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After the Israeli Elections: A New Era for the Cotlltlluftli8-·:P;w0c· D

of urgency"

also: THE JEWISH OBSERVER

in this issue

After the Israeli Elections: A New Era? Ezriel Toshavi 3 The Teshuva Phenomenon I. "I've Had My Lack of Faith Shaken" from an article by Ellen Willis 8 THE JEWISH OssERVER is publis,hed monthly, except July and August, II. "It's Time to go Professional" by the Agudath of America, an interview with Noach Weinberg 5 Beekman St., New York. N.Y 14 10038. Second class postage paid at New York, N.Y. Subscription· Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz, Mashgiach of Mir $7.50 per year; Two years, $13.00; Chaim Shapiro 18 Three years. $18.00; outside of the United States $8.50 per year. New Casks for Old Wines, a review article 24 Single copy seventy-five cents. Printed in the U.S.A. Books In Review Waters of Eden, The Mystery of the Mikvah 25 RABBI N!SSON W OLPIN Editor Love Means Reaching Out 25 The World Is My Teacher 26 Editorial Board Guide to 26 DR ERNST L. BooENHE!MER Chairman Sign And Glory, An Anthology on 27 RABB! NATHAN BULMAN Ahavath Chesed, The Love of Kindness RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS JosEPH fRJEDENsoN as Required by G- d 27 RABBI MOSHE SHERER Second Looks at the Jewish Scene

THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not Too Many Yeshivos? 29 assume responsibility for the A New for Reform Jewry, Chaim Uri Lipschitz 32 Kashrus of any product or ser­ vice advertised in its pages. Letters to the Editor 35

JUNE, 1977 VOL. XII, NO. 6 Typography by Compu·Scribe at ArtScrofl Studios, Ltd. Ezriel Toshavi After the Israeli Elections: A New Era for the Torah ?

A Day of Judgment visit to settlements; a prayerful stop at the Rabbi ?":.'! once said: "Days of judg­ ; a publicity photograph of Mr. Begin ment come at different times in various guises. In some wearing a yarmulke, carrying a Sefer Torah. respects, a man stands judgment every day of his life. One might argue that Mr. Begin was also reflecting ... Other times, the judgment can be much more far­ the shifting mood of the land. In addition to the rise in reaching. Yorn Habechirot (Election Day) in Israel is the representation of the religious parties, two political such a day, for the outcome of the elections can deter­ parties that had made a lot of noise with their anti­ mine the form and shape of the State for generations religious stands suffered great losses: The Independent hence. For this reason, the battle of the ballot box is a Liberals, Gideon Hausner's party which has been mitzva-struggle of the greatest magnitude, affecting pushing for legalizing civil marriages, dropped in even beyond the confines of the State." representation from four Knesset seats to one; and The recent elections in Israel was such a day of judg­ Shulamit Aloni's virulently anti-clerical Citizen's ment. The Torah leadership in both Israel and abroad Rights Party dropped from three seats to one. recognized this and devoted unusual energies to cam­ Of even greater significance then speculation paigning on behalf of Agudath Israel. Among the many regarding the mood of the land, is the increase of who had spoken out, Rabbi Eliezer Schach (Ponovezher religious representation in the Knesset, and how this Rosh ) and Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky (in the will affect government policy. In the circumstances that U.S.) both publicly stressed that Israel was in the throes prevailed, the increased representation of Agudath of political upheaval: Every vote would count, and Israel and the leverage it has gained was crucial. The every seat gained in the Knesset could have far­ arithmetic is simple: 43 (Likud) + 2 (Shlom ) + 12 reaching implications, beyond normal expectations. (NRP) = 57, lacking the additional 4 seats required to (See JO April '77 for text of Rabbi Schach's statement.) have a majority of 61 (out of 120) to form a ruling coali­ May 17 came, and the results bore out their predictions tion. Agudath Israel with its 4 seats could precisely fill regarding the crucial nature of these elections. The peo­ Likud's need. The two sides entered negotiations. Ex­ ple's discontent with the Labor leadership was actly how did they go about this exchange? And what translated into a rebellion at the polls. As is well known, were the results? now - for the first time since the creation of the State - the Labor party has lost its control of the government to Cabinet Posts: Plums for the Picking a different group - Menachem Begin's Likud party. There is a tradition as to how polititcal coalitions are There is no difficulty in pin-pointing causes for this formed. Whether or not smoke hangs heavy in the air, disillusion with the ruling government. A fiscal the atmosphere is usually dense with bargaining, program that resulted in double-digit inflation, a trading, and the realizing of long-nurtured political calcified spoils system, a plague of extended strikes, a aspirations. In Israel's parliamentary system, support calloused sloth-like bureaucracy, a scandal-ridden Old­ of the government is purchased with "seats" - Fellows ruling clique, a foreign policy that seemed to mir.isterial posts that are the nuts-and-bolts of power, lack clarity ... twenty-nine years of the same was just and the meat-potatoes-and-gravy of patronage. From too much for the electorate. the vantage of his post, the minister exercises almost Mr. Begin's well-publicized moves right after his absolute power in his department, doles out hundreds elections seemed calculated to project his hard-line of jobs to the party faithful, and insures his organiza­ policies as well as a return to religious tradition: his tion's continued existence in a highly politicized state. However, membership in the coalition through oc­ cupying ministerial posts implies a share in the col­ EZRIEL TOSHA VI observes the Israeli scene for JO readers. lective responsibility for the government's policies.

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 3 This concept was formalized by Ben Gurion semi'? the Jewish people by Torah sages, expressing views twenty five years ago, when he declared it binding on that are a direct outgrowth of a lifetime immersed in the every member to support all legislation proposed by the wisdom of Torah. Indeed, when Menachem Begin of­ ruling coalition. But even outside of imposed coalition fered Agudath Israel a place in his government, all eyes discipline, membership in the ruling group can be unac­ were focused on this party; the entire Israeli ceptable as a matter of conscience. Thus, in 1953, countryside, the world press, and - yes - the Agudath Israel found its membership in the coalition leadership of the American government. And Agudath impossible in view of the Labor government's bill to Israel's political leadership referred the matter to the conscript women into compulsory national service Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, while the world waited. (Sherut Le'umi). It refused to participate in a government The Council is composed of the most highly revered that passed laws in direct opposition to Torah values, so Torah authorities in Israel: the leading Roshei it walked out of the coalition. and (Rabbi Schach; Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz, In the quarter of a century since, Agudath Israel was Mir; Rabbi Pinchas Menachem Alter, ; Rabbi offered membership in the coalition a number of times, Yochanan Sofer, Erlauer ); Chassidic leaders (the but before it could entertain entry into a ruling govern­ of Ger, Vizhnitz, Sadigur, Modzhitz, ment, the steadily mounting list of wrongs would have Machonovka) among others. While the details of the to be redressed. And over all such negotiations hung deliberations have not been released, the mere fact that the questions of how Agudath Israel could support a they did take place was the object of marvel in the ruling body that had promulgated so many anti-Torah secular press. (Some treated the phenomenon with laws; and of just exactly how much responsibility a respect - witness Maariv's two page spread with coalition member must assume for pre-existing govern­ photographs and awe-struck text in its weekend edi­ ment policies and rulings. tion; some with unconcealed disdain - see the Now, the offer was posed once again. This time, the Post's vitriolic, anti cleric editorial in its June leadership was in different hands. No longer did it rest 10 weekend edition.) with hard-line Socialists who 29 years ago could not br­ The political leaders of Agudath Israel had already ing themselves to mention G-d's name in the State's met with Likud representatives, and had worked out a declaration of independence, but instead "placed their list of conditions to be met for Agudath Israel to sup­ trust" in an ambiguous Tzur Yisrael ("Rock of Israel") port the Likud government. Now the Moetzes Gedolei - a term selected because it could also refer to the armed Ha Torah reviewed the list and set precise guidelines for forces. The new ruling group, lead by Menachem Begin, support of the new government. The condition seemed had a good deal more tolerance and some genuine ap­ to carry the potential for resolving a number of plagu­ preciation for traditional Jewish values and practices. ing problems, which taken together read like a list of While not all the burdens of collective responsibility the grievances that have accumulated against the Labor had fully changed, the possibilities of fruitful negotia­ government throughout its 29 years of rule. This agree­ tion did. What type of agreement could be reached? ment would at long last spell out the resolution of The Deciding Factor: these problems. "What's in it for Klal Yisrael?" - And the party gain? Nothing. No cabinet "seats," The trading, the dangling of coveted positions, the no heads of ministries, no deputy ministries, no juicy possibilities of the realization of long-nurtured dreams political plums. In contrast to the standard quid pro - all the props of political negotiation were there, but quo for insuring the formation of a new government, they were all unceremoniously brushed aside. This was the Agudath Israel was instructed to offer its pledge of a negotiation of a different sort. The criterion for mak­ support on all but "matters of conscience and religion", ing decisions was not "What's in it for me?" or even while stopping short of "joining the governing cabinet "What's in it for the party?" but "What's in it for coalition" - thus refusing all of the traditional rewards. Torah Yiddishkeit?" Upon concluding its deliberation, the Israeli-based The decision-making process was unique, because Council conveyed its views by telephone to its the decision-makers were also unique. Unlike all other American counterpart, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah parties, where this power resides in political steering of the Agudath Israel of America. (Membership in the committees, Agudath Israel has invested this power in a American body is also made up of world renowned group far removed from the petty self-serving con­ Torah authorities: Rabbi , Rabbi siderations of party politics: the Moetzes Gedolei Yaakov Kamenetzky, Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok HaTorah (Council of Torah Sages). This Council was Ruderman, Rabbi , Rabbi Yisroel established by the Agudath Israel world movement at Spira (the Bluzhover ), Rabbi Boruch Sorotzkin its very inception as its guidance council to and Rabbi .) guarantee that decisions on basic issues will not be After a two-hour conference, they telephoned Israel biased by narrow organizational interests, but by daas to express their satisfaction with the decisions reached Torah - an interpretation of the needs and priorities of in Israel.

4 The Jewish Observer I ]un.e, 1977 The Benefits drafted into the Israeli Army. (Israel's rabbinical The Likud's acceptance of the Agudath Israel's bill of leadership has unequivocally prohibited women particulars is now a matter of the record. The individual from serving in the Army.) Religious girls were allowed points of the agreement are worthy of careful study to exemption, but were frequently forced to appear before review briefly a painful past, and to afford some indica­ a special review board which would often harrass them, tion of how the problems of the past at long last will be quizzing them on technical religious information that mitigated and solved. Notable among these points areo many of them - especially those not Bais Yaakov stu­ Draft of Women: Under the present law, girls are dents - were not equipped to handle. A few were

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 s forced to go into hiding. Others simply joined without a The government will endeavor to institute a five-day struggle. work week in Israeli society, which will remove the Under the new agreement, the review boards will be sham from Israel's long-standing Sabbath laws. Also firm controls will be instituted to eliminate public tran­ abolished, and a girl will be granted exemption solely sportation on Shabbos. on the basis of a declaration, signed by her, notarized by a notary public, affirming that she is religious. Agudath The Abortion Law: A deplorable law recently passed in Israel felt that it could not succeed in demanding com­ Israel is the right to abortion-on-demand. The coalition plete elimination of the conscription of women into the agreement calls for elimination of the most pernicious Army, which is a blight on the moral character of the section in the Abortion Law: Paragraph 5, removing land. At least the exemption of religious girls will be legal sanction from abortion for "economic and social honored, after so many years of aggravation. reasons." Unauthorized Autopsies: Until now, patients who died A civilized approach toward the sanctity of life will in almost any hospital in Israel could be subjected to a once again be restored to the law of the land. post-mortem examination, ostensibly for research pur­ Mihu Yehudi: The Chok Hashvut grants special poses - a clear violation of Torah law. While legally privileges to all Jews who emigrate to the Holy Land - performance of an autopsy required signatures of three both those born Jewish and converts to . doctors, the forms for autopsies were signed as a matter Nowhere does this law stipulate that conversions be of routine - often in advance of the patient's death, as performed in keeping with halachic requirements, thus the State Comptroller repeatedly charged in his annual opening the door to conferring official status as Jews to reports. The situation was such that many critically ill non-Jews. who underwent spurious non-halachic con­ people refused hospitalization for fear of post-mortem versions under the auspices of Conservative and tampering. This has been a point of bitter contention Reform rabbis. between the religious community and the medical es­ tablishment. Under the new agreement, the government will ap­ point a committee to draft legislation to amend the law, Under the new agreement, the system existing in vir­ to specify that only conversions performed in accor­ tually all Western democracies will prevail; namely, an dance with halacha should be recognized. autopsy can only be performed by informed prior con­ sent - in writing - by next of kin. Russian Olim: Russian olim have been assigned hous­ Shabbos as the Official Day of Rest: According to ex­ ing in outlying communities isolated from religious set­ isting law, factories and places of business are not al­ tlements, denying them many of the advantages of liv­ lowed to operate on Shabbos, the official day of rest. ing in a Jewish State, resulting in a spiritual deteriora­ But "essential industries" have been awarded a heter tion of the Russian immigrant population. Religious olim will be guaranteed choice of housing in religious avodah - permission to operate on Shabbos. As a result, well over a thousand plants are open on Shab­ settlements, and members of Agudath Israel will be ap­ pointed to be on the absorption committee. bos, and more "dispensations" were promiscuously awarded every year. This evaluation for heterim was Activity: Israel is the only country in the handled by a special committee that studies each re­ Middle East that permits Christian missionary activity. quest "very seriously" coming to the conclusion that Arab lands are officially Moslem states and they do not (in an authentic case) yes, indeed, sugar is an essential tolerate it. industry, because if the sugar plant is not operated seven days a week, it will be necessary to import sugar According to the new agreement, legislation will out­ from Cuba, which will strengthen the Communist bloc; law exploitation of poverty situations. This will and it will mean that Pounds will be exported, creating a eliminate the ' seducing impoverished greater imbalance in trade. As a significant side-effect, families to convert to Christianity by making them many , notably Russian immigrants to Israel, are dependent upon their largesse. not able to gain employment without Chilul Shabbos. Torah Schools: Torah Chinuch - especially the The new agreement provides for the creation of a yeshivos - has been treated as step-child in many new Knesset commission, including a representative of ways. Some of these inequities are going to be redres­ Agudath Israel in its membership, to review the com­ sed. For example: Until now, a child attending a mittee's findings, with all decisions subject to the ap­ Chinuch Atzmai school was permitted to transfer to a proval of Professor Zev Lev, director of the Institute for public school in the middle of the school year, yet Science and Halacha of Jerusalem. Permits will no transfer from public school to a Chinuch Atzmai school longer be granted on the basis of economic need. In ad­ was not allowed. Thus, parents who were unsure of dition, all existing Shabbos work permits will be subject their decision could change their minds in one direction, to review by the Commission within the first six but not in the other. This inequity will be abolished. In months of the new government. addition, Chinuch Atzmai schools will be granted

6 The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 status equal to government schools in regard to The Wall: The Kosel HaMaaravi (Western Wall) is un­ buildings, matriculation, and other matters, while der the jurisdiction of the Misrad Hadatot (the guaranteeing unequivocal independence in educational Religions Ministry). Requests by Conservative and policy. Reform Jews to pray there in mixed groups of men and Also: The Israeli government awards stipends to women have been turned down. Plans were recently every school of higher education, in accordance with drafted to remove the adjacent Kosel Daromi (the the size of its student population. In the United States Southern Wall) from the jurisdiction of the Misrad of America, where financial grants are given to students Hadatot and to put it into the hands of the Department of schools of higher education, many yeshivas gedolos of Antiquities or Tourism, allowing people to pray are recognized as such and receive equal treatment with there informally in mixed groups. In effect, the govern­ secular colleges (thanks to the pioneering efforts of ment would be sanctioning Conservative and Reform Agudath Israel of America). In Israel, the government services on areas bordering the Temple grounds. has been awarding yeshivas a stipend of IL 1500 a year This will not be done. Control of both the Kosel per bachur, a mere IL 125 per month. Universities have HaMaaravi and the Kosel Daromi will be retained by been receiving up to sixteen times as much annually the Misrad Hadatot. per student, more money per month than a yeshiva These are but several examples from a long list of receives per year. concessions to correct religiously repressive laws and This shameful discrimination, which says so much regulations. about the previous Labor government, will be The Prospect eliminated - parity will be introduced. The total picture that emerges from this agreement is In addition, baalei teshuva and transferees from one of promise for improvement in so many crucial tichoniot, colleges, and trade schools to yeshivas areas where the religious community has suffered, gedolos will be accorded all rights and privileges of finding itself pushed into an untenable corner ... long-standing yeshiva students - a status that had been funding of religious education had been limited, denied them under existing law. religious girls browbeaten into Army service against Pornography: Movie advertisement displaying por­ their beliefs, religious needs of olim were ignored, the nographic scenes on outdoor billboards will be out­ right to employment of the Shomer Shabbos job-seeker lawed. was severely restricted, even health care suffered from an underlying threat of post-mortem disregard of Common Law Marriage: Under existing Israeli law, religious sensibilities. While many of these aggravating lsha Yedua Betzibbur (common-law wife) is recognized problem areas are not mitigated by agreement alone, at for benefits such as retirement payments - a situation least the government's leadership has committed itself without parallel in America, where a party to such an to leading the country in this direction. This is such a arrangement does not collect Social Secuirty benefits, radical break with the past situation, that its implication for instance, for disability or death of the other. This cannot yet be fully evaluated. scandalous sanctioning of illicit relationships will be eliminated in future legislation. Yet, the situation calls for constant vigilance, and a number of bitter struggles may lie ahead. Indeed, some Rabbinical Autonomy: Under existing law, a rabbinical of the problems will be solved by executive order: court's decision regarding a marriage, divorce, or abolition of the review boards for religious exemption religious identity question was on occasion appealed from armed service, or assignment of Russian olim to and reviewed in a secular court. This will no longer be housing in religious communities, for example. Many possible. of the terms of the agreement, however, require legisla­ Similarly, denial of hechsheirim (Rabbinical attesta­ tion, and will probably involve some fierce battles in tion of kashrus) to eating establishments that violate the Knesset: the Mihu Yehudi problem, revocation of Shabbos have been appealed in secular courts. In accor­ Paragraph 5 in the Abortion Law, and the requirement dance with the coalition agreement, final authority on of informed prior consent for autopsies have already kashrus will rest with the rabbis. kicked up a storm of protest from Conservative and Grave Robbing: Archaeologists have been exercising Reform groups (in the first case) and the medical lobby free rein to dig ancient sites of their choosing, often in Israel (in the second two). The Begin government will resulting in the violation of old grave sites, disturbing need all of its diplomatic skills, backed by fervent bones that have been lying untouched for hundreds and prayers, to weather some of these storms. sometimes thousands of years. This has caused friction The new coalition agreement, if kept, can usher in a with the religious community, erupting in some very new era of better understanding and growth for Torah ugly fights with people defending the integrity of the Jewry in the Holy Land. It now remains to be seen old graves. whether these exciting new opportunities will become a Under the new agreement, permission will no longer reality and the hopes raised in so many Jewish hearts be granted to dig in ancient burial grounds. the world over will be fulfilled. ~T.

