Adar 5764 • March 2004 U.S.A. $3.50/Foreign $4.50 • VOL XXXVII/NO. 3

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THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021- 6615 is published monthly except July and August by the Agudath Israel of This is the full Table of Contents of the print edition of the America, 42 Broadway, New York, NY10004. Periodicals postage paid in Jewish Observer. The web edition contains only a selection of New York, NY. Subscription $24.00 per articles (indicated in color). Click on the title to go to the year; two years, $44.00; three years, $60.00. Outside of the United States beginning of that article. Navigate using your browser’s menu (US funds drawn on a US bank only) $12.00 surcharge per year. Single and other options. copy $3.50; foreign $4.50. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Observer, 42 Broadway, NY, NY 10004. Tel: 212-797-9000, Fax: THE TORAH JEW AND THE MEDIA 646-254-1600. Printed in the U.S.A. 6 Why the Media Matter, Rabbi Avi Shafran RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR 11 Journalism and Accountability, Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg EDITORIAL BOARD RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS 14 Real Jews, Yonoson Rosenblum Chairman

RABBI ABBA BRUDNY JOSEPH FRIEDENSON THE TORAH JEW IN A NON-JEWISH WORLD RABBI YISROEL MEIR KIRZNER RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN PROF. AARON TWERSKI 21 With Kindness and Respect, Rabbi Shimon Finkelman

DR. ERNST L. BODENHEIMER Z”L RABBI MOSHE SHERER Z”L PURIM ESSAY Founders

MANAGEMENT BOARD 32 The Merging of Heaven and Earth, Rabbi Ahron Rapps AVI FISHOF, NAFTOLI HIRSCH ISAAC KIRZNER, RABBI SHLOMO LESIN NACHUM STEIN 38 Junk Genes, Rabbi Yisrael Rutman RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING Managing Editor INSIGHTS AND IMPRESSIONS Published by Agudath Israel of America 42 Visit with the Rebbetzin, Chaya Rivka Jessel h”i U.S. TRADE DISTRIBUTOR ISRAELI REPRESENTATIVE Feldheim Publishers Intnl. Media Placement 44 Tw enty Seconds in Jerusalem, K.M. 200 Airport Executive Park POB 7195 / 97 Jaffa Road Nanuet, NY 10954 Jerusalem 94340, ISRAEL

BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE BELGIAN REPRESENTATIVE SECOND LOOKS M.T. Bibelman Mr. E. Apter Grosvenor Works Lange Kievitstr. 29 Mount Pleasant Hill 2018 Antwerp 45 Of Venues and Agendas, Interaction with Representatives London E5 9NE, ENGLAND BELGIUM of Other Faiths FRENCH REPRESENTATIVE SOUTH AFRICAN 47 Selective Sensitivity, Yonoson Rosenblum Rabbi Bamberger REPRESENTATIVE 21 Boulevard Paixhans Mr. V. Taback 57000 Metz PO Box 51552, 49 Examples, Rabbi Avi Shafran FRANCE Raedene, Johannesburg 2124 SOUTH AFRICA SWISS REPRESENTATIVE BOOKS-IN-REVIEW Mr. S. Feldinger Leimanstrasse 36 4051 Basel, SWITZERLAND 50 What the Angel Taught You: Seven Keys to Life Fulfillment, THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not assume responsibility for the by Rabbi Noah Weinberg and Yaakov Salomon, reviewed by Kashrus of any product, publication, or service advertised Rabbi Yisroel Yehuda Pollack in its pages © Copyright 2004 52 Letters-to-the-Editor March 2004 VOLUME XXXVII/NO. 3 SUBSCRIBE TO THE JEWISH OBSERVER. CLICK HERE. THE TORAH JEW AND THE MEDIA Rabbi Avi Shafran

he professor was peeved. Here, the cle cites numerous points that alleged- interaction with contemporary media. Drew University academic com- ly appear in the sefer – although as my Tplained to The New Jersey Jewish colleague Chaim Dovid Zwiebel point- isleading or erroneous items News, he had submitted a news article ed out in correspondence with Forward, about Orthodox Jews or to the national Jewish newspaper many of those citations were gross MJudaism routinely appear in the Forward exposing how “the misinterpretations and distortions of press, in everything from general read- world has become so extreme,” in fact what the sefer actually said. ership periodicals like The New York “the equivalent of the Taliban,” and Still and all, the professor cum jour- Times to the Jewish weeklies published Forward attached a headline to the story nalist did have a point. As a result of some in scores of cities across the country. that conveyed a totally different impres- behind-the-scenes shtadlonus by Whether it was a Times article contending sion. Agudath Israel and other prominent that the mekom hamikdash is not The Forward article, about a Beth Orthodox figures, the thrust of his ’s holiest site, or Hadassah Medrash Govoha avreich’s sefer address- original submission had indeed been Magazine’s assertion that halacha con- ing the special nature of Klal Yisroel,was changed, and some of the most outra- siders an expectant mother to be the final far from admiring in its portrayal of the geous elements of his diatribe were omit- arbiter of her fetus’s fate; whether a Jewish sefer,accusing its author of “break[ing] ted. And Forward’s headline did note the academic’s misreading a passage from the new ground” with “full-blown racialist fact that distinguished chareidi rabbanim Rambam as, chas v’shalom,condoning theories” that have “no precedent in rab- had disavowed claims the professor had spouse abuse or a sociologist’s claim that binic literature.” placed in the author’s mouth. the chareidi world has made no efforts In reaching its conclusion, the arti- The inherent bias with which the pro- at kiruv rechokim, misinformation about fessor approached his subject, as well as Torah Jews and Torah Judaism abounds Rabbi Shafran serves as Agudath Israel of his residual ire at Forward’s softening of in the public sphere. America’s Director of Public Affairs and as the American director of Am Echad, the Agudath his message, is as good a hook as any with And those examples (each duly Israel-inspired educational outreach effort and which to introduce the topic of the good, responded to by Agudath Israel) are only media resource. bad and ugly of the Torah community’s from recent months.

6 The Jewish Observer, March 2004 A DECADE OF DEMONIZATION ster. Under the tutelage of legendary by the majority of American Jewry. Some Agudath Israel leader Rabbi Moshe may regard those majorities as unwor- ack in the 1990s, canards about the Sherer, l”xz, and with the guidance of, thy of our time or effort, as effectively Orthodox Jewish community lehavdil bein chaim lechaim the Rosh beyond hope. But we do have an obli- Bwere bandied about with even Agudas Yisroel, the Novominsker Rebbe, gation to present the truth to the larg- more abandon by misinformed or a”jyls,organizational spokesmen, er marketplace of ideas, and certainly a unethical journalists (who often proud- myself included, have reacted – and deep responsibility to all our fellow Jews. ly wrapped themselves in the hallowed encouraged and assisted others to react As our Gedolim have repeatedly remind- robes of the “fearless public servant”). – in op-ed articles, letters-to-editors and ed us, every Jewish soul is precious, and Woodward and Bernstein* wannabees correspondence with journalists when so very many American Jews are today merrily threw not just caution but any misrepresentations of Orthodox Jews and on the verge of oblivion. The experience semblance of fairness and accuracy to the their beliefs have appeared in the press; of recent decades, moreover, should serve wind, in their quest to see who could and we have proactively helped prevent as a constant reminder that even Jews most vividly portray Orthodoxy as the publication of such misinformation from the farthest reaches of society are backward, intolerant or downright evil, by offering essays on a variety of religious not beyond returning to their ancestral and win whatever prize might be avail- and social issues, and by making ourselves heritage. And whether we like it or not, able for such achievement. and other responsible Orthodox voices those Jews their information – and Whether fabricating from whole available to reporters from non-Jewish misinformation – from the media. cloth a particularly ugly Orthodox reac- and Jewish media alike. Any suspicion I personally ever had tion to a provocative women’s prayer- We labor under no illusions in that that it might be a waste of resources to service at the Kosel Ma’aravi or endeavor, and maintain a healthy skep- seek to ensure that Torah viewpoints contending that Orthodox Jews do not ticism about the state of contemporary appear in the non-frum or non-Jewish consider their non-Orthodox brothers journalism, and in particular Jewish jour- media have been effectively dispelled by and sisters to be Jews; whether portraying nalism. Much in those fields, even when the number of communications I have buses in Bnei Brak which are gender-sep- not blatantly driven by political or received from readers far and wide whose arated in accordance to the wishes of the social agendas, is nevertheless generously neshamos have been touched by riding public as the equivalent of Jim spiked with the preconceptions, biases Agudath Israel comments published in Crow practices of the 1950s American and bigotries of its processors. There can such organs. And as every newspaper edi- South, or falsely asserting the existence be little doubt that (as Rabbi Aryeh Zev tor knows, for every letter-writer, caller of an epidemic of kiddushei ketana (child Ginzberg so eloquently points out else- or e-mail sender who bothered to com- bride incidents) in the New York where in this issue) there is something municate, there are hundreds of others Orthodox Jewish community, reporters inherently objectionable in the com- who were similarly affected but didn’t who claimed to be motivated by high mission of journalism. put phone to ear, pen to paper, or fin- journalistic ideals routinely flouted But in the end, there can be only two gers to keyboard. I have no doubt that rudimentary journalistic standards, rely- choices with regard to the media: make Orthodox writers in the non-Orthodox ing on hearsay, rumors and their own the hishtadlus, the effort, to deal with it, press (of which there are, baruch fecund imaginations. or leave it alone to communicate what- Hashem,quite a few) have had a simi- And in that carnival atmosphere, there ever it wishes to millions, Jews and non- lar experience. could be precious little hope that seri- Jews alike. What is more, in our media-conscious ous but nuanced issues like religious stan- Taking the latter path may be easy, but – indeed, media-driven – world, inter- dards in Israel or what goes in this it is also irresponsible. action with the press is really little more country by the name of “Jewish religious than a logical extension of the shtadlonus- pluralism” could possibly receive fair, OUTREACH, ACTIVISM efforts that have always been an impor- thorough and thoughtful airings. AND AUTHENTICITY tant part of Jewish perseverance in galus (and of Agudath Israel’s work). TACKLING THE TACKINESS o be sure, the American chareidi Although the word shtadlonus may world has its own media, baruch more immediately conjure up the image gudath Israel has long maintained THashem, these days, with high of intercession with governmental insti- the importance of shouldering the quality, responsible newspapers and tutions, officials, and courts, Jewish com- Adifficult and largely thankless task periodicals that disseminate objective munal activism today has come to of attempting to wrestle the media mon- news and Orthodox perspectives on the encompass as well dealing with the for-

