6EFPTBBH2>OPE>P.B@E.B@E>AFP@RPPBP#?O>E>J_P>AEBOBK@B QL)LA_P@LJJ>KAQE>QEBABM>OQCOLJ>KFALI>QOLRP@RIQROB9B SPECIAL ISSUE @BOQ>FKIVPELRIAKLQJ>OOVFKQLLKB'AR@>QFLKLC,RA>FPJ_P (RKA>JBKQ>IP>KAQEBA>KDBOLC>IFBKOBIFDFLKPJRPQPQ>OQFK Intermarriage QEB@I>PPOLLJ)UDQXSD@BGDQ@MC6@AAHHRQDRONMRHAKD

estd Dedicated to Scriptural and Rabbinic Verification 1997 of Authentic Jewish Beliefs and Practices

Volume V, No. 3...Nov. 11, 2005 www.mesora.org/jewishtimes Download and Print Free In This Issue Parsha: lech lecha 1,3,4 Jewish life, jewish spouse 1,2 Intermarriage 1,9,10 Maimonides: proof 3 Intermarriage 5,6 Rally: nazis in 7 Books: good & bad 8 Mesora ii 11 Letters 12,13 Free at Mesora see our site for other free features mesora.org/liveclasses

Join our live, audible online classes and ask ‘your’ questions...... because no (continued on page 9) one else can. Weekly Parsha LechLech rabbi reuven mann SPECIAL ISSUE One of the most misunderstood aspects of Judaism is its categorical prohibition of intermarriage, i.e., the wedded union of a Jew with a non- Jewish partner. This is not just an ordinary injunction, but it is one which goes to the heart and soul of what it means to be Jewish. It is of the great- LechaLecha est importance that we seek to understand and appreciate the deeper rabbi bernard fox reasons for the Torah’s insistence on “marrying Jewish.” We note with sadness the high rate of intermarriage, which is a byproduct of the exten- “After these events, the word of sive cultural assimilation of contemporary . Hashem came to Avram in a vision Marriage, according to Judaism, is a divinely ordained institution, saying, “Avram, do not fear. I will which is vital to the fulfillment of man’s purpose on earth. The Torah protect you. You have great says that Adam, when alone, was “not good” (lo tov) i.e., not in an appro- merit.” (Beresheit 15:2) priate state. He needed an “ezer k’negdo”, a helper alongside him. We The above passage troubles the must recognize our limitations. No human, however talented and commentaries. Hashem tells capable, is entirely self-sufficient. He or she requires a specially suited Avraham that he should not be afraid. partner with whom to join in building the unique physical and spiritual (continued on page 3) (continued on next page) Volume V, No. 3...Nov. 11, 2005 www.Mesora.org/JewishTimes (Jewish Life continued from page 1) Intermarriage

relationship in which their life’s’ goals will for ourselves. We are obliged to help others come to fruition. The life of man is not simple and share with them the benefits of life with and one dimensional like that of an animal. It which we have been graced. A major aspect of Weekly Journal on Jewish Thought contains many diverse and complicated activi- this obligation involves the bearing and ties such as working, raising a family, building raising of children. No mitzvah is more a community, etc. Most people regard these significant than this. By bringing more mani- mundane aspects of their lives as being festations of the “tzelem Elokim” (Divine separate from religion. Judaism is different. It image) into the world we join with Hashem in is a profound philosophy of life with values, the work of creation. While it is obligatory to ideals, and a deep wisdom that pertains to all help people in the material necessities of life, areas of human endeavor. Love, marriage, the highest form of compassion is that which children, family are endowed with holiness assists them in fulfilling their spiritual when they incorporate the spiritual purposes purpose. One who imparts values and ideals assigned to them by Judaism. to another person and facilitates the develop- It is therefore untenable to treat Judaism as ment of a vibrant, wise, and morally upright a narrow and shallow religion and say “I am personality, engages in the truest form of only Jewish when I perform specific religious human compassion. actions such as praying, fasting, etc. When that Thus, the most noble and compassionate activity is concluded I go to work and what I endeavor is the proper raising of children. do there has nothing to do with the require- While the parent provides for all the physical ments of my religion. When work is finished I and emotional needs of the child, the most go home and interact with my spouse and exalted expression of parenting is expressed in children. I do not see these activities as having the verse, “and you shall teach them to your The JewishTimes is any connection to my religion.” Such a view children…” One’s service of God achieves its published every Friday is contrary to the very essence of Judaism. highest level when one creates new life and and delivered by email. The first paragraph of the “shema” states transmits our greatest treasure, the Torah, to Subscriptions are free. “and you shall speak these words when you sit the next generation. For one to benefit from To subscribe, send any in your home and when you travel on the road, Judaism and keep it to oneself would be email message to: when you lie down and when you arise.” This extremely selfish. To be a Jew in the fullest [email protected] teaches that Torah is an all encompassing sense means to live a life all of whose goals philosophy which relates to and enhances and endeavors are permeated with the wisdom Subscribers will also receive our every zone of the human experience. Love and compassion of the unique philosophy and advertisers' emails and our regular and marriage are not isolated ends in them- “derech” (pathway) of Torah. It is only with email announcements. selves. They are vital components of a someone who partakes of Jewish values and is lifestyle, which is founded upon the appropri- committed to the Torah lifestyle that we can Contacts: ate service of God. truly become “one flesh”. We invite feedback or any questions at The most important aspect of the partner this address: [email protected] Ph(516)569-8888 Fx(516)569-0404 with whom you seek to establish a life which fulfills the Torah ideals is his or her “spiritual Ph: 516.792.0200 Advertising: https://www.Mesora.org/Advertising quality”. How can you marry someone who Fx: 516.792.9503 does not share your most central beliefs and Donations: https://www.Mesora.org/Donate ideals? How can a Jew marry an atheist and [email protected] establish with that person a home whose JL values are based on the awareness that “in the Content at Mesora.org: image of God He created the human”. It goes JewishTimes Archives: without saying that a Jew cannot, by defini- http://www.Mesora.org/JewishTimes tion, be married to a Christian, Moslem or Philosophy Archives: adherent of any other religion. The Torah http://www.Mesora.org/Philosophy describes the married couple as becoming Weekly Parsha Archives: “one flesh”. This means that an all embracing http://www.Mesora.org/WeeklyParsha partnership is formed between two people who Audio Archives: are compatible on every plane of existence and http://www.Mesora.org/Audio view their relationship as a means of achieving LawLaw OfficeOffice ofof Interactive, Live, Audible Classes: the purpose God spelled out for us in His http://www.Mesora.org/LiveClasses Torah. By joining together they become one JosephJoseph E.E. LichterLichter Database Search: person working and striving in tandem to http://www.Mesora.org/Search fulfill themselves and to give life to the next generation. Real Estate Closings Contracts Articles may be reprinted without consent of the The service of God, which Judaism JewishTimes or the authors, provided the content Leases Wills Estate Planning is not altrered, and credits are given. prescribes, demands that we do not live only Leases Wills Estate Planning

