SYNAGOGUE TRENDS A NEWSLETTER FOR THE LEADERSHIP OF ORTHODOX UNION MEMBER SYNAGOGUES
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 SPRING/SUMMER 1999 Come for the Sunshine, Stay for the Torah
The Orthodox Union Member Boca Raton Synagogue in Southern Florida insti- tuted a kollel through Mandell I. Ganchrow, M.D. Yeshiva University and President, Orthodox Union Yeshivat Shaalavim. Marcel Weber The kollel is its own Chairman, Board of Directors entity, and has its Dr. Marcos Katz own Board of Chairman, Board of Governors Directors - which Rabbi Raphael B. Butler Executive Vice President includes members of other synagogues in Stephen J. Savitsky “Our purpose is to create a kollel the community - but the kollel and Chairman, Synagogue Services Commission which will include fellows, already the synagogue are deeply Michael C. Wimpfheimer having attained semichah, who Chairman, Synagogue Membership Committee enmeshed. The kollel’s Vision intellectually represent and can Statement as presented at its intro- Rabbi Moshe D. Krupka communicate intelligently National Director, Synagogue Services ductory board meeting explained: (continued on page 2) Dr. David J. Schnall Chairman, Editorial Committee Frank Buchweitz Editor’s Message Director, Special Projects Shimon the Righteous is quoted provided their views on Rabbi Mayer Waxman in the second Mishnah in Pirkei synagogue Services and ways Program Coordinator Avot as saying: “The world to improve them. And two Synagogue Trends stands on three things: Torah, synagogues have contributed Published by the Orthodox Union Avodah (the service to God) insightful articles regarding Department of Synagogue Services. and G’milut Chasadim (acts of their innovative, effective 333 Seventh Avenue kindness)”. This issue of Synagogue chesed programs. New York, NY 10001 (212) 613-8225 • Fax (212) 564-9058 Trends is intended to represent a As always we hope the articles in microcosm of these three things as Synagogue Trends will provide ideas they provide the legs on which the to help your synagogue and synagogue stands. For Torah we community grow and excel. Your provide the models of two successful feedback, suggestions, and articles synagogue-based kollel programs. are important to assure that In a future issue we will further Synagogue Trends continues to For more information about OU describe details of establishing a meet the needs and interests of ONLINE and what it can mean for kollel to strengthen your synagogue. you and your community, please Orthodox Union synagogues. For Avodah we have enlisted the visit our website Rabbi Mayer Waxman http://www.ou.org expertise of chazanim from the Belz or E-mail: [email protected] School of Jewish Music who have Editor a commitment to Torat Yisrael. FROM THE DESK OF These kollel fellows must also be committed to Eretz Yisrael within the framework of Medinat Yisrael RABBI MOSHE D.KRUPKA and view their affiliation with this National Director, Synagogue Services kollel as not only an opportunity for self-growth, but as an opportunity Welcome to another edition of to influence the condition of Am Synagogue Trends. With this Yisrael, in Palm Beach County, through active positive involve- issue, Synagogue Trends truly ment.” enters the realm that this publication was envisioned to The Board presentation included a section outlining the goals of the occupy. Every article in this Boca Raton Judaic Fellows edition is written by synagogue Program. This section included leaders - lay and professional. some goals specifically regarding These leaders are using these the Boca Raton Synagogue: “To pages to share their proven- continue to create an atmosphere effective synagogue programs, of spirituality within the synagogue. their experiences, and their This will be greatly enhanced by visions with their peers across the Fellows Program studying and being affiliated with the syna- the continent. This sharing of gogue” ideas, networking of “To strengthen Boca Raton synagogues and communities, Synagogue’s reputation as the cen- this show of unity, epitomizes ter of Jewish learning in [Broward the role and importance of our and] Palm Beach County.” Orthodox Union. The kollel, has met and far exceed- I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the leadership of OU ed these goals. The program now synagogues, for your continued trust in the OU Department of reaches some five hundred people Synagogue Services. The three years since the inception of Synagogue a week. The kollel members offer Trends have been marked by the proactive nature that Synagogue shiurim in Daf Yomi and in depth Services has adopted. We have upgraded our repertoire of Gemara, Halachah, Parshah, Nach, Jewish philosophy and history, and programming and continuously offer our membership new and introductions to Judaism. Many of innovative initiatives. the kollel’s activities are based in the A great deal of the success of Synagogue Trends is due to our editor synagogue; they use the Boca Rabbi Mayer Waxman. As a program coordinator, Rabbi Waxman has, Raton Synagogue’s Beit Midrash for along with his colleagues in the Department of Synagogue services, their study hall and classroom. But both fielded your synagogue-concern calls, and proactively reached out this kollel is unique in its goal of to synagogues and synagogue leadership through mailings, phone calls, and personal visitations. This direct interaction with synagogue leadership has helped to focus this publication on relevant and practical The previous edition of synagogue interests and needs. Synagogue Trends focused on I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our Chairman grant proposal writing. of the Synagogue Trends Editorial Committee. Rabbi Dr. David Schnall’s The featured authors were scholarship has served as the core of Synagogue Trends for two and a students of Dr. David Schnall half years. Dr. Schnall’s erudition has been affirmed by his recent receipt at the LEAD Rabbinic of a prestigious Fulbright Foreign Scholarship to Israel, where he will be Fellowship program. spending a year as Professor and Senior Scholar at Hebrew University’s The LEAD Fellowship is Baerwald School of Social Work. We wish Dr. Schnall a Mazal-Tov and sponsored by the Rabbinical continued success in this and future endeavors. We look forward to Council of America, the Rabbi presenting more of his wisdom in the future. Isaac Elchonon Theological Enjoy Synagogue Trends, success to your synagogues, and we look Seminary, the Orthodox Caucus, and the New York forward to hearing from you soon. Perhaps next issue will highlight Jewish Federation. your synagogue’s trends.
