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Printed in the U.S.A. 8 Remembering Rabbi Mordechai Gifter n:n::i?p•;:~n::ir, RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR A Melamed for All Times, Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer EDITORIAL BOARD RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS Cha;rman BEING THERE FOR OUR YOUTH RABBI ABBA BRUDNY A Heartwarming Experience With Israeli "Kids at Risk," JOSEPH FRIEOENSON 24 RABBI YISROEL MEIR KIRZNER Gitty Krauss RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN PROF. AARON TWERSKI 27 The Fifth Child: The Child Who Stopped Asking: DR. ERNST L. BODENHEIMER Z"L Founding Chairman A Layman's Guide to Kiruv Kerovim, Rabbi Aaron Brody MANAGEMENT SOARD 3.S Our Children, Our Attitudes, Rabbi Shmuel Gluck AV! FISHOF NAFTOLI HIRSCH Voice From the Fringe, and Beyond ... Coming ISAAC KIRZNER 39 RABBI SHLOMO LESIN Back Again, Anonymous NACHUM STEIN RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING 43 On Talking and T-T-T-Transmissions, Rabbi Yaakov Rosenblatt Managing Editor Published by 47 Middos Instruction: Prerequisite for Torah, Agudath Israel of America Rabbi Shimon Finkelman U.S. TRADE DISTRIBUTOR lSRAELI REPRESENTATIVE Feldheim Publishers lnlnl. Media Placement Our Youth as Spokesmen for Torah, Rabbi Ari Zaidoff 200 Airport Executiv€ Park POB 7195 I 5 Even Israel 53 Nanuet. NY 10954 Jerusalem. ISRAEL BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE BELGIAN REPRESENTATIVE PESACH THOUGHTS M.T. Bi11elman Mr. E. Apter Grosvenor Works Lange Kiev1tstr. 29 Mount Pleasant Hill 2018 Antwerp SS From Slavery to Freedom ... From Darkness To London ES 9NE. ENGLAND BELGIUM Great Light, Yosef Gesser FRENCH REPRESENTATIVE SWISS REPRESENTATIVE Rabbi Bamberger Mr. S. Feldinger 21 Boulevard Paixhans leimanstrasse 36 57000 Metz 4051 Basel BOOKS IN REVIEW FRANCE SWITZERLAND THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not 58 HaRav Yaakov Kamenetzky: His Life and Teachings assume responsibility for the Kashrus of any product, publication, or service Jeff Bloom advertised in its pages © Copyright 2001 March 2001 VOLUME XXXIV/NO. 3 Remembering Rabbi Mordechai Gifter i1:J1:17j7~i~1:Jl A .Melamed For All Times BIOGRAPI-IICAL NOTES he recent passing of Rabbi Mordechai Gifter, j?'"T~ "Ot he served for close to five years -years marked by intensive Torah ;i:iu7, the Telsher Rosh Hayeshiva, this past 23 Teves/Janu study, as before. Su1nn1oned by the Telzer Roshei Yeshiva - Rabbi Tary 18, vvas not only a Eliyahu Meir Bloch 7"~! and time of n1ourning, but an occa Rabbi Mordechai Katz 7"'1! -he sion to conte1nplate the many joined them in the fledgling aspects of greatness that marked Yeshiva ofTelshe in Cleveland, this unique Torah personality. Ohio, eventually as Rosh Yeshi The me1norial page in the va (with Rabbi Baruch previous issue of The ]eivish Sorotzkin 7"::n) until his passing, Observer listed the salient facts: except for t\\lo years, frotn 1977 born 85 years ago to Reb Yis to J 979, when he founded roel and Mrs. Gifter in Yeshiva Telshe-Stone near Portsn1outh, Virginia, later Yerushalayin1. n1oving to Balti1nore, eventu He \vas an outstanding ally going to Yeshiva Rabbi tahnid chachan1, as \\/ell as a Yitzchak Elchonon after his bar bold and visionary leader and niitzva. Inspired to learn in the articulate spokes1nan for Kial Telshe Yeshiva in Lithuania, he Yisroel - prin1arily through left America at age 17. lndeed, Agudath Israel of A111erica, after a few arduous years, he \\lhich he served as a me1nber was recognized to be a quin of its Moetzes Gedolci Hatorah tessential 'felzer in outlook, in (Council of Torah Sages). re1narkable dedication to Most of all, however, he Torah, and even in 1nanner of made his mark as a dedicated expression. n1ela111ed Torah to his I-le had an unusual affinity talrnidhn ... a teacher of 1'orah to Gedolci Yisroel, and during to generations of disciples, as the years of his youth, he had the article that follows delin close relationships with Rabbi eates. Moshe Soloveitchik 7"~!; the He leaves behind his devot Telzer Rav, Rabbi Avraham ed Rebbetzin, six children and Yitzchak Bloch ,.-,i1; his even their families - Rabbi and Mrs. tual father-in-law, Rabbi Zal- Binyamin Gifter (Brooklyn), 1nan Bloch l'"'i1; as vvell as Rabbi and Mrs. Zahnan Gifter Rabbi Mordechai ("Reb Mot (Wickliffe), Rabbi and Mrs. Yis te!") Pogramansky 7··~1. roel Gifter (Lakewood), Rabbi After six years of intensive and Mrs. Ephrain1 Eissenberg learning in Europe, he returned (Baltimore), Rabbi and Mrs. to A1nerica, and soon after Avroho111 Chain1 Feuer (Mon ward, niarried his Rebbetzin, the fonner Shoshana Bloch, ''MnV. sey), and Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Reisman (Far Rockaway) and He served as a Rav in Baltin1ore, moving on to Connecticut, \Vhere their children and grandchildren. NW 8 The Jewish Observer, March 200 I Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer PRINCE OF THE TORAH RENAISSANCE We entered mesivta high school with and the glory of Torah. our eyes on eventually moving on to insti In this brief tribute we will attempt to first entered the Reis HaMidrash of tutions of higher education - university. touch some of the aspects of this mas Telshe Yeshiva in 1962 at the age of six He raised our sights to aspire for yet high terpiece. ! teen. I had never heard of Rabbi er education, fullowing the curriculum of Mordechai Gifter, so I asked someone the Master Melamed, Hashem Himself. As THE MELAMED who he was. His response was, "I think a result we experienced a renaissance, a that he was best described by an out-of profound awakening on a spiritual level, y revered Rebbe, my beloved town rabbi who introduced Rabbi Gifter thanks to his ability to talk to us as some father-in-law, the Telzer Rosh as 'The Prince of the Torah Renaissance one who - born in Portsmouth, Virginia M Ha Yeshiva, Rabbi Mordechai in America."' After learning from him in - could relate to our struggles and our Gifter, always said that he disliked the the Yeshiva for prestigious seventeen years title "Rosh and being close Yeshiva" and to him as his much pre son-in-law for ferred to be thirty-four known as a years, I am cer "melamed," a tain that that simple teacher title is a most of Torah. appropriate VVhy? Because description of the Master of this unique the Universe, Gadol B'Yisroel. Hashem Him The diction self, is des ary defines ren cribed in the aissance as a Birkas Ha- renewal, a Torah, the rebirth. For all blessing over practical pur Torah study, as poses, in the "Hamelarned first half of the Torah L'amo twentieth cen Yisroel," He tury, Torah Who teaches study and gen Torah to His uine Torah life nation, Israel. was well nigh "If that title is dead. In the sec Rabbi Gifter walking with Rabbi Clwin1 Stein N'1"'m and Rabbi Mordechai Katz.,··:n. ln the background, Rabbi Noch11m good enough Perlow '7":n, previous Novominsker Rebbe. ond half of the for the Rib- twentieth century the Ribbono Shel Olam capacity for growth. And he did this with bona Shel Olam, it's good enough for blessed American Jewry with an amazing the royalty of a true ta/mid chacham: me!" said Rabbi Gifter. revival of Torah study and Torah life. The "Mann malka rabbanan- Who truly pos In the fifty five years that Rabbi Gifter great Torah leaders who were Hashem's sess majesty? The Rabbanan." ( Gittin 62a) served at Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland, he emissaries in accomplishing this turn The Gemora (Megilla 3b) teaches that truly was a melamed par excellence to about are well known to us and to them Kavod HaTorah, giving honor to the thousands of students from diverse we are eternally grateful. Yet Rabbi Gifter Torah, surpasses limud HaTorah, the study backgrounds, hailing from every point played a singular role in this renaissance of Torah, because when people see how on the globe. and made a unique contribution. And we important Torah is, they will be inspired Truth to be told, none of us, his American-born-and-bred boys in Telshe to study it more. Hashem blessed Rabbi talmidim, ever viewed him as the sim were the beneficiaries of his contribution. Gifter with many admirable talents that ple melamed he strove to be. If ever there no one else could duplicate. When you was anyone who projected the idealized Rabbi Feuer, who serves as Rav of Kehillas Bais Avrohom of Monsey, NY, is author of numerous put all of those talents together, there image of an impressive Rosh Yeshiva, it books on Torah themes, most recently, The emerged a masterpiece of a man whose certainly was he. Rabbi Gifter was a pro Tzedakah Anthology (ArtScroll/Mesorah Publi entire being evoked a sense of the majesty found lamdan of the highest order; a cations), The Jewish Observer, March 2001 9 true genius whose powerful mind never knew that you were standing in the pres "MY MIND IS ON THEM" stopped thinking in learning, whose ence of genuine greatness. The last thing pure mouth never tired of speaking in Rabbi Mordechai Gifter seemed to be nvariably, when he would address learning, and from whose prolific pen was a simple) ordinary melamed. convocations of Torah educators) he flowed a never ending torrent of Torah But now that our Rebbe is gone and I would cite the Gemora (Bava Basra writing. He was a 1nan of truth who we reminisce and recollect our fond Sb) that describes the master melamed, despised falsehood, flattery and frivol rnemories of him) we realize that at the Rav Shmuel bar Shilas, who set the Tal ity. A brilliant, compelling orator in Yid very core of his being, all of his talents mudic standard for elementary level dish, English and Lashon Hakodesh, he and achievements en1anated from his Torah teachers. This skillful and dedi literally kept his audiences spellbound overriding ambition to be a melan1ed cated teacher was under the constant as he delivered addresses that would worthy of transmitting Hashem's Torah guidance of the gadol hador, the great never be forgotten. Merely standing in to this generation, in the unique fash Talmudic giant, Rav. The Gemora relates his presence was a\\resome- because you ion which these times require. how Rav was once quite shocked to find his disciple, Rav Shmuel, resting in the comfort of his garden on a regular school day while classes were in session. "What has happened to you, Rav Shmuel?" the bewildered Rav asked, ('have you forsaken your custo1nary devotion and loyalty to your students?" To which Rav Shmuel responded, "Believe me, Rebbe, that this is a long overdue rest which I desperately need. I have not been in this garden for thir teen years! And even novv as 1ny exhausted body is getting some much needed rest, my brain is still thinking about my students and daati ilovayhu, n1y mind is on the1n." In reference to this, Rabbi Gifter observed, "Over the ages, countless vol un1es have been written atten1pting to ,,,~i1 teach the science of education. Believe me, .no!l iliJil "rn 1ttJ1i'n (tot everything that can be said on this sub 'ttl 'v ml~" ject is summed up in the pithy, two-word 'r~n 110't-t ,t:l'':l mv Jil 1l1i::i 0111t-t1:i1 O'ttl1i1n (::i statement of Rav Shmuel bar Shilas, 'daati :1:i1 i10!l ,,, iio ,il:l~ l"1'':Jt-t l"11:l~ 'r~n rip1i::i ilovayhu, my mind is on them!' Any teacher who sincerely cares about his stu dents and gives them serious thought will be blessed to find the proper approach to influence and educate the1n!" C"i::l t,:iM i'"T""M M~ :i:i With this in mind, he would say over an idea he heard in the name of the Cha OJ';i 0Jl1J'O 1'i';J i'r1S'j1JliJ i'"i'l l";Jj<1 ;i; zon !sh. In the final decades of the nine jil ITU~ O"il~V::l teenth century, Rabbi Eliezer Gordon developed the Telzer Yeshiva into one of the most effective yeshivas in Lithuania. Someone once asked the Chazon !sh if he could explain the secret of Rabbi Gor o~i~Oi1 rii~i~n:i .:1~tit;ii, don's extraordinary achievement. He observed, "Reb Leizer has a yeshiva filled 1.:in~;i ?~~ ,~ with over four hundred bachurim, yet he feels that each and every one of them Tel 718~520~0115 •Fax 718~268~0186 is his hen yachid, his one and only son, 70 The Jewish Observer, Morch 200 I and he treats them accordingly!" LOVE WITHOUT PAMPERING IATIONAL CONVENTION abbi Gifter cared very deeply about his students, yet he did not Rpamper them. To the contrary, he felt that pampering was counter-pro ductive to their education. He demand ed diligence and single-minded dedi cation to laboring in 1brah. His rich Yiddish vocabulary contained numer ous terms to express the idea that one must exert and exhaust himself to comprehend any and every Torah con cept. Mir darfen horaven, n1atteren, extract the 'flavor' and squeeze out the that at the Pesach seder the men are sup nzuchenen zich tzu farshtein der dvar reasoning for you!" posed to recline (heseiba) at certain Hashem! As much as Rabbi Gifter was times to demonstrate that they are truly an outstanding master of the English SITTING BEFORE THE REBBE IN AWE free and can eat in a relaxed, lounging language, he felt that he was unable to posture. Shulchan Aruch ( Orach Chaim find the proper English words to ade student who is in awe of his 4 72:5) rules that a student should sit in quately translate the above Jewish terms. Rebbe when he is in his Rebbe's awe before his Rebbe, so he may not Rabbi Gifter emphasized time and A presence, will remember to think recline in his presence. Indeed, in this again that the main purpose of a and act like his Rebbe even after he leaves regard, it is considered irreverent to teacher is to teach students how to think his presence. Thus, the halacha requires lounge in front of one's teacher. If the for themselves, not to spoon-feed them with answers. He cited the (Jemora ( Chullin 12a) which relates that a stu dent once posed a question to his The wine to Rebbe, Rav Nachman, to which Rav Nach1nan's gave a very strange response: Ileen uou n~ "I will only provide you with an answer if you first provide n1e with a large meas throuan ure of salt!" Rabbi Gifter explained that Rav Seder Nachman had a full appreciation for his disciple's intellectual capacity and knew that he was perfectly capable of coming up with the right answer on his own. The student, however, failed to think intensely and preferred to let his Rebbe do the laborious thinking for him. Therefore, Rav Nachman employed the metaphor of salt to illus trate his point. Salt is not tasty on its own, yet it enhances the taste of edi bles because it draws out the hidden flavor that is locked deep inside the food. Rav Nachman said, "You, my dear student, are perfectly capable of exert ing your n1ind to answer this question. If you want me to do the thinking for you, you are making me into a mere sack of salt, because you want me to The Jewish Observer, March 2001 11 Rebbe grants his student special per mission, he may recline in his presence. A son, however, may always recline in the presence of his father, even if his father is his Rebbe, because a father usu ally grants his beloved son permission to do so. The very first Pesach after I married my Rebbe's daughter and became his son-in-law, I sat at his sedertable. I asked Rabbi Gifter if I now had the status of his son so that I could recline by the seder. He replied, "Of course I love you like a son, but my primary relationship Rabbi Gifter with Rabbi Aharon Kotler and Rabbi Eliezer Silve,. n:ro? tm1:1l to you is that of a Rebbe. A student gains tremendously by sitting in awe in the HE SHARED HIS SOUL WITH US Rather, we must open up our hearts and presence of his Rebbe. I do not wish to share the feelings that flow from our deprive you of that. If I give up my sta abbi Gifter taught us that the fun soul, the core of our innermost being. tus of Rebbe towards you, you will be damental rule of all effective How vividly do his talmidim recollect that much poorer. I really don't want you RTorah teaching is that it is insuf how he would recite the words of the fol to suffer such a heavy loss, so I think it's ficient to merely con1municate the lowing Midrash, which demonstrates better for you not to recline!" thoughts that come from our head. how the Master Melamed, the Ribbono Shel Olam, teaches Torah. "For Hashem gives away knowl edge; from His mouth emanate wis dom and deep understanding" 11117in· ]1ll'D• tiiino I1:l,1l1 • I11JYr.l• rnnnnr.i• ,,, n:J n1Jyin • (Proverbs 2,6). Knowledge is of great n1JJ:JTil • I'11J'.J1j'il• rnmpr.i 'K1r.l • value, and G-d gives it away to all men. ciJ.n:n:i • 011'/:J.KlJ• '01l11J1+ i1illi1• Ho\vever, wisdom and deep under Journal Ads • Yearbook Entries• '1lr.J1l11 i1'17pi1 • standing are much greater gifts, for G d personally reserves these gifts for Full C'illC publishing services: Typing, Typesetting, Printlng & Binding those whom He loves very much, as it says," ... from His mouth emanate wis dom and deep understanding?' Rabbi Yitzchak said: "This concept may be illustrated with the allegory of the great king whose little boy came home from school and saw a large tray of food placed in front of his royal father. The doting father took a piece of food from the tray and gave it to his Registration is now open for the summer program of 5761 which will be held IYH in Yerusholayim. son to eat. But the son refused to Once again, the program which has been recommended and endorsed by Gedolei Yisroel, will accept it, saying, 'No! This is not what I want! I only wish to eat from the very present an intensive course of study, prepared for Bnei Torah to enable them to develop their full poten same piece that you, father dear, are tial as Mechanchim in Yeshivas and Day Schools. eating! I want to eat from the food that Our dedicated staff of Roshei Yeshiva, professional Rabbeim, and prominent Mechanchim, will you are putting into your own mouth!' present the full range of subjects vital to the success of the rebbe in the classroom. We invite moti Because the king loved his son so much, he shared with him the very vated individuals possessing higher Yeshiva and (or) Kolle! education, to participate in this program. same piece of food he had bitten into Recognized for a Yeshiva Teacher's License with his own mouth. Similarly, G-d For further information contact generously grants general knowledge RABBI HILLEL MANDEL, Dean RABBI NACHMAN ZAKON, Administrator RABBI CHAIM ROBERTS and information to all of mankind, but NY (718) 805-1!9! Jerusalem 02-651-9739 England 161-740-3465 with His Chosen Nation, Israel, He 12 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 shares the intimate wisdom and deep ference whether he spoke publicly resounding kiss. This kiss was so full of understanding of the Torah which before an audience of thousands or con tender love and yearning that it spoke come from His own mouth." versed privately with a solitary individ volumes, and constituted an entire Rabbi Gifter elaborated on the lesson ual; he always spoke with passion and shiur on its own. of the Midrash: The king already had shared his heart with you. No wonder One talmid related that when he was distributed food to the members of his his words always left an indelible a fledgling teenager in high school he court before his son arrived. They were imprint on all who heard them! was going through a difficult period, dis all quite satisfied with their portions, Not only did the words flowing couraged and plagued with doubts. His because they were only interested in the from his lips leave their mark, the kiss learning was suffering and he felt very nourishing food. The king's beloved son, es of his lips had a power of their own. down. One day, Rabbi Gifter delivered however, wasn't hungry for a portion of At the end of every shiur, as he careful a shiur to his class, and when he con food. He yearned for fatherly love to sat ly and somewhat reluctantly closed his cluded, he gave his Gemora his cus isfy his soul. Ehr hott gevolt ufessen der Gemora, Rabbi Gifter would bend over tomary kiss. The talmid says that there tatte alein! His prin1ary craving was to his cherished tome and give it a big, was so much ahavas Torah, pure emuna, "eat up" his cherished parent. The clos est he could get to that was to eat the food that came straight from his father's mouth. Similarly, there are two approaches to Torah study. Some students study only with their head. For them, limud Ha Torah is a purely intellectual pursuit. G-d will not send them away empty handed, and He will grant them knowl edge. But the students who really love G-d study for more than merely filling their heads with knowledge. Their pri mary goal is to cling to the Almighty and to enter into a close relationship with Him. With these devotees, G-d shares true wisdom and deep insight, which Sometimes abuse einanate from His own mouth. is hard to recognize. In the same vein, Rabbi Gifter observed, there are those who teach Torah in a detached manner. They merely "give away" their accumulated information and knowledge to their Learn the signs of abuse and how to respond. Come class, but they fail to share their hearts to the Shalom Task Force National Women~ Conference. April 29, 2001* 25 Broadway in and souls with them. They will not suc New York City. ceed to the fullest. The inspired Rebbe, For women in leadership positions: Rebbetzins, Kallah the melamed who emulates G-d, opens teachers, Mikvah attendants, Principals, Teachers, Guidance up and shares his very essence with his Counselors and Shadchantas. Your choice of vital and disciples. He gives the very same shiur informative workshops. Featured speakers include: as the detached teacher, but his words Rebbetzin Faigie Twerski, Milwaukee, Rebbetzin Chana Wein are not from the head but from the berg, Baltimore, Dr. Cheryl Kramer of Wurtzweiler. heart. This melamed will capture both For reservations and the minds and the hearts of his students information call (888)533-4783. forever. *April 30, 2001 is a special program for Rabbi Gifter was richly blessed with out-of-town Shalom Task Force affiliates and those a variety of extraordinary talents and interested in affiliating. unique qualities of character, but his Shalom Task Force is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization outstanding feature was the sincerity, POB 137, Bowling Green Station, NY, NY 10274 energy, and passion he invested into every word he uttered. It made no dif- The Jewish Observer, March 2001 13 and positive energy in that one kiss, that bos to hear Torah from Rabbi Bloch. HaYeshiva who failed to attend these it dispelled all of his doubts and gloom, Rabbi Gifter was so mesmerized by drashos was young Rabbi Gifter, who and infused him with so much love for this Gadol, that he decided to learn in would not budge from his Gemora. Torah that he has not left the Beis Lithuania as soon as he finished high The Rebbe wanted his ta/mid to gain Hamidrash to this very day, almost fifty school. Finally, at the age of seventeen, fron1 these important lectures, so he years later! May He kiss me with the kiss he made the long and arduous jour asked him, "Why do you absent your es of His mouth, Jo.