2 Volume V, No. 3...Nov. 11, 2005 www.Mesora.org/JewishTimes Thought (Lech Lecha continued from page 1) Weekly Parsha

Because of his great merit, Hashem will protect antagonizing the kings as a reward for his chesed him. There is an obvious problem that the towards Lote. ReligionReligion commentaries address. The pasuk implies that It seems that Sforno and Nachmanides differ on Avraham has some fear. Hashem’s reassurance is the significance that they attribute to Avraham’s a response to this fear. However, the Torah does rescue of his nephew. Nachmanides does not of Proof II not clearly indicate the source of Avraham’s fear. attribute special significance to the act. Avraham of Proof II What is this fear and what is the danger that was a tzadik. This action was consistent with his Hashem is addressing? general conduct. In contrast, Sforno views the MAIMONIDES In general, the commentaries agree that this rescue of Lote as a great act of chesed that earned prophecy and Hashem’s reassurance should be Avraham Hashem’s protection. What is the basis Guide for the Perplexed understood in the context of the previous incident. of this dispute? In order to answer this question, Book III, Chap. LIV Lote – Avraham’s nephew – was captured in a we must consider another incident. war. He was held captive by the armies of four powerful kings. Avraham decided that he must “And there was a dispute between the rescue his nephew. He devised an intricate battle shepherds of the flocks of Avram and the “Our Sages further say, that man plan, executed it flawlessly and succeeded in shepherds of the flocks of Lote. And the has first to render account concern- rescuing his nephew. Cannanite and Perizzite were then dwelling in Nachmanides suggests that Avraham knew that the land.” (Beresheit 13:7) ing his knowledge of the Law, then through attacking these kings and rescuing Lote, The Torah relates that Avraham and Lote both concerning the acquisition of he had placed himself in opposition to the most lived in the same area within the land of Canaan. powerful rulers of the era. He was concerned with Both had great flocks. A conflict developed wisdom, and at last concerning the their reaction to their defeat. His brilliant strategy between the shepherds of Lote and those of lessons derived by logical conclu- had succeeded in this instance. But Avraham Avraham. As a result of this conflict, Avraham feared an extended conflict with these rulers. insisted that he and Lote part from one another. sions from the Law, i.e., the lessons According to Nachmanides, Hashem responded Avraham allowed Lote to choose any portion of concerning his actions. This is also that Avraham’s righteousness was adequate to the land for the grazing of his flocks. Avraham earn Hashem’s protection. He need not fear would choose an alternate location for grazing his the right order: we must first learn retribution from these kings.[1] flocks. The Torah does not explain the exact Sforno agrees with Nachmanides’ interpretation nature of the conflict between the shepherds. the truths by tradition, after this we of Avraham’s fear. However, he offers a different Neither does the Torah provide a precise descrip- must be taught how to prove them, explanation of Hashem’s response. According to tion of Avraham’s motives for parting from Lote. Sforno, Hashem told Avraham, that he had acted Nachmanides suggests that the conflict was and then investigate the actions properly in rescuing Lote. His conduct was a created by a practical issue and Avraham proposed that help to improve man's ways. further expression of his righteousness. There- a practical solution. Both Avraham and Lote had fore, he should not be fearful. Hashem would large flocks. They were both attempting to graze The idea that man will have to reward him for his chesed – his kindness – their flocks in the same area. There was not render account concerning these towards Lote. Hashem would protect him from enough pasture for all of the flocks. The any negative consequences that might naturally shepherds were trying to share a limited resource. three things in the order described, result from his act of chesed. Hashem would not Eventually, they began to compete for the resource is expressed by our Sages in the allow these kings to retaliate against Avraham.[2] and this competition engendered conflict. There is a significant difference between these Avraham recognized that this conflict would – at following passage: “When man two interpretations. According to Nachmanides, some point – attract the attention of the inhabitants comes to the trial, he is first asked, Hashem told Avraham that He would protect him of the land. These inhabitants would take notice from retribution because of his overall righteous- of the tremendous wealth that had been accumu- ‘Hast thou fixed certain seasons for ness. Essentially, this entire episode communi- lated by Avraham and Lote. They would covet cates a single important message. Avraham had a this wealth and kill Avraham and Lote in order to the study of the Law? Hast thou strong providential relationship with Hashem. seize their wealth. Avraham suggested a simple been engaged in the acquisition of This was demonstrated by his successful rescue of and obvious solution. He and Lote must separate. Lote. Lote was the fortunate beneficiary of They must graze their flocks in different locations. wisdom? Hast thou derived from Avraham’s righteousness and this providential This will eliminate the competition and conflict one thing another thing’?” This relationship with Hashem. Avraham was aided between the shepherds. They would attract less by Hashem in his efforts to save Lote and attention and be safer. In short, Avraham proves that our Sages distinguished protected from any negative consequences. In concluded that he and his nephew must choose between the knowledge of the Law short, the incident demonstrates the reality and between remaining together at the risk of their extent of Hashem’s providence over His tzadik- lives and separating in order to save on the one hand, and wisdom on kim – His righteous followers. themselves.[3] the other, as the means of proving According to Sforno, Avraham’s rescue of Lote Sforno shares Nachmanides’ basic understand- was in itself a significant act of chesed. This act ing of the conflict. However, he offers and the lessons taught in the Law by was rewarded by Hashem. Hashem promised to alternative explanation of Avraham’s concern and correct reasoning.” protect Avraham from the consequences of solution. He suggests that Avraham was (continued on next page) 3 Volume V, No. 3...Nov. 11, 2005 www.Mesora.org/JewishTimes (Lech Lecha continued from page 3) Weekly Parsha concerned that their conflict communicated the according to Nachmanides, Avraham will demon- wrong message to the people of the land. strate the influence of providence. Through Avraham and Lote were uncle and nephew. Yet, Avraham, Hashem will demonstrate His interac- they were embroiled in conflict. The people of the tion with humanity and His involvement in the land would conclude that if Avraham and Lote events of this world. were not able to live in harmony with each other, Sforno offers a completely different explanation they certainly would be incapable of living peace- of the phrase “you will be a blessing.” He fully with their neighbors. Avraham felt that this interprets the phrase in a very literal sense. negative impression was intolerable. As a result, According to Sforno, the phrase means that he suggested that he and Lote end their public Avraham will be a blessing for Hashem. Sforno conflict by separating from one another.[4] explains that a person who acts properly is a Again, we see a significant divergence between blessing to Hashem. He adds that when a person Nachmanides and Sforno. According to acquires spiritual perfection and teaches others, he Nachmanides, Avraham was not motivated by a causes Hashem to be blessed.[6] Apparently, desire to create a positive impression. His concern Sforno means that the manner in which we was that this conflict placed their lives in danger. conduct ourselves individually and as a commu- Sforno maintains that the issue was not personal nity either glorifies or desecrates Hashem’s name. safety. Avraham was concerned with the manner According to Sforno, Hashem told Avraham that in which he presented himself to his neighbors. He was confident that the manner in which he In short, we have identified two disputes would conduct his life would bless or glorify between Nachmanides and Sforno. First, accord- Hashem. It is clear that according to Sforno, ing to Nachmanides, Avraham’s rescue of Lote Avraham was required to conduct himself in a was consistent with Avraham’s general conduct manner that would support and demonstrate his but not of special significance. Sforno disagrees. teachings. He must glorify Hashem through He argues that this act of chesed was of special teaching the truth of the Torah to humanity and significance. Second, Nachmanides maintains through his conduct. Avraham’s actions and that Avraham separated from Lote in order to save behaviors would be central to his mission. He their lives. But according to Sforno, Avraham must teach through words and action. demanded that they separate because an ongoing, this dispute will become clearer if we consider one In summary, both Nachmanides and Sforno public squabble was unacceptable. It communi- other disagreement between these commentaries. agree that Avraham was assigned the responsibil- cated the wrong message to Avraham’s neighbors. ity of teaching humanity. However, they differ on Is there a relationship between these to disputes “And I will make you into a great nation and the precise elements of this mission. According to between Nachmanides and Sforno? I will exalt your name and you will be a Nachmanides, Avraham was required to teach and We know that part of Avraham’s mission was to blessing.” (Beresheit 12:2) live a life of righteousness. The providence that he teach the truth of the Torah to humanity. But it The opening verses of the parasha contain a would experience would demonstrate to humanity seems that according to Sforno, a central element rather perplexing statement. In the above pasuk, that Hashem is indeed involved in our affairs. of that mission was to demonstrate to humanity the Hashem tells Avraham that he will make According to Sforno, Avraham was not merely practical application of the values that Avraham Avraham’s descendants into a great nation; He will required to teach and live an ethical life. He was espoused. Avraham was required to teach with make Avraham’s name great and that Avraham expected to supplement his teachings through words and through action. He was expected to will be a blessing. The first two elements of this active demonstrations of the significance of the deport himself in a manner that would communi- promise are readily understood. But the meaning values he was teaching. In every instance, at each cate to humanity the practical implications of final element – that Avraham will be a blessing – is juncture of his life, he was required to consider the living a life devoted to Hashem. Therefore, he not clear. How does a person become a blessing? manner in which his behaviors would be could not allow his mission to be compromised by Of course, the commentaries are bothered by the perceived and to act in a manner that would a conflict with Lote. This would undermine his meaning of this phrase. They offer a number of provide an eloquent demonstration of the values message. If this conflict were allowed to continue, possibilities. Nachmanides offers the simplest and teachings he was espousing. it would foster the impression that the values explanation. He explains that those who learn of advocated by Avraham do not foster peace and Avraham will be so impressed by his success that harmony. But instead, allow for conflict and they will refer to him when blessing others. A [1] Rabbaynu Moshe ben Nachman (Ramban / aggression. We can now appreciate the special person wishing to bless his child will say, “May Nachmanides), Commentary on Sefer Beresheit 15:2. significance that Sforno attributes to Avraham’s you be like Avraham.” So, the meaning of the [2] Rabbaynu Ovadia Sforno, Commentary on Sefer rescue of Lote. This act of chesed communicated phrase “you will be a blessing” is that your Beresheit, 15:2. a profound message to humanity. It was moving example will be used by those who wish to bless [3] Rabbaynu Moshe ben Nachman (Ramban / demonstration of values that Avraham was others.[5] According to Nachmanides, this last Nachmanides), Commentary on Sefer Beresheit 13:7. teaching. It demonstrated the full implications of phrase – you will be a blessing – is a continuation [4] Rabbaynu Ovadia Sforno, Commentary on Sefer these values and the type of civilization they foster. of the first two promises in the pasuk. Hashem Beresheit, 13:7. Undoubtedly, Nachmanides agrees that tells Avraham that he will achieve great success; [5] Rabbaynu Moshe ben Nachman (Ramban / Avraham’s deportment was important. But appar- he will achieve fame. His success and fame will Nachmanides), Commentary on Sefer Beresheit 12:2. ently he sees Avraham’s overall mission be so great and noteworthy that others will refer to [6] Rabbaynu Ovadia Sforno, Commentary on Sefer somewhat differently from Sforno. The basis of him as a model in blessing others. In other words, Beresheit, 12:2.