2 outreach. One day a week the ues to grow kollel uses the local Jewish with young Federation building as a Beit families - has Midrash. There the kollel members complicated teach, and study with the matters. Federation staff. Throughout the Growth and week the kollel members hold expansion lunch-’n-learn programs at local law takes its toll firms, hospitals, banks and office on the coffers buildings. The kollel members of a commu- teach at the local Conservative and nity. Reform Temples. The Rabbis in the Furthermore, kollel were specifically selected for young fami- their worldliness and their ability to lies with chil- communicate with unaffiliated Jews dren have who have little or no backgrounds limited funds. in Judaica. Of course all This is a model from which every the growth is community can learn. For a com- a wonderful thing, however it munity to imitate the means that we program, however, must be creative in The Rabbis in the kollel the community finding sources to were specifically selected would require cer- fund the kollel. for their worldliness and tain prerequisites. The kollel was ini- their ability to communicate The success of this tially partially fund- with unaffiliated Jews who program is based on ed by grants from have little or no the large amount of Mike and Pauline backgrounds in Judaica. Jews — affiliated Sender’s Off- and unaffiliated — Campus Lecture who are in the neighborhood. Series Fund of the Rabbi Issac Much of the synagogue’s erstwhile Elchanan Theological Seminary of success has been due to the exem- Yeshiva University, from the Jewish Rabbi Kenneth Brander plar positive rapport the synagogue Federation of South Palm Beach Raton Synagogue, Rabbi Joshua fostered with the community at County, and from the Daniel S. Fass originally joined the Boca com- large. This had been cultivated Abraham and Dr. Edward Steinberg munity as a member of the kollel. through years of public service Endowment of a Kollel Fellow Now, between the kollel’s proven work, including the kashering of Chair. The success of this kollel will success, Boca Raton’s influx of the 100 acre Federation campus by only be maintained if the Boca Jewish young professionals and Rabbi Brander, the Rabbinic community realizes that the kollel businessmen, and the retirement founder of the kollel; suffice it to empowers all the other local Jewish community with money to invest in say, the Boca grounds were fertile institutions. The kollel achieves this a strong Jewish future, Boca has for a successful outreach minded by teaching in the local syna- been able to support an excellent kollel. gogue, being a resource for the kollel. In turn, this The Boca Raton community has Rabbeim/teachers in kollel has added the yeshiva high built a reputation within the last Much of the synagogue’s immeasurably to school and the local decade as an outstanding environ- success has been due the general facade day school and ment in which to live as an to the positive rapport and spirit of the through regular in- Orthodox family. The Boca Raton the synagogue has Boca Raton com- services for the com- community is an ever expanding fostered with munity. munity’s educational Jewish epicenter. Boca’s burgeon- the community at large. ing vitality practically called out for staff. Also, the Rabbi Kenneth a kollel. Counter-intuitively, the wives of the kollel Brander is the Rabbi remarkable growth and expansion families have played strong roles within the community. of the Boca Raton Synagogue. He co- of the local Jewish community - the founded the kollel with Mr. Aharon And kollel families will perhaps building of the Hillel Day School, Unger. The synagogue and kollel can the starting of the Yeshiva High move into this community after be reached at (561) 394-5732, or see School, the building of the Boca their time as kollel members to take
3 The Kansas City Community Kollel
A year and a half ago, they program’s run out of the syna- Rabbi Gideon Weitzman and his didn’t know how to pronounce gogue. The Officers of the kollel wife Rivki came to Kansas City in it; now it has become the great view the kollel as a fulfillment of the September 1997 to initiate the kol- hope for Torah education in goals of the synagogue. And the lel project. In the course of the Kansas City. synagogue has served as the cen- year, they advanced Torah study on The Kansas City Community Kollel ter for instituting, and for fundrais- many levels. Individualized learn- has successfully multiplied the num- ing for the kollel. ing, shiurim, a monthly chabura for ber of Jewish educational resources It all began as a dream. I realized all of the Rabbis of the community, in the Kansas City community. A that we needed more educators. a Women’s Rosh Chodesh gather- Rabbi and his wife, and six young The people were thirsting for Torah. ing, community lectures, and so men who are motivated to learn Actually, Julius Berman, and teach Torah make up this Honorary President of the group of highly motivated, tolerant, OU and cousin of one our Zionistic teachers who come to us congregants in from Eretz Yisrael through the aus- Congregation Beth Israel pices of the Torah Mitzion Kollelim. Abraham and Voliner was Their affiliation with our community in Kansas City for a simchah this past year has had a palatable a couple of years ago. impact on the way Jews here value Inspired by what he saw – learning Torah. Jews from across the com- Kansas City has one Orthodox syna- munity taking a serious gogue, and although the kollel is interest in Torah and mitz- officially its own entity, it is a verita- vah observance – he made ble limb of the synagogue. While the first contribution to the goal of the kollel is to strength- open the kollel here. I told en the entire Jewish community, myself, “if someone from much more make up their work. In the synagogue especially has both the outside can see fit to support addition, afternoons provide several served and benefited from the kol- Torah in Kansas City, then the local hours of personal learning time. lel. I serve as Coordinator for the community should be willing to do This year the kollel has increased its kollel, the kollel is housed in the the same.” A little over a year later, numbers and reached out to even synagogue, and many of the kollel’s the kollel had taken root.