- your love is dearer ney overseas. self from these drashos?" When telling to me than fine wine (Shir Hashirim 1,2). The new student in Telshe pursued over this story, Rabbi Gifter would pref his studies with great diligence and ace his account by saying that at that CUSTOM-TAILORED TORAH quickly earned himself the title, the ti1ne he was still young and i111petuous, Amerikaner Jluy (genius). He spent and had not properly studied Mussar. abbi Gifter cherished the close much time "speaking in learning" with He answered, "Frankly, I don't think it's relationship he enjoyed with the Rosh Ha Yeshiva, Rabbi Avraham worthwhile to interrupt my study of Rhis Rebbe Muvhak, his prime Yitzchak Bloch, and would not miss his Gemora for this." Rebbe, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Bloch shiurim for anything. To this the Rosh Ha Yeshiva, Rabbi 1"'11, the Rav and Rosh Yeshiva of Tel Jn his capacity as RavofTelshe, Rabbi Bloch tersely replied, "D'milsah albishay sai before World War II. The Telzer Bloch would periodically deliver impor hu yakira, A garment of fine wool is pre Rosh Ha Yeshiva came to America on tant drashos in the main Beis Hamid rash cious to the one who wears it.'' a fund-raising trip in the middle of of the city. Not only did the baalei bat The Rosh Ha Yeshiva was referring to the l 930's when young Mordechai tim of the city eagerly attend these ser the Gemora (Shabbos JOb) that relates Gifter was in high school. Rabbi mons, but the best yeshiva bachurim also how Rav Chisda was an exceptionally Gifter was always eager to make the came to hear their Rebbe speak; they did devoted disciple of his Rebbe, the great acquaintance of Gedolei Yisroel, so he not want to lose any opportunity to ben Amara, Rav. Once, Rav Chisda held two traveled to the Lower East Side of efit from their Rebbe's wisdom. The only precious gift items in his two hands and Manhattan on many a Motza'ei Shab- devoted student of the Rav and Rosh called out, "If anyone comes and tells me a new teaching in the name of my revered Rebbe, Rav, I will give him these two precious gifts!" Rava bar Mechasya stepped forward and said over a new teaching of Rav, and Rav Chisda immediately handed over the two gifts to him. Rava bar Mechasya was very impressed by this devotion, and asked, "Are the teachings of Rav really so dear to you?" ~~~~!er!~f~!?ab1!~!iPnc::~r~:;: Rav Chisda enthusiastically replied, exciting tours and inspirational 0'11YI!!. I "Yes!" Rava bar Mechasya observed, "Your our ISRAEL AND/OR EASTERN appreciation reflects yet another teach EUROPE with experienced tour guides Bais ing of Rav who said,' D'milsah albishay and wonderful n1)>11D. hu yakira, A garment of fine wool is par T: Yaakov ticularly precious to the one who usually .S. Graduates, Se wears if" [A particular type of garment op priority to safety and security. mary Girls, too. is 1nore valuable to a person accustomed SHEILA SCHWEBEL will personally to wearing such garments than to any I.T.T. one else. Likewise, Rav's teachings are escort the girls on all tours. is just for T: especially precious to you, because you, you! being his devoted student, are much New York Coordinator accustomed to them (Rashi) ]. Rav Chis Mrs. Esther Biberfeld da exclaimed, "Rav actually said that! (718) 435-7575 This teaching is worth more to me than (718) 258-2622 the first one! If I were holding another set of valuable gifts, I would gladly give them to you as well!" 14 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 Rabbi Gifter recollected that this a drasha from his Rebbe. Whenever the understand them. Yet, when I study the piece of Mussar made a profound Telzer Rav would deliver a drasha for commentary of the Rashba, who lived impression upon him, and literally baalei battim in the main Beis Midrash some six centuries ago in faraway changed his life. He realized then and of the town, even on a \veekday) his young Spain, I do comprehend what he is say there that the student who takes his student, Rabbi Gifter, would don his ing. How can it be that I understand the Rebbe's teachings lightly betrays his Shabbos clothing in honor of the event, Rashba who was a Rishon, a giant of own iinmaturity. To truly appreciate a and make sure to attend the lecture. an entirely different time, yet I cannot Rebbe, one must be a maven, i.e. a con understand the Rebbe, who is standing noisseur, who has cultivated a taste for DESIGNER GARMENTS right in front of me and is speaking something highly sophisticated. The FOR THE MIND AND THE SOUL directly to me in my language?" student must prepare to change him Reb Meshullam replied, "Indeed, self dramatically in order to think and abbi Gifter had a treasure trove that is the greatness of the Rishonim. feel and experience life through the of anecdotes that illustrated the They knew how to wrap all of their perspective of his Rebbe and guide. The Runique qualities of the master words in well-fitting garments!" student-Rebbe Rabbi Gifter connection is a explained this most intimate cryptic response: and personal A relatively relationship that small person has demands that a narrow field of the student sur vision and is render his head only capable of and his heart to viewing the his teacher. He world or its 1nust spend a inhabitants from great deal of his limited, per time listening to sonal vantage the Rebbe, point. A greater observing him person is far in all types of more broad- situations. Ulti minded and mately, the stu enjoys a much dent becomes so wider perspec familiar with his tive. He has the Rebbe that at ability to see a every occasion subject from he will ask him- many different With Rabbi Yaakov Y. Ruderman, in Camp Agudah, Ferndale, NY self, ('How angles. Thus, would my Rebbe react here? What melamed. The following was one of his when he elucidates a subject, he would he think? What would he say?" favorites: explains it in a comprehensive fashion As one wears a garment of soft mate Rav Meshullam Iggra, Rav of Tys that will make sense to a variety ofpeo rial more and more, it slowly begins to mienitza and Pressburg (immediately ple who are on vastly different intel change its original shape and con preceding the Chasam Sofer), was uni lectual levels. Thus, the great Rashba forms to the unique body-contours of versally acclaimed as an extraordinary was able to skillfully wrap his com the wearer. Similarly, as one pays more genius of the highest caliber. His devot mentary in verbal and intellectual and nlore attention to his Rebbe's ed disciple was the young Yaakov Lor "garments," which people on many lev words, he reconfigures the contours of berbaum, later to become the renowned els could comprehend and relate to. bis mind so that they take on the dis Rav of Lissa and author of many clas If a teacher is to reach his students tinct shape of his teacher's thought sics such as the Nesivos Hamishpat, successfully, he must not speak to them process. Chavos Daas et al. Once Reb Yaakov from a narrow, personal vantagepoint. Rabbi Gifter testified that from the posed a very serious question to his He must use his ingenuity to wrap his moment his beloved Rosh Ha Yeshiva gave teacher. ''Rebbe, I am deeply per words in intellectual "garments" appro him that well-deserved dose of Mussar, plexed. Often, the Rebbe 's amazing shi priate for his audience. he never missed an opportunity to hear urim, are so profound that I cannot Rabbi Gifter illuminated this concept The Jewish Observer, March 2001 15 with the teaching of the Rambam in his may interpret this statement allegori introduction to Mishneh Torah. Rarn cally. The "bird" represents a frivolous bam describes in great detail how the Torah insight that has no solid basis or Torah was scrupulously transmitted foundation in text or tradition. The from generation to generation, begin rational, well-disciplined Torah men ning with Moshe at Sinai and culmi tality of Rabbi Yonasan could not tol nating with the completion of the erate such flights of fancy. His razor Babylonian Talmud in the days of Rav sharp intellect instantly demonstrated Ashi. In every generation, the leading how and why the flighty Torah insight rabbi would entrust the complete Oral was untenable. In this fashion the pure Series #17 Tradition to his primary disciple and flame of Rabbi Yonason's truth incin 0 1 First Night of Selichos 5741 charge him with the responsibility of erated the wild, 'tzuflogeneh' idea. 0 2 Yomim Nore'im - 5744 transmitting it to the next generation. Rabbi Yonason was awesome, but his 0 3 Aseres Yemai Teshuvah - 5745 In his itemized listing of forty gen greatness was too much for his contem 0 4 Aseres Yemai Teshuvah - 5746 erations of transmitting Torah from poraries. It was the smallest disciple, Rab 0 5 Pesach - 5746 master to disciple, the Ramban1 states ban Yochanan hen Zakkai, who \Vas close 0 6 Elul - 5747 that the great Hillel entrusted the tra enough to the level of his contemporaries 0 7 Before Maariv T. B'Av - 5747 dition to his disciple, Rabban Yochanan to be able to convey the Torah in a fash O 8 Chol Hamoed Pesach - 5748 ben Zakkai. This is puzzling because the ion most suitable for them. 0 9 Aseres Yemai Teshuvah - 5749 Gemora (Succa 28a) relates that Hillel In this vein, Rabbi Gifter would relate 0 10 Chanukah - 5749 had eighty distinguished disciples, the that Rabbi Mordechai Pogramansky had O 11 Pesach Thoughts - 5749 greatest of whom was Rabbi Yonason observed that the learning method of the lJ 12 Yeshivas Bein Hazmanim ben Uziel, while the smallest of all eighty Rogatchover Gaon resembled a sweep 0 13 Diversity In Orthodoxy was none other than Rabban Yochanan ing storm, whereas the brilliant analyt 0 14 Chanukah - 5750 ben Zakkai. Why did Hillel entrust the ical style of Rabbi Chaim Brisker was like 0 15 Derech Halimud transmission of the Mesorah to his the calm following the storm. The 0 16 Purim smallest disciple rather than to his deep, penetrating method of Reb Chaim O Entire Series of 16 tapes greatest disciple, Rabbi Yonason ben was n1ore appropriate and satisfying for Uziel? our generation, and therefore became COST: Rabbi Gifter explained that the Baal universally accepted and revered. $7.00 per tape if purchased Mesorah who is designated to transmit individually the tradition from one generation to THE PATIENCE OF RAV PREIDA $6.00 per tape if more than 5 another is not necessarily the greatest tapes purchased rabbi and scholar; rather, he is the one $90.00 for all 16 tapes bbi Gifter had a unique $96.00 for all 16 tapes w/album who best makes the transition from the pproach to the words of Chaz previous generation to the present one. l, when extracting brilliant, This is the person who can appreciate original lessons from their words. Once, Series #178 and comprehend the greatness of the he shared with me a novel explanation earlier generation, and then turn around 0 20 tapes on Sefer Hachinuch for the Gemora (Eruvin 54b) that tells and customize these teachings to fit the of an exceptionally devoted teacher: COST: diminished level of the contemporary Rav Preida had a student to whom $90.00; $96.00 with album world, without compro1nising the he would have to repeat a lesson four authenticity of our tradition. Precisely hundred times before he understood SAVE $12,00 - order because Rabbi Yonason ben Uziel was so it. One day Rav Preida was required to both series with album great, he could not lower himself to the leave the House of Study to attend to for only $180,00 level of the next generation. a pressing viitzva matter. Before leav On that very same page, the Gemo ing, he taught his student the lesson Check boxes of tapes ordered ra vividly describes the awesome power the usual four hundred times, but still Send payment to: of Rabbi Yonason. When he was the student failed to grasp the lesson. Tapes engaged in pure Torah study, a pillar of Rav Preida asked him why he failed to PO Box 504 fire emanated from him so that any bird grasp the lesson. The student replied, that flew overhead \Vas instantly con ''From the very moment they told the Wickliffe, OH 44092 su1ned in flames. Meiri (Introduction to master that there is an urgent mitzva Postage and Handling included. Commentary on Pirkei Avos) says that we matter to attend to, my attention was 16 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 diverted, because any of us every moment I said knew that to myself, Now the MRabbi Gifter master will be getting had a special feeling up to leave, now the for this verse, which he master will be getting whispered fervently up to leave!" after each and every Rav Preida said, Shemoneh Esrei; the "Pay attention now Hebrew version begins and I will teach the with the first letter of Rabbi Gifter with Rabbi Pam and Rabbi Svei at an Agudath Ismcl Convention lesson to you all over his name, "Mem," and again!" ognizes his absolute obligation to trans ends with the last letter of his name, He repeated the lesson another four mit the Torah to the next generation on "Yud." However, our Rebbe once hundred times. A heavenly voice the highest level. A Rosh Ha Yeshiva has revealed an even deeper bond to this emanated and asked Rav Preida, '<_As a no right to merely stand up in front of verse when he taught it to us in the con reward for such devotion do you wish his students and tell them what's on his text of the Gemora (Menachos !Sa): that four hundred years be added to mind. He has a Divine 1nandate to give The Talmud records that the great your life, or do you wish that you and over to his students all that he knows as Rabbi Yehuda HaNassi was reminisc all of your generation merit the life of clearly as he himself knows it! Even if it ing about his youth, when he went to the World to Come?" takes four hundred reviews to achieve study in the Yeshiva of the Tanna, Rav Preida replied, "That I and my that level of clarity - so be it. Rabbi Elazar ben Shamua. "When I generation merit the life of the World arrived, I found a certain student to Come." "O, HOW I LOVE YOUR TORAH!" named Yoseif the Bavli for whom the The Holy One, Blessed is He, said Rosh Ha Yeshiva had an extraordinary to them, "Grant him both this reward 0 how I love Your Torah! All day long love; indeed he loved him 1 ad achas,' i.e. and that reward!" it is my conversation (Tehillim 119,97). like the one and only." Tosafos explains Rabbi Gifter asked, "Who was this stu dent who required such Herculean effort on the part of his teacher? Was he actu ally dull or slow or mentally impaired? If the studies are beyond the mental grasp of the student, even four hundred repe titions won't help him. And for a slow learner, five or even ten times should be enough. Indeed, Rav Preida would not be I • T e Z'c us o Living, Bre ing on Experiencing e Ke us a o Erefz Yisrae • I •The Torah Touring Experience of a Liletimel •Daven by the Kosel Ha'Marovi • Oimb obligated to teach such a student on a reg I Mofsado • Inspiring Shiurim • Shabbos in Tzlas • Meron • Amukah • Amazing I ular basis. He was a Rosh Yeshiva running I Workshops • Kevrei Tzoclikim • Experience Yerushalayim in Depth • Delicious Hotel I a conventional yeshiva. Rather, Rav Prei I Style Meals• Swim in the Kinneret • Shobbos in Yerushalayim •See Gedolim •Kayaking I I in the Yorclen •Rosh Hanilcro •Fully Equipped Modern Gym •Underground Coves• I da's student was an exceptionally gifted I Eilot •Air Conditioned Dining Rooms • Bonano Booting • fin G.di • Biblical Zoo • Har I young man blessed with an extraordinary Halzofim • Beautiful Campus & Dormitory • Snorkling • Paddle Boating • Minharot I intellect. Every time Rav Preida delivered I Halcofel •Campfire •Tour tlie Golil • Mearat Eliyahu Honavi • Ught & Sound Desert I Experience • Golan Heigl.ts• Gamlo • Cable Cars • Be'er Sheva • Make Wonderful I a shiur for the Yeshiva, the probing mind I International Friends • Yod Voshem •Swim in Yam Hameloch • Bedouin Tents• Meorat I of this bachur would come up with all I Shem and Ay_ver in Tzfas • Climb Incredible Mountains • Achdus • Tzipori •Our Own I kinds of challenging, penetrating ques I Olympic Pool • Har Hamenuchos • Shmiras Halashon Rally • Rabbi Zev Leff • Ancient I Susya • Oceonarium Experience• Jeeping •Noel.al Moj'rasa • Konyon Ha'adom • I tions. So Rav Preida would patiently go I Meo Shearim • Rebbe's Tiscl. •Flower & Fruit Decoration •Camel Rides •Color War • through the entire shiur with him once I Kever Rochel• Kever Dovid Homelech • Simcho Dancing • Teverio •Meara# Chazon • I again. But that didn't satisfy this young I Nacho# Amud Nature Trail• Climb Sand Dunes• Meara# Hakemoch • Degem Beis I I Hamikclash •Hoy Rides •Banyas •Mock Wedding •Swim in Hofzbonei River• Sunset I man. His thirst for absolute clarity and I Kumzitz by the Ocean • Cove ol the Chashmonaim • Pekien • Coral Reel • I truth was not slaked. So he asked yet more I Underwater Observatory • Breathtaking Vistas • Snei Brok• and Much, Much Morel I questions. And Rav Preida went over the Justaskanyolour Wonderful Machane Brach?-mersl subject again, and again, and yet again - until he repeated it four hundred times! · · ~#lllliiSl*ltl · This is the level of devotion that a A Safe, Secure, Warm Atmosphere In Magnificent Yael Blnyamln 1 1 melamed Torah can achieve when he rec- - Under the Direction of Rabbi Sholom & Mrs. Chaya Glnzberg I 1066 E. 23rd Street Brookfvn. NY 11210 (718)377-0234 I The Jewish Observer, March 200 I ·------~~------·17 this to mean that Rabbi Elazar loved that King David sang, 'Hoiv I love Your loved teaching the Psalms with the com his disciple like his very own soul! The Torah! All day long it is my conversa mentary of Rashi and Midrash Tehillim. soul has five levels, the highest of which tion"' (Tehillim 119,97). On the above verse, From all my teachers is called "yechida;' i.e. the one and only. Rabbi Gifter explained how no bond I grew wise, Rashi observes: ('I learnt a lit Thus, the souls of the teacher and the oflove surpasses the unique attachment tle bit from this teacher and a little bit student were bound at the very essence that links the Rebbe with his ta/mid. from that teacher - but first I studied from of their being! Other human relationships are based on one Rebbe Muvhak, a primary teacher The Gemora proceeds to describe physical and material considerations, whose approach to learning and way of how such an intense and intimate which are born of this world, but this thinking was indelibly imprinted on my bond was forged. One morning Yoseif relationship is a bonding of two souls mind:' Rabbi Gifter explained that the stu posed a halachic dent vvhose scholastic question to Rabbi career consists of jump Elazar, and his ing from yeshiva to response \Vas, "It is yeshiva, and from Rebbe kosher!" In the to Rcbbe to glean scraps evening Yoseif of interesting inforrna repeated his query, tion is 1nerely an intel and the rabbi's lectual dabbler, a shallow response was the dilettante. Moreover, he same, "It is kosher!" is likely to be confused The next morning, by the divergent vie\v the scenario was points and opinions of repeated with the the variety of teachers. same response, Therefore, in the very "Kosher!" It was next verse the Psalmist repeated once again e1nphasizes: Frorn elders at mid-day and the I gain deep insight, for I response was, have learnt to cherish "Kosher!" In the late your teachings, i.e. to be afternoon, Yoseif asked the question \¥ho share a co1n1non love and passion capable of learning from all men, I must once again, but this time Rabbi Elazar for Torah, which is completely spiritu first gain deep insight from elders who replied, "It is kosher, but there is one al, beyond the confines of this world. transn1it to their disciples an iron-dad tra lone opinion that rules that it is not That was the kind of love Rabbi dition, a hashkafa, that provides a clear kosher!'' Gifter had for his talmidim. But, in all frame of reference through which to sys Upon hearing this, Yoseif's face lit honesty, his love was so out of the ordi te1natically evaluate and integrate all sub up with an intense glo\v of genuine joy. nary, that many of us failed to appreci sequent knowledge into a coherent body The Rabbi asked the student to explain ate it. We were Ainerican boys and we ofwisdon1. why he was so overjoyed, and Yoseif the were trained to believe that to be loved When an outstanding Rebbe suc Bavli replied, "Dear Rebbe, I had once means to be spoiled and pampered and cessfully trains his disciple to have an all heard that there was one lone opinion fussed over. Only now, in retrospect, do encotnpassing Torah outlook, the stu that held that the ruling here was 'not we begin to realize the true 1neaning and dent discovers the divine everywhere he kosher,' but since the Rebbe didn't ref majesty of our Rebbe's feelings for us. looks. No aspect of human existence is erence it, I thought that I made a n1is base or vulgar to him, because every take and that there was a flaw in tny ALL THE WORLD WAS HIS CLASSROOM; detail of creation testifies to G-d's learning. Now that the Rebbe made ALL OF MANKIND, HIS TEACHERS greatness. Therefore, Your clear testi 1nention of that opinion, I feel as if the monies are n1y conversation, i.e. every Rebbe has returned to me a precious, Fron1 all niy teachers I greiv 1vise, for n1an has become n1y teacher because I long-lost article." Your clear testiinonies are 1ny conversation gain real \Visdon1 fron1 every encounter Tears of joy poured forth from (Tehillim 119,99). in life. Rabbi Elazar hen Shamua's eyes, and en Rabbi Gifter taught this Rabbi Gifter thus often cited lessons he exclaimed, "How very fortunate you erse to us, a group of from the world of science or physics that are, you devoted Torah scholars \\'ho W:achurin1, n1etnbers of a gave him a deeper insight into Torah. He cherish words of Torah so very 1nuch! Tehillim Vaad, were sitting arow1d his din once read an article about Albert Ein It was with the likes of you in 1nind ing roo1n table on a weekday evening. I-Ie stein's life and lessons. l~herein, Einstein -·------·------~·------.------·------~------·------18 The Jewish Observer, March 200 I explained the unique physical proper away Vilna, sat the holy Gaon Rabbeinu philosopher had dedicated his brilliant ties of water n1olecules, which form an Eliyahu, who so shunned the influence mind to search for pure truth, and \Vas exceptionally strong bond with one of the outside world, that when he sat therefore prepared to pick up a tiny another on the surface of any body of and studied Torah, he had his windows glimmer of the light emanating from water. This is kno\vn as "molecular shuttered all day and night, so that the Vilna. That inspired him to approach the bonding - surface adhesion"; the bond sights and sounds of the street should lofty concepts alluded to in "A Critique at the surface is actually stronger than not invade his sacred space. He there of Pure Reason." the bond of the water molecules fore studied by candlelight, even in mid beneath the surface. I ren1ember how day. While the Gaon succeeded in keep TORAH - THE ULTIMATE Rabbi Gifter shared this scientific con ing the outside world from entering his SOURCE OF ALL WISDOM cept with me with great excitement, because nee, during this actually helped ~ein !1azrnan- him to understand the 0 1m interses la\vs of Mikvaos, \.Vhere sion, Rabbi Gifter trav the h"'acha differenti eled from Telshe to ates betwee 1 jo ning Kovno to visit with two bodies cf \vater on the famed Torah the surface and genius, Rabbi beneath the surface. Mordechai Pograman On a different occa sky. Rabbi Pograman sion he shared a strik sky asked the young ing idea that he had yeshiva bachur what heard from Rabbi he was learning during Daniel Movshovitz, his vacation, and Rosh Yeshiva of Kelm. Rabbi Gifter gave him At the end of the 18'" a long list of Torah century in Koenigs subjects he was berg, Germany, the engaged in. philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote a room, the pure light of Torah emanat "And what are you doing to rest your brilliant treatise, "A Critique of Pure Rea ing from inside his sealed room could mind a little bit?" asked Rav"Mottel" (as son," touching upon son1e sublime not be confined. It radiated outward, he was fondly known). concepts. Reb Daniel explained where spreading all over the world in every Rabbi Gifter replied, "For 'light' Kant got this inspiration from: In far- direction. In Koenigsberg, a gentile reading I have been looking into a Nobel We put the "organize" into Organizations. You work tirelessly for Klal Yisroel. 