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THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021 -6615 is published monthly except July and August by theAgudath Israel of America, 84 William Street, New York, N.Y. 10038. Second class postage paid in New York, N.Y. LESSONS IN AN ERA OF RAPID CHANGE Subscription $22.00 per year; two years, $36.00; three years, $48.00. Outside of the United States (US funds drawn on a US bank only) $1 O.00 6 surcharge per year. Single copy $3.00; foreign $4.00. Send address changes to The Jewish Implications of a Year of Earth-Shaking Events, Observer, 84 William Street, N.Y., N.Y.10038. BASED ON AN ADDRESS BY RABBI ELYA SVEI, N"1''?1!1 Tel: (212) 797-9000. Printed in the U.S.A. 9 RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR Cataclysmic Events as a Message For Our Time, EDITORIAL BOARD BASED ON AN ADDRESS BY RABBI YAAKOV WEINBERG, N"1''°'1:1 DA. ERNST BODENHEIMER Chairman
RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS 11 JOSEPH FRIEDENSON Discovering Jews and Judaism RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN in the Former Soviet Republics MANAGEMENT SOARD Meshullam Klarberg NAFTOLI HIRSCH ISAAC KIRZNER RABBI SHLOMO LESIN NACHUM STEIN 21 Rabbi Eliezer Levin, ?"YT: Mussar Personified RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING Rabbi Berel Wein Business Manager
Published by Agudath Israel of America 27 "Torah Umadda"-the Book and its Ideology: a Critique RABBI MOSHE SHERER Rabbi Yonason Rosenblum PRESIDENT THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not assume responsibility for the Kashrus 42 of any product, publication, or service Letters to the Editor advertised in its pages ©Copyright 1992
MARCH 1992 VOLUME XXV I NO. 2 ADULT TORAH EDUCA TION: Daf Yomi Commis sion/Torah Projects Special Membership Division/Reshet Shiurei Torah ADVOCACY: Opportunities Office of Government Affairs/Yeshiva Menahalim Executive Committee/Commission on Special Education, FIRST-TIME Developmental Disabilities and Foster Care/Agudath MEMBERS Israel Washington Office/ Receive a one-year, Commission on Legislation and Civic Action-Regional free introducto:ry Offices: California/ subscription Illinois/Maryland/ to one of Massachusetts/New Agudath Jersey/New York/Ohio Israel's maga OUTREACH: Chizuk - "The zines of Jewish Torah Link" /Jewish Education Program UEP)/ thought and JEP-long lsland/JEP opinion. Monsey /J EP-Montreal/JEP Queens/JEP-T oronto/JEP For non-current Westchester /Shoroshim - subscribers only for Soviet Immigrants YOUTH ACTIVITIES: Pirchei Agudath lsrael/Zeirei Agudath lsrael/Bnos Agudath Israel/ LIFE MEMBERSHIP Project STAY /Pirchei-Bnos Agudath Israel VIP MEMBERSHIP Bikur Cholim SUMMER CAMPS: Camp Upgrade your membership to Besides the custom-designed Agudah (boys)/Camp Bnos (girls)/Camp VIP status and get this hand VIP papetweight, you will also Chayl Miriam/Camp Agudah of some, brass-like receive a person Toronto/Camp Agudah Midwest PUBLICATIONS AND COMMUNICA- papetweight in alized plaque of TION: Office of Public Affairs/Orthodox an antique appreciation The Jewish Observer/Dos Yiddishe Vert/ gold finish, to for your home Coalition/Jewish Archives SOCIAL adorn your or office wall. SERVICES: Project COPE: Career home or Guidance and Job Training/Job Counsel ing Center/English as a Second lan office desk. guage and Basic literacy Education/ Fresh Start Training Program for Dis placed Homemakers/COPE Institute/ Agudath Israel Professional Management Employment Agency /Bore Park Senior I MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION I Citizens Centers/Brookdale Senior Citizens Center of Flatbush/Moriah Older Adult luncheon Club GLOBAL Agudath Israel of America • 84 William Street RELIEF AND RESCUE: Vaad l'Hatzolas New York, NY 10038 • (212) 797-9000 Nidchei Yisroel/Rescue and Relief Projects/ Agudath Israel Moscow Office/ Ye S ! I want to become a partner in your vital work for Jews and Judaism. Agudath Israel of Moldavia/Project YAD Please enroH me as a member in Agudath Israel of America. Enclosed is my tax /Overseas Assistance OTHER DIVI- SIONS AND AFFILIATES: National deductible check for: Conference of Rabbonim of Agudath Cl $36 Annual Membership Cl $100 VIP Membership* Cl $500 Life Membership*' Israel Synagogues/National Council of •includes richly-designed, brass-like paperweight •*includes personalized plaque and paperweight Agudath Israel Branches/N'shei Agudath Israel - Agudah Women of America/Agudath Israel World Organi zation/Commission on Israel/ Agudath ADDRESS Israel Fraternal Fund/Agudist Benevolent CITY, STATE ~------ZIP ____ Society/Agudath Israel Special Special offer for first-time members: Tzedokoh Fund/Chevrah Oseh Chesed/ ::i I am a first-time member. Please send' me my free, one-year introductory subscription to: (check one) Agudath Israel Planned Charitable Giving/ 0 The Jewish Observer or 0 V1Nn ))W>1'N 1'N1 {for non...::urrent subscribers only) Lessons in anEra ofRapid Change
t is a year since the Gulf War and all its attendant threats and I miracles came to a close. During all those months that we experi enced the tensions ofconcern and subsequent relief-prior to the war, in its duration, and at its ultimate resolution-our rabbis, teachers, and mentors called on us to respond to the events as they unfolded. The public proclamations (Kol Korei) ofthe Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah (Council ofTorah Sages) ofAgudath Israel of America, as well as a number ofaccompanying articles, were featured in these pages.
ow that a year has passed, and we were witness to a number of N other extraordinary events that took place in the interim, we are publishing two essays based on free translations ofaddresses that examine these events from a Torah perspective, delivered at the recent National Convention ofAgudath Israel ofAmerica: by Rabbi Elga Svei (Rosh Hayeshiva-Yeshiva ofPhiladelphia) and Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg (Rosh Hayeshiva-Ner Israel, Baltimore), to bring these extraordinary events into perspective and to help guide us to respond to them as we should. hese are followed by a first-person report ofnoteworthy changes Tin two cities in the former Soviet Union, by Meshullam Klarberg, ofMelbourne, Australia.
:l :i;-,K:l :11,t"I.:\ ,,,i), i\:l!JYi;J iiX'1:1 ;ixi'ii' A FERVENT CALL TO ALL JEWS A CALI- FROM THf MOHZES GH:IOUI HATbRAH Of AMfR!C/\
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TheJewtshObseroer. March 1992 .5 Lessons in an Era ofRapid Change
:m~111 IMPUCATIONS OFA OF
EVENl'S Changes in the World ... Mandating Changes in Ourselves
EARTH-SHAKING EVENTS Hajlaga. when all of mankind Based on an address by pooled their resources to build the Tower of Babel: possessions, labor, S past year, we were witness Rabbi Elga Svei N"V'?V, and even families were turned over o revelations of G-d's Hand in Rosh Hayeshiva ofthe to the community to be shared by TIthe events that surround us. If all. This violation of all standards of earlier generations would have seen Yeshiva ofPhiladelphia, ethical conduct and basic decency that which we lived through, they presented at the recent earned G-d's wrath who brought would have burst forth with shiros destruction on this effort. ve'sishbadws--Bcmgs of praise to G-d. National Convention of Indeed, the Torah's account of the Dor Ha.Jlagadescrtbes the entire Let us step back for a moment to Agudath Israel ofAmerica. world as being of "one language better appreciate what has occurred: (so/a echad), united Uni purpose At those very places where for genera (devarim achadim)," which Chnzal tions one was not even permitted to sung out with songs of praise to G-d! tell us were aimed against Echod mention G-d's name, youngsters to We, who did have the privilege to wit the supreme Oneness that is G-d. day are studying Torah. In buildings ness these events, certainly should be Unity-achdus-is a key ele ment in the strength of kedusha, "Shemd' where uttering the was for full of praise of G-d. Just as the Jews the forces of sanctity. Thus when bidden, five minyanim (myself among were enjoined by Moshe Rabbeinu Yaakov Avinu and his children trav them) thundered a public Maariv-in with the words: "You saw.. .," referring eled to Egypt, his family is de the Moscow airport, no less! I mar to having been at Sinai and witnessed scribed as "shivim nefesh-seventy veled at this and thought: the Giving of the Law, making them soul," in the singular, so completely Ifonly the Chafetz Chaim, who had answerable to a higher level of con were they united in thought, iden declared that we should take arms to duct. we too are members ofa genera tity and purpose. When the forces of tuma (depravity and destruction) battle against the depraved Commu tion that saw outstanding events. unite, as they did in the Dor nists, would have merited to experi The Meshech Chochma points Hajlaga, they have the power to ence this! If only the revered Slutzker out that all modem "isms" have prevail, chalila. Thus did G-d decide Rosh Hayeshiva, Reb Issur Zalmen their roots in earlier times. Fascism, to intervene with "vayifetz for instance, prevailed during the Meltzer, who ran his yeshiva clandes Hashem--and G-d scattered" them, Dor Hamabul (the generation of the to negate their power. tinely under Bolshevik rule-if only Deluge), when "the earth was full of he would have been privileged to visit chomos (robbery)" and strong-arm We, in our day, are witness to the those chadorim with us, to daven that tactics prevailed. Communism has disintegration of the modern-day Maarivwith us! How they would have its precedent, he posited, in the Dor counterpart to Dor Haflaga.
6 7he Jewish Obseroer, March 1992 OVERCOMING HARDSHIP AND not make yourselves conspicuous how Yaakov Avinu prepared for his PERSECUTION [among the nations)" (Bereishis 42, encounter with Eisav and his threat- I). His warning to his sons was to ening army), before negotiating with avoid behavtor that makes them While he was tending Yisro's seem privileged. In Yaakov's time, non.Jewish officials. Yaakov Avimis sheep, Moshe Rabbeinu was deeply that meant not staying home in non-confrontational approach con concerned over the fate of the Jews Canaan when others were traveling tinues to be our source of how to con in Egypt: How will they ever sutvive to Egypt to avoid starvation. They. duct ourselves in our current Gotus. the harsh Golus? Then he saw the too, should journey to Egyptto pur sneh-bush aflame, but not con chase food. sumed by the fires that enveloped RESPONDING TO SALVATION AND it and the message was clear. The SUFFERING Jews, too, would prevail in spite of their suffering. Let us step back for a e paradoxical mixture of open e had agonized over the ter moment to better miracles alongside the up rible suffering of our breth Tiurge in overt anti-semitism. W ren In the Soviet Union, appreciate what has which we are now experiencing, can and wondered how they could ever leave one confused. There is a pasuk survive. And now we have seen the occurred: At those very at the end of the Tochacha. however, Hand of G-d scatter the forces of the that shows how both trends are inter USSR, negating its power, crumbling places where for related: the Union that held it together. Our After much suffering, Kial Yisroel immediate obligation is to do our ut generations one was not will say, "Only because G-d is not in most to meet the material needs of our midst have all these sufferings these Jews, while malting certatn that even permitted to befallen me" (Devarim32, 17). During their ge'ula, their redemption from periods of hastoras Panim, when G-d the Communist yoke of oppression, mention G-d's name, (so to speak) covers His Face, and we be complete ... paralleling the con youngsters today are become unaware of His Presence, summation of Ge'ulas Mitzrayim, the then do sufferings befall us, ., ..,_ redemption from Egypt, which was studying Torah. The underlying message of all that fully realized with "that they serve has been occurring-the sweet and Elokim on this mountain (Sinai]," the bitter-is that we are totally inef where they received the Torah. We too fective in regard to changing events must lead our (former-) Soviet breth In Egypt after Yoselfs passing, it meant pursuing policies of re on our own. For generations. we ren to Sinai, and re-unite them with straint. But the Jews defied this could neither bring freedom to the our Torah heritage. counsel. They were everywhere to Jews of the Soviet Union, nor could Our fears over the fate of our be found, and incurred the impa we succeed in fully opening up the brothers in Eretz Yisroel and their tience and wrath of their host coun gates of immigration from that coun try. And the persecution began. subsequent resolution-outright try. Only Divine intervention could miracles, wherein those closest to the We must examine our own mode of bring this about. Similarly, we were Ribbono she! Olam were spared the behavior in America, and ask our helpless in the face of the Iraqi worst-are certainly cause for singing selves if we Jews do not overstep the dictator's Scud missile attacks. Only shiros ve'sishbachos in praise of G-d. warnings of Yaakov Avinu; "Do not Divine protection could spare us the But this is not the complete summa make yourselves conspicuous!" Too worst. And now, the sudden upsurge tion of the year in retrospect. many of us feel over-confident of our in anti-semitic acts finds us inca ability to play a major role in the po pable of stemming the tide. These DARK CWUDS ON THE HORIZON litical arena. After all, we reason, we events of"sufferingbefalling us" only do have senators and congressman occur because we fail to recognize e are witnessing an in who are close to us. Why shouldn't we G-d's undeniable Presence in our crease in anti-semitic exercise our full rights as citizens, midst. Since He is our only means of W expression and actions in and even condemn the President protection, we must increase our sen America, and it should provoke us to when it suits our fancy! sitivity to that Presence, enlarge our some self-examination: But this is not the prescribed Jew awareness ofit. and enhance our ut The Jews enjoyed a protected ish course of action. Yes, Jews have ter dependency on it. status in Egypt until Yoseif always found ways of bringing their Hatzaddik died. At that point, "the needs and interests to the attention land became fiUed with them" THE PLACE FOR INITIATIVES (Shemos 1,7), and the plans for per of government officials through secution began to unfold (ibid, !OJ. shtadlonus, which has been the here is an area where our ini AslongasYoseifwasalive, theJews highly-effective route pursued by tiatives are meaningful and remained in Goshen, honoring the Agudath Israel. Our predecessors where our actions can bear exhortation of Yaakov Avinu: "Do T showed us the way by reviewing the fruit on behalf of the existence of Kial Parsha of Vayishlach (which tells of Yisroel: Torah study. This was im-
The Jewish Observer. March 1992 7 plicit in G-d's reassurances to Aaron (Ramban). The ultimate and most We must examine our Hakohein, when his heart had felt profound reference is to Torah study, faint for having no share in the dedi for (as the Netziv elaborates) kindling own mode of behavior in cation of the Mishkan (the portable the menora was symbolic of probing sanctuary used during the 40 years' the depths of the Talmud; and every America, and ask wandering in the wilderness): "Yours Jew's involvement in Torah study, ourselves if we Jews do is greater than theirs." through learning and through sup The direct reference of G-d's words port of its scholars and institutions, not overstep the to Aaron is to the daily kindling of the binds him to that act of sacred illu menora, which was greater than a mination. warnings of Yaakov share in dedicating the Mishkan Here our mesiras nefesh can bear (Rashi). The long-range reference is to fruit. G-d takes note of our devotion Avinu: "Do not make the Chanuka victory and the result to Torah, and responds to our efforts yourselves conspicuous!" ant celebration, in the distant future, with limitless blessings and grants us which continues year after year cause for eternal celebration. •