Your synagogue can help Synagogue countless synagogues for elections just the cost of coming up?
photocopies and stamps!!! Please e-mail, fax, or mail your updated leadership/membership lists Please send us a copy of your synagogue constitution and by-laws, and to the a description of your dues structure. Orthodox Union Department The Department of Synagogue services receives many requests for updat- of Synagogue Services. ed modern constitutions, by-laws and dues structures. The bigger our Free Synagogue Services archives, the more helpful we can be. Posters Available: (This information will be shared in confidence - the name of your syna- Call Shira Rapp: gogue will not be included.) (212) 613-8285
4 THE HEARING-IMPARED CHILD IN THE JEWISH CLASSROOM
Our Way, a division of the National Jewish Council for the Disabled, the Orthodox Union’s agency for special needs and special education, proudly announces an important handbook for schools, synagogues, camps, and individuals.
The handbook discusses such issues as: Types and degrees of hearing loss Language delays How hearing aids work Methods for helping the student Classroom acoustics Modes of communication Inclusion of the hearing-impaired child in the Interpreters mainstream classroom Amplification systems
This handbook features strategies to provide Torah education to the deaf and hearing-impaired - particularly regarding challenges that the student may face in a Hebrew/Judaic curriculum. The handbook also highlights the benefits to other students when a child with special needs is in the classroom.
Includes: Classroom posters on hearing aid troubleshooting Dos and don’ts guidelines in English and Hebrew Brachot illustrated in American Sign Language
Geared towards classroom teachers, the handbook can also be used as a guide for inclusion in synagogue activities, youth activities, and summer programs.
Order your copy(/ies) of “The Hearing-Impaired Child in the Jewish Classroom” for $5.00 from the OU Our Way Department by e-mailing Batya at [email protected] or by calling 212-613-8127.
more of the community. just not interested, by and large, in and teens from all walks of the The local Hebrew Academy, a non- making their home in the Midwest. community continue to sing the denominational institution with 350 The kollel’s presence has stirred the praises of the kollel. At present the students grades K-12, has wel- souls of the students and their par- kollel is seeking funds to continue comed the kollel with open arms. ents. As a result, the Academy – to support its impactful work rally- Their success on the high school the local Jewish day school – will ing a Jewish community around all and elementary school levels have launch a two-tiered Torah track on that is Jewish: Torah. led the school to see the kollel as its the middle and upper school levels. answer to its Judaic studies chal- The kollel Rabbis and their wives Rabbi Morey Schwartz is the Spiritual lenge. Although some 20,000 will be instrumental in presenting Leader of Congregation Beth Israel Jews make their home in the higher level Judaic studies. Abraham and Voliner in Overland Park, greater Kansas City area, which Using funds donated by private KS and the Kollel Coordinator. For more information on the Kansas City boasts of an eruv, kosher market, individuals from across the denomi- Kollel or how you can help renew bagelry, and kosher Chinese restau- national lines and a generous grant Torah living in the lives of thousands, rant, still, the high level of Torah from the local Jewish Community contact Rabbi Morey Schwartz at: (913) educators who can really impact on Foundation the kollel benefits from 341-2444, and visit the B.I.A.V. web-site the lives of these youngsters are a wide following. Men, women, at
5 Improving the sweetness, traditional nusach, musi- cality and especially no KAVANNAH Quality of Our heard from too many of these indi- Synagogue Services viduals, most of whom are unaware that there may be short- comings in their davening. This It may take a little courage to publi- results in too many congregants cize this viewpoint, but it voices a being “turned off”, disinterested concern that has been addressed and uninspired. from pulpits, in newspapers and in publications among professional Kavannah The following SHLICHEI TZIBUR, congregational At the Belz School of Jewish Music article is the first Rabbis, GABBAIM as well as serious at Yeshiva University, most of our installment of a MITPALLELIM. We find that some of 150 students are non-music major new column, our synagogues no longer seem to and semichah students. They are “Kol Tzophayich - be a source of inspiration to their taking a class or two for credit or the Voice of Your congregants. Not enough of our “just to learn.” I always tell them Lookouts”. congregants seem fully involved in that when they daven as the shali- Synagogue Trends rewarding participation in daven- ach tzibbur, they have a very seri- is published to ing. The attraction of some syna- ous responsibility. That responsibili- highlight gogues appears to ty is the Kavannah synagogues, as well be social interaction [Rambam Hilchot as to provide instead of spiritual What has happened to Tefillah 9:15] - the synagogue fulfillment. Do our our tefillah that has intense concentra- professionals and shuls have to con- deprived it of the power tion and efficacy of lay-leaders an vert to a form of to hold the attention of the prayers of the opportunity to charismatic experi- the congregation? congregation, cou- share their entialism qua neo- pled with the trans- synagogue related chassidism to mission of the time- opinions, become an effective force once honored and halachically-mandat- experience, and again? If so, what has happened ed musical nusach ha’tefillah hand- expertise. This to our tefillah that has deprived it ed down to us from generation to column will be a of the power to hold the attention generation. Each individual sitting place to express of the congregation? What ele- in shul is a direct responsibility of these viewpoints. ment is missing that has allowed the shaliach tzibur(sha’tz)/chazan. Synagogue Trends too many congregants to slide into “The way you