••• AND THE JEW In the Middle of Boro Park Live Special Children.
They Depend On Us Rochel-For 10 years, her parents waited, lDDAY, thanks to the devoted professional prayed and hoped. But, when Rochel finally staff of Mishkon, Chaya has been taught basic came, she was so ill, she almost didn't make it. life skills and has been adopted by a loving Extremely fragile and totally helpless, Rochel family. With Mishkon as his home and the requires six hours a day and the patience of an many friends he has made, Yossel will make angel to be fed. Her parents were on the verge of the best of his life. And Rochel. Sadly, she has a nervous breakdown ... made limited progress. But at least her health is Yossel-A child of a local chasidic family, stable. The warmth and attention of the Mishkon this personable multi-handicapped adolescent staff and her parents has put a smile on her face. could not get the proper care living at home At Mishkon, 52 community children receive with his ten siblings. The parents just couldn't specialized care with dignity and love while their manage. The household was falling apart. .. parents have the peace of mind to care for their Chaya-Born with multiple handicaps in a families. foreign country, Chaya was brought to Mishkon Mishkon depends on your help to accommodate so weak ... she was unable to walk or even eat. .. the many children on its waiting list. Mishkon: They are our children. DR. JOEL ROSENSHE!N, DETedor RABBI YECJ--HEL KAUFl'v\A;-..;, A1_,1.1t -- ;i d1v1sion of the Jewish Board of Family nnJ Children'~ Serva::es ~ WISH ' BSERVER 4 THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021-6615 is published monthly except July and August, The Pursuit of Happiness, by the Agudath Israel of America, 84 William Social Decay, Street, New York, NY 10038. Second class postage paid in New York, N.Y. and at additional malllng And the Jew office. Subscription $22.00 per year; two years, Rabbi Aaron Brafman $36.00; three years, $48.00. Outside of the United States (US funds drawn on a US bank only) $10 sur· charge per year. Single copy $3.00; foreign $4.00. Send address changes to The Jewish Observer, 84 Wiiiiam St., N.Y., N.Y. 10038. Tel. (212) 797-9000. TORAH IN AMERICA: THE EARLY STRUGGLES Printed rn the U.S.A. 8 RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR EDITORIAL BOARD Rabbi Zalman Yaakov Friederman DR. ERNST BODENHEIMER A Champion of Torah in America Chairman At the Turn of the Century RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS Dr. Meir Wikler JOSEPH FRIEDENSON RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN 19 MANAGEMENT BOARD The Development of American Torah Jewry NAFTOU HIRSCH ISAAC KIRZNE'R A Review Article RABBI SHLOMO LESIN Heritage of Faith/The Maverick Rabbi/A Fire in His Soul/ NACHUM STEIN Returning to Tradition, The Contemporary Revival of RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING Orthodox Judaism/Crisis and Hope/Sacred Survival/ Business Manager Beyond the Secular Mind/The Final Resolution Published by Agudath Israel of America RABBI MOSHE SHERER PRESIDENT SPOTLIGHT ON CHESSED THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not assume responsibility for the Kashrus of any product or 28 service advertised in its pages. Private Enterprise: &i Copyright 1989 A Look at Chessed Activities in Jerusalem Ruth Steinberg 36 NOVEMBER 1989 VOLUME XXlllNUMBER 8 Letters to the Editor mEPURSUIT OF HAPPINESS, SOCIAL DECAY • • .AND mE JEW COSMIC CHANGES IN striving-not in the USSR. and not when he cries out in the name of THE WORLD ORDER in the satellite countries, from G-d: "Ki shtayim raos assa ami. .. Poland and Estonia to North Viet 1Wo evils My nation has perpe nam. Just a few months ago, Com trated against Me: They have aban vents of historic proportion munist China was on the brink of doned Me, a source of living waters, seem to be taking place, and convulsive change, with millions of to dig for themselves broken E we should be taking note. citizens threatening to reject the cisterns that will not hold water" Judging by the current trend of achievements of forty years of the (Yirmiyahu 2,13). And one thing events, the long-standing effects of People's Republic. And now, at this has become apparent: Commun the Russian Revolution-surely Writing, we are witness to East Ger ism does not hold water. one of the seminal events of the many being rocked by demand for Before we can unconditionally twentieth century-are on the radical change. celebrate the massive rejection of verge of collapseThe all-embracing, How tragic it is when we think of the communist system, let us look all-knowing solution to world pro the millions of Jews who forsook at what the same human forces blems that Leninism represented Thrah and replaced it with the reli which have fueled this revolt can no longer be touted as the gion of Communism! How many against Communism have done to definitive answer to man's restless Jews sacrificed their lives for this American society. Rather than atheistic religion, only to have their gloat over the triumph of the grandchildren repudiate their le American-capitalistic system, we Rabbi Aaron Brafman is Menahel of Yeshiva gacy and denounce it as an empty must sadly examine the end-result Derech Ayson, Far Rockaway, N.Y. His "The Yeitzer Hora Re-examined" was featured in JO, dream! This is but one example of of our free-enterprise approach, for September, 1985. what the Navi Yirmiyahu means it too is failing. We are currently 4 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 Aaron Brqfman witness to the internal decay of this a person becomes obsessed with parents to indulge in his taste for country's inner ethical core, with his possessions and pleasures, he meat and wine. He writes: out which no society can survive. A tends to become blind to the feel The reasons are two-fold: for mak growing lack of satisfaction with life ings of others: in fact, he can be cor ing light of his father and mother, has led to the scourge of drugs and rupted and even destructive, in the and their authority: and for being the tremendous increase in vio view of Ghazal (Rabbis of the gluttonous and drunk. transgress Tulmud) and Rishonim (early com ing the commands, "You shall be lence and crime in our cities. More holy" and "You shall serve Him, and over, a staggering number and mentaries). For example, the Tul cleave to Him':._which I have ex range of cases of fraud and corrup mud Yerushalmi adds "greed" to plained to mean that we are enjoin tion have recently come to light Bavli's well-known diagnosis of the ed to know G-d in all our dealings in government and banking circles, cause for the Ghurban of the ... A glutton and drunkard will not in Pentagon offices and staid bro Second Beis Hamikdash: learn the ways of G-d. kerage firms, from car ren ta! com In its discussion of this errant panies to baby food manufacturers. In the time of the Second Beis Hamikdash, the people were known youth. the Torah is addressing As one writer put it in regard to the to have been laboring in Turah, and everyone: We are all expected to latter, "Fraud was never so temp to be meticulous in mitzva obser strive to draw close to G-d; and to ting or remorseless, thanks to the vance and tithes: they possessed develop a pattern of life based on proliferation of electronic money, and fast, faceless financial trans actions. In the past, the primary How tragic it is when we think safeguard against such theft had been trust, but in the go-go SO's of the millions of Jews who forsook that ethical obstacle blew away like an old cobweb." 1brah and replaced it with the The underlying source of dis religion of Communism! satisfaction with both of these sys tems is a universal tendency that is inherent to the human condition. every positive character trait spiritual growth, one should avoid except that they loved money and Indeed. besides witnessing a failure putting a major focus on sensual hated one another without cause indulgences and material excesses. of the economic system in both I Yerushalmi, Yoma 4,6). societies, the human being has To do so leads to inner corruption been suffering a steady loss of That is to say, the two are inter and even violence. related: obsession with amassing dignity: in Russia, by the grinding AS FOR OUR GENERATION . .. power of a totalitarian police state, wealth spawns baseless hatred and and in America, by a perverted un a corruption of the sptritual essence ne might wonder what bear derstanding and unguided applica of all interpersonal dealings. In ing this discussion has on tion of the word "freedom''-and every encounter with others, the 0 Orthodox Jewry in Western this conception of freedom is now person is calculating, what can I countries. But then, it would be spreading to the Soviet Union. get out of this? naive to pretend that we are so in In this present climate, what The drive for personal gain and sulated from our surrounding soci passes for individual human dig pleasure at the expense of others is ety that we are not swept along nity does not reflect man as having so pervasive that it charges the very with the prevailing Zeitgeist. 'Il'agi been created in the image of G-d. air we breathe-literally and cally, there is no shortage of exam People have extended what they figuratively-for like it or not, we ples pointing to the degree to which consider their inherent rights to the are living in the very midst of this conspicuous consumption, greed, point where they can indulge corrosive atmosphere. This is not a envy, and corruption have crept without moral restraint, and the minor issue, for Ghazal put great into the most sheltered enclaves next human being is merely a stave stress on human dignity: and life-styles of our community. on someone else's ladder. This new Whoever gains recognition through In our limited vision, we often vision of man is an utteily demean the downfall of his fellow man for lack the clarity of perception to ing one for he is reduced to a self feits his share in the World-to-Come realize where present-day trends ish, competitive animal, lacking in (Yerushalmi), are leading, but our great vision any trace of nobility. One should rather throw himself aries are capable of fathoming their into a fiery furnace than shame his implications. For those who view fellow in public (Avoda Zora). OF GREED AND CORRUPI'ION events from the pure perspective of The Ramban makes a similar Turah can see through all theories oss of human dignity is very point in explaining the reason for and rationalizations that are prof closely tied to preoccupation the Turah's harsh punishment for fered to justify an underlying bank L with the pursuit of wealth the ben sorer u'moreh-a thirteen ruptcy. Thus the Ghazon !sh, com and a hedonistic lifestyle. for when year old who steals from his menting on the general increase in The Jewish Observer, November 1989 5 promiscuity and immorality. writes: behind constant economic growth. It is well known that a Jew must "That which the world calls love, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, in his recognize that the purpose of his the Torah describes as an issur recently published drashos life-and what he should consider kareis (an act that severs one's soul (Doresh Moshe, Drush 12), offers truly living-is to devote time to from its source of life)." This obser an analysis of a cryptic passage Torah study and the performance of mitzvos .. .. Whoever recognizes vation of forty years ago is so ob from the Gemora, which delineates this has made Turah and spirituality vious today that in a recent book the denouement of such trends: the primary focus of his existence; about the AIDS epidemic, the all else becomes secondary. This is author writes: "Love, one of the Rabbi Yosi said: "Woe unto the the [true] meaning of Shammai's sweetest words in the language, creatures for they see, and know not declaration in Pirkei Avos (1,15) now suggests a cause of death." what they see; they stand. and know when he says, "Asei 1bras'cha (Quoted in Time Magazine, July not where they stand" (Chagiga k'vah-Make Torah a fixed feature 18, '88 pg 68.) 12b). [of your life!." to which is added: " ... and your work a variable." This We need not search too far to does not refer to the amount of time discover the causes for the debase one spends on either pursuit. for ment of man in contemporary there are people who must work society. When Chazal say that This new vision hard all week and can only learn on "envy, lust and glory seeking of man is an utterly Shabbos, but since that is the time remove a person from the world" when they consider themselves to {Avos Hf, 28), the implication is that demeaning one for be truly living, Torah is primary in life loses its purpose when any of their lives. The opposite may also these three elements becomes he is reduced to a occur; someone might well be spending more time learning than dominant in a person. By the same selfish, competitive the first fellow, but since he places token, communities and entire greater emphasis on his material societies can crumble from the in animal, lacking pursuits and pleasures, his Torah is ner decay of "envy, lust, and glory not considered k'vah-primary." seeking." The wanton violence that in any trace of has plagued the inner enclaves of This can be the beginning of a America's great cities is in great nobility. solution that might be workable for measure a spin off of the drug everyone. Its effectiveness depends culture-surely a product of wholly on us and our attitude. pleasure-seeking, and the drive for Change begins by putting more profiteering and controlling others. In his explanation of the emphasis on the spiritual aspects For that matter, international Gemora, Reb Moshe comments: of our lives, primarily on learning rivalries are also to a great extent People are forever seeking for Torah. Although this might seem expressions of conflicting spheres ways of creating a world of peace like a difficult task, it is within of influence and glory-seeking. and contentment. one free of fear. everyone's reach, regardless of the Unbridled pleasure seeking is not Many ideologies and philosophies amount of time he finds available. admired in our society, nor is status have been fashioned towards this As the Turah says, "This matter is seeking. On the other hand, people end. Yet. despite all these attempis, very close to you, in your mouth generally do look up to the man the world is still full of strife. oppres and in your heart that you may do who has amassed a fortune, and we sion of the poor, and lack of justice it" (Devarim 30,14-see Ramban (perhaps to a greater degree than in tend to measure a person's worth the past). Rabbi Yosi is teaching us ad loc). The emphasis and the by his income. Our concern here, the reason for this: "Woe to the focus in each individual's situation then, is with greed, not only be world'~meaning the reason for the should be the same, and that is to cause it fuels the other vices, but woe that mankind experiences-is regard the precious segment of because-unlike them-it is so their misconstruing the foundations time that one devotes to Torah rampant today that it has almost upon which the world really stands. study or other Turah pursuits as his been turned into a virtue. It is the They err in determining which life* primary, self-defining activity. If we worm that eats away at the core of goals to pursue to create a stable can develop this type of attitude, the human being and destroys his world. then the unhealthy excesses of world-leading as it does to envy. prevalent life styles will slowly Moreover, greed translates into a Perhaps the solution to this may begin to recede and lose signifi deep discontent with one's share in be found in another drasha of Reb cance, and we will not feel the life, and it fuels the fires of strife and Moshe (Drasha 20). It is an impor desire, the need, or the importance dissension. Yet arousing perceived tant statement that may be the key of spending valuable time or needs is a basic underpinning of to setting up parameters into which money for what we know to be capitalism, it is the underlying all of us can aspire to live. Reb trivial. Perhaps we may thus source of its strength, and the force Moshe writes: develop a modus vivendi of living 6 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 in affluent times, benefitting from our earnings leads to a greater in our bounty and yet not succumb After all the volvement in financial dealings ing to its traps. thinking about money and working articles have been more for additional money, which In other words, it is generally increases our spending power assumed that enhancing the phys written, and all beyond the threshold of basic ical and material aspects of exist the myths have need ... and spend we do. ence is the key to the Good Life. Ac In addition, the amount of time cordingly, each of the currently been exploded, people put in at work has very little popular philosophies posits an ide relationship with what they earn. It ology and proposes a