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 7 The Teshuva Phenomenon

I. The Ba' al Teshuva Speaks: "I've Had My Lack of Faith Shaken'' from an article by Ellen Willis

"I've Had My Lack of Faith Shaken" There is a mystique about "returning" to Torah - the baa! teshuva's deep, intuitive recognition of "this is where I really belong." The road to return, however, is rarely a smooth one. It can be strewn with psychological hazards, pitfalls of habit and hangups, and potholes of nagging questions and doubts. The outsider to the "teshuva process" has much to learn from stepping inside the skin of the baa! teshuva and sharing his ex­ periences, his agonies, his struggles, his insights. To be sure, when the "outsider" is without a commitment to Torah, the ex­ perience will offer him an introduction to Torah through the eyes of someone who knows his point of view as well, and this can be a most potent introduction to Yiddishkeit. But even a member of the Torah community has much to gain from this type of exposure. First, it offers an opportunity to fulfill the primary obligation of "carrying a burden with one's fellow" - knowing what he's going through. ft gives one an under­ standing of the many involvements and confessions that entrap our alienated brethren, how deeply immersed they are in them, and how difficult it can be to extracate oneself from them. Moreover, it allows one to share the intensity of the teshuva experience and to see Yiddishkeit with mature, yet fresh eyes. Indeed, for the serious participant, the teshuva process is not a casual game of ideological musical chairs; it matters very dearly. Witnessing its dynamics through his eyes, knowing its pinch and its glory through his senses, can put the blood-less devotion of many a life-long religious to shame by comparison. ELLEN WILLIS, a 34-year old journalist, was shocked by her younger brother Michael's "/'ve-had-my-lack-of-faith­ shaken" postcard from Yeshiva Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem. Miss Willis's concern for her highly intellectual 24 year-old brother and her psychological dependency on him prompted her to visit him and eventually spend several weeks in the Aish Ha Torah environs, and "rap" with its leaders. Her initial rejec­ tion of the idea of succumbing to an ancient religion, her subse­ quent penetrating analysis of the situation and the emotional earthquake she suffers, are all experiences that she has not kept

8 The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 for herself. They were recently published in ROLLING the one hand, this gives her presentation that much STONE (April 21, 1977), a magazine usually associated more credibility to the usual ROLLING STONE reader. with a rock-culture view of events, trends, and enter­ And, on the other hand, it does not deny her struggles their obvious validity, thus well deserving our respect. tainment - an unlikely place for a confessional article In the final analysis, she was not the member of the about an in-depth encounter with the baa! teshuva Aish Ha Torah student body; her brother was. "Tasting movement in Jerusalem. According to reports, her arti­ and seeing how good it [] is" was hers as cle ("Next Year in Jerusalem") triggered a greater flood but a second-hand experience. In addition, as she of letters than any other article ever printed in ROLLING herself confesses, her brother Michael told her that he STONE. In addition, rumor has it that Miss Willis "considered my writing a suspect activity; that jour­ received several publication offers from book nalism, like traveling, was a way of observing life rather publishers, if she would expand on the magazine arti­ than participating in it. 'Do you think you would have cle. gotten more out of being here if you had just come and To the JO reader, the article has a special fascination. gotten involved instead of having to think about your It demonstrates how hooked the not-yet religious Jew is article?' he asked." There was always a protective bar­ to the theory of evolution, and the implications of Freu­ rier between the subject of her article and her commit­ dian thought; how, without Torah, the searching in­ ment, in spite of the depth of her thoughts and emo­ dividual experiments with bizarre experiences and life­ tions. Thus, the reader should recognize that the article styles - such as the rock-music scene, and drugs (in her ends rather arbitrarily, for Miss Willis has not yet con­ case LSD - referred to as "acid"); how the truth of cluded her journey into herself, her entry into Torah Torah comes through with its vast complexities and life. pristine clarity; and how her absorption in the women's The article is best appreciated by reading it in its en­ liberation movement ultimately prevents her from fully tirety, savouring the moving prose of its descriptive connecting with Yiddishkeit. passages, following Miss Willis's progression of in­ The lack of final resolution in Miss Willis's article cisive thoughts and rush of emotions. The following denies the reader the satisfaction of a "happy ending." excerpts are offered to give the JO reader a taste of her She closes with a note of personal uncertainty. But, on struggles . • • • The Old Allegiances perception in ordinary life began to invade my acid I was disturbed and mystified by what I saw as my trips as well. I tried to fight that process - doggedly brother's swing from a skepticism more rigorous pursuing the right mood, the right situation - and only than my own to an equally extreme credulity. How made things worse; finally, frustrated and demoralized, could anyone familiar with the work of a certain Vien­ I stopped tripping. nese Jew possibly believe in G-d the Father? What puz­ The Lost Godlessness of Evolution ... zled me even more was Mike's insistence that he was In answer to my request for more details, Mike sent a being reluctantly convinced by irrestible arguments. It seven-page, single-spaced typed letter. I chewed it over, seemed to me that his critical intelligence could only be making notes in the margin. Much of it was devoted to in the way. debunking evolution. The marvelous complexity and On Acid I had, as Mike observed, experienced the interdependence of everything in the universe - so the something that Westerners have most commonly called argument ran - show planning and purpose and could "G-d" - the source of all truth, beauty, goodness. not have come about through the random process of Unlike Mike, I had felt that I knew what it was. "So natural selection. Plants and animals are perfectly con­ this is what it's all about,'' I have marveled. "It's so structed machines; the brain has been compared to a simple, so obvious. And I've known it all the time. I just computer. When you see a computer, your obvious didn't know I knew." But when I came down it was less conclusion is that someone built it according to a plan. obvious. The ecstasy - a word that didn't quite convey ("Rampant anthropomorphism!" I scribbled.) Every a feeling as natural as a spring thaw, as comfortable as detail of creation is purposeful. For example, ready-to­ coming home - gradually slipped away. "All G-d is," I eat fruits (like apples) have tempting, bright colors; would try to explain, "is reality - the simple, wonder­ vegetables that require cooking (like potatoes) are drab. ful reality behind the abstract concepts and ingrained ("What about toadstools?") No one has ever seen a habits of perception that keep us from ever really ex­ mutation that changed one species into another. How periencing it." And I would sound hopelessly abstract does evolution explain something like a poisonous even to myself. Soon, whatever clouded the doors of snake, whose survival advantage depends on a com- Reprinted with permission from International Creative Management © 1977 Rolling Stone. The article has been radically edited and parts may not read as smoothly as the original did. The conventional editorial devices (such as ... ) have not been used because they would unduly break up the text.

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 9 bination of traits, each useless alone? Did its poison sounded like me in the early days of feminism, talking come first, and did it then wait around millions of years to women who were unconvinced. It had been one of for the ability to inject - or vice versa? And why did those rare times when I felt both sure of my ground and creation stop; why aren't new things constantly coming sure it was in the other person's interest to see things into being? ("Human chauvinism!" I wrote. "Who says my way. That confidence had made me a good creation stopped - new life forms take eons - we can't organizer; now, on the receiving end, 1 felt defensive. even see plants g'..?w.") I wasn't sure why. I did not find Mike's anti­ ... and the New-Found G-d of the Scriptures evolution persuasive, but I was not, in any case, a dogmatic evolutionist. On acid I had had the strong As for the G-d-given nature of the Torah, when you impression that it was somehow in the nature of Reality study it in Hebrew, along with the commentaries that to ceaselessly order itself into complex patterns; even have been written on virtually every word, it is hard to before that I had been inclined to believe there was believe that such depth and complexity could have been some unknown organizing principle in the universe. achieved by human beings; Judaism is such a restrictive Once I had confessed to a friend, "I don't think the un­ religion that the Jews would never have accepted it if iverse is absurd." "You don't?" she said. "No. I think the entire people hadn't witnessed the revelation; it's basically logical." There was a pause. "Maybe," my Biblical prophecies predict the Jewish exile, and return friend said, "you need to see logic in it." Maybe. Either to Israel and other historical events. The prophecies way, there was no need to assume a god with a per­ were impressive, I had to admit: "Ye will be torn away sonality, a will or a purpose. from the land whither thou goest . .. and G-d will scat­ ter you among the nations ... thou wilt find no ease "But it's possible," Mike said. "You have to admit and there will be no resting place for the sole of thy foot it's logically possible." ... and gather thee together ....·" And so on. I began "It's based on a naive analogy. A chair is made by a to a headache. person, so the world has to be made by a superperson." "You're assuming the secular view of reality - that "The Talk" we created G-d, not the other way around. The Jewish He had been home several weeks when we had The perspective is like a mirror image. It's not G-d who's Talk. I was insisting that it was impossible to prove the like a human being; it's human beings who are made in existence or the nature of G-d. The ultimate Reality was G-d's image. Our way of making things is something by definition ungraspable by reason; Mike's belief had like G-d's way. We don't get the idea of G-d from hav­ to be based on intuition, not logic. ing parents - our relationship with our parents is "It's both," Mike said. "First, you have to have an meant to give us an idea of how to relate to G-d." intuition that logic is real - that logic tells you "Reality isn't a being with a personality," I said. "It's something about the way the world is. Then if an idea is just - Reality." illogical - if it's inconsistent with what you know - you intuitively know it's wrong. Like the complexity of "You had a mystical experience that showed you the world is inconsistent with the idea that it all hap­ there's a spiritual reality. Judaism says that on top of pened at random, by natural selection." this experience, which all religions share, we have a revelation that tells us what that reality is, what it wants "Not necessarily. In an infinite universe even the from us." most unlikely combination of events can happen -" "The idea that it wants something contradicts my ex­ "It's possible. But it's not probable. And when you perience," I insisted. take all the proofs together - the depth of Torah, the prophecies - maybe you can explain any one of them away, but you can't explain them all as coincidence. It "Not Your Experience, just gets too improbable. Reasoning can tell you what's most probable, and when you have an overwhelming Your Interpretation of It" probability your intuition tells you it has to be true. "Not your experience. Just your interpretation of it." "Well, my intuition tells me the world wasn't created "But I didn't interpret it. I just had it. That's what in six days." made it unique." Mike explained that the length of the six days of "Of course you interpreted it. You've grown up with creation was open to question, since the sun wasn't a whole view of reality that says we're free, we can do created till the fourth day; that there was no problem what we want. So naturally you see G-d as something with the idea of a biological evolution guided by G-d impersonal, instead of a G-d who says, 'You have to do rather than natural selection, or of humanlike beings what I want, not what you want.' " existing before Adam, so long as you accepted Adam as I shook my head, but I felt the presence of the ser­ the first true man in the spiritual sense - made "in the pent. Had I experienced Reality, or just another decep­ image of G-d." I was struck by the way he argued. He tive metaphor?

10 The Jewish Observer/ June, 1977 "I don't do whatever I want," I said. "I try to do that G-d controls your life, that you're not free. You'd what's right." have to submit to a lot of restrictions you don't like. "But you decide what's right." You'd have to change. No one wants change." "Not me, my ego. The part of me that's attuned to True. Reality decides. Realty defines what good is." Pretty "You have an incredibly complex and organized un­ mushy, my observer/critic remarked. iverse. Everything in it works together perfectly. The "All right. But in practice you don't really believe most obvious explanation is that a creator planned it that you're required to live a certain way. Except for ob­ that way. Everyone intuitively saw that - everyone vious things, like not killing. Judaism says G-d gave us believed in G-d - until evolution gave them an excuse a law, this is what it is, we have to obey it." not to. Or take the prophecies. You can explain them as a bunch of improbable coincidences, but why resist the Mike had been asking me questions I obvious answer - that they come from G-d, who couldn't answer: How did I explain the crea­ knows the future?" tion of the world? How did I explain the "It was the Bible predicting the return that gave Zionists the idea in the first place," I objected. strange history of the Jews - their unlikely "But it would never have happened if it weren't for survival; their conspicuous role in the world the Nazis," Mike said. "Another coincidence?" affairs? How did I explain the Torah itself, I had no answer. The prophecies had bothered me with its meanings upon meanings in phrases, from the start. And Mike had a point: why was it so im­ portant to me to explain them away? During my first words, even letters? session with my Reichian shrink he had poked my jaw "I believe," - I began, aware that I was entering a muscles and asked drily, "Do you ever lose an mine field of rhetoric, - "I feel I know, from my - ex­ argument?" With a shock I saw that I wasn't winning this one. Mike's premises were not only far more perience" - or was it just an interpretation - "that when we're in touch with Reality what's right and what sophisticated than I thought; they were the basis of a formidably comprehensive, coherent world view. All we really want are the same. To love and be loved, to along Mike had been asking me questions I couldn't have a just, decent society. To figure out how to make answer. How did I explain the creation of the world? that truth work in practice - to struggle toward it - How did I explain the strange history of the Jews - that's what life is about. Freedom isn't doing whatever their unremitting persecution and unlikely survival; we please; it's a basic ethical value. It means taking responsibility for the struggle. Not looking to some their conspicuous role in world affairs? How did I ex­ authority to get us off the hook." plain the Torah itself, with its extraordinary verbal in­ tricacy, the meanings upon meanings the rabbis had "But it doesn't work. Look at what's happening in found in phrases, words, even letters; the consistency the world; look at what Western 'enlightenment' has with which their analyses hung together after the 1500 accomplished. Total chaos, and it's getting worse." years or more than they had spent hunting down con­ It was the classic conservative line. Your utopian tradictions? I knew that "comprehensive and coherent" dreams are unrealistic, against human nature, look at did not necessarily mean "true." "I don't know" was the evidence. Bloody wars; repressive governments; the honorable answer. But it did not win arguments. nuclear threat, ecological destruction. And what revolu­ tion - be honest, now- what revolution has really suc­ ceeded by your standards? I was on familiar terms with The Friends this litany. Though I considered myself a radical, had I have frustrating conversations with friends who been a leftist and feminist activist, I struggled found it hard to believe that someone so sensible and perpetually with doubts (again). And if I believed, intelligent could be wondering if she ought to become finally, in my obligation to defy a pessimism that an Orthodox Jew. amounted to self-fulfilling prophecy - what was that "Maybe it's right for him; that doesn't mean it's but a leap of faith? right for you." "In a Torah community," Mike was saying, "there's "If it's true, then it has to be right for me." no crime, the family isn't falling apart. People are serious about being good people because they're living "You couldn't live that way." for G-d, not just themselves." "That's not the point. The point is, is it true?" "Intuitively, I can't see it," I said. "This cosmic dic­ "Maybe it's true for him." tator idea of G-d. I just don't see it." "You don't understand. Judaism claims to be ab­ "But you have to ask why. There are powerful solute truth. Either it's true for everybody, or it's not emotional reasons for not seeing it. You'd have to admit true at all."