daven”, I tell them, welcomes your the issur of speaking during daven- “is the way the tzibur will daven. articles. ing [see Shulchan Aruch Orech If you daven with proper kavan- Chaim 124:7, 151:1 Mishnah nah, and as correctly and beautiful- This issue’s B’rurah 2, and Rambam Hilchot ly as you are capable, the congre- contributor is Tefillah 11:6]; conversing in loud or gation will mirror your enthusiasm Chazan soft voices oblivious to the tefillah and daven with equal kavannah. Sherwood Goffin: of the shaliach tzibur? If, God forbid, you daven with dis- It is my opinion, and the consensus interest, with mumbling, with a lack of many of my co-professionals, of beauty and melody and a lack of that this is a direct result of the loos- nusach ha’tefillah, you will be ening and lowering of the stan- responsible for the repercussions to dards used in choosing a shaliach the tzibur - their disinterest, their tzibbur in many of our Orthodox talking during davening (except for synagogues today. Our view is the incorrigible few) and their lack that this has resulted all too often in of kavannah.” Admittedly, this is a cacophonous, unpleasant or heavy burden to place on my stu- inaudible voices davening in an dents, but they must know that incorrect, inappropriate or “nusach serving as a shaliach tzibbur is a non-existent” manner. Shlichei tzib- very serious responsibility, and one bur are too often selected out of which they dare not take lightly. convenience; or worse. There is no When we enter the shul on Rosh Kol Tzophayich - The Voice of Your L of Your Kol Tzophayich - The Voice kouts Kol Tzophayich - The Voice of Your L of Your Kol Tzophayich - The Voice kouts
6 Hashanah eve, we anticipate the “Designated Baal(ei) Tefillah” of the course, we can add beautiful beautiful, majestic melody of the shul. If he is really excellent (and “dveykut” nigunim where appropri- ancient “Bor’chu”. If the chazan you can afford it) pay him a nomi- ate, but we must be careful to would mistakenly begin the nal stipend, make him “official”. leave room for and to not trample Bor’chu in the melody of Friday (The Shulchan Aruch, [Orech upon the nusach. In America we night Maariv, we would be Chaim 53:22] prefers a salaried are the inheritors of the East extremely upset, our kavannah sha’tz to one who pays for the European Ashkenazic tradition - would be devastated! Should we honor [i.e. volunteers]). The advan- except for those with German and not be equally upset when the tage of such an appointment – Sefardic tradition. The Ashkenazic chazzan uses improper nusach for paid or voluntary – is that Rabbis nusach has been handed down to Rosh Chodesh or weekday and lay leaders can thereby have us orally with only incidental “Yishtabach”? Is not improper dav- input into the tefillah of the shul, by changes since the Maharil stan- ening – errors in pronouncing or consultation with this new member dardized our nusach ha’tefillah over combining words or inflection – as of the clergy “staff”. Perhaps the 500 years ago. Is not one Halachah egregious an error as saying an problem of talking during tefillah in Shulchan Aruch just as precious unnecessary Tachanun? People would diminish by discussing nigu- and compelling as any other? tend to get upset about the latter, nim and planning “strategy” - such Final Thought why not the former? We have to as signals on which to wait for In each tefillah that we daven, we ask if we can utilize any “nigun” we decorum - with a sweet, effective, have the right and the responsibility wish to sing, anywhere we wish in musical shaliach tzibur who is com- to ask if the individ- the davening. Are there not stan- mitted to the same ual going to the dards? Based on the mesorah of tefillah goals as you Perhaps the problem of amud is a proper time-honored guidelines handed are. talking during tefillah choice to represent down to us since the time of the With such a desig- would diminish with a us before the Maharam and the Maharil, it is my nated baal-tefillah in sweet, effective, musical Almighty. Certainly, practice and the academic policy of place you can feel shaliach tzibur there are times the Belz School that the nigun free to call me or when this is not should match with, not clash with Cantor Beer possible or practi- the “nusach” in three areas: a) The (Director) at the Belz School of cal. However, if we do not even nigun melody should not come Jewish Music, (212) 960-5353. We begin to attempt a change, we from a secular source. b) The will be glad to have a telephone have no one else to blame but our- nigun should provide a musical relationship with your baal-tefillah selves if the quality of our communal match with the mode of the given to discuss any tefillah question and davening does not improve or, God nusach (major, minor, etc.). c) And to invite him to our yearly confer- forbid, deteriorates even further. the nigun should be a “singing- ence of baalei-tefillah. friendly”, effective melody that In the “Heye im Pifiyot” of the Yomim A synagogue that carefully selects a matches the mood of the words in Noraim Mussaf, the congregation group of worthy baalei-tefillah can the siddur... I can’t comprehend prays that the shaliach tzibbur rest assured that no unqualified why synagogues have persisted in whom they have chosen will be sha’tz will represent the congrega- singing the secular Israeli love song enabled to fulfill his sacred task prop- tion to the Ribono Shel Olam for “Erev Shel Shoshanim” for Kedusha, erly. I ask that you do the same for Shabbat Mussaf etc. There are ad-nauseum, for the past 35 years. me and all of our baalei tefillah as other opportunities for those with we ascend to the bima as your rep- A Suggested Solution yahrzeit and general congregants resentatives before Hashem. May We spend so much energy on the to daven at the amud such as the Kadosh Baruch Hu accept our choice of “Chasan Torah” and Pesukei D’zimrah, Minchah etc. We tefillot as we offer them: “HASHEM “Maftir Yonah”. I believe we should should not settle for less than our S’FATEI TIFTACH U’FI YAGID TEHILATECHA - spend a few minutes to ponder best when it comes to our major God open my lips, and my mouth and decide who is the most worthy tefillot! will speak your praises”. candidate to daven on Shabbat, Please read the accompanying arti- Yom Tov and even weekdays as cle on the Halachic sources of Sherwood Goffin is the Chazan at the well [see Shulchan Aruch Orech Nusach Ha’tefillah by Cantor Beer. Chaim, 53:4, Mishnah B’rurah 12]. Lincoln Square Synagogue in New When the Shulchan Aruch refers to York, and a member of faculty and I would like to suggest that syna- “nigunim”, it is not talking about Coordinator of Outreach at the Belz gogues take one qualified individ- Modzitz or Carlebach, but about School of Jewish Music, an affiliate of ual (or 5 to 10 men in a large shul) the nusach minhag of a communi- Yeshiva University. and make him (them) the ty that cannot be changed. Of
