and yeh. Machlokess, nisht. Yes. fell on the driveway. A 94-year-old man One small incident: About five She excitedly called to her associ lying there in pain, he would not wake years ago, a bachur had some dental ate in the office, "Remember how I anybody up because one does not steal work before the summer. The non always spoke about the nicest person somebody else's sleep. fewish technician had to send him some I ever met, in that ]e1vish boys' cantp? His relationship with his devoted reb rubber bands for a brace, and asked for This boy goes to that camp!" betzin reflected the Ramba1n's directives his mailing address. "Thirty years ago," she said, "we were in that colony, and we didn't have a swimming pool - a bunch of girls CENTER FOR RABBINIC DEVELOPMENT wanted to go swimming. I was a defi NATIONAL COUNCIL OF YOUNG ISRAEL ant, assertive girl, and I announced, 'I'm going to march over to the rabbi and ask him if I can go swimming there.' "My friend had said, 'You're not even dressed properly, How could you do that?' "I went anyway, and asked him. He didn't look at me, but spoke to me with such respect. 'You know,' he said, 'we don't have swimming for our ladies. How could you go swimming? We don't have a ladies' time. Do me a favor. Try to find an alternative. Ifyou still want, come back, and we'll find a solution.'" This lady said, "I never went back. But the way he treated me! I've been talking about this nicest rabbi all these years." The bachur asked, "Who is the rabbi?" She says, "The name that I remem ber is Rabbi Quinn. Could that be?" Imagine the kiddush Hashem of speaking with dignity and respect to a As PART OF OUR ONGOING COMMITMENT TO RABBINIC EXCELLENCE brazen girl, who would say, thirty years THROUGHOUT NORTH AMERICA later, "Look what a Yid is!" THE CENTER FOR RABBINIC DEVELOPMENT A few months ago, I was zocheh to • PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATIONS •RABBINIC PLACEMENT name my son after Rabbi Quinn, and I •ANNUAL RABBINIC CONFERENCE •THE RABBI'S LETTER related this story at the bris. A well-known •ASSEH lECHA RAV - THE RABBINIC SEARCH MANUAi • DIVREI TORAH BULLETINS nzechaneich asked n1e, ''Are you sure that • NITZOTZEI YISRAEL DRASHOT • AUDIO TAPE SERIES • YMEI IYUN story is true? I hope not, because if it is, ,,'.A ___ , he is mechayev us - placing a tremen For information about our Center for Rabbinic Development and its various services, dous responsibility on all of us. Look or to join the Young Israel Council of Rabbis, please contact Rabbi B!nyamin what a Yid could accomplish by being Hammer at National Council of Young Israel, 3 West 16th St., New York, NY 10011, a n1entsch!" Tel, 212-929-1525, ext. 285, f= 212-727-9526, e-mail, rabbis@youngi,,oel.ocg I told him," Rav Quinn would never I -- - want to be mechayev an~~heL- Pe~:J 20 ---~------·------. T!-IE JEWISH 0HSERVER I ------.-... ------... ·------·... ------... -----...... ------... - he would like us to say, 'Look how this countenance taught us the beauty of needed no elaboration. shows us the opportunities that we have Shabbos. He remarked about the value On Tisha B'Av itself, I'd sit next to of speaking with respect to others and of a minute of Shabbos - "Shaarei him, if just for the bechiyos (wailing) the lasting effect that it could have_'" Teshuva 293 says to stretch the' Borchu' that we heard from him. He had in Maariv after Shabbos because you gain yahrzeit on Shabbos Chazon. He read another minute of Shabbos." the Haftorah - he did not want ANIVUS PERSONIFIED And how he cherished Erev Shabbos! so1neone else to read it, because they He was ready hours before the z'man. would use the Eicha tropp - mourn abbi Quinn's actions defined ing cantillations - that some find the word "anav," the bittul, the 'fisha B'Avwas not just a lesson, it was unsuitable for Shabbos. So he leined Rhachna'a (self-negation and sub an experience .... As a young bachur, I it himself. But he made matters missiveness) that he had toward peo went to Rabbi Quinn's Eicha shiur, a worse. He would start choking up and ple that were his own talmidim! Until week or so before the fast. To see him then cry ... over the Churban theme in his last day in the Mesivta, he ate break stand and cry in advance of Tisha B'Av the Haftorah. fast and lunch in the dining room with the boys. When anybody would approach him to talk, he would imme diately stand up. I was gabbai when I was a bachur. He forbade us to call him up to the Torah with the title "Moreinu:' Other rebbei'im in Mesivta were called Moreinu, but "!ch bin nisht kein Moreinu." When he told me not to give him aliyos, I protested, "But Rav Quinn is a kohein!" "Yes, but no one thinks about that. They'll be jealous of me. One aliya for the yahrzeit, and that's it:' When we'd stand up for him in Ohr Shraga or in the yeshiva, he would protest, Don't re1nind 1ne of n1y age, as USA New York : though the only reason to rise for him 718-998-550011-800-938-5000 I www.eldan.co.il was because he was a zakein (an elder)! TEACHING BY LIVING EXAMPLE e was a mechaneich for close to For careful attention to your seventy years. Yes, he taught the individual needs, call us today! H ninth grade in Ohr Shraga till his last summer, three hours a day, (845) 354-8445 Gemara, Chumash, dikduk. More than that, he taught every aspect of Yiddishkeit, in line with "Emor me'at va'a IP~ sei harbei -Say little, do much" (Avos I, GEFEN 17). To teach people, to inspire them, talk little. The primary tool is to do. The great Flit~~),~AL ~· est 1nechaneich is not the one who Registered Mortgage Brokers ••• instructs "l)o as I say;' but conveys "Do NYS Dept. of Banking • as I do." ( 0 He taught the halachos in Shulchan couldn't live without Yerushalayim." LOOKING INSIDE Aruch Orach Chayim, 180: "Before A friend of mine was at a wedding bentching, one should remove the where the family gave Rabbi Quinn ow he taught us to learn from I knife from the table." One of the rea beracha acharita (the last of the seven nature, in the manner of"Se'u I sons is because someone once was berachos under thechupa). When he H maro1n eineiche1n - Lift your bentching, and reaching "Uvenei reached the words "Od yishama - Let sights upvvard." If a person wants to acquire ahavas Hashe111, the Ra1nban1 says, he should look at the miracles of the natural world. He often took us on walks, pointed to this tree, that patch HE TOLD ME, AS THE GABBAI OF ZEMIROS, of grass; each was a chejiza shel mitz "SING THE NIGGUN 'HOSHIA ES AMECHA."' vah, an object to learn from. He would often quote Reh Sh raga Feivel, "Ma'le' a A BEAUTIFUL MELODY, IT WAS OLD-FASHIONED ha'aretz kinyanecha - The earth is full AND NOT POPULAR ANYMORE. SEEING of Your possessions" ( Tehillim 104,24). THE LACK OF ENTHUSIASM ON MY FACE, But it also was "Your kinyan," a way of acquiring love of Hashe1n, as the HE EXPLAINED, "WE CAN'T DAVEN Rambam says. ON SHABBOS FOR OUR BROTHERS. He told us that Reb Shraga Feivel BUT WE COULD SING FOR THEM." once davened in a beis midrash look ing out the window. A few who did n't know who he was said, ''Vos kukst du arois? Why are you looking out?" Yerushalayim - Rebuild Jerusalem;' he there be heard in the cities of Judah Reb Shraga Feivel replied, '1ch kuk became so distraught that he took the and the streets of Jerusalem sounds arein. I'm looking inside." knife and stabbed himself. of joy ... ," he was so overcome with Rabbi Quinn urged us, ''Kuk arein. Rabbi Quinn asked: What are the emotion that it took him a few min Open your eyes and see a world, and chances that today someone will do this, utes to regain his composure. internalize the sense of wonder: 'Mi that the Shulchan Aruch should call for This incident was shared with the hara eileh - Who created all this!'" removing the knives? He said that family at the shiva, and they said, "We Chazal were teaching us: "Look how a never gave Rav Quinn beracha Yid felt about the Churban! He simply acharita. He couldn't handle it!" FEELING THE PAIN abbi Quinn taught us to feel the KARKA IN ERETZ YISROEL pain of another Yid. In 1982, Call Rabbi Gavriel Beer for information on there was fighting going on obtaining cemetery plots in Beth Shemesh R and other locations in Israel. with Lebanon in Eretz Yisroel. He 011-972-2-656-9427 instituted daily Tehillim for "our fellow 0 Jews who are suffering." Shabbos arrived, and he told me, as the gabbai of zemiros, "Sing the niggun 'Hoshia es Amecha' (the lyrics are words from dav ening, 'Save Your Nation and Bless Your Inheritance.)" • Each Daf is read, A beautiful melody, it was old-fash translated, and explained ioned and not popular anymore. slowly and clearly in just Seeing the lack of enthusiasm on my 20 minutes for all age groups face, he explained, "We can't daven on • $4 per tape (plus S&l-l) Shabbos for our brothers. But we • Subscription rate: $3 per tape for the Orthodox Jewish community. (plus S&H) could sing for them." Rabbinical references available I started the niggun, and was getting Home: (718) 338-1765 funny looks. So I told one bachur, and Pager: (917) 486-5655 the next, "It's a musical tefilla for the situation ...." The hisorrcrus (inspiration) aroused summer camp in America, with THE STRENGTH OF AN EVED - by that rckida (dance) in 5742 still res scheduled times for Torah study, as HASHEM'S LOYAL SERVANT onates in iny bones: You can't be obliv well as sports activities. ious to another Yid's crisis. We can't Reb Shraga Feivel passed away, and erhaps Rabbi Quinn's greatest always daven, but we could dance for Rabbi Quinn continued that legacy. attribute was that he was an eved them. When he started Ohr Shraga, people PHashem. were probably skeptical: "It's not Life of a Jew as an eved Hashem is about going to work. Do you know what else fulfilling Hashem's will.The challenges of TORAH IN THE SUMMER goes on in the 1nountains during the life only arise when a person injects" anocht summer? You have to inake modifica -his own interests. For sotne people, it's abbi Quinn was able to accom tions, compromises.') It was viewed as pursuit of kavod. For others, it's desire for plish what he did because he a dream. Yet Ohr Shraga became a money. For yet others, it's acting out on Rbelieved in the nitzchiyus ( eter thriving reality where hundreds of impulses and base desires. nity) of Torah, in all circumstances. bachurin1 spent glorious summers But there's one type of person who can And maybe more importantly, he graced by Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky overcome this anochi factor - the eved believed in the potential of a ben Torah. ?"lit, and then 7":1' Rabbi Zelik Epstein Hashem. An evedby definition is a non Today, Baruch Hashem, there are a N"i.;r~·?w. entity. There is no ine, no anachi. The eved nu1nber of summer learning can1ps. Today, 40 years later, taking into doesn't even have a hand of his own. It is Over 40 years ago, when he had the account the numerous ca1nps that arc an extension of his 1naster. VVhatever the dream of founding Ohr Sh raga, the a product or a by-product of Rabbi eved acquires belongs to his master. This idea was unheard of. Learning day and Quinn's vision, one could say that over is why