system to one question still may take significantly less time help one and all achieve material remains-Can and effort in certain fields to earn a abundance and unbridled fulfill greater amount than many more ment of one's desires. But this ulti anything be done? hours invested in other fields. mately leads to more strife, since material acquisitions must arouse envy in others, inevitably leading to conflict. For each person views the other as either an object of envy or an obstacle impeding his own MACHON fulfillment. All such theorieo for human self-enhancement are BNOS merely rhetoric, while strife-Jeth personal andglobal-will continue T£HIJDA to nourish. Peace and harmony can only emerge if spiritual goals, un an affiliate of tainted by ulterior motives or Bais Yaakov Academy vested interests, and service of G-d become central to life. It is for this reason that Jewish people bless [B' A full year seminary for serious their children that they grow up to Bais Yaakov students become tzaddikim and talmidei [B' Advanced academic program with chachamim, rather than wealthy, powerful leaders ...When a child is diploma and accreditation I born, we wish the parents that they [B' Dedicated, experienced staff of teachers, J raise the infant "to Turah. chupah housemothers, and individual guidance and maasim tovim:' Not that he counselors become wealthy or powerful. Such achievements should be irrelevant [a' Intensive teacher training program to one's ultimate goals. [a' Directed and guided by noted educator Mrs. Rivka Glustein IS THERE ANY SOLUTION? [B' Unique and inspiring fter all the articles have extra curricular activities been written, and all the [a' American standards for food and lodging A myths have been exploded, one question still remains-Can [!3'10 programmed Shabbosos in different anything be done? Is there any cities throughout Bretz Yisroel and Tiulim possibility of slowing down the which are intertwined with our headlong rush towards acquiring and experiencing more and more? Historia course Is such a shift in attitude to be [a' All of the above is expertly programmed by expected-or even to be asked-of Mrs. Sori (Aus band) Finkel. people in today's affluent society? Part of the problem is that in the current economic climate, just Mrs. Devorah (Fogel) Zupnik, PRINCIPAL, will be keeping pace with the steady rise in in the States from November 5 to November 15th. the cost of housing, food, and tui- She. will be available for inquiries and may be "1 tion makes ever more demands of contacted at B.Y.A.: (718) 339-4747. all of us. And the need to increase The Jewish Observer. November 1989 7 TORAH IN AMERICA: Tl-!E EARLY STRUGGLES n February 8, 1914, Rabbi European-born Rav who devoted Shereshevski (Neshivitz) and Rabbi Aaron Welkin, Rav of St. his life to defending Torah causes Yitzchok Elchonon Spektor, the OPetersburg, and Rabbi Meyer in the United States against the revered Kovno Rav. His semicha Hildesheimer of Berlin arrived in ravages of the 19th and early 20th from these outstanding figures Boston and were greeted by thou century assimilation. Although it is came as a result of shimush (ap sands of supporters and well-wish 54 years since Rabbi Friederman's prenticeship). As such, he literally ers: Their purpose was to streng passing, the battles he waged at the moved into the homes of these well then Torah study and observance, turn of the century are surprisingly known halachic authorities, not and in the process to establish what current and all too familiar. only to study with them, but to is now known as the Agudath Israel witness their rabbinic judgments in of America. all areas of halacha, receiving first One of the primary architects of FROM VILNA TO BOSTON hand practical training in addition that now historic visit was Rabbi to the Torah studies. Zalman Yaakov Friederman, a orn in Merets, a town near In 1889, Rabbi Friederman mar Vilna, in the 1850's (the exact ried Devora Lipschutz, the daughter Dr·. Wikler, a psychotherapist and family year of his birth is unknown), of Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Lipschutz, counselor in private practice and former Profes B sor at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, lives Zalman Yaakov Friederman left the personal secretary of Rabbi in Brooklyn, New York. The material presented home when he was twelve to study Yitzchok Elchonon Spektor. As a here was gleaned from library research, Rabbi Friederman's writings and the personal recollec with Rabbi Moshe Doneshevsky, the result of his exposure to the Ged tions of contemporaries, passed on to their Av Beis Din (head of the rabbinical olim (Torah giants) of his time, children. The author expresses his gratitude to his relatives who helped In the preparation of court) of Slobodka. By the age of Rabbi Friederman was sought out this article, and to Grand Rabbi Levi Yitzchok twenty, he received his first semicha by other Rabbonim throughout his Horowitz N"\)''J".!! (the Bostoner Rebbe, Boston and (ordination) in Bialystok, with more lifetime to help resolve difficult Har NoO and the late Grand Rabbi Moshe Horowitz 'J":H (the Bostoner Rebbe, New York) for to follow: from Rabbi Alexander questions in gittin, chalitza, and sharing their recollections of Rabbi Frtedennan. Moshe Lapidus (Rasein), Rabbi Lipa other complex, sensitive areas of 8 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 Dr. Meir Wikler halacha. When Rabbi Friederman COMING TO AMERICA mechitza. These sermons, later came to America, he took with him published In four volumes, reveal the special chalitza shoe, which he the breadth of Rabbi Friederman's used for the chalitzos he later abbi Friederman arrived in knowledge of Tanach, Gen\ora and performed in Boston. America in 1893, when in Midrash. But even more, they reveal For close to forty-three years, his R his mid-thirties, to assume his personal anguish over the weak study became a focal point for the position of Rav of the presti ening of Torah values In America. halachic inquiry and personal gui gious Forsythe Street Synagogue in Although no acknowledgements dance in America; Rabbi Frieder New York City. During the three of her contributions appear in any man would sit with his eyes closed, years that he was in New York, he of these seforim, Devora Friederman his head bent forward, as he con worked diligently in support of the gave her husband much more than centrated on the words of his peti Talmud Torah on East Broadway, moral support. In addition to being tioners. These included rabbonim and developed a personal relation unusually well versed in Tanach. and shochtim seeking his counsel ship with Rabbi YaakovYosef, Chief Rebbetzin Friederman was also a on how to deal with baale battim Rabbi of New York, whose warm polished Hebrew writer. In order to (lay leaders), businessmen in need haskoma graced Rabbi Frieder lighten the burden of her husband's of his adjudication in monetary man's first sefer, Emes V'Emunah. communal responsibilities, she disputes, and representatives of published in 1895. edited and proof-read all her hus destitute European communities That same year, Rabbi Frieder band's manuscripts prior to publi seeking financial aid. man moved to Boston to serve as cation, even though she had re the Rav of the Agudas Hakehillos ceived no formal Jewish education. Throughout his life Rabbi Fried of Greater Boston. His eloquent erman maintained ties with the sermons, delivered in Yiddish, drew .. DEAR READER" Gedolim in Europe and Eretz Yis enormous crowds; with no holds roel, carrying on a correspondence barred, he chastised his congre t the turn of the century, one with the Chafetz Chaim, Rabbi gants with such impact that by the of the most prestigious and Chaim Ozer Grodzensky, Rabbi time he finished speaking, there was A widely circulated Rabbinical Yehoshua Leib Diskin, and Rabbi never a dry eye on either side of the journals was Hapelles. Published Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld. Rabbi Friederman's seforim were graced with haskomos (letters of approba tion) from Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Rabi TEMPORARY HOMES nowitz (son of Reh Yitzchok El chonon) of Kovno, Rabbi Eliezer NEEDED Gordon (Telshe), Rabbi Moshe Non eshevsky (Rav of Slobodka), Rabbi FOR ARRIVING Eliezer Rabinowitz (Minsk), Rabbi Eliyahu Klotskin (Lublin), Rabbi JEWISH IMMIGRANTS Avraham Dov Ber Shapiro (Kovno). During the last few years. thousands of Jewish youngsters have and Rabbi Meir Shapiro (Lubliner fied their homeland because of persecution and oppression. Through Rav). our efforts. many were brought to the New York area, where they In his haskoma (approbation) to can be given a strong Jewish education and environment in which Rabbi Friederman's sefer Sho to grow Many families in our community opened their home to shanas Yaakov, Rabbi Meir Sha provide temporary housing for these piro wrote, In 1927; new immigrants. We thank them and believe that they were enriched by In Boston . . the renowned Rav the experience. Hagaon Zalman Yaakov Friederman showed me his Shoshanas Yaakov, Recent events. however, have [which} I found to be full of Hashem's forced additional youngsters to flee. Blessing. awe-inspiring words sweet to and many will be arriving in New York the ear enflaming the heart with Torah. in the next few weeks. They, too. need His earlier sejorim demonstrate that he homes. We urgently need your help employs his writing to do battle on behalf of our faith . ... May Hashem in housing them. If you live in the Baro be with him and may this seferbecome Park/Flatbush area and can find room a precious rose in the garden of Israel. in your heart and home to participate Signed this first day {of the week of in this great mitzvah of hatzolas the Sedra) Ki Sisa, Gittin 31. 5667 in Boston. nefoshos, please call 718-486-8824/ Meir Shapiro 212-627-7701 today. The Jewish Observer, November 1989 9 Build Torah in Eretz Yisroel "'l'lil-'11 i1" On ,JIOUr next tnP to Israel Dial-in to Kol Hada!. DAF HAYOMI ...... (Yiddish) ...... 02-243121; ...... 04-672006; ...... 03-9342812 np:in'J nl.!l"l 03-5794111-2 ni1n •i1u'" (Hebrew) .... 02-241112; ...... 04-672111; ...... 03-5794001-2 03-5794301 D'Q'Jj71fl 03-9342811 (English) ...... 02·247788; ...... 03-5794360 03-9342813 MISHNA YOMI ...... 02-247789; ...... 04-672121; ...... 03-5794380 03-9342813 SHIUR-IYUN ... ,...... (Yiddish Only!) ...... 03-5793770 Beautiful framed certificates available for donors. monthly in Poltova, Russia, by have attended Jewish schools? They 'Withdrawing the original certificate Eliyahu Akiva Rabinowitz. Hapelles spend the major part of the day at their will not help (because) ... 1. After people featured articles on Torah thought. secular studies ... and only come to become accustomed to shopping in a chederin the evening. fora few minutes, store, they cannot imagine that non ' as well as current events. Rabbi when they are already drained from kosher items are sold there.... 2. The Friederman was a frequent contrib their school day. newspaper publishers will not accept utor to Hapelles, as well as to the 'What brought this condition about? the Rav·s disclaimer for fear of antag better-known Hamodia. The American atmosphere [which] onizing their major advertisers, the contaminates the heart and confuses storekeepers.... 3. The storekeeper will In one particular article. entitled, the mind .... In Europe, even the poorest simply spread the word that the Rav "Takonas Chachomim" (Hapelles of the poor would mortgage himself and withdrew his certification because he 1903), Rabbi Friederman described sell his clothing to pay tuition for his raised his fee and the storekeeper could the state of Jewish affairs in Amer children to receive a proper Jewish not afford the increase.... 4. Some ica in great detail. While the article education.... Parents here say: Why storekeepers are even more shrewd and should l spend so much moneyfor an will replace the Rav's certificate with was written for a European Jewish education that he will never use? Let one signed by a layman. This layman audience almost a century ago, it him better learn a tmde so that he will will be called 'Harav Hagaon' on the sheds light on a phase of American later be able to support himself." certificate, and no one will bother to Jewish history that may be equally {Emphasis added.) investigate whether the signator is relevant for us today, as per the As Rabbi Friederman points out, really a Rav or even alive!" following excerpts (translated by the the situation regarding kashrus Regarding the observance of author): was no better: Shabbos, Rabbi Friederman report "This country is blessed with every "Even those few who are concerned ed: thing.... No one goes hungry or thirsty, about the hechshettim do not know "They work here on Shabbos just like naked or barefoot. ... This is also a enough to check for seals on individual on a weekday.... As a matter of course, country where there is no Torah and products, but rather look for the name an aveil during Shiva will ask a Rav no tefilla (prayer), no Shabbos and no of the Rav in the store window. Shrewd if he is permitted to work on the Yom Tov. no kashrus and no family storekeepers buy a little merchandise Shabbos of Shiva. Since Friday was the purity, no unity and no peace, no Torah with a hechsher to obtain a Rav's third day, and he has already gotten up education and no modesty.... Freedom certificate of kashru.s, which they dis from sitting Shiva (according to the on the one hand, and temptations on play prominently.... After their rep 'American Shulchan Arnch' . .. ) the other, and secular studies above utation as a kosher store has become "Even those who do go to shul on both-these three factors have joined established, they stock non-kosher Shabbos, daven vasikin {at dawn), and together to destroy Judaism." items as well. immediately after the second Kedusha, Rabbi Friederman went on to ex plain how, in an '!offort to stem the tides of assimilation and weakening since 1928 of Torah values, a conference of American Rabbonim was convened FREEDA® in New York City. The conference lasted five days, resulting in the creation of the Agudas Harabonim of America. Using the list of by-laws VITAMINS of the newly created Agudas Harab THE BEST IN THE VITAMIN WORLD onim as background, Rabbi Fried 36 E. 4lst St:, :\le\\' York, NY 10017 (212) 685·4980 erman painted the picture ofJewish life in America at that time. Over 250 Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids to cover all Regarding the state of Rabbonus your vitamin needs. Our vitamins are made on the premises under strict pharmaceutical and kashrus standards. in America, he writes: Freeda Vitamins are parve and vegetarian and are under the "Membership in the Agudas Harab Rabbin·1cal Supervision of the Orthodox Union. onim will be limited to those with semicha from the Gedolim in Europe. . . . Until now, the American Rabbinate • No sugar • No sulfates • No coal tar dyes was like a city without walls. Whoever • No starch • No salt filler • No animal stearates chose to assume the title 'Rav' did so with impunity.... Who can even count the problems this has created in areas like marriage and divorce!" Your children deserve the best vitamins on the market, and He was especially distraught over FREEDA VITAMINS with no dyes or sugar, are the best the level of chinuch (Torah educa tion) in America: Freeda LKV drops for infants "I do not exaggerate when saying that Freeda chewable Vitalets for children scarcely fifty out of a hundred children Freeda Yelets for teenagers can recognize an Alef or a Bets. and of THERE IS NO REASON TO BUY ANYTHING ELSE! -.J those fifty, thirty have little more than glanced at them quickly.And what hope Call or write for free brochure. do we have for the twenty percent who The Jewish Observer, November 1989 11 fold up their taleisim and run off to The Rabbontm shared the blame, encounter with Bostoner Rebbe work. Similarly, self-employed store saying, "He's a real talmid cha· keepers may daven at the second according to Rabbi Friederman: minyan on Shabbos, and be honored "If one Rav wants to accomplish any cham, I cannot understand why he with Shlisht {the prestigious third worthwhile objective, another Rav will has to be a Chassidische Rebbe!" aliyal. yet they are not ashamed to go examine the first Rav's actions to Together, Rabbi Friederman and to their businesses after shul." determine if it will detract in any way Rebbe from his own income or honor.... One the Bostoner tried to estab lish what would have been the first In spite of the efforts of the Agudas Rav lights the flame of a mitzva and Harabonim, explained Rabbi Fried another comes along and extinguishes yeshiva day school in America. The it." Bostoner Rebbe had an after-public erman, no substantial improve· school "yeshiva" with an enrollment ments were made. of 300 boys. But each year, the AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP "The spirit of freedom, public school enrollment dwindled, due to the education, and business pursuits forces described by Rabbi Frieder merge to destroy Jewish life. Whoever bviously, Rabbi Friederman man in the article in Hapelles. comes to live in this land does so to indulge in worldly pleasures." was not of one mind with The Bostoner Rebbe proposed Omost of Boston's Rabbonim. engaging secular studies teachers, Although his daily activities to bring Torah and secular educa STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, brought him In constant contact tion together under one roof, similar MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION with the rabbinic leaders of Boston, to today's Hebrew Day Schools, (Act of October 23, 1962. Section 4369. Title 39, United States Code) he did not become an Intimate yeshivas ketanos and mesivtos. The IA. Title of Publi(·ation: The Jewish Observer friend with any of them. "But a man idea was revolutionary at the time. B. !SSN-0221·6615 2. Date of Filing-Sept. 25. 