A Year ... Round Favorite. A Passover Tradition .. IN EVERY GENERATION
~{ eenly aware that the success of the Seder depends upon the dialogue that takes place between family members, Rabbi Moshe Grylak raises inter-generational themes for discussion. Seated together at the Seder table, the family wends its way through this remarkable haggadah considering such issues as: • Spiritual oppression in our day •The concept of a "Chosen People" and why it has caused untold suffering for the Jewish nation •Anti-Semitism and the phenomenon of the survival of the Jewish peo ple •The culture dash between Pharaoh and Moshe and its lessons ·The concept of animal sacrifice Clearly written, yet deep in its explanation of concepts, In Every Generation is a haggadah that engages each family member on his or her own level. ;\ J:gws ofthecJeder The comprehensive exposition rituals One of the most prominent halachic authorities of our time, HaGaon Rabbi David Feinstein, elucidates the principles of the laws, traces relevant Talmudic passages and discussions of major commentators, and demonstrates their applications to any questions that may arise. This halachic exposition is a practical guide as well as a fascinating excursion into the development of the numerous laws and customs of the Seder. This is a work that will become an indispensable part of your Pesach preparations and accompany you to your Seder for on-the-spot decisions. A convenient,popular Haggadah THE GIFT OF LIFE •!• 'C"M tmi~ i!l'1:7 __ _ with a new,elegant cover. ~WITH HEARTS FULL OF FAITH CJ!ie c;Jatnily Jfdggadah Insights Tile Perfect Pe$ad1 gift ftabbi Mattisyahu Salomon's for yourself or your llostl influence radiates far beyond his What could be a better Passover gift than 8 copies of ArtScroll's classic Family Haggadah, ele "headquarters" as Mashgiach of gantly presented in leatherette covers and pack- Lakewood's Beth Medrash Govoha. ,..., , aged in a handsome embossed slipcase? Thinker, speaker, guide, and inspira (l tional leader, Rabbi Salomon has f--~~~~~---v'-~~--~~-~~~~~~~- touched, enriched, and changed countless lives. Noble Lhms Now, for the first time, this great man's thought is captured between Noble Deeds the covers of a book for English· Cap"Uvoting stories onJ biogruphical fil"<>/'i!es speaking readers. Brilliantly prepared of spirit1.wf giants for publication by Rabbi Yaakov Unlike tales of heroic feats, this rare collec Yosef Rein man in consultation with tion of anecdotes recounts the seemingly the Mashgiach, these essays present "simple" acts of extraordinary individuals. Why did Rav Y!sroet Zev Gustman insist on his ideas in his own "voice" on a vari· watering the plants of his yeshivah garden him ety of topics- topics that affect everyone's relationship with his G--d, his fel self? How did Rav Shlomo Halberstam, the Bobover Rebbe, cleverly persuade a debtor to lows and himself. The writing is beautiful. The expression is eloquent. The message is pay his bills? Why would the Baba Sa!i delay a Yorn Tov meal for hours, just to host a young student? relevant. This book is both timeless and timely - a rare value for every Rabbi David Silber does more than tell Jewish home. these stories. Each inspirational narrative is accompanied by an authoritative biographical sketch giving a meaning unique to the individual it presents.
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PARENTS AND CHILDREN /A PESACH FEATURE RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR 7 New Problems, Time-Tested Solutions, EDITORIAL SOARO based on an address by Rabbi Avrohom Pam, )"~t RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS Chairman translated and adapted by Avrohom Birnbaum RABBI ABBA BRUDNY I 3 Kibbud Av Va'eim - Honoring One's Parents: JOSEPH FRIEDENSON RABBI YISROEL MEIR KIRZNER A Matter of Respect or Service? • RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN PROF. AARON TWERSKI Rabbi Yoel Chonon Wenger DR. ERNST L BODENHEIMER Z"L Founding Chairman REPORTS FROM ERETZ YISROEL MANAGEMENT SOARD AVI FISHOF NAFTOLI HIRSCH 18 Those Hated Chareidim, Yonoson Rosenblum ISAAC KIRZNER RABBI SHLOMO LESIN 30 The Supreme Court and the NACHUM STEIN State of Israel's Jewish Identity, RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING Rabbi Nisson Wolpin Managing Editor Published by Agudath Israel of America 3 l Pesach and the Jewish Mandate, U.S. TRADE DISTRIBUTOR ISRAELI REPRESENTATIVE Rabbi Ahron Rapps Feldheim Publishers lnlnl. Media Placement 200 Airport Executive Park POB 7195 / 5 Even Israel Nanuet. NY 10954 Jerusalem. ISRAEL BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE BELGIAN REPf!ESENTATlVE SECOND LOOKS M.l Bibelman Mr. E. Apter Grosvenor Works Lange Kievitstr. 29 Mount Pleasant Hill 2018 Antwerp 3 8 A Liberal Spin on a Conservative Purim London ES 9NE, ENGLAND BELGIUM FRENCH REPRESENTATIVE SWISS REPRESENTATIVE > Rabbi Bamberger Mr. S. Feldlnger 21 Boulevard Paixhans Leimanstrasse 36 40 No Different Than You, 57000 Metz 4051 Basel FRANCE SWITZERLAND A review article by Hillel Goldberg ; • THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not assume responsibility for the Kashrus of any product, publication, or service 44 Letters to the Editor advertised in its pages J. ©Copyright 2002 March 2002 VOLUME XXXlllNO. 3 Not just a cheese, a tradition... Haolam, the most trusted name in Cholov Yisroel Kosher Cheese. A reputation earned through 25 years of scrupulous devotion to quality and kashruth. With 12 delicious varieties. Haolam, a tradition you'll enjoy keeping. All Haolam cheese products are made in the U.S.A. under the strict rabbinical supervision of: Tue Rabbinate of K'hal Adath Jeshurun 1~~1 Washington Heights. NY Cholov flsfoel THURM BROS. WORLD CHEESE CO. ll'IC. BKOOllLYl'I, NY 11232 Haola The Thurm Families wish Klal Yisroel a nn~i i~:> ln If it has no cholesterol, a better than-butter flavor, and a reputation for kashruth you can trust... It has to be •gd I the new, improved parve M I a unsalted margarine I~~ I VEHIGADETA LEVINCHA; "AND YOU SHALL TELL YOUR CHILD •.• " /A PESA CH FEATURE Based on an address by Rabbi Avrohom Pam, ?":':It, presented over a year ago at a gathering of Yeshiva and Day School principals. Translated and adapted for publication by Avrohom Birnbaum. he issue of "children at risk;' The child, however, maintained that his a good educational policy to discipline which is fraught with much explanation was the correct one. Reb Isser in this manner. More than that, one can Theartache, has been around for a Zalman again gently conveyed the correct actually transgress explicit Torah pro long time, but only recently has its depth explanation to him. The child, however, hibitions. and proportions been recognized. Yid would not relent and stated in no uncer The Torah states, "Hochei'ach dishe kinder, bnei yeshiva from the best tain terms that his explanation was cor toche' ach es amisecha, v'lo sisa alav ch et homes, are falling away. We are often rect. Suddenly, Reb Isser Zalman rose and - You shall rebuke your fellow and do approached about various related mat quickly exited the room. Puzzled as to his not bear a sin because of him." Rashi ters. I would like to draw your attention sudden departure, his family members explains "do not bear a sin ... " to mean to several of them. went to search for him and found him that one should not embarrass him in closeted in a room, repeating over and over public. Although one must at times I. PROTECTING THE again, "Yehi chevod chaveircha chaviv rebuke others, the passuk specifically DIGNITY OF STUDENTS alecha ki'shelach - The honor of your prohibits embarrassing him in front of friend should be as dear to you as your others. This applies to children, as well. primary concern is the care that own. This directive is also said with regard At times, the educator will justify his must be taken with regard to the to a young child." conduct by saying that this is for the A dignity of talmidim, even young It seemed that Reb Isser Zalman had benefit of the child - that he should children. The following story is told feared that he might lose patience with the learn not to engage in such conduct about the Gaon Rabbi Isser Zalman child and say something that would again; he is pursuing a lofty agenda. The Meltzer, 7">n. slight him. method, however, is not correct. In fact, A father brought his young child to Yes, students are very sensitive. There it has the exact opposite effect. When Rabbi Isser Zalman Meltzer to be tested is no special hetter (dispensation) for that type of rebuke does not improve the on the Gemora he had learnt. When the Rebbe'im, menahelim (principals) or chinuch of the child, the educator may , ' child did not explain the Gemora prop parents to embarrass or shout at a child, well transgress the prohibition of "You erly, Reb Jsser Zalrnan gently corrected unless it is unequivocally for the child's shall not embarrass your friend in him and explained the Gemora to him. benefit. Usually such tactics cause more public:' This is said even with regard to damage than gain, because of a child's a younger child. How much n1ore so Rabbi Birnbaum, an educator in Lakewood, NJ, and a regular columnist for Ha1nodia, is a fre extreme sensitivity. I am not only talk does it apply to a somewhat older child! quent contributor to these pages. ing about the fact that it is simply not This, then, is not simply an issue of The Jewish Observer, March 2002 7 differing educational tactics; it is a - did you hear?'' Can you begin to imag failed to be truthful with me, even when he halacha issue, as well. The Gemora's ine what kind of impression that made could have safely done otherwise. statement, "He who embarrasses his on me? I felt like a distinguished grown If I had blown the incident out of friend in public does not have a portion up! This sense of importance instills a proportion, implied that he was a liar, in Olam Habba," includes a student, and different mode of conduct in the stu or subsequently checked the note that even one's own child. If public rebuke dent. he would have presented, to ensure his is not for a specific, halachically man Of course, one cannot address a nine father's or mother's signature was gen dated purpose, it is not permitted. In year-old with the term "Ihr;' but a uine, we very likely would have had an practically every situation, even where Mesivta bachur is different. (I do not adversarial relationship. Yes, perhaps in one might think a benefit will come out suggest that you assume this mode of my heart, I was not really sure that he of it, such a form of discipline usually conduct and talk to your talmidim in was telling the truth, but that is irrele has no positive results, and causes only this manner. I am citing this personal vant. It is permitted to suspect someone) damage. On the other hand, if one gives example to illustrate the special impor but that does not warrant an accusation, a student respect, the student can be tance my Rebbi accorded me and the as the Gemora says in reference to acer raised and lifted. tremendous, lifelong impression it had tain class of people, "Kabdeihu on me. ve'chashdeihu- Honor him, but suspect Lifelong Impressions When I became a Rebbi, my first assign him." Perhaps the Gemora is also telling ment in Mesivta TOrah Vodaath was Ninth us that even when one suspects anoth y Rebbi, Hagaon Rabbi David Grade. A bachur once n1issed shiur and I er, the suspicion itself should be pursued Leibowitz,~": -~------·--- -- 8 ------The Jewish Observer, March 2002 he managed to bring the student "back general give-and-take of the classroom, A Rebbi should not measure all of his to earth, with a dash of humor." If the leading them to ask questions, or guid students by the same yardstick. Not all child is embarrassed, however, he will ing them to come up with answers. In students are equally talented; what can ultimately lose his respect for the Rebbi, this way, each student's name will be be demanded of one, cannot be and may start to dislike him -which can among the others' in the booklet. These demanded of another. Nonetheless, be catastrophic. This type of wit can be are among the many ways to lift the spir even a weak child's efforts earns a lethal. it of a child. teacher's appreciation, in line with a On the positive side, I would like to The booklets that this Third Grade thought expressed by the Torah regard tell you about a third grade Rebbi of my Rebbi puts out makes his task much eas ing the sacrifice brought by a destitute acquaintance. ier throughout the year. Because of the person. The passuk says, "Venefesh ki In the middle of a Chumash lesson, one students' involvement, the lessons gen sakriv - a soul that offers a sacrifice." student publicly and blatantly closed his erate n1uch excitement among the stu Rashi comments that this is the only kor Chun1ash, declaring, ('I am tired of learn dents while promoting parents' pride in ban nedava (voluntary sacrifice, which ing Chumash." What should the Rebbi have their children. calls for sacrifices on a sliding scale done! After all, this is a challenge to his authority, a revolution in the nzaking! The Rebbi, however, responded, "Oh, you don't feel like learning? Learn anyway and you will receive extra s'char." The Rebbi had actually understood that the child was tired, for they had been learning for some time. lie avoided a con frontation by identifying with the child's feelings and nevertheless responding with ENESS TEFILAH ,S~lllES· #1... .·~ Tt",~~- encouragement to learn further. This is obvi 1. Chol Hamoed Pesach-An Eveni~g of Inspiration R' Pinchos Breuer/R' nchos Jung . ously a Rebbi who enjoys a special rela ''2.. Tefilah As 7'. Lifestvle '·Grasping !liof Conl:flpt • 3. 7\chieving Personal Growth Tl"l'lu Tefilah • .·• tionship witl1 his students. , 4. Mot1vat1ng the Youn~ In Tufilah ~ StSbaqbos Da~~ning.-_Mak1ng It Meaningful •· ' ' ·· ~lithe Unex. pl6retl. O~pt5rlbnfy -"" .~rtsonahze~ffeliil·,· s ,, ,, .. Another positive reinforcement that this ... . R'. P1nchos Jung • if ' san1e Rebbe does periodically, throughout the year, is to print a booklet of all the ques AWARENESS TEFILAH SERIES #2 &AUDIOTAPES tions and answers that the students come I. Do We Believe in Our Own Telilos 4. Changing Our Life Drastically Through Tefilah up with as they are learning. For exa1nple, R' llllatisyohu Salomon R' Nkishe Meir Weiss he will write, "So-and-so asked this ques 2. Removing the Telilah Roadblocks 5. Telilah: AWay of Connecting tion, which is similar to the one asked by R' PinChos Jung R' Paysach Krohn the Ramban .. .. So-and-so gave this answer, 3. The Power oftellah 6. The Shul: he We Too Af Home in 'His' House? much the same as the words of the Malbiln." R' Chaim Kaufman R' Lipa Geldwerth This booklet is sent home to the parents, imbuing the children with a wonderful sense AWARENESS TEfllAH SERIES #3 &AUDIOTAPES of pride and self-esteem, while giving the I. Kedushas HaMokom -·The Sanct!y of Place .. R' Shmuel Kamenetsky/R' Pinchos Jung parents irnmense nachas. The father sees his 2. Revering the House ofTefilah...... R' Benjamin Yudin/R' Pindtos Jung son's accomplislunents in print, and com 3. Preparing for the Peak Day of Yorn !Gppur ...... R' Yaakov Haber/R' Pinchos Jung pliments him, and the mother is so overcome 4. Tefilah Women Taking a Leading Role • 5. Tefilah - Gazing at the Spiritual Mirror • ~ with joy, she will prepare a special treat for 6. Emunah - The Golden Key to Tefilah...... R' Pindtos lung ~ him. In such an atmosphere, where each cos1 PER sER1Es s3G s O SPECIAL: $ BUY 2 SETS & SAVE: ONLY 7 BUY ALL 3 SETS & SAVE: ONLY 99 child is made to feel important, is a dis I cipline problem at all likely? All rates include shipping and handling • Discounts tor Bnei Yeshiva and Torah Tape Libraries available. I would like to order: 0 SERIES ! 0 SERIES II 0 SERIES Ill II. THE LESS-GIFTED STUDENT NAMt ______,______ADDRESS very class will include weaker PHONE# H/B ( )______H!B ( ) ------·-- students as well as some who lack Checks should be payable to: Agudath Israel - Awareness Project Ethe intelligence to ask a good ques Return form with payment to: POB 753, Monsey, NY 10952 tion on their own. The conscientious Email: [email protected] Phone: 845-426-1999 xl06 • Fax: 845-426-1998 Rebbi will include such students in the • The Jewish Observer, March 2002 9 reflecting the financial status of the owner) where the term "nefesh - soul" is employed. The reason for this, he explains, is that when a poor person brings this type of sacrifice, its basic (at the Seder) ingredient is barley, which is the cheap est grain, Yet Hashem says, "I consider it as if he offered his nefesh, his very soul, THIS is the as a sacrifice." Similarly, when dealing with students who are less gifted than others, we do not expect them to match Hauuadah the achievements of the more accom plished students. A gifted child who lorYOU! scores 90 on his test, often does not work half as hard as this child, who despite all Dlvrel Torah to Inspire .