the Mishna in Avos says that one night during the winter was a viable a 1ni1lion hours of linzud ha Torah arc should be an evedwho serves without con achievement. But during the sun1mer? to his credit, because he believed in sideration of reward. The Ramban He followed in the footsteps of his the eternal tenacity of Torah in ( Devarin1 6, l 3) explains that everything rebbi, Reb Shraga Feivel, who had America, in the summer. He was the a Jew does should be for his master, thus opened Camp Mesivta in the J 930s bridge that connected us to the glo fulfilling the ideal that all his actions are over fierce opposition: You're wasting rious world of Reb Shraga Feivel, leSheim Shamayim (Avos 2:12). It is your money, he was told, but he Rabbi David Leibowitz and Rabbi known that Rabbi Aharon Kotler said that Lbl1shed~e~st~shiva-type Shlomo Heiman. Rabbi Shraga Feivel's every act was 23 personally painted it. "It is not befitting a man of your position," someone protested. He replied, "I'm working for bnei Torah. It is an honor to bemeshameish bakodesh - this is sacred service." A man recalls how 50 years ago, as a bachur, he was spotted by Rabbi Quinn in the hall. He said, "Come into my office." He went to the shelf, took out shoe polish and got down on his knees. The boy protested, "Rav Quinn is not polishing my shoes!" Rabbi Quinn said, "Do me a favor. I'm doing it this time, but do it yourself next time." How could a menaheil bend down and pol ish the shoes of a young bachur? Because he views a hen Torah as a melech, and nl'm the eved." Someone suggested to a writer that he interview Rabbi Quinn for an arti cle: "You'll find out so much ofthe past history." Said the writer, "It doesn't pay. I once gave him the manuscripts on a book about Reb Shraga Feivel, and wherever he saw a story about himself, he struck it out. You think he's going to tell me about himself?" leSheim Shamayim, and I believe that the immersion is invalid." same could be said about Rabbi Quinn. This explains his extraordinary con People wondered how Rabbi Quinn Thus, in his long, productive life, he did duct in the Mesivta. Until his last days, never stopped smiling. We who knew him things that no one else would consider when he was over 90, he would travel by better knew that the question was greater. doing. Because he wasn"t a melech- he was train or fly to other cities to raise money Rabbi Quinn endured many, many dif an eved. for the Mesivta. His legendary devotion ficult events in his life. He was multi-ta]ented. He was artis to Torah Vodaath's Emergency Aid Fund The answer? Rabbi Quinn was a mas tic. He had an inspiring voice, and led over the years was remarkable. He also ter rebbi in the very difficult sugya (topic) Shacharis on Yamim Noraint in the went overseas for a d'var mitzvah when of chavivim yisurim (suffering is pre Mesivta for scores of years. He was he was over 90. cious). His ubiquitous smile was his extremely knowledgeable. He was an He once came into the financial office expression of emuna, as he said "Gan1 appealing speaker. Rabbi Moshe Wolfson with an envelope of salary checks. zu letova:' But there is more to that. He told me that when he was a talmid in the (Incidentally, he was the lowest-paid was an eved. And even if it might seem Mesivta, Rabbi Quinn was "the idol of the rebbi, because his children were mar as though it were a case of Asei imi ve'ei Mesivta."Yet, I never knew another per ried and he insisted on taking a reduc ni zancha - The Master can say to the son that not only stepped to the side, but tion in his salary.) He had checks that eved, "Work, but I'll not support you," ran to the side, and dreamt of being the he had never cashed, totaling $93,000, and the eved continues to work with classic «ro'eh ve'eino nir'eh - sees, but is plus a personal check ofanother $7,000. devotion. not seen." And he said, "I always wanted to His daughter remarked that he never Rabbi Quinn once emerged from the donate money to the Mesivta because complained, except tbree weeks before his mikva and said to a talmid. "Tell me, what this is my life. Here is my donation of petira, when he was so weak that he could is the kavana one should have in the $100,000 to the Mesivta." n't put on his own shoes, and she had to mikva? I'll tell you. Total bittul - help him. He krechtzed, "Oy, look what complete negation of self. Under the One summer, the pool was re has become of me:) As a servant he could water, if one hair is sticking out, the cemented just before Tisha B'Av, and he n't bear being served by others. 24 FINAL MOMENTS who completed different Gemaros. After how good is our portion and how the siyum, there was a rekida. The few sweet is our lot." The celebration is last Shabbos in Ohr Shraga cap hundredbnei Torah in the circle includ marked the triumph of Rabbi Quinn's tured the essence of Rabbi ed bachurim from 80 different yeshiv emuna in Torah in America, his love for H Quinn. He had been in the hos os, each one holding on to the next one, achdus, and belief in the potential ofthe pital for a few days. Although extremely singing "Ashreinu ma tov chelkeinu uma su111mer for growth in Torah. ~ weak, he was released for Shabbos. His son, na'im goraleinu - How fortunate we are, ~As i~ B;;~·ishis.i8-,1-- ... --... --.-----·-- Rabbi Zalman Pinchas, told me that he scarcely had the strength to walk unassist You can! Iust call ed. 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Offer ends November 15, 2005. ot\1f~R Super Discount voucher OM''' r[qii"~' zo05 l======'flNJClrlbe':,':'"='=====ltl -12 Br(x1thv:1y i .:\e\,- York !'-JY 10004 •Phone 212-797-7,1,94 •Fax (H(J-.2'1':i-J(10U • MONEY BACK GllARANTll~I . i !f at1J' 1i!astm at atty time ;v>i1 ar1.t :not stitiefwd, Ii Please , enter my s,~~~~ption for I for I' · J"'". mf!Y cancefyt)lir suhscripti&J and rec.etve a Yo11r cost(fij}!J- ~11:-\ Yousaveupto$50! II (-/If L__:_ fuO rej'und on all unmailed i.i;sues. Ytnn· cost S47 s7-: \Ou save up to $.~2! C AR!l)IO I I yea1 Ytu1r cost $24 S.19 You sal'C up to $15! llllllllllllllW 1-\PJR·l'!O"i>All ''""'l\<)jlf NAME DJDJ I I I I ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP The Jewish Obserwr is published moothl)~ except July and Angnsl. I I RABBI W. oar our Ten Jews? "What do you mean,' My ten Jews'? Jews. Who is going to be mckareiv all the in appreciation for your efforts on The ones I daven with?" rest? their behalf. They aren't yours. You just daven with Hence, our question: VVho are your ten Various kiruv organizations also offer them. fews? The ones counting on you. The kiruvtrainingforlaypeople-ifyou feel "My family" ones who will lose their eternity because you need it. [Though most" kiruv train- Kind of, but that's not what we are get no one bothered to try and reach out to ing" is rather obvious: Smile, be nice, ting at. them: don't tell him his ideas are stupid. You're Present statistics put the present "Well, I'm not a kiruv professional. not expected to know everything, so if world Jewish population at around What do you lVant fron1 nu:f?" you're not sure how to answer a ques- eleven million Jews. Over one million are Actually, no one is asking you to lion, tell him - he'll respect your hon- observant. become a kiruv professional. Kiruv esty. ''Training" includes a few numbers This means that, roughly speaking, for professionals are great for organizing of kiruv organizations and a local rabbi every ten secular Jews - there is one programs, seminars, handling difficult to call for advice - and now you're an Orthodox one. cases, and acting as a resource. But, as expert!] In any event, what is worse~ So who are your ten? most kiruv professionals will tell you, Leaving them to die a spiritual death, or what most secular Jews need is simply risking a few mistakes or awkward THE BEST WAY personal contact with a fru1n Jew. Some 1non1ents? one who cares. Someone who can Besides, if they really are your ten Jews, Those in kiruv can tell you that the show them just a little bit of Yiddishkeit. eventually you are going to meet them best way to be mekareiv secular Jews is Many success stories have begun with in the Olam Ha' emes. Either as frum Jews through personal contact. There was once a little Pirkei Avos learned together. with their generations of children and a study done that found that any one per- ("Hey, Jack. I-low'd you like to learn great-grand children - or as lost souls son can maintain contact with some 250 together from an ancient Jewish text 5 who can only ask you: "Why didn't you people. So a kiruvprofessional might have minutes a week?") A regular Shabbos at least try?" !ID room for, let's say, I 00 people. If there table is probably the most effective kiruv ,. ·--- ·----- ·- ··-· ______are some 1000 kiruvprofessionals work- tool ever created. As a public service, we n1ention that Partners ing right now, that would cover l 00,000 Could you make mistakes? Perhaps. in 10rah has a list of non-religious Jews who would like to learn bechavrusa or over the phone. Call ---··-·----- They understand that you are also them at soo-STUDY-4-2 (800-788-3942). , c··.···~'"""' "'··_· ____ --human, and will give you a lotofleew~ ------~ f'" >If II 1,;)('tl frl? f';i':'•,J ff/ 'lfry ''"'·' ~f>3 7fm.1 Y''b.G ?f)tl ,1//p ,JI],; 'lt1('7/ rrf(,o..n l.f r 0 rv "N ..!.I 1< r1{ t r"J·C What doesHarav Chaim .say ·to the thousands.of Jews who turn to. hilllJoradvi<;e arid help? In. a special letter to his brother-.in-law. Harav Hagaon Azriel Auerbach.. shlita,Chairman of Va'ad Harabanlmfor ,,Charity in the Holy Land. he wrote: The Va'ad Harabanim is a very important institution. As is well known, it.distributes tremendous amounts of charity. I! is clearly a great mitzvah to hoilplhis organization. lrecommendlo all who turn tome that they should assist you." 1-888-363-6248 All donations are tax deductible 1s,:;;51',;;i w.•cii ,. sukkos INS.IGHTS AND INSPIRAT,10.N i~~+=+=''·~+=~~--c;;;;.;;;.;;;;;;:;;:;:;:.;;;.:;;;.:;;o=;;;;.o=;;;;;;::;;;.:;;~~~~~~~--~~~~~ W;\"',. e·11· er a· eneathif···~!'.