1989 cannot survive without a close and was opposed by all the Rabbo 3. frequency oflssue. Monthly. except July and chaver'' (Ta'anis 23a), and Rabbi nim of Boston-except Rabbi Fried August. A. No. of issues published annually Ten. B. Annual Subscription Priee-$22.00. Friederman was no exception. As erman. These Rabbonim-whose 4. Location of Known Office of Publicallon: 84 soon as the Bostoner Rebbe, Grand afternoon schools would have been William Street. New York, N.Y. 10038 6. Names and Address of Publisher. Editor. and Rabbi Pinchas David HaLevi Horo threatened by such a school Managing Editor: Publishcr-Agudath Israel of witz, 7"!ft, America: Chr. Editorial Board-Dr. Ernst L. came to America from argued that the proposed plan Bod!.'nheimer. 84 William St .. N.Y.C.; Managing Eretz Yisroel in 1914, he and Rabbi would endow secular education Editor-Habbi Nisson Wolpin, 84 Wllliam Street. N.Y.C. 10038 7. Owner: Agudath !sradof America. 84 William Streel. N!.'"w York. N.Y. 10038 8. Known bondholders. mortgages and other An unlikely team, the Litvische seeurHy holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds. mortgages or other se<'urities: none Rav and the Chassidishe Rebbe had 9. The purpose. function. and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status of federal income tax purposes have not changed widely disparate backgrounds, but during preC"eding 12 months. 10.A. 1bta! no. copies printed (net press run]: average no. copies each issue during preceding their common purpose by far out 12 months: 15.000. Aetua! number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: weighed their differences. 15.000. B. Paid circulation I. Sales through dealers and carrins, street V!.'ndors and counter sales: average no. copies each !ssue during preceding 12 months: 4.500. Actual number of Friederman became more than with a religious sanction. Even with copies of single issue published nearest to filing Rabbi Friederman's support, the date: 4.488. 2. Mail subsl:'riplions: average no. friends and colleagues; they were copies each issue during preceding 12 months: virtual partners in a campaign to project could not succeed without 9.300. Actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: 9.383. C. Tutal strengthen Ytddtshkeit in America. the broader-based support of the paid circulation: average no. copies each issue It was, of course, an unlikely team, Rabbinic leaders of Boston. So the during preceding 12 months' 13.800. Aetual no. of copies of single issue published nearest to fil. for the Litvische (Lithuanian) Rav student body of 300 eventually !ng date: 13.871. D. Free distribution {including Chassidische Rebbe deteriorated to the point where only samples) by mail carrier or other means: average and the came no. copies each issue during preceding 12 from widely disparate backgrounds, a handful of unmotivated boys tnonths: 970: actual no. of copies of single issue nearest to filing date: 980, E. Total distribution but their common purpose by far remained, under parental pressure. (sum of C and DJ: average no. copies each during outweighed their differences. preceding 12 months: 14.770. Actual no. of Seventy-five years ago, Litvaks copies of single issue published nearest to filing "DIN TORAH" ON ICE date: 14.851. F.l Office use. !eft·ovcr. unac. and Chassidim were separated by count!.'"d, spoiled after printing: average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: geographic distance In Europe. and 70. Actual number of copies of single issue too often by bitter animosity, prej· efore the advent of modem published nearest to filing date: 53. F.2. Heturns from news agents. 160/96. G. Total (Sum of E udice and misunderstandings as refrigeration, cold-cuts were and fl: average no. copies each issue during well. Most of the Litvaks of that the only meat that could re preceding 12 months: 15.000. Actual no. copies B of single issue published nearest to filing date, period, for example, equated Chas· main unspoiled for more than a few 15.000. I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete. sidus with am haratzus (ignor days. So it is understandable that The Jewish Observer ance). One of the great Litvische the main kosher sausage manufac Rabbonim in America left his first turer in Boston operated one of the 12 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 sands of unsuspecting kosher con In breathless spurts the mash sumers eating treif (non-kosher) giach reported his discovery. The meat so agitated the mashgiach that he could not sleep. In the middle Rav hamachshir (certifying Rabbi) of the night, he came banging on the door of the Bostoner Rebbe. waited until the mashgiach finished, After apologizing profusely, the mashgiach related the events of the and then told him, "You didn't see evening. The Bostoner Rebbe as sured him that he would investigate anything:' the matter personally and even take largest businesses in New England. meat as it was being unloaded, and the Rav hamachshir to a din Torah Of course, its products were all found that it carried the seal of a (rabbinic trial) if necessary. certified kosher by one of the most non-Jewish butcher, embellished But that was easier said than done. The Rav hamachshir refused well-known Rabbonim in Boston, to with a large cross! whom all of the on-site mashgichim Deeply upset, the mashgiach to discuss the matter with the Rebbe. Rebbe (Kashrus inspectors) were person rushed over to the home of the Bostoner Then the ally accountable. prominent rabbi who certified the could not find another Rav in all of to After a particularly hard day's kashrus of the plant. In breathless Boston who was willing sit on a beis din (court) to hear his claim, work at the enormous sausage spurts, the mashgiach reported his plant, one of the mashgichim mis discovery. The Rav hamachshir except Rabbi Zalman Yaakov Fried takenly left his coat there. He re (certifying Rabbi) waited until the erman. With no possibility of a beis din, turned to the plant later that mashgiach finished, and then told Boston-based they finally to rab night-as the mashgiach, he had him, "You didn't see anything." The agreed call a delegation of bonim his own set of keys-and was sur mashgiach thought that he wasn't from New York City from the prised to see a huge truck being un clear, so he repeated the entire story, newly formed Agudas Harabbonim. loaded at that late hour. No deliv The Rav hamachshir gave the same When the delegation arrived, one eries were expected ... that he knew response. Rav was overheard to have made a of. The mashgiach inspected the The thought of hundreds of thou- disparaging remark regarding sit- HEAR BEREISHIS AS NEVER BEFORE with Rabbi Yissocher Fraud Introducing the second series of powerful, moving shiurim by Rabbi Yissocher Prand, Magid Shiur at Ner Israel Yeshiva in Baltimore and one of today's most dynamic young speakers. Recorded from his popular weekly shiur at Baltimore's Agudath Israel, with Rabbi Frand. You'll journey through the development of Halacha to current responsa. Each tape concludes with 20 minutes of Hashkafa to that Parsha. BEREISHIS: SERIES II 0 Bereishis-Artificial Insemination 0 Toldos--Non-kosher Medicines and the B!rchas D Noach-Ma'ariv and Mitzvos In the Land Hareiach (Scents) Of the Midnight Sun D Vayeitzei-Honoring Parents Who Are Not Observant D Lech Lecha-Bris Milah: The Metzitzah 0 Vayishlach-Tombstones: Halachic Questions and Controversy Answers D Vayeira-The Tzava'ah (Last Will and D Vayeishev-Kat!anis: The Twice Widowed Woman Testament) of Rabbeinu Yehuda D Mikeitz-Prohibitions During Times of Crises Hachasid D Vayigash-The Uses of Snow Jn Halacha []' Chayei Sarah-Superstition In Halacha D Vayechi--The Yissocher--Zevulun Partnership TO ORDER , send $7 per tape (includes shipping and handling). OR send $65 for the entire Bereishis: Series II, a!! twelve tapes (a $84 value). A catalogue listing all of Rabbi Frand's tapes will be included with each order. Make check payable to Yad Yechiel Foundation, P.O. Box 51 I, Owings Mills, MD 21117-0511. Tel. (301)358-0416 U.S. funds only. Name------Address------C it y ------St a t e ___ Z i p ___ _ (ALSO AVAILABLE AT E!CHLER'S AND OTHER FINE BOOKSTORES) Vad Vechiel is a qualified non-profit organization dedicated to the memory of Reb Yechiel hen Reh Nachman Dovid HaLeivi. The Jewish Observer, November 1989 13 ting on a din Torah involving a icate the case in favor of the Rav Chassidische Rebbe. This Rav then hamachshir, for obvious reasons. IWO EMINENT RABBIS A'RRIVE noticed a blind, elderly Jew mum Nor could they break ranks to bling to himself. He leaned over to adjudicate against their fellow hear what the old man was saying members of the Agudas Harabonim. and was shocked to hear him So they all simply went home. reviewing halachic commentary by Rabbi Friederman and the Bos heart! He then learned that this toner Rebbe, however, remained elderly Jew was the Bostoner Rebbe. undaunted. They met with the whom he had thought too unedu sausage manufacturer and finally cated for participating in a Din managed to extract a promise from Torah. him to correct his fraudulent prac The hearing began in the morn tices. Lacking the means to enforce ing. The Bostoner Rebbe and Rabbi the agreement, Rabbi Friederman Friederman gave their opening and the Rebbe were unable to arguments, and the Rav hamach prevent the manufacturer from shir gave his. The tribunal then reneging on his promises. Within announced that the hearing was the year, however, this deception recessed for lunch and would re was finally stopped as Heaven inter convene in the afternoon. vened, and the entire sausage plant "Take me to the railroad station," burned to the ground. the Bostoner Rebbe told his oldest son, Moshe (the late New York A LIGHTER MOMENT Bostoner Rebbe '.1'»1). "But Tatte," the young Moshe Horowitz protested, "how can you abbi Friederman and the walk out in the middle of the din Bostoner Rebbe had a close Torah?" R association on a personal His father insisted, so the young level, as well. Each year before Reb Moshe helped his elderly father Pesach, for example, the Bostoner out of the courtroom into a taxi. Reb Rebbe gave Rabbi Friederman hand Moshe understood his father's rea made shmura matzos, baked in the after the matza baking. The Rebbe soning when he entered the train Rebbe's own matza oven. One year, quickly called the shamos (care station. There they found the Agu when Rabbi Friederman called on taker) to extinguish the fire. das Harabonim delegation waiting the Bostoner Rebbe to receive this for the train back to New York. The annual gift, the Rebbe chuckled, "But, Rebbe," the shamos Bostoner Rebbe had sensed that ''You know, these are very expensive pleaded, "the shul is insured for this was one din Torah that would matzos this year!" The Rebbe went $10,000. If we let the fire bum, all never be concluded. The New York on to explain that a small fire had the Rebbe's financial problems will Rabbonim could not possibly adjud- broken out in his shul the morning be solved!" Not just a cheesel a tradition... .·'" Haolam, the most trusted name in Cholov Yisroe! Kosher Cheese. A reputation earned through 25 years of scrupulous devotion to quality and kashruth. With 12 delicious varieties. Haolam, a tradition you'll enjoy keeping. AU tbe>lam Cl!(<:•o prnC 14 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 While Rabbi Friederman's analogy to this Chassidic tale of a trade-off of eternity for trivia required no further explanation to the Bostoner Rebbe, the Rebbe remained content with his part of the bargain, and made a point of retelling the entire incident every year at the Melave Malka of Motzaei Shabbos Hagadol, a practice which is con tinued today by his son, Grand Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Horowitz. the Bostoner Rebbe of Boston and Har Nof. A SHIDDUCH FOR HIS NEPHEW abbi Friederman was a young boy when his mother, R Leah, died in 1869. Much of his care and upbringing fell upon his older married sister, Sara Dina Strogoff. In an ironic tum of events, Rabbi Friederman took Sarah Dina's son, Moshe Ephraim. under his wing, as the boy's mother had done for him at a similarly tender age. When Rabbi Friederman came to It was at the start of the Depres given free meals and lodging at the sion, and $10,000 then was a huge farmer's house in return for conducting the seder. This year, however, the sum of money. But the Rebbe had gabbai was unable to arrange a guest no intention of burning his way to for the farmer. As Pesach approached, prosperity. So, the Rebbe explained, the farmer made several anxious trips these matzos could be considered to town for a guest-to no avail. By Erev Pesach the farmer and his wife were as costing the $10.000 he could have getting desperate. The farmer climbed received had he let the shul bum up a nearby hill in hope of spotting a down. traveler on the road. MALOHN "That reminds me of a stmy they "Meanwhile," continued the Baal MIFAL tell about your Baal Shem Tov," Shem Tov, "the angels in Heaven were taking an interest in the farmer's Grand Reopening Rabbi Friederman replied. and went eagerness to fulfill the mitzvos of the on to repeat a well-known Chassidic seder. In their sympathy for him and All new beautiful rooms, with tale: his family. they decided to send Eltyahu Hanavi in the guise of a traveler to kitchen facilities, in heart of The Baal Shem Tov was seated at his conduct the seder for the farmer and seder table, surrounded by all his his family. Just as these deliberations Soro Park for day or week. disciples. Just prior to the beginning were taking place in Heaven, the farmer Near Shuls, take-out foods, etc. the seder, the Baal Shem Tov laughed came up with a solution to his dilemma. heartily. He then proceeded with the He rushed into his barn, put a hat on Profits to Mifal Torah Vodaas. seder and none of his disciples dared his horse. and brought his horse into to ask what had been so funny. At the the house. 