The Obligation to In Search of Speak and to Act Global Security

Rabbi Moshe 1 Rabbi Baruch Feinstein M"tJ'1tW .· Sorotzkin :i::i;:i1;> i''1? i::lT THE JEWISH BSERVER

in this issue

. THE JEWISH OBSERVER;, pub- The Obligation to Speak and to Act I based lished monthly. except July and on an address by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, K"tl'':>1V 3 August, by the Agudath Israel of America, 5 Beekman Street, New In Search of Global Security I based on York, N.Y. 10038. Second class an address by Rabbi Baruch Sorotzkin, . 7"Yl 6 postage paid at New York, N.Y. Subscription: $9.00 per year: two Marriage in a Torah Society years, $17.50; three years, $25.00; Preparation for Marriage: A Prevention outside of the United States, $q.so for Divorce I Meir Wik/er 9 per year. Single copy, $1.25. Printed in the U.S.A. Growing Into Marriage I A. Scheinman 13 Woman and Family in Recent Jewish RABBI NISSON WOLPIN Publications - a Review Article 16 Edi for Samuel Myer Isaacs: Battler For Orthodox Integrity in Nineteenth Century America I Shmuel Singer 19

Editorial Board The Explosion That Shook Up Bayit Vegan I 24 DR. ERNST L. BODENHEIMER Hanoch Teller Chairman Second Looks on the Jewish Scene RABBI NATHAN BULMAN RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS Federation and Yeshivos - Some Noteworthy JOSEPH FRIEDENSON Changes and Concerns 28 RABBI MOSHE SHERER From a Conservative Rabbi: A New Metaphor For "Chutzpah" 31 THE JEWISH OBSERVER doe> Postscripts not assume responsibility for tht> Kashrus of any product or service The Retarded Jewish Child: 37 advertised in its pages. Just Like Everyone Else I Yitzhak Berger 39 The Real Kiryat Shemona Story 40 Copyright 1979 Letters to the Editor 43 JAN., 1979 VOL. XIII, NO. 8 The Russian Immigrant and NY ANA Typography by Not Bombing Auschwitz v SoloGraphic Photocomposition "Galut" in America and Israel Service The Obligation to Speak and to Act based on an address by RABBI MOSHE FEINSTEIN W'D•7w at the 56th National Convention of Agudath Israel of America.

SHAMMAI SAID: "Say little and do much" (Avos 1: 15). In his commentary on this Mishna, the Rambam says, "The wicked speak much but do not even a little -like Ephron, who spoke of accommodating Avrohom to the fullest when he had sought to purchase a burial plot for Sarah, but in deed deducted not one cent from the top price for her field." Studying this commentary, a question arises: Why did the Rambam not con­ fine himself to illustrating those which exemplify Shammai's ruling instead of The Ephron citing an extreme exception?-or, instead, list the many gradations that fill the spectrum between Avrohom at one .extreme and Ephron at the other? By only Failing citing the example of Ephron, the Rambam would seem to imply that Ephron was exceptional as a man who fell short of his promises, while people generally are inclined to live up to Shammai's dictum. Yet this is far from the way things are. It seems, therefore, that the Rambam was apparently concerned with under­ scoring a common human failing: People, of course, respond to praise; and since so much attention and acclaim are heaped upon those who promise to do things, the result of this abundance of praise is that people are motivated to speak even more expansively. Action is postponed, often indefinately-never to be em­ barked upon. Whenever one responds to the urge to "speak up" and demonstrate verbally what one is capable of doing, he always runs the risk that he will remain with the spoken word, and advance no further. Within every enthusiastic talker is an incipient Ephron. In citing the Ephron example, the Rambam highlights this all-too-common hazard.

Speaking RESTRAINT IN SPEECH can be achieved by concentrating on what is required Sparingly to be done for .fulfilling the needs of the hour. As an example, take note of . Rivka's response to Eliezer, the servant of Avrohom, when he was dispatched to and find a suitable wife for Yitzchok. The crucial part of her response was that Acting beyond drawing water for Eliezer, in keeping with his request, she also offered on her own to water the camels, as well. But there was an additional aspect of her Expansively response that was not part ofEliezer's•spokencondition for Yitzchok's wife-a detail he later excluded from his report to Rivka's family: He had stipulated that the girl suitable for Avrohom's family must be so concerned for the welfare of Rabbi Feinstein, Rosh Yeshiva others that she. reply to the request for water for himself with the assurance that of Mesifta Tifereth Jerusalem, she'll supply both the man and his animals with water. In the actual incident, is a member of the Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah (Council of Rivka first answered in the affirmative to Eliezer's personal request and filled her Torah Sages) of Agudath Israel bucket with water on his behalf. Only after he drank did she inform him," and I of America. will also draw water for your cam~ls." She kept announcements of her good in-

The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 3 tentions to the minimum, and postponed them to the last pertinent moment-in stark contrast to the conduct of Ephron, recorded in the previous passages in the Torah. She exemplified "speaking sparingly and acting expansively" to the fullest, in such an extreme way that Eliezer omitted this detail from his report to her family because such guarded speech was beyond their understanding.

IF, AS DEMONSTRATED, there is an inherent hazard in talk, why does Sham­ mai only admonish against speaking excessively? He should rather call for eliminating all words of promise to the effect of: "Say nothing, concentrate on action." Talk, however, cannot be eliminated, for indeed there are times when Why Speak there is a need for articulating one's good intentions in advance. On one hand, at all? the performance of some mitzvos requires the spoken word to accompany the deed, or else the actions are ineffective. When one contributes tzeddakah on behalf of a sick person, or fasts on his behalf, giving the money or refraining from eating in themselves are insufficient. In both cases, the donor must say," l am donating this ... " or" ... fasting so as to provide so-and-so with merit to recover from his illnes." Morover, a person must declare his intentions of fasting on the eve of his fast. This declaration is an integral part of the preparation re­ quired to endow the day of abstenance from eating with the status of a special day of fasting and introspection. Similarly, when a person intends to bring a korban (a sacrificial offering he must declare "This is to be a korban" in advance. Without this statement, the offering is a case of bringing chulin le'azora-the act of· bringing an un­ consecrated animal into the Temple, which is strictly prohibited, rather than the elevating act it was meant to be.

THESE CASES UNDERSCORE a general need to speak up in advance of em­ barking on any worthwhile action, to give it a special status. In this way, there is a need to declare an action as a mitzva as much more than a ritual requirement in specific isolated cases. It is essential to the performance of every mitzva, as will The be explained. Exceptional The potency of a few well-chosen words is exemplified by the Viduy Ma'asros -a periodic declaration that was required when the Jewish People lived in Eretz "Viduy" Yisroel, and the various required gifts and tithes were set aside for eventual dis­ position. Every three years, these gifts were to be completely distributed and the owner said a "Viduy Ma'asros"-a declaration that "I have removed all that is sacred from my home ... I gave it to the Leviite and to the impoverished ... I have done all that You have commanded me." The term viduy is usually associated with a confessional, such as the "Osham­ nu, bogadnu, gozalnu ... we sinned, we rebelled, we robbed ... " recited on Yorn Kippur, as well as various other times. This is a far cry from the seemingly self­ congratulatory "I have done all that You have commanded me" of the Viduy Ma'asros. In fact, it is difficult to find any element of confessional in this latter recitation. Upon further thought, however, a formidable challenge lies in its words-a challenge that qualifies it as a viduy. Who, in all honesty, can ever say in regard to any mitzva, "I have done precisely as You have commanded us"? Who can make such a statement in regard to the kavanos (intentions) required in tefilla or in wearing tefillin? Yet one must say these words regarding discharging his responsibility to the kohain, the Leviite, the stranger, the poor, the orphan ....

4 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 Saying these words with honesty calls for a great deal of self-searching and teshuva (repentance). Any declaration that grows out of such introspection can rightly be termed as viduy-whether it is "oshamnu-we have sinned" or "I have done all that You have commanded me .."

Words That SUCH WORDS-WORDS THAT CALL for thought, words that inspire reflec­ Inspire tion, words that determine the coloration and tone of the actions that follow-are the type of few well-chosen words that Shammai calls for. Thought One might assume that while a declaration of a fast or a Viduy Ma'asros calls for such words of impact, they represent exceptional circumstances. It might seem, then, that there is no need for such statements in regard to Shabbos, tefillos, or any other such mitzva. But this is not the case. One must endeavor to call upon his deepest feelings of commitment for the performance of any and all mitzvos. The "few well-chosen words" have their place in regard to all great endeavors-that is, they should be pronounced in advance of every contemplated action, to raise it to the level of a great endeavor.

AS MUCH AS ONE MUST endow personal mitzvos with a high level of come mitment, so must one approach communal responsibilities with a sense of dedication, developed and articulated in advance of one's actions. This is not a luxury, or an optional attitude to be used at the individual's convenience or in­ spiration. Unfortunately, people tend to think otherwise, comforting themselves that as long as they are confident of the strength of their own religious commit­ ment and that of their children, the religious status of the community at large need not concern them. But this sense of security is ill-founded. As much as a person may think that he can limit his own sphere of activities to a self-imposed ghetto, one can never be certain of successfully sheltering his children. Exposure to market-place values is inevitable and as a result, one must truly endeavor to make the world a better place-at least to upgrade the level of his immediate community-if but for purely selfish reasons. Beyond this, no individual can tru­ The Need ly function in a vacuum, for everyone has a genuine need for social interaction, For for his spiritual well-being. Community Thus, every person must be concerned for the spiritual standing of his com­ munity and endeavor to upgrade it. Interestingly, a man's need to recognize the Activism social aspect of his make-up is expressed in a Mishna that binds it with yet another need: "Make a Rav for yourself and buy yourself a friend" (Avos l,6). Much as a person must seek association with others of similar values and interests-even if at personal expense-so must he accept a spiritual mentor over himself as a source of guidance. While a sense of community responsibility can lead one into active involvement in behalf of yeshiva education, kashrus, neighborhood stability, basic rights as a human being, or other communal endeavors, all such activities must be under the guidance of a rav, as stated in Avos. It is because of this that I commend Agudath Israel of America as an organization of G-d fearing membership with an all-encompassing communal sweep. In addition, it is directed by a responsible leadership that is constant con­ sultation with Torah authorities. It offers a welcome format for accomplishing much. IN SUMMARY, one's words must be few and well-chosen, and only spoken after much soul-searching. Such words are essential, however, to raise the or­ dinary actions to the level of great endeavors. They should .be part and parcel of our way of conducting our affairs. "T,

Thi? Jewish O~server I January, 1979 5 In Search of Global Security

based on address by RABBI BORUCH SOROTZKIN 7"~r at the 56th national Convention of Agudath Israel of America

Rabbi Sorotzkin, 7"l'f, CERTAINLY THE ENTIRE WORLD years for peace, but no one with the in­ the late Te1sher Rosh tensity of the Jew. Aside from the Jew's burden of two millennia of suffering Yeshiva, passed away on 13 that begs for a respite of peace, our heritage teaches us that "G-d has found no shevat, February 9, as this equal to peace as a means for bringing blessings" (Midrash Devorim Rabba). It issue was in final stages of preparation. He was a would seem, then, that we should be carried away with enthusiasm over the member of the Moetzes prospect of peace that finally seems to be within our reach. We should find some Gedolei HaTorah-the encouragement in the winding down of the state of war, and yet the mood in Council of Torah Sages-of Israel as well as in America in one of suspicion and trepidation, an uncertainty Agudath Israel of America. over what the morrow may actually bring. This essay is based on an One may well wonder why. After all, the current peace offensive does repre­ address delivered at one of his last public appear­ sent a radical about-face in the general world climate cf several years ago, when ances. it seemed that all of Israel's Jews could be pushed into the sea and no one would so much as blink. Doesn't this change of attitude in itself represent a positive trend? Doesn't the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Begin and Sadat The Yearning demonstrate the world's deep concern over every step toward peace with Israel? For Shouldn't we at least find in this a source of hope? Peace THIS CAUSE FOR SUSPICION may be well-grounded, for a single underlying motive can often assume varying expressions, sometimes in contradictory ways. This is central to a discussion by Rabbi Simcha Zissel Ziv 7"~1 (der Alter fun Kelm) in which he expounds on the theme that as much as a situation may appear to be changed, it can truly be very much the same as before. His analysis can guide us in interpreting contemporary events. Reb Simcha Zissel examines the MiShepara-a curse pronounced on a person who backs out of a purchase after having made payment. Previously all that was required for the completion of a purchase was the passing of money from the buyer to the seller, even if the merchandise remained in the hands of the seller. This left the buyer liable for any damage subsequently suffered in the merchan­ The Cause dise, which could cause him unfair losses. To protect him, the Rabbis passed an For ordinance to the effect that a purchase is not completed until the purchaser picks up the merchandise or otherwise demonstrates his ownership. This, in tum, Suspicion opened up opportunities for a devious shopper to enter into an agreement and actually pay for a purchase, but then back out when he found a better buy elsewhere. To ward off this type of duplicity, the rabbis drafted .the Mishepara: "May He who punished Dor Hamabul (the generation of the deluge-with death) and the Dor Haflaga (the generation that constructed the Tower of Babel -with chaos) also punish the man who reneges on his word."

6 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 SOME OBVIOUS QUESTIONS ptesent themselves: Prior to the deluge, "the world was full of robbery," while during .the Dor Haf/aga the people were not faulted in their human relations. On the contrary, they were exemplary in their inter-personal cooperation; their sin was mainly thatthey had revolted against G-d. Why are the two generations grouped together? In what way could their conduct be compared to the would-be purchaser who goes back on his word, and unfairly demands a refund for monies advanced? I First, one must understand that the "robbery" that was prevalent during the Dor HaMabul was subtle and circumspect. People either took extra merchandise, Robbery valued at less than a prutah in excess of the amount paid for: or charged less than and a prutah over the value of the merchandise delivered. In either case, the amount was too minisculeto bring to court; nonetheless it is considered robbery. The un­ Revolt derlying motive was easy personal enrichment at the expense of others-pure selfishness. Generations later, the people recognized that their tendency toward self­ service could well precipitate another deluge, like the one in Noach's day. They therefore banded together to hold back the heavens and prevent another flood. Their cooperative venture had all the markings of mutual respect, brotherly con­ cern, and compassion. Beneath the surface, however, their actions were driven by motivations no less self-serving than those that directed the Dor Hamabul in their robbery. Their concerns centered completely on themselves. Joining others in communal endeavor did not reflect mutual love, but was simply the only road to survival that was available. Had they not worked together, they could never have succeeded in erecting the Tower of Babel. Selfishness wrapped in a cloak of righteousness is not· foreign to .human relations. The purchaser who subverts the rule made for his own protection and reneges after paying for merchandise is a· case in point. Acting within the con­ fines of an ordinance drafted to ward off consumer's loss, he exercises his greed. In some ways, his conduct resembles that of Dor Haflaga more than that of the Dor Hamabul but in the final analysis all are similarly motivated.

THIS DISCUSSION ON THE VARIOUS GUISES assumed by selfishness Selfishness gives us insight into the apparent shift in attitude on the part of different • nations. Those that were indifferent to Israel's security and viability several zn short years ago are no less indifferent today. There is a major difference in the its Various world climate, however, for now it is more apparent than ever before that if the Arabs would overrun the State of Israel, hostilities would break out that could Guises enflame the entire globe in destructive warfare. The same self-service that had bred indifference to Israel's .fate in the past now inspires concern for her con­ tinued survival, but without a grain of added altruism. Where does that leave those of us who have a genuine concern for the lives and welfare of Israel's inhabitants? With no reliance on the sense of justice of the international community, for certain. In addition, we should hav.e. an increased awareness of our desperate dependence on G-d's mercy. To invoke His mercy, then, we must surely do all in our power to create an agenda for strengthening the study of Torah and increasing its dominion in our lives. And we mus.t em­ bark on carrying out this agenda with all the resources we possess. ~T.

The Jewish Observer I ]ariuary, 1979 7 Marriage 1n• a Torah Society A most striking feature of contemporary life is the Every aspect of this problem cries out for careful crumbling of the family to the point where in many study, independent of the rest: How does one deal with circles marriage is considered optional at best, a dispen­ the growing need for two wage-earners in the family, sable encumbrance at worst; traditional family while struggling to maintain the centrality of the obligations have become secondary to "personal family? Is there a way to reduce the divorce rate in fulfillment"; and filing for a divorce is as commonplace Torah circles? Would more emphasis on preparation as applying for a renewal of a driver's license. To the and counseling help?-of what nature?-at what point? great dismay of the Torah community, Orthodoxy has It would seem safe to say that most aspects of these not remained impervious to this trend, especially in problems are rooted in a misconception of the respon­ regard to the divorce epidemic. With greater frequency sibilities and attitudes that are essential to a healthy than ever before, couples are splitting, families are dis­ marriage. In many cases, the pitfalls could probably be integrating, children are left confused with loyalties avoided, or at least mitigated, if people were more aware divided, and "born again" singles endure extremely dif­ of what Chazal (the rabbis of blessed memory) have ficult periods of transition-unaccustomed to living written on the topic. alone, uncomfortable with parents, untrusting of others for fear of getting burned once more.• On the pages that follow, we present two dis­ cussions. In the first, a professional marriage counselor *Worse yet, as part of this divorce scene, some unscrupulous (or draws from his experience, and stresses the need for bitterly disillusioned) men attempt to wreak vengeance on their preparation for marriage in home and school. Jn the ar­ spouses-or to simply extort large sums of money-by taking advan­ ticle that follows, an American talmid of leading Torah tage of their halachic status, and withhold a "get" until exorbitant terms are met, or without yielding to any terms whatsoever. This personalities in Eretz Yisroel presents some guidelines surely deserves much further discussion, followed by some well­ to a successful marriage, culled from comments by thought-out action, famous teachers over the generations.

8 The Jewish Observer/ January, 1979 Meir Wikler

Preparation for Marriage: A Prevention for Divorce

"Dovid, if you don't chazer the Gemora more preparation. Why should immature members of our often, they will never accept you in the Mesivta!" community be permitted to flounder in the sea of fami­ "You'd better study your Chumash, Esta, if ly life without adequate swimming lessons? you're serious about attending Seminary next No, our Bobbes and Zaydes never had preparation year!" for marriage beyond what they saw at home. But, then These are familiar sounds in any Torah home. again, their generation also did not witness the epidemic Preparation for all levels of Torah study is taken of divorces plaguing the Torah comunity today, and seriously by many of today's parents. These parents are required no additional pointers. not professional educators, only shomrei mitzvos, Needless to say, many complex factors contribute to following the teachings of the Gemora (Kiddushin 29a), the tragic breakdowns of today's young .families, but that preparing a child (and providing) for Torah study certainly, with proper preparation, at least some of is a major parental responsibility. them could have been prevented. A brief case history* The Gemora also includes preparation for other of will illustrate one type of marital breakdown which life's necessities, such as having a trade and being able perhaps could have been prevented. to swim, in this list of parental responsibilities. With equal zeal, then, parents also plan for their children's vocational training. Finding the proper shidduch, the The Case of Rivka Gemora explains, is another top priority. Rivka was always a good student and her parents Unfortunately, the preparation often stops there. heard only praises from her teachers. Although quiet, Certainly finding the proper shidduch for a child is ex­ she kept up with a small circle of close friends all dur­ tremely important, but do parents look to the finding of ing her elementary school years. a shidduch as the entirety of their assignment, or Shortly after beginning high school, however, Rivka perhaps part of a more complex chapter in parental seemed to become even more quiet than before. Her responsibility? contacts with friends decreased and the occasional smile Today, marriage (and parenthood) are taken too was now seldom seen on her face. much for granted. At 19, 20-or 22,23 a seminary Rivka's parents attributed her seriousness to the in­ graduate and a yeshiva bachur are automatically con­ creased academic demands of high school. "Surely by sidered ready for marriage, without any preparation. next year," they reasoned, "Rivka will outgrow this .... To be a proper spouse and parent are probably the greatest challenges they will ever face, and yet they are *While the cases cited here are drawn froin this author's professional expected to face these challenges totally .without practice, it must be stressed that all identifying information has bl'.>'en thoroughly disguised to protect the confidentiality of the individuals involved. Any similarities between these cases and any actual situa­ tion known to the reader should be attributed only to the widespread Meir Wik1er, A.C.S.W., is in private practice of individual, marital. nature of this problem. and family counselirtg. He lives in Brooklyn, N. Y.