4 Volume V, No. 3...Nov. 11, 2005 www.Mesora.org/JewishTimes Intermarriage Jews. Some are even nicer, more refined SPECIAL ISSUE people than many Jews. If our children do not have Torah values, why should they reject intermarriage? I believe that our resources would be better utilized by providing more intensive Jewish education to our children. It is far easier to prevent assimilation or intermarriage through IntermarriageIntermarriage educating our children, than to try to reach them once they have assimilated. Although this seems to be self-evident, Jewish education is under-funded. Most people and communities believe that it is the parents’ responsibility to pay for the educa- tion of their children. This is absolutely true. It is the parent’s responsibility. But what if the parent won’t pay $15,000 a year for 13 years in order to provide their child with a day school education? Do we say, “Too bad, let the kid assimilate...he is not our problem. Maybe after he intermarries we’ll try some outreach”? This may sound like a bizarre response. But this is the overwhelming attitude in most of our communities. We need to rethink our priorities. Every day, I receive a plethora of solicitations for all sorts of Jewish causes. They are all impor- Rabbi Bernard Fox Jews from entry into the non-Jewish world tant. But we need to prioritize. Hachnasas Dean, Northwest Yeshiva High School have largely been torn down. So, in order for kallah, kollelim, magnificent synagogues, Seattle, Washington our children to remain faithful to the Torah, Jewish community centers, Jewish camping we must provide them with a reason to do so. programs are all important. But maybe we In the Orthodox community and beyond, a Let me illustrate this point. On more than can get by with less elaborate chasunas, substantial effort is made to reach-out to one occasion I have heard parents bemoan the smaller kollelim, more modest shuls, smaller unaffiliated Jews. I have observed that many engagement or marriage of their child to a community centers, and a few less camping of the families that are the target of this atten- non-Jew. In some cases, the parents really did programs. Might we not use our resources tion are headed by intermarried couples. I try to provide their child with the resources more effectively, by attempting to enroll more believe that these efforts have some merit. that should have prevented this marriage. But children in our schools? Just a thought. But they tax the limited resources of the in many cases, the parents feel that they raised community. So, we need to ask whether our their child with “Jewish values.” They main- investment in outreach programs is the most tained synagogue or temple affiliation and efficient manner in which we can use our attended on occasion. Their child went to limited resources. Sunday school, they were members of the Outreach efforts are challenging. Multiple synagogue youth group, and even went to the obstacles must be overcome in order to bring Jewish camp. How did this privileged child Rabbi Steven Pruzansky a Jew back into the community. Reaching a intermarry? Rabbi, Congregation Bnai Yeshurun Jew that has intermarried can be remarkably I believe that this is a naive perspective. Teaneck, difficult. Should we not consider whether it The measures identified by these parents are would be wiser and more efficient to address totally inadequate to prevent intermarriage. Intermarriage and assimilation are the twin the root causes of alienation, rather than Why should their child not intermarry? Do tragedies that are devastating American Jewry attempting to combat the results? they expect their child to reject a beautiful, today, and both have caused our numbers and What are these root causes? Why do Jews warm-hearted, educated non-Jew as a mate level of commitment to plummet. There are intermarry or abandon their Jewish identity? out of loyalty to the friends he played baseball violations of Torah law - a detail of the system In many cases, these Jews have received little with at summer camp? Do they expect their - that reflect a personal shortcoming, and or no meaningful Jewish education. Frankly, child to say, “Boy, if I intermarry, I sure will others that threaten the viability of the system we should be asking why a Jew who knows miss those Saturday services at temple!”? In itself. Intermarriage is in the latter category; it little or nothing about the Torah should other words, if the child has no real reason to is more than just a serious violation of Torah remain affiliated. reject this marriage other than the religious law; it endangers the entire enterprise of the We live in an open society. Any Jew who affiliation, then such a rejection is nothing Jewish people. wishes to intermarry or assimilate can easily more than an expression of prejudice and We have always suffered from Jews volun succeed. The barriers that once prevented xenophobia. There are many wonderful non- tarily abandoning their Jewish identity; (continued on next page) 5 Volume V, No. 3...Nov. 11, 2005 www.Mesora.org/JewishTimes (continued from page 5) Intermarriage