* issues of the day. midable and constant stream of infor- Pulitzer-prize-winnning reporters for the But those publications are, unfortu- mation that feeds public – and in fact, Washington Post whose newsbreaking expose of the Watergate break-in precipitated the end of the nately, not read by most of the general as is often the case, governmental – per- Nixon presidency. public, or even, more unfortunately still, ceptions.

The Jewish Observer, March 2004 7 And, especially with voices regular- ly speaking for Judaism that have no competency or right to do so, it becomes reporter bent on promoting a jaundiced view particularly important to ensure that authentic Jewish voices are audible Aof Torah-committed Jews or Judaism can above the din. Indeed, on more than one twist even the most straightforward comment into occasion, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah (Council of Torah Sages – Agudath something very different from its intent. The good Israel’s supreme policy-making body) has itself asked Agudath Israel to take out news is that such utter unconcern with truth or prominent advertisements in major fairness is relatively rare media to make perfectly clear to the world that objectionable actions or stances by individual Jews or Jewish groups are dis- avowed by true upholders of the Jewish Israel, only one reporter’s name resides colleagues in the first category, were the religious heritage. on my “do not talk to” list, for having focus of an article I penned nearly four repeatedly exhibited a disdain for accu- years ago for Moment Magazine,a non- A DANGEROUS NEIGHBORHOOD racy and a ridiculously obvious anti- denominational Jewish monthly read, Orthodox bias. overwhelmingly, by non-Orthodox o be sure – as I can unhappily More common – although meriting Jews. The magazine’s cover art perfectly attest from personal experience – no small amount of caution themselves captured the essence of the piece; it por- Tthere are considerable risks – are reporters who may harbor pre- trayed a stack of supermarket tabloids entailed in the venture of media inter- conceptions about, or even bias against, whose headlines screamed the genre’s action. A reporter bent on promoting a the Orthodox world or its beliefs, but characteristically outlandish allega- jaundiced view of Torah-committed who at least make a determined effort tions – but about Orthodox Jews (“El Jews or Judaism can twist even the most to prevent their prejudices from inform- Nino: Orthodox Plot!” read one of the straightforward comment into something ing their reportage. Sometimes they are quotable screamers). The article itself very different from its intent. Words can successful, all too often they are not. examined a number of irresponsible be taken jarringly out of their context, media claims about the Orthodox and sentences mangled with malice afore- CASTING LIGHT, community that turned out to have thought. OFFERING INCENTIVES been without basis. The good news is that such utter The reporters at fault for those sto- unconcern with truth or fairness is rel- he unsuccessful efforts of sever- ries were understandably disturbed by atively rare. In my near-decade of deal- al such reporters, as well as the the public exposure of their not-very- ing with the media on behalf of Agudath Ttransgressions of some of their well-hidden biases. One, at the time a writer for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, asked me no less than four times over ensuing years for copies of the article, in order to identify the “clear errors” it supposedly contained. I faxed it once, mailed it once, and e- mailed it twice, and to date I haven’t received a response. Another (at the time a New York Times correspondent) seemed thereafter to no longer report on religious matters, and eventually left the paper. Whether or not being pre- sented with the evidence of their shoddy reporting made them or their superiors doubt their objectivity, there can be little doubt that the possibility of the exposure of their journalistic sins is a considerable incentive for reporters to be more careful about letting their biases show.

8 The Jewish Observer, March 2004 Indeed, just the knowledge that above, an article on a Middle East peace its of the plan, the historical distortion Orthodox Jews are watching and are plan presented the Kosel,rather than was glaring, as we pointed out in a series unafraid of calling attention to jour- the Har HaBayis, as “Judaism’s holiest of e-mails to the paper’s ombudsman. nalistic sloppiness has an effect, and spot.”It stated that “Israel would cede As a result of those efforts, a correction makes media interaction not only sovereignty over a flash point shrine… finally appeared on the last day of 2003. worthwhile but part of basic self- known to the Jews as the Temple Likewise, Agudath Israel letters and defense. Especially in light of recent Mount…. Israel would retain control opinion pieces in papers like Forward months’ exposure of a number of major of the Western Wall, Judaism’s holiest or the New York Jewish Week have media reporters as liars and the resig- site.”This was misinformation with an offered responsible points of view in nations of top officials at The New York apparently political/diplomatic aim – opposition to those of their editorial Times and the British Broadcasting to imply that since Israel would receive pages, and helped set the record Corporation as a result of journalistic “Judaism’s holiest spot,”it had little rea- straight regarding a number of issues irresponsibility, letting reporters or edi- son to oppose the plan in question. that had been misrepresented in news tors know when they have erred, and But whatever the merits or demer- stories. being available to them when they are writing their stories, are potent means of promoting responsible and accurate reportage.

COMPOUND INTEREST

side from the invisible fruit of story-ideas dumped and Arumors ignored, efforts to rein in the press can bring about positive admissions of error and even changes. Take references over past years in The New York Times to Yigal Amir, Yitzchak Rabin’s assassin, as “ultra-religious” and even as a “Torah scholar.”Letters to The Times by Agudath Israel Executive Vice President Rabbi Shmuel Bloom and myself taking issue with those descriptions have been published in the paper, and an article that appeared on January 20 about Amir finally charac- terized him, accurately, only as a “fer- vent nationalist.” Or consider a report in that same paper on May 7 that referred to the car accident that touched off the Crown Heights riots of 1991 and described the Orthodox ambulance crew as having chosen to treat the Jewish driver of the car rather than the black child whom it had struck. An immediate protest from our offices (that included quotes from a court’s findings on the events) resulted in the publication of a promi- nent correction the next day, noting that the police had ordered the ambulance crew to leave with the driver, who was being attacked at the time by a mob. Or another correction that recent- ly ran in The Times.As mentioned

The Jewish Observer, March 2004 9 Accomplishments like those may seem minor, but when they are mul- tiplied by the numbers of people who are exposed to them, and com- pounded by the effect they have on future reportage, the yield is not minor at all.