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 11 "Nobody has a monopoly on the truth." Then, with Lorie, a teen-aged baalas teshuva: "That's the secular point of view. From the Jewish Lorie stopped several times to give coins to beggars, point of view there is an absolute truth. I can know it. I all the while keeping up a passionate monologue. just don't want to accept it." "G-d gives us so much, you just have to do "Well, why should you accept it if you don't want something back. I love doing mitzvos and helping peo­ to?" ple. A few agorot mean nothing to you, but you're giv­ "Because if it's true, then all my ideas are wrong. I'm ing someone food, making him happy. This religion is living the wrong way, I'm totally blowing it." so beautiful!" She was bubbly, breathless; energy rol­ "Who's to say there's only one way to live?" led off her in waves. "But don't you see? You say, 'We're free to decide I asked her how she felt about Judaism's view of how to live. 'Religious Jews say, 'No, you're not free.' women. So you say, 'We're free to reject that argument,' It's cir­ 'Tm dying to get married and have children. Right cular reasoning!" now. I'm doing tshuva, repentance, for having an abor­ "Why are you getting so upset?" tion. I killed a baby! I'm so upset! What could possibly be more important than having children?" I mumbled something about wanting to write. The Feminist Bit "Writing!" Lorie said scornfully. "I used to write, I Following her talks with Mike, Ellen decided to visit used it to get rid of energy. What's writing compared to Aish HaTorah on her own, as part of a journalistic creating a human being, a soul?" junket to study the " Teshuva Movement" as basis " It happens to be what I want to do.'' for a projected article. It was here that she met Rabbi and Rebbetzen Weinberg. What follows are various "What you want! I used to be that way. The most discussions that she had in Jerusalem on the conflicts important thing was to be authentic - to do what I real­ she experienced between accepting Torah and her ly wanted to do, even if it hurt someone. My ideal was feminist convictions. First, with Rebbetzen Weinberg: Meursault in The Stranger. Life was meaningless so why pretend it wasn't? Anyway,'' she said, "most I mentioned [to Rebbetzen Weinberg] that I wanted things you think you want to do you don't really want to find out more about women's role in Judaism. to do. Other people want you to do them.'' "Good!" the Rebbetzen said. "People misunderstand it.,, "Suppose I don't want children,'' I began, "or Then, with Reb Noach: anyway no more than one or two .... " I appreciated Reb Noach's technique. I realized that I Mrs. Weinberg's reply threw me. "If someone gave had, on occasion, used it myself. But my intuition was you money, would you turn it down?" unconvinced. I still couldn't see the ultimate Reality as "I don't get the comparison.'' Money buys freedom; a being who cared, willed, intervened in our lives and - children take it away: the instant I had the thought it might as well bring it up - decreed separate functions seemed unbearably crass. for men and women. "Children are a blessing," said the Rebbetzen firmly. "You don't think men and women are basically dif­ The conversation had taken a depressing turn. I could ferent?" no more imagine having nine children than contemplate "Basically, no,'' I said. "Basically, I think we're all climbing Mt. Everest. human beings." "I don't want to devote all my time to children,'' I "One of the craziest ideas in this crazy modern said. "I want to write." world," said Reb Noach, "is that men and women are "You can do both. A Jewish woman shouldn't spend the same. Men and women are two different species!" all her time with her children. We can do much more." I insisted that whatever the differences - and who "If I had a bunch of kids I wouldn't have any time could tell at this point which were inherent, which im­ and energy to spare.'' posed by a patriarchal culture? - they did not require "The Almighty wants us to use our talents. He women to devote themselves to as many babies as chose wouldn't punish you by not letting you write. You'd to make their appearance. Reb Noach shook his head. find the time.'' "Children are the greatest pleasure," he said, "but Well, maybe so. I wasted so much time, after all. No people today are so decadent they prefer their material doubt a disciplined person could raise half a dozen kids comforts to children." in the time I spent daydreaming, reading junk, sleeping "It's not just material comfort!" I protested. "People late. But I would never be that person; I knew my have a right to some freedom - some time for limitations. Or was that just an excuse for laziness? themselves -"

12 The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 "Decadence, Ellen. I'd have 50 children, a hundred. "Theoretically," I said, "I could throw over my entire Every child is a lesson in love!" life and stay. But I don't want to." "My parents aren't decadent! They've worked hard "Do you think it's important to find out if there's a to bring up three children - to educate us all -" G-d?" Suddenly I found myself weeping. "Well - " Leave me alone! Get off my back! "Ellen!" The rabbi's voice vibrated through me, "If there is, and we don't find out, are we culpable?" alarmed, caring, soothing as a touch. "I'm not con­ I don't have to listen to this! It's brainwashing, that demning people! Who knows who's better than who? what it is! I'm talking about actions. Mistakes, Ellen." "I can find out in New York," I said. I wasn't sure why I was crying - except that if my "If I offered you a $200,000 business deal," Reb middle-class family-centered parents could by any Noach put in, "you wouldn't say, 'I can make the same standard be accused of decadent behavior, then I was deal in America.' You'd say, 'Let's talk.'" completely hopeless. My loss of control took me by "I have a whole life to get back to," I insisted. "I like surprise. I suppose it was my first overt symptom of my life." culture shock. And again with the Rebbetzen: "Then you won't really try to find out," said the Rebbetzen. I has very conscious of the Rebbetzen, who seemed continually busy - though her admiring females guests "I didn't say that." competed with each other for jobs, there was always "Well, will you?" more to do - and continually serene. Finally the Reb­ "I don't know," I said, feeling miserable. betzen cornered me. I was not in the best mood to face Reb Noach. Dur­ "I think," she began, "that you think you have to ing our talks, he had been going through the proofs of hide your femininity to be taken seriously." G-d one by one. His theme this time was: "A design For a moment I was speechless. "Why do you think must have a designer." I had bynow had this argument that?" with several people. I still didn't buy it. Finally, Reb "Well, for instance, the way you dress. The way you Noach said, "Ellen, think for a minute: is there a reason wear your hair." you don't want to believe the proofs?" Oh, if that's all she means, I thought. She doesn't "Well, I can't deny that," I said. "I don't want to realize, I'm only looking this way because I've been change my whole world view. But - " depressed. I knew I had been neglecting my ap­ "Look at it objectively! If you accept one proof it pearance. doesn't mean changing your whole world view." Wasn't this the same old oppressive business of "But I don't accept it. I don't see that the order in the always judging a woman by her looks .... Nice try, universe has to be created by a personal G-d." but it won't do, I admitted. Face it: she's right. "There seems to be a wall here," said Reb Noach. "I The big lie of male supremacy is that women are less don't want to pursue this unless you want to." than fully human; the basic task of feminism is to ex­ He started on another tack. "Why was the world pose that lie and fight it on every level. Yet for all my created? For our pleasure. What is the one thing we are feminist militance I was, it seemed, secretly afraid that capable of doing? Seeking pleasure. So how can we go the lie was true - that my humanity was hopelessly at wrong? Insanity! Tell me - what's the opposite of odds with my ineluctably female sexuality -while the pleasure?" Rebbetzen, staunch apostle of traditional femininity, did not appear to doubt for a moment that she could be "Pain," I said. both a woman and a serious person. Which was only "No! No! The opposite of pleasure is comfort. superficially paradoxical, for if you were absolutely Pleasure involves pain. Decadence is opting for com­ convinced that the Jewish woman's role was ordained fort. For example, what's more important, wisdom or by G-d, and that it was every bit as important spiritual­ money? Ask most people, they'll say 'wisdom.' 'Okay, ly as the man's, how could you believe the lie? stay here six months and Lll give you wisdom.' 'I can't I was too much the product of Western libertarian - I have a job, a girlfriend, I'm supposed to take a vaca­ values to travel the Rebbetzen's route to self­ tion in the Greek islands.' 'Stay six months and I'll give acceptance, and so far I had not succeeded in finding you $20,000.' 'Fine!' 'What about your job, your my own. girlfriend?' 'They'll wait.' The Struggle "The soul wants wisdom; the body wants money. "Do you really have to go back?" the Rebbetzen The soul wants pleasure; the body wants comfort. And asked. I had come over for another talk with Reb what's the highest pleasure? The aim of the soul? G-d, Noach. Ellen. That's real happiness - ecstasy, Ellen! Find out

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 13 what you're living for! Take the pain - pleasure only assertion or stubborn egotism; the Jews, the Bible tells comes with a lot of pain. I'm your friend - I'm with us, are a stiff-necked people ... you. Give up your life of striving for success, for iden­ tity, your name up there -" The following evening my father drove me home to my apartment in Manhattan. The windstorm had Unfair! "Do you really think I write just to get my blown away the smog, and from the expressway we had name in print?" an unusually clear view of the harbor and the skyline. It "I think you do it to have an identity. To be a was dusk, the lights of the city were beginning to blink writer.' " on, and I was seized with an almost religious tenderness "I do like having that. But would you believe that [ for New York and its special beauty. Yet at the same write mainly because I enjoy it, and I'm good at it, and" time, staring at those glittering lights, I saw something - defiantly - "I think it's useful work!" else: the temptations of Egypt. My eyes filled, and I "Shakespeare's okay," said Reb Noach, "but unless thought - groping for irony I could not quite reach - you know the real meaning of life, you're a zombie, a How does it feel walking dead man. Find out what you're living for, H­ To be on you own ien. Clarity or death!" With no direction home The Reluctance Like a complete unknown?* As I kissed my brother goodbye I still did not know whether my refusal to believe was healthy self- 'LIKE A ROLLING STONE by Bob Dylan

The T eshuva Phenomenon

II. Launching a Teshuva Movement: "It's Time to Go Professional'' based on an interview with Noach Weinberg

By good fortune, I met Rabbi Weinberg shortly after a stop to it. Then, you'd probably step back and decide reading Ellen Willis's article. This interview with him that you'd be far more successful and more effective if affords the reader a view of the broad canvas on which you'd do things more professionally. You'd organize, Miss Willis's intense self-portrait fills but one part. unite efforts, learn from others, launch a movement to Rabbi Weinberg is a professional - spontaneous smile Save Jewish You th. and warm hand clasp notwithstanding. He was in­ This is not a parable. This is fact. 20,000 kids are dy­ strumental in founding four yeshivas for baalei ing every year through assimilation, secularization, in­ teshuva: Mevasaret Yerushalayim, Magen Avraham termarriage, and shmad. But we don't understand. And (Bnei Brak), Sh'ma Yisroel (now Same'ach), and we don't care, because we fail to understand that defec­ Aish HaTorah. His fervor to change the world may tion from Yiddishkeit is in reality death - a death of the have been inborn, but the professionalism was acquired spirit. We are less moved by our commitment to Torah with great difficulty, after many false starts. as the equivalent of life than are the anti-Communists If a systematic pogrom were taking place in America, who'd 'rather be dead than Red.' whereby 20,000 Jewish kids were being killed every Of course, this lack of urgency on our part is because year - year after year - believe me, you'd be jolted into emuna (belief) is not a casual mitzva. It's one that re­ action. First, with a gut reaction, to go out there and put quires a great deal of thought and effort, which we fail to invest in this mitzva. In the final analysis, if we'd RABBI NOACH WEINBERG is of Aish Ha Torah, a believe, we'd care. And if we'd care, we'd act with a yeshiva for baalei teshuva with some eighty students, located in the sense of urgency. And we'd become professional at the Old City of Jerusalem, just a short walk from the Kosel. task.

14 The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 "Tochacha": people think it means reproof- but that's wrong. It really means to demonstrate or prove something. When dealing with another person's way of life, this can never be achieved facing him across battle lines.

Finding the Format the beginnings of a Movement, with the ba'alei teshuva When I was in Yeshivas Ner Israel, I used to but­ as our front-line men. First, however, let me explain tonhole every Jewish boy I'd meet on the Johns how we reach these neshamos who start the chain reac- Hopkins campus. I'd argue about the existence of G-d, tion. until - just to get rid of me, I suspect - he'd concede, The Readiness and then dodge me .... Every Jewish boy and girl has a natural readiness to All by myself, I could not change the world. Then I come to Torah. Chazal say that morasha (heritage) can tried to work with some notable Roshei Ha Yeshivas. be understood as m'urasa (betrothed). The formality of They were sympathetic, very encouraging, even an introduction is all that is required. After that it is an cooperative - to the limits of their time and priorities. unending relationship of love .... The deans of our yeshivas are scholarly men, yet their We stop them wherever we encounter them. Meir calendars are incredibly crowded with countless con­ Shuster (a young man whose activity is financed by the cerns of Kial Yisroel, and I had no right to expect them American-based P'eylim) is at the Kosel every day. to get involved in my undertaking. For my particular There are invariably some American collegiates there. project, I had to try further. Meir tells them, "If you're here to see Israel and haven't In Israel, I have experimented, studied the methods seen a yeshiva, you haven't seen Israel." And they others employ, adapted their more successful techni­ come. ques, and we've even pooled our efforts. Brian was a Harvard Law School graduate whose I approached a group of Kole! fellows who are highly only conviction was that he was a non-believer. idealistic, and some of them were willing to attempt to Then he came to the Kosel and was overwhelmed start a Teshuva Movement with me. But, somehow, with some inexpressible yearning. He began those I happened to work with were more involved in whispering, "It's not that I don't believe in You, projecting abstract formulations than in carrying them G-d. It's just that I never met You before, and I out. So I searched on for an ideal team with which to don't know how to talk to You. Please, if You're broaden the base of our operation. there, send me some kind of message." In the meantime, the '67 War broke out. It offered an Just at that moment he felt a tap on his unrivaled opportunity to bring back countless people to shoulder. It was a slightly-built fellow with a nar­ Torah, but we did not take full advantage of it. I per­ row brimmed black hat: " ... Would you like to sonally knew tens of soldiers who left for the bat­ see a yeshiva?" tlefield, (apparently) without one shred of emuna, and "What's that?" - having witnessed miraculous events - came back "It's a place where people learn about G-d." wearing yarmulkas. Some kiruv activity began then, but, by and large, we missed out. Now kids are passing He went with the man - Meir Shuster - to through - from Afghanistan on their way to the Greek Aish HaTorah, where he began his lifetime educa­ Isles, returning from a trip to Tibet - whatever. Their tion in the ways of G-d and His expectations of exterior is hardly inviting, but inside, they're wide open us. to Torah. We need but take an initiative, and they're The Fear ours. But we must harness our efforts in a broad for­ Of course, there are difficulties. The main one is that mat, so I continued to search for a means of reaching they're scared. They sense immediately that they may more. be convinced by what they'll see and hear at a yeshiva, In my experience there seem to be none more suitable and this would spell out radical changes in their life­ for reaching potential baalei teshuva than those who style. had experienced the teshuva process themselves. They So they come - out of curiosity, for a place to spend speak the language of the novice, they know the temp­ the night, or to enjoy a conversation. And then the ex­ tations and the hang-ups he endured, and they've made change begins. We must be prepared to meet them, and it through the shoals and rapids safely. In addition, to define our expectations for ourselves. Our overall they have an unmatched sense of urgency and dedica­ goal is to convince the young man to accept that which tion. If they would be provided with the knowledge, the he has rejected or ignored all his life until then - in ef­ know-how, and a base of operation - we would have fect, to make a 180° turnaround and become a ma'amin.

The Jewish Observer/ ]u.ne, 1977 15 But it's not a matter of debate, where we overpower him After this, we introduce him to the forty eight prere­ and force him to say the right words, but getting him to quisites for acquiring Torah (Avos VI, 6), at the rate of hear the right words. one per day, while mastering reading Hebrew, learning Chumash, getting into Gemora, becoming familiar with Not "Reproof" But "Proof" halachos. All along, though, the inner resistance keeps Tochacha: people think it means reproof - rearing its head: "Hoche'ach toche'ach es amisecha - you shall surely "Keeping all these mitzvos is too much for me. reprove your fellow." They conjure up images of an Why should I bother studying them?" angry, scolding, disapproving encounter: "Shame on "At least you'll know the truth, even if you you! How can you continue to live this way?" don't live by it." But that's wrong. Lehoche'ach really means to "But what value does that have?" demonstrate or prove something. When dealing with another person's way of life, this can never be achieved "Let me ask you: Which is better - to do facing him across battle lines. Only when the wrong and think you're right, or to do wrong, but moche'ach steps into the other fellow's situation, and be aware of it?" carries his burden with him, does tochacha take place. "You're arguing that it's better to at least be The Rambam says: Tochacha is not a mitzva directed at correct in your understanding, even if you don't the moche'ach - a matter of discharging one's duty. It live up to it." is meant to be a method of benefiting the other man - it "Right. At least you'll know what your focuses on him, as the pasuk implies in stating it next to heritage is about. Besides, who says that your in­ the mitzva of loving your neighbor. The ability to keep all mitzvos should stop you from also emphasizes: "A person who speaks in a rough keeping those that you can deal with?" manner cannot be a moche'ach." I asked the young man whether he believes in Can We Succeed? G-d. Two things we must bear in mind. We're giving them "No," he replied. 'Tm an atheist." something they've never experienced before: a purpose "An atheist? How facscinating! All my life I've in life in exchange for a life adrift. And, if we apply been wanting to meet a genuine atheist - that is, ourselves, there's not a reason in -the world that we someone who has systematically examined all the should not match the success of a Reverend Moon. The proofs of G-d's existence, and has rejected them, Chofetz Chaim comments on the passage (in regard to one by one. Tell me, how did you accomplish the construction of the mishkan - the sanctuary in the this?" wilderness) "And G-d gave wisdom to those who "Well - uh - not exactly. You see, I meant to sought to accomplish - it was not necessarily talented say that I'm an agnostic." people who undertook to erect the mishkan. Because "Oh, an agnostic. You've decided that both the they wanted to build it, G-d endowed them with the arguments for accepting a G-d and rejecting Him ability to accomplish whatever they set out to do .... are equally inconclusive. That's some intellectual So it is with every undertaking in Jewish life." feat! Would you mind -?" We, too, are assured of success if we are serious "!don't think I meant that. What I really mean about our task. is that I don't know which is correct." The complete freedom some of our youth once en­ "Oh, you don't know. That's different. Well joyed is a meagre source of temptation in comparison to then, you'd probably like to learn. Here's where the rewards of a reasoned, orderly, purposeful Torah we can help you." life. The Chazal describe the yeitzer hara (evil in­ clination) as an overwhelming presence that appears to The Curriculum dominate the crossroads, except that he has no feet - The professionalism goes beyond bringing the man he's an illusion. But Torah is reality. into the yeshiva, and getting him to stay. The steps that "You're right, Rabbi, it's wrong. But 1 just can't follow are to be as carefully planned as the preparation help myself." of a pair of tefillin or any mitzva. There are seven proof to G-d's existence, and seven irrefutable arguments that "Of course you can't control yourself. The the Torah was given at Sinai. The novice is Gemora says 'If not for Heavenly assistance every systematically exposed to each of them. Perhaps one day, the yeitzer hora would overpower every man won't "click" - then the next one will. Once he's and enslave him!' Beyond doubt, the impulse is mastered these, he knows them well enough to help the too strong to master alone. But with G-d on your next man understand them - hear them. And he side can you fail to prevail? Your task is to make becomes part of the chain of transmission. the choice. G-d will see you through it."

