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CHESHBON HANEl'ESH' mE PATH orlllE Jusr JHEGATESOF Rabbi Moshe FAITH ANO TROST' Rabbi Menacbem Mendel REPENTANCf Chaimllllallo of Satanov R>bbi Shnuid ll-01ltiline.r Rabbeinu Yonah of Gerona for centuries, this text Here_iS,_a i:idi';liicf. This ptactkal teXt ihis classic work sys· has _sefVed as ,the clas insj:Hring:tol,t~ort_pf helps readers keep sic Jewish ·guidebdok track of spiritual tematically guides read· quotes and aoe-OOote_s. ptogi:ess With a unique ers through the various for ·seJf·improvement Orr t~»topit' Pf.~trust ,111 fa.cets and phases of and self·dMIOJ>'. G-drcunett tto:m: step·by-sre~ ment. .. and it approach to character the process of "teshu· stilt Talfnudic; Mfdrasllit;_ vah" or repentance, OCciipfes that eXdlted and Rabbinic .sources. development. posiHOnl IE CONCISE BOOK JEWISRSYMBOUSM TljEJE\VJSll YEAR OF MITZVOJlf Rabbi S.-R. Hirsch Rabbi Salll!Oa R. Hi001 Chafelz The Chayim This profound ~niina- take ,ati -1~-splrlng This collection of brlef1 tion of the power of exttitsitm around the contemporary classic insigtltfut essays examines ief!y describes all the Jewish ~botrsm sheds J~sh_ )$r:the$Says: The Book ·of Proverbs illuminahng lig!lt on such vos applicable in our arid deliYers potent, mitzvos as m1lah, tiitiis, iri:~;~ Vofumes •1 togethet,with-com· meaningfo! lessons tefillin, and the ~dd fascii1ilting insight tary and explanation. that relate to Jewish life -M\shka1t ;, an,d ·ondetstandirtg.:to "he text afs·o indudes !Oday. ever)'_:Jewlsh month-: ~ mitzvos that pertain fes(wal; •rid last day. to Eretz Yisrocl,
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AHAVATH CHESED The Cha!l!z°"fim In this timely text, the Chafetz Chayim dis· cusses the meaning and laws relating to _acts of loving kindness within the context of human obligations and relationships.
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MAY 1999 VOLUME XXXl!/NO. 5
The results of the Israeli election on May 17 signal the possibility of radical changes ahead. The next issue will n""X feature comment on these trends. The graphic -0n page 24 of the Aprll '99 Jewish Observer has _pa Bentzion Sorotzkin Developing Middos: Learned or Experienced?
When the Talmudic sage Hillel was asked HOW AREMIDDOSTAUGHT? "Four," he answered. to summarize the Torah in one sentence, he "What is your specific need for disci proclaimed: "Di'lach sani, lechavrach lo learly, the importance of middos plining him?" I asked. savid - What is hateful to you, do not do has to be stressed as part of for "I need to teach him to say 'please' and to your neighbor; the rest is commentary1 ." Cmal instruction both at home 'thank you;" he explained. This is the minimum level ofchessed (lov and at school. The deleterious effect of "Then it is a matter of instilling mid ing-kindness): do not harm others. A high living in surroundings where "every dos, rather than disciplining," I answered. er level is expounded by Rabbi Akiva in his thing goes;' and a culture that fails to 'J\nd in that case, I would ask: Do you say famous statement: '"Ve'ahavta lere'acha uphold even minimal standards of 'please' and 'thank you' to your son?" karnocha - Love your neighbor as your moral behavior, can be observed in con He was taken aback by this question, but self'; this is the great principle ofthe Torah 2.'' temporary Western society. At the same gave it some thought. It is clear from this that the violation of time, by stressing formal instruction, we "I'm not sure, but probably not," was his mitzvos bein adam lechavero (mitzvos that run the risk of overlooking other honest response. govern interpersonal relationships) are at avenues of indirect influence that can Although he seemed to understand my least as objectionable as those bein adam often have a stronger and more lasting point, he could not fully accept the idea of laMakom (between man and Hashem). impact than direct instruction. forgoing the use of direct instruction or any Parents who are sensitive to this point put The most powerful form of indirect degree of pressure, and to have faith in the in a great deal of effort to teach their chil influence is the example parents set by power of setting an example. dren middos (ethical character traits). It their own behavior, especially in their is the purpose ofthis essay to determine the conduct toward their children. "Chil LEARNING BY LMNG most effective means by which we can devel dren learn by example" has become a op positive character traits in our children. cliche as unassailable as motherhood t is difficult to have faith in the indi and apple pie. In practice, however, few rect influence of setting an example. lShabbos, 3Ia parents or teachers are truly comfortable I Many parents feel they are being relying on this "indirect" method of derelict in their duty of being mechanech 2. Yerushalmi Nedarim, 89, 4, See Michtav instruction. (educating) their children if they are not Me'Eliyahu lII p. 88 Recently, a young father came over to me actively and forcefully instructing (or Dr. Sorotzkin is a therapist with a private prac at a simcha and asked, 'J\t what age should perhaps they are not confident in the tice in Brooklyn. He dedicated this article le'ilui you start disciplining a child?" example they are setting). From the nishmas [to the memory of] Rabbi Chaim Segal 7Yt, late menahel of Mesivta Rabbi Chaim Berlin, "Discipline starts when a child under words of Chazal (our sages), however, with whom he had the zechus of discussing some stands the words 'yes' and 'no:" I respond we see that indirect influence is the most of the ideas addressed in this article. (Needless ed. effective means of educational influence'. to say, the author alone remains responsible for Realizing that this was not likely to be its content.) The author adds: "Rabbi Segal 7":-n a purely academic question, I asked him how 3. See also Rabbi Matis Roberts, "Whisper personified for me the mechanech who taught Above the Roar: Making the Case for Subtlety," middos by personal example." old his child was. JO, April '98.
6 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 The Midrash states that Moshe had trickle-down "middos" program: "My ten names: "Yered" because he brought • goal is to perfect a model of hospitali down the Torah to the world; "Chever" ome adults are ty that starts with the way I treat my staff' because he united the children with their Father in heaven, etc. Hashem told Sconvinced that the TEACHING BY EXAMPLE Moshe that He will call him only by the name given to him by Basya, the daugh Torah laws regulating ome schools (and parents) pride ter of Pharoah, i.e. Moshe4 . interpersonal themselves in "teaching" middos by Rabbi Chaim Shmulevitz 7··:.r asks: Susing contests, essays, prizes and Why did Hashem choose to call Moshe relationships do not even punjtive measures(!) to promote by the one name that seems to least and encourage polite behavior. How reflect his greatness? In fact, this nan1e apply to how an adult effective are such tools if a teacher in one does not even reflect son1ething that of these schools is not sufficiently care Moshe did. Rather, it relates only to treats a child ful to exemplify middos when he or she what Pharoah's daughter did, "Ki min (especially their own speaks to a student? If he insults, "puts hamayim 1nishisihu - For I drew him down" or embarrasses a student in front from the water." child or student). This of otl1ers? Or if he "just" fails to treat Reb Chaim explains that since his students with respect? Here again, Pharoah's daughter saved Moshe with idea is clearly contrary while everyone knows the cliche that mesiras nefesh (at the risk of her life), this "Do as I say and not as I do" is an inef character trait of being devoted tooth to halacha. fective means of instruction, this knowl ers became part of Moshe's personali edge is not always internalized. 11 One ty. 5 It does not say that Moshe received reason for this may be the fact that some lessons in self-sacrifice, nor is there evi • adults are convinced that the Torah laws dence that he won first prize in a "devo We also see from Chazal how people regulating interpersonal relationships do tion to others" contest6. The 1najor con (and even nations!) develop negative not apply to how an adult treats a child tributing factor was that he himself was traits by being treated negatively. The (especially their own child, or stu raised with self-sacrifice. apathy of Amalek is attributed to the dent). This idea is clearly contrary to Likewise, Reb Chaim continues, the coldness with which Timna, the "moth halacha. 12 Talmud Yerushalmi states that we learn er" of Amalek, was rejected by the Avos9. Rabbi Pam N"1>'>'ro spoke recently for that Jews have the character trait of com From this we can conclude that the the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation passion for others from "Veshamar primary means of instilling the attribute on the subject of ona'as devarim (hurt Hashem Elokecha lecha es habris ve'es of kindness in children is not by train ful speech). Making it dear that this hachessed - Hashem will safeguard for ing them to say "thank you;' etc.! Torah prohibition also applies to teach you the covenant and kindness that He Rather, one treats them with kindness ers and parents, Rabbi Pam said: "Many swore to your forefathers.?" The Torah (perhaps by saying "thank you" to children can be turned off from Yid 1"'emima asks the obvious question: them), and that instills this trait into dishkeit because of verbal mistreat How can you learn about a character their essencelO. In a recent business arti ment, either from parents or from istic of the Jewish people from a verse cle, the successful owner of a chain of teachers if they use sarcasm or public describing how Hashem treats them? restaurants describes his version of a insults in class,,,, This is all included in Here, too, Reb Chaim explains that since the prohibition of ona'as devarim, Hashem treats the Jewish people with 8. Since, as Reb Chain1 points out, attributes such which is part of the same negative pro kindness, this virtue becomes absorbed as feelings of love can be instilled even into inan hibition as lashon hara (gossip, slander):' imate objects, it is obvious that this process is of in their national character. By treating a ruchniyus nature rather than a cognitive one. Similarly, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein His children with kindness, Hashem is, 9. Sichos Mussar (573 l :3 l). A well-known Rosh 7":.t was asked if a teacher is permitted in effect, presenting them with this char Yeshiva was once asked at a meeting for parents acter trait as a gift.8 and educators in regard to rebellious youngsters: 11. See Orchos !sh p. l 42 regarding how students "How can these youngsters have no considera absorb more from their Rebbls actions than from tion for the pain they are causing their parents?" his lectures; p. 143 for comments regarding the 4. Midrash Rabba, reish Vayikra He responded, "Apparently, these parents showed negative results from punitive demotion. Also: 5. See Sichos Mussar (5732:25): "Whenever one little consideration for the pain they caused their According to Rabbi S.R. Hirsch, "Demanding person endows another with a midda, the recip children." ient becomes enriched beyond any reckoning." honor and obedience from our children without I 0. These words of Chazal, as explained by Reb granting them respect and dignity in return, is 6. As indicated above, it is not my intention to Chaim, should reassure those parents who question the usefulness of these teaching tools; doomed to failure" Yesodoth Hachinuch, Vol. l. become excessively worried that being "too nice" - cited by C. Juravel, JO, Nov. '98. (p. 42). rather, it is to emphasize the importance of set to their children will cause them to become ting an example in addition to direct instruction. 12. See_ Choshen Mishpat 420:103; Minchas spoiled. Chinuch, mitzva 328; Sefer Chassidim 565. 7. Devarim 7, 12; Yerushalmi Sanhedrin 6:7
The Jewish Observer, May 1999 7 to ask his students to identify the stu ing. It seems that they could not under mand the student. Unfortunately, due dent who misbehaved (to "snitch;' in the stand how an educator could forgo a to the zeal with which some teachers and vernacular). Reb Moshe responded that direct and "certain" educational tool parents approach their task of teaching for a teacher to do so would be repul (exposing and punishing the culprit) for an offending child to behave properly, sive, since it teaches the students to take the sake of what they perhaps saw as a they become oblivious to the damage lightly the prohibition of speaking dubious gain, i.e., setting an example of they are causing by the example they are lashon hara. 13 not encouraging lashon hara. setting. Telling a child to speak lashon Some educators were not comfortable Reb Moshe responded in no uncer hara will inevitably cause the child to giving up this well-used, direct "educa tain terms that the concern of setting a become insensitive to this aveira (trans tional" tool. They wrote to Reh Moshe negative example outweighs any other gression). The teacher's intentions and questioning his ruling based on their con "educational" consideration 14 . Reb justifications have no mitigating effect tention that the teacher's intention is to Moshe makes it clear that setting the on this negative influence. influence the student to stop transgress- right example takes precedence over the Similarly, Reb Moshe comments on 13. Igros Moshe Y.D.Il 103. teacher's desire to "instruct" or repri- the Midrash that is critical of Avraham Avinu for sending his son to get water for his guests instead of getting it him self. Asks Reh Moshe, perhaps Avraham was trying to train his son in the mitz va of hachnossas orchim (hospitality). To this Reh Moshe answers that if someone It hurts wants to educate his son in a mitzva, the 11 most effective method is for the son to 1o ca. observe his father performing the mitz va, rather than having the father instruct aa.:d omest1c his son to perform the mitzva! au•1_se • TEACHING CHILDREN TO DAVEN nother arena where the conflict no11 1ne. between setting an example and A direct instruction is often played out is in parents' attempts to teach chil dren to daven. An all too common sight in many shuls is a father raising his voice, It hurts reprimanding, or even hitting his son to get him to daven, or perhaps "only" 111ore directing his head toward the Siddur, in an effort to be mechanech him in the not 10. importance of davening. This approach has been severely
It feels better just to talk dbout 1t That's 14. In a personal conversation with the author, why we' re here Our staff is rr1ade up of Rabbi Dovid Feinstein N""'7v (Shevat, 5759) canng and ::.ens1t1ve 1nd1v1duals_ Together. indicated that there are situations where Rcb we can help you explore your options. We Moshe would have permitted asking students to can refer you to recognized professionals inform on their peers, (e.g., to find out which for counselinq, legal advice or help 1n child has been playing with matches). Even in finding a safe environment. We can also such a situation, however, every effort should be put you 1n touch with some very special made to minimize the damage of asking children Rabbis_ But 1n order for us to reach out to to speak lashon hara. He suggested having the you, you must first reach out to us. Rebbi speak to the whole class about the prob lem without asking for the name of the culprit, Confidential Hotline 1.888.883.2323 or asking the talmidim to try to convince the per (Toll Free! petrator to come over on his own to the Rebbi 718.337.3700 to discuss his problen1 (perhaps by promising not 8 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 criticized by many gcdolim. Rabbi Hil the father made sure that his son had his .1) The lack of appreciation of the lel Goldberg relates an incident involv eyes on his Siddur, the farl1er resumed his process of natural develop1nent causes ing Rabbi Yitzchok Hutner ?"'11. He had conversation with his neighbor! ... I an1 some parents to overreact to what is essen observed a father "disciplining" his son fairly certain that if the father reads this tially normal (mis)behavior for the child's to daven. Every time the child would get article, he would have no idea that l am age. 19 Sotne parents are not cognizant up or divert his attention, the father redi describing his behavior. that a happy, well adjusted child who is not rected him. It was a battle. 2) People who tend to see things super pressured, and \vho sees his father dav "What are you doing?" Rabbi Hutner ficially think that as long a they get their eni11gsolem11Iy, will in due titne also devel asked the father. child to act properly (e.g. to daven or to op the ability and incLination to daven seri "1'111 teaching iny son to dal'en!" act politely), then it does not really mat ously. Instead, theyfear"If l don't put a ansvvered the father. ter how he feels about the matter. They stop to it !e.g. not davcning seriously] "No, you're not;' said Rabbi Hutner. are also unable to appreciate the indirect now, he'll daven this way when he's an "You're teaching your son to grow up to and subtle influence of setting an exan1- adult'" p!e.1 H tell his own son to be quiet, to sit do\vn, froin disciplining their children due to neglect to pay attention .... If you want to teach or lack of interest. The pasuk is not reco1n your son to davcn, then daven!"15 J 8. This approach is often defended hy quoting n1ending a specific fonn of punish1nent, which Similarly, Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe ,...... ,,.,.,, the Se[er ffa(hi11ud1: "A person is influenced by would depend on the infn1ction, and the age and his actions." However, it is clear that this is effoc is critical of parents who force a child to te1nperan1ent of the child. Rabbi Wolbe states tive pri1narily when the gap between the behav that, in his congregation, one is not pennitted daven, thus inducing a superficial forn1 of ior and person's true level is not too wide. to hit a d1ild over the age of three. (See also devotion devoid of any en1otionaI con Another frequent objection to the "indirect" Pardcs Yoscf, Bcshaloch p.120, and A tarn L'111efcch nection. "These parents will be held approach is fron1 the pasuk in Mishlei, "Chosech fro1n Rabbi Pan1, p.176). In Shin111sha Shel Tbrah, s'1ivto sonei bcno - He who spares the rod hates responsible for making daveninga burden Rabbi Shach states that success in rhinuch is pri- the child. An extensive and very enlightening 1nari!y due to a positive relationship between a for their child," cautions Rabbi Wolbe.16 explanation of the true 1neaning of this pasuk can student and teacher. The mechanech 1nust exert In spite of this criticism - notwith be found in the Alei Shur {Vol. l, p.261) and in hinisclf to find the way to be loved by his stu standing that anyone who bothers to Zeriah U'binyan B'chinuch (pp.23-27) from dents, says Rabbi Shach (p.148). The point here Rabbi Shlo1no \Volbc. Fro1n his discussion it is investigate the matter can clearly see that is certainly to find the n1ost effective means for dear that the pasuk is criticizing those \Vho refrain achieving our chinuch goals. this approach is counterproductive - it remains widely practiced. Why? l would suggest the following reasons. 