At this Bais Medrash, not only will you find minyanim for :J"1J1m ,;-rmr.i ,n,1nru, but also shiurim, learning b' chavrusa throughout the day, and a mikvah on premises. This isn't a Bais Medrash in Boro Park, Lakewood or Monsey~ This is the Bais Medrash at Empire Kosher Poultry, intown, PA@
At Empire, this is an essential part of the daily routine. Our Bais Medrash resounds with a ;nm 71p nearly around the clock, whether it's review in Hilchos Shechita, a shiur in Daf Yomi, a masechta h'iyun or in Shmiras Haloshon. What does all of this have to do with kosher chicken? Everything.
10UGH KASHRUS, 1ENDER P0Ul1RY TOLL-FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE: (800) EMPIRE-4 o are observing tz Yisroel this year. be able to sell his lemons this year. He ha§ .. (aith an age. of rapidly e that, like 7 years ago, he ~e •...... <.:r ''i't>i~arket opp~1~~~!~es, the . ~gain. be able tC\ ..%~µ · '· ~~ ~t;aJrigh~rt~ ~te ma~!~P,~C?:n1pes;~trifice to ob~~~ < price next year. But ow doeshelivethis Shmitah:cc~~~f ne,~~ your support,;;• .year? Thanks to the worldwid~. ~upporters encci.)!rrgementand hel~.. :.o make it through · · ofKeren Hashviis, the Centetfor Shmitah the Yt,~t.~ecome~partllet·~: nritzvah which Obs;~~~ Farmers, Ovadi' '' still have a com~~,~~H~.d ?~Y once'lW ~~rs: Answer goo · . · his year. He a~ ~anrily will the~{~f~.. l~~~~~~,e!.:f~ < Torah. ew hardships are as tough to handle as a breadwinner's unemployment. But few hardships are as quickly resolved. FAll it takes is one job to turn a family's worry and strain into peace and security. With unemployment at a rate unprecedented in recent times. many frum families are suffering. ''Sometimes We are using this opportunity to urge everyone to comb his or her own resources for any and all job openings. Ask the person nel director at your job. Ask friends and relatives, especially those who own businesses. with very If you know of openings, call (718) 436-1900. With very little effort on your part, you can relieve a family of its heaviest burden. little effort Please take ti moment to review this list. If you know of an opening, or you can ask the Personnel Director in your company, you could truly be helping a familg. you can Account Executives Information Systems Managers Accountants Law Associates Actuaries Legal Editors Administrative Assistants Litigators make a Advertising Executives Marketing Executives Banking Officers Mechanical Engineers Benefits Consultants Non-Profit Administrators Bookkeepers Office Managers tremendous Business Managers Paralegals Buyers Pharmacists Chief Financial Officers Plant Managers Civil Engineers Personnel Directors difference:' Commodities Traders Portfolio Analysts Communications Production Planners Community Affairs Program Directors/Social Services Coordinators Programmers Computer Graphics Project Managers Computer Technicians Psychologists Construction Supervisors Public Relations Consultants Purchasing Agents Controllers Quality Assurance Corporate Account Managers Real Estate Managers Professional & Management Credit & Collection Managers Researchers Employment Services Customer Service Representatives Sales Representatives Directors of Operations Senior Systems Engineers A Division of Agudath Israel of America Economists Staff Attorneys Jerry Schiffman, Director Electrical Engineers Stockbrokers 620 Coney Island Avenue Food Service Managers Supervisors Brooklyn, NY 11218 Financial Analysts Tax Auditors Phone (718) 436-1900 Fund Managers Traffic Managers Fax(718)633-6113 Industrial Engineers THE,EWISH OBSERVER
THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021-6615 is published monthly except July and August by the Agudath Israel of America, 84 William Street, New York, N.Y. 10038. Second class postage paid in New York, N. Y. Subscription $22.00 per year; two years, $36.00; three years, $48.00. Outside of the United States (US funds drawn IS DERECH ERETZ IN TROUBLE? on a US bank only) $12.00 surcharge per year. Single copy$3.00; foreign$4.00. Send address changes to: The Jewish Observer, 84 William 6 Street, N.Y., N.Y.10038. Tel: (212) 797-9000. Confronting a Derech Eretz Crisis Printed in the U.S.A. Dr. Jacob Mermelstein RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR 12 EDITORIAL BOARD Derech Eretz and Common Sense: A Lost Art? DA. ERNST L BODENHEIMER Cha.Jrman Rabbi Yitzchak Feigenbaum
RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS 18 JOSEPH FRIEDENSON RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN Instilling Middos Tovos In Our Children Rabbi Yitzchok Kirzner, ?":it MANAGEMENT BOARD AVIFISHOF NAFTOLI HIRSCH 24 ISAAC KIRZNER RABBI SHLOMO LESIN Introducing DqfHayomi to Klal Y'tSroel NACHUM STEIN from a biography of Rabbi Meir Shapiro, ?":it, by Rabbi Yehoshua Baumol, "T">;J, translated by Rabbi Charles Wengrov and Martin H. Stem RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING Buslrutss Managior
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NOVEMBER 1993 VOLUME XXVI I NO. 8 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Symposium on "Derech Eretz" Dr. Jacob Mermelstein '--~~~~~~~___Jir---~~~~~~~~~~~~~':'.':'..':~':.'..!_I_~~ Is DERECH ERETZ INCms1s?
erech eretzseems to be .disappearing; at least Dsuch is the claim. More than niceties ofinterpersonal relations, derech eretz is a founda tion ofTorah life. Ifthere is such a problem, we would do well to examine it and see how to amelio NO if any thing, rate the situation. LAUGJUNG needs to be MATTER In the articles that follow, three done. and how one goes about it. nlachtfim distinguished writers address this Admittedly, dem naar, ober there are individuals who theme. Dr. Jacob Mermelstein, a der naar iz meiner- M study Torah. observe the mitzvos, One pokes fun at the fool. but if! am practicing psychologist in the New give charity and are honest': yet the fool---0r my relative is-then the their general demeanor is somehow York area, focuses on the discrep joke is on me, and the pain is my own. unpleasant. They are impatient, We strtve to be frum and the word ancy between strict fidelity to the curt with their fellowman, simply needs no explanation. Yet we chuckle "not nice." In addition, there is a letter ofhalacha and an "unpleas and nod our heads in a kind of reluc kind of "uptightness," a blend of tant acknowledgment when one re ant demeanor" that sometimes anxiety and depression-not exactly peats once more the sad joke: "What in a clinical. pathological way. yet reside within the same person, and is the acronym of F-R-U-M? Feit lacking in calm confidence inherent Rishus Und Meshugaas. Much evil offers strategies to correct it. in emuna and bitachon-faith and and insanity.'• trust. A lack in being a mensch and Yet one of the prtmary goals of the RabbiYitzchok Feigenbaum, an a Yid, the Torah way. Torah Jew is to be a mensch. an indi outreach professional in Toronto, vidual free of moral depravity and full 1 'Tomim ti'hiyeh im Hashem Elokecho (Devarim engages the reader in pursuit of of goodness ... his life governed by 18, 14) Be whole heartedly (1.Justing) in Hashem .. bitachon. trust and faith, and devoid See Rashi Walk with Him with simple faith. De that elusive quality, yashrus pend on Him. Do not speculate (and overly wony) of superstitious, unreasonable fears about the future. 1 (uprightness), which crowned the and meshugaas • those subtle quirks 2 In spite of recent "exposures"---even by our own of behavior that are wrong. irrational well-meaning but, in my opinion. misguided stature ofour Patriarchs, and and simply not Jewish. friends. Jews, even Orthodox ones, unfortunately have their share of mental ills and emotional mal should be prominent among each So let us define the accusations. in adjustments. But: Torah Jews who beat their wives spect them for accuracy, and see what, are still rare. Those who do drugs or take to drink Jew's goals. He searches for meth are still few and far between. The divorce rate is still Dr. Mermelstein, a psychologist in private prac ods ofachieving it. tice, is certified in his field by the States of New York relatively low, and the same holds true for stealing and New Jersey. and is a diplomate of the Ameri and cheating. Yes, when such perpetrators are ex posed, it unfortunately makes headlines and "good can Board of Professional Psychology. A musmach An article based on a lecture by the of Mesivta Torah Vodaath, Dr. Mermelstein leads copy," and ChillulHashem And it should not be. "Figures do not lie, but one can lie with figures." late Robbi Yitzchok Kirzner, 7"~, his local Daf Yomi shiw· in Agudath Israel of Long Island. Well known as a lecturer and author, sev My Torah colleagues and I, who probably see more religious patients in a week than outsiders see in a eral of his articles have been featured in The Jew" one ofthe outstanding teachers of year. will attest to that. ish Obseroer. recent times, offers insights in how to instill middos tovo&-sterling The Jewish Observer. November 1993 character traits-in our children. Thefocus, then, shouldbeonacer us and show us how to reach our guidelines toward the solution. tain group of middos, inherent traits, children and guide them. The same Speaking of our unpleasant and that make the man; his deep inner applies to any concerned adult, and unhappy fellow, Chazal6 describe feelings which govern his disposition, indeed, much of what is being srud him as one for whom there is no hope and consequently his behavior toward here is applicable to any endeavor of forgiveness, neither ln genuine re his fellow man. Not high-profile, mea where the goal is to affect people, be pentance, nor in the power of the holy surable deeds such as charity or hon it teaching, psychotherapy, or, day of Yorn Kippur, nor in suffertng. esty, but the subtleness ofbeing pleas lehavdit learning to become a Torah They say: ant with others and with oneself: calm, Jew. It should also be clear that true He is one who has "read" (studied trusting and confident. (Yes, confi Torah learning is, among much else, the Written Torah) and has "studied" dent-notas anarrogant ba'alga'ava, a process that shapes individuals, (the Mishna) and has served his mas ters, yet is dishonest in his actions but with the deserved confidence of a creates them, and/or modifies them and is unpleasant to his fellow man host to a Divine neshama, in posses what does society say of him? "Woe sion of tzeUem Elokim) to him who has studied Torah. woe to The Mishna in Kinyan Torah3 One of the primary his parents and to his master! Behold, clearly spells out this inextricable mix how despicable are his ways and how ofbeingthatniceTorah mensch The goals of the Torah Jew is repulsive is his behavior!" matrix unfolds, and here is this ideal Our Sages thus speak of three man: listening and understanding; to be a mensch, an items that should have molded a per possessing reverence, humility, joy, son into a Torah mensch, but some fiiendship; serving one's master; re individual free of moral how failed to do so: Delving into the flecting purity, patience, goodness of Wrttten law, studying Mishna, and heart, empathy, satisfaction; loving depravity and full of Shimush talmidei chachamim (serving G-d and one's fellowman; loving rtgh and interacting with the masters of teousness and correctness, empathy, goodness ... his life Torah). We can use the three catego learning to learn and learning to do; rtes of endeavor-"reading, studying and much more. All of that through governed by bitachon, and serving masters"-as a format of the "acquisition" of Torah knowledge trust and faith, and sorts to descrtbe how a person can and values: studying, practicing and develop a Torah-guided personality, a absorbing... being and becoming a devoid of superstitious, Yut and a mensch: Torah mensch Yetifweseethatwhile Torah is studied and mitzvos are ob unreasonable fears and served, these vital trruts are stunted or inadequately developed, then there meshugaas, those subtle ~ TO READ TORAH. We all read, is obviously something wrong. but what do we really read? One need not cite chapter and quirks of behavior that We all have many expertences, but verse of the abundance of admoni why do we dream about some and not tions in both the Wrttten and Oral are wrong, irrational about others? Obviously some things Laws to behave decently and to have impress us while others do not. Simi froth, the essential twins that govern and simply not Jewish. larly, some admonitions are readily an individual's disposition. Thus, if accepted, while others are glossed there is only a grrun of truth Jn such over... for many reasons. For ex accusations, we cannot and must not and brtngs about such dispositions ample: one sees, hears, and is im tolerate them. One might attempt to of which we speak.4 And as such, it pressed with something, and is likely rationalize such behavior, arguing is (if we may use the term) therapy to act upon it when it "fits." That is, it that it is not necessarily the conse par excellence'. is consonant with the way we behave quence of evil, but may well be the re As Chazal (our sages) frequently or want to behave. We do not notice, flection of Inner turmoil. Be that as it do, they state the problem, and-at or wish to learn, or allow ourselves to may-no matter what the cause, it is the same time-build into the state be impressed with, items that will still objectionable, and we must find ment of the problem, pointers and evoke feelings of guilt, or make de ways to remedy the matter. mands of us that we cannot act upon, or do not wish to act upon. The ques 4 A gadol {whose name escapes me} once said, Mlf tion, then, is: Do we really read-are FINDING THE REMEDIES learning Torah fails to produce Ahruxzs Yisroel love for one's fellowman, it was not Torah that was we impressed with and are we ready he implications for parents, learned.M See a1so the introduction to Bereishis by to act upon Torah demands that call Rebbes and teachers should the Ha'amek Davar. for feeling, being and becoming, as we 5 be awesome. Fortunately, we Samm Chaim {Enwin 54a). Torah is a perfect do for demands for doin!f? Are Torah T medication. See also Rambam's Peirush demands such as Lo sisnaes achicha do have our Torah, to tell us, remind Hamtshnayus, Peali l;J, also Jmrei Shefer on Shiluach Hakan-Ki Setze 22:7, Also, Malbiln on 3 Aoos6:I Parshas Bereishis 2, 17. 6 Yuma86a
The Jewish Observer. November J 993 7 bilvavecha-not to hate-or Lo saamtz bifhehem-
8 The Jewish Observer, November 1993 his face with fat or carbohydrates. Or, that teaches subtly and indirectly, yet with calm confidence and feelings of one can brood and feel sorry for him powerfully, what the Torah mensch is security... possesstng bitachon. trust self.... One can drown himself in work. to be, in addition to what he is to do, in the Ribbono Shel Olam, and in Or, one could take it out on others, deserves much more than a simple mankind. Such is the power of Torah abusing a spouse or one's children. reading and the offhand remark, "It's SheB'alPeh A true Torah mensch does other only Aggadata." wise. He reaches out and helps, or at Jn addition, there can and must be least is pleasant to, his fellow. And, lo spiritual and human growth simply and behold, he feels more pleasant by one's immersion in the Yam ~ SHJMVSH, SERVING AND INTER within. This maneuver is, of course, Hatalmud, the talmudic ocean, ACTING WITH TORAH SCHOLARS. 10 more difficult, but, oh, how much wherein one is totally enveloped in To begin with, they teach us, em better and more permanent! Sadly G-d's thoughts, thinking, analyzing, phasize, and point out in Torah enough, we find individuals who are and feeling the majesty of His holy and in Talmud precisely such forced by their professions or busi words, conversing with the saints and learnings that produce the Torah nesses to wear a smile during the day. And they feel pretty O.K. Yet when they come home or go to shul, when Do we excuse ourselves by claiming: "I cannot help the professional smile is no longer re quired, they let it "all hang out." A it if I fee/ nervous or angry or hateful. But, yes, I can short-term quick fix, but a long-term loss. Losses in relationships, losses do things, and do them well." Then, all too frequently, by fostering an inner pathology, losses in failing to become a Jew and such action-based mitzvos can easily become a mensch, and losses by failing to de velop a lifetime psychotherapeutic "compensatory devices" for proper feelings. "fix"-relating and loving.
n ·-1·-l -w-, scholars of generations ago', and be mensch Yet they do much more. ing occupied not with temporary and The man walked into my office ~ TO STUDY MlSHNA-TORAH mundane matters, but with some farbissen, grumpy, uptight and bristling. SHE B'AL PEH, THE ORAL LAW. thing endurtng, something holy. Ex After dumping all his complaints against This makes a great many demands of actly how this works may be beyond his wife, his children and his business us: how to think, how to feel, and how us, but students of Talmud will con partner, he went on: "And what does ihe to behave. firm that this is so. Ribbono Shel Olam want of me? More Whatever applies to Torah Some such learnings are closer to learning. more davening, more Sheb'Ksav in terms of what to notice the surface. For example, our sages tzeddaka, and more mitzvos. What and what to be impressed with, obvi say that the tractate Eruvin teaches about me?" ously applies here as well. us to care for our neighbor. Does not I offered him a cup ofcoffee, and went There is more. One important tractate Berachos also teach grati about developing a relationship with component is the climate for person tude? Or Nazir temperance without him. At a much later time, I reminded ality development, i.e., incidental austerity? One could go on. Yet, like him of his comments and said to him. learning, within which this learning all else, this needs to be pointed out. "My friend, we are tuned into the same takes place. It is the climate itself that Do we say to ourselves and to our stu Ribbono Shel Olam, Baruch Hashem. not only is conducive for the message dents, "Wow, look at this! What does 10 Many titles have been given to our era. It has to be received, but also has a message it tell us, teach us? How does it make been called the age of anxiety, the age of"me first," of its very own. The saying goes, "Du us better, sweeter, softer?" When the ag;: of "anything goes," and so on. All of these, host gelemt Shas. Vos hot Shas dir studying Berachos, contemplate the at least in part, are true. May I add "the age of the gelemt?" (You learned Talmud. How importance of gratitude and taking guru." Very brtefly, value systems have been lost to such an extent that man no longer knows who did the study of Talmud affect you nothing for granted: 'Thank you, G-d; he is and what life is all about. So, enters the and change you?) This refers, of thank you, fellow man: thank you. "guru.," who "knows." Obviously. there are destruc course. not only to the laws ex spouse or child or parent!" What tive guru.s who exploit, and there are Insane gurus pounded therein, for that is obvious, would assuming such a habit make who seduce people to joln their insanity. And then and is a function of one's diligence of us-grumpy complainers and ner there are gurus who may mean well. but who do little else but "make nice." In doing so.our sufferer and brain power. The saying refers to vous wrecks? More likely, loving, car may feel better temporartly, but nothing really personality development, the behav ing, sweet "people's people," endowed changes. ioral learnings, the changes of the in There arc also good "gurus," pardon the term. 9 ner man. Such positive learnings See Mermelstein, J., ~Learningto Love Learning,~ These are individuals who have the ability to make should come about by careful atten in 7he Mes(fia Chronicle, Mesilla of Long Beach, people feel good by their ability to relate to them, N.Y., 1988. Also, Mermelstein, J., "To Be A and not sit in judgment. However, there must also tion to matters relating to the inner Teacher," The Jewish Parent, Publication of Torah be material to be mastered, value systems to be man.Aggada. that portion ofTalmud Umesorah. learned, and changes to be expected.