• his hard work, ends up with a 60. That Stories to DPlllL 60 of the less-gifted student is worth the same as, if not more than, the 90 of the Make the acquaintance of one gifted one. "He has offered his soul as a of today's most popular sacrifice" to receive that 60. exponents of the Torah way of Some may argue, "But we have to be life-RABBI DOVID GDlDWISSER. truthful." I would respond that recog His insightful observations offer a refreshing and nizing the possible superior value of that 60 is the truth, considering the effort profound understanding of the Haggadah. Anyone who has ever invested in it. If that child brings home listened to Rabbi Goldwasser speak needs no further persuasion a test with a 60 on it, his parents may to acquire this Haggadah. Anyone else-read this Haggadah, and be upset and scold him for his poor per see for yourself what everyone is talking about! formance, even though he worked extremely hard to earn even that mark! In truth, his effort should earn him a place on the class honor roll! The chizuk he could derive from such recog nition is immeasurable, and could pro vide him with the encouragement to persevere. If we would all teach in this manner, You will lie when vou we would definitely have fewer prob lems. read M.C. Millman's III. TALE BEARING AND DISCIPLINE gripping new novel! uestion that commonly arises deals with a student who does An ancient key may hold the A!something unacceptable in class and the teacher or principal would like answers for a small-town to know who was responsible. He asks the students who is to blame, but they Jewish community paralyzed do not want to inform on their friend - not necessarily because of considera by fear and uncertainty. tions of halacha; often the children fear the retribution of the perpetrator or his fellow classmates for tale-bearing. Are we Available at Jewish bookswres everywhere or from the publisher: allowed to put pressure on students to reveal who is guilty? The obvious answer TIE JUDAICA PRESS. INC. • 1111-912-8280 • 880-912-6201 • wwwJlllalt:lllRISUllll is: Of course not. Do we not speak about 10 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 the evils of lashon hara (slander) in class? other witnesses, because, as a thief, he that, nowadays, in n1any situations a Is it not a contradictory 1nessage when himself will not be a kosher witness!" Rebbi must show that he is "one of the the child feels that the Rebbi is forcing The Chafetz Chaim made sure to pref boys" by going to the park and playing him to relate laslwn hara? The child does ace his remarks by saying, "I don't want ball with them. They maintain that by not understand that in this instance, to know who the culprit is." demonstrating that the Rebbi identifies informing is for a halachically mandat with them he can bring his students ed purpose, to enable us to guide the IV. MAINTAINING KAVOD closer to Yiddishkeit. perpetrator so that he not repeat the AND YIRA-HONORAND FEAR My view is exactly the opposite. The misdemeanor. Shulchan Aruch states," A Rebbi should not It is often impossible for a child, or et n1e preface the next comment act frivolously in front of his students. A even an older bachur, to understand that by saying that I am an old-fash Rebbi has to appear as a respected person there arc specific times when lashon hara Lioned person from the previous who is involved in Meleches Shamayim (a is halachically permitted. The next time generation. My opinion about the fol heavenly n1andated mission), a person to the Rebbi speaks about the evils of lashon lowing topic may be different from that whom time is very important." Of course, hara, the student will think, "This same of present-day 1nechanchi1n. young children do need to exercise, but Rebbi forced me to speak /ashon Many 1nechanchim who maintain not with the Rebbi. The Rebbi has to hara ... :' In my opinion, if the Rebbi can not discover the culprit himself, with out forcing others to tell, it is better that he not find out at all. Of course, he could explain to the entire class what was done, what was For careful attention to your wrong with it, and why such incidents individual needs, call us today! should never occur .... That should be the extent of the discussion. (845) 354-8445 I heard of an interesting incident from Rabbi Yitzchak Poupko, ~,..~t, a talmid of the Chofetz Chaim. The Chafetz Chaim once came to the Beis Midrash on Shabbos to find one of Tour of Eastern Europe the distinguished members of the com munity looking for his shtender. It seems You've gone with her that one of the bachurim who learned in to Washington ... to Boston ... the shul had removed the shtender, and to Virginia ... and even to Eretz Yisroel ... left it amongst the numerous other ones in the Beis Midrash. Throughout daven --~~ ing, the Chafetz Chaim seemed perturbed. Now, for the ~a time, After Chazoras Hashatz, he went to the the well-known travel guide, SHEILA SCHWEBEL, front of the shul and pounded on the will be leading a select group of bima, and declared, "So-and-so could not find his shtender. Apparently somebody Bais Yaakov girls to Eastern Europe. has taken it and not returned it to its prop er place. I do not want to be told who took BediscoYer the rich Torah life of pre-war Europe it. The only reason I am making this From the beauty of Prague ... announcen1ent is because possibly the to the destruction of Warsaw... bachur who took the shtender without to the original Sais Yaakov in returning it will one day beco1ne a l~av Cracow... to Ger, Lublin, in a small town. One of a Rav's duties is ,_,,,,%,_,,,,,,,, __ ._,,, Kotzk, Budapest and more. to preside over weddings. At times, it is dif ficult to find two kosher witnesses who are , ; Follow in the footsteps of the Gedolai not related to either the chassan or the Yisroe/ ... Daven at Kivrai Tzadikim ... kalla. It is therefore often customary for Sadly face the devastating remnants the Rav himself to serve as one ofthe wit of the holocaust at Theresienstadt, nesses. I would like to tell that person that Madjanek, Auschwitz and more. it will be necessary for him to seek out two terfleye.com ______, ______----- , _____, ___ The Jewish Observer, March 2002 II maintain a presence, projecting a sym V. PERSONAL GROWTH VS. would only confuse them. The third bol that evokes unquestioned respect. I STUDENTS' BENEFIT thing was how to present that which find it strange for a Rebbi to engage in he should say. sports with his students. Perhaps it is any Rebbe'im ask me, "I am so Of course, the time spent on prepa appropriate for children coming out of busy with my talmidim! When ration could have been used to learn public school; in that scenario, such an Mwill I be able to learn for another blatt Gemora. But what does approach would help ease their entry into myself?" My answer has always been, "I Hashem want - the success of the stu the world of Torah and mitzvos. I do not also had this question. I once tried to dents, or his own blatt Gemora? understand this as being necessary or learn other limudim (areas of study) The Rebbi must be devoted to his effective for regular yeshiva children. in addition to what I was teaching and students and respect them. The rela Children must see the Rebbi in all of his soon realized that this was not the tionship between Rebbi and student honor, and must fear him - not because proper way. My responsibility as a based on mutual respect has the he will hit them, but because of yiras Rebbi is to learn as much as I can for capacity to thrive for many years. hakavod - awe over his stature. They the benefit of my students." [ Obvi should view their Rebbi as being above ously, Rabbi Pam was discussing the VI. REBBI-PARENT PARTNERSHIP petty things. His day is holy and impor budgeting of time by a Rebbi of more tant and cannot be wasted on frivolities. advanced students, for teaching a t is essential that the Rebbi be in class in a yeshiva ketana would not touch with his students' parents - require exclusive devotion to the I that he understand their approach class's areas of study. - NW] to their child's education, while mak PESACH GUIDE TO An interesting explanation of the ing certain that they gain insight into following Gemora illustrates this his specific goals and methods. In this MEDICATIONS · point. The Gemora says, "If a Rebbi is way, the parents will not inadvertent similar to an angel, you should seek to ly undo that which the Rebbi has so learn Torah from him." How can one painstakingly built, often at the For a copy of the most know what an angel looks like? One expense of his personal spiritual Comprehensive Pesach Guide explanatiou is that angels cannot do needs. Parents must realize that it is to Medications I Cosmetics more than one job at a time. The very easy to destroy things, including by Rav Gershon Bess Gemora then must mean that if a Rebbi concepts, attitudes and practices that can be content remaining stationary took much effort to build. Please write to: in his own personal learning so as to A Rebbi would do well to call par KOLLEL LOS ANGELES allow himself to concentrate com ents periodically, and tel! them, "Your 223 S. Formosa Avenue pletely on what he must teach his son learned especially well today .... I Los Angeles, CA 90036 talmidim - that is the Rebbi from noticed a very nice midda in hi1n ... . Phone: (323) 933-7193 whom one should seek to learn Torah. He is really an outstanding student, (Unless you are already on our list) To be successful in imbuing his stu and you will have much nachas from dents with knowledge and love of him ...." Such comments can raise the learning, a Rebbe must devote himself parents' appreciation for their child completely to his talmidim, even at the immensely, and can work miracles in Digest of Meforshim expense of his own personal learning. ensuring that the parents have a ~V1ji7 in:i ~V1ji7 Rabbi Shmuel Rozovsky ':r:.r, the late healthy relationship with their child. Rosh Yeshiva of Ponevezh, once said * * * 7"::n ivv'm 'mir.iv i"mnr.i that he expends an inordinate amount If we would make a practice of A"o.xdlable at of time and effort on preparing his shi doing these seemingly minor things, LEKUTEI uriln. He was not referring to mas psychologists and psychiatrists would l/o Yitzchok Rosenberg tering the actual material, for he was have much less work in our circles. (As 1445 54th Street Brooklyn, NY 11219-4228 a gaon and he had already mastered for their welfare, Hashem will send 718-851-5298 everything he was expected to teach. them their livelihood from another 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, Med.rash, His preparation, he said, was in three source.) I have mercy on Yiddishe Megilos, Talmud, and Tehilim. areas. First, he prepared what to say. kinder, dear precious children, children Second, he prepared what not to say. Proceeds of sales distributed auiong of G-d-fearing parents from wonder Yeshivos and used for reprinting of After all, there are some things that a ful homes. The above approaches to voluines out-of-print Rebbi might appreciate, such as acer chinuch will most assuredly lead to a PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME tain sevara (explanation), but it may decrease in the problem of "children be beyond the level of the students and at risk:' • 12 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 Ribbud Hu Ua'eim SOME IRRELEVANT QUESTIONS • Are married children required to and its spec\fi~;; ~; ,\T';ii;";~]i;e th~t th~ spend Yorn Tov with their parents questions themselves reveal how far we efore Moshiach comes, Chazal tell because the senior generation would have strayed. us, there will be a degeneration of appreciate it? If a son selects two beau Bderech eretz. Notably, we will wit tiful esrogim, should he give his father FROM ESSENCE TO APPLICATION ness a lack of respect of sons and daugh the nicer one? ters toward their parents.' We should not •Every Yeshiva or Bais Yaakov grad ven after learning the essence of deceive ourselves into thinking that Rab uate can recite the specifics of the mitz kibbud av va' ei1n, many questions bis of the Talmud were limiting their va. Kibbud refers to serving food and Earise in regard to its practical prediction to secular society. It is well drink to one's parents, and helping them application, even in the above questions. known that when the general environ- get dressed. Yira refers to not sitting in Our intention is not to render absolute 1nent is lax in specific areas, the effects their places and not contradicting them. halachic decisions. Rather, we would like are felt in the Torah community as well. Accordingly, they conclude that in the to lay the basic foundations necessary It is therefore incu1nbent upon us to three above situations, the mitzva is not for raising the pertinent questions so as evaluate ourselves in ter1ns of how we relevant. A child far from home, who to arrive at the correct answers. We must are faring in regard to the mitzva of kib does not wear a scarf is not considered also mention that extraordinary situa bud av va'eim (honoring one's father and to be contradicting his parents. Moving tions, such as emotionally unstable or mother). It is not enough to compare in for Yorn Tov is not really kibbud. And abusive parents, can affect the outcome. ourselves to the rest of the world. We where in the laws of kibbud do we learn Also, there may be times when children must assess ourselves by the Torah's about the kind of esrogone must give a feel that kibbud av va'eim would inter measuring stick. father? fere with their fulfillment of other Let us begin with son1e practical In the following pages, we will show mitzvos or with their shalom bayis. examples as a basis for discussion. that these answers are far from conclu Although the following discussion will For example: sive. rfhis is a classic case of using ele help us be better equipped to under •When parents tell their teen-age son, mentary-level knowledge to decide seri stand these issues, it is beyond the scope who is in a different city, to wear a scarf ous and complex issues. Even 1nore of this article to do justice to these issues. because of the inclement weather, is he harmful is that the above recitation of In all of these situations, as in most areas required to obey? the laws of kibbud is a simplified guide of halacha, guidance from a rabbinical Rabbi Wenger is the Rav of Beis Medrash Eitz that misses the essence of the 1nitzva. authority is needed. Chai1n and serves as a member of the hanhala This over-simplification is the root of a The Torah relates how Eliezer, the ser in Beis Han1edrash of Yeshiva Gedola Merkaz misconception that is common to all of vant of Avrahan1 Avinu, discussed the Hatorah Tiferes Mordcchai of Montreal. His arti the above questions. As we will gain possible marriage of Rivka I1neinu to cle, "Quality of Life- Revisited," was featured in JO April '01. more understanding about the ntitzva Yitzchak Avinu with her family. Lavan The Jewish Observer, March 2002 13 was the first to answer, as the passuk are quick to assert that in all of the to grasp any understanding of our reads: "Vaya'an Lavan u'Besueil .. . Lavan above questions, and 1nany other relationship with Him. Therefore, in His and Besueil replied" - in that order.' co1nmon situations, the n1itzva is not infinite wisdom, Hashem gave us a Rashi notes that Lavan was a rasha in relevant. model, a scaled-down paradigm - a set that he replied to Eliezer before Besueil, Modern education and parenting of parents as a means of learning and his father. Recently, a high school bachur philosophies have eroded the natural perfecting our service to Him. Through asked his Rebbe: Why does such a minor feelings of deference and reverence this exercise, we are able to internalize ' infringement of respect for a parent that children have always had to their the proper feelings and obligations that deserve mention? Interestingly, just a few parents.3 This has been aggravated by the are necessary in our service to Hashem. generations ago, the Ksav Sofer asked a increase in dysfunctional families, sin We can now understand why this mitz different question about Rashi's state gle-parent families, and other debili va is listed among the first five Com ment: How could Lavan stoop so low as tating factors. We must relearn the hala mandrnents, affecting our behavior to to speak before his father? It is unimag chos of kibbud in a manner that will Hashem. inable for a human being, even a rasha, nurture and enhance the feelings of There is an obvious correlation to act this way. respect and love, which are so necessary between parents and Hashem. We came This deterioration reflects the over for us to overcome the obstacles that into this world and exist only because simplification of the mitzva of kibbud modern society places in our way. of our parents. They nurtured and raised - the childhood impression that kib us from infancy. If not for them, we bud is an act of handing or placing an A FEW BASIC POINTS could not and would not exist. We can object in a specific place, as a waiter relate to this in a very real and physical or butler. As adults, we continue to et us begin by posing a few basic way. Our resulting obligation to respect, view the mitzva as a specific set of life questions: How does the Torah fear, and serve them - and our carrying less, unemotional actions. We fail to L want us to relate to our parents? these out in our activities - bring us to understand that we are to act this way Is it possible that the fifth of the Ten the concept of service to Hashern. because of a basic understanding that Comn1andments merely requires us to Now we can extrapolate and begin to we are not peers of or equal to our act as waiters to our parents? comprehend our obligations to the parents. We therefore find it difficult Why is this mitzva included among true source of our existence: We become or even unrealistic to den1and of a the first five Commandments, which grateful - and express our gratitude to child that he or she remain silent until refer to our obligations to Hashem, and Hashem for every breath and every the parent has spoken. Accordingly, we not with the latter five, which address action that we take throughout our life interpersonal issues? long journey in this world. The Navi Malachi says4: "A son will honor his father. .. , and [Hashem then FROM CONCEPT TO ACTION: asks] If I am a father, where is my THE HALACHOS honor?" The Almighty is asking us why we do not treat Him at least like a father. et us now explore the halachos of The Sefer HaChinuch' writes that once Kibbud Av Va'eim. The Chayei a person has integrated respect for par Adam7 writes that kibbud is per New for the 15-16 L year-old bochur ents into his personality, this attitude can formed with thought, speech and deed. serve as a springboard for honoring "With thought" requires us to think of Hashem - who, after, all is Creator of our parents as great, respected people, Befhel farm both. In effect, a respectful son or daugh even though they may actually be Summer Prtt!ram ter can progress from the mitzva of kib simple members of society. Anything 4-8 weeks· ~>~ bud to relate to Hashem in a similar less turns our actions and words into Learn under Rabbi "Cl);~ " manner of appreciation and gratitude "they honor me with their mouths and Shmuel Brazil, renowned ~ !' for all that He has given us. lips but their hearts are distant from mechonech and mashpiah. ~ But, if kibbud av va'eim is only an act me." Serving food to a parent is an act ~ Do genuine farm work: sheep, of serving, how could such a gesture of kibbud only when it is based on a g cows & chickens, gardening, prompt us to think of Hashem as a feeling of awe and respect.' According construction, and more! I father? Obviously, the prophet Malachi to the Chayei Adam, this is halacha, not 2-4 day intensive backpacking, did not view kibbud av va' eim as an act chassidus (beyond halachic require mountain biking, hiking and/or of bringing food or drink, but as part ments) nor middos tovos (a matter of canoe trips with frum NY lie. guide. of an overall perspective. character refinement). The Bina L'ittim The Bina I:ittim6 explains that it is far understood the laws as the Chayei 718-327-6322 beyond the reach of human intelligence Adam did: If we stand in awe and 14 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 respect of our parents, if we feel tionate to what he has done for the insti Dearest Daddy and Mommy, N""1"?"1 insignificant in their presence, we are tution, rather than to his standing in the The first night I was here, I pashut then ready to undertake the fear and community, or the world at large? couldn't control myselfand at I :30 A.M. service of Hashem. We then proceed from the analogies I took a private taxi from Bnei Brak But isn't this an impossible mitzva? to reality. Our parents did take care of straight to the Kosel. I was there from How can we think of simple people as us from conception through infancy. 