16 The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 A Movement - Almost Several thousand boys have passed through Aish DAVID SHAPELL COLLEGE HaTorah. We sit down with them and ask them: OF What do you want out of life? Do you want to JEWISH STUDIES learn to love G-d? - to love humanity? Do you FOR MEN think TM will give you this? - Your guru? - the JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (FORMERLY HARTMAN'S} Reverend Moon? - Let us show you how Torah Is now accepting applications for admission from does give it to you. college and graduate students for the 1977-78 academic year. Curriculum includes Mishna, , Bible, Several only stay overnight. Most stay a week or Philosophy, Law and Languages. Students with a two. Some stay on for months, years and become true limited Torah education are invited to join our one - or yeshiva bachurim. Minimally, we hope to give the two - year programs. visitor a basis for emuna and a thirst for searching Our College is recognized by the Israeli Ministry of further. Maximally, we have an eved Hashem, fully Education for receiving a Teacher's Diploma and our devoted to serving G-d in any form possible: as a stu­ courses are accredited by American universities. dent of Torah, as a teacher, as a fund-raiser - whatever Dormitory and dining facilities are available. is necessary. - Does this constitute a movement? Learn How To Learn No, with this we do not yet have a teshuva move­ ment, but it is the beginning. We have the format: we are imparting the knowledge, imbuing young men with I ,;~<7 ,~~ ,~< I a commitment to Torah, we are giving them the profes­ For further information or for an appointment to meet oW' sional know-how. And with them on our team, we have Representative from Israel, Contact: the best-equipped personnel to continue the chain reac­ Office of the Registrar David Shapell College of tion set off in our study hall. Shapell College of Jewish Studies Jewish Studies 2 Sderot Ha 'meiri 1239 East 8th Street If we had five boys from Chicago, for instance, with Jerusalem, Israel Brooklyn, N.Y. 11230 no appreciable background in Yiddishkeit who express 1212) 338-3400 an interest in learning about Judaism and come to us for training .... After a time with us, they could return to Chicago - they will be prepared with a curriculum for further growth and a roster of resource people with whom to consult. They will be equipped to set off a chain reaction that could turn the city over .... Until now we have been making ripples - signifi­ cant, yes; but if we (please G-d) continue to expand and Study Torah in Boston engage the involvement of a professional crew of Torah Institute of New England dedicated baalei teshuva, we will have a movement. Yeshiva Machseke Torah For Men Lionel Goldman Seminary For Women announces registration for its 6th annual PLEASE HELP!! INTENSIVE SUMMER SEMINAR Urgent funds immediately needed to save a July 10 - August 19 famous Rosh Yeshiva in Israel whose large fami­ Prepare for Jewish studies here or in Israel. ly lives in dire poverty. There are no funds to No Jewish background necessary. marry off a daughter! Only your generous con­ For more information clip and mail to: tribution can help their desperate situation! Sponsored by: INSTITUTE, 1710 Beacon Street Brookline, Mass. 02146 Rav Moshe Feinstein Rav Mordechai Savitsky Name ...... Street ...... Please send contributions to: City, State, Zip ...... Kolman Krohn 421 - 6th Street Area Code ...... Tel ...... Lakewood, New Jersey 08701

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 17 Chaim Shapiro

Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz i1:J,:J.? pi,y ,:JT As Mashgiach of Mir, Reb Yerucham made Mir what it was - strongly rooted in both Torah and Mussar

M ussar - and Opposition to his Yira. Now, however, the two are split apart. And The concentrated study of Mussar (the ethical in the end, where Yira is lacking, Torah will also be imperatives of Torah) as a means of character develop­ lost.''1 ment and self-improvement was propagated by Rabbi While Reb Yisroel's Mussar program spread and Yisroel (Lipkin) Salanter. In explanation of the impor­ eventually took the form of a movement, it was not tance of the study of Mussar, his leading disciple, Reb without opposition. - Not that people rejected the ltzele Peterburger, writes: "The Rambam compares teachings of Mussar. Rather, they had felt that it was spiritual illness to physical sickness. Just as a sick unnecessary and even misleading to concentrate on person seeks the advice of a physician who will Mussar as an endeavor distinct from Torah study. They diagnose his ailment and prescribe a cure for him, so viewed Torah study as the greatest source of Mussar too should one ill in spirit ask the advice of the possible. The two were one integrated whole. For chachomim - those wise in Torah, who are capable of generations, study of the , concentrating on healing the maladies of the soul. The medical sciences such seemingly legalistic topics as "the ox that gores a have developed - more people are studying medicine cow," proved a most effective source of ethical stan­ and more cures are being discovered. When new dis­ dards and conduct ... But Reb Yisroel Salanter had an­ eases do appear, medical research proliferates and so do ticipated this opposition, and insisted that with the remedies. Such is not the case in regard to spiritual ill­ steady weakening of the generations, one must stand on ness. While the number of ailing multiply and types of two feet - one of Torah, the other of Mussar. illnesses are increasing, 'doctors' are ever fewer in The Yeshiva in Mir was basically geared to Torah number and cures are weaker and weaker." study - exclusively. Then, Reb Yerucham came and He states further, "Once, Torah and Yira (fear of supported it with the additional leg of Mussar. One can G-d) were inseparable twins, always found hand in thus unequivocally state that Reb Yerucham made Mir hand - the level of one's attainment in Torah was equal 1. Rabbi was known as Reb Itzele Peterburger, for he was Rav in the then-capital of Czarist , St. Petersburg (now CHAIM SHAPIRO, a Baltimore resident, is a regular contributer to called Leningrad). This quotation is from his foreward to the sefer these pages. He continues to delight JO readers with his evocative ar­ Ohr Yisroel, the collected writings of Reh Yisroel Salanter, which he ticles regarding Jewish life in before World War II. published.

18 The Jewish Observer/ June, 1977 what it was - strongly rooted in both Torah and Mus- Although Turetz was not too far from Mir, Moshe sar. could not afford to take a wagon home for the holidays, The Beginnings of Mir so he stayed in Mir for three uninterrupted years. After In 5577 (1816), Rabbi David Eisenshtat opened a not seeing his family for so long, the young fellow Yeshiva in his community, a small town called Mir (or became homesick and decided to go home for the fourth "Damir''). He appointed his son Reb Moshe Avrohom Pesach. He borrowed from the "Cerni/las Chessed Al to lead the Yeshiva in a manner similar to the one in Mashkonos" (free loan fund, on collateral), banking on Volozhin. The Yeshiva became especially popular un­ an increase in his student stipend as a fourth year man der the leadership of Rabbi Chaim Leib Tikochinsky, to pay off his debt. He deposited his coat as a mashkon. who served as Rosh Yeshiva for fifty years. Then his It had been a cold winter, and the spring air did not son, Reb Avrohom, succeeded him. He became blind, warm up before Pesach. Moshe Turetzer arrived home but continued to say shiurim regularly in spite of his without a coat, and came down with pneumonia, almost handicap. Rabbi Ely Baruch Kamai was then invited to dying. Mir to serve as Rav and Rosh Yeshiva. It was under his When the news of Moshe's condition reached Mir, leadership that the Yeshiva gained world-wide renown. the "revolutionists" in the Yeshiva decided that it was Reb Ely Baruch was so completely immersed in time to take action. When the Rosh Yeshiva arrived at Torah study - intellectually, emotionally, and davening the next morning, he could not believe his spiritually - that he could not understand how one eyes: All seforim were placed neatly on the window could separate Yiras Shomayim from Torah. Hence he sills, while the benches were turned upside down, as a would not permit Mussar as a separate area in the protest against the terrible poverty they were suffering. Yeshiva curriculum. He once asked a new arrival to the This was certainly not the making of the hanhala. The Yeshiva where he had learned before. When he replied, Roshei Ha Yeshiva also lived in abject poverty and were "In a Novardoker Yeshiva" where Mussar is supreme, totally helpless when it came to improving the Reb Ely Baruch dropped his gray head, remarking, Yeshiva's finances.• But the shock of the protest was "There is no need for a separate limud of Mussar. enough to provoke Reb Ely Baruch to send an SOS to Gemora and Tosfos are the best source of Mussar." his mechuttan, the Alter of Slobodke: "You were right. Rabbi Nosson Zvi Finkel, the "Alter of Slobodke," Save the Yeshiva. Send me some ba'alei Mussar." in his great wisdom managed to plant his Mussar The Alter of Slobodke immediately dispatched ten of talmidim in every major yeshiva - usually as" sons-in­ his best young men. They had to be expert lomdim law" to the Roshei Hayeshiva2 - thus suceeding in (astute Talmudists) to influence the lomdim of Mir. eventually converting all major yeshivas into And they had to be ba'alei Mussar and mashpi'im - strongholds of Mussar. Yet he failed in Mir. Even people who are capable of influening others. Among though his own son, Reb Leizer Yudel, became Reb Ely them were Reuven Minsker (Grozowski) and Alter Baruch's son-in-law, Reb Ely Baruch would not permit Tiktiner (Shapiro, my father).' He then dispatched Reb the study of Mussar to enter his Yeshiva. Yerucham, who at that time was serving as Mashgiach in Radin, to help place Mir on its feet, with his personal The Winds of Change involvement with the students and through his Then the winds of revolution began to sweep across shmuessen. For the next twenty six years, until his pas­ Czarist Russia, and the Jewish communities were no sing, Reb Yerucham and Mir were inseparable. less affected than the others. In addition, Haskala, a movement full of hatred and ridicule of Torah and Yid­ 3. Moshe Turetzer (Bernstein) grew up to become the second son-in­ dishkeit, began to penetrate the religious youth. law of Reb Baruch Ber Lebowitz, assuming position of Rosh Yeshiva Changes were taking place among the students, es­ in Kamenitz, where he published an impressive sefer. ln 1940, after pecially in their attitude toward the hanhala (faculty Reb Baruch Ber's passing, Reb Reuven Grozowski escaped to and administration). Although Reb Ely Baruch was America, while Reb Moshe Bernstein went to Jerusalem, where he aged and totally immersed in Torah, his eyes and ears founded the Kamenitz Yeshiva there. The Yeshiva is now run by his two sons-in-law, Rabbi Yitzchak Scheiner and Rabbi Osher Lichts­ were always open,and he was deeply disturbed by what tein. While writing these lines, I received a wedding invitation from he saw. The final blow came through an incident in­ Jerusalem: the chasan, Baruch Dov, a grandson of Reb Moshe Berns­ volving an innocent young boy from the town of tein, marrying Alisa, the granddaughter of Reb Yerucham LevOvitz. 3 Turetz, Moshe Bernstein. 4. The poverty did not diminish until 1914, when Rabbi Avrohom Moshe was an excellent student - a masmid Kalmanowitz, then Rav in Rakov and later in Tiktin (JO March '72), (unusually diligent), possessing a brilliant mind. took upon himself the financial burden of the Yeshiva. He carried this thoughout his life, taking the Yeshiva across Siberia to Japan and 2. Among others: Rabbi Yechiel Mordechai Gordon (JO Jan-Feb Shanghai, bringing the refugee scholars to the U.S. (JO May '73), '74); Rabbi Aharon Kotler married the daughter of Rabbi Isser then founding the American Mirrer Yeshiva in the Flatbush section Za!man Meltzer, of (later Kletsk) (JO June '74}; Rabbi Reuven of Brooklyn. Grozowski married the daughter of Rabbi Baruch Ber Liebowitz, of Kamenitz (JO Dec '70). 5. When literature of haskala and apikorsus (called "treif-passu/s"

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 19 The Mussar Shmuess ten thousand dollars to a charity because A shmuess is not a lecture, nor is it a formal speech - Rothschild also gave ten thousand dollars. - it is merely a talk. As the very personification of mus­ Some comparison! Rothschild is Rothschild - sar, a Mashgiach must practice what he preaches. How The Millionaire and I don't have a single dollar. dare he, then, stand up and criticize an entire Yeshiva. Similarly, 'You should be holy,' why? 'Because I, Wouldn't it be an act of ga'avo (arrogance), the very Hakadosh Baruch Hu, am holy.' How can one opposite of humility and Mussar teachings?• Therefore, even suggest such a comparison?" in a shmuess a Mashgiach would simply talk to himself, He would then continue, citing quotations from criticizing himself, moralizing his own soul - except Chazal and the , outlining the principles that he would speak loud enough for others to hear. At of kedusha: of Heaven . .. in the Beis Hamikdosh the start, a Mashgiach would hardly raise his voice. . .. in korbanos ... and the required kedusha Students could not remain in their regular seats, for demanded of us humans ... the way in which our they would not hear a word. So they would stand, kedusha can - and cannot - be compared to crowding in a horseshoe around the Mashgiach. Heaven's kedusha. He would then end the The place of the shmuess varies. In some yeshivas shmuess with: "But after all, who is making this the Mashgiach speaks from the place he davens, at the demand of kedusha? - an ordinary person? It's side of the Aron Hakodesh. In Baranovich, Reb Yisroel the Creator - He who knows our weaknesses and Yaakov would speak from the front of the Aron our strengths . .. the chonen da' as, Who grants us Hakodesh. In Mir, Reb Yerucham would speak the power to think deeply and loftily. If He de­ standing at the table in the center of the Yeshiva, where mands 'Kedoshim tihiyu' it must be possible and the Torah is read. In Mir the regular shmuessen were within our reach." usually delivered Friday night between Kabbolas Shab­ One might add that in his private life Reb Yerucham bos and Maariv, and Saturday night before Maariv, and was totally a kadosh. At the time of his petira (passing), would last between an hour and an hour-and-a half. his Rebbitzin called out to the family and talmidim Every day the Mashgiach would conduct a vaad - an gathered in the house, "Kinderlach - Children, what intensive discussion session, with different groups on do you know about him? He was a malach!" various levels. And after meals, Friday night and Shab­ bos afternoon, he would meet with students in his Personality house, always "shmuessing," constantly talking with According to an old adage, modem people say: the boys, immersed in the growth of each of his "Know the world." say: "Know Torah." bachurim. Chassidim say: "Know Hakadosh Baruch Hu." Mus­ He would begin in a barely audible voice. Then, as he sarniks say: "Know thyself." would develop his thought, his voice would rise. A Reb Yerucham encompassed all four "knows." He typical shmuess: seldom left the Yeshiva, hardly ever venturing out of "Kedoshim ... You should be holy, because I the small town of Mir, yet he knew the world inside am holy (Valyikra 19)." He would repeat the pas­ out. Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzenski would constantly suk several times to make it sink into their minds. seek his advice and opinion on the many decisions con­ "Imagine if someone would ask me to contribute cerning Kial Yisroel (JO June '76) .... He was a in Torah, otherwise he could never have had such an in the Yeshiva) began to find its way into the sleeping quarters of the yeshiva boys, someone told the janitor to look out for those treif - impact on the lomdim of Mir .... As for Chassidic passuls while cleaning the rooms. Should he find any, he was in­ thought, when studying his shmuessen one gets the structed to burn them in the furnace. The shammos, a very simple fel­ strong impression that he was well versed in many low, then asked, "How can you tell which is a sefer and which is a aspects of Kabbala. 7 Many of his thoughts obviously treif-passul?" He was told that a sefer usually has its page numbers draw on the writings of the Maharal .... And how he marked with the Alef-Beis, while treif-passul's are marked by knew himself! This insight into the human condition numerals: 1, 2, 3 ... When the ten ba'alei Mussar arrived in Mir from Slobodke, each one brought with him a copy of the Mu.ssar sefer, 7. At the wedding of Rabbi David Rappaport (the Tzemach Dovid, Mesi/as Yeshorim, which had just been reprinted in Kovno. They Rosh Yeshiva in Baranovich - JO Jan '73), which took place during knew well that there were no Mussar seforim in Mir. Unfortunately, the Succos season, Reb Yerucham spoke on the subject of the the pages on the new Mesilas Yeshorim were marked by numerals Ushpizin (heavenly guests that grace the Succa), citing the and .... They were barely saved from a fiery destruction at the hands of Midrashim - speaking of the Ushpizin as though they were an im­ the simple, overzealous shammos. mediate presence. Suddenly he jumped up to his feet, shouting, "Do 6. He was once asked why he does not speak with the you know who just came to the wedding? The grandfathers of the hisorerus (emotionally-stirring chant) employed by other chasan - the Vilna Gaon and Rabbi Akiva Eiger 1 How can you simp­ Mashgichim. Reb Yerucham replied, "As is, I feel ashamed to say a ly sit there?" He then grabbed the chasan, Reb David, lifting him up shmuess - who am I to criticize others and to give them Mussar? It is single-handedly and whirling into a dance. No one could account for quite enough that I don't resign from this position, and you want me how Reh Yerucham picked up and carried a heavy-set man like Reb to 'say with a nigun' yet!" David.