ELUSIVE OBJECTIVITY

nd then there are the truly objective and professional Areporters, those who have no axes to grind, nor scores to settle, but only a determination to present a fair and accurate picture of their subjects. Simcha Guidelines These are rare birds, indeed, but they do exist. One such correspondent (a THE VORT • The menu for the seuda is limited to 3 non-Jew, as it happens) for years cov- ered religion for The New York Times. • The Vort celebration is to be courses followed by a regular dessert. As a self-imposed act of penance for discontinued. The L’chaim (held at • No Viennese table and no bar. mistakenly implying in print that the time that the engagement is there was only one yeshiva in the THE MUSIC announced) should also not turn into a Orthodox world, he took it upon Vort. • A band may consist of a maximum of himself (after being apprised of his error THE WEDDING 5 musicians (one of the musicians may act by Agudath Israel) to make a trip to a as a vocalist) or four musicians and one • Only 400 invited guests may be large out-of-town yeshiva campus. He additional vocalist. subsequently produced a thoughtful seated at the chassuna seuda. • A one-man band is recommended. and objective portrait for his paper of • The kabbolas panim smorgasbord the idealism and Jewish scholarship he should be limited to basic cakes, fruit plat- FLOWERS & CHUPA DECOR perceived there. Unfortunately (and, ters, a modest buffet, and the caterer’s • The total cost of these items for the perhaps, tellingly), he has since left the standard chicken or meat hot dishes. entire wedding should not exceed $1,800. field of journalism for academia. The bottom line, though, is that, bad, FOR THE FULL VERSION OF THE SIMCHA GUIDELINES mediocre or wonderful, the media does AND THE ACCOMPANYING KOL KOREH, just what its name implies: it mediates please email [email protected] or call 212-612-2300 – between facts and the public. Keeping the medium from distorting We the rabbinical signatories — barring familial obligations — and unusual and its message is not a task to be taken extraordinary circumstances — will not participate in or attend a wedding celebration that lightly, and it is certainly not one to be disregards these guidelines. (Rabbinical Listing in formation) ignored. ■ Rabbi Shmuel Birnbaum Rabbi Eli Simcha Schustal Rabbi Elya Ber Wachtfogel Rosh Hayeshiva, Mirer Yeshiva Rosh Hayeshiva, Bais Binyomin, Stamford Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Gedolah of South Fallsburg Rabbi Rabbi Yisroel Rokowsky Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva Gedola of Philadelphia Rabbi Yisroel Simcha Schorr Rabbi Chaim Boruch Wolpin MASTER DAF Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva Karlin Stolin Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetzky Roshei HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Ohr Somayach 4-5 blatt per tape Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva Gedola of Philadelphia • Rabbi Aryeh Malkiel Kotler Rabbi Zecharia Gelley Each Daf is read, Rav, Khal Adas Jeshurun Rabbi Rosh Hayeshiva, , Lakewood • Novominsker Rebbe translated, and explained Rabbi Yisroel Tzvi Neuman Rabbi Lipa Margulies Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva & Mesifta Torah Temimah slowly and clearly in just Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Feigelstock Rosh Hayeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva of Long Beach 20 minutes Rabbi Dovid Kviat Rabbi Dovid Tzvi Schustal Rabbi Moshe Wolfson Chairman, Conference of Synagogue Rabbonim $4 per tape (plus S&H) Rosh Hayeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood • Mashgiach, Yeshiva Torah Vodaas of Agudath Israel • Subscription rate: $3 per tape Rabbi Aron Moshe Schechter Rabbi Yeruchem Olshin Rabbi Shlomo Mandel (plus S&H) Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva Chaim Berlin Rosh Hayeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva of Brooklyn Rabbi Yosef Rosenblum Rabbi Mattisyahu Salamon Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman 1-718-435-5438 • 1-800-966-6026 Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva Shaarei Yosher Mashgiach, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood Rosh Hayeshiva, Mesivta Meor Yitzchok A project of the Slabodka Yeshiva

10 The Jewish Observer, March 2004 THE TORAH JEW IN A NON-JEWISH WORLD Rabbi Shimon Finkelman

y family has recently experi- IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF AVRAHAM he would respond, “Do you think that enced a most difficult week, you have eaten of what is mine? You have Mthe observance of shiva fol- n truth, this should not be inspiring eaten of the One Who spoke and the lowing the passing of my mother, Mrs. at all, for as our Sages taught:“Every world came into being!” The guests Selma Finkelman, l”z.In this time of loss Jews is obligated to say: ‘When will would then acknowledge the beneficence I 6 and sadness, we drew strength from the my actions touch those of my forefathers, of Hashem, the One and Only G-d. opportunity to share with others many Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov?’”1 And What inspired Avraham to demon- lessons we learned from my mother, and Sifrei comments regarding the com- strate such benevolence? The late we drew strength from the memories mandment to love Hashem:2 “Make Him Manchester , Rabbi Yehuda that others shared with us. beloved to all people as did your forefa- Zev Segal l”xz,explained: Particularly inspiring were the con- ther Avraham.” Avraham may have had an innate dolence calls paid by non-Jews who We are familiar with the Torah’s tendency toward chessed,but this was crossed paths with my mother; inspir- description of Avraham’s magnani- not the driving force behind his benev- ing, because these memories, perhaps mous kindness towards the angels who olence. Avraham strove to help his fel- more than any other, bore testimony to were disguised as wayfarers,3 and of the low man because he had come to what Rabbi Yisroel Lefkowitz, her wayfarers’ inn that he established and recognize His Creator’s existence and employer for the last 30 years, said of through which he taught others to rec- he perceived that G-d’s purpose in cre- her: “She was a living kiddush Hashem. ognize and praise Hashem.4 ating this world was “to give of His Our employees, both Jew and non-Jew, Our Sages relate that Avraham would goodness unto others.”7 Avraham looked to her as someone to emulate.” not wait for guests to arrive at his door. understood that Hashem desires that As one gentile put it,“Nowadays, most Instead, he would actively search for man emulate His attributes. Hashem people use G-d as their spare tire; but guests. Upon finding them and bring- knows the needs of His every creation your mother used Him as her steering ing them to his inn, he would inquire and provides for each according to his wheel.” what sort of foods they were accustomed or her particular situation. As a par- Rabbi Finkelman,a rebbe in Yeshiva Darchei to eating. He would then serve them food allel to this attribute, Avraham perfected Torah, Far Rockaway, NY, is a frequent contrib- and drink that was superior to whatev- within himself the quality of nosei b’ol utor to these pages, most recently,“The Chazon er they were accustomed to eating.5 im chaveiro – sharing his friend’s bur- Ish l”xz”(Nov. ’03). He is the author of several biographies published by ArtScroll Mesorah After eating and drinking their fill, den. When Avraham would see a way- Publications. Avraham’s guests would bless him and farer coming down the road, he