2:30 till 4:30 A.M. I davened for you if they were great and important? They provided us with food, clothing, both. May Hakadosh Baruch Hu be'rov Wouldn't we be making fun of our par and shelter. They taught us to walk and rachamav hear all my tefillos! ents if we claimed that they were gedolei talk, and took care of our educational DADDY & MOMMY. It was worth hador? needs. They were there in times of ill having me with the chevlei leida (birth Rabbi Chaim Shmulevitz, 'ron9 sug ness and distress. pangs) and having given birth to me if gests an approach: The child should dis We could go on and on and on. Is it even only for those minutes at the Kosel. cover an area - whether it be a charac not obvious that every person is obli I am forever indebted to you for hav teristic or custom - in which his or her gated to treat his parents with awe and ing brought me into this world so that parents excel. For example, the child respectl They should be much more 39 years later I soared way up - out of should attempt to understand how important to us than anyone else. Are this world! With fierce love, deep affec parents overcame handicaps (whether they not our personal gedolei hadorl This tion, and heartfelt emotions, physical, mental or social) to achieve as perspective is within our reach. Mordechai much as they did. Most people stand out Recently, I came across a postcard in some specific mitzva, i.e. dedication that our uncle Rabbi Mordechai FIELDING THE QUESTIONS to davening with a niinyan, kavana in Shapiro, ?"on, Rav of Miami Beach, wrote davening, hachnosas orchin1, bikur to his parents, Rabbi and Rebbetzin e have learned that the Torah cholim, shmiras halashon, and so on. Yosef Shapiro, ?··~1 of Pittsburgh, after requires us to look up to our Through focusing on those areas, the his first visit to the Kosel Harnaaravi (in W parents and appreciate them, child is able to look up to the parent and 1969). The message is the essence of and that all our actions and thoughts regard him or her as a wonderfully what we are discussing. vis- The Jewish Observer, March 2002 15 perspective. With this in mind, we can ciation for them - which is a stepping and be a basis for the observance of all now return to our opening questions. stone to appreciation of Hashem. mitzvos. 1'here are, however, children • Would any of us not wear a scarf Of course, there is a limit to how who are faced with uncommon situa that was given to us, or when request much one could or should give up to tions: an abusive parent, an emotion ed to do so by an adam gadol or even spend Yorn Tovwith parents. The feel ally disturbed parent, and/or feuding by a prominent layman? How can we ings of the spouse, and relationship parents. Although even these children treat our mother's request with any with him or her, and specific situations also owe everything to their parents, less respect? It is, of course, true that of children, obviously should be taken it is almost impossible for them to if she will not know about our actions, into account in arriving at a decision. interact in the manner we have going out without the scarf is not con (Here, too, we must emphasize that the described. It is difficult to correlate sidered contradicting her. Therefore, final answer is not as revealing as the their relationship with their parents to someone who chooses not to wear the manner in which the decision is their relationship with Hashem. The scarf has not transgressed the halacha. reached. We are trying to help lay the impact of the relationship on their own However) unless one is uncomfortable groundwork for the discussion.) emotional stability and shalom bayis or feels foolish wearing a scarf, choos • Would a bachur question as to must be taken into account. The ing to do so would reveal his mother's whether he should give his Rebbe the specifics of their obligations under importance in his eyes. nicer of the two esrogim he selected? halacha would have to be outlined by • Would we not give up almost any The esrog one gives his father is cer a poseik who is personally involved thing to spend Yorn Tov with a great tainly an expression of the esteem in with them. person? Our parents are special and which he holds him. Although it is not It is to be hoped that with the prop great. How can we pass up the oppor included in the specifics of the action er understanding of the 1nitzva, cou tunity to be close to people who have of serving and dressing one's parents, pled with honest introspection into our done so much for us? We might feel it certainly is included in the thought. thoughts and deeds, we will merit the that we are relinquishing comfort After the petira of Rabbi Shlomo siyatta deShemaya (Divine assistance) and chinuch opportunities, but how Zalman Auerbach, 7··::;1, it was widely to succeed in this most important and can these compare to how much they reported that he had specified that basic mitzva. The merit for this is to gave up for us? Shouldn't our children should he become incapacitated in his enjoy dividends both in this world and be witness to the high regard we have old age, he should be placed in an the world-to-come. In this world, we for our parents? How can any other institution rather than be a burden to reap the fruits of the mitzva- children lesson compare to a lesson in appre- his children. The public was amazed who observe their parents' respect for at this humility and simplicity. Could their parents will certainly learn the one really imagine that the children of true expression of kibbud. The younger the gadol hador would institutionalize set of parents will in turn see nachas their father? In reality, all of us are in the respect they receive from their obligated to treat our parents as we own children. imagine that the children of Reb In the zechus of this mitzva may we Shlomo Zalman would treat him. experience the Divine Presence in our (Not that it is categorically improper homes. II to place a parent in a nursing home; AGEMACH in fact, Reb Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, 1 Sota 49b permitted it, as we see from his 2 Bereishes 24,50 LOAN FUND••• request. Rabbinical guidance, howev .l Rabbi E.E. Dessler described the "new" psy ... In memory of a loved one er, is in order when dealing with a chology as pro1noting the concept that a parent is a friend. See Michtav M'Eliyahu Ill, p. 361. merits them ·eternal question of such far-reaching impli 4 cations, carrying such heavy, emo Malachi I ,6 pleasantness and light to the 5 tional involvement.) Mitzva 33 soul in Gan Eden.· 6 (Chafetz Chaim/ Rabbi Azarya Figa 7 Chayei Adan1 67:3 To establish a perpetual Memorial or IN CAPSULE Honorary Fund at one of our 20 8 One should not think that this is only a minor branches across Eretz Yisroel, contact: n sum, we have learned that we are ity opinion in halacha. Although the other poskiln do not write the same words as the Chayei OZER DALIM required to look up to our parents. Adam, all of the poskin1 (Tur, Shulchan Aruch, and I We should focus on how much we Kitzur) quote the Geniora that kibbud and 1nora 1301 Avenue K., owe them for all they have done for us. av va'eim are equated with kibbud and 1nora of Brooklyn, NY 11230 The relationship fostered by these Hashem. 9 (718) 434-2228 findings will affect all of our actions, Sichos Mussar, p. 74 16 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 EARLY INTERVENTION A Division of Women's League Community Residences, Inc. 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I According to the latest poll by Dr. Though the Israeli theater may not Mina Tzemach, 28% of Israelis identi be a measure of popular opinion, it is fy chareidi1n as the 1nost scorned group in society. 1 (Israel is perhaps the only II country in the world whose citizens are asked regularly to identify which of their ne of the fellow citizens they hate the most.) The Tzemach poll was conducted O tragedies of life during the final stages of preparation of yeshivas. the 2002 State budget, which was not Headline writers and editorialists had in Israel is how few approved in the Knesset until the first a field day with this brinksmanship, and week in February, more than a month their efforts \Vere uniformly hostile to secular Israelis first after expiration of the previous year's the chareidi MKs. "More For Chareidim; meet a Chareidi budget. For a period of weeks, virtual Less for Everyone Else"; "Half a Billion ly every news broadcast seemed to for Charcidim in State Budget"; "The Jew facing each begin with mention of Rabbi Yaakov Chareidim Flex Their Muscles and the Litzman, chairman of the Knesset 'I'reasury Sub1nits," read the banner other over a Jewish Finance Committee, who repeatedly headlines in Yediot Aharonot and refused to allow any discussion of the Maariv. Editorial cartoons pictured text ... budget until Finance Minister Silvan chareidi MKs robbing the state treasury. Shalom made good on his promises to Though triggered by the budget II the yeshivas. approval process, the outpouring of ani Even when the budget was brought mosity towards the chareidi com1nuni a fair barometer of elite attitudes. In to the Finance Con1mittee for final ty is neither a short-term pheno1nenon recent years, anti-chareidi plays have approval, Rabbi Litzman quickly nor just the product of a hostile media, become one oflsrael's leading exports. adjourned the session after noticing that as we sometin1es try to convince our Motti Lerner's The Murder of Isaac, on the Treasury had "forgotten" to include selves. I recently had lunch with a young the Rabin assassination, opened in nearly 250 million shekels promised to American journalist, living in Tel Aviv, Hcilbronn, Germany, two years ago. It and he told me that the favorite topic featured a chorus of Chevra Kadisha 1 That was higher than the percentage of those of conversation among his contempo members chanting their support for who feel great hostility towards Israeli Arab~, even as Israel's Arabs identify thcn1sdves as Palestinians raries is their loathing of chareidim. continual bloodletting with the Pales to an ever increasing extent, evidence 1nounts of Nor is that attitude confined to the tinians: "The war dead will require the widespread terror cells in Israeli Arab villages, and twenty-something crowd in Tel Aviv. services of those who do ritual washing Arab Knesset n1embers regularly proclain1 their One of the most successful kiruv work of the body, of the sellers of shrouds, and hopes for a Palestinian victory in Dan1ascus, Bir Zeit, and on the floor of the Knesset. ers in the Tel Aviv area relates that she of the sayers of Kaddish . ... If they have is constantly stymied in her efforts by 20,000 casualties in the next war, it will Rabbi Rosenblun1, who lives in Jerusalem, is a the "rabid hatred" of chareidim that she be better for us, for we'll get another contributing editor to The Jewish Observer. He encounters everywhere. Before she can 100,000 jobs out of it:" is also director of the Israeli division of Am Echad, talk about Torah, she laments, she must Atom, a play by Motti Golan3 the Agudath Israel-inspired educational outreach effort and 1nedia resource. first endure countless questions about currently on the boards at Israel's ------·~---·---·-·------18 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 prestigious Ca1neri ·rhcater, surpasses the rubric "ultra-Orthodox rnessian salt. Researchers on the econon1ics of the even The Murder of!saac in the vitriol ists:'' To make that linkage, Rachlevsky chareidi community typically come to directed at the chareidi comn1unity. ignored the fact that historically one of their topic with an axe to grind. They Golan presents a futuristic scenario in the crucial distinctions bctvveen the t\vo tend to define "chareidi" in a n1anner which an extretnist "chareidi" sect assas worlds was the chareidi rejection of that excludes those who work, and then sinates the prin1e n1inister and his wife, political activism as a means of bring con1e to the tautological conclusion that seizes control of the government, and ing Moshiach. chareidim do not work. then drops ato1nic bon1bs on various Happily, Atom is now scheduled to It is true, however, that entry into the Arab capitals. By triggering a nuclear n1ove to a sn1aller, less prestigious the workforce in the chareidi community is Holocaust, the sect hopes to rid Israel ater after a relatively brief run of eight generally delayed by a number of years of infidels and bring about the coming weeks. That is the half-filled part of the of kollel study. Given that the chareidi of Moshiach. glass. But the half-empty part is that the conununity has a lower 1nedian age, this Dan Margalit, a friend of c;olan's who play opened at all. As Margalit pointed means that at any given point in time a walked out in the middle of the play, out, the Cameri Theater would never high percentage of household heads ranked Ato111 vvith the traditional Pesach portray a single Arab character as have not yet entered the workforce. blood libel or The Protocols of the Elders chareidi1n are portrayed in Aton1. "Junk \"lhile the army issue and lack of eco of Zion for plausibility. He acknowl- of this level would never have been no1nic productivity arc two separate staged," wrote Chanoch Don1b in issues, they are typically coupled in a II Maariv, "unless it were anti-chareidi synergistic fashion: Even as they refuse junk." ()nly because past experience has to participate in the basic service , .. Rather, most demonstrated that there is a large audi required of 1nost citizens, chareidin1 ence for anti-chareidi works, did the demand ever larger handouts from the secular Jews C~a1neri Theater produce such a play. state to support their large fan1ilics.n At a tin1e of economic recession, such derive their II. SOURCES OF THE HATRED as Israel is currently experiencing, the chareidi con1n1unity is particularly vul knowledge of sked to explain their loathing of nerable to the hatemongers.7 More Chareidi Jews chareidim, secular Israelis invari than a quarter million Israelis arc cur Aably ans\ver: 'fhcy don't serve in rently unemployed; the tourism indus from what they the army, and they refuse to work. A full try has been destroyed by the past 19 treatn1ent of these charges is far beyond inonths of non-stop terrorism, with a see in the political the scope of this article, which focuses 50%1 drop in the number of hotel on perceptions and how they are creat 1 · The A--fcssiah's J)onkcyv.:as a brief publishing sen realm. ed. Nevertheless, it is worth noting in sation when it first appeared. According to its passing that many of the claims about The Jewish Observer, March 2002 19 employees; and 70% of those employed at the height of the hi-tech boom are now without jobs. During the whole month and a half of the most intense budget negotiations, Israeli television viewers were treated nightly to heartrending images of dis abled demonstrators, occupying gov ernment buildings to advance their demands for increased support. News producers were not bashful about jux taposing wheel-chair-bound demon strators with shots of Rabbi Litzman announcing that there would be no budget discussions until the yeshivas received the money promised to them. The week the budget passed, Bagir textiles announced that it was laying off hundreds of workers in the development town of Kiryat Gat. A typical op-ed in Maariv pointed out the "irony" that the "Bagir plant was dosed the same week that the government proved that the lit Anti-chareidi cartoons recent/}' appearing in the Israeli media tle money it still has (and even that which it does not have), it prefers to invest in those who prefer not to work." After singling out the Large Family Law' chareidi community were juxtaposed to the other expenditures in a budget of for special mention, the author con a wide variety of crying national needs. over 250 billion shekels. The Ministry cluded, "There is no gentle way to say That card is played so frequently that of Science, Culture and Sport, for this to the Bagir workers; your govern Israelis can be forgiven for thinking that instance, distributes over 300 million ment prefers to give to the family in Bnei the amount of money going to the shekels annually in subsidies to support Brak that does not want to work ... than chareidi community is sufficient to sports clubs, theater, and Israeli film to a family in Kiryat Gat that wants to pay for all Israel's defense, education, makers without any formal criterion. Yet work." and health needs combined. The same one never hears the question asked: Why As usual, the monies received by the comparison is never made with any of should Israel subsidize theatre and opera tickets for the rich by as much as $I 5 per ticket, while the disabled are still 66 in the streets or Bagir workers in Kiry PEOPLEWHO at Gat out of work? DOll'T HAYE All No interests in the facts AGEllT-WHO TAKES ith so much attention focused on the chareidim and their CARE OF THEN1'' W budgetary demands, it was a simple matter to convince a large part of the Israeli public that the chareidim CALL ME FOR A FREE PROTECTIOll REVIEW. are receiving a disproportionate share of MARTIN LEVY the pie. No one, wrote Aryeh Caspi in Tel (718) 268-1700 ~ Ha'aretz, seemed particularly interested e-mail:[email protected] 103-20 Metropolitan Avenue Allstate. in the facts. True, the budget for yeshiv- Forest Hills, NY 11375 - - . ···---····------·- -·-···-- 8 The Large Family Law provides for increased child support payments only from the fifth child :ti 200 I All>ta 20 The Jewish Observer, Morch 2002 os was not subjected to the same 2°/o cut Knesset podium to announce a new set Finance Committee. Each of these imposed on all ministry budgets, but the transfer to the Religions Ministry on separate stages is thoroughly reported difference came to no more than 