\" the.Clouds GLORIOUS CLOUDS - they still perform with joy. If we find the THE DARKER SIDE GLORIOUS SUKKOS sukka such an inviting and comfortable OF CLOUDS place, we can safely assume our forefa itting in a sukka can be a magical thers also shared those same feelings. It's his being the case, the prayer many experience. Under ordinary circu1n no wonder, either, as the sukka con11nem say upon entering the sukka Sstances, the mere thought of hav orates the anannei hakavod - the clouds Tseems entirely incongruous: "In ing to move out of a comfortable home of glory- that accompanied the Jewish the n1erit of leaving my home, 1nay it be to spend a week in accommodations no People in their sojourn in the desert. l reckoned as if l wandered in exile:'3 Reb larger than a garage would make one The benefits provided by these Tzaddok Hakohein asks: the definition shudder with dread. But on Sukkos, the n1iraculous clouds surpass our wildest of galus is pain and discomfort, while experience is not 1nerely bearable, but imagination. Aside from shielding Bnei dwelling in the sukka is the exact oppo· even beautiful. Even the stark bare light Yisroel from the harsh elements and dan site - so much so, that one who is in dis bulb dangling from the ceiling seems to gers of the desert wasteland, it also was comfort is altogether absolved from shine with an ethereal glow.And the chil climate controlled to an optimal temper sitting in the sukka. So, how can we com dren's decorations, which normally ature of comfort. No less than the pare such a pleasant and beautiful would be considered too tacky to even concierge of the 1nost expensive hotels, experience as sitting in a sukka to the suf display on a fridge door, seem to sparkle the clouds not only cleaned and pressed fering of exile? with the brilliance of a priceless chan their clothing, but also provided contin Apparently, the clouds contained an delier. How can these strange feelings be uous alterations as required. Our sages entirely different dimension, as well. If, explained? teach that the clouds even radiated a spir as the saying goes, "Every dark cloud con Our sages teach that every mitzvah itual light that surpassed natural forms tains a silver lining," the reverse is also that the Jewish People accepted with joy, of illumination, which gave them the r·M;;,;1~-;;:·3~;h~l~~:j;-J-3- "---··- penetrating vision to see within the con RABBI GREENWALD. A MEMllER OF THE Kol.I.El. 2 Beraisa J)e'meleches Han1ishko11,chap. 14. tents of closed containers.2 Most impor llAIS llATALMtJI) IN M1·:LBOIJRNE, AUSTUAUA, IS 3 This prayer is based on the Pesikta that says that AIJTHOR OF Rr,-B MENDEi. (Al~TSCROl.E.), A llJOG- tantly, the clouds served as a tangible the reason the fostiva! of Sukkos i1nmediately fol- l~Al'HICAL APPUECIATION OF RABUI MF.NDl·:I. reminder of Hashem's presence amidst lows Yorn Kippur is that if one is deserving of exile, I KAPL;\ N ?"Yr. His AKHCI.E "Tu1_.; HAT'fl.E 1'01~ Tl-IE His people and demonstrated His con the dwelling 111 the sukka should be cons.1]dcred M1·:NORA," APPEARED IN J0l)Ec. '04. stclnt love and protection. as having gone into exile 29 L __ ------r-:-~=-=-=---=--===~~~-~-~~~~=====-· l : 'ii axiomatic: "Every silver cloud has its dark inkling of the warmth of His Divine love I lining, too." Although the clouds were while we sit in the sukka, we have our ' I dominantly positive, they also contained forefathers to thank for instilling those I 1 some harsh components, as a recessive feelings within us. trait. For instance, when the Jews sinned ] 1 1 in the desert, the clouds immediately 1' We make "houseca!ls" descended4inadramaticshowthatscrved FROM CI.OUDS OF GLORY 1 I L.flj718) 972-4003 as a harbinger of Divine rebuke and ret- TO CLOUDS OF EXILE , f P. :'1-'"'IN- ribution that were soon to follow. s · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · I, / - "'lb::;)W Although we mentioned earlier that The mitzva of sukka serves as a 1, I the clouds' conveniences surpassed serv- perennial reminder of those j · ice in the most luxurious hotel known miraculous clouds of glory that I Specializing in small batim for a perfect fit. to man, a five-star space station would enveloped the Jewish nation in the desert. I, be a more accurate analogy. Cocooned But whatever happened to those clouds , in a delicate life-support system, their lives after the Jewish people entered the I continuously hung in a delicate balance, Land of Israel? The Mechilta says that 1 1 which in turn was directly linked to their those clouds never dissipated, but con· I spiritual level. The clouds instantly tinue to exist for all times.7 Even in our ·1 . repelled those who were spiritually most distant future history, the clouds unfit, as was the case with those who wor- of glory will not only exist, but also con- I shiped idols from the tribe of Dan. To tinue to play an important role. At the I be continuously cognizant of the pow- time of the resurrection of the dead, erful hand of Hashem - ready to appor- Hashem will call upon those clouds of tion either pain or pleasure - may have glory and instruct them to pour the dew Get a cell phone been a source of strain and consterna- of eternal life upon the Children of tion to anyone less worthy than the gen- Israel. 8 from the people eration of that great era.6 The Mechilta appears to defy compre- The dor hamidbarrose to the challenge hension. Granted that those magnificent you can trustl that the clouds presented. Despite the clouds await us in the World to Come, inherent harsh components present, they but how do we appreciate that they are focused totally on the positive aspects of with us in all times, even in our dark peri- the clouds. They viewed them for what ods of exile? We can perhaps reconcile they truly were: the omnipresent sign of this difficulty with another passage a loving Father Who guides His child by from the Mechilta, "Come and see, the the hand and protects him under His healing of Hakadosh Baruch Hu is - ~ W!l- watchful eye. If, to this day, we feel a small unlike the healing of a doctor of flesh Total Communication 4 See Shen1os 16, 10; Ban1idbar 17,7; [)evari111 readily apparent when the Jewish nation crossed solutions 31, 15 the Ya1n Suf The Malbin1 ( Yeshaya 4,6) points out that the very same clouds of glory w·hich Jed the 5 The commentators 1nake clear that the clouds of Jewish People out of Egypt, later turned into a 1-866-TALK-N-SAVE glory also served as a testing ground of the Jewish buffer zone, separating them and the Egyptian (1-866-825-5672) People's level of faith. When the clouds settled dur army. The clouds also absorbed all the projectiles ing the course of their wanderings, it was a sign for thrown by the Egyptians, and shot them back at e-mail: [email protected] the Jewish People to set up camp at that location. them with deadly accuracy. Similarly, the cloud VVhen the clouds n1oved on\vard, it signaled to the of fire that gave light to the Jewish People nlelt Customer service now available Jewish People to resume their travel. At times, as ed the wheels of the Egyptian chariots that helped from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 midnight - Israel time! soon as the Jews settled down at a particularly invit bring about their downfall. "Cellcom Certified Agents ing oasis, the clouds immediately urged them to In the times of Moshiach the prophet Yeshaya move onwards. At other ti1nes, when the landscape ( 4,6) reveals that the clouds of glory and fire will was unusually bleak and unhospitable, the clouds once again return, in a re-enactinent of their orig Groups/Missions ren1ained stationary for long periods of time. This inal role. There again, the same cloud that will (GET SPECIAL RATES/SERVICES) unpredictable situation was potentially unnerving, be a protective cloud of glory for the righteous yet the Jew·ish nation accepted it with serene faith, will be harn1ful "smoke" to destroy the wicked. Call foll free from USA/Canada: and the Torah records their desert travels in exact Similarly, the cloud of fire at night that will pro 1-866-403-8454 detail as a testin1ony to their exalted stature in this vide ilhunination to the righteous will be a destruc regard. (See Seforno, Ban1idbar9, 17-23 and 33,2.) tive fire that will consume the wicked. e~mail: 6 The clouds' dual aspect of containing elements 7 Mechilta, Beshalach 13 groups(g:ltalknsave.net of both blessing and punishn1ent is even more 8 Mechilta, Yisro 20 30 _J NEVE VERUSHALAYIM INSTITUTIONS and blood. Hu1nan beings cause a wound with a sharp metal knife and heal through salves and bandages. But MAALOT· NY Hakodosh Baruch Hu is not like that. FOR A HIGHER DEGREE • OF SUCCESS! II Rather) using the same instrun1ent with SEMINARY & POST-SEMINARY which He inflicts wounds, He heals as PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS 'I well. When Hakadosh Baruch Hu exiled . the Jewish People, He did so only with WITH THE ERETZ YISRAEL FLAVOR! clouds. So too, when He will gather them HUNDREDS OF SUCCESSFUL GRADUATES • WORLDWIDE! from exile, He will also do so only with clouds."9 Professional Program or Lishma ·Full Day, Half Day or Part Time Even in exile, the clouds of glory are Optional Summer in Yerushalayim! Rabbi Sholom G. Ginzber • Dean still with us; they just recede to the back ground. Just as changing weather condi tions can shift ordinary clouds into rmmm various shapes and forms, the same is true with spiritual clouds. The clouds that accompanied the Jewish nation in the just oneyear at. .. desert were dominantly a medium of blessing and their negative component 'WaS just a faint shadow. In exile, it's the exact ~~~ Pirnn :lPP' nt:J ,,~~o opposite; the clouds' primary role is to 'llld•" I Biri~":;;f I THE NEW BAIS YMKOV SEMINARY form a barrier between Heaven and us. , .. -~·~-.. .:._ •.r The Gen1ara re1ates that the pree1n inent sage) J(ava, wouldn't decree a fast ... opens tfie tfoor to a f!/etinw efpossibilltics! day on cloudy days because "the clouds would block the prayers from ascend Adelphi U. has established ing to heaven:' At first glance, his rul academic scholarships in addition to Financial Aid ing appears odd. How could physical clouds have the power to block prayer, I''... ~~~I:::~ ~~~OLA-RSH_IP_S _ which is of a spiritual nature? However, M:: Special Education M:: Business AVAILABLE~---- in light of the above, his approach is per fectly understandable. Rava realized REBBETZIN SORA F. BULKA, n7MJO RABBI YESHAYA LEVY, ?-;i)t;J pv MRS, GITTIE NEUFELD, ASST.PRINCIPAL ------that clouds contain a metaphysical 2600 OCEAN AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11229 ll@:: 718.769.8160 ~ FAX: 718.769,8640 dimension as well, which, in effect, blocks the rays of spiritual light, and clouds our spiritual vision.IO "tfM~d1-iita, -13;_~;;~1a;i,J4·------~-----.. ------ 10 That clouds during exile obscure our spiri MOTHERS AND FATHERS ALIGNED SAVING KIDS tual vision is also apparent fro1n the Ge1nara (Beracfws 59a) that states, "From the day the Support for Parents of Children·ln·Conftict Ten1ple was destroyed, the sky is no longer seen in its pure clarity. As it states (Yeshaya 50,3 accord CONFIDENTIAI. HOTLINE ing to the translation of the Malliirn and Ibn Ezra), Parent Support Groups "I clothe the heavens in blackness [of clouds) and n1ake the sackcloth their garn1ent."' Yeshiva Liaison A clear, pure sky serves as a conduit of higher E-Mail Support Group spiritual perceptions. The sages say that the pur~ Sibling Support Groups pose of the blue thread of the tzitzis is to draw I our attention to the sky, which in turn reminds STARR Female Sibling Program us of Hashern's Heavenly abode, With the Private Consultation I absence of a sky in its pristine state, these per ceptions becatne tnuted. It is, perhaps, no coin~ cidence that the Arizalwrites that the tradition Educational Forums tOr 1nanufacturing the blue thread used for tzitzis Prevention and Awareness also becan1e lost with the destruction of the Parent Mentoring Group TCn1ple, since it can no longer serve this purpose I of arousing higher fonns of spiritual awareness. Lending Library ______J ,------··------0--C-·-T-O-·~-E-.- ..--. -.