7 Nusah Hatefilah and Its Significance
The melody chants of our liturgy spiritual life of German Jewry, the term Skarbove means have been transmitted orally from MAHARIL traveled to numerous “official” from the Polish generation to generation, and communities serving as a shaliach “Skarb”. The MAHARIL were designed with the intention tzibur. Through his exalted person- sanctioned these tunes for of infusing our prayers with awe ality he was able to codify the syna- the purpose of unifying and devotion. This idea was con- gogue ritual and sanction the old Ashkenazic synagogue ceived within Ashkenazic Jewry in existing prayer chants. His ruling chants. It is for this reason order to express the significance of was that communities may not perhaps, that these melodies religious occasions by consecrating change their local custom especially have often been referred to special tunes which set the mood in regard to universal traditional as ‘Nigunnei MAHARIL’. and unique atmosphere of each melodies; “AL Y’SHANE B’MINHAG HAIR An interesting story is told of Rabbi particular service. AFILU B’NIGUNIM” (“Do not alter the Israel Meir Kagan Hakohen - the Rabbi Jacob Molin (1356-1427) traditions of the city, even among Chofetz Chaim. One Rosh known as the MAHARIL, was the tunes”; Orah Hayyim: 619). The Hashanah upon being accorded last prominent Rabbinic authority elaborate musical settings of Yamim the honor of an Aliyah, the Chofetz who rendered great service to our Noraim associated with the texts of Chaim quickly approached the Nusachot. Born in Mayence, Alenu, Avot, Bor’chu, Hamelech, Bimah to recite the blessings, but to Germany, the MAHARIL lived dur- Kaddish before Mussaf and Neilah, the amazement of the congrega- ing the Hussite wars, when turmoil Kol Nidre and V’haKohanim were tion, he stood motionless and in and disorganization existed among regarded as so sacred that they silence before the Sefer Torah. After Jewry. He became known as the were referred to as MISSINAI TUNES several long moments, he finally leading Rabbinic authority of his (as if they came from Mt. Sinai). commenced to intone the benedic- time, and his word was accepted Eastern European Jews called these tion. At the conclusion of the ser- as law throughout the Ashkenazic tunes SKARBOVE NIGGUNIM, meaning vices several of his disciples who world. When decay set in on the “tunes of antiquity”. Literally, the noticed what took place earlier
DO YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING REALLY MEANINGFUL FOR A PERSON WHO IS DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED? sg ush ,t ezjk hsf vftkn uk thmnn/// ktak ,uhrck lr,mh tka The highest degree of aid to a Jew in want is.... providing work for him so that he may become self supporting (Rambam Matanot Aniyim 10) Maybe there’s a position in your firm, or place of employment, which would suit a person with special abilities. For more information, please call, Sara Ringer, Coordinator, Vocational Resources & Job Placement at 212-613-8336.
National Jewish Council for the Disabled 333 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10001
8 approached the Chofetz Chaim and gun and nusach as we, in our way, thy, acceptable and favorable asked, “Rebbe, what was the cause make our offerings of prayer”. before Hashem. for your delay before reciting the With the rendering of our nusachot berachot?” “For several moments I in a proper and dignified manner, Cantor Bernard Beer is the Director of the Philip and Sarah Belz School of could not recall the Yamim Noraim may we all pray that our tefillot Jewish Music, an affiliate of Yeshiva nusach”, answered the Chofetz throughout the entire year be wor Chaim. “I would not begin to recite University, (212) 960-5353. the berachah until I was reminded of the special nigun”. In his article entitled “Halachah and Minhag in Nusah Hatefilah”, (Journal of Jewish Music and Liturgy, Cantorial Council of Free Synagogue Services America, vol. XIII), Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz expresses his opinion Posters Available that congregations should seek shlichei tzibur who combine piety Call Shira Rapp: and a mastering of traditional (212) 613-8285 nusach – particularly on the Yamim Noraim. “The absence of these hal- lowed nigunim during the daven- ing would be unthinkable to any worshiper who has an inbred affini- ty for the feelings and stirrings of the heart, rendered by the proper nusach. Just as the Avodah in the Bet Hamikdash was accompanied by a certain order of Shir or music, primarily vocal, so must our Avodah in the synagogue maintain a prop- er contact and order of shir, of nig-
Kashruth Questions? ASK IV answers. If you are a Congregational Rabbi, Semicha student, Chaver Hakollel or member of a Vaad HaKashruth,
reserve the week of MONDAY, AUGUST 2 - FRIDAY, AUGUST 6
ars o in n m k e a
s s h
d
r
e
u c
t
n
h
a
v
i v d a
FOCUS: COMMUNAL KASHRUTH
To apply for ASKU IV, please contact Rabbi Yosef Grossman at 212-613-8212 ¥ fax 212-613-0621 e-mail [email protected]