20 mil behalf of chareidi institutions. The by the media. As a result, the public lion shekels or less than .01 % of the transfer payment then becomes the sub receives the impression that the charei national budget. Moreover, the decision ject of further discussions in the Knes- di parties have succeeded in extracting not to cut the budgets of the yeshivas was fully supported by a Treasury commit tee established three years ago, which found that the budgets for yeshivas had Jonah's Fashion Inc. been frozen in comparison to other edu cational institutions and recommended appropriate adjustments. Those findings were never implemented. All in all, Caspi found, chareidi institutions receive only 8% of the • We make skirts and jumpers, solids total education and cultural budget, even and plaids, from size 5 thru though chareidim constitute at least junior and pre-teens 12% of the school-age population. • Bais Yaacov blouses made from Caspi, a long-time critic of the charei our own custom made di community, concluded, "There is (extra heavy) material something shocking about how easily an entire segment of the population can be indicted without real cause. Equally shocking is the willingness of both politicians and journalists to be dragged into the fray, with little or no knowledge of the facts." The funding process for yeshivas seems to have been intentionally designed to create the impression that the chareidim are receiving a dispro portionate share of the budget and to focus attention on the allocations to the chareidi sector out of all proportion to the actual significance of those alloca tions in the context of total govern mental spending. The monies for the DOMESTIC CORPORATE ACTIVATIONS yeshivas have never been a standard line • Cellphone Rental for over 110 Countries in the state budget, but have come in the form of special payments from the •Same day /Next day delivery budget reserve. That system served first • Voice mail & text messaging and foremost the interests of the Trea • Guaranteed lowest rates sury, which every year fights a rearguard action against the payment of monies • 24 hr. customer serVice already promised to yeshivas at the • Fax & data serVice beginning of the year. Typically, in the • Itemized bill last four months of each fiscal year, the • Call waiting transfer payments to yeshivas stop) with the Treasury claiming a lack of addi •Caller ID tional funds. At that point, the charei di MKs have to go to war to ensure the continuous flow of funds to yeshivas. Every new transfer is accompanied by 877.235.5746 a fully choreographed performance. First) the Treasury Minister mounts the www.travelcell.com The Jewish Observer, March 2002 21 millions of shekels in additional fund di Jews or show the chareidi world as last fifty years and send our 18-year-olds ing, when, in fact, they have done anything other than a menacing sea of into the army. If the price of an nothing but receive monies already undifferentiated black. improved public image is the destruc promised. 1'he chareidim occupy a position in tion of the world of Torah, it is a price This year, for the first time, the Israeli society similar to that played by that cannot be paid. We also have our chareidi parties won from Prime Min Jews in Christian Europe. They are the world view, and know that without the ister Sharon an agreement that yeshiva "other:' Just as Jews denied the central protection of Torah learning Israel can funding will henceforth be a regular belief of Christian society, so do charei not defend itself. budget item, not subject to funding from dim reject many of the "values" upon The chareidi rejection of army serv budget reserves. That change will hope which modern Israeli society is predi ice for 18-year-olds (the traditional draft fully do much to reduce the opportu cated: the elevation of rights over age) has both a positive and a negative nities to portray the chareidi commu duties; the view of man as essentially a dimension. 'fhe positive is the insistence nity as conducting continual raids on the more sophisticated animal largely gov on the incomparable value of Torah Treasury. erned by his instinctual drives; the glo learning in Hashem's eyes. The Yeshiva Despite the potency of the draft issue rification of the pursuit of pleasure and world rejects the assertion that yeshiva and that of the economic dependence material plenty. 9 students do not contribute to the of the chareidi community on govern national defense. On the contrary, ment support payments, those issues are III. HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND? yeshiva students are told repeatedly that ultimately inadequate to fully explain the their learning is the greatest protection hatred directed at the chareidi com No Room for Complacency of the Jewish people in Bretz Yisroel. munity. The frequent portrayal of Though it is true that a radical division chareidim as lacking even the most basic s there anything that the Torah com of labor exists in Israeli society, it is not human feelings -as in the war-loving munity can do to lessen the hatred just between those who serve in the chorus of The Murder of Isaac - sug I directed at it? Do we bear any of the army and those who don't, but more gests deeper sources of the antipathy. So responsibility? fundamentally between the 10-15% too does the dearth of news stories that Clearly there are significant con reflect the unquestionably positive straints on our ability to change the sit 9 A recent J-faifa University study of tnagazines aspects of the community: e.g., the uation in certain areas. 'I'he resentment aimed at Israeli children and teens tOund that the only values conveyed were 1naterialism, affluence, chessedboth within the community and of those who serve three years in the and the latest fashions. The ga111e of life, then, is on behalf of fellow Jews, their self-sac army - often in circumstances of great material acquisition. By rejecting the basic rifice and commit1nent to ideals, and the danger - towards those who do not assumption of yuppie society- i.e., that success relative absence of many of the social ills serve, is understandable from their or failure is determined by the accun1ulation of associated with modern Western soci point of view. Yet the chareidi world will toys- chareidim devalue the gan1e tOr everyone. Every gan1c loses its attraction if bystanders look ety. Secular Israelis rarely see or hear never agree to dismantle the hundreds on in boredon1 and show no interest in playing anything that would humanize charei- of yeshivas built from the ashes over the For this too chareidim are resented. We put the "organize" into Organizations. You work tirelessly for Kial Yisroel. You're involved requirements - completely integrated with the in raising thousands of dollars each year. Do you fundraising features! 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The educational version prints report cards and transcripts, tracks tuitions and scholarships, and manages pledge-to-raise 22 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 who are sho1ner mitzvos and those who and even has its place in certain cir hatred of Torah to the maximu1n extent are not. cumstances. Nevertheless, such com possible. Rabbi Shalom Yosef Elyashiv Even at Mercaz HaRav, long viewed placency should not become our gen recently told a group of cheder princi as the flagship yeshiva of the National eral attitude. The fact that there will pals that the focus of chinuch should be Religious world, boys are strongly always be some degree of hatred of those the command, "Let the Name of Heav encouraged to push off army service in who uphold the Torah does not mean en become beloved through your favor of full-time learning during the that we are helpless. "In pain you shall actions" ( Yoma 86). If we are hated, we crucial years prior to marriage, and for bear children" and "By the sweat of your will obviously not be the instruments of several years thereafter. brow shall you eat bread" are also part making Hashem beloved. The negative objection to army of the Creation. Yet we do everything we The animosity towards us should service derives from the use of the can to mitigate the Biblical curses. spur some self-examination on our part. Israe)i army as an instru1nent of social So too are we required to mitigate the Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa taught, "Any ization. Chareidim have no desire to Continued on page 28 have their chi1dren socialized to norms antithetical to the Torah and in a spir itually threatening environment. Israel, for instance, has long been the only What do you think non-revolutionary society to draft women. The recent push to integrate women into combat units has caused of when you hear many even in the national religious world to reconsider the propriety of ar1ny service. ''Switzerland''?·~ Nor can we control the irrational .JI .. aspects of the hatred. A certain antipa ' J! ,,, j ."", . thy to the Torah and those who learn it is built into the Creation. Where does the name Sinai come from? Chazal ask. They answer: From there sina (hatred) came into the world (Shabbos 89b).IO If irrational hatred of Torah and those who learn it is built into the Cre ation, then perhaps we should even take pride in being loathed and view it as a sort of perverse proof that we are truly upholding Torah in the world. Such an attitude is not unknown in our world) 10 A friend recently provided a classic exa1nple The enchanting snow of this clement of irrational hatred for Torah. In capped Swiss Alps? the early'60s he was the only student at Harvard The world's most out College who wore a kippa. \Vhen a Jewish soci standing timepieces? ology major writing his thesis on "The Jc\vish stu Definitely, but now there dent at Harvard," queried Jewish students as to is something more. what bothered the1n 1nost about their fellow Jew The natural goodness ish students, the largest nun1ber singled out the of genuine Parve and one fellow student wearing a yannulke, even milk (CholovYisroel) though few had any persona! contact with hin1. Schrnerl ing Chocolates. Binya1nin Jolkovsky, founder of the Jewish One taste and you will \/1/orld Review website, recently shared with me never settle for "make a letter he received fron1 an intern1arried won1an, believe~ Swiss chocolate who for three years has been studying with Part ever again. ners in Torah. She writes, "One thing you nlay Taste the Schmerling not realize is the depth of the hatred that secu difference. It's one of larized Jews feel toward their Orthodox brethren. those special things that ... These secularized Jews are convinced that the SautW'rliKFJ makes Switzerland anti-Se111itis1n to \Vhich they arc subjected fron1 famous. time to ti1ne is the result of the ·weirdos' out there Switzerland chocolates & cheeses. re1ninding people that Jews sti!l exist and there by stirring up the old anti-Scn1itic hatreds." U.S.A. IMPORTER TAAM TOVFOODS. INC. BROOKLYN, NY l J 232 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 23 .0,\ An"·''" ·'••·""' '"·'"''" ''•''""' Harabbc to the Bnei Torah Commun uring this era of lkvesa DeMeshicha, when we are witness to violate standards of restraint, and not to cause pain or embarrassment the birth pangs of Moshfach, the very foundations of the world - even inadvertently - to others unable to follow his example. Dare shaking.It is a time whenHashem's judgment confronts Dear Brothers!We must recognize that currently, the malady described the highest and the mightiest; a time of distress for the Jewish Peo above has become much too widespread in our community. There is no ple, when the security of our brethren in the Holy Land is under con point in detailing all the spiritual and economic damage it has brought. It stant threat; a time for introspection, to attempt to understand what has been close to 30 years since this issue has been addressed by ourTorah Hashem expects from us, to determine what is incumbent on us to leaders, and indeed the Gedolim of the previous generation spoke about relieve us from the problems and pain that confront us. it publicly. And there were also calls from laymen from all Ghazal tell us that when the talmidim (disciples) of Rebbe Elazar circles to take steps to repair the harm done by excessive spending.Their asked him what a person should do to be spared the "birth pangs efforts, however, did not prove to be fruitful. Now, however, the point of Moshiach,"he advised them:"Engage in Torah study and acts of kind has been reached where a large number of men of conscience hav~ ness." The reason is obvious: there is no shield from tragedy like study joined rabbinical leaders to go beyond calls for improvement and ing the livingTorah of the Llving G THE VORT Centerpieces are to be limited to the women's tables. It is recommend As a prudent and sensible measure, the Vort celebration should be ed that centerpieces and chupa decorations be rented or borrowed. discontinued. The L'chaim (held at the time that the engagement is SIMCHAS CHOSSON V'KALLA announced) should also not turn into a Vort. Hence, a L'chaim should preferably be held in the kalla's home with close family and a small This becomes the primary celebration of the chassuna, and should be number of close friends invited, without the services of a party planner the point where more guests are invited to join in the simcha. This may or professional musicians, accompanied with neither hot dishes nor take place shortly after the chupa, or after the entire meal is served floral treatments. without undue interruption. A modest assortment of basic cake, fruit, drinks and hot dishes (no meat or fish) may be served to the addition THE WEDDING al guests. Alternatively, the smorgasbord menu may be served after the The focus and primary celebration of the chassuna should be the chupa provided that the kabbolas ponim is limited to cakes and fruits. simchas chosson v'kal/a leaving the sit-down seudah for the closest family and friends. With this in mind, only 400 invited guests may OTHER AREAS OF CONCERN be seated at the chassuna seuda. This number includes relatives, friends The process of taking the pictures and the time spent posing often becomes (including the friends of the chassan and kalla), and business excessive and wasteful. Moreover some of the "arranged" poses can be acquaintances. In exceptional circumstances, when the baalei simcha are inconsistent with tzenius standards, and often prove embarrassing at a blessed with very large families, a maximum total of 500 guests may later time. be invited for the seuda. Children 17 years of age and under are not included in these figures. Mementos have gone from simple bentchers to custom-made souvenirs to books or seforim specially printed for the occasion. They often The ka/la's kabbolas panim smorgasbord should be limited to basic create a new standard which others may feel the need to emulate. cakes, fruit platters, a modest buffet, and the caterer's standard chicken or meat hot dishes. There are to be no carving stations. These guidelines only address the wedding. The same sense of Accommodations of comparable food and drink should be made for those modesty and concomitant focus on inner values should be evident in all participating in the chosson's kabo/as ponim, to avoid prohibited types of purchases and preparations for the chassuna- including the Aufruf, mingling at the smorgasbord. through the various Sheva Brachos. Special mention must also be made of exorbitant sums spent on the wedding gown and clothing for the The menu for the seuda is limited to 3 courses followed by a regular mechutanim and immediate family. some of which are purchased, or made dessert. There is to be no Viennese table and no bar. to order, for only one wearing. Wine and liquor may be placed on the tables. This call for re-evaluation of how we celebrate our chassunos should Jn reviewing these details, please note that the number of guests apply to all other joyous occasions, such as Brissen, Bar Mitzvas and and the amounts to be spent on various aspects of the simcha are Sheva Brochos. Extravagant expenditures at these occasions should be not offered as norms. They are meant as ceilings. substantially curtailed. Our lives are guided by the Torah value system, THE MUSIC and important milestones must be informed by restraint and a sharper A band may consist of a maximum of 5 musicians (one of the musicians focus on the p'nim of each event. -~~~~~~~~- may act as a vocalist) or four musicians and one additional vocalist. These guidelines were drafted wrth the involvement of Rabbonim and A one-man band is recommended. dedicated laymen from many communities within the New York/New Moreover, the choice of music and the nature of its rendition should con Jersey area, where they are to be implemented. It is their hope that other form to the joy and dignity associated with a Torah-imbued simcha. The cities will seek to implement specific guidelines that will take into spirit of simcha she/ mitzva is not conveyed by 'street music' devoid of consideration the needs of each respective area. any kedusha feeling. The joy of a Jewish wedding should be These guidelines will take effect on Rosh Chodesh Nisan 5762 and reflected by niggunim and song having a distinct spiritual flavor. will remain in effect forfour years, at which point they will be reviewed. Similarly, the hosts should insist that the music amplification should All couples, who are engaged prior to this date, are not required to respect the factors of health and good taste, and not detract from the conform to the specifics of the guidelines if the wedding arrangements essence of a Yiddishe chassuna. are already in progress. FLOWERS, CENTERPIECES, FRUIT BASKETS & CHUPA DECOR We the rabbinical signatories - barring familial obligations - and Every effort should be made to keep these at a minimum. The total cost unusual and extraordinary circumstances - will not participate in or of these items for the entire wedding should not exceed $1,800. attend a wedding celebration that disregards these guidelines. (Rabbinical Listing in formation) Rabbi Shmuel Birnbaum Rabbi Aron Moshe Schechter Rabbi Aryeh Malkiel Kotler Rabbi Zecharia Gelley Rosh Hilyeshiva, Mirer Yeshiva Rmh Hoyeshivil, Yeshiva Chaim Berlin Rosh liayeshrva, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood Rav, Kha! Adas Jeshurun Rabbi Elya Svei Rabbi Yosef Rosenblum Rabbi Yisroel Tzvi Neuman Rabbi Lipa Margulies Rosh Hayeshiva, Yesh1v<1 Gedo/a of Philadelphia Rosh Haye1hiva, Y€Shiva 5ha¥ei Ymher Ro>h Ha yeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva & Mesift:a Torah l!