The Jewish Observer. November 1993 9 Yet I heard the Ribbono Shel Olam, kaveyachol, very dUferently. I heard 'Kind leben, dear child. I am happy with your learning and davening. But when you learn your Daf, the daily Talmud, look into these commentaries, and you will understand better, eryoy it more and become closer with the word of G-d. When you daven, try to infuse your words with more kavana (concentra There can and must be spiritual and human growth tion), and your prayers will have jar more meaning to Me and to you. ... And simply by one's immersion in the Yam Hatalmud, the here are a nwnber ofmitzvos you may have forgotten about. They may be a talmudic ocean, wherein one is totally enveloped in little d!tJlcult a times, and having .ftm and doing nothing might seem more G-d's thoughts, thinking, analyzing, and feeling the pleasurable. But think about after. After the deed after the mitzva or after wast majesty of His holy words, conversing with the saints ing time, how does itfeel? Consider the gain and the loss. So, because I love and scholars of generations ago, and being you" do it, and you will love the result Asjar as your spouse. your children and occupied not with temporary and mundane matters, yourpartner are concerned consider the fact that because ofthem you do notfeel but with something enduring, something holy. alone. You are important to them Yes, there is a cost to consider their needs and to cater to them But how about the how is this taught? How does one be alizes, such as: "Uvocharto bacha gain? By being pleasant to them you hold these fine nuances, the intan yim13. Behold, tei'ere kinderlacli, will feel pleasant and become a habitu gibles, the sweetness ofTorah and the here, beloved children, is Torah and ally pleasant person/' " sweetness ofjust being sweet? It is of the gift of life. Choose, I beg ofyou, the Two people can be learning the course the talmid chacham, the good life." Furthermore, in teaching identical words of G-d, yet integrate Rebbe, and the shimush talmidei and translating the words of the posi them into their thinking-feeling-doing chachamim-the serving and inti tive protagonists in Torah (such as system in such two diametrtcally op mate interacting with these great the Avos, our forefathers), the heroes posing manners. Clearly it was not the people-that teach those overtones of Torah, this Rebbe uses words and words that differed, it was the delivery and undertones of loving and caring nuances that capture the essence of system: The kind of person the parent for the word of G-d and for His cre the commandments and convey or the Rebbe is, the kind of Jew he is, ations, our fellow man. them-not with harshness nor dicta and the kind of mensch he is. Exactly how? Firstly, by their very torship, but with loving and as an of own demeanor, their sweetness, their fering, a gift. For example, the Rebbe Absorbing the Teacher friendship toward their fellow man does not act outAvrohom's directives With his Lesson and kaveyachol toward G-d. Their in towardSaraorYishmael, while enter ner peace, their ernuna and bitachon. taining the malochim, as an auto Our children, and we, are exposed belief and trust. Their mannerisms, cratic command: "Go, fetch and do"! to many beliefs, opinions and atti their goodness and the myriad of Instead, he resonates with the sweet tudes which are dispensed through subtle nuances that makes one into a ness with which Avrohom invited peers, society and the media. Cur person about whom it is said: Blessed Sara and Yishmael to participate in rently in vogue is "having," enjoying, are he, his parents and his teachers". the mitzva of hachnosas orchim hos 14 materialism, "me first," being cool Exposure to such people creates oth pitality to strangers • i.e., not to care and worry, and free ers in their mold. Lectures, admonish It takes man to make man; and the dom from responsibility. Ostensibly, ments and threats do not perform the transmitter of Torah-parent, all very appealing, but the very sad task; experiencing interaction with results are self-evident. good people makes other people good 13 Devarim30,I9; seeRashi Torah, of course, has a lot to say in the same manner. 14 Psychopathology is frequently the result of hy about that. And Torah too, wants you In addition, such a teacher will pocrisy and double standards that children see in to have "something in it for me." Yet teach Torah with a sweetness, exud their parents and teachers. Thus, the parent who acts with wannth to outsiders, such as guests, ing the Torah attitude that he has while turning around with harshness. demanding 11 ~RaftaHakadoshBaruchHul'zakosesYLSrOel. .. within. He does so even as he gener- of his spouse or child to serve them, sends a mixed (Makos, 23b}. Torah and mitzvos were given to pathological message with possibly dire conse mankind because of G-d's love for us. 12 Yuma86a quences.
10 The Jewish Observer, November 1993 teacher or Rebbe-by his being and in As for everyone else, this holds his manner of relating with the stu true for me. I was fortunate to have dent/child, teaches far more than by had some outstanding teachers. My 15 his preaching or even doing . very first one was my mother. Tl"l>. Among much else, I saw. I experi conclude with a personal note. enced. I lived and I heard constantly, One is what he is by virtue of what "Vehavei makabel es kol adam he has been exposed to, what has beseivar panim yafas-Receive every I 16 impressed him and how all this has one with a cheerful disposition ." At been integrated. Though man may be Though man may be a times. this may surely be very, very a victim of his experiences, he is still difficult, but if we have the admoni r"'>ponsible for his being and his be victim of his experiences, tion before us, constantly review it. havior, because man has choice. Even practice it and see the reward, oh. the Nuremberg Trials, after World he is still responsible for how good it is17! • War II, confirmed this. Kai v'chomer, 16 Avos l :15. It is not for us to understand our how true this is of the belief system of his being and his sages, much less, chas v'shalom. to judge them. It the Torah Jew. It thus behooves man may seem that Shammai.Ha?.akeinwas a stern and behavior, because man demanding individual. Ifso, that was his shil.ta., his 15 With the reader's permission, a homiletic Torah point of View. Yet it was he who also prac thought: G-d said, "Let us make man~ (Berei.shis ticed and lived by this dictum: "to receive everyone 1,26-See Rashi and Ramban). G-d creates man, has choice .. .how true with a cheerful disposition .... " his body, his brain, and a certain temperament Yet 17 Vienna, where we lived, was a transit town for the man's personality is shaped to a great extent this is of the belief system emigrants from Poland and Russia. Thus, having by his interpersonal life. particularly that of his orchtm. guests at the Shabbos table, was the norm. early childhood. lhe child is the father of man," of the Torah Jew. When I excused myself for inadequately convers the saying goes, We are what we experience. ing with these orchim. because of my shyness, my Thus, HakadoshBaruchflu, kaveyachol. asks mother, h"i, said, "Your shyness, your personal dif of every one of us, "Naaseh Adam-<:ome help Me ficulty in conversing with strangers, is no excuse make man~: Relate to him, help him, teach him to to give credit to others for the good he for having our guests feel uncomfortable, or, become the kind of man I, Hakadosh Baruch Hu. has learned from them. and to as challila. unwanted. It is your job to overcome your want him to be, a Torah mentch. To serve Hashem, shyness. and dowhatyou are supposed to do." And to seive mankind and lead a happier and better life sume responsibility for the bad within of course, doing just that is, or can be, a powerful himseli {see Mermelstein,J ., loc. cit.). him so as to become a better person. remedy for shyness or feeling alone. YOUR 11SHE£IACH11 ro ISRAE£
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The Jewish Observer, November 1993 11 Symposium on "Derech Eretz" Rabbi Yitzchak Feigenbaum
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We seem to have the ability to be technically
MORE CHALLENGE THAN within halacha, feeling if the Orthodox bashtng is all cut out INSPIRATION smug and quite pleased of whole cloth, and we are no worse than anyone else tn terms of yashrus ost of us like to read articles with ourselves, and yet and derech eretz, should we not put that, based on heartwarm· extra effort into being tncontestably M tng stories or touching quo· show a lack of yashrus free of any such flaws, as accused? tations from Chazal, inspire us to Thus the discussion that follows. reach for higher ideals, But this ar· (uprightness) and derech tide is a bit different. This is an at WHAT IS TlilS THING tempt to offer some constrnctive criti eretz (civility) towards CALLED YASHRUS? cism and to focus on some shortcom tngs tn our present Torah community others. At least, that is t we must defme "yashrus." and chinuch that cannot be readily TheHa'amekDavar(Netziv}, tn blamed on others. Namely, we seem the perception. h s introduction to Chumash to have the ability to be technically Bereishis, discusses why the Avos within halacha feeling smug and were called yesharim (such that quite pleased with ourselves, and yet communities are generally in or near Chumash Bereishis is referred to as show a lack of yashrus (uprightness) our urban centers, and the ~fer HaYashmj. After his famous de· and derecheretz (civility) towards oth abrasiveness associated with urban scription of "sinas chinam (baseless ers. At least, that is the perception. life is bound to take its toll on the hatred) for the sake of Heaven," he Some even argue that mther than cherished niceties of daily encoun says, "And this was the greatness of guarantee a heightened air of derech ters. Moreover, the Jews in thoseve:ry the Auos-that besides being eretz in a school. an increase in the same rough-and-tumble environ tzaddikim, chassidim, and ohavei .frum or Chareidi component in a ye ments are responsible for more orga Hashem tn the greatest way possible, shiva or day school can lead one to nized and ad hoc chessed activities they were also yesharim." He then expect the opposite. than any comparable communities goes on to show how we see from the Now it should not be too difficult to the world over. stories tn ChumashBereishisthat the formulate the defense for this alleged Yes. But the perception of a lack of Avos dealt with even the most "despi· lack of derech eretz: our more .frum concern over yashrus and its out cable idol worshippers" with yashrus. ward expression, derech eretz, per Let us consider that. If one is a Rabbi Yitzchak Feigenbawn is the education di rector of Navan, a Toronto-based outreach founda sists. It cannot all be attributed to tzaddik and a chassid, that means tion. He was represented in these pages by MWe hostile press (what may now be called that one is already doing all the mitz Have Mashiach Now." JO, Jan. '93. "the Tom Dtne Syndrome"). And even vos and not committtng any stns. And
12 The Jewish Observer, November 1993 ifone is an oheiv Hashem in the great sible for the Torah to mention all ... est way possible-what else is there? rules necessary for proper society"- To reach kedusha, one Somehow, being yashar is an the Torah could not specifically legis achievement distinct from those late all situations. It was in reference must go above and other three traits. If so, just what is to this range of conduct that the yashrus, and, more important. how Ha'amek Davar said, "This was the beyond the letter of the does one develop it? greatness of the Avos-that besides To understand this trait of being being tzaddikim, chassidim, and law; one must have an yashar, we must refer to parshas ohavei Hashem in the greatest way Va'eschonan' where we are told, "Be possible, they were also yesharim" intuitive sense of where careful to keep the milzvos of Hashem Bringing this discussion home, your G-d, as well as His eidos and how many times has your intuitive the legislated mitzvos chukim that He commanded you." sense of yashrus been assaulted The Torah then continues, ''V'asisa with, "Butitsayshere, andyoudidn't are leading, and carry hayashar v'hatov-And you should specify there, besides which there's a do what is upright and good." Again, shitta like this, and a teshuva like on from there. "yashm'' as something distinct from that, and I won!" Yes, that person "mitzvos, eidos and chukim"! The "won," but was it yashar v'tmf? That Ramban addresses this difficulty with person may even be a tzaddik and I recall my Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi the following explanation: "It was im chassid, but is that sufficient? Chaim Shmulevitz, ?~. driving home possible for the Torah to mention all this point. Though he offered many of a person's dealings with his neigh APPLYING YASHRUS examples, the one that sticks in my bors and fiiends, all his business ac mind most clearly is Chazals com tivities, and all the rules necessary for e are now faced with a di ment on the phrase "al pi Hasherri'5 conducting a proper society. But af lemma. If the Torah does in reference to Moshe's counting the ter it mentioned some of them... it W not specifically legislate ev Tribe of Levi. Hashem had com then made a general principle, to do ery single scenario that will come up manded Moshe to count all Leviim what is yashar and tov." in our lives, but expects us to go be from the age ofone month. Chazal tell To fully appreciate the Rambaris yond the technicalities to be "yashar," us that Moshe asked Hashem "How message, we refer to an earlier how are we to know what yasharis? I can I go into their tents to know how Ramban in Kedoshim2 where he for would suggest that the answer lies in many babies are in there?" mulates his famous concept of" naval a Sjfrf3. Rabbi Akiva commenting on "What kind of question was that?" birshus haTorah," i.e., one can be the verse, "Ve'asisa hayashar asked Rav Chaim. If Hashem wants despicable, even while fulfilling all the ve'hatov," tells us that the word tov to know the population, then go in technicalities of the Torah. The first refers to "hatov b'einei Hashem there and find out-it's a miizva! But (and most famous) example of the what is good In the eyes of G-d"; Moshe knew that Hashem would Ramban is in the realm of bein adam whereas yasharis "hayashar b'einei never have commanded a mitzva laMakom; i.e., one could follow all the adom-what is upright in the eyes of that went against common derech Divine rules of conduct to the letter, man." As the Torah Temima ex eretz, and therefore he knew that he yet be quite distant from kedusha plains,4 only G-d Himself, who can had to ask Hashem how to fulfill His (sanctity). To reach kedusha, one see all future ramifications ofany act, connnand.Conunonsense--hurnan must go above and beyond the letter can decide what is tov-good. We, understanding of how people feel of the law; one must have an intuitive with our shortsighted vision, cannot and think-should tell a person sense of where the legislated mitzvos determine what is absolutely good. what makes other people feel un are leading, and carry on from there. But Man can see what appears to be comfortable. Less well-known is that the Ramban yashar-proper and straight in his in Kedoshimcites the verse of"yashar eyes. And we are obligated to do not ANALYZING THE PROBLEM v'tov" as another example of that only the objective "tov," but also what same principle-regarding bein adam is "hayashar b'einei adom-accepted f it is true, as the Ramban said, lechaveiro (interpersonal dealings). as proper by Man." How do we emu that conduct in some situations is i.e., one could be technically and le late the Avos who knew how to deal I not legislated, and that we must gally within one's rights, but not be with "despicable idol worshippers"? use our own "yashar b'einei adarri' doing what Hashem expects. One We must assume an intuitive sense common sense to decide what to do, could be following the letter of all the gleaned from all the halachos that we then we are faced with a serious prob laws of business, human relations, do know, and apply that Torah lem. Seemingly,frurnJews do not be and so on, yet not be a yashar v'tov. guided intuition to the situations that lieve in common sense! At least we do As the Ramban says, "It was impos- are not legislated. not run our lives by what the world deems common sense. Hilchos ribbis I Devarim6,17 3 syn on Devarim 12,28 2 4 Vayikm19,2 Devarim 12.28, note 113 5 Bamidbar3,I6, see Rashi
The Jewish Observer. November 1993 13 (laws against usury) do not conform I protested, "Does it make any sense to "common sense." Our understand that napkins should be prohibited on Seemingly, Frum Jews ing of tzenius does not reflect what the Shabbos?" I remember his answer to this day: world calls "common sense," and "Rabb• there are a lot of things around do not believe in the root of it all-5aying na'aseh be here that don't make any sense!" fore nishma-"we will do" before "we common sense! At least will listen" at Sinai-was not common True. Much ofwhat we do does not sense! "make sense." Our children want to we do not run our lives Years ago, when I was working in go places or buy things that makes Yeshivas Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem. perfect sense to them and their peers, by what the world deems astudentaskedmewhyonewasn'tal and we explain to them that we do l.owed to use napkins on Shabbos. what Hashem tells us is right, not common sense. The root When I asked him why he thought it was prohibited. he told me that he had what the world tells us is right. We been in Yeshiva for three Shabbosos impress upon our children not to as of it all-saying na'aseh and there had never been any napkins! sume that they know what the before nishma--"we will do" before "we will listen" at Sinai-surely isEA:6~u~m.TrRt;;:i' was not common sense! ><)tlt~e WesfSictb 6iA'1lifl1lattari Pl19~~ tiie Guid:i11c~9f < .· halacha is, but to ask a she'eila. We fi():ru\VDONBLliMBERG.N"1''?lU···· trainoursclvestobewaryofmaking Rosh Kollelof the West Side Kolle! our own judgments as to whether · .. something is permissible or not; we ··:+:.;,..:.:·, ·:.(•·/ ._ .•,.- .. •' --+ must ask. The better and stronger the chinuch. the more ingrained does it y<>~vN6soi1••11~cilil>ers,·.•·~,1'~'11J become that we cannot rely on our Mellllhel own limited judgment or "common sense," but rather we must consult Excellent limudei Kodesh curriculum with emphasis on daas Torah-and that is absolutely a broad knowledge of the Mesechta correct! That Is what has kept us go •!• ing through all these years of golus. Warm, personal and individual attention to each bochur We can readily see today the tragic ·:· results of Jewish education that did Night seder interaction with the Kollel Yungeleit not make "asking the authorities" a •!• value. The problem is that by stress In-town Yeshiva with out-of-town ruach ing that value, we risk losing our hu •!• man sensitivity to just plain yashrus. Emphasis on Midos We may lose the ability and the initia •!• tive to see if something simply makes Quality secular program staffed by licensed and any sense. As the ba'aleiMussarhave experienced teachers always told us, 6 when you put a ·:· strong emphasis on one midda. per- Three meals daily •!• 6 See MichtavMEliyahu, Vol 3, page 294. regard Thansportation available from surrounding communities ing cfu.unros and kulos, in which he says, "'The con •!• cept of being very meticulous and strict in laws is School building with complete gym facilities certainly a great principle, but there is a great need to be careful lest one come to some harm. There is a rule regarding kochos han.efesh; when one exag gerates the value of one principle. it is almost cer tain that through that, the value of another prtn ciple will become smaller in his eyes. And there :Is For further information contact: a great danger in this to one's ruchnius. for the RABBI NOSSON HIRSCHBERG, 908-370-0758, 212-595-6512 yeitzer horajust might use this trick to satiate and MesivtaofManhattan 210West91s!St., N.Y.,N.Y.10024 satisfy a person with dikdukim of one mitzvain or der to make him stumble, chas v'shalom. in many aveiros.