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Acatalogue listing all of Rabbi frond's lopes will be included with ea ~~'--~~-~~~~-~~-""'"" ll'l-~-~Sla!e--~-- (ALSO AYAllABLI AT BCHLER'S AND OTHER RNE 800KSTOllEI} Yad Yechiel is an organizolion dedkaled lo the memory of Reb Yechiel ben Reb Nachman Dovid Haleivi. 8 The Jewish Obseroer. March 1992 Lessons in an Era ofRapid Change CATACLYSMIC EVENTS ASA MESSAGE FOR OUR TIME Responding as a Jew to Swirling Changes Based on an address by Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg THE CENTRAL ROLE OF JEWRY of bringing out K'vod Shomayim--the N"V';iv, Rosh Hayeshiva Glory of the Creator. (See Avos 6, 11. e are currently living ofNer Israel, Baltimore, citing Yishayahu 53, 7.) This is dem through an era that demon onstrated by the ten generations fol W strates a truth articulated presented at the recent lowing Adam, which increasingly in many times by Chazal (the Rabbis of National Convention furiated G-d, until the appearance of the Talmud): That all that befalls Noach. Only Noach brought out mankind is designed to teach lessons ofAgudath Israel of K'vod Shomayim in the world to the Jew. Moreover, cataclysmic America. through his conduct and only he and events take place because of their ef his family merited being spared from fect on the fortunes of Jewry. the destruction of the Mabul(deluge). One of the most dramatic ex From his time on, the purpose of cre amples of this phenomenon is the be disadvantaged in Egypt as aliens ation would be realized through major changes that took place in the in a country of land-owners. but Noach and his progeny alone, fabric of the society of Ancient Egypt would be comfortable as peers amongst all of Adam's offspring. in the time of Yoseif Hatzaddik. The amongst similarly dispossessed Similarly. the next ten generations entire populace of Egypt and the sur people. A complete change in social also aroused G-d's wrath, until rounding region suffered from a ter order took place because and for the Avraham. who merited the reward of rible famine. All of Egypt was in up sake of the relationship between the all of those who had preceded him. heaval. with all possessions being nations of the world and the Jews. The K'vod Shomayim manifest by given to the king in exchange for food, This year again, one is witness to Avraham's life was equal to that making the people into serfs. This wars in Asia, radical changes in Eu which the ten preceding generations was a crucial turning point in human rope, in the Soviet Union and the near had had in potential, but had never history. for from that time on. the East, all revolving around Kial Yisroel brought to fruition. But "taking the king became the owner of his coun or affecting them. One might dismiss reward of all the others" has even try and its people. This was the fore such an assessment as self-centered greater implications. The ultimate re runner of the medieval era of power arrogance. But these events must not sult was that amongst all the descen ful monarchs and subservient serfs. be viewed in any other way. dents of Noach, only the nation pro And all this happened so that Yoseifs The entire world and all that is in duced by Avraham, Yitzchak, and brothers and their children would not it exists only for the ultimate purpose Yaakov can be the means through The Jewish Obseroer. March I 992 9 THE AWARENESS IMPERATIVE not know precisely what this message This year again, one is is, for we must look to Gedolei Yisroel he Torah demands that when to interpret the meaning of these witness to wars in Asia, extraordinary events are tak events. But one thing is certain: If the T ing place in our midst, we take Hashgacha is issuing warning sig radical changes in note of them, and take them to heart. nals to us, then we must react; it is In fact, the harshest punishments of impossible for us to continue our lives Europe, in the Soviet the Tachacha, in which G-d warns the without change. And if we fail to Jews against straying from a life ofTo change, then this reflects on our lack Union and the near East, rah, are resetved for those occasion of response, our tragic expression of when: " Vhalachta iini b'keri, when "walking with G-d with keri," Active all revolving around Kial you walk with Me with indifference" change is the imperative of a genuine (Vayikra26, 21). Thatis,Jewswillwit response. Yisroel or affecting them. ness remarkable events, and dismiss Indeed, whatever our response, it them saying, .. That's normal, natural, ... must begin with a penetrating aware- such are the workings of the world." which the Glory of G-d will be mani In other words, "keri-happen fest in this world. stance" means that we do accept that One thing is certain: If Once we accept G-d as the Master whatever happens is because the is issuing of history, and recognize that His Hashem wills it. We may "know" it is Hashgacha Hand controls all that takes place, we so, and say as much, but do we truly warning signals to us, should realize that it is only through believe it? Specifically, when we Klal Yisroel that He can be recognized speak of the remarkable events of the then we must react; it is as the G-d of history. And all that oc past year---do we truly recognize how curs to all the nations must be under remarkable they were? When we impossible for us to stood in terms of their bearing on the speak of the collapse of the Soviet continue our lives relationship of G-d and Klal YisroeL Union, and the change in the politi for through them is He known, is His cal map of the world, the re-unifica without change. Hand seen, and is His Presence felt. tion of East and West Germany, do we see that these are nissiin glu'im---Out- light miracles? Just two years ago, ness, with a sense of achrayus. ac for. YOUR anyone who would have predicted countability, and honesty. These ele FUNDRAISING or these events, would say that at best ments must be reflected in the care PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN -· they would occur in the distant fu with which we lead our lives; the time CONSIDER o ture. If they indeed did happen in our we devote to our Torah study: our CUSTOM DESIGNED time. this was surely a miracle, cre tefilla, and the kavana and aware LUACH or DIARY ating a whole new set of circum ness with which we endow it; the re (718) 851-1314 stances in their wake. sponsibilitywe feel toward each other, When we speak of the Russian im as well as our achrayus to the com migration to Israel, or the Gulf War munity at large; the care with which and the danger it posed to all those we use our time; the clarity with living in Eretz Hakdosha, how can we which we make judgments regarding DON'T fail to recognize the Yad Hashem? what we do and how we act. DELAY! And the current economic down Surely, if we perceive that all is turn---do we feel that this is also, no from Hashem, then all of these areas less, the Hashgacha-a case of should undergo change. We simply Now is the i Hashem talking to us, and telling us cannot continue as before, because time to ioin the something-with the same remark the events of this past year must able impact as all the other events press upon us as portentous happen '?t<'11!l' milt< 'rlo :iro ''?nu :ii:in that we proclaim to be wonders? And ings. We must react with a change in J Agudist Benevolent Society, Inc. whom does this recession affect, tf not who we are and how we conduct our a lives. It must be evident to all that we • Full Bu,,cl BeN·/,11 iu, roe F~m:ly Am YisroeL its institutions, its Torah ((h;fdren up'°' th' 'Jr c,/ 20 Y'''J!"' study, its chessed programs? are living differently, endowing our • Blood BoM 8enot,r1 tr,1 rh~ fo"''ly lives with a sertousness of purpose. DECIPHERING THE MESSAGE We are responding to His message. {718) 436-1451 With that we can lift our minds and f we are to understand that there hearts and say, "We know, Hashem, Agudist ..~lent Society is no keri, we must endeavor to de that You are telling us something, 84 Wiiiiam St.._t and we are responding to You as best N- York, NY 10038 I cipher the message being given to us by these unusual events. We may we can." • 10 The Jewish Observer, March 1992 l.Rsso11S in an Era ofRapid Change MeshuUwn Klnrberg I. TBILISI, GEORGIA Jewish subjects during the months of assurances. In addition to personal December and January. belongings. I brought along the TEACHING IN THE CIS (EX-USSR) Rabbi Eisemann told me that I was tashmishei mitzva that he requested. most needed at the new Jewish sec plus vacuum-packed meat, salami, hat an exciting era of his ondary school (opened in September, cheese. chocolates and groceries, all tmy we live in! The Jewish 1991 )in Tbilisi, Georgia, though he donated, or supplied at discount W ommunity of an empire that added that I would be more comfort prtces, by generous merchants in the straddled Europe and Asia, a com able teaching at the Yeshiva of Mos Melbourne community. The "Tues munity which was once the world cow. He put me in touch with Mr. day Night Shiur" of Melbourne cov center of Jewish culture, the birth Mordechai Neustadl, head of ered the cost of dispatching the extra place of the Yeshiva and Kolle! move Agudath Israel's Vaad L'Hatzolas suitcase as unaccompanied baggage. ments. of Zionism. of modern Hebrew Nidchei Yisroel, the sponsor of these Meat and cheese turned out to be and Yiddish literatures, was cut off activites in Tbilisi, which organized particularly welcome. from the main body of the Jewish funding for part of my fare. The other people for 70 years. It is now slowly, part was covered by the university at WELCOME TO THE JEWISH tf painfully. being grafted back to the which l teach. COMMUNITY OF TBILISI body of Klal Yisroefl Phone contact was made with Reb There are said to be three million Ariel Levin, the founder and director bilisi is just south of the Jews in the area that was until re of the school at Tbilisi. He said there Caucasus Mountains at the cently the Soviet Union. These consti was no shortage of food, but would I T crossroads of Europe and Asia. tute a fifth or sixth of all the Jews in please bring tefillin, mezuzos, and People in the community believe that the world. From time to time we hear tzitzis. As for food. I did not accept his there are about 10,000 Jews in Tbilisi. about the revival of Jewish life there. Is it possible to participate in this ep och-making activity? This question occupied my mind for some months last year. On investigation. I discovered that Rabbi Moshe Eisemann of Yeshiva Ner Israel, Baltimore. is heavily in volved in fosteiingTorah education in the then-Soviet Union. I turned to him to volunteer my services to teach Mr. Klarberg lives In Melbourne. Australia, where he is a men1ber of the faculty ofVictoria Uniwrsity ofTechnology. 111is his first appearanc<." in JO. Summer camp in Tbilisi, 1991 'TheJewishObseroer. March 1992 11 The two sectors of the community re All of the twenty to thirty people flect its geographic position. About half who attend the "Ashkenazi" syna One particular volume, of the Jews are from Sepharadi fami gogue are also Sepharadim. The shul lies living there from time immemortal, today follows the decisions of the Bais which speaks to us the others are the descendants of Eu Yosef in almost everything, in keep ropean Jews who settled there mainly ing with Sepharadi practice. Indeed, mutely of the conditions in the years just prtor to the Commu when I asked the Chachamwhy they nist revolution. The major Sepharadi have Hagboas Hatorah after leinen in which it was used, is a synagogue has about one hundred instead of before (in accordance with Siddur-re-bound in the mispallelim on most weekdays, and the Bais Yosejj, he answered that that over two hundred on Shabbos. custom was left from the days of the cover of a mathematics Though there were at least half a Ashkenazim! dozen synagogues active in living Both synagogues have book book. memory, due to migration and oppres shelves lined with turn-of-the-cen sion most have closed. tury volumes ofTalmud, Midrashim, Tur. Shulchan Aruch, Tanach, and other Torah works. A few, such as Beis Avrohom (which unfortunately i1li1 )r.n7 UY'li1\!J )))p7N 111:1 had lost its title page) were unknown to me. Most were published in the THIS SHABBOS SIDRA Eastern European centers of the Jew ish book trade of that period; Vilna .· HAKODOSH BORUCH HU GA VE THE PROVIDENCE JEWISH COMMUNITY and Warsaw are the cities most men tioned on the title pages. Most of the SOMETHING SPECIAL TO SING ABOUT: volumes of Tanach have Rashi, Metzudas and Ivri Taitch. One par U)1):1)1!l1 Nl1:l)l1Y.) ticular volume, which speaks to us mutely of the conditions in which it MESIVTA D'PROVIDENCE was used, is a Silidur-re-bound in Less. than twenty-four hours before Shabbos Shira arrived, the board of ba'alei batl111. the cover of a mathematics book. The governing the New England Academy of Torah ushered in a new era for our boys' only new publications in the shu1 are high school by voting to implement and fnnd a program for the coming Elul z'man silidurim. that will, with Hashem's help, bring Torah-learning on the high school level to new Among the Sepharadim, obser heights in Southern New England. While we fully intend to preserve the strengths of vance of Kashrus is widespread. On our ~ we have grown over the _years in many and important ways, and have-now anyweekdaymorning, the synagogue rescilved· to act on our convictiOns. Our new name reflects a new and vibrant reality. courtyard is abuzz with people brtng 1miN1 >?p m mmo >?p m ing poultry for shechita. Live poultry is sold in the street near the shul. For Our yeshiva will now offer not only the beautiful and safe suburban environment (three· the purchase of meat there are three hours and several light-years from New York, small classes, dedicated, experienced rabbaim, butcher shops. Throughout the pe and close dormitory supervision for which it has always been known, but substantially rtod of religious oppression. matzos increase hours of limudei kodesh -a full morning and early afternoon of shiurim in Gemara (b'kius and b'iym1 Chumash, Halacha and Navi. Night-seder chavrusos with were available in Georgia. with the the bochurim of the Yeshiva Gedola of Providence (under th.e leadership of Hllrav exception of one year. There was a pe Eliezer Gibber, shlita) will continue. to be arranged for talmidim of the Mesi.ta as riod of a few weeks in the fifties when well. the synagogues were closed. .· I was told that the authortties had Our commitment to the highest standards in secular studies will in no way be compromised then decided to convert the syna by our new identity. Our linl.udei chol program will continue to provide our tal1llidim gogue (which is on an important road with the firmest of fonndations for the development of their pamossa plans at the appropriate leading from the central city square) time. into a cinema. The Sepharadi women of the community lay down on the street around the synagogue to stop If you have a son of high school age and are seeking a small, warm, high-quality yeshiva the workmen from entertng the build for him away from the distractions of the .city, the Mesivta D'Providence presently · ing. When news of their bravery was has space available for Elul. Serious talmidim with appropriate records are invited to reported to the communist authori phone theMesivta'smenahel, Rabbi Avi Shafran, at ( 401) 331-5327 for more information. ties. they relented and the synagogue MESIVTA D'PROVIDENCE was saved. t>l1':t11!l1 N31J'Tlr.l . In addition to religious life and the school, there are also secular organi RABBI SHOLOM STRAJCHER, DEAN RABBI AVI SHAFRAN, MENAHEL. 262 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, Rhode Island 02906 zations. There is a Maccabee sports . organization. a cultural club (which 12 T71e Jewish Obseruer, March 1992 in December organized a Chanukah During his adolescent years, he Seven years ago. at the age of 23, he party), and an Israeli dancing group. would listen to the American "Free had his bris milla in an apartment in Israel is represented by a consul. and dom Radio" and became a convinced Moscow. the Jewish Agency also maintalns an anti-communist. This led him to Today. Reb Arte! speaks Ivrit flu office in Tuilisi. The physical proxim search for an alternative life style. ently, has studied halachn through ity of Israel has been emphasized re cently by the establishment of a weekly two-hour flight to Tel Aviv. is pleased to announce that we are ready to serve you wherever you may be! • We are located in .the heart ofBoro Park • We offer substantial discounts on All seforim and books. • We provide the best personal and courteous service • In N.Y. call: (718) 435-7700 • OUT OF N.Y. STATE CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-466-4312 • FAX: (718} 435·0529 Rabbi Levin (center) with four Ner Israel volunteers. MEET REB ARIEL LEVIN 1{eimisfie 'l'orali he11 I arrived, it was atmospfiere witfi q(__av Chanuka and the pupils had Shimon Eider W een granted a half holiday. Sfdita as !Manhig That is, there were no secular sub !l(,uchni. :Highest jects being taught that week. A l starufanf of 'l(ashTU.5. 'Warm hospitafity. slightly built young man with a 3 gourmet mea& aaify. QJiafity service. trimmed beard and short pe'os, Chowv ']'isroef. :Hostetf 6y '11ie whom I soon discovered to be the re NJ>n·ijt6rof:._ts. 3 Solomon Family markable Reb Ariel Levin, held the !Mehatfrin Shechita. of '.[ol(:Lie6erman :Hott{. wrapt attention of over fifty boys aged 'Entire h.ote[ set asUfe I nioor pool Sauna~ I 0 to 15. While I introduced myself to tl(J:Cusivefy for Pesachl 'Whirfpoo(, Vay-Camp. Reb Ariel, the students began talking amongst themselves. I could distin guish two words-" Australia" and Just 45 minutes "Ashkenazi." I understood that they from 'lJrook.{yn !l{,easona6[e were aware that a visitor from Austra and M anliattan. !!{,ates lia was coming to teach at the school. 