The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 9 By her senior year, Rivka had no friends, went out of In other words, just because her parents would have the house only for errands and school, and spent most tried to learn from Rivka what was bothering her, does of her time in her room. not mean that she would have been able to tell them. Her parents received positive reports of Rivka's Nevertheless, greater direct involvement by Rivka's academic progress, and they continued to assume that parents could have resulted, at the very least, in seeking she would "outgrow" her withdrawn nature. Student professional help while she was still in high school. Had teaching in seminary, they concluded, would help to she done so, it is very possible that her trip to the chupa "bring her out." would have been only "one way." Two years later, the picture remained the same. By What Can Be Done? now, many of Rivka's classmates were becoming engaged. Her parents speculated that she was envious Case illustrations are as dangerous as they are help­ of the other girls, yearning for her own chassan. They ful. Defensive, frightened parents can read Rivka's inquired about shidduchim and after several meetings story and respond smugly, "Oh, that doesn't apply to with Chaim, a well-recommended talmid from a high us!" calibre yeshiva, they encouraged Rivka to accept his Rivka's story, however, is unfortunately all too com­ marriage proposal. mon. Many parents raise their yeshiva and Bais Yaakov Before the end of her first year of marriage, Rivka children today without ever really getting to know became so upset with marital problems that she wanted them. to leave Chaim and move back to her parents' home. All of this may sound to some people like a modern, Both sets of parents encouraged the couple to consult a secular point of view. "Train a youngster in accordance Rav, who eventually referred them for professional with his ways," (Mishlei 22:6), however, would seem to help. imply that parents are required by the Torah to examine Chaim refused to meet with the professional and the unique individuality of each child's feelings, at­ preferred to speak with another Rav. Two years later, titudes, abilities and aspirations (see M'tzudas Dovid after many frustrated efforts to resolve the marital con­ ibid). flicts, Rivka and Chaim were divorced. Chaim Preparation for marriage, then, like preparation for remained in the couple's apartment and Rivka returned any of life's goals, involves parental teaching, model­ to her parents' home with her baby. ing, guiding, advising, and listening. This preparation Rivka's parents knew of the first Rav's efforts to process, which must be tailor-made to fit each parent refer Rivka and Chaim for professional help, so they and child, should be based on a solid foundation of encouraged her to meet with the family counselor. parental understanding of their child's individuality Chaim was never seen by the counselor. From and specific needs. Rivka's reports of his behavior, however, it was clear that he also brought his own "peckel'eh" of emotional The Role of the Yeshiva difficulties to the marriage. In time, with professional help, Rivka unraveled the Parents should not shoulder the entire responsibility, mysteries of her own feelings. She was able to trace her alone. Teachers, Rabbonim, and Rebbeim-the parental emotional problems back, as the reader has undoubted­ surrogates for limud Torah-also need to focus more ly already done, well before her marriage, to her high attention on the unique emotional and personality school days. A detailed record of the treatment process needs and differences amongst their talmidim. is not relevant to the purpose of article. Suffice it to say Furthermore, marriage preparation classes and study that Rivka has since gotten a job, established her own groups are needed, within the Torah atmosphere of the home, and has begun to build meaningful and satisfy­ yeshiva. At best. only the regular "chassan and kalla ing friendships. classes" are now offered. These accelerated courses often deal only with the laws of taharas hamishpacha The crucial aspect of this case was the relationship (family purity). This is certainly necessary, but not suf­ between Rivka and her parents. Although they were ficient. deeply concerned and loving parents, they felt more Several Torah institutions, however, have taken the comfortable consulting Rivka's teachers and a Rav than initiative of providing their students with a broader­ consulting Rivka herself. It was never easy for them to based preparation for marriage. Hopefully, their sit down and talk with any of their four children. pioneering efforts will pave the way for others to Rivka, however, was the hardest to talk with because follow. she was the youngest. As a result, she was the first to be overlooked by her parents. The Be' er Y aakov Yeshiva, in Israel, offers a series of No one can say just what would have happened if vaadim, or small group conferences, with the Rivka' s parents had made greater efforts to really get to Mashgiach Ruchani, Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe, on topics of know her. It is of course, quite possible that their in­ marital life. In these vaadim, Rabbi Wolbe discusses itiatives might have been rebuffed by Rivka. anyway. such topics as: the emotional needs of a wife and the

10 The Jewish Observer/ January, 1979 husband's responsibility to meet them; the qualitative posed to talk to, look at, or even think about boys. differences between the close relationship of a bachur Then, all of a sudden, literally 'over night,' I'm and his chavrusa and the husband-wife relationship; supposed to be able not only to go out with. boys the meaning to a wife of the appearance of the home; but also to feel relaxed on the date!" the emotional and spiritual differentiation between man and woman, and how this can lead to a harmonious "I'd like to know: why are all decisions about complimentarity, or chas vesholom to frustrating con­ marriage supposed to be made by the fourth or flict. fifth date? Just knowing that I would have that Rabbi Wolbe has printed a booklet of these dis­ kind of a deadline would make me too nervous to cussions which, due to the specific legacy of his late evaluate a situation clearly!" father-in-law, Rabbi Avrohom Grodzensky 7"lT,is not available to the public. Ultimately these discussions help the girls to gain a Rabbi Wolbe has written a second booklet, in con­ dearer understanding of marriage, in general, and sultation with Rebbetzin Jacobson ·of Jerusalem, themselves, in particular, .all from a Torah perspective designed for young women, which is available to the and in a Torah environment. general public. This booklet, together with a forward Mrs. Rogoff points out that another one of the goals written by Rabbi Yehuda Meisels, has been published of these sessions is to help the girls clarify what it is by the Beth Jacob Sara Schenirer High School and they really want in a shidduch. For example, she .talks Teachers Seminary in Brooklyn. with the girls about where they will place the In the second booklet, Rabbi Wolbe discusses such relationship factor on their list of priorities. topics as: the impact of life in a yeshiva dormitory on a "Even though the girls don't believe me," she adds, bachur, and the many changes needed for him to adjust "I often remind them that the boys are usually worried to married life; the importance of patience and about some of the same issues." tolerance from both chassan and kalla during the first year of marriage; the necessity of avoiding the all-too­ common hazard of sharing private, husband-wife The examples cited above are, unfortunately, excep­ matters with others-friends or relatives. tions rather than the rule. It is hoped that more of these One particular girls' school in the New York area kinds of opportunities will be provided to help prepare sponsors voluntary marriage-oriented discussion their talmidim for marriage. groups for the senior class, led by a married Yeshivas and seminaries, however, will follow the professional who adheres to the same Torah values held lead only after the Torah community as a whole by the Yeshiva. In these discussions, the girls have the recognizes its responsibility on an individual, family opportunities to share their expectations for and ap­ level. The topics addressed in the vaadim and the dis­ prehensions of courtship and marriage, as well as to cussion groups mentioned above are those which can be clarify many of their misconceptions. dealt with at home, as well. (Another girls' school has only had these classes in­ termittently, because a key ingredient to these classes is the teacher, who must be both knowledgeable and an When the Class Could Have Helped ;deal role-model. An appropriate member of the religious studies class has not always been available.­ In the case of Rivka, cited above, her parents were Editor) certainly not "responsible" for her divorce. Divorce has Mrs. Shulamis Rogoff, a consultant to one school's many causal factors, only. some of which can be discussion groups, remarked, "Some of the girls are avoided. The emotional problems that Chaim brought very upset by the current attitudes associated with to the marriage, for example, were dearly beyond the dating and shidduchim." Mrs. Rogoff has found that control of Rivka's parents. Nevertheless, had her these groups provide ihe girls with an opportunity to parents prepared Rivka more thoroughly for marriage, share their concerns openly and learn that they are not that divorce might have been prevented. alone, out of step or "crazy." It is highly doubtful, however, whether marriage­ The girls speak for themselves: oriented discussion groups, as described above, would "When a shidduch will be red (spoken) to me, I have helped Rivka. If such a group had been available know that means that I will be looked over by so to her, she might have chosen not to attend, Even if she many other people that it makes me sick. did attend, she would have been quite passive and un­ Sometimes, I feel that I'd rather not go out than to involved. Her emotional problems were too deeply face this 'marriage market' ordeal!" rooted at home. Jn other cases, however, in spite of problems originating in the family, a yeshiva or "Somehow, I find it all so confusing. Faris years seminary can play a vital role in preparing young peo­ it gets drummed into my head that I'm not sup- ple for marriage and thereby prevent divorce;

The Jewish Observer I January, 1'979 11 response. How could the Mashgiach know what was The Case of Reuven really troubling Reuven? Reuven comes from what could be described as a Reuven finally did become engaged to Chaya, a "middle-of-the-road Orthodox" family. Although his seminary graduate now working as a secretary. When father did not have an extensive yeshiva background, thinking of his vocational plans, he tried, unsuccessful­ Reuven's parents did not object to his decision to con­ ly, to satisfy himself with vague generalities and tinue his full-time yeshiva studies after high school. abstract prospects. Every time he thought about it, he While they did question him about his future became more and more anxious. In addition, the vocational plans and prospects, they never pressured slightest, normal disagreement with Chaya aggravated him to leave the yeshiva. his fears of repeating his parents' mistakes. Further­ At 26, Reuven was not the oldest bachur in the more, the multitude of new situations with Chaya, yeshiva, but all of his friends were already married. future in-laws, wedding plans, and so on, challenged Even though his parents did not pressure him to get his avoidance strategies. He had difficulty learning as married, Reuven still felt overwhelmed by the subtle his uncertainties snowballed, became depressed, feared social pressure of his peers. it was noticeable and tried desperately to hide this, too. Reuven had always been a somewhat tense young Reuven's marriage to Chaya lasted for an agonizing man. This was due, in part, to the marital conflict five months. between his parents, which he observed at home. Reuven adapted to the unpleasant family environment Although Chaya certainly could have been much by ignoring it to the best of his ability. When he more supportive to Reuven, his apprehensions and couldn't ignore it, he planned elaborate avoidance anxieties clearly planted the seeds for this divorce. maneuvers. Reuven learned to use a similar approach in While many of Reuven's worries originated at home, dealing with all of his anxieties. They never went away, questions about financial responsibilities in marriage; nor did his parents' marital conflict disappear; but at about coping with the future, inevitable strains in the least he was able to live with them. husband-wife relationship; and about avoiding the pit­ When Reuven's chavrusa (study partner), two years falls of one's parents are most common. Many young his junior, became engaged, Reuven panicked. He had men and women share similar, even identical concerns. often felt self-conscious, but now he felt even more so. Some of them diffuse the time bomb of these concerns He was tormented by his bachur status and felt com­ with hours of "heart to heart" talks with friends, pelled to get married. relatives, and Rabbonim. A large number of young men Reuven's apprehensions were not unusual, but his and women, however-similar to Reuven-try to cope way of dealing with them had some very unfortunate with these valid questions by ignoring them or sup­ consequences. pressing them. In spite of such efforts, these questions What were Reuven's worries? First of all, he was often reappear later, in much more frightening and un­ afraid that he would make an improper mate selection manageable dimensions. and thereby condemn himself to repeat his parents' tur­ Reuven was convinced that his Mashgiach would moil. In addition, since many of his parents' arguments have ridiculed him, had he shared his fears openly. focused on financial matters, Reuven feared poverty. That is most doubtful. Nevertheless, if a marriage­ With no realistic vocational plans, Reuven hesitated oriented discussion group or vaad had been available to taking on the financial responsibility of marriage. him, it is likely that Reuven would have attended. Even Finally, Reuven knew that he had coped with unplea­ if he wouldn't have "opened up" there, hearing the sant feelings in the past by ignoring them and he had similar concerns of others might have had a positive, handled anxiety-provoking situations by strategically cathartic effect in calming his tensions. planning to avoid them. Shortly after his divorce, Reuven sought guidance at Even while out on a date, Reuven was plagued with a local vocational guidance service, The perceptive these thoughts and was painfully aware of how inade­ counselor referred Reuven to a psychotherapist for in­ quate his old adaptations were to this new situation. dividual counseling. This counseling, in part, addressed "How absurd! Here I am, going out and at the same issues of concern for Reuven which could have been time I'm hoping that nothing really comes of it!" effectively handled in a pre-marital discussion group. Characteristically, he did not discuss his fears with Had this been the case, it is quite possible that Reuven any friends although he was most eager to do so. But and Chaya's divorce might have been prevented. even Reuven couldn't completely suppress his fears of marriage by the time he turned 26. He consulted the Mashgiach of his yeshiva. He was Conclusion so self-conscious, however, that he could not be com­ pletely open and failed to present his problem in its There are no easy answers for difficult questions. fullest proportions. He posed the problem in vague Even if parents and mechanchim work to get to know financial terms, and as a result, received an inadequate their children and students more intimately and work to

12 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 provide opportunities for marital life education, divorce perhaps we will be hearing sounds which will lead to will not be eliminated entirely from the Torah com­ more sustained simcha and sosson, such as: munity. As mentioned earlier, each case of divorce within the community is caused by a unique set of "You know, Temmy, there is more to becoming many factors, only some of which may be avoidable. a kalla than just selecting a diamond ting ... " Nevertheless, if even one divorce is prevented, this "Yaakov, there is more to becoming a chassan work will be well worth the effort. than simply deciding who should be the aydim In addition to the "kol chassan v'kol kalla," then, under the chupa ... " ~T.

A. Scheinman Growing Into Marriage

One Plus One Equals One his physical needs-even broiling meat and feeding it to him (Sanhedrin 59a), negating any need for a physical Those who see marriage as the institutionalization of helper. the state of "having fallen in love" suffer from a widely One can suggest that Eve was created to complement held fantasy, and can some day rudely discover that it is Adam's more abstract qualities-to temper his 'logos' extremely easy to also "fall out of love." Those with her 'pathos.' But this can not be the sole reason for educated in our yeshivas frequently have fantasies of the creation of Eve. For the Gemora describes Adam as their own regarding marriage, although they tend to having been created with both male and female clothe them in loftier garments than do their secularized features, subsequently divided into two parts. Ob­ cousins. But fantasies they are, nonetheless, and they viously this refers to more than his physical features. need realignment with Torah realities. Indeed, a closer examination of the passage indicates Ask a young man how he envisions the yonder side that the main reason for creating woman was because of the chupa, and he'll gush about the eishes chayil who "It is not good for man to be levado-alone.'' Thus: "I will work all day to support him at his scholarly pur­ will make for him an ezer kenegdo-a helper opposite suits in the kolel: At the end of the day she welcomes him," to rid man of his levado status. One can even un­ him with a bright smile and a hot supper, then derstand the emphasis of this passage as stressing the scampers off to do the laundry and dishes .... Perhaps kenegdo (opposite him)-that "this ezer that I have in­ he imagines himself as a father with a flock of angelic children, faces glistening in the glow of candles, singing corporated into Adam, I will now externalize." (Perhaps a clue to the significance of this can be un­ sweet zemiros deep into Friday night. derstood by the Midrash quoted by Rashi, that only Perhaps some are not so naive, and understand that G-d is meant to levado-alone.) things do not always work out so smoothly; but then, even if these thoughts are only dreams, a flawed reality can be improved by aiming for some kind of dream. The Marriage "Yoke" Yet,-these fantasies-wholesome as they may seem-can Regarding the passage, "It is good for man to bear a be harmful, if only for being self-serving. To build yoke in his youth" (Eicha 3:27), the Midrash defines one's concept" of marriage on an interpretation of the "yoke" as applying to marriage, among other burdens passage "And G-d created Eve to be an eizer kenegdo­ (Eicha Rabba) .. , a most unpleasant connotation, to a helpmeet" as a basis for relegating the woman to a say the least! A yoke, however, can be appreciated role of physical subservience is to miss the essence of when viewed as a device that channels untamed energy the marriage relationship. Indeed, the Talmud describes into productive activity. Without a yoke, the strongest in detail how malachim (angels) provided Adam with all of forces is not only useless, but potentially damaging. A river harnessed by a dam will supply scores of com­ munities with electricity, water, and recreation. Left to Rabbi Scheinman, a native American, has been studying in a run wild, it will turn into a colossus of destruction. renowned Jerusalem Ko/el for a n1onher of years. (Appropriately, the pasuk uses the word "gever" to

The Jewish Obsenier I January, 1979 13 denote "man," a term that usually refers to male To be Free and Soar? strength-see: Malbim on Yoel 8:2 and on lyov 14:10.) But what exactly is the yoke of marriage? And where A man's yoke of marriage has been described as con­ does it lead? sisting of the responsibilities incumbent upon him: The "Kesuba" when single, he is free to do as he wishes, when he wishes. As a married man, he is burdened by his family, An important part of the marriage ceremony is the worrying about his wife's comfort, happiness, and reading of the kesuba-a complex legal document that spiritual status, and concerned with his children's up­ details the husband's financial obligations towards his bringing. He may muse: wouldn't it be better to be un­ wife. In vain do we search for pledges of mutual love, hampered by this yoke? Wouldn't I be free to soar to honor, or respect. Yet the kesuba is central to the the heights of intellectual and spiritual achievement? Jewish wedding because it signals the assumption of But then he would thwart his actual growth as a person. responsibility for another person: "And you shall dwell When a baby is born, he can barely perceive others. in my house and your needs provided from my He lives completely within his own world, troubled possessions," in some ways, the very essence of marital only by his hunger, pain, and discomfort, happy when life. This accountability for the other person extends to his needs are met. As he grows older, he realizes that the spiritual realm, as well, as is alluded to in an inci­ there is a world around him: He smiles back at people dent in the life of King Solomon. The Tanach says: and begins to communicate with others. In time, he "Then Solomon built an altar (to idols)"-when in fact plays with other children and learns to become part of a not Solomon, but his wives did so. This form of expres­ group (i.e. class, club). He develops a social-and world sion implies that he was held responsible for this wives' -consciousness, following a steady progression of de­ actions. The Zahar in Parshas Bereishis on the pasuk egocentrism. "And G-d fashioned the side of Adam,'' says: Here we This phenomena is described in Tanach, as pointed are taught that parents provide for a daughter as long out by Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe, W'D''ilZI, Mashgiach of as she lives with them. As soon as she marries, her hus­ Yeshiva Be'er Yaakov, in his sefer Alei Shur: the band supports her and looks after her needs (free passage "Drink water from the pit (collected from other translation). Although the Zahar means this as an sources), flowing waters from within your well. You analogy for a deeper concept, the statement is also true wellsprings burst forth, Into the streets [forming) pools in its simple sense. of water" (Mishlei 5:15, 16)-traces an advance from Similarly, a man is accountable for the actions of his imbibing from others to supplying others. "When a children until they reach maturity, at which point he person is born,'' says Rabbi Wolbe,'' he possesses all his declares (in a bracha) "Blessed ... who freed me from qualities in their potential; with each stage of growth he responsibility for this one." brings them to fruition .... Whether in Torah study or other areas of divine service, a person must develop his dormant intellectual and emotional attributes. The Rungs of Responsibility "That period of life when a person 'finds himself' Rabbi Chaim Shmulevitz 7"~1, the late Rosh Yeshiva and chooses a role in life, gradually emerges as a new of Mir, once commented that Judaism's social grading era of life-the era of 'your well-springs shall burst system is based on the measure of responsibility forth': A person builds a house, fathers children, assumed by the "gradee." The highest rung of the teaches students, becomes a full member of society. social order is occupied by the King, who is responsible These extroversions of a person's avoda (divine service) for the whole of Kial Yisroel. are stages in self-development. But instead of self­ Judah demonstrated his qualifications for Jewish development through introversion, it is self­ royalty by expressing his responsibility for his brother development through working and assuming respon­ Benjamin to his father: "I guarantee him, seek him sibility for others .. , " from my hands." "A man goes up from his city-and he is elevated in Reflecting this same quality, Boaz assumed respon­ his house ... in his neighborhood .. , in his city ... in sibility for a distant relative (Ruth) when there was all of Israel, and all the world. Yet this only came from closer kin, thus meriting to be the progenitor of royalty himself" (Midrash Shmuel Chap. /). for all time to come, beginning with his great-grandson, "Each successive sphere of activity in which the David. The essence of royalty, then, is the acceptance ''cending man finds himself places new burdens and of the burden of the entirety of Kial Yisroel. responsibilities upon him, By successfully fulfilling his On the other end of the scale is the shoteh­ obligations, he elevates himself further, finding that he sometimes incorrectly translated as a "simpleton" or is given even greater responsibilities . . . and his "idiot" -defined in the opening chapter of the 'protegerie' becomes widened" (free translation, A lei Shulchan Aruch Yore De'ah as someone not accoun­ Shur, p.277), table for his actions. Thus, we have the full range, from Thus a person's growth in avoda parallels his natural melech to shoteh. emotional growth. From drinking waters collected from

14 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 others, he graduates to self-sustenance, his own "giver" without taking any benefit for himself. wellsprings ultimately overflowing to the benefit of Before "Rebbi" (Rabbi Judah the Prince) died, he others. . . . The period of "overflow" begins on the held his hands aloft and said that he never derived any wedding day. pleasure from this world. The hands are the in­ struments that take and give; "Rebbi" testified regar­ The Give and Take of Life ding himself that he was only a "giver." A person's each and every character· trait, we are told, Now one can gain more insight as to where the reflects a corresponding trait of his Creator, and ideally "yoke" of marriage is meant to lead. Marriage is the should find expression in a loftier purpose-a sacred crucial turning point in the lifelong metamorphosis function. There is only one aspect of human nature that from being a receiver from others into a benefactor to is ex nihi/o-original with Man, without counterpart in others. Thus it is so essential that man not be a spiritual realms: the desire to receive. A man is born as "levado"-that such a condition is only feasible for G-d a complete "receiver" getting everything and giving Himself. Man mut have someone upon whom to nothing .in return. His life purpose is to become a bestow goodness, or else he remains ever a receiver.

this husband-wife affection does not seem to last? On Love Between the Sexes The answer is simple. People are generally "takers," not "givers." When their biological in­ Rabbi Eliezer Eliyahu Dessler ':>"~T stincts gain the upper hand they become "givers"

and "lovers." But before very long nature relaxes . The love and affection which often prevail its grip and they relapse into a state of" taking" as between man and wife are something remarkable before. This change takes place imperceptibly. in human psychology. At first glance we might Previously they were joined together in an at­ think that this love has no true personal content. mosphere of love and mutual giving. From now Perhaps it is merely something implanted in us by on they are "takers" once again and each begins the Creator as part of His deep-laid plan for the to demand from the other the fulfillment of his or maintenance of the world, just as hunger is given her obligations. When demands begin, love to us to ensure the preservation of the body. But departs. this seems most unlikely. To achieve this end the This is why I always say to a couple in the biological urges of physical desire and yearning joyousness of their wedding day: "Filling your for children would suffice. What is the point of hearts at this moment is a wondrous desire to give this additional emotional attachment? pleasure and happiness to each other. Take care, I have heard it said that this love arises from my dear ones, that you strive to keep this desire gratitude. Two people are grateful to each other always as fresh and strong as it is at the present because they help each other to fulfill their time. You should know that the moment you find natural instincts. But this idea is mistaken. There yourselves beginning, instead, to make demands are plenty of ungrateful people in the world, but upon each other, your happiness is at an end." we do not find that husband-wife affection is There are some people who do not want to necessarily lacking in their case. enter into marriage. This is because- they are un­ We must rather say that this love arises able to shake themselves free of the power of tak­ between husband and wife because they comple­ ing, and even their natural instincts cannot turn ment each other. This fact flows from the nature them into "givers," even temporarily. Similarly, with which the Almighty has endowed them. there are couples who want as few chldren as Alone, every person is defective and unable to possible-a very prevalent phenomenon in our carry out his proper function; as our Rabbis say, time. Such people are outstanding specimens of "He who has no wife . .. is not a complete human "takers"; they do not want to" give" even to their being." Together, they complement each other, own children. and by giving each other this completion they To sum up: the best relationship between hus­ come to love each other, on the principle we have band and wife will obtain when both achieve and already established: the one who gives, loves. practice the virtue of giving. Then their love will Of course, their love, in its turn, will make never cease and their lives will be filled with hap­ them want to go on giving, and the pleasure and piness and contentment for as long as they live on happiness which each bestows on the other will this earth. maintain and intensify their love. -from STRIVE FOR TRUTH, On this basis we can understand yet another translated by Rabbi Aryeh Carmell, remarkable fact. Why do we find so often that published by Feldheim Publishers .