14 The Jewish Observer, November 1993 force you lose sight of another. The thus inspiring within the youth a their parents' generation. In many stronger the emphasis on kavod for sense of superiority to their elders. cases, their fathers had to work right the poskim, the_ greater the reliance In a certain sense, the present after high school or marriage, while on daas Torah, and the deeper one·s generation of bnei Turah suffer from they have the opportunity to sit and appreciation of how little of Torah we the same syndrome. In many cases learn. Never mind the mesirus nefesh really do know, the greater the possi they learn more, are more knowledge of simply keeping Shabbosyears ago. bility of losing respect for one's own able and more precise in their obser Today, lomdus andfrumkeitreign su sense of common sense-yashrus! The vance, than their parents. Intensive preme, and one can feel a certain su previous generation had a problem Torah chinuch across North America periority. That can lead to a sense of with the former, but seemed to have is relatively new. The parents ofmany over-confidence, and a sense of butul had a strong sense of simple yashrus budding talmidei chachamim and towards the inborn and intuitive sen and kavod habrios----showing dignity bnei Torah did not have the opportu sitivity to yashrus that were devel to all of G-d' s creations. Yeshivas and nity for long-term learning enjoyed by oped through mesirus nefesh, unso Seminaries today, Baruch Hashem, this generation. Day schools, phisticated emuna peshuta. and a lot have to a great extent corrected the yeshivas, and Bais Yaakov schools of real life experience. problem ofover-reliance on one's own impress on their students to learn This is a situation for which there thinking, and have ingrained a strong more and to strive to be greater than are no simple fix-it solutions. At reliance on daas Torah But by doing so, have we come up short on the other end? Considering a move To offer an example, bringing it down to the here and now: We tell our toMOJVSEY? child to take his feet off the couch. When we come back in the room, his For careful attention to your feet are on the wall. "But you just said to take them off the couch, you didn't individual needs, call us today! say not to put them on the wall!" And (914) 354-8445 we do the same. The ShulchanAruch does not discuss it, your Rav never specifically mentioned it, so, ergo, it is fine to do! But is it yashat? Does it fit the "rules necessary for proper so ciety" that the Ramban speaks ol? We are trained to research and ask she'eilos to determine what is in the realm of" birshus HaTorah," but have Dor Yeshorim.ts ~w testing/or CystfcJli/wtJsis. we sensitized and trained our chil dren and ourselves to also be 'I1lis devl!Stating genetic disease seyerely llff~ the respiratory and yesharim, like the Avos? digestive .systems, .causes intense suffering :md, in many cases, is life.threat' enillg. There is no. known cure. The incidence of Cystic Fibrosis is as ONE MORE PROBLEM common as Tay-Sachs, Like Tay.Sachs, Cystic Fibrosis can be prevented ere may be one more reason through a blood test. why the contemporary setting l)or Yeshorlm.~ ~eryone who is not yet engaged~!! be T:may not promote the desired degree of derech eretz and yashrus. married {even those who were alrelldy tested for Tuy•Sllcbs) to be Perhaps this can become clear by re tested now. ferring to· a story from Israel. At one time, a study was carried out to de Please contact our dfllce to arrange for testing so that the result will be termine why Israeli youth exhibit avaiJable to you whell yo~ need it, without delaY: Analyzing for Cys,tic Fibrosis more chutzpa than their European (thro11gl1the DNA method) .is very costly; however, as part of th~ cost is counterparts. One opinion offered was that since all Israeli youth serve subsidized, DorYeshorim can oifer.the test at a reduced rate. in the army, and Israel is always in a state of war, the youth feel that the older generation owes them some Dor Yeshorim - Hotline (718)384-6060 thing, rather than vice versa. This at titude is reinforced by members of the .·b/Jl'Yesbon;h·~cJ~"m~ite~for~tiQn~fJ;~%~~i1d~~idses·••• older generation, who feel dependent · · 160 Wilsotf St. #l•B, -Jlrooklyn, Nf !J211 upon the youth for their protection,
The Jewish Observer. November 1993 15 least recognizing the question, how ever, is surely a start towards reach You can teach children to pop out of their seats ing an answer. when the Rebbe or Morah walks in; you can train SO WHAT DO WEDO? them to mouth the proper platitudes; you can educate n upbeat ending is essential. I will try to offer one with some them to be tzaddikim, chassidim, and ohavei pproach toward a solution. Rabbi Dessler says', 'Tue root of Hashem; but to achieve derech eretz, one needs a the obligation for derech eretz is in human understanding of what another human being our obligation to a person because he isapersori' (emphasis mine). You can is, how another feels and thinks, and some common teach children to pop out of their sense as to what proper societal conduct demands. 7 MichtavM'Eliyahu, Vol4., pg. 246.
seats when the Rebbeor Morah walks in; you can train them to mouth the Bnos Yisroel proper platitudes; you can educate them to be tzaddikim. chassidim, and High School ohaveiHashem; but to acWeve derech is, :·r::i, making a world of difference in eretz, one needs a human under High School jlM. standing of what another human be ing is, how another feels and thinks, We will, M"l 16 The Jewish Obseroer. November 1993 she hears, sees, and senses in the home. Not by what we as parents preach at them, but by what we re ally are. (In our heart of hearts, we know that our children know much Subscribe now to more about us, our relationships, val ues, and business dealings than we The Jewish Observer would like them to know.) THE END and$AVE e above was, unfortunately, rwt the end, because it would Become a monthly subscriber T:e preferable to close this ar to The Jewish Observer and ticle by inspiring rather than preach save up to 47% off the single ing to the reader. Theclassicendingfor this plea to make yashrus and human copy price (a savings of over understanding a desired value should $40.). The longer you sub be astmy, which follows: scribe for, the more you save. It happened over twenty years ago, in the MilTer Yeshiva in Yerushalayim. We were hearing our dally blatt shiur And this introductory offer is fully guaranteed. You have but to ask and you will receive from Rabbi Nachum Partzovitz, '7":JIT, a prompt refund on any undelivered issues should you decide to cancel at any time, when he had to go to Americafor medi for any reason. cal treatments. Rabbi Chaim Shmul· evitz, ~-;yr, toakoverhisshiur,forwhich Each month, The Jewish Observer will be delivered. dirPct!y to your door, filled we would go down to his apartment in with the views of leading Torah thinkers on current issues ..comments on the thebasementoftheyeshivaeveryday. strengths and foibles within the Jewish community ..analysis of .contemix>rary There was, ofcourse, a mad rush to get Jewish events ... inside reporting, interpretive commentary, inspiring biographies, there early, so as to grab a seat close to infuriating letters and illuminating responses-a!! within the covers of one magazine, the head of the lnble, to be as close to The Jewish Observer, Reb Chaim as possible. There also en sued great debates into the details of So don't delay. Check the money-saving terms below and send in your order right makom kavua-what constituted away. We'll try to get your order filled in time for our very next issue. someone's perm.anent seat. Reb Chaim noticed that each day people were coming down earlier and ------·SUBSCRIPTION SAVINGS CERTIFICATE I earlier. and arguing over the "good" I seats. This disturbed him so much that ~-- Suite 1200 • 84 William Street I he made a rule: We would come and sit 065ERVf:R New York, N.Y. 10038 I down at the table first. He would then I I come in and sit in a different spot each D YES! Please enter my subscription for: USA 'OUTSIDE day, so that no one would have to rush, ONLY USA I and all could have a chance to be near 0 3 years-at 47Qfo off the cover price $48 D >84 the "head" ofthe table. 0 2 years-at 40Q/Q off the cover price $36 0 S60 I do not believe that he had found a 0 1 year- at 27% off the cover price $22 0 S34 source for that strategy in the poskim, *Price reflects $12 extra per year to defray air shipping costs. Foreign nor was there any particular story he rxivment must be made in U.S. dollars, either by check drawn on a bank read that insptred him to bother to do in the U.S.A. or by Visa or MasterCard. that. It was simply the natural reac NAME (Please print), ______tion of someone whose sensitivity to other human beings was legendary, ADDRESS------and who was known for approaching CITY, STATE ______ZIP ____ the complexities of human intercourse With a healthy, self-confident, com D Enclosed: $ 0 Charge my D MasterCard 0 VISA mon-sense yashrus. • Acct. j No. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I FREE OAF REVIEW Expiration date:[[] (month)[[] (year) Notes for the whole Mesechta Sota, if you subscribe now Signature'------ to our ongoing Torah Newsletter. The }ewish O~rver i~ published mon!hly except luly and Augus!. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Annual Subscription $25.00 ------Yeshiva Fund/P.O. Box 82/Staten Island, NY 10309 The Jewish Obseroer, November 1993 17 Rabbi YitzchokKirzner, ':>"::it, Symposium on "Derech Eretz" preparedfor publication by Menucha Lev THE DIVINE FACTOR IN ties-in moments of grtef, in CHARACTER times of tension, in spurts of DEVELOPMENT joy-and, ultimately. perceiv ing the Hand of G-d in all that hadchanim praise it. occurs in our lives, feeling grati Teachers stress it. Roshei fication and even joy for our S Yeshiva em-phasize it. awareness of His constant Gedolimpersorllfyit. Most ofall, presence. it is the crowning glory of par For this reason, Shmuel ents-a child with middos Hanaviis aghast when Kial Y'IS tovos, admirable character roe!approaches him in request traits. The rare nobility of for a King. He appeals to middos tovos and all that they Hashem in pain, and Hashem encompass calls for an analysis replies, telling him thatin actu of the subject. ality. they had not rebuffed We tend to think of middos him, they had rebuffed G-d. tovos as they relate to two dis They were solely interested in a tinct categories: bein adam king for their social and politi !echaveiro-interpersonal affairs stressed, to underscore that middos cal well-being. As far as the shefa and bein adam laMakom-between tovos emanated from Hashem, to Elokai--the enhanced spirttuality that man and G-d. Yet, they are not sepa gether with His Torah. the Navi and the Sonhedrtn nurtured rate entities, but integral parts of one We might wonder why this is so. in Kial Yisroe!-that was oflesser con another, with a tightly woven inter After all, a saintly human being could cern to them! play between the two. conceivably be capable of authoring Similarly, when we strive to instill Pirkei Avos, the primary source of a reasonable text on social ethics! middos tovosin our children, it should middosdevelopment in the Oral Law, Another puzzling aspect of the be with a clear focus: Do we simply is introduced with the statement, opening verse is that there is no men want a ''well-mannered," socially ac "Moshe received the Torah from tion of Hashem's Name; the empha ceptable person who graces the scene Sinai.... " Ghazal point out that only in sis seems to rest on the word with proper etiquette? Or do we want Pirkei Avos, where character traits "Sinai"-an omission that certainly a child whose mi.ddos tovos are a are discussed, is the element of needs explanation. springboard for ultimate growth to a mesora-transmission of Torah- These difficulties can best be re close relationship with G-d? Since solved in the context of Chazafs expla Hashem authored the criteria for good The late Rabbi Yitzchok Kirzner sen.red as Direc~ nation that our ultimate goal in the middos, there must be an element of tor of the Citywide Outreach Educationa1 Program world is to plant, nurture and develop G-dliness inherent in therrL of the Jewish Renaissance Center. in New York. within ourselves an ever-deepening That Divine element manifests it and authored the book, The Art ofJewish Prayer. relationship with Hashem We develop self in a person, who by virtue of bis !he Barriers of Golus," based on a lecture by Hashem Rabbi Kirzner, was featured in JO. Jnne, '93. our connection to through middos, is inviting Hashem's pres Mrs. Lev, a resident of Brooklyn, NY, has been rep seeing His all-encompassing presence ence into bis life. And Hashem, so to resented by several articles in JO, including ~An in the midst of our mundane activi- speak, looks at the person with posi- FFB'sRetum-ATribute to Rabbi Kirmer" (Nov. '92}. 18 The Jewish Observer. November 1993 tive middos, and is thoroughly tually healthy people who will embrace pleased. The person becomes a de Instilling middos tovos in Hashem who will include Him in their lightful place for Him to dwell. lives, under all circumstances? The Thus, the passage stresses Sinai, our children is not simply following is but a partial list-celiainly the lowliest of mountains, as a sym not all-inclusive-of suggestions that bol of humility, to emphasize this vi a matter of training a could help us begin working at this tal prerequisite for absorbing formidable task. Hashenis Torah in its fullest sense, "well-mannered" child. . The Jewish Obseroer. November 1993 19 ing, knowing, and doing Hashem's Halevovos, and many, many more, will. In keeping with the ruling that a In keeping with the are all different facets of the same el shaliach in a sense embodies the ement: that of ego. A parent, in com powers of his designator, parents as ruling that a shaliach in municating honestly with a child, true emissalies of Hashem become need not fear "bad chemistry" be infused with strength from the One a sense embodies the tween them if the parent's rebukes to who has entrusted them with His the child are not laced with ego. In mission. powers of his designator, expressing concern to the child about That deceptively simple statement negative behavior, the child will not of the Chovos Halevovos alludes to a parents as true respond favorably if the parent is act myriad of possible ulterior motives emissaries of Hashem ing in a self-serving manner, i.e., a that might interfere with a parent act good part of what the parent is con ing as the ideal emissary in raising become infused with cerned about is, "what shame this children. Parents, though instinc child is causing for me!" Leaving the tively loving their children, might un strength from the One "me" out in raising children indicates wittingly push their child to succeed clearly that our children's negative in areas where they themselves had who has entrusted them behavior upsets us only because it failed. Or, a parent who, having suf will create obstacles in their ultimate fered from a domineering parent in with His mission. quest for Hashem his home, is no longer the hapless vic If letting go of our ego is our pri tim, and is now delighted to have his dren as insurance for caling for them mary concern in raising children in chance in the powerful role of despot. in their old age. general, how much moreso does this Or, parents might nurture their chi!