9 Chesed in Plain View FOOD Being a young Orthodox for existing, The Department who worshipped with us reg- Synagogue can sometimes be a of Synagogue Services DRIVE ularly were not from obser- lonely, uncomfortable experience. helped us to borrow a Sefer vant backgrounds. Young Orthodox Synagogues face Torah and supported our Nevertheless, we welcomed many unique challenges. search for a Rabbi. their involvement and encour- Challenges include finding a build- Moreover, the Department of aged their participation. We recog- ing, dealing with zoning issues, bor- Synagogue Services provided criti- nized that the atmosphere in our rowing Sifrei Torah, creating an iden- cal support to our Ritual Committee synagogue together with the tity and credibility, establishing policy as they considered and decided demographics of the community for ritual (even within Orthodoxy many issues in the absence of a favored growth through KIRUV. there are choices to make), finding a Rabbi. Although the Orthodox Once we had established an identi- Rabbi and attracting members. I am Union did not act as POSKIM, they ty for ourselves, we faced the chal- the President of Rinat Yisrael of provided us with access to lenge of causing ourselves to mat- Plainview, a two-year-old Orthodox Rabbinical authorities and with ter and grow. To grow through Synagogue. In these two years we examples of how other young syn- kiruv, we would have to publicize have faced and continue to deal agogues had handled similar our existence and our values and with most of these challenges. Our issues. The Department of then follow-up with an educational experiences of the last two years Synagogue Services of the program that would appeal to the have taught us that although begin- Orthodox Union gave us the critical visitors we attracted. We recog- nings are not comfortable, they are support and credibility we needed nized that the centerpiece of a pro- times of enormous potential for per- to get our feet planted. gram for growth through kiruv is a sonal and community growth. By During our first year, we estab- Rabbi with both interest and experi- sharing Rinat Yisrael’s experience and methodology of initiating an effec- tive chesed program, we hope to provide some support and some ideas for other young synagogues facing the challenges of newness. Rinat Yisrael is located in a renovat- ed house in Plainview, New York (on Long Island). The community has several thousand Jewish house- holds although the Orthodox com- munity is only 150 families. Plainview has an eruv, several kosher food establishments and an Orthodox Hebrew day school. The local Mikvah Association will soon begin construction of a mikvah. lished our organizational and ritual ence in the work of kiruv. This pre- For a variety of reasons, Plainview’s integrity and began to consider our sented a problem. Without more Orthodox community worships in future in the community. We envi- members, we would not be able to three synagogues. With eighteen sioned ourselves as an institution afford to enlist an appropriate Rabbi member families, Rinat Yisrael is the that mattered. A modern Orthodox to anchor our kiruv program. youngest and smallest of the three. synagogue with a growing mem- Without a Rabbi, we would have a We are a synagogue bership and a difficult time attracting members that is rich in hope Rabbi who would through kiruv. We were missing a and poor in By sharing Rinat Yisrael’s both lead and critical ingredient for success. After resources. experience we hope to educate us. In much contemplation, we recog- Even before we provide some support and considering how nized that we were not yet ready began to worship as some ideas for other young to reach this goal, to initiate our plan for growth. We a synagogue, we synagogues facing the we reflected on would have to begin by causing contacted the challenges of newness. our strengths. ourselves to matter. Department of The atmosphere To cause ourselves to matter to the Synagogue Services within our syna- community, we decided upon a pro- of the Orthodox Union. After con- gogue was one of inclusiveness ject. During our first two years, sidering our goals and our reasons and AHAVAT YISRAEL. Several people Rinat Yisrael had organized a small
10 post-Passover food drive to collect agreed to collect food as part of a other organizations. Our job was unused Passover food for distribu- community project. When the to find a contact person in each tion by a local charity. While the storeowner learned of the day organization with an interest in the charity was grateful for our small schools’ involvement he invited project and to convince him or her contribution, we recognized that their students to decorate his win- to lead the food drive within obtaining a larger amount of food dows for Passover. In return, he his/her organization. This portion before Passover was a greater need made a contribution to the food of the project required much time and a greater chesed. Rinat Yisrael drive in their honor. In this way, on the telephone and a real demon- could not make a difference alone. we established the framework for a stration of patience and ahavat We decided to use one of our successful community food drive. Yisrael. By gladly allowing each strengths, ahavat Yisrael, to unite the With the framework organization to entire Jewish community in a pre- participate in a way established, we The Jewish owner of the Passover food drive. As a minuscule that it was willing, approached the two largest supermarkets in Orthodox synagogue, we did not we produced the Executive Director of Plainview was happy to matter to the community. As the first cooperative the Mid- Island Y- make his stores one focus commitment and coordination effort of 17 diverse JCC. For several of the food drive by placing behind an enormous act of chesed, Jewish organiza- years he had been collection bins however, we became indispensable. tions within the trying, (with limited near the exits. The initial work for the food drive success), to Mid-Island Jewish involved identifying and enrolling strengthen the community. the organizations within the com- Jewish community by organizing With the food drive planning munity who would benefit by the many synagogues in the area complete, we began to work on either conducting a food drive or into a KEHILLA (a Jewish community publicity. Our goal was to get by uniting the community. We council). Although he was coverage of the food drive in the began by approaching the Jewish unaware of our synagogue’s exis- most widely read Jewish and tence, he was impressed secular