indeed, such spiritual “casualties” have an event. How can one attend, and wish the historically outnumbered our losses sustained couple “Mazal Tov”? And for what, joining in through persecutions and massacres. It makes the destruction of the Jewish people? We are little difference whether a soldier is killed in all hurt when Klal Yisrael is in a free fall, our battle or abandons the battlefield. In either numbers dwindle to record low levels, and context, he is lost to the struggle. The notion Jewish ignorance soars to record heights. The that a Jew can marry out and still remain an greatest enemies of American Jews today are integral part of the Jewish people persists in apathy and indifference, not Arabs, Moslems, Jewish life, despite the inherent contradiction. Christians or neo-Nazis with spray paint. For And the notion, further, that the sin of sure, we cannot impose commitment and intermarriage is mitigated by a commitment responsibility on those who are unaffiliated “to raise the children as Jewish” is belied by and uninterested in Judaism. But we can and experience and common sense. I myself was should always project the beauty of the Torah Gloria Idiagbonya involved in a case where a child of intermar- life, so those with open minds can look at us riage - “raised as a Jew” - himself intermar- and perhaps realize “how fortunate is our lot, ried, simply following the lead of his parents. and how pleasant is our destiny”. We can The faithfulness of such a Jew is almost redeem souls on an individual basis, one by ArtWorks always quite tenuous and marginal. one. It is not enough to denounce intermar- The Naomi Cohain Foundation What has brought us to this state, and what riage; it is the obligation of every Jew to can be done to correct it? Certainly, American present the Torah and its ideas and values in a presents: society has been uniquely hospitable both to way that will win the hearts and minds of our the observance of Torah law - and to its rejec- brothers and sisters who have been raised ”Express Yourself” tion. The superficiality of much of Jewish life without it - all to strengthen our people and here - an emphasis on culture, ceremonies and glorify G-d’s name. forms, rather than on substance, ideas and A creative & performing religious commitment - has smoothed the way to the painless intermarriage process of today. art exhibition featuring In America today, Jewish identity is perceived works by children and as an ethnic affiliation, not a religious one. young adults with Since most Jews wear their Jewishness (if they do at all) as an ethnic badge - and not as Rabbi Zev Meir Friedman chronic & life- obliging any religious commitment - they Rosh Mesivta, Rambam Mesivta threatening naturally gravitate to intermarriage as do most Lawrence, NY Americans in a multi-ethnic society. Indeed, illnesses. for most Jews, intermarriage today is no Aside from the halachic violations involved Also featuring artwork longer even an act of rebellion against G-d, in intermarriage, there are many serious philo- Torah or parents. It is simply a function of sophical problems as well. The Rambam and performances by being an American. states that relationships between Jews and siblings of these But intermarriage is a disaster for those non-Jews cause identification and association Jews who perceive their Jewishness not as an to idolatry. The Torah itself (Exodus 34:15) children. ethnic identity, but as a religious/national links the attraction to idolatry to intermar- identity - for those Jews, whose lives are riage: “…lest you eat from their pagan bounded by Torah, who perceive themselves sacrifices and take from their daughters Sunday Nov. 13th as serving G-d in every aspect of their lives. (wives for) your sons.” There is, however, 1:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Therefore, the major problem facing Ameri- another aspect that should be addressed. Jews Performances begin can Jews is that most no longer see the Torah throughout the ages have been oppressed, or Mitzvos as the root of our identity. Torah tortured and murdered by non-Jews in the at 3:00 p.m. has been “replaced” by competing visions of name of the various religions. The Christian what it means to be a Jew - philanthropy, crusades are one such example. The Nazis, support for Israel, liberal politics, Holocaust with the tacit approval of the church perpe- Montclair Art Museum, commemoration, fear of Jew-hatred, etc. But trated mass murder of millions of Jews simply 3 South Mountain Ave. all those interests are ethnic, not religion- because they were Jews. It is incomprehen- based, and so they have spearheaded and sible that any individual with a vestige of Montclair, NJ facilitated the decline in attachment to what it Jewish identity should condone or engage in uniquely Jewish: our covenant with G-d, the intermarriage. Countless Jews throughout the Co-sponsored by Altria bond of Torah and Mitzvos, and especially the ages sacrificed their lives Al Kiddush Hashem & Bristol-Myers Squibb Company primacy of Torah study. rather than succumb to idolatrous practices. Intermarriage is the red line that no Jew Jews who intermarry are awarding the Nazis Directions: should cross - not by marrying out, nor by their ultimate goal – the destruction of the www.montclairartmuseum.org attending or in any way participating in such Jewish People.

6 Volume V, No. 3...Nov. 11, 2005 www.Mesora.org/JewishTimes Anti-Semitism “Defendant (Bilaniuk) is identified on four German-created rosters of the Streibel Battalion’s Rambam Mesivta First Company by his name, rank, and identification number.” “Also listed on the rosters as serving in the Streibel Battalion with Defendant(Bilaniuk) were fellow Trawniki guards Jakiw Palij and Bronislaw Hajda” “Defendant (Bilaniuk) applied for displaced person status on the same day in the same location ProtestProtest as Jakiw Palij.” “Defendant (Bilaniuk) represented to the DPC that he worked as a “joiner” in a shop in Kolomyya, , from 1937 until June 1941” “That information was knowingly false.” RallyRallyNazi Underground “Palij also represented to the DPC that he had Hiding in Queens been in Piadyki until June 1944, when he left to work as a farmer on a farm in Koeditz, .” “That information was knowingly false.” November 9th, 1938 - The Nazis unleashed a EXCERPTS FROM THE “Jakiw Palij, applied for a visa application in the night of terror against their Jewish citizens in a US GOVERMENTS CASE same office on the same day as Defendant dramatic inception of known as AGAINST BILANIUK & PALIJ (Bilaniuk).” Kristallnacht, the night of broken glass. That night, Complete documents available upon request “On March 22, 1957, he submitted an Applica- synagogues were desecrated and set aflame, and tion to File Petition for Naturalization.” Jewish institutions and businesses were ransacked. “The Trawniki Training Camp trained men to “Jakiw Palij also submitted an Application to File Hitler, emboldened by the fact that no one pressured serve as guard for all aspects of Opera- Petition for Naturalization on the same day” him to stop, began implementing his notorious plan tion Reinhard, the Nazis’ effort to murder Jews in “After entering the country, Defendant laid out in Mein Kampf – calling for the extermina- Poland.” (Bilaniuk) and Palij lived together at 423 East 5th tion of the Jewish race. “The men trained at Trawniki were essential to Street, New York, N.Y.” November 9th 2005 - 200 Students and faculty the implementation of .” “On April 30, 1960, Jakiw Palij married Maria members of Rambam Mesivta High School “Operation Reinhard was the Nazi program to Turczan in St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic descended upon the homes of Jakiw Palij and dispossess, exploit, and murder Jews in Poland.” Church in and Defendant Jaroslaw Bilaniuk, both residents of Queens to “As part of Operation Reinhard, the minority of (Bilaniuk) served as a witness at Palij’s wedding. protest their continued presence in the Jews not immediately put to death were impris- “When Defendant (Bilaniuk) was deposed in despite rulings in federal courts calling for their oned in slave labor camps.” connection with the Palij case in 2003, he recited for serving as “cogs” in the Nazi killing “In the course of Operation Reinhard, approxi- Palij’s address and telephone number from machine and “directly contributing” to the slaughter mately 1.7 million Jewish adults and children memory.” of Jews at the hand of the Nazis. were murdered.” “Palij’s name and telephone number appears in Both Palij and Bilaniuk served as guards at the “Defendant (Bilaniuk) a Trawniki-trained Defendant (Bilaniuk)’s address book.” notorious Tranwiki , a training ground for guard during World War II” Nazi Brutality. In fact, 62 years ago last week, the “Defendant (Bilaniuk) traveled to Trawniki Tranwiki guards participated in the murder of 6,000 with Jakiw Palij” Tranwiki Jews on November 3rd and 4th, 1943 and “Defendant (Bilaniuk)’s Trawniki identifica- the eventual liquidation of the Warsaw ghetto. tion number 3504 was part of a block of Busloads of students arrived at Palij’s house at 1:30 numbers assigned on February 13, 1943, to PM chanting, “No S.S. In the US,” “Just get out” recruits from Galicia. .Jakiw Palij, also from while waiving placards demanding his immediate Piadyki, was assigned Trawniki identification deportation. number 3505.” “Based on the evidence so painstakingly compiled “As a member of Trawniki’s Guard Forces, by O.S.I. under the directorship of Eli Rosenbaum, Defendant (Bilaniuk) participated in the ‘It seems clear that these are monsters who killed implementation of Operation Reinhard.” Jews together, lied together, lived together and “On November 3-4, 1943, virtually all of continue to conspire together. They must both be the Jewish prisoners at SS Labor Camp brought to justice together and be removed from the Trawniki – men, women and children – as US,’” said rally organizer Rabbi Zev Friedman. well as those at most of the other forced- Students then headed to Bilaniuk’s house to labor camps in Lublin district, were assemble once again in order to send him a clear murdered. This slaughter -- carried out message that his crimes have not been forgotten and under the code name “Operation Harvest to support the US government’s case that he be Festival” -- marked the successful conclu- removed from the United States. sion of Operation Reinhard.”