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The educational version prints report cards and transcripts, tracks tuitions and scholarships, and manages pledge-to-raise The Jewish Observer, March 2001 19 Prize-winning book called 'At Home and that there is wisdom to be found by the available to the gentiles. in the World,' by the Indian philosopher, gentile nations, believe him. But if As Rabbi Gifter filled the hearts and Rabindranath Tagore. Rabbi Gifter pro someone tells you that there is Torah to minds of his talmidim with such ele ceeded to tell Reb Motte! some of the be found among the gentile nations, vating and inspiring ideas, their entire thought-provoking ideas he had culled don't believe him!" At first glance, this being was suffused with love for from that book. staten1ent seems to praise the gentiles for Hashe111's Torah, and their entire value Rabbi Pogramansky's responded, possessing wisdom. In truth, the sole system \Vas transformed. "Of course, I know that there is knowl aim of this statement is only to praise edge in the gentile world. But I also the Torah. Torah is sublime wisdom, A TORAH OF FIRE know that there is more deep vvisdotn emanating from the ultimate Source, in one Torah teaching than there is in from the mouth of the Almighty Him bbi Gifter told me that he once everything that the secular world has to self. This wisdom, which is truly "out of went to a renowned professor for teach! Believe me when I tell you that this world,'' is reserved exclusively for n examination for high blood for the past three months, I have not G-d's Chosen Children, the Jews. In this pressure. The good doctor told him that stopped thinking only intelligent, about one state- sensitive people 1nent in the suffer fro1n a cer Midrash. The tain genre of Babylonian King high blood pres Nebuchadnezzar sure because they erected a huge take things to idol in his own heart. image and forced Rabbi Gifter everyone in the re1narked, "Doc world to bow tor, King down to it. The Solomon himself rabbis of the expressed that Midrash teach insight many that through years ago \vhen so1ne trickery, he observed, As Nebuchadnezzar one increases his caused this lifeless wisdom he idol to appear to increases his pain speak. Day and 'JNll!J' JHllN (Kohel/es 1,18). night, without a But, my dear stop, it cried out, doctor, do you Anochi Hashem Rabbi Giffer at the 65t/J Annual National Convention ofAgudath Israel ofAmerica. Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer think it is better Elokecha! I am at the podium to be a 'glump' Hashem your G-d!" wor1d, one can discover secular and sci who feels no pain, or to be an intelligent Reb Motte! concluded: "We learn an entific wisdom aplenty- and it has sig individual who empathizes and experi important lesson from this. The nificance. But this wisdom is only a ences pain? Undoubtedly, it is far better Midrash teaches us that even though derivative of Torah wisdom, which to suffer the pain that results from the Nebuchadnezzar thought that this stat comes from the One and Only Source development of the heart and mind!" ue would hear eloquent testimony to his of wisdom, the Almighty. If there would Rava taught: "When a young Torah own divinity, in actuality even this icon be no Torah in this world, there would scholar becomes heated in anger, it is the proclaimed that Hashem is the One and not be any other wisdom at all! Those Torah within him that is aflame!" (Taa Only G-d. The mere fact that an object who study Torah stand at the very core nis 4a) Rashi explains: "The more Torah exists attests to a Creator who brought of wisdom, those who study other dis one learns, the more he develops his it into existence. Everything in creation ciplines stand at the outer edge. They are heart, and it becomes more sensitive and bears testi1nony to a Creator!)) catching a mere glimpse of the Torah's caring. The Torah scholar therefore takes Rabbi Gifter would elaborate on this light that radiates outward to every cor things to heart more than other people theme: ner of the cosmos. That light at the do, and he reacts with greater emotion!" Elsewhere, the Midrash (Eicha Rab periphery is no longer called Torah; it People who do not understand the bosi 2:17) says: "If someone will tell you is mere "wisdom," and that is indeed dynamics of Torah may entertain the dis- 20 The Jewish Observer, March 200 I torted idea that Torah scholarship mere unlimited opportunities to see the won years ago.] So when I learn a piece ofGemo ly develops the mind at the expense of ders of Hashem's creation. He saw the ra, I approach it as though it might be my the heart. They paint a grotesque cari wonders of the most elementary aspects last. I treasure it. And as a result, it is so pre cature of the talmid chacham as a heart of nature. He collected leaves. He cious to 1ne, that I never forget it." less halachic automaton, who tyrannizes savored dramatic views of clouds and He later remarked to me that he often the people with insensitive demands. brilliant sunsets. A single blossom. thinks of his trans-Atlantic trip back to New Nothing could be further from the Fields of flowers. Waters - rushing or York from Telshe in 1938. He and his father truth. The heart is naturally paralyzed by still. "Don't be a kaltn lungen leber (a in-law-to-be, Rabbi Zalrnan Bloch ,. .. ,fl, egocentricity. Only selfless study of cold slab of beef),'' he'd cry. Some peo spent two weeks aboard a rickety old pure Torah can emancipate a person ple were born old - the greatest tragedy! steamer, with hardly enough food to last the from his inborn selfishness and insen The sagacity of Torah and the youth trip. "In fact, on the second last day," he rem sitivity. Left to its own devices, the heart ful vigor of a curious child ... both pul inisced, "we only had a bottle 1'Vith three will continue to shrivel and shrink, the sated within Rabbi Gifter. And the mem drops of Slivovitz and ah kreitchikel harte longer man lives for himself. Only ory of his greatness still throbs within his broil [a dried up end-piece from a loaf of Torah study can reverse the process and talmidim, challenging us, guiding us, and bread J. We knew that this was to be our last expand the heart so that it will have room encouraging us. Each of us cherishes a taste offood before landing, in a day or two. enough to care for the needs of others. special encounter, a jolting remark. Never did I enjoy a bite of bread or a sip of A bachur once asked Rabbi Gifter how beverage as much as that kreitchikel und A DEFINITION OF GADLUS he managed to retnember everything. Was troppele Slivovitz! Every piece of a Gemo he blessed with a photographic 1nen1ory? ra I learn," he added, "is potentially rny last ow do we take measure of the "Not at all," he replied. "You see, I view bite, tny last sip. How I savor it!" person who has made others every day as possibly being my last day on How we each savor every last mem H aware of their own greatness, earth. [He wrote his tzava' a (last 1'Vill and ory of our encounters with our great and summoned them to live to their testament) close to 40 years ago, and pur melamed! highest level? chased a gravesite in Har Hazeisinz over 15 He will be sorely missed. II A truly great man inspires greatness. A great builder is recognized by the qual ity and quantity of the edifices he has constructed. A great painter is acclaimed for the outstanding masterpieces he has produced. A great man has the ability For careful attention to your to bring out potential greatness that lies individual needs, call us today! dormant within others. A meeting with Rabbi Gifter was never a casual experi (914) 354-8445 ence. It was an intense encounter, which left a lasting impression. It stirred something within you. It challenged you to live by a higher standard. There was Jonah's Fashion Inc. nothing petty or trivial about this man. His very presence seemed to demand action and advancement. When he delivered a public address, he did not merely lecture. He thundered, he exhorted, he forced you to open your heart •We make skirts and jumpers, solids and let his thoughts and ideas penetrate. and plaids, from size 5 thru When he taught a Gernora shiur, he junior and pre-teens didn't just educate. He took over your • Bais Yaacov blouses made from mind and forced you to think until he our own custom made stretched your mind to greater propor (extra heavy) material tions. "Stretch!" That is the key word in his mode of operation. He opened up our eyes and taught us how to look at the world with "Torah spectacles;' which provided us with The Jewish Observer, March 2001 21 s the crisis continues in Israel, it is z' chus for the Jews of Israel. mperative that Klal Yisrael call Right now, with our tefillos so essential, upon the weapon Hashem has we are mobilizing a campaign to awaken given us to triumph over everyone to the tremendous power of our enemies-the power of each person's tefillos and the critical our united tefillos. importance of unity and Shmiras But the Chafetz Chaim Haloshon in unleashing that power. teaches that for our tefillos our shul can be part of this unit to penetrate the Heavens ed, well-organzied coalition to -they must come from arm ourselves with the most i1'l'11PJ. ';:ty!)';:t 71::>' 1)'N1'' mouths untainted by Y effective weapon we possess. Speak to ,,?Jpn 1'N .. :>1N"1J loshon hora. "Tl~tJ? m?nn your rabbi or principal. Ask them to "He is not able to Therefore, on the advice join with hundreds of schools and accomplish properly of Gedolei Yisrael, the shuls in this historic initiative. Only by in sacred matters ... Chafetz Chaim Heritage working together can we mobilize the his prayers are not Foundation is launching a most powerful defense for our people accepted above." worldwide initiative to - Chofetz Chaim the undefeatable merit of our sincere, unite shuls together as a unified tefillos. g MISSION STATEMENT ! ,, The goal of the Shmiras Haloshon Inititative is to mobilize a worldwide coalition I' of concerned Jews to implement a daily commitment to the learning and I" observing of the mitzvah of Shmiras Haloshon. It is our intention that the great I merit of Shmiras Haloshon will unite Klal Yisrael and amplify the power of our Rff tefillos to protect the Jews of Israel. !' Sponsored y the Yad Avraham Institute and as a z'chus for 7\J'~ 1-.,3 1J J';:t:i 11 1?Ni'ln' nim' ,:l'n .,,Nn 1omJN )'r.l'):l Sliabbos Acharei Mos!Kedoshim Shmiras Haloshon 11;.:wm11»s• •1Y.UJm1• Shabbos Initiative Uniting Kial Yisrael Through Shmiras Haloshon Goal: To infuse shuls and their members with renewed commitment to learn and observe Shmiras Haloshon, specifically by encouraging daily learning, and to link shuls together in a world wide effort to create a z'chus for the Jews of Eretz Yisrael. Program: Part 1 On Shabbos Parshas Acharei Mos I Kedoshim, May 5/12 lyar, participating shuls will immerse their members in a Shabbos of Shmiras Haloshon. The message will be conveyed through droshos by rabbonim, shiurim and program materials for your Shabbos table. Part 2 Concurrent with the initial Shabbos, each participating shul will establish a working committee to enroll shul members in Shmrras Haloshon Yomi and Machsom L'fi. For information on becoming your shul's coordinator call, email or fax Alan Proctor today for your shul information kit. (800) 867-2482 [email protected] • Fax:(845) 352-3605 i The Chafetz Chaim Heritage Foundation • 6 Melnick Drive • Monsey, NY 10952 • (845) 352-3505 •Fax (845) 352-3605 ~ } BEING THERE FOR OUR YOU7H Gitty Krauss A HEARTWARMING £XP£Rl£NC£ WITH ISRA£11 ''KIDS AT RISK'' .·· .·'·· ttf-~~)' COMPELLING ... do you jnst My sister brought out cake and BUT NOT OUR walk over to soda. The boys asked for beer. She prom PROBLEM these kids and ised to have it for them the next week. strike up a con We tried to be as non-threatening as t all began last year, when versation? We gave possible. No dvar Torah. No Zemiros. Just we read The Jewish Observer up even before we start- chatting ... ordinary shmoozing about I issue (Nov. '99) on the theme of ed, but we eased our consciences any random topic. But they got good "Children on the Fringe ... and Beyond:' through talk "therapY:'We spent a lot of food, and most of all, they got a lot of I am a kollel wife living in Eretz Yis time speaking about the problem, dis \Varmth and acceptance, and they can1e roe/ with my husband and three young cussing various solutions. But nothing back the next week for more. children. \\'e live in a serene chareidi \Vas relevant to us. After all, we can't get \i\'ith tirne, the onegs were enhanced neighborhood in Yerushalayim. Unfor involved. We are simply too different by singing and divrei Torah. Son1etimes, tunately, even our quiet neighborhood fro1n the boys on the corner. V\Te have the boys themselves even asked for a has its share of dropouts and kids on the absolutely nothing in co1nmon, not even good vort. Sometin1cs, a good she'eila street. \Ve beca1ne accustomed to seeing a co1nmon language! was posed to get them excited and heat them hanging out, and we'd hurry past ed in a positive way. One boy would them as they spat out shells from sun BREAKING THROUGH THE come up with the reasoning of Reb flower seeds and called out remarks to COMPLACENCY BARRIER Moshe Feinstein ?·~1, another with the the women. We always dismissed these logic of the Chazon Ish '>"'11. They felt so kids as "their proble1n." "Their" may ne Friday night, a year ago, my good abont themselves! have meant the boys themselves, the par sister and brother-in-law who It's already over a year, and they ents, perhaps the schools, but "their" 0 live in our neighborhood, took haven't missed a week! never had anything to do with us. a walk after the Shabbos seuda and spot One long wintry Friday night last year, When we read The Jewish Observer ted a group of seven or eight teenage after the oneg Shabbos had ended, my sis issue, we were shaken out of our con1- boys hanging out at a bus stop. Inspired ter and brother-in-law heard loud placency. Suddenly, "their problem" by Rabbi Mitnick's article, they shrieking emanating from the nnrsing became ''our problem." approached the boys. Notwithstanding home nearby. They went outside to find Rabbi Yitzchok Mitnick claimed in his fear of rejection, my brother-in-law the guard from the nursing home his article that anyone can befriend these began to converse with the1n in his dressed in his pajamas, yelling at the boys children and make an impact on their American Hebrew. Within five minutes, from the" chevra." Apparently, the boys lives. But how? Surely the methods the boys were in my sister's house for an had wanted to have some fun, so they described did not apply to Israeli teens, "oneg Shabbos:' and we followed soon decided to wake up the guard. The boys we rationalized. There is the langnage after. One of the boys was clearly were immediately invited back inside the barrier, then the cultural barrier. How drunk. I'll never forget how he chal house, and they accepted. My sister said ------·--~-- lenged us to test him on any mesechta to them, "You boys are not bad. You're Mrs. Krauss - not the author's real na1ne ~is an American who lives in Jerusalen1. This is her first in Mishnayos, claiming he would recite just bored, so you get into trouble." -~·----" ------·------appearance in these pages. it by heart. * Na1ne has been changed 24 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 Shmulik, the ringleader, answered, rowed tens of times since, and he never we questioned whether our efforts were "You're the only one who thinks that. once let us down. We trusted the boys being wasted. But we comforted our Everyone else writes us off as resha'in1." and they always proved trustworthy. selves with the knowledge that at least The boys found the love and accept There were times when we didn't during the time that they spent at the ance they so badly craved. And they know what we were accomplishing, and oneg Shabbos, the boys weren't violating came back each week for more. THANKS FOR THE LESSON he lesson from my sister and brother-in-law: You don't need to Tbe particularly "cool" to connect A New Fam11y Project to Honor Parents and Loved Ones with these kids. You just have to sincerely care. My brother-in-law is a serious LESSONS JN TRUTH (furmerlytitled "In Won! ll' lleed'1 Yungerman, a true hen Torah. But he has 1.Wo never-befure translated works of the a heart of gold, and so does his wife. Chofutz Chaim in a daily learning furmat. Their hearts- and their home- are open Fbr only $360, you can sponsor one day of learning as a z'chus for twenty-four hours a day. The boys a laved one's yartzhcit or a refuah shlaima, or as a z'chus for you and your family. Every year, on youri:.-----.....----- know it and feel it and they open up in dedication day, this rich source Don't be disappoin return. They confide in their new of z'chus renews itself. ates are closing quickl found friends and unburden themselves as they share their goals and aspirations, their fears and their pain. My brother in-law and sister act as their surrogate parents. They give the kids affection, and they come back for more. Another sister, also in the neighbor hood, invites them over in pairs for seu dos on Shabbos. Some of the boys even initiate Zemiros on their own. At ho1ne, they can't sing, because they've created a certain image for themselves which ESHIVA they have to live up to. But in someone New Haven else's home, in a non-judgmental envi of ronment, they feel comfortable to • Shiurim with the Rosh Yeshiva behave as they please. And they come • Mesivta Sedorim plus Novi, Jewish History and more' back for more. • Small Classes and Individual Attention WHEN IT'S BORROWING TIME • Beautiful, Spacious Campus and Dormitory • Superior Secular Studies Program ne night, there was a knock on • Excellent Preparation for PSAT, SAT and AP Exams my door. I opened it to find one • Experience in Layning, Oavening for the Omud 0 of the boys from the chevra, ask ing to borrow money. To be quite hon • Exciting Field Trips in the Connecticut Countryside est, I was hesitant to lend him anything. But The Jewish Observer was our bible. A Mesivta preparing bochurim for the best Yeshivos, "Lend them money.... Show you trust advanced general studies, and communal responsibilities. them," was the message it conveyed. I complied. I handed him the money, Rabbi Emanuel Gettinger .K"Ui?tv, Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Daniel Greer, Dean expecting never to see it again. The boy's father had begged us not to lend him 765 Elm Street, New Haven, CT 06511 money. "He'll never pay you back," For applications call warned the father. But we loaned him and he was faithful to repay. He's bor- 203-777-7199 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 25 the Shabbos. The theme of Rabbi what's for Ellul." He proudly showed us worth it:' These were the things that kept Michoel Levy's article, "Buying Time,» that he was wearing tzitzis! Another boy us going. reverberated in our ears. Hopefully, we got rid of his wedge hairstyle. Yet were buying time for these boys in a pos another boy stopped smoking on Shab SHMULIK'S UPS AND DOWNS itive fra1nework. bos. They all had fasted on Tisha B'Av. We did notice small changes in the One of the boys told his parents, "I ast year, my husband spotted boys, which made it all worthwhile. On always thought all yeshiva guys were the Shmulik, the ringleader, in the heat the Shabbos following Rosh Chodesh same. They're just interested in chang Lof an argument with his parents. Ellu/, when all the men were in shul for ing us. Now I see that there are yeshiva He was about to throw his tzitzis into the Ma'ariv, we noticed one of the boys guys who don't want to change us. They building's dumpster. My husband took strolling in the street dressed in a suit accept us for who we are." the tzitzis from his hands and said, 'Tll and hat. "Are you dressed like that in The boy's mother told us, "Even if save them for you in my house. One day, honor of ElluP." my sister asked. you accomplish nothing more than this when you'll want them back, I'll give "No," he answered, "I'll show you with my son, your efforts have been them to you." They're still sitting in our closet. i"UJ Shmulik had his ups and downs with his parents and with the Ribbono Shel Thousands of scholars Olam, but he came every Friday night. One day, Shmulik told us he stopped smoking on Shabbos. Recently, he start can't live without Torah ed learning Gemora for an hour a day with a chavrusa. A couple of weeks ago, Shmulik decided that he wanted to go to yeshi va. Understandably, no yeshiva wanted to accept him. He is rusty in his learn Or food. ing, and his track record is poor. Shmu lik's father, a prestigious talmid chacham, im1nediately got to work on the telephone in the kitchen, making medical c111erg·e11cics, u)ed i11 PESACH for the1n, a ffi1e learning of Torah calls to numerous yeshivos, only to be diynity n1ake Yo111 Ti.JV or PESACH of freedom from is the foundation turned do·ivn time and tin1e again. \t\!hile upon \vhich the Jewish cope \•vith any other special want ... freedom to contin people live. And the dedi~ needs. ue in their holy vocation. this was going on, Shmulik's mother cated Taf111idei Chach01ni111 ... Today, more than Because many of our went to the dining room to check what those precious few who ever, Ezras Torah NEEDS scholars vvho can't live her son was doing. Tears welled in her 1 have chosen to make the YOU TO HELP those who without Torah, CAN T eyes when she found him sitting at the keep the study of Torah LIVE WITHOUT YOUR study of Torah their lifes' table saying Tehillim. When the con devotion, are the alive. Please make this HELP! cornerstone of that founda versation in the kitchen sounded prom tion. ising, he shuck/ed hack and forth, and Unfortunately, for ESTABLISHED 9 I 5 furro\ved his brow in concentration. IEZIRL\S llOIRL\IH I thousands of Torah fan1i This scene brought back memories of lies, day-to-day living is a THE l-IUMAN SIDE her old Shmulik, not the Shmulik of constant struggle for sur OF TORAH PHILANTHROP\' recent years. vival! ... ------, ! would li~c In lidp El.r,b Tor.ill\ ll<'<'d)". En,·losc·d io my !.\X deduc1ibk rnlllribti!ion for EZRAS TORAH is Shmulik is now enrolled in a yeshi dedicated to the cause of J S18 :J $50 '.J ::-ililO 0 $j(jl) !J $1,0llO va. He came back this week for an off 'J$__ keeping our needy Torah :::i $36 :.J ~JOU iJ :1;250 :J .)500 Shabbos with a haircut, suit, black hat, scholars learning. Since i'-k1l10J nl p.1\"men1 J Clwck 'J \'t<,,1 J \1 C [J Al: '\.ci.• -~·--·-·-·-·~·~ l\p. il:tl('" -·---· l'lea,c' cont:lt"l me' rega1ding t".;tahl1.,hing :m E;n,; Tor,ih E11dow•n~n1 Fund liJr :• and tzitzis out. He says (and undoubt 1915, \Ve have been a sig ·.:i l'it:t: Lu:in Fund J ~kd1cil EnK·rgc·ncy Fund edly, it's true) that it's all because of my nificant source of vital Pk\1'e wnd nw :1n 1-:/r;i,; T 26 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 BEING THERE FOR OUR YOUTH Rabbi Aaron Brody The Fifth Child: THE CHILD WHO STOPPED ASKING A Layman's Guide To Kiruv Kerovim he other day, a colleague stopped n the seventeenth ofTammuz I closer and your anger reaches its peak, n1e in the beis midrash and asked was given the opportunity to you suddenly realize he's wearing a hear Twhat is the secret of our success 0 speak at Ohr Somayach's annu ing aid.' You relax, a bit embarrassed. at kiruv kerovirn. In response, I lifted my al Ohr Lagolah Kiruv Seminar in All barriers are forgotten and the invis left foot, and for a brief moment I was Jerusalem. My goal was to encourage the ible walls come down. You catch his eye transformed into Hillel bringing the tzibbur (an audience of almost one thou and extend a warm handshake, and he Torah down to its essence in just a few sand people) that each and every one of returns the greeting warmly. You pen mon1ents. How does one explain, in a them could provide an outstretched etrated his silent world with a full heart. nutshell, the methods of inspiring our hand to our struggling brothers (and sis VVhat a difference it n1akes when we boys, each one capable of thoroughly ters). This essay is a product of that lec understand another person's world! It exhausting his family and challenging ture, as well as many sleepless nights then becomes so much easier to feel the 1nany schools he attended, each one grasping for answers. compassion, and somehow the toxic an extremely intuitive and powerful per How do we illuminate the path of walls of judgment and fear fall away by sonality, facing struggles where there are return for our errant brothers? They themselves. With this in mind, let us no quick fixes? were once our friends in yeshiva; our attempt to notice the "hearing aid" of As my foot began to tire, I blurted best buddies at sirnchas, with whom we l I heard this n1ashal from Rabbi Noach out, "Love, acceptance, believing in laughed and played and sang; our OrJo,vck, N"V'?v. the1n, enjoying then1, caring, patience, brothers who shared with us their 2 Bear in mind that these are only general guide limits, structure, hun1ility, lots of coffee, dreams and desires as we shared ours lines. a sense of humor, and a keen ability to with them. But somehow, a wide gap has really listen." I walked away feeling opened between us. How do we go deflated, as though I had just reduced about inviting them to return home? the entire essence of astronomy to How do we sincerely de1nonstrate our "Twinkle, twinkle, little star." Sadly caring and support without scaring enough, the above question doesn't them away or turning them off? What • Watching Your Weight the always come from a curious colleague; is the forn1ula for success? Torah Way - Booklet, $5. 