>mimah Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetzky Rabbi Eli Simcha Schustal Rabbi Dovid Tzvi Schustal Rabbi Yisroel Rokowsky Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva Gedo/a of Philadelphia Ro1h Hayeshrva, Bais Binyomin, Stamford l!osh Hayeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood Rabbi Yisroel Simcha Schorr Rabbi Yaakov Perlow Rabbi Elya Ber Wachtfogel Rabbi Yeruchem Olshin Roshei HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Ohr Somayach Novommsker Rebbe Rosh Ha Yeshiva, Yeshiva Gedo/ah of Sourh fcllsl:wrg Rosh Hcyelhiva, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood Rabbi Shlomo Mandel Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Feigelstock Rabbi Moshe Wolfson Rabbi Mattisyahu Salamon Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva of Brooklyn Rosh Ha yeshiva, Yeshivc of Long Beach Mashgiach, Yeshivc Torah Vodaas Mashgiach, Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman Rosh Ha)'l'lhiva, Mesivta Meor Yit;chok Understanding the Guidelines How a new structure can benefit everybody. hen dissecting the cost of a \vedding, a large portion of the maximum number of guesls. This allows for the possibility of utilizing expense can be attributed to the nun1ber of couples catering halls that have becon1e too s1nall for our n1ore expansive W invited for the sit do\vn n1eal. Yet 1nany of the guests are \veddings. not there for the entire scud a. They either arrive after the first course Several points must be emphasized: has been co111pleted or leave before the n1ain course is served. Much of the food is left uneaten - and yet the caterer must be paid. The 1. If the n1eal is finished in a tirnelv rnanner, then fe\ver service and majority of the people primarily attend a wedding to tUlfill the kitchen workers are reguired to .itay late at the wedding, reducing 111itz11ah of being mcsamci'ach the chosson and kalla.They would be more the cost to the caterer, and in return to the hosts. then happy to be given this option. However, the way weddings are 2. The hosts must give the photographer a strict time limit and currently structured, \Vith the sh11chas chosson v'kalla not beginning until specific instructions as to \Vhich photos are n1ost in1portant to then1. after the meal - usually ending late in the evening - the choice of only By being organized, and 111oving the chassuna along at a swifter pace, attending the si111chas dwsson v'kalla portion of the chassuna has not been parents \vill save ti111e and n1oney, and the guests \vill appreciate it viewed as a reasonable alternative. inunensely. Keeping this in mind, the chassuna 3. Response cards should allow for the may be structured in one of HOW WILL RABBANIM AND THE choice of only attending the simchas chos.wn F'kalla. (Hosts might choose two ways: INVITEES KNOW THAT THE WEDDING WILL CONFORM TO THE GUIDELINES? to print a second set of response cards 1) The si111d1a,1 dwsson v'kalla can take with this option.) To make it apparent to all that the simcha conforms to the guidelines, a place within 45 mumtes after the chupa. choice of symbols have been prepared {one of which is shown here) that can 4. There may be other ways to If the chupa ends at 8: 15, then the be reduced and printed on one of the corners of the invitation. structure the chassuna. We have on]v simdlilS clw.wm u'kalla can begin at 9:00, These emblems can be Obtained via e-mail: [email protected]. described two of the more popul;r a tirne \Vhen rnany guests are The hosts can ask their printer to get it for alternative fon11ats. But, in \vhichev ordinarily arriving at the chass1111a. them. Or a separate small card can be er way one proceeds, the hosts Optimally, if one can begin the chupa printed, informing their invitees that their wedd'ing is following the dictates of the should take into consideration all earlier, then the simchas chosson 1/kalla Rabbanim. the specifics outlined in the guidelines. can conunence even befi.)re 9:00. For While it is expected that the members of Very few of us can afford to spend entire this segn1ent, one can invite anyone our community will adhere to the honor evenings at chassunas. With Bar A1itz1Jas he \vishes, leaving the sit do\vn scuda, system when using either of the options described above, 1 it will become evident to aH ln attendance whether the wedding Brisscn, vcshiva and national organization whicli folio\\' the silllflws d1osson 1lkalla, actually conforms to the guidelines. dinners'. and certain con1n1un~ity events for the closest circle of family and added to our daily organizers, it is friends. ff cl1is option is used, then not an exaggeration to say our tin1e is one can choose to serve the traditional kahallas panim s1norgasbord at severely taxed. Certainly no one intends for us to con1e hon1t' after this juncture. The fan1ily dancing period accon1panying the scuda n1idnight fron1 these social fi.1ncrions. But, as \Ve all kno\V, this is \vhat \¥ill no\v be 1nore intin1ate, allo\ving fa111ily and close friends the happens. Beyond a doubt, this also takes its toll on the children we proper setting to express their simrha. leave so often behind at ho111e - so111etin1es unsupervised. Any added In order fi.)r this to \Vork, the photographer 111ust be li1nited to taking tin1e that can be spent at hon1e \vill prove greatly beneficial to our pictures of only the rlwsson and kalla and parents, prior to the simd1as families and us. 1 chosson 1J ka!fa.This leaves n1ost of the [11nily pictures to be taken befOre For Heaven's sake or after the \vedding. Not having to \vait for all the photography to be It is irnportant to e1nphasize that the Sin1cha c;uidelines are con1pleted is sornething that all in attendance \vill appreciate. built on con1passio11 and responsibility. They \Vill save the Torah 2) The entire 111eal can be served uninterrupted, \Vithin one and a co1n111unity 111any n1illions of dollars each year, they \vill restore quarter hours follo\ving the chupa, \vith the si111rhas chosso11 /J'kalfa sanity and tzenius to an area that cries for it, relieve parents and following the meal at a sensible hour. The clmpa should end no later other baalci simcha of unmanageable financial burdens, and free than 8:110 and the three-course meal should be completed no later badly needed funds for urgent personal and klal causes that are then 9:15. The family photography should be completed by this begging for life-sustaining support. Above all, the Guidelines reflect ti111c.The si111cha.1 rhosson u'kaffa \vill follo\v i111111ediately, \vhen 1nore a necessary n1easure of restraint and 1noderation in the character guests can be invited. ()nly a n1odest assortn1ent of basic cake, fruit, of a con1111itted Je\.v. 1 drinks and hot dishes (no meat or fish) may be served. For '111c tin1c shaff come u1hc11 the fcssfort1111i1f£ arnonJ!, us t/Jill need to cclehratc J .•. this structuring to \Vork effectively, a serious effort in ti1ne their si1nd1a 1 u41c11 a child wif! be born, or the time rPifl conlf to 111arry i'.ff 111anagen1ent n1ust be undertaken. The earlier the hour of the one t'.( their children - the Joy u1ill tun1 to sadness and co11cer11 - for they rl111pa. the easier it \vill be to begin the simrhas chosson u'kalla at a kno1,11 flO{ uJ/1crc to turn _{ilf help because ~f the xrcat expenses associated 1,11ith reasonable hour. the ccfchratio11 .... It is our obligation to set boundaries, accordinJ; to the place, By n1aking the si111d1as chosson r!'kaf/a the focus of the \vedding, the the tf1ne1 and the hollf ... SO !hat these expenses do 110( xet Oii{ of fia11d, as mccl111toni111 inay easily honor the t,'liidelines of inviting less than the 400 the ·forah is collccrncd about the money of Kial Yisrecl." (Pela Yoetz) one who does not find favor in the eyes from what they see in the political realm. A second point made by Rabbi of his fellow men, does not find favor But the realm of power politics is not Gafni is that we have to be careful not in the eyes of Heaven" (Pirkei Avos 3:13). ours, 11 and the figure we cut in that to be seen as concerned only with our "Fellow men" does not refer only to peo realm is bound to be a distorted one. narrow sectorial interests. 11 In that ple of stature, as the Gemora in San A little over a year ago, Rabbi Osher vein, the chareidi parties made a con hedrin makes clear (103b). There the Weiss noted in a far-ranging interview scious decision in the recently con Gemora teaches that a verse in Iyov (38, in the chareidi weekly magazine Mish cluded budget negotiations, not to 15) is written in an unusual fashion to pacha that the celebration of our polit exert all the pressure they could have protect the honor of David Hamelech ical power brings with it the danger of in recognition of the national need to and Nechemia, both of whom had many putting inordinate faith in that politi make dramatic budget cuts. enemies. It is unusual for tzaddikim to cal power and falling into the trap of The media, of course, does not have many enemies, Rashi explains, kochi v'otzem yadi (by my might did I make it easy for chareidi MKs to shed because many enemies are an indication achieve what I did). He pointed out that their sectorial image. Rabbi Gafni, for of Divine wrath. Ehud Barak's "secular revolution" came instance, is one of the most active MKs in the wake of the greatest chareidi elec on environmental issues, and has won Lowering Our Profile toral success ever. plaudits across the political spectrum Chareidi political power terrifies the for his conduct as chairman of the till, what can we do to improve the secular public, and has triggered a Knesset Interior Committee. Yet he is situation, without compromising backlash. For every additional new almost never interviewed on environ Sour beliefs or sacrificing our most chareidi MK, there has been a com mental issues, but only on narrowly important interests? mensurate and ever greater growth in "chareidi issues," usually in a con One of the tragedies of life in Israel the strength of the explicitly anti-reli frontational context. is how few secular Israelis first meet a gious parties: Shinui and Meretz. chareidi Jew facing each other over a Addressing this problem recently, The Private Realm Counts Too Jewish text. Rather, most secular Jews Rabbi Moshe Gafni, a veteran MK derive their knowledge of chareidi Jews from United Torah Judaism, called for recent Dahaf poll revealed that more modesty and less muscle-flexing over two-thirds of the secular on our part. Proclaiming every polit A public feel that chareidi Jews KAKKA IN EKETZ YISROEL ical achievement or boasting that we view them with contempt (while less Call Rabbi Gavriel Beer for information will turn the Knesset into a beit Knes than 20% of chareidim admitted to on obtaining cemetery plots in Beth set is counterproductive. All it does is feeling any such contempt). The sense Shemesh and other locations in Israel. arouse secular fears of a chareidi on the part of secular Jews that they are 011-972-2-656-9427 takeover. scorned in the eyes of chareidim makes it almost impossible for them to listen to anything a chareidi Jew says YOUR CAR IN ISRAEL ... YOUR CAR IN ISRAEL ••• YOUR CAR IN ISRAEL with any kind of objectivity. Unfortunately, secular Jews who wish to do so can find too many state ments in the chareidi press that appear to confirm their suspicions. Careless statements that seem to exclude secu EldCifii~Cf< lar Jews from Kial Yisroel" or to place them with the eruv rav only serve to confirm secular Israelis in their feelings SPE IHL. vr r m;;.n. : that they are viewed with scorn. (Each FREE* ONE DAY CAIZRENTAL of Israel's mass circulation papers FOR-EACH NIGHT SPENT AT employs a reporter who combs the ELDAN HOTEL JERUSALEM chareidi press for just such tidbits.) *Valid Low Season Only; Group B car I Exe. ins. uS$1~ 11 That is not to suggest that our com1nunity PER DAY e WEEKLY RATE UNLIMITED MILEAGE could or should do without the chareidi parties, Toll Free: 1·800·938·5000 EXC. INS. or to deny the great devotion and skill with which • our MKs conduct themselves. Tel in NYC: 212·629·6090 12 That would mean when drafting legislation to increase welfare payments, for instance, that care .elClan.co. ii be taken so that the payments benefit poor peo YOUR C-"'!'R IN ISRAEL ... Y0UR CAR IN ISRAEL ... YOUR c.AR IN ISRAEL ple across the board and not just chareidin1. ------·------28 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 Almost every chareidi Jew who has prise that society. If we took to heart Israel - a decision of no practical con spent any amount of time in private Rabbi Elyashiv's call to emphasize the sequence for any chareidi Jew - is a conversation with a non-religious Jew mitzva of"making the Name of Heav valuable lesson in the extent to which has had the experience of being told, en beloved," however, we would of our gedolim are concerned with the fate "You are not like all the rest." As long necessity remain aware of our fellow of all Jews. It is a lesson that the rest of as conversations between chareidim Jews and of the effect that our actions us would do well to incorporate into and non-religious Israelis are so spo have on them. For in whose eyes are our lives. • radic, it remains easy for secular we to make the Torah beloved if not Israelis to dismiss their own pleasant in the eyes of those who have never experience with a chareidi Jew as been exposed to its beauty? nothing more than the exception that We would do well to look to our proves the rule, and to continue to gedolim for ongoing lessons in our believe that the media stereotype is responsibilities to Kial Yisroel. The generally accurate. At the same time, pained reaction of all gedolei Yisroel to the disparity in the Dahaf poll between the recent decision of the Israeli our perception of how we view non Supreme Court recognizing non religious Jews and how they think we Orthodox conversions performed in view them, suggests that many of the 13 It is worth noting that if secular Jews arc not impersonal encounters in the public fellow tnc1nbers of Kial Yisroel, then our princi space are far less successful. ple argun1ent for the draft deferral for yeshiva stu In part, that is attributable to a fail dents is ren1oved. That learning, we always 5tress, Specializing in small batim for a perfect fit. protects all of Klal Yisroel. But if secular Jews are ure to sufficiently develop a Kial Yis not part of Klal Yisroel, then our !earning does roel perspective. Too often we act in not protect them, and they have no reason to ways that grate on others' feelings sim exempt us fro1n military service. ply because we do not notice them at Stateinents expressing a sense of alienation all. So intent are we on shutting out the or separation froin our fellow Jews further serve messages of the secular society that we to reinforce their perception that charcidim refuse to serve in the anny because they have no sense lose sight of our fellow Jews who com- of responsibility for other Jews. lt'SA KOL-ROM In Multimedia Ea CD-ROM isn'temlence. just a presentation ••• Bringyou~a~dfet1pei~tfi{1~orld~fy/!~ , .flq(¢t.KOI..ROM~ multimedia CDs con-i.bine vigeo,;f{l~s(~(Jll~ inter(ltfWe... .. ·. 1Jffti(Jrt~if()f1'1v0IVeyour audience in yow business or organitatf: The Jewish Observer, March 2002 29 Nissan Wolpin The Supreme Court and the State of Israel's Jewish Identity srael's Supreme Court has made no court system for years. denies the existence of G-d, or "secu secret of its pursuing a course of lib "The ruling has historical conse lar conversions" a la Yossi Beilin I eral-oriented activism with the appar quence because it strengthens Jewish would be equally valid, as would ent goal of stripping the Jewish State of pluralis1n in Israel:' said Rabbi Uri those of Jews for Christianity. its very Jewishness. (See Yonoson Rosen Regev, head of the World Union for In other words, whoever "feels" Jew blum's article, "The Arrogance of Israel's Progressive Judaism, the umbrella ish, or claims to "identify with the Jew Elites;' JO, Dec. '99.) Shockingly, the Court agency for Ileform and other liberal ish people" for reasons ranging fro1n has decided that as a democracy, the State organizations in 40 countries. culinary preferences to admiration for of Israel cannot authorize the building of "It effectively repels the Orthodox their creative abilities or even pre settlements funded by Jewish Agency dol establishment that holds that Reform serverance in face of adversity, can lay lars if they are to be inhabited exclusive and Conservative converts aren't wor clain1 to "being Jewish." More is really not ly by Tews. A democracy must be as broad thy of being recognized because of the needed by the criteria for Jewishness ly egalitarian as possible. A new liberal identities of the rabbis that con determined by the Supreme Court. settlement must accon1modate a popu vert them," he said. In effect, then, the defining factor in lation representative of the entire State's Hifs obviously a complete and being Jewish in the Jewish State will no makeup. In addition, the State's Shabbos total victory," said Rabbi Andrew longer be the historic assembly of three laws have been whittled away by judicial Sacks, executive head of Israel's million Jews at Mount Sinai - an event that fiat, further reducing the Jewish content Masorti Movement, as the Conserva even David Ben Gurion, founding Prin1e of something that is inherently Jewish - tive movement is known in Israel. Minister of the State, acknowledged as our national day of rest. The court's language emphasizes the defining our People, even though he did And novv, in its most recent foray into importance of not enshrining one not live by Sinai's directives. (He signed on anti-Torah activism, the Court has stream of Judaism above others, Sacks the Status Quo agreement, which referred acted in a way that prompted the Jew said. "All those people who converted methods of personal identity as a Jew to ish Telegraphic Agency to comment: with us and are listed as Ukrainian or the rabbanite; and subsequently agreed to "Non-Orthodox Jews both inside and Peruvian or whatever, now they can have the Law of Return's conferring of imme outside Israel are celebrating a historic Jewish listed on their identity cards." diate citizenship on any Jew who chooses court ruling recognizing Refor1n and to live in Israel - with "Jew" to be defined Conservative conversions as valid and From Spurious Symbols by halachic criteria, i.e., anyone born to a binding upon the Jewish state:' (Feb. 21, to Rude Awakenings Jewish mother or converted to Judaism by '02) The JTA release reports further: a rabbinical court.) By contrast, according Given the complexity of Israeli soci n the one hand, the legal ramifi to the Supren1e Court decision of Febru ety, however, the ruHng by Israel's High cations of this ruling are truly quite ary 20, any claim to being Jewish, as capri Court of Justice is not binding on the 0 limited. Personal identity for the cious or vaporous as it inay be, would be Israeli rabbinate. purpose of marriage and other religious adequate ... and defining for the individ The result is that the Interior Min functions is still determined by the rab ual, with similar implications for the Jew istry must now register Israelis who binate, as JTA reported. But on both the ish State. How utterly absurd that the qual had Reform or Conservative conver symbolic and the day-to-day practical lev ifications for being accepted as a Tew - sions as Jews on their national iden els, the decision is truly dest1uctive. For the indisputably a religious designation tification cards - but the rabbinate will word "Jew" on national documents has should be determined by a secular court! not consider them Jews for issues such now become rneaningless. As Yonoson as marriage or burial .... Rosenblun1 wrote in an Am Echad release, Headed For Rejection and Confusion Leaders of the non-Orthodox The decision makes access to a streams rejoiced after Wednesday)s rul printing press the primary criterion for n the personal level, Conservative ing) which decided some 50 cases that conversion. Conversion certificates and Reform converts will not had wended their way through the issued by humanistic Judaism, which 0 benefit, and will ultimately suf- ______,_·--~·----·------30 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 fer disappointment. Bear in mind that cannot recognize their conversions as We plead daily in the Tachanun their conversions are simply invalid for valid. Numerous personal tragedies prayer," Shorn er Yisroel": nun1erous reasons. Beyond the lack of born of that dichotomy have resulted "Shomer Goy Echad ... 