-·o--o-~ ~ ------·--·-· . ::;;·===·=====;;;;;; ·----=-i ' But even in the darkest moments of exile, Sukkos represents the trust and con it outwardly appears that our source of the glorious anannai hakavod forever tentment we find in Hashem's protec protection is as flimsy as a thatched hut. accompany us. When we see the sky cov tion, even in the face of the pain and When cataclysmic forces in the world ered with thick dark thunderclouds, it tends discomfort it entails. 13 The generation are unleashed, as harsh as the blazing to make our mood gray and gloomy, as well. of the desert found that comfort in the sun and fierce storms, we seek refuge But the wise person realizes that heavy clouds relatively pleasurable clouds of glory, in Hasheni's protection, no matter herald a life-giving shower of bounty and which offered the ultimate in comfort how insubstantial it appears. The sustenance- rain. On a spiritual level, too, and protection. The generations of the nations of the world 1nock us for <(grab while the dark clouds of gal us appear omi exile, and especially the generation bing at straws and twigs for protection" nous and threatening, they are actually a which undergoes the tribulations instead of putting our trust in power portent of great light and salvation. prior to the coming of Moshiach, are ful edifices of steel, glass and concrete. Upon the destruction of the first subjected to a far greater test: main But we ignore their taunts, and confi Temple, when the Jewish People were ban· ly, to find comfort in the clouds even dently sit under Hashem's shelter exclu ished to a strange land, the populace bit - when they are not inviting, but dark sively, and look at it as the best possible terly mourned their terrible fate. This was and foreboding. form of cover: almost universal, except for the prophet The prophet Yeshaya provides an apt "Like an apple tree among the Yechezkeil, who left Israel for Bavel in a state description of the sukka in the end of trees of the forest, so is my of elation and immense joy. Reb Tzaddok time.1 4 "And the sukka will be as a Beloved... In His shade I desired Hakohein explains that this was hecause shade from heat in the daytime, and and I sat" (Shir Hashirim 2,3). Rav Yechezkeil saw the great spiritual light that a protection and refuge from storm and Huna said, "Just as everyone flees awaited them in exile, even more than when from rain."1 5 How sturdy is this sukka from this apple tree during the they resided peacefully in the Land of - the shade of Divine protection? The burning heat, beeause it doesn't pro IsraeI.11 This later became evident with the passuk doesn't say that Hashem's pro· vide adequate shade from the sun; proliferation of the oral Torah which only tection will be as strong as a fortress so, too, the nations of the world fled began during the period of the exile, and or even a house. The passuk doesn't from the shade of the Holy One more tzaddikim arose after the Temple's even say that Hashem's protection will Blessed Be He... , with the exception destruction than while the Jewish People be like a chupa, a canopy, which also of the Jewish Nation, who specifi were settled in the Land oflsraeI.12 provides a comprehensive for1n of cally coveted and sat beneath cover.16 Rather, the passuk says that Hashem's protective shelter.IS Hashem's protection will be a sukka, Even at the time when Hashem SITTING IN THE SUKKA OF a minimalist structure that gives only displays endearment toward the DIVINE PROTECTION the barest protection from the ele nations of the world and shows them ments, and is ideally suited for animal a smiling countenance and delivers ow we can understand why the use.17 Israel into their hands, nevertheless, mitzvah of sukka is linked to During the periods of persecution all of Israel's righteous ones cleaved N exile and atonement for it. throughout our long and bitter exile, to You and did not move away from You .... [Rather,] they gather togeth er tightly beneath Your shade. 19 Digest of Meforshim .. .in memory A of a loved one ~v1p7 in:i ~v1p7 rM"'CH m•rit•th•m 12 Midrash Shir Hashiri111 Rabba, 4,4; Pri £1 n "eternal Tzaddik, ibid ?··:11 ,vv'?N '?Nlr.rei l"'1To1T.J G f ~ pleasantness 13 See Ko111etz Mincha 2,18 Available at WAN and light to 14 Although the Gemara (Sukka 2b) points out LEKUTEI thesoul/n that this passukdescribes events im1nediately after c/o Yitzchok Rosenberg Gan Eden." the coining of Moshiach, there are other opin 1445 54th Street RUNJD... (Chafetz Chaim) ions there that state that this verse is equally per Brooklyn, i\JY 11219-4228 tinent to Sukkos prior to the coining of Moshiach. To establish a perpetual Memorial or Honorary Fund at 718-854-6701 one of our 29 branches across Eretz Yisroel, contad: 15 Yeshaya 4,6 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, Medrash, 16 The word for chupa in Hebrew- is similar to Megilos, Talmud, and Tehilim. mechapeh, which implies a total covering. This OZER DALIM is also why the word is used to denote a secret Proceeds of sales distributed an1ong 1 0 '1"T in11 or a cover-up. Yeshivos and used for reprinting of 1301 Avenue K, volun1es out-of-print Brooklyn, NY 11230 17 See Bereishis 33, 17 PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME ii! (718) 434-2228 18 Shir Hashiriin Rabba, ibid OzerDallm -----19-R-as_h_'·_D_e_va~'-n-33_,3______~--·-·------~ J fHf·. JEWISH OBSERVER ------=-i.. -·--.. I ---··------·------···------·------·------·-·------ SUKKA, A UNIQUELY erations of exile, withstood this trial and acle continuing to transpire in 1 JEWISH EXPERIENCE held to its trust and faith in Hashem in Jerusalem that dates from the the face of the most trying circumstances. Temple period. The Mishna in Avos he Gemara relates that in the end It will then be clear why only the (5,7) says that one of the miracles that of days, the nations of the world Jewish People will be worthy of the great occurred in the Temple was that no Twill ask for eternal reward, and reward awaiting them in the post-mes one said to their fellow man in that they too be given the chance to per sianic era. Jerusalem, 'The space of my accom form mitzvos. Hashe1n will say, "I have This exalted level is particularly modations is uncomfortably tight.' an easy mitzva and its name is sukka. Go and perform this mitzva:' Immediately, each will go and construct a sukka. Hashem will then send forth a blazing WHEN WE SEE THE SKY COVERED WITH THICK hot sum1ner sun, and each and every one DARK THUNDERCLOUDS, IT TENDS TO MAKE will kick his sukka and leave it.20 Two questions arise: Firstly, why OUR MOOD GRAY AND GLOOMY, AS WELL. were the nations given specifically the BUT THE WISE PERSON REALIZES THAT HEAVY mitzva of sukka? There are numerous CLOUDS HERALD A LIFE-GIVING SHOWER other, easy mitzvos they could have been offered. Secondly, the director of an anti OF BOUNTY ANO SUSTENANCE - RAIN. missionary organization related to this ON A SPIRITUAL LEVEL. TOO, WHILE THE author that today, 1nissionaries are (to DARK CLOUDS OF GALUS APPEAR OMINOUS our deep regret) highly knowledgeable ofTahnud sources, and some even read AND THREATENING, THEY ARE ACTUALLY ArtScroll Gemaros and attend dafyomi A PORTENT OF GREAT LIGHT ANO SALVATION. classes! I would imagine that after com ing across this source, they would make a note in their diary, "If their Messiah con1cs, be sure not to kick the sukka," and when the time comes, post it on the applicable to our heroic brothers and sis Similarly, we find in the synagogue Internet to warn their friends, as well. ters living in Eretz Yisroel today. Among in Jerusalem, which is filled to capac According to the above, sukka is not other nations, when governments issue ity throughout the year - when the just a physical structure of wood and a warning that a particular country is holiday comes, and it is filled with branches. It is the shade of our faith in unsafe, their citizens immediately leave over three hundred visiting guests, Hashem's guidance and protection. the country and desist from visiting it they are all able to sit comfortably. Hashem gives the nations specifically the until the danger passes. But who is like There is no plansibie explanation for mitzvah of sukka, because it is particu the nation of Israel, where we find not this, other than that Jerusalem still larly this mitzvah that we have just ful only are they not fleeing their homeland retains its original holiness, and filled so outstandingly in exile and in en masse, but they continue to stream this is a clear sign of our future third whose merit we will be deserving of the there - both to study and to take up res redemption!'22 great reward with the coming of idence? These great men and women We can apply this Tashbeitzto our cur Moshiach.21 We also lived under the glar demonstrate in the highest possible man rent situation, as well. Our brothers and ing sun, the symbol of the harsh forces ner, betzilo chamadeti veyashavti- In His sisters who are living in Eretz Yisroel, of nature, and found our strength and shade I desired and I sat. despite the many hardships it entails, not solace in the protective shade of emuna, The Tashbeitz, one of the leading rab only refrain from saying, "My space is though it seemed sparce and ineffective. bis in Algeria in the 1500s, records a uncomfortable;' but also find comfort As for this secret of sukka - the nations remarkable observation in one of his in the protection of Hashem's shelter. will have no inkling of its significance. responsa: This, too, is the clearest sign that the pro \Nhen a wave of wrath and fury (com "I have support and proof that the tective sanctity of the Holy Land is still parable to the scorching sun) will original sanctity of the Temple and intact, as well as an assurance of our spread across the world, they will kick Jerusalem continues to exist to this future third redemption, which we pray their sukka. This may not only mean in day, since it is customary in our day will come speedily in our days. u;i the literal sense, but also that they will for [Jews J to continue to make pil 20Avoda z;~3~-----·---··--·--.. ~---·--- reject Hashem as the source of their sal grimage to Jerusalem for the festivals, 2 l See Chafetz Chain1, MachenehYisroel, Sha'ar vation. This will stand in contrast to the from Egypt and other neighboring Acharo11 Jewish nation, which for countless gen- lands. At this time, we still find a mir- 22 Tashbetz 3, 201 33 ------·-·------·-··------·--·------The needs of Katrina's victims are immediate. Our response must be too. to the terrible and wide spread devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, Agudath Israel of America has launched an emergency relief effort to provide victims of the storm with funds for urgent needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and basic medical care. A reported 12,000 Jews have been evacuated from storm-ravaged New Orleans. It will be weeks, possibly months, before they can return to their communities to begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding their lives. But the road to reconstruction must begin in our own neighborhoods and communities. The victims of Hurricane Katrina need our help. And they need it now! I want to do my share to help the DYES! victims ofHurricane Katrina !:'!'