00 very often it con1es from a broken heart. Imagine yourself walking down the • Bitachon Guidelines for Finding Where is the child that I raised? Who street and seeing someone approaching. & Succeeding at Work- Book is my son? How do I reach him? I later You call out, "Shalom aleichem!" He let, $5.00 discovered that the casual queries of a doesn't respond. You think perhaps you curious colleague also stemmed from a didn't greet bim in a loud enough voice, • Financial Success Through broken heart. so you repeat the greeting louder. Still Torah Secrets - 6 Tape Album, $36.00 Rabbi Brody is director of Ohr Somayach's "Kesh no response. You say" Shalom aleichem" er," a 1hrah-based program of learning, life coun a third time, and now your voice is sig All 3 items · $40.00 seling, and extracurricular enrichment for boys nificantly louder and more aggressive, fron1 frun1 homes who have left their Yiddishkeit reflecting the hurt, anger, and charac Yeshiva Fund partially or totally, and are now beginning their ter assassination you feel. As he draws journey back. Box 82, Staten Island, NY 10309 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 27 our struggling brothers. Let us attempt roommate later thanked me.)" also the answer that Reuven was seeking. to see behind their veils of apathy and Now Reuven revealed to his rebbe his Sometimes the voiced queries of the mind their masks of independence in order to "n1illion dollar question": Was it per are overshadowed by the deeper yearnings gain a glimpse of their humanity and missible to transgress a d'rabbanan of of the soul that speak so much louder. their greatness. To that end,! would like tearing cigarettes on Shabbos, in order to Beneath the surface of Reuven's ques to share a few guidelines which have prevent the transgression of the Torah tion was a desire to be valued, believed been effective in our work.' prohibition against smoking on Shabbos? in, and acknowledged, in spite of his real The rebbe addressed the question struggles in overcoming taiva and keep BELIEVE IN THEM effectively, and his exchange with Reuven ing Shabbos. in his heart of hearts, Reuven was very positive. Yetthe rebbestill decid wanted to be an oved Hashem. Knowing uven approached his rebbe with ed to share the she'eila with his rash kol that others were able to see that in him he following story. "My room- leL Upon hearing tlle she'eila,his rash kol both supported and encouraged him. 10te and I were ready to take the lel reached into his pocket, extracted a Recently I met with a talmid who next big step. No smoking on Shabbos. hundred shekel note, and said, "Give this bemoaned the fact he could no longer However, after the scrumptious Shabbos to the bachur:' The money was given as daven. When I asked why, he responded, meal, the delicious nicotine chaser was acknowledgement of a job well done. "Can Hashem still love me after all I've sorely missed. My roommate, hypnotized Why did the rash kollel do this? Was done?" That same student had the sen by his intense love of smoking, came clos n't the bachur seeking a lomdishe answer sitivity of soul to break down crying er and closer to my pack of Marlboros. to a challenging question? A question that when the words ''I believe in you" I knew that I must act quickly, so with he plumbed from the depths of his ana reached his ears. Hence step number one: lightning speed I dove across the room, lytical mind, yet one that did not receive to believe in them. wrestled my precious cigarettes from his an answer? Why did the rosh kollcl deprive trembling hands, and tore them all to him of the gifr of his wisdom for a tran UNDERSTAND THEIR STRUGGLE shreds. Even the filters were lying on the sient hundred shekels? Is that chinuch? floor, a lifeless heap of shredded bits. (My Yes, not only is that chinuch, but it is euveu, from our first story, hap pens to enjoy sitting down with a RGen1ora for a few hours at a time. People are often astonished when they hear this. Shouldn't a few solid hours of in-depth learning "fix him" and make him all better? Reuven is not unique in this respect. I have students who remem ber vast an1ounts of Mishnayos, who can lain from the Torah, can lain the five Megillos, who know Chumash with meforshim back and forth, and who retain vast an1ounts of Torah learning fron1 their youth. Why do they stumble on and off the paths and highways even with all this Torah knowledge? Ironically, this Torah knowledge of their youth is both their biggest blessing and their biggest curse. It's their biggest blessing because their sense of self is deeply rooted in their Yiddishkeit. If you ask them what they really want deep down (and we have asked them), it's suc Mrs. Aliza Grund, Tour Director cessful Torah living. It's a home with love SPECIAL and laughter. It's a wife with yiras PROGRAM Live '1 Learn Summer Tour Shamayim. It's Shabbos. It's stability. It's AVAILABLE for application or info, call or fax FOR SEMINARY order. And yet this knowledge is ilieir GIRLS biggest curse, because as they run away 718/258-0709 • FAX 718/258-0243 in an attempt to find themselves, deep down they realize they are running away OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Based in B.J. Dorm, Jerusalem 28 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 from themselves. And so they tee! trapped. experts in the field who run programs off in my head: "Who should I be when They can't be frum because they feel similar to ours, and "being real" (or I'm teaching?" The obvious answer is, that they are second-class. The path that "talking straight") and "valuing them" I should be me. In fact, it's so obvious they have chosen ... that accepts them as seem to be essential. an answer that I'm slightly embarrassed winners ... is only an illusion, and they "Being real" means presenting your by the question. know it. But son1ehow, to their mind's eye, self as you are: no disguises and no Still, I ask myself who I should be Torah living has not been user-friendly. games. Don't change your speech or because there is a side of tne that \.Van ts It has not embraced then1. In some way your walk (like adding the word "man" to look good and wants to in1press. it has left them feeling empty, lost, inad to every other sentence, or floating as l"here is a certain persona I \Vish to con equate, abandoned, or bored. How do you walk), if you don't normally talk or vey, be it Program Director, Mover, they find meaning as Yidden, and come act that way. Shaker, or Torah Authority. If I'm up out as winners in their personal lives? I find that "being real" requires acer front and honest and show them who Ho\v can \Ve turn a partial curse into a tain degree of courage. When I get up I really am, they might not see who I complete blessing? Within that blessing to speak in front of a group, a voice goes want them to see, or they might not and curse lies the profound beauty of man's struggle to find himself. To be or not to be (a fief) . .'\nd in the passion of Ba_i_~yaakov Academy Seminary that tug-of-war, if our struggling broth ers and sisters can only rise to the calling RABBI SHLOMO 'Ifie 'Brool(fyn half aay Semitwry for tlie 'Bais ')'aaf(iJV high scfwo[ of their souls, they have done something TEICHMAN graduate who wishes to further lier \!Ji1P 'i'r.pl;i stuiies in exceedingly noble. They have chosen their 'Deatt tantfem with a unique e:r_tra curricufar program. lot as Yidden. When a person chooses his RABBI AvROHOM lot in life through struggle, his faith is infi GREENBERG nitely more firm than the faith of one who 'i)ean has always followed the script. That can MRS. fAIGIE SELENGUT be the greatest blessing. Coonfinator Perhaps their inner struggle is really a challenge we can all relate to. Don't we all ask ourselves at ti1nes vvhat is our unique purpose in life? 1\ren't there tin1es when \VC feel locked into certain patterns, act ing out scripts written by others, doing precisely what is expected of us? And we ignore that small voice within that cries out, "V\lhat about rne?" At times vve pre- 1 tend not to hear that voice, but as \Ve go ' about our days and \Veeks running on auton1atic pilot, occasionally \Ve \Vake up to its call. Can we appreciate these boys' struggle of "V\1zat about me?" Step num ber two is to understand and appreciate their struggle. It's a very human struggle. BYA HALF DAY SEMINARY OFFERS: + In depth V11p >iV.J'7 + Varied and n1ulti~faceted extra "BE REAL" +FACULTY+ + Torah Un1esorah dipfo1na curricular progran15 R' Naftali Bruck + Trips to Je1Nish con1n1unities 1 ·+ Teacher training course ast June, a fevv of our taltnidirn R Yosef Mitnick and institutions outside R' Eliezer Sandler \Vere intervie\ved by various +Credit for class\"/Ork can be FJrooklyn R' Shfomo Teichman appfied to post high school +Guest speakers on the European groups of bnei IOrah involved in L Mrs. Yehudit Davido\.vitz degree programs and in1n1igrant experiences, the chinuch. \.\lhcn they asked our taln1idin1 Reib. Yehudis Kare!i-tz Baal Teshuvdh n1oven1ent and Mrs. i\1iri Kroizer + Covernn1ent funding cJvailable \vhat advice they could offer to people n1any other topics Ms_ Rochel Licht +Job Placernent + Panel discussions on subjects \vho are interested in helping out strug Mrs. Brefndy Reiss + lnteracti1'e visits 1vith 0'''7..'l of Jewish conct.•rn gling yeshiva kids, the ans\vers \Vere + (Jptiondf mid-1,vinter trip to al111ost ahvays the san1e: "Be real," and, .?N1W' y1N A warm, involved at1nosphere ivith I an cn1phasis on individual attention. "Value us." I have spoken vvith other ! rk,.·· ___.. 1,.2.,B_E .. 1m..,..Av,..e,.n,.u,.,'e,.•,.B,.r,.o,,o.,k1..,.n,,.N...,ew ..· ·,.,v.,.,q .. .,11,.,2,.,390.,•.. 7.,1,.,s .. .3.,3 99,.-497,.47..·.,.Ex .. t., ... 11,.s_....,..iiJ The Jewish Observer, March 2001 29 think of me in the same way. So I'll pour mask. "Being real" means letting them interested in being 'saved.' J'1n not inter on the charm - I'll crank out the wit and in - opening the door to the real me. ested in being your rnitzva. \t\lhen you throw out a few impressive things that Sometiines a teacher might com finally see me turn the corner, beginning I've done. Before long I'll succeed in promise the integrity of the lesson or the my journey back, don't get excited that building an impressive facade to hide structure of the class just because he soon I'll be wearing a black hat again. Get behind. What are my students left with? wants to be liked by his students. I have excited for who I am now. Try to under· Just an impressive shovvcase. They don't seen that the rebbeim who are most suc stand my world, my interests, and my have me. cessful with our talmidim are those who richness. Try to appreciate me as one It would seem that in order to pen master the delicate balance of being with hun1an being appreciates another." etrate their masks and touch their them (letting them in) without becom When onr newly-frum baalei teshu· souls, first I have to ren1ove my own ing one of them (not losing themselves va talmidim (the ones with the pro· to the whims and moods of their stu pellers still on their yarmulkes) return dents). Therefore step number three is home for the first time since becoming to be yourself. observant, they have a tren1endous desire to be mekarev their families and VALUE THEM share with them the beauty and richness of their new world. Instead of receiving he second point that the students hadracha on the latest successful kiruv n1entioned was tl1e importance of techniques, however, they are told to Tvaluing them. Like radar, our stu enjoy their parents and spend time with dents sense whether or not they are val them. If Dad likes golfing, pick up the ued. I've often heard my talmidim say that golf clubs and join him on the course. if a person's attitude towards them is, "Oy, If Dad fancies art, spend a few hours nebech," then their response is, "Do me with him at the art museum. The a favor and don't get involved. I'm not biggest Kiddush Hashem and advertise· ment for Yiddishkeit is: "My son, he's become a real mentsch." Becoming a Torah Jew brings us closer. The same applies to the wayward son. If he is interested in cars) ask hi1n to share his wisdom. Find out about his world. Do all his friends listen to the san1e music? How does it really feel to eat three double burgers in one sitting? I • Full Day, Half Day, Or Part Time Programs I • Includes Intensive Umudei Koclesh I am not suggesting we drive around in I • Endorsed By Leading Gedolei Yisrael And Educators I a convertible with the stereo blasting the • Choice of Regular or Ushma Program latest Top Ten hits, but I do recommend I • Dynamic Shiurim By Renowned Mechanchim I understanding his world in a non-judg· • Hundreds Of Successful, Maalot Graduates Worldwide mental, non-threatening way. It will I • A Warm Bais Yaakov Atmosphere· Seled Group Of Students I bring you closer, and the Torah world • Option of Eight Week Summer Program In Yerushalayim I I • The Exciting Altemative To A Full Year In Eretz Yisroel will start looking a whole lot friendlier. Our Mechanchim Include: Rabbi Matts Blum, Rabbi Avraham Blumenkrantz, I Otherwise, his interests become a show I Rabbi Yehuda Cahan, Rabbi Dov Eichenstein, Rabbi Dovid Gibber, Rabbi Yoel Kramer, down between Judaism and himself; Rabbi Nosan Dovid Rabinowich, Rabbi Mechel Spitzer, Rabbi Yisroel Dov Webster, I either way he comes out a loser. As men I Rebbetzin Yehudis Davidowitz, Rebbetzin Chaya Ginzberg, Rebbetzin Devora K~evito, Rebbetzin Naama Lerman, Rebbetzin Rivka Oratz, Rebbetzin Esther Twersky, tioned above, our sons are seeking to I Summer In Eretz Yisrael: Rabbi Dovid Relson - Dean, Rabbi Dovid KaH -Director, I belong. Our job is to soften their hearts, Robbi Nosson Geisler, Rabbi Leib Keleman, Rabbi Y. Monat, , Robbi Meir Treibitz, not sharpen their minds. Rebbetzin Tzi rah Heller, Rebbetzin Zehava Kass, Rebbetzin Rena Tarshish. I have a student who was raised in the most heilnishe of circles, who took a nosedive in his Yiddishkeit for many years. He once told me, "When I was growing up, I had a wonderful bug col· RABBI SHOLOM G. GINZBERG, DEAN lection. It was my pride and joy. I 931 Coney Island Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11230 I-- For------•liiil---- More Information Phone Or Fax:/718\377--0222 I approached my father to share with him 30 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 my beautiful little world. Instead of lift culture shock of returning to Israel, my are already asking yourself, "What can I ing me into his welco1ning arn1s and doubts and fears about whether I would do?" it means that you care. And caring encouraging me, he brushed my col make it financially, my concern about is 90% of the battle. If you can bring out lection aside as narishkeit without giv finding a job that was both enjoyable your caring without being distracted by ing it a glance. My world crumbled. I felt and fulfilling, and my worry whether or judgments and fears, then you have a shame, and I knew I didn't belong." not my children would pick up Hebrew chance to understand their stru&~le. If you Once I was riding in a taxi and struck without too much trouble. Thus we sat can keep from being sidetracked into up a conversation with the driver. Some on the bench together as two friends. "looking good," then you will come how the discussion led to what he had Our worlds couldn't have been farther through as being real. If you can care eaten for lunch that day. This taxi driver apart. I was a black-hat American; he enough to listen to their preference for was a peanut butter and jelly connoisseur. was a secular Israeli, older than I and peanut butter sandwiches or notice that We discussed the different types of recovering from a strong addiction. they have a hearing aid, then they will peanut butter: chunky, smooth, Ameri Much has happened since those days, see that you value them. Then you have can, natural, with oil, without oil. Then but every now and then we'll run into begun to firmly grasp their hands. we compared bread with crust, bread each other on the street and slap each Finally, believe in them. Notice what's without crust, sliced bread, and rolls. This other on the back or exchange warm behind the mask. Trust in the inherent discussion lasted for about five minutes. greetings. I don't even know whether or goodness of these searching souls. Now, I have never been a peanut but not he became nlore religious. Howev Understand that they want to grow, and ter and jelly fan. I could easily have er, I do know that our paths crossed. We believe that you have what it takes to opened my sefer or called home on my touched each other's lives at a time when encourage them. You don't have to have cell phone and ended the conversation he needed to heal, and he found a friend all the answers. People respect someone before we got to the crucial point of com who helped him do so. The great gift that who's honestly searching for himself. You paring honey with strawberry jam. But I received was a new appreciation of the don't have to be brilliant or charismat it was important to the driver. So I took inner richness of another human being. ic. You already have the greatest possi an interest in his world. (Sometimes it's A simple hello, a simple thank you. No ble asset, and that is yourself. The more a real gift to just listen to another human expectations, only surprises. The will that you are you, the better you can help being.) By the end of the cab ride, there ingness to spend time valuing another these searching neshamos find their was enough trust between us for him to human being often takes on a life of its own way home, and find themselves. share his yearnings) his me1nories of his own, opening up the door to a rich Those of us who put forth the effort religious grandparents, and his desire to friendship and more. Thus step number with no motive other than to provide an reconnect to Hashem. I wasn't looking four is to value them. outstretched hand will find that our to be mekarev this gentleman. I merely homes - and their homes - will become valued his world and validated him as a BELIEVE IN THEM a whole lot friendlier. human being, and he felt it. When I returned to Israel from 'th these guidelines in mind, THE FIFTH CHILD America three years ago, I had an inter et us return to our original esting experience \Vith a street cleaner. W:question: What can we do to eek after the kiruv seminar, we After walking my children to school, I welcome our brothers back? That very osted a follow-up mini-seminar would usually meet the street cleaner on question has the answer within it. If you Af which experts in the field shared my way home. The two of us sat on a bench together for five to ten minutes and just shmoozed. It started with a "Hello" or a "Thank you for beautify ing our street,,, and eventually we became bench buddies. After a few meetings on the bench, v mue n a···· ·.:.:.:::::;o,;:.·::·}c:· he showed me his Narcotics Anonymous .¥'.nally Back in print-in I!#'~, key chain, which he received as a recov and deluxe laminated eq{'Ni!ri ering addict. He shared his struggles, his "Baruch Learns About Pes11cft~; rediscovery of his family, his joy at hav SHMUEL KUNDA'S beloved() pictorial introduction to thil, ing a job and being responsible, and his Pesach Yom Tov and Sederf:f appreciation to Hashem for holding his Young children will be enthral hand throughout all these struggles. I, its colorful, lively pictures0!1 in turn, shared with him my world, the reach for this, one-of•a-kind c:i9ain and a ain! The Jewish Observer, March 2001 31 Kollel Ne1 Dovid forest Hills, NV Mesiv!o Choletz Chaim fores! Hills, NY Yeshiva &Kallal Chafetz O,aim Jerusalem, lsroe! Wiilllmin lnili!U!e for Torch Study Milwoub&, WI Tolmmlirnl Institute of Upstate NY Rocheiter, NY Toms Emas A{Qdemy lfor1h Mio mi Beoch, FL Yeshivo Twas Choim Miami Bead1, Fl Valley Torah HJgh School Nonh Hollywood, CA Bois Medrosh Ne1 Aryeh North Hollywood, (A Yeshiva & Mesivta Tifeies Visroel Brooklyn, NY Torah High Sdrool>ol S!in Diego Son Diego, CA tospreadTorahstudyand Yeshiva Zkhron Yookov Momey, NY MAKING LEADERS MesMn Bois Dovid Cherry Hill, NJ observance throughout the world is the mission of the Rabbinical Seminary Yeshiva A!eres Yimhok/Mesivto ofR0>lyn Ro~yn,NY Yeshiva Or Dovid Jerusalem, ls1ael of America. The Yeshiva invites our many friends and supporters to join us llebrew Arndemy of Suffolk Caunty Smilh1own, NV Yeshiva TiferethMoshe/Ollv Revel Center Kew Gardens, NY in this historic hour by helping us construct our much needed new home in ttebrew Academy of Wes!Oueens Richmond Hill, N¥ long lslond Communi1y Bail Medrosh Huntington, NY Kew Gardens Hills. A dedication will make you an important partner in all Tolmml Tor oh YesodYi11ool Jerusalem, l>rnel of our endeavors and will enable us to continue providing committed and Yeshiva KesserToroh Flushing, NY Yeshiva Choyei Dovid Fme;t Hills, NV qualified Torah LEADERSHIP to communities throughout the world. Yeshivo Zitliron Al)'eh Cedo1hur;l1 NY TomhAoodemy of Bow Ralon Boen Raton, fl COMMUNITY DMlOPMINT PROJICTS COMMITMENT is the defining quality among alumni of Congregation Cho!elz (hoim Tucson, AZ the Rabbinical Seminary of America - the commitment to teach Torah to Congregation Ohev Shalom Polios_ TX Con!llegatilln Keliilkis Tornh Carmel Mounlllin Ranch, CA Kial Yisroel wherever there is a need. This commitment is demonstrated Congregolion 2frh1on E!iezer Roslyn, NY Congregolion Anshe EJJWl Loi Angeles, CA by our graduates who have spent many years immersed in Torah scholarship Congregu1ion Shoorei Emunnh Brooklyn, NV Young llroel of Ens! Northporl long Mand, NV and its rich Mussar teachings. Our aim is to infuse into Jewish communities Young Israel of Houslon Houston, TX Young !srnel of Hunllngton long lilo11d, NV a new vitality, thereby ensuring their continuity and growth. Young lsrnel of Nolkk Nolitk, MA Young l.1rael ofSmilhtown long llland, NY Over 90% of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim musmachim are involved OUTRfACH PROGRAMS founded by Chofetz Chaim Alumni in Harbotzas Hatorah in communities across the country and around Etz Chaim Torah (enler Philadelphia, PA the world. Our alumni are mechanchim, rabbonim, and outreach TheJewiih (onneilion London, En9lond P1oje1! Herilage Miami, Fl professionals, touching thousands of lives on a daily basis. Pllorify One (edurhurs1, NV Toruh Bamidbar Santo Fe, NM Jewi;h Eduwlion Through Tornh 0!1owa, Canada Jewish Herl!ageCenler Queens& LonghluM, NY Jewish Erlurnlion Program Queens, NY YESHIVA CHOFETZ CHAIM Jewiih EdurnJion Pwgrnm Westth€5ter, NY Sao Oi~go Torah Cen1er San Die[l'O, CA Meioroh Foundolion Suffolk County, NY Torah Renoimrnie Projed Carmel Volley, U. Sephoradic Tomb and Return jSTAR) -Ouwn.1, NY crl he Rabbinical Seminary of America, known as Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim, is entering the critical phase of its Building Campaign to create a Makom Torah that will also serve as the center for its vast network of day schools, yeshivos, shuls and outreach centers. Upon completion, this state-of-the-art campus in Kew Gardens Hills will enable the Yeshiva to serve the dramatic increase in its student body and to train and develop many more accomplished Marbitzei Torah capable of leading Jewish communities everywhere. Rabbi Henach Leibowitz, Rosh Ha Yeshiva Please call 718-268-4975 for a brochure of dedication opportunities or for further information. 