2 'Earfy Shacham 4 The comment "Ashkenazi" indicated Afinyon aruf 6reaf;jast. that they had at a glance determined 'lJo;i: [unchu provitfetf. my identity. More than two thirds of the boys are Sepharadim, and this division is important to them. Reb Ariel is a graduate computer CALL: (718) 236-0287 ({)'J1,iel programmer. He is a baal teshuva with no formal Jewish education. He In Canada: (416) 783·3278 ...l~ga says that both his parents were com mitted communists: his father a jour Formerly Jnn nalist with a government newspaper. THE SHERATON his mother a primary school teacher. Piscataway, N.J. The Jewish Observer, March 1992 13 the Kitzur Shulchan A111Ch and has. was kosher, the bar mai-geshamim for the past five years. covered the was used for immersion until two new There is no play-time Torah with commentaries of Rashi boros were built. and Sifsei Chachamimin accordance Dvora Levin comes from a more scheduled because there with the weekly Parshll- He has also traditional family in Leningrad studied a number of p'rakim of (St.Petersburg). She is a graduate ra is no play-space. How Gerrwra, reads the Torah in the shul, dio engineer (she would have pre and has qualified as a shochet ofos ferred to study medicine, but says the school will cope with (certified to Iitually slaughter fowl)! In that when she enrolled at the univer all areas he is basically self taught. sity, Jews were not accepted into the growth and the On Shabbos, Reb Ariel wears a long school of medicine) and is kept busy jacket. Besides establishing a day by their two baby girls. Reb Ariel fre establishment of a girls' school, Reb Ariel has succeeded in quently consults her on matters of being mekarev countless people to policy. Mrs. Levin davens daily, su school next September is Yiddishkeit. Many have had bris mUla pentises the mikva, and has, since and a number of them have become marriage, become fluent in Jvrtt. not at all clear. true baalei teshuva. Some of his talmidim are now learning in yeshivas REB ARIEL'S SCHOOL play-time scheduled because there is in Israel and the United States. He is no play-space. How the school will nothing less than a miracle man! (I eb Ariel has purchased a cope With growth and the establish don't believe that I have ever before three-floor tenement building. ment of a girls' school next Septem been moved to desciibe anyone as a R :rhe two rooms and kitchen on ber is not at all clear. (Three boys en miracle man, but 1 cannot think of a the ground-floor serve as the resi rolled while I was there.) more suitable term.) When he discov dence for his family, as office, and as The school places emphasis on ered that in the mikva, the bor-tevilla guest room. The classes occupy the Hebrew and Mathematics. Of the 35 (pool for immersion) had a 7,echila (a flat above and the attic. "I have a periods per week, I 0 are allocated to leak. which renders it unfit) and the school on my head." he says with his Hebrew, 8 to Mathematics, and 5 to bar mai-geshamim(pool of rain water) characteristic humor. There is no English. Physics, Russian, Georgian. Biology, Chemistry. History, Geogra phy. Music and Ali are squeezed into the remaining time. Some subjects Purim and Pesach SPecial! are only taught one peliod per fort Ll•ltu Ti•• Offer night. When I asked one of the best -~ .,& ~~~.... l l:S~• pupils to compare the Jewish school tn& krtn.:.'1ntm~ :~ ·• :i with the one he had attended previ ously, he said he liked it better be 0 [l cause Math was taught at a higher standard and here he was able to TORAH PERSONALITIES learn Hebrew. A two-course hot ~ lunch is served dally. ~ "RA13131 CARDS" .. v The school is religious because it is run by Reb Ariel. Only one other 4' X 6' FULL-COLOR PHOTOS teacher may be desclibed as obser vant. The subject "Hebrew" includes SETS ARE PRINTED ONE-TIME ONLY. the study of Chumash and Mishna in the advanced class. but in the begin Endorsed & Supervised by Gedolei Torah. First Seriu Sold Out in Stores. ners' classes emphasis is put on spo ken Ivrit. I was allocated the highest class. ; ' ~illl~fq~J;{g!'jpJ~~~~,j ;W Although all the pupils at the school are Jewish by birth. many of SERIES 2 of 75 photos - $14.95 (reg. price $26) them were not circumcised when the SERIES 3 of 36 photos - $ 9.95 (reg. price $16) school started. Reb Ariel has encour aged them to accept the offer by West Send check to: Torah Personalities, Inc. European Jewish communities of a 3407 Taney Road free holiday in Palis where the opera tion is performed under hygienic con Baltimore, MD 21215 Distributed to Stores ditions in a modern hospital. This is Sale Ends Pesach by Feldheim Publishers followed by a seuda and tours of Paris. It was a most dramatic expert- 14 TheJewishObserver. March 1992 ence to teach the passage in the To visit to Melbourne a few days previ der a leather car-jacket? What is the rah (Pars has Lech Lecha), dealing ously) stressing the din that Chanuka din if one feels the call of nature dur with the institution of briso shel lights must bum half an hour into the ing Shemoneh Esret? AvrahamAvinu, to a group of boys of night. and that the halacha applies Doubts about kashruswere asked whom many had themselves only on Friday night, as well. It follows that at a number oflevels: What happens weeks previously entered that if one drops meat while one is covenant. In one case a pupil salting it? To what extent can and his father were circumcised one rely on local provisions? on the same day! Which certificates of kashrus Reb Ariel also conducts a from Israel and the States are Sunday School for two hours acceptable? everySundayfrom 12noonun ls the sheva in "Sham'u" til 2 pm. About 60 pupils at sounded or not? (Only a tend, forming separate groups Sepharadi could have the lan for boys and girls. Each is guage sensitivity to ask that.) taught Ivrit for one hour, and Would I like to buy pieces of general Jewish knowledge for Sifrei Torah? (Some of the the remaining hour. pieces were Ashkenazi Ksav and some Sepharadl) Why do BEING BOMBARDED WITH Rabbi Eisemann greeting two Tbilisi yeshiva students, these tefillin look strange? QUESTIONS aniving at JFK. Feb. '92. (They had belonged to a left- handed man.) uring my stay I was con one cannot carry out the mitzva with A number of painful questions stantly bombarded by ques the small candles which are widely about people's standing as Jews were D tions. People wanted to know used. The result was a stream of in asked.Thusadivorcedyoungwoman about Yiddishkeit, or how to get to quiries till that Thursday evening. On with a baby who claimed to have been Australia. The day I arrived I spoke in Z.Os Chanuka some people wanted to told by her foster mother that her real shul between Mincha and Maariv and know at which tefiUa to stop saying mother was Jewish wanted to estab repeated a point made by Rabbi "AlHanissim" lish her status as Jewish. One such Pinchas Sheinberg N"V"ro (during his Is it Kosher to wear one's tallis un- inquirer (whom I did not think I had In r¢spon~ 1;() num,erpusihquiries, we are pleased to announce to.. ·. th....· e.Olam HaTorah the a.vailabH.i.ty ofthe.. foHowing; ,' ' ,,, "' ; , ,, ,,,, , Pn:t> '1119 '"il~~~ h:>"'" '"*llr11-i~i;, ,tJ)'1'1t>=>tJ1J'I~ ,nYeirrwl'4·t ,ri1))1:tw ,no!> ;0':131:>'1 Tl'l.,lN ,c,.,1!> ,n::>1'n ,T1,:>1o·t1:t'l' Most of these Seforim. are now. in ·expanded· editions: They may b~ obtained as a set or as single -v;olumes. For irtfonnation contact: Rabbi $11ptuetWolman · Rabbi :Yeshaya Thau In Eretz Yisroel' Rabbi Abron Lasker 718-37.7-0717 11!!~37(5.:1265 02·372-257 The JewL5h Obseroer, March 1992 15 helped at all by discussing his situa schools were closed throughout the L5 My G.od (a very popular book in tion with him) brought me a small gift city. Russian translation) as that with the next day. Two pupils, brothers who were which his grandfather had intro planning to leave Tbilisi shortly, and duced him to the study of Gemora. THE TBILISI REBELLION had already enrolled at a yeshiva in Because of the enthusiasm of the New York, continued coming to boys, this was most productive teach n Sunday, December 22, school daily, and I took the opportu ing. [As of publication, the two have 1991, rebel forces attacked nity to help them by introducing them arrtved in New York, and are already 0 the Government building in to the study of Gemora. We covered studying-and shooting expert hook the center of the city. Although the two blatt. Tilis was the same section shots-in the Yeshiva of Staten Js fighting was largely restrtcted to the (ye'ush shelo mida'as), I pointed out, land-ed.j one city block, businesses and that Herman Wouk descrtbes in This On Monday, January 6th, at about 5:00 a.m., President Gamsakhurdia AY£l.€.T HASHACHA'R - ''WOMAN TO 'WOMAN INS1'1'RATJON" left his bunker in the besieged Gov ernment building, and used our A Tape Series by 'Rebetzin Tehila Jaeger street as his escape route. The shoot ing that ensued caused consterna tion in the household, but lasted only a few minutes. At 8:00 a.m. I went to shul. It was Rosh Clwdesh, and al though there were less people in shul than usual, a Bar Mitzva was being celebrated. In accordance with the lo cal custom, the father of the boy moved around the shul distrtbuting sweets. Less than 50 meters from where earlier that morning there had been a shooting, the tradition was be ing handed down. At 10:00 a.m. an armed man knocked on the door and inquired whether any of the president's entou rage were hiding in our house. Reb Arte! explained that we were from the synagogue and had not participated Plea5e joinme in tasting the rieh inspiring meaning .ofour Siddur. in the conflict. The young man said This new series is both for beginners & advancedlevels. that he respected our religion and went away (;r:>). We later heard that .------ORDER----- FORM------,1 some of the entourage had been For [nformation alxmt found in neighbortng houses. Ayeler HaShachar The following day, Tuesday, Janu C1ll 718-47I-7141 ary 7, was celebrated as a public holi day. Along with thousands of others, I took a walk across the city. Dam D TAPE#! aged and burnt-out military vehicles 0 TAPE #2 and buses were strewn around the [J TAPE #3 city square like broken toys. S.ome D TAPE 114 people were crying. A battlefield is a U TAPE t5 sad thing to see even when the fight D TAPE t6 ing is over. Perhaps the silence is [1 TAPE 117 more eloquent than the roar of the [] TAPE t8 battle. It seemed to me that the vic [] TAPE t9 tors were demonstrating their control D TAPE t10 and efficiency by having tow trucks D TAPE #11 .Defmrt1ons mFemm1mty-Bere1shisand Noach working at clearing away the debrts, rJ TAPE #12 .. The Delicate Art of Boundaries - Lech-./.echa even though it was a public holiday. That afternoon traffic again flowed through the city. Slowly the pupils returned. Full at tendance was only achieved on Mon- 16 The Jewish Observer, March 1992 THE SYNAGOGUE ON ARClilPOVA STREET his is the communities' head quarters. It is a magnificent, T large, rambling, late-19th cen From Tbilisi to ... the Yeshiva of Staten Island tury-style building. The site contains a major synagogue, seating about day, January 20, when general secular and religious, catering to 600 men downstairs and a women's schools and shops re-opened. As this many facets of Jewish life. There is a gallery upstairs, a minor synagogue was Tu B'Shvat, we celebrated by dis growing number of cities (Kiev. seating perhaps 100 men, a kitchen tributing dried fruit at lunch. That Kishinev. Odessa, St. Petersberg, and dining room for 20, a banquet cby. I gave my last lesson and the next Thilisi, Vilnus, and many more) where hall, offices, a kiosk, and a cool-stor d:ry proceeded to Moscow to discover there is organized Jewish life, includ age room. what Rabbi Eisemann had meant ing schools and yeshivos and a few A large number of people come when he said that I would feel more places where there are even rabbis. here daily for their workaday activi comfortable at the Yeshiva of Moscow. Rabbis are particularly important ties. There are two rabbis. one filling in Russia. This, because they are be the position of Chief Rabbi of the So II. MOSCOW, RUSSIA-STILL A ing called upon to clarify questions of viet Union, the other the Av Beis Dir4 CENTER OF JEWISH LIFE Jewish identity, which 70 years oflife and a dozen office workers. Then without religious marriage (or di there are the students and staff of the espite the dissolution of the vorce) has created. Thus in a bro yeshiva, and the pupils and the USSR, Moscow is till the chure listing Jewish institutions and teachers of the school. Poultry is D nerve center of all the Jewish their activities in Russia, we find next slaughtered, cleaned and stored in communities in both Russia and the to the name of the rabbi of Moscow: the cool-room. In addition, there are newly independent republics of the "Gittin, Giyur, Kashrut." Jewish di people working in the kiosk selling CIS. Only in Moscow is there a large vorce and conversion cases across Judaica in Russian, and also, oncer multiplicity of Jewish institutions. the CIS are being referred to Moscow. tain days as early as January, selling ~8111vA o• :aa.eoa.'-4~ • ~iJldfflE& PIL.OG&.A1'f - ~ (718) 252-9500 • SEPARATE PROGRAMS: FOR BOYS AT 1200 OCEAN PARKWAY FOR GIRLS AT 1470 OCEAN PARKWAY -I AGES 3-15 &~~~ .... 1 l. e.1.7. ?~ . 1111111:,11111~1 1 A/:;"'J,,,. ~ l Permeated with the ruach of Torah A, ~ ~ Special emphasis on Midas Tovos I tU(. "" Outstand1n5 and dedicated Rebbeim and counselors li,lll!,ll,lllllll1lllfI La~~:l~¥j:I~:}~~~~~J~~~~ls This year il"'M our boys' division will be held in our new building 7he Jewish Observer. March 1992 17 matzos. It should be noted that be baal teshuva who himself learned in cause throughout the year bread is Moscow and at Yeshiva Shvut Ami in the major item of diet. matzah for Jerusalem. was in charge. He has the Pesach is much more important in enormous pedagogic advantage of Russia than it is in the West. being able to speak the language the The building, like many in Russia, students understand best. is rather dilapidated. Currently, there is a major refurbishing project being MEET THE STUDENTS carried out. The laborers, added to the communal officials, the teachers, e bachurimat the yeshiva are students and schoolboys, make the varted group of 15 to 20 stu place a verttable beehive of activity. T:ents. The exact number is dif On Shnbbos mornings, the presence ficult to ascertain because some at of the shochet of the Sepharadi com of congregants makes up for the ab tend more regularly than others. The munity at Nal'chik-a Farsi-speaking sence of the working people. young men range in age from 18 to area just north of Georgia. As far as I Unfortunately, durtng the second 30, and in place of origin from could ascertain, they are the only stu half ofJanuary, when I was there, two Azerbaijan (in the Middle East hard dents at the Yeshiva who were of the key people, the Av Beis Din, and by the border of Turkey, the republic brought up Orthodox. the Rosh Yeshiva, were away on holi is Moslem by tradition and Turkish in day. vernacular), to Birobidzhan (officially, LEARNING IN THE MOSCOW the Jewish Autnomous Region in the YESIDVA THE YESIDVA: Far East, north of Korea, allocated by Stalin to the Jews either as a bulwark e yeshiva is geared to begin s is one of four yeshivas op of defense against Japan or as a ers. They study Chumash rating in Moscow. It was counterpoint to Zionism), and the T:with Rasht, Mishna, Kitzur Tiunded by Agudath Israel and Chernobyl region (which in Jewish Shulchan Aruch, and only the ad occupies the banquet hall of the syna histoiy is famous for the radiation of vanced group is studying Gemora. gogue building. The assistant Rosh the Twersky Chassidic dynasty). A Language is a major barrier. A few Yeshiva, Rabbi Baruch Ludmer, a number of students hail from Mos understand Ivrtt, all have some En Russian Mathematics graduate, and cow itself, and two are the twin sons glish, but none have enough for study Calling all kids! Come visit "Watch your child' "A rnost creative, expression as he ,-, s . teaching book or listens 10 ,{ads the captivating . . so won Eyes wide With d. /cassette. l' The child is Wilt become ;,,:,gh~ he too . the masterful the adorable e';;' led With over by . of haPPY the A/enh-IJ. c aracters as ,,~ " azs comes presentationr lyrics, and •(te. But "THE to tunes, cleve .es that he WORLD" · ALEPHDAIS children. Rzs not only for inspiring sto~ kills arents wilt bs readings appreciate the highl absor ositive attitudes professional quality~~ . Production, as th o-': thzs a~ ,ppainlessly, jo;,fuLly, as apost•· ey utilize it •IPe means o~ · · d success!ullY· spending q ,. ~ an · l'h . . Ua1tty time Wil'h . ~,·sson Wo\pUI e1r children. ,, -Rabbi"' RR. Miller, Good ortune Magazine For more information call: (914) 354-5882 18 The Jewish Observer, March 1992 purposes. The illustrated edition of the Mishna (one bound copy plus xerox copies), recently published in Bnei Brak. proved most useful. Nev ertheless. most of the time that I taught, one of the lads, whose Ivrit was better than that of the rest, trans lated into Russian. The yeshiva actu ally employs a translator who also teaches Ivrit, but he had gone to a seminar out of town. Despite the lan guage barrier, I found teaching at the yeshiva a most inspiring experience because of the serious attitude of the students. This was exactly as Rabbi Eisemann. who had organized my visit, had predicted. It was a most dramatic experience to teach the passage in the Torah dealing with the institution of briso she/ Avraham Avinu to boys who only weeks previously entered that covenant. DAVENJNGON SHABBOS SUBSCRIPTION SAVINGS CERTIFICATE n Friday nights the yeshiva THE~ Suite 1200 • 84 William Street davens in the main shul to OBSERVER New York, N.Y. 10038 O boost the numbers there. Al together, we were 30 people. The shul 0 YES! Please enter my subscription for: ~~~ 'OUJi~DE employs two chazanim The one who D 3 yearS-at 47°/o off the cover price $48 0 $78 davened when I was there had an ex 0 2 years-at 40°/o off the cover price $36 0 $56 cellent voice. In the morning, after the 0 1 year- at 27°/n off the cover price $22 0 $32 yeshivafmished Mussaf, I went down *Price reflects $10 extra per year to defray air shipping costs. Foreign to see the shul. There were hundreds payment must be made in U.S. dollars, either by check drawn on a bank of people there-all talking ... while the in the U.S.A. or by Visa or MasterCard. chazan was saying Kedusha. Some one approached me to ask me who I NAME (Please print)'------was. After a few attempts, he said, "Is ADDRESS ______this a prayer where one should not CITY, STATE ______ZIP _____ talk?" 0 Enclosed: $~=====-'O::'.'::C:"h'."ar!'ge".."'m_:v_cD:'._'.M'.".'a".'