- All these motives, says the Chovos apply in regard to instilling middos tovos in our children. If we react to children out of self-gratification-the child's inappropriate behavior will embarrass "me," what's it going to look like for "me," what's in store for "me," how well will their accomplish ments reflect on "me," how will people look at "me," what will my friends and relatives think of "me"-then what is the subtext of the message we are transmitting to the child? One re sounding word: "ME." The child has to be concerned with "ME"! Besides picking up messages of ego through parent-child interaction, children also sense ego involvement when watching parents communicat ing with each other. Do they witness their parents struggling with choices, basing their decisions solely on sav ing face? Or are the parents negotiat ing with a sense of humility, bending r::======s,...... a..... =====::-.,, towards what is essentially right and RabbiEzrielTauber true? Ego, in this context as well, can Rabbi Shimshon Pincus speak volumes to our children. Rabbi Israel Rakowsky Either way, a child absorbing "me" messages will grow up with an un healthy sense of ego-a sense of the world at large being at his beck and call. What will happen to this child if 1270 - 48th Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. 11219 later in life he is faced with inexpli cable circumstances? Circumstances To Register Call: where, in order for his emuna to sur (718) 435-1041, (718) 438-0851, (718) 633-3005 vive, he must yield and bow to Hasherris will even though he may be (718) 438-7332, (914) 356-3515 resisting it with every fiber of his be ing? Who can say whether he will 20 TheJewishObserver. November 1993 overcome these enormous nisyonos pearances can be very deceiving. motives, such as honor, monetary (tests) in emuna? Middos tovos, or There are. for example, mothers who benefit, etc.), are constantly learning lack of them, actually equip, or seem selflessly dedicated to their a crucial lesson in chinuch: that of handicap, the child in eventually families. That devotion-as an exclu selflessness. handling all the emotional highs and sive obsession-is simply not At a slightly different angle, the is lows intrinsic to a healthy relation enough. Since family members are, in sue of selfishness must also be con ship with G-d. a sense, an extension of oneself, a sidered when we pamper our chil dren. We often times do a great dis service to our children when we in Over-indulgence is likely to develop one overriding dulge in them-be it in the form of money always jingling in their pock trait: that of self-centeredness. A parent must be clever in ets, constant sugary snacks, or the exercising discretion in setting boundaries in this area, like. Over-indulgence is likely to de velop one overriding trait: that of self charting the middle course-a very fine line, indeed. centeredn ess. A parent must be clever in exercising discretion in set ting boundaries in this area. charting -4!" Functioning through selfless child might interpret family dedica the middle course-a very fine line, ness or selfishness? tion as another form of self-service. indeed. Otherwise, an egotistical Another factor in inculcating good Additionally, the child assumes that child will harbor only one constant mi.ddos in our children is a matter of "Mommy thinks I'm the center of the thought: "What's in it for me?" Every how we relate to ourselves. The re universe, so it must be so!" People in one, at all times, will have to yield to vered Mashgiach of pre-War Mir, Reb volved in Klal work, selflessly and his wishes, his needs, his opinions. Yerucham Levovitz, '>"n, would decry purely giving to others, are commonly On a deeper level, this "me" atti selfishness as being the root of every confronted by the query: "Doesn't tude will spill over into how a child aveira. Inevitably, when parents con your family suffer from all your time will relate to Torah and miizvos. An vey selfishness, they are creating an away from home?" The answer is egotistical child, for example, may almost insurmountable spiritual rather straightforward. Children who also perform mitzvos, but with a handicap to the child. see their parents selflessly devoted to marked difference. The root of his ac In commurucating selfishness, ap- the benefit of others (devoid of ulterior tions will not be to serve G-d first and CD ROM TITLES l#1lilllii•C•h'fiil1•liil\t/!iQ:t )UDAlC CIASSJCS LIBl!l!RY VOL. 1 TORAH SCHOLAR Including Tam1ch, Talmud, Rashi The ullimate program for Torah study Hebrew.. on Chumash, Rashi on Talmud...... $89.99 English tinear translation Graphics concordance...... $114.99 )UDAlCCIASSJCSLIBl!l!RYVOL2 Wilh Rashi add...... $39.00 lnduding from Vol. 1 P!us-Medrash. Mishne Torah, Yerushalmi, Zohar, Ramban, Ohr BIBLE SCHOLAR Hachaim, Baal Hatorim, Onkelus. 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Hebrew.Engfu.;h Includes 9 fonts. Nil The Jewish Observer. November 1993 21 foremost, thus forging a bond be tween him and his Creator, but rather, unfortunately, to serve him Why do bright children self in the forms of monetary gain, honor, esteem, approval, or some SD alien lail? other variety of self-service. Too many children are robbed of success, day to day, by being While two people may seem, su mistakenly labeled as underachievers, unable to concentrate or perficially, to be doing the same simply lazy. The villain may be a learning dysfunction which can prevent mitzva. their motivating roots bear even the most gifted child from enjoying full academic and life success. drastically different results. To be At Arrowsmith-Cohen Learning, we identify which of the 18 sure, both will gain a certain level of separate learning dysfunctions are the source of the problem. reward for the performance of the We then strengthen the weaker learning capacities to correct the underly- mi.tzva. but the person whose motives ing problem. The result is a child no longer burdened with learning dis- are "Hashem-oriented" will grow im abilities, and with a healthy sense of self-confidence. measurably in his spirituality, deep ening his understanding of Hashem A group of Jewish parents have brought this program to N.Y. as his nurturer. By contrast, the per son performing the mitzva out of self TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR UNIQUE PROGRAM PLEASE CALL: service will undermine the veiy pur Arrowsmith-Cohen Learning pose of a mi.tzva. Instead of drawing closer to Hashem he will draw closer (718)745-1607 to himself. You are invited to attend an Information Night on The Slonimer Rebbe portrays this concept most vividly. He describes Monday November 29, 1993 at B:OOpm, sharp middos tovos as kWlfei ha'avoda 11, 1993 Tuesday January at 8:00pm, sharp the wings of serving Hashem Every Parents and Professionals Welcome No Registration Required - Free Admission one performs mitzvos, everyone acts in serving Hashem but the determin 8701-A Shore Road, Brooklyn, Basement Suite (Corner of 87th Street & Shore Road) ing question remains: how much will 13th Avenue B16 Bus stops across the street Shomer the mitzva elevate the person? How 0 Shabbos high will he soar? What permanent change will the mitzva indelibly im print on the person? All these depend upon the roots, the motivations that lurk beneath the surface of the simple ARE YOU MOVING? performance of the mitzva. .ks prior to your m()V('. court, all eyes were riveted on two 22 TheJewishObseroer. November 1993 sponses are deemed infelior. But if a press the quality of the person's inner person's good middos are to take root being-in contrast to flashy exter A child's mind is not a and develop, a person must be patient nals. The element of tzeni11s. reserv with himself. A person needs to allow ing one's beauty for the one that it void; its supply lines need himself the time to think before react was intended, will result in fulfillment constant replenishment. ing to any situation. One needs time of the promises of the verse that fol to assess what has occurred. and lows: "Your least gifted ones are a The more that parents what the Torah response should be. pomegranate orchard with luscious Consequently, crucial in implant fruit" (ibid, 13). provide it with positive, ing middos fDvos in our children is for Inevitably, where tzenius is hon parents to exemplify this lesson: ored-where parents do not relate to healthy hashkafos, the Think with a Torah perspective before glitzy externals, but identify with the reacting: Would Hashem be pleased pulity of the neshama within-the healthier the child's with my reaction? Does the Torah natural outgrowth will be children sanction my response? Children, by who reflect that very concept of the middos will be. osmosis, absorb their parents' atti plivacy of inner beauty over empha tudes. Teaching them this basic con sis on externals, children with Chassidimfervently dancing, clutching cept of "thought before action" can middos fDvos ... our ultimate wish. • the Tomh close to their hearts. Their determine the entire spectrum of dancing increased in tempo, seemingly their middos fDvos ... or lack thereof. ad infmitum. People began speculating ~ Supply the mind with whole as to who would tire first. Curious, they some nourishment turned to their Rebbe, wondering about Another means of instilling good his thoughts as to the ultimate winner in the donce-a-thon. The Rebbe indicaJed middos in children is to fill their minds his choice, offering rw explanation as to with nourtshing, wholesome ideas. A his decision. Evenlllaily, one ofthe danc child's mind is not a void; its supply ing men began showing signs offatigue lines need constant replenishment. as his steps slackened, wrti! he finnJJy The more that parents provide it with ~ ~f~~f~ stopped. .. as the Rebbe hm;l predicted. positive, healthy hashkafos. the Inbigued. the Chassidim sought W1 explanationfrom their Rebbe for his in healthier the child's middoswill be. tuition. "When both of these people Each child should be addressed at were dancing, thoughts fueled their his or her own capacity and age level. emotions, theirdrivetodance. One per Sermonizing is usually counterpro son was joyously celebrating the Tomh ductive. Telling inspiring stones. and ~ AUTHORS & ~RTISTS ~ that he hm;l already learned while the shartng incidents and observations other was exhilaratedfor the Torah that he would still absorb. After all is said are much more effective. Character traits, Chnzal teach us, authors and artists to submit and done, Tomh that has already been manuscripts and artwork for learned is finite. Tomh yet to be mas are directly related to the level of one's evaluation. We seek manu tered ts unlimited. I therefore knew that thinking. A person aspiring to super the person dancing with an unlimited ficial, petty things in life will lose his scripts in all areas of judaica vision in his mind would outlast the one temper over minor annoyances. The publishing with originality, with limited motivation." higher one's aspirations, the less creativity and high literary standard. Our editors develop Another aspect of using the mind likely will his temper be trtggered by petty things. And yes, children too and highlight the indMduality to channel the emotions is taught by ofthe author and our graphics the Alter of Novaradok, Rabbi Yosef can aspire to big things. to lofty ide als. One just has to tune them in to a department gives each book Yoizel Horowitz,?"~. The Alter advises t its own identity. higher frequency. that the only method by which a per fJ We welcome the opportu- 16 ~ Tzeniusin the home: A blessing son can permanently cultivate nity to work with you. healthy middos is by focusing one's for having children with inherently mind on the unadulterated truth in goodmiddos ~ every instance. To seek not a personal In Shir HaShirim. Shlomo truth, but an objective truth as ex Hamelech says, "As chaste as a gar pressed in the Torah. Inevitably, good den locked is my sister. my blide; a middos will flow from such thought spring locked up. a garden sealed" out Torah perspectives. (4, 12). This verse depicts the beauty For the mind to steer the emotions. and sanctity of tzenius in the Jewish however, calls for time. We live in a home. Personal modesty reigns be fust-paced world where slow-moving tween parents; and in the home, in reactions are delided and delayed re- general, modesty in behavior, in thought. in speech and in dress ex- The Jewish Observer. November 1993 23 his year marks two significant (chief policy making body), Rabbi Shapiro is nniversaries: Seventy years ago., especially remembered for introducing ftbetween 3 and 9 Elul, 568$. (Aw the concept ofthe DafYomi (folio-a-day gust 15-21, 1923) the First Kness{ai program of studying the Talmud) at Gedolah (International Congressf the Knessia Gedolah in 1923, as is re the Agudath Israel World Moi; counted in the following pages. This account is excerpted from an organized expression .a biography ofRabbi Meir Shapiro by Jewry into a vibrant reali ne ofhis most gifted talmidim, Rabbi Sixty years ago, ori ehi>shua Baumol, i"'i1, who was 5694, (October 23, 1933) tM tyred by the Nazis, '\!I"'. The book has a/Lublin, founderand!fosh .translated into English by Rabbi of Yeshivas Chachtnei; fes Wengrov and Martin H. Stem and Rabbi Meir Shapiro,ir:J1':J.'i'(fi is scheduled for publication in late passed away. November 1993, under the ten- A dynamic communal leader and devoted member Darkening Room: of Agudath Israel's The Life and Moetzes Gedolei Legacy of Rav Ha Torah n the third ofElul. 5683 (Aug nowned Torah scholars and the re How splendid this could be! A man ust 15, 1923), whllethenormal vered masters of Chassidie learnlng goes sailing across the sea, and he [night! life ... went on in and piety-to thrash through the carries a volume of Meseches 0 (tractate) Berachos. He is traveling Austria's capital city of Vienna. the various grave and weighty problems from the Holy Land to America-and first Knessia Gedolah ("Great Assem which faced ... Torah Jewry in the Eu everyday, with the setting of the sun, bly") of Agudas Yisroel opened at the ropean diaspora. he opens the volume and studies the glittering. elegant Royal Theater ... Among them was the efferves daf. Arrived in New York, he enters a building, with some six hundred del cent Rav Meir Shapiro, still looking, beis midrash. and to his amazement, he finds a group at work on the very egates ln attendance. It was to last for irrepressibly, for ways to promote and page of Talmud that he has reached in seven days, with such luminaries in launch his daf hayomi program. his own private learning program. De attendance as the venerable (octoge Then the Knessia Gedolah ... did it for lighted, he sits down and joins them. narian) Chofetz Chayim, the Rebbe of him: It put him on the program, to He gets into Talmudic debate with Tchortkov. and the Rebbe of Ger. present the idea at one of the formal, them, and is answered back. The net Quite certainly, the greatest Torah plenary sessions. And he spoke: result is that the Glory of Heaven has authorities were there-the most re- If the entire obseivantcommunity become greater, mightier, more holy. everywhere, in every single location Suppose someone migrates from Rabbi Charles Wengrov. who lives in Jerusalem. where our observant Jews exist on North America to Brazil, or to far-off is responsible for rendering into English such this earth, will study the same daf of Japan. Having arrived and settled, he books as Sefer Hachinuch, The Chq{etz Chaim on Talmud on the same day, could we will head for the beis midrash and the Siddur and A Tzaddik in Our Time. He has have any better, more palpable ex~ find there, what? A group [occupied! been called "the dean of the translators." Mr. with the very part of the Talmud that Martin H. Stern lives in London. The original pression of the sublime eternal unity between the Holy One, His Torah, and he has been studying. Could we have Yiddish manusc1ipt on which this book is based a better way of bringing Jewish hearts was never published. His people? 