0 Guardian qualification of the "progressive" rabbis to from widespread non-halachic con of the unique nation, protect the rem oversee a conversion, the concept of versions here in America. The same nant of the unique people; let not the Judaism that the candidates for conversion may well happen now in Israel." unique nation be destroyed - those who accept, and their commitment to live by proclaim the Oneness of Your Name, it, totally ignores - and often violates - The Worst of Times 'Hashem is our G-d, Hashem - the One Basic Principles of Faith as accepted at and Only!"' Sinai, and codified by tl1e Rambam and all ta time when the Jewish People's This uniqueness defines us a peo authorities since. The principles include G relationship \Vith the Creator is ple, and our con1n1itn1cnt to honor d's creation and governance of the world, 11ost crucial, it is very painful to and inaintain this uniqueness provides the efficacy of tefilla, the authenticity of witness an official body of the Jewish State us with the merit so crucial for our Torah as G-d's spoken word, and the playing havoc with its defining elements. survival. 11. incontrovertible legitimacy of the messages of the prophets - especially those of Moshe - as the word of G-d. Yet Reform and Con servative converts are not required to accept these beliefs, and by and large they don't. Without these basic comn1itn1ents, one cannot become a Jew (see ShulchanAruch Finally. - Yoreh De'ah: Hilchos Geirim # 268). Yet, these well-meaning individuals will believe kas Hamazon that they are Jewish. s Israel's Chief Ashkenazic Rabbi in a format Yisrael Meir Lau told Army ARadio, rat everyone "Their identity cards will be worth less. Tomorrow if they want to register can understand. to get married, the day after if they go to the Immigration Ministry to ask for their basket of benefits or citizenship, hei Shoshanim's they'll be told, 'No, you're only thought of as a Jew on the population rolls, while Pictorial Series as far as everything else goes, you kes "bentching" remain in your goyishness."' (J.T.A.) In other words, the court decision with Kavanah raises the hopes of spurious converts1 into an easy, only to have them shattered by the rude facts of life. ttainable goal. Rabbi Shmuel Bloom, Agudath Israet1s executive vice-president, foresaw widespread confusion loo1ning in the wake of the Court decision: "Multiple definitions of Jewishness are a recipe for societal disaster. Par ticularly in light of the large number of non-Jews who have immigrated to Israel in recent years, this decision To order, call 732.370.3344 or fax to 877-PIRCHEI could lead to a surge of non-Orthodox conversions by innocent people who Other Titles in EISHES CHAYIL incorrectly assume that they will be This Series Include: TAHARAS HALOSHON widely accepted as Jews - when, in fact, Jewish religious law and Orthodox Jews in Israel and around the world www.shemayisrael.com email: [email protected] The Jewish Observer, March 2002 31 Rabbi Ahron Rapps PESA CH and THE}EWISH MANDATE The Moon, Matza, and The Four Cups of Wine I. THE MOON ... AND WE, THE JEWS time designation will not merely be a moon) refers to its continued shrinkage label, but will shed light on the mitzvos after the fifteenth of each month, until s they prepared to leave Egypt, we perform on Pesach. it is not visible at all. Then it reappears Moshe Rabbeinu informed the The key to this understanding lies in and increases in size, becoming full - AJewish people, "Today you are the mitzva of Kiddush Ha' chodesh- the only to decrease again. By contrast, the leaving b'chodesh ha'aviv-in the month consecration of the New Moon - the sun remains constant; it is full and it of springtime" (Shemos 13,4). With these first mitzva commanded to the young never experiences any form of loss or words, Kial Yisroel is being instructed to nation while still in Egypt. The Jewish gain. This unique aspect of the moon is insure that Pesach be celebrated exclu people were poised to leave, but they not merely an incidental fact; it mirrors sively in the spring. Twelve lunar lacked this one additional prerequisite the plight of all of Hashem's creation. months add up to 354 days, compared to meriting the redemption. At that to 365 days of the solar year, falling point, Hashem told Moshe," Hachodesh Losing Perfection, And Then Seeking It eleven days behind. With the passage of hazeh lachem - This month shall be for several years, Pesach would fall in the you ... " (ibid 12,1). This mitzvaappar he moon is told to decrease itself winter. .. and then, in the fall ... and ently serves as the foundation for the because it cannot be portrayed as then in the summer. To compensate for establishment of the Jewish Nation. But Tcomplete and perfect. Creation as this cumulative discrepancy, a leap year how? a whole is imperfect, for unfortunate occurs seven times every nineteen years, As we stated, the civil calendar is ly, there will always be those who refuse when an extra month is added to the based on the solar year, while the Jew to recognize the sovereignty of Hashem. twelve-month cycle, thus aligning the ish year's months are determined by the The world must develop to its ultimate lunar year with the solar year. This new moon, which appears every twen state of perfection, and only then will it insures that Pesach will fall consistent ty-nine-to-thirty days. Chazal explain be complete. It is in this vein that ly in the spring. that one of the reasons Esav is called Hashem tells Kial Yisroel, "Hachodesh This timing is a key aspect of Pesa ch. "Edom" (which means «red") is because hazeh lachem." They are called upon to Springtime is commonly associated the sun is red, and he and his progeny acknowledge that when Adam Harishon with excitement, but what people in use its cycle as the measure of their year. sinned, the world collapsed spiritually. general refer to as the thrill of spring is Reb Tzaddok Hakohein 7")'1. in his Sefer Centuries later, Avraham Avinu not necessarily the Torah's focus. Let us Resisei Layla, explains why we mark time emerged and recognized the greatness of identify aspects of Chodesh Ha'avivthe by the moon, while the other nations fol Hashem, beginning the formation of a Torah is referring to. Then the spring- low the sun. nation that would eventually elevate the ~--·------When Hashem created the sun and world to its ideal state. This nation was Rabbi Ahron Rapps, a former talmid of Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin, writes a weekly colun1n on the moon, they were both gedolim, forced to experience bondage to purge the Parsha based on Reb Tzaddok and Maharal equally great in power of illumination, itself of impurities, to become spiritu in the Yated Ne'eman. He is also a Rebbe in the but the moon was decreased because of ally fit, so as to have the capacity to relate Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island, a maggid shiur in its complaint that "two kings cannot rule to Hashem. Thus, this nation must Yeshiva Tiferes Bachurim, as well as a lecturer in Maalot Neve Yerushalayi1n Seminary in Nev.' when only one crown is available." The count the passage of time by the phas York. mi'ut halevana (diminishing of the es of the moon, for the cycle of the moon ------~··------·---- 32 The Jewish Obse1Yer, March 2002 reflects this nation's status: as of yet, all process. To them, every day is essentially Egypt and bring the world to perfection is not complete. Kial YisroeI's mission, the same. They do not subscribe to an through recognizing the Creator, and then, is to acknowledge a faulty world, inherent pattern of growth and yearn thus bring completion to the p'gam ha'l where Hashem is not universally recog ing for completion with the passage of evana - the deficiency of the moon. In nized as King, and then bring this time. The sun's size is always exactly as a sense, their avoda was - and is - to re world to perfection. They too reflect this it was the day before, and is never sub create Man, as represented by Kial Yis state of chisaron, lack of perfection, for ject to change. roel, to restore him to the lofty spiritu they are not in their own land and are The imperfect world mirrored in the al level of Adam Harishon kodem ha'chet not being ruled by a king from the House mi'ut halevana began with Adam Har -Adam's status prior to his comn1itting of David. The diminishing of the moon ishon's committing his chet. It is for this his sin. "I'hus, the mitzva of the conse represents the state of imperfection, reason that at the point of becoming a cration of the New Moon is the foun while the full moon represents the state nation with an exalted destiny, Kial Yis dation of this new nation - a founda of completion, which we endeavor to roel was commanded: "Hachodesh hazeh tion upon which it strives to achieve its reach and maintain. lachem." They were preparing to leave noble and lofty destiny. The Three Regalim - literally, "Foot Festivals," when pilgrimages to the Temple took place - portray this con cept. Pesach and Succos are celebrated Thousands of scholarsDJ on the Fifteenth of Nissan and Tishrei, respectively, when the moon is full. Shavuos is convened after counting the can't live without Torah passage of fifty days, beginning from the night after the Fifteenth of Nissan. The Maharal in Netzach Yisroel explains that these Regalim are means for helping the world reach its ideal. A Yorn Tov is called a Regel - "foot" - for just as a person's Or food. feet take him from where he is to where he wants to be, so too does Kial Yisroefs avoda (Divine Service) on Yam Tov help the world advance from its current sta [Y";e learning of medical emergencies, u1ed in PESACH for them, a tus to the Days of Moshiach, when per Torah is the foun dizniflt, make Yam Tov or PESACH of freedom from cope with any other special want. .. freedom to contin fection will be realized. When the moon dation upon which the Je,vish people live. And the needs. ue in their holy vocation. is full, it projects the concept of the dedicated Talmidei Today, more than Because many of our world in a state of perfection. It is in the Chachomim ... those precious ever, Ezras Torah NEEDS scholars who can't live glow of the full moon that we celebrate few who have chosen to YOU TO HELP those who without Torah, CAN'T on these Yamim Tovim. With every New n1ake the study of Torah keep the study of Torah LIVE WITHOUT YOUR Moon, we pray that this month should their lifes' devotion, are the alive. Please make this HELP! usher in the time of completion, that the cornerstone of that founda tion. moon will grow from a sliver to its total Unfortunately, for ESTABLISHED fullness, and not suffer subsequent thousands of Torah fami ~EZMS TORAH!-'- diminution. The Gemora states that lies, day-to-day living is a H-IE HUMAN SIDE ()F TORAH P/-11/_ANTNROPY when the question was raised as to constant struggle for sur whether a new moon was sighted, the vival! r----:------:----:--.-:------_------:------, EZRAS TORAH is J I \\ouid hk In hdp l--1r.o' 'lor,111.' n<'ed1. Endo"~I "' 1n1 wx thluct1blt· rnntnhu11nn for·! response was "David Melech Yisroel ( ~ 51.'l $'\n :::l ~180 $560 Sl.000 \ dedicated to the cause of -J J :J chai vekayom- King David [through his keeping our needy Torah : J s.>.<> ..J srnn ':J ~2">o :l s~oo :is_,_ : ' . -- ' - - ' offspring] is alive and well!" This pos scholars learning. Since : ~klh The Jewish Observer, March 2002 33 II. MATZA AND THE created man, to a kneader of dough. been naturally inclined to continue on GREATNESS OF MAN Just as a baker kneads dough and gives such a course and not stray. But he did it form, so too did Hashem mold the not maintain that course. He followed he mitzva of eating matza earth and water into man. When we his evil inclination, and ate from the advances this process of spiri eat, we do not merely consume; in a Eitz Hada' as-the Tree of Knowledge. Ttual growth. To understand sense, we actually recreate our origi The spiritual state of yashar was lost, how, we must first explore two nal tzura - our primeval image, in its and man's status after this primal sin aspects of this action - eating in gen original state. It is this process that became drastically distorted. It is Kial eral, and then, what matza specifically sustains our life. Yisroel's destiny to return to the represents. Matza, in contrast to regular leav madreiga of Adam Harishon kodem The Maharal in Ohr Chadash offers ened bread, is unique. The Maharal in ha'chet-the status of Adam before he a profound insight with regard to eat Gevuros Hashem explains that when sinned. It is for this purpose that we ing. Man's basic food is lechem - the most basic food - consisting of Jews are commanded to eat matza on bread, which consists of flour and flour and water - is not changed or the festival marking our formation as water. When Hashem created Adam embellished, matza results. Should the a nation, for when we eat, we are not Harishon, Hashem mixed earth with mix be touched by the dimension of merely consuming, we are recreating. water, and shaped it to form man. time, however, a drastic change True, man lost his original status of That ultimate creation is sustained by occurs. The flour and water will then yashar, but by eating matza - con a similar mixture of flour and water. turn into chametz. That which once sisting solely of flour and water - we The ideal food is not simply anything was, has - in a sense - undergone a are reproducing that pure state of that happens to have the ability to distortion. The passuk in Kohel/es earth and water without any additions, nourish man, but rather something states," Hashem has made man yashar deviations, or distortions. This is in that can replicate the process of cre (straight) but they sought many keeping with our assigned avoda of ation. Flour and water correspond to intrigues." The word "yashar" conveys reverting to the state of Adam before earth and water. In fact, the Midrash that n1an was created to function on the chet. Chametz, by contrast, is a in Vayikra compares Hashem when He a path of spiritual correctness. He had material expression of the distortion of chet. With the eating of chametz, we enhance that state of distortion, while matza recreates the state of yashar. For this reason, the matza we eat on Pesach is compared to the yeitzer tov (desire to be good), which motivates man to travel the road of yashar, the JOIN THE HUNDREDS WHO ARE BENEFITTING straight and narrow, while chametz is compared to the yeitzer hara (evil inclination), which "has sought many FROM MASTER DAF intrigues." In a sense, on Pesach we reproduce our original tzuras Adam with all the purity that it entails. As stated, this advances Kial Yisroel • 4-5 blatt per tape in its assigned role implicit in its first •A tape series where you can review/prepare the mitzva of Kiddush Ha'chodesh, in Daf in your car, on the subway, or on the bus keeping with its role as the people • Each Daf is read, translated, and explained slowly with a mission to elevate and perfect and clearly in just 20 minutes the world. Initially, mankind was represented by Adam Harishon. After • Mishna tapes also available (approximately one his sin, "Attem kru'im Adam - You OllCO Mesechta per tape) (Kial Yisroel) are called Man;' became . . . . •Subscription rate: $3 per tape (plus S&H) the motto of the nation whose assign Call for Order Form: ment is to recapture the image of Adam Harislwn kodem ha' chet. Through eating matza, we proceed upon the path that leads to the com pletion of the moon and the perfec tion of the world. ------34 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 III. FOUR CUPS AND face one encounters its kedusha. If we spiritual resources it contains. If one THE REBIRTH OF ADAM could but be guided so as not to be mis would eat an orange, for example, the led by externals, we would be able to blessing to be recited is "Borei pri here is yet another 1nitzva during relate to the special quality of a Yam Tov ha'eitz ... Who created the fruit of the the Seder night with the purpose that is hidden within a seemingly mun tree." If one would drink its juice, the Tof furthering this rebirth, the dane weekday. Just another slice of beef, blessing would be" Shehakol - all came mitzva of rabbinic origin to drink the however, even in honor of the Yorn I'ov, into being through His word," a less spe Arba Kosos - four cups of wine. Rabbi would not give us that ability to relate cific beracha than "Borei pri ha' eitz." Moshe Chaim Luzzatto ':>""1 in his to the sublime. It is here