.ste"'''::C'."arC>d_,o:_:v'::1S":A ALL THE NEWS NOT FIT FOR NOTES ~~~t.ITII. n the second Friday night that Expiration date: ITJ (month) ITJ (year) I was there, I noticed two En Signature'------O glish- speaking visitors in the foyer of the shuL They told me that they were reporters for The New York The Jewish Observer. March 1992 19 .PINCMA.S MA.NDE'.10 Because throughout the Over40Years:Experieric¢ill kvura in EretzYisrael year bread is the major •Qedicated,tokavod Haniftar \'Yl!h,person MONEY MATTERS Bus every 1/2 hr. t almost every te.filla. the ye Special Di~ts (24 hrs.'dcilly) shiva A¥alloble fri:>m Port AUtJac>rity is Joined by one or two outsiders. There may be locals rust), .. hr. every·to min. A NfTronSit or ·soourban) who wish to say Kaddish. using a card with transliteration of Kaddish on it. or Western businessmen who simply want to daven with a mfnyan No·.GebrOks 2 81o f you are travelling, include Rus We can arrange door to door sia in your itinerary. See what you can do to help. If you are a .tronsportotiOn . I Volunteer befO·re and cifter Olso Sepharadi, the mitzva of visiting the 'Yom To.v·· -- ... Klm~oll HospUol Sepharadim of Southern regions is nearby even greater. In any case. every per son who steps into a synagogue brings strength and encouragement All prices are based on double occupancy and do not include 7% N.J. Soles Tax to the people who are there. • 20 The Jewish Obseroer, March 1992 Rabbi Berel Wein Leading the counting of the Sejira at the 9th Siyum HaShas, in accordance with Daf Yomi. in Madison Square Garden, Rabbi Eliezer Levin 7"~ April, 1990. Mussar Personified y father-in-law, Rabbi Mussar Yeshivas in greatness. Eliezer Levin, died on the Lithuania was the Only later, M 14th of Shevat 5752, hav great Talmud Torah of upon re ing achieved a great old age of96, and Kelm. Founded by the flection, did a lifetime of accomplishments in the master educator, Rabbi the enormity service of G-d and Israel. One of his Sim cha Zissel Ziv, and of the stature requests to his family was that he not continued by his heirs, the of the Chafetz be eulogized. Even though, on the in aristocratic Dessler family, Chaim dawn structions of the great rabbis of our Kelm was a rigorous house of upon you. This trait time, we did not follow these instruc training for the mussar personality. of simplicity and human tions literally, I certainly do not wish There the training emphasized con ity, Rabbi Levin inherited from his to violate his holy wish by over-eulo sistency, piety, compassion, serenity, great mentor of Radin, but many of gizing him with these words. It is uncompromising standards, and an his other qualities were the products therefore as an assessment rather aristocracy of soul and body. Rabbi of the Talmud Torah of Kelm. than a eulogy that I offer this ap Levin spent many years at Kelm as a bbi Levin was a balanced per praisal of his life. student and later as a junior instruc on. He eschewed extremism He disdained maases (stories)-as tor. His first married years were spent nd radical behavior and he put it, even Misnagdische in Kelm, and the house of the Levins thought. He often said that too much maasses-because he felt most of (his Rebbitzen, Sarah Menucha was too little, in line with the great them to be fanciful, if not downright Hoffenberg Levin, was herself a re rule of the rabbis, "kol yesser invented and inaccurate. The true markable person k'notuf'-what- person is rarely, if ever, seen from the who also de- I ever is extra is 1 anecdotal biography. I pray that the serves an as- ] considered as true Rabbi Levin will somehow sessment as a He held the Jewish though it is emerge from my words. role model of I communi!y of Detroit lacking. From ussar (ethical self-improve what a Rebbi- I his first rab ment) implies balance, per tzen should be) ' together by the strength binic position in Mspective, faith and realism. always reflected i Vaskai, These items were in short supply in the greatness of i of his personality, by his Lithuania-a the turbulent world of the nineteenth that great edu- ] hamlet with 41 century when Rabbi Yisroel Salanter cational institu- ' genial smile and good Jewish fami began the Mussar Movement. Reb lies-that he in Yisroel advocated inner growth, soul father-in- l.• I herited from his tio~Y 1 cheer, and by his iron ful serenity, an unerring eye for the law, who studied ]' father-in-law details of the society and a constant 1 Rabbi Abraham with, and for a i will to prevail. 1' self-challenge. To a great extent, the time, lived in the I _ Hoffenberg, to most mussar-authentic of all of the same house with ~·.•_.•.....------• _J his last role as the sainted elder statesman Rabbi Wein, ofMonsey, N.Y .. is dean of Shaarei Chafetz Chaim, was nevertheless and head of the tens of thousands of Torah of Rockland County and the Bas Torah more Kelm than Radin, more Rabbi the Detroit Jewish community, he Academy, as well as Rav of the Congregation Bais Simcha Zissel Ziv than Rabbi Yisroel never lost his equilibrium. He was Torah in the same community. His series of tapes Meir Kagan. He told me many times pragmatic in the most positive sense on Jewish history and biographies enjoy wide cir~ culation and populartty. Rabbi Wein Is author of that the greatest attribute of the of the word. The task of the rabbi, he TuumphofSuroival, on Jewish history. His article, Chafetz Chaim was his simplicity, his would often say, is to reconcile the ~Being Truly Jewish In A Society of Plenty.~ was fea - humanity. One did not at the moment community and to provide Torah tu red in The Jewish Observer, Aplil '88. feel that one was in the presence of leadership to all. The Jewish Observer. March 1992 21 He lamented the fragmentation of ance tn a national forum was at the preserve Jews and not squander Orthodoxy and its communities. He 9th Siyum Hashas of Oaf Yomi in them. His balance enabled him to held the Jewish community of Detroit Madison Square Garden, in April, raise his family to Torah greatness. together by the strength of his per 1990. even while his children all attended sonality, by his genial smile and good Along side this fierce loyalty, he public school, and to guide his grand cheer, and by his iron will to prevail. maintained his sense of balance children and even great-grandchil He did not agreewith many of the phi which taught him that the Jewish dren with a firm. but yet unseen. and losophies of the variant groups of Or world would always tnclude different many times unfelt, hand. thodoxy. His loyaltytoAgudath Israel ideas, and that as long as loyalty to e knew many tragedies tn his and its political and philosophical Torah and Jewish observance was lifetime. He often stated that agenda was legendary. He had served present, these views would have to be H the price for long life was as a regional vice-president of addressed and reconciled, and not much tragedy. He observed ten Shiva Agudath Israel ofAmerica, and was tn automatically attacked and reviled. periods of mourntng, two for beloved fact chairman of the regional vice He would build and not curse, tn daughters of his. His serenity tn the presidents. His last public appear- fluence and not ostracize, save and face of adversity, his ability not only to absorb the blows of life but to be ' resilient and hopeful nevertheless, served as the rallying point for our THE FULLY ADJUSTABLE SHTENDER* family tn all of our problems and dif ficulties. He insisted to us that we not only accept G-d's will but do so b'simcha, with a feeling of commit ment and purpose that leads one to Designed for the yeshiva student the happtness of Torah and spiritual and his father for use at home or accomplishment. bais medrash. Created for Regarding his daughters who died, maximum visual comfort and he always stated that their families, perfect posture. Recommended which were dedicated to Torah study and greatness, justified their lives by top health advisors. and were therefore the greatest com fort to the survivors they left behind. • Wood finish top. i 1;.- diameter He said that when he saw those tubular steel. grandchildren, he always felt joy and rigid construcUon base not sadness. His inner serenity knew • 12 adjustable angles 0°-60° no limit. • Allows height variaUon from His faith was so firm that the trag 291/2' to 42' edies of our Jewish generation and of • Comfortable foot rest his own personal life left him un • Rubber bumper pads shaken tn purpose. He would say that on bottom there is too much to do, and there • Adjustable, top assembly is fore, to contemplate the mysteries of detachable for table top use G-d's judgments was a sterile exer cise. He knew moments of anger and • Ideal for homework for of intense frustration, of defeat and boys and girts disappointment. but the outside • A real space saver world did not see this tnner turmoil • The perfect gift for a on his outward countenance. He choson, husband. etc. calmed himself with the balm of his inner serenity and then proceeded to $ 90.00 +Shipping conttnue leading. teachtng, counsel Itng and building. 17" deep Discounts on large quantities available e was a Rav, par excellence. Available at local Judaica stores or from distributor: He was the most astute politi H cal practitioner I have ever known-tn the most positive sense of KEIBK IMPORTERS & MFG., INC. the words "political practitioner." He 3720 14th Avenue. Brooklyn, NY 11218 always said the right thtng at the right Telephone N.o. (718) 436-6598 Fax No. (718) 972-1378 time to the right person. He never lied, evaded, fawned or was a sycophant. But he also never patronized, in- 22 TheJewL5h Observer, March 1992 This trait of simplicity Considering a move and humanity, Rabbi toMOJVSEY? Levin inherited from his for careful attention to your great mentor of Radin, individual needs, call us today! but many of his other (914) 354-8445 qualities were the ------~ products of the Talmud lll~i ~,~, ~~~ ~-rn ,,~J,~~ ii~&~ \ <· ••• ,: .. ::·····:: :,:,.,.;.-'.:~·:·:· ;:..... ::·;:····:: ;:,•• •••• =:·.·.•.•. Torah of Kelm. I I I I I I suited. quarrelled or condemned. He : COMPLETE 10 VOLUME SET NOW AVAILABLE•$125 : always recognized the viewpoint of : '":it 1"1''2'!lll "N'n' i1'2't:l ,, ,,t:l ""Pl:il J1,'tNt:l ,,,,t:l,N nNt:l: the other person, even when he in ,,.,n ~ "n, WM" i!lc i:ina .,l':J " tensely disagreed with it, and re sponded to it cleverly, incisively and : Profound essays on Parshios HaTorah 1 Meaningful Insights to the P'sukim according to the Eyes of Chazal in an instructive fashion. The non 1 Useful for Educators • Fully Indexed Orthodox Jewish society of Detroit 1 .,.in ni:in ·~., c•mo~n '1!>11~1 n'i!>i~n 'l'lll::J c·~·pc1 C"P1Dll c•icMD ,.,.,1::1 saw in him the leader of the Jewish Gan be {Xlrchased at your local Jewish bookstore or at Zundel Bennan's Bookstore, community. The Detroit Free Press Mail To: ESH DAT PUBLICATIONS, 1520 East 31st St., Brooklyn, NY 11234 wrote a eulogy of him at his death as an editorial and not as an obituary. Even in his death, Rabbi Levin was a KiddushHashem--an example to the world of what a human being was meant to be. This, after all, the Kiddush Hashem aspect. was the i,.>>iA•lll\lflli/1111 epitome of the Mussar Movement. He · ·. lrtVJt"5graqu•t.,,,~f.•••····.············.<···········i· .High ...•.•.•.. •~lltm!S '' •·8fu6111fti.I'!ew~11~i••··•>.••··········:·. •11<1 \h~Sl'retuming ftom Semin~ries .in llf!'tz? Yisroel•· ..····· to<·········•··· join picked up the phone in his study and us lot the co!1Jlng ~h'!"l.~ called anyone in Detroit and asked to ()ur '("•t•ex!>t~~ge.!n qr1~~c~;~all;\~~ in Teacher Tlaining enables us to belp our see him, and they would come to see studen!SM.d m 7he Jewish Observer, March 1992 23 derstandably dived for cover, my fa Kelm was a rigorous ther-in-law rose, walked over to the man, stretched forth his hand and house of training for the quietly said to him, "Please give me the gun and let us reason this matter mussar personality. There together." His innate knowledge of people, his shrewdness in judging the the training emphasized character and motivations of others, allowed him to be courageous, since consistency, piety, cowardice is usually an adjunct of ig norance and misjudgment. compassion, serenity, Being courageous automatically guarantees being optimistic. He not uncompromising only believed in the better tomorrow for the Jewish people, the Land ofls standards, and an rael and the world generally, he firmly visualized it in his mind's eye. It was aristocracy of soul not a theoretical dream that he saw before him. but a real world that In his youth in Kelm (left) and body. would yet come into being. is great strength lay in e was a man of rare courage. even fi:"om this and forced his release judging people, events and His motto, told me for the last from the hospital to return to his H circumstances without preju H time when I visited him in the home, there to yet conduct rabbinic dice and labels. His second wife, hospital when he was already weak meetings and advise on communal Rebbitzen Chana Heschel, was a de ened beyond repair by the ravages of and personal matters. He regularly scendant of great Chassidic masters time, was "I never allow myself to be performed his physical therapy exer and a loyal daughter to that tradition. broken." While suffering from cardiac cises and his will and mind were He accommodated her customs and failure, renal blockage, double pneu strong till the end. weltanschawmg, just as she adjusted monia and the ravages of old age, he His inner serenity gave him a fear to being the wife of a great misnagdic nevertheless told his doctors that he lessness about danger and life. He and mussar Rav. He saw the positive expected to live many more years. He once disarmed a distraught and irate in the varying colors of the Torah rain rallied from these infirmities only to husband who brandished a gun at a bow and was only disturbed when he undergo hernia surgery less than one divorce hearing held at Rabbi Levin's felt the extremism in views that threat month before his death. He recovered beis din. While everyone present un- ened to divide the house of Israel. IVfl>- ::L #IV IS/Rr.A6!:L . .SlN~Llf&DOUBLI! f;&rfi[ IJef ,?.Ve';lJ BRl!ASTl!D Ml!N'SSUITS 1------.---.--.... FROM *PER WEEK Sll..BIGER'S TYPE OF CAR LS HS • EXC. /11·21112191 22/12/91- C.O.W. UNLIMITED MILEAGE & l.D.W 175 611-3113192 511192 S ···•SPECJAt•of!i¥Eil••+isrsooot-ii.Yi. • All Wool Coats • Sports Jackets ~~ji,~!