7 Volume V, No. 3...Nov. 11, 2005 www.Mesora.org/JewishTimes Books

https://www.Mesora.org/Store Taken from “Getting It Straight– purchase online Practical Ideas for a Life of Clarity”

GoodGooddoug taylor && & rabbi morton moskowitzBadBad

"You probably have something really "True," said my friend, "but here's the point. wizardly to say about all of this," I challenged, You can't know whether something is good or not hiding my sarcasm very well. bad until your life is over. Look, I'll give you I was in a foul mood. Running into my friend, an example. Once there was a farmer who had the King of Rational Thought, while waiting a horse he used to plow his field. One day, the for a table at a neighborhood restaurant had horse ran away. The townspeople came around cheered me for a split second. But once I and said, 'Oh, that's too bad. What terrible related to him everything that had happened to misfortune.' But the farmer replied, 'Maybe it's me in the last five hours, my sullen grey bad, and maybe it's not. It's hard to say.' outlook returned. "Three days later, the horse came trotting It started when the kitchen sink backed up back into the barn leading five wild mares. before I'd even gotten dressed for work. Resort- 'What good fortune!' the townspeople said. But ing to a plumber's helper, I inadvertently the farmer replied, 'Good, bad, it's hard to say.' popped the drain fitting below the sink, causing "Two days later, the man's son was thrown a cascade of water to run down the inside of the while trying to break one of the wild mares, wall. and he fractured his leg. 'What bad luck,' said I finished cleaning up that mess only to the townspeople. But the farmer just replied, discover that my hot water tank had broken, 'Good, bad, it's hard to say.' turning a corner of my basement into a lake. "A week later, the army came through the Later that morning, one of my biggest clients town, conscripting all the young men to go off postponed a large project. But the capper was to war. But they left the farmer's son because can't tell whether a situation is good or bad until the call from the IRS about a possible audit. his leg was broken." the hand has been completely played. In life," When I finished the story, the King of Ratio- The King of Rational Thought looked me he concluded, "that means when your life is nal Thought asked me the strangest question. squarely in the eye. "Good, bad, it's hard to over." "You haven't died yet, have you?" say," he said. "By the way," he added, "do you also know I stared at him. He'd either tuned out my tale I didn't know how to reply. that once the pinochle cards are dealt, it's a of woe, or he'd flipped. The latter seemed more "Do you ever play pinochle?" he asked. complete waste of time, energy, and emotion to likely. Pinochle? My head spun as I tried to shift wish they were different?" "Huh?" I said. "What?" gears. My friend's guests arrived just as the maitre d' "You're still alive, right?" "Yes," I said, not having the foggiest idea appeared to take us to our respective tables, and "Seems like it. Why?" This was not improv- where this was going. we parted. Once seated, I stared out at the ferry ing my mood. I wanted sympathy, and I wasn't "Have you ever been dealt a hand that looked reviewing the ideas I'd just heard. He was right. getting it. lousy, but you ended up winning?" There didn't seem to be much point in ruining "Have you considered the fact that you can't "Yes." A faint glow appeared at the end of the my whole day over events that were outside my call these events good or bad until you're tunnel. control. As the sun broke through my dead?" "Have you ever been dealt a hand that looked emotional storm clouds, I decided to encourage "Well now that seems brilliant," I said great, but you ended up losing?" myself even further. irritably. "It's kind of hard to call it once you're "Yes." The light in the tunnel got brighter. dead." "Now do you understand what I mean? You I skipped lunch and ordered dessert.