1) The parents who use this approach tend to be poor davencrs.17 They are therefore, paradoxically but predictably, more intolerant of nor1nal deficiencies in their children's davcning ( kol haposel be' - mumo pose[). I was a shul during Kabollas Shabbos. A man behind me was loudly discussing the stock market with his neighbor. This man noticed his eleven-year-old son, who was sitting a few rows ahead, exchanging a few words (quietly) with his friend. The father emitted a shout, demanding that his son sit next to him so he (the father) could make sure that his son davens properly! What is even 1nore an1azing, is that after the son took the seat next to his father, and 15. The Jewish Parent Connection, Vol. 3, No. 5, 1995, p. 14. J fr See Rabbi Wolbe' s Zcti' a Ubinyan Bechinuch, p. 46: "Tcfilla should be a Jew's nesha1na. If one forces a child to davcn in a superficially habitu al inanner, perhaps striking the child if he does n't daven, they make hin1 despise tefilla. Ulti- 1nately, he will feel no inner connection with tefilla, and the fault will lie with his parents \vho forced him to daven before he was readr." 17. See ibid.cit. p.30. The Jewish Observer, May 1999 9 4) Another factor is the lack of appre without creating negative feelings. ciation for the damage being caused by ~" Invei their own behavior toward their children. MID DOS OR POLITENESS! They are unaware that they are inculcat B~"c Hagefen ing in their children negative attitudes elated problem is when we eval ~(fer toward davening, and that they are uate a child's level of middos ~(' (., ( The Shidduch service harming their relationship with their evelopment by external criteria (.,[l for older singles child, which is the basis of all chinuch.20 - e.g., politeness. lL A project of N'shei In addition, they are setting an exam A young man related how he proud Agudath Israel 'vith ple of embarrassing someone (in this ca-;e, ly told his Rosh Yeshiva about the Agudath Israel of America their children) in public, and other efforts he invested in teaching his chil 6619 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219 harmful middos. Even if there was some dren to be polite. To his dismay, the Tel. (718) 256-7525 •Fax (718) 256-7578 benefit to this method of discipline, it Rosh Yeshiva was not impressed. "The would certainly be a case of yatza secharo Nazis W'11' were also polite;' he remind behefseido (losing more than one gains). ed the father. This problem is exacerbated by the atti When we try to develop middos in our tude of some parents that when dealing children (or in ourselves, forth at matter), with their own children, their propri we need to have a clear understanding of etorship rights exempts them from the the essence of the middos and not focus usual obligations of middos that apply to merely on its external manifestations. 22 their interactions with others. It is as if For example, some people agree to do they say to themselves, "It is only my own extraordinary acts of chessed even when wishes, interests and needs that matter. they strongly resent having to do it. They My children must subordinate their needs to mine without resentment. In 20. See Rabbi Wolbe's Alei Shur I, p. 260: "Par ents specifically establish bonds between their fact, it must be their pleasure to do so:·21 children and Torah. Only the deep connection 5) Even when there is a need for direct between parents and children direct children on Do you have what it takes intervention and direction, they are the derech Hashem (l)ivine path)." to build an organization? unaware of, or not willing to avail them 21. See Zeri'a Ubinyan Bechinuch by Rabbi Shlo selves of, more effective means of instruc mo Wolbe, p. 28: "We frequently find parents who A growth-oriented Torah take action toward their children, ostensibly for organization is seeking a tion. One can use a glance, a gentle com educational purposes, when in fact, the true moti ment, or a friendly pat on the cheek to vation is purely egoistic. At times the parents act redirect a child's attention to his Siddur toward their children with totally unacceptable DIRECTOR OF middos, behavior that would be considered rep rehensible in any other interpersonal context... i.e., EDUCATIONAL 19 Rabbi Wolbe (ibid.cit. p.16) criticizes par jealousy, hate, anger, pride and especially the need ents who den1and that their young children sit PROGRAMMING for power. [The parent feels] 'My child is my pos at the Shabbos table throughout the long meal. session and I am entitled to rule over him in an "This is impossible for a young child," declares absolute 1nanner. He my 'object' and his The successful candidate Rabbi Wolbe. Some parents, however, interpret is mission in life is to serve my needs."' has vision and drive to their child's resistance to remaining at the table In addition, see Sefer Habris II 13:16: "There create a new division as a sign of rebelliousness, etc. are people who are careful not to hurt anyone's Recent studies (e.g., Z. Strassberg, Journal that will design and market feelings; in fact they treat everyone with love. Yet of Abnormal Child Psychology, 1997 [ 25], 209- middos curriculum and they hurt their own children's feelings. They say 215 ), indicate that aggressive children tend to that 'this behavior isn't sinful since Hashem put programs to elementary have parents who are excessively punitive. This them in my hands and He compelled them to and high schools. behavior on the part of the parents is often accept my discipline - as it says, 'Honor your Target market: 160,000 prompted by inaccurate and overly harsh judg father.. ,' and my intention is to discipline school children. ments as to how non-compliant their child actually is. If a parent tells a playing child to • Excellent salary. prepare for bed and the child merely politely requests additional playing time, the parent will • Teaching experience a plus. interpret this request as reflective of chutzpa and FOR BAR MITZVAHS, VORTS, Here's your chance to make a real non-co1npliance. But an even stronger factor SH EVA BROCHOS, ETC ••.. influencing their reaction is their tenden<:y to Great Experience! E!.2l...8.fil&. Only $200~. in1pact on Kial Yisrael attribute negative intent to the child's behav Over 90% of Our Customers Came ior. So the child's request for additional play Recommended!! - Hear Us, tin1e is attributed to defiant intentions {"He You'll See Why. Call Binyornin at: Send Resume to: wants to be in control, he's being manipulative") P.O. Box U41, Monsey, NY 10952 and/or to retaliatory intentions ("He's trying (718) 376-2055 to get even with 1ne"). 10 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 feel compelled to do so in order to gain ty that is only external. In a similar vein,Rabbi criticized by a negative parent will become inse Yissocher Frand (in his very insightful tape on cure and develop poor self-esteem and will, approval in the eyes of others. This com the root causes of /ashon hara) quotes the She111 therefore, also grow up with a strong yeitzer hara pulsion is especially strong in those with Mishrnuel that if you criticize sorneone because to speak lashon hara. poor self-esteem. This can cause them to of an "external" fault, it shows where you your resent the person they are doing chessed self are holding, i.e. in a status of superficiality. for, which undermines the whole purpose 23. See Birch as Peretz (Shen1os 15b ), wherein the 23 Steipler Rav cautions us not to be i1npressed with of doing chessed. True chessed, on the external manifes.tations of chessed, since it may other hand, comes from the expansion of not reflect true inner feelings of chessed. (In fact, IN THE HEART Of ILATBUSH, BROOKLYN, NY a satisfied self to include othcrs,24 as we extren1e exan1ples of"chessed"bchavior, as in the Convenient Location, Near Siluis. Shopping, Sus 6.. Subway see by the Ribbono Shel Olam, who is a incident the Steiplcr referred to,111ay mask under tov, verotzeh leheiteiv - the essence of lying negative feelings.) 24. See Sichos Mussar(5731 :23); Alci Shur Ip. 255; good, and wants to do good. Michtav McEliyahu I p.37, and II p.89. A person who feels deprived, either for 25. See Michtav MeEliyahu I p. 236 emotional reasons or because his envi 26. Rabbi Yissochar Frand (in the tape cited ron1nent is under the influence of mid above) points out that the 1nain victim of lashon hara is the speaker, since it 111akes him into a das hadin (the attribute of justice), will negative person who always sees the bad in oth find it difficult to attain true chessed.25 A ers and in events. Such a person, Rabbi Frand continues, is also likely to be very critical of his child who has difficulty sharing, in spite Making a Slmcha? Visiting New York? of being raised in an environment where children, since he also only sees the negative in then1. I would add that this phenomenon of We are your Home clWay from Home! sharing is an important value, is Jnore being critical of children is not only the result FOR Rf.SERVATIONS &. RAIB CALL likely an unhappy child. 26 Conversely, of being a negative person, but also the cause. m. U.S.A. (718) 253-9535 if we treat children with kindness, we As Rabbi Frand points out, the reason there is FAX. U.S.A. (718) 253-3269 make it easier for them to treat others with such a yeitzer hara (evil inclination) to speak AVENU£ JI EAST 1IDI SiRUJ. BROOKLYN lashon hara is because it helps insecure people proper middos. When parents set an with low self-esteem temporarily feel better www.midwoodsuites.com I em.lil: [email protected] example of respectful interpersonal about themselves. A child who is always being behavior in their relationship with their children, the positive impact of their for mal instructions in middos is tremen dously enhanced. • them in the ways of the Torah.' But, in truth, their words are neither logical nor according to the Torah, for why should their d1ildren not be included in the commandment of 'love your neighbor as yourself?: .. The truth is that. .. one is punished more severely for hurting a relative, and therefore one who unjustly causes pain to ADme his own child will be punished more harshly" (Sefer Habris). 22. See Ohr Gedalyahu {Moadim pp. 28-31) from To Refrain Rabbi Gedalia Schorr7''Yt: Both Shem and Yeffcs did the same compassionate, respectful deed of ~Rabbi shmuel llruckenstein The Jewish Observer, May 1999 11 While Di: Sorotzkin outlines an ideal approach to inspiring and guiding character development through example, avoiding punishment as much as possible, teachers often deal with individual students or entire classes that were molded in a more punitive setting. Can a rebbi or teacher successfully create his or her own format (or "teaching middos"' Rabbi Mordechai Finkelman, a mcchancch (or several decades, currently sth grade rcbbi in Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway, NY, addresses this situation. "Spare the Rod" - Please! "Teacher! If you do not hit us, we will not "Tzvi, I do not believe in hitting. I with the more gentle systen1 of disci behave!" expect that, in due time, the boys will pline? He was never asked directly. behave because it is the right thing to do:' However, I have had many opportuni l'his powerful state1nent lVas made by Without hesitation, Tzvi returned ties to cross the paths of my second the cutest, cherubic seven-year old one could with, '"1l~ Nl11!! "'~"' ivin - Sparing the graders who have becon1e refined B'nei ever meet. Tzvi was a student in my sec rod is hating one's child.' If you won't Torah. I seldom recognize these hand ond grade class. hit us, we will not be good!" some young men as the bouncy little fel I was really astounded at the seri lows who built and flew kites with me. e had become first time ousness with which this last statement They do recognize me, though - they homeowners and had was said. This compassionate little fel greet me warmly and reminisce about W assumed the responsibility low really believed that physical force the "good old days." To this day, their of monthly mortgage and heavy free was the most effective means of foster parents will thank me for the positive loan payments. Hashem Yisborach sent ing cooperation. influence of their children's and my joint me a wonderful opportunity for addi "I'm sorry, Tzvi, but I do not agree experience. It amazes me and warms my tional income - I would rush from my with that method in the classroom. heart to see that one and a half decades 28 student, seventh-grade classroom of Now, please, go to your seat and take out have not clouded recollections of such Limudei Kodesh to try and imbue 30 your handwriting workbook." a small part of the day of a very ele seven-year-olds with an appreciation for By the time Chanuka arrived, we had mentary school age child. Mathematics, Science and Language our first parents-teachers conferences, Arts. By the time I arrived, precious and the appreciation expressed by those DISCIPLINE WITHOUT PUNISHMENT bundles of energy had already been who attended was very encouraging. restrained for six hours of study. Recre The children were learning, behaving zvi's opening statement clearly ation was virtually non-existent, as this and enjoying themselves. indicates the accepted and prac particular institution owned no p1ay Yes - a swift smack will result in a Tticed disciplinary methods of area. Although I prepared interesting more iminediate adherence to the this particular institute. The reaction to lessons with hands-on activity, discipline rules, but the child will fail to acquire the "English teacher's" alternative tech was a serious challenge. the art of genuine, respectable, respect nique illustrates the ability of children After three weeks of pleading for ful inter-personal relationships. The to adapt - even within one environment cooperation, Tzvi approached my desk route of discussion, and fair, humane -to varied styles of handling situations. during a break. "Teacher! If you do not punishment when necessary, is more How can one discipline without hit us, we will not behave!" time consuming, but more enriching physical power? A fair reward and pun Rabbi Finkelman lives in Brooklyn, NY. This is and longer lasting. ishment system is usually appreciated his first appearance in Tf1e Jewish Observer. Fourteen years later, does Tzvi agree and effective. Rewards for young chi!- 12 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 dren can range fron1 honest praise to "I hate you, Rabbi Finkelrnan!" he final leave Mussaf early to be first at aKiddush?" stars to jelly beans. Punishment can ly blurted out. "Yes! But as a child I would never have range from a few n1oments out of the ''And I love you, Ari. And I vvill not per- done it!" roo1n, to a reasonable, positive written 1nit you to enter our shul with visibly bare "Well then," I said, as I prepared to rest assign1nent) to a sacrifice of a part of the feet.'' n1y case, "your father's method did not student's recreation period (only part: Ari contemplated briefly, left and work. You learned to be afraid ofa 'potch' to ren1ove aH recreation will invariably returned shortly with a sn1ile and stockinged - not ofHashem. B'mcchilas kevodcha - prove counterproductive). feet. l11e never had a problenz again. if the slap would have worked, you would Rabbi Shimon Schwab ?"'Yt was the not speak in shul today. Perhaps if you sole (and soul) lecturer at a parenting nc 1nore advantage of patient would speak to your boys - and the loud session of a Torah U1nesorah conven discipline is the development of est speech is action - your sons would hap tion. He spoke in favor of an occasional 0 trust. pily adhere to the laws oftefilla." "potch:' Rabbi Schwab recommended "Rebbi." It was twelve year old Shalom. My pen does not profess to deliver a slap on the hand for, he explained, our "Could you please ask rny 1nother to do what is da'as Torah. If offers, rather, food goal is not to hurt the child; rather to son1ething about my father? Ile ahvays hits for thought culled from years of grati indicate our dissatisfaction. us and screan1s at everyone!" fying experience. The Rav continued to say that we An investigation of the situation proved The raised voice and the intimidating should not add embarrassment by that it 1vasn't "alivays," nor tt'as it "every slam of the hand on the desk maybe effec effecting the reprimand in from of oth one." The main victiins ivere the sons 1vho tive - but only if used very sparingly. ers. "Hoche'ach toche'ach es amisecha 1vere being slapped j(n· talking duringdav Patient direction accon1panied by fair -." While we must reprimand some ening. A private meeting was arranged. reward and punishn1ent require more one we Jove, «Velo sissa a/av cheit-;' "Mr. J., do you think it is beneficial for time and effort- but are also more reward we must remember not to sin by sur your sons to be hit for speaking duringdav ing while the lessons are longer lasting. rounding the admonishn1ent with ening?" We do not deny that little Tzvi cor shame. "Yes!" came the ernpathetic retort. "My rectly quoted Shlomo Hamelech in Mish 'feenagers are yet nlore delicate than j(Jther hit 1ne ifI interrupted the davening, lei. But in Mesivta Torah Vodaas, we seven year olds. Their egos are danger and it worked! I a1n doing the san1e for my were taught- and continue to ascertain ously fragile and more difficult to mend. children!" - that the shevet of mussar (the rod of In the tnore than twenty years that "I hope you 1vill forgive 1ne for asking this reproach) can be a firm respectful Hashem has granted me the privilege to question, Mr.]