20 The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 also applied to his talmidim - he knew them all. To once complained to him that none of the talmidim of their amazement, he knew them inside out. Mir ever joined the Mizrachi, only Agudath Israel, to Foreign students, usually behind in their studies, which Reb Yerucham replied, "In the Yeshiva we per­ were assigned a private "rebbi" for their first year in mit no parties. We only study Torah and Mussar. If as Mir. Rabbi Leib Barron, Rosh Yeshiva in Montreal, a result of this Chinuch the bnei Torah gravitate to recalls that after he was paired up with a talmid, Reb Agudas Yisroel and not to Mizrachi, we have no Yerucham called him aside and said, "Your talmid is apologies to make. Perhaps Mizrachi should do some mentally unstable. Give him some extra attention." thinking." Rabbi Barron was shocked. For the past two months he A Father to Children had studied with the boy for several hours every after­ When asked why he aged so fast, he replied, "You noon. They ate supper and then studied together in the have one son, I have hundreds of them." Indeed he did, evenings. He had not noticed a thing, and now the and he worried about them all. Mashgiach was telling him that the boy is unstable. But he knew that the Mashgiach was not given to loose talk. The greatest problem for any yeshiva was the threat He began to observe the boy more closely and he dis­ of military conscription. The Czar made no secret of his covered unusual behavior patterns. Before long, the use of the army as a means of destroying any vestige of boy's father arrived, took him home and placed him in a Jewishness his subjects possessed. This was obvious in private clinic for the mentally ill. that the number of Jewish soldiers was far out of proportion to their number in the general population. That Kashrus and Shabbos were impossible to keep in The "Reb Chaim Brisker" of the Mussar World. the army goes without saying. Anti-Semitism was ram­ One could study an intricate passage in the famed pant. And the term of service was anywhere from four commentary Ketzos Hachoshen and believe one had to ten years. So to preserve their heritage, Jewish boys mastered it. After hearing the very same Ketzos ex­ would do their best to avoid the relentless dis­ plained by Reb Chaim Brisker (Rabbi Chaim criminatory pressures of the draft. Some would resort Soloveitchik), it would strike the student that this could to feltchers (male nurses) who would perform a disabl­ not be the same Ketzos he had just studied. Reb Chaim ing operation, such as chopping off the index finger Brisker would delve so deeply into the Ketzos that it (one can not pull a trigger without an index finger) or a was hardly recognizable. Similarly, one might study a toe (one cannot march with a toe missing - and the page in Mesi/as Yeshorim (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzat­ Russian Army was always marching). This was done to' s ethical classic, "The Path of the Just"), then hear a for a price, without any anesthetic, and the only sh muess by Reb Yerucham on the very same page. How medicine available for preventing infection in those flat and shallow the page seemed in retrospect and how days was alcohol. Those who could not afford the price deep and far reaching it had suddenly become! Reb or could not bear the pain, crossed the border to Austria Yerucham's power of insight and clarity of explanation or Germany and continued on to America. Thousands ranked him as the "Reb Chaim Brisker" of Mussar. who could do neither, were forced to serve under insuf­ Many a sefer was written on the need for Mussar ferable conditions. The rich had one more method at study, but Reb Yerucham condensed it all in one their disposal- namely, hiring "a malach" (literally," an sentence - quoting Reb Chaim Ozer Grodzenski: "A angel"; here, a stand-in). Since photography was little Yeshiva without Mussar is a bar birshus horabbim - used, a handicapped person would appear before the an open hazard in a public place." draft board in place of the draftee. Rabbi Nisson Waxman tells that even before Reb When my father received his draft notice, Reb Yerucham came to Mir, while still in Slobodka, his Yerucham was deeply upset, until my grandfather Reb ability to influence others - even those that others had Shmuel Leib Shapiro assured him that he was taking given up on - earned him the name "the Mechashef," care of everything. Indeed, when the draft board called the spellbinder. In Mir, in addition to his schedule of out the name "Alter Shapiro," a one-legged man shmuessen, he talked individually with each boy. After presented himself - a malach. Everything went just a few questions, he knew the boy's strengths and smoothly, until one member of the board made a weaknesses, and could direct him in self-improvement. remark: "I do business with Shmuelky Shapiro. I've Every prospective talmid was first interviewed by the been at his house a hundred times, but I never knew Mashgiach. A few minutes of conversation, and he that he has a one-legged son." The malach turned would tell the boy the city he had come from. Reb white, giving himself away, and was immediately ar­ Yerucham maintained that each city makes a distinct rested. And an arrest warrant was issued for the real impression on its sons, and he could thus recognize the Alter Shapiro. origins of the newcomer. My grandfather, a businessman who had many deal­ Reb Yerucham would not permit any political ac­ ings with the non-Jewish landowners, was well known tivity in the Yeshiva. Rabbi Meir Berlin of the Mizrachi in the vicinity. After hiring the malach, he had made

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 21 certain that the draft board would not ask questions. prematurely gray, he would reply: "From each boy in Unfortunately, one board member became ill, and he the Yeshiva, one hair - up to half my beard. From Alter was replaced by another landowner who had not been Tiktiner, the other half." coached in advance. Besides saving his son, my grand­ Guarding the Fortress father felt morally obligated to save the malach, even though the malach was responsible for his own undo­ Like a general guarding the last fortress of Torah, ing. If that wasn't enough to keep my grandfather Reb Yerucham opposed any ben Torah moving away busy, a visitor came to Tiktin, taking yet more of his from or . When the Chafetz Chaim concern. Reb Yerucham personally travelled the five decided to move to Yerusholayim (1925), Reb hundred-plus miles from Mir to Tiktin, at the peak of Yerucham was a member of the delegation organized by an unusually cold winter - much of the way by horse Reb Chaim Ozer Grodzenski, who approached the and sled. When the news of the incident had reached Chafetz Chaim to convince him that he was so needed Mir, Reb Yerucham could not rest - how long would it by European Jews that he must not consider abandon­ take for the arrest warrant to reach Mir? And then what ing them. (The others in the delegation were Rabbi would be the fate of his cherished talmid, Alter Baruch Ber Liebowitz - Kamenitz, Rabbi Pesach Tiktiner? - a Siberian prison camp, or - worse yet - Pruskin - Kobrin, Rabbi - refuge in America? He could not permit this to happen, Baranovich, and Rabbi Leib Yudel Finkel - Mir). and thus undertook the strenuous journey. (The reader Similarly, when he heard of a Rosh Yeshiva about to must bear in mind that immigrants to America in the settle permanently in America, he wrote him: "Two early years of this century were subjected to inexorable days ago it became known to us ... and we can't believe pressures to give up Sabbath observance and Kashrus, it ... that [the Rosh Yeshiva] thought of leaving us and merely for survival, and rabbis were similarly pressed his sacred position, to forsake his flock - like sheep into either compromise or defeatism. - Editor). without a shepherd - that you the great Gaon should Reb Yerucham had known my grandfather from settle in America. Who am I, an insignificant flea, to their years together in the Chofetz Chaim's Kodshim stand up to the lion of the community ... Therefore, I Kole I. Now, this most gentle of gentlemen talked tough shall ask his forgiveness for mixing into matters not to my grandfather: "Reb Shmuel Leib, let no notion concerning us, but in fact they do concern us very, very cross your mind that Alter run to America," he much. protested angrily, gesturing into my grandfather's "Under no circumstances may one forsake a makom beard. ''I'll never permit it to happen - under no cir­ Torah without clear permission from Heaven through a cumstances!" sha'alo b'Urim ve'Tumim (literally, a query before the Grandfather apologized to Reb Yerucham for caus­ High Priest's breastplate which spelled out replies to ing him to undertake the long trip under such terrible questions - here a reference to consulting an un­ conditions. He explained that he had taken care of the impeachable Torah source). Once one has accepted his draft board, but for the Heavenly intervention that calling in service to Hashem, how can he leave his post brought one member down with an illness. He unless it is clearly the wish of Hashem - as clear as in a promised to use his influence on the alternate, and to response from the Urim ve'Tumim. spare his son. "I once thought of leaving Mir so I could settle in At the next session of the draft board, the outspoken Kelm, but detected obstructions from Heaven. I threw farmer apologized: "Of course, I've always known the goirol (a selection process involving Biblical pas­ Shmuelky Shapiro's one-legged son. Can't figure why I sages for the purpose of seeking guidance) and the pas­ forgot." He was supported on this by the chairman, and suk that surfaced astonished me: 'The staves shall be in the case was closed. the rings of the ark; they shall not be removed from it' (Shemos 25:15). It was clear the staves - the men who This episode had cost my grandfather a fortune in carry the Aron HaTorah - should never move from "mincha le'Eisav" payments. As for Reb Yerucham, their place ... and from that moment I am beset with whenever he was asked why his beard had turned fears - even when the necess_ity is obvious - when 8. The Chofetz Chaim had issued a call (in his booklet "Hatzipisa faced with the prospect of leaving the Yeshiva, even for Leyeshua? Did you Anticipate the Redemption?"): What will hap­ a short time. pen when Moshiach comes and finds that Kial Yisroel has totally "Furthermore, we are afraid that your decision ... neglected Kod'shim (the section of the Talmud dealing with Temple will destroy several yeshivas, as it will become a light ritual and sacrificial law)? The Bais Hamikdash will be rebuilt~ who matter in their eyes to pack up and leave for America." will know the seder korbanos (how to conduct the Temple service)? In another letter he writes: "I write with tears .... He therefore founded a Ko/el for the study of Seder Kodshim. My grandfather, a kohein, joined, as did Reb Yerucham, who was a Levi. We can see that the mere rumor of your settling there For the rest of his life, my grandfather maintained a study session in had adversely affected all yeshiva talmidim (for they Kodshim every day before davening with the mayor of Tiktin, feel that) they should follow the Rebbi wherever he Yisrolki Cohn, Also a Kohein. goes."

22 The Jewish Observer/ June, 1977 The Terrible News influenced by him are diminishing. Soon there will It was on Monday, fourteen days in Sivan, forty-one hardly be any one to tell us about him. I had expected a years ago. A telegram arrived in the , flood of reminiscences to be released last year, at his stating that Reb Yerucham had passed away. The fortieth Yahrzeit, but that did not happen. I do not Mashgiach, Reb Moshe Rosenstein, who had been think we should wait until the fiftieth. Perhaps these greatly influenced by Reb Yerucham (as he records in few lines will awaken others to record their recollec­ his sefer, Yesodei Hadaas), immediately dispatched a tions. After all, how many Reb Yerucham's did Kial messenger to tell my father the terrible news. The boy Yisroel have? 1J,?.Y ll, irii::n. 13. met my father in the street. Not having the slightest no­ tion of the significance of the message to my father, he spelled it out to him. My father, though away from Mir for many years, said, What? and passed out in the mid­ "Agudath Israel of America dle of the street (for the first time in his life)! People Serving People" The writer of these lines has never been to Mir, and did not have the zechus to know Reb Yerucham per­ The beautiful, audio-visual presentation I 150 full color slides with a taped narration and musical soundtrack that was the talk sonally or to ever hear his shmuessen. Then what com­ of the pels him to write? First of all, my father ?"YT was a National Convention of Agudath Israel talmid muvhak of Reb Yerucham. Moreover, there is You can borrow the entire 18 minute package free of charge to not even one chapter on him in "Tenu'as HaMussar," liven up and inspire your assembly program or meeting Dov Katz's encyclopedic work on the Mussar Move­ ment. The ranks of those who remember him and were Write to Agudath Israel of America 5 Beekman St./NYC 10038 or call (212) 964-1620 Announcing the Second Annual WESTERN Y ARCHEI KALLAH Sponsored by Kolle! Bais Avrohom- Los Angeles TORAH SCHOOLS FOR ISRAEL An opportunity to once again regain the fullness CHINUCH ATZMAI of your yeshiva experience. Motzoei Shabbos 15th Av/July 30 to 40,000 students in 200 Talmud Torah & Motzoei Shabbos 22nd Av/ August 6 Beth Jacob elem. schools 140 F cts Kindergartens, 24 Jr.H.S.-Mesivtos, 2 ;oiv m:

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 23 New Casks for Old Wines Teaching Traditional Values in Novel Ways - a review article

Cassettes, Filmstrips, and Phonograph Records elucidates the subject-matter in a dignified, interesting Once upon a hot summer Sunday, Reb Chayim and attractive way. Zanser set out on a journey. At the outskirts of town, Yet filmstrips are not only suitable for teaching his carriage passed a stately tree with luxuriant foliage dinim. The Torah Umesorah filmstrips devoted to the - and under it two Chassidim were sitting, reviewing history of the Torah's transmission from generation to the Rebbe's "Shalash Seudos Torah." Reb Chayim generation the beauty of Jerusalem and its historic Zanser pointed at them and remarked: "It was for this places, and Jewish life in the flourishing community of that this tree was created!" While we have good reason Monsey, show the versatility of this educational to look with a jaundiced eye upon many aspects of the medium. At the same time, the very effectiveness of contemporary scene, technological innovations open teaching by filmstrip makes it particularly important new avenues of teaching Torah. We must be grateful to for us to select carefully what we show our children. those who are harnessing these new tools for our pur­ Many of the filmstrips produced in this country or in poses, and may well echo Reb Chayim Zanser's com­ Eretz Yisrael do not convey ideas and values that we ment that "it is for this that they were created!" can identify with. Others, basically of value, strike dis­ In a previous issue of the JO we commented upon cordant notes that we will want to filter out. (For exam­ Torah tapes and, in particular, the tapes on the laws of ple, " and the Resistance," based on the Pesach by Rabbi Shimon Eider. Meanwhile he has also paintings of Shimon Balitski, is useful in evoking that issued tapes on the laws of the Eruv, and on those of terrible time - but the tape also brings us the artist's Lulav and Esrog, complete with students' manuals. To­ cliches about "old religious Jews who saw [the Nazi day it is possible to study Talmud and Halacha, persecution] as an act of G-d and ... called for G-d's Mishnayos and Haggadah, as well as all facets of help," or about "the safeguards against the growth of Jewish thought, by means of tapes; special mention these evils which lie in swift and united action by the should be made of the variety of topics covered in the free nations of the world.") tapes of Rabbi Avigdor Miller. Morah Bianka's Records Avi Shulman's Filmstrips In contrast to filmstrips and tapes, records have Another dimension in Torah education is opened up served Torah Jewry for quite a while already. The nig­ by filmstrips. Combined with taped comments, they gunim of Bobov and Modshitz, for instance, or of the represent the ultimate audio-visual tool - if properly various Pirchei Agudath Israel records tug at our produced and intelligently integrated into the heartstrings, and create a spirit in the Jewish home educational curriculum. Rabbi Avi Shulman has totally different from that evoked by the popular music produced for Torah Umesorah a truly stunning series of our environment, which is blaring from radios all of 25 filmstrips (with narration cassettes and a student around us. However, it is only more recently that the review folder). All the laborious explanations of a full potential of records as an educational medium is teacher will not give his students as clear an under­ beginning to be realized. Mention must here be made, standing of exactly how tefillin are made, what makes above all, of all the records produced by "Morah Arba Minim unfit for use, or how a chicken is made Bianka," the creator of the Tree which has kosher, as will these full-color filmstrips which become a fixture in many of our Kindergartens across demonstrate these and many other areas of Jewish liv­ the country. ing: the baking of , the making of tzitzis or a The "Mitzvah Tree" stands proudly in the center of , how mezuzos are put on, sukkos built, or an the classroom, or is drawn on one of its walls. Instead of eruv established. The observance of the Shabbos, the leaves, its branches spout "Mitzvah-letters" - small laws of and Chanukah, the preparation of the notes written by parents describing the special Mitzvah Seder, are all treated in these filmstrips in a manner that her child has done. Mor ah Bianka's records are

Z4 The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 designed to inspire the doing of Mitzvos, by means of taining songs and stories (many rhymed) about Shab­ songs and stories that evoke a child's interest and bos. enthusiasm. Thus, her first record, "The Mitzvah At a time when Sesame Street and the Electric Com­ Tree," stresses sharing and not quarreling, picking up one's own toys, appreciating G-d's wonderful world pany seek to utilize television to impress contemporary values upon children, we should make all possible use and making brachos, hospitality (on a tot's level) and , honoring parents and enjoying Shabbos. of these and similar records to make sure that our These songs and stories are not drily didactic; for in­ youngsters absorb the concepts that we are concerned with. stance, the giraffe in the zoo serves to remind our tots that they should always be happy with their lot - It should be noted, in this context, that these records imagine if they had to wash a neck as long as the gi­ make use of some well-known nursery rhyme times, raffe's! while some other educational records do not. A case can Perseverance in doing mitzvos, love for Torah - and be made for not using tunes associated with poems that eating all the food on one's plate are some of the points often are very contrary to our spirit. On the other hand, made on later records. They include "Stories under the giving these tunes acceptable lyrics may be the best way Mitzvah Tree," "It's Mitzvah Time," and "/ Hear a of weaning our children from the original poems which Mitzvah" (a collection of fifteen songs dealing with the they are likely to have encountered anyway. Experience special days in the Jewish year). The newest release is would indicate that, ultimately, it is the words we teach "Shabbos With the Mitzvah Tree Triplets" - con- that matter; it is by them that a record is best judged. !.."i: Reaching Out ... It is one of the marks of a vibrant and dynamic movement that it generates a lot of pamphleteering. BOOKS The reason is simple: elaborate works address themselves to the studious and committed, while pamphlets reach out to the onlookers and curious, the novices and uninitiated, to all those who are to be swept in the case of a convert to Judaism, or a person that was up by new ideas, or reach 9ut to find guidance in them. tomeh. This is actually a process of rebirth and renewal, with the mikvah similar to the womb from which the It is therefore not surprising that the growth of Torah Judaism in recent years has produced a variety of newborn emerges. pamphlets of different types. However, the author digs deeper still. All impurity in the world has its roots in the sin of Adam, through which he lost the Garden of Eden. How can man Waters of Eden, The Mystery of the Mikvah, by Rabbi remove himself from this state of uncleanness, and (NCSY Publications, New York City, reassociate himself with Eden - represented by the 1976; $2.95) purity of the Temple? Man's link with his primal state Love Means Reaching Out, by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan of purity is through "the river that went out of Eden" (NCSY Publications, New York City, 1976; $2.50) and that is the source of all water in the world. By renewing themselves through immersion in water the Among the very best recent publications are two people became ready to receive the Torah; the non-Jew pamphlets put out by the National Conference on can elevate himself to the level of Torah-life; and the Youth, written by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan: Jew who has sinned can regain his purity. Waters of Eden, the Mystery of the Mikvah and Love Marriage in particular, with its power to bring new Means Reaching Out. Both follow the pattern es­ souls into the world, demands purity. Hence a woman tablished in Rabbi Kaplan's earlier pamphlet on Tefillin must immerse herself in the mikvah after having (previously discussed in the JO). They provide an ex­ become impure through the reproductive cycle - itself position of the main details of the mitzvah discussed, a result of Adam's and Eve's sin, according to our and they explore its significance, beginning with a Sages. The reader will want to refer to Rabbi Kaplan's relatively simple explanation and digging progressively pamphlet itself, for a full development of these ideas, deeper into the profundities of meaning that can be and for further exploration of "the mystery of found in Talmudic, Kabbalistic and later Rabbinic mikvah." sources. Love Means Reaching Out deals with the mitzvah to In the case of mikvah, the author first explains be one's brother's keeper - to bring him under the "purification" in the mikvah as a "change of status" - wings of Torah and to keep him from going wrong. At elevating from a lower spiritual state to a higher one, as a time when the Jewish community is decimated by as-