~~ -·---··-·---·-·-·-·-·---·--··--·------·-·------.. ·-··--·-"''''-~'------~!>~-~~----~-... ~------"----~ .... ------~--~·-"-'·---·----... ·-----·------Please ~end)1our ~ter ·.·.• ~I!! ___ ., ____,,. ______~·------.---..!!~~ .. ~ -Z!!_.____ ~,-- taX,d~~~~~j, ~i1on.•t< Hurne > ..··' u1tim Enclosed is my contribution of ___ ~rgency~liefil!µnl 0 Check Enclosed O Charge my: 0 VISA D MasterCard 9uoAtJ:t J~RA-El_.QF ,t\MERIC, (min. $50 donation for credit card charges) 'Broadway, !4~h .. ffr.N~Yor~·l'J¥ l~ ACCOUNT NUMBER C>r call. irr.you t ~onation 1:< EXP. DATE I SIGNATURE -- --·------1-888.. 749~8:61~ fHE JEWISH 0Bsf":RVER r-=···-··-····-·-···-···-·------·------·------·--- ______, ______DR. YITZCHOK LEVINE 0 NA HE AGENDA lite Insurance - ANecessitv, Not Aluxurv which a relatively young parent dies, leav spoken about the importance of obtain TRAGIC ERRORS IN ing a large family of young children. ing life insurance. In a responsum given JUDGMENT 'fhere then follows a concerted effort on on April 28, 2005, Rabbi Yisroel Belsky, the part of friends and relatives to raise N··V>':>W, Rosh Yeshiva in Mesivta Torah he vast majority of Orthodox furn· money to support the family. Ads are Vodaath, outlined the halachic issues ilies today arc plagued by finan placed in Jewish publications and regarding the requirements to pur· Tcial concerns. With the cost of appeals are made in shuls for funds to chase life insurance. On May 18, at a gath housing in Orthodox areas, kosher support those orphaned. Many do their ering entitled "Count Your Blessings;' food, can1p, tuition, and so on, n1ost fam best to respond to appeals, but more often Rabbi Paysach Krohn stressed the ilies find "there is too much month left than not, sufficient funds are not forth· i1nportance of life insurance. At a gath over at the end of their money." So1ne corning to support families devastated ering of about 1800 people held on parents in Lawrence, NY feel so pressed by tragedy. One can say with certainty August 9, Rabbi Aaron Twerski, Dean and by the thousands of dollars in tuition that every family with unmarried chi!· Professor of Law at the Hofstra costs per child per year that they recent· dren inust have sufficient life insurance. University School of Law, also dis ly proposed sending their children to Surely, this is a vital issue that must be cussed the issue of life insurance.A recent public school and giving them their Torah addressed, as soon as possible. ad taken out in an Israeli paper by the education in the afternoon. (See Belz community makes it clear that the "Collective Tears" by Rabbi Aryeh Zev Belz Beis Din holds that it is crucial to Ginzberg, JO, Sept. '05.) It is hard to A TORAH PERSPECTIVE have life insurance. From all of these dis· understand how any religious parent can cussions, as well as from others, it is clear even consider such an option, given that Approximately forty-five years ago, that both the husband and wife in every this approach was an abysmal failure Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky,?··~1, was Orthodox family are required to have before day schools and yeshivos became asked by a man with a family, "Do I have adequate life insurance policies. widespread. Public school attendance was to buy life insurance?" Close to twenty five years ago, two often a direct path to the abandonment Reb Yaakov replied, "Who do you highly respected mechanchim in of religious observance and, ultimately, expect to take care of your family if some· Yeshiva Bais Yehuda in Detroit - to assi1nilation. The parents considering thing happens to you, rn?" Rabbi Sholom Goldstein and Rabbi this option must be hard pressed finan· The fellow replied in all seriousness, Avrohom Abba Friedman ;i~i~?tm-ot cially, indeed. "I expect that the kehilla will take care - approached both Rabbi Moshe Families faced with financial difficul· of them:' Reb Yaakov replied, "You can· Feinstein .,.. YI and Rabbi Yaakov ties might decide that they cannot not assume that others will do this. Even Kamenetsky':> ..llt regarding the regret afford life insurance. 'fhis is a tragic error if they do, it will be for only a few years table situation of people in chinuch not having life insurance coverage. in judgment. With all too much frequen· at most." Reb Yaakov then turned to Both Roshei Yeshiva strongly encour cy, we read of this or that tragedy in another person who was standing near aged the two to make it their mis by, and said, "To have bitachon on some· sion to promote the idea of helping Da. LP.VINE IS A l'R0f'ESSOR IN THF DEPAl~TMENT one else's cheshbon is not acceptable! You yeshivas and day schools under 01-· MAfl-lf·.MATICAL SCIENCES IN STF.VENS have an obligation to buy life insurance'" write the expense of life insurance INSTITU"IT 01' TECHNOLOGY IN HonOKEN. NJ. for their faculties. i'uHTHEH INFORMATION MAY llE OWT'AINUl BY The net result was that the listener did CONTACTING MH. KAHN AT 718-436-0022 indeed buy life insurance for himself and Regrettably, before they could (A1.ni.:1~TKAHN@lrcAWl'f-ILINK.NET) 01~ MIL his wife. launch the program, Rabbi Golds~ein' K!HSCJIRLUM AT 845-369-1280. More recentJy, others, as well, have passed away. 35 -- -- r--· ·--··--- OCTOBER 2 0 0 5 To HEIGHTEN THE program of this kind); (3) organizing .oow. Th= woo"" AWARENESS I campaigns in shuls to raise funds so that life~"~"m insurance should purchase it as~om soon I members who cannot afford life insur as possible. This includes both men and n recent years, a ca1npaign has been ance are able to purchase policies; ( 4) women, because if, G-d forbid, either par- , mounted by Mr. Albert (Noson) enlisting the support of well-known rab ent passes away, the resulting financial I Kahn and Mr. Jeff (Yochanan) banim, both here and in Israel, to needs have to be addressed. Every Kirschblum to heighten the awareness endorse their efforts (the list is now quite Orthodox adult with dependents or who of the Orthodox community regarding long, and available upon request by call wiJI soon have dependents should have this topic. It should be kept in mind that ing 845-369-1280); (5) approaching a minimum of $250,000 worth of term neither gentleman sells life insurance, nor Orthodox organizations and encourag life insurance. has any connection with any company ing them to make life insurance a key Mr. Kahn suggested to me that peo that does. Indeed, they have used con issue for their members at their conven ple should consider giving life insurance siderable sums of their own money for tions and other gatherings; (6) asking rab as a wedding gift. (The premiums for advertisements. They have taken the ini banim to discuss the need for life people in their twenties are very low and, tiative simply because they believe that insurance with kallos and chassanim; (7) since the health of the overwhelming it is of crucial importance to our com requesting that chosson and kalla class majority of young people is excellent, they munity. es deal with this issue. (They should be will easily qualify.) The giver would noti The efforts of Messrs. Kahn and made aware of the fact that for less than fy the chassan and kalla of his or her Kirschblum include, but are not limit $200 a year total each can have a quar intentions, ask them to pick the compa ed to: ( 1) taking out a series of ads in ter-of-a-million dollar term-life insur ny that they want to purchase insurance Orthodox publications stressing the ance policy.) from, and then pay the first year's pre importance of this issue; (2) contacting While they have had some success, Mr. mium for both the chassan and the kalla. yeshivos and encouraging them to par Kahn told me that there are still literal Of course, it is a gift that the giver hopes ticipate in a program that will insure that ly thousands of Orthodox adults who do will never be used. However, can you each of their rebbei'im has at least not have life insurance or who are under think of a more important and appro $250,000 worth oflife insurance (more insured. More yeshivos and shuls need priate gift for those who will be build than 40 yeshivos have implemented a to implement programs like the ones ing a bayis ne'eman? I cannot! !1iJ ATTN: ATTORNEYS - Learn CHOSHEN MISHPAT & RIBBIS And Get C.L.E. Credits Pirchei Shoshanim, in conjunction with the Shulchan Arueh Learning Project of YeruJ(kiayim has nfently received permission from the California Bar to give programs in Choshen Mishpat andl\l·.·.'.·.ibis where on··.. e.can earn up to 34 credits for each program while learnmg Torah What better combmation? Most ilf~te Bar Associations recoginize the calif program. One can take portions of the program or foam the entire pt~am. Most ¢i!n learn up to one credit hour per week. just sign up and be sent the lessons and hear the audio tti!>m the comfurt of your ~~. . 'I . Biblical and Rabbinic Ribis, Lending Goods (Siman, How Devaluation Affects Ribis, Services tj\ch the Borrower may not Provide to his Lender, Ribis Problems Encountered in Sales . . y'. 36 'f 1-1 i;· J E W I S 'H 0 fl S E R V E R SARA ZAIDOFF TOWARDS ETERNITY From moment of birth Though it will hurt Him to inflict built to protect him from He Infused with G-dly worth this pain upon His precious child Whose protection he needs Man begins his journey He knows the pain is worse right now so desperately Towards eternity He has to bring him home somehow «co1ne home my son He has the choice With one great breath I'll help you now to hear the voice His mighty breath somehow- so deep within his Self He stirs the heavens and the earth you'll make it back and follow its course Majestic mountains move like plastic Oh how I've yearned back to his Source pawus I've longed for your return Or to hear the louder call il1 His strong hands of other camps Until an awesome fear that all is gone Just follow that beg his fall consumes the land Me from lofty heights The trees blow through the air I'll show and Glowing Light like leaves You to which he's drawn - in His Mighty Wind Where To Go" The houses become graves It resonates and booms like thunder I His Creator waits all this to save He fears he will 'be torn asunder- I Gives him the chance His precious son by this Voice I to do His dance but looks around and no one hears I of his free will The son is standing on a jagged rock sees 110 mirror for his great fear I Man falters at edge of cliff and then he quakes goes the other way and something in him stirs so clear of the truth and his mistake I Their louder music Whose is this earth? The Voice proclaims: I helps him stray Whose powerful hand designed this land "It's mine, this earth I The other heat's magnetic pull and overturns it all and you're my child pumps emptiness 'ti! he feels full with just one shake? possessed of G-dly worth His father's pain at seeing this 11\lhose mighty strength can I overturned it just for you I what His son chose instead of Bliss make the mountains break? to help you see I It sears and burns His loving heart Who can bring the sea up on the shore so you'd find me I to see His son so torn apart and in an instant For when the day is done, I The son's in pain but doesn't know life's no more? How far can Father watch