24 The Jewish Observer. November 1993 With assaults on Torah and Torah Jewry escalating all over the world, particularly at this critical juncture'• in our people's history, your presence this year is all the more crucial at ••• R11/~1i .~Jrnad1rn1 Mn](/d Rnhhi Sim(ha H11nim /Jurnfdd Rtd>bi l'wdml' l'crlnw ,\!17](/d' THURSDAY AFTERNOON, NOVEMBER 25, 2:00 P.M. CONCURRENT SYMPOSIA I. SHMITTAH FOR THE AMERICAN JEW: THE 71ST NATI THE IMPLICATIONS ARE MORE RELEVANT THAN YOU THINK Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer, Rav, Kehil!as Bais Avrohom (Monsey) Rabbi Shmuel Fuerst, Dayan, Agudath Israel of Illinois Rabbi Moshe Heinemann, Rav, Agudath Israel of Baltimore AGUDA Chairman: Dr. Yrtzchok Perie {Boston) OP!A II. TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS IN THE SERVICE OF TORAH: COMING ATIRACTIONS, HASHKAFA REACTIONS Speaker Rabbi Dovid Cohen, Rav, Congregation Gvul Yaabetz Panelists: Harold (Heshy) Gans, Senior Mathematician, U.S. Dept of Defense l"lWfl Rabbi David l. Greenfield, Founder, Vaad Mishmeres Stam International Dr. Avrom Pollak, President, Star-K Kosher Certification (Baltimore) Noveml1m & l\ab/11 MPshc Shnn Dr. Chaim Ziegler, Professor, Computer Information Science, Brooklyn College Chairman: Eliezer Bruckstein THE l'UIS Ill. ORTHODOXY'S PUBLIC IMAGE: l'miJIJlilll,1- 1' WHY ARE THEY SAYING THOSE THINGS ABOUT US? Overview Rabbi Nasson Scherman, General Editor, Mesorah PubHr.ations Speakers: Rabbi Yitzchok Ishee, Rav, Agudath Israel Sais Binyomin/Avenue L Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Rav, Agudath Israel of Madison Chairmaff Morclechai Mandelbaum (Toronto) THE Clj!s IV. "BAYIS NE'EMAN B'YISROEL": PREPARING OUR CHILDREN FOR MARRIAGE Rabbi Paysach Krohn, Noted author and lecturer MODERNITY Rabbi Perelz Steinberg, Yoshev Rosh, Vaad Halachah, Council of Young Israel Rabbis Rabbi Ezriel Tauber, Founder and Director, Shalheves Standing Up f Chainnaff Yosef Davis (Chir.ago) THURSDAY EVENING, 7:30 P.M. SHABBDS ADDRESSES Opening Address: Listed in order of appearance: Rabbi Shmuel Kamenel!ky Rabbi Avrohom Pam Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva of Philadelphia Rosh HaYeshiva, Mesivta Torah Vodaath Symposium: Rabbi Elya Fisher Rosh Kolle! Ger THE CLASH BETWEEN MOOERNlfY AND ETERNlfY: Rabbi Yosef Harari- Raful Ri,·1c Si hwd1d STANDING UP FOR TORAH PRINCIPLES Rosh HaYeshiva,Yeshiva Ateret Torah COl\\'!11lim1 Clum1mm Speaker Rabbi Yaakov Perlow Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Levin Novominsker Rebbe Rosh HaYeshiva, Yeshiva Telshe-Chicago Rabbi Aryeh Malkiel Kotler Discussants: Rabbi Yissocher Frand Rosh HaYeshiva, Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva Ner Israel Beth Medrash Govoha (Lakewood) Professor Aaron Twerski Rabbi Esriel Erlanger Professor of Law, Brooklyn Law School Mashgiach Ruchni, Mirrer Yeshiva Chainnan, Commission on Legislation Rabbi Simcha Bunim Ehrenfeld and Civic Action of Agudatll Israel of America Mattesdorfer Rav ..... Chairman: Rabbi Moshe A. Faskowitz Rabbi Zelig Epstein Dr1nd I. Bc1(11 (l)nn·c1 l Rav, Young Israel of Redwood Rosh Ha Yeshiva, Yeshiva Shaar Ha Torah, Queens C(»Jrmri Ra!J/11 \'m'iim 5; htmum Ralihi Paysach Krohn Ral>l>i 2dig- Fp.1lci11 Ri1h/Ji Chaim Dov Kelln MOTZOEI SHABBOS, NOVEMBER 27, 8:00 P.M. KEYNOTE SESSION Rabbi Elya SVei Rosh Ha Yeshiva, Yeshiva of Philadelphia Rabbi Cllaim Dov Keller Rosh Ha Yeshiva, Yeshiva Telshe-Chicago Rabbi Moshe Sherer President, Agudath Israel of America Special Guest from Azerbaijan Audio- Visual Presentatioff "A LESSON OF FAITH ANO COURAGE" Greetings: Rabbi Menacilem Mendel Mendelson, Rav, Komemius, Chairman, Keren HaShviis Chairman: Rabbi David Olewski, Rosh Yeshiva B'Gerer Mesivta Bais Yisroel lla/J/1i 'io.'ifj /!mmi /laful SUNDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 28 TORAH CHINUCH IN ERETZ YISROEL: AReport Rabbi Avrohom Yosef Leizerson, Associate Director, Chinuch Atzmai Symposium: VISIONS Of ZION REVISITED: SECULAR ZIONISM/ RELIGIOUS ZIONISM/ LOVE OF ZION Oveiview: Rabbi Nachman Bulman, Mashgiach Ruchni, Yeshiva Ohr Somayach. Jerusalem Panelists·. Rabbi Ben Tzion Kokis, Yeshiva Ohr Somayach of Monsey Rabbi Yonason Rosenblum, Noted author and lecturer (Jerusalem) Rabbi Zev Leff. Rav, Moshav Mattityahu Chairman: Rabbi Chaskel Besser. Presidium-member, Agudath Israel of America SHABBOS SYMPOSIA SHIURIM EMUNAH AND BITACHON IN THESE TURBULENT TIMES (IN YIDDISH) Rabbi Shaya Cohen Emu\IJe V.. Prasiden\ PnotlWOne Rabbi Reuven Feinstein, Rosh HaYesh·1va, Mes·1vta of Staten Island Rabbi Shaul Kagan Rabbi Menachem Mendel Mendelson, Rav. Komemius, Israel, Chairman, Keren HaShviis Rosh HaKollel, Kolle! Of P'iltSburgh Rabbi Eliezer Ginsburg, Rav. Agudath Israel Zichron Shmuel/Flatbush South Rabbi Yelwdah Parnes REACHING ACROSS THE "FRUMKEIT" DIVIDE: Rosh Yeshiva, THE LAYMAN'S ROLE IN KIRUV RECHOKIM (IN ENGLISH) Yeshivas Rabbenu Ylltchok Elchonon Rabbi Moshe Meir Weiss Overview: Rav, Aguda!h lsraol Of Slaten Island Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg, Rosh Ha Yeshiva, Yeshiva Ner Israel (Baltimore) Speakers: Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, CSW, PsychotherapisVLecturer, Aish Ha Torah-Discovery Dal Yoml Shiurim Dally Rabbi Yehudah Silver, Principal, Jewish Secondary Schools Movement in English and Yiddish Educational Director, Project SEED, United Kingdom Special Womee"s !'mgr.Im ------Festive Melave Mallia SHABBOS CHAIRMEN: Rabbi Shaul Chill, President, Council of Young Israel Rabbis SIMUlTANEOllSlllANSIATION Reb Yosef Friedenson, Editor, Dos Yiddishe Vort fORMAJOR Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Lowy, Rav, Agudath Israel of Toronto WEEKDAYSESSIOllS R11hhi 'irmlmr Salmnon Rahhi !'rliudah Silll'I Riihhi i\1·10!111111 C11rn111 Fmc1 FRIDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 26: ROUNDTABLE FORUMS - OPEN DISCUSSIONS ON CONTEMPORARY ISSUES TAKING SHTADLONUS TO THE NEXT LEVEL: HOLOCAUST MUSEUMS AND MEMORIALS: 1, CULTIVATING lliE POLITICAL GRASS ROOTS 6• ARE lliEY SENDING lliERIGHT MESSAGE? Chairman: Jacob Z. Schuster (Monsey) Chairmaff Aaron Bleeman (foronto) PanelO!s: Michael Landau Panelists: Dr. Joseph Geliebter, Director, Rabbi Leib Geliebter Memorial Foundation Dr. Irving Lebovics (Los Angeles) Monlechai Friedman Simcha G. Lyons (St. Louis) Yosef Rapaport Coordinatoc Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, General Counse. Agudath lsra0 of Amelica Coordinatoc Reb Yosef Frledenson, Editor, Dos Yrddishe Vort Rabbinic Advisoc Rabbi Shmuel Blech, Rav, Cong. Anshe Sfard (Lakewood) Rabbinic Rabbinic Ad~soc Rabbi Shlomo Rotenberg, Rav, Agudath lsra0 of IMl"'1nsburgh A MATIER OF BREAD AND BUTIER: SURVIVAL STRATEGIES FDR SMALLER TORAH COMMUNITIES: 2• FULL EMPLOYMENT FOR ALL AS A COMMUNllY RESPONSIBILllY 7• GRDWlli FROM WlllilN? HELP FROM WllliOUT? Chairman: Yosef Feldman, Charman, Agudath 15'"" Prof. & Mgmt Employment Services Chairman: Yussie llslreicher Panelists: Rabbi Chaim MeyerEhrman, PhD, Prof of Marl ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~llllECl10NST011EPllRSIPPMY.._Till ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FROM BROOKL Yft VARflZlANO NARROWS SRJDGE TO 278 WEST (STATEN ISLAND EXPWY) TO GOffHALS BRIDGE TO~ WK NOflTH TO EX!.. T 15W ONTO 280 WEST (COmJNUE PAST EXIT #1} TO 287 BOOITTOWN!MORRISON GET OFF AT EXIT 43SOUTH (FlRST EX!T).ATTH£ EX!T FflOM MANHATTAN & QUEENS: GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE TO 95 TO 80VVESTTO EXIT 43 SOUTH AT THE EXIT __ _ FRDM POINTS NDftTlt NYS THRUWAY SOUTH TO GARDEN STATE PWtf SOI.ITH TO RTE 80 WEST TO EXIT 43 SOUTH AT EXlT FOLLOW SIGNS TO RTE 287 SOUTH CONTINUE TO EXIT 398 (RTE 10VVE~=~E~¢'ru-:~~~lf~~~~NJ;~~ WAY FOLLOW SIGNS TO HILTON COURT PROCEEOTO HOTEL OORANCE ROlNITAlllf PllE-IE6ISlllATKIN 1""51'1kl~l'ltte~Faunson 71,, NATIONAL CONVENTION RESERVATION APPLICATION Frtiay ~. NcM!nte' 26. at tte 71st National --·-·-----·--· ----·- ! i Please reserve accommodations* for··-····-· persons to the I am enclosing: """"""'·_I Will tl!atterdrgtieefllie~ 71st National Convention of Agudath Israel of America. ffi Deposi! $150 per person - reseevatioo anmy rrOOe Thursday through Sunday, November 25·28. 1993 a1 th!! for Hll1on reservation., . _ r'rfNI reservabl (see ~J Parsippany Hilton, Parsippany-Troy Hills. New Jersey. _I will 2!llx.a!loo:l tte Friday Fb.n!tilles- :s. Pavment in full for room onlv Check !ype of acCTJmmodations requested. (Give first and ii;'""''""'""'iiiiii< reiervation at the Hanover Marriott. ... $ -S) ______second choice.) If accommodation requested is not available, &iWofuom~. N.,.V I lf!"e10•~oltho~-...-01llk-~...,c-., I CHESED SHEL EMES as understood and practiced by one active in the industry I I more than half a century with rnesiras nefesh. L------.J Taharas Haniftar Should Never Be Commercialized. TheJewishObserver, November 1993 25 Yisrael Kashkin were all smiling to you, as they thanked you and rejoiced with you very, very The man who yearned greatty .... Please. dearest brother: let The Mirror me know what the dream means.... " and dreamed of The reactions to the program, as The sefer leans the Jewish people learned of itfar and achieving major goals in heavily against the shtender wide, made the meaning of the dream quite clear to him. Echoes and rever Torah education for his serious, thirsty berations of response came, clearly beckoning me to commence. and unmistakably, from all over the people found himself the world. There was no doubt that the Andi idea took hold, and in scores offar founding father and the drift through the dusty window; flung locations... people were taking to studying the Talmud almost in inspiration for a sound i fly unison-the same leaf, the same two new system of continual out and high pages, in the same tractate.... And across tree-spotted valleys and silver· quite certainly the numbers of partici pants kept growing as the new Jew daily study by old and windowed cityscapes. ish year progressed .... young, amid the Jewish I contemplate; such a gift is this world hen he saw how well the people worldwide. idea had been received, one could W how vigorously the novel lose himself in its roaring possibilities. learning program was thriving, Rav Hence, {said Rav Meir,) when we Meir once gave a most interesting read in ... Bereishis, "This is the book Or consider rather reason for it, in his own character of the developments of man ... ," we the Giving istic way: can apply the words to the Book of the We read in the Talmud that when Talmud: it was composed and formed And the Giver man (Adam} was created, his body in the same way as Adam. And that is reading His card before tearing the box. came from Babylonia, his head from the reason why the daf hayomi pro the Land of Israel, and his limbs from gram has found such a warm recep other lands (Sanhedrin 38a-b). This tion everywhere among our devout And looking straight ahead indicates that if there is a wish that an people of the Torah: because there is I find myself, important creation should exist as a such a close parallel between a page permanent, stable entity and be able to of Talmud and the human being that in the middle posuk spread through the world, every the Almighty created. of the middle perek where-then the component parts that comprise the material for it should be e success of the idea brought and breathing varied, from a variety of places. Then it series of other learning pro deeply. will belong everywhere: it will find its grams in its wake, either for place everywhere. T: Mr. Kash.kin, ofMonsey, N.Y., was represented by Now let us have a look at a page in people who would find two pages of his poem. "ForRabbiKir.mer," in JO. Nov. '92. the Talmud: the Mishna, the earlier Talmud a day too trudng or too time part, was given its redacted form by consurnlng, or for those who wanted Rabbi Yehuda haNassi in the Land of supplementary programs for daily or the interest of our readers Israel; so we have a parallel to Adam, learning. Soon enough, printed who are able to read Yiddish, a the first, created man: the head de schedules appeared for Mishna E rived from the Land of Israel. Now, the 120-page special commemorative Gemora, the later, major part of the yomis, ongoing sections or para Talmud, was put together by the graphs of the Mishnafor study day by issue of Dos Yiddishe Vort, inclnd Babylonian Sage, Rav Ashi; again we day; Nach yoml a daily study portion ing ten articles relating to the life have a parallel: Adam's body came in the Neviim (Prophets) and Kesuvim from Babylonia. (Writings); mussar yoml a daily por of Rabbi Meir Shapiro, The Now further: the commentaries of tion for study in the sacred literature Lubliner Rav, was published in Rashi and Tosefos, printed with the text, derive from France. {In the back of ethics and morality; and so on. honor of the Ninth Siyum HaShas of} ... a printed tractate in a volume of So the man who yearned and of the Daf Yo mi. This photo-filled Talmud, we have more cormnentaries: dreamed of achieving major goals in Rabbeinu Asher. from Germany; Torah education for his people found edition, an historical collector's Rambam on the Mishna. from Egypt; himself the founding father and the item, is available through Dos and then the last ones: Maharshal, inspiration for a sound new system of Yiddishe Vort, 84 William Street, Maharsha, Maharam, and so forth continual daily study by old and all produced in Poland. Thus the anal NYC 10038, for $6 postage-paid. ogy continues: Adam's limbs came young, amid the Jewish people world from other lands. wide. • 26 711e Jewish Observer, November 1993 A • T·l·M·E • F·O·R • M · U ·S I· C PART VII p' Conducted By Yisroel Lamm Music By The Neginah Orchestra ,, ,-~? A Spcciu! Benefit Concert for the HASC Summer Prograin. The HASC Summer Sunday, Program Provides Education. Training and Clinical Services to Physically and Mentally Handic<1pped Children and Adul!s in a Residential Setting. January 9, 1994 ~~ · 7:30 p.m. - :;;;;;;;,;,,,;,;;;;,,,,,'"'~ ~" ~~N ~\~\~~ $1,000 - Two Benefactor Tickets. and an Invitation to the Pre-Concert VIP Dinner $720 - Two Benefactor Tickets $250 I $180 I $100 I $75 I $50-All Contrihutions are Tax Deductible Tickets Available at HASC Office. 1311 55th Street. Brooklyn N.Y. For further infom1ation or credit card orders call (718) 851•6I00 Evenings & Weekends (718) 338•7220 he passing of the community leaders Rav Dovid Lif Appreciat1 and they assured him T shitz, 7"~!, a be that the matter would loved and re-markably be handled. They were, unique figure in the To however. less than ex rah community, on 9 Tamuz (June great hasmada (diligence) and his peditious in taking action. The Rav 30) this past summer, left us be keen lomdus (analytic mind). purchased bags of cement, filled reaved and poorer for his absence. Reb David married the daughter of buckets with water, and was about to Rabbi David Lifshitz was born in Rabbi Yosef Yoselovitch, Suvalker take the matter into his own hands, the year 5666/1906, in Minsk. His Rav. His father-in-law passed away when the community leaders, much father, Rabbi Yaakov Aryeh Lifshitz, shortly after their wedding, and Reb embarrassed by their footdragging, was the son of the Gaon Rabbi Dovid was invited to succeed him. repaired it on their own. Shlomo Zalman, author of the well Reb David was not yet thirty years old known sefer, Olas Shelomo, on at this time, and many viewed his as en the Second World War Kadoshim. As a result of the turmoil cension to the position of Rav of roke out, Suvalk was of World War I, the young David was Suvalk-a community with some 27 urned over to the Commu forced to flee Minsk with his parents, batei midrashim-with more than a nists, who did not look too kindly to join his grandfather in the city of little skepticism. Before long, how upon an activist Rav. That left Rabbi Grodna. It was there that Reb David ever, the leaders of the KehiUa became Lifshitz no choice but to flee to met the towering figure of the yeshiva aware that Reb David was a man of Lithuania with his family. A year world, Rabbi Shtmon Shimp, 7"ll!, un exemplary Torah knowledge and ex later, in 1941, Reb Dovid joined a der whom he had the privilege to ceptional middos (character), and group that fled Lithuania to Japan, learn for a period of time. Reb Shimon most worthy of his position. Word of from where they embarked to encouraged htm to continue his stud his stature spread, and Reb David America. He arrived in San Francisco ies in the Yeshiva of Mir, where Reb was soon a familiar figure at rabbini on Erev Shaviws of that year, on the Dovid became the close talmid of the cal conferences. same ship as the Lomzer Rav, Rabbi Gaonim. Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, Typical of Reb David's leadership Moshe Shatzkes, the Novaradoker 7"~!. and the Mashgiach, Rabbi in Suvalk was an incident regarding Rosh Yeshiva, RabbiAvrohom Yafen, Yerucham Levovitz, ?":::zt. His seven the local Mikva, which was in need of il:ii:::i.7 0J11:it, and D''M7 ?i:l'. Rabbi years in Mir were distinguished by his repair. Reb Dovid called a meeting of Michel Feinstein, 1'<""""'1. 28 The Jewish Observer. November 1993 Upon his arrival in Amertca, Reb that he was associated with Ezras To Dovid assumed a rabbinical position For close to half a rah, the fund well-known for support in Chicago, where he also served as oftalmideichachamimand b'neiTurah Rosh Hayeshiva in Beis Medrash century, thousands of the world over, especially in Eretz Yis LTorah. He was extremely active in roeL Thus, with the passing of Rabbi strengthening Jewish observance in talmidim studied under Naftali Riff, '>"~ (who led Ezras Torah the community at large, and is cred after the petira of the Gaon, Rabbi ited with having influenced more Reb Dovid, including a Eliyahu Henkin, '>"~). Rabbi Dovid than a hundred merchants to close Lifshitz became president of the orga their businesses on Shnbbos. Shortly number who have nization. In addition to his own fruit afterwards, he came to New York ful efforts on behalf of Ezras Torah, where he was invited to join the Ye emerged as outstanding Rabbi Lifshitz succeeded in attracting shivas Rabbi Yitzchak Elchanan as a a number of young, energeticforces to Rosh Hayeshiva. In the years since talmidei chachamim and the organization. then-dose to half a century-thou sands of talmidim studied under Reb disseminators of Torah. bbi David Lifshitz was always David, including a number who have known by the title "Suvalker emerged as outstanding talmidei av," even though he spent chachamimand disseminators ofTo ru prohibiting participation in religious most of his years on these shores as a rah. Indeed, amongst the thousands association with Conservative and Rosh Yeshiva. who had a profound of mourners who attended the fu Reform congregational and rabbini impact on his talmidim Perhaps, in neral in Manhattan and Jerusalem cal groups. his way, he epitomized the classic Eu were a number of prominent rabbini Rabbi Lifshitz was admired for his ropean Rav-talmid chacham, poseik, cal figures who took prtde in having warm Ahavas Yisroel and his open teacher to the young men of his com been his talmidim. fiiendship with every Jew, which were munity, guide to his people, doing his expressed in an active pursuit of utmost to meet their myriad needs- n addition to his Harbotzas chessed. It is therefore not surprtsing both spiritual and matertal. • HaTorah Rabbi David Lifshitz, I from the moment of his arrtval in New York City, was deeply involved in many aspects of community activity. Treat yourself to 'The Gift Of Torah' ... from He was drafted immediately to the front line of the rescue efforts of the the author of The Commentators' Haggadah Vaad Hatzolah, along with other and The Roshei Hayeshiva. including Rabbi Aaron Kotler, Rabbi Avrohom Commentators' Seder Kalmanowitz, and Rabbi Reuvain Grcr.wvsky, =:i?!Jll"Ct. He was also an THE COMMENTATORS' active member of the Agudas GIFT OF TORAH Horabbonim, along with Rabbi Eliezer by Rabbi Yitzchak Sender Silver, and Rabbi Yisroel Rosenberg, =:!?!Jll"Ct. After the passing of Rabbi In THE COMMENT ATORS' GIFT OF Moshe Feinstein, '>"~, he assumed a TORAH, Rabbi Yitzchak Sender explores leading role in that organi7,ation. the treasures of the oral and written Rabbi Lifshitz was always con Torah. cerned over Eretz Yisroel and the wel fare of the Jews there. Along with Culling from dozens of Torah authorities, leading Roshei Yeshiva, such as Rabbi Sender discusses.,. How the Torah Rabbi Aaron Kotler and Rabbi came down into the world: the nations' Reuvain Grozovksy, he was a promi refusal of the Torah; how the Torah was nent presence at gathertngs that pro originally written; the revelation at Sinai; tested the spiritual deprtvation of olUn Jewish and non-Jewish prophecy, the role from Yemen and vartous Sephardic H.C. $19.95 of the Sanhedrin; the divisions of TaNaCh; lands. He was amongst the founders the development of Jewish prayer, the mitzvah of Aliyah la-Regel-and a host of of Chinuch Atzmai/Torah Schools for other topics relating to the workings of the oral and written Torah. Israel, and regularly graced the dais A treasurehouse of illuminating issues and insights! at their annual dinners. ln addition, Available a• ail Jewtstl bookstores 01 d1rec,t from Rabbi Lifshitz was one of the eleven 6 FELOHElM PUBLISHERS Visa & MasterCard accepted Iii 200 Airport Executive Park Spflng Valley NY 10977 Send tor your free copy RosheiHayeshivaand Rabbonim that 4 f..1 Tel (914) 356-2282/Toll free 800 23 7149 of our 1993 catalog issued a psak thirty-five years ago, The Jewish Observer. November 1993 29 Rabbi Chaim Dov Keller THE VAST GULF OF SEPARATION rah between the generations was like the one that separates angels and The Chachamim felt that feel totally inadequate to defme or men. or men and donkeys. This is not adequately describe the greatness just a quantum leap. but the differ· the gulf in the breadth I of Mori VeRabbi Hagaon Reb ence between two worlds. inhabitants Dovid Lifshitz, ?"lit. I can only give of one linable to u11derstand the and depth of the grasp some impressions of a tabnid and re other. A man cannot understand a late some personal experiences. malach; a donkey cannot understand of Torah between the I learned in his shiur fOr one year. a man. They are in different worlds. yet I gained from him a derech (ap· It is as if a tiny ant comes into con generations was like the proach) in learning for my whole life, tact with a man. He thinks to himself and I remained, as did many, a talmid in his ant mind, "What a great crea· one that separates my entire life. ture is this I have come upon!" He's One very strong feeling I have with looking at what to him seems to be a angels and men, or men the Rebbe's passing is the quite pai· huge black object-the man's shoe. pable manifestatio11 of nrnin nTTt He knows nothing of the foot. which and donkeys. This is not ··the descent of the generations"--as fits into the shoe, nothing of the each successive generation falls short man's knee. and surely nothing of just a quantum leap, but of the Torah greatness of the previous what goes on within his heart or his the difference between generation. brain. For the ant, the shoe is the The Chachamim tell us: "If the pre· man. two worlds vious generations were angels, then This is as much as we comprehend we are men. If the previous genera of the Torah greatness of the previous tions were n1en, then we are like don generations. They lived in different keys. and not like the donkey of Reb worlds. even though we may have co· Chanina ben Dosa or Reb Pinchas existed with them in this world. As long as he lived, his Rcbbe, Reb ben Yair. but like ordinary donkeys" The Rebbe's command of Torah Shimon Shkop, lived. He always re· (Shabbos I 12b). was really beyond the comprehension ferred to him as "Mori VeRabbL Reb The Chachamim were referring to of his talmidim No matter where in Shimon." I remember once asking the generations immediately preced Shas one spoke to him. he could dis· him to explain a s'vora (reasoning) of ing them. They felt that the gulf in the cuss the sugya in depth, directly Reb Shimon in a difficult sugya in breadth and depth of the grasp of To- quoting the language of the Gemora, Nedorim. (He was not learning and with full command of the shitos Nedorim at the time.) He said, 'This Rabbi Keller. Rosh llayeshiva of1'elshe"Chica,go. of the Rishonim and Gedolei Acharo· is what Mori VeRabbi Reb Shimon is a frequent cont1ibutor to The Jewish Observer. nim (views of the earlier and later said." and then proceeded to repeat in most recently with ~Fan1ily Values: A Torah Per commentaries). And he himself was Yiddish the words he had heard from spective.·· May '93. The hesped (eulogy) on which this tribute is based was delivered at Rabbi aware of the gulf between himself and Reb Shimon several decades before. Lifshitz's funeral at Yeshivas Rabbi Yitzchak his Rabbei'im, and spoke of it to his When I continued to probe, he re~ Elchanan. where Rabbi Keller was his talmid. talmidim peated the exact same words. 30 The Jewish Observer. November 1993 IDS APPROACH TO THE TALMUD that a person acquires as his posses sion that which is within his four i"OJ. is derech in learning was to anws. He told his talmidim, "A ben CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST infer the precise meaning of Torah never leaves the yeshiva. If he DR.BENZION H the Rishonirris intent from does, it is a sign that he never was in their words, specifically pointing out the yeshiva. For wherever he goes, his SOROTZKIN differences in halacha between vari four anws should take possession N.Y. STATE LICENSED ous Rishonim which could be under should be medakesh (sanctify)-that ADULTS stood from seemingly slight differ which surrounds him, and transform AND ences in nuance in their words. it into a yeshiva." CHILDREN At times he would build an entire (718) 633-3248 shiuron a diyuk (inference) in the lan IDS GREAT WVE FOR (718) 219-3867 guage of a Rashba or a Ritva It was IDS TALMIDJM not his way to approach a sugya with a s'vora that pleased him and then tty e had a great love and affec to demonstrate how this or that tion for his talmidim. !11 never Rishonheld the s'vora He began with H forget the day I went to take the goal of understanding what the leave of the Rebbe, before I left New Rishonim said. York to go to Telshe Yeshiva in Cleve r:l ~~t.3.~'11 His hasmoda(diligence) and "ligen land. We were standing in the beis VISmNG NSXl~ORK'?? in lernen" (total immersion in his midrash. He took me by the arm and Beautiful rooms,: with.] 'The Jewish Observer, November 1993 31 told me to make sure that I write way to New York. Maybe I can take a Yet he was far from naive. His great down any chiddushimin Torah that I packagefor you?" love for Torah and his love for his might come up with in the course of I was taken aback and protested that ta1mk1im did not blind him to the dan my learning. Unfortunately, I cannot I would never think of bothering the gers and temptations of the society in say that I followed the Rebbe's admo Rebbe. But he insisted, and if I remem which he and they lived. He spoke out nition, but I can still feel that kiss on ber correctly, ended up taking a package continuously against those dangers my cheek. to New York! and temptations, and against the falsi Once, when he was in Chicago on a Just as he would share in his fication of Torah by movements far re mission, he came to my home for a visit, !almidinis simchas as if they were his moved from the daled amosof halacha, unannounced. We were in the midst of own, he would share in their grief and and philosophies purporting to be part preparations for a daughter's wedding, misfortune. He would shed tears. And of the daled amos of halachlL and invitations were all over the dining he would shed real tears, if he heard room table. He went to the table and took that a talmid had not acted as he ms PASSING one, saying, "I now have my invitation. should have. He would try to be You don't have to send me one." Then he melmned zechus (find some justifica e passed away the week of really caught me off guard: "I'm on my tion) for the person. Parshas Chukas. That H Parsha (Bamidbar21: I 7,18) tells us of the i~-in1'1'1-the song that the people oflsrael sang over the ml raculous source of water, which had KALLAH CLASSES ortginally come to them in the zechus of Mirtarn. The Ohr HaChayim ex Newlywed Review Groups plains that this song was actually the General Refresher Groups song of Torah, which is also referred to as "a well of water." Private Lessons accommodated by appointment ppnr.o ovn '::J.'til nro o~v m'Wrl 11'0- Comprehensive Hashkafa and Halacha mmror.i:i - '"Ibis is the well that was Emphasis on daily application and emotional aspects of dug by the princes, The nobles of our people hollowed it out, Carved out The Laws of Taharas Hamishpaeha with their staffs." '"Ibis is the well that was dug by the Next classes beginning November - Boro Park princes"-these were the Avos, TO REGISTER PLEASE CALL: Avrohom, Yitzchok and Yaakov, who (718) 375-8561 • (718) 435-4383 • (718) 871-1439 prepared this heavenly source of wa ter, the Torah, to be given to Y'ISroeL However, the well was not yet ready to be drunk from until tl)m>:l'>'Tlrm:>, 'The nobles of our people hollowed it out." 'This refers to Moshe, who brought the Torah down into this world, those who Your Executive Gift Center received it from him, the Zekeinimand Neviim (elders and prophets), and the Anshei Knesses Hagedola who ex plained it and revealed its hidden parts, for TorahSheb'Ksrn>-the Wrtt ten Torah-cannot be imbibed with out TorahSheb'a!Peh tm1ll>1!'1:l:l ppmr.i:i Says the Ohr POE 355 • Monsey, NY I 0952-0355 Hachayim., this refers to that which (914) 356-0042 •Fax (914) 356-8384 the sages of later generations would be mechadeish (reveal new meanings H+H Call us for a quote ou: in Torah). ri~~j· Calendars •Magnets •T-shirts nio:> i1l'N1 ili7'Pn n:i ppin=> f'.?7N nt l'Ni f'tt7N 1l'N nt Ol1 ii:n ii!lnv D'l1'1?.n·~in • Flashlights • Mugs • Watches ji1ij?i1 j71ij7i 7::>V 0'l1VN1 ?'\?.' 01111).)VO:J • Golf shirts • Pens • Etc. nn.,i:::ii !l"V rvi!l7 1'1:'.i n11n:i i?ii7i'V D'lU:rrpn '1:li !l"V i01'0 i1'i1 N7V 1:J.i ?:ii Plea<>e mail in your business card 1"'1> 1100'> ~ to receive your free catalog. But even the new insights, which 8.P. GRAPHICS (908) 905-9830 are only like carvings on the walls of 32 The Jewish Observer. November 1993 tions and escaped to sqfety. 