8 Volume V,No.3...Nov.11,2005 ( +KQBOJ>OOF>DB Contributing? %LKQOF?RQFKD! rabbi mosheben-chaim SPECIAL ISSUE SPECIAL #OB;LR continued frompage1 Problems Solutons and ) taught theflawsofotherreligions inschool;they converting ouryouth. fear sayinganythingnegative aboutgroups against missionaries,butjustthe opposite:Jews Jewish traitisaliveandwell,as noonespeaksout bondage for210years.Sadly, itappearsthis would evenkillthem.Forthis,theJewssuffered corrupted state:theywereallegianttothosewho punished inbondage.MosesunderstoodtheJews Rashi saysthistaughtMoseswhytheJewswere Egyptian authorities,placingMoseslifeatrisk. Jew subsequentlyinformedonMosestothe beating, bykillingtheEgyptianassailant. That bondage. MosessavedaJewfromdeadly Moses askedGodwhytheJewsweredeservingof inexcusable andcontributestotheproblem. nation ofanti-Semitism.Inactivityonthisissueis objective toconvertJews,despitetheircondem- their negativepositiononJudaism,and our God?Otherreligionsarequiteclearabout groups? That isunforgivable. to openlydenouncethoseChristianorCatholic Jewish generations,theseteens’ parentsareafraid identities andkilling[1]off myriadsoffuture Jewish teens,strippingthembareoftheir these missionariesaresuccessfullybaptizing ary workofcountlessorganizations. Sowhile Christian orCatholicleadercondemnthemission- have Iheardanypope,priest,bishop,nun,or speak ourviewwithotherreligionists.Notonce irrational anddestructivevaluesgoeson. children’s commitmenttoJudaism. This listof ships: somethingvaluedmorethaninsuringtheir honesty withgentilesmightdissolvethosefriend- tive critiqueofthefalsereligions.Jewsfeartheir this suffocates true,Jewishvaluesandconstruc- tance ofnon-Jewishfriendsandcolleagues eyes andatwork,Jewsexpresscompleteaccep- opinionated onreligion.Beforetheirchildren’s might harborafearoflosingtheirpositions,if of American moralsofreligiousequality. They riage. They mayfeelthiswayduetotheosmosis they trulyexpressstrongoppositiontointermar- against intermarriagetooffer theirchildren,nordo Jew, theseparentshavenosoundarguments unique message. Although luckilymarriedtoa now parents–whoremainignorantofJudaism’s institution-wide delinquencyproducesstudents– from Hebrewschoolsandyeshivas. This sustained commitmenttoJudaism,isexpelled subject mostvitaltoinsuringouryouths’ history, Jewishlaw, Torah, and Talmud, the and yeshivasdoafinejobteachingHebrew, absent fromschoolcurriculums. While schools its distinctionfromallotherreligions,arestill -MSDQL@QQH@FDJewish youthsarevictimized: theyarenot Where isourconvictioninJudaismand But IwonderwhyJewsaresoafraidtoopenly Classes onJudaism’s Fundamentaltruths,and The Problem Intermarriage Intermarriage require a“renewal”ofHissystem, asthisimplies divine. Butmoretothepoint, Goddoesnot endorsed anyworksoftheNew Testament as Judaism into“their”religion.Jewish leadersnever that God“renewed”Hisreligion, evolving use thisphraseassupportfor their phonyclaim account oftheJews’ sins.Buttheotherreligions providence”, previouslyabandonedbyGodon sages tomeananythingbutHis“renewed understood byGod’s appointedprophetsand like a“newcovenant”(Jerem.31:30)werenever but Judaismviolatethiscommand.Statements, from His Torah. (Deut.13:1) Thus, allreligions commanded mankindtoneveraddto,orsubtract is YOU wholiestoyourstudentorchild. God from accusingothersoflying,forifyoudo,thenit And usetheword“lies”.Onemustnotcower contradict Moses,cannotbedivine,butarelies. Therefore, Jesus’ andMohammed’s claimsthat matches hislevelofperfection,orauthority. prophet (Deut.34:10);noonebeforeorafterhim Sinai. GodstatedthatMoseswasthegreatest us...there wasnoothermassrevelationexcept know withclarity, thatGodgavethe Torah to dwarf Jews,isofnoconsequence.Jewsmust prove athing,sootherreligionswhoseadherents ate. They mustbetaughtthatnumbersdoesnot fabricated storiesthattheotherreligionsprolifer- not contradictHimselfwith“painful”laws. us…God, whocreatedusallforagoodlife,does because theycontainanythingthatharms our infantiledesiresthatopposethematfirst,not Our discomfortwithsomelawsissolelybasedon ideas rootedintruthsthatbenefitusateachturn. of JudaismasGod’s exclusivereligion:lawsand 116-126 assupportmaterial) the majorreligions.(SeeJewishTimes issues 1) Judaism’s Fundamentals,and2)theflawsof educates Jewishchildrenandteensintwoareas: curriculum afixedandmandatoryclassthat board members,andimmediatelyaddtothe meeting togetherwithyourschoolandyeshiva chair andactivelyaddressthisissue:calla reading thisarticle,youliterallygetoutofyour disturbs youtothepoint,thatafterfinish etched ontoyourmindsandheartsas‘real’, destruction ofJudaismandJewsisindelibly this issueseriously. Mysincerewishisthatthis riage?” high?” butrather, “What’s wrongwithintermar- question isnolonger“Whyintermarriageso religions nobetterorworsethanJudaism. The tens ofthousandsyoungJewswhoviewother entertain Jewandgentilealike. The result:literally answers athomeandtheirparents’ sociallivesthat “be Jewish”;whichiscompoundedbythelackof never receiverationalanswerswhytheyshould Our youthmustunderstandtheliesand Our youthmustcomprehendtheuniquenature Tragically, schoolsandparentsarenottaking (continued onnextpage) www.Mesora.org/JewishTimes 9 Volume V, No. 3...Nov. 11, 2005 www.Mesora.org/JewishTimes (Contributing?continued from page 9) Intermarriage ignorance on behalf of God: He is omniscient, Moving Forward knowing all future events. Therefore He need not Take a positive step now and convene a revise His system later on due to “new” consider- meeting, talk to your principal, your Rosh ations He was unaware of. Yeshiva, dean, fellow parents, Hillels, Young Jews are the teachers and the only historically Israel councils and shuls, NCSY and USY proven recipients of God’s Torah at Sinai. Since leaders, and fellow students. If you are in college, the Torah is never to be altered, added to or convene with your peers on how to start programs subtracted from…it is perfectly clear that the New to educate others, and commence outreach to Testament is not divinely inspired. Those origina- non-religious Jews. Schools and yeshivas must tors claiming a prophetic directive to start their establish mandatory classes on Judaism’s Funda- religions violate God’s words. They are false mentals, and as Rashi urges (Deut. 18:9), include prophets deserving of death, as God states in Madison Ave. trivializes rabbis and priests, as amused in these classes to dissection of the major Deuteronomy 18:20. Similarly, Christianity’s Jews learn to treat Christianity as ‘harmless’. religions, their idolatrous and imaginary beliefs, popular “proof” of Jesus’ Biblical mention in others. Surprisingly, the other religions fear and their fabricated histories. Create printed Isaiah 53:5, “He was pained because of our tampering with the words of the Chumash – the materials so when confronted, each student may rebellious sins” is easily refuted: “he” refers to the “Old Testament” – but created new lies in the review the proofs of Judaism, and the refutations nation of the Jews. This entire phrase “pained forms of Gospels, the Koran, et al. From their very of other religions. because of our rebellious sins” is what the support of the Chumash alone, we can disprove all To be clear, our tolerance of intermarriage is ignorant nations assumed to be the cause of our religions…and we must disprove all religions so fatally wrong for many reasons: it denies God’s pain, and is meant to expose their flawed thinking. our youth gain a firm conviction in this truth: God command, it forfeits could-be Jewish souls, it Isaiah is quoting the false views of other nations, gave only one religion, precisely, because there is creates lives of discord for children of mixed he is not stating a prophecy or fact as is distorted only one “man”. marriages, it reinforces religious deviance in us by Christians. But Christians jump at this portion “Conviction” is our best ally in this fight against and others, and it displays our selection of claiming it to allude to Jesus, failing to realize that intermarriage. For no “faith” can replace convic- ignorance over knowledge. the Rabbis possess the proper methods of tion, and it is “conviction” in Judaism that we Assuming another person will act, alleviating deciphering Torah, and not one Rabbi ever agreed must transmit to our youth. Proof outweighs faith. your obligation to eliminate intermarriage as with their corrupt interpretation. The Christians This is why we have been addressing “Faith vs much as possible, is irresponsible and sinful. Each cannot teach the Rabbis how to learn our own Proof” these past few weeks in these articles. Jew must act to remedy this tragedy: “Kol Yisrael Book; a Book, they admit WE received, and over Without proof and falsely defending Judaism as a aravim zeh im zeh”, “All Jews are responsible for which, we maintain exclusive authority and “faith”, we have no argument whatsoever against one another”. If we do not act, we contribute to commentary. those Jews wishing to intermarry. But with proof, this stoppable crime. Knowing these truths, our youth will be able to our youth will be armed with all they need to refute missionaries, and take greater pride in the remain firm in their Judaism. fact that they have the answers. Their Judaism will We each have the responsibility for this genera- flourish. It is the less fortunate Jewish student who tion, and to insure that future generations receive [1] “Killing future generations” must be under- has no answers, that succumbs to missionaries’ truth. If we do not act, then we are killing our stood. In no way do I mean that a child of a gentile emotionally satisfying arguments. But the grim children, for a life without Judaism, ends at the mother and Jewish father (who is gentile by reality is that many Jewish students are “less grave. But a life with Judaism is eternal. Jewish law) is any less important in God’s eyes, fortunate”, as intermarriage is through the roof. With our lack of response to intermarriage, we than a Jewish child. Adam, Eve, Noah Abraham Our youth must be taught all of these vital deny God’s will, as if to say to God, “I do not care and a host of other great individuals were not lessons, and taught from an objective standpoint: for Your wish to transmit Judaism, or whether Jewish, yet God valued them more than other the teacher’s or Rabbi’s goal in this class is not to Jews exist.” We must recognize and fear God’s Jews. Our messiah is a descendant of a perfected accuse other individual religionists, but to uncover institution of “Reward and Punishment”, one of gentile woman, Ruth the convert. So we see that the fallacy of man-made systems of faith that Judaism’s Fundamentals and therefore recited in God favors perfection, not lineage. God values a mislead masses to lose their one chance at life. the Shima twice daily. Ignorance of this truth is person who strives for truth, who spreads truth, Our youth should appreciate that such a class is certainly contributing to intermarriage. and God abhors those who breathe lies and intended to steer them away from a life of lies, If one is inactive when action is warranted, and mislead His creations. Now, when I state that towards a life where truth is the most prized entity. available, one is certainly culpable. missionaries “kill future generations”, it is meant They should be taught the Proof of Sinai, which is Marrying someone non-Jewish denies God, His in the sense that as gentile child, the odds do not accepted as absolutely, historically true today; just word, and proven realities. In an era where wealth favor him being raised in God’s true religion, as it was in 2448 when it occurred. And we must abounds, and the focus of the Jew is material Judaism. As such, he will most probably follow also accept as students any other human being collection, success and fame, it is no wonder that false religions. Thereby, he loses his chance to desirous of learning God’s Torah. This is our children of these types will also gravitate and have realized truth, and fulfilling his purpose. Of obligation, as the HafTorah of Bereshis says so admire such a lifestyle. The reality of God’s plan course, any child – gentile or Jew – who follows clearly. becomes obscured, holidays and Sabbath trivial, either the 7 Noachide laws or the 613 Torah Revelation at Sinai is true beyond any doubt, as living in accord with real ideals does not make commands, does in fact live in accord with God’s and unmatched by any other religion. The major one rich or famous. We have successful created a desire. So a gentile child has no inherent religions do not contest that event, or the synony- society of Jews who truly are no different than any disadvantage: it is merely the circumstance he is mous truth that God selected the Jew as His other culture. We can only blame ourselves for thrown into being raised by gentile parents that chosen people, chosen to teach our own, and all this horrendous rate of intermarriage. might cause his irrevocable loss.