where the spe "Shehakor' is general - everythingcomes Maamar Hachachma explains that after cial quality of wine enters the scene. from Hashem - while the blessing the sin of Adam Harishon, the powers The beracha we recite before drink "Ha' eiti' refers to Hashem having specif of tuma (spiritual defilement) in the ing wine gives us an understanding of the ically created the fruit of the tree. Since world dominated whatever kedusha (sanctity) existed. It was necessary for Kial Yisroel to emerge from these limi tations to becon1e a nation with the capacity to relate to spirituality and inner growth. Each of the cups represents one of the four expressions of redemption that removed Klal Yisroel from the restraints of turna. Son1ewhere within these cups "Teach in Sanctity. of wine lies the ability to ignore exter nal controls, and focus on the core of Preventin Tragedy:' absolute kedusha that dwells within each of us. The Avnei Nezer explains exactly how this takes place: The Gemora stales that during the THE SHALOM TASK FORCE TRAINING times of the Beis Hamikdash, the sim WORKSHOP FOR KALLAH TEACHERS. cha (joy) of the Yam Tovwas experienced Sometimes a Kai/ah will open up more to her Kai/ah teacher than to others. Maybe it's an offhand remark or a look of unhappiness. through eating the meat of a korban This 4-session workshop will help you detect the early warning signs of shlamirn (a peace offering). During an unhealthy relationship. Learn how to follow up on your concerns. More this era, when we lack a Beis Ha1nikdash, importantly, sharpen your communication and listening skills. Actual cases w;JI be discussed. the only way to feel the simcha of a Yorn When & Where: Iov is through drinking wine. The " 12:30 - 2:30 pm Avnei Nczer asks the obvious question: <> Brooklyn workshop -April 10, 17, 24, May 1 e Queens workshop -April 11, 16, 23, 30 Why wine? If there is no korban, we Presenters: should eat the n1eat of unconsecrated @ Mrs. Toby Carrey, MSW - Shalom Task Force Director of Education animals. What is unique to wine? i© Mrs. Chaya Gorsetman, MS - Educational Consultant ®' Mrs. Atara Malach, MA - Psychotherapist, author of The Avnei Nezer explains the concept "You Owe it to Yourself" of simcha inspired by a korban shlamim: \U! Mrs. Rachel Pill, CSW - Co-director Long Island Guidance & Wellness Center Experiencing happiness on Shabbos is Registration Fee: relatively accessible to whoever seeks it, $25 for the entire workshop. Please send to: STF, POB 737, Bowling Green for every seventh day since the world was Station, NY, NY 10274 Please register early, space is limited. created has been holy; appreciation of For more info: please call STF (212) 742-1478 the uniqueness of the day is therefore (Shalom Task force Confidential Abuse Hotline 888 883 2323) within reach. however, does not This program is funded by grants from The Yon1 Tov, Philip Morris Doors of Hope Program and The contain that quality. It could fall on a New York Women's Agenda. regular, mundane weekday. How then is Because a Kallah's happiness could depend one to experience the special nature of on how well you listen. this day? During the time of the Mik dash, this could be accomplished Do it for your clients. through eating from a korban shlamim. Do it for your community. Shalom Task Force 1s a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Externally, it may appear to be the same POB 137, Bowling Green Station, NY, NY 10274 as any other meat, but beneath its sur- ...... ·---· The Jewish Observer, March 2002 35 the external fruit fosters the more spe true significance lies within. That is, wine and responded accordingly. Then he cific blessing, it is there where its main represents the p'nim, the internal qual sinned, and he became dominated by significance lies. But grapes and their ity hidden from superficial eyes. tuma. The agenda of Pesach night is to juice or wine are quite the opposite. On Nowadays - when we are lacking a overcome the power of tuma which puts the external grape we say "Barei pri Beis Hamikdash- the only way to relate limitations on kedusha, to permit the ha'eitz,"which addresses all fruits, while to the internal element of the Yam Tav spiritual core of the night to emerge. Our on the wine we recite the beracha of on a weekday is through wine. By drink avada, then, is to unlock the kedusha that "Barei pri hagafen - Who created the ing it, we can appreciate the forces con is housed within, and the vehicle for fruit of the vine." When we refer to the tained within its external shell, and legit inspiring that awareness is wine. Halacha juice, which is hidden within the grape, imately feel simchas Yam Tav. stipulates that the wine used for the Seder we recite the more specific beracha of As we know, Man was pure, until he preferably be one that can induce intox Hagafen. In regard to all other fruits, sinned. Ghazal teach us that when ication. Yes, Kial YisraeI's mission is to rid apparently, the external is more impor Adam was first created, the Malachim itself of evil's power, and to be as Adam tant and warrants the more specific bless had wanted to sing praise to him. They was originally. Drinking the Four Kasas ing, while with regard to the grape, the sensed in him aweso1ne spirituality, Subscribe or gi,ve a gi,ft of The Jewish Observer and $ave! WHY NOT GIVE OR GET A PRESENT THAT WILL LAST AN ENTIRE YEAR? Subscribe, or give a gift al 1hese reduced prices and The ]eivish Observer- filled v.·ith the vie\\'S of leading Torah thinkers on current issues- will be deJivered each month. directly to your door. 'l'he longer you subscribe for, the larger your savings. Of course, this offer is unconditionally guaranteed: you n1ay cancel at any tiine and receive a refund for al1 undelivered copies. So order today, and the very next issue will he on its ·way to you as soon as possible. 1. To believe that HaShem created and controls all, f.] YES, I want to take ath·antage of this 1noney savinp; offer! Enter 1uy or1ler as follows: 2. There is no other, :l SELF 0 GlIT 3. He is one, rs.\ •nnl'inn: o~n tsA 4. To love Him, 0 3 years Covrr Pri{'t' $]();) Your rost $6() $96 5. To fear Him, Ci1~ ----·-· ------0 2 years Con·r Prict· 570 Your rost $44 $68 6. To avoid temptation. 0 1 year Corer Pric:t' $.3:) Yo11r cost $24 $:36 _} ~ .. nd gifl {·~rd from: ______. ______$18 each/3 for $50 .J Endo~t·d: S (in~_isai;~ .rri~t:(s.. or wornE!.n's. s_tyl_e) Charp:.. my: :.::i \fa,1nCard ;:J I /.'I.·\ ~2 lfroadway. l41h Flom. \'ell- York. \'Y 10001 Th•· ]Pwi.,h llb. ----.. ·-·----- 36 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 are key steps in the rebirth of the ideal Of the many laws that pertain to the Man, through getting in touch with the night of the Seder, one of them prohibits forces of sanctity within. eating any food after the matza of the afikomen. Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzat Yeshlvish IN SUM ... to ?"":>?! explains the significance of Classical matza as the last food to be eaten on this lsraell he Yorn Tov of Pesach marks the special night: The same way that the Klezmer birth of Kial Yisroel during taste of the matza does not leave the TChodesh Ha'aviv, in springtime, mouth, so too the spiritual light that we after a long winter of dormancy. It is a have acquired during the Seder should time when, through our eating of not leave our neshama. What we have matza, we recreate our essence and strive accomplished through our eating of the r URCHlS!Rfl to exist in a pre-chet state. It is the time matza and drinking of the wine should www.nafshenuorchestra.com to drink the Four Kosos, to bring forth be integrated into our soul. the kedusha personified by Adam before The mitzvos of the Seder establish a he sinned, and to enable Kial Yisroel to new dimension in the identity of each AREIVIM exist in an exalted state of spiritual per and every member of Kial Yisroel, and fection. It is a time of sweeping rebirth, it is our desire, our prayer, and our hope HOTLINE when trees bud, blossoms burst forth, that it be absorbed deep into our and life starts anew. It is a time of the hearts. • From crisis to control. creation of a people who strive to be per Helping our boys and girls fect, and who will bring this world to its ultimate state of perfection. Through Parents: 1·866·6AREIVIM them, the p'gam halevana - the flaw of Teens: 1-866-0URGUVS the moon - will be repaired, the moon Email: [email protected] will be complete, and the world will rec All calls are confidential. ognize that Hashem Hu Ha' elokim. 1':>1l''N ·~~ f.1 JM! 1~ Y'l1':> CHINUCH: Earn MAXIMUM -..~pend the upcoming year within M Outstanding content and quality of training credit for ~ the right institution, with the M Prerequisites for training as a Speech/Language Pathologist Limudei Kodesh right chevrah, with the right content. 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There is a biblical command, 'You Gopnik writes in The New the Rambam says that after Moshiach shall not add to the mitzvos that I com W Yorker (February 18, 2002) comes, all prophecies of both prediction mand you:" His reply: that the cele how in Winter 2001, he received an invi and rebuke will no longer be relevant, bration - and most prominently, the tation from the Jewish Museum to be with one exception - the Book of Esther. whole Megilla - is centered around the the Purimspieler at its Purim Ball. He So I would comb the commentaries for realization of the theme expressed in had thought that they had made a mis how to understand this Book, and Chumash Devarim (4, 7): "For which is take about when Purim is celebrated: apply them to the contemporary scene. a great nation that has a G-d close to it, "Isn't that the one in the fall?" he Explore the characters, and appreciate as is Hashem, our G-d, whenever we call asked his wife, Martha. "With the who they are, what they did: Mordechai, to Him?" The subtext of Esther focuses hamantaschen? And the little hut in the the man who spanned generations, on Mordechai's faith, and the narrative hackyard?" and brought to Persia his unyielding is a spectacular justification of it: We After looking up the Book of Esther in fealty to belief in G-d and trust in His Jews cry out in desperation and earnest his old copy of the King James Bible, he Providence - the sagacity and selfless ness, and Hashem, our G-d, really listens. was somewhat entertained but primarily devotion culled from his earlier years in G-d's Name is absent from the text, confused. As he put it, he realized that the Sanhedrin. He boycotted the royal but His fingerprints are everywhere. "The trouble was not that I did not know banquet, angering the Jewish masses Would Adam Gopnik understand? how to read in the text, but that I did not with his "inept p.r."; made a pubic dis Perhaps. But then he is also looking for know ... how to read past it." play of refusing to bow to Haman, something "beyond the text:' Finally, a friend suggested that he antagonizing him in the process; speak to a rabbi. demonstrated his loyalty to the king, Beyond The Text ultimately winning the lives of his peo Answering The Knock ple as a result. ... He was determined to K, let's go beyond the text. I On My Door play it by the Book. Lose admirers on the recall a book of anecdotes about way, if necessary ... and save their lives. 0 the awakening of baalei teshu hat if Adam Gopnik would Esther, unwilling winner of the royal va to Torah Judaism, published by Ohr have knocked on my door? My beauty contest kept the Sabbath in the Somayach some twenty years ago, W head started to burst with worst of circumstances, assuming a low Jerusalem Echoes. One of the chapters ideas of what I'd share with him. After profile and maintaining modesty in the recounts how a young Californian col lecherous king's palace. Loyal to her peo lege graduate, who was living on a kib ple to the point of risking her life and butz for several weeks, stumbled into the CHEVRA OSEH CHESED becoming estranged from her family: Purim celebration in Ohr Somayach on OF AGUDATH ISRAEL "Ka' asher ovadeti ovodeti- and if I per Rechov Shimon Hatzaddik. Over ish, I perish." whelmed by the melding of joy, warmth, BURIAL PLOTS What heroes! What role models! cleverness, song, and a sense of inclu IN ERETZ YISROEL Esther's call to the Jewish people to sion, he was made to feel part of things, fast and pray on her behalf resulted in without being too sure of what the Interment in a Shomer Shabbos Beis the "hidden miracle" of salvation. The "things" consisted of. He decided to Olam near Beis Shemesh Rambam elaborates on this in his come back and find out more about Please phone or write to: response to the query, "How could the Purim ... and Judaism. [Today he and his Chevra Oseh Chesed Of Al!Wfath Israel Rabbis institute a new mitzva, to read the wife live in a community of bnei Torah, 42 Broadway, New York. NY 10004 Megilla, and establish a new holiday, and are parents of six yeshiva/Bais (212) 797-9000 Purim, when they are not listed in the Yaakov children. J Living a Purim mir- 38 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 acle can be more enlightening than pre-spoofed, as jeans might be pre· Rabbi Avi Shafran, exposing the inter learning it .. shrunk. nal contradictions of Conservatism. He But that wasn't Adam Gopnik's fate. What a lost opportunity! A perver· submitted the essay under the title He decided to check Purim out with a sion of one of the Kisvei Kodesh - holy "Time to Come Home." That had been rabbi. And that Rabbi was Ismar scriptures -by the head of a movement the subtext of his thesis. Moment Schorsch, Chancellor of the Conserva that was meant to conserve what is valu accepted the article, but changed its title tive rabbinical school, the Jewish The able and relevant in Judaism. Instead, he to "The Conservative Lie." Avi was upset ological Seminary. distorts its sacred contents and destroys with the title change; it might provoke its power to grab a searching, young Jew the casual reader to reject his entire Ask The Rabbi by the hand and lead him home. presentation. He may have been right. It brings to mind the article written But Moment may have been more hen I reached that point in for Moment magazine by my colleague, accurate. NW Adam's narrative, I thought W that perhaps Dr. Schorsch would offer him a watered-down, hut attractive version of Purim. After all, what could a laid-back, highly talented, mildly interested, assimilated Jew - Personal responsibility throughout service - NOT JUST "PAPERWORK" your average Conservative congregant ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT RABBINICALLY APPROVED METHOD - find too taxing about Purim? And the Highl}· recommended by GedoJai Hador- Here and in Eretz: Yisrael story is so engaging. The New Yorker arti 1043-42ml Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219 cle reported otherwise. Day & N'.ght phone: (718) 851-8925 I explained [to Rabbi Schorsch J that I couldn't make head or tail of the Book )JJO>l.lN1~T.lNP lll"P - 1'1~ 1Nl nlT.lYJJ '1l~ Kavod Haniftar with Mesiras Nefesh and compassion for the bereaved family. of Esther. TAHARAS ffANIFTAR SHOULD NEVER BE COMMERCIALIZED "It's a spoof, ... reaUy;' he almost mumbled ... not to be taken entirely seriously:' [Respect for Sacred Writings do not permit me to quote him fully. The quotations included barely indi cate how far Schorsch actually went in his dismissive characterizations of the Book of Esther. J "You see, Mordechai is a classic Jew of the Diaspora, not just exiled but entirely assimilated - a court Jew, real ly. It's a book for court Jews. Why does n't he bow down to Haman? Well, it might be because of his Judaism. But I think we have to assume that he's jealous - he expects to be made first minister and then isn't. Have you noticed the most interesting thing about the book?" He looked at me keenly .... "It's the only book in the Bible where G-d is never mentioned;' he said. "This is the book for the Jews of the city, the world. After all, we won der- what does Esther eat? It sure isn't kosher. But she does good anyway ...." I was stunned. This was, as they say, the story of my life. A funny book about court Jews .... I had been assigned to spoof it, when the text was The Jewish Observer, March 2002 39 Rabbi Hillel Goldberg truncated life, were known only to her way adults recollect how children immediate family until her sister pub express themselves, but the way they lished No Different Than You: Shevi's really do. There is not a false word, not No Different Than You: Shevi's Story, Story. The book was written in 30 days. a strained phrase, in this book. It is utter by Yehudis Bogatz, Feldheim Publishers, By the shloshim ( 30'h day of mourn ly compelling, although the reader Nanuet, N.Y., 2001, $21.95 ing) after Shevi's passing at age 27, her knows that every triumph, every prayer, sister had put into form the story of her every achievement, will end in tears. on't read this book if you are life. So intense was Shevi's suffering, so As if it were not wrenching enough afraid to cry. This is Shevi's shimmering was her soul, so exalted and that Shevi ultimately lost her battles Dstory. She was born with faulty steady was her gaze, so intimate was the with her three transplanted kidneys, kidneys. A person without at least one relationship between her and her sister) the last, unexpected bad news from the working kidney cannot live. Shevi, a Yehudis Bogatz, that Bogatz put down, hospital came - quite literally- as one twin, did not grow. Her twin towered in amazing and moving detail, the of her sisters was about to celebrate the over her. story of Shevi's life in just thirty days. bris of a newborn. Should the devas Shevi towered over her twin, too - in Writers often speak of writing under tating news from the hospital be strength, faith, good cheer, and gratitude. inspiration, a flame of spirit that gives revealed? Shevi's sister-in-law, sta Not that her twin, and the rest of her them neither sleep nor peace, a white tioned at her bedside in the hospital, family, lacked in these qualities. It is just heat of words that nothing can stop. tried to hide the news, but her anguish that Shevi, a girl who underwent many Yehudis Bogatz's inspiration was the was impossible to hide from Shevi's sis surgeries on two continents by the time altogether unusual story of her sister and ter. Should her sister tell her parents? she was a teenager, excelled. of her family's dedication to her-par Should the bris proceed? How could it The sheer beauty of her character, the ticularly to making her life normal. not? Should Shevi's parents run back harrowing and the heroic course of her to the hospital? What should the baby ---.. -~~~-- ehudis Bogatz has a simple, trans be named? Shevi's father was saying it Rabbi Hillel Goldberg, executive editor of Den ver's Intennoutain Jewish News, is a frequent con parent ability to capture the way should be named Rafael - may G-d tributor to these pages Ychildren think and speak; not the heal - as a prayer for Shevi. But how could the newborn be named Rafael if r.