The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 15 And it is also apparent how most youthful" dreams" Rabbi Yechzkiel Sarna 7 "ll, late Rosh Yeshiva of of married life are off by 180 deg., for they are solely Chevron, explains in his commentary on Mesilas based on "What will I get" -whether in the realm of the Yeshorim why King David was punished for saying physical and material or even 'piritual ("Someone who "Your statutes are songs to me" (Tehillim 119, 53). will help me sit and learn"), while in truth one must also He points out that there are two basic types of ask himself: "What am I capable of giving?" simcha. One is represented by the joy one experiences in response to music. The band strikes up a chord and "Simcha" in Marriage he is all a-dance. No sooner does the band stop, The Rabbis taught: "Whoever dwells without a wife however, but he is as sullen as before. By contrast, a is without joy." person enjoys a deep, lasting joy after having built a Upon entering yeshiva, prospective bachurim usual­ house with his own hands. He has invested time, ly are treated to a shmuess informing them that there is money, and effort, and his simcha upon completion is no pleasure greater than sitting and learning. It usually eternal. takes a bit of time to recognize that there are two David erred in comparing the joys of Torah to qualifications to this assurance: zemiros-music, for the pleasures of Torah study are : The pleasure of learning is not similar to the not derived from the tantalizing "vertel"; rather they pleasure of playing baseball. It is an infinitely deeper are the joys that grow from the investment of engaging and different pleasure. in "la'asok-laboring in the words of the Torah" (from : Every person is weighted down by an inherent in­ the bracha on Torah study). ertia that resists any attempts at raising one's level of Someone who looks forward to marriage in terms of spiritual attainment. It takes much hard work and the joys of "having a great time together" will find his many, many failures to achieve any growth. happiness dissipate as the years go by, and the yoke These are two laws of nature that apply to all will bear heavier. Only he who truly understands the spiritual endeavors. meaning of the yoke will reap compounded interests The simcha of a marriage in the light of our explana­ from his investments. tion is much deeper and of much longer duration than Fortunate is he that achieves this, for he has realized marital bliss in the common concept. And it is not at all a prime goal in life-that of "going in His ways." In its easy to achieve. One of life's hardest battles is to learn deeper sense, he has converted himself from a taker to a to give; whether as a child of two, or a young adult of giver. It is a task that begins at birth and ends at death, 22. but the fullcrum is at the day of the chasuna. !.'I:

Woman and Family in Recent Publications a review article

The Jewish woman-and by extension, the Jewish cent volume, -The Jewish Woman in America, in fact family-have received much attention of late. In part, and fiction, aims to present the evolving role of the this has been due to the general increase in Judaic American Jewess, but the authors appear totally un­ literature, but many of the books that have appeared aware of what is happening in the vibrant and expand­ can be viewed as a response to the questions and ing Orthodox sector. It is even more saddening to find a pressures resulting from the women's liberation move­ complete distortion and misinterpretation of Torah ment. teachings on the subject, resulting from ignorance and The latter factor is particularly noticeable in secular often actual hatred of Jewish tradition. writings on the Jewish women, whose authors ap­ It should be noted that the shrill disapproval of the proach their subject from a secular perspective and role played by Jewish women has lately even encom­ value framework, and without understanding of the passed the Israeli scene-1975 still saw the publication traditional approach and the Torah community. A re- of a collection of memories of the Pioneer Women of

16 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 Palestine in the conventional heroic style, but more couraged" (p 62). If, as he himself correctly states, such recently the place of woman in Israeli society has been "ritual creativity is to deny divine obligation as the measured and found wanting by the yardstick of ultra­ source of all meaning in religious activity," there can liberal egalitarianism. But such criticism sounds loving hardly be a question that it is forbidden (in fact, the in­ indeed when compared to the rabid and passionate pre­ troduction of new rituals based on a non-Jewish value judice against Orthodox thought and reality. (One system may be a case of Chukas Hagoy). likewise in volume on Israeli women, published by Simon and his otherwise excellent discussion of the inheritance Schuster, is downright libellous in its venomous hatred laws, the author states that," any property that remains of religious Jews; this reviewer wrote to the publishers after the needs of wife and daughter are satisfied is sub­ for the source of an undocumented and particularly ject to the laws of inheritance. It can be assigned by the offensive "statement of fact," but did not received the owner to whomever he wishes-his sons, his daughters courtesy of a reply.) or total strangers" (p.84). He explains that the "Talmud says that it is fitting and proper to grant sufficient gifts There is a great deal of tragedy in this-not the least to one's children .... However, if one does not choose that the misreading of Jewish tradition prevents the to do so, he is free to dispose of his estate as he wishes" women involved from finding real solutions and (p.92). Actually, however, the Talmud enjoins us answers to their problems. Instead, a recent anthology against interfering with the normal operation of the in­ on the Jewish Woman, that starts with the premise that heritance laws. in Jewish law and practice women are only peripheral Jews, concludes with proposals-presumably for giving The points here mentioned are minor. There is, them equality-that are tragically ludicrous in their however, one major criticism, in the view of this uselessness. We therefore welcome a new work, Jewish reviewer. Woman in Jewish law, by Rabbi Moshe Meise/man The author's discussion of Torah study by women is (Ktav and Y.U. Press, NY, 1978, $5.95), which seeks to of particular importance, and I am afraid that this part dispel the cloud of ignorance and misunderstandings on of this book is quite confusing and even misleading. As this subject. Rabbi Meiselman does not aim to "justify" he points out, study of those aspects of Torah that a Judaism in the eyes of modern secular -approaches; woman needs (whether legal or ideological) is not only rather, he presents the Torah teachings in their full permitted for her, but indeed necessary. It is also true­ logic and harmony within the overall framework of and this is the thrust of the Chofetz Chaim's remarks Torah. The author is particularly effective in which he quotes-that what a woman needs is related to delineating the complementary roles of man and her general environment, and today much more has to woman as assigned to them by the Creator, and the be included in this category than in the very different respective contributions that they have to make in order setting of a few hundred years ago. But this does not for the world to reach its perfection. The differences in mean that the study of those areas of Torah not needed their.nature as well as in the duties assigned to them, by women-such as the legal debates contained in the reflect their overall raison d'etre. Both man and woman Gemora-becomes permitted. It is not a ,, small group of can and should take pride in their specific task. Jn this authorities" (p.38) that forbid such studies but, on the connection Rabbi Meiselman stresses a point that bears contrary, this has always been and still is the consensus reemphasizing in our days. The family is the basic unit of rabbinic authorities,.backed up by the accepted prac­ of society and women in particular must be its molder tice. It is therefore misleading to speak of a "totally and guardian. Surprisingly, however, after quoting the different direction ... taken by scholars of the twen­ view of Abudraham, the classic commentator, that tieth century" which would make "Torah study man­ women are exempt from time-bound commandments datory for women" (p.39). If "Torah study" in this because of their familial responsibilities, he comments phrase refers to what women used in order to develop that his explanation "is too facile although perhaps not their Torah observance and faith, it always was completely wrong" and that it is, rejected by most accepted as mandatory. If, however, it refers to what authorities (p43 ). This comment is not only somewhat the author calls "optional studies" (those not required presumptuous but also wrong; most early and late com­ by women)-and this is the impression the reader mentators (from Tosfoth Rid and Rifvah to the Chasan receives-then it is wrong and dangerous to speak of a Sofer) offer the same explanation. totally different direction that makes these studies man­ datory today. (In connection with the question of Torah study the author also refers to the halachic commen­ The Author Treads Too Softly tary, Prisha. Actually, the passage to which he refers only permits self-study by women-in no way can it be In some places Rabbi Meiselman treads perhaps too stretched into a general rule that one may teach Torah softly. Thus he concludes that the creation of additional of the kind not needed by her-" to a woman who rituals for serving G-d "may or may not be forbidden demonstrates the proper motivation" (p.38)-a touchy but is certainly meaningless and should be dis- matter to be determined in any case.)

The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 learned, Yet Very Readable "down on himself," but find nobility in his life's task. It should be stressed, however, that-overall-Rabbi They discuss the uniqueness of man, and the specific Meiselman does an excellent job in presenting the roles of man and women, father and mother. Their Torah viewpoint on the general problem of women's protest against the desire of some women to attain role, and also on their specific religious functions. His financial independence through their own efforts, and book-learned, yet very readable-will undoubtedly an equal footing with their husbands, is well taken prove very beneficial in countering the prevalent mis­ (however, a book addressed to the religious community interpretations of the Torah position. (Another surely should not even mention the argument that publication previously reviewed, which will be useful financial independence can lead to extra-marital in this respect is In Accordance With His Will-extracts dalliances!). Generally speaking, it is clear that from the writings of Rabbi S.R. Hirsch, which deal women's lib has very definitely affected Torah Jewry­ with the role of women in Judaism; it is smaller and less and it needs a rejoinder along Rabbi Meiselman's lines, comprehensive, but for instance, complements Rabbi more profound and sophisticated than this book offers. Meiselman's rather brief remarks on the woman in the But, then, its authors do not rea·lly want to provide a Tanach. philosophical treatise but, rather, concrete pointers to a Torah life. Many of the Rabbinic sayings quoted will readily Women in the Family stay in the reader's mind-e.g. Rabbi Yehudah Leib Diskin's observation that, if one gives "every man the The subject of the role of the Jewish woman is also benefit of the doubt," as commanded, he himself will touched on in another recent publication, One: The come not to sin, for he will not want to be the first to do Essence of the Jewish Home, by Rabbi Chuna Hertz­ wrong. Such warm and direct advice is typical of the man and Rabbi Shmuel Elchonon Brog (NY 1948; work as a whole. It is not a handbook for solving available from Rabbi SE Brog, 1474 East 10th Street, problem cases or for contending with those outside our Brooklyn 11230, or Rabbi C. Hertzman, 61 Harrison camp; but it will encourage our young people to go in Ave., Brooklyn 11211; $5.95) This collection of essays is devoted to the Jewish the way of the Torah. home and seeks to convey to the reader an insight into Other Works on the Theme the basic ideals that, historically, have made happy An earlier and more wide-ranging work dealing with marriages a hallmark of Judaism. The slender volume Jewish family life in its ramifications was Rabbi originally appeared in Hebrew and Yiddish, and went Eliyahu Kitov's The Jew and His Home. This included through several printings; it is now available in a basic pointers on many of the dinnim pertaining to the felicitous English translation. It offers homely advice, subject. But until now there did not exist a book that popular and readable, sprinkled with stories of our specifically presented the whole range of dinnim that Sages and quotations from Tanach and rabbinic apply to the Jewish Woman in and outside the home. literature. Recently, however, there appeared Guide for the Jew­ The authors put forth an eloquent plea for the right ish Women and Girl, by Rabbi Dov Eisenberg. This priorities-mutual understanding and harmony volume is not concerned with interpreting the role of between couples rather than selfish pursuit of one's the Jewish woman but to define her religious role and own desires; devotion to Torah study rather than pur­ obligations (outside the area of family purity, which suit of business; work on one's own shortcomings, has already found treatment in various publications). rather than well-meant but harmful carping on those of The author carefully provides the specific halachic the partner; strengthening rather than spoiling one's guidance needed by a woman as to her obligations in, children, etc. The em hasize that one should not be sa , ra er or holida observance. !...T. World Jewry mourned the loss of one of the world's foremost Tordh scholars, Rabbi Yosef Chaim Shmulevitz, '"~!, Rosh Yeshiva of the Mirrer Yeshiva in Jerusalem, who passed away on lanuary 2nd. The venerable Torah leader, who was 76 years old, was one of the leaders of the Moetzes Gedo lei Hatorah (Council of Torah Sages) of the Agudath Israel of Eretz Yisroel. Close to a hundred thousand people participated in the mile-long procession to Har Mamenuchos, in what was one of the largest funerals in Jerusalem's history. The life-story of Reb Chaim, as he was belovedly known, is closely related to that of the world-renowned Mirrer Yeshiva in its wanderings from Kraknova to Shanghai to Jerusalem. In his over 50 years, Reb Chaim passed on his brilliant Torah and Mussar thoughts to thousands of students with an enthusiasm and diligence that never failed to inspire them. A more detailed appreciation on Reb Chaim ?»ir is in preparation

18 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 Shmuel Singer

• Samuel Myer Isaacs:

Battler For Orthodox Integrity in Nineteenth Century America

The American Orthodox Jew of today tends to think responsible for issuing the famous cherem against the that he and his immediate predecessors were the Reformers in London in 1842, As a boy, Isaacs became pioneers of Torah Judaism in this country; and that close to Rabbi Hirschell, and it was from him as well as before that American Jewish history was a vacuum in­ the various dayanim of the Bais Din (among whom sofar as concerns Torah observance and values. were disciples of Rabbi Yaakov of Lisa and, Rabbi ' The sad truth is that the contemporary Torah world Akiva Eiger) that he acquired a good measure of with its high standards of scholarship, kashrus, Talmudic learning, although he never studied for or mitzvah-observance and hashkafa is indeed a received semicha (rabbinic ordination), phenomenon of the very recent past, Certainly nothing Rabbi Hirsche!! was aware of the scholastic and resembling it ever existed previously in this country, oratorical talents of this young man and had him ap­ Nevertheless, study of American Jewish history of the pointed principal of the London Neveh Zedek Jews' more distant past is of inspirational value, While it does Orphan Asylum, where he was to supervise the not reveal great Torah success stories, it does bring to religious and secular education of the children, light tales of' noble endeavors on behalf of Torah However, Samuel Isaacs was fit for larger respon­ Judaism, and illustrates that there were early fighters sibilities and his opportunity for service soon came. for Torah on the continent, who did succeed to some America-a British Spiritual Colony degree, Among the greatest Torah pioneers of the last cen­ During the early nineteenth century, a relatively tury was Samuel Myer Isaacs, an important figure in large stream of emigration began to move from London Orthodox Jewish circles in New York for over thirty­ to various new English-connected areas of settlement, five years, Isaacs was born in Leeuwarden, Holland, on including such far-off places as Australia, South Africa January 4, 1804, His father was a wealthy banker who and Canada, with the largest group heading to America, fled to England in 1814 from Napoleon's invading ar­ This resulted in the establishment of the first mies, The London where Isaacs was brought up Ashkenazic congregation in New York-Bnai Jeshurun, possessed a number of noteworthy Torah personalities, in 1825, This synagogue was formed primarily by especially the Chief Rabbi Solomon Hirsche!! (1762- English Ashkenazim, some who had previously been 1842), son of Rabbi Hirsche!! Levin of Berlin and great­ members of New York's only congregation, the grandson of the Chacham ZvL Rabbi Hirsche!! was Sephardic Spanish and Portuguese Shearith Israel, and others who were new arrivals from London, Apparent­ Rabbi Singer is Ra?i of the Young Israel of Eltingt1il!e in Staten ly, by 1625 there were enough Ashkenazim. in New Island, N. Y., and is a Rosh Yeshiva in the Hebrew Academy of York interested in supporting their own kehil/a, The Nassau County. He is a frequent contributor to these pagrs. new-formed congregation bound itself to the min hag of

The Jewish ObsertJer /January, 1979 19 London and referred its religious questions to the Chief Schooling the Children Rabbi and Beis Din in England. Isaacs' main efforts were in education, for he was Not only the newly-formed Bnai Jeshurun looked to fully aware that setting up Jewish schools offered the Rabbi Hirsche)) for guidance. Since there were no rab­ only way to ensure a future for Orthodoxy in this bis and very few knowledgeable laymen in America, country. In 1842 he reorganized the afternoon Hebrew congregations all over the country turned to the London school of Bnai Jeshurun, converting it into an all day rabbi and Beis Din-the closest religious authority to Hebrew and English school for boys, known as the the United States and the one easiest to communicate New York Talmud Torah and Hebrew Institute. By the with for guidance in religious questions, conferring next year, there were eighty pupils in the school, which them with a sort of informal recognition. This can be had a budget of $1,500-a substantial sum in those seen from the numerous halachic queries and answers days. In 1845, the highest class, which consisted of two related to American problems found in the records of boys, was able to translate and understand Rashi, an Rabbi Hirschell' s Beis Din. unheard-of accomplishment in America at the time. Filling the Void The success of the school was shortlived, however, In view of the terrible spiritual void existing in for it soon ran into financial difficulties. Bnai Jeshurun America, Rabbi Hirschell encouraged Samuel Isaacs to was unable to support it alone and Isaacs tried to make leave London and accept the position of Chazan and it into a community project. He asked the various syn­ preacher at Bnai Jeshurun in 1839. Isaacs expressly agogues that had begun to form in the city to send promised his teacher before leaving that he would do delegates to a meeting to support the school. They, everything in his power to oppose anti-Torah forces in however, refused. Rich Jews were unwilling to send the New World. their children to the school and the poor Jews could not

I I I

to the Congregation Bnai ]eshurun in New York. afford to. So after a valiant struggle, the Talmud Torah closed its doors in 1847. Other congregations in New York, however, con­ tinued to maintain their own elementary day schools throughout the 1840's and 1850's, but there was no Jewish high school anywhere in the country. Isaac ex­ pressed concern about this in an article he wrote in 1857 urging the founding of such a school "in which anyone who pleases can be taught the truths contained in the Bible and the commentaries on the Law." He continued;

20 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 "We cannot afford to lose a day. 1)l' ;"11111 111.1711 they might eat and l!ve forever, there was no scoffing at 071' ." Finally, in the late 1850's, Isaacs convinced religious exactions; no deriding Divine principles as the New York congregation to open a private Hebrew unsuited to the spirit of the age, the violator of the Sab­ high school for Jewish students enrolling boys from all bath and festival did not ask others to join him in the the various New York synagogues. Isaacs himself unholy alliance," taught the Hebrew subjects, which reached quite a high Throughout his career as editor of The Jewish level for the time, including the study of Mishna. After Messenger, which continued until his death, Isaacs some years, financial difficulties also closed this school. remained a strong opponent of Reform. Many of his ar­ ticles were well-written, with a sharp satirical bent. The Struggle for "Shabbos" Some are quite topical today and can still be read with In addition to fighting for Jewish education, Isaacs profit. Thus he described Reform as "that curious was very concerned about safeguarding mitzva­ plant, which has of late shot forth with lamentable lux­ observance. The mitzva most neglected by immigrants uriancy in some congregations, to the derogation if not to America at the time, and indeed, subsequently until subversion, of our time hallowed faith." In analyzing our own time, was Shabbos observance. Upon his the various Reform prayer books produced in America, arrival in New York, Isaacs attempted to exclude Sab­ Isaac commented "Charleston, Cincinnati, Baltimore, bath violators from membership on every board at Bnai New York, have each and every one its own form of Jeshurun. However, he received no congregational prayer. Which of them has the best, we do not know, as backing in this, and failed. we confess we never had sufficient curiosity to open the The Sabbath issue eventually led Isaacs to leave his pages of one, being perfectly satisfied with the pulpit at Bnai Jeshurun. A group of members inspired Liturgical exercises laid down for our guidance in by Isaacs became disgusted with the lenient attitude Israel's code of laws." towards Sabbath violation in .the officially Orthodox Fighting For Kashrus, Proper Burial, Charity ... congregation-such as the practice of giving synagogue honors to Sabbath violators, and seceded in 1845, foun­ The pages of The Jewish Messenger reveal much in­ ding Congregation Shaarei Tefila "on pure orthodox formation about Jewish religious life in America. Jn principles.'' 1858, Isaacs noted that Rabbi Abraham Rice of Isaacs assumed the pulpit there in 1847, remaining Baltimore had called his attention to the chaotic situa­ until his death. At the time, he expressed his feelings tion of kashrus in New York saying he "was actually about Sabbath observance in Leeser's Occident: "In the paralyzed" by the violations rampant in the city. days ~f yore violators were ... stoned to death ... but "The above charge," Isaacs wrote, "is literally true now we count their society, give them the first honors ... how pliant some men's consciences are on a matter in the synagogue, call them up to hear the law recited in which they jeopardize their future bliss .... Are we which anathematizes the Sabbath-violator. We dread to purchase meat from butchers who have three the moment that the finger of innovation should erase Hebrew letters in their store without making any in­ anything from the ceremonial code; but calmly we quiry whether they are Israelites, are deserving of our behold the hand of sacrilege destroying the Ten Com­ confidence, or whether they should not be doubted, mandments." seeming that they violate the most holy rites of our religion." Combatting Reform Isaacs called for mandatory reexamination of New Isaacs was also very involved in the struggle against York shochtim, noting that many had never been tested Reform in this country. With the beginning of the since their departure from Europe. "The smallest com­ 1840's, a massive influx of German Jewish immigrants munity in Europe takes every care that their co· flooded into America, swamping the existing religionists are provided with proper men ... while we predominantly English Jewish community. Some of having twenty thousand Israelites in our midst, are ac­ these Jews brought with them Reform ideas which were tually careless on a matter which affects body and greatly strengthened by the arrival of radical reform soul." Unfortunately, due to the lack of any central "Rabbis" from Germany, such as Isaac M. Wise and authority this chaotic situation continued with regard Max Lilienthal. Isaacs, an articulate English writer and to kashrus. speaker, devoted much energy to fighting these ideas. Isaacs was active in charitable and welfare activities In 1857 he founded The Jewish Messenger, first as a of the New York community. In 1843 he formed the semi-monthly and later as a weekly newspaper, for Bnai Jeshurun Ladies Benevolent Society, the first which he served as editor and wrote most of the articles, Ashkenazic Women's Chevra Kadisha in New York, assisted by his son and his students. In the very first which did taharos, sewed shrouds, and paid the funeral issue he wrote: "Our principles are based upon the expenses of poor Jews. In 1845, he was among the strictest orthodoxy." Nostalgically, he wrote of former founders of the Jewish Publication Society of America, times in which "the Rabbis were faithful to their dedicated to publishing books of Jewish interest. In charge, the flock fed on such mental food from which 1859, as a result of the outcry in the Jewish world con-