10 Volume V, No. 3...Nov. 11, 2005 www.Mesora.org/JewishTimes Pirkei Avos – Ethics

“Moses accepted Torah from Sinai and the psyche of a tzadik, one who is righteous, is passed it over (masrah) to Joshua” better off because he never sinned, and therefore (Ethics 1:1) does not direct his energies towards sin. Rashi says that the second reason that Joshua Last week we left off with an intriguing was chosen for this role was that he ‘acquired a question, based on Rashi’s commentary on the good name’. Here too, we need to ask: what first mishna in Pirkei Avos. Rashi explains that exactly is meant by a ‘good name’? And why is one of the reasons Joshua was selected to be it so valuable? Is the Torah endorsing the selfish charged with transmission of the Torah was that concern that an individual has for his own the he ‘killed himself in the tents of wisdom from reputation? Certainly, we would demand more his days of youth’. After explaining the idea of from a leader of a nation! ‘killing oneself’ for wisdom, we asked: why is it To answer this question, we need to under- important that this take place in his youth? Why stand how a perfected individual relates to other MesoraMesora is it of interest to know at what stage in life this people. The Rambam, towards the end of his perfection took place? work, the Moreh Nevuchim (Guide to the The verse in Koheles 12:1 says “Remember Perplexed) explains that the highest level of man your Creator in the days or your youth before the is where his behavior towards others is based days of hardship arrive and the years where you solely on his ‘Ahavas Hashem’, his love of God. partpart iiii say ‘I have no desire for them’.” People gener- He does not involve himself in kindness towards ally think that the time to get involved in the others for any selfish reason, but rather only out rabbi israel chait spiritual is when one is older and the body is of appreciation for God’s Will. It is interesting to waning. Here King Solomon teaches us the notice that in society, people can sense the Written by student opposite - perfection must begin when one is motivation that others have for doing good young. The reasoning behind this is that insofar deeds. There is an ability amongst people to as a person perfects himself in his youth…that is detect whether an individual is doing something how much more he will be able to perfect for personal reasons or for some good other than himself in later years. Once man’s energies find himself. We may then say that one doesn’t have other roots, there will always remain a taint, no a great reputation, despite the fact that he may matter how much a person removes himself perform many good deeds, because people from those areas later on. The Talmud says recognize those selfish motivations. People “Whomever does not marry before the age of generally have their own selfish considerations twenty spends all his days in sin; can you so that when one acts based on his selfish goal, possibly mean literally in sin? Rather, all his others will sense that this person is really not so days will be spent in thought about sin”. Here unique - he is just acting on the same motives too, the Talmud is explaining that once a that others have. person’s mind is shaped in a certain way because In contrast, one who has a ‘good name’ will be his psychological energies are drawn to specific one who operates on the higher level of doing areas (here the specific area is the realm of the kindness out of recognition of an objective, sexual instinct), he will suffer from those effects selfless good to the extent that it is noticed as for the rest of his life. such. When people sense that this is an At this point, another statement of our Sages individual who is sincerely interested in the may seem contrary to our idea; the Sages welfare of others, they will admire him and explain that “In the place where those who praise him for this so that he will develop a good repent stand, the completely righteous can not reputation. stand”- this would seem to imply that although We can now explain the value of the ‘good one was a sinner before, he is on a higher level name’ and why it was important that the leader than one who never sinned and if so, then would of the Jewish nation have this characteristic: as a it not matter if one was a sinner in his youth? leader, Joshua was going to come under many The answer to this question lies in understand- pressured situations where a personal weakness ing the different frameworks of the ideas. When would be able to express itself in a wrong our Sages say that the repentant one is on a decision. Therefore, not only did he need to higher level, they are referring to the specific possess the trait of perfection from youth, so that attribute of removing and distancing oneself his energies were firmly rooted in the proper from sin. In this context, the repentant person paths and directions, but he also needed the has achieved more because, as the Rambam says ‘good name’ to express the degree to which he (Laws of Repentance 7:4) he tasted the taste of had reached a level of love for God, such that it sin and still was able to separate. In contrast, the was also recognized by others. With these two idea being expressed by Koheles as well as other characteristics, Joshua was fit to deal with all statements of the Sages mentioned above, is that pressures of being a leader, internal as well as with regards to the overall general makeup of external. 11 Volume V, No. 3...Nov. 11, 2005 www.Mesora.org/JewishTimes MaimonidesLetters

successive deaths: meaning no reincarnation. ingless, unless sourced in Torah. But there are no Oral Again choosing life means the alternative of death. sources for red strings and Chamsas. It makes no Therefore, death will not be included in what I difference whether the Chamsa has an “eye” as receive. This is great, but one must ask why do your mother opposes. It is an “object”, and unless Rules people die? Is it the case that everyone (with four commanded in the Torah, we are not to create Reader: Why, in connection with King David notable exceptions) has chosen death? Or is it that objects, as violated by the Jews who created the and Batsheva, does the written Torah say “wife”? death is natural and choosing death in the context object of the Golden Calf. Many Jews hide behind Why does the prophet use the word “wife”? Why above has to be understood in another way? This is attributed “meaning”, as in this case, where the does it say that “and Hashem struck the child that not an attempt to prove or disprove reincarnation, Chamsa supposedly refers to God’s name. Cham- Uriah’s wife had borne to David”? Your own site but a question of logic. sas and red strings have years of allegiance...many states in the article “Trust, Hope or Denial” the Mesora: Up to this point, I have been discussing Jews adhere to them as if they are Torah Law. following: “When King David took Batsheva for death, which is due to sin. But the institution of However, shall this influence our thinking or his wife it was considered evil in God’s eyes death for all mankind - even non-sinning men - behavior? Or, shall God’s commands decide the because she was still the wife of Uriah. David had came to the world due to Adam and Eve’s sin. matter? Uriah killed in battle and Batsheva mourned her Mortality was a necessary response to the human But most damaging is the idea that Chamsa is husband.” This is confusing. This says to me that condition as evidenced by Adam and Eve. There- God’s hand as you mention. Above all else, we the Oral Law is to be taken OVER the written. fore, based on man’s very design, witnessed in must possess the truest meaning possible regarding When the Written Law says “wife”, we cannot these two people, God’s wisdom decreed that man God, and he is not physical. He has no hand. And really believe it. How will I know if anything that must live knowing his mortality, and then experi- when the Torah states “the hand of God”, we I read is really saying what it appears to say? I ence death. This is necessary, not because of our understand that metaphorically, meaning “the realized that the Oral Law “fleshed out” the subjective sins, but be cause of man’s very nature workings” or “actions” of God. Written Law, but I had no idea that I cannot trust as a sinner, seen in Adam and Eve. God does not endorse Chamsas or red strings, the Written Law. I am not trying to be disrespect- but prohibits one from living a life where he or she ful; this concept just REALLY throws me for a attributes ANY power or meaning to objects or loop. God has allowed the Written Law to be ideas, other than God Himself. Follow the Torah: spread all over the globe, but we cannot trust what Jewish “Do not add or subtract from it”. (Deut. 13:1) we read? With all sincerity, please help me make sense of this. Mesora: Yes, the Oral Law overrides the Written Idolatry Law, but in a complimentary manner, not a contra- Reader:I have a question and some comments Mind dictory one. And it takes decades to master both upon which, I was hoping you could shed some Mind systems. In another case, the Written Law says light for me. Yesterday, in the live class, the subject King Solomon served idols. But the Rabbis say he of the “red string” came up. If the red string were a Over Masses did not: Oral Law informs us that the Written Law form of idol worship, then would a Chamsa be the Reader: Rabbi, if the Jews are called Jews wishes to condemn King Solomon in harsh terms, same? I come from a Sephardic mother whose (Yehudim?) because they descend from the tribe of and equates Solomon’s allowance of his wives great grandparents were from Turkey. To them, the Judah (Yehudah), (or is it the Kingdom of Judah?) idolatry to “his” actual worship, as if he did so. Chamsa, as was taught to me, represents the “hand why is Abraham called the first Jew? There is an idea being expressed by the use of of God”: the three middle fingers is Shin. The Thanks, exaggeration. Thumb is dalet. The pinky is yod, which spells Hector Fernandez I understand your confusion, and therefore urge Shadai, God’s name. This is what I was taught. Is Little Rock, AR your first step: “Arrange for yourself a teacher this just as silly as the red string? To me it is a [Rabbi]”. (Ethics, 1:6) A Torah scholar is symbol like the Mezuzah is a symbol. So I Mesora: The first Jews are called “ivrim” plural indispensable to our accurate understanding of consider the Chamsa a way to remember we are in for “ivri”. Abraham was termed “Abraham the both God’s and the Rabbis’ intent. “God’s hand”. However, my mother does not like Ivri”. The word ivri means the “other” [side] or the eye. She says it is superstitious and goes against “limb”. Meaning, Abraham was from another Torah. She says that some our people are supersti- view (limb), i.e., he was “other” than his genera- tious and have developed silly belief from the tion who were idolatrous. Abraham was uniquely Why middle ages. Can you shed some light on this monotheistic. Abraham may be termed the first Why Chamsa and why our people are superstitious? Jew, since he was selected as the forerunner of the Thank You, Jewish nation based on his discovery of monothe- Die? Rivka ism. In this weeks parsha Lech Licha, God grants Reader: Moses tells the Jews they might choose him a nation numerous as the stars. My under- one option: life or death. Choosing “one” - life or Mesora: The Mezuzah is God’s intelligent standing is that God desired the Jewish nation to be death - means they are mutually exclusive. Thus, if commandment: make no equation between it, and synonymous with someone who was able to I choose death, which Moses says is “not life”, the man-made Chamsa. And yes, the Chamsa is extricate himself from the idolatrous masses, and then life cannot be experienced be me any more: akin to the red string idolatry prohibited in Torah reach the great level he did. Thereby, Abraham no reincarnation. My death is terminal. (Tosefta Sabbath 1:7) where man seeks objects for stands as a prime example for all of mankind, that Alternatively, if I choose life, and I will not security…instead of the true security: God. All with a mind alone, and no teacher or books, man experience death, this means I will experience no suggested meanings of letters you cite, are mean- can discover the truth.