'They later His love for Torah did not conflict with his love and found out that had they gone the other way, they would havefallen right into the concern for Kial Yisroef as a whole, and for each hands ofthe wailing Germans. In relating this incident, he individual Jew. His manifold chessed and Kial stressed the total improbability of a Polish peasant riding down a country activities never took him out of the doled amos of road in the middle of the night dur ing wartime. Then, lowering his eyes, halacha. He took the doled amos of halacha with he said, "Ich shem zich tzu zogen, az dos lz geven Eliyahu HaNavic-I'm him wherever he went. And he tried to influence his ashamed to say that I believe that it talmidim to do the same. was EliyahuHaNavL" TAKING LEAVE, FROM WrIHIN THE DALEDAMOS. this well ofTorah, can only be under know: What does the Rashba say? taken with the staffs of the eneveronevisited him, the Rishonim-the earlier sages. ms FLIGHT TO FREEDOM talk was always in Torah "For each inference exacted from W not in a superficial manner, Torah must be explained according to hough this is not a biogra but in depth. Even in his last months, their (the earlier sages') words, and phy, I feel that I must include when his sickness precluded his anything not founded on the words of X a story that he personally re "talking in learning," he would speak the Kadmonim (earlier authorities) lated to me in great detail-the story words of beracha and chizuk in learn cannot be relied upon." of his flight from Suvalk. ing. I believe that the words of the Ohr A.ft.er the German occupattonforces The last time I visited him, he was HaChayim perfectly characterize the entered Suvalk, he remained behind be veryweak. Hespoketomeasiflwere Rebbe's approach to Torah. He did cause he fell that as Rav he slwuld stay still one of the young talmidim learn not seek to create a new mesora----a until the very end to guide hisKehilla. But tng tn his shiur. "Ir zolt zehn tzu Ugen new ''Tradition." All of his learning word reached him that the Germans in lernen un shteigen in lernen un and his shiurim reflected an awe were about to arrest him. and he should veren agadol baTorah" some respect for the words of the leave immediately. He, the Rebbetzin This was his life and this was his Rishonim, and this is what he tried to and otherfamily members took a wagon legacy: Be immersed in learning, grow imbue in his talmidim. at night to flee for the border. In the in learning. become Gedolei Torah This is what he taught us. He mid£lleofthe night, they reached a cross When all else of the world was out did not approach the Rashba with road. not knowing which way to tum. A of his sight. even when his prodigious a chiddush of his own-a precon Polish peasant came by and called out, memory had failed him, he never left ceived notion of what he wanted "Suvaiker Rav! Don't go that way! Go the the daled amos shel haiacha. the Rashba to say. He wanted to other way!" They followed these direc- • tJl~mDi'Tn"U'ln?JVl Niln'l1T"O 'l"D?'il'I Not ju~t.a cheese, a trad1t1on... -- Haolam, the most trusted name in Cholov Yisroel Kosher Cheese. A ~' repduktatiohn etahrnw~dthth r odug ~ ~5 years .or,.scruHpulous devotdi~~ to quality ·:_Tu+.•._·. an as ru . 1 1 2 e 1 1c1ous vane 1es. ao 1am, a tra 1tlon you'll , .·~ enjoy keeping. AJI ttaolarn Chee:;e producl.5 are made in the ll.5.A. uodc1 the strict rabbinical supetvision of: The Rabbinate of l('hal Adath Jeslrurun Cholov Yisroel WashlnatOlr lleinhl-5, IYY THURMWORLD BROS.CHEESE CO. INC Haolam• BROOKLYN, NY 11232 The Jewish Observer. November 1993 33 JEWISH OBSERVER I AOVE,?T!S/NG SUPPLEMENT Wall Chips t is Succos in Jerusalem and it is almost voiced yeshiva fel time for the Simchas Be is HaSho 'eiva. I low ... and Reb Icheck my watch and find that I have Noach, booming little time left so I bound down the 142 Yehei Sh'mei steps that separate me from the Wall Rabba. Each Plaza, and with a joy like no other joy I had one was there, ever known, I daven Maariv. and will be A rhythm throbs in my head, and finds there again expression in my swaying as I daven. I next week. cannot trace its source unti! l reach the And I am words in the Shmoneh Esrei: "U'vnei h e r e , Osah-and rebuild that city, restore the oceans throne of David," quickly, swifty, scan, in and continents our days .. now! Instead of sobs of yearn away. ing, lfeelsobsofjoy: Now! Give me chips of Motzoei Shab I leave the Wall after Maariv, and dig bosatthe Wall. Without it how can I face my hands into my jacket pockets, finger weekday? ing lint searching for chips. And now, in go/a, I want those chips of that joyful, hopeful, redeeming Wall. Now! A foothold in Israel is now a reality! aturday Night the tourists find other Now is the time to buy an apartment haunts, and leave the Wall bathed Sin the memories of the departed Sabbath. There, the timeless, otherworldf{ inlSRAEL kedusha of Shabbos lingers on. The dayan of Geulah, Reb Noach MISHAB, one of Israel's leading comes, waiting for his faithful ten to OUR contractors is building throughout gather two hours after sundown. This time Israel luxurious apartments and I'm one of them. I plant myself a meter garden apartments, ranging in distant from the Wall. But I feel as though I'm gripping it. "V'hu rachum-and He is size from 2-5 bedrooms, most merciful .... " I need His mercy to carry me with open terraces, on through the rest of the week so I "grab MISHAB homes contain special on to His Wall," and-through the Shema features such as Succah porches, and Amida it doesn't let me go .... Sec two sinks, Shabat elevators, etc. ond "Boruchu," "Aleinu," and the dayan summons his cohorts to join him in a "Kappitel Tillim" and then intones a Mi Choice sites include: Shebeirach for a startlingly long list of sick people. Each of the participants seems to • BAYIT VEGAN, JERUSALEM know another ailing person in need of a • NETANYA • KFAR-SABA refu 'ah, and whispers the name to Reb • REHOVDT • HAIFA Noach. And, eyes clenched, Reb Noach responds: "Sarah bas Leah." "Sarah bas Leah ... " "Yisroel ben Tzipporah." "Yisroel ben Tzlpporah ... " "Nissan ben Chaya Dina." "Nissan ben Chaya Dina... " The i chassid in Shtreime/ ... the brick-red THE ONLY COMPANY IN ISRAEL BUILDING g bearded Amerikaner and his little boy ~ with brick-red payos curling down his COMMUNITIES FOR THE RELIGIOUS PUBLIC e cheeks ... the olive-skinned Sephardi in • Newl'otfc Rabbi Winter, TelJFax. (718)692-2285 colorfully crocheted kippa ... the deep- lfbMISHAB Eve. (718)380-5150 Ou1 of N. Y.S. Toll Free (1-BC0)848-6485 ·----=~CU6T!WllllllYfl.C1fl£JllC().l@ • Tol-Ariv: 27 Uffienbfum St, Tel.972-3-664631 Fax. 972-3-5175074 Woll Chips by Shepsi Sabadeno (Reprinted in • Jerusl/em: 1Hagideln St, Tel. 972-2-254181Fax.972-2-254188 abrk::lgedformfrom The Jewish Observer, Nov., '84) JEW/Si! OBSERVER I ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OUR AMBASSADORS START YOUNG. Maybe the nicest part about visiting Israel is the warm, affectionate welcome you get. From Israelis of all ages. Like good diplomats, we'll make you feel at home. You'll be treated like a long-lost cousin (which you may very well be!). Come visit us soon. The kids carit wait to see you. !SRA EL GOVERNMENT TOURIST OFFICE New York: 212-560-0600 x249 • Atlant: n Monday, CholHamoed, is the PERFECTTRAVEL~-~--~-.a~ special Birkas Kohanim. The 1 0 area before the Wall overflows ~~~~-~l---~·-;:--__, ~--~~< with the festive crowd-up the steps be 'f \-\ E yond the plaza. The Chazan intones the Chazoras Hashatz, and a rustle of tallis bedecked men dominate the space 1sRA£L announces immediately by the Wall. that "Kohanim!" You can hear the shush _"-.L~~N~£\.~£~~P£~Rt=S~ becoming a hush. A stray voice, an em barrassed giggle, and then silence. The NEVER HAVE WINTER FARES ON Source of all blessngs chants through the white breakers of bobbing falleisim: EL7..VAL7NZ "Yevorechecha." And the hearts re spond: Bless me! Bless me Father!. .. BEEN SO LOW, "Veyishmerecha-and watch over me." STARTING FROM ONLY: Protect my blessings, and protect me from my blessings, which come from You! "Sha lom-establish peace for you": Grant me $649 and my fellows that inner peace that per mits us to live in peace with one another. 212-682-6600 Could I please have that chip of time, 800-222-1676 of blessed time, with me to help me re FAX 212-986-5262 ceive the Kohein's blessings whenever, 206 EAST 38th STREET, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10016 wherever they ascend the bima? n Hoshana Rabba, we drive through the dark streets of 0 Me' ah She'arim, through the Jaffa Gate and into a massive traffic jam. We leave the car in the Rova Yehudim parking area, race down the steep Rechov Batei Machse and find a number of minyanim taking shape in the amor phous darkness of the Kosel Plaza. For some reason the floodlights are not on. I wrap myself in my fallis, and begin Shacharis in the waning darkness of pre dawn Jerusalem. "Is the Eastern sky lit up yet?" Yes. With an unexpected bolt of lightning. Bark all Thunder rolls in the heav ens, and appropriate blessings for natural phenomena rumble on that spot of earth • Prepayment by credit card. so close to the heavens. • Rates include unlimited mileage. • Cancellation or modification fees Berachos... the Akeida: Abraham's • Rates do not include insurance. may apply willingness to offer his son, his only son, • TLD.W · $6 per day - is mandatory • High season supplement Isaac, as a sacrifice on an altar just a few if C.D.W. is not purchased. 20 Dec. 93 - 5 Jan. 94. meters beyond that Wall, and here we are, feeling a splatter of rain on my fore head. The minyan I chose progresses, and so do I through the Verses of Song and a few more drops-large, Jerusalem raindrops invade my space ... One min yan after another edges, lurches, toward the sheltered "cave," further north along the Wall, but they have been preceded by others. There is no room. JEWISH OBSERVER I ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Earn The Zchus of Supporting the Largest Torah Institute in America Please mail, call or fax your entries 908-367-1060 Fax 908-367-7 487 Name ______Phone ( ) ___ Address------ 0 Check Enclosed 0 Visa 0 !vtastercard YOUR CAR IN f 7'3f' "Borchu.. ." I bow toward the Woll in re fLDAN sponse to the Chazan' s call, and the RENT-A-CAR ISRAEL /1. a drops increase in their tempo. I eye my LS HS TYPE OF CAR 2618193· 25112193· companion, and raise an eyebrow: Nu? 24112193 511194 FROM * He replies with his shoulder: How can we .. 2 PER WEEK leave in the middle of davening? ~ FJ~l_~ STING -·- J~~- 231 UNLIMITED 8 PEUGEOT 205 AC 147 252 $ The drops become a sheet, and the • EXC. INS.1 MILEAGE c PEUGEOT 309 1.4 168 273 sheet becomes buckets. Flashes of light ------6 -c-; APPLAUSE 1.6 231 336 ning help me approach the words of the --c.f PEUGEOT 4051.6 252 257 #01.XrlA CffAIGf Shema. I tug on my fol/is to protect my M MINIBUS FORD 455 560 FOi tHEIT • head and my hand becomes soaked on D CKARADE1.3 182 287 n.otfCrlON I AA.I ------contact. E APPLAUSE 1.6 238 343 ------CELLUl.ARPHONEAVAILA8LE What to do? Daven on. You couldn't F APPLAUSE 1.6 P.S 287 382 ···------possibly become wetter, an inner voice G SIERRA 1.8 336 441 ------···-- l SUBARU SW 392 497 ll/IS/lllVATION & Pll/EPAYMllNT says, so you may as well pretend you're K GMC SAFARI PS 504 609 USA A CANADA in the sunshine. A glance at my watch ------·-··-- x PEUGEOT 4051.9 I PONTIAC 392 497 800-938-SOOO tells me that we're a minute away from XL VOLVO 7401940 469 574 IN NY: 212-629·6090 sunrise, and the drenched (I assume) THERE ARE NO SUBSTITUTES FOR YOUR CHILD'S HUG. SO WHY SETTLE FOR LESS? THERE'S NO BETTER TIME TO VISIT YOUR CHILD IN ISRAEL THAN RIGHT NOW. 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MODllN HOUSING INC l.1raelj New Torah City KIRYAT SEFER • 620 Coney Island Avenue • Brnoklyn, j\ry 11218 • (718) 871-6026 JEWISH OBSERVER I ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Chazan proclaims "Ezras"-a minute away from Shmoneh Esrei. The rain-filtered light illuminates the words on my Siddur, and the words curl on the puckered paper and II ask me: Did you ever soak my pages with tears? Your GOVERNMENT OF ISRAEL grandfather used to. Why must I be wet with rain wa Ministry of Tourism · North A me-rica ter? Why not with the purer salt of your tears? Me? I never cry in my Siddur. It's not me. It's phony. And my heart will be busy with pride for my intensity of October 30 1993 devotion. Not me 1 I bend over to shelter the Siddur from the cloud's clean tears, and concentrate on the words: "Grant us Dear Friends: With the promise of peace in the air, there is no wisdom ... Return to us ... Forgive ... Heal us our rifts ... Cure better time to visit Israel than this year! New deluxe and family-style accommodations and alluring us ourailments ... " and the Siddurcontinues to dampen. new attractions are opening throughout the land, assurin9 a most pleasurable vacation for our The words blur-or is it my eyes? I do want those words increasing volume of visitors. to continue to prompt my heart, to coax my lips to If you have not yet been to Israel, or if you've visited several times before, you and your family speak to that Ear that appends the Wall. ... I try to clear IJll.IJIC!HW will find the Israel experience fresh and exciting. You will feel invigorated by the very nature of our my eyes, but my hand is too wet, my sleeve saturated. TouMmt Cnmmc<>tQrter beloved Promised Land. tor ~1mh Amenc• "Return us our judges ... Rebuild the City,,. Restore the It is our hope that we can make your next trip as enriching as our forefathers have envisioned it to Throne .... !" be. We look forward to welcoming you soon with My shoes squish as I retreat three steps from my soak warmth and joy! ing encounter. That rain-soaked Wall, that tear-soaked Sincerely, Siddur. That chip of time. Will I ever find it again? Uzi Michaeli he Wall stands silent, carved by time, chipped by exposure to the ele Tments. Could my heart also yield to my exposure to the elements? Granite, yes. But let it give way. And then, when I daven in the sh tie be/ around the corner in Brooklyn, I'II let my experience of a Succos in Jerusalem 3io fkfihA>=ue_ !9th F!<>Ot • N Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Weisel Mr. and Mrs. Zolly Tropper Kiryat Sanz, Jerusalem 1102 E. 26th St. Tei. 02-384-094 Brooklyn, N.Y. 11210 (718) 258-1580 Please send wedding sponsorship to: Yad Eliezer Rabbi and Mrs. Zevi Trenk 1102 E. 26th St. 1586 E. 9th St. Brooklyn, N.Y. 11210 Brooklyn, N.Y. 11230 (718) 258-1580 Rabbi and Mrs, Yehudah Rupp There are $500 and $1000 sponsorships ,inNi inN ?::i:i. ,, 1?N.i~r i3::::1 13,nN 7::i ?N To a\1 our Jewish brethren. wherever they may be, ,117!:1 1nli' 7'1V ilUl'pil :i,:ln;i coii!:lni si1' The difficult plight of Jonathan Po\\ard \s we\! known and ciN;l1' C'iiO,, C'Ui'llY 7:i.ioVJ ,nii'::tn iniVJ Ul''N publicized: He is sullering an unusually severe and painful 7,num7 '"K' '"K 7o 7• :mm .77on 10 nn,1?w ,,, ?s 1?i:l,VJ in ,iiOK7:lt'l iniN: N.''::tiil7 pun·1shment.It is a m\tz.vah incumbent upon each and every Jew to make efforts to tree him lrom his imprisonment. by sending letters to the n1J1"1 .111:lY r7on7 77J:l1 n71llOOo7 O':>nJO government and to anyone who can intercede on his behalf. '' ,,,:i.n' c"i:iw 1i'i!:i 1?w il7ii:i.:i ;ii-::t7Yi"I ln the merit of this great mitzvah of p\dyon shvuyim, may a\\ who .c'iioN iinn:in :i.t1'7:l1 ,,,n 7::i:i c'pois;i participate be blessed with every benefit by the One who trees the imprisoned. ;,.i;'~'":u:-;r;;~-/- "t-A M~ t-'l'K ,,,uv.i"'bY ii?il ;i.i~t ,,i'IK "'10:::lW il'IU~ i1i'IX Rabbi Aharon Zelig Halevi Epstein Rabbi Ahron Moshe Schcchler R<.-11 y,.,h;-.1. \'<••lli•O Sh;taf Holornh ul (,nrodno R"'h h•I"'•· y,.,i,;_,, Rahhi (homt lkr\in ~o•i ooo' ''''" ~\ON 'f"J'~ "~ U> '1>"~"''; U'~'W'1 ,·)O~ ''"-po ')t ,i) ·~k .'.;1~~11 .,'IV,~ •i?K , ..,..,_;;F'X,f;l' ;"d" .,.IA iiiiw ,,,K Rabbi Elya Fisher c-~;;;'''''.;''?':;-; wuiiiK:i.''t, i:i:i.:i ~: i-,n '"'"' ,~, . .,~,·s•u "'°' n"""' :io n')'O'O~ "" ''" "' p'J 'r'J·~" "''no?'"'',,,,';,-,~,, I A~~-;~';"~~">1q-!(d~ '"" ""'s'"" "" 700 .,,no:i'> "'"'" ;.,.n 'J::.::. '''""" ,,::l,, .,,., ,;:i.,,'1'3 'i'il '' IRabbi Mordechai Dovid Rubir · . , ... ~ "~"· ;: """' ''°' ~·~ ::~;;~'.:~~~;~; Ht•bh<· ol """"~en , .. c:- "''no C':Z'"" "'' .. / ,,,~~-- )~ ,)-;c ~-t~ :~,:· .:.:3 ;f_t~:~~~ Rabbi Menashe Klein ~~~~ Rahbi Mordechai Gifter Ro'h h'h"a. Ila" Shc•"m ..~1· lloi' {lln. l'.n~''" i;i:::i.11u w,i;i i:i!l Rabbi~rn \losh Yt·~h1~a. Tc\,h<" y,.,hi,•a Rabbi z. Hirsh Tevcl Ho' o! !kbn"<·in llahhi. lon~. Siri«h 1\aSud<•h 1';i" .,,. ,,~,, ,~,., """"'"' '""'~~ ,~, ;,-,m'"µ ·r, ,,-,1 :1)',?'1 ''OP'"-'""~" o•n-o :iwm .,.,n: '""- ,,, ,,,,-:; •.i'O>" ,-,,. """~;; ~•~O' ~C'' ~·"~ ,,·,;~ ·.o>·~ o' ';'" "J",10 O".C:•"·'"c'J'C '.'"~'.;"7e>O';, ··;;;T' ~-""""' •;';-, c.''"" ::·n"'~ !~ io ~"~'' "''"r. '"·''"" r.. ~c-,~'7'""'" "'-,,,,, rv!/l ;,1,<• ;,o".