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 25 similation and intermarriage, the flood of baalei translating the old ideas into new language." The Teshuva who return to us proves the power of Torah. author, therefore, has penned brief essays in a striking­ Defections can be stopped if we make Torah available ly down-to-earth style. They are concerned with "the to all. The love of G-d and the love of our fellow-Jew host of fascinating things in the world around us. We express themselves in one and the same act: bringing see them ... but we rarely learn anything from them." him close to G-d. He points out how, with the help of Torah, we can find Rabbi Kaplan explores the various philosophical, important lessons in them - and enjoy ourselves in the moral, and halachic aspects of kiruv rechokim. Each process of pursuing "Mussar without tears." chapter is followed by extensive readings from Tanach, What is more important when you buy a car - the Talmud, and down to our days. The condition of the body or the motor? The answer to this author also includes the entire text of Rabbi Moshe question, the author suggests, will help us decide con­ Feinstein's call to yeshiva students to provide the lead cerning the relative importance of Torah and Yiras in working to reach the enstranged. Finally, he provides Shomayim, fear of Heaven). Have you ever seen a rose a concise summary of the dinim pertinent to this work. garden that flourished without the weed-and-pest­ Certainly, this pamphlet represents a call to action that killing efforts of a gardener? In the same way, the cannot easily be ignored. perfection of the Jew, "rose amongst the thorns," de­ pends on the curbing of his bad midas, character THE WORLD IS MY TEACHER, by Pinchas Jung qualities. Our duties to others, the lessons of the (Published by Pinchas Jung, London, 1976; $1.95) Yomim Tovim, and many other topics are covered in A contribution of a very different sort, but also of equally sprightly form. The reader turned off by philosophical profundities, or unable as yet to cope great value, is The World is My Teacher, an with them, as so many of our youngsters, is sure to be imaginative application of Torah thinking to modern life for the young in spirit, written by Pinchas Jung reached by Rabbi Jung's common-sense reflections. (whose earlier collection of essays was previously GUIDE TO THE MEZUZAH, by Rabbi Chaim reviewed by JO). "Our Torah is as relevant today as it Twersky (Published by Va'ad Mishmeres STaM, was at Mount Sinai .... It is just a question of Brooklyn N. Y. 40 pages $1.75). An altogether different type of pamphlet is Burials a:!?n~ntermer:I represented by Rabbi Chaim Twersky's Guide to "'"l''"'" ~,.,.... . Mezuzah. Unlike the other pamphlets discussed, this l Jfi' ( li'llJ iii.:' v,; publication is primarily concerned with dinim - the an'l01.1nc-es !!1cit R!'/~:PS 1 ::;: __ •;'.. !.r· -'"' !~, L;r; ~' o <':·n f;r'.S''.d rules governing the writing and affixing of mezuzos. tun'::'~al .'J'"'' :-~1~ 1r: the. U S af:.''C ts (c~fi'O:- t Transfer to Israel within the same day Beautifully produced, this guide is liberally illustrated. A model copy of a mezuzah is shown, as well as the cor­ rect forms of the letters and some common mistakes And all Cen1eteries in Israel that unfortunately can be found occasionally. Likewise Sole agent for Sanhadrea Cemctel\1 there are drawings that clarify where mezuzos should Ri•/f-RS:,:-t ,,,r,, -l' ·:r"~r'.r1ssr· .. -_,, be affixed. The clarity and practicality of the text Enroute to Israel \.vithin the san1e day deserves to be stressed. The author even devotes a few • St_r;r::/ ar....,,:,•·'~:·:o •-; ~1·':' - ; ''"" .-.• ;,;;>;ag lines to explaining why kosher mezuzos must cost more • ,t1.rrar1ge'"''t"~\s 'T:Cod" a .. r n;:: :.i,,\:'''"' ·t11t>'> nc ot;· gat1or than $10.00 (unless they are subsidized). One brief • Cr<0oe' :J?' '., 'ec~ : r· an J' '.. ·xr' :·r1·. .r· :t , chapter is devoted to the significance of this mitzvah. This extremely valuable pamphlet has been published I by Vaad Mishmeres Stam, an organization for I MANHATTA~J I J80West 76th St (at A:r.';'.e·c~a"" A.·1e, 'J Y \' Y · F"r--1 2-660r: 1 BROOKLY>-;_JlG :,.,,r;n(J t,,,: '( ·-'>~r- P;~·k:.a 1 a'. !""rPf'r,t Park SCHECHTER'S I ' -, 1_:1 4 /(l!')() 3RONX: 1963 Graw; [c'.1 '>~·''/·{,;'. 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26 The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 promoting the proper observance of the Mitzvos of AHA VA TH CHESED, The Love of Kindness as Sefer Torah, Tefillin, and Mezuzos. This cause will un­ Required by G-d, by the Chafetz Chayim, translated by doubtedly be aided greatly by this publication. Leonard Oshry (Second, revised edition, Jerusalem 1976; Feldheim, $7.50). Also Appeared The appearance of the first English edition of this classic was hailed in the JO ten years ago. It is a source SIGN AND GLORY, an anthology on Tefillin, by of gratification that a second edition has become neces­ Yechezkel Rittenberg (Bnei Brak, 1974; Netzach, sary, for this work is a most valuable compendium of $8.00). our obligations to our fellow-men. Topics discussed in­ clude the duty to lend the needy, to pay workers on This anthology appeared originally, twenty five time, to give ma'aser (tithing) and charity, as well as the years ago, in Hebrew; it quickly became a classic in mitzvos of hospitality, visiting the sick, comforting the many homes in Eretz Yisrael, and a favorite gift to Bar mourners, and gladdening groom and bride. The Mitzvah boys. Its appearance in an English edition is to Chafetz Chayim dealt in this work both with the most be welcomed, for it makes available a wealth of in­ essential dinim of chesed and with its deeper spiritual teresting and inspiring material to the reader. It con­ significance, providing much-needed inspiration and tains storeis, legends, and anecdotes highlighting the guidance for the proper fulfilment of this great mitz­ mitzvah of tefillin (there is also a very short sections on vah. !..T. the dinim of tefillin, and an appendix containing Hebrew poems). There are three parts to the book: the first contains stories centering on great Torah per­ sonalities of the past; the last section, "On the Threshold," deals with becoming Bar Mitzvah; most impressive, to this reviewer, was the second section, "Sanctification of the Holy Name," which recounts time episodes of mesiras nefesh for tefillin, most of them from the period of the Holocaust.

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The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 27 Announcing Graduates of PROJECT COPE'S Vocational Education Program have completed their training and are available to fill the following positions: Dental Ceramists Clerk Typists Computer Programmers Dental Assistants Medical Assistants MIGDAL & HAOLAM • • * KOSHER CHEESES Prospective employers are invited to call proudly celebrate PROJECT COPE Vocational Education Division, to avail themselves of these qualified employees. Telephone 964~ 1300 Project COPE A Division of Agudath-Jsrael of America Suite 814 / 5 BEEKMAN ST./ NYC 10038 funded by a CET A Grant Administered by the New York State of providing Edue1tkm Department . the public with Most reliable Kashruth Finest Quality Great Taste Pincus Mandel Remember: "MIGDAL" and "HAOLAM" {from the time of'<:: ___ __./ Renowned Expert - over 25 years milking) are manufactured under the _supervision of experience in K'hal Adath Jeshurun, N.Y.C., Rav FOR THE TASTIEST 'KOSHER PIZZA', TELL THEM YOU WANT 1T Kvura on all cemeteries in Eretz Yisrael MADE WITH HAOLAM OR MIGDAL KOSHER CHEESE ... THE With all Hidurim - as done only by Shomrei FINEST, MO:,T RELIABLE KOSHER CHEESES AVAILABLE ANYWHERE! Torah Umitzvos Thurm Bros.~World Cheese Co., Inc., New York, N.Y. 10013 Responsible for current system - speedily ex­ pedited - at Airport in 4 to 5 hours. With more than 45 years of cemetery ex­ Bring the excitement and inspiration of perience, constantly dedicated to the allevia­ The Keynote Session of the 54th National Convention of tion of the inyan of Chesed Shel Emes - not to Agudath Israel ol America Mesaken the inyan of Monetary Gain ... into your home with the addresses of Recommended by Most Prominent Rabbanim Rabbi Moshe Fein.Hein/Rabbi Moshe Shf>rer/Rabbi Shmuel and Admorim Arye Levin (Buenos Aires)/ Rabbi Shraga Grossbard (Israel) 'nd Pincus Mandel Thursday evening's (English) Symposium: 175 Lee Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11211 "Torah Life And a Free Society- Can They Co~exist?" Day and Night Phone (212) 855-5121 Rabbi Pinchas Teilz {Elizabeth, N.J.)/ Rabbi Emanuel Feldman (Atlanta) 2 cassette package for $4 All bills rendered on actual "Costs-Plus" Basis. for your 'if'( write No hidden or 'padded' charges Agudath Israel of lsrael/5 Beekman Street/NYC 10038 Agudah Member - 50 years. or call (212) 964·1620

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 28 THE BRICKMAN second looks REPORT An evaluative -study _of the Yeshiva of the South at the jewish scene Memphis, Tenn'essee. Spring;- 1976 by Dr. Willi,am W. Brickman Gradtieen realized . to a full sky-lit lofts and converted garages): degree for th,e vast majority of Its -stud€'nts'. neighbohood, Boro Park - Flatbush The high percentage of graduates who "Why don't they get all these guys by name, which is home for more co,ntinue i:ri higher Jewish institutions is_ in­ into one big warehouse, so we can religious Jews than any other city in deed impressive. deal with them all at once? Who the world - Jerusalem and Bnei The Yeshiva of the South t,hus pei-forms needs this endless foot dragging!" Brak included. As a result, it has lts exceUet1t ~ervice to the Je,WiSh ,youth of Mrs. Mondale had no comment for more yeshivas and day schools and Memphis, the,So,uth,,and, ~ther P,arts-of t,he this stifling suggestion and excited­ Beth Jacob schools than any other colintry. But1 Jt _do-es,_ more. It helps not ly climbed a steel suspension ladder community the world over - and only individuals, but particularly the to view some styro-foam mobiles many of them bursting at the seams, Memphis Jewish community through the twirling from a stain-glass skylight at that. In some cases, each serves ,constant, e'ncourage_ment -of its-graduates (or so the story goes). its own immediate area, much as to Jive aw.ell informed Jewish life, and help develop ,Memphis Je\-\lry~ Very fe-w, institu­ Chinuch - Torah education - one public school a few blocks away ti?ns, if_any, have a,t_t,empt_~

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 29 in Torah-land, not unlike the weary "they were 'shocked' at the 'enor­ total community" call for first air­ Secret Service men dogging the mous' waste of money and man­ ing barbed criticisms in the N.Y. heels of the Veep's lady, finding power involved in maintaining Tiems? delight in the kaleidoscopic varieties those schools." The rabbis recom­ As head of a national rabbinical of SoHo studios .... mended 'wholesale' mergers. In organization shouldn't Rabbi Just as an unlettered Western Jew their statement, the Jewish leaders Wurzburger have consulted his touring Eastern Europe 50 years ago emphasized that Orthodoxy "can­ constituency? I sincerely doubt that probably found Satmar and not afford the luxury of simply it shares his views. Slabodka identically "Polish," his catering to the needs of small, close­ Better yet, shouldn't he have modern-day counterpart probably ly knit groups while overlooking the requirements of the total com­ dropped into Boro Park-Flatbush, only sees real differences in Jewish and monitored the "enormous education pivoting on the practice munity .... There are 50 Orthodox day schools in Baro Park and Flat­ waste of money and manpower" of saying Halle! on Yorn Haatz­ himself before registering "shock"? ma'ut with a bracha as opposed to bush ... 12 in Queens, 5 in Nassau no bracha. The rest of the schools? County, one in Suffolk. My guess is that should the rabbi - one black-hatted blur. pay Boro Park-Flatbush a visit, he "A religious egotism seems to re­ would be amazed by the unusual quire each shade of Orthodoxy in The Yeshiva Critics productivity and economic ef­ the community to establish its own ficiency of the yeshivas (educating Unfortunately, according to a re­ schools, irrespective of actual, a yeshiva child in a double program, educational needs. cent news item, the critics of from 7 :30 a.m.-Shachris through yeshiva education in its multi­ "The results are wasteful dupli­ Mishmar-and-Maariv at 8 :30 p.m., faceted splendor were none other cation and a consequent lowering of at half the cost of putting a child than Rabbi Walter. S. Wurzburger, the quality of education," they through a 9-to-3 public school day president of the Rabbinical Council maintained. - $1350 compared to $2700!). of America, and Rabbi Bernard (New York Times, May 8, 1977.) Moreover, I venture that he would Rosensweig, the first vice president be delighted at the sounds of Torah of the Council, who saw fit to Now, every man is entitled to his opinion. Rabbi Wurzburger, study lishma (for its own sake) in all release their "keen insights" on its accents and intonations, and by chinuch to the New York Times: however, chose to proclaim his con­ demnation of Torah schools directly the overwheming evidence of the [They) "criticized what they to a million N.Y. Times readers just children's incredible mastery of describe as the 'mushrooming' at a time when the N. Y. Federation subject matter ... and over growth of Orthodox day schools in of Philanthropies seems to be reas­ themselves. the heavily Jewish communities of sessing its old negative stand And should he drop into some of Bora Park and Flatbush in Brooklyn regarding support of yeshivas. the smaller, more specialized while other areas 'suffered' from a Wouldn't protocol have demanded yeshivas, he would undoubtedly lack of those facilities." They said that Rabbi Wurzburger first knock marvel at the flourishing of forgot­ on the doors of several yeshiva ad­ ten areas of curricula, such as study ministrators and inform them of his of Mussar, or ambitious Mishnayos "GRUNWALD" views? - or petition Torah programs, or dealing with children's Umesorah for a special meeting so special needs; - at how each of Attention All Chasanim! their children thrives in a "hot­ A .Shas You Duy Once in a Lifetime he could let its leadership know how he feels? Does an altruistic house" environment, never slipping This is your opportunity- to_ acquaint concern for "requirements of the out of mind of the Rebbe in charge. yourself with the most beau_tiful edition of a lull size shas. The paper and binding are the finest. and strongest in the. perfect Come To dimensions 16V4 x 11V4. AT THE MOst REASONABLE PRICE EVER OFFERED ASK YOUR OlAtER fOR TttE, "GRUNWAtD"!IHAS Also just_ arrived the 15 - volume k~r£~.~t1y encyclopedia Talmudic price $8.25 per \lolume.- Formerly Kosher King M. S. SPIEGEL 1501 Surf Ave . Coney Island 90 Eldridge Street, N.Y;C. 226-4331 Whitehead Hall Brooklyn College