12 Volume V, No. 3...Nov. 11, 2005 www.Mesora.org/JewishTimes MaimonidesLetters

Mesora: The Talmudic portion quoted does their method of denial of Torah, and they need not isolate “Christians”, but “necharim”, to deny it, since down deep, they know Torah is translated as “strangers”, or gentiles. What the true. Talmud recorded 2000 years ago concerning Having been raised with little or no moral gentiles of that era, can not accurately be instruction and certainly, no Talmudic training, FFalsealse equated to current-day Christians: these are two we cannot be surprised at another lifestyle, the distinct groups. Of essential importance to idol worshipper. Aside from above where man’s Talmud study, is the “study” and not cursory free wheeling emotions seek no code at all, and reading. I will highlight the significant points of not in contradiction to it, man also seeks other this portion of Talmud in Chullin 13b. emotional satisfaction, such as security. With no isis The Talmud characterizes gentiles outside moral training, a human being remains Israel, at that time, as not idolatrous, but simply anchored in psychological infancy, seeking “following in the paths of their fathers”. Mean- security, with no ability or demand for intelli- ing, they were not diligent about the underlying gent explanation. Thus, many gentiles are FFalsealse fundamentals of their religion, and therefore, attracted to idolatry and alien religions, which did not carry the prohibitions connected with were created by other infantile minds, and true idolaters. We then wonder why they are appeal to like-minded individuals. distinguished from gentiles living “inside” Christianity is idolatry, as it maintains the Israel proper, who, by deduction, would in fact view that God inseminated a mortal with “Him- be considered true idolaters. self” and other nonsense. Originators concocted I would suggest that gentiles ‘closer to the amazing stories about this Jesus character, Polytheism: truth’ (i.e., gentiles living next door to Jews) “supporting” these fables with distorted, would show greater opposition to Judaism, via Biblical nuances, they re-write the Bible adding their true, idolatrous practice. Thus, gentiles numerous, false books – the Gospels, which inside Israel would be rendered idolatrous, contradict each other. Then Jesus takes over Prohibited while those outside of Israel would not be God’s role, and they pray to this man-god and viewed as true idolaters. We learn a new idea: worship him. Jesus is then killed. Since this is a idolatry, or any formal code, opposes one’s failure of their “god”, they concoct a “Second freedom of expression. Thus, most people Coming” theory to patch over their religion’s for would rather be unrestrained in all activities. gaping hole. To accept this, one cannot be However, when confronted with the reality of further from reality. Many Christians also the Jew’s great gift of Torah, in such close realized the contradictory and nonsensical quarters, a gentile will then seek alien religion nature of Christianity, which explains their Mankind, as a denial of his jealousy for the “chosen Jew” doctrine of “Blind Faith”. So some Christians and the truth of Torah. live a blind life, while many others have The Talmud in another section supports this become Noachides, or Jewish, having seen the not Just idea: prior to his acceptance of religious life, rational ideas God gifted to mankind. Rabbi Akiva possessed such hatred for the Christians were not the population discussed Torah scholars; he said he would bite them like in the Talmud, “necharim” were. Christianity is a donkey, which bites through the bone. Thus, heresy, and could not have been condoned by Jews prior to Rabbi Akiva’s conversion to an obser- any wise mind, for any person, including Chris- vant lifestyle, his close proximity to Torah tians and gentiles, for they too must follow scholars stirred his suppressed recognition that God’s Torah, i.e., “reason”, albeit 7 laws at the he was missing the true good in life. This deeply minimum. But before anything, all members of Reader: Dear Rabbi Ben-Chaim, I understand- disturbed him, to the point that he, like Chris- mankind must, by definition of their receipt of from your article, “Christianity: OK for Chris- tians, possessed animosity towards Torah and intelligence, acknowledge truth; the true tians?” (www.mesora.org/christianity2.html) that observant Jews. Another Talmudic portion concept of God, which Christianity obscures shittuf, or polytheism (plural gods) is forbidden for states as follows: “One who learns Torah before and replaces with nonsense and heresy. Gentiles, not just for Jews. This makes sense to an ignorant Jew (am ha’aretz) is akin to having Rabbeinu Tam would not condone idolatry or me. Therefore, I'm confused by the argument intercourse with his fiancée.” Again we are Christianity, for any man. The bottom line is proposed by some who use the Talmud (Chullin taught that just as the groom views his fiancée that if something is false, and this is why as 13b) to say that “Gentiles who practice Christianity as “his”, and is outraged if another man sleeps Jews we do not accept it, then no intelligent outside Eretz Yisrael are not idolaters - that they with his fiancée, so too, a non-observant Jew mind would say such fallacy is permitted for only continue the customs of their ancestors”. feels outraged when another Jew learns Torah others. Would you please clarify this Talmudic reference? in his sight: he knows the Torah is equally his, Also, I'm told that Rabbeinu Tam (Rashi's grand- like a fiancée, and is enraged with jealousy There is no debate among Rabbis whether son) holds that Christianity is okay for Gentiles. Is when another person has what he feels is his. In Christianity (idolatry) is ‘permitted’ for anyone. this an accurate reflection of his position? If yes, our Talmudic portion, the necharim (gentiles) Reason demands that all notions denying truth then would you please explain his reasoning? living in Israel proper are no different. Their must be avoided. What is false is false, for Many thanks. true attachment to idolatry may be explained as everyone. 13