newspapers. A friend with by the progress we had publishing experience advised us already made. He quick- that while food drives are not news, ly recognized that having mice that roar are big news. the community cooper- Therefore, we sent letters to the ate in the food drive editors of our target publications would further his goal of telling them about the 18 family establishing a kehila. He synagogue that united an entire agreed to be a co-leader Jewish community. Within days, of the food drive and to we received a request for an inter- involve his organizational view from the Long Island edition of and clerical staff in the the “Jewish Week”, a major New effort. He also invited all York Jewish weekly. As Passover of the synagogues in the approached, we were contacted by community to a meeting Long Island’s secular newspaper, to discuss the food drive Newsday, to feature our synagogue owner of the two largest supermar- and their participation. Rinat Yisrael and the food drive in a story. In kets in Plainview. He was happy to was invited to the next kehila addition, a local Jewish politician make his stores one focus of the meeting. attended one of our organizational food drive by placing collection The largest task for Rinat Yisrael was meetings and was photographed bins near the exits. Shoppers could recruiting the many synagogues with the organizers of the food purchase an extra food item and and Jewish social organizations drive for coverage in a community contribute it to the food drive as (Hadassah, Bnai Brith, Jewish War newspaper. The resulting articles they left the store. With public rela- Veterans etc.) within the community. publicized the food drive, gave tions savvy he recognized that the Although most of the organizations credit to the Mid-Island Jewish publicity generated around the had never heard of our synagogue, community for its willingness to food drive would identify his stores our association with the Y and our cooperate, and provided enormous with philanthropy and with the noble objective gave us credibility. publicity to Rinat Yisrael and our Jewish community. We also Nevertheless, organizing a group commitment to ahavat Yisrael. approached the administration of of Jewish organizations into a The Mid-Island Community Food the local Orthodox and cooperative effort is challenging. Drive produced two important Conservative day schools. Both Most Jewish organizations focus on results. First, it raised over $10,000 were eager to have their students their own initiatives and are wary in Passover food for needy Jewish participate in MAOT CHITIM and to work in a cooperative way with families. Second, it publicized the
11 existence of Rinat Yisrael as an munity. We hope ourselves known to organization that matters to the to use our new While food drives are not young Rabbis with Jewish community. This second connection with the news, mice that roar an interest in doing result has given our synagogue Mid-Island Y-JCC to are big news. kiruv work in the new tools and confidence with jointly sponsor a New York area, and which to proceed to the business ‘Turn Friday Night to establish a track of growth. into Shabbos’ program. By record that we can cite when we Rinat Yisrael is now considering continuing to matter, we hope to seek grant support for a Rabbi’s other projects that will continue to attract additional members to our initial salary. establish our importance to the com- synagogue. We also want to make The Mid-Island Community Passover Food Drive demonstrates that all it takes for a synagogue to matter, is a willingness to act for the good of AN ORTHODOX UNION the community. For a synagogue TISHA B’AV VIDEO PRESENTATION that is seeking growth, but is FOR YOUR SYNAGOGUE, SCHOOL, COMMUNITY OR PERSONAL VIEWING unable to proceed because of a lack of resources, mattering to the community can make the differ- INSIGHTS INTO THE ence. Establishing contacts with a variety of people and organizations KINOS OF TISHA B’AV can give a synagogue access to new resources. At the very least, it can reduce the discomfort and WITH RABBI DR. TZVI HERSH WEINREB loneliness of being new. We hope to be able to share our progress as PIERCING THE MECHITZA SHEL BARZEL we continue our search for synagogue growth. Some of the topics explored on this video $ Dr. Avram Gold is the President of Rinat (which follows the order of the 18 Yisrael. For more information about Tisha B’Av Kinos service) include: EACH Rinat Yisrael or their food drive please FULL -LENGTH call him at (516) 932-8673, or e-mail ¥ THE IRON CURTAINS OF ARROGANCE, VIDEO [email protected]. Rabbis interested HABIT AND FALSE SECURITY ¥ in sending resumes can communicate ¥ THE POWER OF POETRY ¥ with Dr. Ben Kirshenbaum at ¥ THE RELIGIOUS RESPONSE TO THE HOLOCAUST ¥
TAPE 2 TAPE ¥ HALACHIC CONSEQUENCES OF THE BOTH Your loyal membership DESTRUCTION OF THE TEMPLE ¥ TAPES ¥ HUNGER AND HEROISM ¥ strengthens our Orthodox Union and helps us to FULL-LENGTH VIDEO serve your synagogue To order, call 212-613-8227 or visit www.ou.org more effectively.
12 SYNAGOGUES, Do you know that yOU r Department of Synagogue Services works with synagogues in multi-faceted ways?
Here are just a few examples: Discounts on Siddurim, Chumashim and sefarim Educational materials - Pardes Program Kashruth consultation Online services Public relations support Resource materials Shabbat youth group programs Singles programming Speakers programs Synagogue consultation Torah Seminars for Women Torah tape libraries Weekly Torah sheets And assistance in the placement of Rabbis, chazanim, executive directors & youth leaders.
How can Synagogue Services service yOU r synagogue? Let us know: Orthodox Union Department of Synagogue Services 333 Seventh Avenue 18th floor, New York, NY 10001 Phone: (212) 613-8226 Fax: (212) 564-9058 E-mail: [email protected]
WITH ROSH HASHANA AROUND THE CORNER..... DOES YOUR SHUL NEED SIDDURIM, CHUMASHIM, SHIVA SIDDURIM, TRANSLITERATED OR RUSSIAN SIDDURIM...? The OU Department of Synagogue Services can assist you with a complete line of Artscroll Siddurim and Chumashim at discount prices. Take advantage of huge savings. Contact OU/Department of Publications (212) 613-8226.