•flj~i •Rainwear o!i~"!!llri\,1Rt{(I~ w ·• W••lli@ii~ ffil/i~IWt 24 The Jewish Observer, March 1992 He reached out to the people that he had to deal with-"Moses went I know of no other case down to the people"- without ever compromising hatacha. values or of a Yiddish-speaking standards. He addressed the needs of the times and of his constituency. I rabbi in his eighty-fifth know of no other case of a Ylddish speaking rabbi in his eighty-fifth year year of life, training of life, training himself to deliver a ten-minute sermon in English every himself to deliver a ten Shabbos morning, once he realized that his synagogue contained large minute sermon in English Rabbi Levin at K'nessia Gedola, 1954 numbers of people who no longer un derstood Yiddish. He always stated every Shabbos morning, where he visited. Everyone looked that the Chofetz Chaim's blessing to forward to his visits, his aristocratic him was "to go forth and speak to the once he realized that his appearance (even when bent by age). Jewish people." With a twinkle in his his good words and friendly smile. eye, he said that the Chofetz Chaim synagogue contained The last Pesach of his life he spent in did not specify the language of large numbers of people Monsey, in our home. He came to the speech, and that therefore he felt he synagogue by wheelchair, but he was was fulfilling the charge of his holy who no longer the focus of everyone in the syna mentor by now addressing his syna gogue. Many people have told me that gogue 1n English. understood Yiddish. the memory of the blessings over the He was an orator. a creative Torah that he recited then will remain speaker, a strong communicator. He with them all of their lives. He spoke always had a new insight, an illustra He remembered everyone's name to G-d. but in a marmer that allowed tive story, a compelling moral. And it and everyone's problems. He was man to overhear and benefit. His life all flowed so naturally from him ln a well-known in Chicago, Cleveland, was a blessing. his career an ex seemingly effortless stream of Torah Miami, Monsey and Israel, where his ample, his cause eternal. May his consciousness and knowledge. children and grandchildren lived and memory be blessed. • ,,~..,:i1 Nn:i'n~' ti!l'~ YESHIVA AND MESIVTAOF BROOKLYN is now accepting applications for grades 9-12 and first year Beis Med rash for Elul 5752 I September '92. We are now n"'TIOl!1 occupying our new beautiful and spacious building. • Our twentieth successful year • Shiurim in Mussar and Halachah • Praised by Gedolei Yisroel • Warm and friendly ruach • Outstanding and experienced Rabbayirn • Talmidim & Koll el Yungeleit • Dormitory facilities and three meals daily learn b'chavrusa • Bus transportation • Individualized attention • Emphasis on both Iyun and Bekius We are also accepting applications for our afternoon and/ or evening Kolle!. 1200 Ocean Parkway • Brooklyn, NY 11230 (718) 252-9500 'l!"J)N~ tl')N~ Dn)~ :1 'ltl ~m!J The Jewish Observer. March 1992 25 Shiu rim: • Wide ranging subjects including Torah study with commentaries, Jewish History, Psychology, Mussar. We Aim: • Stimulating and interesting approach. • To develop in our students emunah • Focus on development of middos. Vocadonal Training: and yiras shomayim-belief in the • A variety of course options. • Courses offered include Teacher Training, Nursery Teacher Training, Keyboard Skills, Word fundamental principles of Judaism. Processing, Computer Programming, Book keeping, Dressmaking, Art. • To promote a high standard of • External examinations for recognised qualifications. ethical values, chessed, and Qualified Staff: • Dedicated team of professionals with many years tolerance for others. of experience in education. • Experienced resident matron. • To equip our students with the skills lntemadonal Student Bcdy: • Currently over 80 girls, aged 16-2') years. they will require in their future lives. • Around 25'Yo UK, 25% Europe, 50% Israel, USA, Canada, Australia. We Offer: Well Appointed Premises: • Modern, functional buildings. An intensive two-year course combining advanced • Residential accommodations. Jewish studies with Vocational Training. The • Lecture rooms, dormitories, computer room, library and other facilities conveniently on site. program includes Shabbos and Yorn Tov during the Varied Program of Extra-Curricular semester and all our students live on the premises. Activities: This Seminary is quite different from other similar • Swimming and fitness • First aid course • Cooking course • Hairdressing course • Music institutions as it provides a much broader range of and drama productions • In-house magazine • subjects as you will see in our schedule. Outings and walking tours • Social events • Interaction with the local community and its institutions; students help with young families, the To Apply: elderly, the handicapped; they participate in the SEED program, and are involved in charity work. Applications for the coming 11:16-12:00 12:115-12:50 12:5(1..1:00 2:40-J:)l} 3:40-4:30 ! 4:3ll-6:){1 6:30-7:30 7:31).8:45 ' 8:45-9:00 year are now being '" 111 : )11;\N 'i?~ : ;;~j'.'1'!'1 Pie:: ~1)1'!'1 ·~ - L ______l___ __ - ,- processed. Applications may M 11"<'!<"\J 1;1''.JNr.l ))1Jt) '1)'.J~, I '~'llr.l n T ~U~'" ·~ _i~-,-~~~~~L~':_" _:J __ -;,:;;;;--- i v" now be submitted for the • - z "~w n>vN"\J n•)jJ "~''' ,..J,,.. I "I'."~" ')"l" r 0 '"'' --····· T I year 5753/54 (1993/94) as T !1'VN1;> i D'W' r/:l'll".l I --t------~ well: 474 Bury New Rd, "~~n Salford M7 ONU I 11'VN1J Manchester, England "v Tel: 061-792-7770 z Fax: 061-708-9014 American Tel: 914-352-2586 Rabbi Yonason Rosenblum ''Torah Umadda'' A critique of Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm's book and its approach to Torah study and the pursuit of secular knowledge. ANEW APPROACH nological society poses its own unique quires comprehensive knowledge of TO AN OLD CHALLENGE set of challenges. The isolation in both the circumstances of the case which Jewish communities once beingjudged and the halacha.) t is over 200 years since Moses flourished is but a historical memory. By contrast, Rabbi Samson Mendelssohn brought to the fore It is inconceivable today to imagine Raphael HirSCh, exponent of Torah Im I of German Jewry the issue of large numbers of Jews unable to Derech Eretz, assigned a place to Judaism's stance towards the sur speak the language of their host secular knowledge as an aux:iliary of rounding culture, and of the proper country. as was tnie in Eastern Eu Torah knowledge. but only to the ex relationship between Torah learning rope a century ago. The openness of tent that it first pass the test of con and secular studies, And when Amertcan democracy, the pervasive sonance with Torah. In the Hirschian Napoleon's armies spread the French nature of the modern media, and the worldview, there is no place for the Enlightenment 30 years later, the fact that most of us are consumers of sciences or the humanities as a confrontation between Torah and advanced technology, make it harder source of values, or as a co-equal to secular ideals reached Eastern Eu than ever to erect barriers to the out Torah as an area of study. rope as we!L side world. With the world a far In his recently published work, To· But the nature of the struggle be smaller, more integrated place than rah Umadda; The Encounter of Reli tween Jewish life and modernity has ever, knowledge of the surrounding gious Learning and Worldly Knowl· changed over the years. The intellec society often seems more necessary edge in the Jewish Tradition, Rabbi tual challenge to Torah today is, if than in previous generations. Dr. Norman Lamm, president of Ye anything, less than it was sixty years Budding yeshiva students, kollel shiva Uruversity, presents yet a differ ago. It is doubtful that any current fellows, and Torah-directed laymen ent vision of the relationship between Rosh Yeshiva would feel the need to must all deal with a secular world, its Torah learning and non-Jewish stud prove that Torah is deeper than Kant, resources of information and its value ies. Before examining his approach to as one well-known mashgtach did in system. Through the years, Gedolei this topic-which defines the Jew's post-World War I Lithuania. Nor is Yisroel have prescribed different ap view ofhimselfin the broaderworld there any modern-day parallel to the proaches to this challenge. Rabbi it would be appropriate to briefly intellectual attraction that socialism Elchonon Wasserman, i"~. for ex sketch the traditional approach to and Zionism once exercised on ye ample. addresses the question in a Torah learning. shiva students. letter, published in Koveitz Though hedonism and material Maamarim, wherein he limits secular THE PRE-EMINENT MITZVA: ism seem more powerful lures today studies to areas that do not deal with TORAH STUDY than great ideas, modern. post-tech- prohibited topics-such as alien forms of worship or atheism-and he study of Torah, we affirm Rabbi Rosenblum. a member of a Jerusale1n that are essential for career prepara daily, is not only pre-eminent I et us first examine how Dr. ~~!~·~?iJ~~~.1~!1~~'J,tsql~;Jfi' Lamm invests secular studies L with tntrtnsic religious value: Throughout Torah Umadda, he . ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~t·~~r~rsonri~t~~~~!i dwells on the potential for "fasctnat . tng creativity" offered by a "synthesis" · do~~}r·~~Cl{~~t0\(ll()ti~li:S~l'Vice e~ar,g~) ofTorah and Madda (p.2). on the op- . 5f0t1J¢~.n~~~~~(J.t·t~e,~~~~'fl.otel . 1 This is not to say that secular knowledge has no worth or that the Orthodox community has not g:p,'@.ge,t a 4tft.p,.ight'free. benefitted from it. We can readily concede that (1) a proper understanding of both science and histo:ry can bring one to a deeper appreciation of Hashem •·.••;{;Yb ~ ~1~tt};~~~~~~!{: :.·:.. ·· •···•···...... ·. •'.'',: ,,~: as both Creator and as the moving force in human history; (2) there are those who will require some •··••,~·~~~~fa~il)'ia.e~ommod~g!lS.: post-high school education to earn a livelihood; and (3) the Orthodox community has benefitted in recent ·i f~•.>l~~~~a~q~~!.~µis~ne ··· · · years from the infusion of the skills of ba'alei .$till F.tee 1~5i-:-014l teshuva with broad secular educations and from their demand for sophisticated answers to the deey-. Ea:X: est questions of faith. But so broad are Dr. Lamm's .fte'ich./,i()i~l'·'cfel::9722052312f 972-2J2~1~~;. claims for the value of secular education, that one · {Qfi'efilot'Yal;tfbn•J~sh holidays.) might grant any or all of the aOOve propositions with out conceding anything of his essential thesis. 28 TileJewish Observer, March 1992 portunity afforded by worldly knowl Creator as well as His Creation, and tertain seliously such questions as: edge "to create something new and the other a different perspective Should one recite birkhat ha-Torah on that may not agree at all with the entering the chemistry lab? May one original in the world of the spirit" first .... Each alone is true, but only (p.128). Worldly knowledge, he partially true; both together present study calculus all day and thereby claims, offers to the religious Jew, "a the possibili1y ofa larger truth .... " ' fulfill his obligation ofTalmud Torah? large and embracing vision ... and a So great is the value of Madda for (pp.163-64). more capacious theoretical frame Dr. Lamm that the distinction be Torah learning, devoid of secular work into which (oneJ can integrate tween it and Torah finally blurs alto knowledge, becomes in this view de his most precious Jewish Ideals" gether: ficient. In a recent speech to Yeshiva (p.85) than he would have in a pure .. So long as we continue to learn University alumni entitled, "Is Torah-only setting. Scripture and Oral Law, to acquire Chiddush a Chiddush?", Dr. Lamm The effect of this emphasis on syn new knowledge and to refrain from maintains that one no longer hears of thesis is to transform Torah and forgetting what we know, then the students in traditional yeshivas who study of the sciences and hW11l1Jli are oker harim [lit., "uproot moun Madda into what appear as co-equal ties is, in effect, the study ofGemom forms of knowledge. Torah and and thus afal}Wment ofthe study of tains"!, blessed with creative insight, Madda are presented as composite Torah" (emphasis addedl (p.165). 3 as opposed to being repositories of parts of some primordial unity of all This conclusion leads him to en- vast stores of knowledge. The very knowledge (p.141, 184). complemen concepts of creativity and innovation, 2 Titis extraordinary quotation gives us some idea he maintains (based on two bits of tary-and equally valid-ways of of the vast gulf between Rabbi Lamm's Torah viewing the world, just as the appar Umadda and the Torah Im Derech Eretz of Rabbi anecdotal evidence heard second ently contradictory descriptions of Samson Raphael Hirsch-a theory which Dr. hand), are suspect in such yeshivas. 4 light as waves and as particles are Lamm finds wanting in compartson to his own. And in Torah Umadda he ex- both true and complementary Complementarttyrequires. Dr. Lamm argues. that the distinct methodologies of the Torah and secu 4 One wonders what precisely Dr. Lamm means by (pp.232-236). lar studies be preserved and that secular studies creativity and innovation. If he is refening only to 'Torah, faith, religious learning not be taught from a Torah perspective. This posi chiddushei Turah, then his comments reflect noth on one side, and madda, science, tion is diametrtcally opposed to that of Rabbi S.R. ing more than ignorance of what is going on intra worldly knowledge on the other, to Hirsch, for whom Torah was always the litmus test ditional yeshivos. But if he is championing some gether offer us a more overarching for the value of any idea from non-Torah sources. other type of innovation. then his criticism of tra and truer vision than either one set 3 We shall consider the validity of this View in Sec ditional yeshivos may indicate an even more fun alone. Each set gives one view of the tion II. damental dtvergence of approach. EWISH EDUCATION: In this one volume you will find the most authentic and thorough treatment of Hirsch's A 'Torah im Derech Eretz' ideology available in English. VOLUME In addition, there are essays on -Ethics In The Classroom • Our Mission: The Paramount Importance Of 'Limud Torah' •Collaboration FOR Between Home And School • A Child's First Year• Advice To Educators• Education By Example • The Woman's Role In Jewish Educa EVERY tion• Enthusiasm For One's Duties• The Joy Of Leaming• The Relevance Of Secular Studies To EWISH Jewish Education • and much more. Here in one volume are Torah lessons of immeasurable value for parents and teachers HOME ... alike, insights as pertinent today as when they were first written. 472 pp., h.c. $19.95 The Jewish Observer. March 1992 29 presses his fear that the "ignorance of a posek depends on a broad secular So great is the value that Dr. the facts. realities, and temper of con education, Dr. Lamm leaves us Lamm places on non-Torah studies temporruy life" of poskim produced by puzzled as to how such talents were that he is quite content to sacrifice the traditional yeshivas "will distort the found among the Jewish people in the immersion in Torah studies which knowledge base that goes into proper 32 centuries predating Yeshiva Uni has always been considered the sine halachic decision-making" (p.230). versity. Similarly. one wonders why qua non of any substantial achieve He gives no examples of such distor there are not infinitely more ment in Torah (see Mashiv Davar44). tions nor of the superiority ofdecisors chiddushim in institutions that en Torah Umaddais by Dr. Lamm's own with a secular education. 5 By imply courage secular studies than in the admission an apologia for Yeshiva ing that the ability to be oker harim or traditional yeshivas. College (p.XIII) and its bifurcated cur riculum-Torah studies from 9:00 5 Formal scientific trianingis demonstrdbly not a pre volves a great deal of medical knowledge, were writ requisite for acquisition of the knowledge base nec ten by poskim with no secular education-Badei a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the rest of the essary for proper halachic decision-making. Many of HaShulchan, by Rabbi Feivel Cohen: GufeiHalachos, day in Madda, with it being left to the the leading halachic works dealing with modern by Rabbi Joshua Wolhender, and Shevet HaLevi, by individual himself "to perform ... the medicine and technology are the work ofposkfm with Rabbi Shmuel Halevi Wosner. With respect to a lack essential synthesis of the teachings no formal secular training. The posekforthe Machon of knowledge of the "temper ofcontemporary life," Dr. that [make] up Torah Umadda" ofTechnology and Halachah in Jerusalem is Rabbi Lanun is simply pointing to what is perhaps the cen Levi Yitzchak Halperin, who has no formal scientific tral point ofdispute between so-called Modem Ortho (p.35). training. Similarly, three of the major, recent works doxy and those to the "right": Is haku:hato be brought in the area of Hilchos Nfddah. which in- into conformity with the "temper of the times"? Il. THE SEARCH FOR A PEDIGREE THURl'lll!IOS .• WORLD CHEESE CO., INC., N[WYORI\ N.Y. he bulk of Torah Umadda is taken up with a search for T "models" for Dr. Lamm's broad approbation of secular studies. Be fore considertng these various "mod els," a few general observations are in order. The first is that Dr. Lamm cites virtually no sources in either the Tal mud or the vast halachic literature in support of his position.6 Tirroughout he shows a decided preference for the most esoteric sources--e.g., Lurtanic kabbala, the dicta of Rav Kook-pre cisely. one suspects, because the meaning of these passages is so no toriously hard to pin down, much Jess to attach to any particular educa tional program. Even within the "models" he does find, Dr. Lamm, by his own admission, only focuses on implications in the thought of those who were far removed from his ap proach: they were either explicitly op posed to secular studies (such as This Purim, when you send Rabbi Chaim Volozhiner or the great your little ones out to deliver Chassidic masters) or their closest Mishloach Manos, send disciples did not find in their master's along somethingspecial-Haolam Cheese. Cheese, you're giving wholesome gcxxlness Hao!am Cheeses add variety -nature's finest gifts for this special holiday. 