The Jewish Obsen,er I January, 1979 21 cerning the kidnapping of Edgar Mortara, Isaacs led in menting on the absolute disorder that prevailed in the the formation of the Board of Delegates of American field of Jewish marriage and divorce. He realized that Israelites. It was his hope, unfortunately never fulfilled, only a true halachic authority could stop the descent of that this organization would grow into an American the American Jewish community into assimilation and national kehilla. Again, in 1873 he played a central role disappearance, and therefore advocated the formation in starting the United Hebrew Charities in New York to of a proper beis din, noting that there were "Fifty thou­ centralize and coordinate all charitable activities in the sand Israelites in our city, twenty-six synagogues, and city. not one properly constituted Beth Din, to whom Isaacs was closely connected with the Jews' Hospital, questions of the greatest importance might be en­ which in 1852 was the first such institution in trusted." He eloquently described the situation America. Until that time, Jewish patients were treated whereby parties who desired a Jewish divorce went to a in Christian hospitals where they had no kosher food Charlatan who "without any compunction of con­ and in their weakened condition, were subject to cons­ science, readily yields to the wishes of the applicants, tant attempts at conversion. Isaacs, as the hospital's and they are divorced contrary to Jewish law, but first vice-president, exerted all his influence to see that agreeably to his understanding of its principles." Isaacs this institution fully conformed to halacha. Thus in pointed out how this led to the chaotic situation affec­ 1859, after much discussion in the pages of the Occi­ ting the permissibility of marriage with thousands of dent and other American Jewish periodicals, he wrote to Americans, who were the product of such illegal Chief Rabbi Nathan Marcus Adler in London with a divorces. "As far as our experience extends," he noted, halachic query as to the permissibility of post-mortem "and it is upwards of a quarter of a century in this city, examinations and autopsies at a Jewish hospital. Rabbi that there is everything to deplore and nothing to ap­ Adler's response, which was publicized in the prove, as it regards our religious supervision." American and British Jewish press, allowed such an ex­ The currents of change sweeping the American amination only if the life of another person, present at Jewish world also began to affect Isaac's congregation. the time, depended on it. The Jews' Hospital later Shaarei Tefila, when formed in 1845, was located on became the present Mt. Sinai Hospital. Wooster Street, between Spring and Prince Streets, north of Canal Street, then a well-to-do Jewish area. In !""'\!> 1869 the synagogue moved, with the shift in Jewish _ ~-, 1r·~~r ,.. ~~-:"11t;,-~~~- , ... ~ ...... ~ ~ ~ .~ ....,.,..~·y.::; . ' '·-- .. population, to Forty fourth Street between Sixth i'!i t i ! ~ i R i i iUl! ,: i H i 1j; !; 3~ i"".i'"!·i~.. ,_ 1 Avenue and Broadway. As is often the case, change in i :1"•" 1 · Y= 1 1nru 1 i:r .,-., ..,·:··.,·· ., , ...... 'f. .. .~ ..~ "'~~:, , .1 ~ .. ... -,~x;. location introduced pressure on Isaacs for change in the . !f(~T.2~li.i ·ie !1flf.J:J:~~;if11f:~~t-E_!! ~'"r·, synagogue ritual. The old generation of founders had ' Sil' f ';Iii : ~;I! 'C i: j •• : ; ;-.': ;-lt,·:!!¥ ~:.·f'.-,,...f, passed away and a new Americanized group was in Mount Sinai Hospital of New Y~rk, ~o/~·--·;ra·~ one hundred years control. Despite all his efforts, Isaacs was forced to ago. agree to some minor changes-such as omission of the Isaac also devoted much energy, together with Isaac Piyutim and a later time for beginning services-to ward Leeser, to the establishment of Maimonides College, an off basic halachic violations. Despite this, the pressure Orthodox seminary in Philadelphia in 1866, as an for Reform continued to mount even within his own Orthodox training school for chazanim, shochtim, congregation. Isaacs, however, succeeded in main­ teachers, and preachers. He also devoted much energy taining halachic standards for the rest of his career until to raising funds for this school, to put it on a firm foun­ his death in 1878. However, shortly after that time, dation. Unfortunately, the college was never a success with the erection of a new building yet further uptown, and it was closed in 1868, soon after Leeser's death. Shaarei Tefilla became completely Reform, introducing The Turning Tide Against Torah an organ and the Reform prayer book. Jn a sense the Indeed by the 1860's the tide had turned decisively members had to wait for Isaacs to die before severing against Orthodoxy in America. More and more con­ their links with Torah Judaism. gregations were abandoning their Orthodox principles Although the life of Samuel Isaacs seems in and accepting the new Reform gospel. There remained retrospect to be singularly unsuccessful, we still can only a sr.lall group of individuals and congregations find much to respect and admire in it. It is true that faithful to Torah, holding out for Orthodox Judaism. most of what Isaacs built and attempted to build did not Isaacs continued his sharp attacks on Reform in his stand the test of time. It was heartbreakingly difficult to newspaper, as in 1866, when he noted that what was plant Torah in the soil of America, yet the couragous needed was not "the unauthorized tampering with the attempts of this authentic Torah pioneer to raise Torah tenets of our blessed faith, not the manufacture of a observance and knowledge in the country surely were convenient religion," but he seems to have been less not- totally wasted. He plowed up the earth and and less effective. prepared it for later more successful plantings, and a Isaacs gave further expression to these developments delayed but magnificent flowering of Torah in in an articles in The Jewish Messenger in 1868, com- America. l.T.

22 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 JeMh•··.·····.Edutatidn···Hrogram ~ b~n T:E==~ ~.-· lflllD

r:·. :!:..::.r .. '.. !.~ ..·a!.·~ .~.···•.e,~~~o.·.su. hs·I· ;,,. ~·:!:.~:~~n: a m.·r· a··.:.):~. v:".'... ~e.:. ~o.· rl.··--ur··.·.·. ·.·.· ·. ·11~.··.. . Anecdotes on the Five. Chumashim,..· Parsha by Parsha.. Ill lfl/ · Conveniently bound into one volume; In a lucid and beautifully printed text which can .be read with ease. It is a MU$TJor Rabbi, layman, teaCher and student alike.

New English Sum111aty of!iach Parsha reflecting the Insights and· Interpretations. of the basic comm&i11ators.

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The Explosion That Shook Up Bayit Vegan

THEY say that all of Hapisga "Vuss eppes ?" I asked. that cold clammy feeling which Street shook from the explosion "A bomb just went off on a 12 makes one brace for support. My that Sunday not too long ago. The bus at the Kol Torah stop in Bayit solace was so great that I didn't boom was so loud that ear drums Vegan." even think of inquiring about in­ were pierced. I heard about it 7:30 "Hashem yerachaim!" I ex­ juries. that evening. Usually at that time claimed, "that is exactly where I live AFTER Maariv I left for home on we daven Maariv in yeshiva. That -My wife should have left work for the 12 bus. I got off at the Kol evening, however, a neighbor of home on the number 12 half an Torah stop, kicked away some glass mine from Bayit Vegan walked up hour ago .... Oh thank G-d, today from in front of my building, to the bima and let the reading of is Sunday," I remember with relief, picked up the mail, and went out to Tehillim. "the day that she visits her grand­ learn. I was genuinely amazed at Hanoch Teller, a frequent contributor to JO, mother." how the evening's tragedy had is an Amerira11 living in Jerusalem, studying Within those few seconds I could hardly disturbed me. After learning in the Mirrer Yeshiva there. almost feel my heart stop beating- for about twenty minues, I heard a

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24 The Jewish Observer/ January, 1979 sound truck in the distance-the all­ neighbor, a friend, a . , . and I was before. Her glasses shattered into too-freguent Israeli harbinger of in­ barely concerned. As soon as I had her eyes and she was still in shock. auspicious news. As the truck drew realized that my wife was not on the It was beginning to hit home. closer I listened attentively: bus, I had dismissed the incident Where was my sensitivity?-My "Hakshivu hakshivu! Toshavei summarily. Why, I rode the same moral education? Bayit Vegan, dameinu einenu bus line home! "Hakshivu, How could I forget Rav Chaim hefker!. . . , Attention attention, hakshivu toshavei Bayit Vegan' Shmuelevitz '?"~1. during the first residents of Bayit Vegan, our blood Residents of Bayit Vegan." We days of the terrorist hijacking to is not cheap, a demonstration will were all in this together. Entebbe asking with tears running be held .... " I felt a lump in my LATER that night I found out down his cheeks, "What would you throat. Dameinu einenu hefker. that one of the girls on the bus had do if your brother was on that .Blood was spilled, perhaps a spent Shabbos at our pouse the day plane?" He was so overcome with

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The ]etoish Observer I January, 1979 25 emotion that he could not continue. Rabbi Simcha Zissel Ziv, the Alter hysteria. My house will never be the I spent that night tossing and tur­ of Kelm, learned of this Frankfurt same .... " ning trying to fall asleep. The assemblage,. he questioned with Early that evening a local boycott message of the sound truck still passion, "Why are we not imbued was organized against the 12 bus, echoed in my ears. Who else heard with enough compassion for our aimed at altering its route away this message? Were the residents of brothers to fast and pray on their from (the Arab populated) East Mattersdorf, Rechavia, and Boro behalf?" He concluded that those Jerusalem. Vans were hired to shut­ Park also pained? who lack this sensitivity are tan­ tle residents to and from Mt. Herzl In 1882 thousands of Jews tamount to "destroyers of the where other bus lines were gathered in the Frankfurt syn­ world." available. The community was uni­ agogue for a day of fasting and * * * * * ted, but we apparently stood alone. arousal concerning the sorrowful MONDAY morning, Yosel the The Ministry of Transportation and plight of Russia's pogrom­ melamed came to daven at our the bus company refused to budge. beleaguered Jews. Rabbi Shamshon sunrise minyart. Yosel is one of the On Tuesday, a demonstration Raphael Hirsch preached for three shteiblach regulars. Even on a Fri­ was planned for the following even­ hours to an alms-giving tearfilled day morning one can't catch Yosel ing. Wednesday, by 6:00, police congregation clad in tallis and up before 8 AM. "Only a bomb units had arrived en masse to tephillin. The gathered included could get you up with the sun,'' guarantee that the demonstration every segment of German Jewry: someone said to him in jest. remained local, and did not spill even the ovJners of non-kosher "My Leah'la was on that bus,'' he over onto Herzl Boulevard. Several butcher shops and prestigious said with such hurt that we were army trucks and jeeps were generals. All remained in the syn­ taken aback. "The slightest noise stationed on Mt. Herzl to reroute agogue from dawn to dusk. When that we make throws her into the 12 bus away from Bayit Vegan.

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26 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 The protestors' angry moods battle was not yet over: Ludicrous if her husband was crying, agitated the police. Shouts and political "Kollekian" considerations Moshe'le must be nearing his end. clenched fists w~re aimed at the (one wonders if political con­ "Moshe'le will be healed with the barricades. Speakers· at the protest siderations would be placed above Al-mighty' s help," Reb Dovid com­ urged unity; and there was. I never human ones if a policy maker's forted his wife, ··1 am lamenting all witnessed such a collage of knitted sister would have been on that bus) the 'Moshe'les' that I see and hear kipot and black hats since my still forced the 12 bus route to begin every day which have not touched arrival in Israel. A momentous in East Jerusalem and terminate in my emotions .... " ~T. event on the one hand, and an in­ Bayit Vegan (East meets West). New Subscrioers and criminating one on the other: Why Placards were plastered throughout Subscribers Who Have Moved were we protesting alone? Where the neighborhood urging a con­ Recently: was the solidarity of our fellow tinuance of the boycott. A number of requests for en­ neighborhoods?-The Frankfurt try of new and changed ad­ communities of today? Eight bomb * * * * * dresses were not incorporated incidents on the 12 bus remained a into our files until after the strictly local problem. FOR the meantime, I'll prefer to December issue was mailed. If take the 39 bus. Along side of me you are one of those who did * * * * * will be riding a lesson: Years ago not receive his December JO Rabbi Dovid Biederman 7"'.!11 the as a result of this technical THE 1:00 news that Friday an­ Chassidic giant of Llelov bewailed oversight, kindly let us know nounced the creation of the 39 the same lesson: Reb Dovid's son and we will send you your miss­ (3+9=12?) bus to begin on the first Moshe was diseased with little hope ing copy-as long as extra of the month to connect Bayit of recovery. One day the Rebbitzen copies are on hand. Write: The Vegan and Sanhedria Murchevet, saw her husband bitterly weeping Jewish Observer,/5 Beekman avoiding East Jerusalem. We were over Moshe and was also brought to Street/New York, N.Y. 10038 or somewhat· relieved, but the main tears. The Rebbitzen assumed that call 1212) 964-1620

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The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 27 second looks at the jewish scene

Federation and Yeshivos- Some Noteworthy Changes and Concerns

These past few years have seen a million in matching funds with UJA college age youth that do not con­ remarkable change in the attitude of and Federation toward a special $15 tinue their studies on a full-time the New York Federation of Jewish fund for Jewish education, to be basis; and the providing of financial Philanthropies toward yeshiva paid out over a period of five years. assistance for· relocating and merg­ education. For years, the yeshivas ing schools in communities of were given scant notice by the In a column in a recent issue of diminishing populations. Federation, giving substance to the The Jewish Week (Jan. 14). Mr. One cannot dispute the impor­ claim that it was suffering from a Gruss outlines what he considers tance of the items on Mr. Gruss's topsy-turvy set of priorities that major crisis areas in Jewish educa­ agenda, nor does one question the sank millions of dollars into tion, and how he proposes to high level of his sincerity in ap­ hospitals and recreation centers, alleviate them with the funds he is proaching the tasks he has chosen while intermarriage figures spiraled contributing. In brief, he proposes for himself. There are several points, upwards; and yeshivas-the only up-grading the quality of yeshiva however, that do bear very close true bulwark against assimilation­ and day-school teahcing by attract­ watching. When Mr. Gruss had were permitted to go hungry for ing potential superior teachers, made his initial grant to yeshivas desperately needed funds. training them, and keeping them in through the Federation six years the profession with improved con­ ago, a wave of concern swept These past few years, a decided ditions. One such measure is a through the Torah community: If shift has been noted, in the wake of guaranteed pension plan, which is the monies would be channeled magnanimous grants from the well­ Mr. Gruss's second point The through the Federation's Board of known philanthropist, Joseph other items include the fund:.tg of Jewish Education, how much con­ Gruss. Most recently, Mr. Gruss post-high school !eve! Jewish trol would the BJE assert over the has announced a con tribu ti on of $5 education to meet the needs of funds? CHANI IS TRYING TO TELL YOU DON'T GET MARRIED!! SOMETHING-PLEASE LISTEN! DON'T MAKE \ BAR MITZVAH OR A SIMCHA Chani, and dozens of children like her, des­ perately need a home a happy, warm and loving home now can mean a chance to grow up to be a happy and healthy adult. "'"" __ , Pf ease calf or write OHEL FOSTER CARE 4423 - 16th Avenue Brooklyn, N.Y. 11204

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28 The Jewish Observer /January, 1979 The Old Fear Ginsburg Report as well as the en­ ving Chassidim, or other visibly In Spring, 1973, representatives tire problem were subject of an arti­ Orthodox clientele. Because of their of most of the yeshivos and day cle in the May '73 JO.) outward appearance, they seem far schools in New York met with a Eventually, the discipline of the removed from the BJE agenda for spokesman for the New York wall-to-wall coalition of Torah improvement, and the Bureau simp­ Federation of Jewish Philanthropies schools was broken by several ly has no designs to upgrade their regarding this matter, and after a Williamsburg (Brooklyn) based curriculum and methodology with heated exchange, the schools united schools that did not feel their in­ its enlightened approaches to in a resolve not to accept Federation tegrity' threatened by receiving education. They simply do not funds that are channeled through Gruss Fund monies through the appear on the BJE battle plans. But the BJE, for it was felt that the BJE BJE. Ultimately, only a handful of for those schools that serve more would attempt to influence schools, such as the Yeshiva of modern neighborhoods, the BJE recipient schools to conform to its Brookyn, the Beth Jacob Teachers threat is more immediate, for the concept of the ideal school-too Seminary, and the Samson Raphael BJE would not hesitate to direct its often in conflict with Torah ideals. Hirsch Schools (of Washington advisory personnel and its wealth of (This negative assessment was Heights) refused to accept BJE secular-, Zionist-, or frill-oriented borne out by an independent study handled monies. material toward these schools, with commissioned by Federation, con­ insidious effect. Now that the ducted by Columbia University Today, the risk looms larger than stakes are much bigger, the concern professor Dr. Eli Ginsburg. The ever-but not for the schools ser- is much deeper. l ·······~ NOW READY! LlllE In' THE HOLY ·~;;Cl ~~=~i:~!h~~:;; LAnD Two new and inflames M the soul is now thoroughly the home of Kiryal MeorChaim. ,IHD n•,p corrected This new city w1th1n a city makes it economically feasible for Tor air n••n editions true Jews to live in fretz Yisroel. 4 and n~ 5-room apartments available at $30- s of the 40 monthly rental. INCREDIBLE1?1 af UNBELIEVABL.E?.1? famous I ·rHE For more information write· """"ft'W'll Olll"l'V KIRYAT MfOR CHAIM, Orrwn I UI U I I 1564 44th Street, The complete prayer book with Samson Raphael A UF·~~l1~1f"9£11111 Brooklyn, N.Y 11219 Hirsch's inspired translation and commentary, OF M 11::.11111 or call (212) 435,2%2 bearing the stamp of his unique philosophy and * 1,000 apartment units in preparation, with 360 to be com- creative genius pleted by this coming June. ALL IN DELUXE BINDINGS 764 rages * Business and employment opportunities. * Diamond factory, opening in June. Uc}!.u!nr edition . , , . , ..... , ...... , . . . . . $15.00 * Vocational training and re-training facilities within the ('nn1pr1<'! editinn 011 Hihfl' /'aper. $10.00 Kirya. * Educational facilities from Nursery to Kolle!. Avail;ible cit lead.1ng bookstores * Special program for Kolle! families. * Designation as Me'on Glim-apartments to accom~ modate new Olim. Rabbi Ernster is scheduled to visit the New York City area during March to meet with interested parties.

The Jewish Observer/ January, 1979 29 ··--·---~~---·---

Who Will Teach the Teachers? Board of Jewish Education, which yeshivos and day schools. But not In addition to these underlying maintains its own courses and ad­ enough of them will stay on to problems, some of the specific visory personnel? It certainly weather the unending financial points in Mr. Gruss's well-chosen should be hoped that faculty crises that are part and parcel of be­ agenda have some obvious snags: members of the traditional yeshivos ing on a yeshiva payroll. Only a For instance, how will preparatory would be permitted the oppor­ substantially higher salary scale is and in-service training courses be tunities to enhance their skills un­ meaningful in the context of the pursued? Will this be determined at der auspices consistent with their high drop-out rates among first-rate the discretion of teachers?-in own convictions, but who is to say? teachers who-when facing the programs set up by their Roshei Similarly, one wonders just how prospect of ushering children to the Yeshiva, such as in those programs Mr. Gruss is directing his well­ chupa-become first-rate insurance maintained by Torah Umesorah?­ placed concern for superior salesmen and computer in institutions chosen by their teaching. True, some good teachers programmers. Mr. Gruss recognizes (prospective) principals?-or will are born and others can be trained. this and calls for "incremental sub­ the teachers be assigned to the Many of these can be hired by ventions to full-time teachers which should be matched by the school . .. based upon years of service"-fine! " ... and the acquisition of further 40? 50? 60? education and Jewish studies exper­ tise on a higher level." Now the You're not too old to start a new career! same question mark looms: Where is "Jewish studies expertise" gained?-at the NYU Jewish Studies FRESH START If you're over 40 and out of a Department, or in an afternoon TRAINING job or without a career "'" kolel? While the traditional yeshiva Project COPE's new special and the BJE have historically headed in opposite directions on PROGRAM program may do the follow· this point, it is sincerely hoped that ing for you: Mr. Gruss's sensitivity to the needs and sensibilities of the Torah com­ 1. Provide you with Guidance anti Counseling munity will be a determining factor 2. Enroll you in a training program in resolving this, rather than sur­ rendering the decision to past BJE (a) On,Job-Training attitudes. (b) Vocational Education In addition, the aspect of Mr. Gruss's plans that calls for "alloca­ 3. Help you with English, Bookkeeping or Math tion of a reasonable sum of money 4. Give you a stipend while you learn to help schools in need of relocation or merger" promotes fearful images 5. Find you a l1e~ job and a 11ew career of an overbearing paternalistic If you qualify, call or write: Fresh Start agency that decides which in­ stitutions are necessary and which the new_ special office of Project COPE. aren't worth the bother. There are Career Opportunities and Preparation for Employment times when perhaps a merger is a A Division of Agudath 1srael .of America worthwhile move, but a decision of such delicate nature should be made 5218 - 16th Avenue by someone whose expertise is in Brooklyn, New York 11219 Torah chinuch and appreciates the nuances that distinguish one school 851-0333 from another, rather than by those groups that control the purse­ For all other Project COPE programs, contact the office strings. nearest you or call our main office at 5 Beekman Street. As valid as these reservations are, however, they do not diminish the N.Y.C. (212) 964-1300 significance of this step, which heralds a far greater understanding Fresh Start Training Program_ 1s funded by th!? Neu: York Stat~ Dept of Labor. Maripo~r Se(:retariat onder:the ComprehenS1ve Emp!oymen_! and Tra1niog ht Title L on the part of Federation of how to guarantee survival for the