him go? no matter what, you're still My son "Come back': he cries, Suddenly he hears a voice as far as you may run I 'Tl! bring you home, so small yet so intense I will not leave you now or ever I You need not face this all alone" It pierces through the walls However hard you try, I The son can't hear he built unwittingly Ours is a Bond you can not sever ! Their music blares in self-defense And you would be consumed by shame The father feels the soul's despair <'Come home my son;' the voice pleads, And I would share your burning pain "I'll fill your every need." if we'd remain Then He must make the hardest choice It fills the space, reverberates strangers in eternity forever" to help His son to hear His voice off of those walls 37 OCTOBER 2 0 0 5 ELIYAHU MAYER raspPERSONAL There's always a time for letting Go ... again and again ... and again ., ThenitHappe iid do not remember exactly where we adult gait. And, knowing how much you "AND DoN'T LOOK BACK" were at the time. We were walking enjoyed holding my hand whenever we I together on the sidewalk some walked together, I instinctively reached he nursery school teacher seems where, just starting out or, perhaps, on down to take your hand in mine. Until to understand the special bond we our way home. And I do not recollect then, I had successfully convinced myself Thave developed in your first three exactly how long ago this was. You were that I only held your hand because that years. She senses how difficult this day seven or eight years old, or maybe even was the way you liked to walk with your is for Mommy, too, and why I was del nine. father. egated to carry out this ''mission impos What I do recall quite vividly, though, Then it happened. Without any sible." was the empty, sick feeling I had in the warning. You ever so gently pulled "Just walk out quickly and don't look pit of my stomach, as so many past expe your hand back, signaling to me that you back," the teacher coaches me after you riences and future apprehensions no longer felt comfortable holding my become engrossed with one of the sloshed around inside my head like laun hand on the street I released my grip and shiny new riding trucks. dry in a washing machine. let go of your hand. I try to follow her instructions. I suc What happened was something I am You must have sensed my disappoint cessfully resist the impulse to glance over certain you do not remember at all, but ment. You said something quickly to my shoulder. I am almost at the door I am sure I will never forget. You were comfort me, such as, "I don't know if it's when your radar picks up my impend chattering away as you always did and for always ... , but just for now." ing escape. You lunge for my leg like a still do today. Your stream of conscious I pretended not to mind. I tried to defense lineman in the Superbowl. The ness may have even been a nuisance to hide my disappointment. My heart teacher gently pulls you back and urges me then, although it is positively music ached, as waves of loss washed over me. me forward. Although your face is to me now. 'Tm not ready for this; I'm not ready drenched in tears, you do not cry out You had to walk more quickly with for you to grow up," I said to you in my loud, as if to spare me the additional guilt your shorter legs to keep up with my mind. Then, as we walked on unat your sobbing would invoke. tached, I recalled how painful it had "Just go," the teacher instructs me. ELIYAHU MAYER IS A 8R00J(LYN-BASF.D FRF.E- been for me on your first day of nurs "He'll be fine. Trust me:' LANCE WHITER. ery school. My head tells me she is right. I assure ._38______I THE JEWISU OBSERVER ------··-·---·· you that I will return later to pick you important day of your life. would not want it any other way_ After up after school. Your kal/a is as unique inside as she all, it is Hashen1's plan since Creation. Miraculously, I manage to propel is outside_ Mommy and I are delighted "Therefore, a man shall let go of his father myself through the door, out to the street with this, as well as all of the other, major and mother and cling to his wife" and into my car. Then I bury my face in choices you have made in your life. Our (Bereishis 2,24). my hands and weep. hearts are bursting with pride_ And our As you lurch forward, next week, I cry for the pain of separation that hopes, dreams and tefillos for you both towards the ultimate independence of I know you are suffering. I shed tears for are boundless. building your own bayis ne'eman, take my own torment from your growing up_ Deep inside, however, there is a place the advice your nursery school teacher And I grieve for that cherubic infant and in my heart (and probably in the hearts gave me, years ago: Don't look back I may toddler who would no longer spend his of many other parents of chassanim and be tearful, but I'll be alright. I'll have so days at home with, or waiting for, me_ kallos) where I harbor a wish that I could many family members and friends to cel Just because you are our youngest just stop the clock, or- better yet - turn ebrate with me that I will not cry for long. child, I tell myself, does not mean that it back. I wish I could turn it back to the And I will already be looking forward to you should not grow up. This is the way days when I would throw you into the your next visit home- together with your of the world. Children mature and go off air and catch you in my arms as you kalla - when I will give you a great big to school. I dry my tears, drive home, and squealed with delight. Or to the days when hug and kiss as you walk in the door_ then lie to Mommy that all went you would scamper up my body as if I Maze! Tov. smoothly. were a tree and then perch on my shoul ders for a ride. Or to the nights when I Eretz Yisroel's would lie down with you at bedtime to Most Reliable Shomer Shabbos WHo's BEING LEFT BEHIND review your day, read you a story, and lis and English Speaking Car Service THIS TIME? ten to your Krias Shema. Or to the Chol Visiting Israel? Need Transport? Hamoeid outings when we would -CHOOSE- hen you let go of my hand that explore 1nuseums and parks, some day, I remember thinking to times with Mommy and your older sib Menashe Sopher's W myself: this is the next step. You lings, and sometimes by ourselves. Or to Airpon &: Umousine Service are becoming independent_ I would not any one of those quiet moments when Celebrating 12 years of unbeatable service! want it to be any other way. I just wished the two of us were alone and you would OUR EFFICIENT ENGUSH-SPEAKlNG OFFICE STAFF, it would not happen so soon. I was not ask me about everything and nothing, as FL'LLY-LICENSED, INSURED & AIR-CONDITIONED VANS, DRIVEN BY jEWISH, POLITE DRIVERS, ready for you to need me any less than we created a bond that was stronger than ARE TAILOR-MADE FOR All_ OCCASIONS before_ even I realized at the time. l.718.360.5083 After you let go of my hand, my mind or 972.2.533.3425 A'"-,c ,cu .. \ raced ahead, as well. I knew you would [email protected] _.. . www .msopheranport.com one day enroll in an out-of-town yeshi- THE MORE 0FTE N 1 LET Go, va and move into a dormitory, contin- THE TIGHTER THE EMBRACE In Israel: 02-533-3425 uing your march toward independence. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Letting go of my hand was only a small I have let go of you so many times U I M • h D d' step in yourlongjourneytowards man- over the years, when you went off nc e OIS y, e _I hood. It was a journey I wanted you to to nursery school and when you Avrohom Fried, take. I did not want to hold you back. But went off to sleepaway camp; when you and Other leading I sensed then that each step along the path moved into the dormitory and when Jewish entertainers of your maturation would be difficult for you went to learn in Bretz Yisroel. It has are available me. Unlike your first day of nursery not gotten easier each time. In some school, it is I who would be left behind. ways, it gets more difficult. But one to visit You may be wondering: Why I am thing I have learned that gives me some seriously ill thinking now of that incident from so comfort now is that the more often I children long ago, which you have forgotten? And let go, the tighter the embrace the next th•nks •• ' .. why am I even telling you about it today? time we meet_ I have also learned that ~~HAS CHAVA -~. ~-- -.~.-.:·i I am reminded of that sidewalk scene openly acknowledging my emotions, as ;,•·v om» ., m;nn -~1'! now because next week, 1will hold your I am doing now by writing this letter, AChosstdproj 0 NA HE RABBI AVI SHAFRAN AGENDA Mes.sage in the Maelstrom POINTING FJNGERS •.•• was 85 years old in 1923, reacted to the ity.And manygroups, includingAgudath AT OURSELVES · news ofthatyeaf's Kanto earthquakf in Israel, established a mechanism for col .... ·• ...... ·.... " .. Japan by undertakillg a.partial taattis (day lecting funds to channel assistance. And EvenasmuchofNewOrleanswasstill of fast) and .~sisting that. the news if there\V 41 OCTOBER 2 0 0 5 --=-i venue of the recent tragedy hold some I meaning for us? What occurs, at least to me, is that the "Big Easy" received its nickname from the lifestyle it exemplified, one ofleisure and (in the word's most literal sense) carelessness. The city is probably best known - or was, at least, until now - for the unbridled partying and debauchery that yearly characterized its annual Mardi Gras celebrations. TEACHING CHURBAN EUROPA, THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE I cannot claim to know "why" the hur WITH HELP FROM THE ricane took the terrible toll it did. Each CLAIMS CONFERENCE To the Editor: of us, though, can endeavor to address, I found the recent Jewish Observer on if not the ('why," at least a "what" - in the To the Editor: the Siyum HaShas to be fascinating read sense of "What can I do better?" in The teaching of Churban Europa to ing, and it brought back such wonder response to the wind-driven wake-up call. Jewish youth has become increasing ful memories of that special, inspiring And one message we might well choose ly important with the passing of time evening. (My sister mentioned to me the to perceive is the need to recognize how and the aging of the few survivors left day after the siyum that she had difficul belittling to meaningful life is the contem with us. The Jewish Observer is to be ty understanding Rabbi Chaim Stein's porary culture of recreation and enter commended for exploring this topic speech in Yiddish; however, she under tainment. in depth in its May issue. stood his tears!) There is no need to go into the crass We at the Conference on Jewish One scene wil1 remain with me for detail of what passes for "pastime" in our Material Claims Against Germany ever. After we exited the Continental age. Even those of us who do not own (the Claims Conference) are especial Arena on a high spiritual note, we crossed televisions or frequent movie theaters or ly gratified in having provided signif the "Pedestrian Bridge" to our busses. It surf the net cannot escape the artifacts icant support, via the allocation of over was very crowded, with families trying of our culture's decadence; they