'Here is our guest!' pro~ Help Sfardishe youth return conclusion of the seder, the Baal Shem claimed the farmer to his wife. to Yiddishkeit through Torah Tov explained. "When the angels saw what the "There is a certain illiterate Jewish farmer did, they laughed so that they education in Yerushalayim and farmer," the Baal Shem Tovbegan, "who never dispatched Eliyahu Hanavi to does not know how to conduct a seder Earth. In his impetuousness. the farmer Tveria. for himself. Each year he goes into town lost out on having the most honored Call months before Pesach to remind the guest of all!" gabbai (sexton) in the shul to find him Concluded the Baal Shem Tov, "If the f718J 851-2969 a guest for Pesach. Each year a traveling angels in Heaven were laughing so hard, merchant, student. or even beggar. is I too could not control my laughter." The Jewish Observer. November 1989 15 America later, in 1893, Moshe Eph "I do," answered the Rosenbergs' THE ERETZ YISROEL raim came with him and went to live daughter, "but they have all gone to CONNECTION with other relatives in Worcester, the movies. They paid for their Mass., but the two continued to tickets before Shabbos. They hroughout his life, Rabbi maintain close coniact. wanted me to come along, but !just Friederman maintained a During the summer of 1912, don't feel that It is the right thing T strong connection with Eretz Rabbi Friederman was vacationing to do. I decided to siay home." Yisroel. In addition to the spiritual with his wife at a seaside resort "A girl with such mesiras nefesh and emotional bonds that all sen popular amongst the religious Jews (self-sacrifice) in the face of social sitive Jews feel toward Eretz Yisroel, of New England. In the same house pressure," Rabbi Friederman Rabbi Friederman also worked tire lessly to raise funds on behalf of where the Friedermans were renting mused, "would make a perfect shid Yisroel, an apartment, a single girl was stay duch (match) for my nephew!" Knesses Rabbi Meir Baal ing with her cousins: Zlote Pessa, After the summer, a meeting was Haness, the major tzeddaka fund the daughter of Meir Eliyahu and arranged, and a few meetings later, supporting the Yishuv in the four Sara Rochel Rosenberg of Burling the couple became engaged, and major cities, Yerushalayim, Tzefas, ton, Vermont. When Rabbi Frieder were married in February, 1913. Teveria, and Chevron. man met the twenty-year-old Zlote (The author can attest to the ac In his close contact with the leadership of Eretz Yisroel, Rabbi Pessa on Shabbos afternoon, he curacy of the dialogue quoted above Friederman was very involved, for asked her, 'What are you doing because, as the grandson of Moshe example, with Rabbi Avraham Yitz sitting around with the old folks on Ephraim and Zlote Pessa Strogoff, such a beautiful day? Don't you have he has heard this story retold many chok HaKohein Kook '"" (1865- 1935 ), the first Chief Rabbi of what any friends here your own age?" times.) was then called Palestine. In the 1920's, Rabbi Kook came Weddings • Bar Mitzvahs • Organizational Affairs to New York City to undergo major surgery. Before agreeing to the surgery, however, he dispatched a personal messenger to Boston, to ask Rabbi Friederman for mechila (forgiveness). Of course, Rabbi Friederman granted the request. without ever revealing to anyone the reason for it. ... The operation was successful. Whatever differences may have come between these two Rabbonim during their lives, no animosity remained. In fact, Rabbi Friederman is buried within daled amos (four cubits) of Rabbi Kook's grave on Har Hazeisim (the Mount of Olives) in Yerushalayim. In spite of the mas sive desecration perpetrated by the Jordanians in the cemetery on Har By The Most Trusted Name in Glatt Kosher Catering Hazeisim during 1948-1967, both :LIM graves were left intact. ----~----- THE PRUZANSKY FAMILY CATERERS THE FINAL DAYS AT THE n 1934, the Bostoner Rebbe and his family returned to their NEW I home in Yerushalayim. The fol lowing year, the Bostoner Rebbe came back to America alone. for what was originally planned as a The Promenade ... Magnificent New Chupah Room • New Additional Bridal Suite temporary trip. It was then that Separate Smorgasbord Reception Area • Valet Parking • French Service Rabbi Friederman decided to visit In the heart of Flatbush (off Ocean Parkway) - Most convenient location Eretz Yisroel. 431 Avenue P. Brooklyn, NY 718-339-0200 Before Rabbi Friederman and his Supervision of K'hal Adas leshurin or Hisachdus Harabonim available wife left Boston in 1935, a huge banquet was given in honor of their 16 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 voyage by leading rabbinic dignitar ies of the area, at which they were publicly urged to return soon. The lifelong friendship between Rabbi Friederman and the Bostoner Subscribe now to Rebbe was evidenced once more. when the Friederrnans anived. In Meah She'arim fifty years ago, living The Jewish Observer space was at an even greater pre mium than today. Nevertheless, the Bostoner Rebbe's family would not and$AVE hear of the Friederrnans staying anywhere else but with them in Become a monthly subscriber their crowded quarters. to The Jewish Observer and Rebbetzin Friederman sorely missed her children, and Rabbi save up to 47% off the single· Friederman was under enormous copy price (a savings of over pressure from the Boston Jewish $40.). The longer you sub· community to return. So less than scribe for, the more you save. four months after their arrival in Eretz Yisroel, the Friedermans booked passage on the next ship to And this introductory offer is fully guaranteed. You have but to ask and you \Viii receive America, leaving in two weeks. Soon a prompt refund on any undelivered issues should you decide to cancel at any time, after the tickets were purchased, for any reason. Rabbi Friederman took sick. He Each month, The Jewish Observer wil! be delivered directly to your door, filled remained bed-ridden with a pneu \vith the views of leading Torah thinkers on current issues ... comments on the monia that did not respond to strengths and foibles 1,vithin the Jewish community .. analysis of contemporary medical treatment. Jewish events ... inside reporting, interpretive commentary, inspiring biographies, In the throes of his illness, Rabbi infuriating letters and illuminating responses-all within the covers of one magazine, Friederman turned to the members The Jewish Observer, of the Horowitz family who were So don't delay. Check the money~saving terms belo"v and send in your order right caring for him and said, "There is av\ray. We'll try to get your order tilted in time for our very next issue. a battle going on in Heaven. The angels of Eretz Yisroel and the angels of Chutz Laaretz (the Dias ------SUBSCRIPTION SAVINGS CERTIFICATE pora) are fighting. The angels of Eretz Yisroel do not want to allow THE~H Suite 1200 • 84 William Street me to leave." OBSERVER New Yo•k, N.Y. 10038 The angels of Eretz Yisroel won 0 YES! Please enter my subscription for: ~~tv 'OUUT~lDE and Rabbi Friederman was niftar -----·----·----·---·-·--·--·-·-·--~~-----~--·----· ------(departed) on the day his ship sailed 0 3 years-at 47% off the cover price $48 0 $78 for America-without him. 0 2 years-at 40% off the cover price $36 0 $56 It is customary amongst Chassi CJ 1 year - at 27% off the cover price $22 0 $32 dim to commemorate a Yahrzeit *Price reflects $10 extra per year to defray air shipping costs. Foreign with a seuda or at least a lechayim. payment must be r:1ade in U.S. dollars, either by check drawn on a bank In Litvishche circles, however, it is in the U.S.A. or by Visa or MasterCard. customary to commemorate a Yah NAME (Please print) _____~------rzeit by fasting. Rabbi Friederman ADDRESS ______was the paragon of a Litvische Rav; appropriately, all of Kial Yisroel CITY, STATE ______ZIP ____ fasts on his Yahrzeit: Asara b'Teves (the 10th day of Teves). D Enclosed: $ 0 Charge my 0 MasterCard 0 VISA In the words of Rabbi Eliezer Silver, Honorary President of the ~~ct. L11JJ __ LlJ __ [T_T_T LLLJJ Agudas Harabonim who came to Boston from Cincinnati to be men Expiration date: [~~I.~~J (month) [fJ (year) achem aveil (pay a condolence call), Signature ______ "The loss of such a great personality The lewish Observer ii publi\hed monthly excepl July and Augu't Pie aw dll"w ·1-6 weeks for delivery. brings despair to all levels of Jewish life. He is irreplaceable" ------· The Jewish Observer, November 1989 17 JUST ONEfvEAR YOUNG BUT SEVENTY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE · o o · · o o · · o o · · o o · · o o · · o o · · o o · · o o · · o o · · o o~ · o o · · o o · ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tiferes Bais Yaakov High School is pleased to announce its ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS for the 5751-1991 School Term Sunday November 12, 1989 - 9:30 am School Auditorium 4622 14th Avenue Brooklyn, NY • • • Founded at the behest of HaGaon Harav Avraham Pam Shlita, Tiferes Bais Yaakov High School offers your daughter.... Leadership by the most gifted personalities in Torah chinuch for girls: Reb. Shulamis Prager, Reb. Ruthy Assaf, Mrs. Judi Greenwald. Experience A faculty whose combined experience in classroom teaching and school administration spans over 70 years. Hashkafa that prepares one for a way of life where Torah, yiras shomayim, and midos tovos, are the guideposts. Faculty- Student Relationship A unique blend of personal warmth combined with appropriate yiras hakavod. Personality Development Continuous interaction with each talmidah to discuss hashkafah and self improvement which leads to a O,N11 l!J 1? t11N!ln1 11\!.lll? t11N!lt1 N'11l!.I 1111!.1' 111. Curriculum A challenging /imudei kodesh curriculum that stresses the application of the teachings of the Torah to situations in our daily lives. A stimulating Regents-approved secular program that offers the widest choice of appropriate options for the future including computer programming for business application. Extracurricular An exciting choice of activities that help the talmidos learn and develop creative skills and leadership qualities including special events, clubs, music, art, drama, and much more. For more information please call I111:-t!)I1- (718) 633-8570 Rabbi Yehoshua Balkany, Dean ?PE~~:r·•>·1>·.,,..•1 TORAH IN AMERICA: THE EARLY STRUGGLES TWO PIONEEERS ERITAGE OF FAITH, by Nancy Isaacs Klein (Ktav H Pub!. House, Hoboken, 1987, $15) describes the life and work of two pioneers, the author's grand father, Rabbi Philipp (Hillel) Klein, and her father, Dr. Moses L. Isaacs. We read here of valiant efforts to establish Torah life in New York, of the successes, failures, and com promises that, together, in large measure shaped the face of the American Torah community until the Orthodox immigration of the Twenties and Thirties. Rabbi Klein, married to a granddaughter of Rabbi S.R. Hirsch, not only suc ceeded in holding his congregation to strict halachic standards. but was deeply involved in efforts to upgrade Kashrus standards, in the founding of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis and Union of Orthodox Jewish Congre gations, and in the work of Yeshiva Etz Chayim (which in due course became Yeshiva Rabbi Yitzchak The Development of Elchonon): at the time of his death, in 1926. he was president of the fledgling Agudath Israel of Ameri American Torah Jewry ca. Yet. at an earlier stage, he felt the need to join with such diverse A Review Article figures as Dr. Judah Magnes to create the "Kehillah of New York" (the forerunner of what became the Jewish Welfare Federation)-and in his personal life he had to accept a daughter-in-law's refusal to cover here is no lack Qf books on American Jewry-yet the her hair (the author makes a point history Qf Torah Jewry in this country has not of stressing that none of the daugh received the attention it deserves. Lately, however, a ters, daughters-in-law, and grand daughters in her father's family ever number Qf biographies have appeared, and when they wore a sheitel; strangely. and quite are read in the proper historical sequence, there emerges wrongly, she quotes in justification a truly]ascinating picture Qf the gradual and pairiful pro Rabbi S. R. Hirsch-who was famous for his refusal to counte cess by which a Torah presence developed in the United nance uncovered hair!). States. The enormous pressure exerted by the environment and its effect on the observant Jew are vividly illus trated by the author's account of her father's family-American-born. loyally committed to Torah obser ,,riiilt, vance despite all the difficulties-yet at the same time immersed in the ,_,_,_____ ;"-•/- :-.----,_,,-iJ< -- -:- ;-'."o-:• - ,,,_, ------_,_, __,,_-,; "-"> -- _: -->- intellectual and academic atmos phere of the age. Dr. Isaacs. initially connected with Columbia Univer- The Jewish Observer. November 1989 19 sity, in due course became Dean of THE MAVERICK RABBI, by Aaron Rabbi Henkin '""· Nor was he Yeshiva College. His published writ I. Reichel (Downing Publishers, 2nd satisfied with the winds of heresy ings stress the importance of stick ed., 1986, $7.50, sc), the story of blowing at J.T.S. (this was the time ing to one's ancestral faith and not Rabbi Herbert S. Goldstein and his when Rabbi Dr. Drachman was dis letting it be overridden by the Institutional Synagogue, written by missed because of his strict Orthod changing theories of speculative his grandson. Rabbi Goldstein was oxy), and with remarkable tenacity science. Yet they also reveal the the first American-born Orthodox he publicly challenged faculty mem process of acculturation-his rabbi ordained in this country. His bers such as Dr. Mordechai Kaplan appreciation of the values of West beginnings could not be described over their unacceptable views. ern culture are not accompanied by as promising. While he came from Rabbi Goldstein, from the begin the emphasis on the primacy of in a family with a deep commitment ning of his career, was moved by the tensive Torah study stressed by to Yiddishkeit (at the age of 18 his urge to further Torah knowledge Rabbi S. R Hirsch in formulating mother married a widower with stx and observance. He clearly realized "Torah Im Derech Eretz." Thus Dr. children, simply because he was that to achieve this goal it was not Isaacs, not surprisingly, disap ]rum) and his parents always enough to transfer Torah from proved of the rise of Day Schools and employed private teachers to give Europe-it had to be transplanted: the parochialism he felt they their children a solid Jewish edu it had to be presented to the Amer represented. cation, he did not find his place in ican Jew in a manner that would Yeshiva Etz Chayim and enrolled in ensure his positive response. Out of THE FIRST AMERICAN-BORN the Jewish Theological Seminary this conviction grew his concept of ORTHODOX RABBI which, at that time, provided the the "Institutional Synagogue," an closest available semblance of tra institution combining synagogue, et the process of implanting ditional rabbinic training. However, Hebrew school and multifaceted Torah and Torah values in he was not satisfied with the cur programs to serve all needs of the Ythis country continued riculum offered, and privately stu community-religious, educational, apace-and this is very interestingly died for semicha-developing at social and even recreational. The illustrated in another biography, that time a lasting closeness to goal was "not to socialize religion but to religionize social life." This was a difficult undertaking, and in the beginning the Institutional Synagogue made some concessions (operetta evenings and even dances, HOTLINE though Rabbi Goldstein personally disapproved of them). But there was a constant emphasis on Jewish edu m cation: Rabbi Goldstein's own classes gave birth to his series of JERUSALEM books, such as his Bible Comments ' y for Home Reading. It was his appre '~A 24 HOUR CRISIS ciation of Torah, pure and unadul- ; terated, that made him give his SERVICE fullest support to the Gedolei Yis In time of serious illness, roel who came here and reestab surgery, crisis or on any occasion lished European yeshivas on Amer ican soil. He backed up their , : · when "a prayer would help", special prayers hatzalah efforts (e.g. using his 1 ·~/ will be recited at the Western Wall and at friendship with Cong. Sol Bloom, ;J7' our Yeshiva in Jerusalem. chairman of the Foreign Affairs I I Committee, which dated back to the / CALL: I (800) 545-PRAY early days of the Institutional Syn agogue). He followed them in work ing for Agudath Israel of America, A Free Public Service Of most notably as chairman of a number of efforts to support reli KOLEL AMERICA gious needs in Eretz Yisroel. Most RABBI MEIR BAAL HANESS remarkably, though he was, for 132 Nassau Street· New York. N.Y. 10038 many years, a signal force not only in the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations and the Rabbinical Council of America, but in the Syna- 20 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 gogue Council of America, he insisted that all Young Israel syn his classical work, Ethics From demonstratively resigned from it in agogues take a Rav, an idea simple Sinai. response to the famous psak din of and logical to us but initially not at It was his understanding of the the Gedolim forbidding member· all taken for granted. He pushed importance of Torah as the basis of ship in it, and issued a public state their educational efforts: ultimately Jewish life that made him attach ment regarding the sanctity of the shiurim which he himself gave, himself to Rabbi Aaron Kotler when following a psak din. As the author throughout his lifetime, on Pirkei the Rosh Yeshiva arrived in America points out, "toward the end of Rabbi Avos, an ideal vehicle for conveying and, to his last day, be totally Goldstein's career ... he was clearly Torah ideas, were put on paper in involved in much of the latter's moving to the right" It was to his great credit that he was able to recognize Torah authority and lead ership and, as a result, was not by· passed by the renaissance of Torah YOUR CAR IN /SHAE/, in America, as other notable figures were. TYPE OF CAR FROM .,...... l""T'-r-rf"I""!'