6 Dr. Lamm attempts to finesse this point by term~ to "Shalach Manos" -a wheel of Hao lam So this Purim, don't give stale cake, ing the issue of educational policy one of meta Gouda or Muenster, our popular Smoked loose popcorn, or crumbling cookies. halacha, which is based on "one"s total Cheese Sticks, or your favorite triangles. Give the gift that's good for you ... and Weltanshauung" {p.72). He then quotes Rabbi And when you give a bottle the little ones, too! Avraham Yitzchak Bloch, ,."i'l, the Rav of Telshe, of wine, a nice piece of fruit, and Hao!am This year, smile, give cheese, and say ... who described the law in this area as contingent on the nature of the individual as well as conditions HAPPY PURIM! of place and time. But to say that one cannot give a decision for all people in all times and places is not to remove the issue from the realm of halacha. Moreover, Rabbi Bloch went on to give a series of guidelines that he considered valid for all times and places. guidelines that are all inconsistent with the THE l'IOST TRUSTED Ml'IE ll'ICHOLOVYISROELCHEESE curriculum ofYeshiva University. 30 The Jewish Obseroer. March 1992 thought a sanction for broad secular Mqjor Thinkers ... studies (as in the case of Rabbi To say that there is no and College Students Avraham Isaac HaKohen Kook). Dr. Lamm's presentation is power in the world other orah Umadda is replete with throughout more imaginative and lists of major Jewish thinkers passionate than it is convincing. One than Hashem does not T who had a wide familiarity small example will give some sense of with aspects of the non-Torah knowl the leaps to which his argument is turn the study of every edge of their day (albeit nothing com prone. parable to the literature or social sci Explaining Hashem's command aspect of the created ences of our day). One can readily ad ment to Avraham "vehiyei tamim-be mit that such seminal figures as the whole" (Bereishis 17: 1), the Ramban world and human Rambam Maharal and Vilna Gaon refers to the command to "be tamim read in non-Torah texts without con with the Lord your G-d" in Devarim society-i.e., sociology, ceding that their example serves as a (18: 13). There the command follows precedent for institutionallzed secular a sertes of prohibitions concerning all anthropology, political studies. There is an absolute chasm forms of foretelling the future through between such giants and the average recourse to necromancy or other science, etc.-ipso facto college student raised in a cultural forms of magic. The Ramban thus ex into Divine service. milieu in which the non-Jewish influ plains that the earlier command is a ences may be at least as strong as the requirement to attrtbute everything to Torah influences, and who is often at G-d and nothing to any other source. ations becomes a study of Hashem least as familiar with present day Dr. Lamm claims (p.224) that this ex But to say that there is no power sports heroes and popular culture planation accords with his own view in the world other than Hashem does icons as with Abaye and Rava. This is on the possibility of religious growth not turn the study of every aspect of not, as Dr. Lamm seems to think, a through secular studies. Apparently the created world and human soci mere practical distinction. When it he means that since everything ety-Le., sociology. anthropology, po comes to the reading of non-Torah comes from Hashem study of any as litical science. etc.-ipso facto into sources. it depends on who is doing pect of that world or of man's ere- Divine service. the reading: there is an absolute 12! 'T'urnz:ibout Insights into The Malbim on Megillas Esther Megilfas Esther Compiled from the words of Translated and Adapted Ghazal by Mendel Weinbcch by Mendel Weinbach There were 127 provinces in Shushan comes alive in this King Achashveirosh~ vast colorful adaptation of the empire. When Chazal Malbim~ commentary on expounded the Purim miracle, Megillas Esther. This new they uncovered 127 insights edition of TURNABOUT into the vastness of the includes the complete Megillah. Here they are. in all Megillah and the Malbim~ their richness, collected in commentary in the original English for the first time. Hebrew. Here is the Megillah Distributed by FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS 200 Airport Executive Park, Spring Valley. N.Y. I 0977 Tel (9141 356-2282 /Out of state, call toll free: (800)237-7149 The Jewish Obseroer, March 1992 31 gious act. Certainly there was no in There is an absolute chasm between a person whose tention to "synthesize" Torah and perspective has been shaped by decades of intense Torah worldly knowledge to create some thing new in the world of the spirit. study and a young college student, who is simultaneously The Vilna Gaon, for instance, bitterly exposed to Torah and secular studies and left to work out criticized the Rambam for having been drawn after philosophy and for their interrelation for himself. having been caused to err by the need to reconcile the plain meaning of the chasm between a per rah to a degree un Talmud to his philosophy. All those son whose perspective fathomable to us. who followed the Rambam, says the has been shaped by de This is a far cry Gaon, refused to follow him in his at cades of intense Torah from a day divided traction to philosophy (see Shulchan study and a young between Torah Aruch, YorehDe'ah 179113]). college student, who is and secular stud simultaneously ex ies-including art, In Search ofa Source posed to Torah and dance, drama and in the Talmud secular studies and left modern litera to work out their inter ture---each with its n only one occasion does Dr. relation for himself. The fixed times. Most Lamm attempt to find sanc difference is roughly importantly, the 0 tion for his position in the the same as between non-Torah reading Talmud (pp. 64-69). The Gemora in innoculating a person ofeach of these fig Men=hos 99b records the position of with vaccine and then ures was based on R' Shimon bar Yochai that one fulfills exposing him to small a clear vision of the verse, 'This book of the law shall pox, and exposing him how those read not depart from your mouth; but you first and only after ings were of an aid shall pronounce it day and night... " wards giving him the either to under (Yehoshua 1:8), with the recitation of vaccine. standing the To "Sh.emd' morning and evening. The With the possible rah, to conveying Gemora then records an exchange exception of the Torah, or to inten between R' Yishmael and his nephew Rambam the non-Torah studies of all sifying one's love of Hash.em or else in which the nephew asks if one such those Dr. Lamm cites formed a small related to their roles as leaders of as himself who has learned all ofTo fraction of the time they spent in To their generation; it was not based on rah can learn Greek wisdom. R' rah learning, and, in every case, came some diffuse notion that the study of Yishmael answers, on the basis of the only after acquiring a mastery of To- any aspect of "G-d's world" is a reli- verse from Yehoshua: "Find a time that is neither day nor night and you can learn Greek wisdom." Finally, the Gemora brings the opinion of R' Tochnit Yonasan that the verse in Yehoshua is a blessing to Yehoshua for his de votion to Torah, not a mitzva at all. SAIS YAAKOV Since R' Yishmael forbids Greek Bayit Vegan, P.O.B. 16406. Jerusalem, Israel wisdom only on the grounds of bittul Torah argues Dr. Lamm, and since A seminary program for the Bais Yaakov two other Tannaim disagree with his interprelation of the verse on which high school graduate. he bases his proscription, therefore the majority opinion favors learning • Intensive program of Limudei Kodesh • Outstanding mechanchim Greek wisdom. This is a truly remark • Tiyulim • Warm atmosphere • College accreditation able conclusion in view of the fact that • Teacher training program with certificates neither R' Shimon nor R' Yonasan • Emphasis on midos and character said a wor.j <1bout Greek wisdom, and R' Shim01is opinion precedes any For more information contact P.0.B. 16406 mention of Greek wisdom. Moreover, Jerusalem Israel 02-438-687 the entire question of Greek wisdom or call: 718-846-4695or718-441-9495 only arose with respect to one who Rabbi Yehoshua Freilach, Dean knows the entirety of Torah. Finally, Rabbi Mordechai Adelman, Menahel it must be remembered the R' Shimon is the same R' Shimon who 32 The Jewish Obse11Jer. March 1992 says elsewhere (Berachos 35b) that cursory giance at the first four chap one should not even take time off to ters of the Rambam's Hilehos Yesodei sow one's crops and gather them in HaTorah, where he discusses the the appointed seasons lest Torah be knowledge included in the category of lost. Rabbi Lamm must assume a to Pardes. demonstrates how unwar tal reversal in R'Shimon's "hard-line" ranted any claim is that the Rambam view regarding any temporal pursuits is discussing science or humanities. to read this innovative, permissive in in general. The Rambamidentifies the terpretation into the Gemora in Pardes as two categories of know1- Menachos. The accepted reading ofR' edge-ma'aseh merkava and Shimon's opinion in Menachos is not ma'aseh bereishis. Knowledge of the Lamm's curriculum, no matter how a softening of his previous stance. as latter can be taught only to individu Pardes is defined. And finally, it is Rabbi Lamm claims. Rather. in als, and knowledge of the former can knowledge leading directly to the ful Mena.chos he was discussing a Jew's not be taught at all (Hilchos Yesodei fillment of one of five mitzvos: knowl minimal obligation to study Torah; in HaTorah 4: 10-11). These caveats on edge that there is a G-d: recognition Berachos he delineates the type of the learning of Pardes would seem a that there is no other god; under Torah study necessary to preserve death blow to any claim that such standing of His unity; love ofG-d; and the world (see Tos. HaRosh to learning can serve as a basis for fear of G-d. Any resemblance between Berachos 35b); The world does not today's college curriculum. Obviously the Rambam's Pru-des and the mod exist. in R' Shimon's opinion, for the the Rambam is discussing some very ern college curriculum is purely co sake of those who fulfill only their deep esoteric knowledge; knowledge incidental. minimal obligations. Read this way, so deep that even some of the great Without the concept of "textless R' Shimon's position is the very an est men in the generations preceding Torah," the entire house of cards, tithesis of support for non-Torah him did not attain it; knowledge upon which the "mitnagdic model" is study of any sort! which should not be sought by any built, falls. Moreover, Dr. Lamm ac one who has not "filled his belly" with knowledges. the inclusion of all sci "Textless Torah" the study of the mitzvos of the Torah ences and humanities within the cat (ibid. 4: 13). a criterion not met by Dr. egory of Torah poses another prob- r. Lamm attempts to enunci ate both a Misnagdic and a D Chassidic model of secular studies. The former is based on the following syllogism: (a) Rabbi Chaim Volozhiner made a distinction be tween different levels of Torah leam ing-e .g., between the study of Gemoraand Tehillim; (b) Nevertheless he did not view the study of Tehillim as bittul Torah; (c) Non-Torah studies may be considered a form of"textless RIAR Torah"; (d) Therefore non-Torah stud ies are not bittul Torah Now, Rabbi •Private Sedorim UCKINN Chaim Volozhiner made an absolute • Communal Seder distinction between knowledge ofG-d • Daily Shiurim Catskill, New York through nature and through Torah, •Entertainment for and even between different types of Chol-Hamoed UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF •Supervised Day Camp K'HAL ADATH JESHURUH, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY Torah study. In this novel interpreta • Shu! full w/ seforim tion. Rabbi Chaim Volozhiner is stood •Our famous Kiddushim • GLAlT KOSHER • CHOLOV YISROEL completely on his head. •Tea Room always open •NON GOBROKTS • SHMURA MATZOHS ONLY Dr. Lamm's entire argument that • Indoor pool -Sauna/ there is such a thing as "textless To Jacuzzi - Bocci/ Health Club 1 •Tennis Courts, All Sports rah" is predicated on the statement of • Boating on Private Lake the Rambam that those things that •Near Hunter Mt. Ski and Entertainment by Sldomo Carlebaclt are called "Parcles" are included in the Catskill Game Farm Other stars to be announced category of Gemora (Hilchos Talmud FRIAR TUCK INN IS KOSHER ONLY WHEN OPERATED IN ASSOCIATION WrrH THE PRUZANSKY FAMILY Torah I: 12). Dr. Lamm extrapolates For a full color brochure and additional information, please call: from this statement to the conclusion that "the study of the sciences and PRUZANSKY humanities is, in effect, the study of 431 Avenue P, Bklyn, NY 11223 •Tel. 718 339-0200 •Fax 718 339-1918 Gemord' (p.165). But even the most Toll Free in N.Y. State 1-800-339-CATER •Out of State Ca11Colleet1-718-339-0200 The Jewish Obseroer, March 1992 33 !em: Torah is to be studied in "fear vine service through one's mundane and trembling." Dr. Lamm knows too physical activities. The oft-quoted Dr. Lamm ultimately finds the well that college students do not ap source for this concept in Chassidic "Chassidic model" the most proach their studies with any rever writing is the Midrash that the Bibli ence, much less "fear and trembling." cal Enoch was a cobbler, who recited promising for his version of Though few of those studying in the words. "Blessed is the Name of Torah Umadda, yeshivas themselves sustain the level His glorious kingdom forever and of fear and trembling, at least there is ever" over each stitch. And its most notwithstanding that the a constant recognition ofTorah study radical formulation is found in Noam Chassidic leaders he quotes as activity of a radically different na Elimelech: "For the tzaddikim, there is ture from any other. But when every no difference between the study ofTo were uniformly hostile to all thing is defined as Torah, then nothing rah and prayer [on the one handj ... or forms of secular study. is Torah, and all sense of awe is lost. eating and drinking [on the other}. All are... [forms of] the service of the Cre action can be elevated if it is per The Chassidic Model ator, and it is merely a matter of formed in the prescribed manner, switching from one form of service to that nothing we do in life is spiritu t is in part to surmount this prob another." Asks Dr. Lamm, if Hashem ally neutral, is hardly revolutionary. lem that Dr. Lamm then turns to can be served through eating and But to say that eating may be trans I a "Chassidic model," according to drinking, why not through intellec formed into a mitzva by the recitation which secular studies have religious tual activity such as non -Torah learn of a bracha, is far from saying that significance as long as one ap ing? one should become a gourmand, proaches them with a generalized Rabbi Lamm himself admits that spending vast amounts of time con sense that all life is service of the radical formulation of avoda cerned with the food he consumes. If Hashem Dr. Lamm ultimately finds be'gashmiutfound in NoamElimelech eating itself becomes one's focus, the "Chassidic model" the most should not be taken loo literally.'The even with the recitation of a bracha, promising for his version of Torah underlying idea that every physical one becomes a naval be'reshus Umadda, notwithstanding that the 7 The Noam Elimelech is. to say the least, an odd chas veshalorn. but only so that n1y body should Chassidic leaders he quotes were uni choice as the celebrant of physicality. He was re be strong and healthy for the service of Hashem .... ~ formly hostile to all forms of secular nowned for his asceticism. In his famous Tzettel Any time a person is not involved in Torah study, study. Dr. Lamm's starting point is Kattan. he writes that after reciting the blessing he advises, he should occupy himself with the concept of avoda be'gashmiut Di- over bread, one should always recite the following thoughts of being cast into a roaring flame for prayer "... I a.In not eating for any physical pleasure, Kiddu.shHashem. Sweeten Shalach Manos with Schmerling T rli' IR!fll ')f I) Bi ] .\,AM !( )\· f( )(JI} f'R( ll )l ·(]\ l\RI )()Kl YN N Y I 122 l 34 The Jewish Observer. March 1992 haTorah-a disgusting person, who nonetheless has not transgressed the RESERVE THIS DATE! Torah's minimal obligations. There is certainly no warrant. then, in the idea of avoda be'gashmiut for focusing 70th Anniversary Dinner large parts of one's mental energy on inquiry into secular disciplines. ef Agudath Israel qt.America Chassidism may have begun. in part, as a reaction against the exclusive fo. SundaY> May31, 1992 May 1992 cus on the intellectual activity of s M r w learning Torah; it was certainly not r F s the substitution of one form of intel New York Hilton 1 2 lection for another. 