1lJ1 nJ'V' YESHIVA '/"~r li1:Ji1 1'NO ?N1V' CHOFETZ CHAIM "tl""T1" """T1"r ;.J L."J,/>' 92-15 69th Avenue • Forest Hills, N. Y. 11375 Tel: 718·268·4975 Or Ira Ku kin, Chairman Emeritus (top} and Dr Allan Jacob. Chairman of the Board at the Yeshwa's historic groundbreaking ceremony. their ideas and opinions, and participants were able to meet some of the students enrolled in our program. The tzibbur included bnei Torah from the four corners of Jerusalem: one group came from the Mir, another from Torah Ore, still anoth er from Lakewood, and so on until the Lauffer Auditorium was packed. Spousal Responsibilities: The first part of the program went beau Halachos and Hashkafos of the tifully. The tzibburwas receptive, motivat Husband/Wife Relationship ed, and inquisitive. Ho\vever, the finale with our students exceeded our wildest expec (2 topes) I ~;c::o:,-,,. ~--1 tations. We initially planned for Reuven and • The Rights ond Privileges of Moshe to go on stage. Reuven declined, the Husband ond ofthe Wife claiming that he did not want to be part • Specific Holochic Obligations of the "freak show" (he had stage fright), • Practical Solutions to so Moshe chose to walk the plank alone. Everyday Issues This was his finest hour. Like a Ambassadors of Torah (2 lopes) skilled conductor bringing the players Presenting the Halachas 8 Hashkafos Po rents: of the orchestra into harmony, Moshe of Yiddishkeit ta the Outside World: Responsibilities &Obligations brought the various groups in the audi • Kiddush Hashem I Chillul Hashem (2 topes) ence together. He charmed them with • Responding to Sensitive Inquiries • Moving Awoy from Parents •Teaching Torah to on Akum his boyish smile and good humor. He • Issues with In-lows impressed them with his genuine desire • Morrioge ond Kibbud to grow, and he moved them with his • Doing Whotlhey Wont vs. insight and honesty. The tzibbur Whot They Need responded in kind, and before long everyone in the room had something to say, son1ething to add, and some 11 •--- From Galus lo Geulah: thing to ask. Concepts and Misconcepffons The ensuing discussion took on a life (2 topes) of its own. A 30-rninute talk turned •The Dynamics of into a 90-minute quest. In a hall that Nt1'~'D1 NJ"\Ji7lt Contemporary Hashkala Series had been filled with strangers, a trans • i'i'O)i!) during (Eoch volume - 6lopes) formation took place. The guy in the the era of n 1 'lt~n Among the many topics discussed: corner was able to relate to the person • Understanding the Chonge • Avoiding the Curse of 'Adorn &Chovo' at the other end of the room. It was in in our Doily lives • Sibling Rivol~ that fertile atmosphere of honesty that • Demouocy vs. Monarchy • Gambling with Mitzvos a beautiful fusion took place, with Moshe in the middle. I couldn't help but notice the irony of it all: Here was a group coming to help the wayward To order by credit card please call: 0 Enclosed is my check for __ payable to Agudath Israel Keren Yad Avrohom son, and so1nehow a wondrous "turn 118-438-3904 0 Please charge my credit card: :.J Visa a MasterCard about" took place and the wayward son TAPE SERIES QT'l TOTAL Signature ______brought them all together. Suddenly I was seeing behind the -~~.~s~~2r:,onsibilities(S~-1----4- Card# ____ mask, as the realization set in that on Pments(S14) : ! -~---·--·-·- some cosmic level, these struggling neshamos were really here to bring us ·::o;~~Jiio~~hJ~11;~·-----:--+·----- _N,_m_'------Address back. After all, if our formula for suc Co~~;o~~~~~~~~i~~~:~-.l~·---'- cess is believing in them, understand SIJ~ping l llnridlmg $3.SO~rSerie:; I Crty State Zip ing, being real, and valuing then1, isn't that really a formula for a kinder, more gentle world? • 34 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 BEING THERE FOR OUR YOUTH Rabbi Shmuel Gluck Our Children - Our Attitudes: ot All Are Made Alike AKING SUITABLE CHOICES FOR CHALLENGING YOUTHS A Changing Scene ... For the Better Finding the right person itself might ing disability or a social problem.) All take time, yet it is well worth the effort. these yeshivas should not be grouped hese past several years have seen You can often find the right person by together. Finding the right one might a change in our approach asking the yeshiva itself or by speaking take a little longer, but investing the time Tto\vards chinuch. We have come to other parents who, themselves, have will avoid having to repeat the process to realize that, even with good parent gone through difficulties. If possible, in a couple of months. ing, our children cannot always be find someone local. This allows for One tip: Be realistic \Vhen assessing molded to our specifications. We have increased communication between both your son. Placing him in a yeshiva that had to admit to ourselves and to our you and your child and your chosen demands more than your son is able, or community that we are not perfect. We advisor. simply willing, to offer will only cause have learned the hard way the cost of you more aggravation. Remember, dur looking away from our problems. As a Today's Yeshivos ing this often-confrontational period, it result, we, as a community, do not tend pays to be honest with the yeshiva, and to hide things under the rug as much as n the last ten years, a number of to be nice to your child. in the past. Instead, we are learning to yeshivas offering individual attention approach chinuch with a little humility I have opened their doors. Many of Eretz Yisroel? and a bit more common sense. them, such as M'ch on Tiferes Bachurim, This has created a growing awareness Monsey (Rabbi Shamai Blobstein), his is always a tough call. On one on many different levels. We have sig Ateres Yisroel, Toronto (Rabbi Moshe hand, Eretz Yisroel offers many nificantly more frum psychologists who Furst), Ohr Hatorah, Monsey (Rabbi Tgood yeshivas, and many people are sensitive to religious concerns than Chayim Nitzlich), and the Mesivta have seen tremendous success there. On we had ten years ago, an increase in non High School of Bradley Beach (Rabbi the other, you will be left in the dark as mainstream yeshivas, and a variety of Yosef Posen), among the many others, to your son's real progress. I know of new tools to help protect ourselves do great work. (I only mentioned some n1any instances where the student, against today's secular society. of those that I've dealt with.) But they backed by his menahel, assured the par In this article, I would like to walk the are not all the same. Some are geared ents that he was doing well, and they reader through the different options towards children who are not able to were not at all prepared for what they available within our community. Not read the Gemora with fluency. Other being aware of possible assistance can yeshivos have highly intelligent boys who be costly. are not willing to buckle down. Yet oth PESACH GUIDE TO Before beginning, it must be empha ers deal predominantly with students sized that when dealing with people, who have serious issues in religious MEDICATIONS solutions should be planned according realms - with ruchnius and shmiras to each individual's needs and abilities. hamitzvos. For a copy of the most Also of significance is the need to rec As can be expected, parents who are Comprehensive Pesach Guide ognize that parents are unable to be fully forced to find a new yeshiva in mid-year to Medications I Cosmetics objective. As a result, it is imperative to are often worn out. Regrettably, they will find someone experienced who is will consider any yeshiva willing to take their by Rav Gershon Bess ing to give you the necessary time to son without considering its ability to Please write to: accompany you through this process. deal with their son's particular issues. (Often, parents view their children as KOLLEL LOS ANGELES Rabbi Gluck is director of Areivi1n, an organi being uncooperative, and do not take the 223 S. Formosa Avenue zation devoted to assisting our youths, offering Los Angeles. CA 90036 advice and assistance, with a wide array of sup time to recognize that they might have port systems. Areivin1 can be reached at (845) some legitimate problem, such as a read- Phone: (213) 933-7193 371-2760 or at [email protected]. (Unless you are already on our list) The Jewish Observer, March 2001 35 saw at the airport upon his return. Then one would consider yeshivas that are there are many factors that 1nust be con Although it can often be better to have out of New York, or opt for a non-regents sidered. It would certainly be advisable a challenging son stay in a dormitory progra1n, where it 1nay yet exist. Ask the to discuss this with your own advisor as (being in the house together often cre school about the length of their General well as with the key personnel in his ates unnecessary friction, a dormitory set Studies sessions. They range from as little present yeshiva. One of the many con ting allows for parents to assume a more as one hour to up to three-and-a-half siderations is his age. Often, working at objective attitude), it is still important to hours per day. My experience has been that the age of eighteen, under controlled cir be able to check up on his progress. students often rethink their goals at 18 or cu1nstances, can help hin1 mature. Another point worth mentioning is 19 years of age, take a G.E.D. course, and, Work often teaches lessons of account age. Some parents have sent their chil on their own, will make up for lost ti1ne. ability for what one does or does not do, dren to Eretz Yisroel at 14! Mechanchim The lesson to remember is that nothing is and how one does it, more effectively generally discourage Eretz Yisroel before etched in stone. than parents or yeshivas have. At a the student is at least 17 years old. Another crucial factor is the possi younger age) the desire to work is often bility of learning disabilities, which can an attempt to run away from their prob Secular Studies interfere with both religious and secu lems and themselves. At that point, lar studies, and seriously damage a working should be strongly discouraged. here are inany different opinions child's sense of well being. This is wor A most difficult question is dealing about the relative importance of a thy of a discussion of its own. IJO is with the money that they will earn. Any Tsecular education, and again the planning to tfature several articles on the discussion should take place before he right answer depends on the student. topic in the near future. - Editor] has taken the job. An ideal arrangement When students are beginning to fall is to put half of his salary into an behind, English studies, like everything else, Learningl\Vorking account with the understanding that it must be negotiated together with the rest goes into his savings, and 1nust be left of his schedule. Parents should certainly ften the student wants to work alone until a designated time. The keep this in mind when considering pos either part or full time. This is remainder can be used at his discretion. sible yeshivas. Are "Regents" a problem? 0 a very co1np1icated issue, and 1Wo suggestions: Expect hitn to vvaste niuch of the ren1aining n1oney. Let hi1n. Allow hin1 to learn on his own how to be responsible. Secondly, be prepared for him to feel a certain level of independ ence, and adjust to it accordingly. Other issues are whether to allow part tin1e or full ti1ne work, as well as agree ~1t' ing on the proper working environn1ent. The Name You Trust / If possible, have him find a job that • Incoming calls from anywhere offers opportunity for growth. Even if -id r8 ] ..,, ..,I in the world /Where Available) he does not becorne a tallnid chacharn, l Voi<<; mail : Call waiting • Caller ID I If J ; ='! • there are still niany \vays in which he can l.llllll...llllllllElll-lm-m•--•"-1111111 • Itemized bill • Spare battery & morel become a positive part of our con1mu • Lowest Rates Guaranteed! • Fax & Text Message Service nity, as a Torah baa/ habayis. • Same~Day I Next~Day delivery nationwide • Student Specials Travel Agents & Corporate Accounts Contact Josh Mehlman, President Our Daughters . . • nfortunately, there arc not as n1any opportunities for our U daughters as we'd like. Still, there arc son1e schools, as well as can1ps, designed for challenging girls. Because of the lack of options, parents \vould be advised to put 111ore effort into finding a "big sister" for their daughter. Ren1e1nber that n1any \.Von1en and older girls are seeking opportunities to help others. Find thcn1. In the con1ing 36 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 years, we certainly will need to see 1nore pizza and a story. Yet, I believe, \Ve have In Conclusion options created for the girls. Fortunately, only touched on its possibilities. there are organizations that are already There are more young adults than e have come a long way these working on this. ever who are offering their help. Most past few years. Efforts are are not yet married and can offer W being made by a growing Night Programs unlimited time (working around army of people doing everything with sedorim, of course,) and in general, the in their ability to help our teens. ight programs are becoming teenagers relate 1nore easily to them. Rebbe'im as well as lay people give up one of our primary approach They are closer in age and are therefore their days and evenings to help, ba'alei N es in reaching out to teenagers more readily allowed into their confi battim commit themselves to learn in a not prepared or suited for day programs. dence. When supervised, they are an small, relatively unknown yeshiva in During the evening, one can find pro immeasurable asset. In my experiences, order to help strengthen its atmosphere, grams ranging from the very intense for I have found that they are able to touch \Vomen produce homemade meals for the serious boy or girl who works dur the soul of a confused teenager in ways dormitory boys so that they feel a sense ing the day, to lighter shiurim that offer that older adults could not. of community. There are innumerable interesting classes, colorful maggidei A recent, and in many ways common, families who would not sit down to a shiur, and even time afterwards to incident illustrates the advantages of Shabbos meal without inviting several schmooze. There are also non-learning enlisting the services of young men. I young guests. programs that bring teens together to had received a call from a yeshiva What once was treated as a silent dis have safe, supervised fun. regarding a difficult student. So I asked ease is being approached honestly and Parents should do a lot of research "Zev," a senior ta/mid, to speak to him openly, and with our heightened when considering which progran1 to and to build up a relationship with him. awareness, we are noticing the dis suggest to their child. Here, too, an Eventually the student was asked to turbing signs earlier, enabling us to objective person must consider the leave, but this is where a support group react more quickly. The last decade has quality of the group as well as what kind makes a difference. We kept in touch certainly brought with it new fears as of program is suitable for their son. A with him every day or so, and in the next well as its share of hope. I see all around wrong assessn1ent in either direction can two months, we found him a job (Zev me a grassroots movement of volun n1ake an already tense situation even accompanied him on the interview), a teerism. More importantly, we are all more difficult. chavrusa, and Zcv tutors hin1 in English working together. • studies, as well. Is the problem solved? Not yet. But The Summer VISITING NY? by introducing him to an involved peer, MIDWOOD he summer n1onths are inherently he willingly accepts someone to whom GUEST SUITES risky, and all parents should be he feels accountable. Ave. J, Brooklyn concerned about the sudden T 718-253-9535 abundance of"free time:' There are sev Support Groups eral types of alternative programs, such as wilderness camps as well as "camps here are many support groups, on wheels." These can be found for both and access to them has recently Digest of Meforshim boys and girls. True, there are not Tbecome 1nuch simpler. You can enough programs, but every year seems find them advertising right here in The ')v1p7 in::i ')v1p7 to bring with it new choices. Jewish Observer as well as in many other 7"YT '1VV7N 7Niow )";rmo The most important thing to bear in publications. Look around; there are A·vailable ac mind is to keep them busy and keep groups for divorcees, parents of children LEKUTEI them happy. If you can do that, the lit with substance abuse, among inany oth clo Yitzchok Rosenberg tle things generally work themselves out. ers. They are an invaluable source of 1445 54th Street advice; and it is always comforting to Brooklyn, NY 11219-4228 Big Brothers and Sisters realize that you are not alone. In addi 718-851-5298 tion, there are many organizations that 20 Volumes on 'forah, Perek, Medrash, ig brothers are a popular theme help you find what you need. Project Megilos, Talmud, and Tehilim. today, and they well should be. They Y.E.S., for instance, can offer direction Proceeds of sales distributed an1ong take the form of chavrusa programs, in areas such as job placement and coun Yeshivos and used for reprinting of B voluines out-of-print 12'" graders being paired with 9'" graders, seling, as well as in pairing your son with and married people taking boys out for a mentor, to na1ne a few. PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME The Jewish Observer, March 2001 37 EARLY INTERVENTION A Division of Women's League Community Residences, Inc. Serv-Utj delayed infanrs & toddler~ ifV ~ Brooklyn,,/ NYC aretv. SERVICES PROVIDED: Our comprehensive ti OT, PT and Speech Therapy evaluations and o Special Instruction therapies are ti Nutrition, Vision Therapy, Assistive performed free of Technology charge, in the privacy ti Psychological Counseling I Social Work and convenience of Services I Parent Training your home! ti Respite ti Unparalleled Service Coordination (small caseloads with personal atten tion by experienced case coordinators) Sheindel (Jeanne) Warman EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Pinchus Lerner Ph.D. CLINICAL SUPERVISOR For more information please cl;l]t,Y 71B-BS3-9j·'i Approved by the Department of Health and the OMRDD Thi!; early i111erveno'on program is funded and regulated by the New. York State Department - and in New York City, by York City Departmerl( o Health, Mental RetDrdo Alchoholism Services BEING THERE FOR OUR YOUTH VOICE FROM THE FRINGE, AND BEYOND ... COMING BACK AGAIN er haps the most disturbing prob It appeared to be saying, "This problem ways, they are shut out and are given lem confronting Orthodox Jewish is not the fault of the parents, not the messages of rejection .... Psociety today is the percentage of fault of the schools, not the fault of the A mentor of mine once pointed out young people choosing to leave a life teens:' I found myself asking, "Well, that after the war, our community per committed to the observance of Torah where does the problem lie?" ceived that they needed everybody. and mitzvos. I hesitate to use the current I think that the answer lies in a com Leaders in the mold of Mike Tress 7"t euphemism of "Children at Risk" plex dynamic where parents, school and Rabbi Sherer ?·r valued every Jew because I feel it is a 1nisnon1er that in administration and teachers, and rab- and brought them in, even if they some \vays contributes to an weren't on the madreiga of a kollel aspect of the problem that has not Yungerman. What resulted was the been addressed. Firstly, because greatest teshuva n1ovement seen in many of the people in question are centuries, with thousands returning young adults. They have reached to an Orthodoxy that improved our the age where they are going to entire community. Today, the make their own decisions with or Orthodox community really says, "If without the approval of their you question or don't conform, \Ve parents, teachers and rabbanim. don't need you.""You're dangerous Secondly, because it implies that to our community. We don't want those that have already left the fold you." are not included in the problem and are lost to our comn1unity. A Leap to Conclusions, .. Unchallenged Let me digress for a moment to establish my credentials for any or example, I recently went insight I might be able to offer. home to visit my parents. I I come fron1 a "chashuv" fa1nily. Fhave no\v been observant for My father, a noted yeshiva rebbe about four months, son1etimes for over twenty years, and my mother, banim must address areas Vv·ithin their in very challenging situations. Even who raised a large family in a yeshiva purview. There is a com1non thread that when I was less than fully observant, co1nmunity, are still vital parts of their I believe must be identified for each area I was not mechalle/ Shabbos community. I had trouble fitting into of society to begin to grapple with this b'farhesia (publicly desecrate the yeshiva from an early age and did not problem. Sabbath), and never at all in my home- attend high school on a consistent basis. I lived in the world of teenagers on the A Common Thread fringe of the Orthodox community. I know what my friends are thinking, and e live in a society that is very what they need from us to be able to demanding on many levels. • Watching Your Weight the remain a part of our society. WThe Torah legislates every After high school, I attended some area of our lives. The demands of Torah Way- Booklet, $5.00 vocational training courses. I strayed proper decorum in our schools and shuls • Bitachon Guidelines for Finding from the path of Torah and mitzvos and as well as within our very families is & Succeeding at Work - Book eventually joined the military. I am more than many young people can let, $5.00 gradually making my way back through adjust to on the schedule demanded of various contacts in the Orthodox con1- them. • Financial Success Through munity near my base, and therefore feel I believe that nearly every young per Torah Secrets - 6 Tape Album, I can offer some good insight in aspects son I have met who has left or is con $36.00 of this complex problem not being sidering leaving is looking for validation addressed. of themselves as viable, contributing All 3 items · $40.00 I read with interest The Jewish parts of our community. Unfortunate Yeshiva Fund Observer issue devoted to the problem. ly, in many subtle and not-so-subtle Box 82, Staten Island, NY 10309 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 39 town. I do still sport a military haircut. fact that a community member can agudah achas, a single society. In that When an aliya was purchased for me on make an incorrect judgment not based agudah, only one of the various "min Simchas Torah, a certain shul member on fact, not validated by halacha - in nim" is the tzaddik. Even the Jew with made a scene to not allow me to have short, a mistake - may be understand out Torah and mitzvos is included. We an aliya on the basis of not giving an able. The fact that he can be perceived, say that our davening and teshuva is not aliya to a non-shomer Shabbos. And I did and be allowed to perceive himself, as complete without the less noble Jews not receive the aliya. After several con the one adhering to a higher standard included. But we fail to act on this. frontations that caused grief to my par of Orthodoxy, "the [rum one;' is in my ents and various con1munity me111bers, view the place where our leadership and "I Can Have Failings And Still Be Valued" as well as extreme public embarrassment sense of con1munity standards have bro to me, it emerged that the person had ken down. A healthy response should he lack of acceptance, I believe, no knowledge of chillul Shabbos on my have come from disinterested people in truly hurts people firmly part. He just assumed it because of the shul, asking: By what halachic right did Tentrenched within our commu way I look. this person shame someone publicly? nity. It hurts them in the way it forces What ever happened to the halacha But frankly, people were more interest so many people to hide their true feel of chezkas kashrus? Why not just take me ed in appearing more [rum than in ings and pretend to be people they are aside and ask if I was shomer Shabbos, doing what is right. not. It is reflected in the divorce rates and or consult a Rav for a p'sak? The entire We pay lip service to ahavas Yisroel. unhealthy mindset that has become shul looked on, aware of the situation, We say in the davening of the Yamim n1ore and more prevalent in our com and nobody voiced an objection. The Nora'im that all Jews together form an munity. I have been much n1ore com fortable around people who are not per fect. It tells me that I can have some failings and still be valued, still grow and become better. Much of Orthodoxy today suppresses that truth. Until we come to terms with the fact that normal Personal responsibility throughout service - NOT JUST "PAPERWORK" people can be less than perfect, and still ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT RABBINICALLY APPROVED METHOD be accepted in our com1nunity without Highly recommended by Gedolai Hador- Here and in Eretz Yisracl being viewed as destroyers, we will con 104.l-42nJ Street, Brooklyn, 1VY 11219 tinue to lose our children and fool our Day & N'ight phone: (718) 851-8925 selves with a false sense of security about ])lt1'l:JN1~0Nj7 )ll"i' - ]'1:l 1Nl l111:JY)l 'll~ who we really are. Kavod Haniftar with Mesiras Netesh and compassion for the bereaved family. l don't intend any disrespect in TAHARAS HANIFTAR SHOULD NEVER BE COMMERCIAUZED offering this letter, but it is a reflection of the way I feel. NAME WJTJJHELD BY REQUEST You can.! Just call The Yitti Leibel Helpline. HOURS: l\1onday-Friday ...... Sam -l 2p1n • Watching Your Weight the Monday-Thursday ...... 