The Jewish Observer, March 2004 21 imagined himself as that hungry, curb in front of the restaurant. Reb Mendel Surely, says Rabbi Dessler, Avraham was weary and lonely wayfarer. The way in had waited the entire time to take her back not flattering them in order to get what which the wayfarer was welcomed home. he wanted. Heaven forfend for Avraham reflected Avraham’s unrelenting, The woman later met Reb Mendel’s wife to engage in such deception! He accord- incomparable pursuit of chessed.8 and related the entire episode. “Your hus- ed them great respect because he knew band is not a person,” she concluded, “he’s that this is what Hashem expected of him. KINDNESS FOR ALL an angel.”9 Rabbi Dessler explains: However, Avraham’s lovingkindness The root of this requirement lies in he great people among us have towards his fellow man is not his only our obligation towards a human being always excelled in their chessed legacy to us in regard to our relations with because he is a human being. As the towards all human beings and in non-Jews, as is beautifully explained by Mishna states:“Beloved is man, for he T 13 this way, they sanctified the Name of Rabbi Eliyahu E. Dessler in Michtav was created in G-d’s image.” Hashem. M’Eliyahu.10 ...It is also taught that Rabban Bernie, the gentile custodian of Beth Yochanan ben Zakkai was always first Medrash Govoha, revered its Rosh Yeshiva, RESPECT FOR ALL to extend greetings to someone — Rabbi . No effort was too great including a non-Jew — when meeting for Bernie if there was something that Reb he final test of Avraham’s life him in the street.14 Let us consider the Aharon needed. came when he returned from stature of Rabban Yochanan ben The night of Reb Aharon’s passing, Tthe Akeida to find that his wife, Zakkai. He was fluent in Scripture, Bernie stood in the lobby of the yeshiva build- Sarah, had died. He knew that it was Mishna, Gemora, Halacha, Aggada, ing with his head bowed in mourning. “The G-d’s will that she be buried in the Scriptural derivations, Rabbinic enact- Rabbi was a saint,” he told someone. “You Cave of Machpeila, and for this he ments, astronomical cycles, gematrios, see the coat that I am wearing? Rabbi Kotler needed to deal with the lowly Chittim, speech of the Heavenly angels, and the gave it to me.” a Canaanite tribe. As Rabbi Dessler workings of the Heavenly chariot.15 * * * explains, the Chittim knew that G-d ...He was the Nasi (Prince) of the Rabbi Mendel Kaplan was a much had bequeathed their land to Jewish people at the time of the beloved maggid at the Talmudical Avraham, which is why they referred to Second Destruction; all the needs of the Yeshiva of Philadelphia. Avraham as “a prince of G-d.”11 nation rested upon his shoulders. Yet An obese, gentile woman of advanced Nevertheless, they sought to deny him he was never too preoccupied with his years lived on Reb Mendel’s block. Each ownership of the parcel of land that he thoughts to forget to extend greetings morning, she would walk to a restaurant sev- desired.12 to anyone —including a non-Jew. eral blocks away for breakfast. One wintry Thus, at a time when Avraham had [Apparently,] he felt such conduct to morning, as this woman was plodding to weep over his righteous wife and eulo- be obligatory and this feeling guaran- through the deep snow to the restaurant, Reb gize her, he also had to deal with a lowly teed his utmost devotion to showing Mendel drove by. From the other side of the people who, while acknowledging their respect for all human beings. avenue, Reb Mendel rolled down his car win- respect of him, were at the same time dow and called to her, “Mary, wait! I’ll take being difficult about honoring his IN EVERY GENERATION you!” With some difficulty, he turned his car request. around in the snow and gave her a ride to And how did Avraham react? He he Torah leaders of our day fol- the restaurant. After she finished eating, she spoke to them with exemplary respect low in the noble tradition of was shocked to see the rabbi’s car still at the and bowed to them more than once. TRabban Yochanan ben Zakkai. CHEVRA OSEH CHESED OF AGUDATH ISRAEL Learn GittyGitty techniques to memorize BURIAL PLOTS lessons from IN ERETZ YISROEL PinterPinter Interment in a Shomer Shabbos Beis Experienced Shadchan Olam near Beis Shemesh to help you remember Shas: for all age groups for the Orthodox Jewish community. Please phone or write to: $18.00 – for book & tape. Chevra Oseh Chesed of Agudath Israel Rabbinical references available 42 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 Yeshiva Fund Home: (718) 338-1765 (212) 797-9000 Box 82, Staten Island, NY 10309 Pager: (917) 486-5655

22 The Jewish Observer, March 2004 Rabbi Chaim Twersky, a distinguished special human being,” he explained. “He Rav and a former chaplain at Maimonides used to take an interest in my life and that TRANSPORTATION Medical Center, once addressed a group of made me feel like a million dollars. No one AND nurses and in the course of his remarks, men- in the world made me feel as good as the tioned the name of Rabbi . Rabbi did.” INSPIRATION “Oh!” exclaimed Shirley, a non-Jewish nurse. “I know Rabbi Feinstein. He’s a real LESSONS FROM MY MOTHER There is a car service one rabbi!” block from my parents’ house, Rabbi Twersky could not imagine how n my parents’ neighborhood, there staffed by Jews from the this woman could know Reb Moshe, and lives an elderly woman whom my former Soviet Union. When said that she must be confusing this mother would phone daily and visit I these drivers were informed Torah sage with someone else. No, Shirley every Shabbos.During the shiva, we insisted, there was no mistake. She was were visited by this woman’s non- that my mother had passed speaking of the famous Rabbi Feinstein. She Jewish attendant. She was too overcome away a few days earlier, they had been the house-nurse for one of Reb with emotion to speak; all she could expressed dismay that they had Moshe’s newborn great-grandsons, at manage to say was,“Your mother, your whose bris Reb Moshe served as sandak. mother...!” I later asked my sister about not been informed about the As he was being wheeled out following the this and she explained: funeral. They would have bris,Reb Moshe made a point of turning Whenever my mother visited the come. For there was something around in his wheelchair to say good-bye elderly woman, she always greeted the about the way my mother to the nurse. This show of respect had made attendant and inquired about her an indelible impression on her. well-being. When the attendant was spoke to them, about her men- This nurse called Reb Moshe’s family broken after her own mother passed schlichkeit and the way she after his passing to express her condolences. away,my mother hugged her as she tipped the drivers and always ‘’I remember how the Rabbi smiled and expressed her condolences. The atten- thanked them for the ride, that wished me a good day,” she recalled. “I dant later commented how much she could see that in his eyes I was important.” appreciated this gesture. Whenever my seems to have touched them * * * mother brought mishloach manos for all. They will miss her. The day on which Rabbi Avraham Pam the elderly woman, she brought a gift And so will we. But we take was to enter the hospital for major sur- of food for the attendant. Similarly, some measure of comfort from gery, he left the Mesivta Torah Vodaath when she brought a Chanuka gift for building to be driven home by Rabbi the elderly woman, she would bring the lessons she taught, which Avrohom Biderman. They started to walk something for the attendant. hopefully will always remain to the car when Rav Pam abruptly turned The day after my mother’s funeral, an inspiration. around and said that he had to return to a Hispanic man came bounding up the the yeshiva. They entered the building’s lobby, where a Hispanic maintenance You can! Just call worker was mopping the floor. “Good morning,” said Rav Pam with a smile. The I wish I could The Yitti Leibel worker returned the greeting and Rav Pam “ Helpline. left the building. H OURS: “I always say ‘Good morning’ to him,” Monday-Friday ...... 8am -12pm speak to a Monday-Thursday...... 8pm -11pm Rav Pam told Mr. Biderman. “But I was Sunday ...... 9am -12pm, 9pm -11pm so preoccupied with my thoughts that I did not greet him when we left the first time.” frum therapist 718-HELP-NOW * * * (718) 435-7669 Soon after Rabbi Mendel Kaplan Chicago...... (800) HELP-023 passed away suddenly, someone brought Lakewood ...... (732) 363-1010 on the phone Cleveland...... (888) 209-8079 his car to the auto shop that he had always Baltimore...... (410) 578-1111 used. One of the gentile workers recognized Detroit ...... (877) 435-7611 Reb Mendel’s car and asked, “Where’s the without giving San Diego ...... (866) 385-0348 Toronto...... (416) 784-1271 Rabbi?” When told that Reb Mendel had The Rebbetzin Phyllis Weinberg Branch of the Yitti Leibel Helpline passed away, the man sat down and began g’’v uuhkvgko crul anutk r’ c, suxht jh’v ban, kgkuh )bpyrv h"t thhr ,ak"v( thhr h"t )bpyrv to cry. “I know all I am is a simple mechan- my name. g"v crtui sus nav r’ ci hagh’v r’ xhui ,ak"v( xhui ’ c )bpyr ic, but the Rabbi treated me like I was a ” Dedicated by Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Boruch Wilhelm

The Jewish Observer, March 2004 23 stairs. He is the driver who runs her part, my mother appreciated this A NATION APART errands for my mother’s place of nurse’s kindness and on at least one work. “I just saw the sign about your occasion brought home-baked cook- n no way does the above contradict mother,” he exclaimed. “I’m so sorry. ies to the office for this nurse to share our status as G-d’s Chosen People. To She was such a nice lady ... such a nice with her children. Ithe contrary, at the time of the giv- lady!” And he began to cry. This was my mother’s way through- ing of the Torah, the Jewish people were In the doctor’s office where my out her life. Forty years ago, our fam- charged with the mission of being a mam- mother received chemotherapy, she ily moved out of its tiny apartment leches Kohanim,a kingdom of ministers, made a profound impression on the above a store, which was adjacent to an who ultimately will lead all of mankind staff, including a non-Jewish nurse. apartment building. I was too young to an understanding and acceptance of This woman was so taken by my moth- to take note of how my parents acted man’s Divine mission in this world. This er’s warmth and wisdom that she con- towards that building’s superintendent; can come about only if the other nations fided in my mother regarding her but I do know that as our moving truck recognize in us the sublime way of life personal life and sought her advice. For pulled away, the superintendent cried. and through interaction with others that stamp us as a nation of Torah. A young man in Brooklyn’s Torah com- munity works in Manhattan and often takes a taxi to work. One day as he alighted from the taxi an avenue block from his office, another Orthodox Jew entered the cab. The Hispanic driver told his new passenger: “You saw that fellow who just left this cab — do you know what he told me? He works a block away from here, but he gets out here because it’s right by the subway. This way, I’m sure to get a new customer as soon as he gets out of the cab. So he walks a whole block just to help me out! “I see why G-d made you the Chosen People.” Nor does the above discussion con- tradict the need for a Torah Jew to main- tain havdala,separation, from the non-Jewish culture around him and avoidance of social interaction with those of other faiths, lest he be adversely influ- enced by them. In fact, my mother had a heightened appreciation for the need to remain apart. For example, she was troubled by the proliferation of kosher eating places that specialize in foods of other nationalities. She would ask, “Have you ever seen a treifa (non-kosher) restaurant advertise that it sells ‘kosher- style gefilte fish and kugel’? Of course not! So why must we eat Chinese or Italian food?” This understanding was also reflect- ed in her way of dress. She dressed taste- fully, but the idea of being “in style” was anathema to her. She was from the school of thought once articulated by the Manchester Rosh Yeshiva, who said: Who are the designers of these fash- ions and what guidelines do they use