4 4 5 Moreover, Rabbi Lamm points 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 out, within Chassidus itself, there 13 14 15 16 was a wartness of radical, potentially 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 antinomian extrapolations from 24 25 26 avoda be'gashmiut. That is why that 27 28 29 30 form of service was specifically limited 31 to tzaddikim, as we saw in the quoted passage from Noam Elimelech. Both the Midrash about Enoch and the re strtction of avoda be'gashmiut to a spirttual elite strongly suggest that highly refined kavanos (intentions) are central to the doctrtne. Thus the concept of avoda be'gashmiutcannot solve Dr. Lamm's problem that no one approaches secular studies with the kavana required to confer upon those studies religious value. (The problem is hardly solved by the recitation of prayers such as the one Dr. Lamm composed to be recited upon entertng the chemistry lab or opening a soci ology text-p.210.) ID. TWO VISIONS OF CREATIVITY he weakness of Dr. Lamm's "models" indicates that they T were meant to be merely sug gestive, not precedents in the sense used in halachic argument. One senses that Dr. Lamm does not con sider such precedents necessary. This impression is confirmed by a mini-essay on the prtnciple of the de cline of the generations-hiskalnus hadoros-which suddenly appears in the midst of Dr. Lamm's treatment of • Highest standards of Kashrus •No Gebrokts·Shmurah Mauoh. '& ~ the Rambam.' After acknowledging Cholov Yisroel Exclusively Ymn W!Jllll'r ~ Dr. Lamm is ostensibly respondln,!!, to Rabbi • Private Sedorim Available V/ W Uf W/ • D•lly D•f Yomf · '""W"~' Elchonon Wasserman's argument that the • Seforim Stocked Bais Medrash Always Open Rambwn·s very greatness precludes him from be •Oversized & Adjoining Rooms Available ing used as any kind ofprec-edential model for in •Magnificent 3,000 Atre Res·Jrt stitutionaltt..ed sttular education. But nothing Dr. • Beautiful Indoor pool separate swimming only THE NEWHOUSE FAMILY lc'llnm writes in any way di1ninishes the point that • Sauna. ia<:uzzi and health <:I ub no compartson is possible between the Rambam • All sports. tennis. golf, stables perhaps the greatest JeWish figure of the post-Tal~ • Professional day camp & night patrol 718-435-3200 •Entertainment consistent w·1th Yorn Tov Rua<:h mudie period-and the avPrage college student. The Jewish Observer. March 1992 35 that the decline of the generations is a few such examples vitiate the gen tors), is only out of voluntary self-re 9 a pervasive theme in both Talmudic eral principle of decline. Moreover, it straint (p.93) • But again, that re and post-Talmudic rabbinic litera is possible that such a beis din straint has been virtually universal ture, Dr. Lamm proceeds to argue greater in wisdom will one day exist and reflects later generations' feeling that nevertheless such decline is nei but only in the days of Moshiach- No of their comparative inferiority. ther inevitable nor does it always oc serious student of Gemora has ever Finally, one is at loss to see what Dr. cur in every respect. Each generation failed to be overwhelmed by his sense Lamm hopes to prove by quoting the is left its own makom... le'hisgader of inadequacy vis-a-vis earlier genera Chazon lsh's statement (p.101): "I b you all the details. Sweepstakes ends 7/15/92. City Stole Zip Do you wear wigs? Yes No Beauty Trends is the maker of Max Factor and Adolfo wigs ;.ind a REVlDN company. L ______~'=•=T='.J 36 The Jewish Observer, March 1992 fixing the hnlacha, the Chazon !sh de idea that stresses novelty for its own ary. 1992 JO-ed.). And every Jew finitively states in the quoted passage sake, and makes leaving one's mark must strive to fulfill his unique role in that one may not follow his own opin on the world the self-conscious goal recreating the perfect world. But his ion if there is an explicit contrary psak of life. Every individual Jew is a cre ability to thus transform the world (halachic ruling) in the Rishonim; on ator born with the potential to trans does not depend on performing a many occasions he refused to follow in form the world through his Torah mitzva no one has ever performed or psak his own reading of the Gemora study and performance of mitzvos arriving at a conclusion in the against that of the Rishonim (see !see Dovid Freund. 'Thinking About Gemora that no one has ever reached. Chazonlsh, YorehDe'ah2:23). Trees: The Jew as Creator" in Janu- If one comes to a full understanding It may be true, as Dr. Lamm ob serves. that a dwarf on the shoulders of a giant sees further than a giant. But not every dwarf succeeds in "MY CLIENTS ARE AMAZED climbing onto the shoulders of a gi AT THE SERVICE ANO ant: most dwarfs remain just SAVIN6S ON THEIR dwarfs.'° Only by committing every fibre of one's being to learning can INSURANCE-BUS/NESS I N S U R A N C E one begin to climb at all. The tradi OR PERSONAL" One Blue Hiii Pima. Suite 1024 Peal1 River. NY 10965 tional attitude to preceding genera /RVIN6 SAFR/N Tet(914)62Q.1800 tions is nicely captured by a story about Rabbi Aharon Kotler. ., .. ,,,,. Reb Aharon once celebrated having found a solution to a difficult Be'ur HaGra S •RE• C:I I which had puz7Jed him for years. "l was only privileged to find a solution," OUR DOLLARS. said Reb Aharon, "because not once in those many years did it occur to me As the recession rages. most of us can't give as much Tzdokoh as that the problem lay with the Gaon we would like. and not with me." Before Pesoch, our 9 volunteer-staffed branches in Eretz Yisroel are swamped with requests for Gmach interest-free loans from: Creative Understanding or 'Kolle! families 'The unemployed Innovative Legislation? *Recent Russian immigrants *Large families *The working poor. fter all the quibbles with the and thousands of crisis-stricken or poor, but proud Jews who won't principle of the decline of the take charity. but can't make Pesach without help. A Gemach loan generations, what remains is enables them to rejoice as true Bnai Charin. with dignity and pride. only Dr. Lamm's plea that we not act Each loan. when repaid. is immediately reloaned again and again. as if there is no place in Judaism for For Pesach, year-round, and forever, your donation will continue lo chiddush or creativity (p.91). The work for an endless number of families in need. need for creativity runs through To There is no better way to rah Umadda as a major subtheme. But Dr. Lamm confuses two types of STRETCH YOUR TZDOKOH DOLLARS ! creativity: the Jew1sh creativity, which is a byproduct of one's fullest Send Your Tax Deductible Donation TODAY! efforts in Torah, and a more modern Harav Chaim P. Scheinberg 10 Botl1 with respect to the dwarf metaphor and his Honorary President discus._<;ion of Niels Bohr's complen1entartty theory • Harav M. Giffer • Ilarav A. Pam • Harav Y. Rosenblum in the final chapter, Dr. Lan1n1 confuses metaphor • Harav D. Singer • Harav M. Stern • Harav N. Weinberg with proof. With respect to a physical quallty such • H arav Ova di a Yosef • as height. it is easy to see how the height of a dwarf can be added to that of a gianl. Il is far less dear. D1'7T 1Tll1 however. that we can add to the Torah vision of ear lier generations whose grasp of the entirety ofTo" .------I YES, I will sponsor a Yorn Tov loan for: rah was far more all"encompassing than our own I and whose perfection of middos is unknown today. I 0 $1000. (large family) 0 $300. (a couple) Of course, the process of halachic decison-makin~ I 0 $500. (small family) 0 $100. (1 person) + involves n1uch more than simply looking up what was decided previously. Nf'W quest.ions are con I 0 $ __(co-sponsor a loan) stantly artsing, whosP proper resolution requires I OZER DAUM the poseik to reason both on the basis of his vasl I 220 West Nineteenth St.• New York, N.Y. 10011 knowledge ofTalmud and of relevant ha/achic pre" I cedents. Creativity is thus a requisite of the OzerDalim (212) 924-0023 halachic proC'ess, but not its goal. I TheJewish Observer. March 1992 37 of a Tosafos through the complete dernity, which are "enshlined in lit engagement of all his mental abilities, By juxtaposing the high erature and ...justified by the social that too is a chiddush. In our time, sciences": the substitution of experi said Rabbi Chaim Blisker- perhaps price paid for Torah ence for tradition, a rejection of au the most creative Talmudic thinker of thority, radical individualism and the past I 50 years-a chiddush is Umadda with grand preoccupation with the self, a repu achieved by properly understanding diation of the past, seculalism, and the Rishonim rhetoric about its the rejection of particulatisms in fa The destre to leave one's mark, as vor of universalism (p.12). a goal in itself, is fraught with danger. potential spiritual "Many religious casualties have al Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk ready resulted from this histolic pro (Meshech Chochm.a to Vayikra 26:44) achievements, Dr. Lamm gram ofTorah Umadda, and there are explains that it is part of human na more yet to come," Dr. Lamm ac ture to seek to make a name for one implies that it is worth the knowledges (p.134). But despite this self-the more talented the person, acknowledgement, Dr. Lamm consis the greater the urge to add something cost. But the reader is tently downplays the danger that lies new. And it is precisely the lack of in an exposure to heretical ideas or in ability to add to the Torah of earlier given precious little an educational structure that con generations which led Jews in golus veys the message to students that to look for new ways, outside of To evidence upon which to Torah and non-Torah studies are rah, to place their stamp on the reach that conclusion by fully compatible. Objections on these world, and what insptred those Jews grounds are consistently dismissed of Rabbi Meir Simcha's time who himself. as "prudential," not theoretical found thetr greatest source for inno (pp. I 49-50). And even the admission vation in German culture, to replace of casualties past, present, and fu Jerusalem with Berlin. which are thoroughly incompatible ture is dropped as an aside within a with traditional Jewish beliefs, and passage filled with high-flown rheto IV. AND WHY NOT? many more of which pose indirect Iic about the infusion of the holy into challenges to the premises of religious the profane promised by Torah r. Lamm is far too astute, and faith. Moreover, the lifestyles of mo Umadda. his association with Yeshiva dernity, enshlined in literature and Though he frequently notes that D University far too long-stand often justified by the social sciences, the particular vision of Torah and ing, for him not to recognize the very are inimical to sacred Jewish values Madda for which he is an apologist is grave dangers inherent in an open of modesty, sexual temperance, fam at least fifty years old, Dr. Lamm does approach to vtrtually every aspect of ily cohesiveness, respect for parents not examine that history for the evi secular knowledge. He writes: and elders, and the like" (p.49). And dence needed to perform the cost "Madda certainly does confront stu elsewhere he gives a laundry list of benefit analysis. We are neither told dents with an array of ideas, many of the underlying assumptions of mo- the precise nature of the casualties nor shown the examples of a grand synthesis of Torah and Madda, the spilitual monuments which would justify these costs. Proof of the dangers posed by mo dernity is all about us. The history of the last 200 years of Jewish life is Weare largely that of the attlition of all reli proud to announce the gious knowledge and practice in the publication of the long face of the attractions of modernity. awaited biography (in Aspects of modernity that may ap Hebrew) of Reb Shraga Feivel pear innocuous at first have fre quently turned out to be wolves in Mendlowitz zt'I by Aharon lambs' clothing. The example of Suraski-l 38 The Jewish Observer, March 1992 schools would have come across pic stream of history-not a nation tures of alumni dressed up in formal (p.51). But a people that has pre The effect of this attire for a night at the opera; or list served its national identity over two ings of honorary degrees being be millennia, without land or political emphasis on synthesis is stowed on great authors who are cel power, bound together only by a com ebrated for their works that Iidicule mon allegiance to Torah, needs no in to transform Torah and the yeshiva world or cast doubt on the struction in the true meaning of na veracity of Torah. Loss of faith is far tionhood. Dr. Lamm, however, is con Madda into what from a problem of the past. A recent cerned that we Iisk eschewing any demographic survey 11 of Amertcan role in evolving human history. We, appear as co-equal Jewi:y shows that. despite tens of however, need not become Uke all the thousands of ba'alei teshuva and an nations to have an impact on the forms of knowledge. extremely high birthrate among Or world. The Jewish people are a nation thodox Jews, the number of those destined to dwell alone, a nation identifying themselves as Orthodox is whose leading role in bringing the (1:3). Hashem desires to shower the not growingnumertcally-i.e .. the de world to its ultimate fulfillment lies world with all manner of blessings. fections equal the newcomers. Cer precisely in preserving its distinctive but can do so, k'veyachal only when tainly there are too many spirttual ness from all the other nations. A be we fulfill His will, which is known to defections from every sector of Ortho lieving Jew, far from feeling himself us through the Torah. The Jew, then, doxy for any group to greet these find removed from the fate of the world, has the greatest potential to serve as ings with equanimity. But it is also knows that ultimately he has been a conduit for blessing to the whole undeniably true that by far the larg blessed with the greatest capacity to world. est percentage of losses are expeli improve the world. As Rabbi Chaim The only other concrete argument enced by those who define their Or Volozhiner teaches in Ruach Chaim offered by Dr. Lamm for the need to thodoxy in terms of their modernity. Dr. Aaron Rakefet, a prominent au thor and Modem Orthodox educator. recently told a group ofYeshiva Univer sity alumni that "parents have been so busy giving their children the message that they can live a normal life" that their children have a hard time recog nizing that there are any limits at all (JerusalemPost,Jan. 31, '92). A Summer Camp experience~ for "frum" girls ages 11·17 at the magnificent Kibbutz Chafetz Chaim. Dr. Lamm's plimary response to D'vora Zelman has joined a world renowed resort, in Israel to bring you the best in those fearful of the consequences of an Israel Camping and Touring experience the exposure of young Jews to the full For infonnation and opplicotion, please call D'vora. panoply of secular knowledge and of 623 Cortelyou Road • Brooklyn, New York 11218 • Phone: 718-282-6350 • Fax:# 718-282-8913 an Orthodox school sponsortng the acquisition of that knowledge is: the infiltration of modernity into our lives is, in any event. inexorable (pp.49- 50). That is Uke arguing that because one will get his feet wet jumping on rocks across a stream, he might as Large Selection Of well plunge into the water. Just two o BORSALINO sentences later, Dr. Lamm character o BILTMORE izes the current revival of"shtetlism" o STETSON as an astonishing phenomenon o PANIZZA (p.49). In other words, the traditional o RAFFAELLI yeshiva world has, to a large extent, o SCHIAPARELLI protected itself against foreign ideas even while functioning in the midst of a modern, technological society, but WE ALSO DRY CLEAN & BLOCK HATS in his view that is worthy of a ~All Work Done on Premises - perjorative. Cutting ourselves off from Madda, Dr. Lamm warns. risks con DAILY 11:30-7, Sun.10:30-6, Tues. 2:30-7 463 East 9th Street signing Judaism to the status of a (block ol Torah Yodaath) sect- forever outside the main- (718) 469-7420 11 by the Council of Jewish Federations Eve. Hours Available. The Jewish Observer, March 1992 39 invest years in the acquisition of DO YOU HAVE ••. may sound impressive, but major a concise, accurate, and easy to remember worldly knowledge is that such forces in the kinw movement of the translation of the ni,,"llln n'IYJ'J VJW? knowledge is a prerequisite to reach last twenty years have been drawn THE SIX CONST ANT MITZVOS ing out to secular Jews. to being able from those trained in traditional To 1ealiz11 thal HashBm is the creator and controtter o! ' Ohr Sornayach International The Canadian Friends of Ohr Somayach fully human. but what it means to be 39 Broadway. Suite 3202 613 Clark Avenue West fully Jewish; it is to develop ourselves New York. NY Thornhill, Ontario U.S.A. 10006 Canada L4J 5V3 in those areas given to us alone and thereby reveal Hashem's Will to man kind. • 40 The Jewish Observer, March 1992 NEW RiS-~t-i\~)lb\f~&IJlili!l~Bll-1'-lk"-"1'&\\-'lliill~Wll!lll& 42 The Jewish Obseroer, March 1992 tion of the Chofetz Chaim. applies to someone else's concern re One can be sure that the Chofetz garding pronouncing Divrei Kedusha THE JEWISH HOME UNDER SIEGE: Chaim or other Gedolei Yisroel would (prayers or Torah) in front of such a BY MORE THAN 'IV not agree