30 The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 Rabbi Wurzburger surely recognizes that today, Torah study entails much more than the mitzva SORRY- of limud - learning. Success and we must stop sending failure in a yeshiva classroom ultimately spell out success and THE JEWISH OBSERVER failure in Jewjsh life .... Every sm­ when your subscription all class succeeds with certain runs out ... don't miss children who wouldn't make it in a larger school. Can the added ex­ a single issue . pense that results in saving these RENEW NOW f children - even one such child ever be termed "wasteful"? Until he has an opportunity to see what Baro Park-Flatbush can put up, shouldn't he - withhold NOW AVAILABLE! comment? Bereishis I Genesis vot. 1 (412pageoi If the dearth of yeshivas in sub­ published by MESORAH PUBLICATIONS LTD. urban Nassau and Suffolk Counties as part of the award"winning ARTSCROU. TANACH SERIES really trouble Rabbis Wurzburger Translation and Commentary by: Overviews by_ and Rosensweig, wouldn't it be fit­ Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz Rabbi Nosson Scherman ting for them to reach out across the Queens-Nassau border and give their neighboring communities- in­ need a hand? Now. for the first time in English - a phrase·by-phrase exposition of Chu­ Let's not throw the whole works mash that makes it possible to tho­ into one warehouse of storage and roughly study and understand the text neglect. Our schools provide us as it was perceived by the great men of Torah from the Talmud to today. with some of our only authentic The unified, flowing. anthologized mementoes of things past and are commentary draws on scores of among our few genuine hopes for a sources from the Talmud and Midrash to the recent Hassidic viable future. re: and Mussar masters to present a masterful tapestry of Torah One of thought. WORLD'S LARGEST The Overviews present essays resplendent with the brilliant CAMERA STORES Hashkafah - philosophical i1:Jt.'.' iDH:~' insights of the Sages from whose mouths we live. The only work of its kind done with the guidance of and with the final ap­ proval of leading Roshei (9 Hayeshiva. Not merely a collect· ion of Midrashim and Wall Street homilies, not merely a selies of novellae - Camera Exchange but a major commentary un· Complete line of Cameras precedented in English or Hebrew. and Photo Supplies 82 WALL STREET 95 95 library edition $10 paperback $ 7 NEW YORK, N.Y. Now at your Hebrew book store Telephone: (212)344-0011 or order direct from - Wholesale - Mail Order - Retail Special Reductions to all 48 Eldridge Street/ New York, N.Y. 10002 (212) 925-8558 Readers of I THE JEWISH OBSERVER *N. Y. Slate rnident.' please add applicable ~a/e.1 /ax

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 31 Chaim Uri Lipschitz A New "Siddur" For Reform Jewry

The Reform Movement when one's child is ready to leave by prayer - the traditional tefillos, published a new Siddur - The home for college or career (to be composed 24 centuries ago. The Gates of the House, featuring recited at kindling the Shabbos can­ third Mishna in Avos (Ethics of prayers to be said in the privacy of dles?). The gothic-arched "Thou's" Our Fathers) says simply, one's own home. The New York have been replaced by the ver­ Shimon the Righteous, a remnant of Times considered it an event nacular "You." A havdala the Great Assembly, would say: The worthy of front-page coverage ceremony has been "added" - world stands on three things: On (March 7, '77) and in some ways we another first for Reform Jewry. In Tor ah, on Divine Service, and the per­ must concur. addition, the new book is also formance of kind acts. In its urge to ape the Christian marked by greater use of Hebrew. Rabbi , mode of worship, the focus of At first glance, then, this new outstanding disciple of the Gaon of Vilna, commented on this: Reform religious activity has usual­ prayerbook strikes one as a radical ly been in the cathedral-like tem­ step away from Reform practice While Tor ah brings kedusha (sanc­ tity) from upper worlds earthward, ples. The Reform Jew did not easily and convictions. There is a personal Divine service, through korbanos, accept a personal G-d Who res­ G-d, and not only does one speak to elevates the acts of man to reach upper ponds to prayer. In fact, a study Him in worship, in the Temple, one spheres, ascending from man's lowly made several years ago revealed that actually prays to Him from the in­ state to lofty levels, until they are ac­ a large proportion of Reform rabbis timacy of one's home in the privacy cepted by G-d, binding (us) to upper simply do not believe in a G-d at all of one's heart. As Rabbi Joseph B. reaches, ultimately bringing down bles­ (in the Jewish concept of Deity). So Glaser, executive vice president of sings in great bounty. why pray? (Of course, this is a the Central Conference of American Now, because of our sins, our service foolish question. Do away with Rabbis, the rabbinic arm of Reform is limited to tefilla - but the words of prayer, and the Reform rabbi could Judaism said, "This prayer book is tefilla are of the highest spiritual value, just as well move from the clergy to a great extent more Jewish than every single word reaching even higher into the social services, where most the older one. The other could have than korbanos. of his pastoral activity takes place, been used by anyone. This has a It was not in vain that one hundred anyway. But this is not the point particularly Jewish point of depar­ twenty elders (of the Great Assembly), here.) Some rabbis have cited the ture." A salutary sign - certainly as including many prophets, were in­ psychological benefit of prayer, the far as the broad Reform masses are volved in establishing these tefillos. Now you may wonder, isn't any man cathartic value of talking out one's concerned, except ... even one of a stature similar to ours, problems ... but could this be of Except that a turn of direction is capable of properly phrasing requests any help to a Reform Jew who insufficient cause for celebration for health, for welfare, for redemption? knows that he is participating in an because 's con­ What need was there for the involve­ ersatz dialogue, where (his rabbi tinued insistence on composing its ment of prophets? tells him) the being on the listening own prayerbook as an ideal is Their strength was that they imbued end of the exchange is a cultural in­ enough of a departure even before the words of our tefillos with all vention? examining the prayerbook for style kavonos and intentions that any man Our interest, then, actually stems and mode of expression. Moreover, will ever have when he prays, enabling from the fact that there actually is this closer examination uncovers every individual to find in these words articulation of his most personal needs an interest in personal prayer the true newsworthiness of this at any given moment. among Reform Jews, and it is strong book in the eyes of the Times, and enough to inspire the issuing of a gives JO readers reason enough to Since the day that the tefillos were composed, no two tefillos uttered have Prayerbook for use in the house, in­ slam the book shut in shock, dis­ ever been identical in their imprint, each cluding special prayers to be recited gust, and dismay. one occupies a place of its own in on embarking on a long trip (Tefil­ spiritual realms. Indeed, today's tefilla Prayer: One of Three Foundations las Haderech ?), when someone close is distinct from yesterday's, as tomor­ is dangerously ill (Refa'einu ?) or Before flicking open the pages of row's will be - and this is because of the power of those words ... Thus the need RABBI LIFSCHITZ is a well known pioneer The Gates of the House, we must for prophecy in composing our tefillos. in American Jewish journalism and com­ remind ourselves of the pivotal n1u.nal affairs. place in the Jewish cosmos occupied Take all the kavonos, all the mystical

32 The Jewish Observer/ June, 1977 implications thus far released through sight. Indeed, Jewish weeklies all prayers uttered until now - they are across the country, as well as the but a drop in the vast ocean of the in­ New York Times have recorded f i&h ....I.)\}1 tentions divined by the least of the 120 further feminist efforts - to change ffi . elders involved in composing the tefil­ "Our Father, Our King" to "Our los. And the greatest of the 120 could Mother, Our Ruler" in Jewish only encompass as much as the capacity A New Feldheim Classic of his neshama permitted. prayer, making shocking headlines. AVROHOM BEN AVROHOM by Selig Schachnowitz: a long known story In truth, tefilla is beyond human How should one react to these incomparably retold. In this poignant, comprehension in its loftiness, and it blasphemous innovations? The memorable historical novel. Selig binds the lower world with the upper search brings to mind the circum­ Schachnowitz takes the few known reaches, as did a . This will never stances that brought extreme facts about the legendary gair tzeddek change (G-d forbid), until the advent of measures against Dr. Mordecai M. of Vilna, Valentin Potocki. and weaves Moshiach" ( Chaim on Avos). Kaplan, when in 1945, he published them into the rich tapestry of Jewish life It is unlikely that we simple Jews his Reconstructionist Sabbath in rnid-18th·century Europe. can appreciate Rabbi Chaim of Prayer Book in collaboration wth a Valentin, the son of old Count Volozhin's delineation of the sanc­ number of other "major" Potocki and the white hope of tity of tefilla, or begin to recognize Reconstructionist thinkers. Lithuania's Catholics for the cardinal's their references in our own daily at­ For the first time in history, a mantle, converts one day to Judaism. Then, as Avrohom ben Avrohorn, he tempts at prayer. And, to be sure, Siddur of traditional appearance wends his way through the major the tinniest echo of these ineffable had been published which actually Je\..Vish communties of Europe, to try to strivings are never to be found in deleted some items as well as unify world Jewry in anticipation of the the scratchings of puny men who reinterpreting others. Almost every great, final redemption. are not even sure of the direction in reference to our Holy Temple, In these pages the reader meets the which prayers are meant to be dis­ Jerusalem and the aspiration for Torah giants of that generation, revered patched. A Reform prayerbook is a Messianic restoration had been to this day by Jews the world over, es­ Reform prayerbook is a Reform removed. In the name of relevance, pecially the Go' on of Vilna. prayerbook. But ... broad-mindedness, or whatever, In the author's vivid narrative. the communities that Avrohom ben But this particular book has an Kaplan and his friends executed a Avrohom visits come sharply to life. added element in it that makes it an wholesale overhauling on one of with all the internal dissension that even graver abomination than any Judaism's most sacred institutions. plagued them. previous attempt at ''improving'' on Agudas HoRabbonim (the Union Adapted by Yoshua Leiman into English and illustrated by Bat-Sheva the accomplishments of the Great of Orthodox Rabbis of the United Frankel 224 pages $5.95 Assembly of 2400 years ago. In States and Canada) perceived the response to the strident demands of seriousness of Dr. Kaplan's revolu­ JUDAISM AND PSYCHOLOGY by feminists, the authors of the Gates tion and met him head-on with ac­ Rabbi Avrohom Amsel: presents for the of the House have "attempted to tions not imposed on any Jew in first time a theory of human nature erase language that could be in­ within the framework of Judaism, in almost 300 years: Inviting a storm which the nature of behav1or, the terpreted as sexist. Under the new of criticism from all sectors of liturgy, for example, 'G-d of all causes of mental illness and possible "liberal" Judaism, the Agudas therapeutic approaches are explored. generations,' is substituted at one HoRabbonim placed Dr. Kaplan in A bold departure from many conven­ point for the previously worded cherem, the highest form of censure tional psychological beliefs. The book 'G-d of our fathers'" (New York in Jewish life - excluding him from was out of print for a Jong time and was Times, March 7, 1977). the religious community. just reprinted in a soft cover edition. 214 pages $4.95 Reacting to the Extreme - (During the period of the cherem, Once, and Again no one except the members of the The Reform response to immediate household of the of­ feminism may not seem more fender is permitted to associate with serious than other Reform dis­ him, to sit within his four cubits, or MOVING? memberments of tradition, whether to eat in his company. He is ex­ pected to go into mourning and to Be sure to notify us in ad­ in negating halachic standards, vance so that your copies "erasing'' sacred texts, or refrain from bathing, cutting his abrogating Torah beliefs. But here a hair and wearing his shoes, and he will continue to reach you. new type of yielding has evidenced has to observe all the laws that per­ The U.S. Postal Service will itself, and once feminist belligerents tained to a mourner. not forward magazines to succeed in dictating the writings of The last formally placed under your new address. Reform prayers, no limits are in cherem was Benedict de Spinoza,

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 33 the Dutch philosopher and Bible Weiss-Rosmarien, who is often a extreme condemnatory measures critic, in 1656. Spinoza was a bril­ bitter vitriolic critic of Orthodoxy. against them, for the Reform Jews liant man who, through his doctrine She wrote in the Jewish Spectator themselves can surely perceive that of Pantheism, which in effect (July, 1945) that they altering theological principles to denied the existence of G-d, had in­ "neither attempt to interpret nor do satiate the demands of feminists is a curred the condemnation of the they reinterpret the prayers, which futile, endless striving. Mrs. Anne of his time.) they regard to be no longer in tune M. Hammerman, another Jewish Not everybody in the liberal with the knowledge and convictions writer, condemns it, commenting camp disagreed with the Orthodox of the modern Jew. They do not that "this move seems to me to be rabbis. Ludwig Lewissohn, the 'reconstruct' the siddur, as did entirely unnecessary and somehow famous writer and novelist, who many Jewish scholars and rabbis paltry and unimportant." was far from an Orthodox Jew, before them, but wreck and destroy Nothing that it is sponsored by a wrote in The New Palestine (June it and then proceed to 'construct' a task force of the New York Federa­ 29 '45): "lt is undeniable that Dr. new prayer book, which has tion of Reform , she Kaplan, who knows that l have nothing in common with the Siddur goes on to lament, hallowed by a history of more than always respected and admired many "Would that the task force spend 3,000 years, the age of many of its of his efforts and ideals, seems now the same amount of time reasoning biblical components. The long and to lay an axe at the root of both. lt is why women, as well as men, hardly this fact which the Union of vererable history of the Siddur may attend the synagogue in any great not mean much to the revolutionary Orthodox Rabbis perceived and number. Outside of the high holy 'Reconstructionists' (the name does declared. Dr. Kaplan mangles the days, the number of regular syn­ not fit them, for they definitely do liturgy and denies the destiny of agogue attendees is minimal. Do Israel, as it works itself out visibly not reconstruct Jewish life)." these women really believe that if in history, by making 'modernity' She continues that "in wrecking the terminology is changed, this will the criterion of belief." rather than reconstructing the induce the women to attend the Another unexpected ally to the traditional Siddur," the editors have synagogue? Hardly. Actually, have Agudas HoRabbonim was Trude acted contrary to their own princi­ we ever really given a definite sex to ples, which call for the strengthen­ the Almighty? Do we envision G-d ing of 'Jewish folkways.' There cer­ The only Orthodox English- as a person or as an image according tainly is no more firmly established weekly in the world to our individual understanding? and better beloved 'Jewish folkway' Do different people envision their presenting the authentic than davening according to the G-d in different shades of skin tone Torah viewpoint. traditional prayer book. and eye slants, etc? G-d is G-d and Stimulating! Informative! Perhaps some similar outpouring the masculine image is not iden­ World-wide coverage of news. of condemnation is warranted here tified in the prayerbooks. Calling JEWISH TRIBUNE for we must anticipate that no G-d 'Father' means strength, love 97, Stamford Hill "liberal" movement would want to and compassion. lt is a comfortable miss out on an opportunity to ride and familiar term. London, N. 16. England the wave of the future. Sure "Yes, we need task forces. We Annual Subscription: Airmail $35. enough, Dr. A. Blumenthal, a need think-tanks to explore the Conservative clergyman, praises the Surface Mail $18.50. reasons why we are losing so many women's new, revised Sabbath of our youth. We need think-tanks prayer book, which uses feminine Machon Torah Meirah to develop some kind of programm­ references to the Deity offering that 17, Tewkesbury Drive ing within Judaism that will appeal "no editor of any new Siddur Prestwich Manchester to young people and will keep them should be unfamiliar with this re­ within the fold." England. cent effort . .. this is the beginning, Chumasch Torah Meirah: 3 and it is a good one, of a new genre The prayer of our tradition and vols. 12 d61lars p.p. lhe first of liturgical literature." His column conventions are not mere folkways, comprehensive ·commentary is widely read suggesting serious or communal habits. They speak a of each W6rd & sentence in the implications about the hope that profound worldview of eternal this fad, too, shall pass without relevance, and if we fail to grasp Torah, specially recommended leaving a marked impact. these timeless truths, the shortcom­ f6r Rabbis, Ministers & ing is obviously with us, not the Teachers, written in concise & On the Other Hand ... texts. Attempting to change them lucid Hebrew. On the other hand, perhaps it instead of us is futile and self­ may not even be necessary to take defeating. 1,:t:

34 The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 Letters to the Editor 15thArmua1 Paul and Leslie Belz M~morial Torah Retreat Shera!on Hotel .. Gatlinburg,. Tennessee November 10th - yarmulke, rebbetzen, kvater, unter­ Yiddish, Hebrew, firer, kite/, etc. etc. Is he unaware of November 13th, 1977 and Other Hybrids how many Hebrew words were not "The as an Architect of Biblical or Talmudic origin, but Jew To the Editor: were coined by Yiddish-speaking in Time" I was shocked at the level of Ashkenazic Jews (scholars and amei argumentation against Rabbi ha'aretzim alike) in the Middle Ages KedvshaF; Hazmanim - Shimon Susholtz' s article, "Who and later? Many of them were •• The Sabbath, - Window into Eter· Needs Yiddish?" (The Jewish coined in the course of Yiddish con­ Observer, June 1976), posed by versations, disputations, business nity . . ·... · Rabbi Aron Pessin (Letters, Sept. • Pesach, , .succot .-The dealings, etc. To make a long story Festivals to ",\lee and be Seen" 76 ). One does not have to be a short: c::Pi::i1.:i. 1iiliil oib.::in Wise professional hngu ist to eschew a men, be cautious with your words. • Rosh HaShonoh anil line of reasoning which asks: ,,.. Days of Closeness "Why should Jews speak Yid­ (Dr.) MORDKHE SCHAECHTER • Tuha J3'Av. ahd the Fast Days ~ dish, which is a hybrid Lecturer of Yiddish Prophecy and Holocaust Columbia University language, made up of the New York City • Purim and Chanukah - Gateway languages of the most rabid to Moshi.ath anti-Semites: Germans, Poles A Yeshiva For and Russians?" For fi,rther infontlatidl'I write: Mrs, Rosenberg's Neighbor Surely one does not adduce such Yeshiva of the South an argument in opposition to 5255 Meadowcrest <:pve Hebrew simply because of the many To the Editor: Memphis, Tennessee 38117 words of Egyptian, Babylonian, As­ The article about the home syrian, Greek and Latin origin yeshiva ("Mrs. Rosenberg's which came into Hebrew. These Yeshiva") in the Shevat issue (JO, languages, after all, were the native Jan. 77) brings to mind a problem: Enjoy .•• tongues of peoples who destroyed where does a woman not raised in a the Beis Hamikdash twice, dis­ Torah-filled home acquire the persed the Jewish people, and were hashkafa, the outlook on life, which guilty of many other crimes against will engage her whole attention on the Jews. Does Rabbi Pessin realize her role as wife and mother, in an that such words as era of widespread dissatisfaction with that role? She does not have ,01'.tl ,11''D:J.)J0 ,X'1D1Jl ,p11i1l0 ,m ,jb'O ,on1p'9t< ,opl9 ,;i.,,so long hours to spend in another women's home soaking up the ,01l'l1"1i.lK ,pilO ,X'lO:J~ ,1'1K Torah view of life from the air, and The Most Trusted Name in Kosher Poultry J. milchik, f/eishik, pareve (which For Fast, Efficient and Courteous S.erv1ce does not have an old Hebrew 18 w. 45th St., New York, N, Y. 10036 • 563·399~ equivalent), shtibl, kloyz, shul/shil,