_.,..,.,. • EXC_ C.OW & P_AI 0 AUTOBIANCHI 154 LAY LEADER OF A FIAT UNO 161 TORAH SOVEREIGNTY B SUBARU 1.0 AIC 182 + SPECIAL LOW PRICES FOR MONTHLY RATES his latest stage in the devel . ' ' . INCLUDING C.D. W. opment of American Torah D SUZUKI 1.0 203 790 Jewry comes to life in a E SUBARU 1.6 280 990 T MQNTEGO 1.6 PS remarkable book about a remarka· FI -294-· >"1050 RESERV. & PREPAYMNT. ble man: A FIRE IN HIS SOUL G SIERRA 1.8 399 1500 -1( GMCSAFARI PS 595 2000 USA&CANADA (Feldheim Publ., 1989, $16.95 hard L MITSU 1.5 SW PS 385 1~O cover, $12.95 paperback), Amos S MINIBUS FORD 490 1700 800·533·8778 Bunim's biography of his father, Irving Bunim. By background and 315 1150 IN NY: 212·629-6090 266 1050 personality, Irving Bunim was not •BEN -·.w 455 1550· • JERUSAL only profoundly committed to Torah 476 1650 •TEL AVIV but able and determined to do great things in its service. Placed by Providence at a historical moment in Jewish history, the destruction THE Yl'l"l'Y LEIBEL of European Jewry and the arrival on these shores of Rabbi Aaron HELP-LINE Kotler and other Gedolei Yisroel able to escape, Irving Bunim had the vision to make himself their tool, A Free Service of the Yitty Leibel Chesed Fund and indispensable helper, in their • Marital problems? • Fear of break-down? great historical endeavors-the • Overpowering stress? • Parent-child friction? work of hatzalah and the building of Torah in America. In the first part Do you have problems like these and are afraid or ashamed to talk to of this excellent biography, the anyone? ... Do you want a trained, wise, warm professional who will author vividly describes the difficul talk to you on the phone? ties of growing up in pre-World War Some of the Torah community's highly skilled psychologists, social America when even so many ]rum workers, and therapists are ready to help. Your consultation will be parents sent their children proudly treated with the utmost discretion. You may remain anonymous if you into the professions, with little hope prefer. They understand. They're trained. They have Ahavas Yisrael. that they would remain loyal Jews, and Torah learning was hardly H 0 U R S Monday through Friday 8:00-12:00 a.m. attainable and little respected. Irv· Sunday through Thursday 9:00-11:00 p.m. ing Bunim and his friends threw Sunday Morning 9:00-12:00 noon themselves into the creation of the Young Israel movement, to draw Dial (718) HELP-NOW (435-7669) mitzva young people close to obser This project_has been approved by leading-Torah authorities. vance and inspire them with Torah For information only call (718) 435-7706. values. He was one of those who The Jewish Observer, November 1989 21 subject. There are few personalities are recorded in relation to the Vaad and events in the Jewish life of the Hatzalah-and, as a result. the last fifty years that are not treated otherwise uninformed reader will in this book, and it is studded with not be able to appreciate the work unforgettable vignettes and Torah done by Agudath Israel during and thoughts of the gedolim of the time. after the war (the battle over sending Detailed sources are given for the packages to Poland, referred to on events recounted, so that the reader p. l 04, actually involved Agudath can form his own evaluation (this Israel rather than the Vaad Hat reviewer had some difficulty with an zalah). Rabbi Aaron Kotler, of incident. on p. 343, that according course. occupied in actual life the to Gershon Jacobson involved Irving same central and dominant role that Bunim but is generally attributed to he holds in this book. However, Dayan Grunfeld of England). Rabbi Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz's Irving Buninl and his son. Amos, at role and vision in the establishment ChinuchAtzmai Siyyum Hasefer, 1963. of Torah chinuch in America was BIOGRAPHY AS A much more fundamental than the HISTORY TEXT extraordinary work for Kial Yis reader might think; and some out roel-the heartbreaking and inspir standing personalities who played a ing work of the Vaad Hatzoloh; the s the reader will be caught key role, such as Rabbi Reuven creation of the Lakewood Yeshiva up in this fascinating work, Grozovsky, head of the Moetzes and the setting of altogether new A it is important for him to Gedolei Hatorah during crucial and revolutionary goals for Torah keep in mind the difference between years, and Rabbi Eliyahu Meir Jewry and Torah learning; the historical biography and straight Bloch, Telsher Rosh Yeshiva, barely furtherance of Torah Umesorah forward history. In the latter case, appear at all, since Irving Bunim and, in Eretz Yisroel, Chinuch personalities and events are given apparently had less direct contact Atzmai, to name just the central attention in exact proportion to with them. Of course, this is not a concerns of the time. their historic role. whereas a bio reflection on a book that focusses In describing his father's life, the graphy, however all-encompassing, specifically on him and his impact author thus inevitably writes a treats them primarily insofar as on American Orthodox Jewry. history of American Torah Jewry they relate to the hero of the book. So many issues and topics are and its maturing; and this work The perspective is different. Thus in touched on in this work that it is becomes an indispensable textbook this book. for instance, the problems not really possible to do justice to for anybody who wants to study this and efforts in the area of hatzalah them in a brief review. Generally, the author's assessment of personali ties and happenings is very much on target (his appraisal of the apathy of the Jewish establishment AN URGENT REMINDER in the face of the European disaster FROM is well documented, succinct and devastating). However, the author is rather uncritical in his attitude CHEVRA DOR YESHORIM toward Vladimir Jabotinsky-and his Revisionist Group. There is also YOUNG PEOPLE OF MARRIAGEABLE AGE MUST BE TESTEO one major point that dt ~~rves clar in order to prevent the scourge of Tay-Sachs disease from striking the next ification. The author di~;_'.l ses the ~'.-~ generation, in accordance with the directives of the Gedolei Hadar. psak of the Gedolei To,:;~. that it SCHOOLS and YESHIVOS: is forbidden to be a memo• r of such Please call 718-384-2332 if you are mlxed groups as the N.Y. Board of interested in having testing done for students. Rabbis and the Synagogue Council of America (referred to earlier in this Genetic counseling is also available. review) and the opposition to it on Call for an appointment: part of the Rabbinical Council of (718) 384-6060 or (914) 783-1370 America. He writes: ''The issue Confidentiality assured. might have ended in a vehement struggle [within the RCA] had it not been for Rabbi [Joseph B.] Soloveit CHEVRA DOR YESHORIM, INC. chik's decision to remove the ques 160 Wilson Street, 1-B, Brooklyn, NY 11211 tion from halachic consideration. lt appears that, due to his great 22 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 respect for Rabbi Kotler's authority, manner. Unfortunately the book is High School for Girls. founded in Rabbi Soloveitchik would not openly marred by oversimplifications and 1948. the first girls' yeshiva. whe contravene his ruling" (p. 232). And outright mistakes. major and minor. reas Rebbetzin Kaplan founded her he continues: 'While Rabbi Kotler's The author touches on many sub Beth Jacob High School in 1944: objection to joining such groups has jects on which he is simply not particularly ludicrous is the become more accepted since the adequately informed. Thus. to give author's statement that "social psak was issued. it continues to a few examples. in discussing dancing was permitted in some have detractors among Orthodox mechitza. he refers to "the Second Orthodox German Jewish schools Rabbis." This is surely a remarkable Temple ... where men worshipped between the wars and some Rabbis understatement. The fateful deci in one courtyard and women in have argued that halachically ft is sion of Rabbi Soloveitchik. as head another": he writes of secular stu not forbidden"-while there was of RCA's Halacha Commission. not dies at the Yeshiva of Rabbi S.R. dancing in some German Orthodox to throw his weight behind the psak Hirsch in Europe. unaware that the circles before the First World War of the Gedolim did not do anything Frankfurt Yeshiva was founded and in the immediate post war for Rabbi Kotler's authority. but. on after his death and did not provide years. it was fought by the rabbis. the contrary. made it possible for the such studies; he calls the American never penetrated into the schools. RCA and the Union of Orthodox Talmud Torah as historically only and was never given a green light Jewish Congregations to disregard providing "access to the community by any halachic authority. the psak. This. more than any other of prayer:· not to that of study. again The author's own original re factor. helped formalize today's deep unaware that many of these schools. search and interviewing are not to split between what is called "Modern in and outside New York. started out blame: the trouble is due to the Orthodoxy" (or "Centrism") and providing intensive Jewish educa sources on which he relied (for the "Traditionalist Orthodoxy"-a truly tion: he calls Yeshiva University difference between Chassidim and tragic development which affects all aspects of Jewish life in this country and Eretz Yisroel. Irving Bunim himself. so deeply a part of the PINCHAS MANDEL Yeshiva world. must have been greatly saddened by a development Over 35 Years Experience in Kvura in Eretz Yisrael which so seriousw interfered with •Dedicated to Kavod Haniftar with personal the realization of his great vision of responsibility throughout service a Klal Yisroel led and guided by our •Highly recommended by Gedolai Hadar Gedolim. Yet he could be proud of -Here and in Eretz Yisrael- what was achieved and take deep 1569 - 47th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11219 satisfaction in the flourishing of the yeshivas across the length and Day & Night Phone (718) 855-5121 · breadth of the continent and their Honesty - Integrity - Reliability impact on Jewish life in America. Ci IESED Sf !Et f,\t[S cl'- uncler-.tood ,md pr.idiced by one c1ctive in th{' induqrv mow than hali a cpnturv. Very fittingly. the Mesivta ofYeshiva Taharas H.inift,lf Should Never Be Commerci.llized Rabbi Jacob Joseph. for which he labored all his life. now carries his name. THE BAAL TESHUVA MOVEMENT he flowering of Torah life is Profitable closely related to the rise of T the baal teshuva movement which has brought home to the Projections wider Jewish world what Torah has to contribute for our time. The Feature Video Presentations importance of this development is reflected in the growing literature for your Organization on the subject. A recent volume. RETURNING TO TRADITION, THE CONTEMPORARY REVIVAL OF Milstein Media Films ORTHODOX JUDAISM, by M. Her bert Danzger (Yale University Press. 4415 14th Ave. • Brooklyn, NY 11219 1989. $29.95 h.c.). seeks to assess (718) 972-8600 this phenomenon in a scholarly The Jewish Observer. November 1989 23 1"'\'.JJ modem Orthodox Jews he refers the by Rabbi Eliyahu Safran, CRISIS readers to Potok's The Chosen!). AND HOPE (Esh Publications, Tea CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST Many of them grace university book neck, 1986, $5.95 p.b.). Written from shelves but are patently uninformed the vantage point of a Pittsburgh DR. BENZION and out of sympathy with tradi pulpit, it addresses itself to the tional Orthodoxy. Thus the author American Jewish community at SOROfZKIN reiterates the old canard that the large, and-delineating the obvious N.Y. STATE LICENSED Aruch Hashulchan declared it bankruptcy of Reform and Conser ADULTS unnecessary for married women to vatism-it challenges their adher cover their hair (he only permitted ents to restore Jewish unity by AND the recitation of blessings in the returning to traditional Judaism. CHILDREN presence of women not covering The author quotes Charles Lieb (718) 266-7151 their hair), and the claim, found in man, the noted sociologist, as stress Modem Orthodox publications, that ing that "the most important [cause Daas Hatorah is a twentieth cen of Orthodoxy's current influence] is tury invention (it is clearly spelled out in Talmudic sources). In categ FAMOUS orizing Orthodox Jews, he uses the WE READ HERE OF old cliche' of the cold rationalist VALIANT EFFORTS TO Mitnaged (in contrast to Chassi ESTABLISH TORAH LIFE dim) without ever touching on the IN NEW YORK, OF THE impact of the Mussar movement on SUCCESSES, FAILURES, the yeshivas and the non-Chassidic world. AND COMPROMISES THAT, TOGETHER. IN In all fairness, it must be staled LARGE MEASURE that the author does come up with Cholov Yisroel • Shomer Shabbos a number of interesting observa SHAPED THE FACE OF Under the Supervision of tions-but, on the other hand, his THE AMERICAN TORAH Kha! Adath Jeshunm work would be of limited value even COMMUNITY. if there were no errors or oversim Open for Breakfast plifications in it The social scientist the sense of many non-Orthodox Luncheon and Dinner can analyze, quantify, and tabulate; Jews that Orthodoxy is the voice of Catering • Parties • Meetings he can put forward reasonable Jewish authenticity." Hence the 222 West 72nd Street interpretations and comparisons of, hysterical efforts of Conservative (212) 595-8487 say, the Teshuva Movement with, and Reform leaders to gain recog lehavdil, evangelical revivalism; nition in the State of Israel as well but, by the rules by which he works, as in this country. even as their his studies must of necessity miss movements emerge more and more FEIVEL the crucial essence of his subject as houses of cards. Their fatuity is the Divine spark, the pintele Yid, the glaringly illustrated, for instance, by KIRSHENBAUM, work of Divine Providence, that the latest collection of Contempor shape the spiritual existence of Kial ary American Reform Responsa, Ph.D. Yisroel, in contrast to the realities published by Walter Jacob in 1987. Registered of man-made religion. Thus, while It gives a remarkable and devdStat Investment Adviser there are useful insights and issues ing insight into the practices of the raised in this work (e.g. should Reform movement and its ludicrous potential baalei teshuva be given efforts to legitimate them by using the "shock treatment" or be slowly Talmudic and Rabbinic sources MONEY introduced to the world of Torah?), e.g. to "establish" that "traditional MANAGEMENT its basic significance lies in the fact mourning customs should be of the recognition given to the observed for a non,Jewish spouse" revival of Torah Judaism. or that "it would be perfectly approp Fee only. riate to conduct a slightly modified No sales or commissions. Jewish service for the non-Jewish WITHER, AMERICAN JEWRY? spouse" (it must be noted that not all responsa are permissive; #25 (914) 352~1919 he "triumphalism" of a res makes it clear that one should not urgent Orthodoxy is reflected contribute to organizations inimi T in a small collection of essays cal to Reform Judaism). 24 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 SACRED SURVIVAL CHRONICLES THE RISE OF DIGEST OF MEFORSHIM "THE CIVIL RELIGION OF AMERICAN JEWS '.:__A RELIGION WHICH FINDS ITS HIGHEST EXPRESSION itnp? ,n:J itnp? NOT IN THE AFFIRMATION THAT "G-D IS ONE" ""YT 1llt:l7K 7K1l'.llll l"innr.i BUT THAT "WE ARE ONE." Available at LEKUTEI c/o Yitzchok Rosenberg 10 \Vest 47th Street, Room 503 A NEW CML RELIGION obviously just another dead-end Neiv Ybrk, NY 10036 street for those trying to escape from (212) 719-1717 the imperatives of the Torah. IBti 20 VOl11mes on Turah, Perek, he bankruptcy, spiritual and mately they cannot sidestep a con Mcdrash, Megilos and Tulmud. even organizational, of Re frontation with Divine truth. Secul Proceeds of sales distributed form and Conservatism is arism, whether in its pure T a111ong Yeshi\'OS and used for quite obvious-and an interesting materialistic form or sanctified by reprinting of volun1es out-of-jJrint studybyanacademicobserverofthe pseudo-religious rituals, is a fail Jewish scene, Jonathan S. Woocher, ure-and this is the true lesson of PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME professor at Brandeis University, what Professor Woocher calls "the makes the point that the American revitalization of American Orihod Jewish community at large has oxy" and the rise of the Teshuva turned in a different direction. His movement. book, SACRED SURVIVAL, chron icles the rise of "the civil religion of American Jews"-a religion which ACKNOWLEDGING THE finds it highest expression not in SPIRITUAL the affirmation that "G-d is One" but that "we are one". It is a religion e mentioned before that that is not centered in home and secular scholarship re synagogue but in welfare federa Wfuses-is unable-to ack tions and community agencies. Its nowledge metaphysical and super SECLUDED goal is collective survival, and its natural factors; but it is also true driving beliefs are "From Holocaust that, as a result, it is increasingly OCEANFRONT to Rebirth," centered on the Holo unable to come to grips with the real VILLA ON caust and the State of Israel, and world we live in. Two recent books TROPICAL ISLAND the "Uniqueness of American illuminate this fact, albeit in very Jewry," chosen for a mission of different ways. BEYOND THE SEC • 3 Bedrooms helping their brethren and the ULAR MIND, by Paul Eidelberg • Private Pool world at large. Its Iituals are fund (Greenwood Press, 1989, $39.95) • 200 ff. Private Ocean Front raising events, study missions, and notes that the twentieth century, • Fulfy Stocked Pantry with presentations. the century of tliumphant secula Kosher Groceries The author sees in this "civil rism, is also the bloodiest in human • Fulltime Staff of Two religion" a genuine religious move history. The author analyzes the • Car with Driver ment. as opposed to secularism. But inner contradictions and dilemmas IDEAL FOR FRUM COUPLE OR FAMILY even if there can be found in it an of modern science and philosophy Call For Free Brochure imprisoned spark of that longing for and formulates "a Judaic response 718-376-5400 a higher meaning in life which G-d to the problems of modernity": the implanted in our hearts, it is need to acknowledge the supreme .....