30 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 threatened Jew, responding to the prom1s1ng of improvements can BEREA VEOJeWS BILL OF - inspiration of a well-meaning bring with them a host of fresh RIGHTS philanthropist. At the same time, problems to contend with. !.T. for your copies, send self­ they illustrate how even the most addressed stamped envelope to: Agudath Israel of America /Dept- B.J./5. Beekman St./ NYC 10038 . From a Conservative Rabbi: Personnel Wanted Program director, Social worker in A New Metaphor for "Chutzpah" senior citizen center in Brooklyn. Experience preferable. Yeshiva background imperative. Write: The late and unforgettable Rabbi Angeles, or Detroit, or Toronto­ The Jewish. Observer/Box 82/5 Aaron Kotler once made a simple each hosting a kolel led by Bais Beekman St./NYC 10038 yet remarkable observation soon Medrash Gevoha alumni ... One of after he arrived in this country. Baltimore, or New Orleans or St. WORLD'S LARGEST Rabbi Kotler remarked that Jewish Louis, or Mexico City, or Buenos CAMERA STORES history conclusively showed that Aires or any number of those Jewish areas which were metropolises that have responded to centers of Torah-survived; and Reb Aaron's "simple yet those which were not-ended up as remarkable observation," and have footnotes in the history books. The radically changed the climate of context in which the remarks were their communities, opting for sur-" made was in the late forties: and viva] ... most of them having been they were made more as a warning founded since Reb Aaron's passing, Wall Street than as commendation. For Rabbi sixteen years ago. Kotler foresaw on the horizon the But this particular letter is Camera Exchange Comp/ere line of Cameras challenge that would soon knock at signed: "Dr. William Berkowitz, American Jewry's door. Rabbi" on behalf of the Institute of and Photo Supplies Dear Friend, that challenge is Adult Jewish Studies sponsored by 82 WALL STREET already knocking. It is knocking the Congregation Bnai Jeshurun in· NEW YORK, N.Y. today-and it will continue midtown Manhattan. While the Telephone: (212)344-0011 tomorrow. A VoiCl' is asking each of Dialogues that Dr. Berkowitz spon­ - Wholesale us this question: Will we be among sor attract large crowds for the per­ - Mail Order those centers of Torah and culture sonalities they feature-from Abba .....;. Retail Special Reductions to all which survived? Or will the forces Eban and Menachem Begin to Sam­ Readers of of alienation and assimilation my Davis Jr., Elie Wiesel and THE JEWISH OBSERVER swallow us up, causing Jewish r ------~. ------:. --, history to condemn us rather than ls your name and address printed incorrectly on the JO mailing label? praise us? 1 This capsule-philosophy is Are you moving? Help us deliver your JO to you as effieiently as pos~f· 1 followed by a quotation from Avos, I ble. Please attach current malling labelin space below; or else print ~lea\'- j "if there is no money, there is no I ly your address as we 11ow have lt. ·· · ·. Torah," and then concluded with a Name pitch for funds. This stirring call for measuring Address up to the challenge of Reb Aaron is City, State, . one that could well have emanated from any number of places: Print your correct (or new) .name and address here: Lakewood, New Jersey, home of Name ...... ; .. . Reb Aharon's own Bais Medrash Gevoha, perhaps the world's largest Address senior yeshiva ... Philadelphia, or Denver, or Scranton, or Long Beach, NY, or Adelphia, NJ-each a I home of an outstanding mesivta­ .. J11te Jti~sh ()bseroer high school-bais midrash founded .5 Beek:manStJNN.c 10038 -;:_:,--,\:- -: --_,1':'.'_\'_:'-'':'-<>: by disciples of Reb Aaron ... Los ...... ,, __.,,...._,,~.:.:.... -...... :.. :...... -""""' _-...... _ _.... - ..__

The Jewish Observer I January, 1<)79 31 logotherapist Dr. Viktor Frankel­ vatism as evidenced in the uncom­ crowd pleasers, all-they are not the promising tradition of the bearers of Torah survival Reb Lakewood Yeshiva that he founded Aaron had in mind. and in the Agudath Israel move­ ment whose spiritual leader he was But this is only minor when ac­ for many years. In addition, he per­ 5efer count is taken of the fact that Bnai sonally had spearheaded the op­ Jershurun is a Conservative position by the major Torah HaChinuch Congregation and Berkowitz is a scholars to Orthodox participation Conservative Rabbi. Conservatism in religious groups with Conser­ is not interested in Reb Aaron's vative and Reform rabbis, such as The Book of method of Torah living and the Synagogue Council of America Mitzvah Education halachic scholarship, which pursues and the New York Board of Rabbis, objective truth, regardless of the because he refused to grant any ascribed to Rabbi Aaron HaLevi social ramifications (leaving separa­ spiritual legitimacy to movements of Barcelona. tion of the sexes at services on this that deny basic tenets of j udaism, The Hebrew text (with side of the ERA era, surely such as the divinity of Torah law. n'kudoth) based on the first edi­ prohibiting mixed pews and female tion (Venice 1523) compared rabbis-forget about motoring on Rabbi Aaron Kotler often had with four old manuscripts, with Shabbos to services!). Moreover, publicly expressed his views that an English translation and notes, Reb Aaron himself was an out­ the Conservative movement is a by Charles Wengrow spoken battler against ConsH- deliberate distortion of Torah ideals Vol. I Genesis and Exodus The author· arranged the 613 mitzvahs under the heading of each Sedrah in that particular Be healthy with a trim body. portion, explaining the reason Space Age Technology and purpose for each precept allows you to do so with one single rhythmic movement. This edition provides an accurate text of this classic-the most cor­ rect to appear thus far-with full vowel marks (m'nukad), plus a faithful translation on facing pages, and full references as well as full explanatory notes. A NEW FIRST BY FELDHEIM. A beautiful volume 450 $13.95 In the privacy of your bedroom and 15 minutes a day you can benefit from an exercise that is more efficient than cycling, swimming, or jogging. The Exer-Cor is a completely unique body con­ ditioner. It is a truly scientific instrument, the ------·---~--·1 result of more than $500,000 in research and develop­ Benevolent Society ment by engineers, physiologists, and specialists in millas Chesed the use of exercise to improve fitness and health. or It has been called "the world's most advanced cardio­ rLapidus Bros. 1 vascular aerobic whole body training machine". Gemilath Chesed J Compact (15"x50"), light weight (25 lbs.). Easy to Assn. of the Crown Hts. use. Does not jolt, pound, or strain the body. Agudath Israel Inc. Experience a healthier heart and lungs, less muscle for applications call tension and fatigue, a better figure, and the im­ Rabbi Joshua Silbermintz proved neuromuscular coordination that will show in at 964-1620 or write improved work efficiency. c/ o Agudath Israel 5 Beekman St., FOR A DESCRIPTIVE BROCHURE CALL MALKA LEHR AT (212)778·1188 OR WRITE TO; New York, N.Y. 10038 SPACE AGE BODY MACHINES, 226 SUSSEX AVE., MORRISTOWN, N.J. 07960

32 The Jewish Observer/ January, 1979 and is a "life threat to Jewish spiritual survival." In a speech the.· exCitement·.and•·····1~spirati()n •. ~f.~g(fdl!~~ clarifying his position on working Israel of Ame.rlca's National ConventionS'1:39 with Conservative and Reform rab­ can ~e yours! · bis in a religious framework, he once stated: "Can you imagine doc­ The next best t«ingto being there: Listening to the sessions Oh ase!ofS tors dedicated to curing an epidemic cassette tape§ (90 minutes each) belonging to the same society as Tape #.1-. Society: AabbiYaakovWeinbetg; Dr, elements responsible for spreading The reshu~a Movement: Rab.bi Aar6n Twetski• the dreaded disease?" Shlomo frnifeld. Rab.bi LY. Horowitz Developil!g ..· flespollsiblllty l'or For Berkowitz to claim: Believe (BostonerHebbe), Rabbi8.M. Ezrachi _Kial: Rabbi yitzcrrok Kerzner (Tcoron' me, that I am worried. What (Jerusalem), Rabbi Akiva Schlesinger to), Rab.bi Joshua Fishm?h;. · worried Rabbi Kotler, worries me as (Strasbourg). well-as he does in his letter, is a Tape .. #2:- Tape#4~ perversion of a great man's memory ls Agudath Israel Tfll'e to- its Keynote Ses!lli>.11> Rabbi ~H,~has and his ideals .... The literature of lde_als?.: .Rabbi Meir Fulda, Rabbi TeiJz, Ra.bbl Mos.h.e Horowi_tz Yaakov Perlow, Rabbi _Nachman Bul­ (Boston.er Rebbe), Ral:!bi Moshe Fein­ charlatanism is now richer with a stein. · new metaphor-the brigand who man, Mr. Shlomo .Klagsb.ald (Antwerp). robs the crown prince and dons his Tape #5-:- garments to claim royal rights ... Tape #3~ Keynote Session: Rabbi Moshe the shoplifter who demands home Experiencing Golus hf a Free SIJerer, Rabbi Shlomo Lorine~ delivery service , .. and now the Conservative Rabbi who invokes Pr.ice per tape: $4:0b/redoced price. for complete set of five lapel?: the words of Rabbi Kotler to fund $12.50/pre-paid orders only his "Torah study" project. .!.T. Address your orders to Agudath Israel of America, .Audio.Visual Dept.!fi .Beekman St./NewYork City 10038 · Where to Daven Mincha and When ;i::ii:i'? i''1'.lt 1::JT in Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn ZECHER TZADDIK LIVROCHOH for your revised Dec '78 t0'~ ,~ Mincha Minyan Map send a SECOND YAHRZEIT OF self-addressed envelope to Mlncha Map/Agudath ALEX STEINBERG, l'I"~ Israel of America 5 Beekman St., NYC 10038 Longtime officer and member of Agudath Israel, ardent worker and benefactor of yeshivas and all good causes.

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The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 33 Realization of the Plan An Invitation Rosh Chodesh Elul 5737 (1977) at 7 AM, the new Kolel in to become familiar with ... Monsey embarked upon its long range ambitious to actively support ... program. Now in its second year, the. Kole! has been to become a partner in ... acclaimed in the Yeshiva World as a Torah citadel of the A most ambitious program. highest caliber. -E.ach member in the Kole! already has a backgroun~ The Need of years of intensive study in renowned Kolelim of Eretz Torah institutions today are mainly geared toward Yisroel and America. giving their students a "derech in learning"-that is, -The Kolel schedule spans the day from Shacharis at 7 guiding them in perfecting a methodology of study, which AM to 11 PM, almost totally eliminating any outside inter­ provides them with the foundation essential to their ruptions or distractions, other than for mealtimes. (Break­ development as a scholar. lacking, however, is the oppor­ fast is served at the Kole!.) tunity for the accomplished Torah scholar to develop -The Kole! members have developed methods of further in Umud HaTotah so as to attain Gad/us-great­ achieving great strides both in the quality and the quantity ness in Torah. of their learning. · Those individuals who possess the fortitude and deter­ -In its short span of existence, the Kole! has thus far mination to commit themselves to total immersion in completed two entire large volumes of Shas with Limud HaTorah could well become Gedolei Torah if only Rishonim and Halacha, in depth, advancing toward its extended sufficient financial means, and given the proper goal of covering a major portion of Shas and Shulchan setting and environment. Aruch in the years ahead. -Gedolei Torah are invited periodically to lecture to The Solution the Kole! in Halacha and Mussar. A search was launched for young men who have -The economic needs of the Kole! members are fully excelled in Torah scholarship and who have demon­ met through substantial financial stipends· on a regular strated a strong resolve to dedicate their lives to Umud . basis, affording them the menuchas hanefesh (peace of HaTorah, with the plan of affording them the oppor­ mind) to be totally immersed in their studies. tunity to devote all their time and energy to fulfill their It is the conviction of those invol.ved in guiding the aspirations. After many months of careful screening, a Kole! that it has all the markings of fulfilling its demand­ group of ten promising young men were chosen. They ing goals, making a .salutory imprint on Torah life on the were considered not only for their Jomdus (scholarship), American scene. (See the letter from Hagaon Horav Reb hasmada (diligence), and yiras Shomayim, but also for Yaakov Kamentsky ~"tl''iw) their ability to function as one unit. The reputation of the Kolel has become so widespread Monsey, New York, was chosen as the setting for this that many outstanding scholars from yeshivas through­ project-a community that has justly earned the reputa­ out the world are applying to join. At the present, the tion as a veritable Torah metropolis and would therefore Kole! is being underwritten privately; if expansion is to be f : afford the natural environment for this great venture. considered, the financial base would have to be Also, Monsey provides attractive schooling and the broadened. desired atmosphere for the chinuch of the children of the 'No g.overnment funds are used in this project, as it is felt Kole! members' growing families. that an institution of this caliber merits support After several meetings, the young scholars-under the BeKedushah Ve'Chulah Li'shmoh. guidance of a Gadol Ba Torah, formulated their long range The Kole! does not have any administrative expenses. goals and adopted takanos (resolutions) to guarantee the We therefore extend an invitation to those individuals fulfillment of these goals. who believe that excellence in Torah scholarship takes, tends to differ from specimen every corner, their pessimism and Mistakes to specimen. Some are heady and almost morbid outlook spoil all careless, plunge headlong onto thin adventure and shackle them to a Rabbi Shlomo Kahn ice with a naive optimism that checked and double-checked They come in varieties-mistakes. hopefully (they reduce it to armadillo-like existence. Some are small, minor, slight, easily "probably") nothing serious will Maimonides' golden advice is to mended. Others are more serious, happen. Others blend boldness with cleave closely to the golden mean. to more than just vexing, calling for caution, they step with care, avoid shun all extremes, to walk the sane major repair. Still others are the high risk without stinting on the and safe path. Which is that? In grievous and horrendous, tragic, in­ zest of life and living. And finally regard to the varieties of human operable and irreversible blunders there are the much-to-be-pitied nature sketched above, identifying of great magnitude. overly cautious. They just can't it really poses no problem. But Human nature, not unlike mis- help but see perils lurking around when it comes to mistakes and we

34 The Jewish Observer/ January, 1Q79 asso.ciated with Jewry's gk1rit>us past must:also be part of American Jewry'sfuture, and ~ishto become partners in this great venture of, Haromas. Keren .HaTorah on dowment, of the l

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36 The Jewish Obsen1er /January, 1979 includes professional counseling, tutorial services and vocational training. (Rabbi) MOSHE M. EBSTEIN, Dean Hebrew Institute For The Deaf and a series of live u.nedited Torah Exceptional Children seminars in. Yidd.ishCEnglish on Chumash-based topics; .Originally Brooklyn, NY delivered before .a chabuta of Tai• rnidei Ba is Hamed rash. at· Mesivta The "Rejected" and HASC Chaim Berlin-,.Kolel Cur Aryeh by Horav Slilorno Carfebath, then To the Editor: mas)Jg;ach of the Bais Hamedra.sh, In "The Stone Rejected by the Builders," Hanoch Teller remarks Each tape co.ntains one complete. The Retarded "to date there is not a single Jewish semina.r .of approx. 65-75 minute Group Home!" Not in New York duratiqn. City, true (at the time of his Jewish Child writing), but five years ago the The introdu~tory set of W tapes HASC Residential School was entitled clpb ?iv in:iw::i nn!>. Impressed With "Rejected" ... opened in Upstate New York, pertains to pesukirri fre>m . From HID & EC where the residents-retarded adults .the beginning of ·nirn '!:I -come from frum Jewish homes. n::ii::in in- con_tihUous _order l was most impressed with "The Twelve of the residents come from and deals with the following Stone Rejected By the Builder," as it overcrowded state schools and in­ topics: recalled the many heartaches and stitutions, and some are from frustrations I encountered in my ef­ families of distinguished Roshei 117 n::itv:i ;in•n!l as a forts to create a school for the deaf Yeshiva in New York. When the philosophy of prayer: where a Jewish child would not need for a summer sleepaway camp #8 . ))IJlVll .l'ltvl.'.l: a legacy . forfeit his Jewish heritage. I have, for developmentally disabled from the Avos. . . therefore, the greatest admiration youngsters became evident, the ·. #9 7NiJV• Mlll rooted in for the founders and staff of Ohel HASC Summer Camp was opened. C'D:llVweeks, han­ #10 nll?'lll with regard te>. the their difficult task .in the face of so dicapped children enjoy a true C'tllV ClV much prejudice and opposition. Torah and therapeutic summer 1111 Torah protects her disciples. In recognition of the need for vacation, with all the camping #12 Torah: inheritance and professional services to the programs and ruach that any frum bethrothal. emotionally disturbed, neurologic­ camp for normal children provide, #13 Cl? R'i::i 1'iti J'R in ally impaired and learning disabled plus the therapeutic activities. Thus reference to C'tllV ni:i?ti child, the Hebrew Institute for the the limited relevance of the #14 ?1l' n?::ip is. the soul of Deaf amended its charter and is statement: "The traditional Jewish Kia I Yisroel. now known as the Hebrew Institute sensitivity of sharing the misfor­ 1115 l'ltvtl n:ii::i is redemption for Deaf and Exceptional Children. tune of the needy seems to be totally for JJ1Ni D!:llV We have conducted classes in absent regarding the developmen­ #16 min•':> Mn .1::i1R'1 '"'­ special education for the past three tally disabled." a Co-m-mon_ den6minator', years, and have received special Furthermore, ask any of the acclaim for the results we have numerous rabbinical personalities achieved. who visited the camp-or better yet, $2.50 per tape Our school performs a vital ser­ ask the directors of NCSY and For more information or pre-paid vice to the Jewish community in they'll tell you how their regional orderf, write to: guiding and educating children with directors who were counselors in J•.C.M. Foundation handicaps other than deafness and, Camp HASC, learned the true (tax e~empr organ.) unfortunately, your reading public meaning of ·· ... Jewish sensitivity 418 Avenue I was not informed of the dual role of sharing the misfortune of the Brooklyn, N.Y. 11230. we play in providing deaf and needy." At HASC, this means shar­ perceptually learning disabled ing our very lives with those who This set sporysored by: children with a full Hebrew and are affilicted with retardation and Mr.. & Mrs. Manfred Katzenstein secular program. Our program also developmental disabilities in

The ]euJish Observer I January, 1979 37 general: we live, eat, play and tent and top professionalism are the spected the program, they gave it a socialize with these unfortunate key, mainstay and the core of all our 3 year certificate as opposed to the brethren of ours. We share with operations. unusual one-and sometimes 2-year their parents their frustrations and Last February, a team of certificate. their joys. evaluators from the NYS Depart· Thank you for bringing the case This is further borne out by the ment of Education visited the of the "Rejected" to the attention of warmth and concern at the Hebrew Brooklyn sites of HASC. They were your readers, and for printing this Academy, which is in existence for overwhelmed with the program. correction. sixteen years, started when nobody They departed with no recommen­ (Rabbi) MOISHE DOV KAHN, even thought of special education as dations, other than indicating that Certified Psychologist a possible entity of the educational there are only a few schools Hebrew Academy setup of a school system. From its throughout the state with such a Special Children, very inception, it was conducted in thorough program. When the NYS Executive Director a highly professional and fully Department of Mental Hygiene in- Brooklyn, NY Orothodox setup. It continues to enjoy an outstanding reputation for its remarkably professional and fru m setting. If You Read Yiddish, Mr. Teller writes, " ... Some (schools and facilities for the This is a Must For You! retarded) are void of religious con­ tent, some are not adequately A Treasury of Reading Material for your Home professional, some suffer from both, few are neither." Please ex­ Hagaon Reb Shmulewltz l;o"lll the late Mlrer Rosh Hayeshlva the history of the famous Mirer Yeshiva are vividly portrayed in the latest Issue of the clude the Hebrew Academy for renowned ever-popular Orthodox Yiddish monthly DOS YIDDISHE VORT, Special Children from this state­ with many pictures of the late gaon tzadik and other famous leaders of the Mirer ment. I can't speak for the other Yeshiva since its inception 150 years ago, through its golus during the facilities, but with us, religious con- Holocaust years 1n Japan & China to this very day. The latest issues of Dos Ylddlshe Vort also contain a wealth of other I THE WORLD FAMOUS I fascinating articles; a treasury of reading material not to be found anywhere DIGEST OF MEFORSHIM i else. Single copies $2 each Annual subscription $9 '01j?'i in:: '01j?'i I '"it iy~'iK ')w~c· ., )"nin~ If youa re not yet a subscriber to Dos Ylddlshe Vort, as an introductory offer Available of you pay only $7 (instead of $9) for the first year. Besides the latest issue on R' Chaim Shmulewitz and Mirer Yeshiva, you will also receive completely free LEKUTEI INC. 1 c/o I. Rosenberg an illustrated special issue dealing with the late Gerer Flebbe Zt"! after his pass­ 10 We~t 47th Street, Room 702 ing in Jerusalem two years ago ($2 value) as well as the special November and New York, N. Y. !0036 December issue on Pressburg. 'DCN:T1 lV'1'N:' 7il.'7 1'0 C'l.'!:l 'D'N:,, 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, Medrash, Megilas and Talmud. Please use coupon below. )'!l'iN11 JO'l "!'0'1N:11 ;.>lV'1'N: CN:1 1''1 1'0 Proceeds ol ~oles distributed amonq Yeshi.,os ond used for reprinf;ng ------ol Yo/umes out-of-print DOS YIDDISHE VORT PRICES6PER VOLUME 5 Beekman Street/New York, N.Y. 10038/(212) 964-1620 D Enclosed please find $2 for the special Issue on R' Chaim Shmulewitz and Ari! you or a loved one about to Mirer Yeshiva. enter a hospital? Are you aware D Enclosed please find $2 for the special Pressburg issue of what Is available to you, as a D Enclosed please find $2 for the special Issue about the late Gerer Rebbe Jewish patient? Zt"I D Enclosed please find $7 for my subscription to Dos Ylddlshe Vort. Please For further information, and to send me absolutely free the issue about the Gerer Flebbe, Zt"!, and the obtain THE JEWISH PATIENT'S special Pressburg issues. HOSPITAL RESOUR.C.E MAN· UAL, please write to: Name Agudath .Israel of America Address Community Services Division New York, N.Y. 10038 City/State/Zip or call • Gift to the above from 1 (212) 941·2600 L------______!