The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 35 in their formative years was secular, Do all the communities in culture are not quite willing to ac­ but who now wish to raise their America with significant ba'al cept the Torah as an obligation. children to a life based on Torah, teshuva populations have such clas­ This new form of cultural Judaism need a more direct exposure to ses? Perhaps they do, but if not, if is particularly dangerous because its Torah concepts, a class whose pur­ there is somewhere a group of adherents are so easily mistaken for pose, spoken or unspoken, is to women who wish they understood sincere, believing Jews. There is, in convey hashkafa. In Bnei Brak and better what the Torah has to tell us fact, a continual spectrum from Jerusalem such classes exist on about how to lead our daily life, those Reconstructionists who Chumash, Nach, Pirkei Avos, the perhaps they themselves should categorically deny the truth of works of Rav Dessler, and so forth; take the initiative. A teacher can be Torah, to the true baalei teshuva. the only requirements are interested found if there are students ready to Many of those in between do not students, and a talented teacher who learn, and among the prime can­ know what they believe. However, can present deep ideas in a way didates are the women whose advice all are concerned with the practice satisfying to intelligent women with is frequently sought in matters of of authentic Judaism as they un­ little Torah background and limited hashkafa. Hashkafa is extremely derstand it, so they are not satisfied knowledge of Hebrew. important for mothers, because the with the watered-down version extent to which the children take represented by Conservative and their Torah education seriously de­ Reform congregations. pends so directly on the atmosphere J~ This movement is clearly part of their mother creates in the home, ~iii'; the general renewed interest in and on the relative weight she "T" religion and ancestral roots and K"lllm Klll'ii' ;run places on physical and spiritual culture, due to the disillusion with considerations. Chevra Kadisha contemporary American culture Har Hamenuchot • t1ar Hazeisim (Dr.) MALKA 5CHAPS and values. Why then have they Eretz Hacholm Bnei Brak, Israel (formerly of created this new aberration? Are Burial in Jerusalem Cambridge, Mass.) they simply too attached to their And All Cemeteries In Israel supposed freedom to accept the obligation of mitzvos? Is it a lack of ''Catalogues'' maal1n Bako~€sh sincerity about Torah, or a commit­ and Personal Examples SOCl€ty ment to other values, such as To the Editor: feminism, to which Torah must 26 CANAL ST. take a second place? Or is it pos­ Rabbi Oberstein's comments on NEW YORK CITY 10002 sibly our fault as well? D11y & Nite Phone The Jewish Catalogue and the trend 233-7878 it represents (Apr. '77) were very Is our" solid family structure" in­ In Canada: well made. A growing number of deed still intact? We are suffering a Montreal T•I.: 273·321 l people who have a strong desire to breakdown of the family in the identify with genuine Jewish Orthodox community, and while

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36 The Jewish Observer I June, 1977 far above the general population, of the latest gossip? Is it a great In Praise of "Confrontation" we are far below the level of a wonder that they want to create generation ago. - Is it the place of new forms of religious expression, To the Editor: the family that the havurot means and that in their pitiful ignorance An avid reader of The Jewish to fill? What have become of our they may make some horrendous Observer, I have found the articles own "havurot" - our chevra-Shas mistakes? to be both informative and at times and Ein Yaakov, where Jews from My concern is not to excuse or controversial. However, the article the least educated on up spent justify them. Our eyes should be hours daily learning Torah? Do our "In Flight from Confrontation" upon ourselves, not on them; they (Mar. '77) by Aaron Twerski is, in shuls really provide a place for peo­ should be a mirror in which we may ple to sincerely .. join together to my opinion, superb. better see our own shortcomings. As a yeshiva bachur who work, learn, pray and live'' - or are Each of should us ask ourselves: graduated college, now entering the they just places to go to grab a 10 "Would a person who is sincerely minute Mincha or a 30 minute professional world, I find the de­ searching for the way of Torah mands required to excel in my field Shacharis? What alternative do we want to emulate me?" really offer to a sincere, albeit of endeavor truly onerous. What "liberated," Jewish woman? - An Aaron Twerski has done is ar­ ezras nashim where davening is (Rabbi) NATHAN BUSHWICK ticulate succinctly what I and my poor competition for the exchange Rochester, New York friends personally experience. Indeed, every professional field today (and successful business enterprise as well) has become so Do you want a private Rebbe for $1.65 (or less)? complex that to reach the .. top" one More than 160 cassette tapes covering 26 mesechtos are now must totally immerse himself. This available requires relegating Torah learning Mishnayos are translated and explained in a clear to second place - surely not in the and lucid popular style by Rabbi A.C. Feuer order of things, but rather in the Individual tapes - $1.65 amount of time available to devote to learning. Unfortunately, in many Entire Mesechta - $1.50 each tape instances, it has meant eliminating Partial List of Mesechtos daily sedorim. Berachos 9.00 Shabbos 18.00 Anyone who disagrees is either Terumos 10.50 Kai/im 24.00 ignorant of reality or refuses to con­ 4.50 Mikvaos 12.00 front it as it is. Every earnest Send orders and requests for catalog to: yeshiva bachur who goes out into Zev Dachs Memorial Tapes the world is faced with confronta­ 5723 17th Avenue tions. However, most have chosen Brooklyn, N. Y. 11204 to avoid the issue by ignoring it. "In Flight from Confrontation" is a direct, unflinching encounter with this real confrontation. Has Judaism anything to say on Calling American Readers SRUU BLUMENFRUCHT Brooklyn, N. Y. the sterilization of men or women in London: for Therapeutic, Eugenic, or Fami­ Your up-to-date copy (by ii?::lii t:1n1> ly Planning reasons? airmail) of The Jewish A ·full discussion of the whole Observer is waiting for you EV 7-1750 question in Ezrat Nashim Vol. 3 at ll"il:I il!l:I pp. 300-316 MENORAH PRINT & 111~!,'ll/'1$ 'c:11~rii•ir.i11 The Agunah Problem Pres.ent. Day GIFT CENTRE Marriage & Divorce Problems by (J. Wahrhaftig) Canadian readers are advised Rabbi Meir Meiri 3.Vols·.·15 Dol­ Hebrew Bookseller either tb subscribe at the lars p;&p. Religious Requisites overseas rate of. $1. additional Machon Torah Meirah: 17 227, Golders Green Road, per year, or to indi~te on .their Tewkesburyprive London, N. W. 11 checks that the $7.f)U payment Pr~stwich Manchester, England Tel. 01-458 8289 is to. be. rnade iti lJS. funds.

The Jewish Observer/ June, 1977 37 CENTRAL TORAH LIBRARY Of Agudath Israel of America. Launched more AGUDATH ISRAEL'S "FRESH START" AGUDA TH ISRAEL Of BORO PARK than a year ago, this unique service has TRAINING CENTER DEDICATED already organized more than 160 Torah The Central Torah Library, which is a pro­ study groups including 30 lecture groups, A new pilot program for retraining people ject of Agudath Israel of Boro Park, is an out­ 105 sets of chavrusas, and 25 study teams via over the age of 40, sponsored by the man­ standing institution serving, free of charge, telephone hook-ups. power agency of Agudath Israel of America, thousands of residents of our community. Project COPE, was dedicated on Sunday, Men and women, young and old, people of The adult Torah study project of Agudath May 15th, by a large group of community all groups and persuasions are welcome to Israel will be expanding its activities in the and government leaders. Participating in the explore, 'Sample and absorb the vast foun­ coming months to many areas in the country, ribbon-cutting ceremony were New Yori<. tains of Tor ah knowledge that are to be under the leadership of its chairman Rabbi State Labor Commissioner Philip Ross; found in the 12,000 volumes on the library Sh lo mo Oppenheimer, and its executive Borough President Howard Golden; shelves. director Rabbi Yaakov Bender. Congressman Stephen Solarz; Surrogate Judge Bernard Bloom; Joel Robinson, direc­ One of the library's attractions is its chief SSTH NATIONAL CONVENTION tor, Manpower Planning Secretariat of the librarian, Rabbi Moshe Lipshitz, whose en­ OF AGUDATH ISRAEL New York State Department of Labor; cyclopedic knowledge of books is an in­ IN ATLANTIC CITY, Donald Menzi, director, New York City valuable resource to the community. His vast NOVEMBER 24-27 Manpower Planning Council; Menachem scholarship in Jewish knowledge is of great Shayovich, Special Assistant to Governor assistance to all visitors to the library, es­ Over 3,000 delegates and guests from Carey; Assemblyman Leonard Silverman; pecially to those doing research. Rabbi every part of the world are expected to par­ and Councilman Edward Rappaport. Lipshitz also conducts tours and periodic lee~ ticipate in the 55th annual convention of tures for groups of high school and seminary Agudath Israel of American over the three­ After the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the students to acquaint them with the world of day weekend of November 24 through the 27 new center, the government officials joined Jewish books. Group tours and lectures can at the Sheraton Deauville Hotel in Atlantic in lauding the high standards established by be arranged for by calling the library at 435- City, New Jersey. The foremost Torah Project COPE in its various services. The of­ 3542. scholars in the country, members of the fice is located at 5218 - 16th Avenue in the Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah (Council of Torah Baro Park section of Brooklyn and is the The library is currently attempting to in­ Sages) of Agudath Israel, head the roster of fourth office of the citywide training agency crease its collection with old or unused speakers who will explore the policies of the headquartered at 5 Beekman Street in Lower seforim from individuals. The library has its Agudist movement and chart its continued Manhattan. own bookbinding facilities which enables it course of growth in building an effective to rebind old seforim. The names of all According to Rabbi Menachem Lubinsky, coalition of Orthodox Jewish forces for con­ donors are inscribed in the books that are director of Project COPE, this pilot project crete actions programs. donated. "will serve among others, women returning to The library also maintains a large selection A major session of the convention will be the labor force, former proprietors of small of Jewish periodicals from all over the world devoted to the recent developments in Israel, businesses which were forced to dose down, in many languages. Contribution of ·ad­ surrounding the Agudath Israel's support of laid-off workers from government, other ditional periodicals to enrich this widely used the Likud parliamentary coalition, which household breadwinners who lost their section would be greatly appreciated. helped solve a wide range of religious livelihood and Russian Jewish Immigrants." problems, which have in recent years Future plans for the library's expansion aroused the ire of Orthodox Jews inter­ The new Fresh Start Training Program include a children's section, lending library, nationally. Orthodox leaders from Israel, will include such training components as on­ acquisition of microfilm system and a tape Europe and South American who will ad­ job-training, vocational education, classroom library. dress the gathering will seek to place recent training, guidance and counseling and place­ ment. The director of this unique program is events in perspective from a historic view­ LIBRARY HOURS point, and with an eye towards presenting an Shmuel Silberberg. Sun. 4-7 P.M. agenda for future activities. The Fresh Start Training Program is Mon., Tue., Thurs. 6-10 P.M. funded by the Manpower Planning Wed. 7-10 P.M. AGUDATH ISRAEL AT Secretariat of the New York State Depart­ Hours for Women: U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT ment of Labor under the Comprehensive Sun. 1:30-4:00 P.M. FOREIGN POLICY CONFERENCE Employment and Training Act (CETA) Title Wed. 4:30-7:00 P.M. Agudath Israel of America represented by its executive president, Rabbi Moshe Sherer, Calendar Correction: participated in a National Foreign Policy JEWS OF MANY BACKGROUNDS The date for Yorn Kippur 5738 Conference for Leaders of Non­ JOIN "RESHET SHIUREI TORAH" was listed incorrectly in the Desk Governmental Organizations convened by Calendar for the year 5737 (1977-8) A surban Jewish doctor with little the U.S. State Department. Top officials of distributed by Agudath Israel of knowledge of his heritage, a young baal the State Department engaged in a dialogue teshuva, and two young former bnei Torah, with the heads of leading Jewish and non­ America. Yorn Kippur begins are amongst the latest diverse group of peo­ Jewish organizations on the thrust of the Wednesday evening, September 21 ple to request assistance through Reshet government's policies in different parts of and ends Thursday night, Shiurei Torah (Torah Education Network) of the world, including the Middle East. September 22.

38 The Jewish Observer/ June, 1977 AGUDATH ISRAEL DINNER HEARS CALL FOR JEWISH COMMUNITY INTEGRITY

Rabbi Feinstein Addressing Agudath Israel Dinner (speaking); Rabbi Moshe Sherer; Mayor Abraham D. Beame; Rabbi Center Dais: From L.to R.: Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein; Rabbi Chaskel Gedalia Schorr; Rabbi Chaim Kreiswirth; Rabbi Pinchus Teitz; Mor­ Besser; Rabbi Leifer; David Lowy; Rabbi Simcha Elberg; Rabbi ris Rokowsky; Dr. Isaac Lewin; Rabbi Shefte! Neuberger; Rabbi Shneur Kotler; Rabbi ; Rabbi Moshe Feinstein Chaim Dov Keller; Dr. Ernst L. Bodenheimer

Calling upon the Jewish community to in a special appearance at the Dinner, joined profoundly influenced our lives and serve as a model of integrity in all its in praise of Agudath Israel of America's strengthened our cherished American endeavors and actions, Rabbi Moshe Feins­ growth from a neighborhood-based heritage." tein, world-renowned Torah authority, ad­ organization to one of national scope, ar­ A unique presentation "From the dressed a record crowd of lZOO rabbis, lay ticulating the beliefs and meeting the needs Mailbag" was rendered, depicting the broad leaders and Agudists, who filled the ballroom of large numbers of Jews. variety of letters from every part of the world of the New York Hilton on Sunday May 8th The guest speaker was Rabbi Chaim Dov that arrive every day at the national head­ at the 55th annual Dinner of Agudath Israel Keller, the Rosh Yeshiva of the Telshe Rab­ quarters of Agudath Israel, demonstrating of America. binical College in Chicago. He spoke of the the wide range of problems with which the Rabbi Feinstein, who spoke for the underlying strength of the Jew as a direct organization comes to grip on a daily basis. Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah (Council of Torah outgrowth of his commitment to Torah The Chairman of the evening was Rabbi Sages) of Agudath Israel declared, "We must learning, citing the Oaf Yomi program (folio­ Shefte! Neuberger, a faculty member of the incorporate halachic standards in every a-day Talmud study project promoted by Yeshiva Ner Israel of Baltimore. The dinner phase of our personal, business and com­ Agudath Israel) as an outstanding example of was opened by Alan J. Rosenberg, a promi­ munal lives, permitting no compromise in such involvement. nent leader of the Kew Gardens community. any respect. We will then fulfill our role as a A high point in the program was the 'model people' and raise the level of our presentation of awards to three Orthodox ac­ PUBLISH THREE-IN-ONE general society." The noted Rosh Yeshiva tivists for distinguished servie to Torah and POCKET-SIZE GEMORAH lauded Agudath Israel of America for serving Agudath Israel by Rabbi Moshe Sherer, ex­ FOR OAF YOMI LEARNERS "as an example of community activity con­ ecutive president of the American Agudath The third volume of three mesechtos, con­ ducted with the high level of responsibility Israel organization. Mr. Morris Rokowsky sisting of Megillah, Moed Katan and which Torah law dictates." Rabbi Feinstein received the Hagaon Rav Aharon Kotler Chagiga, published as a pocket-size volume also spoke about the importance of a large Memorial Award; Mr. David Lowy - to help participants in the daily Talmud vote for the Agudath Israel slate in Israel's "Shearis Hapleitoh Man of the Year" Rabbi study program, is now available from the Knesset elections and spelled out the impact Elimelech Tress Memorial Award; and Rabbi Oaf Yomi Commission of Agudath Israel of of such support on religious issues in Israel Yaakov Goldstein - Moreinu Reh Yaakov America. Measuring SV2"x8", it will enable and throughout the world. Rosenheim Memorial Award. Branch the learners to carry and study the A festive air prevailed in the ballroom, for Leadership Awards were also bestowed upon volume regardless of where they may be. this was undoubtedly one of the most the leaders of fourteen local Agudist The Oaf Yomi Commission announce­ impressive gatherings of the leadership of chapters: ment said that these Gemoras will not be Orthodox Torah Jewry every convened in A warm letter of greetings was received available in book stores and they are New York. In addition, the large hall was from President Jimmy Carter, who in lauding designed solely for the convenience of Daf graced by a three-tier dias seating Yeshiva Agudath Israel of America for its commit­ Yomi learners. The volume was published on heads, Chassidic leaders, deans and prin­ ment "to the advancement of education, a non-profit basis and is available for the cost cipals of numerous day schools, and Jewish religion and social welfare", stated that "in a price of only $2.50 by sending a check to the community leaders from many parts of the society that has thrived on the principle of Oaf Yomi Commission of Agudath Israel of world including Israel, Europe and Canada. religious liberty, your spiritual leadership, America, 5 Beekman Street, New York City Mayor Abraham D. Beame of New York, scholarship and humanitarian concern 10038.

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