8pm - l l pn1 Torah Way - Booklet, $5. 00 Sunday ...... 9am -12pm, 9pm-llpm Extra hours Sat. night ..... 7pm - 9pm • Bitachon Guidelines for Finding & Succeeding at Work- Book e718(;~~!3f-;~~w let, $5.00 Chicago ...... (800) HELP-023 • Financial Success Through Lakewood ...... (732) 363-1010 Torah Secrets - 6 Tape Album, Cleveland ...... (888) 209-8079 Baltimore ...... (410) 578-1111 $36.00 Detroit ...... (877) 435-7611 All 3 items • $40.00 For addiction proble1ns call our addiction therapist, Wednesdays 11 :30pm to 1:30am Yeshiva Fund Box 82, Staten Island, NY 10309 40 The Jewish Observer, March 200 I SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2001 • JAVITS CENTER 655 W.34TH STREET, NYC 3rd Annual Yom Iyun -A Day ofLearning TOran Resoonses to a Challenging Generation Whal wm uou answer uour chlld If 1100 are aslled wn111s nanorrna aparent comaared to nonor1no G-d? Wh!I did G-d command us to honor our mother? Whaus me dlllerenca between ·nonor· and ·respect"? What does JUdalsm naue to sa11 about the mother's role? 9:45 am: RECEPTION AND REGISTRATION Rabbi nota Schiller: THE REACHERS OF OUTREACH Rabbi DOUld Gottlieb: WOKING BACK AND MOVING FORWARD Rabbi Altiua Tatz: SILENT AND INNER DEPTH Rabbi oould or101s11u: WHY BE JEWISHf Rabbi aerel Wein: GENERATINGGENERATIONS Rabbi Not a Schiller Rabbi Ber el Wein Rabbi Akiva Tatz Rabbi David Gottlieb RabbiDovid Or/ofsky In memory of Rabbi Dovid Melmed !>"! For more information ·~ n~"""••~ ,,~ call: ~ OHR SOMAYACH INTERNATIONAL ~ ~ "'~ 888.0HR.588& or 718.677.8200 c Fax: 718.677.6299 •Email: [email protected] • www.ohr.org.il f § '--~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~--'j An opportunity for the religious community to experience the Gateways Seminarl • 5 Star Accommodations • Sumptuous Meals • Full Daycamp for Kids • Babysitting • Pirchei,Teen Learning & Q/A Sessions • DafYomi • Open Bais Medrash Topics Include: •The Amazing Realization of Prophecy • Encounter at Sinai • Fingerprints af Divinity •The Oral Law •Torah & Science • Women in Judaism • Understanding Suffering • Medrash Metaphor and Meaning • Parenting I Relationships • Self Empowerment Through Torah Hudson Vallev Resort, New York And Many More! • RENOWNED SPEAKERS • Rabbi Rabbi Rabbi Rabbi Dr.Andrew Rabbi Rabbi Gold(inger David Ordman Jonathan Rletti David Rothschild Mordechai Suchard Mrs. Debbie Greenblatt Please refer vour non-religious tamllV & friends to the Gatowavs Memorial Dav Weekend Seminar Mav 25·21, 2001 For Reservations call Gatewavs: 800· 122·3191 • 845-368-3860 • Fax 368-3859 •.. FOR OUR YOUTH Rabbi Yaakov Rosenblatt have stuttered for as long as I can significant. One particular incident tion of stuttering, I would admit that it remember. It began unanticipated, remains in my mind. Our daily sched is not all that bad. It is like trying to open I when I was four years old. For two ule in school had us davening Mincha a door with an imperfect key. It is not days prior I had hardly spoken, and my in our classroom at 2:00 p.m., followed painful in any way, but the frustration parents were thoroughly worried. On by recess for about fifteen minutes (it level is connected to how quickly you that morning, when I began to speak, a began as soon as Mincha ended, at about want it to open. The irony is also that significant speech impediment 2: 15 p.m.) followed by five periods of the moment you need it to open quick emerged. My parents were ever kind and secular studies, beginning at 2:30 p.m. ly, the slower it is going to happen. patient about it. As I grew older, I In our youthful sensitivity to spiri The silent Amida began, and I raced remember them encouraging me to look tuality and growth, we deduced that the through it. I did make up a bit of the lost at it in a healthy, normal way: "Just sooner the service was completed, the time in the process. "Some boys are remember, Yaakov, that some boys in more time we wonld have for sports. intelligent, some boys are overweight, your class are extremely bright and some There was an unspoken competition to and some stutter," I thought. aren't, some boys are extremely over see which boy could lead the prayer serv But the repetition of the Amida did weight and some aren't, and some boys ice fastest. One boy had completed the not go well either. All in all it took thir speak fluently, and some stutter:' Look entire prayer in nine minutes and given ty minutes for what should have been ing back at my elementary years, I hard the class an extra six minutes of recess. a fifteen-minute prayer service. I said the ly suffered on account of it. My mem He was the hero. last ushmo echad five minutes after recess ories are pleasant, filled with study and The school year had begun with the should have ended. fun, prayer and mischief, Talmud and boy in the first desk on the right side of The room was unnaturally quiet. tether ball. Surely, I remember well the the room leading the first prayer serv Even my friends were quiet. My rebbe comment about my speech here, and the ice; the boy sitting behind him led the was still unsure of what to do, and joke about it there, but ultimately my next day's, and so on. This system would quickly decided to give the class ten min stutter was no more important than the allow all students to lead the service an utes of recess - after warning us not to larger-than-usual ears of one of my equal number of times. make any noise as we walked through friends, which protruded from the sides My turn came a few weeks later. the silent hallway. I made a quick exit. of his head. Lunch ended and it was time to pray. I Growing up, I often dreamed of was called to go to the front of the room. becoming a great person. I wanted to be Someone called out "Ashrei!" and we all AGEMACH important. I wanted to be significant. began. My working definition at that time for Tehillas Hashem yedaber pi. So far so LoANFuNo... "a great person" was someone who was good. Vivarech kol bassar shern kadsho l'o .. .In memory of a loved one Joe Camel-esque cool, very good-look lam va'ed. Keep it going. Me'atah v'ad olom merits them netemal ing, and the best stickball player in all halleluka. I shifted into Kaddish- and that's pleasantness and light to the of Brooklyn. where I got stuck. Yis-yis-yis. I tried again. soul In Gan Eden." By the time I entered ninth grade, my Yisga-ga-daL Vey-y-y. I shifted into park (Chafetz Chaim) speech impediment had become more and prepared to restart my engines. The 7b establish a perpetual Memorial or A member of the rabbinical faculty of the Dal room was quiet. In my peripheral vision, Honorary Fund at one of our 18 las Area Torah Association, Rabbi Rosenblatt, is I could see my rebbe looking at me, won branches across Eretz Ylsroel, contact: the author of All I Need to Know I Learned in dering what was the correct thing to do. Yeshiva (Targum Press, 1995) and Maharal: No record breaking for Yaakov Rosenblatt, Emerging Patterns (Feldheim Publishers, 2001). OZER DALIM I thought. In time I completed Kaddish, n«rr '1lllJ He is a frequent contributor to the Dallas Jew 1301 Avenue K, ish Week. This article first appeared in DATA, a but it was a struggle. publication of the Dallas Koltel. If I was asked to describe the sensa- Brooklyn, NY 11230 (718) 434-2228 OlffDJiil11 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 43 I made my way to a staircase, and walked much the recipient. His intentions \vere changed. Looks were not it. Neither were up a flight of stairs. I reached an upper pure, but his words didn't console me at athletics. Great meant being smart. floor that was used for storage, and just all. I would realize, with time, that part and Great meant being rich. Great meant stood there. I didn't know what to do. parcel of any challenge- from losing a job being powerful. It meant being a busi So I cried. On that third floor landing, to trials that are inuch worse - is dealing nessman who owned a huge corpora I realized that stuttering was going to be with the way that others relate to it. tion. I constantly dreamed about being the challenge of my life. an entrepreneur who owned a con One boy saw where I went and can1e '** glomerate of successful companies, up the staircase behind me. "You dav built around my intelligence and per ened nicely, Yaakov," he said. "Don't hroughout my teenage years, I severance. worry, really, don't worry. It makes no continued to dream about being That was, I thought, if my stuttering difference." Ta great person. I was going to be would ever dissipate. If not, I wasn't sure. His gesture was kind, but I felt that he significant. I was going to be important. I really wasn't sure. was just "doing a good deed:' I felt very But now the definition of great had Looking back, it's clear to me that those years were the most difficult ones. I worked with a number of speech therapists, and spent thousands of hours doing the exercises they pre scribed, without much success. I often wondered about my future. About hav ing close friends. About marriage. There were ups and downs. A lot of both. Sarah Schenirer and her students changed the face *** of Jewry worldwide. They dreamed of saving the souls y wife and I bought our auto of young Jewish girls and brought these dreams to mobile, a '91 Chevy Lumina, fruition. Each one of us. our daughters, grandaughters Mthrough the newspaper, just after we 1narried three years ago. ft was and great-granddaughters. as wives and mothers of in terrific condition, despite its age and Bnei Torah, is a living testament to her great ideals. its 107,000 miles of wear and tear. The seller assured us that he had used it sole ly for highway use ("up and down the Please join us on a historic trip to Poland parkway") and had used exclusively premium gasoline ("only ninety lyar 6-1 OI April 29-May 3 seven"), and we believed him. Over the We will be commemorating her life's work last three years, it has acquired a capi tal gain of 45,000 miles and some with a special dedication at the original Bais Yaakov Seminary remodeling. (The "remodeling" of our building at 1O Stanislawa Street, Cracow front grill occurred when a pick-up truck pulled away from a green traffic The trip will be centered on places of historic significance light a bit slower than I did; the "refac and tl'i'''r~ ''1!1i' in the Cracow & Warsaw areas ing" of our side door occurred when a and will feature noted guest lecturers. cement barrier in a gas station refused to yield for me.) More significantly, our car has two car seats in the back, where our two children, Yehuda and Batya, sit. Further details will follow. The seller had indeed taken care of the For more information, please call: car, as the body of the car indicated. But as the years go by, 1naintenance is never AGUDAH WOMEN (212) 363-8940 a tender($$) issue($$). Several months Mrs. Shulamis Goldberg (718) 375-2836 (7·1Dpm) ago, our transmission began showing its or lax (718) 258 0243 age. The gears would not shift as smooth ly as they used to. I would stop at a red udah Women of America 44 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 light, ready to blow luminous smoke about other things, and not processing sig truce I reached with my speech imped (sorry) as soon as the light turned nals. And why people stutter less when iment has transformed my definition of green. But when the light would change, they're saying a text that they have already that dream in still another way. Struggling and I'd press the pedal to the carpet, the said many tin1es before, as the signals are with my impediment, and then accept car would pause. The people behind me packaged and do not need formulation. ing it, has brought me to see the world would wait a moment, and then signal Like our car, my speech in1pediment - and our one hundred twenty-year jour to pass me, thinking that my Lumina had knows me very well. It has seen me ney through life - in a deeper way yet. breathed its last breath. But then, as if in through high school and Beis Midrash. a burst of inspiration, the transmission It has been with me through my years wmtld catch hold, the engine would blow in Israel and Lakewood. It has accom a cloud of blue smoke, and I would rock panied me to marriage and fatherhood. his world is filled with wisdom. et off at record speed. I've come to feel comfortable with it, and This world is filled with inspira To the best of my knowledge, a even to appreciate its con1panionship. Ttion. It is filled with G-d. Great transmission performs two functions. For most of my life, I tried to force my ness, I have come to recognize, is First, it senses when the engine is sup transmission into gear. VVhen I got stuck, understanding more. It is understand posed to shift gears; second, it has the I tried to break the pause. That approach ing the longings of our soul for spiri capability to change the gears. Our wOLtld have worked, were speech to be like tuality. lt is understanding G-d. It is see transmission was either not interpreting a stick shift. But speech is like an auto ing people and understanding them, signals correctly, or else did not have the matic transmission, and pushing the pedal seeing their challenges and appreciating ability to effect the change. But we have harder does not make the transmission them. It is developing a passion for a soft spot for our car. It is, in a way, an move more sn1oothly. knowing wisdo1n. It is a passion for spir integral part of our Jives. It took us as Over the last few years I have called ituality. It is a passion for pursuing great newlyweds to Niagara Falls. It took me a truce with it. We have reached an ness - in order to pursue G-d. to yeshiva hundreds of times, and my acceptable agreement. I allow stuttering My stuttering has helped me reach this wife to work for two full years. It saw us to have the "first word." I give it room new perception. It did this by bringing grow into a family. It took us to Shop Rite for "expression." But it agrees to allow me to understand what challenges are: (the supermarket in Lakewood, NJ) myr me to decide the direction of my they are impediments that hold us back iad times, and saw our groceries evolve thoughts. And, it agrees that those from rnoving out of first gear and into from sugared cereal and bagel pizza, to thoughts should generally not be second. They make us pause-- and one-1ninute oatmeal and baby diapers. focused on it. To date, it has kept its part \vorry, at first, as we see the traffic mov of the deal, and we've developed a rela ing ahead of us. But, ultimately, they give tionship that is quite cordial. us time to think. They let us see the world This process of acceptance has around us and contemplate its deeper o my understanding, the faculty brought me to an entirely new level of meaning. And they give us an ability that of speech works much like a wholesomeness. I know myself better we never had before: the ability to race Ttransmission. Our will to speak than ever. I feel stronger than ever. And our engines, as soon as they do shift into prompts our brain to create signals, I feel more focused than ever. And n1ore gear, and take off at a much greater speed which are sent to the larynx, tongue, and determined to be a significant person. than we could have ever reached before. hard palate. Each of these receives spe You see, I still want to be a great man. I know. And, with all my mind and cific instructions, and helps create the A significant person. I really do. And the soul, I'm trying to know more. • sound. Speech begins when the signals arrive from the brain. If the signals do not arrive, or come in fragments, the (jldnut!M QIJ(~ (fflll/; voice created will be either blocked or if'\, 0 """ ~iiill/'"""l'-/-"/;g"' ~J?'0§t.'J ""!};;//+~ ~;;; stuttered. ' I ~ I ' ; , i •' : ' f I In my ( unauthoritative) estimation, 28 \Veaver Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 that is the cause of stuttering. That is Tel.: (401) 849-0051 • Fax: (401) 847-5902 why people stutter more when they're www.kosherbedandbreakfast.com tired; their brain is working slower. And Enjoy the freedom and convenience of a why people stutter less when they're on kosher guesthouse, located a roll, as the signals are coming in on 0 R C H E S T A A S only minutes away from the Touro Synagogue, time, on a fluent path. the oldest synagogue That is why people stutter more when 516 569 4949 in North America they're nervous; their brain is thinking 718 237 2988 For reservations call: 1-888-465-0051 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 45 Preparing for Pesach Rabbi Pinchas Yehoshua Ellis A comprehensive guide to making his delightful new Hebrew one~ home chometz-free in prepara Tsefer brings together in tion for the Yorn Tov of Pesach. one volume all of the Aggadic Includes a special chapter discussing literature which discusses our Erev Pesach which occurs on Shabbos. forefathers' exile and subse his excellent new title covers in detail the quent exodus from Egypt. ln Tproper procedures one should follow in addition to the period of preparing the home for the Passover holiday. enslavement, the Ten Plagues, Some of the issues discussed are: searching for the Exodus and the Splitting of chametz, selling the chametz, preparing the the Yam Suf, the book covers kitchen for Pesach, one who will not be home the receiving of the Torah at Har Sinai, the miracles of the Hundreds of Q & A for the f you like a" chassidishe Seder vort" this haggadah's he "Pesach I Night! for you! Written in clear, Book" is back, T easy Hebrew, Ezras bigger and better his year. Avoseinu contains a col than ever! Over you can be T lection of divrei Torah 450 pages packed the one with from some of the greatest with useful infor the answers, Chassidic Masters of past mation to help with a little and present. Compiled by you "make a help from the :he Bostoner Rebbe, sh/i kosher Pesach." "Seder Talk" Haggadah! ta. Take a look and see for !:j1,,t;::,~c:Y-2'Jl'fi2' yourself! Available at all Judaica bookstores or directly from the distributor: ISRAEL BOOK SHOP BEING THERE FOR OUR YOUTH Rabbi Shimon Finkelman Jljddos Instruction: rrereijuisile for Torah I. another Orthodox ]eiv entered the cab. The the reason for the death of the talmidim Hispanic driver told his new passenger: "You of Rabbi Akiva, whon1 we mourn dur saiv that felloiv lvho just left this cab? You ing the Sefira period. Had those A PROPER FOUNDATION knotv 1vhat he told rne? He works a block talmidim lived, they would have trans aivay fronz here, but he gets out here because mitted their rebbts teachings to the next he Arizal's famed disciple Rabbi it's right by the subvvay- this lvay, ['rn sure generation. However, their failure to Chaim Vital explained why the to get a neiv custon1er as soon as he gets out accord one another proper honor indi Tdevelopment of proper middos of the cab. So he 1valks a iv hole avenue block, cated that they were lacking in at least (character) is not reckoned an1ong the just to help 1ne out! one of the forty-eight qualities (either 613 rnitzvos. For example, the Torah "I see why G-d made you the Chosen dikduk chayeirim) closeness vvith col speaks about arrogance in very harsh People." leagues, or 1nachri'o l'chaj.zcchus) judg terms, yet there is no prohibition against ing others favorably).' Their deaths, a being arrogant. Proper tniddos, says THE FORTY-EIGHT QUALITIES massive loss, was deemed necessary so Rabbi Chaim Vital, are not included that the Torah transmitted to the next a1nong the commandments because he final chapter of Avos(6:6) lists generation would be fla\vless. they are the foundations upon which all forty-eight qualities through the com1nand1nents stand. \'Vithout T\vhich one can acquire the gift of YOUTHFUL OPPORTUNITIES proper middos, observance of Torah is 1'orah. Among these qualities are: rev in1possible. erence, n1odesty, purity, slo\vness to hile 1niddos refinement Society at large also considers char anger, a good heart, faith in Torah lead should be a life-long pursuit, acter development an i1nportant goal, ers, loving justice and feeling another W there is no q ucstion that a but in no 1,vay does it c ------~ ---~--- The Jewish Observer, March 200 I 47 the Chafetz Chaim writes that from their bidden, they find it hard to change tained that the same applies to the griev early youth, children should be taught tbe their bad habits. ous sin of en1barrassing others. If, fro1n severity of the sin of forbidden speech: "This would not be the case if their their early youth, children would be "The reason why the bitter sin of parents would train them when they taught the severity of embarrassing oth lashon hara is so widespread is that are young not to speak against any Jew. ers, and that our Sages liken this to mur children become accusto1ned to saying Then, this mitzva would become der,' they would grow up with the firm whatever they want [concerning oth implanted in them and they would resolve never to e1nbarrass anyone. ers J without a word of protest [by their find it easy to be careful about lashon In our day and age, drawing the parents and teachers J. It never enters hara as they grow older. And through inherent n1iddos lessons fro1n the reg the children's minds that they are this, they \\'ould merit blessing in this ular curriculum will not suffice. In the doing anything wrong. When they get world and the Next."• words of the Philadelphia Rosh Yeshiva, older and are told that such talk is for- The Manchester Rosh Yeshiva main- Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetzky: "It is in1portant that every yeshiva, rnesivta and Bais Yaakov set aside specific time for instruction in proper middos." What think Over the years, the worlds of Torah do you chinuch and publishing have produced many excellent rniddos-teaching tools, when hear geared primarily for elementary school of you level. Below, so1ne recent ones are reviewed. ''Switzerland''? II. .J1 ·~: IJ 't' PROJECT RESOLVE ·.4 - ! hazal tell us that "HaKadosh Baruch Hu could find no vessel Cwhich would hold Israel's bless 'y ing as well as peace.'