., but do you speak to your word or a meaningful drasha - perhaps grow vvith teenage b'nei yeshiva, I have friends during davening, today? Do you a fair penalty. • found that regardless of the severity of previous disciplinary measures used, calm firmness was positively welcomed. camp parent reminded me of this anecdote which, his son says, For careful attention to your A was a n1ajor turning point in his individual needs, call us today! accepting the camp regulations. Ari, an eleven year old "teen," arrived at (914) 354-8445 the camp "beis haknesses" with his sock less feet in open sandals. "Please go back to your bunkhouse," I said, ''put on socks, and then return for Shacharis." "Why'!" Ari asked. "Jn Israel people don't wear socks to daven !" "The Mishna Berura indicates that Personal responsibility throughout service - NOT JUST "PAPERWORK" acceptable dress codes depend upon our ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT RABBINICALLY APPROVED MI!THOD particular country. In A1nerica you not Highly recommended by Gedolai Hador- Here and in Eretz Yisrael find a respectable 111an praying in visibly 1043-42nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219 bare feet. You 1nay not enter the shu1 like Day & Night phone: (718) 851-8925 this." )JJP'r.lN1~r.lNj7 ))l"j? - )'"f:l 1Nl l11r.lll)) 'll~ Ari atte1npted to spar lvith 1ne (verbal a....i !ltd EMFS '"111 M<>Wi Ndesh.-'l< "'11kTs!ood aid pt"'1iml by ooe om• mlhc industry fur more 1han half a "'1tllcy. ly, of course!), but to no avail. BEWARE OF IMPOSTERS • TAHARAS HANIFTAR SHOULD NEVER BE COMMERCIALIZED The Jewish Observer, May 1999 13 Rabbi Shlomo Aschkenaz The State of the State at Fif -Plus Past-Jubilee and Us IN SEARCH OF A SOBER ASSESSMENT am trying not to get carried away, so that - "Our nation is only a nation by virtue I will be able to deal with any issues that of its Torah" - has borne itself out. How he much-heralded Jubilee Year confront us in a level-headed way." saddening that there are very few dis has passed. The fiftieth year cel At the fifty-first anniversary of the cernable vestiges of Jewishness today in Tebrations of the State of Israel are State of Israel, we, too, have to look most of its cities, next to nothing to dis over. The fanfare is gone and the noisy around ourselves soberly. Taking note tinguish them from London, Paris and displays have been dismantled. Now it's of the slogans flying from all directions New York. Post-Jubilee. There are Gedolei Yisroel during this election year can be most who said that the State did not stand a revealing as to the State's goals and aspi A STATE OF THE JEWS ... chance of existing for more than forty, rations. Unfortunately, upon scruti fifty years. Yet here we are, at the fifty nizing most of them, there's almost no a state of the Jews, as some peo- first year. Was their foresight incorrect? inkling that we're talking about elections ple called it, it's also very hard to Or perhaps their insight was really much in a state that was ostensibly founded as ecognize. Jewish labor, blue and more profound than ours. a Jewish State. It seems to be a very far white, has been replaced in many areas In 1917, when the Balfour Declara cry from a state based on the principles by workers imported ftom Thailand, the tion was issued, the Rav ofYerushalay "envisioned by the prophets of Israel;' Philippines, Romania and what-not. im, Rabbi YosefChaim Sonnenfeld, ?"lit, as its Declaration of Independence Arabs are playing increasingly major remarked to someone, "I feel like a announced. roles in every field of Israeli society, Purim Rav!" and he explained, "On At the time of the founding of the whether in high-ranking positions such Purim when everyone gets drunk, state, there were many stormy debates as judges, doctors, architects and engi someone is always designated to remain between the signators of the Declaration neers, or blue-collar jobs and manual sober so that if a difficult problem aris as to what degree any expressions of reli labor, like construction, sanitation and es, he will be available to provide a solu gious values might be included. While transportation. And then there are the tion. I feel that all around me, people Hashem's Na1ne was excluded, as a com unidentified gentiles who came into the are intoxicated by dreams of a rosy promise, "The Rock of Israel" was used country under the guise of Russian Jews, future promised by the Declaration. I instead of a different metaphor that or converts of the Conservative or R~bbi A~chken~zy is theRo.~Ha"Kollelofth~ would have been more appealing to the Reform n1ovements. Boston Kollel in Har Nof, Jerusalem, and serves secularists. Other debates raged as to True, Torah is flourishing more than as Hninodia's Torah Editor. He was represented what role, if any, Torah laws would play almost ever before in these past two mil in these pages by biographies of the late Gerer in the legal system of the new state, but lennia - as much because of State fund Rebbe'im, Rabbi Simcha Bunim Alter?··~ (Oct. ing as in spite of State grumbling. Yet '92), and Rabbi Pinchas Menachem Alter 7~~l all did agree that it should be a Jewish (Sept. '96), both of which were co-authored with state. However, Rav Saadya Gaon's unfortunately, this is not apparent Rabbi Avrohom Chai1n Carmell. famous definition of the Jewish people among those outside of Torah circles. 14 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 Too many of our Jewish brethren have lost their badges of identification, asso ciating instead with all the trappings of the most decadent Western styles, cults •iOulliilli>*rfl-~•~1·••11··. and movements. "Hi" and "Bye" have displaced the age-old convivial ortoddler hasdiflfcultywith ... "Shalom;' earrings and wild hairstyles have replaced any semblance of Jewish IIl Communication dress, and names like Nimrod have been IIl Listening/Speaking skills substituted for those of traditional family meaning. It seems that the IIi Physical development/Coordination prophetic words of the Ohr Hachayim (Rabbi Chaim ben Attar), that in this IIl Play skills/Living Skills i.e. eating, dressing galus, groups within Am Yisroel can fall beyond the 49th level of tuma, have sadly We can help! been fulfilled and over-filled. Early ... FOR THE JEWS ... Intervention t was hoped that Israel would be a [I] NE~~~,~:: .. Program state forthe Jews, a place where Jews ® I feel at home, that was the cherished status of the Holy Land. Over the years, tletcare's team of evaluators and therapists can make a difference. though, fhat, too, has changed. Jews who They are specially trained to provide children with the opportunity escaped fro1n totalitarian regi1nes, who to develop their full potential and to help you further promote their for decades fought tenaciously to hold development. onto their identity as Jews against all odds, terror and subordination, find An services are free of charge and available at the child's home themselves coming to Israel and being or day care center throughout NYC & Westchester. identified as Russians. Weekdays, Sundays, Daytime & Evening Hours. Jews who gave up comforts, status ::,: Evaluations in your language '.:: Special Instruction and incomes in Western society to come to their Jewish homeland find C:.. Speech/Language Therapy I Parent Training the1nselves branded as Americans or C:.. Occupational & Physical Therapy :1: Psychological Counseling Anglo-Saxons. The newcomers feel J.J Service Coordination & Social Work Services ... and more almost unwanted by the official bureau cracy ~ certainly not hein1ish. Society Joseph Geliebter, Ph.D. Leah Schlager, M.A. is splintered - right versus left, Sephar Executive Director Director of Placement di versus Ashkenazi, religious versus sec Hetcare, Inc. is a participating agency of Comprehensiue Networh founded in 1985 ular - the feeling of one big family has been swallowed up and lost among fhe many different break-ups and parties. It has bred a new generation of Israelis, without the pleasant and melodious har mony of Jewish tradition. Jn fact, even Zionisn1 is dead. Many 718-339-2971 Israelis may even be willing to agree to 718-339-5900 the infamous UN resolution equating Fax·. 718-339-8433 Zionisn1 with racism, which was once 1675 E.16th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11229 regarded as the ultimate in Anti-Semi Funded and regulated by the New York State tism. The hope and dream of many cit Department of Health. In New York City by the New York City Department of Mental izens in Israel is that their state should Health, Mental Retardation and Alcoholism be a bastion of democracy in the Mid Services and in Westchester by the County dle East. From a member of the British Department of Health. Con1monwealth, it has become a colo- The Jewish Observer, May 1999 15 nial outpost of America, courting the drean1s, "To be a free people in our their lives. We should not be taken aback European common market and trying land:' On Agudath Israel's banner is by the wild outburst of rejection and vit to have ties with the former USSR emblazoned the rallying-cry of "To be riolic, anti-religious attacks. Unfortu Power, status and permissiveness a believing Jew in our land." That is the nately, these are symptoms of panick have become part of the fabric of the real goal and aspiration of every Torah ing people, similar to the uncontrolled Israeli, in stark contrast to the traditional true Jew. Children in Eretz Yisroel used flailings of a drowning person. We must mercy, good-hearted kindness and to sing, "Eretz Yisroel without Torah is find a way to throw them a lifesaver. restraint that were ahvays the hallmarks like a body without a neshama (soul):' This requires more than just raising a of Jewish heritage. Secular children were taught the same banner or sounding a rallying cry. It is Are there still any doubts about the song, substituting the word," Eretz Yis up to us to make our actions and our far-reaching vision of the Gedolei Yisroel roel without avoda (work) ...." Work words appealing to Jews all over, to con half a century ago? Isn't it clear that with they did. A modern country, a 21" cen tinue to reach out to them with more their profound insight, they foresaw tury megalopolis was established, but seminars, educational programs, and - what direction events would take? Torah and the neshama were lost. It is yes -friendship. Our behavior must be Many of their worst fears and concerns up to the vital, thriving "IOrah co111mu recognizably governed by the highest were unfortunately borne out. Much of nity in Eretz Yisroel and the world over standards of integrity in human rela what was supposed to testify to being a to make the rallying cry of emuna reach tions, expressive of heartfelt sincerity Jewish state in the Land of Israel is gone. all those who still have a spark of faith and a real relationship to Hashem. In in Hashem, belief in His Torah, and an areas of both bein adam lamakom and THE VISION OF THE TORAH appreciation of the uniqueness of His bein adan1 lachaveiro - our obligations COMMUNITY people and His Holy Land. to Heaven and our interpersonal deal It must be a call as well to all those ings - it is incumbent on us to make it he vision of Agudath Israel and who have lost their co1npasses and are clear that the 1orah is contemporary and Torah-true Yiddishkeit stands in floundering in the turbulent sea of applicable to modern-day issues. The Tstark contrast. Decades ago, the e1nptiness, searching for a safe shore that words, thoughts and message we con Zionists sang in the anthem of their will return purpose and 1neaning into vey to our surroundings should be com prehensible, clear and meaningful to anyone seeking guidance and direction, be it in areas of high-level spirituality or in practical sociological issues. FILLING THE POST-ZIONIST VACUUM 2nd International Yarchei Kallah on n the vacuum that has been created Medicine, Mental Health, and Halacha by the demise of Zionism and many I si111ilar ideologies, we have an August 4 -11, 1999 • Jerusalem, Israel opportunity to inject true values into society. We must make sure to project Magidei Shiur include: an image of truth that will serve as a bea Rav Yehoshua Neuwirth shlita Rav Moshe Sternbuch shlita con of light for all those seeking truth. Rav Simcha Bunim IAzerson shlita Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein sh/ita We must provide answers for all those Rav Yaakov Weiner shlita ... andmore who have existential questions. We must All of the above gedolei haposkim participated in last year's Yarchei Kallah, which was open our hearts to the feelings of those called "fantastic" and "the best learning of my life" by pa11icipants. who have been estranged from Yid Join dozens of professionals, rabbonim, and kollelleit for over one week of dishkeit, so that they will feel that their intensive learning of in.vanitn such as: emotional needs can be satisfied The self-destructive teen/adult • Shabbas and medicine through our age-old values. Fertility and reproductive medicine • Brain death and transplantation It is up to us to make sure that the Limited enrollment. Torah is perceived in its true light "Its ways Each person will be matched with a suitable chavrusa. are ways of pleasantness and all of its paths, C.M.E. and other accreditation applied for; last year's program granted paths of peace." Thereby, we will speed 46 CME category l to participants. ily hear the sounds of the true jubilee call FOR FUH'rHEK INFORMATION: -the shofarof Moshiach-which will her Rav Y. Weiner 972-2-538-3558 • Dr. L. Zacharowicz 516-572-5829 ald the return of, «each rnan to his fami Grant Design-A-Tour 212-534-9190 • Or visit our web site WW\\.j-c-r.org ly and each to his heritage:' • ----···----·---- 16 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 (Three-week course} ($160 per week) Enhance our m'1sion through positive school spirit. Hands on workshop Conversational Hebrew with emphasis on language, writing. and grammar dealing with teacher supervision: leadership styles' community, parent used in the classroom and board relationships. Emphasis on sharing Instructor: Prof. Hanoch Dubitsky, Yeshiva University Instructor: Rabbi Sholom Strajcher, Educational Director, Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 2.CREATING THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 7. EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES A potpourri ofteach'1ng flps lo enhance student learning The course will provide a successful process for delivering creative yet Instructor: Rabbi Sholom Strajcher. Educational Director, Hebrew structured lesons. It will include the following theories of instructioff Academy of Cleveland, Cleveland Heights. Ohio advanced organizers, memorization and questioning skills. 3. TEACHING CHUMASH TO THE OLDER CHILD Instructor: Rabbi Yehoshua Kamensky, Principal-Judaic Studies. Ben Upson Hillel Comm. School, N. Miami Beach. Miami Practical and motivational techniques to increase translating , '·' skills and comprehension profic'1ency. (Grade 4 and up) 8. CREATIVE TEACHING Instructor: Rabbi Menachum Meisels. Rebb1, Hebrew Exciting new methods to increase student motivation and retention. Academy of Cleveland. Cleveland Heights, Ohio Instructor: Rabbi Sho!omo Mund, Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Ahavas Y1sroel, Montreal, Canada. DISCIPLINE THROUGH COMMUNICATION {separate classes for men and women) 9. BACK TO BASICS Learn and practice the communication skills that will Learn and review the basic techniques needed to organize and conduct a allow you to reach your student and handle discipline class. Focus on lesson planning. including educational goals, creating subject content, and behavioral objectives. issues and handle conflict resolution. Instructor: Rabbi Shmarya Rennert, Rebbi, Yesh'1va Tifereth Moshe/Dov Instructor (for men)·, Rabb'1Y1tzchok Merk1n. Revel Center; Forest Hills. NY Headmaster, Yeshiva of Greater Washington Instructor (for women): Mrs. Sterna Lerman. Head of 10. DISCIPLINE WITH DIGNITY Parent and Teacher Program, Counterforce Practical techniques to instill middos and create an atmosphere of respect and derech eretz in school and home 5. TEACHING GEMORAH Instructor: Rabbi Sholomo Mund, Rosh Yeshiva. How to systematically present the Gemorah, develop think Yesh'1va Ahavas Yisroel, Montreal, Canada ing skills. and build language skills 11. FUNDAMENTALS OF TEACHING Instructor: Rabbi Menachum Meisels, Rebb1, Hebrew Academy Learn the key elements of instruction that make one a teacher. of Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Ohio Instructor: Rabbi Yaakov May. Principal, Yeshiva Shaare Torah High School. Brooklyn.NY Classes will be held at: Prospect Park Yeshiva, 1601 Avenue R, Brooklyn, NY 12. BUILDING THE FOUNDATION Various methods to help the child develop the skills needed to succeed throughout school and life. Will include reading. writing, Chumash and notetai\ing. Instructor: Rabbi Shmarya Rennert, Rebbi, Yeshiva Tifereth Moshe/Dov 1. IVRIT B'IVRIT Revel Center, Forest Hills. NY TEACHERS' SEMINAR 2_ CREATING THE LEARNING 13. HELPING CHILDREN GROW 13. HELPING CHILDREN GROW ENVIRONMENT 8. CREATIVE TEACHING Practical techniques to make an impact on the religious growth of your 14. HANDLING THE students. 3. TEACHING CHUMASH 9. BACK TO BASICS Instructor: Rabbi Zev Katz, Principal-Judaic Dept, Yeshiva of Greater TO THE OLDER CHILD OIFFICUL T CHILO Washington-Girls Div. 14. HANDLING THE DIFFICULT CHILD 15. EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE 4. DISCIPLINE THROUGH 10. DISCIPLINE Techniques to help the teacher diagnose the COMMUNICATION WITH O!GNITY 16. TEACHING NAVI learning disabled student's problems and methods for working with the child ·in the classroom. Instructor: Dr. Joel Dickstein. Coordinator. P'Tach Program, Yeshiva University 5. TEACHING GEMORAH 15. EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE 11. FUNDAMENTALS Learn how to structure the classroom setting through management tech 6_ PRINCIPALS'/ OF TEACHING 17, OIKDUK MADE SIMPLE niques and classroom attitudes in order to produce a positive learning ADMINISTRATORS' SEMINAR atmosphere. 12. BUILDING THE 18. TEACHING AT ITS BEST 7_ EFFECTIVE FOUNDATION lnstructor: Rabbi Zev Katz, Principal--Judaic Dept., Yeshiva of Greater INSTRUCT!ONALSTRATEGIES Washington-Girls Div. - ______J_ 1 ______J 16. TEACHING NAVI For more information about courses and fees, please contact: Rabbi Yltzchak Merkin or Rabbi Shmarya Rennert, Gain an in-depth understanding of Navi and how to teach it c/o Torah Umesorah Summer Seminar, 160 Broadway, NY 10038, (212) 227·1000 ext 10 Fax (212) 406·6934 Instructor: Rabbi Yitzchok Charner, Principal, Torah Day School of r------, Greater Washington, Silver Spring, MO ! TORAH UMESORAH SUMMER SEMINAR, 160 BROADWAY, N.Y.C. 10038 17_ DIKDUK MADE SIMPLE Understanding Dikduk LeChumash in order to 1 1 TUITION SCHEDULE teach/translate/understand Psukim and Rashi 1 Please register me for the following classes: more accurately. Will focus on many aspects ~ (please circle) No. of Courses of verbs including Binyanim, the conversive 1 Vav, conjugation, tenses, etc. I 1 2 3 4 5 6 Tuition Instructor. Rabbi Yitzchok Charner, Pr\ncipal, Torah Day School of Greater Washington, 7 8 9 1 O 11 12 Registration Fee - $25 Silver Spring, MD 13 14 15 16 17 18 ~~~~:t~a~i~~I~:: ~s:a~;i;~t~oonu;:~r~il~ent 18. TEACHING AT ITS BEST Mode! lessons demonstrating teaching and think- Additional registration wil! take place at the door. {balance due first day of course.) ing skills. Every model lesson will be followed by Amount enclosed $ ______a group 01scussion analyzing the lesson. Instructor: Rabb! Yaakov May, Principal, Name: ______,Address: ______Phone: _____ Yeshiva Shaare Torah High School, Brooklyn, NY L------~ Rabbi Chaim Ginsburg and Rabbi Yitzchok Kasnett 1iNr.i 7:::J::n - 1'\!