24 The Jewish Observer, March 2004 in originating their designs? They are Torah, fortunate is the teacher who taught among the Children of Israel.” 19 In secularists and, more often than not, him Torah!”17 Rabbi Matisyahu another essay, Rabbi Dessler writes immoral. Their goal is to design a style Salomon noted that the term “people” that a person must first work to that will attract the attention of men. includes non-Jews. A Jew must ensure sanctify Hashem’s Name before In other words, these styles are a direct that at all times his behavior and man- other Jews by teaching them the contradiction to the attribute of tze- ner of speech is of a type that glorifies proper way, and from there he nius,modesty, that is the hallmark of Hashem’s Name before all human should proceed to the next level, to Jewish daughters. This is not to say that beings. Such is the way of Torah. sanctify His Name before the a Jewish woman cannot dress nicely. nations.20 ■ Certainly she can, but she must do it A LIGHT FOR OUR BRETHREN 1 with tzenius.16 Taana D’vei Eliyahu Rabba, Ch. 25. 2 Devarim 6,4. Havdala means to recognize our n concluding his discussion 3 Bereishis Ch. 18. status as G-d’s Chosen People and of Rabban Yochanan ben 4 Ibid. 21,33. See Rashi. maintain a higher standard in all areas Zakkai’s way of greeting non- 5 Avos D’Rav Nosson Ch. 7. I 6 Sota 10a. of life, a standard that unequivocally iden- Jews, Rabbi Dessler writes: 7 tifies us as the nation of Torah. It means And if this is how he felt towards Derech Hashem Ch. 2. 8 Inspiration and Insight,Vol. II, p. 151. to insulate ourselves, our families and our non-Jews, then surely this was true in 9 From Reb Mendel and His Wisdom,by Rabbi Yisroel homes from the decadent culture of sec- his attitude towards Jews, of whom it Greenwald, published by ArtScroll\Mesorah. ular society. Havdala does not mean to is stated, “Beloved are the people of 10 Vol. IV, pp. 245-247. 11 Bereishis 23,6; see Ramban. view people of other faiths as non-enti- Israel, for they are called Children of 12 18 See Malbim to Bereishis 23,5. ties, to be insensitive to their feelings and Hashem.” 13 Avos 3:18. needs. This sort of attitude can only lead Let us not forget that kiddush 14 Berachos 17a. to chillul Hashem. Hashem is not limited to sanctifying 15 Sukka 28a. 16 A famous Talmudic passage states that G-d’s Name in the presence of non- Inspiration and Insight,Vol. I, p. 298. 17 Yoma 86a. when a Jew deals honestly in business and Jews. To the contrary, the verse from 18 Avos 3:18. speaks pleasantly, then people say of him, which we derive this mitzva states, 19 Vayikra 22:32. “Fortunate is the father who taught him “And I [Hashem] will be sanctified 20 Michtav M’Eliyahu,Vol. III, p. 118. Just one year at...

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The Jewish Observer, March 2004 25 Yisrael Rutman

“FILLER” NO LONGER ‘junk DNA’actually contain instructions trary, imperfection should be built in. essential for the growth and survival of An imperfect evolutionary scheme can n journalism, there is something people and other organisms, and may be expected to produce useless and called “filler,”referring to items of lit- hold keys to understanding complex dis- destructive things. To the secular scien- Itle or no newsworthiness, which are eases such as cancer, strokes and heart tific mind, the discovery of waste or dys- printed only to fill up what would oth- attacks….”The report went on to say that function at the heart of creation is not erwise be empty white space in the “the new analyses shocked scien- only not a disappointment, it is a con- columns of a newspaper. That’s how sci- tists….’My goodness, there’s a lot more firmation of first principles. entists used to relate to vast amounts of that matters in the human genome than Jewish tradition teaches a very differ- seemingly purposeless human genetic we had realized,’said Eric Lander, direc- ent attitude toward the world that material. They called it “junk DNA,” a tor of genome research at the Whitehead Hashem created. In Avos (4:3) it says:“Do kind of genetic filler that the processes Institute for Biomedical Research in not be scornful of any person; do not be of evolution had blindly deposited Cambridge, Mass., and a primary author disdainful of any thing, for you have no inside us, taking up space for no par- of the new work. ‘I feel we’re dramati- person without his hour, and you have no ticular reason. cally closer now to...being able to under- thing without its place.”Shlomo Hamelech Scientists do not think that way stand the basis of disease.’“ (from Justin teaches:“One who despises something will anymore, at least not about DNA. For Gillis, “Genetic Code of Mouse suffer from it” (Mishlei 13,13). one of the most important break- Published,” Washington Post,December His father, David Hamelech,experi- throughs in genetic research in the first 5, 2002) enced this truth personally on three occa- years of the new century concerns The textbooks are being revised to sions. The Midrash relates that King “junk DNA.” As The Washington Post reflect this major discovery. One has to David questioned the need for insani- reported late last year: “The huge wonder, though, whether those who were ty, fleas, and spiders. When he was cap- stretches of genetic material dismissed responsible for the original erroneous text tured by Achish, King of Gath, he in biology classrooms for generations as will be revising their attitudes, as well. escaped harm by feigning insanity Rabbi Rutman teaches Gemora to beginners in Rabbi Avigdor Miller pointed the finger (Shmuel I ch. 21). When David wanted Ohr Yaakov, which is located in Zichron of blame at atheism in general, evolu- to take the spear of the sleeping King Yaakov in Eretz Yisroel.This article appeared in tionism in particular. This is because if Shaul, a flea bit Shaul and caused him the November 13th, 2002 edition of The Jewish Tribune (UK). His article, “Something to Think you think of the world as an accident, to lift his leg, thus allowing David access About” was featured in JO May ’03. it doesn’t have to be perfect; on the con- to the spear (Shmuel I ch.26). Lastly, when

38 The Jewish Observer, March 2004 David was hiding from Shaul in a cave, Shapiro teaches, the physical world is a Rabbi Aryeh Schechter the Holy One sent a spider to spin a web manifestation of Torah, of all the reve- across the entrance. Shaul came, saw the lations of G-d contained therein. As such, web, and thought, “Surely no man has the world reflects the laws of the Torah. SOFERRabbi S’’TAM entered here,” thus sparing David once One of the fundamental laws of the Torah Schechter1558 41st 2" Street again from harm. (Aleph Beis deBen Sira, is that a single word or letter missing from Brooklyn NY 11218 Otzar HaMidrashim 47.—- See ArtScroll (or mistakenly added to) the tradition- We make “housecalls” Ethics of the Fathers,p.223.) al text renders it invalid. In other words, More generally, Tiferres Yisroel says nothing in the Torah is superfluous, and (718) 972-4003 that the Mishna cautions against deny- its entirety is perfection. The physical kdvb • btvc ing significance to any part of G-d’s cre- world, which reflects the Torah, is there- hrvt yrpo tvzvzmv Nylypt ation. No matter how puny, repulsive or fore also letter-perfect; nothing lacking, harmful, every creature has its role to play nothing superfluous. As the Mishna in in manifesting G-d’s glory in the world. Ethics of the Fathers says,“Everything has Specializing in small batim for a perfect fit. Even the lowliest insects perform an its place” (see Mama’akim, Bereishis). important function in purifying the air of disease-carrying microbes. And if they are not needed in this time and place, they are needed elsewhere. As it says:“All that the Holy One, Blessed is He, creat- ed in His world, He created solely for His glory” (Avos 6:11).