are ubiq a half million dollars, for the Zechor to make their way home after a very uitous. The objectification of human Yemos Olam program of Torah uplifting event. The traffic was moving beiugs, their debasement as mere animals Umesorah, featured in the issue, that very slowly, however, due to the large saturate the visual arts and popular trains educators in teaching the crowd. Instead of pushing or being impa music, and have bled into other realms, Holocaust to students in yeshivas and tient and causing a problem, the men as well. We are not untouched by the epi day schools. joined one another and danced to demic. We also have allocated funds to help Torah songs be'achdus uveshalom. It is not likely that a frum Jew ever create the Holocaust Memorial There was a mixture of Kial Yisroel attended Mardi Gras. But are not some Library Educational Center, to be there, dancing shoulder to shoulder - some of the diversions we consider as accept housed in the new Agudas Yisroel com with black hats and some with no hats, able in fact anything but? Are we as aware munity center in Baro Park. some with up-hats, and some with kipot as we should be that shemiras ha'einay The Claims Conference has sup serugot- all united under one banner of im- guarding where we look- is no less ported these and many other Torah and celebrating the Siyum HaShas! a part of our mandate than shemiras Holocaust education, research, and The Chafetz Chaim was once asked Shabbos? documentation programs with funds - which group or organization should Could we not all benefit from criti from the sale of unclaimed Jewish he belong to? He answered that in cally confronting the fact that our even property in the former East Germany. Shamayim, Hashem will open up the acquiescent absorption of some elements The Claims Conference believes it has Torah and ask a Yid if he kept the entire of the world around us takes a terrible an obligation to use a small portion Torah - not to which group he belongs. toll on the deepest meaning of our lives? of funds from the assets of those who Sixty years ago, during the Holocaust, Could we not benefit, in other words, perished to preserve the memory and they also danced united, and sang: from pointing our fingers at ourselves, educate future generations about "Ashreinu ma tov chelkeinu uma na'im the passive consumers of the crudeness? Churban Europa. goraleinu uma yafa yerushaseinu." Now, There can be little doubt that we May their memory be for a bless sixty years later, we danced and sang could. And that doing so would be - at mg. together as one: "Yisroel veOraisa least from a Torah perspective - a most JULIUS BERMAN veKudsha Erich Hu chad hu!" fitting reaction to the maelstrom we have Chairman, Claims Conference RABBI MOSHE SHOCHET witnessed of late. ITil New York, NY Brooklyn, NY 42 Machon Yaakov. offers a four year program that prepares students for the challenges ofl ife with excellence in Limudei Kodesh, general studies, and midos. Varied enrichment programs, and carefully selected faculty and student body provide for an exceptional education. • Accredited. by the prestigious NewYork State Association of Independent Schools. · • State of the art, fully equipped modern building. • Exceptional scores on PSAT,SAT Regents and A.P. Exams. • Extraordinarily high rate of National Merit Awards. • Visits and lectures by prominent Roshei Yeshiva, Torah personalities and notables in Jewish life. • Tours of nearby cultural institutions and landmarks. • Small classes and individualized attention. • Transportation is available. l'l1JJ., lj))'' ti=>>J MANHATTANHIOHSCHOOLFOR GI 154 East 7.0 Stref;lt(offLex:ingt(lnAve.), New York, NY 10021 Tel 212.737.6800 Fax 212.737.0766 Rebbetzin Ruthy·Assaf Mrs. Gail Reisin Principal Assistant Principal A Co1nmitment to Excellence !i j::: To my.· dear friends in Machazikei selves became the recipients of a chizuk of thing the trembling hands did ~as to i.'·. · .Hadas-Copenhagen: such dimensions of depth and strength, write, in giant letters on the wall-Of the as we had never imagined possible. te1nporary hospital facilities: Neitzach Let me illustrate what I mean, with just Ytsroel lo yeshakeir-The Eternity of Israel rs· !~::~~:}2;;::::;;~~::::r:~~: a few cases taken out of the many. One shall not lie. ~~·<'0·:: ~fopenhagen; the conditions here. at woman (as I later learned, a cousin of our 0 faithful friend, Shlomo KJein, who, togethcr·with her mother, sisters, and a oth.~:s. ~:~~s~~~u~ 1~~i~::.s:~:.:c~~ .. :·.u·t:.~.lif······ ...... JI '·l·!,..·.\.·.~.•.:: ~:~:: ~:~:, :a::::i~~=~~r:;:«::r cient. ·On the basis of these examp!e'.~,~;;,::'"'/.. ; .. r;_;;::-~:_\ the :many refugee-camps as wasted. brother survived the atrocities), Who at my friends in Copenl1agen-will .. s\lre~.'.{li:~:·~ 1:'.'.· :. / we - I mean my' close friends, such I this point still has no idea of the where ".understand .why it see~s ~4 :mos JewjSh women who have lost everything, tory size.) (for those able to work). These tasks ta.ke One Friday evening, a certain girl was precedence above all otl1ers. suddenly brought to my attention. I Was And thus, whilst attempting.to as~i"st told that she, together with three sisters, this «She'eiris Yistoel lo· ya'as·u.aVla Velo l;~~E~:~~::~ all of them now in Hel;;jon, throughout the six bitter years of war and k.z. camps, yedaberu chaZav-The remnants ·;.·\·.·.·.·••·.. ·.·.·i· .. will do no wrong nor speak deceitfully:"ofisra,.~" f{;,~ had·fiot tasted one morsel of non-kosher By helping. them in our. 'puriy way, an'd; l~~~i ~::~::s!::~~e=f~l~;::~ero- food! These girls, around the age of 12, . receiving back in much gr~ater.ffieasu1·e~ had, furthermore, sold their bread we consider our efforts a~:'an .extension 1,[, ~:,d:a;:a~:~::h~:p;:~:!s ~n;;: ratio~s in advance of Pesach in order to and enlargement ·of .the. role. o~· i;}~ ·:. s_tand and experience the words of the secure potatoes. They then went a whole Machazikei HadaS.' This is .why: a,ur ;;- :_\]\!fidrash concerning the nashim tzid- month without real food (having, as said, I1 occupation ·here with these heroi.c peo.~ 1" ·\"kaniyos (pious women) whose merits sold their bread). At this point, they had pie actually unites us spiritually.With·al1' 1.·> "brqught about the· redemption from already been separated from parents and the Jews in Copenhagen.who may pride \ .,,Mitifl:tyim in a new light. relatives for more than two years; a1l alone, themselves that it is iheir-iepresentativ~S l,l .We came to these women, who they remained steadfast! \.·':·include amo·ngst them, descendants and In a large hospital in Stockholm, there who actively participate in .this 01·oi<,c't of hatzalas nefashos. I'· ·cloSe.re1atives of the greatest Rebbes-such are 600 lung patients. One Shabhos, they \;· ,,as the dynasties of Gur, Vishnitz, Strikow were required to sign documents, in order To these wise and ur1d.,rstru1diini( i' .... " ·2-:.andalso of the greatest rabbanim-such to re<:eive a sum of money (shared out friends, it is that I herCwith, in the mid-"' 'z.:~~ 1 ·iYkts Maharam Ausch, Chafetz Chaim, every 1O days). One of these women spent die of mywork, transmit my fumily's onq.;•;;~j 'Arugas Habosem and many other hours going from room to room in the my· own heartfeJt wishes of k€ i"'O:I Mr. & Mrs. Berish Fuchs WIShing all of our clients and.friends a and Happy and Healthy New Year Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Fuchs Michael I. Inzelbuch Attorney-At-Law wish all of their friends and relatives: . Real Estate • Serious Personal Iajury Special Education Best Wishes for a n:n" n~nrn i1:J'l"l::> 1r.innrn 1::in::>n n::i1" rnW7 Mordechai and Rechi Friedman Best wishes to all our.friends and Shmuel B. &.Simi Friedman Cheskel and.Metta G, Heimlich relatives for a happy, healthy and Yosef Sholom & Esther Wertheimer . prosperous New Year Moshe Yaakov & Leah Friedman Yael & Sara Y. Schlesinger Yaakov Shia and Mimi Klein Phyllis a.nd Chaim Shroot Moishe Yosef & Rivky Knopfler Mordechai and Ruchi Semp B.,tter H.,alth Fitru!SS & R..c~atlon Brooklyn, N. Y. 5302 New Utrecht Avenue• Brooklyn, NY 11219 (718) 436- 4693 .. . Best wiShes to all my friends, relatives and Klal Israelfor Mr.. & Mrs. William W. Wealcatch a Happy. Healthy and wish au their friends & relatives Ptosperous New Year. a Ksiva Va.chasima Tova Dorothy Liebman . ir.innrn i::i.n:in n::i1" illW7 ir.innn11::il"l::>n n::i1" rnW7 Best Wishes to all our friends and re.latives for a Best Wishes to all our friends and relatives for a Happy. Healthy and Prosperous New Year Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year . Mr. & Mrs. Chaim H. Leshkowitz Mr. & Mrs. Alan Jay Rosenberg Mr. & Mrs. Yossie Leshkowitz Kew Gardens. N. Y. . . n::nv nr.:i,nrn il:::t'Tt! . il::llP i1l:l'1ml i1::l':n:> Best Wishes for a year of Mr. & Mrs. Israel Mr. & Mrs. Yossi Stern joy, prosperity Dembitzer andfamily i1).)W'>l i1"'1~ wish Klal Yisroel a I Edison/Highland Park. New Jersey for all of Kial Yisroel il:J.11' i1l:l'T1M1 i1:t'Tl:J Mr.· & Mrs. Willy Wiesner .. . . 1r.irinrn 1:1.ri::iri n:i.w nl'l?f? n:::i'l'P mmn1 n:::im;, n::ro. WiShing All a K'siva VaChasima Tova :::mi>m iiiun n1r.:n!lmi1 n:w? Les (Eliezer) Zakutinsky, Esq. :l.l'P 7:>1 i1n':i:lli1 n~ ni'llN t:f.:>1:1 n!l))Yl" Real Estate and Bank Attorney 1'11:1.1 tl'l"" 1::>tri ". t:f.:>'l!I ::i:i?:i 'Jlnl'l nwlh 845-426-6180 . [email protected] Levi & Davida Reisman 1l"l':P"11 Ni77.!:i ~Nr.l :J1il Member NY and NJ Bar . 45 ·--··~-C-T-0 ~~~::::·--- ·~---(c~!~ . . ' ~;' 4624 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219 718-552-3200 WAXMAN REALTY The Avenue Plaza Hotel wishes all their past andjuture guests a Lakewood, NJ n:in:> nr.i,nrn n:i,n:> We wish to thank all of you for helping us complete our sixth year so successfully 1r.innrn 1:imn n:i1v nlW, Best wishes to all our .ftiends and relatives for a happy. healthy and To all our family prosperous New Year and friends and to all of Klal Yisroel THE GOLD.MARK GROUP Mr. & Mrs. Yonah Blumenfrucht Mr. & Mrs. Nutti Goldbrenner Mr. & Mrs. Yisroel Blumenfrucht Mr. & Mrs. Shiga Markowitz ;i::nv i1l:!'Tlrn i1:l'Tl:l mi:i:i n:l11' ilr.J'nrn n:i>m ;i:iiv ;ir.i,rmi ;i:i"M::> n:rn:ir.Jl il:llP il:n!> Yaakov Hoffman Mr. & Mrs. Menachem M. and staff To aU our family & friends Shayovich Tri-State Surgical Shia and Susi Bernath &Family 409 Hoyt Street Brooklyn, NY 11231 Mr. & Mrs. Chaim J. Banker wish one and au a Mr. & Mrs. Norman Freedman Mr. &Mrs. ;i:iip ill:!'Tmi i1:l'T0 and family Isaac Kirzner Boston. MA ;i:iro ;i~nrn ;i:i>ri::> DovidKohn Eli and Rochie Jeidel m:iro m'l!I? from &Family &Family Maury Deutsch Yaakov & Bryna Bender Tam Graphics and Family ;i:iro ;ir.imrn il:l'rt:> The Shmuel Oelbaums i1:11Vi1M I i1:1Wi1:W 1l:lnnm 1::imn Mr & Mrs. Lawrence S. ' wish friends To My Family and Friends and relatives 1l):lrol'6l~ Bootin & Family I Peska Friedman Ytsroel Glatzer wish one & all a happy & I% ,.,,,,,,,, ,.,,,,,, """ healthy, sweet new year THE JEWlSH OBSERVER D;!.1'X D''i;J.:b wtr trtrmll t1Jtrll .nxipi::i 0 1,nx t:r•n .t0i1:iz:i1 11.:in' 11Jtr iJtl?)'11l .TfffJ ;J.1j Dl1 JT0.1\.?1 Jt1:tl1l1j JT0.1 D1Jtri::i tJTJttr fl)"i 'ti'' Wishing You a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year Yoel C. Goldberg Ben Z. Goldberg President Vice President Alan and Lisa Avrohom Yaakov, Rachel Bracha .