>!ll 7:::J:n - 1:i:i7 7:::J:i An Appreciation of the Mashgiach Rabbi Y echezkel Levenstein 7"j71::ii Twenty-five Years Since His Passing "REB CHATZKEL" AND THE WORLD through periods of social upheaval, wars ing to the Torah and their perspective THAT WAS and pogroms. In the main, it was not of life was a Torah perspective:'4 until after World War I, with the break This typical vignette is crucial: With he massive guilt that Hitler and up of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the out grasping the milieu of the Eastern the German nation forever bear establishment of new national bound European Jew, it would be impossible to Tis not only for torturing and aries, and a plethora of competing appreciate how a Kelm could have destroying Jewish bodies, but for bring social-political ideologies that adherence existed, or how an impressionable youth ing incomparable devastation to the to traditional Torah observance in East from a family in Warsaw, young Mesora (tradition) of Torah life in ern Europe began to deteriorate. 2 Yechezkel Levenstein, could be inspired Eastern Europe - a Mesora that had Rabbi Nochum Velvel Dessler' and molded into what Rabbi Elazar begun directly after the destruction of recalls, "The Braude-Ziv family lived in Menachem M. Shach, ,. .. ..,,.,.,,, described the first Beis HaMikdash. 1 Kelm for 12 or 13 generations. Kelm was as a perfect eved Hashem - flawless in Unlike anything encountered in a Jewish town; the gentiles lived in the dedicating his very life's breath to his America today, families in Eastern surrounding villages. My childhood in Creator. Europe often lived for centuries in the Kelm was very sheltered. We grew up The Mashgiach taught that a person same town or village - in some Jewish in an atmosphere of pure Torah with no approaches the Yorn HaDin in one of communities, for a thousand years or distractions.... Even the games we two ways: as an eved (a servant), or as more. Such constancy of tradition and played consisted of Torah themes. a hired worker, and that the impend community assured our survival Everything revolved around Torah. At ing judgment is rendered quite differ night we learned or talked together as ently for each one. It is incumbent upon L Feuer, Rabbi Avrohom Chaim; Gold, Rabbi a family. The sound of learning the Master to care for His eved, thus the Avie, The C01nplete Tishah B'Av Service, Meso resounded in the night air. ... The Ger true servant of Hashem - one whose rah Publications, Brooklyn, New York, 1992, page mans destroyed an entire way of life that motives are solely for the sake ofHeav 271 [note at bottom of page]. cannot be replicated. It was an envi en - passes through a judgment quite ronment where people were mistapek different from that of a person whose Rabbi Chaim Ginsburg, a grandson of the Mash giach, spent many years in the Ponovez Yeshiva bemu'at. they felt that the little they had avoda involves personal motivations. In together with his grandfather. He is a senior kol was enough for their needs and they did the latter case, the Master and the work- lel member of Bais Medrash Govoha in Lake n't look for more. They lived accord- wood, NJ, where he has been learning for the past 4. Op. cit., The World That Was: Lithuania, P. 30 years. 2. Kasnett, Yitzchak, The World That Was: 57, 59. (Rabbi Dessler added, "There wa~ an Rabbi Yitzchak Kasnett is the author of many Poland, The Living Memorial Pub. Cleveland, underground spring outside of Kelm ·where we educational and curriculum materials, including 1997, pages 69-75. Distributed by Mesorah Pub would play. As we ran towards the spring, we The World That Was ... series (published by the lications, Brooklyn, New York would drop and put our ears to the ground to Hebrew Academy of Cleveland). with current vol 3. Founder of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, see if we could hear the sound of the running umes on Lithuania, Poland and Hungary/roma son of Rabbi Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler and a great water. When we were finally dose enough to hear nia. He also has contributed to The Jewish Observ grandson of Rabbi Simcha Zissel Ziv, known as the water, we wouJd call out that we heard Korach er, most recently with "The Write Stuff" (April '98). "The Alter of Kelm." crying.") 18 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 er must weigh what each has provided Eastern European the other, and then the final reckoning Jewry in general, is 111ade. 5 and of the yeshiva In Mir, Poland, with little medical world in particu help available and her life endangered, lar; an even hapina, suffering from the torturous labor a foundation stone, pains of a breech delivery, the Mash upon which our giach's daughter pleaded that he Torah rests today. should decree that she be saved. At this point in his life, it was apparent to all A MOTHER'S that his holy words penetrated the WISH ... heavens and that his prayers did not go unanswered. In response to his bi Rabbi Tuvi Hirsch I3royde'7"::rt, Menahe/ of the Talmud Torah of Kelm (left) Rab/;i Yerucham Levoi'itz?"::rt7, Masligiach of the Mir daughter's request, however, he ec h ez k e l remained silent. Reb Chatzkel was ruaLevi Levenstein was born in Yechezkel would enter the family busi- faced with a situation that tested his Warsaw, Poland, in 1885. His father, a ness and become a /rummer ba'al true standing before Hashem, for who businessman6, was a Varka Chassid, habayis like himself. In fact, Reb doesn't plead for Heaven's mercy while his mother's lineage included sev- Chatzkel did enter into the business when his child is in danger? Yet, to ask era! Chassidic Rebbe'im. The Mashgiach world for a short period of time when anything for himself was never a con was orphaned from his mother when he he was 14, but it did not last. sideration in his avoda. The room was was five-years-old. Her final words to tense and everyone waited for his reply. him would be a directive that would HASHGACHA PRATTIS Finally he responded, "Whatever the change his life, and, ultimately, help pre Aibishter (G-d) wants, that is what will serve Torah for future generations. he story is told that after two years be." Soon after, the danger passed, and From her death bed she called young in business (he was 16 at the mother and baby were well. Yechezkel to her side and instructed him, Ttime), the Mashgiach's week's What is the essence of Rabbi "Du zolst zehn bleiben beim lernen!" -he wages were stolen while at the mikveh Yechezkel Levenstein, ?··~1 - fondly should dedicate his life to Torah study. referred to as Reb Chatzkel - who, with Her pure words entered his young 6. It was co1nmon for the baa! habayis to work his brilliant, penetrating mind, iron will heart, and the seed of his future as one all day, yet still study Torah for a full eight hours, by rising early in the morning and learning until and Ruach Hakodesh, led the Miner of the great leaders of Kial Yisroel was late at night. This was true in Lodz, as well. See Yeshiva during its miraculous escape sown. As time passed, Mr. Levenstein articles on Warsaw and Lodz in: op. cit., The VVorld from the destruction of Europe, across expected that, at the appropriate age, That Was: Poland, p. 126-127. Communist Russia and on to safety, first in Kobe, Japan, and, finally, through . . . . LS • War's end in Shanghai, China? Much TYPE OF CAR OR SIMILAR 12 APR. 99 of the vibrant, majestic yeshiva world 14 JUL. 99 that exists today is due in great part to A 1.2~ Reb Chatzkel, who, together with Rabbi B 147 fLDANlT"f1RENT·A-CAR J:11·fl13 Chaim Shmulevitz, ?·~1, rendered the C DAIHATSU CHARADE P.S 175 c·' PEUoEOT-306----=-~~~~~---- 2.1z life-and-death decisions during those c~ FOROES~oRTP.~i~AlttA~APPLA_~_SI! ~~_;!_I!_ awesome days of World War II - deci CQ_ CITROEN XSARA DISEL 259 _N Ki~· BEST~.. 8~EAtS _::·~--~~~ ~~~~ sions that were contested (sometimes M MINIBUS 10 SEATS 490 bitterly) at the time, but are now uni . . versally viewed as invariably correct. Reh Chatzkel toiled to maintain the spiritual and physical well-being of the yeshiva bachurim, giving them the will to over come the fearful tests they faced. He is X!, ' M~,?DA 626. ______38~_ a paradigm of the collective spirit of ~ :_CHE:Yfi!>..!:.~.~ALIBU_ 658 KX 'MAZDA MPV 763 vx •VOLvo-94-0/C-HEV:-LUM1NA- '693 ---·----··--- ·------5. Regarding this awesome n1oment of judgment, J ' LAND-ROVER DISCOVERY 980 USA&CANADA the Mashgiach exhorts each of us, to the best of •POWER STEERING & ELECTRIC WINDOWS Toll Free: (1) 800-938-5000 our ability, to serve Hashen1 as selflessly as pos Price per week in US $ Tel in NY: 21 2-629-6090 sible in the final days before Rosh Hashana. (Ohr IJNLllVllTED IVllLEA.C3i1E exc. INS- http:/ /www.eldan.co.il/ Yechezkel, Ellul, Jerusalem, page 101) The Jewish Observer, May 1999 19 one Erev Shabbos. Convinced of the lei (29,11 )) "1\ fool gives vent to his a11ger, Yerucham Levovitz, 7·-~r, the Mashgiach transitory nature of Olam Hazeh (the and the wise man speaks gently after in the yeshiva at that time; the two mundane, 1naterial world) by this inci wards." He explained: developed a relationship of great affec dent, he decided that it was time to ful "When a person encounters afflic tion and mutual respect that would last fill his mother's directive, so he left home tion and obstacles in 1ife, he tends to until Reb Yerucham's passing in 1936. to devote himself fully to Torah study become discouraged, and no longer Reb Chatzkel related that his first in a small yeshiva in Makova, Poland. believes that he will merit Divine push into the world of Mussar was from Soon after, he went to learn in the assistance (Siyata Dishmaya). If we a shmuess on the topic of e1nuna that famous Lomza Yeshiva. In both Lomza would truly understand the wise man's he had heard from Reb Yeruchum in and Makova, the Mashgiach was pen approach of 'vaiting- that it is only at Radin. He exclaimed, "His words bit niless, having left home without his fam the end of the tribulation that one per into me," and although it was a simple ily's consent. An older married sister) ceives Hashem's continual presence - shmuess, the words left a lasting and however, sent hi1n a few zlotys from tin1e our emuna and bitachon would be profound in1pression upon him. It was to time, but in both yeshivas he slept on strengthened, and we would never lose then that he resolved to make the mat a bench in the Beis Hamidrash and ate hope. Our problem lies in our assump ter of chiwk ha'enzuna (strengthening his 1neals with different fa1nilies, some tion that Hashem conducts His affairs of one's faith) a lifelong priority.' times going without food altogether. in this world as we do. When a person When he returned to his roommates, Reb Chatzkel had a weak constitution wishes to benefit another, he does so he asked, "How can we remain so unin and was sickly much of his life. He once im1nediately. Hashem's ways, howev spired when there is so 1nuch to commented that his living conditions in er, are different, for it is only at the end accomplish?" From that day on he ded those years contributed to his painful of a test that Hashe111 reveals the full icated hi1nself to improve his charac arthritis later in life, but he never extent of His beneficence for those who ter in full measure. Later in life he uttered a word of con1plaint - not about patiently await His salvation.''7 would challenge his talnzidim, "Why is this or any other hardships he encoun From Lomza, the Mashgiach went to it that we do not change our entire tered. To the contrary, the Mashgiach the Chofetz Chaim's yeshiva in Radin, approach to life after hearing words of was fond of quoting the pasuk in Mish- where he was discovered by Rabbi 111ussar?" In "Yechezkel Warshaver," Reb Yerucha1n perceived a greatness of soul r.------~ that prompted him to send this special talmid - with a letter of approbation - to Rabbi Hirsch Braude, son-in-law of IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED Rabbi Simcha Zissel Ziv, Rosh Ha Yeshi INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? va of the Kelm Talmud Torah.9 Short We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the Jewish Observer to your home. ly after Reb Yechezkel arrived (in 1908 ), Please attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address and Reb Hirsch wrote Reb Yerucham a let computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the address label. ter stating, "You should know that I have tremendous pleasure from the pre cious bachurim whom you sent. 'fhey study with wondrous dedication, and Affix old label here with Hashem's help, they are also suc ceeding in acquiring yiras Shamayim. We have great hope for the bachur, Yechezkel from Warsaw. He has been Name ______here for only a short while, but it appears New Address ______that he has come well prepared in order City, 7. ()hr Yechczkel, Eniuna, p. 218. State, ______.Zip 8. Finkelman, Rabbi Shimon and Weiss, Rabbi Yosef, The Manchester Rosh Yeshivah, ArtScroll Date Effective ______Pub., Brooklyn, New York, I 997, p. 65-66. 9. The "Talmud Torah" was actually an advanced Send address changes to: The Jewish Observer Change of Address yeshiva dedicated to a high level, intensive mus sar regimen. Reb Yerucham had learned in Kelm 84 William Street, NewYork, NY 10038 during the last year of The Alter's life, and great Please allow 4-6 weeks for al! changes to be reflected on your mailing labeL We wit\ not be ly lamented that he was only able to be with this responsible iot back issues missed unless you notify us 6 weeks prior to your move. adam hashaleim (perfect human being) for nine months. L--~------~ 20 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 to succeed."!O It is related that the n1oney fron1 one person to pay back Chofetz Chaim's son-in-law, Reb Hirsch others. Even in his penury, however, Reb Rabbi Yisroel Perkowski1 Levenson) traveled to Keln1 to bring Reh Chatzkel fulfilled his father's wish that recalls a particularly hot, humid Chatzkel back to Radin, but was not suc he provide a certain an1ount of nioncy day in Shanghai when he accom cessful; in the Kellner tradition of each month to support his step-mother panied the Mashgiach home from avoda, perfection of character through after his father's death - a task he carried the yeshiva. Reh Yisroel remarked introspection and total discipline, the out unfailingly. to Rebbetzin Ginsburg that her Mashgiach found the true expression of f)uring the week of Shcva Bcrachos father was exhausted and would his soul. 11 following his oldest daughter's wedding benefit from some refreshment. A The Mashgiach married his Rcbbct in Mir, in the sun1n1er of 1935,13 Reb few minutes later, she entered the zin (nee Chaya Mclamud) in Kelm, and Chatzkel left for Erctz Yisroel where he room where they Were sittfn'g, their two daughters, Zlata Malka, "nn, had accepted the position of Mashgiach placed a slice of cake and cup of and, n~7:Jil7 Yochevcd, il"V, \vere born in the yeshiva of Rabbi Reuven Katz in tea on the table for her father, for there. During Reb Chatzkel's years in Petach Tikva. \Nhen asked by Reb which he thanked her. Kelm, Rcb Yerucham become the Yerucham why he wanted to leave Mir, After his discussion with the Mashgiach in the Mir, and, after a Rcb Chatzkel replied that he wanted to Mashgiach, Reb Yisroel stopped in while, informed Reb Chatzkel that he perfect his level of emuna, his pure belief the kitchen to urge the Rebbet wanted to take si1nilar a position in a and trust in Hashem, and felt that this zin to see to it that her father eat Lithuanian yeshiva for a \vhile. He had could only be accomplished in Eretz Yis something; he left the cake hoped that Reb Chatzkel would be roel, the land of the Avos. Cryptically, untouched. interested in te1nporarily assun1ing his Reb Yerucham commented that he "Did he say anything about the position in the Mir until his return. 12. Interestingly, Reb Chatzkcl deferred con1ing food?" she asked. Rcb Chatzkel consented to this to Kleti:k for an extended period of tiinc because "Yes;' replied Reb Yisroel. "He arrangcn1cnt, and for a period of he saw it as his duty to care for his elderly 1noth said,'Aza geshmak shtickel Mezonos three and a half years replaced Reb cr~in-law. He refused to leave Kcln1 as long as (Such a delicious slice of cake):" she was alive, and it was only after her pctira that Yerucham in the Mir, after which he he finally arrived in Klctzk. Each 1norning, he "Then he won't touch it;' she returned to the Kelm Talmud Torah. would wash her hands for 11c};cl vasscr and bring said. "If he comments on how Soon afterwards, Reb Chatzkel was her a little c;1ke nnd wine to give her strength. good something tastes or looks, contacted by Rabbi Aharon Kotler, 7"~!, 13. Z!ata Malka n1arried Rabbi Ephrain1 he will not eat it. He keeps the who asked hi1n to serve as Mashgiach in i'vlordccha! Ginsburg, who becan1c one of the taanis2 Roshci Ycslii1'a of the /\1irrer Yeshiva in Brooklyn, Raavad's ?' Kletzk, a position he held for just over after the war. Reh Chc117J ------.