13 Even a Torah in the Aron Needs Mazal
The Zohar states: “Everything hold it! The shul had to find a way both Chief Rabbis of Israel and by depends on MAZAL (loosely translated to save these scrolls. many other leading Rabbinic as fortune), even a Torah in the Repairing a Torah scroll is a signifi- authorities. Zerach Greenfield and HEICHAL (ARON KODESH).” There is no cant undertaking, costing as much Machon Ot could help facilitate a mazal in something which goes as $4000 a scroll. While repairing a solution. A method was devised by unused; the true honor to a Torah Torah is only a fraction of the cost of which the Torahs could be repaired, is to use it. In fact, a Torah, like a their use could be increased, the human being, thrives when its pur- needs for sifrei Torah that communi- pose is called upon and engaged. ties have – especially communities A Torah untouched, unused, slowly in Israel – could be addressed, and decays... all expenses would be paid. Shaare Torah Congregation is located Machon Ot was enthusiastic about at the entrance of the Pittsburgh the project and the Board of Jewish community in the Squirrel Directors of Shaare Torah gave their Hill section of the city. The congre- unanimous approval and support. gation has had many bright This is how the program works: moments in its long history. Shaare Shaare Torah sends its sifrei Torah Torah has, at times, been at the to the scribes of Machon Ot for forefront of efforts by the American repair. The repaired scrolls are then Jewish community, such as the loaned to congregations in Israel long struggle to free Soviet Jewry. buying a new sefer Torah, repairing and elsewhere which need sifrei A new era for the congregation fourteen scrolls is prohibitively expen- Torah. The length of the loan can began in 1996 when Rabbi Baruch sive. Furthermore, even if the Torahs be substantial – with a clause in the A. Poupko, the shul’s Rabbi for over were to be repaired they would still contract assuring that the borrower half a century, retired go unused. Rabbi will not attain legal title, (chazaka). and Rabbi Daniel The true honor to a Torah Wasserman forged In exchange for use of the Torah, Wasserman, was is to use it. an idea and these synagogues pay the cost of chosen as its new contacted Zerach the repair plus an additional sur- spiritual leader. Greenfield, a scribe charge. The surcharge is used to It was when Rabbi Wasserman first with an organization called Machon pay for the repair of the scrolls that saw the Congregation’s twenty-two Ot. remain to serve the rapidly growing sifrei Torah, that he recognized Machon Ot, a Jerusalem based Shaare Torah Congregation. To Shaare Torah’s rich, 119 year histo- organization under the direction of date, the first four scrolls have been ry. He also noted that many of Rabbi Yitzchak Shteiner and Rabbi sent for repair; three are for loan to these scrolls from both Eastern and Western Europe, some 80 to 250 years old, had not been used or unrolled in ages. Most were removed from the aron only once a year, on Simchat Torah. Inspection revealed that eight could no longer be used and the remain- ing fourteen required extensive repair or maintenance. Reflecting on that discovery, Rabbi Wasserman thought about the Gemara in Bava Metziah (29b) which states that responsible care for a Torah includes reading from it every 30 days or rolling it front to back once a year (depending on the situation). Rabbi Yitzchak Goldstein, is recognized as communities in Israel and one has Wasserman realized that the less a an authority on the restoration of been returned to Pittsburgh for use sefer Torah was used, the more it sifrei Torah. Both Rabbis are superi- at Shaare Torah. would deteriorate. Kavod ha-Torah or technicians in the art of Torah “Everybody wins,” Rabbi Wasserman indicates that a scroll should be restoration, and are honest, trust- says with a smile. “The aron kodesh used. It is a tree of life when we worthy and dedicated individuals. at Shaare Torah will once again be They came highly recommended by 14 filled with kosher scrolls. Congregations needing a Torah will have kosher scrolls loaned from TORAH SEMINARS FOR Shaare Torah. Most importantly, these scrolls will be used for the holy purpose they were intended. This, to me, represents a nexus of Torah, OMEN Avodah, and G’milut Chasadim. W This is the epitome of Torat Chesed In response to numerous requests, the Orthodox (the Torah of Kindness). It is my hope that other shuls will consider Union is expanding its new and highly successful adopting this kind of a program. I Torah Seminars For Women to synagogues can’t bear to think of sifrei Torah sit- ting in an aron unused.” throughout the country. We would be pleased to If even a Torah in an aron kodesh schedule a Yom Iyun (day of learning) in your needs mazal, perhaps Shaare Torah Congregation and Machon Ot community. have found a way to ensure it.
For more information on Shaarei Torah and its innovative Torah lending/repair program call Rabbi Wasserman at (412) LASSES 422-8327, fax: (412) 521-9938, e-mail: C
This style juk is available for any location in the world. Synagogues can order it well in advance and use it to prepare their own calendars or bulletins. We also supply custom designed “Luchos”, to your specifications. Call (718) 851-1314 or (888) 451-1314 to place your order
15 ORTHODOX UNION PRESENTS TORAH DIMENSIONS AUDIO LIBRARY FEATURING The Orthodox Union Presents 8 ARAV ERSHEL TO H H RAH TAPES ww EXCLUSIVEAN CHACHTERt yhka SERIES! S FEATURING An introduction to HARAV HERSHEL vp kgca vru, SCHACHTER twwww vp Ankgca introduction vru, to t yhka THE ORAL TORAH THE ORAL TORAH A Historical Perspective A Historical Perspective A Historical Perspective
DEDICATED BY DRS. AVI & ELIN FREILICH Appropriate for year round listening
O Orthrthodo ox Unioio For fu n TT An essential overview of Torah Sh’Baal Peh rthere in ape Pro r infoform jejectct ¥ 111 atiotion, p 1 BBrrooa , pleleaasese ca adwayay,, NN llll 221122-61 ew YYork -613-83-822 rk,, NNY 1 27 ¥ hhttpttp 1000004 ://w://www For beginner through advanced levels w.o.ou.o.org What every Torah Jew should know AN 8 Tapes for $50 EXCLUSIVE Includes shipping and handling 8 TAPE To order, please call or write to: OU Torah Tape Project / 11 Broadway / New York, Ny 10004 SERIES! Tel: 212- 613-8227 / Fax: 212-564-9058 / E-mail: [email protected] / http://www.ou.org
ORTHODOX UNION Non-Profit Org. Department of Synagogue Services. US Postage 333 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10001 PAID Permit No. 6020 New York, NY
The Orthodox Union is Moving!
Please note our address as of July 1: 11 Broadway New York, NY 10004 Phone and fax numbers will remain the same. Please update your shul mailing list so that we can continue to receive your mailings, synagogue bulletins, etc.