to prtnt pictures to be seen person. It's possible that there might by men and young yeshiva students have been some areas in Europe To the Editor even of "old fashioned ladies" whose where such dress was tolerated; how Before stating my Views. I would clothing may measure up to the ever, it is the duty even for the descen like to commend the JO on the very halacha of tzenius. We also have to dants of families from such areas to appropriate article it published (Feb. realize. as pointed out in this issue, examine whether there was a psak '92) based on Rabbi Schwab's ad that tzenius is not only covertng our that this was permissible, or If it was dress at the Agudah convention. Al body with material of cloth, and in the category of "mutav she'yihyu though this article encompassed therefore who has the "broad shoul shogegin" (it is preferable that the er most of the issues that were ad ders" to say that all the pictures ror be committed In innocence), due dressed, I feel that one area, well wor shown truly illustrate how a Jewish to the haskala and the threat of de thy of mention, had not been dis woman should go in public? fection from Torah ranks. cussed properly or sufficiently, and I Besides that which I have wrttten, I am almost certain that the inclu therefore would like to focus attention which some people may consider go sion of these pictures was a mistake on this topic by precisely citing the ing "too far," I must point out that the of the "last minute rush" and not re article itself. It stated that rather than dresses of some of the pictures are viewed by the editorial board; never exposing oneself to the filth projected not permissible according to theless, since The Jewish Observer on the television screen, one should halacha-at least according to the has won the confidence of the public obtain information regarding matters poskim that I have seen. It's brought that everything therein conforms with such as politics or finances from out down by poskim that the face and the halacha, it's imperative that this mis side sources-radios, newspapers neck of a woman do not have to be take should be rectified In your pages. and so forth. covered. The most lenient view that I Since I have in the past encour However. I would like to caution came across is that the "neck" is con aged talmidim to read The Jewish Ob those who readily accept this advice sidered down to the area above the server and would like to continue to collar bone. When Hagaon Reb do so, I would like to recommend-a Moshe Feinstein '>"lll was asked how stronger vigilance so that The Jewish high the neck-line of a woman's cloth Observer should properly represent ing should be, he answered "the the 'True, Authentic" Torah outlook. height where a man wears his shirt A MECHANECH IN A with a neck-tie " (as reported by Rabbi LARGE METROPOLITAN AREA Elimelech Bluth). The specific illustration ofthe letter " AUTHORS & ~RTISTS ~ Unfortunately, a mistake has crept writer's reference was marked.for ex clusion from the series that was in, and many women, who otherwise authors and artists to submit are halacha-oriented, believe that up printed in the magazine. It was in cluded through a technical error, and manuscripts and artwork for to a "tefach" (3"-4") ofexposure is per evaluation. We seek manu- missible. This is an error (see Igros we express our apology tn the readers. N.W. 1 scripts in all areas of Judaica rJ Moshe, Even Haezer 58). for this only fJ publishing with originality, t creativity and high literary DIGEST OF MEFORSHIM standard. Our editors develop and highlight the Individuality 't'1p', in::i 'Dip', ofthe author and our graphics 7"YT "1)11'71< 71<1l:Jt!I l";r1;ir.i department gives each book A i'ailab/e at its own Identity. • Glatt Kosher fJ We welcome the opportu- s New Chupah Hall With Balcony LEKUTEI I'' • 800 People Capacity s \.blet Auklng Available c/o Yitzchok Rosenberg 10 West 47th Street, Room 503 . ~.I nltytowo~;~ou. I~ New York, NY 10036 (212) 719-1717 fl 20 Volumes on Thrah, Perek, J. P·U·B·L·I·S·H·E·R·S ~ For choice. date call: Medrash, Megilos and Talmud. NnP y,,,;, •Loru/m •.Jtnaafmr_, , , ~ ~~Cateftn Proceeds of sales distributed 180 Park Avenue• Lakewood, l'iJ 08701 among Yeshi\ios and used for 431 A~. P Brooklyn, N.Y. 11223 In UK 01-8()9.3723 (718) 339-0200 reprinting of volumes out-of-print .,;: In Wad 02-538-935 PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME • ~ ?~;:~~;: ~ The Jewish Observer. March I 992 43 as an ultimate solution. As many side world necessitates an awareness can I realistically expect to achieve have realized, the entire media cover of what enters each Jewish house with a parent, now hearing my name age of recent events is dominated by hold, meaning that all tools of the for the first time, or perhaps still fig filth, as can easily be perceived by just media must be closely screened be uring out which of her daughters I glancing at the front page of a news fore they are rendered appropriate. teach? Will a mere mention of a mi paper, opening up a "news" maga We have little choice but to exercise nor problem get distorted out of pro zine, or turning on the radio. The this caution so as to shelter our families portion by the time it's relayed at newspaper that claims to offer "news from the values of a decadent society. home two hours and some twenty fit to print" is now unabashedly cir ZEWY LoWINGER teachers later? Can I hope for con culating garbage. The radio station Brooklyn, N. Y. structive criticism to bear results, or that boasts "the news of the world in is it so well-sandwiched in praise that just 22 minutes" is filling up those ESTABLISHING LINES OF the parent may render it insignifi minutes with the lurid details of hor COMMUNICATION BETWEEN cant? Many mothers are hesitant to rifying crimes. Examples like these TEACHER AND STUDENT risk antagonizing their teenagers are numerous and I therefore firmly about something seemingly trivial. believe that the situation in the out- And even if, under the best of circum To the Editor: stances, the parent hears it like it is, AGUDATH ISRA[L Of I found the standards set forth in she may be at a loss as to how to take CL[V[LAND Chovos Hatalmidim and so master action with her adolescent high fully presented by Rabbi Blumenfeld schoolers. in the JO article "An Educator's The bright side of teacher-parent LECTURE SERIES Credo" (Feb. '91) personally challeng communication is the nachas re ing. Undoubtedly, this article has ports, which parents deserve to re ON TAPE~ prompted many of the JO readers in ceive and teachers are delighted to chinuch to improve their methods of deliver. But does the mother ever hear Series #5- teaching the "tuned-in" student and it in its entirety? Not very often. sy Rabbi Shlomo Brevda, world redouble their efforts in teaching the Most scenarios have the mother reknowned, acclaimed, & noted "turned-off' student. rushing home from PTA to take care speaker. ~ CHECK BOXES OF TAPES ORDERED Individual tapes are $6.00, Two tape sets are $12.00. Entire series (13 tapes) is $60.00 Send payment to: Agudath Israel of Cleveland, P.O. Box 504, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. Postage and Handling included. 44 The Jewish Observer. March 1992 drawing the third line of the commu the teacher's eyes. Listening to praise student, can suffice as a follow-up. nication trtangle: teacher, parent and may be uncomfortable but gratifying, Had the student pleaded innocent to student. To fill tn the gap, more em nevertheless. the teacher's "charges," these re phasis should be place on Teacher minders are clear and immediate in Student communication for which I And the hard-to-reach student? dicators of the wrongdotng. propose "STA." STA, a student Finally. STA is the ideal time to teacher conference, is simply a one • The one whose mother the mention the so called "little things" to-one formal meeting when teacher teacher had so much to say to at PTA that teachers neglect to bring up. Mi and student sit down together to talk. but who never showed? nor points-like "I want you to par During a class lesson, an indi With STA. attendance is no prob ticipate more in class," or "Wait until vidual, sometimes sitting at the fur lem. It is mandatory for the students I finish the topic before you jump up thest corner of a thirty-five-seat class to come. (It can be instituted durtng with your questions"-can be raised room, may feel she's just another stu or after school hours.) at STA to prevent problems from dent being talked at by a lecturer. •And the one whose mother from mushrooming over time. During the STA conference, the stu whom the teacher withheld the whole I am still in the experimental dent is sitting right near the teacher truth, since she probably couldn't stages of STA. It has worked well on and feels she is an tndividual speak help anyway? the high school level, and I feel it ing with a concerned adult. STA lays Now, with STA, the student herself could be incorporated into lower the groundwork for a relationship is being held responsible for a change grades as well. My first tndicator of even if not much is said. When eye in her behavior. success was when the girls who were to-eye contact is made, the teacher • What about the one whom the absent on STA Day sought me out to takes on a personal dimension. The teacher always wanted to speak to, have their time with me. I gave my student, too, is seen differently when but held back from singling out for students a questionnaire (no names) the teacher is forced to relate to her fear she'd react negatively? to hear their side of the encounter as more than just another entry in With STA, she is just the next girl and was delighted to find that an the rollbook. on the list. overwhelming majortty would want to STA communication may be awk • Then there's the student with a ward, but I contend it is communica less-than-perfect mark in conduct tion of the truest form-no third par whose mother defends her daughter's ties, no pandering to parents, no hid contention that the mark was un ing behtnd superficial statements. founded. During STA, a teacher tailors her Duling STA, the pupil in question comments not only to the student's hears directly what exactly it is tn her needs but to her reactions, questions behavior that the teacher takes issue and defenses, too. The student who with. deserves kudos, hears it firsthand Altogether, STA gives the teacher a and in heaping measures. The stu chance to discuss problems in a non dent who applies herself but doesn't threatening way as opposed to a rep excel scholastically, has a chance to rtmand coming directly on the heels tell the teacher of her frustrations. of a confrontation. This ktnd of atmo She can receive specific suggestions sphere will be more productive. or, at the least, acknowledgement of After the short meeting (the her efforts. The student whose grades teacher should wisely limit the time), in the rollbook may not rank high can a relationship has been formed. Now 49161:\thAve.,B'klyn,N.Y 11219 now find out that her attitude and when an infraction is repeated, a (718) 854-2911 personality rank her light on top in word or two, even a hand signal to the Rabbi Aryeh Schechter SOFER S"TAM 1558 4 lst St. Brooklyn, NY 11218 e make "housecalls." (718) 972-4003 IP. :i-.,.,~ .. / • - .,b;,!P The Jewish Observer. March 1992 45 meet with every teacher. We referred to the body that issued I wonder if we could find room for the decision as a "beisdiIL"Thegroup STA on that already firmly packed did not call itself a beis din Our use school calendar. It can be the start of the word "beis din" was meant to ing point of (and I quote from Rabbi be descriptive of a group (e.g., the Blumenfeld) "the educator who wants Commission on Law, et al) that issues to inspire (the talmid's) growth by halachic rulings, rather than to be lowering himself to the talmicL ·· definitive. (For that matter, a group I know how STA has urged me on that includes members of the Reform NOW in "considering (the)uniqueness of and Conservative clergy cannot be each talmid(ah) personally and indi considered a beis din, no matter what AVAILABLE vidually by communicating effectively it calls itself.) and enhancing his (/her) self image." Additionally, we referred to Rabbi I hope others will benefit from it, Laura Geller (Reform) as a member of TO AGUDATH ISRAEL too. the Commission that issued the MEMBERS (MRS.)HINDY KVIAT halachic ruling. She was not. Brooklyn, N. Y. Our error was based on a photo ac COMPREHENSIVE companying a newspaper story on CORRECTION the Southern California Board of MAJOR MEDICAL Rabbis, in which she, among others, Unfortunately, a Second Looks appears with Orthodox rabbis. article in the October JO, "Rabbini Nonetheless, we stand by the ba HEALTH INSURANCE cal Cooperation-Toward What sic thrust of the article. In both the End?," contained some mistakes, for regional Board of Rabbis and the PROGRAM which we apologize. The article de specific Commission that issued the scribed a decision regarding guide Available to New York State residents only halachic ruling, it is unacceptable for lines for issuing "Do Not Resuscitate" Orthodox rabbis to sit with Conser For Information Call: orders, rendered by the Commission vative and Reform rabbis, whether on Law, Legislation, and Public Ms. Geller is among them or not. The 212-797-7388 Policy of the Southern California fact that other Reform Rabbis were Board of Rabbis-a group that in on the Commission that issued the Between cludes Reform, Conservative and specific ruling and Ms. Geller was 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM Orthodox members. not. does not. in our view, make the composition of the group any more acceptable. A Reform rabbi is not less a Reform rabbi if he is of the male gender. We still maintain that the eleven signators on the histolic psakagainst serving on religious boards together with Reform and Conservative clergy-Rabbi Aaron Kotler, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein and Rabbi Yitzchok Hutner zichronam livracha, among them-would have been outraged with the Orthodox participation in the Board and on this Commission, in defiance of their oft-repeated halachic decision. CORRECTION The signature on the letter, "The Corrosive Atmosphere on the Work place," on p. 38 of JO, Feb. '92, was plinted incorrectly. The wliter was Mrs. Frieda Bergstein of Brooklyn, N.Y. 46 The Jewish Observer, March 1992 ~n-.rr>._ ,,.,. tr ..s. 4Wi .. ;11.1am St[!ef!qufrt~~%~ Agudath Israel of America On I t:u" If;;. The National nea l:ary 3, 1992 Tue Honorable George Bush President of the United States Tue White House 1600PennsylvaniaAvenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: Last week I had occasion to write to you about your excellent State of the Union ad dress. Today I turn to another issue. one that is of great concern to all segments of the Amert can Jewish community: Israel's request for U.S. loan guarantees to help resettle Russian Jewish immigrants. You may recall that I corresponded with you once before on this subject, this past September, when the issue was first on the public agenda. You decided at that time to postpone consideration of the request for 120 days. Now that the issue is before you again, I would like to respectfully reiterate my own sense of the importance of keeping separate two issues that have apparently become intertwined in many people's minds: humanitarian aid to needy immigrants on the one hand and Israel's settlement policies on the other. Whatever the eventual resolution of the controversy over Israeli settlements, it should have no bearing on an issue that clearly does unite the United States and Israel: the need to provide humanitartan assistance for hundreds of thousands of Russian Jews who have flocked to Israel in search of a better life. Of course, Israel rejoices at the op portunity to welcome these Jews. and it is making many sacrtfices to absorb the newly arrtvlng masses. However, even with all its belt-tightening, the success oflsrael's efforts to absorb such a large influx of Russian Jews depends largely ori the humanitartan as sistance it seeks from the United States. Making the humanitarian aid issue contingent upon resolution of the settlements de bate would represent an unfortunate departure from Amertca's longstanding policy in the area of international humanitartanism. I respectfully appeal to you - and particu larly to your well-honed sense of compassion, which I have had frequent occasion to admire over the years - to help make it possible for these Russian Jews to live a normal life in their new haven of freedom . Many thanks for your attention. As always, best wishes and warm regards. Sincerely. Rabbi Moms Sherer President, Agudath Israel ofAmerica RMS/ps 47 · Matehl992 'The Jetv!Sh Observer. . Tractates currently auailable: ERUVIN -1'::!11'V(vol. 1-ch. J.4/vol. II - ch. 5·end) BEITZAH - l"l:lt'::! (complete in one volume) TAANIS - Tl'lV:n (complete in one volume) MEGILLAH - i1?'lr.l (complete in one volume) MAKKOS - rn::ir.i (complete in one volume) Forthcoming Tractates - i 992: Kiddushin, Bava Metzia and Bava Basra