--.. - .. --.. -·--·------·---·------··------· The Jewish Observer, May 1999 21 immense. Rabbi Shmuel Rozovsky, ., .. ,.,, the Rosh Hayeshiva of Ponevezh, often con1mented that he never would have become the Rosh Hayeshiva and Marb itz Torah that he became without the The Mashgiach at the city's official reception for the .Mirrer Yeshiva in Sa11 Francisco, 1946 Mashgiach. This was true of many oth ers as well. would return as the Mashgiach in Mir his impact on his talmidim. Addition in three years.14 ally, since he \'\las receiving a regular LEADERSHIP IN WAR In Petach Tikva, as well as in all of the salary, he was able to send money back Torah institutions where the Mashgiach to Europe to resolve any outstanding n 1938, as Reb Yerucham had pre served, he met with great success, both debts from his previous four years in dicted, the telegram from the Mir in his own spiritual development and in Mir. Reb Chatzkel's influence on the I rer Yeshiva arrived, asking Reb 14. Reb Yerucham was niftar in 1936. Torah world in Bretz Yisroel was Chatzkel to return as Mashgiach for a period of five years. Meanwhile, the fires Only! of war were already being unleashed in Limited Time Europe and everyone knew that the sit uation was one of great danger for the Jews, though no one could foresee the scope of the destruction that lay ahead. Before making his decision to return, Reb Chatzkel consulted with the Cha zon !sh, who urged him to remain in Bretz YisroeL His reasoning was two fold. First, he advised that it was extremely dangerous to return to Europe at that point. Additionally, the For a Yarzheit or a Chazon !sh was loath to see the Torah Refuah Shlaimah•.. community in Bretz Yisroel lose Reb Chatzkel, whom he saw as one of the he new Chofetz Chaim great Torah teachers of the generation. TCompanion is a new Shmiras The Mashgiach later stated that regard Haloshon daily learning program ing his own spiritual needs, it perhaps perfect for shuls and schools who would have been better to remain in want to join Shmims Haloshon Yomi. Bretz Yisroe~ however, when weighed Dedicate one day of learning in against the needs of a yeshiva, all per this special sefer to honor the sonal considerations are nullified and memory of a parent or relative the individual must respond to the or for a refuah shlaimah. greater needs of the klal, so he returned to Mir. The story of the escape of the Mir A permanent z'chus for your rer Yeshiva is chronicled in a number of loved one as every year books and journals, and this article is thousands learn from the not the place to present it in detail, IS It page you've dedicated! is, however, appropriate to point out that Reb Chatzkel and Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz, ?":n, shared a close and Call Now to Reserve Your Day! warm relationship that reflected their mutual respect and admiration. After 1-800-867-2482 . the yeshiva fled from Mir to Vilna (along t "' ~ \ ~ \ with many other yeshivos)1 6 under the unwavering supervision of Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzenski ?-:n, they were The Chofetz Chaim iiHeritage Foundation eventually forced to relocate in Keidan, 6 Melnick Drive, Monsey, New York 10952 • (914) 352-3505 further into the heartland of Lithuania. 22 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 When it was no longer safe in Keidan, What world' What would be left from the -rhough far frorn the level of learning of the yeshiva divided up and went to four utter destruction they ivere 1vitnesses to their European counterparts, the Mash different towns: Krak, Krakinova, Shat and saved fron1? 'J'hc Mashgiach giach spoke with them privately and, in and Ramigolah. While Reb Chaim over ren1aincd firn1 in his resolve: "We n1ust doing so, forever changed their lives and saw the progra1n of learning, the Mash be prepared to build a new generation, the lives of their future taln1idin1 (on giach traveled from one village to to rebuild what had been destroyed, to many continents). When they first another to be tnechazek (encourage) the replant the song of "forah within the joined the yeshiva, however, he once taln1iditn with his shn1uesse11. hearts of the next generation. Learn! openly protested at the beginning of a Later, in Shanghai, when presented Rcviev.'! Create chiddushei Torah! You shmuess, "1~here are those present \Vho with demands to alter the course he had will see that the new generation will be arc not on a level to hear my words and, chartered for the yeshiva, the Mashgiach waiting for you, and through you will thus, I have no permission to speak, stood firn1, refuting each argument with Torah again be returned to its splendor:' since what J say might have a detri the soundest of logic based on his vast And so it was. The Mashgiach once mental effect on them. J can only hope knowledge of Tanach and Chazal. Jtwas recounted that the years spent with the that the 1(,rah they learn all day will pro only after he thoroughly demonstrated Mir in Shanghai were years of unprece tect them:' the faulty underpinnings of the protes dented spiritual achievement. "Shang Rabbi Shlomo Brevda, ~··,,,"ro, was tations presented to him that he hai was a tin1c of success," he stated, "five among that group. He relates the fol revealed that his rebbe'im, Rabbi Hirsch years of success, of toil in learning, lowing: Braude and Rabbi Nochum Zev Ziv, had prayer and mussar ...."17 We went up the stairs in the old Beis appeared to him in his dreams and had Hamidrash to the Mashgiach's room. revealed the course of action that he STOPOVER IN AMERICA He was sitting behind the desk facing should take. the door, the light was off and the glow When information detailing the full hen the Mirrer Yeshiva of the sunset radiated through the win extent of the destruction of European arrived in America and estab dow behind him. For a long time he Jewry reached the talmidim in Shang W lished its home in the East didn't speak. If I were to tell you what hai, the Mashgiach was alert to any signs New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, the Mashgiach said at that shmuess, of emotional breakdown in his students. the Mashgiach presided over a yeshiva you would never believe me, but this He went so far as to see that they bathed, whose talmidim, steeped in Torah and shmuesswas just an everyday example brushed their teeth and changed clothes Yiras Shamayim, were at the forefront of of his genius - his originality in regularly; all of the everyday behaviors those who would spread Torah across machshava - a brilliance that was indicative of a normal, emotionally bal America. At that time - in J 946-7 - sev almost always hidden by his tzidkus anced life had to be maintained. eral Alnerican tal1nidim were granted (righteousness). He started, "I know When the talmidim expressed the entrance into the yeshiva, no easy feat. what you think. You've heard such desire to learn one of the Masechtos in extreme things in this yeshiva in 17. Op. cit., The World That Was: Lithuania, pages Seder Kodshim (the Order of Sacrifices), Torah and Yiddishkeit - extreme I 08- J09. the Mashgiach refused. He told them that after the war, the Jewish People would need to be rebuilt, and that they would require Torah leaders familiar with the more basic yeshivishe mesech tos in Nashim and Nezikin. The talmidim could not fathom his words. 15. Among other publications, the reader is referred to Yecheskel Leitner's Operation: Torah Rescue, Feldhein1 Publishers, Spring Valley, New York, 1987. Book a B category car in Israel and get a free double upgrade 16. The Jv1ir, Kletzk, Radin, Kan1enitz, Baranovich to a Diesel car in category 0, saving up to 70% of your refueling costs. and Bialystok Yeshivas arrived in Vilna virtual ly intact, while only fragments of others, such as For further details and reservations please oontact: Grodno, Volozhin, Lomza, Lutsk, Novaradok, Budget Israel Fax: 972-3-6389992 Lublin, Lubavitch, Slonin1 and Mezritch, were able to co1ne. Reb Chaim Ozer took care of all of the Email: [email protected] yeshivos and many other refugees as well, though USA: 800-4723325 Canada: 800-2688900 his health was already failing at that time. His death was a blow to those he had left behind, for Offer is valid till June 30th '99 excluding 22.3-11.4.99 he was the towering father figure of his genera tion, his heart enco1npassing the pain of every few. *Based on minimum 7 days rental Of car category A, excluding insurance. Quote tariff code OHi. The Jewish Observer, May 1999 23 because you are Americans and every wealthy the deceased was. They say that his tefillos did not go unanswered. thing you have heard until now has that even though he became rich, he Reb Chatzkel only remained in been quite the opposite- so you think remembered his childhood friends and America for two years. The superficial that we are the minute minority who gave them free loans, and that he was ity inherent in a materialistic society was still believe in the alte dayos (old way kind to his parents. They say that he not for him - and this was in 1948! He of looking atthings). You may believe helped out the poor and the ill. The used his shmuessen to protect his that everything we say is the emes, but only things spoken about at a funer talmidim from the dangers of the Amer that the rest of the world does not al," the Mashgiach concluded, "are the ican lifestyle~ he even cautioned the1n believe or agree with our basic belief deeds of kindness that one performs against joining in mourning Babe Ruth's regarding what is true and important in his lifetime! Why? Because even death ... about baseball in general, as in this world. I have heard that there regarding the most materialistic boor well as the traditional American fami is a place in America, where there are in America, in front of an open grave, ly outing on Sundays, in particular. actors and actressesl8 who are the sheker(falsehood) closes its mouth for "\Vhat kind of society are we sur richest and 1nost materialistic, self a few 1ninutes, and emes, the truth, rounded by ... ?"he protested. How dis indulgent people in America, and I am comes out. When this happens, every tant, indeed, he must have felt from the telling you that on this issue they agree person in this world will say that the consecrated environments of Kelm and with me! They die like everyone else, only true and valuable things in this the Mir. these materialists, and usually at their world are a person's acts of kindness. funerals so1neone stands before the They will never talk about the person's ON TO BRETZ YISROEL grave and makes a eulogy. material successes." "'Wbat," he continued, "do these Only emes existed in the Mash b Chatzkel arrived in Bnei Brak types say when they stand before an giach's daled anios (in1mediate sur ust before Pesach in 1949, with open grave at the funeral of one of roundings). Those presenting their ru o source of income - money their own? Do they proclaim how problems or requests to him often never having had influence on any of his handsome or rich he was? How beau found, to their great dismay, the Mash decisions. Im1nediately after Yo1n Tov, tiful and brilliant she was? How many giach squinting back at them - literal Rabbi Chaim Shmulevitz, at the behest houses, cars and boats the person ly looking right through them - before of his father-in-law, Rabbi Lazar Yudel owned? Do they enumerate all of their slowly responding, "That's not what you Finkel, '7":<7, the Mirrer Rosh Ha Yeshiva, indulgences? Nol In the history of the really n1ean." Many ti1nes his few invited the Mashgiach to relocate in world no one ever stood by an open cryptic words revealed his total under Yerushalayim and reestablish his rela grave and proclaimed how beautiful or standing of events transpiring far from tionship with the yeshiva - which he did, his purvie\-v. As a matter of fact, from 1949 until 1954, rejoining many 18. The Afashgiach was referring to Hollywood, Gedolei Torah in Bretz Yisroel would ask of those under his supervision during but would not n1ention the nan1c of the place. the Mashgiach to include their requests the \.Var years, During this time, the At that time, an excellent salary was $200.00 a 1nonth, and actors were 1naking $3,000.00 a week. in his prayers, for everyone understood Mashgiach held vaadim (small discus sion groups) in the yeshiva, and gave weekly shmuessen for the Torah elite of You can! Just call the Holy City in his apartment. The Yit:t:i Leibel During a break in the davening on Helpline. Yorn Kippur in 1954, Rabbi Elazar HOURS: Shach, N"1>'?"1, one of the Roshei Yeshi Monday~Friday ...... 8am -12pm va in Ponevezh at the time, and a talmid Monday-Thursday ...... 8pm -11 pm of the Mashgiach in Kletzk, comment Sunday ...... 9am -l2pm, 9pm -llpm ed to the Rosh HaYeshiva, the Pon Extra hours Sat. night...... ?pm - 9prn evezher Rav, Rabbi Yosef Kahanemen, 718-HELP-NOW ?"~t, that the davening would be com (718)435-7669 pletely different if Reb Chatzkel were lI. Chicago ,,,,.,,,,,,(800) HELP-023 present. After Yorn Kippur, the Pon Lakewood ...... (732) 363-IOIO evezher Rav sent Rabbi Shach to con Cleveland ...... (888) 209-8079 vince the Mashgiach to come to Pon 'Baltimore ...... (410) 578-1111 evezh. Rabbi Lazar Yudel Finkel Morris, Union, Essex & Middlesex appealed to Reb Chatzkel to remain with counties in NJ ...... (877) 4-LEIBEL the Mir, but without success. Although For addiction problems call our addiction the Ponevezh Yeshiva was an established, therapist, Wednesdays 11:30pm to 1:30am major Torah institution at the time, Reb 24 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 Chatzkel generated an in11nediate them (though the form in which they essence. He taught that the final out change - elevating the ruach of the are manifest will be camouflaged). co1ne of one's avoda 1nust be the yeshiva. The Mashgiach remained in Who will say that the miraculous jour absolute realization of"Ein od 1nilvado Ponevezh until his petira in 1974. ney of the Mirrer Yeshiva under the - There is no reality outside of Hin1." Mashgiach's supervision \Vas not an GLIMPSES OF GREATNESS ... aspect of those 1niraclcs? • Sheviras Hata' ava: Self-discipline One need only study the volumes of The Mashgiach ate very little each • Hakoras Hatov: Gratitude his transcribed sh1nuessen, Ohr day throughout the ninety years of his The Mashgiach maintained a daily Yechezkel, to realize that he had indeed life. At the tin1e of this particular inci 45-n1inute seder in Mishnayos in the attained the sublime perfection of char dent - when he was in his late sixties merit of his rebbe'im, Rabbi Hirsch acter that he expounded on. The - he allowed himself a daily cup of tea Braude and Rabbi Nochum Zev Ziv. Mashgiach's own definition of chayim (just tea - no cake) in the late after ve'tov (life and good) - Ahavas noon before returning to the Mir for • Middas HaEmes: Truth Hashenz20 - reveals his inner-n1ost Mussar Seder and Ma'ariv. His house In the middle of one of the most 20.0hr Yed1ezkel, 1-'.llul, page 49. was a long, up-hill walk from the moving hespeidim given in the Mirrer Yeshiva, in the presence of the cream of the yeshiva world ofYerushalayim, the Mashgiach declared, "[ will tell you a story about the niftar that tears open the Jewish heart!' Then he paused.say ing nothing - only his eyes mirroring the introspection taking place. Final ly he resumed, "1 don't know ifthis story FREE is actually tearing open my heart, but it should tear open all ofour hearts ...." COMPUTER After publicly correcting himself he resu1ned the hesped. COURSE The Mashgiach never wrote about an For Women Coping On Their Own experience that he himself did not (Widowed, Divorced, Separated) undergo. If he spoke of an exalted char acter trait, everyone knew that he had 30 Hours of Instruction - Day Classes attained that quality. The Chazon !sh For More Information or To Register, once remarked to a young yeshiva stu dent, while urging him to attend the Mashgiach's lectures, "Reb Yechezkel has a pure heart. What emanates from such a heart will certainly penetrate other hearts. His faith in the Almighty is unfaltering." The Chazon !sh then extended his hand and withdrew it with a sharp jerk, and added, "His faith is ingrained like the reflex of removing one's hand from a flame."19 •"Give thanks to Hashem, for His kind Full Sen1ice Co111111unity Total Torah Community ness is forever" (Tehil/im 136). Reb •Healthy Job Market •Cheder Chatzkel taught that any kindness per •Affordable Housing •Bais Yakov formed by Hashem Yisborach for Kial •Nurturing Com1nunity •Yeshiva Gedo la Yisrael is eternal. He wrote that the mir •Learning Opportunities •Kolle! acles of Yetzi'as Mitzrayiln exist even •Shomer Shabbos •Mikveh today, and those with the proper level Medical Residencies •Eruv •Co1nmunity Activities •Wisconsin School Tuition of en1una are capable of experiencing Vouchers For Qualifying Families 19. Hertzinan, Rabbi Ekhonon, The Mash giach, /erusalcin, 1981, pages 12-13. Tire Torah Co1111111111ity of Rabbi Michel Twerski Invites Your Interests 1-800-226-3129 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 25 11111 IN CONCLUSION Digest of Meforshim '>1'1ji? in:i '>1'1ji? e exclaimed, "His n the following incident, related by words bit into me," Rabbi Brevda, the Mashgiach defines ':>"::n ivv'?N ':>N'lr.rv l"m11r.i H I the great challenge facing Orthodox Available at and although it was a Jewry in our generation: LEKUTE I simple shmuess, the words The most inspirational moment of c/o Yit:.chok Rosenberg my life, took place over 50 years ago, JO West 47th Street. Roon1 503 left a lasting and profound on a Wednesday morning at the end of New York, NY 10036 one of the Mashgiach's regularly sched (212) 719-1717 impression upon him. It uled shmuessen. Standing in front of 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, Medrash, was then that he resolved Megilos and Talmud. the Aron Kodesh addressing the yeshi Proceeds of sales distributed an1ong to make the matter of va, the Mashgiach paused and said, Yeshivos and used for reprinting of chizuk ha'emuna "Chazal HaKedoshim say that in the volun1es out-of-print last generations before Moshiach, the PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME (strengthening of one's Emes, the Truth, will go lost." Pirkei Avos available faith) a lifelong priority He stopped speaking, extended his right arm in front ofhim, and squint ing, pointed with his right index fin 11111 ger to some place in the far distance. yeshiva. In addition, Reh Chatzkel had He was searching for something with a very weak constitution, and the walk great urgency. Then he asked, "What was exhausting for him. To fortify him do Chazal mean? There is no longer self, he had this cup of tea. any Emes left in the world? It's no At some point the Mashgiach began longer to be found?" He remained to consider the need for this cup of tea: standing there, pointing and peering "I can't exist without this cup of tea? into the distance. The whole yeshiva It's only a ta'ava (self-indulgence). was spellbound, for the Mashgiach had • MAXIMIZE YOtlll CHILD'S PoTENTIAl Almost all of our desires, needs and never done anything like this before. • PRIVATE SESSIONS AVAILABLE ON All worries are the machinations of the His outward behavior was always so GRADE LEVELS IN fffmW AND fNIJl/SH yeitzer hara (evil inclination)," he normal and natural. Yet now he just • lfA~NINIJ fN A FUN ATMOSPHEl?E confided to a talmid. Several days later stood there pointing and staring... look • CLASSES GIVEN AF1E11 SCllOOl • SEPARATE CLASSES FOR GIRLS 6 BOYS he related to this student, '(It's now ing.. .looking for the Emes. The tension For More Information Wednesday. On Sunday I decided that was palpable. Call Mrs. Schonfeld I really didn't need my afternoon tea, Finally, he broke the silence, and in (718) 376-5545 and I decided to experiment. Sunday, a firm voice said, "In our times there I did not have that cup of tea, and not still is Emes. So what is the difference on Monday or Tuesday. It is now between now and the earlier genera When Did You Last Do Wednesday, and I am still alive. It's all tions? 