\ Moreover, achdus (unity) among the Jewish people was a precondition to their receiving the Torah at Sinai.' The pain and ill feelings that can be generated by discord among friends, family and community need not be The enchanting snow dwelled upon. Above, we quoted the capped Swiss Alps? Chafetz Chaim and the Manchester The world's most out Rosh Yeshiva regarding the importance standing timepieces? of training children when they are ~efinitely; but now there 1s something more ... young to refrain from speaking lashon The natural goodness hara and causing others embarrassment. of genuine Parve and Rabbi Chaim Trainer of Los Angeles has milk (CholovYisroel) created Project Resolve, a program Schmerlingchocolates. One taste and you will geared for children ages nine to twelve never settle for "make to develop skills in maintaining peace believe" Swiss chocolate and harn1ony in their interpersonal ever again. relationships. The centerpiece of this pro Taste the Schmerling difference. It's one of gram is an excellent workbook entitled those special things that 1 makes Switzerland • SeferChofetzChai111, footnote to HilchosLashon SautU"rliKS Hara9:5 famous. 'BavaA1etzia59a Switzerland chocolates & cheeses. ,, A1ishna Uketzin3:12 U.S.A. IMPORTER TA.AM TOV FOODS, INC, BROOKLYN, NY 11232 See Ohr 1-IaChaim to Shemos 19,2 48 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 Shalom Secrets, which presents 32 ideas educational program, which for making and preserving peace. A com includes seminars for parents panion Teacher-Parent Guide provides and educational texts and pro- guidance in how to best use the mate grams for students, rial, and also provides a program which has been imple can be used to reinforce the n1any les mented in some sons which the book imparts. While two hundred some of the ideas in Shalom Secrets schools around may seen1 a bit sin1plistic (a point the world. To which Rabbi Trainer addresses more quote the late than once in his book), there is no President of doubt that children will emerge Agudath Israel, from this project with their middos Rabbi Moshe significantly in1proved, more Sherer: "Pro- equipped to get along with others ject Derech's for the rest of their lives. structured A book on shalom must, by its approach very nature, touch on concepts toward such as judging others favorably, avoid developing ing hurtful language or causing others Torah scholar for my proper values embarrassment. While this is an in1por granddaughter. However, it is in school children is just tant added benefit of incorporating written, 'ntn V'N? 'l"1rn 'l"O l"1N, My what the doctor ordered. We, at Agu this book into one's school curriculum daughter I have given to this mentsch dath Israel, have heard from many or making it into a family project, its (man)' (Devarim 22,16) (In Yiddish, schools that have embraced the cur main goal - achieving greater peace mentsch (man) is used to describe a riculum, that this program really works:' among Jews both young and old - can n1ature, considerate individual.] Have The project's texts are built around not be overestimated. In fact, parents and you established that he is worthy of this the timeless laws of Shulchan Aruch teachers who make an effort to impart description ... ?" regarding honoring parents, rebbeim, Rabbi Trainer's words to their charges A decade ago, Project Derech (as in talmidei chachamim and elders,• but will find themselves having gained a ilill"1' nr.:rrp yiN ,,.,, derech eretz precedes stress the importance of acting toward heightened awareness of the need to [the study of} Torah) was launched with everyone with respect. Workbooks are maintain shalom in all instances and they, the goal of instilling respectful behavior taught in school and reviewed at home too, will find some of his suggestions in today's youth. To date, its innovative with parents. The original "Primer in quite useful. Derech Eretz" is now available in ., Vayikra Rabba 9:3. It is no exaggeration to say that Pro ject Resolve has the potential to contribute significantly to the maintaining of shalom bayis in the next generation. For this, Rabbi He Deserves a Camp Aishel Summer Trainer deserves our eternal gratitude.' For boys, teens and young men with emotional PROJECT DERECH disabilities or mild developmental disabilities. Camp Aishel is located on the grounds of Camp uring the engagement period of Avraham Chaim Heller and Camp Mogen Avraham in the heart of the Catskills, in New York State. Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzensky to the granddaughter of Rabbi We are currently accepting applications for camper & D staff openings, For further information please contact: Yisroel Salanter, Reb Chaim Ozer cor OHEL Children's Home & Family Services responded with the mussargiant in Tal 718-851-6300 • Fax: 718-851-1672 n1udic discussion. Reb Yisroel later wrote to his son-in-law: "I am convinced that you have selected an exceptional 3 InfiJrmation regarding Project Resolve and Shalo1n Secrets can be obtained by writing to: Rabbi Chain1 Trainer, 349 North Detroit Street, Los Angeles, Ca. 90036; calling 323-549-0279 or faxing 323-549-0289. The Jewish Observer, March 2001 49 English (yeshiva or day-school ver outgrowth of conference calls with the ing and teaching may tax his or her busy sions), Yiddish, lvrit, Russian and Span dedicated school coordinators. A recent schedule - we adults have as much to gain ish. Learning is complemented by monthly theme was the commandment from reading this book as do our children, newsletters, contests and other creative not to bear a grudge. The striking poster and will find it a very enjoyable experience. endeavors. For older boys, a compilation contained a short poem: of questions and answers on the laws of "Friendships are ended) families torn ROLE MODELS kibud av v' eim has been produced by apart) Rabbi Moshe Blum, under the guidance because a grudge lingers on in someone)s s a mechanech, I find reading biog· of Rabbi Avraham Pam.'" heart. raphies of true role models aloud It's so hard to forgive when the hurt n class to be a highly effective MISHMERES remains) method of conveying lessons in good but the effort is worth the merit you gain. middos. For example, the importance of ounded more than a decade ago For when you forgive, Hashem forgives being considerate towards others is con through the Manchester Rosh you) veyed quite effectively by the story of FYeshiva's inspiration, the Chafetz live - don't re-live Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky remaining Chaim Heritage Foundation has earned You'll be a healthier You." 11 awake all night out of concern that an the gratitude of the Torah community alarm clock might awaken his gentile for spreading shemiras halashon aware neighbor;" or by the incident where Rabbi ness and study, as well as for its nation A SHIP FULL OF LESSONS Yehudah Segal, after inadvertently dis wide assen1blies to strengthen other areas turbing a wo1nan's sleep in an Austrian of 1nitzvos bein adan1 lachaveiro ( rnitzvos bi Baruch Chair's new book, hotel, wrote her a letter of apology." between man and his fellow). Among he Incredible Voyage to Good Of course, the most effective middos its major projects is Mishmeres, which ru iddos (distributed by Feld lesson is when \Ve as parents and edu unites high school girls across North heim Publishers), is a brilliant combi cators are proper role 1nodels for our An1erica to strengthen themselves in nation of entertaining plot) stunning charges. As I write these lines, I am shemims halashon and other areas of illustration (by Gadi Pollack) and reminded of three brothers whom I character development which have an candy-coated tniddos instruction. A have had the pleasure of teaching dur· i1npact on how we relate to others. take-off on the tragic story of the ill ing my years as a rebbi. Each of these The project currently encompasses 62 fated Titanic, the book focuses on a ship children is a model student; respectful schools (with some 8,300 students), full of baalei gaava, people from all towards his elders, well liked by his \vhich receive a monthly Mishnieres vvalks of life who have one thing in con1- peers, and exceptionally dedicated in packet with material for the" Midah of mon: they are smitten with conceit. his studies. Only Hashem can know in the month:' These include newsletters Rabbi Chair's lessons in proper behav what merit parents are blessed with and eye-catching posters along with sug ior are drawn primarily from the eth such children, but I did gain some gestions for contests and group activi ical classic Orchos Tzaddikim which sees insight one year on P.T.A. night. After ties. Many of the Mishmeres ideas are the gaava as the root of all sorts of nega completing an earnest conversation tive behavior. Readers of all ages will with the mother concerning her son's HJ For n1ore infOrn1ation, contact Project Derech find the cast of characters and their middos development, I was surprised to at 16 Frontenac Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, antics both ainusing and instructive see her enter the classroom for a sec Canada MSN 1Z5, (416) 782-4026/9344, fax: (416) 782-4629. (though one hopes that the reader will ond time that night. She had come to not see certain characters as stereotypes ask mechila (forgiveness) out of con· of the particular groups they portray). cern that in the course of our conver Children will gain from and enjoy read sation, she may have expressed herself ~" Invei ing the story and illustrations. HoV\'ever, somewhat strongly) in a manner bor they will gain far more from having an adttlt dering on disrespect to the rebbi. I B!::"( Hagefen read along with them - especially the pages assured her that such had not been the ~(fer showing each character in both his yetzer case, but the memory of this aishes CC~l. ( The Shidduch service hara and yetzer hatov "modes:' These are chayil's demonstration of good middos C.,Ll for older singles replete with profound lessons conveyed in ren1ains with 1ne. • a straightforward and interesting way. The lL A project of N'shei "Fron1 Reb Yaakov: 111e Life and Ti1nes ofHaGaon Agudath Israel with adult need not worry that the task of read- Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky, Yonason Rosenblu1n, Agudath Israel of America {Mesorah Publications), p. 261. 66!913thAvenue,Brooklyn,NY 11219 ''For n1orc information, contact Nlish1neres, 11 l " Fro1n The Manchester Rosh Yeshivah: The Life Tel. (718) 256-7525 •Fax (718) 256-7578 Clifton Avenue, Suite 8, Lakewood, NJ 08701, and Ideals of J-laGaon Rabbi Yehudah Zev Segal (732) 905-7944, Fax: (732) 905-7943. (Mesorah Publications). 50 The Jewish Observer, Morch 2001 A Seminar for All Rebbeim, Teachers, Specialists, Administrators a- Parents The Eighth National Scientific Conference On Jewish Chilctren a Young Actults with Learning Disabilities April 30, 2001 • New York Grand HyaH Hotel Featuring Dr. Mel Levine, M.D. , IJr. UVine is a wortd·renowned p~or Of pediatrics ana teaming d/S¢1itities expert; Author Of Eauc¢:iona1 care, All Kinas Of MindS, f(eeplng Ahead in school, and m11nY."ther 11ootcs and articles. Foun!fer Of ~111f<.inasof Minas,n a (llltionallyl'e~'!flnizedQrganization ... dedlc¢:C?d to pf11(essional fr¢ning ana r~·in neurOde:VetOpmentat peaiatrics. ASacred Call On Behalf of the Mitzvah of Shvi'is By Roshei ttayeshivos in flmerica We find ourselves already in the very midst of the Shmittah year 5761,and we were very heartened by the wonderful report conveyed to us from the Holy Land that thousands of farmers in hundreds of settlements have ceased their work in field and vineyard as the Torah commands them, with self sacrifice and outstanding courage but with neither compromises nor excuses. fl timely mitzvah such as this is most precious, and it is well known to all how much effort was expended by the Gedo Jim of past generations as well as our present one to awaken the community---and the individuals who comprise it---to the responsibility of entering into serious partnership with our farmer brethren, and to shoulder with them the burden of fulfilling the Mitzvah of Shmittah, the romifications of which are relevant to each and every Jew, as described in the Torah and in the words of Chazal. These "mighty ones of spirit'---as Chazal refer to thern--bestow merit upon the public, for they are the representatives of Jews wherever the latter reside. Since they have put aside the work that is their source of livelihood during the other six years of the Shmittah cycle, it is incumbent upon us to join with them as reliable partners to enable them to support their families, for if not, the challenges they face may prove to great to bear. These thousands of farmers are affiliated with the "National Center for Shrnittah-Observant farmers" founded by the Ga on and Tzadik, Rav Binyami]},, Mendelson, ztvk'I, Rav of Komemius, and it is the 'Keren Hashvi'is" organization that helps carry the burden of financial support for these Shrnitt¥//; observers through monetary stipends, thereby providing them with the strength necessary to be the "mighty ones of spirit' who stand firm in therr .· > difficult circumstances. fit a meeting of Roshei Yeshivas that convened on Yorn Sheini of Pars has Vayeishev, 21 Kislev, it was decided to turn with a declaration of encouragement to the holy people Israel, for whom love ofTorah, the sanctity of Eretz Yisroel and fulfillment of the Mitzvos that pertain therein are certainly important, to lend their assistance to enable the "mighty ones of spirit" to endure. Since the Gedo lei Yisroel in Eretz Yisroel have called upon each Jew to contribute generously to Keren Hashvi'is and have established $120 as the minimum donation, it certainly behooves those of us who live outside Eretz Yisroel---for whom financial support of the farmers, rather than actual observance in field and vineyard, is the only means of participating in this great Mitzvah upon which our continued presence in Eretz Yisroel depends, as stated in our holy Torah---to act likewise in our communities_ Therefore, we call upon all heads of household, and in particular our students, graduates of the yeshivas, to contribute with uncommon generosity to Keren Hashvi'is, and he who adds to his donation will surely receive additional blessing from Heaven, and at a minimum one should not contribute less than the sum of $120 mentioned earlier. It is also appropriate to be among those who help solicit contributions from others on behalf of this unique Mitzvah whose blessing accrues to those who observe it and support it as described in the Torah. In the merit of the proper observance of the Mitzvah of Shmittah according to the laws of the Torah, may all of us together be worthy of experiencing an everlasting deliverance with the corning of the Redeemer to Tziyon in song, speedily in our time, Amen. Rabbi Aaron Mosht! S<:lleditM Rabbi Dovld felnstein Rabbi Meir Sttm Rabbi Shlomo Mandel R&bbi YHkov YiU:dtak Nel.!man Ye>flMJ Me<,Yra(MimS.1!Jo T''""'"'''"'l'oroy.m Y»lwot;eefolc-holi>J"o" Ye,J;;voo!il«>c.kl)'O 6ef,,M""W~i Rabbi Dovld Kviat Rabbi Menashe Klein Rabbi Shkmlc> Miller Rabbi Yf l•m•m•h1,. ,.,,_, 10 1 1 Enclosed is my contribution of$ t fretz \'isroe! and Arnertco ~ ~~~~~ °1 OJ.It GedoJeJ Yisroel in I 1 5 ::i $10 000 - - o cover the fortowino; YES • £retzYisroelwhooreoh$erv· Shs 11 eover5,000fcirmersln Natne mo mJtohthJsyeor. ' Shmitoh Partner o s;,ooo Address ----- CJ $2,SOO ... FOR OUR YOUTH Rabbi Ari M. Zaidoff Information and Insights Worth Learning ... and Sharing THE MESSAGE OF THE of our brothers and sisters who are sin I still believe that time should be UNANSWERED QUESTION cerely trying to understand their reli made for learning hashkafa; in most gion! These days, is there anyone who cases, a half-hour period once a week few years ago, I was waiting for can say he doesn't run into such people? would suffice to deal with almost all of a bus on my way home from kol What's more, Rashi in Mishlei says the issues, both classic and contempo Ael in Yerushalayim when an that at times, not answering a question rary, if the teacher is well prepared and American teenager asked me for direc is far worse than just missing out on can present ideas effectively. tions. We got to talking and he told me a kiruv opportunity. If the questioner And even if our children were not he was on a six-week program at Ohr (or presumably even a by-stander) liable to go off the derech for lack of it, Somayach, this being his first encounter would conclude from the ensuing such learning would most certainly with Judaism. We got on the bus togeth silence that Judaism doesn't have an enrich their lives as Jews in an alien cul er and he spent the next twenty minutes answer, he must be answered. This, too, ture, in addition to giving them added asking me various questions that had is said in relation to people who are spiritual fortitude. been bothering him. Voting, army serv antagonistic to Judaism. How n1uch Some people counter that to deal ice, women covering their hair and con greater is our obligation to answer the with contemporary issues effectively version were an1ong them. At the time, honest questions of interested Jews! If would require much time and the study I was a night seder rebbe at an Israeli a young man or woman who has spent of modern science books and other sec yeshiva for ba'alei teshuva, and I gave a years studying Torah can't answer ular texts. To this point I must respond Jewish philosophy class several nights a basic philosophical questions about that there are many works of hashkafa week. I answered each question as well Judaism or explain, even on a simple that deal with basic questions in a con as I could, and at my stop, I bid him level, the reasons behind our practices, cise manner. In addition, many Jewish farewell. what message is being conveyed to books have been written on the age of At that point I began to wonder those who ask? the universe, evolution and other such whether our average yeshiva student subjects; the information is easily acces would have answers to the questions that A PLACE IN THE CURRICULUM sible through appropriate sources. This are commonly posed by non-religious brings to mind the Rambam's statement Jews. Would products of our cherished have always had a strong feeling that regarding the study of astronomy for the institutions have the wherewithal to not enough hashkafa (Torah phi purpose of understanding Hilchos Kid ensure that an encounter like this be I losophy) is taught in our yeshivas. dush Hachodesh (The Laws of Deter productive, or even possible? Like all Agaddata, hashkafa is moshech mining the Lunar Month). He writes: "I The Gemora in Avoda Zara tells us es halev: It helps us to be more sincere have gathered all the necessary scientific that the Rabbanim who regularly in our avoda of Hakadosh Baruch Hu. information from the secular sources so encountered heretics took time to study Further, the Mabit in Beis Elokim tells you won't have to." All of the legwork the issues that were likely to come up, us that it is desirable for a Jew to under has been done. What's more, only the even though their colleagues who did stand those principles of our faith that teacher need read the works. not encounter heretics did not. If that's can be proven rationally and grasped by true in dealing with apikorsim, how our human intellect. On the other THE OPEN VISTAS OF AMERICA much more so to answer the questions hand, it is understood that many yeshiv as are pressed for time, especially at the ur family has recently moved Rabbi Zaidoff is a 9th grade Rabbi Rebb;i;·ihe high school level, where both limudei from Yerushalayim to an Amer Naftali Riff Yeshiva in South Bend, Indiana, coor dinates adult education for the shul, and engages kodesh and secular studies must some 0 ican city in the Midwest. I am in discussions with teens and university students. how fit into a day's learning. a Rebbe in the local yeshiva and my wife The Jewish Observer, March 200 I 53 teaches in the Bais Yaakov high school. Case in point - When I was grow yeshivas to step in and fill this role. After our move, I began to realize the ing up, Chaim and I went to the same We have crossed the line. No longer magnitude of this problem. I began to Orthodox elementary and high are teaching hashkafos and making see that it goes beyond the way our schools. His family was not so scrupu ourselves available for questions a mat youth appear to others, and affects the lous in mitzva observance, but they ter of optimal enrichn1ent. Our chinuch way they themselves think and feel. My were religious. Years after high school, system makes this approach absolutely wife once 1nentioned in teaching that I ran into him on Pesach. He was a sen necessary. she was not going to discuss the reason ior in college and I was home for vaca My decision to put these thoughts to behind a certain mitzva that came up in tion during my fourth year of study pen occurred last night. I was giving my class. One student was incredulous: "You ing in beis n1idrash in Bretz Yisroel. We weekly shiw· to baa lei battim in the shul. mean there are reasons for doing these schmoozed for a while, talking about Although it's not officially a hashkafa things?" I have found that unfortunately old times. It was clear from our con shiur, I always try to steer it in that direc that response typifies many people's versation that he had become com tion. I feel it's important to show them understanding of Judaism. pletely non-observant. I finally mus that Judaism deals with the issues that A number of children in religious tered the courage to ask him straight: bother people. This is especially so day schools have told me pointedly that "What happened?" because the Conservative and Reform they believe Judaism is at odds with "When we went to school, I had are a strong presence in the area. modern science. Many of them "just n1any questions - about G-d, science, "You see;' I told them emphatically accept the fact" that we discriminate evolution, etc. No one ever had any towards the end of the class, "we do have against wo1nen. There are 1nany hon answers for me.All our rebbe'in1 did was the answers to these questions - to the est, sincere people out there who just make fun of evolution, saying that the vast majority of questions that people don't know. Many have received notion was absurd, and it could never use to excuse themselves fron1 tradi answers along the Jines of "Oh, con1e have happened. Without explaining tional Judaism. How do people reject on!" But so1ncone vvho really cares to why. When I got to university, I met peo something with such major life impli understand won't be satisfied by that. ple, professors and students with cations without even calling a Rabbi to One of the reasons that kiruvorgan answers. That's when I started slipping." talk it over? Would anyone be so hasty izations often have more success with People leaving Judaism is not a new in relation to any other aspect of their teenagers than with other age groups is phenomenon. Everyone has bechira life? Truth be told, many people are not that young adults are willing to challenge (free choice) and often the grass looks looking sincerely for ans\vers to their others based on their intellectual grasp greener on the other side. It's distress questions." of the situation and even n1ake changes ing, but we can understand it. 1'here is Just then I noticed that there was in their lives based on their under little we can do if a person doesn't care someone in the shiur \vho doesn't usu standing of the truth. Much to our cha about the truth and wants to follow his ally come. I realized my blunder, but it grin, this is working against us in n1any desires. But for people to leave because was too late. You see, this n1an's son, religious homes. These days, due to they think there aren1t any ans'\vers to Yaakov, had a full yeshiva education and inany factors, hon1es wherein parents their questions ... how can we allow that not once were his questions dealt with. aren't educated enough (or don't take to happen? He is no longer religious. And here I was the time) to answer their