38 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 Yitzbak Berger What is it like to participate in a Shabbos group with these people? They sing Shabbos songs and dance. The Parsha of the week is Just Like discussed, stories are told and refreshments are served ..The girls Everyone Else form friendships and relationships with one another and with others 1------~-··------~-- from the community, including ' Now available nationwide.. ', their counselors-a very dedicated : airlines. cruises. hotels. schools. ' It was the seventh day of group of Bais Yaakov students and conventions and hospitals. Chanukah, 5739. The words graduates. The participants enjoy spoken in the room were similar to the groups immensely and often tell those uttered in hundreds of other the counselors how much fun they SUPERIOR rooms on that day by children of all have had .. Even more impressive, QUALITY ages: they show their commitment to the ' Glatt Kosher dinners produced · Antioch us was a terrible groups by braving the coldest man ... They didn't let the weather and heaviest rain, some of in ultra modern. Government Jews do mitzvos or study them walking over a mile to par­ inspected. sanitary facilities Torah ... Okay, now girls, ticipate. what does the 'gimme!' SUPERIOR mean? ... Why do we The Shadow KASH RUT celebrate Chanukah eight However, these bright joyous days? Chasidic shechita and moments are shadowed by thoughts cholov yisroel exclusively. and Yet, what was taking plce in that of the thousands of young mep and shomer shabbos ownership room was unique, for the par­ women who are not served by any ticipants were mentally retarded sort of Jewish program. Perhaps the SUPERIOR young women. hardest hit are those youngsters who are made wards of the state at The Chanukah party was spon­ an early age. The parents, many of SCHREIBER Schreiber Kosher Caterers .. Inc. i sored by a Bnos Agudath Israel whom are very Orthodox, too often 9024 fOStf'r Ave . Brooklyn N Y 1123(, group recently formed in the Boro do not have the financial or Phone 1212) 272·9184 Park section of Brooklyn for these emotional resources to fac'=' the women and younger children; and hardships brought upon the family by a similar group from the by the presence of a mentally j Williamsburg community th.at has retarded or handicapped child. 1 been in existence for several years. Other times, a child with real poten­ The groups have a dual focus: First, tial to lead an independent, produc­ i to offer these girls an opportunity tive life is given away simply to leave their homes and spend the because of the fear and ignorance afternoon in a Torah atmosphere. that surround the condition. One Second, to expose the community to mother told me that her pediatrician these young people to demonstrate refused to treat her Down's syn­ that they have a place in Kial drome child or any of her other Yisroel with needs similar to children because she wouldn't heed everyone else's. his .advice to institutionalize the child. The doctor was afraid the child would stigmatize his office. YitzQak Berger is a counselor for the New These last few years, the general York State Office of Vocational Rehabilita­ society has become increasingly tion and a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology Department at New York aware of the drawbacks of in­ University. He is also a member of the Com­ stitutionalization. Large institutions i1':''.;;i1 t:t'.~ munity Action Committee of the Association for the mentally retarded are being EV 7-1750 of Orthodox Jewish Scientists/Behavioral broken up and individuals are being Science Division which was responsible for sent out into the community. Un­ i.,,..,c ~~~ initiating the special Bnos Agudath Israel fortunately, although many of these iL'~ti'=~~ "e:i·t:·r-:~ .. ~:-:~· group mentioned in the article. individuals are Jewish, few

The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 39 Orthodox Jewish homes are willing they had ever experienced Shabbos. make their lives as normal as possi­ to accept them. The tragic result is Now the girls know all about Shab­ ble. We're in the heart of Boro Park that they often wind up in Christian bos and everything connected with ... There are so many people near­ homes or remain in the institutions. it. They understand kashrus, and by. Where are they?" Volunteers It is ironic that at a time when there never eat without first making the are needed to help the residents do is so much talk of bringing people proper bracha. things such as go to shul, and sew. back to Yiddishkeit, an entire group People are needed just to visit and -many of whom are Jews in all Mrs. Mazorosky explained that spend time with the residents. aspects of the word-is begging to the experience has been very warm be accepted, but is rejected. In a and enlightening for her and her We have reached the stage where simpler, more tolerant world, they family. She is only sorry that there we must look at each person in­ would be accepted as "normal." In a isn't more community participation. dividually and ask: What will it be, sense, their _greatest problem being She thinks that people are afraid to a bar mitzvah or a baptism?-a a part of our technologically come close. "Many people have pi­ Christmas tree or a Chanukah sophisticated, intolerant society. By ty, but that doesn't help us. The menorah?-carols or zemiros? Often what are they allowed to fall by the women in this home are not as there is no in-between. The choice is wayside? clever as we are, but certainly they mine and yours. ~'i". are not less than children. We try to Some Lights Fortunately, within the last few years there has been movement in a positive direction. Several agencies have been developed to serve the The Real Kiryat Shemona Story needs of the mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed and physical­ ly handicapped, but they far from We are in possession of a letter to present an overall picture of fully meet the needs. For example, written by Nurit Orchan of the Israel to foreign Jewish volunteers. in the area of foster care and group Youth and Hechalutz Department Studies are necessarily of a general homes, despite the efforts of such of the World Zionist Organization, nature. agencies as Ohel Children's Home, dealing with Hanoch Teller's ar­ Mishkan Bnai Yisroel, and N'shie ticle* "Torah Consciousness on the Hanoch Teller had, in fact, been Ahavas Chesed, there are still few Border" (JO, Nov. '77), which was invited to come to Kiryat Shemona homes willing to accept children, es­ an expose of the hostility to Torah the previous year by the Jewish pecially handicapped or problem in the Sheirut La'am programs. Mr. Agency, because of the Agency's children. Several of the young .Teller had reported on the dif­ concern for Judaism and its women at the Chanukah party, ficulties he had encountered in teachings within the framework of modestly dressed and listening to arranging to lecture eager American the ulpan. He would have been re­ words of Torah, were literally taken students on Torah Judaism. Follow­ invited this year had he bothered to from Christian homes. The ing the Orchan letter are Mr. co-ordinate his desire for classes counselors told me how one of the Teller's comments. Miss Orchan with the Agency. girls used to cross herself repeatedly writes: The Jewish Agency had an inter­ when she first came. nal investigation of the ulpan in Without getting bogged down in Kiryat Shmonah by a dati Mrs. Zemira Mazorosky, the the details of Mr. Teller's story, the (religious) investigator. He found house mother at Beth Ezra, a group incidents of which are absolutely Mr. Teller's allegations to be totally home for the retarded run by Ohel false, it would be worthwhile to unjustified. Indeed, he sent a letter Children's Home, told me of many point out some pertinent facts: inviting Mr. Teller to meet with him touching moments she has had to discuss his complaints, but working there. The week that the The sole purpose of the ulpan is Hanoch Teller never saw fit to reply home was opened she wanted to to Mr. Akiva Keshet's invitation. make sure that all the girls would be able to light Shabbos candles. When * Incidentally, Moment magazine, which is the candles were lit, the girls published in Boston by Leonard Fein, There is so little truth in what clapped and started singing "Happy printed an article by Dr. Paul Applebaum Hanoch Teller relates, and so many entitled "Bible Anyone?" in its March '78 distortions and outright falsehoods, Birthday." When they were told edition. Dr. Applebaum, a Sheirut La' am that these were Shabbos candles, volunteer in Kiryat Shemona, quotes that it seems unworthy to be a party they asked, "What's that?" For Hanoch Teller's report, and confirms its to such specious slander. most of them, it was the first time accuracy. N urit Orchan

40 The Jewish Observer/ January, 1979 Hanoch Teller responds: manner, and (3) she found only two Judaism, and/or field trips to places Missionary Bibles in the Ulpan. of religious interest during the span My article is an approximate (For the benefit of the readers, a of three months. Counselors who English translation of a letter that I "Missionary Bible" is not an Old teach that mitzvos are sent to Nori! Orchan after my sec­ and New Testament bound "anachronisms of exile, irrelevant ond summer in Kiryat Shemona. together; these Bibles had a Chris­ to the State of Israel," are presen­ Both in a telephone conversation tian translation of the Old Testa­ ting a false, one-sided and mis­ and written response, Miss Orchan ment with annotations expounding leading picture to a group of in­ neither denied any changes (i.e. upon the authenticity of the jux­ nocents who did not bargain for what Israelis call Kefiyah anti-datit) taposed New Testament.) In the ar­ distortion. nor did she accuse me of describing ticle, I reported removing a dozen Miss Orchan states, "Hanoch "absolutely false incidents." Rather Bibles, and that "the housemother Teller, had, in fact, been invited to Miss Orchan told me that she per­ had collected the remaining "Bibles come to Kiryat Shemona the sonally inspected the Ulpan** and in a box ... and sent them to a Kib­ previous year by the Jewish Agen­ asserted that (1) the Ulpan was not a butz in the area." Miss Orchan's cy, because the framework of the Yeshiva, (2) that the manager did discovery of only two Bibles does Ulpan. He would have been rein­ not speak to me in a disrespectful not at all contradict my findings, vited had he bothered to co-ordinate but merely indicated that two Bibles his desire for classes with the Agen­ escaped discovery by the . cy." """" Nurit Orchan works in Jerusalem, a four housemother and myself. and a half hour trip from Kiryat I am enclosing a letter from the Shemona; for those unfamiliar with the I question Miss Orchan's asser­ Tarbut Toranit division of the realistic of travel in Israel, the distance tion that the "sole" purpose of the Ministry of Education which states between Jerusalem and Kiryat Shemona Ulpan is to present an overall pic­ clearly that it sent me to Kiryat represents more than a grueling bus trip­ ture of Israel to foreign "Jewish" Shemona to teach Torah in a local it represents almost a total absence of volunteers. In neither of the two camp for children. While I was in meaningful contact: phone connections summers that I spent in Kiryat Kiryat Shemona in the summer of are often erratic and acoustics Shemona was the student body ex­ 1976, I discovered the Ulpan, with problematic; relayed transatlantic clusively Jewish. Furthermore, even the local Rav's encouragement, messages often stand a better chance of the most liberal interpretation or arranged classes. The welcome that faithful transmission. "Jerish heritage" demands some I received the following year in­ acknowledgement of Israel's dicated anything but "the Agency's religious heritage, observance, concern for Judaism and its traditional institutions, and even teachings." A black preacher might ,,, •.,.,I'll''""~"'"" ""''" Mo•n~ .,~ooo G-d. An "overall picture" requires have been more welcome at a Ku ~ ., ""'" ...... ~ 197&.. ,.,., • .,.. at least several lectures about Klux Klan rally.

,,.,~ •h ,,,. ·~ ,.,!!.U.ll:. .,,. ~------~

~T7 .. , •• , (1976) •"T•• f''' " nn ._., "'" ••o ,.,,, "'"'""' """ '"" ~ . .,.~ '"" ~·u• ••}•., ''"~ •"n• •"""' •·~,, ...... """''"" •·•~n• }> "" nn•••} •un»...... •• ATTENTION MECHANCHIM Hebrew Academy of Cleveland Publication Department offers 55 educational items for Hebrew Day Schools

• Curricular manuals, guides. • Workbooks • Visual aids, maps, and many others #'-'! l!Vt ll!f''!I -M~fJI .,~,~ Jiit) 1:!~i!'"·~ Catalogue sent upon request Letter from Aharon Angstreich of the Send 75¢. for handling to: Israeli Department of Education and Culture, HEBREW ACADEMY thanking Hanoch Teller for his volunteer - n'll'.'~ ~ttl't'O~-til'.'I lnjf PUBLICATIONS DEPT. work with 7th-through-9th grade children llE'llln:WA~OFCLE~ - •1::ll1. lln n·a who had spent summer '76 in a camp in 1860 South Taylor Rd. Kiryat Shemona-not for his work as an in­ Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 vited volunteer with Sheirut L'am.

The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 41 Miss Orchan asserts further that my letter to Miss Orchan was pain­ struction, (6) madrichot did try to "the Jewish Agency had an internal fully accurate, (2) explanations prevent my lectures from taking investigation of the Ulpan in Kiryat offered by the Kiryat Shemona staff place, (7) the atmosphere was out­ Shemona by a dati investigator, were unsatisfactory, (3) the in­ rageously atheistic. Akiva Keshet. He found Mr. cidents recorded by me were not In brief, Mr. Keshet essentially Tell er' s allegations to be totally un­ "absolutely false" (I questioned him confirmed all that I had experienced justified." about this several times), (4) and described. The first time that I became students were in fact being sent to This coming summer I shall wait aware of this investigation or of Mr. radically non-religious Kibbutzim for the Agency's invitation, and Keshet's very existence was via for the High Holidays, (5) Tisha would like nothing better than to be Orchan's letter. I called up Mr. B' Av was indeed the day selected to proven wrong. Keshet that evening and discussed teach the names of foods with ap­ Hanoch Teller his findings. He admitted that (1) propriate edibles to aid in the in- Tiktin Jn the lay-out process, several fascinating photographs meant to accompany Chaim Shapiro's article on "Tiktin" were put aside-and then not used. As a visual "THE FINEST IN CHILDRENS WEAR & BABY GIFTS postscript, we present the picture AT LOWEST DISCOUNT PRICES" below: Reb Shlomo Pines, the last Rosh Kahohol of Tiktin, who was mentioned several times in the arti­ WINTER

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42 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 Letters to the Editor ·< • yi~"'l!:li b~l.irt"'l!:l \!!:!;>

Please! listen to OUI' pleas f()r help, and respond witli m~rcy and generosity• ...... ,__·;·.;!···~~ ..·· .. ·.'~. •··.·.·...- ...·. ---n:- .•.·.·. The NYANA Track-Record 2) "Since 1968, NY ANA has ad­ .~::~(ff·!'.:;•''.~< "··~ with Russian Immigrants vised and financially assisted over ·<~··.~~~ ·&·,:.,,,{~:-.·:; ·,, .. ~: ·.; 10,000 people from the USSR ...." •··~""··-· '"'-'···- .. ·. To the Editor: -JO A l.ittle glrl, born with on~;leg, Your October article " 'Dobro The correct total is more than is now undergoing correctiv~ Pozhalovat': The American 12,000 Jews. surgery in Israel. Help ~er Welcome to the Russian Im­ 3) "NYANA, however, does not .parents help. her! . Prominent migrant" implores American Jewish provide religious guidance. Only Rabbis and Rosliei ~esh1va agencies to expand and enhance when the Soviet immigrant requests Hndudi!lg Rabb.i ·• Moshe !'e)nc their efforts to help Russian im­ religious attention does NY ANA ~tein, Rabbi Shrnuel Wosner­ migrants live J ewishly. The New act. ... Orthodox groups have ... York Association for New Bnai. Brak, Rabbi. Y, Grumvald; been forced to resort to clandestine Americans (NY ANA) is singled out Pup pa Rav, 1 Rabbi Israel methods to elicit arrival for special criticism. Grossman, Badatz, Agudath information .... "-JO The article, however, distorts and lsraeJ~Jerusalem) .ask .. you: misrepresents the work of NYANA receives immigrants Give with all you" heart fo NY ANA, the resettlement agency sent from overseas by our sister this very urgent cause!.• for Jewish newcomers to New York agency HIAS. Being met at the air­ Make checks payabl~ fo: City. For the benefit of your readers port by more than one Jewish­ BikurChoUm·Le'aniye and of the New York Jewish community representative would Erett Yisroel community-the funders and sup­ make them even more confused 230 f('.eap Street porters of our work for 30 years­ than they are. (We do, however, Brooklyn, New. York 11'.211 please publish the following correc­ help Jewish community groups tions. publicize their programs through 1) "(T)o the utter frustration of mailings to immigrants.) One part the religious groups interested in of our total program is a continuing assisting new immigrants, th-e series, under our Community Ser­ I .,!:lt:I crucial first encounter with America vices Department, of activities to f'M.,l'l .,f'lV .,!l'T~ often remains the exclusive instill or revive Jewish­ j?~11D'7 "~ '1 ~1~ n~~ monopoly of NYANA."-JO consciousness and aid integration There is a great difference into .local Jewish communities. J'"t.?tv)""!> b"il:i liN:b nib::ic:i CY between ''assistance'' and Included are free Russian-English .N"D''lll 1N~1'1N l"wim1 N''D''lll · "resettlement." NY ANA does both mahzorim, menorot, and holiday m~ n7Y~1 ipw 7w 1wo 711; i~1:i1> 1:i1 until the newcomers are self­ packages of honey cake and wine: '7tv iic"N::i 0")"1 'ilb:J '77i::i i1Y1 nbN::i sufficient (usually within six to invitations to attend any syn­ iw:i1 J1'Y' n1j?iy1" m7Nw "D~ CY 1j?lll eight months). For a family of four, agogue; holiday explications by ''" ~"1n Y"1lll 7Y 1n~1 Nlll~ ;;1:i pi this costs $5,100, compared with rabbis and Jewish-music concerts O"tvii"n oli il)bN: icinbi nyi n::i":i:1 $1,500 five years ago. Which of the by cantors and others, both on J')ll':J :1? ~1 1"11l1'1:JlV'1 N:'l1C:J C"11N:"::l1 "religious groups"-desperate for NY ANA's premises and at syn­ .pnin ipw i:ii~ money to maintain Jewish day agogues, and a well-publicized schools-are prepared to pay such ceremony in which an immigrant i:inb:i n:iin:;, bills? NY ANA receives immigrants fixed a mezuzah to the door of our Halibi JI. Lilwak sent to New York via our sister new headquarters last June. This 500 E. :3rd St r<'c•t agency HIAS: thereafter, no one religious orientation is offered im­ Brnnk!~·1i. N_Y 11218 prevents religio.us _or other groups mediately to immigrants and for n17lll~ ·~i ;;1:i $4.48 i'n~" from approaching these new ad­ several months thereafter; par­ ditions to their communities. ticipation is their choice. We

The Jewish Observer/ January, 1979 43 NY ANA was for,...,ed as an of immigrants sleeping on bare independent offshoot of the floors was meant to be brought to nationally oriented United Service the doorstep of smaller community LETTERS CONTINUED for New Americans (USNA). agencies rather than NYANA. NY ANA has always been a Religious guidance is a totally beneficiary agency of the national different matter, however. We can­ collaborate with Orthodox, Conser­ United Jewish Appeal, and is not view the current Russian im­ vative, Reform and secular Jewish funded by the UJA-Federation of migrant as a social phenomenon, in­ groups [such as] the Rabbinical Jewish Philanthropies Joint Cam­ volving Jews seeking political Alliance of America and Al Tidom. paign in New York. asylum, and no more-relegating (We have found, by the way, that 5) "(T)here is the furniture religious orientation to the optional Jews from the USSR seem to find problem.... (S)ome [immigrants] enrichment of an occasional lecture most kinship with the Orthodox are temporarily reduced to sleeping and ceremony. These tens of community in New York, not, as on mattresses in a bare thousands of Jews leaving the your article states, the Conservative apartment.... "-JO USSR have put their lives on the community.) Jewish religious Acquisition of furniture is line as Jews to gain exit visas. Their education is a function assigned by one category for which NY ANA total ignorance of Judaism is not a UJA-Federation to the Board of offers money to newcomers; if they matter of choice, but of tragic cir­ Jewish Education. spend it on something else, that is cumstance, and their entry into 4) "NYANA was established in their choice. NY ANA also offers in­ Western society should be un­ 1949 by the New York Federation itial housing at hotels to those derstood as a spiritual asylum, as of Jewish Philanthropies .... "-JO without family or friends here until well. Just as temporary dwelling they are self-sufficient; almost all of and permanent housing are top­ them find apartments within a priority items on the immigrants' CALLING ALL GIRLS! month. orientation checklist, so must basic FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE 6) Jewish community councils religious matters be. If NY ANA SUMMER, JOIN "deal with Russians on a more per­ does not see itself functioning in GESHER ORAH son al level than NYANA this role, it should from the very • Six weeks of extensive touring and affords .... "-JO onset involve those agencies that are lots of fun. NY ANA encourages com­ equipped to meet these needs and • Centrally located in Jerusalem munity councils and service centers, there are religious groups ready and I • Modern new dorm and our professional staff able to do the job. • Professional guides cooperates closely with them. We I sincerely doubt that a Russian • Experienced staff are personally involved in the initial immigrant would be put off by fin­ • Shiurim provision of assistance cited in the ding himself greeted by two people AGES 17-21 article-in apartment-finding, instead of only one. On the other Directed by Dena Jewish orientation, job placement, hand, a warm "Sholom Aleichem" (Lichtman) Aber hospitality, classes in English-as-a­ alongside the standard "Welcome!" For further information, call or write· second-language, and other can in itself endow his first step on GESHER ORAH Clo Uchtman, 1456-45th St. programs. It is up to the Jewish American soil with vast spiritual Brooklyn, NY 11219 community to provide supplemen­ possibilities. From this point on, a (212) 438-5584 tary services. painstaking, detailed, analytical, ad­ or GESHER ORAH Mrs. CHESTER M. visory and educational process c/o Aber 7135 North Carpenter Rd. (BLANCHE) ROSS should be initiated. Skokie, Ill. 60077: 312-676-1859 President, NYANA True, the religious community is New York City overly taxed in its efforts to fund the numerous educational and religious institutions it is main­ The Jewish Patient's Bill of Rights, Editorial Response: taining. The source of the $5,100 published by Agudath Israel of per.immigrant in communal funds, America, is now poicy in at least one Spiritual Needs Deserve Status being used io by NAYANA for hospital. We want more hospitals to The Jewish Observer article did physical absorption, would do well do the same. It is important that we not take issue with NY ANA's ef­ to also channel some additional interview people who have recently forts to "assist" and "resettle" Rus­ funds for the spiritual absorption of spent some time in a hospitaL In­ sian immigrants, as it has indeed our newest Americans. In any case, dividuals who are prepared to be in· terviewed please call: 233-3%7 and done with 172,000 Jewish political we must not congratulate ourselves ask for: "Bikur Cholim" refugees over the decades (figures on half a job well-done. from NY ANA). Even the problem N.W.