1"he Emes today is buried very, The Mitzvah of Gmach? ta' ava! Almost all ofour bodily 'needs~ very deep, and only with great toil and our desires and our worries are the constant effort will you find it. Oth "'Y.:l)J !1N i1l'7!1 '10:> ON" product of the yeitzer hara." erwise, you can live an entire lifetime ·If you lend funds to ... the poor". Reb Chatzkel quoted his rebbe, Reb and find nothing: Es iz noch do This "if" is an obligation. (Mechilta}. Hirsch, stating that three qualities are emes. Men darf dos gut zuchen - The For 1 5 years, our 15 branches in Eretz required for one to become a baa! 1nus Emes still exists, but we have to Yisroel have issued Gmach loans to the sar: strong emotions, good intelligence, search for it diligently and with great struggling, Kolleleit, Olim and the ill. and the yearning to become a true yarei resolve." tl"7T inll Do It Today! Shamayim. In a shmuess to his talmidim When the Mashgiach, Rabbi YOUR GIFT WILL BECOME A REVOLVING in 1960, the Mashgiach mentioned a Yechezkel Levenstein, was niftar - 19 LOAN; AN ETERNAL lCHUS. fourth quality: to study Torah in great Adar, 5734 - the world lost one of the OZER depth and with vigor, without any great servants of Hashem. His right ii! interruptions. 21 eousness and true fear of heaven will OzerDalim DAL IM stand eternal and shine forth before us, 28 West 25th Street, NY, NY 10010 21.0p. cit., The Manchester Rosh Yeshivah, pages lighting our way. (212)924·0023 66-67. Zechuso yagein aleinu. • 26 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 , , (with the care at Maimonides!) At Maimonides Medical Center we cater to our Orthodox patients. 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Indeed, throughout the pluralism wars I have tenaciously clung to the hope that the stirring of Jewish passions, how ever unfortunate the underlying cause) might be just what the doctor ordered to cure that most widespread of Amer ican Jewish diseases: apathy. However misguided the sentiment, I reasoned) :? " isn't it preferable for Jews to get exercised over their Judaism for a change, rather news item that recently appeared stripes, buoyed me with the hope that than over the fortunes of their stock filled me with a great sadness. perhaps lasting unity can yet be portfolios or favorite sports teams? A The Jewish Telegraphic Agency achieved within the religious camp But then I read of the postcards. I reported that representatives of the despite the factionalism which some recalled that, several weeks earlier, a Refor1n 1novement presented Knesset times holds sway therein. New York prayer rally drew a throng of Speaker Dan Tichon with a box, embla Or take the recent call to arms by Orthodox Jews estimated by police at zoned with the words "We Are All Jews;' secularist authors A.B. Yehoshua and upwards of 40,000 men, women and containing some 5,500 postcards from Amos Oz, urging their fellow Israeli's children on a chilly, rain-swept Sunday American Jews decrying the lack of reli to join the non-Orthodox movements. afternoon. The participants, who had gious freedom in Israel and the dele As I read Yehoshua's facile explanation been notified of the gathering only sev gitimization of millions of Jews by that of how he, as an avowed atheist, had eral days earlier, descended on lower country. joined the Reform and Conservative Manhattan from as far away at Balti As a committed Jew, this small inci moven1ents as a fan or enthusiast with more and New Haven. When asked for dent gave me a deep sense of forebod no intent to participate in anything reli his reaction to this outpouring of pas ing about the future of American Jewry. gious, I wondered: Could this prompt sion and concern, Reform leader Eric What unsettled me so was not the invo a re-evaluation by some in these move Yoffie commented) "My inclination is, cation for the umpteenth time of the ments of exactly what it means to be a we would not organize any counter myth that the Orthodox delegitimize Reform or Conservative Jew? Thanks rally (an anti-prayer rally, perhaps? - other Jews; sadly, the recurrent propa to the wizardry of Oz, might not E.E.) ... An overwhelming percentage gation of this myth has desensitized me some of these people conclude that of American Jews support the rulings to the point that it no longer evokes the these groups are, in the words of the [Israeli Supreme Court J has made. indignation that it should. Rather, what Ha'aretz columnist Doron Rosenblum, We don't need to demonstrate what is worried me about this report was "a sort of country club for a bit of cul self-evident." something far different, as I'll explain. ture, folklore and Yiddishkeit; a kind of Apparently, however, the Reform Generally, I strive to be optimistic Judaism-lite that you 'sign up for; like movement decided that it was necessary about current Jewish events, difficult a scout activity or a bus ride to a to demonstrate what was self-evident, as that may sometimes be, largely den1onstration ... ." after all. And, when they did so, the out because I believe in the transcendent rage of the "overwhelming percentage of purpose and destiny of our nation, as ven in the slander of the alleged American Jews" was represented by a set forth in the Torah. This upbeat out Orthodox delegitimization of grand total of ... 5,500 postcards. Post look has often led me to find cause for Etheir non-Orthodox brethren, I cards with a pre-printed message, as the hope where others might see only rea discerned a silver lining. Perhaps the news reports made clear. And as I reflect - son for despair. perpetuation of this libel by heterodox ed on what this portends for the Jewish So, for example, the recent massive leaders might, paradoxically, inspire community, I realized that as Torah prayer rally in Jerusalem, which brought their n1embers to a renewed commit observant Jews with a responsibility for together observant Jews of varying ment to Jewish living. After all, as our estranged brethren, we now face a ·~--~~------·-----~-- pro1ninent Conservative Rabbi Jerome two-fold challenge: to awaken within Mr. Ehrbach, who lives on Long Island, is active Epstein has noted, "It seems to me to be them the feeling that "Jewish matters;' in Jewish co1nn1unal affairs in the Greater New York Area. This is his first appearance in these somewhat disingenuous for Conserva and to channel that feeling towards a pages. tive Jews to speak of being authentic Jews pursuit of Jewish authenticity. • 28 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 Yaakov Astor essons Nine years ago The Jewish Observer "G-D HIMSELF COULD NOT The Titanic also received worldwide published an article I wrote based on a class SINK THIS SHIP" attention at the tin1e because of her list I had given during (-;eneral Studies to yeshi of passengers. Astor2 , Guggenheim, va students. It dealt lVith the Allied inva n April 10, 1912, theTitanicleft Strauss - even today these na1ncs are sion of Normandy- D-Day- on May 6, England on her maiden voyage associated with 'Nealth and aristocracy. 1944, and how the great annada, repre O to New York. Tabloids had In the world before movies, radio, tele senting the vast nzilitary 111ight of the West, already dubbed her unsinkable. When a vision and sports stars, the public could have l1ecn wiped out if not jOr a few passenger watched deck hands carry her depended on socially prominent people favorable tlvists offate. Torah Jews, ofcourse, luggage onto the ship, she asked one of to enrich their drab lives. have a term for twists of fate: Hashgacha them, "Is this ship really non-sinkable?" Prattis or IJivine Providence. Ultitnately, "Yes, Lady," he answered. "G-d Him IT WAS UNTHINKABLE ANYTHING Hashgacha Prattis de1nonstrates that the self could not sink this ship." COULD GO WRONG vvorld has a Master and that even the most And there was good reason to feel power/id 1nen and nations emerge as puny secure. 1"he -ritanic was so n1uch larger et, on the eve of April l 4, the in its wake. than other ships of her day that new unthinkable happened to the Hashgacha Prattis was no less at work docks had to be built on each side of the Yunsinkable. On a crystal clear during the su~icct of another of niy class Atlantic to service her. She was as long night, traveling full steam ahead despite es1 - the sinking of the Titanic, a topic as four city blocks and as high as an numerous iceberg warnings, lookouts lvhich had fascinated me since childhood. eleven-story building. Just one of her spotted an iceberg dead in the Titanic's Given the reniarkable resurgence of inter funnels was large enough to drive two path. Some experts claim that if the ship est in the Titanic - starting in 1985 with trains through - and she had four fun had not tried to swerve sideways (and the discovery of the ship at the bottom of the nels. A single anchor weighed over l 5 rather take the iceberg head on), she Atlantic and cli1naxing over a year ago lVith tons and needed 20 horses to pull it. She would not have ultimately sunk. As luck the most successful 1novie in history - it carried enough food to feed a small would have it - as Hashgacha Prattis occurred to me that perhaps here too was town for several 1nonths. Beyond sheer would have it - Titanic swerved to the a lesson ivorth relating, a lesson which if size, she was engineered for safety with side and the iceberg opened a hole large unheeded endangers us in effect to becorn the ability to stay afloat even if four of 1 Yet another class of inine was written up as a ing like passengers on Titanic, hurtling arro her large interior sections became flood JO article (Dec. '93 ). "Day of lnfa1ny" centered gantly through the darkness, glibly unaware ed. Of course, no one expected to uti around the fateful even ls of December 7, J 941: of what lies ahead. lize that design precaution since Titan the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the repulsion of the Nazis at the gates of Moscow, the beginning ic's captain was a man with 38 years' of the Final Solution. Yaakov Astor of Monsey, NY, is a frequent con experience- 38 years with an im1nac 2 No relation to the author, he was the wealthi tributor to these pages. ulate safety record. est inan of the titne. The Jewish Observer, Moy 1999 29 enough to sink her within a mere three then most of the boats were lowered relevant for the people at the beginning hours.3 only partially full. After the ship was of the century, and apparently for peo Apropos for overconfident travelers, gone, hundreds of people were still alive ple now at the turn of the century. reaction to the severity of the collision in the water, thrashing about. With the was slow. Passengers on deck played with water temperature at 28 degrees, how A MESSAGE FOR THE CENTURIES: ice that had fallen from the passing ice ever, all but a few were alive when a res THE END OF AN ERA berg; gentlemen in first class paused cue ship arrived less than two hours briefly but then continued their smoke, later. his article is by no means the first small talk and card games; sleepers in to seek the greater message in the their warm beds never woke up or fell CONSIDER THE HASHGACHA PRATTIS Ttragedy of the Titanic. Perhaps the back to sleep. best summary was penned by Walter Gradually, however, word spread. The onsider the Hashgacha Prattis: Lord in A Night To Remember, his sem bow (front) began to slant ever so slight Had it not been a moonless inal account of the event. Writing over ly lower... and then ever so slightly more. Cnight, the iceberg could have forty years ago, he said: Flares (spotted on a ship ten miles away been spotted earlier; had it not been an Overriding everything else, the but never responded to) were fired. Slow uncommonly calm sea, the froth of the Titanic also marked the end of a gen ly it dawned on everyone that this was no waves lapping the berg would have alert eral feeling of confidence. Until then drill (despite the fact that the ship's band ed the lookouts to its presence in time men felt they had found the answer to came on deck to play upbeat music). to avoid it; had they spotted it a few sec a steady, orderly civilized life. For I 00 As the bow sank beneath the water, onds later5 , there would have been a years, the Western world had been at the stern (rear) lifted higher... and head-on collision and Titanic probably peace. For 100 years, technology bad higher... until Titanic's monstrous pro would not have sunk; had another ship steadily improved. For JOO years, the pellers emerged from the otherwise calm ten miles away not turned off its radio benefits of peace and industry seemed sea and glistened in the sky. She rose equipment a mere ten minutes before to be filtering satisfactorily tbrough higher and higher ... and then her 50,000 Titanic's fatal collision, it would have society•... tons of metal snapped in half. The front heard the distress call in time to rescue The Titanic woke them up.... Here of the ship descended to the depths passengers; had the rescue ship arrived was the "unsinkable ship" - perhaps while the remaining portion righted one hour earlier... had the water been a man's greatest engineering achieve itself perpendicular in the air. It stayed few degrees warmer, and so on - total ment - going down the first time it that way for a few breathtaking disaster could have been averted. was sailed. moments... before sliding into the sea. At the same time, the Divine preci But it went beyond that. If this Tragically, Titanic had only enough sion of Hashgacha Prattis was conspir supreme achievement was so terribly lifeboats for half her load,4 and even ing to save a remnant - if the iceberg had fragile, what about everything else? If 3 Recent research has discovered that the iceberg inflicted a larger wound, had there been wealth meant so little on this cold April punctured several small holes in the ship, which no rescue ship in the vicinity, had the night, did it mean so much the rest of all told amounted to little more than 12 square lifeboats encountered stormy seas, etc. the year? Scores of ministers preached feet of damage - 12 square feet which fatally - none of the passengers would have that the Titanic was a heaven-sent les spanned six otherwise watertight compartments. been saved and the world would have son to awaken people from their com 4 After Titanic, the law was established that all ships had to have enough lifeboats for all pas never known what had happened. Fur placency, to punish them for their sengers. Titanic actually carried more lifeboats thermore, had it not been the Titanic, top-heavy faith in material progress. than required by law at that time. had it not been her maiden voyage, had If it was a lesson, it worked - people it not been dubbed unsinkable, had it have never been so sure of themselves not been transporting such prominent since .... people - it would never had made the Titanic has heen called a cultural headlines in its own day, no less arch metaphor because she so perfectly illus across the decades to intrigue people trated the era into which she was born. today. And that metaphor still resonates today. Visiting New York? Yet all those elements of Hashgacha Isn't so much of modern society's faith Beautiful rooms, with kitchen facilities, in Prattis did occur precisely in that way in technological, medical and scientif the heart of Bora Park, by day or week. because there was a greater message in ic progress still top-heavy, overshad Near Shuls, take out foods, etc. Profits to the sinking of the Titanic, a message as owing oftentimes hollow proclama Mifal Torah Vodaas. tions that progress is merely a tool in the 5 All told, there were 37 seconds between spot hand of G-d? Isn't the reason we feel rel Call (718) 851-2969 ting the iceberg and the collision. Spotting it per atively safe today because we consider No T.V.'s haps IO seconds earlier or later could have avert ed the disaster. America the technological pinnacle of 30 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 1537 50th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219 the world, in effect "unsinkable"? And the waters of the Red Sea. The parallel (718) 854-2911 aren't we as prone as ever to the pitfalls is striking: just as the Titanic represented of wealth, not the least of which is a false the technological might, epitome of sense of security and an ever-encroach wealth and cultural high point of the ing complacency? Western world in its day, so too Egypt was the pinnacle of might, wealth and THE TITANIC FASCINATION culture in its day - yet both were destroyed by water6 in a fleeting he Titanic metaphor speaks to moment, as a resounding demonstration people on many levels. After all is of the Almighty's incomparable power Tsaid and done, though, I would and control. suggest that Titanic still fascinates Hashgacha Prattis does not mean that because it makes us feel, to put it sim events will necessarily be manipulated ply: big. Like D-Day, Pearl Harbor and to turn out the way we want them. other seminal events that so defined this Courageous parents and little children century, it jerks us from our smug, from the Titanic drowned, idealistic sol provincial view of reality. It is like walk diers in Normandy and Pearl Harbor fell ing along a path, looking at trees when victims of war, the Holocaust took many suddenly, unexpectedly, you come to a righteous people, etc. Rather, it means cliff and see the Grand Canyon in all its that the Hand of Providence is so gaping majesty. (Lehavdil, this I imag self-evident that our lives are momen ine is an echo of what it must have been tarily suspended and in that moment we like to suddenly come upon the Beis become aware of presence of the Divine. Hamikdash when it stood in all its glory.) Once in that Presence, we can attain the @ www.dovid.com You feel so small. perspective that all is well with every 718·983·9272 or 1·888·LOAN·MOR But in the very smallness, a vista thing in the universe, that the plan is Dovid A. Winiarz opens up. You see the Hand of Provi perfect; that whatever is happening - Ii~ First F.irarcial dence and can do nothing but stand the wars, famine, our personal pain, etc. ,...,.., El:pities In::. back agape, in awe. - is consistent with the Divine design. licensed Mortgage Bankers Interestingly, Titanic first set sail on And if you reach the next step, you attain Corporate Headquarters - Engelwood. NJ April 10, 1912, which fell out on Isru a state where you feel your immortali Chag, the day after Passover (in the Dias ty, knowing that you're home forever, pora). April 15, 1912, (the Titanic sunk that you're safe forever... and that every HAT PLUS at 2:20 AM on April 15) was exactly one body else is. week after Shevi'i