children's ques telling his father that anyone who goes tions are increasingly common. Sadly IF NOT THE YESHIVOS, WHO? off the derech because of questions must enough, son1e of our institutions aln1ost not be sincere. categorically do not address these types et's face it. Our yeshiva boys - even The father of this young man didn't of questions. And with the questions if they live at home - are gone challenge me, but I tried to save myself becon1ing more and n1ore prevalent, Lmost of the day. And at night. And by saying that unfortunately there are where arc the answers to con1e from? on Shabbos and Sunday. v\Then does a cases where a person does try, but no parent really see his son long enough to one will discuss his questions. In such talk to him? To teach him? To help him a case, of course the person can hardly grow in yiras Shamayim? Even if the be blamed. Yaakov's father, still silent, time were to con1e up (like once every slowly nodded his head. 4-6 weeks on an off Shabbos), it is often After Shacharis in the yeshiva the next too late. Parents just aren't in the role morning, I thought about what had of guiding their children at this age any transpired and I cried. I couldn't bear 1537 SOth Street, more. If they are learning hundreds of it anymore. I took out my pen and Brooklyn, NY 11219 miles away froin home, all the more so! paper, and wrote. And when I finished, (718) 854-2911 It would certainly be beneficial, then, for I cried some 1nore. lill ------·--~~"·--·------54 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 PESACH THOUGHTS Yosef Gesser FROM SLAVERY TO FREEDOM ... FROM DARKNESS To GREAT LIGHT LINKS OF EXILE AND REDEMPTION which brought great anguish to both ence; the second destruction initiated a Yoseif himself and his father, Yaakov. Yet, stretch of exile that still defines us, as our ne of the most recurrent the1nes miracles took place for Yoseif, both dur current observance of Tisha B'Av testi in the Torah is that of "Zecher ing his journey and while in Egypt - the fies. But a ray of optimism was evident 0 l'yetzi'as Mitzrayim- in remem most remarkable, his ultimate appoint during the period of the Babylonian brance of the Exodus from Egypt"- most ment as viceroy of Egypt, despite hav exile: In the time of Purim, the virtu clearly manifest as the leitmotif of the ing arrived there as a lowly Hebrew slave. ous Esther was selected to be the queen Seder night, when we accomplish this This pointed to a definitive plan orches of Achashverosh - by far no paradigm objective through the numerous mitzvos trated by G-d through which Yaakov's of morality. Ultimately, in her role as of that night. But it is also a daily obli family, and indeed countless others, queen, Esther brought about salvation gation to recount this event as part of the would be provided for in their time of for her people through a Divinely Shema (in its third paragraph). And it need in later years. orchestrated sequence of events. comes to the fore again every Friday The Jews' sojourn in Egypt spanned evening in our recitation of Kiddush, many generations of slavery and oppres BREAD OF FREEDOM when we proclaim that Shabbos, besides sion, and was a period of intense afflic WITH BITTER HERBS serving as a reminder of G-d's creation tion. There were, no doubt, times when of the world, is also a remembrance of it seemed that life could be no different. he Torah clearly describes how the the Exodus from Egypt. In addition to its low physical and emo Jews at the time of the Exodus Another pivotal event in Jewish history tional state, the Jewish nation had been Twere to eat Korban Pesach. "With that calls for "remembering" is the affected by the depraved Egyptian cul matza and bitter herbs (al merrorim) destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. The ture that surrounded them, dragging they shall eat it" (Shemos 12:8). Matza, Sages instituted various practices as a them down to the forty-ninth level of the symbol of redernption, and marror, "zecher l'ch urban, in reme1nbrance of the impurity. Yet, even so, the Midrash representing suffering and affliction, are destruction," such as a chassan's breaking relates, the Jews survived by 1naintain linked. This linkage is also alluded to in a glass with his foot under the chupa, and ing their particular Jewish mode of dress the occurrence of the first day of Pesach the breaking of a plate at an engagen1ent. and their Jewish names, and speaking on the same day of the week as Tisha The fact that we are called upon to their mother tongue. The Talmud also B' Av falls that same year, indicating that "remen1ber" these two events - through mentions that Israel was redeemed just as Pesach is the festival of redemp words and actions - would see1n to sug from Egypt in the merit of the righteous tion, so is Tisha B'Av a time when we gest a connection between the1n, and \vomen who continued to have children look towards the final redemption. between the two seminal days in the Jew despite Pharaoh's decree of drowning all Indeed, observance of the fast day of ish year on which we recount thern, male babies. A spark oflight and hope Tisha B'Av also includes elements of Pesach and Tisha B'Av. Both involve the prevailed amidst the darkness. And, positivity and hope. Megillas Eicha, the concept of exile and redemption. But per above all, G-d Himself had declared that reading of which is central to the day, haps there is a profundity in their com the Jews would not remain in Egypt speaks of a meeting (using the expres monality that goes deeper. indefinitely: "Your offspring will be for sion "mo'ed") of the enemy forces that eigners in a land not their own ... and invaded the land of Israel at that time SEEDS OF HOPE IN THE they will oppress them .... Afterwards Megillas Eicha (!,15). But an alternative, MIDST OF DESPAIR they will leave with great wealth" well-known interpretation by Chazal (Bereislzis 15,13-14). Despite the con postulates that(< mo' edi i1nplies (as in its srael's descent to Egypt was precip cealment of His Providence, behind the n1ore usual sense) a festival, referring to itated by Yoseif being spirited away scenes G-d was readying the Jewish peo "fisha B'Av; and this verse serves as the I from his family by his brothers, ple for their physical liberation, as well source for the halacha to omit the recita Rabbi Gesser presently resides in M~;~o City, as spiritual redemption in tern1s of their tion of Tachanun on this day, as is rou where he learns part-ti1ne in a kollcl. A writer imn1inent receiving of the Torah. tinely done on Yornim Tovim, or if a \vhose articles have appeared in various publi The destruction of the two Battei chassan during his week of Sheva Bera cations, he has assisted in the production of many published Torah works in English. fJis essay, Mikdash centuries later similarly inti chos - or certain other mitzva-related "Beyond the Letter of the Law," was fe BA.KING MATZA: TIMETABLE FOR REDEMPTION owards this end, an encouraging lesson is derived from the concept Tof matza, as Rabbi Moshe Fein stein, ?-lll expounded. On one hand, an Livine: on the Ede:e individual beset by intense suffering Stories- of Inspiration - may feel like giving up hope, his belief in Divine Providence notwithstanding. On Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser eloquently recounts astonishing stories that the other hand, one blessed with riches teach us about compassion, human resilience and the power of faith. and influence may feel an inflated sense From Birmingham, Alabama to San Antonio, Texas, from South Africa to of security, as the verse states, "My might the Balkans, these extraordinary true stories describe ordinary people and the strength of my hand enabled me facing challenging situations. No reader will be able to walk away to acquire all this wealth." Matza carries from this book without being both moved and inspired. a message that G-d can bring about Avallable at Jewish bookstores everywhere or from the publisher: redemption so rapidly that the dough THE JUDAICA PRESS, INC.+ 718-972-6200 + 800-972-6201 + www.judaicapress.com needed in its preparation will not have 56 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 time to rise. He is ready at all times and those. The Ponevezher Rav felt that its full glory or experienced the extraor can effect anything in a fraction of a sec Torah did, indeed, have a future in the dinary happenings that took place ond. When solutions don't surface in11ne Land of Israel, and therefore purchased within its hallowed walls. And only one diately despite our best efforts, there is still the hill where his renowned yeshiva still who tasted the anguish of slavery in reason for hope that things can improve. stands today, long after the powerful Egypt could be expected to truly appre The following well-known incident Ger1nan ar1ny and its partners in \Var ciate the level of exhilaration of freedom illustrates this concept. In 1942, the Pon went down in defeat. that was surely felt at the time of the evezher Rav, Rabbi Yoseif Kahaneman, On Pesach, the Sages tell us, we Exodus. Perhaps if we attempt to expe '.?":it, related to Rabbi Betzalel Zolty (later should feel as if we had ourselves come rience, to \Vhatever degree possible, the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem) that he had out of Egypt. And regarding Tisha flavor of ge'ula in such sublime contexts, borrowed money and bought land in B'Av, we are told that those who mourn \ve \vill merit a sense of deliverance in Bnei Brak where he planned to rebuild over Jerusalem's downfall will merit to terms of the more earthly, yet immedi the Ponevezher Yeshiva, which originally rejoice in its rebuilding. Realistically, ate framework of our own lives and had stood in Lithuania and was forced none of us saw the Reis Harnikdash in challenges. II to close due to the war's destruction. At ' that time, the cunning Nazi military L.S, PRICES • . strategist Field Marshal Rommel was TYPE OF CAR OR SIMILAR 19 DEC. 00 31 MAR. 01 aiming to overrun Egypt, after which he ! .. would set his sights on the Holy Land, A FIAT PUNTO 3 DR. then under British control, as his next B FIAT PUNTO 5 DR. target. Anxiety and distress beset many C1 PEUGEOT306 182 of the Jews living in Palestine, and Rabbi C2 MITSUBISHI CARISMA 224 Zolty asked Rabbi Kahaneman the NT MINIBUS 7 SEATS 455 obvious question of how he could MT MINIBUS 10 SEATS 518 AUTOMATIC CARS think of building at such a time. The Rav D OPEL CORSA 189 Toll Free: replied that it was an especially oppor E DAEWOO LANOS 217 tune period to pursue this type of F SUZUKI BALENO 1.6 245 1-800-938-5000 undertaking, citing Chapter 32 of Yir G TOYOTA COROLLA 1.6 273 Tel in NYC: miyahu (Jeremiah): After the Babylon x CHEVROLET CAVALIER 322 212-629-6090 iari arn1y had surrounded Jerusalen1, G- XL PEUGEOT 406 2.0 sx CHEVROLET MALIBU 399 d told the prophet Jeremiah that he vx VOLVO S·70 630 FREE• one d~y car rental should purchase land from his cousin r EX MERCEDES E240 for each nlgllt spent at fLDAN . Chanamel when the latter would KX MAZDA MPV ELDAN HOITL JERUSALEM -- lT7l'lo.. ·va11d low Season Only , approach him with such an offer, and KT GMCSAVANA Group B u.r I be. Ins. that the sale be recorded for posterity. The prophet saw to it that there were witnesses to the bill of sale, which was placed in an earthenware vessel, so that ~ Prim• IP•l•c• ~-_A later generations be a\vare of it. Jere1niah Ol<7X9 ,10•,9 explained why this was vital (Verse 15): 0 ~ ., 1'1 l 1 ~ Hotel PRIMA PALACE "Thus said Hashen1, < ••• Houses, fields, JERUSALEM {Formerly "MERKAZ") and vineyards will yet be bought in this land."' ~ Glatt Kosher Rabbi Kahaneman explained that ~Luxuriously Refurbished only prophecies that were meant as ~ Close to Admorim, Yeshivot instruction for future generations were & Kotel. chronicled in the Tanach. (There were ~ Shul &Mikva on Premises countless others transmitted through For Further Information & Reservation prophets unknown to us today that were Please Call: omitted.) He understood that the mes Prima Palace Hotel sage of the incident involving Jeremiah 2A Pines St. Jerusalem and the land is designed to project an Tel: 972-2-5311811:Fax:972-2-5381480 opti1nistic view to\vards the future, Prima Hotels Israel LTD even in unpropitious times such as 105 Hayarkon St.~ Tel Aviv Tel: 972-3-5275660 Fax:972-3-5275665 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 57 Boorcs IN REVIEW Jeff Bloom ume is an overview of Reb Yaakov's have a granddaughter who devotes a teachings by Rabbi Joseph Elias, and a number of hours every week to volunteer s biographical essay by Rabbi Nissan work in Hadassah and Shaarei Tzedek Wolpin. Reb Yaakov's words abound Hospitals. Not because a bureaucrat in an with spiritual insight. Reading this sefer office sends her there, but because her is both enriching and inspiring, for what father and mother want her to be there. emerges from this volume is the voice Her value system will not be influenced of a Gadol B'Yisroel, speaking with a life by others. She is her parents' daughter. time of hard-earned authority for the That is the secret of our generational chain primacy of spiritual achievement over ofloyalty;' he concluded, "and we will not material striving. (Perhaps the "Life" in co1npron1ise on it." Harav Yaakov Kamenetzky: His Life and the title refers to the way his life reflect Simply put, a stunning statement, Teachings, Published by Chug Talmidei ed his teachings.) bringing to bear deepest historical per Rabbeinu Yaakov Take, for example, the following story spective on a contentious issue. And it that appears in a biographical essay that is all the more compelling because it is hose who knew Rabbi Yaakov graces the book. During a meeting with utterly free fron1 any drop of rancor or Kamenetzky ';>":;n in his lifetime - then-Prime Minister Golda Meir, Rabbi defensiveness. This family, his students, and the Yaakov Kamenetzky ';>··:11 articulatedAgu nun1erous individual Jews who sought dath Israel's opposition to national serv Historical Perspectives on Education his advice - saw one of the true won ice for religious girls. "I brought up my ders of the natural world: a Jew at his family in abject poverty;' he said."! owned his historical perspective is on dis full spiritual expression. They saw noth but one shirt, which my Rebbetzin washed play again in one of the true gems ing less than a "living Sefer Torah." every Erev Shabbos. Meat or chicken was Tof the book, "Ways and Aims in But those of us who came of age in a rarity on our table. My situation has Jewish Education," an essay written in the Torah world after Reb Yaakov's life, improved, but I still have no savings 1944 for The Jewish Way. Critics like to how are we to appreciate \vho this 1nan account. Yet my children and my thirty portray Orthodox thinkers as admirably was? Alongside Rabbi Yonason Rosen some grandchildren pray that they and pious but hopelessly naive, lacking a true blum's classic biography, Reb Yaakov, we my sixty-plus great-grandchildren grow appreciation of the degree to which Jew can now add a valuable companion vol up to be no wealthier than I as long as they ish religious practice has evolved over ume, HaRav Yaakov Kamenetzky: His perpetuate my values." He continued: the span of Jewish history (and by impli Life and Teachings. Collected here are a "How do we succeed in preserving our cation, should continue to change in selection of his essays and speeches value syste1n? Because I ahvays kne\v ways those critics see fit). While not writ (many of which would be otherwise dif where my children were, and they know ten as such, Reb Yaakov's essay on the ficult to find) spanning the years from where their children are. We control and history of Jewish education stands as an 1944 to 1985.Also included in this vol- nurture our children's environment. I elegant challenge to this toxic strand of conventional wisdo1n. As Reb Yaakov explains, an Orthodox Jew today can confidently claim to be ''PEOPLE WHO fulfilling the mitzva of shofar or mezuza as his ancestors did thousands of years DON'T HAVE AN ago. But when we look today at the way the Torah itself is taught, we see some thing very different. Both the methods AGENT-WHO TAKES of instruction and the curriculum itself have undergone massive, even radical CARE OF THEM?'' changes. He notes that while the Torah itself CALL ME FORA FREE commands fathers to teach their chil PROTECTION REVIEW. dren, we see that Chazal established a MARTIN LEVY network of schools effectively shifting Exclusive Agent ~ the primary job of transmitting the 103~20 Metropolitan Avenue Torah out of their hands. Likewise, Forest Hills, NY 11375 Allstate. Bus 17181 268-1700 You're in good hands. despite the rule against committing the FAX 1718) 268-4354 Oral Law to writing, that is exactly what © 2000 Allstate Jnsonmce Company, Northbrook, Illinois. 58 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 emerged. And whatever happened to the Jewish history - are put into a larger of the Chumash is like wearing the Mishna in Avos which prescribed the context and shown to be part of a uni miniature tallis kattan that one wore as study of Chumash at the age of five, fied scheme, namely, the preservation of a child when one is an adult. Mishna at ten, and Gemara at fifteen? By the Jewish people. VVhat, then, does an "adult" reading the sixteenth century, the era of the Bach of Chumash look like? One example can and the Shach, the study of Gemora had An Adult Approach to Chumash be found in Reb Yaakov's essay on become the overwhelming focus of Yaakov Avinu's response to the disgrace Talmud Torah. other great theme that emerges of Dina. Reb Yaakov poses a number of "Where did our leaders find author from these essays is how the questions, among them - why did ity to institute such great reforms in Jew }Jtudy of Chumash can be a vital Yaakov wait for the arrival of his sons ish education, constantly adapting it to guide to our encounter \Vith the con before responding to the outrageous the circumstances of tin1e?" he asks. "Or temporary world. Going through life, behavior of Shechem? Because, Reb to put the question in a better way: Why Reb Yaakov writes, without developing Yaakov answers, Yaakov had a complex did the Torah not lay down definite laws and expanding one's view of the stories set of considerations to navigate. On one and insist on their scrupulous obser vance just as it did with all other 111itzvos?" -;rJf.tt Service e~ff,f,1$1.Jf.Hity The answer, Rev Yaakov writes, • HEALTHY JOB MARKET hinges on the principle "Great is study • AFFORDABLE HOUSING for it leads to action!" He explains that • NURTURING COMMUNITY the form and contents of an educational e LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES system must produce desirable action, • SHOMER SHABBOS the way oflife commanded by the Torah. MEDICAL RESIDENCIES "Hence, with the change of times, • COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES methods of learning had to be modified and the emphasis (on various aspects of the Torah) to be shifted." • CHEDER • KOLLEL When parents were knowledgeable • 8AIS YAKOV e MIKVEH enough to instruct their children, this was the best situation. But as ignorance spread, schools becan1e necessary. Cir cumstances demanded the written co1n position of the Mishna, in order to pre serve the Oral Torah, which in turn, meant that the study of the Mishna became primary. ''As a result," Reb Yaakov writes, "the traditional rules of interpretation, stemming from Moshe Rabbeinu's time and enabling us to obtain the exact meaning of the bibli cal verse, fell into disuse and \Vere grad E SELECTION OF ually forgotten." Over time, the Written Torah itself"became to us almost like a BORSA.LINO HATS! primer (an 'Alef Be is' as Rabbi Yisroel We Also Carry Expert fitting • Courteous service Salanter put it): a mere preparation to Brand Name the study of what we still call the 'oral Individualized attention •Hat cleaning & Shirts & Ties, for tradition."' Big Tall as _.,,11, Renovating • Follow-up care long after sale & In this tour de farce, Reb Yaakov gives al Discount Prices us a brief glimpse of what Jewish his -I< tory looks like from the perspective of a gadol. Facts that otherwise seem to *""* have no rhyme or reason - the various changes in Jewish education that have taken place over three thousand years of The Jewish Observer, March 2001 59 hand, any effective reaction to Shechem the law, with a sense of responsibility would require considerable cunning and that transcends the yoke that the Torah guile. And yet, "as representative and places on us." Therefore, they merited propagator of truth in this world .. ., the sacred trusts of caring for the 1537 50th Street, Yaakov could not speak on a level transmission of the tradition to the next Brooklyn, NY 11219 inconsistent with his intentions, with generation and performing the avoda (718) 854-2911 out misrepresenting his n1ission in life. (Divine service in the Temple). Reb To do so would have been a Chillul Yaakov writes: "Yaakov chose those Hashem of sorts, a false projection of the whose concern would inspire 1nore than Divine attribute of Truth." So, Yaakov a sigh, who would be impelled to take waited until his sons returned ho1ne, staff in hand and wander from place to deferring any action to them. But the place if need be, out of desperate con violent response of Shimon and Levi - cern for their charges - a concern that killing Dina's abductors and the entire goes beyond elementary obligation:' Brooklyn NY 11218 city - went beyond Yaakov's expecta Between the lines of this essay, and We make "housecalls" tions, endangering his "progra1n to others like it in the volume, one can exemplify integrity and responsibility to sense some of the complex, subtle deci the nations around hin1.'' Therefore, sions that face a leader of the Jewish peo when he blesses Shimon and Levi ple. How does Yaakov's position as the before he died, Yaakov scatters them, dif embodiment of Truth, and its long-term fusing the power of their zeal. Accord implications for the mission of the Jew ing to Rashi, Shimon and Levi's descen ish people, balance with the need for an The Once-in-a Lifetime Purchase dents would be destined to wander the in1n1ediate response to Shechem? Where that you should never have to use: Land of Israel as scribes, teachers, and and when is zeal necessary and what are priests, respectively. Seemingly, a clear its limits? These were the questions fac KARKA IN rejection of their overzealous attack on ing Yaakov Avinu, and one suspects that Shechem. And yet, Reb Yaakov explains, Reb Yaakov was able to understand them BRETZ YISKOEL there \\-'as an aspect of true greatness in so profoundly because, as son1eone who Call Rabbi Gavriel Beer for their zeal, so much so that through it was called upon to lead Kial Yisroel, he they merited to be the guardians of our was responsible for formulating a information on obtaining sacred scrolls, the teachers of our chil response to the equally subtle challenges cemetery plots in Beth Shemesh dren and the priests responsible for the of today's world. It is that long-term per and other locations in Israel. divine service. Why? Because in aveng spective on Kial Yisroel - present on ing the violation of their sister, they acted every page of the book - that makes 0 I 1-972-2-656-9427 with a "zeal that is beyond the letter of HaRav Yaakov Kamenetzky: His Life and Teachings required reading - perhaps most of all, for those of us who did not know Reb Yaakov personally, but live in the contemporary Torah world that he did so much to both create and guide.• A New Family Project ID Honor PaYC111S mul Loved Oltcs ATTENTJON SEFER AHAVAS CHESED SUBSCRJBERS A nClv translated \\'Ork of the C..hofetz Chaim, in a daily learning funnat When you dedicate one day's learning in SEFER AttAVAS Due to a computer glitch ... CHESED you create a permanent, golden link between a loved one and some of the most profound words of Thrah inspiration if you submitted a change of ever written. 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