& Sarah Rifka Stern ofLos Angeles, California to all relatives and jttends Wish all of their friends andfamily in Los Angeles, New York, London, Dr. Sheldon Zinn Milwaukee and Israel Phoenix, Arizona 'lr.ITlnrn 1:ui:>l'"l n:i1" nlw? A Happy and Healthy New Year We wish our family & friends We wish all our friends, relatiues, and aU of~ .,.,:i and Jews everywhere n::m' nr.i>nrn n:im:i I i'l::>T.11 t:n?1:1 l"O'lil n:::n" i1l:l'l'"lrn n::i'n:::i Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Katz &Family . Mr. & Mrs. Max Berg n:n1' nr.imrn ;om:i 1l:ll'"11"ITT11::ln:::ll'"l i'Q1" i1l'l?>7 1l:lnm11::il'"l::>l'"l n::n" nlw? to the.Jewish Observer family to our family and il))W'1 n71~ l'"ll'I?> and to Kial Yisroel to all of Kial Y'isroel :ii" 7::>1 .nm:im Mendy and .Chavie Pollak Mr. .& Mrs. Abish Brodt Akiva & Chava Last and Family and family i'l:J'ro nW';> Mr. Charles Richter l:ll1::>:n i'1:Jl1' nW';> To aU our relattves and jiiends n::i1" ruw wishes all a to all our friends Mr. &Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Mr. & Mrs. Michael Hexter Joseph Sittner Jacobovits Simon West Lawrence;, NY. i0l1' n:w? ''l"1l:lT.11 i'llW ?nn To Increase and Enjoy l'l:J'ro i'1r.Pl"1M1 il:J'l"l:l nmnr.ii n:i11' m.., Mr. & Mrs. Leibish your Learning to all ourfamily Rapaport Chaim and Suri 718-906-6400 and friends Kuperwasser Brooklyn, New York Yosef and Edie Davis 47 --~---·-----·----··------· ------·~-- OCTOBER 2005 i1:n" i1r.l'nrn n::i,n:i May we all be inscribed and sealed for a good year. from Ephraim & Chaya Rochel The Weinbergs Nierenberg and Family of Cincinnati. Ohio Brooklyn, New York We extend to all of Klal Yisroel Wishing all of our friends our sincerest wishes for a a Happy and Healthy New Year il:m' i1~rmi i1:J'n::> Richard and Barbara Goldgraben Mr. & Mrs. Naftali Hirsch and family . onnni ::in::in i1::iro ilw? il:JW i10'1 iM1 il:J'IJ'O Law Office of Michael Abramson. Esq. To all of our family and friends Los Angeles, California Mr. and Mrs. Simcha Grunhut L'Shana Tova i1:JW i10'l'1rn i1::l'l'1::> to our dear friends to all our relatives and friends and family Rabbi & Mrs. Josef Loebenstein Max and Rose Wasser Vineland, New Jersey Wishing all of Klal Yisroel a i1:l'ro i1l'I?'? happy and healthy New Year Tracy& Larry Loigman Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Treitel &Family Joshua & Daniel Los Angeles, California i1:J1V i10'l'1rn i1:J'n::> ionnni i::iron i1:JW i1w? Avi & Renee Herskowitz To Rabbi Yosef C. Golding Yidu & Gitty Goldberg & Moshe and Rabbi Nisson Wolpin Shmulte & Chaya Diamantstein & Chaim Yisroel & Rochel Golding and Family Yitzchok and Roise Kew Gardens Hills, NY Reisman Brothers Bakery In Honor of the Staff ofAgudath Israel of America wishes a year of sweetness, joy and njilnr.n n::in:> i1M prosperity to an of Kial Yisroel Shimon Zeldes • ACM INC• n:n" ~nm n:i,n:i 732-901-1500 718-331-1975 Lakewood, NJ 08701 ~------~• ·--·------·---·-·--·---~--. THE JEWISH OBSERVER . 1"1':::1 .. ir.:innni i:::in.:in n:::iit> nl'l?.'7 i:in:>n n:::iit> nl'l?.'7 Greetings from 1N' t>'l?nl':Jl'l t>U N THE WEISS-RYES.KY FAMILY . Rabbi E.B. (Bunny) and Shaindy of East Northport, NY Freedman Kenneth H. Ryesky, Esq. Oak Park, MI Dr. Tamara E. Weiss Hayim Ryesky . . We would like to wish ir.:innni i:::in:>n n:::iit> rn'l?.'7 all of Klal Yisroel a Shana Tova U'mesuka, V'shnas Geula V'yeshua Steven H. Sholk, Esq. East Brunswick, New Jersey Chaim and Ildi Leibel and Family . Best wishes for a Ksiva Chasima Tova cnnni :::in:>n n:iit> nl'l?.'7 C~1 C':J1t> C"n7 1l'17N7 The Dessler Families to all our friends, mechutanim and KJa1 Yisroel Cleveland, Ohio Mr. and Mrs. Chaim Stern Queens, New York .. Louis and Susan Freeman May the blessings of good health, ro11' ilr.>,nrn n:i,n::> peace, and happiness.fill your home Alameda, California v'1li7 cni:i~ n~r.> at this new year and always. 1nn!Wr.l1 Bassman Family i1::tl" i1l:l'11tll i1::t~n:i i1::tl" i1lV., Shana Tova! .i1::t1" i1lv? Lubicom Marketing Mr. and Mrs. Consulting Rabbi H.M. Felder Norman Patnass Avi & Devorah 1428 36th St. Bkln. NY 11218 and Family and Family Dienstag & Family Menachem Lubinsky President . Wishing all of KJa1 Yisroel Mr. and Mrs. a Shana Tova il":I i1::tl" i1w? Moshe Adler Rabbi Dr. and Mrs. i1::t1" i1l:l'11tll i1::t'>TD Michael Schiff wish all our Friends Yosef Rosenshein oi>n n::lil~ rn'l!I ~n . and Chaverim of A.I. a Teaneck, NJ FamUy and Marriage Feivel & Helen Muller n::n" nr.imrn n:im:i Counseling . . 49 OCTOBER 2005 mnnrn 1:in:>n n:iw i1l'W:t Shana Tova U'mesuka A Year of Health, Happiness & Parnossa Best Wishes to all our friends and relatives Irving (Yisroel) and Ruthie Safrin for a Happy, Healthy and Jacob and Shtt:fy Safrin Prosperous New Year SAFRIN ASSOCIATES Insurance & Financial Seroices Mr. & Mrs. Avrohom Schonberger Offices in Manhattan and Pomona, NY Tel. 845-362-8000 • Fax 362-8008 and Family [email protected]·ins.com Greetings from Shana Tova to Jewish Community Council of Rabbi & Rebbetzin Nisson Wolpin and the Staff of The Jewish Observer Greater Coney Island, Inc. from 3001 West 37th Street, Brooklyn, The Jewish Resource Center New York 11224"1479 • 718-449-5000 Traditional Jewish Outreach in Buffalo Shabbat Groups & Buses Welcome Providing Supportive Seroices to the Frail Elderly. Vocationally Disadvantaged Poor. Refiigees and Rabbi Yitzchak Aaron Schwartz Educationally At-Risk Youth of New York City Arnold and Rita Weiss Isaac Bacon, Ph.D. Rabbi Moshe Wiener 410 Main Street • Buffalo, NY 14202 President Executive Director 716-852-7588 (7592,fax) n::n1' ill:l•nrn n::i•n:i Moshe M. Friedman, P.E. Leshana Tova Greetings Michael and Alison with good health and happiness Architectural Engineering nana, Dahlia, & Kalman (718) 382-1702 Avi, Bayla Alex & Sally Lebwohl Sage (845) 356-3999 and Family Passaic/ Clifton. NJ . Pirchei Agudas Yisroel n::iw ill:l•nrn n::i>n:i n::iw wm n::i'TO of America to all our relatives, Best wishes to our family and friends for a Would like to wish all of its .friends, and~ 77:i happy, healthy and prosperous new year branch coordinators, leaders, Rabbi and Mrs. Yosef Moshe members and .friends a Rand and Family Aaron s. Buchler & Family Passaic. NJ il~ ,il))'IW' ,il::r1:l T1W Toronto, Canada Best wishes to all our friends Rabbi & Rebbitzen Wolpin L'Shana Tova to the and relatives for a Happy, Healthy Aguda of St. Louis and Prosperous New Year l\{ay Hashem grant you the good health to continue your good deeds Dr. and Mrs. Moshe Katz Harris J. Heyman Lawrence, NY 11559 Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Slater Benyamin Heyman Wishing much Hatzlocho to We would like to wish .~ ';:/; n:ll1' ilt:l'lml i'l:l'l"C Rabbi David Greenberg all of Kial Yisroel a Shana Tova tl1W rnrn;m ?:l::i as hejt:)inS the U'mesuka, Vshnas Geula V'Yeshua Osher & Ruth Lehmann Chicago Community· Kolle! Peretz Chaim & Zahava Flatbush, New York Uncle Eliezer Gevirtz Levin & Family 50 THE JEw1stt OasERVER COLEMAN LAW FIRM A PROFESSlONAL CORPORATION n:nv no,nrn n:i'n::i i1))11?»1 i1"1~ Ml'WI Wshing aU Kia/ Yisroe/a K 'siva May our collective rn;'!ln v'chasima tova! penetrate the heavens 11:ll1:l RONALD 0. COLEMAN 1350 BROADWAY THE: DIAMOND BU!l.. DING SUITE 1212 881 ALLWOOD ROAD Jacob I. and Channie Friedman NEW YORK, NY 10018 CLIFTON, N.J 07012 212-752-9500 97 3-4 71-4010 "Consulting Plus••• " .....i1Vi rn:nn n:::tv" L'Shana Tova Rabbi Chaim Feuerman, Ed.D. Educational Consultant. Professional DevelDper Barry and Surie Weiss 141·20 70th Road Kew Gardens Hills, NY 11367 718-544-1821 • [email protected] www.cyberconsultingplus.com n:nv no,nrn n:i,n::i Torah Greetings to all our leaders to all of Kial Yisroel andftiends I Ezra and Debbie Beyman Shmuel Roth and Family n:in:> nr.l'nrn n:i>n:i To all our relatives and.friends i1:111' i1r.l'>MMli1:l'>n:J Moishe & Feige Friederwitzer of Har Nof. Yerushalayim to .the entire staff at Agudath Israel ofAmerica Mechi & Duv Ferulel &family ofS'derot and to au of Klal Yisroel Pnina & Yitzchok Wilk &family ofRanaana Menachem & Lea Friederwitzer &family of Har Nof Sheldon Wrotslavsky Nesher Printing, Inc. ti'l:ltn:l l1'll':> ,::iw:i il'l'Vrn>mrn L'Shana Tova to our family; Ksiva V'Chasima Tova our friends, and to all of to all ourfriends Kial Yisroel and relatives Mr. and Mrs. Avraham Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pfeiffer Aqfrichtig Montreal Boruch and Helen Ksiva V'Chasima Tova Greisman Mr. & Mrs. Reuven Yanky Adler and Family wish all our friends and family Yitzchok Rosenberg i1:l1'1' im'nM1 l'l:l'>l1::> 51 OCTOBER 2005 n:i1" i1r.l'nrn n:i,n::i n::ii:i We wish all our family, May the New Year usher in peace, relatives andfriends prosperity and fulfillment for n:n" i1r.l'nrn n:i,n::i Am Yisroel, and each and every 1i1N' ))"1Vl)):J))l "1l N 11N member of Klal Yisroel. Dr. and Mrs. David Diamond Reuven and Leah Gluck and Family n::n" i1r.l'nn1 n:i,n::i to All our Family and Friends and for all of 7N"W' ??:i Mr. and Mrs. Moshe Gold Mr. and Mrs. Akiva Hirth & Family Passaic, NJ '"::inm i1::i1v i1l:l'l"1rn n::i'l"l:::> ri:::>i::i i1))'W'1 i17'1Nl l"1l'V Best Wishes to all our friends, relatives and clients for a Happy, Healthy 1:1"1':::>1 1'V1N'l 1'V1)) and Prosperous New Year C''m~l:l 111ruwr.!1 1))r.l))1j7 1i1::li1 ''l1iN Mr. & Mrs. Yitzchok Oberlander Ml I~ lsucObetlender&Co. RC. qJ®J~ (,,;'J} Certified Public Accountants 1534-62 Street. Brooklyn, NY 11219 • 718-256-5660 •Fax 837-6040 Hours: Sun. l 2PM - 6PM, Mon. - 71utrs. 1 lAM - 6PA1 LAW OFFICE OF To all our clients, friends CHANA SKLAR ISRAEL, ESQ. and relatives 2 EXECUTIVE BLVD. SUITE 201, SUFFERN, NY Mr. & Mrs. N. 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Outreach Programs ANNOUNCINGVOWME 2 OF AMONUMENTAL PROJECTTHATWILL REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF CHUMASH - AND OF COUNTLESS FUNDAMENTALS OF JUDAISM ~ '1, r!lltrm! ~ -- !•" • Newly typeset text of the Torah text and translation • Newly typeset Hebrew Rashi and Targum Onkelos text .~··-"':e"'"'i·''"':';r;; • Newly typeset Ramban fn Hebrew, complete with nikud, _...... _, punctuation, paragraph breaks, and footnote references for ease of use. • Phrase-by·phrase translation and elucidation of R...a,'.m~~b:~a:n~_ .•. ----T • Added words and phrases for smooth reading and clear understanding • Introductory notes to set the stage for the commentary • Thousands of explanatory footnotes Vol.:t-=~/,,c;~dl~~~~Sarah) Vol. 2 - Bete1$hls/Genesls II: (ToldCJS-Vayechl) DtHllclrtlllf by Mr. and Mm. Storlle)' Wlt1Ul'ln11n Now, you will be able to master this essential In Preparation: Vol. 3 - ShemosfExoclos I Pedl.,,,!ed b)' Mr, and Mn. Y/sf'tlel R•fllllllw/tz commentary to the Torah - Vol. 4 - Vayikfa/Lev1tlcil~ Dadfllll:ttd by Mr. end Mra. Wlrnrn Shrmol'f thanks to the new ArtScroll Edition of Ramban Vol. s - aamldbar/Numbel'S l>edk~d by Mr. ilhd MN. ShfnlOI! Ecl rtScrol/ books are available at your local Hebrew bookseller, or direct from Mesorah Publications, Ltd. 718-921-9000 • FAX: 718-68().1875 • OUT OF NYS: 1-Soo-MESORAH • TO ORDER ONLINE: www.artscroll.com