Shel Pesach, the sev Titanic, then, like so many other larg Hats • Shirts • Ties • Accessories enth day of Passover, which commem er-than-life events in general history, is orates the drowning of the Egyptians in another reminder that even the most Your#l Stop powerful human beings are not in con for 6. Co1n1nentators typically identify water, one trol; the world has a Master who manip of the classic four elements, with taava, desire. Quality Hats There is, of course, no short The Jewish Observer, May 1999 31 college professor of mine once shtetl emerged gedolei Torah and yirei because of the holiness of the place and described the economic reality of Shamayim the likes of whom Kial Yisroel of the Jews wielding the images, the A the shtetl of his childhood with the has not since produced. struggle for Jewish survival is all the phrase "the poverty of the rich:' Even the \t\Tho, then, I wonder, is truly destitute fiercer. few Jews of means) he said, were impov - they, simple Jews who knew most of erished relative to our contemporary Shas (as Rabbi Nachman Bulman refers standards, such that one could gain a to his father) and the Torah giants of their sense of the ghetto's general conditions midst, all of whom pined throughout ·ding a Jerusalem bus challenges through a glimpse of the actual poverty their short, precarious lives for Jerusalem, he Jew, on many fronts, to of its rich. or I, who ride a Jerusalem bus at great emain Jewish and retain his A young product of the modern West, spiritual peril? mind's integrity. Immodesty, as noted, I have no nostalgia for the socio-eco The spiritual poverty of the materi is problematic. nomic realities of the shtetl. I enjoy the ally rich is staggering. Drivers' contempt for passenger safe comforts and physical safety of my ty and dignity is equally challenging. affluent society and cannot imagine That they do not hospitalize 80% of their them replaced with earthen floors, infant daily passengers, most of whom are not mortality and pogroms, even as my soci midst plentitude, secular society trapeze artists in the Russian Circus, is ety's decadence imperils my soul. worships the body, ultimately an open miracle. That revelation alone, Modernity has bred its own chal A xploiting technology toward however, does not reawaken my own lenges. Today, it is no simple task to that end. Browsing the Internet, for concern for their and others' safety and board a bus, shield one's eyes from inap example, is engaging - less for the dignity, defusing within me a reactive cal propriate dress so as not to diminish in opportunity of broadening the mind lousness all too common here. minutes the sensitivities painstakingly than for the experience of testing a new Egotism and pocket cellular phones cultivated over years of learning. Con physical threshold. The "information are cancerous to public transit. The trarily, from the backward, impoverished superhighway" thus lends itself quite assumption that we are important naturally to the crude, the earthy and the enough to be accessible in every place Pnuel Peri of Jerusalem was represented in The Jewish Observer by "Masked Jew" (Jan. '99) vulgar. at any moment - or worse, that solitude, Amidst spiritual squalor, the Jewish traditionally a medium through which mind struggles to survive and to guide we absorb ourselves and G-d, can be CHEVRA OSEH CHESED its body through myriad daily tests of forsaken for that accessibility - is bad OF AGUDATH ISRAEL lethargy, excess and passion. How is this enough. That we assume, however, that mind not overcome and led by the body, the world does not mind sharing our BURIAL PLOTS ultimately toward its undoing? personal lives as we transform our bus IN ERETZ YISROEL Rabbi Berel Wein lauds the genius of seats into our living rooms, kitchen the Jew as being his survival through the tables, and offices - or worse, that the Interment in a_-_Sh~ Shabbos Beis Olam ~.fur Beis ~emesh ages amongst the gentiles, his preser whole world truly does not mind - is a vation of mind through millennia of for crushing of our appreciation for sub Pl.ease ':J!ho1ji/o,_r tcrite to: eign ideals. That cunning is no less rel tlety and separateness akin to spiritu Chevra OsehCheSed ()f Agwlath Israel evant today in Jerusalem, a holy city that al implosion. 84 William st~~t·~~w,Yor~. NY 10018 is nonetheless pervaded with gentile The Jewish mind, slumped in its own (212) 79'7-9000 images of power and desire. Perhaps debris, is then but a wistful recollection. ___ " ____ 32 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 '** its ideal. Between the two is the voice inviolate. It is the means of our survival - or, rather, fife- of the Jew living here, in a secular Jewish society whose mem bbi Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler's for whom survival is imperative and bers undermine our survival, yet are Michtav M'Eliyahu is a survival only-G-d-knows-how possible. known by us to be, inseparably, our own. anual. We should not board Recently, I understood better the Sat buses without one of its volumes. Of mar position. "' pleasure seekers, he writes, "Their life is One winter evening while returning not life. They experience no satiety in home on the bus, I was drawn deeply ne recent afternoon, I was rid their pleasures. They chase only a simil into Rabbi Dessler's text and was sur ing the bus through Givat itude of pleasure, and glimpse but its prised to look up and see the beginnings OShaul, Jerusalem's industrial fragment." 1 of my neighborhood passing in the win district, when the driver halted behind His message is excruciatingly terse. dow. Anticipating my stop, I moved a taxi blocking traffic and, characteris We know that secular society is pleasure toward the bus exit, and my eyes fell tically, leaned upon his horn. based and, therefore, devoid of most upon a sign on the automatic door. Infuriated, the taxi driver got out) things complementary to a Torah life. "Zehirusl" it warned. approached the bus driver's side window Do we realize, however, the severity of My heart leaped. I thought, "Yes! and protested that he had had no its emptiness? Says Rabbi Dessler, it and Zehirus! Vigilance! How grand is the choice but to block the street, offering they, the society and its players, are not fragile soul!" and stood as though gal some cause that I could not discern. alive. Constant chasing and pursuing, vanized by the words of two sefarim, one "Are you not ashamed?" the taxi dri never simply being, giving, loving, are grasped in my hand, the other written ver asked, glaring into the bus. themselves death. Moreover, they die for in red upon the door. "Slicha," the bus driver said, genuinely imaginary pleasure. A further irony: the As the door folded open and I contrite. "Lo samti lev." false objects of their desire are never alighted, I laughed to myself, realizing Deeply moved, I laughed. actually achieved, only envisaged from what the public safety sign was actual 1 laughed over the utter impossibil afar and, at that, only partially. ly saying. Almost immediately, howev ity of a similar exchange between Rabbi Dessler helps us withstand the er, anger and hopelessness swirled with employees of Yellow Cab and the New inertia of an attractive society) whose lay in me as 1 stepped into the cold, York Transit Authority in a culture ered tragic ironies are concealed in self lamp-lit night and sensed the tragedy of where men, terribly alone and disen fulfillment and aesthetic. He gives us the "Zehirus (accent on the hi)! Guard your franchised, hardly speak to one anoth means to fife at the velt2 , yet as with a soul!" having become to most Israeli er let alone demand shame and offer ram's horn, whose piercing timbre minds "Zehirut (accent on the rut)! contrition. mocks fleeting self-fulfillment and the Don't lean against the door!" I laughed in recognition that these pursuit of the aesthetic. Where the cheapening of such clas men, despite their secularity, had not Our fife, our whistle-cry, is one of joy sic truth is the nor1n, indeed, where our become their New York counterparts. for being alive and drawn by an imper sages' words grace the vernacular with How could they have? They are Jews for ative whose very fragments are eternal which too many Jews, unaware of their whom shame and contrition are organ treasures the mere chasing after which own tradition's wealth, commit every ic expressions of being inseparable, even is life itself. It is also one of sorrow and imaginable indiscretion and thereby as they would defame one another with fear, not only for our fellow Jews, who mock - one would almost say inge in a society replete with corruption and uninhibitedly give themselves to soci niously - our seemingly absurd strug scandal. ety, but for ourselves, who resist. .. yet gle to remain Jewish, can the loudest fife That paradox alone requires laugh daily walk the edge of oblivion. be heard? ter, as the dominant culture's zehirut drags its organic zehirus with it into the '" '" mire. Zehiruswill, of course, emerge unsul ettlement in a Jewish State that nconceivably, it can; and perhaps it lied. Until then, perhaps our last great shares Western societal oblivion has is this aspect of the Jew's genius that challenge is to survive the poverty of the Slong been an issue of survival I is born of none other than a Jewish rich and fife as we await the coming of amongst the Orthodox camps. Religious sense of humor. ourselves back to ourselves, a process Zionists say, simply, that the land is holy Our fife is also a chuckle, one far that unfolds both despite and because and will purge itself and us, survival more con1plex than an insane response of who we are. • being somehow irresistible. The Satmar to insanity. It is the mechanism by Rav says that its holiness cannot bear which we grasp seeming contradictions l Volume I, pg. 6 corruption, survival being absurd, so and, through them, draw into focus that 2 A Yiddish expression: to dismiss the world with a deriding whistle. incongruent is the reality of Israel with which we already know to be true and The Jewish Observer, May 1999 33 SECOND LOOKS Book ntering a large shul in Vilna, the EChafetz Chaim passed a spread of Hebrew books set up for sale. Shoppin Amongst the sefarim, he noticed a number of Hebrew-language books written by maskilim, with .a decid edly anti-religious viewpoint. He ort Control weeded them out from the pile and tossed them into a large bin of coal used to fuel the stove that heated sn't a library card, or the availabili stuns the visitors in tern1s of its size and the shul. The itinerant bookseller ty of a bookstore, akin to a passport? the variety of offerings. An FAO who had set up the display came I They allow you to travel to far-flung Schwartz of Judaica, a Viennese table running,"Rebbe,stop!Those are my lands, explore unchartered territories, of reading delights. Such a huge books! .. experience different and exotic situa hunger, such a vast banquet! "Tell me," asked the Chofetz tions, as well as interact with fascinat Chaim; "aren't you aware that ing personalities. these books project an unaccept Before embarking on a geographic able oudook?" journey, we usually check out the polit magine, if you will, a well-equipped, "But, Rebbe:' the salesman ical stability, weatber conditions, and tbe up-to-date judaica shop serving a pleaded,"! have to sell them to earn health situation in the place of our des I religious community. The shoppers a living. I can't feed my .family from tination ... and of course, our passports and browsers wander through the aisles, selling only heilige sefarim (sacred and credentials are reviewed by immi checking out ArtScroll's latest biography literature)!" gration officials. No less care should be on Reb Elya Lopian and Pesach Krohn's "I have a solution for you:' the case when we take a book in hand. most recent "Maggid" collection; Feld offered the Chofetz Chaim; He There is much that is positive today: heim's freshest offering on Avos and took out a pencil and pad, and tbe explosive proliferation of sefarim and Hanoch Teller's Midrash and Maaseh; wrote down an. address on the books in the vernacular - translations plus CIS's Visions of Greatness IV - all other side o!Vilna,and handed the of classics, original works in English ... beckoning amongst the smorgasbord of paper to the peddler. "This. place halacha, hashkafa, history, biography, treats. nee!ls a worker. You'll make much novels, essays and short stories. Then tbey spot a new Haggadah strik more money. there >.than from So much to gain: ingly illustrated with full-color repro yo't.1r books:' - Useful instructions. Valuable ductions of scenes from the Dream The fellow lo()ked at the slip of information. New insights. Stirring works' animated movie, Prince ofEgypt. paper. and protested, "That's tJie inspiration. Stimulating ideas. Is the movie-association alongside the l~I cathedral. What can I do But what of the risks? text meant to invite the uninitiated to a therer~ - Unsavory characters. Compro Seder? Perhaps. But why is the Hag "They need .someone to ring mising situations. Vulgarization of the gadah allotted display space in a judaica the.bells to call the people to wor sacred. Distortions of Torah. Misrep shop witb a frum clientele? To tell the ship.11 resentation of facts. Seder guest, "You may have enjoyed the ''How could you ilsk me to do Is there a "State Department" to book, but wait till you see the movie"? sometf>irig like thi!l;?" advise would-be "tourists" of the con [In fact, Michel Schwartz, the artist who "It is prefera~lethat Y()U eari: tents of the book shelves? Shouldn't one designed the Haggadah, commented in living by c;alli~g C~dsti.•ns to wor consult a "traveler's guide" before an interview (Intermountain Jewish ship,''sai.d th~Chofetz Chaim,''llian embarking on such a journey? News, Mar. 19, '99), "There is a four-page i>y poi~ning.~ ~""rts .of your fel• Yes, judaica book stores are veritable center spread of the parting of the sea Jow J 34 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 is ECO ND ! LOOKS who has made his mark in the modern Preparing for religious world by recklessly miscon struing Rabbi Moshe Feinstein's halachic decisions on dissolving n1ar riages (over the protests of Reb Moshe's ]R{cO)§]h1 JH[ca1§]h1caun1ca1? family); a book featuring the pastoral guidance of a Reform rabbi whose ear lier volume dismissed the established doctrines of Divine reward and pun ishment; and, of course, a best-selling feminist ideology written by the daugh ter of a renowned Conservative "Hasidic" figure .... deposits of dross among the gold. **' e normally exercise caution Preparing for Rosh Hashana? obligations on teachers unless they when we browse in a public Maybe this way - "Hit it! ... Great provide financial compensation or Wlibrary, and we advise our - it's a homerun! ... No, he caught some other relief (some schools, look children or our students to be similar it.... " ing ahead, are cutting some days off the ly selective. Sort of in line with telling Or this way - "Ma, one more time end of the current school year, or travelers: "The natives are friendly but on the bumper cars - please! It's the lengthening the winter recess, but both don't drink the water:' judaica book greatest thing here at Jeepers." are really undesirable). stores should be different. There we Impossible. But this year the week Parents must be given to understand would assume: "The natives are friends, before Rosh Hashana may just possi the impossibility of not preparing chil and the waters are not only thirst bly sound this way, unless parents and dren for Rosh Hashana. quenching, but nourishing as weir' And schools prevent it! There will undoubtedly be some if some are not for popular consump he day after Labor Day - time children who will be absent on the extra tion, let a savvy clerk guide the browsers hallowed as the first day of school days; but since the studies on these days to more potable fluids. Yet that does not T-is on Tuesday, September 7; Fri will be devoted to Rosh Hashana, they seem to be the case in too many day, September I 0, is Erev Rosh will at least not miss the launching of instances. What should be done? Hashana. That means that there will be their regular curriculum. Probably all it takes is a friendly tap only three schooldays before Rosh No general studies? Nothing could on the shoulders of the proprietors of Hashana, certainly not enough to teach bring home to our children more clear these shops - people who are responsi even the barest minimum that our chil ly the difference between Torah and gen ble for a welcome mass dissemination dren need; and,above all, they will enter eral studies. Some schools may be able of Torah literature as well as inspirational the Aseres Yemei Teshuva full of the vaca to provide extra programs or day camp and entertaining reading material. For tion spirit. activities for the few afternoons involved. sure, these very same book-store own The obvious solution would be to Is all this necessary? ers would reject the concept of running start school a week earlier. But there is Can one really doubt it? • a football-field-size supermarket with a no lack of possible naysayers: sign declaring: "We sell Kosher-and-non • Parents who do not want to cut The Once-in-a Lifetime Purchase Kosher foods: Buyers Welcome (and short the vacation period, and especially that you should never have to use: Beware):' Yet feeding spiritual toxins to look forward to the Labor Day weekend. the neshama is far more hazardous, with •Administrators faced with the like KARKAIN results far longer lasting than when offer lihood of incomplete attendance, trans ing tarfus to the body. Tell them that. portation headaches, and no teachers for ERETZ YISROEL They will surely understand. the afternoon general studies program. And if not, then we and those whom • Hebrew teachers drafted for an extra Call Rabbi Gavriel Beer for we are responsible for will be fore week of teaching; moreover, some of information on obtaining warned: It looks heimish, but until fur them may have summer jobs. cemetery plots in Beth Shemesh ther notice, it may well be more prudent Yet, considering the alternative, these and other locations in Israel. to stay home and simply "order by are problems that must to be solved. ' phone:' • Obviously, schools cannot impose extra 011-972-2-641-1923 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 35 READERS' FORUM The two articles, "My Son/Daughter, the Schnorrer," by Eliyahu Mayer, and "My Son/Daughter, the Tzeddaka Gabbai," by Will modifying the present system Nissan Wolpin (March '99), generated an unusual flow of letters. require some extra work? Perhaps. But Several were selected for publication, trimmed to avoid excessive doesn't safeguarding