44 The Jewish Obsenier /January, 1979 "Why Auschwitz Was Never no one cares for us Jews. That Two Suggestions Bombed" nobody on this planet will raise a voice or lift a finger in protest, no You do not need me to tell you To the Editor: matter what the Germans will do that The Jewish Observer is the best As a former prisoner of with us Jews. popular Torah journal available and Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination The Allied countries (among what a great educational value it camp, with tattoo number 78389 on them hundreds of thousands of has. We use it extensively to bolster my left forearm, I would like to add enlisted Jews) fought a bitter and our Kiruv Rectokim programme a few comments on "Why bloody war with the Germans. and it is a Kiddush Hashem to be J However, in the matter of killing able to give people such a well I Auschwitz Was Never Bombed." I First a few words about myself. I millions of Jewish men, women, presented magazine putting across arrived on Auschwitz Erev Shabbos children, and babies 1"':1 they had real Daas Torah Yeyashar Kocha­ November 27, 1942; I was ap­ no problems or differences what- chem. pointed to work at the construction soever. I should like to make a strong site called Komando Crematorium/, LEON (LEIB) GONGOLA recommendation. There have been one of the four huge crematoria Brooklyn, N.Y. appearing for a while articles which buildings. Anyhow, I had no choice fall into two categories. like everyone else in picking my "Golus" in a Democracy 1) Biographical-Historical job. During the first week or so I To the Editor: 2) Holocaust. didn't realize what a crematorium Frankly, as a product of a secular You would solve a great was, although I worked inside the American education, I doubt very edutational need if you were to ovens. In my birthtown Sierpc, near much if my kind can or ever will, reprint these two categories Warsaw in Poland we had our Bais­ feel any sense of golus. We are just separately in book form. You could Almin and the gentiles had their too overwhelmed, not only also consider including readers' cemetery. . . ·. Till that time I had materially, but philosophically as letters on these articles where never known or even heard that in well, with the advantages of a free necessary or suitable. London, Moscow or New York society. Perhaps, though, the fault there exist facilities for cremating lies in our unquestioning accep# AVRAHAM HASSAN the dead at their own prearranged lance of the so-called "Founding Kole] "Yad Shaul" Library request. Fathers," those supposed demi­ Johannesburg, South Africa I In 1943-44 while in Auschwitz gods fashioned a document most .,I and in some of the 40 branches that Americans regard as almost sacred. • • ••••• ••• Auschwitz had, I had seen English Forgotten are the human frailties of ~SHELLY •••• and American bombers flying mis­ these men, the political squabbles ••••• • • • sions over Auschwitz. We always and deals they made in order to ~ •••• looked up to them praying to the simply write a constitution. This LADli • • • • ••••• • • • Almighty that a miracle might kind of indoctrination goes on in E: orchestra .·- .. happen and that those bombers yeshivas also, as if Orthodox 438-3402 ••••• • would bomb the four death houses educators fear that to do less is to =: in Auschwitz, located in one long somehow compromise their row at approximately Jess than one patriotism. half of a mile. The Germans had no How can one feel golus when the anti-aircraft positions in or around Declaration of Independence is Auschwitz . . . Hitler, Eichmann pounded into one's brain from early _,..,.. and Himmler slept quietly, confi­ childhood? Ot course America is a K"l!lnl K1!l'1i''~ ;n::in dent that nobody would bomb the wonderful country. No one denies Chevra Kadisha gas chambers and crematoria in that. But maybe if we stop deifying Har Hamenuchot • Har Hazeisim Auschwitz .... The Evion democracy, we'll be able to better Eretz Hachaim Conference, Crystal Night in 1938, see ourselves for what we are. And All Cemeteries In Israel and later the "Saint-Louis" episode Slavish adulation to a political in June 1939 proved to Hitler that system which, as any other, could maat1n Bakobesh very well turn against us is absurd. Credits One need not be reminded of the SOCl€tY The photographs of the 56th mentality of pre-Churban German 26 CANAL ST. National Convention of Agudath Jewry to feel not a little chillled at NEW YORK CITY 10002 Israel of America that appeared in the prospect. the Dec. '78 JO were taken by Dty & Nite Phone R. STEIN 233-7878 Moshe Z. Weisberg. Brooklyn, N. Y.

The Jewish Observer /January, 1979 45 :nt-n:1'7.11::m lt::~:!illMMi11ecdh1011M1n ttanoYroa Dear Zevulun: We are proud to announce that we are imminently publishing the first section of a book of responsa, Yissachar BeOhalecha, an anthology of halachic dis­ cussion, Kisei Mishpat-dealing with Choshen Mishpat, Ahavas Sholom-dealing with Yoreh De'ah, and Reishis Teruma-dealing with laws of terumos and ma'asros, prepared by members of the three in­ stitutes for advanced Torah research (Kollelim) un­ der the Mechon Hahoyroa. As is well known, the purpose of these kollelim is to restore Torah learning to its ancient glory-that is, pursuing Talmudic studies to the practical halacha /'maaseh in all four sections of Shulchan Aruch. Needless to add, the zechus of participating in such a unique project is great, indeed! We invite you to join us in supporting this major undertaking with a donation of fifty dollars which will, of course, entitle you to a free copy of the sefer upon publication. Your name will be entered in a special section of the sefer as an everlasting tribute. Furthermore, special pages will be reserved for perpetuating the memory of a departed loved one; each entry will include the name, father's name and yahrzeit date of the departed one, for a contribu­ tion of fifty dollars for each entry. Your entire contribution is exclusively set aside for supporting the fellows of our kollelim, and for fund­ ing publication of their Torah research. Not one cent is used for overhead. Please fill out and return the attached form shown below, as soon as possible. (All names should be sub­ mitted in Hebrew.) Most sincerely, -----.------Mechon------Hahoyroa Mechon Hahoyroa, POB 371, Monsey, N.Y. 10952 Gentlemen: I want to participate in the support of the work of Mechon Hahoyroa. [ ] Enclosed please find my contribution of $, ______I am interested in more information: [ ] Send me some of your literature. [ ] Call me at ______[ ] I would like to join in sponsoring the publication of Yissachor BcOholecho.

City, State, ZiP------In Memory of the Departed Loved Ones

Name------Name of Father ______Yahrzeit Date: ______Day/Mos./Year

Name ------~---- Name of father ______Yahrzeit Date:-,,c-----,,--,----,,.,--- Day/Mos./Year All contributions are Tax Deductible portant Orthodox issues, everyday ments, on behalf of the Orthodox problems of religious observance Community, of Dr. Seymour P. and discriminatory practices against Lachman, as a member and then as Orthodox Jews in hiring and ad­ president of the New York City LETTERS CONTINUED vancement. All too often, the so­ Board of Education. cal!ed Jewish appointee does not represent the interests of the PHILIP J. KIPUST Orthodox Community. The impor­ Past President, Association of To the Editor: tance of being well represented was Orthodox Jewish Teachers Referring to the article "Choos­ very clearly demonstrated by the New York City ing the Representatives of the numerous significant accomplish- Orthodox Jewish Community," Oc­ tober '78, I was interested in the dis­ cussion of this important and perti­ nent issue and in the cogent arguments developed by both Dr. Fryshman and Dr. Lewin. May I offer the following comments. Although to my mind the ques­ tion is far from resolved, there seems to be one important point on which both sides agree and which may serve as some sort of practical application in the interim. That is, if and when the Orthodox Communi­ 1750 Glendale Avtnue, Montreal, Ouebec H2V 183 - (514) 739·3814 ty does support a political candidate Our Seminary is now accepting dormitory applications for the forthcoming school year. who is an Orthodox Jew, it is essen­ All out of town students who want to study in this well-rounded program, tial that the candidate be one who is please write for an interview. very competent, trustworthy, per­ Picturesque, European styled Montreal, is a beautiful setting for your Selliinary education. sonable, and of excellent character . . . one who would create a Kid­ SUBJECT !NSTRUCTOA TIMES PEii WK . tl'l'T - rn:,,31 n1iw:i RABBI E. FINKELSTEIN 1 dush Hashem and not, Heaven for­ 1''l'T - tll' ~ll n11fHVJ RABBI 0. MUNO bid, the reverse ... One whom we RABBI M. TOBER '4 WD1n"'"" ·- li'l'lV RABBI M. KATZ 1 would be proud to describe as ".an lPllnl Or. H. BIBERFELD 2 Orthodox Jew." The same criteria nl.,'~D RABBI IVI. SARKA.NY 1 should be followed for the selection 1''l11nJtt \:3'Jtt'll Dr. H. BISERFELO 2 'O"llWNi 'D'M'.ll Mrs. M. GLUSTEIN 1 {every 2nd wk.) of "Shtadlonim." "'1l'1 Mrs. P. RABJNOVICZ 3 The second point is that more i'IVJ1!l Mrs. D. TAUB Quiz 1l:Y'P Miss T. ZINNER Ouil attention would be given by the i'11l'!ln Dr. H. BIBERFElD 1 Orthodox Community to the A. & C. in the Classroom Mrs. M. COHEN 2 (every 2nd wk.I Child Psychology Or. A . WORENKLEIN 1 appointment-in contradistinction Early Childhood Mrs. M. ROSENSWEIG 1 to election-of Orthodox Jews to Jewish History Mr. P. TESSLER 2 Jewish Identity Mrs. Y. WENGER: 2 (every 2nd wk.) important positions of authority in Jewish Philosophy RABBI S, ZEFFREN 1 various fields. Especially when ap­ Methods of Education Mrs, M. GLUSTEIN 2 pointments are made to represent Remedial Reading Mrs. P. RUSS 2 (every 2nd wk.) Spacial Education Dr. A. WORENKLEI N 1 the various ethnic groups, should Student Teaching Mrs. M. GLUSTEIN 2 we by all means attempt to have the Orthodox Community well The progr11111 also consists of the following ol)tionaf courses represented. We now have suf­ Data Processing ...... ·Full Programmer c·our!ia ficient competent, articulate, English Literature & Composition ..... ,., ., 2 times par week French .. :...... 2 times per week honorable, and responsible in­ Swimming (in our own pool) .. ,,, .. 1 time per week dividuals in just about all the professions and areas of commerce. Our graduates also receive a govermnent diploma (Quebec equivalent of Juni(lr College) Such appointed officials may often as our Teachers' College is recognb:ad by the Department of EducatiOl'I. be more beneficial to the Orthodox RABBIS. AISENSTARK RABBI P, HIRSC'HPRUNG Community than elected officials, Principal Chief Rabbi of Montreal President especially in the monitoring of im-

The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 47 sentimental attachment to the land independent spirit could work n of our fathers. wonders over here. Who will accept was so insistent LETTERS CONTINUED Moshe Rabbeinu the challenge? in his pleas to be allowed to enter (Rabbi) ARYEH CARMELL the Land, the Midrash tells us, only Y eshivat Dvar Y erushalayim Eretz Yisroel-For a Revival of because he was eager to share in the Jerusalem, Israel Mitzos and the Land mitzvos of the land. The concept I "mitzvos of the land" today in­ I To the Editor cludes of course the agricultural I congratulate the Jewish mitzvos of teruma, maaser, shemitta "Missing: An Understanding Observer on publishing Shimon etc. in their present-day application. of Galut" Glick's article "Missing-A Feeling And the practical revival of a whole of Galut." I cannot help feeling that section of the Torah after 1500 To the Editor: this is something of a breakthrough. years of dormancy is no small I would like to suggest a new title May it be a forerunner of many matter. But it includes above all the for Dr. Shimon Glick's recent arti­ more articles featuring a more challenge of bringing about a Torah cle (Jewish Observer, October, positive attitude to that hitherto society in Eretz Yisroel. 1978), "Missing, A Feeling of almost unmentionable topic-the The time is propitious. The self­ Galut." It might be renamed, actual self-removal of Tor ah Jews confidence of the secularists has "Missing, an Understanding of from the lands of the affluent Gola been badly shaken by many recent Galut by Shimon Glick." to Eretz Yisroel. developments. Many people are While I agree with some of the Everything in Dr. Glick's article questioning their ideological bases. criticism expressed, I find that this is true-even tragically true. Yet A subS'tantial influx of Orthodox criticism is based upon an incorrect there is much more that can and Jews with skills in science, interpretation of the meaning of should be said. The age-old longing technology, commerce and the Caius. Modern Hebrew is replete for Eretz Yisroel is an essential ele­ professions, strongly motivated, with expressions which, while ment in the healthy Jewish soul, and conscious of their strength, aware grammatically correct, are seman­ if it is muted this is indeed a danger­ of their goals, could effect a revolu­ tically false. Galut, as referred to by signal. But there is more to it than tion on the Israeli scene. This is our Dr. Glick throughout his article, ! this. The urgent imperatives of task, and no-one else's. As th< was called by our Chazal, Chutz h Eretz Yisroel cannot be satisfied by LaAretz, meaning countries which I Chazon !sh said, we cannot give nostalgia at the Western Wall or this baby a name until we have " - lie outside the boundaries of Eretz "Judaized"it (Pe'er Hadar, IV, p. YisroeL Sometimes, the word Golah OAF YOMI EDITION OF 242). is also used. Golus or Galut MESECHTA KIDUSHIN The goals of the Torah will never describes the tragic state of affairs NOW AVAILABLE be realized by Jews loosely which results from the absence of organized in a collection of Shechina among Kial Yisroel. Mesechta Kidushin, the latest shtiebelach lodged in the niches of When, because of our and perhaps volume in a special series of unique an alien civilization. It was meant our fathers' insufficiencies, we are travel-size (5V2" x 8") Gemoras, is for full-blooded implementation by denied the presence of Shechina, now available for the convenience all the organs and structures of an and a spiritual darkness, a Hester of Dal Yomi participants in their dai­ autonomous society, living and Panim, pervades the world, we ex­ ly study. developing within its own territory. perience Caius HaShechina. As we Available at the cost price of I hope I am mistaken, but I sink deeper in this darkness, we are $2.50-by advance payment only. sometimes get the impression that denied a Bais HaMikdosh, and even Sole distribution from the publisher: some of our people would prefer to the privilege of living in Eretz be left in peace to run their Yisroel. Oaf Yoml Commission shtiebelach rather than to accept the This interpretation is elementary, Agudath Israel of America astringent challenge of building a and is perhaps the "major positive 5 Beekman Street, N.Y., N.Y. Torah society and organizing a value" which the Yeshiva world 10038 modern state on Torah lines. was taught this past generation. Orthodox Jewry has come of age The direction of its teaching was Canadian readers are advised either in America. It has thrown off its not as blurred and as negative as to subscribe at the overseas rate of subservience to the secularist es­ Dr. Glick would have us think, and $\additional .per year, or to indi­ tablishment and has shown that it the chinuch and the approach of cate on their checks that the $9:00 can stand on its own feet. The time our Yeshivas Gedolos continues to payment is to be made in U.S. has come for it to turn its attention be the single most reliable source for funds. to Eretz Yisroel. Some of that same a correct and Torah-true attitude

48 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 They, more than anyone, realize towards Eretz Yisroel, Golus, Awaiting the Ge'ulah­ Medina, et. al. that we are in golus-that even in in U.S. and Israel Eretz Yisroel one is in golus. Indeed, Jn view of the above, Dr. Glick To the Editor: the golus problems of physical and should recognize that, while the Jew religious security are just as per­ of Boro Park and Flatbush may be Dr. Shimon Click's article ("Missing-a Feeling of Galut") was vasive in Eretz Yisroel as elsewhere. lacking in his longing for an end to excellent in that it touched on one of They, mote than anyone else, hope this bitter Golus, he is unfortunate­ the thirteen principles of faith-to for Moshiach to come, ly in complete concert with his constantly hope for the Mishiach to BORUCH FELDMAN counterpart in Detroit, Montreal, come now. Chazal state that this is Brooklyn, NY and ... even in Jerusalem. Who are one of the things asked of a person we to declare which of us is when he is judged upon entering prepared to answer that most de­ the next world-" did you hope for manding of all questions- the redemption?" Golus and Aliya­ -did you longingly await the Our position in golus is based on Not Mutually Exclusive redemption? This question, which the well-known Divine command demands that we long for an end to issued through the Prophet To the Editor: Golus, will be asked of every Jew in Jeremiah: " ... Build ye houses and Pr. Glick was very right in Bnei Brak as well as in Beer Sheva. dwell in them ..." (Jeremiah 29). bemoaning the lack of a feeling of But the purpose of this .is because golus in our age. But for the rest, his Moreinu Harav Yaakov the greatness and importance of article represents a textbook case of Rosenheim, who kissed the ground Eretz Yisroel is only in that it is the muddled thinking, as surprising as in Israel upon arriving was express­ "Palace of the King"-the land of it is regrettable. ing a feeling of Chibas HaAretz, a the fulfillment of His Torah. According to him, the test of love for the very earth of Eretz Therefore, to perform His service whether somebody has a sense of Yisroel, as described at the end of there, it is required first to attain the golus in whether he feels any urge Gemora Ksuvos, Torah, and so our building houses to go on aliya. Does he not mix up . He was not, as Dr. Glick would of Torah and Torah communities two issues here-awareness of golus have it, overcome with emotion at here, is our preparation to enter (which should exist in Eretz Yisroel, having left Galut, for he and all our Eretz Yisroel and shows that we too) and the love of Eretz Yisroel? It Gedolim and Askonim understood hope for the redemption.* Those is true that the two issues touch, .I that Golus has not territorial boun­ leading this building are the so­ and that there was a time when they 1 daries. caUed "right wing" yeshivos, es­ were almost identical-when a man I tablishing countless yeshivos both desperate i.n his longing for Chibas HaAretz and recognition here and in Eretz Yisroel, with hun­ Moshiach said goodbye to his fami­ of the holiness of Eretz Yisroel, dreds of American students lear­ ly and community, packed his Kedushas HaAretz, are incumbent ning in Eretz Yisroel. It is their peo­ tachrichim, and went to upon us all, and if we fail in this, we ple who say daily the countless fail in a major obligation. Yet, I do prayers for the rebuilding of the not subscribe to the popular notion, Bais Hamikdosh. (Contrasted with that everyone who "undergoes" or the Reform prayer-book, which un­ l~AV~[\./tl~··\, (1:T)1 "does" aliya with all its contem­ til recently made no mention of SEFORIM &: .GIFTC:ENTl:ll porary ramifications is assured of Eretz Yisroel; or with those who >,, >-'-',,-' :';>:"' having met this obligation. make a "Yorn Tov" of Yorn Ha'atz­ 5()~1ff·.1 1~·AYert\i'e Our devotion and efforts must maut and Yorn Yerushalayim, say­ Brookly)\;1N, Y. 112§4 above all be directed to learning ing the State of Israel is the start of (2.12).633'9225 Torah, for young and old, for only redemption.) They (the so-called in this manner can we develop a right-wingers) are the ones who • Urr~e sef~cti~n ~f li•:iii!)> Daas Torah, a Torah-based ap­ promote love of Eretz Yisroel, and it an.d ••E1t~Hsh·.Bo!Jks proach which will guide the think­ is in the spirit of this love that they ··We 1sell exd.us!Vel)' .all so sharply and strongly criticize the ing of the Jew in Flatbush, and lecture tapes of ...·.· likewise guide the thoughts of his secular and even anti-religious State brother in Bayit Vegan. of Israel, since it is so often in op­ R~~bi ~vis,dor.~met1<;'~'~1t/ (Rabbi) MJCHOEL J. MEISELS position to what Eretz Yisroel is. • W!JnderfuL sJoxy 1 t~~e~ .fat Dean, Beth Jacob children (in Yidd.is!r). ·... ·•. · •. ··.·•· ··. Sara Schenirer High School *Refer to the commentary of Rabbi by. Rabbi L. Welnst9ck7"lll and Teachers Seminary Shamshon R. Hirsch zt'I on Deuteronomy . (ftoill Monsey) Brooklyn, N. Y. Chapter 4 Verse 5.

The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 49 Project COPE Career Opportunities & Preparation for Employment Step up to a Better Career as an expert

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The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 50 derstands their dilemma: since there Chaim Belin graduates that he met has been so much to criticize in the in Eretz Yistoel seem to have a ® 27 State of Israel these past 30 years, dear-headed view of love for the they were forced to sound the Land balanced by a healthy suspi­ LETTERS CONTINUED negative notes. Basically, they had a cion and distrust of its government. well-grounded fear that their In my view, their Roshei Yeshiva students might become enamored seem to be doing something right. Yerushalayim to spend his remain­ with an uncontrollable Zionistic SHMUEL EPSTEIN ing days in prayer and Torah study, urge-thus their muted approach to New York City awaiting the coming of Moshiach. our Holy Land. Can we really say that life in Eretz I beg to differ. First of all, his Editorial Comment: Yisroel-even among the religious whole assumption that yeshiva As the opening articles in last olim from America-is an expres­ graduates are poorly represented month's issue demonstrate, we sion of a sense of golus? Is there not among the olim is wrong. I'll wager recognize our obligation to be in many cases the opposite feeling­ that more alumni from Torah cognizant of out golus condition, that only America is golus, while in Vodaath and Chaim Berlin and some of our failings to do so. Eretz Yisroel "we are OK"? (including some well known Roshei For this reason, we felt it in place to Moreover, even when we limit Yeshiva) made aliya than did publish Dr. Click's "Missing: A ourselves to the question of Chibat graduates from many modern­ Feeling of Galut," and his various Ha'aretz, the love for Eretz Yisroel, Orthodox institutions. In fact, comments and observations were is it not ludicrous to lay the respon­ numerous American voices are im­ taken in this context. We are pre­ sibility for the lack of aliya at the mediately recognizable in the Israeli senting some of Dr. Click's res­ feet of the yeshivas? What about counterparts of our Torah Vodaath ponses, reflecting his own think­ our dependence on the luxuries and and Chaim Berlin, and Beth Jacob ing. fleshpots of America? What about schools.-Are they all really Yeshiva I contended that a feeling of galut our feeling that we are here by right University alumni that "crossed was lacking in much of the yeshiva (so eloquently reflected in the recent over''? world, but never did I suggest that JO debate whether we should elect Moreover, during my most recent the problem was confined to the our own political representatives or visit to the Holy Land (which to me yeshiva world. Mr. Epstein does not use our clout over others)? And is like going to a rebbe' s tisch, not deny the validity of my obser­ what about the erosion of feeling like visiting a mistress, cholila), I -vations. that results from journeys to Eretz was upset that many American o/im Correction Yisroel (formerly reverent there seemed so much at home, that In Herman Landau's letter (Dec. '78) pilgrimages) becoming tourist they forgot that they are in galut. I regarding rescue efforts during World jaunts (complete with stopover in think some of them would be a bit War II, the text Should have read (2nd Rome or Switzerland) that a goodly inconvenienced if a man on a white paragraph): "In May 1944, the Nazis had begun _mass deportation of Hungarian number of our high school students donkey came into town, telling have already partaken of? Jews to Auschwitz .. , Vaad Hahatzala them to change .their perspectives also took pai't in the rescue operation of Against this background, the and priorities! And the poor chaps only source of both a true approximately 1600 Jews who arrived whose sons want to serve in the into Switzerland from Hungary via awareness of go/us-and our total Israeli army, to defend their coun­ Ber en-Belsen:' dependence on the coming of try, and are perplexed by the non­ M oshiach-and of a proper perspec­ Jewish (or anti-Jewish) army at­ tive on Eretz Yisroel-are our mosphere; whose daughters want to Enjoy ... Roshei Yeshiva. Dr. Glick should serve in Chen, even though parents have understood that. Eat in object strenuously . . . the people I NAME WITHHELD who celebrate United Jerusalem ; ~' good health! BY REQUEST Day, in spite of the inaccessibility '"·"' .i'1\ of the Temple Mount, dominated _:~\). . The Yeshivas and by Moslem mosques.-And they Love of "the Land" think ·that galut is an overseas ::;;ij[C: 1 : ;,, To the Editor: phenomenon, belonging only to the Gola! Dr. Glick seems to fault our /'• • • , The Most TMled Name American Roshei Yeshiva for My son's Pirchei leader (a bit tn Kosher Poultry somehow being remiss in conveying more precocious, perhaps, than the ~ Chibas Eretz Yisroel to their charges fellow who served in this capacity ("Missing-a Feeling of Galut," to Dr. Glick's youngster) confided PREFERl=IED WORLb·WIDE Oct. '78). Of course, he un- in me that the Torah Vodaath and