THE GENES OF THE WORLD

here is a certain poetic justice, too, in the discovery of purpose Tin the seemingly useless parts of the human genome. There is a well- known passage in the Zohar that states that “G-d looked into the Torah and created the world.” This is commonly compared to a builder consulting a blueprint. Just as a builder follows the plans drawn up by the architect when building the physical structure, so too G-d used the Torah as the blueprint for creation, the plan from which he formed the physical universe. Rabbi Akiva Tatz explains that the anal- ogy is closer to that of genetic code.“The Torah is not simply a plan in the sense of an architect’s drawings; it is a plan in the WEDDINGS & sense of genes which themselves actual- ly carry out the construction of the organ- BAR MITZVAHS ism which results from the code carried FOR Since 1966 in those genes…. The Torah is the genet- THE FINEST ic material of the world.” Genes are not IN a passive plan describing what is or should 623 CORTELYOU ROAD be, but “they are the reason that the body PHOTOGRAPHY (Off Ocean Parkway) looks as it does, they are the instructions AND VIDEO BROOKLYN NY 11218 and the mechanism which construct the physical. In fact, the body is a reflection USA / ISRAEL of the genes!” (Worldmask,p.14.) (718) 941-5500 Furthermore, as Rabbi Moshe

The Jewish Observer, March 2004 39 How wonderfully fitting, then, that the not be able to explain perfectly every trary, one who believes in a Creator lesson of the purposefulness of all creation phenomenon in nature, need not be Whose wisdom accounts for the infi- should be learned from the human daunted or discouraged by functions nite wonders of the universe should also genome. For just as there is nothing super- that do not seem exactly to sing joy- realize that he cannot expect to fathom fluous in the Torah, which is the genetic fully of a Higher Intelligence. It is all the manifestations of that wisdom. material of the world, so too is there noth- enough, as Rabbi Miller has noted, that “Ma gadlu ma’asecha...How great are ing superfluous in the genetic code itself. we see the signature of the Creator on Your works!” The greatness of creation one rock in the desert; it is not neces- is in the recognition that there is a power DISCOVERY AND CELEBRATION sary to see it on every rock. But the fact and a wisdom that is beyond us. If we – ONE ROCK AT A TIME that we see it in so many places is rea- would understand it all, it would son for celebration. diminish its greatness, not magnify it. n the other hand, one who Just because we cannot explain All of this does not mean, however, believes in a Creator and a pur- everything does not mean that we do that the Torah Jew should disdain the Oposeful world, though he will not understand anything. On the con- accomplishments of science, or view it as a threat to Jewish belief. Science at its best is a deep description of the world Hashem created; and as such, there real- ly should be no conflict between science and Torah. When there does appear to be conflict, careful analysis is required Direct Dial! to pinpoint where the error lies, either in the interpretation of scientific data or the interpretation of Torah. Sometimes, there is no ready solution; but as the saying goes, nobody ever died from a kashya. Actually, it would be inadequate and misleading to say that theoretically there is no conflict between Torah and sci- ence. Not only is science compatible with Torah; it is a necessary part of it. The Kuzari points out that large sections of Jewish law demand a knowledge of the physical world. Calculating the months and leap years of the calendar requires a knowledge of astronomy, avoiding for- bidden mixtures of plant species needs a knowledge of agronomy, a proper understanding of the parameters of sukka construction cannot be had without trigonometry. The Vilna Gaon’s admonition – that to the extent For those who do that one is ignorant in secular disci- try our IQcumber flat rate plan for only $48.99 per month with 14 features. plines, so will his comprehension of Torah be impoverished – still stands. The Gaon himself mastered many disci- plines, and became known to the 2.9¢ PER MINUTE world of mathematics for his author- STATE TO STATE, CANADA, & UK ship of Kramer’s Theorem. INTRASTATE NJ 3.9¢, NY 5.9¢, PA 5.5¢ LOCAL SERVICE ONLY $21.95 WITH 14 FEATURES 5.9¢ TO ISRAEL AND MOST MAJOR DESTINATIONS IN EUROPE TWO PATHS, ONE GOAL

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40 The Jewish Observer, March 2004 be that they were transmitted with the of blessing [baruch], and Aleph is a lan- Creator in every living thing. Those who Torah itself at Sinai. Time and the rig- guage of cursing [arur]. Said the Holy wish to ignore it will find explanations ors of exile and persecution did their One, Blessed is He, I will begin with a for natural phenomena in evolution and work,however, and the knowledge was Bais,with the language of blessing, and a host of other natural forces. It is for largely lost from tradition. The authen- perhaps it will stand” (Chagiga that reason that the story of creation had tic advances of modern science repre- Yerushalmi 2:1). to begin with a Beis;the language of sent a recovery of that which was once The question is asked: In Parshas blessing was necessary to counter the ten- part and parcel of Torah wisdom. Yisro, the Ten Commandments begin dency to view nature as a power inde- Nevertheless, as is quite obvious, the with the letter Aleph (“Anochi HaShem pendent of any Divinity. The Ten pursuit of science certainly does not nec- Elokecha...”).Why is it that the creation Commandments, on the other hand, essarily lead to belief in Torah, or even must commence with a letter of bless- which on their own proclaim the exis- in the existence of G-d at all. It’s per- ing, whereas the giving of the Torah can tence of G-d, did not require it. So there, plexing. The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei start with a letter associated with the starting point and encapsulation of HaTorah 2,2) states that the path to rec- cursing? all Torah could begin with the first let- ognizing the Creator is through the con- Rabbi Zev Leff has suggested that the ter of the Aleph-Beis. templation of nature. How can it be, answer lies in a proper understanding It is little wonder, then, that scientists then, that so many scientists, who have of the abovementioned statement of the are not flocking to religion. They per- devoted their entire lives to studying the Rambam.The Rambam did not mean ceive in the physical universe what they physical world, whose intimacy with the that the two paths to G-d are equal. True, wish to perceive, what they are trained wonders of the Creator far surpass that nature can inspire a person to the love to perceive. Even the discovery that the of the average person, seem neverthe- of G-d; but Torah study is the preferred junk in the genetic code was only in the less unmoved to any religious belief? path. For Torah contains the explicit eye of the beholder is not likely to shake At the very beginning of the Baal teachings of G-d’s existence and His laws; the underlying assumptions of the HaTurim’s commentary to Bereishis,he the physical world, on the other hand, average scientist. But for those of us who quotes the Midrash Rabba:“For this rea- speaks primarily to those who are behold the signature of G-d in the won- son, [the Torah] began with a ‘Beis’ and looking for G-d. It is usually only they ders of nature, these latest discoveries not an ‘Aleph,’ because Beis is a language who hear the song of praise to the should be a source of inspiration. ■

The Jewish Observer, March 2004 41 INSIGHTS AND IMPRESSIONS Chaya Rivkah Jessel h”i

A Cold, Rainy Morning in Bnei Brak ident to write our names on the list early way. Instead, we worked on ways to give in the morning, as our hour-long jour- her the benefit of the doubt – I said that knew I shouldn’t have told my ney precluded our arriving there in time most likely someone had entered this very “ mother that I was going to see a to ensure an audience. We entered the waiting area and asked permission to IRebbetzin for advice. She would tiny enclosed porch, every available push ahead of those in line in order to never understand. How could she? I space occupied by a chair, and checked have the Rebbetzin intercede when my should rather have told her about my to see where our names were on the list. baby’s condition had become critical. shopping spree.” Oh, no. We were numbers 10-12, and Who was I, then, to begrudge this woman So said one of the eight women sit- number one was still inside. We only had her time in getting a beracha? Who knew ting in the anteroom-cum-porch wait- two hours to spare; if we missed the 12 what burden she needed to offload and ing to meet Rebbetzin Kanievsky, the wife o’clock bus, we’d be late picking up our what Heavenly assistance she required of the great sage, Rabbi Chaim kids from kindergarten. And so began to get through the day? Kanievsky a”jyls.A friend of mine had a two-hour journey of the spirit, where convinced me the day before that we our characters were constantly chal- Becoming One With the Message needed a spiritual overhaul, and that get- lenged. ting a beracha from the Rebbetzin would The first glitch became apparent few minutes later, and a regular do the trick. We set out the following when a rather stern woman informed turned up and entered the room morning in very inclement weather — everyone in the room that she was num- Awithout her name being on the bitingly cold wind and sporadic, heavy ber ten on the list. My friend very polite- list. Something else was going on here, rain — on a bus to Bnei Brak. ly said that our names occupied places and we, with our Western, one-dimen- Thankfully, I had made sure to bundle ten through twelve.“Well, I’ve been wait- sional mindsets, could not fathom the up my one-year-old son, because our wait ing here all morning. I was here before nuances of the rules and regulations of would be long and frosty. I had never met you, and I’m going in when it’s my turn.” this otherworldly realm. There was an the Rebbetzin — I had heard of her It was useless to reply that although order, but one we were too far removed chessed and her tefilla; and, having been we had indeed arrived after her, our from to appreciate. It could just be that on the receiving end of her prayers when names had been filled in much earlier from the Divine perspective, we had to my newborn son was admitted to inten- that morning. She in fact was there first. wait, and that obviously those other peo- sive care, I felt duty-bound to person- Then a woman arrived and asked to ple were ahead of us, even though their ally thank her for her part in the Divine “just go in and get a beracha.” She prom- names were “missing” from the list. plan. However, I had no idea what to ised to only take five minutes. Half an I tried to put a positive spin on things expect. hour later, and she was still inside. with comments such as,“Well,even if we We had pre-arranged with a local res- Apparently the Rebbetzin decided to keep don’t get to go in this time, the wait in Chaya Rivkah Jessel of Moshav Matityahu was her there longer than she had anticipated. this room and the spiritual work we’re niftar on 12 Teves. In this article, written before So be it. But how were we going to make doing here is obviously worth it.”Funny her illness, she describes her first visit to that bus? It was so tempting to fall into enough, the more I said this, the more I Rebbetzin Kanievsky. Later, during the short three the routine response of ill-judging oth- gradually became one with the message months of her illness, which included two more ers…. Perhaps [most certainly!], the very — yes, it was worth it, struggling with my encounters with the Rebbetzin,Mrs. Jessel found the memory and influence of these visits an holiness of the room, the house, the per- lower self, in the cold, with a wriggling, extraordinary source of strength and inspiration. sonage, prevented us from erring in this curious baby, and the minutes ticking by.