\,; 0""00 T"OC ~~n >O'.'O''-' ':~''"' -<:./)/?? J;..;,,3 {1iuw3iio ~::nx., tiii::ll-,::l t,i-n~W Rabhi Reuvain Feinstein ;iiiJf.i;ZJ Rabbi Shmuel Berenbaum Ro"h y~,hh·a. ,.e,hiv" of S1a1<•n hland ;i,-,:i)i{" ~yi .,Kl't3'1U Ralibi~~ Shmuel Kamenetsky Rosh Yeshirn, Mirrer Y~~hi~a Rahbi Shmuel Yaakov Weinberg \lo•h \',.,)I;'"· T"hnudi<-al Ye TO VOLUNTEER HELP SPREAD THIS MESSAGE PLEASE CALL 914-425-2015 OR 718-253-5497·. TO SPONSOR TH IS MESSAGE PLEASE CALL 718-S46-4879 SECOND "because I know how to stop invading LOOKS armies. I don't know how to protect against cable television." ... [In another speech, to] the Con ference of Presidents of Major Ameri can Jewish Organizations, Peres ex· plained that cable television " ... brings in a lot of nonsense, and I wouldn't want to replace the series of the sto ries of the Bible with the series of the happenings in Dallas," referring to the popular soap opera. "Today I'm worried about our smallness, not for military reasons, but for cultural reasons." This appeal for return to Jewish values-as sensible and urgent as it is-seemed rather pathetic, if not lu dicrous, juxtaposed as it was on the JTA Daily News Bulletin with an item about the kind of normalcy Peres's e Zionist Movement has had (such as the "We are One!" slogan) ruling party is presiding over. It dealt extraordinary success in using have, each in its time, evoked loyalty with a notorious "far-from-purttani powerful mottos and slogans and inspired generous giving. for projecting its goals and the thrust Some more keywords: 'The Jewish cal" female pop singer... Problem." and "Normalcy." The goal of [who) is the latest of a string of of its activities to the broad Jewish highly popular, and often controver public. Beyond doubt, its history the secular Zionist dream has always sial, stars to have visited Israel this making achievements drew heavily been to restore the Jewish people to year and performed at Tel Aviv's from deep-seated, millennia-old at "normalcy"-that is, to a status where Hayarkon Park. tachments to Zion, where "our eyes it is in possession of a land. culture. Recent perlonners-who played to yearn to see Your return." Flip and language of its own, like all other hundreds of thousands of fans willing to pay $50 and more for tickets-have through the pages of vintage copies of nations-thus bringing to an end the two-millennia-old "Jewish Problem." included Elton John, Guns 'N' Roses secular Jewish magazines, and take and Michael Jackson. note of how admiring rhetortc about (This is not the time or place for an As for Michael Jackson's visit to heroic efforts to "drain swamps and other lecture on "the true nature of the Israel during Rosh Hashana week. it convert them to fertile farmlands," Jewish Problem." But anyone who re was headlined by JTA as a "... Taste and the ever-stirrtng calls for Achdus cites Krias Shema twice a day is famil Of Normalcy For [Israeli) Teens." iar with the concept of Go1us and the We quote further: "Jewish Problem" as a result of spiri If there is one thing Israeli youths tual failings.) have longed for, it is normalcy.... And For all their emotional wallop, slo while Michael Jackson may not be gans do not always stand up under anyone's definition of normalcy, his close analysis. This calls for a keen local concerts certainly were .... Jack eye or ear; sometimes, however, a tru son was mobbed by enthusiastic Is ~ 0~ %~ r raeli fans from the moment he arrived ism or platitude can strike even the here .... Jackson devotees greeted the FINE MEN'S CLOTHING uninformed reader or listener as hol singer wherever he went with awe and Where each customer is treated low. For example. last month, when admiration ... during his Israeli tour, os our only customer! Israeli Foreign Mtnister Shtmon Peres which included a trip to Masada and a addressed vartous Amertcan Jewish shopping spree in the Dizengaff Shop SALE RACKS groups. he was reported to have ap ping Center here fon Rosh Hashana!J. ... According to ticket sales and po Suits $89.00-$145.00 pealed to them to make "a concerted lice estimates, attendance at Tuesday Single Breasted Blazers $35.00-55.00 effort to keep their children Jewish." night's concert in Tel Aviv's Hayarkon (JTA, Oct 4) The report went on: Park-estimated at 100,000-was Asking American Jews to preseive even bigger than that at his first ap ALSO their Jewish identity and to teach pearance Sunday, when some 70,000 their children Jewish history and the fans turned out. • Slacks • Rainwear Hebrew language, Peres indicated That's almost equal to the number that they are not the only ones faced who showed up at the demonstra 1769 51 St., Brooklyn, NY with preseIVing their Jewishness in tions for and against the Palestinian (718) 854-1196 the face ofa broader culture. autonomy plan. And while those dem Daily 11 :00 AM~9:00 P.M. "I am more afraid of cable televi onstrations were free, concertgoers Fri. & Motzoei Shobbos by oppt. sion (which has recently begun broad paid a whopping $35 and up for the casting in Israel) than I am of Arab privilege of seeing Jackson live. Silbiger Su;ts You Best armies," the foreign minister said, The Jewish Observer, November 1993 42 right to Torah, we'll be happy to share It would certainly be refreshing to hear an Israeli it with him. But Torah must be rec ognized as the source book of Divine Labor Party leader lay claim to Torah. But the Mesora directives and values by which a Jew-and a Jewish State-must guide itself. If Peres treasures Torah finds no home in the habits, dietary practices, and as a national repository of usable quotations and stirring slogans, and Shabbos desecration of the Labor Party that Peres no more, then unfortunately, he is represents. Nor does its wisdom resonate in the missing the mark. • convoluted arguments he cited for Jews to live under DR.ALAN Arab control in Gaza and parts of the West Bank. TAJERSTEIN Podiatric Medicine & Surgery Foot Specialist During Jackson •s two appear it. May I tell you, we are born in the • BUNIONS • CIRCULATION TESTING ances, the fans screamed and wailed, same land of learning... And we re • HAMMERTOES • ULCERATIONS pushed and shoved to get a peek at member." •INGROWN TOENAILS • X·RAY ON their idol. They smoked pot and hash PREMISES • SPORTS MEDICINE ish. They even drank down cans of • PHYSICAL THERAPY A very stirring rallying cry indeed. Jackson's sponsor, Pepsi-the very •Custom Made Orthotics for Alf Types of It would certainly be refreshlng to same Pepsi that for so many years ad Shoe Gear• Most Insurance Plans Accepted hered to the Arab boycott against Is hear an Israeli Labor Party leader lay rael. All of a sudden. Israelis, too, were 5421 · 14th Avenue, Brooklyn, claim to Torah. But should one think New York 11219 • 718-972-5000 the voice of a new generation. that his protest was a matter of choosing the Interpretation of the Now, time-honored Normalcy for Malbim over that of Sfomo, or some the Jewish People should reflect Rav other selection within the range of the Saadya Gaon's classic characteriza Mesora. one would be very disap tion: "Our people are a nation only by pointed. The Mesorafinds no home In virtue ofTorah." IfTorah is central to the habits. dietary practices. and the values and function ofAm YisroeL Shabbos desecration of the Labor then all is well-Qr normal, ifyou will. Party that Peres represents Nor does Once this key component is removed, its wisdom resonate In the convoluted however, whatis left ofJewry-Qr "Is arguments he cited for Jews to live rael"? Sadly. without a Torah com under Arab control in Gaza and parts 491(, l:\thAw., B'klyn. ~.\'. 11219 pass for guidance, every fad and of the West Bank: "Abraham as a set (718).1154-2911 fancy that plagues the surrounding tler was living for 25 years in Eretz world will invade this remnant of P'lishtim, In a foreign land. And the Jewry. Call it "normalcy," ifyou must. other 25 years he used to live In Chev But If the Jewish Problem is going ron, under a non.Jewish group." Had to be solved by this brand of Nor he dealt with the tensions of pikuach malcy, how do we solve Normalcy? nefesh versus kedushas haAretz the halachic issues of the sanctity of OfHeritage and Heresies life and military securtty In balance with the sanctity of the land and dip n his address to the Presidents of lomatic pressures-instead of irrel ~~rnE~-K" frid•y,""'m"''" Major Jewish Organizations re evant "histortcal precedents." that lo Sunday, flllluary 1 I ferred to earlier, Peres fended off would have been another matter. 9:1Sam. 6:00pm anticipated criticisms by some Ortho Moreover, Torah as the Labor WE dox rabbis present, who he expected Party's prized possession seems to be would reject his proposed trade-off of In odd company. considering the con "land for peace" In negotiations with stant flow of rtdicule ofreligion and the PW. Rabbi do tend to quote To distortion of Biblical characters that Congre~ation Bais Knesses rah sources. So, in preemptive re the leaders of Labor's coalition part (!(av Aharon Kahn) 1040 East ·17th Street {Cor. Avenue J) sponse. Peres rejected their alleged ner. the Meretz Party, seem to spout Brooklyn "mandate from G-d": ' For further information call~ asamatterofcourse. (See"Quotations Dr. Mandel: (718)625-2137 or ' "We won't give ... up the Torah fto from Minister Aloni"-.JO, Sept. 92.) Dr, Moskovitz: (718)253-3554 them]. They think that we don't know IfMinister Peres wants to claim his • TheJewishObserver, November 1993 43 A High Schbol Education Is For A Lifetime -Invest Just 2Hours Our commitment to Torah values and excellence in Jewish & general studies can make a difference in your daughter's life PLEASE JOIN US FOR OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, November 14th at 1:00 pm ll1J:l~ :!PY' 11.:Jn MANHATTAN HIGH'scHObL FOR GIRLS 154 E. 70th St.( off Lexington Ave.), New York, NY 10021 · Tel. (212) 737-6800 Mrs. Sora F. Bulka, Principal The school has been named in memory of Mr. Jacob Safra,'i"r Scholarships and Transportation available It is time to return to the basics! Just as materialism has reached a "knows no bounds" in today's world, ~1111111111111111111111111111111111111111 so it seems to have carried over to the ••••••••••• lavish expectations regarding pro jects and assignments, both in type of presentation and in number. Sometimes. this does not originate Letterst~eEditor only from the teacher, but is actually authorized and requtred of them by school policy. Parents need to speak out as a group so that the principals will realize that this is not a "problem" LAVISH EXPECTATIONS done alone by the student to illustrate of the individual. .•• AND HOMEWORK information learned is not "creative" 'Third, the number of projects is ex enough but should rather be done on orbitant. It is unreasonable to expect wood, a cake baked in a special our children to attend school for long To the Editor: shape. or executed in some other ex The article, "Whose Homework Is otic way? Why must a science project It Anyway?" (JO Apr. '93), raised some be done on a grand scale that re issues that have begged to be ad qutres the involvement of the parents, dressed for a long time in Yeshiva if it is to be as "imaginative" as the as Free schools. I have children in both high signment dictates? And why are the school and elementary schools, and teachers and principals not as satis Baaklel have found that many teachers (and fied-rather, should they not be more principals) expect the parents to as satisfied and proud of our young •Big lessons from little GIANTS sist their children with projects and sters-ifthetr drawing, done "only" on • Ultimate Gift of Words assignments. oaktag with markers, reflects what When my daughter was young, I they have learned and was accom • Seven Names of the Enemy met with the principal of her school plished and executed independently? • Motivation the Torah Way to voice my concerns regarding the Is their purpose really to reinforce great number of projects being as knowledge and educate the children, Order one for $5 and. we will signed. (As soon as one was handed or is it to display to the parents who send you one free in. the next one was given.) The prob come to school on the day of the ex Yeshiva Fund lem was threefold: First, the projects hibit so that they can "oooh and Box 82, Staten Island, NY 10309 were too difficult for the children to do aaah" over their labors and the cre In Israel independently. Eliyahu Mayer in atiVity of the other parents? Goldberg, 27 Pines Street, Jeru.salem "Whose Homework Is It Anyway?" states that when he went to school, he was the one who ultimately had to do the homework. Yes! That is how it should be, if only the teachers would assign projects that correspond to the Your Loved Ones In level and ability of the children so that Israel On Chanukahl'~i\ ..•... they are able to do them themselves! After ascertaining that the assign I f;1 tf;irl Ii t ~llJl ment level is appropriate, the teacher "'''%% must make sure that the students Arranges the most exquisite W will be able to obtain reference and GIFT PACKAGES and delivers it research materials on their level in Throughout ISRAEL I Special Occassions • Holidays •Thank You •osf.OUTS stead of those that are on such so C.._ I.I to soo/o • Magnets • Golf Shirts • Pens Children Studying In Israel • Gd Well Wishes , phisticated levels that the parents Save Pwith '}Our • T·shirts • Watches • Elc. CALL 24 HOURS: on ~ed ynessage. must "translate" them for the child to i.rnpnnt comprehend. Ifa project is necessary. 1201 I 866·7667 the teachershould guide the students 1·800-685·9218 SYLVAN and the project should be an exten sion of classroom teaching. The ENTERPRISES project should not consist of a new POB 355 · Munsey, NY 10952-0355 topic that must be self-taught. All Dtitt)fl Available (914) 356·0042 ·Fax (914) 356-8384 Second, why is it that a drawing Please mail m your busmess card to receive your free catalog The Jewish Observer, November 1993 45 hours, do large quantities of nightly teem, and satisfaction that comes homework and study for almost daily with completing a job properly on exams until late at night, and squeeze their own. We want to give our chil Large Selection of: in reports and projects in their "spare dren tools to ably cope with life in •BORSAUNO time" (let alone help at home as re stead of giving them the feeling that •BILTMORE •STETSON sponsible family members). they cannot live up to their mentors' •PANIZZA What message are we transmitting expectations without outside assis • RAFFAELLI to our children when we overburden tance or unusual grand-scale ideas WE ALSO DRY CLU.N l.ARGE SELECflON them with so much work that they and schemes. AND BLOCK HATS OF tAU. WOFI~ CONE ON PREMISES) WHlfE TIES cannot afford the leisure to take the NAME WITHHE!D BY REQUEST Monsey,NY SHIRTS o TIES o ACCESSORIES time to enjoy their lessons and really Dally 11:30. 7 413 L Ill Stwt learn from their homework? Some Sun. 10'.30 • 6 -··T-•-1 times, overload can be overkill, and Tun. 2:30 • 7 ~1~ 469-7420 MORE ON THE ""MASTERDAF"" less can accomplish more. TAPES Homework is for the children, to be given to them on a level compatible ,..,,, with their abilities so that they may To the Editor: have the satisfaction of completing I would like to thank you for print m:i71!1 nN1!>17 '7!)nn71 -rm;; NJ their work on their own. 'Their accom ing my letter concerning the Oaf Re -r7>n '!.c--:· .• ···"< :<·,·,<:'.: · .. ··->·:.. ' iA cla$§k co~entary oriil1e To~• posl'war Israel, lWibl Zalrnaa SoiO ·.... rah. Now available in English for the firs! tifl1e a des complete Hebrew Chumash text and translall6. Now available: BereJshis/Genesis, Shemos!Exodus bo1KS AND INSIGHTS Rabbi zev Leif has (ofTelshe; builder and leader of a dynamic com Rav ofMoshav Mattilyahu and one of American,! ers.• guides, and writers. .,, ..,! In this masterful work, .Rabbi Leffhelps us see !he "'!. · ~ :f\i'.fiVW sensitive observer, he lets us not only get into the pm; ·lCf 1 i," our sense of self. Good writing. lndsive thinl 6'fii°W1!oo/<$ellers·or.ciafi · 921-9000 /:£;~: (118) 680-1815