~--~·"',..11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 -"" ~i~~-''_LE_T_M_E_H_E_LP~YO_U~ WITH YOUR FROM FACTORY BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE ANO PERSONAL SAVE!!! INSURANCE n:nu ,,.,,w .) INSURANCE" Monticello (914/ 796-1500 /RV/NG SAFR/N Monsey (914/ 425-1985 The Jewish Observer. November 1989 25 FOR ALL THOSE WHO SENSE THE EMPTINESS but unfortunately "a man's mind is swayed by his desires" and he is AND FRUSTRATIONS OF THE SECULAR WORLD, unable, or unwilling, to accept ' AND SEEK TO EMANCIPATE THEMSELVES FROM arguments that might discomfort CLICHES, THE FINAL RESOLUTION WILL BE A him. However, for all those who SOURCE OF INFORMATION AND INSIGHT. sense the emptiness and frustra tions of the secular world, and seek rationality of the Torah and to find Chicago area, and he concludes that to emancipate themselves from in it the answers that a narrow a truly objective study of the subject cliches of popular science and human rationality cannot provide. inevitably shows that only a return unbelief. this book will be a great to Torah teachings can bring peace source of information and insight. Professor Eidelberg's writing is to the Jews and, indeed. to mankind It is truly a major and unique hardly for the ordinary reader as a whole. This reviewer would like contribution to a wider understand unschooled in philosophy. to think that the author's argumen ing of what Torah says to the tation will convince every reader- contemporary Jew. • On the other hand, THE FINAL RESOLUTION, by Dr. Benzion Alls wang (Feldheim, 1989, 814.95 h.c.), is very readable and down-to-earth. Its primary subject is an analysis of Antisemitism (which he. more cor rectly, calls Anti-Jewish hostility) T~l 633.S005 1270 4ffth ""'""' and how to overcome it. The author Tel. 435-/fJfl //roul the failure of the Jew to live up to The Lake house Hotel offers special features and convenience. You'll relax fn thespacfous what the Torah demands of him. beautiful surroundings, while every detail is taken ca.re of by the gracious hosts. Hence all efforts to overcome this hostility by toning down Jewish To Register Call: distinctiveness is self-defeating. The 718-435-1041, 718-438-0851 718-633-3005 failure of Reform and Conservatism 1-914-356-3515 is documented by the author through the means of an interesting statistical survey conducted in the Shalhevet, 1270 48th Street, Office Hours: 12-4 Weekdays The Jewish Observer, November 1989 27 PRIVATE ENTERPRISE: A LOOK AT CHESSED ACTIVITIES IN JERUSALEM ave you ever found yourself thing, linens, dishes and much asking: "Isn't there some more. Poor kallos were provided H bodywho helps with,,, looks with a decent wardrobe and house after. , , takes care of .. , some vital hold goods which they otherwise community need?" could not have hoped for. The scope If the answer was no, did you ever of the project grew beyond Mrs. consider that "somebody" could be Malov's students and the family you? living room. Kallas who had heard A glance at a few of Jerusalem's of the Malovs' project began arriving many chessed projects show that from all over Eretz Yisroel including dedicated individuals, acting either widows, divorcees, and converts to alone or as catalysts for others, have Judaism starting their lives anew. accomplished a great deal. With Collection points were established clear goals, careful planning, and with her students extended beyond in various Jerusalem neighbor devotion to a cause, these backyard the classroom. As she counselled hoods, for contributions of money chessedgroups have succeeded and engaged students and helped them and goods. There are now fifteen grown, exceeding anything their prepare for their weddings, she such tachanot in Jerusalem, Bnei founders imagined. discovered that some were going to Brak, Tel Aviv, Ashdod and Chatzor. the chupa with a bare cupboard. Periodic notices in the religious Rounds of shopping and the beau press alerted the public to particu THE BRIDE WORE JOY tiful gifts received by their more larly urgent causes, with gratifying fortunate friends are not the lot of results. About three years ago, case in point is Tzniut kallos from poor families, or money was raised to purchase a V'chen, Mifal Ezer Lekallot, orphans, or ba'alos teshuva whose warehouse for storage and distribu A founded by Rabbi Tzvi and families break contact with them. tion. It now serves five, six kallos Chaya Malov. As a teacher in Jer Rabbi and Mrs. Malov were deter weekly, or more than 200 a year. usalem's Bais Yaakov Vocational mined to see that girls like these be The Malovs are currently in New School, Mrs. Malov's relationship provided with at least a basic York, but their project, which a trousseau. volunteer has named Tzniut Through a series of ads in the V'Chen, in honor of Rabbi Tzvi and Ruth Steinberg, born in America, lives In Jerusalem where her husband studies in a Kollel. religious newspapers, the Malovs Chaya, continues unabated. The Her article on Schwester Selma was featured in obtained (and when necessary, procedure is simple but efficient. An JO, June '85. purchased) great quantities of clo- interested kalla must present a 28 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 Ruth Steinberg signed letter with an official seal help with a bris or pidyon haben. from a seminacy or a recognized rav. For many girls, More than any other seudas mitzva, describing her family's situation TZniut V'Chen has these must be put together on short and recommending her to Tzniut notice, when the mother herself V'Chen. An appointment is then meant the difference cannot help out. But the idea did made to meet Chava. Tzniut not take off until a tragedy jolted it V'Chen's chief volunteer at the between a wedding into the realm of action. warehouse. The atmosphere there is postponed indefinitely, Rochel Marcus Halperin was only warm and friendly, reminiscent of twenty-four at the time of her a private sale. as the girls, together and one happily sudden, tragic passing. Those who with their mothers or other com· knew her were deeply touched by her panions, browse through the racks celebrated. warmth, her love of chessed, and her and shelves. For a modest registra· tremendous joy in living. Chanie, tion fee. the kalla is entitled to the who had been her youth group following: a free choice from the for Simchat Rachel, Gemach Lebri leader. wanted to mark the end of racks of used-but-excellent clothing tot al sbem Rachel Marcus (Hal· shloshim (thirty day mourning for complete winter and summer perin). Chanie became intrigued by period) with a memorial fund that wardrobes; towels, tablecloth and the idea of helping people with would be in keeping with Rochel's challa cover: housewares and other neither money to spare on catering, joyous, loving spirit. She suggested small articles; and when available. nor a backup team of relatives to her bris idea to several friends, all a set of linen and a coat. The value of this trousseau far exceeds the registration cost-which is waived for orphans, who also have first priority on special items. Tzniut V'Chen receives inventocy DON'T DELAY! from stores and factories. and of course, from anonymous individu Now is the time als at the various tachanot Thus Chava will never know who it was that donated the half-a-dozen to ioin the challa covers. the coffee set. or the Irons she so gladly distributed. The rest is purchased through private contributions. The quiet joy and ~ ?Ki'UJ., niilK ?'UJ :ii" ,,~,l rii.::in good feeling imparted to evecy kalla , _-~ ~Aguchst Benevolent Society, Inc. at the warehouse must be seen to a be fully appreciated. For many girls, Tzniut V'Chen has meant the dif· • Full Burial Benefits for the Family (Children up to the age of 20 years) ference between a wedding post· • Blood Bank Benefits for the Family poned indefinitely. and one happily celebrated. • Everything carried out in accordance with Halacha. Specie/ rares for new membership during the months of Tishrei, Cheshvon, Kisfev 5750. For more rnformo11on ond opplrcotion> please call "IT'S A BOY! (718) 436.1458 COULD YOU LEND US ... ?" Orwrrfeto: Agudist Benevolent Society 84 William Street "Maze! tov, my wife just New York, NY 10038 had a boy. Could you lend me $200 for the bris?" Chanie had a better idea. Instead I am interested of a loan, to be repaid, she offered in joining your society. Please send me o membership to prepare the bris herself. She and application and information with regards to the Chevra. several friends divided up the cook· Nome: ______Ing and baking, Yosef bought cold· cuts, and the result was a beautiful Address:------seudas mitzva. Chanle did not Crty & State: ------Zip ____ know it, but this briswas the kickoff Telephone (day): (night) The Jewish Observer. November 1989 29 of whom thought it too cumbersome and improbable to work. But two Often the guests at such a bris will hundred invitations went out for a kinus on the shloshim, and when be so impressed that they become the idea was presented there, the response was promising. During a volunteers themselves; the very break in the program, Chanie mingled with the crowd to test the success of the project lays the idea further. "Some were ready to volunteer," g~o1111ctwork for further activity. she recalls. "but others really went crazy over the idea.'' bris 'n weekly, often several in a night before the bris. The merakezet The "crazy ones.'' as she fondly single day. The secret of the system's is called upon twice monthly. while calls them, who were prepared to success is its well-defined allocation a regular volunteer contributes only help twice monthly. became the first of labor. Everyone involved has one once a month; a list of neighborhood merakzot or neighborhood heads. specific job: thus the burden is not volunteers is large enough to allow out of whose homes the bris'n are too great on any one individual, but for alternating. The system works prepared. The others. divided by the sum total is enormous. Here is every time. neighborhood. became the first how it works for a typical bris with The parents pay a small sum to corps of volunteers. Several roshei sixty guests: cover part of the expenses. The food yeshiva and local chessed groups Chanie receives a request for a is donated by the volunteers, and the were informed of the new project. bris. She relays the information to rest of the price difference is covered The first bris candidate arrived the appropriate marakezet. and by private contributions. Not only within a week. and Simchat Rachel arranges for delivery of cold cuts. would it cost the parents a great deal became a reality. The next week paperware and other accessories to more to purchase it all on their own. there were two requests for bris'n, her home. The merakezet calls but with Simchat Rachel. the father then three. The calls kept coming fifteen women from her list of is also saved the tremendous bother and Simchat Rachel began growing. neighborhood volunteers. and each of single-handedly planning. shop In less than two and a half years. brings her one specified home-made ping. and organizing. at a time when Simchat Rachel has a network of dish. from which the merakezet he is faced with other expenses and twenty merakzot and some 800 prepares the complete bris package. has his hands full. volunteers handling seven or eight to be picked up by the father the Who is eligible for a bris by Simchat Rachel? Whoever can pay $400 for a caterer. or has family who ARE YOU MOVING? will help prepare. is asked not to use IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED the service; there is no shortage of people who meet the criteria. After INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEB more than three hundred bris'n We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the JO to your home. Please Chanie can usually tell by a caller·~ attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address reaction to her description of the and computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the menu if he needs them or not. address label. Simchat Rachel is most commonly used by baalei teshuva and new ADDRESS CHANGE FORM olim. particularly from the Soviet {Affix label here) Union. Often the guests at such a bris will be so impressed that they become volunteers themselves; the very success of the project lays the groundwork for further activity. Name ______WHEN BABY MAKES THREE, Address ______SIX, OR NINE ••• City, State, Zip ______nitial setbacks are not indica Date Effective ______tions of failure. as in the case of Tohar Rachel Chessed Organi Please allow 6-B weeks fo! all changes to_ be reflected on your mai!lng l<>bel. \VE \'VILL NOT BE I RESPONSIBLE FOR BACK JSSUES M!SSED .un!es~ rou notify us 8 weeks prlor to your move. zation, in memory of Rachel Weiss and her children Nesanel, Refael and 30 The Jewish Observer. November 1989 Efraim n11Y. Several years ago, a num~ binical guidance and strict account ber of women in Jerusalem's Ramot ing. Other neighborhoods, even as 03 neighborhood undertook to far away as Haifa, have expressed provide cooked food for new moth interest in forming their own chap ers. Due to organizational problems, ters of Tohar Rachel. the program was short-lived. The Who is eligible? Any new mother idea was shelved but not forgotten. in Ramot 03 and 04 regardless of Last Elul, Rachel Weiss, one of the family size and income. women who had been active in 'We are not a tzeddaka fund," the Ramot 03's ezer yoldot (aid for new board insists, "we are a chessed group, women helping other women." A comfortable first-time TOHAR RACHAEL mother and a struggling mother of CHESED ORGANIZATION ten are served by Tohar Rachel; there is no stigma involved in accepting help. The budget is covered by private contributions and fundraising mothers), moved to Teveria where showers, and bedtime for the child events. In its first two and a half her husband joined the local kollel. ren, 4) help in paying for a stay at months of existence, Tohar Rachel When the kollelwomen got together, the Mother and Baby Convalescent helped seventy new mothers get Rochel suggested the idea of an ezer Home. 5) help in purchasing such back on their feet. With G-d's help, yoldot as a unifying force in their items as disposable diapers and they look forward to many, many new community. formula, 6) a combination of the more. Tragically, Rachel Weiss did not above, worked out by the mother live to see her plan to fruition. Less and the board. than three months later, she and her In special cases, the board allows i"O:l three small sons were killed in a for longer periods of help. The no'IU nN1!l1' "!lnn,1 110'7 NJ terrorist attack on a Jerusalem catered meals were chosen as more T7'il Tl':J bound bus. Two days later. two of efficient than collected homemade her friends from Ramot decided to food. The cleaning women are paid '") lin't l'l!