The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 51 and the other factors cited take their Meshech Chochma, Chazon /sh* to toll of yeshiva youth as well as of see whether Brooklyn has the same lrr secular youth. status as Bnei Brak or not. The citation of Jeremiah's "Build (Dr.) SHIMON GLICK LETTERS CONTINUED ye houses ... "distorts the consola­ Beer Sheva, Israel tion of the exiles in Babylon who Indeed, it should offer little were not permitted to return and satisfaction that a similar lack of rebuild Israel. Ezra's appeal to the Missing-A Sense of What? feeling may exist (as indeed it does) Jews to go up to Israel and rebuild in many circles representative of the destruction as soon as the op­ To the Editor: "modem Orthodoxy." But here the ·portunity was provided, would be a Re: "Missing-A Feeling of reasons are different; in writing for much more appropriate citation. Galut", (Tishrei) ... Borough Park The Jewish Observer I attempted to Samson Raphael Hirsch's com­ consider the appearance of examine those courses which ment on Deuteronomy 4:5 that the Moshiach a nuisance?!! Dr. Glick seemed pertinent to the JO Jews as a people acquired the Torah cannot be serious! Which com­ readership. I felt that the situation is first and then the land, is a truism­ munity loves a Simcha more than particularly painful because one but in no way prevents the Torah Boro Park? Which community can would have expected that the Jew from sensing his deprivation organize a celebration the way Boro yeshiva world, so meticulous in while in galut. In fact, the more Park can? Ceremony! Pomp! other aspects of religious obser­ natural interpretation is that the NOBODY DOES IT BETTER! ... vance and feeling, would be laden Torah Jews should become the When Moshiach comes (soon!), with an obvious consciousness of primary builders of Israel. ... are you kidding? ... WHAT a galut. Thus I do bemoan the insuf­ The Reform prayer book and the convention! Everyone will come to ficient difference in the "at home" secular and anti-religious nature of see, to hear this magical, almost feeling in America between the Israel is irrelevant to the theme of mythical Moshiach standing on a secular Jew and the Torah Jew. my article. I neither stated nor im­ podium in our own Jv1enora Hall! Nor did I lay the responsibility plied that a feeling of galut is absent . . . The tastiest dishes! Loveliest for lack of aliya at the feet of the only in religious Jews. Quite con­ clothes! Cigarette smoke billowing Roshei Yeshiva, as charged. Ob­ trary, I stated "Many American blissfully above! . . . NOTHING I viously the luxury and fleshpots Jews ... even the religiously obser­ could be more festive ... I I· vant Jews ... no longer have the And then, ... the meetings, ... i feeling that they live in galut. "That the talks ... a Reform Jew thinks that he is at "Now listen, Moshiach, I've got home in America is not surprising; great connections ... " that members of the Torah Com­ "My brother is in real estate ..." munity think no differently should "We can knock down those be surprising and disturbing. eyesores on --rd street .. .11 Other letters do not seem to deny " ... I mean, really Moshiach, my observations about conditions ... what's all this talk of moving? in America, but rather to assert that . . . Why-we can build our Bais things are bad in Israel, too. Their HaMikdosh RIGHT HERE! assertions are irrelevant. I never You see, Dr. Glick, you have mis­ said "We are OK" in Eretz Yisroel. I interpreted the real lack, the actual wish we were. But Israel is more void, the TERRIBLE need of the than a place to go, saying, "goodby American Jew; to family and community" to pack We are the epitome of Caius .. . one's 11 tachrichim." One need not We WALLOW in Caius! .. . wait until tachrichim time. Many WHAT is missing? Perhaps ... a opportunities exist to spend time in feeling of Ge'ulah ... I' prayer and study" in Israel, even today-believe it or not! T. M. PARKER [As for the special nature of Eretz Brooklyn, N. Y. Yisroel,J may I urge my respondents as Jews guided by halacha to look at the laws of *The Chazon Ish, ;";it for instance, ruled that yishuv ha'aretz today, to study the settlement and building of Eretz Yisroel Rambam, Rambant Shulchan nowadays is a mitzvas asei d'oreiso (a Aruch, Rabbi Yaakov Emden, positive Torah commandment).

52 The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 Agudath Israel's Isaac Lewin Scores Over Russian On Human Rights Agudath Israel Knesset Victory Agudath Israel gained a major victory when an attempt to introduce compulsory By David Horowitz amendment which called for the replacement national service for women was defeated in of the two words with "due attention." The the Knesset by a vote of 61~47. The bill UNITED NATIONS, (WUP)-Dr. Ism proposal was defeated by a vote of 38 for, 50 would have required the Minister of Labor to Lewin, noted Human Rights authority repre­ against with 36 abstentions. senting the Agudath Israel World Union issue the necessary regulations to implement within the Non-Governmental Significantly, when it came to a vote on the National Service Law of 1953, which Organizations managed to score a victory the whole resolution, not a single member makes two years of national service comM over a Soviet delegate who tried in vain to in­ voted against it. It mustered 104 votes with pulsory for girls exempted from any service' troduce an amendment to a resolution in­ 25 abstentions. This came as a personal vic­ on religious grounds. spired and drafted by Dr. Lewin and which tory for Dr. Lewin who commented: A Pointing to the unanimous opinion by amendment would have greatly weakened decisive victory in the cause of human rights Gedolei Torah that national sefvice was con~ the intent of the resolution. has been achieved by the adoption of this trary to Halacha, Agudath Israel denounced resolution. I am extremely hopeful that the The T~ird Committee of the Assembly the latest attempt by the opposition Align­ was debating. the Lewin-inspired draft en­ Human Rights Commission in Geneva will ment to introduce compulsory service for the titled "Elimination of All Forms of Religious now draft the text of the Declaration and that religious girls. In the debate, Shoshana Intolerance." The USSR delegate had ob­ next year the General Assembly will Arbeli (Alighnment) expressed surprise at jected to the words "give highly priority" proclaim this important document as a se~ "the extremist poisition of the National contained in the following clause: p quence to the Universal Declaration of Religion Party (Mizrachi) in view of the fact "Requests the Commission on Human Human Rights." that girls who have come up through its af­ Rights at its 35th session to give high priority Dr. Lewin had managed to enlist the filiated youth organization, Bnei Akiva serve to the drafting of the Declaration of the following states to sponsor his resolution: in the army. She appearled to the NRP Elimination of Intolerance and of Austria, Canada, Columbia, Dominican deputies "not to let Agudath Israel lead you Discrimination based on religion or belief, Republic, France, Ghana, Honduras, Ireland, by the nose." and to strive toward completion of the draft Italy, Jamaica, Lesotho, Netherlands, t 'Ceder . OJoni" i>Y ·stlt• declaration at that session Nigeria, Norway,· Suriname, United The Soviet proposal for the deletion of the Kingdom, U.S., Venezt.iela, Sweden, Costa ····".·.. ··11·'.·.o.· ..".".·.·.w ~T..•..~·.· ...•.•·.· .•.... ·.·.··$·." .....r. •.·.·.•.·.· ..llla.. H~, ...•.•.· .. ·... ' .. ·.i ... ·.··lli ..••...•.•""!')' :i1' words "high priority" was suggested by Viet Rica, Federal Republic of Germany, . ·~~ .s"'m~ l'util. i Nam whose spokesman introduced an Uruguay, Denmark and Australia. .5 ,,Btekll\;m ....· . , .si,. N':l"iC 1ooa8 JEP Develops New Method To Agudath Israel In Effort For New Means to Aid Yeshivos Teach Uncommitted Youngsters; Release 4th Record A stepped up effort to explore programs to at the seminar included such officials of New assist yeshivas which meet the constitutional York City's Board of Education as Dr. A new approach in teaching uncommitted restraints is being directed by the Commis­ Charles Schonhaut, executive dire'ctor of the Jewish children the Alef-Beis was one of sion on Legislation and Civic Action of Division of Special Education, and Mrs. several recent innovative projects sponsored Agudath Israel of America. During the first Florence Flast, director of pupil transporta­ by the Jewish Education Program (JEP) the few weeks of the school semester, the Com­ tion. More than 60 representatives of Torah reachout project of Zeirei Agudath Israel of mission convened a special seminar for prin­ institutions in the greater New York area America. In addition to the new workbook, cipals and administrators of yeshivas. Call­ participated. JEP also released its fourth album of its ing for a new program within the parameters In addition to the seminar, the Commis­ successful JEP recording series. of constitutional law, Assemblyman Leonard sion has also been canvassing the yeshivas to Stavisky declared that, "Compansatory gauge reaction to a new proposed competen­ The workbook concept is part of JEP's programs designed to identify children with cy test by the New York State Board of overall program to prepare instructional deficiencies in basic skills, school enrollment, Regents. The Commission is also continuing materials to teach youngsters who had never shared use off adlities, and public money for its daily efforts on behalf of yeshivas on the before experienced Jewish learning. The handicapped pupils to be accepted into local scene, in the state capitol and in recordings are primarily in English so that programs is constitutional." Other speakers Washington. the Jewish message is carried in a language easily understood by the large numbers of youngsters served by JEP. Come To According to the leaders of JEP, Rabbis Moti Katz and Yosef Chaim Golding, although the workbook was originally prepared for hundreds of children JEP serves in public schools and Talmud Torahs, the publication could also be used by preschool ~r£~.~'Y and first grade children from yeshiva Formerly Kosher King backgrounds. The approach to learning is clearly enhanced by hundreds of illustrations 1501 Surf Ave. Coney Island with a full spread on each letter of the Whitehead Hall Brooklyn College alphabet.

The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 53 Agudath Israel Expends Project RISE, Names Executive Director

Agudath Israel of America has announced this area through its various divisions. In Education Program (JEP) which sponsors an the appointment of a new executive director coping with the vocational guidance and job after-school program in the Brighton Beach/ of its Project RISE (Russian Immigrant Ser­ training needs of the immigrants, Agudath Coney Island area. As a result of JEP's ongo­ vices and Education), Shmuel Nuta Israel's Project COPE (Career Opportunities ing efforts, 65 Russian children have recently Herskovitz, as part of the expansion of its ac­ and Preparation for Employment) has been enrolled in yeshivas. tivities for new arrivals from the U.5.5.R. processed over 3,500 applications by Russian Recently Project RISE played host to more Mr. Herskovitz, a native of the Soviet Union, Jews since 1975. Hundreds of these clients than 250 Russian immigrants at a Chanukah is a member of a family that persevered were enrolled in training programs, which gathering at the Agudath Israel Midwood spiritually in Russia against all odds. After included language instruction. One of the Center in Brooklyn. Inspiring addresses by arriving in the U.S.A., he enrolled in an results of the years of experience is the es­ Rabbis Zysha Heschel and Avrohom American yeshiva to compensate for the tablishment of an English-as-a-Second­ Schindler and Jewish songs by Yonah education he had missed in his native coun­ language program, and the development and Weinreb gave the participants a sense of try, and then became a leading activist in publication of a widely circulated brochure: having regained a long lost link with their bringing other Russian Jewish immigrants "ESL and Job Orientation: A Teacher's Jewish heritage. closer to Yiddishkeit. Highly respected Manual." The announced expansion plans also call among Russian immigrants for his devotion Project RISE also publishes a monthly for the development of a Torah volunteer to helping them meet their every need. Russian-language newsletter to maintain . corps in the communities where Russian im­ Herskovitz will be charged with coofdinating contact with the Russian immigrants and to migrants live, new intensive efforts for and enlarging Agudath Israel's activities for constantly feed them with information on recruitment for yeshiva enrollment, setting these new arrivals, particularly their religious Jewish life and communal activities. The up tutorial programs for children already absorption. religious needs of many Russian children are enrolled in yeshivos, and the sponsoring of Agudath Israel until now has dealt with serviced by Zeirei Agudath Israel's Jewish adult education programs. Agudath Israel Wins Big in Municipality Elections In Israel When the final tallies were announced Jerusalem. In fact, the Agudah fell 420 votes Agudah ticket won three seats; it had none following Israel's municipal elections, there short of a sixth Agudist representative on the until now. The same was true for Ofakim, were naturally many winners and losers. But, Jerusalem municipality. In Bnei Brak, the where the Agudah won a seat that they had the nation clearly recognized that Agudath Agudist candidate for mayor, Shmuel never held before. In Kiryat HaKarmel, the Israel continues to make gains at the expense Weinberg, received 45% of the votes, as op­ Agudah Independent slate went from one to of the other religious parties and even the posed to the Mafdal man Gottleib, who three seats. secularist factions. In Jerusalem, the Agudah received 35% of the vot~s. Mr. Weinberg will i slate received 16,740 votes, besting even the t serve only two years as per an agreement An extensive poll taken throughout Israel Likud, which received only 14,351. In the with Yitzchok Meyer who will be the mayor by Israel's television station, surveying peo­ r mayoralty elections, Agudah candidate Rab­ for the remaining two years. ple for their preference if Knesset elections bi Shmuel Shoulson topped the Likud can­ were to take place today brought the follow­ didate 15,169 to 13,000 votes. The figures are Agudath Israel made gains in smaller cities ing results: Agudath Israel would go up from particularly encouraging since in the Knesset and towns as well. In Rosh Haayin, for ex­ four Knesset seats to five or six deputies, at elections, Agudath Israel and Poalei Agudath ample, the Agudah Independent slate won the expense of Mafdal which would slide ~­ Israel together received 15,100 votes in five seats and the mayoralty. In Ashdod, the from 12 to 9 deputies. i I The only Orthodox English-Yiddish weekly in U7"llil.'1 - il71l'j:' iK!l ?l7'lll7!lt:l - M1'1Vl77) l7l"W the world presenting the authentic Torah 'ClK7) J1!l 1mo Jl7UC'11K:J Cl71 ,,,, :C'W110 0'7) viewpoint. 7"ll1 j:'KUWl"11 ?:!"? '1 :ii;, Stimulating! Informative! SS.SO . (On'YO 2) ..• n:iiln (1 World-wide coverage of news. SS.SO . (On'YO 2) ..••..•. C"ii!:l (2 $3.SO ..... M":ll:1 i1li' (3 83.75 . 'MMi" 1:l l1Y7'Tll '1 (4 SJ.SO .... pn~' nipy (5 SS.SO .(On'YO 2) . ?r,,i::i:i 1i1:l ii"l"'N (6 Jiii··, > IBUNI Organ o ;r o lsh Orthodoxy SS.SO .(On'YO 2) N':lli1 l1tV'7N (7 97, Stamford Hill SS.SO . (On'YO 2) . 7M'l1 (8 $3.75 ...... 71::?tJi11 Ml (9 London, N. 16. England $3.SO . ('M p7n) 1l':lN: Ci11:lN (10 Annual subscription: Airmail $35. $3.SO . ('J p7n) il":lM c:ii::ix (11 Surface mail: $18.50 $3.SO . ('l p7nJ . U':lN Ci11:2N: (12 Write now for your free sample copy 18th Ave. Sdorim & Cift Cl'ntcr 5()()} - 18.r\Vt'lltH' Brooklyn. 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54 The Jewish Observer/ January, 1979 Agudath Israel Branches Engage Personnel Other Branch Activities of Note

Agudath Israel of Monsey has announced There are various indicators to point to over 400 uncommitted Jews, seeing 200 on a the formation of a minyan, appointing Rabbi Agudath Israel's growth in many parts of the regular basis. Joseph Kanter as its Rav. The minyan will be country. Heightened activity, large dinners In Baltimore, Rabbi Sholom Salfer became held on the premises of the Yeshiva of and Melave Malkas tell only part of the a one-man employment service for the local Spring Valley. story, but the general strengthening of the Agudah. To date, he has placed a large Agudath Israel of Kew Carden Hills Orthodox communities tells it best. For number of frum unemployed in productive (Queens, N.Y.) announced the appointment Agudath Israel one of the most promising jobs. The branch has had a youth director for of Rabbi Eliezer 5hedrovitsky to serve as developments is the number of executive and many years, with Rabbi Moshe Juravel ser­ their Moro D'asroh. A descendent of a youth directors that have recently been ving currently. In Los Angeles, Rabbi prominent Agudist family, he is known as an retained by the local chapters. In Toronto, Shmuel Lazer Stern became the executive outstanding Torah scholar. Rabbi Aaron Joseph Eisenberger became the director for the Agudah, one of his first mis­ The Agudath Israel of Baltimore director of the youth -division of Agudath sions is to establish a Camp Agudah West. successfully concluded its annual yarchei Israel. In this position, he will be responsible Chicago's executive director, Rabbi Yitzchok kallah. The shiurim this year were given by for the summer camp and oversee the ac~ Bider, has been there for several years and he Yaakov 5. Weinberg, Rabbi Mendel Feld­ tivities of Pirchei and Bnos throughout the is responsible for the large number of youth man, Rabbi Yaakov Kulefsky and Rabbi city. Previously, Rabbi Shlomo Noach activities in that city. Joining the list of late is Moshe Heinemann. In addition, the Rosh Mandel had been named to direct its JEP and Cleveland, which recently hired Rabbi Yeshiva of Ner Israel, Rabbi Yaakov I. Reshet Shiurei Torah programs. In his first Yonah Sheinbaum, who continues to spend Ruderman, delivered a lecture to those par­ year, 5738, Rabbi Mandel made contact with part of his day at the Telshe KoleL ticipating.

MAP New Torah Program for Youth At Pirchei Agudath Israel Leaders Conference

Volunteer youth leaders from 22 branches ning of Torah and observance of mitzvahs. members of current Jewish problems from a of Pirchei Agudath Israel of America heard a The representatives of Pirchei Agudath Torah perspective. call from prominent Torah leaders to adopt Israel came from all areas of Metropolitan In addition to Rabbi Kamenetzky, the new programs for the thousands of New York and from Montreal, Toronto, Pirchei leaders also heard addresses by Rabbi youngsters they serve, at a special Leaders Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Scranton and Joseph Elias, Rabbi Boruch Borchadt, Rabbi Conference held here over a two-day Monsey. The speakers alluded to the fact 5. Feivelson, Rabbi B. Greenbaum, Rabbi J. weekend. Leaders heard an inspiring message that many principals and teachers of Silbermintz, Rabbi C.B. Wolpin, Rabbi 5. from the revered Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi yeshivas, as well as head of Torah Zweig, Rabbi E. Goldfischer, M. Perlowitz, Yaakov Kamenetzky, a member of the organizations, grew up through the ranks of Pesach Y. Rosenbaum, Avi Schulman, Rabbi Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah. ''The conference Pirchei Agudath Israel where they learned C. Amsel, A. Portowitz, C. Nathan, Y.M. is a Ki nus Tzadikim," the noted Torah responsibility towards the community. At Profesorske, ·and Meir Amment. The scholar declared, "because the leaders of the conclusion of the conference the organizing committee consisted of Aviesri Pirchei Agudath Israel are imbued with the delegates assumed a series of new projects, Wagschal, Chaim Wielgus, Joshua spirit of promulgating tzedek-righteous including local seminars on leadership, inter­ Mehlman, Shlomo Neuman, and Allan deeds." He said that chesed (benevolence) ' branch melave malkahs for post-bar-mitzvah Rosenstock. Rabbi Akiva 5imcha served as not only refers to a gracious deed in offering boys, study of mishnayos in honor of bar­ coordinator of accommodations and one food and lodging, but also to influencing mitzvah, a Torah leaders album contest and technical arrangements. Rabbi Moshe someone to attain greater heights in the !ear- an increased awareness by the Pirchei Borenstein organized the conference. r------1 1 JUST IN TIME FOR PURIM I THE COMPLETE STORY OF PURIM IN ENGLISH I

3 hours of listening pleasure your children will want COLOR Mf. II:, COLOR I to listen to over and over again. M£ J .An $1.00 I Aleph Bais Coloring Book . I Order the Purim tape and any of our other quality I SHOFY AND BLOW FY- publications which make fine additions for your A Hashkofah-oriE'nted $1.00 I I children's library from your local bookstore or fill in illustrated storv for the coupon and mail to LCS PUBLICATIONS/601 young children I I PRIVATE WAY/LAKEWOOD, N.J. 08701 or call (201) KID BROTHER-52 anion 363-4210. pa>ked pages for $2.2.5 I children ag!?s 7-12 I Publication Price Quantity Total THE STORY Of PURIM YOSSIE'S SPECIAL SHABBOS- I I in fng!ish-2 • 90 min. A dE>lightful picture story $1.25 every child will r!?late to. ra~sette tapes dramatil $6.00 I the Purim storv For the younger child I THf STORY Of Shippmg and handling $.50 I CHANUKAH in F.nglish-2- 90 I min. cassenf' tapes dramatize $6.00 TOT Al ___[_ L_ ------the Chanukah story - ______- _ _J The Jewish Observer I January, 1979 SS $e [}'l/t{:;£e/'d ry!' $e/e@t$A ~e/'t:JJ&/' aPe,ftkadect /o tA/oPmJ()U dat' a dtttfdcp;/f /to/l Aad ke/l e/llePd t t t/iJNEP /l/Z//ze ad de?itfl o/'

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Name,...... Address C;+y ... .. State.. ,...... Zip No....

(please make your own list for additional names}

I enelose $ ...... -...... Please bill me.

·My name is: ...... Addreu c;+y ...... -...... -. State