------~ ARE You MOVING? HAT PLUS Hats • Shirts • Ties •Accessories IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the Jewish Observer to your home. Please attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address and computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the address label. WE ALSO DRY CLEAN LARGEST SELECTION & RESHAPE HATS OF CHOSONIM TIES IN (Alf work done on premises) BROOKLYN 1368 Coney Island Avenue (718) 377-5050 Affix old label here Major credit cards accepted • We ship UPS Name ______ New Address City, State, ______Zip Beautiful rooms, with kitchen facilities, in Date Effective ------ the heart of Baro Park, by day or week. Send address The Jewish Observer Near Shuls, take out foods, etc. Profits to changes to: Change of Address Mifal Torah Vodaas. 42 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 Call Please allow 4-6 weeks for all changes to be reflected on your mailing label. We will not (718) 851-2969 L. ------be responsible for back issues missed unless ,you notify us 6 weeks prior to your move. .J No I.V's 40 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 Shevi had already passed away? whom no adult can reach. (See excerpt.) And now, after the fact, how can the RABBI author, Shevi's sister, set down this hevi Wittow also was subjected to impossible tangle of events and emo indignity and even discrimina MORDECHAI tions? I cannot imagine a human being Stion due to her size. Some shunned :r:n reading her masterful denouement of her as a midget, others assumed that her GIFTER Shevi's life and death without weeping. stunted growth must entail a stunted ENGLISH The reader, however, does not want intelligence. At one point, after she per to skip to the end. The tales of Shevi's severed with her schoolwork, graduat LECTURE SERIES triumphs, the simple, searing, plaintive ed high school and even teacher's sem prayers of her parents, inary, she was demeaned with a "linked Series #17 the mad-rush, across salary" - a salary linked continent dash of with her height. O 1 First Night of Selichos - 5741 Shevi and her mother She was paid less 0 2 Yomim Nore'im - 5744 to an awaiting kidney than others of her O 3 Aseres Yemai Teshuvah - 5745 for transplant, the same age and O 4 Aseres Yemai Teshuvah - 5746 absorbing story of training for doing O 5 Pesach - 5746 Shevi's insistence on exactly the same 0 6 Elul - 5747 normalcy, on keep job. When con- 0 7 Before Maariv T. B'Av - 5747 ing up with her fronted, the super 0 8 Chol Hamoed Pesach - 5748 schoolwork, are visor took it as a 0 9 Aseres Yemai Teshuvah - 5749 too abundant and matter of course that 0 10 Chanukah - 5749 too sensitively Shevi would be paid 0 11 Pesach Thoughts - 5749 0 12 Yeshivas Bein Hazmanim told. Little Shevi less. She was less 1 was knows more n't she? 0 13 Diversity In Orthodoxy than any child This incredible inci 0 14 Chanukah - 5750 LJ 15 Derech Halimud should. In the dent "wounded our LJ 16 Purim hospital, brave whole family," writes 0 Entire Series of 16 tapes and mature Bogatz. The remarkable beyond her years, and in thing, however, is how the COST: pain, she knows how to teach gratitude family's pain remained $7,00 per tape if purchased to someone even more frightened than free of self-pity. The many in the Mat individually she. 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Tapes .. . •Wisconsin School Tuition Vouchers PO Box 504 ~herman tarkJewillt Initiative for Qualifying families Wickliffe, OH 44092 Postage and Handling included. ·· · ~toia11Cor6riiunityohabbi Michel Twerski invites your interests 1-800-226·3129 ,_, ___ -- - --:-~---,_.··------~ The Jewish Observer, March 2002 41 he two girls went for a "walk" I guess I shouldn't complain. It's just that down the corridors of the children's it always seems to me that people think Tward - Gila expertly operating her that just because I have no legs, I don't wheelchair and Shevi dragging along have any brains either!" her squeaking intravenous stand. They Shevi smiled at her. "You're certainly studied the paintings on the walls. Shevi not the most unfortunate person in the stopped in front of one depicting blue world, Gila. If you look around you, you'll skies, sun, trees, green grass, and a house. always find someone with a bigger prob ChifdDeveloprnent "Isn't a lovely picture? Devora paint lem than yours." Shevi paused. "Are you ed it," she told Gila. "May her name allowed to eat and drink everything?" Specialists serving ·. be for a blessing." Gila nodded her head. "What ... happened?" Gila asked. "Always remember those children infants/toddlers "Devora had a kidney problem. Like who would love to enjoy some food or me. She was dependent on dialysis, too. drink like you do. Believe me, there were & their families She wasn't allowed to drink water. She times when I also felt as if didn't have wasn't allowed to do a lot of things that enough strength to go on. So I decid I am allowed to do." A tear fell from ed to look around me. I discovered that Shevi's eye. I have a good life! I can drink almost "One morning, Devora decided anything I want to, and I have a won she just had to have a cup of hot cocoa. derful family!" She had a wonderful time making the Although tiny in stature and young cocoa. She took a teaspoon, filled it with in years, Shevi spoke like a mature per- fresh cocoa powder, and added it to the son. glass of hot water. She stirred it slow "'You1 re right!" Gila said. '1 1'11 never ly, lovingly, and added a teaspoon of forget what you told me. I'll try to think sugar .... " Shevi stopped. of it all the time." She was remembering a little girl with "More than that." Shevi told her with light brown hair and blue eyes. The a pat on the back. "You're a smart girl, image of Devora, of blessed memory, Gila. It's up to you to teach others that appeared before her. Shevi sighed soft even if a person is forced to be ly, "Dear Devora!" dependent upon a wheelchair, that per "Well?" Gila spoke softly, too. "Go son has a healthy, intelligent brain!" on." Shevi flushed slightly but continued "Yes, Devora stirred the cocoa and enthusiastically, "You see, those of us sugar into the hot water. She looked who are ill really have two burdens; we so happy. Then she added some milk." have our illness and we have respon Shevi took a deep breath. "Then she sibility to show people that we have ~aluation &?herllPY drank it. brains, that we understand things. It's "Suddenly she put her hand to her true it's hard, but it is possible, if we at•qurcenter()rJnthe head and said the room was spinning don't give up. Yes, we must not give priva~of yourho,ne around. She fainted; her family called an up!" ambulance as fast as they could. The.whole Gila regarded the tiny patient from ·· Freel)f ~harg• thing was over in a minute. She ... died." the dialysis ward with awe. "Do you Shevi could not hold back her know, you sound like a grownup '.Bi-l1ngualSer1ticesAyaif~.•... tears. She studied the blue sky in the woman, not a young girl?" picture eight-year-old Devora had Shevi smiled; Gila's warm words E~veOO!~ painted, a sky that matched Devora's renewed her own courage. If she had 422& Tenth AVenue, blue, blue eyes. succeeded in explaining to this afflict Bnioklyit,Netv York 11219 ... · Gila burst into tears. "How awful!" ed little girl some of her own feelings, After a pause, she said thoughtfully, if she had managed to infuse her with 11.8•972•0880· "You know, I always think I'm the most some of her own spiritual stamina, she NGllllOOlliYll.®w.s.nna.t.lllllliWTAil unfortunate person in the world." She was content. studied the small cloud in the painting. "Clouds always seem large to me, but - From Shevi's Story 42 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 va Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Sheinberg for corrected the senior teacher when the more than 30 years, and in Denver, Col- teacher assented to a mother's request orado, where Asa Wittow was raised and to keep her disabled child home the day remains a frequent visitor, know him as that a field trip to the zoo was scheduled. unusually gifted with optimism and The child could not walk. "Don't worry;' humor. Somehow, the entire family - the mother said, ''I'll keep her home and even Shevi herself - kept their heads tomorrow and I won't even tell her up despite the frequency of dire straits. about it so she won't feel bad." Shevi, Ultimately, Shevi lost her struggle; but knowing all too well how this misplaced 1537 50th Street, the remarkable thing is how the family sensitivity would set her daughter down managed to remain free of bitterness, the path of defeat, rejoined: "I absolute- Brooklyn, NY 11219 whole and loving, notwithstanding the ly won't let you keep her home. You (718) 854-2911 immensity of the defeat. This book is a bring her with her stroller and I, per- special inspiration to families facing sonally, will take the responsibility." And major, intractable difficulties. so it was. Shevi knew more than enough The book conveys beautifully how about mistreatment, distorted values, this attitude of optimism and faith false mercy and fallacious pity to let this stemmed in no small measure from child begin her school career as a freak. Shevi herself. In her short career as a pre- Shevi knew that this child was "no dif- kindergarten assistant, Shevi sternly ferent than you." • D1s111buled bv 1uc1a1ca Press 11 a~7 y Ra mue n b f. M •. zanitzky> ~nally Back in print-ir(, . 0 2, .Rabbi M. ?a~\t2ky and deluxe laminated 3, "fioruch Learns About PQi o ~ab~iM,~za,nitzky SHMUEL ICUNl:>A'S be . o 4 .. RabbiYiB!um pictorial introduction to t. 0 5. Rabbi Y. Blum Pesach Yorn Tov and Sed¢l' 0 6. Rabbi D. Friedman Young children will be entlf its colorful, lively pictu~~ D 7. Rabbi Y. Margareten reach for this, one•of-a•ki D 8. Rabbi B. Hirschfeld again and again! 0 9. Rabbi B. Hirschfeld 0 10. Rabbi R. Gerson You can! Just call 0 11. Rabbi D. Lebowics The Yitti Leibel 0 12. Rabbis Weinberger I Helpline. N. Scherman HOURS: M. Eisemann I F. Schachter Monday-Friday ...... 8am -12pm 0 13 .. Rabbi D. Gottlieb Monday-Thursday ...... 8pm -1 lpm Sunday ...... 9am -12pm, 9pm -1 lpm 0 14. Rabbi D. Gottlieb Extra hours Sat. night ..... ?pm - 9pm 0 15. Rabbi D.. Gottlieb .718-HELP-NOW 0 16. Rabbi Y. Feitman ~~· (718) 435c7669. Cost: $6.00 per tape Chicago ...... (800) HELP-023 $80.00 entire series Lakewood ...... (732) 363-1010 (save $16.00) Cleveland ...... (888) 209-8079 Baltimore ...... (410) 578-1111 ($86.00 entire series with album) Detroit...... (877) 435-7611 San Diego ...... (866) 385-0348 Send payment to: For addiction problems call our addiction TCN Tapes thera ist, Wednesda s 11:30 m to 1:30am Box 504, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092 The Jewish Observer, March 2002 43 held Stalin-Karlin in high esteem. In 1993, when he was frail and in poor health, he insisted on being taken to Jerusalem, where the Rebbe of Stolin Karlin was making a bris. He explained that "the Rebbedoes so much for Torah that I must participate in his simcha:' He came, said Mazel tov, and returned to Bnai Brak. CORRECTION ON BIOGRAPHICAL to be persuaded to return. May the memory of Luninetz and the TRIBUTE TO RAV SHACH )"" The incident never happened, nor role of Harav Shach in shaping our could it have occurred. Far from feeling Torah world remain a zechus and con To the Editor: that the yeshiva and its founder, the stant source of inspiration. In reading the otherwise excellent Rebbe of Karlin, were lax in their devo RABBI SHIMON SPIRA article on Maran Harav Shach, by tion to constant Torah learning, Harav MENAHEL RUCflANI, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetsky, (Feb Shach wrote in 1951 that "among the MESIVTA STOLIN-KARLIN ruary '02) I found an error that calls bachurim were gedolei Torah v'yira," and Brooklyn, NY for correction. The article reports an "The Rebbe was devoted with all his incident that purportedly took place in heart to the yeshiva in particular and to AUTHOR'S CLARIFICATION the Karliner Yeshiva in Luninetz, where harbotzas Torah in general." Rabbi Shach was Rosh Yeshiva. Accord Many of the talmidim were not In writing about a Gadol B'Yisroel, ing to the article, the students were all Chassidim at all, and certainly would not one must be as vigilant as when writ Karliner Chassidim and they deserted have gone to a Yahrzeit tisch. In fact, ing Chiddushei Torah. Obviously, with the yeshiva en masse to attend a there were two minyanim, one Nusach biographical appreciations of any great Yahrzeit tisch. So upset was Rabbi Ashkenaz and one Nusach Sefard, and Torah personality, there is little Torah Shach that he resigned his post and had when the Rebbe visited he would also Shebich'sav (written text); and even the daven with the Nusach Ashkenaz min Torah SheBa'al Peh (oral tradition) of a yan, out of respect for the non-Chassidic life of a Torah personality, whose every talmidim. There are still living talmidim breathing moment reflected volumes of of the yeshiva, who testify that bachurim Torah commentaries, comes with myr never left the yeshiva to travel to a iad versions of the same story, each con 28 Weaver Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 Yahrzeit tisch. Even if they had wanted taining varying nuances, which evoke Tel.: (401) 849-0051 •Fax: (401) 847-5902 to, they would not have been welcome different responses and sensitivities www.kosherbcdandhreakfast.com during the z'man. One of those sur from different segments of the broad vivors, Rabbi Moshe Pivovitz, of the community. Enjoy the freedom and convenience of a kosher guesthouse, located Lower East Side of Manhattan, recalls Among the stories in the article was only minutes away from that Rabbi Aharon Kotler once delivered one regarding the response of Rabbi the Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue a shiur in the yeshiva and was so Shach to the participation of his chas in North America impressed that he later sent bachurim to sidishe talmidim in a special event to Group discount avadab/e for Simcho; and Sh~bbos learn in Luninetz. which the above letter-written takes For reservations call: 1-888-465-0051 The kernel of truth from which the exception. Although I had heard the erroneous story grew is that many of the story as published in response to my Karliner Chassidim went to the Rebbe for own request to leave the Ponovezher Shavuos, as is customary in Chassidic Yeshiva when I was talmidthere in 1977, communities. Rabbi Shach was upset, I certainly accept Rabbi Spira's version because he felt that bachurim belonged as accurate. I therefore apologize if this in the yeshiva on the festival of Kabba/as chas v'shalom was taken as an affront or Hatorah, especially since he himself did slight to the well-known and distin not go home to his own family for Yorn guished Yeshiva that he represents. R Tov. Rabbi Noach Zeitlin of Katamon, There may have been other errors in RA Yerushalayim, who was present at the the article as a result of time's erosion time, recalls the added vigor with which on memory. J ask forgiveness for any the bachurim pursued their learning inaccuracies. At the same time, I do hope 49 upon their return. that the message of the Rosh Yeshiva's To the end of his days, Rabbi Shach unwavering ideals regarding the 44 The Jewish ObseNer, March 2002 supremacy of Torah as the prime focus of his life was conveyed, regardless of two inaccuracies and slip-ups. Ulti mately the intended message was that the love for Torah bridged any gap that may have existed between different approaches to avodas Hashe1n. MORDECHAJ KAMENETZKY Unde Moishy, EDITORIAL APOLOGY Mordechai Ben David, Though technical mishaps, the con and other top-of-the-line cluding paragraph of Miriam Zakon's Jewish entertainers article, "A Little Light," (Feb'02, p.39) was are available incomplete. The full text follows: Life in Israel can be dangerous; to visit every day we hear of another shooting, seriously ill another attack. "More than the Jews children You should also read the guard Shabbos, Shabbos guards the thanks to l'l'til nnr.iv new book: "Step Right Up": Jews:' Each flickering beam oflight scat """" .,,,,, ters the darkness, pushing it farther ~ :li'))' ., n!ll"'nti Lessons from your shoes away. With enough lights of Shabbos ACheoscd project run by from FeldheimJTargum at your Agudath Israel Of America dancing on our tables, we will see the ln conjunction with bookstore or blackness disappear completely and Suld & Ding Produdion's To set up an _appoinunent, caH: truly enjoy "a day that is completely YESHIVA FUND Box 82. Staten Island, NY !0309 Shabbos and peace for all eternity." • extends its heartfelt appreciation to the staff and administration of HELP FOR PARENTS OF TEENS IN CONFLICT for helping us provide emergency food to needy members of our community for TEL: 718-758-0400 the past 10 consecutive years! CONFIDENTIAL 10 AM - IO PM Mr. & Mrs. Yitzi Laub Mr. & Mrs. Simon Pelman /SUPPORT GROUPS /REFERRALS Mr. & Mrs. Yitzchok Katz / HOTLlNE for the Administration of Tomche Shabbos of Queens The Jewish Observer, March 2002 45 j to coordinate shuls and neighborhoods for a spiritual response to the crisis in EretzYisrael. Please call immediatelv 18001867-2482 :~1!:4hours to find out how vou can plav an important role at this critical time in Klal Yisrael's historv. This emergency campaign is being done in consultation with Gedolei Yisroel, shlita: HaRav Aaron Leib Shteinman, HaRav Chaim Kanievsky, The Gerer Rebbe, The Novominsker Rebbe, HaRav Shmuel, Kamenetsky and HaRav Matisyahu Solomon. A Kol Koreh outlining the entire campaign will be published shortly. !i THE CHOFETZ CHAIM HERITAGE FOUNDATION· 6 MELNICK DRIVE· MONSEY, NY 10952 (845) 352-3505 t(s16n.&'·~11ro:o11i;;; r(' •. •'iSITE Fµ~~ISHl~G.~o .·• ·····••····•••~;hf1i···.. , : ·:~~~~ie!L~A::~~lQ~~1~i• SYSTEMS • RUBBER RESlllENl.FLOORING • ETC. •· Equipme11t meet$ or;eltceeds• ·· allASTM and CPSC safety guidelines • Sile planning and design ser1dces with state·of·lhe"art Auto CAD, • Stainle$ssteel fabrication for ultimate rusfresistance. Current Projects WOOoLAKE VILLA.GE. Woodb(idge, NY . MOONLIGHT COTTAGES. 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