>'t:S l:S l'l'nl'I' liNl:l't bring Rachel's idea to life. On the workers, but the babysitters are shiva, kinus day following the a local teenage volunteers. The initial T1NO il\Uj7 1:1~0\U (assembly) of 500 women was held. twenty babysitters were recently Plans for the new group were appointed group heads, each in o>ov >oni 1•1~1 announced and a second kinus was charge of assigning three girls for called for Chanuka 1,500 women every weekly shift, and a party was attended the Chanuka meeting, held to attract additional volunteers. SINGLE & DOUBLE which raised 25,000 IS as the The mother can avail herself of BREASTED MEN'S SUITS organization's financial base. Lea these services anytime during the flets describing the new project were first month after birth, and can distributed throughout the neigh continue them afterwards on a SILBIGER'S borhood. By Rosh Chodesh Teves, paytng basis, if she wishes. Expec the first new mother was referred tant mothers confined to bed are • Slacl The Jewish Observer. November 1989 31 A MILK BANK strange doors hoping to find a new FOR ALLERGIC BABIES mother. The baby cried through the night, hungry for food his parents could not provide, but poor Mrs. Some desperate community's most vital Cohen could only cry along with mothers had begun needs may often be neg him. The nightmare played itself out A lected. Consider the Bank every single day, before every feed to halve the amount ChalavAim, ing-new babies eat at least six The "Cohens" of Jerusalem had times a day. The Cohens were on the of milk powder in lost three children, and were fight verge of a breakdown. ing a day-by-day, hour-by-hour every bottle. This battle for the life of their fourth. The may cut down on Cohen children were very delicate and highly allergic. Their sensitive expenses, but it digestive systems rejected not only standard formula like Materna or also cuts down Similac, but even special non on the baby. allergic ones like lsomil, Nutrama gen, or Progestamin. They could only tolerate mother's milk, and Mrs. Cohen could not nurse. Devora was shocked. Surely the A small ad was placed in the "Devora," a neighbor, looked on as Cohens were not the only ones. Was Hamodia daily, calling on mothers the Cohens went literally from door there no other way to obtain milk to contribute milk for a case of to door, collecting tiny amounts of for babies like theirs? She soon pikuach nefesh, mortal danger, milk to feed their baby-10 cc from discovered that.indeed, there was which Yisroel certainly was. He one woman, perhaps 20 cc from not; not through Kupat Cholim could digest nothing but mother's another. As Mrs. Cohen became (comprehsive health insurance). or milk and was severely dehydrated. desperate, she began knocking on the hospitals, or the local govern His parents and the hospital staff ment-run baby clinics. Any parent had despaired of saving him, but the in a similar predicament was on his fresh milk, contributed by women own, and the results were often who would never know Yisroel or his tragic. Devora learned that there parents, saved his life. Today he is were mothers' milk banks in several a healthy. blossoming child. European countries and the United In less than two years, the Bank Stales. Watching the Cohens' agony Chalav Aim has served close to thirty spurred Devora and several other children who suffer from kidney. women to try to form the first such heart or intestinal trouble, heredi 4916 Uth Ave., B'klyn, N.Y. 11219 bank in Eretz Yisroel. Their inquir tary disorders, or severe allergies. (718) 854-2911 ies on the subject led them to After suffering dangerous weight Professor Frier of Shaare Zedek loss, dehydration, and ultimately, Hospital, an expert on children's hospitalization. the baby is fed IMPORTANT NOTICE nutrition and author of a volumi through a nose tube, but continues TO OUR CANADIAN nous study on mother's milk. He to reject the various formulae. Until graciously shared his vast knowl the formation of the milk bank, AND OVERSEAS edge and explained the measures of there were no cures for children who SUBSCRIBERS! sterility and deep freezing neces could not obtain mother's milk sary. The next step was to approach privately. After a year or so, the the Ministry of Health, which gave children graduate to other foods and The simplest- way to pay for the project its blessing. They also live normal. healthy lives; until then, your subscription is through received endorsements from several the milk bank is Ii terally their VISA or MasterCard. They prominent rabbanim. Devora and lifeline. her friends then wrote letters to From Jerusalem, the bank spread change your payment into USA every pediatrician listed in the to Bnei Brak, then to Rehovot, Kfar currency without any sur Golden (classified) Pages, announc Chassidim, Ashdod, Haifa, and most charge. We cannot accept for ing the milk bank's founding and recently, Netivot-wherever there is eign checks (even Canadian approval of the Ministry of Health. a child who needs their help. A The first baby to use the service. a network of donors is solicited checks in $U.S.), only checks tiny three-week-old patient at Bikur through the religious press. Milk is drawn on a bank In the U.S.A. Cholim Hospital named Yisroel, was deep-frozen and then delivered to a referred almost immediately. local collection point (there are 32 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 thirty-two In Jerusalem alone) or house. It came to be known as Yad picked up by a volunteer driver, Eliezer in memory of Mrs. Weisel's deposited in the main freezer. or in father, who passed away after the donated space in private freezers. birth of the project. Today there are While Bank Chalav Aim is the only eight Yad Eliezer warehouses, and one of its kind in Eretz Yisroel, and 800 families receive monthly its services are used by hospitals baskets of donated and purchased and pediatricians throughout the food; 150 receive the food in the form country, it receives not one penny of twice-monthly grocery cards for from any official source. The volun bread and dairy products. teers are forced to raise the entire operating expenses through private MORE TO COME contribution. Although the milk the bank's main resource-is con tributed free, the bank requires ore was yet to come. In their some basic equipment to function. contact with poor families, In addition to freezers and insulated M the Weisels noticed that boxes. at least three thousand sterile many lacked basic furniture and storage cups are used monthly. Most appliances. Nine years ago, a news importantly, simple hand operated paper ad asked for used but good equipment wears out fairly quickly, furniture to be distributed by Yad due to the constant boiling essential Eliezer. Central heating is a rela to maintain sterility. Electric equip the "Levys," a neighborhood family. tively new feature in Jerusalem, ment at four times the price would Mrs. Levy and her four children all absent from older buildings, so great improve the organization's suffered from different forms of heaters and thousand of blankets daily operation ... if resources would heart trouble, and in general seemed were distributed. A donated van allow. very weak. Mrs. Weisel took them to transports furniture, refrigerators The milk bank has no office other a doctor. The prescription: three and more.... With the food project, than the space donated by a real nutritious meals daily: they were all and then the booming furniture estate agent at 23 Malachi Street in suffering from malnutrition. Two of distribution, it seemed they had Geula. Everyone involved in the the Weisels' daughters, armed with reached their limit; but not yet. Says founding and running of the bank grocery baskets, were sent to knock Mrs. Weisel: 'Whenever I think we the management. local heads, drtv on doors in the neighborhood to can extend ourselves no further ... ers, and of course the donors-work "collect food for a poor family," filling the Ribbono Shel Olam sends us on an entirely volunteer basis. In the baskets with a variety of food the idea for a new project. And He addition, these people are also all stuffs. At first the Levys refused the sends along the means to carry it jmm. The beneficiaries, quite often, food, but Mrs. Weisel Insisted it was out too." are not. The question of a recipient's pikuach nefesh and they gave in, For example: About four years ago, level of observance is non-existent soon asking if another family could Mrs. Weisel spoke to a young frtend, for Bank Chalav Aim. The staff receive similar packages. Through remembers how one totally secular the Levys, the Weisels had stumbled father picked up milk for his child on a most effective way of helping on Erev Yom Kippur. He broke down poor families make it through the in tears as he told them. ''You have month. The list of people receiving earned your Olam Haba with what food from the Weisels grew quite you have done for this one child rapidly and the girls enlisted friends TOPIC: TRAGEDIES IN OUR alone." to help collect. In no time, it was MIDST-A CHALLENGE TO more than they could handle, so COMPLACENCY Mrs. Weisel asked the principal of Addresses By: HELPING A NEIGHBOR Bais Yaakov of Givat Shaul to allow Rabbi Nosson Scherman, TIMES 800 one class a month to collect food in Rabbi Yitzchok Chinn Givat Shaul, which was then DATE: ROSH CHODESH AV 5149- ad Eliezer began almost by brought to the Weisels, crowding AUGUST 2, 1989 accident, with one woman's their two-and-a-half room apart A SET OF TWO TAPES ARE simple desire to help a neigh ment. Mrs. Weisel stopped cars in AVAILABLE NOW FOR $7.00 Y Please send request and payment to: chessed the street to transport the baskets, bor, and is now a empire AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA of 2,500 volunteers in an ever and drafted neighborhood youngs Publfcations Department growing range of projects. ters to deliver them. After three and 84 W11l1arn Street Ten years ago, Hadassa Weisel of a half years and 365 families, the New York, NY 10038 Kiryat Sanz became friendly with project moved to a nearby ware- The Jewish Observer. November 1989 33 soon to be married, about her phoned to Yad Eliezer co-ordinators wedding plans. It turned out that an abroad and delivered on Purim, and ordinaiywedding in an average hall an extensive maos chittim program cost five thousand dollars! "You for Pesach. In addition, as individual don't have money for a sheitel-five need arises, Yad Eliezer provides thousand dollars?" Mrs. Weisel money to pay for disconnected asked. utilities; for shoes, blankets, and · The kalla had no answer. Mrs. Weisel offered to organize some of medicine; for food for special diets. Yad Eliezer's newest project is Yad her fellow teachers to prepare the wedding dinner themselves, at a Eliezer for Babies. Special baby formula can cost as much as fifteen tremendous savings to the young dollars for a three-day supply. Some couple. The dinner was a great desperate mothers had begun to success. It was not long before they halve the amount of milk powder in had another request, and another, and another. Today the 'Yad Eliezer eveiy bottle. This may cut down on expenses, but it also cuts down on wedding" is a carefully planned than-affluent people whom Yad the baby. So concerned Jews "adopt" effort involving scores of people. Eliezer pays more than the going They serve a standard Israeli wed a baby in Eretz Yisroel, funding a wage. The families of a chassan and healthy supply of full bottles of ding dinner. part of which is made kalla abroad are invited to sponsor by a vast number of volunteers. The nutrition formula. a Yad Eliezer wedding; the five Yad Eliezer operates out of the volunteers are headed by a group of hundred weddings in four years, Weisel home on a strictly volunteer wedding merakzot each in charge with one hundred in the six months basis: the budget is over $1 million of a single item. The paid staff at between last Tishrei and Nissan yearly, covered only by private con the weddings-cooks, waiters, alone, are ample proof of Mrs. cleaning help, and so on-are less- tributions. Of the 1,250 families Weisel's words: When Hashem reached byYad Eliezer, agreat many sends Yad Eliezer an idea, He sends quite literally live on the help it Rabbi Aryeh Schechter the means to implement it. provides. For many families, monthly food Who is served by Yad Eliezer? baskets are not enough. About three Needy people, regardless of social or SOFER S"TAM years ago, Yad Eliezer developed a cultural background; large families new plan to provide of cooked who cannot possibly manage on 1235 49th St. Shabbos food to those in need. One their bread-winner's paycheck; a Brooklyn, NY 11219 or more portions of cooked Shabbos frighteningly large number of sick e m~ke "housec.alls.'' food are delivered to a neighborhood people; families whose incomes are . (718)972-4003 merakezet There is one for eveiy consumed by the high rents preval few streets or buildings in the ent in Jerusalem; and baalei '. •P. :i-,.,~ .. religious neighborhoods, with one teshuva who need help getting / • - .,\:!::;)~ .. hundred fifty in Har Nof alone. From established in their new lives. Yad the merakzot's homes, the food is Eliezer does not distribute tzed brought to three huge industrial daka money lightly; eveiy case is freezers, in Ezras Torah, where it is carefully evaluated. They are proud MATANA stored and ultimately delivered to to note that 950 families have left some four hundred families (wed their rolls, since they no longer need ding leftovers find their way to these help. GALLERY freezers too). To this add chickens, 'When we first started giving out 4906 18th Ave .. Brooklyn. NY vegetables, and other supplemen food," recalls Rabbi Weisel, "I held (718) 851-4448 tary items on a weekly basis, total eveiy can of food as if it were an ling 2,000-2,500 chickens monthly. esrog-a mitzva object. Baruch paid for by regular contributions. Hashem I still have the same feeling Jewish books. Ta/leisim. Mezuzos. (Contributions are marked accord for eveiy last can, for eveiy small personalized Tallis bags. ing to hechsheirtm, and are then detail of our work." Tefil/in bags. Yarmulkas and matched with the recipients' The Weisels insist that they have Clialali covers. cassettes. lucite. preference.) sterling silver. Judaica and jewelry. seen again and again the principle Seasonal projects include three of s'char mitzva mitzva as a living times yearly distribution of large reality. The thosuands of mitzvos ALL AT SUPER sacks of potatoes, shalach manos Yad Eliezer does are always DISCOUNT PRICES! for otherwise forgotten families, rewarded with the means to do still matanos la 'evyonim pledges more.• 34 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 Reb Yaakov Kaminetzky's Cheder Is Evicted From Its Home 250 Talmidim are scattered to six locations as Bais Mikroh races to complete new facility MONSEY, NY its new building on Viola Road near cheder, which Reb Yaakov Kamin Yeshiva Bais Mikroh, the cheder West Maple Ave. "Although our etzky zt"l founded and nurtured un founded 15 years ago, by Rav facility and students are making the til his passing. With his input into Yaakov Kaminetzky Zt"l, is without best of the situation and learning is pedagogical methods and cur a home. Town authorities have at a high Ievel," said Rabbi Gavriel riculum, Bais Mikroh soon gained similarly attempted to close several Bodenheimer, Menahel, "the pre national recognition for its distinc other Yeshivas and Shuls in Monsey. sent conditions are intolerable. We tive, non-pressured learning envi~ must complete the new building much faster than we had expected." With a massive infusion of cash, the building could be completed by February, according to Executive Director Rabbi Shaye Cohen. "Each parent has undertaken a large obligation to help finance the ac. celerated construction," he said. "But the sum that was to have been raised over a two or three-year period must now be raised in just a few short months." The Yeshiva's housing crisis is an ironic chapter in the history of the Bais Mikroh races to finish building. ronment, where children are treated as individuals and where creativity and inquisitiveness are encouraged. With the passage of time, the re After town authorities reneged markable learning achievements on an agreement to permit classes to qualitative and quantitative-of the continue until the Yeshiva's new students vindicated Bais Mikroh's building was completed. Bais methods. Its fame spread and it Mikroh was forced to make emer became a model for elementary gency arrangements to enable schools elsewhere. school to begin on schedule in But success brought with it popu~ September. Among the six make larity and growth, and the school's shift rented locations are a dorm enrollment outgrew its modest facil itory room in another Yeshiva, the ity. Classrooms suitable to 15 Ezras Noshim of a Shul, and the children were used for 25. The finished basement of a private school purchased a two-acre pro home. perty for a new building to accom Meanwhile, the Yeshiva accel~ modate the current student body as erated the construction schedule of well as modest growth. Please mail to· YESH 23 West Maple. Ave ::A BAI$ Ml KROH, I Dear Rabb. 8 d .. . on_sey. NY 10952. f le 1 o enhe1mer: s, 1 want to help I Enclosed is my tax-d d • . { Yeshiva Bois Mikroh~ uctrble donation to I Nome ______ { Address ______f City, State, Zip ______/Phone ______ I I I his spiritual well-being if a word could be added that one is pleased to use one's good health to do the -II will of the One Who granted it ... ~ -- - Letters the patient probably has time to ••••••••••• to the think this over. ••••••••••• Through his connection with ••••••••••• Jewish hospital of Montreal, Rabbi Editor Schecter has the opportunity of helping those who have recovered to These lines surely contradict very appreciate the value of the expe KIRUV OPPORTUNITIES IN THE basic Jewish hashkaja. For what rience they underwent, enabling BIKUR CHOLIM SETTING purpose should physical suffering them to "enjoy life" in its true sense be inflicted upon an individual. if of purposeful living. To the Editor: MRS. T. COHEN not to bring him closer to his Bnei Brak I am responding to the article on Creator, to arouse him to the real ization that life is in His hands. and "The Art of Bikur Cholim" (Oct. THE JOYS OF '88 )-I found it most beneficial and it should rather be used to fulfill His VISITING PATIENTS inspiring. However. I cannot but wishes? I do appreciate the fact that, object to the last of the eight prac of course. one cannot openly preach To the Editor: tical guidelines mentioned. The con to a weak, bed-ridden patient, but tent of this particular paragraph is any patient who has experienced the I particularly enjoyed your article that one should not be tempted to fear of a serious health problem, and on bikur cholim. Having