42 The Jewish Observer, March 2004 I tried to envisage the Rebbetzin:Was I introduce myself and my little mir- we’re not quite present. A part of us is she rather stern and somewhat acle. She makes much of him, clapping still lingering in that room, and for the removed from the sometimes-petty her hands in genuine glee when she duration of the ride home, we try and grievances brought before her? What hears that he has had, baruch Hashem, recapture the feeling by talking about could she possibly have in common a full recovery. our five-minute visits. I was not sur- with the average petitioner? She, who I then briefly outline the three areas prised to hear that my friend was also had absorbed, from her earliest years, I need help with. Regarding the first, advised to read the Ramban’s letter. It the grace and fortitude of her illustrious she recommends reading Iggeres made sense. Even though she and I have family and in-laws*. She, who had made HaRamban every day, and proceeds to different needs and temperaments, the do with so little for so long, could she give me a copy of the famous letter spiritual impact of controlling one’s understand our pampered existence in Hebrew. She then encourages me tongue and temper is so great that our that rolls with cars, cell phones, and to say the prayer “Nishmas”when “cure” is the same. modern conveniences? And then, in my things have improved. And for a I sighed that I wished I could carry case, would she be able to connect with general tool of tikkun hamiddos the Rebbetzin with me, since being in me, a ba’alas teshuva with rudimentary (character improvement), she ends by her presence was so healing. That’s when Hebrew, scant yichus, and a host of suggesting learning two laws of I realized that I do have her with me — post-modern issues and concerns? shemiras halashon (guarding ones’ all I have to do is think of her smile, and 11:30. I looked at my watch and then tongue from slander) every day. I’m back in the safety and warmth of at the women in the room. Still four Realizing that my time is up, I ask her embrace. ■ more women ahead of us, and who hesitantly if this is indeed a program knew just how many other “regular” of tikkun hamiddos,“just” reading the visitors? We had to leave by noon. I kept Ramban’s letter. It sounds too easy. saying that the wait was worth it, and Don’t I need to fast and wear sackcloth? Uncle Moishy, Dedi each time I internalized the message, What about a speechfast? She laughs. Avrohom Fried, I could feel the tension draining away A beautiful laugh full of confidence in and other leading from my shoulders. Finally, at a quar- the healing properties of speaking gen- ter to twelve, it’s our turn. My friend tly to all people.“That’s all you need.” Jewish entertainers goes in. I turn to my other friend and Before I leave, I hand her a list of our are available we try and visualize what is happen- names to add to her prayer list. She to visit ing in there. I spoke more to myself stands up and pulls me to her and kiss- seriously ill than to her when I murmured that I es me on the cheek. She probably does will probably not get what I’m asking that to all her female supplicants — and children thanks to for, but most definitely what I need. I I’m sure they all felt as I did, that she SIMCHAS CHAVA mean, she’s not a psychiatrist or any- really cares “about me.” tmsn rczl thing, but still…. h’’i bkiy ‘r tb hvu Carrying the Rebbetzin With Me A Chessed project run by Agudath Israel of America My Turn at Last! in conjunction with e run to the bus, fold up the Suki & Ding Productions To set up an appointment, call: leven fifty. My turn! I wheel in stroller, clamber inside, pay (212) 797-9000 Ext.235 the stroller, the Rebbetzin is sit- Wthe fares, sit down, and still Eting on a swivel chair facing the wall. She seems small and frail, a ker- chief covering a dark brown sheitel.And then she turns around, and I am too FRUM moved to speak. Her face. What radi- ance. What a smile. What a welcome. PSYCHOTHERAPIST All my questions and worries and doubts about her ability to hear me dis- ELI SCHOSTAK, C.S.W. sipate as she plays gently with my baby. Children, Adolescents, Adults *Her father is Rabbi Yosef Shalom Eliyashiv a”jyls of Jerusalem, leading authority in halacha;her mother is the daughter of Rabbi Aryeh Levine School Issues • Parent - Child Conflict • Marriage Counseling l”xz, “tzaddik of Yerushalayim.” Her husband is the son of the late Steipler Gaon and of the sis- Brooklyn, New York 917-930-5793 New Office in Philadelphia, PA ter of the Chazon Ish hcrbl Mnvrcz!

The Jewish Observer, March 2004 43 Of Venues and Agendas

Interaction with Representatives their houses of worship, nor have we Commandments.’Most of the cardinals of Other Faiths invited them to join us in ours. delivered religious papers on the com- What, then, are we to make of a story mandments to love G-d and one’s e may endeavor to lead in The New York Times that is headlined: neighbor that quoted heavily from the Torah-guided lives within the “Talmudic Scholars Look Up and Find Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. Wsanctuaries of our batei Cardinals Among the Rabbis”? (January Participants said that because there midrash,protected from influences of a 20, ’04). The story continues: were no exchanges of views beyond the spiritually hostile world. Then, when we “In a study hall filled with the hub- prepared papers, it did not formally step forth into broader society for any bub of Talmudic debate, the men qualify as theological dialogue. Still, it number of reasons – pursuing a liveli- wearing scarlet sashes and large cross- skirted close – dangerously so in one hood, making purchases, searching for es made their way between tables, some- rabbi’s view – to such debates.” information, seeking help or medical times sitting to chat with the young attention – we do so taking our beis scholars, sometimes marveling at the Some Troubling Questions midrash sensitivities and perspectives with intensity of study. us. We are People of the Book in every “A delegation of Roman Catholic hile positive results may sense of the word. cardinals from the United States and well emerge from the face- Sometimes, we must venture far abroad visited Yeshiva University, tak- Wto-face encounters between beyond beis midrash parameters, into ing a first-hand look at a bastion of rabbis and bishops, theological dis- areas that are in conflict with our American Jewish Orthodoxy while cussions serve no purpose. Our faiths beliefs. For example, throughout our his- on a two-day visit to strengthen differ on matters so fundamental, tory,we – individually or communally Jewish-Catholic ties.” that dialogue is not only pointless, it – have had encounters with leaders of This particular visitation was part of is counterproductive. On what basis, non-Jewish religions. When doing so, we a larger conclave, described in The then, did Orthodox rabbis engage in have invariably sought to conduct our- Jewish Week (Jan. 23, ’04) as “a gather- interfaith dialogue – or even dialogue selves with courtesy, deference and dig- ing this week of leading rabbis and some about dialogue – with princes of the nity, while honoring strict lines of of the world’s most influential Catholic Church? There has been unanimity in demarcation. To this day, for example, cardinals. the ranks of Orthodoxy about eschew- Agudath Israel and Catholic leaders talk “[This was] a conference con- ing such dialogue for generations! No to each other with respect, but our com- vened… at the Museum of Jewish less a spokesman for Modern munications traverse an immovable Heritage in downtown Manhattan in Orthodoxy than Rabbi Joseph B. barrier. We are we, and they are they. a glass-walled room overlooking New Soloveitchik l”xz made it unequivocally Our political agendas may give us York Harbor. Dressed in their full reli- clear that there are absolutely no common cause with them in such areas gious regalia of red-buttoned black grounds for interfaith dialogue. One as government aid to non-public edu- robes, bright red sashes, large crosses need not search far to demonstrate the cation, and opposition to “gay rights” or and red …[skull caps], a dozen cardi- traps inherent to such exchanges, and abortion on demand, so in regard to such nals – some rumored to be leading con- note how the lines of distinction, which issues, we often work cooperatively. But tenders to be the next pope – and as have preserved us for generations, can religious convictions and identities many rabbis each delivered papers over become blurred. remain separate, distinct. There were the course of the gathering on Monday And then the impression conveyed times when our rabbinical and lay and Tuesday. Many of the presentations by that yeshiva visitation: Among the leaders set out to plead their case with were scholarly explications of the guests who “made their way between spokesmen of other faith groups in the Jewish and Christian Bibles and of the the tables, sometimes sitting to chat classic role of shtadlonim – representa- respective religious perspectives on with the young scholars” was Jean- tives of our people, speaking on its behalf. interfaith dialogue.” Marie Lustiger, Cardinal of Paris. Born In so doing, never – except in cases of The Forward (Jan. 23 ’04) published a Jew, he dropped his given name governmental coercion – have we a more detailed account of the pro- “Ahron Dov” when – after being engaged in theological discussions, ceedings: entrusted to non-Jews by his parents comparing forms of worship and belief, “The unofficial title of the sympo- – he converted to Catholicism at a or ecumenism. We have not ever entered sium was ‘The First Among the young age, just after World War II. One

The Jewish Observer, March 2004 45 of the students of this institution of embrace a cardinal as one of our own? describing the reception the cardinals higher learning offered the following True, high on our agenda of programs reportedly received in the beis midrash in the school newspaper: “Though he and activities is promotion of fostering and their enthusiastic response to chose to convert to Catholicism at the shalom – peace and positive relationships what they had witnessed there. In our tender age of thirteen, the Archbishop with other groups – but never has this national memory, that phrase has has consistently refused to shake his goal called for concessions in standards been associated with a wide range of Jewish heritage. His mother was killed of conduct or surrender of basic con- conduct that exemplifies the highest at Auschwitz in 1943 and to this day, victions. standard of Torah honesty and integri- he recites Kaddish for her.” By saying ty.At its noblest, it refers to those who Kaddish, this prince of the Catholic Defining “Kiddush Hashem” choose death or torture rather than Church has “refused to shake his yield to inducements to water down or Jewish heritage”!? Have we so thor- he hosts of the event and its stu- abandon their faith, regardless of the oughly assimilated the fashionable dent reporters bandied about the consequences they might suffer, or the mantra of inclusiveness that we can Twords “Kiddush Hashem”in inducements they may be offered. Surely the sacred memories of our nation’s martyrs are violated by use of these hallowed words in this particu- lar context. True, it is tempting to bask in the approving limelight of the liberal media that rate religious Jews on the basis of how willing they are to com- promise their principles in favor of “tol- erance.” And for Jewish leaders who sincerely wish to gain support for important causes – especially in these times of growing anti-Semitism – hen we first opened our doors, we set out to build a first class, out- such a meeting may seem to represent of-town yeshivah - including a mesivta, bais midrash and kollel. We a significant coup. But leadership Wselected only superb mechanchim for our limudei kodesh staff. We requires judgment and equilibrium. We accepted the applications of only the finest talmidim, high caliber bnei Torah fear that these may have been over- with excellent midos and a desire to “shteig” in learning. We established a solid whelmed when Kiddush Hashem was Regents-accredited general studies program. And the Mesivta flourished. re-defined. ■ Since then, we expanded our facilities twice. Finally, we purchased a large building and launched a campaign to prepare it for our future needs. But the future has caught up to us. We ran out of space right in the middle of our building campaign. Digest of Meforshim For this year’s pressing needs, we renovated three floors for our dormi- yjvkl rtb yjvkl tory. We are now in Phase II of the campaign, which will give us a new beis midrash, kitchen and dining facilities, classrooms, l”xz rijla lavms g”hrhm multi-purpose rooms, offices and much more. Available at Reserve your share in the most LEKUTEI exciting new Torah institution in the c/o Yitzchok Rosenberg New York area. 1445 54th Street Brooklyn, NY 11219-4228 718-854-6701 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, Medrash, MESIVTA & BAIS MEDRASH OF Megilos, Talmud, and Tehilim. MANHATTAN BEACH Proceeds of sales distributed among ayhc iyvbn’s arsn ,hcu t,ch,n Yeshivos and used for reprinting of Y ESHIVA B AIS S HIMON volumes out-of-print Dedication Opportunities Registration & Information PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME 718.368.1404 718.368.1333

46 The Jewish Observer, March 2004 Rabbi Avi Shafran

permeating so much of Jewish living and learning is the idea that life is not about indulgence, but dedication; not about get- ting, but rather about sacrificing – for others, for ideals, for Hashem. A mere two days after the Wall Street Journal article appeared, readers – albeit of a less widely-read periodical –were shown a very different sort of example set by a young Jew on the cusp of Jewish adulthood. It appeared in , which recently went from a weekly to a daily. In its January 16 edition, the paper offered a guest column written by one Chavi Friedman, six months shy of her twelfth birthday. It was a first-person account of Miss Friedman having been awoken in the wee hours of the morning by her crying baby sister, with whom she apparently shares a room. Should she bring the infant to her here were Jews who seemed Jewish people and Jewish customs have mother? the writer wonders. “No,” she somehow gratified by the phe- become mainstream.” decides, “it wouldn’t do to wake up the Tnomenon it described. But the To those of us, though, who perceive whole house.” January 14 front-page Wall Street self-centered immoderation as diamet- Instead, despite the toll she knows Journal article entitled “You Don’t Have ric to the very meaning of the phrase bar- it will take on her school day, she to Be Jewish to Want a Bar Mitzva Party” mitzva, the emulation of some Jews’ decides to try to lull her sister back to made many others among us wince. indulgences by broader society shows sleep. As she “grouchily stares” into the The article provided just what its instead how the example we set can, sadly, baby’s eyes, she remembers what her headline threatened: an account of how sometimes be more of a blight than a great-grandmother and her great- non-Jewish children have begun pestering light unto the nations. great aunt, survivors of a Nazi con- their parents for celebrations that Excess among Jews, of course, is not centration camp, recounted to her. Each resemble those held for their Jewish limited to particular parts of the day in the camps, her grandmother’s friends’ bar- or bas-mitzvas. Needless to American Jewish community. Even the sister, knowing that inmates who say, it wasn’t the spiritual aspect of the chareidi community is not devoid of appeared more emaciated than others events for which the youngsters pined. examples of self-focused intemperance. were candidates for execution, would “The kids who had great bar mitzva That is why our Torah leaders have long surreptitiously share part of her own parties were elevated socially,” one decried the materialism they have ration of moldy bread with her slim- Catholic mother was quoted in expla- observed creeping into our communi- mer sister. nation of why her daughter’s coming of ty, and why a number of them saw fit In the camps, Chavi reminds herself, age was celebrated at a beachfront ban- not long ago to issue guidelines for the “food was life.” And so she chides her- quet hall – with a Hawaiian surfing size and elaborateness of weddings, which self that “if my aunt could give a away theme. they regard as having become more spec- a piece of her life each day, how can I Another faux-mitzvah bash, the tacle than spiritual. not give a few minutes of sleep to my sis- paper reported, “cost $75,000 and ter each day?” included a tent with chandeliers, DJs and hankfully, though, there are “I look at my tiny sister,”her essay con- dancers.” young Jews whose awareness of cludes. “Her eyes are closed, a content The optimistic spin was spun by the Twhat Torah is leads them to look is spread across her sweet little face. executive vice president of the Board of make selfless rather than self-centered It’s 5:40. Not bad. I lovingly hug my lit- Rabbis of Southern California, who con- choices, who are quiet but profound tle sister and put her back into her crib. tended that the proliferation of such examples of what others should emulate. Then I go back to sleep.” astonishing excess shows “how much the The development of Jews with altru- Miss Friedman’s essay is entitled istic Jewish sensibilities is empowered by “Sacrifices.” Rabbi Shafran serves as Agudath Israel of conscientious, committed Jewish parents This one, equally aptly, is entitled America’s Director of Public Affairs and as the ■ American director of Am Echad. and responsible Jewish schools. Because “Examples.”

The Jewish Observer, March 2004 49