the purity of our children's neshamos deserve our best repetition, followed by the authors' comments. efforts? MENACHE/Vf DAUW1 Brooklyn terrible fear. Hashem would probably strike me with lightning bolts for what BRINGING PRESENT PROCEDURES IN I had done. He certainly would not THE SOURCE OF THE PUSHKA KIDS' LINE WITH HALACHA allow me to wake up the next morning. AGGRESSION When I woke up the next day, To the Editor: unscathed, I concluded that my fear of To the Editor: Not raised by either side in your Divine retribution was probably Eliyahu Mayer's article was disturb debate over "Children with Pushkas: Two unfounded. Tbe next dime for an ice ing both for what it addresses and what Sides of the Coin" (JO Mar. '99), were cream cone was a lot easier. Was I just it omits. key halachic questions: Nan1ely1 are we naturally more larcenous than n1y class His honesty for taking on a subject permitted to subject young children to mates of yesterday were, or than today's that is becoming a growing-if-not the powerful temptation of handling so children are? I tend to doubt it. fully-recognized problem - the in much money? Is this not a violation of Many years later, I raised the above your-face solicitation by heimishe chil Lifnay iver lo sitayn michshal, the Torah's mentioned halachic questions with the dren for worthy Jewish causes - is prohibition against placing "a stumbling administration of my children's yeshi admirable. block before the blind"? Who is more va. He concurred that the nisayon of As someone wbo has walked the frum blind than children who, Chazal teach handling tzeddaka money is too much streets of Brooklyn, eaten in its restau us, do not even have a yeitzer tov (incli for some children and that inevitably a rants and shopped in its bookstores for nation for good) before Bar Mitzva? number of them will succumb to temp nearly twenty years, I also have experi Furthermore, should not the many tation. Nonetheless, he would not call enced the pervasiveness of the phe halachic laws pertaining to the collec for a stop to the practice. He explained nomenon Mr. Mayer describes: mod tion of charitable funds, which include that unfortunately the money raised by estly dressed boys and girls immodestly the need for responsible monetary the children was needed by the yesbiva and rudely waving pushkas or receipt oversight and accountability, also apply to meet its budget. Obviously, halacha pads in a bypasser's face. Tbeir actions to children collecting for tzeddaka? and the likely corruption of some of its demean both tbem and the institutions I was first asked to collect money as young talmidim were less important to they represent. a youngster over 40 years ago by the this yeshiva than its bottom-line. Mr. Mayer does not cite the context yeshiva I was then attending. I vividly Serious thought should be given to that fosters the children's un-Torah recall the exhilaration of suddenly find modifying the present procedures and actions. Let's face it. They merely copy ing myself in possession of more money bringing them in line with halacha. Per some of the behavior they see around than I had ever seen in my entire life. haps pushkas themselves, which are so them: ignoring "Gut Shabbos" greetings, At first, I tried to be careful and put my easily rifled, should be replaced. Instead cutting in front of others at stores, scold own meager allowance in one pocket children should be given a carefully ing children in public places .... and the growing amount of tzeddaka in recorded number of tzeddaka dollars or Mr. Mayer correctly points out that the other. On a particularly hot day, I raffles to sell. Afterwards, the money "parents... do have choices" about figured my hard work in collecting so raised and the unsold tzeddaka dollars what their children do. But he neglects much money certainly entitled me to or raffles should be compared with the to write that parents have an equal "borrow" a dime from my tzeddaka original disbursement. I'm sure there are choice in watching their own actions, pocket for a well-deserved ice cream many others who can come up with a whicb their children will surely emulate. cone. Afterwards I started having sec variety of better ideas to build account STEVE LlPMAN ond thoughts and was overcome with a ability into the collection process. Rego Park, NY 36 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 PUBLISHING PRIVATE P'SAKTO with a trip to Eretz Yisroel. Now, 1nore I'm happy to give them tzeddaka that COUNTER PUBLIC PRACTICE! than thirty years later, this young man 11·v.:i. is tatzil mimaves umavirin es ro' a has helped his Rosh Hayeshiva in Eretz hagzeira (protects from death and To the Editor: Yisroel print more than twenty different annuls evil decrees). And who knows? Among the many problems I had sefarim by raising the necessary funds in Perhaps my giving a young boy with with Eliyahu Mayer's article, two are America. a pushka a dollar bill, I may r,..,N be most troubling! Every Pesach now, when I am bodek causing twenty more sefarim to be 1. I take offense with the way he my Rosh Hayeshiva's sefarim, I'm printed in the world! maligns the time-honored practice in amazed how far a dollar bill can go, RABBI MOSHE SHOCHET Kial Yisroel, of children collecting with from the time when I was that young Brooklyn raffle books and pushkas. The fact that boy standing with my pushka on a young yeshiva boys collected in this fash street corner more than thirty years ion for Chinuch Atzmai and Ezras ago! SCHNORRER OR GABBAR IT'S UP TO Torah, institutions headed by Reb Ahron Every Purim, I join my children in THE PARENT Kotler ';nn and Rabbi Henkin ?··lit, expressing hakaras hatov to their should give us some inkling into the yeshivas by helping them raise money To the Editor: sacred origins of this minhag Yisroel. for their building funds. I help them We were very disturbed by the 2. I do not understand how one could collect tzeddaka, and in this way, I show article, "My Son/Daughter, the Schnor go public with what Gedolim said to him them the proper way to use a pushka rer.'' May I answer him point for point? privately, as if that were their intention. without offending anyone. By the [- except where addressed by other let Many times Rabbanim answer questions same token, I try to teach them how to ters. - NW] The first paragraph posed to them with a response tailored ignore insulting comments, such as sounds like a chiloni contemptuously to the inquirer's personal inclinations "There goes 'my son/daughter the describing the chareidim. (providing, of course, that this is with schnorrer'!" "Ambushed"? - For a mitzva? Does the in the realm of halacha). With their Eliyahu Mayer's suggestion for the author also feel ambushed when many keen, perceptive insight, they have the parents to write out checks instead of business opportunities are knocking on ability to do this. In no way, however, having their children collect with a his door? does tl1is give the inquirer license to pub pushka will only teach them the easy Why doesn't the JO write "two lish their counsel. If they feel that pub way out in life. Why shouldn't children sides-of-the-coin" articles on teaching licizing such a p'sak is called for, they do have the tremendous zechus of col compassion, for example? Because not need some private volunteer to dis lecting tzeddaka, which is a greater there are no two sides! Why, then, are seminate it; they have their own ways to mitzva than just giving it? After my there two sides of the coin as far as do so. children collect tzeddaka, I generally teaching a child to give of himself- not AVROHOM SCHERMAN write out a check for more money, just only monetarily, but with his other Lakewood, NJ in case there's a mistake, plus the fact resources? Of course they need to be that I also want to contribute to that taught and directed. cause. Value of Tzeddaka: Did the author PUSHKA COLLECTING: JUMP START TO What's the next step? Are we going ever hear of growing from "shelo lish SERIOUS FUND-RAISING to stop our kids from booing Haman ma" (ulterior motives) to "lishma" because it may teach them to make (being selfless)? How many children To the Editor: noise during laining? Perhaps they became masmidim with an initial More than thirty years ago, a young boy shouldn't light the Chanuka menora, spark from a learning-for-a-prize stands with his pushka on a street corner since it may train them to play with program, many of which are sponsored waiting hopefully for someone to pass by fire! Of course not. We sit next to by Agudath Israel? and put a nickel or a dime, or if he's real them during Megilla laining, as we are Responsibility: There are two parts ly lucky, a quarter into his pushka. The with them when they kindle the meno to this. (1) In regard to the loss of boy is suddenly startled and excited ra - to train them in how to do a n1itz money for the organization - our fam beyond belief to see a stranger take out a va carefully and safely. ily has run raffle campaigns for vari dollar bill and actually slip it in to his Finally, when kids with pushkas ous needs over the years - Yeshivas tzeddaka pushka. This young boy approach me, I don't feel like I'm being Bein Hazmanim (maybe to buy prizes becomes greatly inspired and goes on to surrounded hy a pack of wolves or by for the author's son1), a poor Israeli collect $300 for Chinuch Atzmai and a gang of Moslem fundamentalists! family (maybe the author's old receives a small Shas as a prize. Instead, I feel like I'm being sur chavrusa?), hachnosas kalla (maybe the Later on in life, he raises $1500 for rounded by children eager to get a author's cousin?). I think we got every another organization, and is rewarded n1itzva (and also, of course, a prize). raffle stub in (after systemized calls) The Jewish Observer, May 1999 37 and lost under $10 (which we paid for person who collects tzeddaka from Regarding Mr. Scherman's second ourselves). others saves his generation from the point, I must defend the Rabbanim (2) Accountability: As a mother and need to knock on doors for themselves:' with whom I consulted. They never a teacher, I have worked on it quite suc So if you don't want your child to be asked me to keep their advice private cessfully. Not collecting only avoids the "My Son/Daughter the Schnorrer:' col and they may have even preferred that issue, it doesn't solve it! lecting for himself, make sure he/she I include their names. It was my deci Disregard for Tefilla: You will hear will be "My Son/Daughter the Tzedda sion not to print anyone's spoken people in shut making sales pitches and ka Gabbai." words without their reviewing the managing their business during tefilla. (MRS.) ADINA SAFIR manuscript. To save time prior to pub Is that also because they were taught to Monsey, NY lication, I simply omitted their names. be pushy collectors when they were Rabbi Moshe Shochet cites the young, or because they were example of the potential dangers of (un)trained in shut-behavior by their The author replies: children lighting the Chanuka menora, parents? Based on the cacophony of reactions pointing out that we supervise them so Aggressiveness Training: We would elicited by my article, the issue of young that they learn to do so properly. But like to invite the author to our neigh children collecting tzeddaka seems to that only strengthens my argument, borhood and open his eyes to a new be not a two-sided coin, but rather a because I never see these junior collec world of shuts where we see almost none multifaceted gemstone. tors accompanied by their parents as of that - just eidel neshamos that even First, I would like to reply to Rabbi they roam the streets and batei midrash remember to say, "Tizku lemitzvos." In Nissan Wolpin's articulate rejoinder, of my neighborhood. Perhaps if par addition, on our block alone, practically which I did not see until publication. ents were required to chaperon their each family over the last ten years has My parents, 7"t (and grandparents, 7··1) gabbaim-in-training, we would see less sent around a child with a note to col also assumed leadership roles in com change spilling out of young pockets, lect money for different needs in the munal tzeddaka drives and fund-rais and all of the money donated would community. Mi ke'amcha Yisroel! ing projects for Torah institutions actually reach the intended recipients. Begging Reinforcement: No, col around the globe. But that has little And the rudeness, to which Steve Lip lecting tzeddaka when young does not bearing on my tolerance for the nega man and others have been subjected, train children to be nags. Rather, it tive middos instilled in our children by might also be eliminated. trains them to be caring individuals. the current collection campaigns. Of the many issues raised by Mrs. In regard to "applying the art at Professor Aaron Twerski's nostalgic Safir, I would like to address two. My home for more self-serving ends" - does "Confessions of a Gabbai" underscores choice of the word "ambush" was intend that mean that a child who answers the zechus that is earned by one who ed as hyperbole and the tone, although "Amein, yehei sh'mei rabba'' in a loud voice suffers ridicule and embarrassment as not the message, was designed to be will learn to scream for more self-serv a result of collecting funds for tzedda tongue-in-cheek. Some people may have ing ends? ka. I agree. But my article addressed been misled, and for that I apologize. In conclusion, the author writes how the abuses caused by the young collec Secondly, her family is to be praised every parent has choices. Yes, we do - tors, not those they receive. for their honesty and chessed. They are to train our children in the area of As for Avrohom Scherman's two certainly not alone. When my wife was "Gadol hama'aseh yoser min ha'oseh issues: First, there is a phenomenon, in elementary school (a couple of years lt is greater to arouse others to do good which is not new, called "getting out of ago), she politely solicited funds for her than to do so oneself." hand," which means that even honor Bais Yaakov in the subway on her way We are your typical rebbelmorah cou able practices with "sacred origins" can home from school and she diligently ple - many obligations etc. who raise sometimes go awry. One illustration accounted for every single penny. But money for the poor on a totally vol should suffice. Initially, it was an today, such scrupulous integrity is not untary basis. All our children are hap accepted practice to dress niftarim the rule. pily involved in it. (the dead) in expensive clothing before Menachem Daum's courageous con The pasuk says "Lo yechdal evyon kevura (burial). Although this and fession of his youthful indiscretions mikerev ha' aretz- The poor will never other lavisb customs had become the makes the most irrefutable argument for be absent from the land"; it was meant norm, they were eventually modified collection campaign reform. As a thor to be that way and it is going to con after they had gotten out of hand. (See ough rereading of my original article will tinue that way. We must thank Haka Moed Kattan 27a-27b.) Similarly, prove, I never advocated the elimination dosh Baruch Hu that we can be the reforms are now needed in the practice, of either tzeddaka campaigns or children givers and collectors, and not be on the however time-honored, of children learning about tzeddaka through active receiving end. As the Aruch Hashutchan taking to the streets to collect tzedda participation, as they learn about all says (247:5), "! have a tradition that a ka. other mitzvos. The main point of my 38 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 article was that revisions in our current PHOTO CREDITS Shneur Kotler ?"Oil, courtesy Moshe Zev collection code for children are sorely Weisberg, Lakewood. needed. Regrettably, many of the credits for Page 13: Reb Nosson with Rabbi I thus heartily endorse Mr. Daum's the photographs that illustrated Heshy Matisyahu Salomon N"P'?ii>, courtesy proposals. If only one chinuch insti Arem's article, "Mashgiach From A Meir Feld. tution adopts them, the heated debate Previous Generation, Rabbi Nosson on this issue and the aspersions cast on Meir Wachtfogel ?"Oil" (April '99), were my hashkafos and motivations for either omitted or misplaced. The fol TORAH GUIDELINES writing the original article will have lowing are the correct attributions: FOR MAKING MORE MONEY been more than worthwhile. Page 5: Reb Nasson delivering a One Free Booklet Now, You Can Pay ELIYAHU MAYER shmuess at the Chicago Community When It Works. Please Write: Brooklyn Kolle!, photograph by Fred Eckhouse, YESHWAFUND Chicago. Box 82, Staten Island, NY 10309 "SHRINKING THE PICTURE" Page 6: The Mashgiach with Rabbi OR MISPLACED PRIORITIES To the Editor: Rabbi Oberstein praised "an ideal istic chassan" for taking pictures with Attention: his bride before the badeken so as to expedite the couple's emergence at the wedding feast, avoiding the inter Bungalow Colonies minable wait that usually takes place after the yichud (Letters, April '99). It was a generous act of consideration, an Camps avoidance of tircha detzibura (incon veniencing the crowd). If this was indeed done with the approval of the Cities young man's Rosh Yeshiva, it reflects poorly on the young couple. Appar ently the Rosh Yeshiva recognized that one of the decision makers viewed Be part of this year's shrinking the picture-taking session non-negotiable. Every frame, every pose was a must. What was left? Only largest worldwide to violate the hallowed min hag Yisroel {amongst Ashkenazim) of the chassan Torah event... and kalla not seeing each other until the badeken. In effect, trading away the our exciting and meaningful program sacred moments before the chupa for the 9 Days and Tisha B'Av! when the chassan and kalla can achieve nitzchiyus - eternity! - with tearful prayers, for the permanence of a staged moment caught on film. Call 1·800·867-248 Yes, as Rabbi Frand and Rabbi Kulefsky concurred, tircha detzibura is for a free information kit something that must be reckoned on how you can join over 200 with. It is to be hoped that other fam ilies will be equally considerate of their communities in 12 countries worldwide. guests, but that they do so by shorten ing the duration of the photography and not by trampling on minhag Yis roel. The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation YERACH!YIIEL WAGNER lil EAST MEADOW, L.J. 6 Melnick Drive, Monsey, New York 10952 • (914) 352-3505 The Jewish Observer, May 1999 39 ii , ''rtt:• fr Friday, June 4 thru Monday, June 14, 1999 ARTSCROLL BOOKS ARE AVAIUBLE AT YOUR LOCAL HEBREW BOOKSELLER, OR DIRECT FROM PUBUSHER: 71M21-9000 I FAX: 71M8N875 I OUT OF NYS: 1-800-MESORAH TO ORDER ONUNE: www.artscroll.com ----~----...... _...... __ ~~