visited a make the hospital patient ]rum, as has at least a little faith In G-d, local nursing home weekly for the (a) he will always suspect one of already feels that he is under His past three years, I was able to trying to "sell" something, rather mercy, and is obviously praying to identify with the things you wrote than being genuinely interested in Him for his help to recovery-this about. his well-being: (b) he is only in a person is only looking for someone One particular point I found in temporary frightened and vulnera to talk to on these lines. From what teresting was your statement, ble position, and once out of hospital I have seen here in Eretz Yisroel, "Don't try to make the patientjrum." he would generally revert "back to even the secular cry out to G-d out Having been involved in kiruv, I normal"-from Rabbi Schecter's of pain and anxiety. What situation often tried to work on my nursing experience, people on recovery from is more propitious than this to bring home friends. After getting into a a sertous illness usually want to just a person to teshuva? A subtle sug theoretical argument with a sick "enjoy life," as they feel uncertain as gestion toward commitment would woman, however, I realized I had to how much of it they still have left: certainly not be out of place. been making a mistake. Thank you (c) the most potent mussar for the Whilst impressing the patient by for clarifying that point. patient is for him to see one's genuine kindness shown towards There is one more point I would example of concern for his welfare. him, I feel it would be an asset to like to stress. Besides being a great mitzva, bikur cholim is extremely satisfying and enjoyable. People that come to visit the nursing home with dragging feet always return with NOW AVAILABLE alacrity the next week. The sick and TO AGUDATH ISRAEL MEMBERS elderly have so much advice to give. Hearing a sick old man say that Thank G-d he is fine, can teach a COMPREHENSIVE person a lot. In addition, the stories the elderly tell are often amazing. I MAJOR MEDICAL can honestly say that visiting the nursing home is fun and I look HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM forward to it weekly. Available to New York State residents only VIVIENNE ALEXANDER For Information Call: Flushing, N. Y. THE ESSENCE OF 212-797-7388 BIKUR CHOLIM Between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM To the Editor: In regard to your extensive cov- 36 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 erage of the mitzva of bikur cholim, Thank you for a much needed Inform your readership of a unique, I think it is worthwhile to point out article and let us hope that in the free chessed service. our Hotline to an insight from Harav Hagaon Rav zchus of this great mitzva we will Jerusalem. Moshe Feinstein '"" in Igros soon merit to welcome Moshiach. as The Hotline was originally insti Moshe, Yoreh De'ah 1:223, par. 2 Is written in Avos D'Reb Nasson tuted as a medium for Kolle! Amer "Although all of the components (chapter 30): "Comforting mourners ica to repay in some measure the of the mitzva are essential, prayer and visiting the sick bring good to generosity of American Jewry that for the patient is unique in that it the world.'' funds the activities of the American is a mitzva that is impossible to ELIEZER CHULDA Rav Meir Baal Haness Charity in accomplish through others. Thus, Chicago, Ill Eretz Yisroel. It has burgeoned into even if others will also pray, the need a conduit for tefilla requests from is never filled-your prayer will still CHESSED HOTLINE both American continents as well as be lacking, and each individual's Europe. prayer is helpful. To the Edi tor: Recent upgrading of the Facsimile "This explains the emphasis we The recent issue devoted to machine (the fax) as our commun find in Shulchan Aruch Yoreh chessed (Oct'88) prompts me to ication vehicle to Israel has De'ah 335: 4, 'One who visits but fails to pray for the patient's recov ery has not fulfilled the mitzva.' " (RABBI) MOSHE GOLDBERGER Staten Island. N. Y. QUICKI (The writer is author of a number How do you say SIMILAC in Hebrew?* of instructive and inspirational books and pamphlets on the proper .. observance qf various mitzvos.J ,/[) IJl'~ TRY THE NURSING HOMES To the Editor: In response to a beautiful article, "The Art of Bikur Cholim," by Rabbi Myer Schecter. as a mevaker cholim I would like to add a few suggestions, some of which were alluded to in the here are hundreds of babies in Israel receiving diluted formula article. because their parents cannot afford to buy them milk. I strongly feel that a greater need You can help nourish a newborn today. lies in visiting patients confined to their beds in nursing homes who must cope with never-ending. depressing circumstances, with generally few family members or ~!'!~one time sponsorship of $180 buys enough formula for friends to comfort them, than vis the first crucial months of a Jewish infant's life and makes iting hospital patients who usually you a lifetime partner in a baby's future. must cope with only a short-term Still the cry of a hungry child. ~ n illness, with family and friends YAO ELIEZER 15 ENDORSED BY ~~ nearby. Granted that this is not GEDOLEI HATORAH WORLDWIDE ~ always the case, I find It more the For more inform1ir~n or for spomJorship Df a baby Calf 718·ZS8·1580 rule than the exception. 'rbu'II receive a cert1f1cate. a photograph and b1ographica1 details of "vour" baby. Further, due to the fact that many Send s::lonsorship to:Yad Eliezer for Babies of the cholim are and have always Mr. & Mrs_ Zolly Trapper Rabbi & Mrs. Yaakov Weisel been Irreligious Jews, It Is advisable 1102 East 26th Street ~, 1·' ) Kiryat Sanz Brooklyn, NY 11210 ·l ,·t(i:J \#, / ,.- Jerusalem, Israel to bring them a candy or dried fruit and assist them in making a bra ,,.,~,- ~I ,,.,,= cha. The merit of a mitzva can make a person well, as Is written (Shabbos 32a) "To a choleh we say, 'display your merits that you may be FOR BABIES 'ANSWER: Materna healed.'" The Jewish Observer, November 1989 37 increased the efficiency and tlexibil· Boruch Hashem, we have had to their specific kashrus standards. ity of the operation, and avant many success stories of men and Patients and families are routinely garde technology Is being utilized women who go on to lead high· picked up and taken to the airport. to facilitate the age-old communlca· quality lives, each one In itself Is a Relatives have been accompanied by tlon of man with his Maker, a sort nes min hashamayim, and de· foot on Shabbos or Yorn Tov. of modem-day Kfitzas Haderech for serves a story in itself; sometimes Patients who share rooms with our one's supplications to arrive at the there Is high hope, only to see a guests marvel at the attention and Makom Hamikdash tragic end. We have had a number care they constantly receive. Our Sharing knowledge of the exist of patients from Bnel Brak, Yerusha· members keep in constant touch ence of the Hotline will undoubtedly layim, and Kibbutzim They run the with doctors, the staff, the patients increase its use, bringing nn'N more gamut of observance and hashkafa. and their families. refuos and yeshuos, happiness and This is true for the American Some have spent many a night at hope to the world. The Hotline patients, as well. the bedside of our guests and we number is 1(800) 545-PRAY. Under the leadership of Chantze have been zoche to share In sub RABBI CfWM LEVIN Butler and Rebbetzin Faygie Safran, sequent simchos. Through this &ecuttue Vice President a program was instituted to take network, each patient is "adopted" Koll el America care of their needs, while they are by a family here who keeps in close New York City here. To make them as comfortable touch to fill needs as they arise. as possible, an apartment was set Needless to say, much tefilla and up to house the families in the home many tears go into each case. We HELPING FAMILIES OF of Rabbi and Rebbetzln Safran. They hope for siyato deshmayo and a PATIENTS have since left Pittsburgh, but the favorable outcome for all our guests. kind people who purchased the NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST To !he Editor: house still maintain it for this Pittsburgh. Pa. Your article on chessed prompted purpose. The apartment happens to me to write about our town, Pitts· be next door to the Kolle!, and so Other letters descrtbed similar burgh, where we have world-re Kolle! Yungeleit become involved hospitality and support systems nowned university-affiliated hosp!· and helpful to the patients and their sponsored by groups as well as tals, which specialize in all types of families. individuals from Washington transplant surgery. In the past five People have freely given their Heights to Midtown Manhattan, in years or so, we have hosted many homes to patients and their fami· Deal. N.J., and Suffern, N.Y.,from patients and their families from all lies, upon their release from the Boston to Seattle. parts of the country and the world, hospital, for the period of their re· The cover picture illustrated particularly Eretz Yisroel. These cuperation and to their families as Bnos Agudath Israel Bikur Cholim patients are seriously ill, and this they come and go during the rec· volunteers visiting home-bound surgery is their hope for a new overy period. seniors as part of Project STAY. beginning, with the help of !he Meals are coordinated, cooked which coordinates the chessed Ribbono Shel Olam. and delivered to each one according activities Qf several hundred girls. Other activities include special celebrations in honor of Yomim La:2a? ~~~~u~~~~~so~RIDES • • • i~- Tovim, home-bound parties and mos and Baalel Teshuva, received a com- Pricesonsomeitemsare: tele·palsfor people in inaccessible -~ * neighborhoods.-N.W. plete wardrobe toward their wedding from $10.20 • · · • ·······.blouse 1··'.... :. the Malov family. Weekly, about 5.7 Kallahs $15-20 ...... •. ni11htgown • with no one to turn to, came to the Malov $18-40 ·······.skirt, dress family for this chesed. $10.20 • · ········.sweater RABBI SCHECTER RESPONDS: Each Kallah cost them about $200. Some $70.20 ...... towels $15-20 ...... robes catI h ing were d onate d , some were receive d $2()..30 •.•... , .underwear .i· Theoretically. I'm in complete directly from factories, and others were $3540 ...... ".'.linen a·. privately purchased by the Malovs. · ' ' · · agreement with Mrs. Cohen, but it The Rabbonim and Gaonim of Eretz Yisroel have given their approval on ' .•.•... "' is not so simple. It would be ideal this work and have publicized it. _ if the choleh is "looking" for some· Dear Brothers. The Malov family does not have an office or secretaries. one to talk about faith. purpose in They are trying to help these Kallahs on their own. ,.· contribution, which could help purchase this clothing. ' Amicflran and CJnad1an rei1demi, /,,aeli re1j(/pm1 only, Ruchama Seidman Fund, _W_e_a-sk_y_o_u_to-pl-e-as_e_s_e_n_d_n_e_w_cl_o_th-in-g-fo_r_t_h_es_e_K_a_l_la_h_s._o_r_s_e_nd_y_o_"'ple~w send your comribution to pleoie iemJ your comnbul!om to ·;·le··.,. •.• Tzvi and Chaya Ma/ov, 1118·49th St., Rebbitzen Ruth Deenin, 79 Rechov i··. ~ Ph.D. Brooklyn, N. Y. 11219 Tel: 718·853·4717. Shmuel Hanavi, Binyanei Sadigur, }eru· sa/em, fsrael, Tel: 02·821·577. - N.Y.S. Licensed Psychologist (718) 252-3440 38 The Jewish Observer, November 1989 life. concepts of yesurim, and a weeks and still surviving after three are willing to discard a fetus, sug hashkafa of what has happened to weeks, she commented, "And look at gesting that It has no claim to him/her. My experience is that the the Abortion Law!" survival. The Almighty has allowed vast majority of patients are not Overwhelmed by all the advanced so many advances in the lastjew looking for hashkaja and are an machinery. fetal heart-monitors etc.. years in the field of care for prema noyed at the suggestion. I recalled a topic in Jewish Outlook ture babies to make us consciously Mr. Chulda's advice such as mak that I learnt from my esteemed aware, and to convince us, that one ing a bracha with the patient has teacher Rabbi M. Miller (Gateshead cannot put a value to any life nor more meaning to the choleh. since Teachers Training College) based on know its potential for life.... it gives him immediate hope, with the writings of Rabbi Dessler. This MRS. C. WAGSCHAL out contemplative thought. Even theme "Science and Moral Pro Salford 7 Manchester. England when a person is seriously ill and grams" teaches that all scientific, cries out to G-d for help, the true medical and industrial inventions test of that cry is seen after the were introduced for the benefit of patient leaves hospital. Few individ mankind, to strengthen their faith. uals take the decisive step. The Irony Scientific progress is inversely of it is that those who promised proportional to moral progress. themselves more vacation time Necessity is, and will remain, the usually revert to their older patterns, mother of invention. As morality FIRST NATIONWIDE even as workaholics. declined, it necessitated these YOM !YUN The bottom line Is that we all advances in science. To illustrate, in ON SHEMIRAS HALASHON continue to walk a thin line. deli short:-Clothing began with Adam 24 Elul 5749 I September 24, i989 cately balancing ourselves between and Eve as a result of their sin. The fulfilling the mitzva of tochacha Caxton Printing Press was invented IN ENGLISH-ADDRESSES BY: and recognizing situations when after 24 cart loads of Jewish books Rabbi Y. Oelbaum, Rabbi P. Krohn tochacha will not help. The success had been burnt. Who could rewrite Two tapes- $7.50 per set of the Baal Teshuva Movement has so many volumes? What would mainly come through Torah study happen to the learning of Torah and IN YIDDISH-ADDRESSES BY and rational thinking in rational to our Jewish heritage? Likewise, Rabbi D. Ofewski, Rabbi N. Halberstam, moments. the telephone was invented to Rabbi M. Stern, Rabbi S. Schwab, Commenting further on Mr. Chul Rabbi Y. Portugal (Skutener Rebbe) strengthen our appreciation of: Two tapes - $7.50 per set da's most sensitive letter, we can "There is an attentive ear"; and, only emphasize that Bikur Cholim finally. satellites conveying news $15.00 FOR ALL FOUR TAPES does not involve choices of "more and events from all over the world Please send order w:th payment to; important" or "better" areas to visit. at one and the same time-that AGUDATH ISRAEL Hospitals include sick and crippled "There is a watchful eye" (Avos 2,2). Publications Department 84 William Street children up to the paralyzed aged, And so to her comment regarding New York. NY 10038 or victims of Alzheimer's. We cannot abortion: In our day and age, people measure tragedy to patients and families. It is so personal, sometimes devastating. We look at the individ ual and do the best we can for him ??:>n N~,, n1)Y.liln wherever he is found-with the tools v'.) that G-d gave us. n::>~n1 'Tll:J'7 7'll 771::> (RABBI) MYER SCHECTER n 1'1"7l)N \"!:!' )11)17 i'Y:l n1ti11') NEO-NATAL LESSONS o7n'lln7 O'!:llin n1111 '):J 7':l'll:J To the Editor: n::>7n 7'll Yl!:lpo::i Having given birth to a premature . O't'll:Jll:J O')J.il:J 'llll:J''ll OY baby and benefitted from the tre mendous advances made in neo 7N \)~' 0')'JlYl:Jn natal care, I wish to share with your readers the following incident. Kollel Reb Chayim Ozer I invited my S.E.E.D. partner (an outreach effort in Manchester) to 84 Amhurst Park come up to the Special Care Baby London N16, Unit. On noticing a baby that England weighed 750 grams at birth, born after a gestation period of 23-24 The Jewish Observer. November 1989 39 THURSDAY AFTERNOON MOTZOEI SHABBOS November 23, 2:00 P.M. November 25, 8:00 P.M. Symposium CONTEMPORARY ISSUFS '""'"' MESSAGES ON THE CALL OF THE THROUGH THE PRISM OF TORAH: s"'''" HOUR FROM OUR ESTEEMED CIARl1Y AMIDST CONFUSION TORAH LEADERSHIP THURSDAY EVENING SUNDAY MORNING November 23, 7:30 P.M. November 26, 10:00 A.M. sympooiom HONES1Y AND INTEGRl1Y: ARE WE LMNG UP TO OUR IDFALS? S)mpooiom. STRANGERS IN OUR MIDST: REACHING OUT TO THE LONELY, FRIDAY MORNING THE UNATTACHED, November 24, 10:15 AM. THE NEWCOMER woc~ho~ I: HILCHOS SHABBOS FOR THE 90'S II. COPING WITH CONFLICTING SUNDAY MORNING DEMANDS ON OUR TIME: November 26, 11:30 A.M. FAMILY OBLIGATIONS, GROW111 Symposium THE RUSSIANS ARE HERE - IN LEARNING, COMMUNAL WHERE ARE WE? RESPONSIBILITIES Ill. STAYING IN CHARGE OF OUR MIDOS WHEN THINGS SPIN OUT OF CONTROL SHABBOS DIVREI TORAH FROM DISTIN· GUISHED RABBONIM, ROSHEI YESHIVA, AND REBBES Agudath Israel of America · -plus - two unique panel discussions: 67TH NATIONAL CONVENTION 50 YEARS LATER: LESSONS FROM 25-28 Chesbvan, 5750 I November 23-26, 1989 A VANISHED WORLD DEVELOPING AND STRENGTHEN ING TORAH COMMUNffiES ACROSS THE LAND: IS THERE A THEME: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES "BEST WAY"? THROUGH THE PRISM OF TORAH: CLARITY AMIDST CONFUSION *45 minutes from the Verauano·Bridge/40 minutes from the Goorge Washington Bridge at The PRrsippRny Hilton Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey