ZEALOUS REPRESENTATION WITHIN HALACHIC PARAMETERS Timely Advice to Torah Jews in the Legal Profession .··· sTRIVINh mR
Z·I·b·NAt ' ' ·Should Our T.acics G~~nge? · ~--~ ·: ... \ ...... ::::··:.. In 1988, under the direction of Hagaon Rav Avrohom How can we, in America, help Chinuch Atzmat save Pam. Shlita and the endorsement of leading these precious neshomos? What assistance will we Gedolim, the Adoption program was born. This bold provide to the monumental and historic responsibility new plan, now encompassing 34 towns and villages facing Chinuch Atzmai: teaching Torah to 47,000 throughout lsraet has already made major inroads children in 308 schools and kindergartens, with a in Torah education. Concerned, dedicated committees faculty of over 3,000? How can we pool our resources "adopt" individual areas and provide the local and determination to write a portion of the history of Chinuch AtzmaiTorah Schools with the resources they Eretz Yisroel? Adoption is the answer! need for expansion and development. Join us for the National Adoption Dinner of Chinuch Now as never before, thousands of Russian Atzmai on Sunday.January 20, 1991. By associating immigrants and others are flooding into Eretz Yisroel. yourself with this vital project. you will be reshaping Their children, in addition to native Israelis, are the minds and lives of thousands ofTinokos Shel Bais desperately turning to Chinuch Atzmai for their Torah Rabon-the future of Kial Yisroel. education. Unfortunately, many are being turned Remember... history is not frequently up for away due to lack of funding for facilities and adoption! personnel.
~at1onat adoption d1nneQ Guest Of Honor Ervin Landau
N)wn \J'.l\9 'i1 SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 1991 RECEPTION 5:00 PM• DINNER 6:00 PM LE CHATEAU 431 AVENUE P BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
ERVIN LANDAU, GUEST OF HONOR REUVEN OESSLER, DINNER CHAIRMAN CAMPAIGN CHAIRMEN YEHOSHUA MEHLMAN •YAAKOV SAFIERm SHALOM SELENGUT• SHIMON SOLO FF DINNER CHAIRMAN REUVEN DESSLER JOURNAL CHAIRMEN CHAIM HOROWITZ • ABRAHAM C. NUSSBAUM
CHARTERED IN 1989: CHADERA • DIMONA •GANE! TIKVAH • PARDES CHANA •YAHUD NEW CHARTER PRESENTATIONS : BEER SHEVA • BET SHEMESH • CHATZOR • CHOlON • HERZLIYA • LEVANDA, TEL-AVIV NETIVOT •OHR AKIVA • RANANA • YAVNEH #'~~ I ffi ~ TORAH SCHOOLS FOR ISRAEL TO PLACE RESERVATIONS & JOURNAL ADS CHINUCHATZMAI \Le..\~ PLEASE CALL: 212-248-6200• FAX 212-248-6202 40 Exchange Place Room 1403, New York, NY 10005 CHINUCH ATZIAAJ I I 1--~~·---J 4 THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021-6615 Zealous Representation Within Halachic Parameters, is published monthly except July and August by based on an address by Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg the Agudath Israel of America, 84 Wilham Street, New York, N.Y. 10038. Second class postage paid in New York, N.Y. 8 Subscription $22.00 per year; two years, $36.00; Striving for Zion, three years, $48.00. Outside of the United States Rabbi Ben Tzion Kokis (US funds drawn on a US bank only) $10.00 surcharge per year. Single copy $3.00; foreign $4.00. Send address changes to The Jewish 18 Observer, 84 Wtlliam Street, N.Y., N.Y. 10038. Rabbi Moshe Zvi Aryeh Bick, 7"~T - An Appreciation, Tel: (212) 797-9000. Shmuel Kessner Printed in the U.S.A.
RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, eorroR 29
EDITORIAL BOA.RO When Feminists Demand, Can Judaism Deliver'? DR. ERNST BODENHEIMER Rabbi Yisroel Miller Chairman
RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS JOSEPH FRIEDENSON 34 RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN Forget-Me-Not MUSINGS ON FAME AND IMMORrALI1Y. MANAGEMENT BOA.RO NAFTOLI HIRSCH Rabbi Matis Blum ISAAC KIRZNER RABBI SHLOMO LESIN ACHUMSTEIN 40 Book Reviews: Juvenile Literature BBi YOSEF C. GOLDING Business Manager FINS. FEET, WINGS. AND OTHER ANIMAL THINGS/ KING DAVID AND THE FROG/ BUT THEN I REMEMBERED/ ME AND MY BUBBY. MY ZEIDY AND I/ Published by A PURIM STORY/ DOV DOV AND THE MONEY-TREE/ A SPECIAL SOME Agudath Israel of America THING/ CHAGAINU/ HEIR TO THE THRONE/ ON -iwo FRONTS/ THE LEGACY OF GOLD/ THE STORY OF THE PNEI YEHOSHUA/ TALES FROM RABBI MOSHE SHERER PRESIDENT OLD JERUSALEM/ ESCAPE/ PROMISE ME TOMORROW/ RASH!/ DEEP IN THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not THE RUSSIAN NIGHT/ ALL BECAUSE OF RAJ2Y / THE SECRET FILES OF LISA assume responsibility for the Kashrus of WEISS/ THE PILLAR OF CHESSED/ MY BROTI!ER'S KEEPER. any product, publication, or service advertised in its pages 44 Letters to the Editor
© Copyright 1991 47 Poetry JANUARY 1991 An Ever-green Nation-A Tu B'Shvat Poem, L. Oppenheimer VOLUME XXll! f N0.10 First Candle-Lighting, Sarah Shapiro Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg
Timely Advice to Torah Jews in the Legal Profession
Based on the keynote address by Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg, N"V>W Rosh Hayeshiva of Ner Israel, Baltimore, at a conference of Orthodox awyers essentially operate in a she'eila of a reliable poseik a non-moral setting- that is a lawyers on 'The Legal Profession whenever a problem arises, so as to L given. It is their task to assist Today: A Torah Perspective," be consistant with halacha in one's their clients to obtain the best pos practice. For instance, is it hala sible treatment that the provisions chically acceptable to badger a wit or the loopholes- of the Jaw permit. ness to the point that he or she loses Yet, as Jews, we cannot countenance Sponsored by the Torah Projects credibility? May one withhold cru - the concept of advocacy or the theory Divisions of Agudath Israel of cial information to protect a client's America, in conjunction with the interests? Is it proper to coach a ofadversartal presentations, guiding Conference of Rabbonim of clients in how to win, whether justi Agudath Israel Branches. witness in advance of testifying? fied or not. (I say "as Jews" without To be aware that a question has qualifying the reference further. as artsen, an attorney must familiartze "Torah Jews" or "halachic Jews," for himself thoroughly with the basic all Jews share a tradition of respect Workingasattorneyswithinsuch halachos that deal with the specific for tmth and honesty, and a high a system imposes two obligations aspects of his professional life. That regardforjustice.) Indeed, one would upon all who are so involved. First: calls for devoting an appreciable characterize a system where the ap it is essential that one become amount of time to Torah study. One proach is not one of seeking out the knowledgeable, understanding, and of the most difficult problems that truth and justice, but simply of car even expert in the halachos that deal attorneys face is finding the time to rying out the Jaw, as non-moral; with one's particular area of prac learn sufficiently to become familiar perhaps even immoral. tice. This means that one must ask with relevant halachos. And one
4 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 One of the most difficult problems that attorneys face is finding the time to learn sufficiently to become familiar with relevant halachos. And one must find the time, even if one must lose billings as a result.
must find the time, even if one must rect teachings. Whatever the finan society. !tis a chessed to those who lose billings as a result. cial cost. loss of time, energy, and require it-perhaps not quite of the Secondly, perhaps even more saclifice of advancement in career rank of physicians' care, when they compellingly, as a halachicJew one whatever the cost as attorneys, it is provide direct and immediate must recognize that we operate on a essential that one find the time to medical help to their patients, but basic premise- that "Adam nifal lejl immerse oneself in Torah study. it is not far distant. The client has pe'ulosav- a person is influenced One cannot really survive as a Jew an enormous need for self confi by his activities." What we become without that. dence, for a feeling that "lam able to in outlook, in sentiment. in reac achieve my goals in life, and to tions, in feelings, is determined by A LAW OFFICE? protect that which 1 have achieved; the activities we engage in. Ifwe are OR A SHOE STORE? that 1 am able to face the very diffi involved in an endeavor or an enter cult legal problems that may arise, prise that is essentially amoral or his conference features four through help that l can count on, immoral, it is inevitable that our intensive workshops, each the advice and the direction that personal outlook and approach, our T exploring the halachic guide will be given to me by a trustworthy reactions and our feelings, will be lines for practicing law in a very attorney." come tainted by this absence of specific area.* Someone com moral underpinnings. Ultimately, we mented, half in jest, that "in view of OF RESTRICTIONS AND wi11 lose our essential connection to the halachic restrictions that you GUIDELINES the inherent feelings of a believing encounter in a day's work, you've Jew- our commitmenttojustice and got to stop and ask yourself: 'Should ust as it is our obligation as a truth- because we become involved 1 stick with it, or would I be better off halachic community to pro in advocacy, and tend to lose sight opening up a shoe store?"' J vide physicians- and shoe of the human dimension of a situa No, you should not open up a stores and groceries- it is absolutely tion. shoe store. A shoe store is wonder necessary that we provide attorneys As I hope to explain, it is in keep ful thing, but so is being an attorney. who can give the professional guid ing with the plan of the Creator that A shoe store is a wonderful because ance and advice, which is essential there be Torah Jews serving as at it helps people: people do need shoes torneys, involved in the American and they must be properly fitted. legal system. And they must learn And we need attorneys because we to deal with this ongoing problem of live within a particular legal system, functioning within this system, and people need he! p in finding which is in contradiction to all that their way within that system. It is we are meant to believe and feel as our obligation, as a Jewish commu Jews, and not be affected by it. to nity, to produce professionals who the point that they lose the edge of will be able to meet this genuine that essential Jewish neshama, need- a need that we will continue which we must maintain in its pu to face as long as we live within this rity. It is absolutely essential that •Tue symposia included: Arkaos: Guidelines For an attorney keep his mind and his Dispute Resolution In Non-Jewish Settings (pre thoughts firmly entrenched within sented by Rabbi Chain1 Kohn. Dayan Kha! Adas the source of all that is true, the Y0shun1n); Speaking Like a Lawyer. Speaking source of all that is real, the source Like a Jew: Js There a Conflict? (Rabbi feivel of all that gives direction to our Cohen, author. Kuntros MiDor L.Dor); Interest (RibL The Jewish Observer, January 1991 5 self-respect that alone makes us Just as it is our obligation as a halachic human beings, and certainly are essential to making us ovdei Hashem. community to provide physicians, it is No matter what one does to earn a livelihood, one should never lose sight absolutely necessary that we provide attorneys of the fact that making a living is but a means to an end: the end itself who can give the professional guidance and must surely be to live properly- to live as a human being, to live as a advice, which is essential to being able to Jew. And if the goal and the end purpose of life is to climb on the maintain oneself properly within this society. spiritual ladder, not the corporate ladder, then the relevant halachos enable us to avoid the shoals that would drown us, that would take to being able to maintain oneself What do we desire to be, successful away that integrity which alone en properly within this society. The attorneys or good human beings? ables us to function properly in "strictures" that some find so in Who are we, attorneys doing what living ... not only in making a living. timidating are not strictures at all. we can to make a bundle of money, We must avoid the destructive cycle So, too, are there no "restrictions" or ovdei Hashem, who provide a that traps so many of our best: They within our Torah that bind a per needed service for our fellow men, go to work to make a living so that son, but rather guidelines that di and make a decent living while we're they can eat and sleep and be strong rect him-just as traffic signs are at it? If it is the second, then the so that they can go to work and make not strictures, but serve as guide halachos of the Torah are not stric a living.... It is a horror. We must posts to enable the traveler to find tures, but guidelines ... guidelines preserve our perspective on life: we his way. that enable us to practice law and go to work and make a living so that If we have difficulty with this carry out our functions as attorneys we can live properly, and function approach, we should ask ourselves: while maintaining the integrity and optimally as ovdei Hashem • ~Ni~' 1~l'!>,;'~, ¥'Po Yad Eliezer has already made ~weddings for desperately poor couples - entirely because of you. A Wedding Sponsorship is 8500 The Gitty Perko\vski Simcha Fund of Yad Eliezer Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Weisel Mr. and Mrs. Zolly Tropper Kiryat Sanz, Jerusalem 1102 E. 26th St. Tel. 812060 Brooklyn, N.Y. 11210 (718) 258-1580 Please send wedding sponsorship to: Rabbi and Mrs. Zevi Trenk Yad Eliezer 1586 E. 9th St. 1102 E. 26th St. Brooklyn, N.Y. 11230 Brooklyn, N.Y. 11210 1718) 258-1580 Rabbi and Mrs. Yehudah Rupp 6 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 IF A JEW WON'T HELP ANOTHER JEW, WHO WILL? ~"~ o.,iv O''P ,.,,N:l .,X.,~'~ liMN ~!:ll C' 1i'~i'1 ,:l, j'"n"OO , pi~ A recent article in Newsweek tells the shocking story of a Soviet child who learned at his father's funeral that he was a Jew. His parents had kept it a secret to shield him from the humiliations and hostility they had been forced to endure as Jewish children living in the Soviet Union. Anti-Semitism has become increasingly virulent in the Soviet Union. And, unless the Soviet Jews are airlifted to freedom, hundreds of thousands of them will be deprived of their birthright. As a result, Agudath Israel of America had endorsed a special Freedom Flights Project established by Operation Exodus. Through this project, the Agudah community will assist in the rescue of Soviet Jews by raising money to cover the cost of transportation of emigres to Israel. Give now. Don't let the doors close on our Soviet Jewish brethren's only chance to be the Jews they were born to be. FREEDOM FOR SOVIET JEWS r ---- ISN'T FREE. ---- , 4 OPERATION EXODUS I ~ P.O. BOX 4770 •CHURCH STREET STATION I I NEW YORK, N.Y. 10261-4770 I Here is my gift lo the Operation Exodus freedom flights Project. I D $18,000 lo rescue D S 4,000 lo rescue D $ . _. other I I 18 Soviet Jews o family of Soviet Jews I D $10,000 lo rescue D $ 1,000 lo rescue OPERATION I 10 Soviet Jews one Soviet Jew EXODUS I Nome ______I Address ______I Cify ______Slote ____ Zip ____ I Phone ______... ------6013 Rabbi Ben Tzion Kokis I. FROM A PERSPECTIVE OF sonable terms. This was the ap ness is mingled with bewilderment: TWO MILLENNIA proach that the gedolei hador, the Who were these Baryonim? What leaders of the Sanhedrin. endorsed. kind of Jews could act in such a erushalayim, almost 2000 But it was not to be. At we read in blatantly destructive manner, with years ago .... The armies of the the Gemora (Gittin 56a). these total disregard for the welfare, the Y mighty Roman Empire stand storehouses, the very lifeline of the very lives, of thousands of their at the walls of the city, while within Jewish community, were burned to brethren? Usually we think of the the gates, the community settles in the ground. by ... Jews. The Baryonimas brigands or hooligans. for what promises to be a lengthy Baryonim a group of militants who But even a lowly bandit must have siege. Storehouses have been made were committed to confrontation some sense of reality. What, then, available by wealthy and compas with the Romans, removed the op could possibly have motivated these sionate Jews, capable of sustaining tion of negotiations. As a result, Jews to act with such rashness? the entire populace for twenty-one when Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai This mystery is solved in a sur years; surely. the Romans will even made the fateful decision to negoti prising way by a few short com tually be forced to negotiate on rea- ate with the Roman General ments of the historical work Sefer Vespasian, he did so with precious Hayuchsin, as quoted by the Seder Rabbi Kokis, a talmid of Yeshivas Be'er Yaakov little leverage on his side. HaDoros (page 139 in the common and Beis Medrash Gavoha of Lakewood. is the ThiS incident is well-known, since edition). Jn his chronicle of the last mashgiach ruchani ofYeshivas Ohr Somaya ch of it is part of the Gemora which is period of the Second Beis Monsey. His essay, ~A Time To Be Still: Coming commonly studied on Tisha B'Av. Hamilcdash. the Sefer HaYuchsin to Grips With Tragedy," was featured in JO, June, '90. But in reading this story, our sad- refers to the Essenes, a monastic 8 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 indifferent to the political turbu It was the contention of the Sages, lence of their times. Just as they Jed by Rabban Yochanan ben rejected any accommodation with Zakkai, that there is, in fact, a time the normal demands of society in in our national existence when that their everyday lives, so too did they assumption is not valid. We must condemn any concession to the confront the possibility of Galus, foreign power that was fighting for whether it appears as an inability to control over Eretz Yisroel. live in Eretz Yisroel altogether, or as As the Roman presence in the the limitation of our control over our Land became more threatening. the destinies within the Land. If. based position of the Essenes brought them on sober evaluation, the conditions into direct confrontation with seem to indicate that some form of Chazal, who acknowledged that accommodation is warranted. then some form of compromise was be we must, reluctantly. submit to the coming more and more inevitable. voice of the Hashgacha Elyona, We can imagine what the impas which is speaking through those sioned reaction of the Essenes must events. have been. "Compromise?! Yielding Striking the delicate balance be our allegiance to Hashem to a pagan tween the potential for total Torah regime? Only those whose emuna based control over Eretz Yisroel on has been tainted can entertain such the one hand, and the realities of thoughts," they would have cried, the worldly conditions on the other. with all the shrillness that the con is a halachic decision. The same text demanded. And there were im pulsive men who responded. fortheir hearts were fired by the intensity of The Baryonim's insurrection the message. These, then. were the against the Romans was Baryontm who felt it their sacred duty to thwart any attempt to find incubated within a climate of an accommodation with the Ro religious idealism, which mans.... originated in the radical But the picture is still perplexing. positions of the Essenes. How did the Baryonim, albeit charged by the zeal of the Essenes, These extremist sects were envision the flow of events? How did misguided "machmirim." they deal with the apparent hope lessness of their cause? group of Jews who lived in the area The "Realism" of authority that decides issues of near the Dead Sea. After describing Answering to kashrus and kiddush hachodesh. in detail the ascetic regimen which a Higher Call must also determine what course of characterized their life. he writes, action is appropriate. Must Klal 'Their teachings were instrumental Yisroel risk its very existence to in the rebellion against the Romans, t would appear that the Baryonim maintain sovereignty over its Land? because they preached that we can were committed to a rejection of Do our internal resources, our level not accept any authority other than I the possibility of Galus, sus of avodas HaShem, justify mesirus Hashem" tained by the hope of a miraculous nefesh for the Land? In other words, the insurrection solution to the crisis. If only we act True, in earlier times, miracu against the Romans was incubated with phenomenal and total emuna, lous events had brought deliverance. within a climate of religious ideal they felt. perhaps we will then merit In the days of King Chizkiyahu, the ism, which originated in the radical the assistance of Hashem Not re Assyrian armyofSancherevfell dead positions of the Essenes. These ex alistic, you say? On the contrary: at the gates ofYerushalayim. smit tremist sects were misguided that only magnifies the quality of ten by an angel. Generations later, "machmirim." In their religious our faith! Its utter irrationality is its the mesirus nefesh of the Hasmon practice, they sought the purity that greatest strength. We have only to eans against overwhelming odds came from separation from society, demonstrate our willingness to fight produced the salvation of Chanu and as a result, they lived their lives for Hashem's sovereignty over Eretz kah. But each situation must be in isolated communes in theJudean Yisroel, and perhaps then deserve weighed in its own terms, taking Desert. But they were anything but His salvation .... into account the spiritual context in The Jewish Obseroer, January 1991 9 which it appears. By the time of the Roman invasion, the nation's stat ure had been considerably dimin ished (see Yoma 39b:"Forty years before the Temple was destroyed ... the doors of the Sanctuary would swing open by themselves. [Rashi as if to say to the enemies that they could enter), until Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai scolded them: 'Temple, Temple! We know that you are des tined to be destroyed."') The Sages felt that they could no longer expect to continue to live undisturbed in their own land; the possibility of Galus could not be avoided. Indeed, the loss of total sovereignty would be tragic. But it is not a mortal 1270 48ti.STR£€T blow. Torah will live on in Yavneh, tlllOoktyn, n.Y- n2;9 guiding the fate ofKial Yisroelthrough (7tS) b33-:J005 (718) 4;8~7332 the difficult years to come. Eventu ally, they knew, Eretz Yisroel would again be restored to the dominion of Torah, when we are ready .... II. THE ZEAL OF THE YARCHEI "RELIGIOUS RIGHT" he preceding was offered as an introduction to a discussion KALLAH~~ T ofevents much closer to home. Capital Hotel, Lakewood, New Jersey The daily headlines bring us con stant reports of turmoil in Eretz Cimeand YisroeL Explosive tension between Speakers: the Arab population and the Jewish participate in the llarav briel Tauber x111::»71!J community, agonizing debates program that Harav Shimshon Pinens N111:>>71!J about the fate of the West Bank and hundreds of Harav Yisroel Rakovsky N111:>>71!J Gaza, and non-stop acrimony on the Israeli political scene. are all Heimishe fami- regular features of the landscape. ' lies have chosen in the last 25 Yarchei Kallah Seminars. One of the most volatile subjects of The topics discussed.cater to YOU, to helping you and these debates is the role of realism encouraging you to build and construct a better tomorrow. and caution in policy-making. This includes concern for possible Arab responses to Israeli statements or WHEN: .January 24-27, t>:l\!J :l'-t> 1i11'\!J l1:l\!J actions, and also the weight of gen ~pitol eral world opinion. For example, ll'HERE: The Hotel, does the fact that Israel is heavily 3~5 7th St., Lakewood, N.J. dependent on American assistance, both economically and militarily, The Capitol Hotel offers special features and convenience. mean that decisions that would irri You'll relax in the spacious beautifi11 surrvundings, tate Washington should be avoided? while evety detail is taken care by the gmcious hosts. At first glance, this would seem to be a purely political issue. Politics To Register Call: 718-435-1041 718-438-7332 being the "art of the possible," it 718-438-0851 1-914-356-3515 would seem that the question is sim 718-633-3005 ply, what is in fact possible? Can we SHALHEVET, 1270 48th ST, OFFICE HOURS: 12-4 WEEKDAYS get away with this or that specific measure? 10 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 debate is not primarily over which specific strategies to employ. but Striking the delicate balance between the ratherin the underlying grasp of the broad backdrop of the times. Con potential for total Torah-based control over sequently. Jews who are otherwise similar in attitudes, and observe the Eretz Yisroel on the one hand, and the realities of same Shulchan Aruch, are set radi cally apart by subtle but crucial the worldly conditions on the other, rs a differences. What is this issue that cuts so halachic decision. deeply into the fabric of religious consciousness? The realities of the debate, how ofTorah tradition. Yet. superficially, ever, are much more complex, and the course ofaction that our gedolim have been infused with a distinctiy prescribe often seems to be closer to religious dimension. The vocal "reli that of the secularists. For many of gious right,"' such as elements within us. the attitude seems to be that we Gush Emunim, proclaim both in aren't involved in policy-making word and deed that the only valid anyway, so why be concerned about such issues. An examination of the approach is to declare that we are 4916 13thAve., B'klyn, N.Y. 112.1.9. motivated solely by our religious matrix in which these ideas were (718) 854·2911 sense, and any considerations of formed, however. will reveal much so-called "realities"' emanate from of relevance to ourselves, and to our weakness. From this perspective, destiny as Torah Jews. we must first and foremost deter ~ :!'~~,~ mine what the Torah priorities seem III. RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM to be, and pursue them with single vs. minded zeal. If. for instance, the RELIGIOUS RESTRAINT presence of a Moslem house of wor ship on Har HaBayis is an affront to his discussion is overdue for Kavod Shamayim. it follows that we another reason. The fact that ~ AUTHORS & ~RTISTS ~ must assert our dominion in the our leadership has a coher T C.l.S. Publishers invites •~ name of the Torah, regardless of ent and sophisticated grasp of the whatever that may do to Arab, issues confronting us in Eretz Yis Christian, or anyone else's sensi roel is. unfortunately. little appreci manuscripts and artwork for bilities. When caution is recom ated. In the eyes of the general public. evaluation. We seek manu· mended, we are told that such fears the terms "religious"' and "extremist"' t scripts in all areas of Judaica rJ are a vestige of classic Galus para have become linked to a disturbing fJ publishing with originality, ' noia, which is no longer appropriate degree. and it is assumed that any creativity and high literary in the present situation. one who fits the media's "ultra-Or standard. Our editors develop The underlying premises upon thodox" label must certainly hold and highlight the lndMduallty which this attitude rests have not belligerent and doctrinaire opinions. ofthe author and our graphics been sufficiently analyzed, and as a The Torah community is ill-served 'I department gives each book ,, result there is much confusion about by this perception. But even more t its own identity. ' its validity. Superficially. the more importantly. this impression is dis TJ We welcome the opportu· I • militant approach comes to us respectful both to the leaders whom nity to work with you. couched in religious terms. while we revere and to the Torah itself. the appeal for restraint is often ex Let us explore. then. as students ~ pressed by the secularist camp. So attempting to understand their it is with a tinge of self-conscious masters. just what is the basis for ness that we refuse to join in the the gedolim's rejection of the mili Ne. y~ . r:;;;;;i;;; •jmtJalmt_, passionate calls to action emanat tant approach. ingfrom the militant religious camp. At this juncture. the comments 180 Park Avent1e •Lakewood, NJ 08701 For while we cannot share in the that introduced this essay become In Ult 01-809-3723 provocative activities of the mili instructive. Forjust as in the days of -.; In l$rael 02-53$.935 tants. we certainly have no identifi conflict at the end of the Second • cation with those who have no sense Temple. so itis today: the crux of the ~,;:~=;;,;: ~ The Jewish Observer. January 1991 11 The ideology ofreligious militancy somehow creates a new agenda, that forced to weigh a mitzvaagainst threat is an extension of an article of faith priorities and standards have been to life. But nowadays, the issue is not that lies at the core of Religious transformed because we are living "merely" the performance of the spe Zionism: that we are living in a in a special age.) cific mitzva of settling the Land. It is unique messianic era, and our lives This attitude has became so per a question of giving back the Geulal must reflect this fact. The return to vasive that, when brought to bear So normative halacha does not ap the Land and the founding of the upon the agenda of the militant ply, and we must act according to our State are definitively identified as right, the entire halachic process sense of what will expedite the re messianic events, and we can- nay, takes on a new dimension. demption, even ifthis would endanger must-proceed on that basis. Only Jewish life. the mystical insight, which sees A "Geula" Age Agenda The public statements and litera beyond the visible political and mili ture of the militant right consis tary conditions, and senses the in ake, for example, the treat tently evoke images that reinforce evitable unfolding of redemption, is ment of the sh'tachim, or this perception. The Arabs are often a valid view of reality, and emuna T captured territories. One of identified with Amalek; therefore, dictates that our actions reflect that the more vocal members of this camp any moral qualms over the killing of vision. (Of course, the belief that we wrote some years ago that those who "innocent" Arab civilians are ex are living in a unique age is by no claim that it would be theoretically pressions of a weakened faith. In means a"discoveiy" of the Religious justified to return some territoiy if the words of a·Rosh Yeshiva who Zionist camp. The writings of the that would save Jewish lives "don't was regarded as one of the spiritual Chafetz Chaim, Rabbi Elchonon understand the times we're living guides of Gush Emunim, ''The Is Wasserman, and many other in." According to this opinion, the rael Defense Force is total sanctity; gedolim are replete with references hala.cha that places prevention of it represents the rule of the people of to this conviction. What is different loss of life- pikunch nejesh-at the the L-rd over His Land." By defini in the orientation of the religious top of our priorities, only applies to tion, then, any decision or strata militants is the feeling that this normative conditions, when we are gem of the Israeli Army is invested BAIS YAAKOV OF SPRING VALLEY MOURNS THE PASSING OF EDITH (GLASSMAN) SEPTIMUS WIFE OF OUR ESTEEMED FRIEND AND BENEFACTOR MR. LOUIS SEPTIMUS .,,,_, May her chaTitabl.e deeds be a souTce of consolation fO'I' the enti'l'e family. 12 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 In the eyes of the general public, the terms "religious" and "extremist" have become linked to a disturbing degree, and anyone who fits the media's "ultra-Orthodox'' label must hold belligerent and doctrinaire opinions. The Torah community is ill-served by this perception .... with Divine authority. The one-di mold proclaims, ''The model of real This explains a perplexing para mensional quality of such a state Judaism is King David, the Torah dox that one encounters in the writ ment lends itself to obvious abuse, scholar who rose in the night to ings of many of the proponents of and dovetails with a tendency to study the Sacred Books, and then militancy. When reading their cri endorse any activity that is per went into battle. (Our yeshiva) is tique of the secular Jewish estab ceived as being part of the dedicated to producing leaders in lishment, it is easy to be impressed Hashgacha's grand design for re that Biblical mold." by their remarks. What Torah Jew building the Land and hastening In other words, the return to Eretz does not share this frustration at the Geula. In one fell swoop, the Yisroel demands of us that we do evaluation of behavior on the basis more than apply the vision of, say, of its conformance with halachic Rashi to negotiate the myriad chal norms is rendered obsolete. lenges facing us. For that vision was HOTLINE The absurdities of such a stance formed in a context of Galus, and TO JERUSALEM are obvious, as are its implicit dan cannot relate, according to this view, gers. What is relevant to our discus to an age of redemptive assertiveness In time of illness, surgery or sion is the fact that such state and confidence.One of the most cru crisis, special prayers will be ments are rooted in a core belief: cial effects of this attitude is on the recited at the Western Wall and that our presumed understanding role of realism in Israeli policy. As we at our Yeshiva in Jerusalem. of the inner processes of the Hash mentioned above, the militant reli gacha can justify a type of behavior gious sector has declared time and CALL 24 HOURS that could not be sustained by con again their conviction that we must ventional modes of thought. demonstrate our faith by ignoring 1 (800) 545·PRAY By the same token, the return to the apparent "realities," and shedding Zion is perceived as a watershed In the sober caution which is associated A FREE PUBLIC SERVICE OF Jewish History, setting the yishuv with the timid "Galus Jew." It is The American Rabbi Meir in Eretz Yisroelfundamentally apart crucial to understand that this does Baal Haness Charity from their brethren in Chutz not begin as a political position, which KOLEL AMERICA La'aretz, who have not responded to is only then buttressed by evoking the call. Sh'lilat haGalut ("negation religious images. Rather, this is first of the Exile"), a central theme in and foremost a religious conviction, secular Zionist thought, reappears, applied to the political arena. If we KADDISH cloaked in religious garb. The indi are loyal to the vision of Geula. the Mishnayoth. Yizkor & Yortzeit viduals whose learning and piety thinking goes, we must reject any observed with a minyon in our inspired countless generations no strategy that does not reflect the Yeshiva Heichal Rabbi Meir longer are deemed adequate as defiantpostureoftheredeemed,new Baal Haness in Jerusalem. models for the "reborn" Jewish na age Jew. A cautious, low-profile CALL tion, because they were negatively strategy may have been justified in (718) 871-~l ll conditioned by the constraints of Galus; but such an attitude, ac Galus. As a recently written bro cording to this view, has no place in 132 Nassau St., N.Y., N.Y. 10038 chure for a yeshiva in the activist our day and age. The Jewish Observer, January 1991 13 seeing the reins ofJewish leadership reasoning is contemptuously re in such unqualified hands? The jected. What causes this sudden The return to Zion is perceived analyses seem to be the work of well transformation? as a watershed in Jewish thought-out, measured individuals. The answer lies, in effect, in a History, setting the in Yet as soon as they stop diagnos commune near the Dead Sea. This is yishuv ing the problem, and begin to offer the "Baryonim syndrome," the con Eretz Yisroel fundamentally their solutions, we are confronted viction that remarkable times justify apart from their brethren in with a totally different personality. irrational responses. To the "true Wildness suddenly seems to be a believer," emuna transcends the Chutz La'aretz, who have not virtue. The rational analysts yield limitations of reality, so a reckless responded to the call. Sh'/ilat unequivocally to the irrational men approach becomes the only legitimate of faith. and the voice of measured expression of faith. haGalut, a central theme in sec ular Zionist thought, reappears, IV. DEFINING THE ERA, cloaked in religious garb. FAMOUS AS PER THE CHAZON ISH ow different this is from the Strategies For Bringing the Geu1a approach of our gedolim, H whose words reflect the ex he resulting contrast is ulti treme complexities and subtleties of mately a very stark one. To the situation. Undoubtedly, this was T the Religious Zionist, the es part of the Chazon Ish's response to tablishment of the State smacks of a student of Merkaz HaRav who finality. We have been granted Eretz asked him ifit is appropriate to apply Yisroe1, and the redemptive mo the term "aschalta d'Geula" (begin mentum is moving inexorably for Cholov Yisroel • Shomer Shabbos ningofftheredemption) to the current ward. When treated as a unique Under the Supervision of period. 'This isn't the aschalta stage of Galus, however, the basic K'hal Adath Jeshurun d'Geula," he replied, "it is the seifa attitude is very different. It is our Open for Breakfast d'Galusd' (the last stage of Galus) .... task now, just as in every period of Luncheon and Dmner (See the biography of the Chazonlsh, Galus, to earn Eretz Yisroel through Pe'er HaDor, vol. 4, page 236.) our actions. As Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe Cateling • Parties • Meetings What the Chazon Ish was saying N"1'"'1il once expressed it, the refusal 222 West 72nd Street was that we certainly are living in a oflsrael's neighbors to acknowledge (212) 595·8487 special age. as the Jewish nation and her "right to exist" as a sovereign the world move closer to Geula. But nation reflects an internal dynamic: operationally, we must treat these we have yet to secure from the times as a unique period of Galus, and Hashgacha the final right to Eretz SINGLE & DOUBLE not as a stage of Geula, This was not Yisroel. Only our relationship to a mere exercise in semantics; the Torah and mitzvos will hasten the BREASTED MEN'S SUITS distinction is critical. Rather than eventual resolution of this process. glamorizing the new conditions. we The phenomenon of a state of must acknowledge that our dialogue Galus within Eretz Yisroelis neither SILBIGER'S with the Hashgacha is still fraught new nor surprising. The Sages tell with the ambiguities that are so us that the third of the four classic • Slacks • All Wool Coats characteristic of the Galus condition. exiles which Klal Yisroel is destined • Rainwear • Sports Jackets On the one hand. we have been to endure is Galus Yavan, the Greek granted the privilege to live in and Exile. Wheredid this exile take place? SALE RACKS build Eretz Yisroel, the Land "upon In Eretz Yisroel. while the Second FOR which are the eyes of HaShem from Temple was standing! The "exile" the beginning of the year until its was not experienced territorially, BIG BARGAINS end." But many of the benefits of but spiritually: the BeisHaMikdash, 1769 51 St., Brooklyn, NY that privilege are still only potential. and Eretz Yisroel itself, were cl;'ll (718) 854-1196 To a great degree, we must still lenged by Hellenist culture, which adopt the posture of the GalusJew, attempted to strip them of their Daily l i:oo A.M.-9:00 P.N!. who was secure in his awareness of sanctity. It is significant in this con or by appointment Hashem's love for His nation and text to note the words of Rabbi His land, but also recognized that Yitzchok Hutner, 7"lll, the late Rosh Silbiger Suits You Best this love was not yet able to be fully Yeshiva of Mesivta Rabbi Chaim revealed. Berlin. He quoted earlier sources 14 The Jewish Obseroer, January 1991 that describe our present Galus, the dain and contempt for Galus. On the v. Exile of Edom (Rome), as being a contrary: the experiences of previ A "POST-MERAGLIM sequential composite of the previ ous centuries, in many different MENTALITY" ous three. In other words, Edom lands and cultures. are the models does not have the creative capacity for meeting the complex challenges t is fashionable in Religious Zi to threaten Kial Yisroel in an origi that face us in Eretz Yisroel. As in onist writing to attribute a nal fashion. Rather, the content of every Galus-type situation, a cer I "meraglim mentality" to the "stiff the previous three exiles will reap tain measure of defensive position necked" among us who reject their pear, in sequence. So, Rabbi Hutner ing is crucial, and to reject this approach. This, of course, is a refer pointed out, the last stage of our attitude is to be out of step with the ence to the spies who brought ca current exile will be the re-emer Hashgacha. tastrophe upon the entire nation by gence of Galus Yavan. failing to encourage the Bnei Yisroel The knowledge that the redemp to enter Eretz Yisroel. It is worth Confusion Within Progress tion is near should certainly galva while, however, to recall the inci nize us to achieve our utmost in dent that immediately follows that urthermore, Rabbi Moshe teshuva and ma'asim tovim on the episode, that of the ma'apilim These Chaim Luzzatto. in his broadest possible scale, but it does were Jews who declared they would F Ma'amarHaGeula, writes that not create a new agenda for our still carry out the original scenario the most intense challenges of Galus activity. The Geula will assuredly to enter the Land immediately, de will come at its final stages, even come, in its proper time, but it is our spite the Divine decree that the na while on a hidden. spiritual plane adherence to the norms of Torah tion must wander in the desert for the first stirring of the Geula are and mitzvos which will bring this forty years. As the commentators occurring. The horrible suffering of about. explain, they were expressing sin- the Holocaust, together with the unprecedented confusion over Jew ish identity and values that are characteristic of our age, certainly validate this principle, and make the words of the Chazon Ish quoted above all the more compelling. HaChai Publishing Presents When viewed from this perspec tive. the militant approach is not just politically wrong; it is religiously incorrect. It is not for us to cloak ourselves in an arrogant smugness In Time For Shemos! in the name of redemption. Cer tainly, the presence of a Moslem house of worship on the Temple The Eternal Heritage, Exodus I Mount is a source of pain.and the terrorization of everyday living in The third volume in This treasury of Eretz Yisroel causes anguish to us lhis magnificent anlhol Torah knowledge, suit all. But if a measured grasp of the ogy, written by Avraham able for both teens and realities yields no ready solution, M. Goldstein, explores adults, has been we must acknowledge that these the Torah portions praised by rabbis and are facets of the unique Galusof Eretz Sh emos through Yisro, educators. Yisroel. Likewise. we cannot in dulge in the illusion that Israel can translating hundreds of AN OUfSTANDING be oblivious to the sensibilities of commentaries into easy GIFT! countries on whom she depends for to-underst and English. 392 pp. security. Dependence on other powers may not be glamorous, nor does it express the ultimate stature Bereishis 1-$15.95 Bereishis II-$15.95 Shemos I-$15.95 ~ of the Jewish nation, but while we SPECIAL! Three-Volume Set Price $43.00 ~ still await the Geula, this is the only position that is honest. Available direct from the publisher or through your local Jewish book dealet In the same vein, genuine love HaChai Publishing, 705 Foster Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11230 and devotion toward Eretz Yisroel 718-692-3900. Outside NY 1·800-HA-1818-9 and the possibility of actually living For mail order please add $1.95 shipping. NYS 1esidents please add sales tax. in the Land do not necessitate dis- The Jewish Observer, January 1991 15 cere teshuva for their weakness in succumbing to the claims of the PINCHAS MANDEL meragltm Let us go up and fight, Over 35 Years Experience in Kvura in Eretz Yisrael they proclaimed, and we will dem onstrate that the nation deserves •Dedicated to Kavod Haniftarwith personal the annulment of the terrible decree. responsibility throughout service Moshe Rabbeinu warned that their •Highly recommended by Gedolai Hador efforts could not succeed, since -Here and in Eretz Yisrael- Hashem would not be with them. As 1569 - 47th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11219 we know, this is exactly what hap Day & Night Phone (718) 855-5121 pened, with disastrous results. Honesty - Integrity - Reliability The lesson of that event Is clear: we cannot dictate terms to the CHESEO SHEL EMES ii~ understood and practiced by one active in the industry more than half a century, Taharas Haniftar Should Never Be Commercialized Hashgacha. The processes ofemww., bitachon, and teshuvahave their own internal integrity, and we must sub mit to their terms. as they are mani fested through da'as Torah. In the instance of the meraglim, healingthe effects of that grave error would take time; a premature "forcing" of the issue would not suffice. How true this is in our day! To demand that we chart our national course solely on the basis ofa Geula scenario, oblivious to external con siderations, implies a lofty level of bitachon. But let us be honest: To what degree do we actually live with emuna and bitachon in our every- day lives? We cannot just "do" bitachon in foreign-policy decisions, out ofideological loyalty to our read ing of the script. When our overall spiritual resources will be renewed to the point that In business deal ings, personal relationships, and responsibility to Klal Ytsroel we live with clarity of emuna. then perhaps national policy can be a true reflec tion of that clarity. But as long as our potential is b'hester. concealed, so too will our dialogue with the Hashgacha proceed in a concealed fashion. This, then, is the basis for our gedolirris repudiation of the activ ist. confrontational approach. Their evaluation of our generation's spiri tual capacity is decisive, and deter mines what mode of conduct is ap propriate within that context. The acknowledgement that we are still in a state of Galus in our relation ship with Hashem makes certain types of behavior untenable. Of course, we bear the responsi bility to act with prudent resolve in the political and military arenas. 16 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 Concern both for the general wel Eretz Yisroel? As the Torah says throughout the ages. We must grow fare of the yishuvand the preserva (concerning the forty years of wan and change in the long years of tion of every Jewish life demand dering in the desert). 'Because as a Galus in order to again deserve Er tremendous measures ofclarity and father chastises his son, Hashem etz Yisroel. firmness. Our contention. however, your G-d is chastising you.' after These words challenge the preva is that from a da'as Torah stand which it says, 'because Hashem your lent attitude that our posture in point, these issues must be evalu G-d is bringing you to a goodly Galus is a passive one. and our task ated in clear and concrete halachic Land'" (Berachos 5a). is merely to wait for the Geula to terms. without introducing a hid The Sages reveal here the mean arrive. The internal forces that will den agenda that emanates from our ing of our core historical experience bring redemption are up to us to presumed reading of the Geula as Jews. True, the thrust of our create, in whatever form of Galuswe script. In the succinct words of the history is focused on Eretz Yisroe~ may find ourselves. Be it in a far Talmud, "Why do you delve into the but how is Eretz Yisroel "acquired"? fiung comer of the world, or in Eretz secrets of the Creator? That which Through the process of Galusl Just Yisroel itself, the Hashgacha is you are commanded openly, is what as the generation that entered the awaiting our teshuva, our growth. you should do" (Berachos !Oa). Land underwent years of spiritual "D'rishas Tzion," the striving for Zion This does not suggest a lack of conditioning in the desert before which is our share in the process of sensitivity to the yearning for re being worthy of that gift, so it is Geula, requires no less. • demption; rather, the proper focus for that yearning is inward. As the Rambam writes in the Yad HaChazaka, "The Jewish nation will only be redeemed with teshuva" (Hilchos Teshuva 7,5); the rebuild ing of our inner resources is the What Is ultimate agenda for the redemp tion. The truer we are to our identity as a Torah-nation, the more readily will openings be provided by the Hashgacha to lead us through the ABird labyrinthine contours of this final period of Galus. Anyway~ Standard Science Book The Wonderful world of Hashem: Birds 1. Product of Evolution 1. Created by Hashem on the fith day of creation 2. Random combination of nature, 2. Part of Hashem's overall perfect habits and instincts plan 3. Each species developed certain 3. Each species is endowed by characteristics according to its Hashem with certain features survival needs. according to its specific purpose. Special Sections; 4. "Birds in the Torah" 5. "Things to Do" Truly Acquiring Eretz Yisroel PLUS 6. Magnificent full color photographs hazal tell us, 'Three goodly gifts were given by Hashem First in llaehai .Junior Science Series: C to the Jewish nation, and all The Wonderful World of Jlosl1em of them were given through yesurim Available at your local bookstore or direct from publisher (tribulations): Torah, Olam Habba, HaChai Publishing Eretz Yisroel.... and (What is the 705 Fostar Ave, Broolllyn, NY 11230. 718.fl9z.3900 Outside N.Y. 1-BDD·HA-lBlB.S Biblical source that this applies to) The Jewish Observer, January 1991 17 Shmuel Kessner RABBI MOSHE ZVI AR.YEH BICK n 19 Elul, 5750 (September To raise children like this, how 9, 1990), Rabbi Moshe Zvi ever, was increasingly difficult and O Aryeh Bick, 7"~ , was niftar dangerous under the Communist at the age of 79. For close to ten regime. This, together with the years he had suffered the debilities dwindling local Jewish population, of a crippling stroke, but his fierce convinced Rabbi Bick to set off for will and magnificent spirit had America with his younger son, pushed forward. It took a second An Appreciation Yeshaya, in f925. Within a year, he massive stroke to finally separate brought over the rest of the family, this sacred servant from his beloved ated this holv zone for himself, left including fifteen-year-old Moshe, flock and bring him to his final rest. its safe pre-;,incts to strengthen who had briefly assumed some of The next day. the Borough Park America's Machane Yisroel Wres the rabbinic responsibilities in his section of Brooklyn witnessed a fu tling with the modernist forces of father's absence. neral as remarkable for its vast his times, he suffused generations A teeming, unbridled America numbers as for the diversity of the of American Jewry with spirit and greeted the Bick family in the 1920's, crowd. The Satmar Rebbe, sur courage, standing as a sterling ex when it seemed possible for all to rounded by his retinue stood near a ample of the temimus that was pos become rich, so long as they were quietly sobbing Rosh Yeshiva of sible even here. willing to throw off the Old World Chaim Berlin. Elbow to elbow with trappings and blend into the pre the poskim, adnwrim and gedolei FROM MIEDZBOSZ TO THE vailing culture. Later in life, Rabbi hadorwere machine operators, fac BRONX Moshe Bick would tell his daughter, tmy workers. storekeepers, profes "Ich hass gelt (I hate money)." He sionals and bnei yeshiva, all man abbi Chaim Yechiel Mechel had seen firsthand its power to cor ner of Yidden who had been deeply Bick- Rav in the Ukranian rupt people and undermine their touched by this man who had ity of Miedzbosz, home of faith. molded himself into an instrument the Baal Shem Tov, and cradle of The teenaged Moshe Bick was of Hashem's service- the Rav that the Chassidic movement-was a enrolled in yeshiva• where he be fled honor was receiving the final gifted scholar and renowned posek came an outstanding talmid of tribute of his people. and darshan, representing the sixth Rabbi Moshe Soloveitchik, 7"~. At Rabbi Moshe Bick. 7"~, had built link in a chain of rabbonim that had a time when a price had to be paid himself into a superior talmid served this historic town. His eldest for every deviation from social con chacham, not in the midst of the son. Moshe Zvi Aryeh, was, by the vention- and other religious youth European world of rabbonim and time of his bar mitzva in 1924, clearly were training for professions- he gedolim, but in the America of the following in his father's footsteps, 1920's and 1930's, and having ere- supplementing his Talmud studies "'Editor's note: This refers to Yeshivas Rabbeinu with an intensive study of Shulchan Yitzchok Elchonon, then in the Lower East Side Shmuel Kessner has been a mispallel in Rabbi of Manhattan, which at that time did not yet Bick's shul for the past 23 years. Aruch and poskim. include a college program. 18 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 refused to cut his beard, or to alter There were no early minyanim in revered Rosh Hayeshiva of Kletzk, the minhagimthat formed the better RabbiBick's shul, but he knew such Rabbi Aharon Kotler. addressed him part of the meager baggage that the Jews, and he understood their pain. as "Harav Hagaon Hametzuyon Bick family brought over from He did not allow their transgres Bacharifus Ubekius." Miedzbosz. Instead he focused his sions to obliterate their bond to When the local Yeshiva Ahavas energies on Torah study, mastering Yiddishkeit, and he tried to help Torah closed its doors, Rabbi Bick the penetrating analysis of Brisker them. Notafewofthese baaleibattim took the boys to the Lower East Side lomduswhile acquiring a vast bekius were brought back to Shemiras for classes .... One of his mispaUelim in Shas and poskim For he had Shabbos- and raised children who suffered a fatal accident two weeks decided that he was going to be a are today outstanding bnei Torah. before he was to marry off a son. The moreh hora'ah, a posek. A posek in America? In the twenties? For the declining number of aging men and Rabbi Moshe Bick, 7"Yr, had built himself into a superior women who would come bearing chicken she'eilos? Yes. for ta/mid chacham, not in the midst of the European world of them ... and for the future. Among his fellow talmidim were rabbonim and gedolim, but in the America of the 1920's such outstanding future Torah per and 1930's, and having created this holy zone for sonalities as Rabbi Mordechai Gifter, Rabbi Avigdor Miller and Rabbi himself, left its safe precincts to strengthen America's Nasson Wachtfogel. One fellow stu dent who lives in Israel today had Machane Yisroel. come to yeshiva in 1927. knowing no Yiddish, and lacking a derech, an approach to Talmud study. He had To make himself the best posek day after the shiva, the distraught felt Jost. Moshe Bick sought him out he could, Rabbi Bick painstakingly widow received a call from Rabbi and learned with him. Decades studied safrus. shechitaand milah Bick telling her that he was prepar later when he heard that Rabbi not just in seforim. but under prac ing and paying for the aufruf and Moshe Bick had passed away, the tical conditions to understand the kiddush. Little wonder that the former classmate contacted the halacha as fully as possible. He children of these baalei battim de family to tell them with great emo became expert not only in the veloped a lifetime bond with their tion that he owed his life ofleaming halachos of mikvaos. but also in the devoted Rav. and Yiddishkeit to that wonderful, practical craft of their design and Over the years. his drashos and giving young masmid who had construction. He became a maggid shiurim won for him a wide follow taken him under his wing. shiur in Yeshivas Chasan Sofer, ing. many of whom would come for educating a generation of talmidim Yomim Tovim to be inspired by his OLD WORLD RAV IN THE who went on to become accom tejllla. His Kinas wept. his Eicha BRONX plished rabbonim and mechanchtm. was drenched in sadness. his Megilla as well as observant baalei battim caught the full drama of the time arried at the age oftwenty And for the local Bronx community, less story, and his weekly Krias one (there were no open he helped found a Yeshiva and a haTorah was alive with nuance and M chupas in those days, so Bais Yaakov. engagement with the text. the ceremony took place on the roof), For a generation perched on the Rabbi Moshe Bick had become a Rabbi Bick assumed his first rab edge of assimilation, he offered a beacon of Torah in the Bronx. but binical post in the Bronx soon captivating model of Old-World the Bronx was changing. Several thereafter, in 1933. ("Have we found Yiddishkeit articulated in an Ameri times the shulwas forced to relocate a metziaof a young man!" exclaimed can idiom. Understanding and con in response to population shifts until one of the shuI members to his siderate, he was also firm when it finally it was moved to Borough family.) By this time the United came to defending Torah values. To Park. States was in economic depression, baalei battim who talked of altering Rabbi Bick kept his new shul and its impact in those days before the local Bais Yaakov's schedule so modest in size- so as not to encroach welfare and unemployment insur that students would start the day on the livelihood or the kavodofother ance was devastating. There were with secular courses instead of re Borough Park rabbonim. There was devoted Jews who. facing their hun ligious studies. he said simply: "I nothing, however, that he could do gry children and suffering wives. established the school and I will to contain his own influence. From came to shul on Shabbos for an close it if there are any deviations." all comers of New York's diverse early minyan and then, with tears The young American rabbi's repu Jewish community, individuals and great reluctance, went off to tation spread beyond the Bronx. came to him with their she'eilos and work. One letter that he received from the their problems, for advice and guid- The Jewish Observer. January 1991 19 ance. For the thousands who could MEETING THE NEEDS beautiful script in small notebooks. not come. his telephone number OF OTHERS The queries were interruptions. but served as the key to authoritative he took them out of a sense of psak and Torah guidance. His re ake no mistake. Rabbi Bick obligation and service. the same plies were characteristically swift. did not sit down at his desk sense of obligation that led him to and pithy. and not without sharp M to answer she'eilos. He sat tum down payment when he per shafts of humor, but they repre down to learn. He was an ameil formed a chalitza or a get. sented the fruit of decades of baTorah with a retentive and inci The needs of others was the key. shimush and yegi'ah, and discus sive mind; a masmid who spent In his hesped (eulogy) for the re sions with gedo!ei hora'ah of the hours preparing his iyun shiwim. nowned posek Rav Yoseph Eliahu previous generation. recording his chiddushim in a Henkin 'nn. Rabbi Bick urged Yungeleit to learn halacha, to un dertake rabbonus. Some shied away from psak because it was fraught with discomfort, all sorts of pres sures. and worst of all. heavenly accounting for errors. To them he offered one simple admonition:" Men darjpaskenen un zein grate tzu gein tzuGehenomfarYidden.·· Onemust accept the burden of psak. even to go to Gehenomfor the benefit of KlaL There were no hours posted on his door, no limitations on access. wifh fhe PruzansJ.y Family Before he sat down to a meal. he who are famous for_ would often take the phone off the hook so that he could make the • Kashruth • Quality • Service blessing properly. and then return the receiver to its place. Then, likely Returning to Our Great Success of Last Pesach as not, the phone would ring and he at the Famous and Luxurious would interrupt his meal to answer the query. the one after. and the one after that. Family might suggest that FRIAR TUCK INN the caller would call back later, but Catskill. New York he would shake them off. Yidden needed his help. )&. Private Seclodm available .._,Beautiful indoor poof - Sauna! Jacuzzi - How often his meal would be in lt- Daily Vof Yomi and Halocha Shiurim Docci!Heolth Club - f.1tercise Room terrupted by someone at the door -. Glatt Kosher - Cholov Yisroel .... Tennis Courts, Basketball, Sports with a she'eila, and he would arise M- Non Gobrokts strictly observed .... Private Lake with boots from his table, go into his office and M- 5'1mura Mot.i:ohs exclusively Ja. Jo99in9 and hiking trails respond carefully to the question. J&. Entertainment for Chol-Hamoed ta.. Game Room - 'Ping Pong No matter that it was simple and could have been addressed to a ,._Multi-choice sumptuous menus ta. Supervised Vay Camp yeshiva bachur. The individual ,._ Shul-stocked with seforim ta.. Baby Sitter Available standing before him did not know ~Communal Seder ovaifoble la- 'Private phones in oil rooms that. Other questions involved dif Mo Ou,.. famous spectacu/o,.. Kiddushim a.. Z'I h,... switchboa,..d service ficult issues and much time. From la. Cirterulve Culfut"al P,..ogrom ~Close p,..oirimity to all majo,.. attt"actirms. after Shacharis until past midnight. • Tea Room always open hot"sebock t"iding. go-cot"fs. bowling this remarkable servant of Klalwas Vnder fhg Supervision of available. And when the phone fi Entire Hotel Kosher Two Complete K'hal Adalh Jeshurun nally stopped ringing and the door Washington Heights. NY for Passover Separate Kitchens was finally closed, he would be Friar Truck Inn is kosher only when operated in association with the Pru7.al1Sky Family me'ayen (delve deeply into prob lems) as he worked out responses to the complex she'eilos for which he had no ready answers. 431 Avenue P. Bklyn, NY 11223 •Tel. 718 339-0200 •Fax 718 339-1918 After he had suffered a debilitat Toll Free In N.Y. Stale 1-800..339.CATER •Out of State Call Collect 1·718·339-0200 ing stroke. the phone rang at 2:30 a.m. in the morning. A grandchild 20 The Jewish Observer. January 1991 traditions equipped him to deliver responsa sensitive to these factors, How he loved this new as well as to the human dimensions American generation of bnei of psak. Torah! He marvelled at the Roshei yeshiva and admorimfrom all circles sent their adherents to she'ei/os in all aspects of Jewish him with their she'eilos. The Steipler life that were addressed to him, Gaon, ?"~, directed Rabbi Yaakov from all parts of the Shufchan Galinsky to pose his she'eilos to Aruch and from all corners of Rabbi Bick when in America. Rabbi the Jewish community. Yaakov Kamenetzky, ?"~, is sup posed to have called Rabbi Bick "the be arrayed around the house as Rav of Brooklyn." And the late baaleibattimwould traipse through Satmar Rav?"~ once invited Rabbi to gather the arbah minim he had Bick to his home to solicit his help in selected for them. At the same designing a mikvah based on time, a steady stream of Yungeleit halachic stringencies that he con would bring their own esrogtmfor the sidered obligatory. To the enor Rav's perusal. All the while the mous satisfaction of the Chassidic phone would be interrupting with Gaon, they arrived at an original even more queries. Surrounded by design incorporating chwnros as well the cacophony was Rabbi Bick as practical efficiencies that served helping Yidden. who was staying with him answered as a standard for mikva' os across the Before Pesach, amidst the thou the phone and told the caller to call land. sands of Pesach she'eilos, the back in the morning, only to have mechiras chometz, and the prepa RabbiBickaskforthephone: "Maybe FULL SERVICE ration for shiurim and drashos, was he needs me now." AROUND THE CALENDAR Rabbi Bick, dispensing hundreds of Over the hundreds of years of pounds of i:natzah that had been Galus, halachahas taken on a range sak represented only one as baked under his personal supervi of shadings based on rabbinic tradi pect of his avoda. At times sion. "His personal supervision" tions and local customs. Here in the P his apartment resembled began in the summer when he would United States where many of these nothing so much as a busy market travel to Upstate New York to in varied communities have been square, as Rabbi Bick helped his spect the crop and select wheat brought together, psak is compli kehilla with acquiring their (after praying to avoid any mistakes cated by vast diversity found in very tashmishei mitzva. or pitfalls). In the demanding weeks close proximity. Rabbi Bick's famil Succos, scores of esrogim, before Pesach, he would spend sev iarity with a wide range of halachic lulavim, hadassimand aravoswould eral days personally directing the -j m Grnd•o<<> of Rc APPUCATIONS FOR THE COMING SCHOOL YEAR Ii> Dormitory facilities ARE DUE BY FEBRUARY 1, 1991 Ii> Financial aid available Forin~andA~ Ii> Teachers' diploma or general diploma Cai!(212)568-6200 Ii> Special course for High School Teaching Or Writ.tto RlKABREUER 'l'EACfflll\SSEMINARY. Ii> Student teaching in COllJUnction with Metropolitan area schools. 85-93llennettA.._,N.Y.C.,NY10033 The Jewish Obseroer, January 1991 21 preparation of the matzah- con THE YITTI LEIBEL stantly on his feet, striding back and forth to each comer of the bak ery, answering questions, offering HELPLINE advice, inspecting matzos as they came from the oven, and allowing A Free Service of the Yitti Leibel Chesed Fund nothing to escape his practiced eye. No problem is too big ••• No problem is too small.•• Bone weary from the strenuous ... .Is there some terrible thing happening in your family that you are afraid effort, he would return to his home or ashamed to tell anyone?? to pick up his regular schedule of .... Are you a teen-ager or young adult having problems that are learning, answering she'eilos and too difficult for you to handle?? meeting with Yidden who needed .... Are you single or married, and experiencing personal or inter~personal him. And as he prepared his conflicts?? Shabbos Hagadol drasha, came a ....Are you a parent or grandparent suffering from stress?? phone call: The caller detailed a .... Are you simply confronted with a situation that requires you to find an heartbreaking shalom bay is matter, objective listener?? and the Rav sagged into his chair, Some of the Torah community's highly skilled therapists are available to deeply saddened by the plight he talk to you on the phone, with total anonymity. Many people have already was powerless to assist. Only then been helped by them - they want to help you as well! could a visitor discern the toll such H +~O + U + R + S avoda exacted. Daytime: Monday thru Thursday 8:00 AM-12:00 Noon His selflessness and devotion Sunday 9:00AM-12:00Noon seemed to peak in the weeks pre El'enings: ~~~~ thru Thursday ~:gg ~~-~Nli:i~ ceding the Yornirn Noraim. These were days when he sleptlittle, fasted Dial (718) HELP-NOW (435-7669) often, prayed fervently. spilled tears, This project has been approved by leading Torah authorities For tapes ofpast Kinusim contact Mrs. Berl at (718) 435-5793 and made demands upon himself that few even consider. Beginning with Slichos, this beloved shalillch tzibbur would pour forth emotion SARA SCHENIRER ~ laden tefiUos with a kavana and ~T4'E~A:~C~HE~R~S~S~E~MIN=·~~AR~~y~= . · ahavas Hashem that was rivetting. His face glowed, his legs danced, his .•. Our first class was enrolled in 19(>7 tallis was soaked with perspiration .•. In the next 24 years, we successfully graduated many hundreds of students and tears, and all had a glimpse of ... Enrollment is now open for our 25th consecutive class of 5752 ( 1991-92) the meaning of "Let all my limbs proclaim .... " His was far from a INTENSIVE SEMINARY • Full-day- melodious or lyrical voice. but that 1 year program. voice with its careening interludes was a magnificent instrument of HALF-DAY SEMINARY • 2 year program genuine service, the unadorned language of the soul communicat ***** ing with its Creator. RESIDENCE HALL-DORMITORY By Simchas Torah he was physi cally drained. His voice had been The beautiful Residence Ball, entering its 19th year, is open to all applicants, and reduced to a rasp. But when he offers full room and hoard for a nominal fee. danced alone with the sejer Torah, We invite applicants from the-continental U.S., from countries abroad, and those the combination of physical energy _returning from Israel who -wish to enter our second year program, to join the and sacred joy were awe-inspiring. Seminary for the 5752 school year. And when the hakafos were com PLEASE NOTE: Applicants to the Institute for Special Education who are students or pleted and there could not have graduates of Sara Schenirer Seminary or Seminar Yerushalayim, will be extended preferential status. been any strength left, his shining countenance would peer forth from Rebetrin Malka Paretd 22 The Jewish Observer. January 1991 Subscribe now to The Jewish Observer and$AVE Become a monthly subscriber Little wonder that a woman from to The Jewish Observer and Upstate New York, a bank teller who save up to 47% off the single· did not observe mitzvos, would help copy price {a savings of over yeshivos, explaining only that she $40.). The longer you sub· had seen Rabbi Bick's Simchas To rah in her youth, some forty years scribe for, the more you save. before. And this introductoiy offer is fully guaranteed. You have but to ask and you will receive TORAH FOR THE a prompt refund on any undelivered issues should you decide to cancel at any time, MASSES ...AND THE LOMDIM for any reason. Each month, The Jewish Observer will be delivered directly to your door, filled hile Rabbi Bick had with the views of leading Torah thinkers on current issues ... comments on the stopped saying a shiur in strengths and foibles within the Jewish community ... analysis of contemporary W shiva even before he moved Jewish events ... inside reporting, interpretive commentary, inspiring biographies, to Borough Park. his schedule con infuriating letters and illuminating responses-all within the covers of one magazine, tinued to include daily shiurim in The Jewish Observer. Gemoraand Mishnayos. and weekly shiurim in halacha, Gemora b'iyun, So don't delay. Check the money-saving terms below and send in your order right Pirkei Avos and Kesuvim, while the away. We'll try to get your order filled in time for our very next issue. Shabbos Hagadol and Shabbos Shuvah drashos attracted overflow I------I SUBSCRIPTION SAVINGS CERTIFICATE crowds who pushed against the open I windows to hear his words of drush, I 111f~H Suite 1200 • 84 William Street pilpuL halacha and mussar. I QBSERVER New Yo•k, N.Y. 10038 His Sunday shiur in halacha at I I 0 YES! Please enter my subscription for: ~~~ •OUTSIDE tracted lomdim and rabbonim from I USA all over. He would typically display I 0 3 years-at 47°/o off the cover price $48 0 $78 his swift mind and encyclopedic I 0 2 years-at 40% off the cover price $36 D $56 mastery of the responsa literature; O l year - at 2 7°/o off the cover price $22 D $32 yet this venerable rabbi's rabbi *Price reflects $10 extra per year to defray air shipping costs. Foreign would discuss a Maharsham or a pJ.yment must be made in U.S. dollars, either by check drawn on a bank Chazon !sh with the freshness of a in the U.S.A. or by Visa or MasterCard. young talmid, arguing sevaros back and forth with Yungeleit, seldom NAME (Please print) ______retreating to the authority of age ADDRESS ______and wisdom. For this was Torah CITY, STATE ______ZIP ____ and it had to be taught, not rail roaded through. 0 Enclosed: $ D Charge my 0 MasterCard 0 VISA ,.. 1Wo weeks after a member of Acct.[---[-] r-1--J-TII--I-----IJIII. .·.I-J the shiur had mentioned an opinion No...... L. ____[__ ...... 1 ·--· . .. contrary to his own. RabbiBick called him aside. The Rav had reviewed the Expiraf1on date: [-I_J (month) [0 (year) issue thoroughly and found that he had quoted the halacha according to Signature'------a minority opinion. "So," the posek concluded, "the halacha is like yotL " ------· The Jewish Observer. January 199 J 23 ,., He had an uncanny ability to cut through the peripheral to get to Considering a move the root ofan issue. 'Yidden," he told toMOIVSEY? a gathering called to discuss the proper tnspection ofSifrei Torah, "so many of you are concerned with re· For careful attention to your ceiving a be'kavod'dike aliya; con· individual needs, call us today! cem yourselves with the sifrei To rah. See to it that are they Kosher, (914) 354·8445 for otherwise you owe the gabbai thanks if he skips you and spares you the beracha levatala (blessing in vain). ,., 'Yidden," he told his Kehilla on a Yam Kippur, "you spend so much time selecting a pure white chicken THE for kaporos. That is, however, a [i] Make matierofdisputeamongposkim; but Reservations all agree on the need to avoid lashon For hara, to get along with your neighbor, (bJJITOL and to ignore small slights. That is PESACH the true segulafor a good year!" He HOTEL MOTEL + Now! had a deep affection for people, for their well being, and for the dignity LAKEWOOD, NEW JERSEY ofthe common Jew who did mitzvos Located on Madison Avenue; Corner of 1th Street GLATT KOSHER andraisedadevotedJewishfamily. He avoided harsh reproof "Come Experience a Touch of Home" CHOLOV YISROEL What one could accomplish with BAR MITZVAHS I SHEVA BROCHOS I SHABBATONS I SEMINARS bitter tochacha (reprooO paled be Under Strict fore what one could achieve through (201)363-5000 I (201)363-9603 Rabbinical the example of a dedicated life. In Supervision the partial tzava'a (ethical will) that Only 15 Minutes from Great Adventure he left his family, Rabbi Bick writes: ,.,.The Way ofHashem is to be soft towardolhers. Chazallongagosaid: 'A person shouldforever be soft as areecl' (faanis),andsurelyshouldnotbeshort· tempered as they [the Rabbis/ soid, 'Do not be short-tempered' iShabbos 30). From there it appears that even for the To Schools and Organized Groups sake of Heaven one should not be a Planning Trips to Washington kapdan iShabbos 30). • ,.. His modesty was inspiring, Add this newest "must" stop on any Asked why he did not compile his Orthodox tour of the nation's capital: teshuvos and publish them. he an· swered with a simple question: 'Vos bin ich, epes a Gaon?" (What am I, THE WASHINGTON OFFICE OF some kind of a Gaon ?) AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA ,., Invited to officiate at weddings, Gust a few short blocks from the White House). he would step down if he saw an older Rav who might be hurt at being Be briefed on the most important current activities in Agudath passed over for the honor. "I know Israel's advocacy for Orthodox Jewish rights and interests. what you want, " he told a visitor Visits must be arranged in advance. For information, write or call: who seemed to be hemming and Agudath Israel of America Washington Office hawing after mentioning that he was Suite 411, 1730 Rhode Island Avenue N.\V., Washington, D.C. 20036 making a wedding. "You want me to (202) 835~14 l 4 come to the wedding, but you have no kibudfor me. I will come.· "Weare obliged to makeachassan 24 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 and kallah happy." he once ex assuming that this was some man exclaimed to his daughter who in plained, "not to make demands upon ner of accepting only on the second advertently had picked up a coin. themthatmakethemWJCOmjortable." try, Rabbi Bick's voice could rise "Gib shotn tzurrick (Return it imme His way of making them happy from a simple statement to an insis diately)." Little wonder that people was an extension of his personal tent command that brooked no op came to him to arbitrate money credo: if something was worth doing position: NEIM disputes with absolute confidence. It was worth doing wholeheartedly, How many times did someone He bristled with integrity. How, whether dancing at a wedding, send the Rav a check in gratitude for he once asked a companion who pouring his energies into the silncha, his time and attention, only to receive had mentioned an instance of or commiserating .,.. , at times of the check back with a simple mes cheating, can someone else's money need. For many years it was not sage: "Do not send me money." The have any taam (taste). when it is not unusual to see Rabbi Bick, alone, excuses for rejecting money were yours? He had trained himself to taking the subway to visit someone numerous: "You do not davenin my see treifmoneywith the same revul in the hospital. shuL. .. " "I do not take money from sion that others summon for a piece Kolle! Yungeleit .... " "You daven there, of pork. The same care with which AVAILABLE- give money there ... ." he limited himself to very few foods BUT NOT FOR VANITIES A laborer who completed work for prepared at home, to chickens the shulwas paid immediately. That shechted only under his own per ad a refreshing directness day. "Yenem's a penny," he once sonal supervision, was applied in and disregard for pretense. ffiked to introduce a guest of honorwith appropriate exaggeration, he replied simply: "I am not maspid "MY CLIENTS ARE AMAZED b'chayim (eulogize the living)." A yeshiva invited him to speak at their AT TNE SERVICE ANO Melave Malke. He found it impos SAVINSS ON THEIR sible to turndown a mosad, but when INSURANCE-BUS/NESS he came to the affair he told the INSURANCE OR PERSONAL" menahel One Blue HUI Plaza, Sulfe 1024 that he would not come Pearl R!Yor. t-N 10966 again. They had advertised that "the IRVIN6 SAFRIN Telo (914) 620-1800 renowned Rav Bick would be a guest speaker." Arenownedguestspeaker? I came to make an appeal That's alL Not infrequently, Rabbi Bick was asked to inspect mikva'os in distant ARE YOU MOVING? places, from Upstate New York to California, and even outside the U.S. IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED He would do the job and rush back INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? home. Congregations often wanted We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the JO to your home. Please to keep him overnight, to honor attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address him, but he would refuse and leave. and computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the Hefoughtga'avahandvanity, as he fought atzlus with a determined address label. zrizus. "Focus your energies on pur ADDRESS CHANGE FORM suing modesty and achieving (Afftx label here) shiflus," he instructed his family, "because it will bring health in both body and soul." A local man was opening a hard ware store for which he wanted to make a mikvahfor keUim(dishes and pots) and he had many questions. Name ______~ These could not all be explained in Add~ss ______the abstract, so Rabbi Bick person ally supervised the mikvah's con City, State, Zip------·------ struction. The man offered Rabbi Bick something for his trouble. No. Date Effective------Rav, Please allow 6-8 we!>ks for all ch,:inges to be reflected on your mailing label. WE WILL NOT BE said the he would not accept RESP()NSIBLE FOR BACK ISSUES MISSED unless you notify us 8 weeks prior to your move. any money. Should the giver insist. T1le Jewish Observer, January 1991 25 the same degree to money. One of and, especially, in the difficult ones. pleasantly surprised to find Rabbi his halacha shiurim concluded: the No matter how great the problem, no Bick alongside him to help in the general rule is that one has no hetter matter how dire his own condition, negotiations. "I know how to handi" to take someone else's money, once you told your problem to Rabbi he twinkled. When the nervous Yisrael or AKUM; it requires much Bick it became his. homebuyer realized that he had for more Yiras Shomayim to run an "Come here, Sholom," he gotten his checkbook, it was the honest business than to be a Rav or called .... There was a strtke, and Rav who put down the money for a Rebbe. Sholom would not be receiving a binder. And after the house was His· mispalleUm joked about the pay check, so the Rav offered to loan bought, he came by to tell him where their full-service Rav who was there him several hundred dollars. to place the mezuzos and how to from the blis, through the BarMitzva "Come, Shloime. There's a house make a proper eruv. pshetl and on, offering advice and that I want you to see." Over a period of fifty-seven years counsel throughout one's life, in good When anotherofhis baalei battim of rabbonus, over as inconsistent a health and in illness .. .in good times went to purchase a house, he was period as perhaps any in this millenium of Jewish history, this generous spirited human being wit HELP KLAL YISROEL nessed and participated in one of the most remarkable reconstruc r;::;:i n these difficult times, we can add to the tions in Jewish history, as post-war a American Jewry built itself anew ~ Zecbusim(merits) ofKla!Yisroel by from the ashes of the European (1) learning more Torah and (2) doing more Cbesedand Tzedoka holocaust .. .leading and serving, teaching and advising was Rabbi r;::;:i a o encourage people to learn more Mis/mayos we are offering Moshe Bick from the Bronx who had been here all along, providing a ~ our MISHNA TAPES powerful example for American To ABSOLUTELY FREE rah Jewry. How he loved this new to anyone who will learn these tapes during the next 60 days. WE Wil.L EVEN PAY American generation of bnei Torahl SHIPPING CHARGES. These are sixty minute Mishna Tapes translated and He marvelled at the she'eilos in all explained by Rabbi A C. Feuer. aspects of Jewish life that were ad dressed to him, from all parts of the ust send us a note stating what you want to learn and that you will (B'N) Shulchan Aruch and from all cor learn the Mishnayos on the tapes during the 60 days after you receive ners of the Jewish community. II them-or you may call the number below and arrange to pick them up. APPROACHING THE STRENGTH r;::;:i 11 ll additional tapes will be available for the OF EIGHTY ~ special price of just $1 per tape until February 15th. ''The days of our years are sev enty years, and if with strength, ~ he following Mesechtosare available a eighty" (fehillim 90.10). (number indicates the amount of tapes): e had once said that when Berachos 6 Rosh Hashana 3 Tam id 3 he reached the age of sev Peah 6 Taanis 3 Mid dos 3 H enty, he would cut back on Demai 5 Megillah 3 Kinnim 4 his activities. He had reached his Kilayim 6 Moed Katan 2 Kailim 16 seventieth year, but his responsi Sheviees 6 Chagiga 2 Oholos 15 Terumos 7 Yevomos 13 Negaim 11 bilities continued to expand. Maaseros 3 Kesuvos 12 Parah 7 One of his days began with a shiur Maaser Sheni 5 Nedarim 9 Taharas 9 in the morning, two funerals during Challah 3 Nazir 7 Mikvaos 8 the day, and a bikur cholim visit in Orlah Baba Kama 11 2 Sotah 7 terspersed with she'eilos and meet Bikkurim 3 Gitt in 10 Baba Metzia 13 Shabbos 12 Kedushin 5 Baba Basra 11 ings. That night he spoke at a siyum Eruvim 8 Ghullin 4 Sanhedrin 10 haShas in Williamsburgh. And then Pesachim 7 Bechoros 5 Makkos 5 tragedy struck. He was felled by a Shekalim 4 Arachin 4 Avos 14 disabling stroke. For a time the Yoma 4 Temurah 2 Avodah Zarah 6 Succah 4 Kerisos 3 Eduyos 12 doctors were saying that while family Betsah 4 Meil ah 4 was concerned with therapy, they, the medical men. were concerned Wnie or caU: with survival. But his fierce will Brooklyn, NY 11204 (718) 837-2382 Dachs Memorial Tapes 5723 17th Ave helped pull him through and lift him 26 The Jewish Obseroer, January 1991 to another level of eminence. No longer was he the nonpariel Rav, he was also the irrepressible tzaddik. The period after the stroke was the hardest in his life. For the first time, this man ofimposing physical stamina was forced to come to terms with limits. How strenuously he insisted that therapy would make him whole; that the doctors should tax him more, work him more, bring back his energies more! What a blow it was for this most indepen dent of men to depend on others. Yet he refused to close himself off. And when a mispallel asked if the Rav would speak to a stroke victim to give him chizuk, he was only too happy to do so, and to discuss his infirmities candidly. On the very day he returned from the hospital after a stay of months, hewentdirectlytohis shulfor Mincha and to say a shiur in Mishnayos. With this he signalled that he would not accept retreat one bit, but in tended to push himself. How far was demonstrated a short while later on Rosh Hashanna when he led the te.fillos, blew shofar, and carried out stroke, educating a new generation overcoming adversity and yiush, and as best he could the demanding with his example as a true oveid of service to yet one more Amelican schedule of the YomimNoraim The Hashem, his insistence on first generation, to fix in their memories tejiUos were all the more meaning principles, his fight against cant, the image of a saintly man who ful, streaked with tears and experi the superficial, material excess, the loved Yidden and demonstrated enced with pain. They were so easy; offering the lustrous example what a combination of will, purity of much more knowing, more inspir of mesirus nefesh b'chaim The last spirit and ahavas Hashem could ing from this great man suddenly years were years of gevura, of make of a man. B struck vulnerable. For this dignified, self-assured man, every imperfect, uncertain step was not only painful but also an indignity. Children stared in curios ill\lj ~mN ity and adults in pity. Every time he Monse(Y Seminmzy came to shut or walked from his shtender to his seat to say his shiur, .,:on T eachens he paid a price in dignity. Yet he paid Maplewood Lane• Monsay, NY 10952 the price again and again at wed dings and simchas and klal gather ings, knowing that he would be studied and hating it, but doing it for Register now for our 5th and most exciting year others. Even in adversity there was no joy to compare to his. When ad Under the guidance of vised of a simchahewould break into that magnificent smile that wreathed Rav Shlomo Breslauer N""''l!I his countenance with radiance. And if you did a favor for this man, who Call for more details had done so much for others, his 914 356-5089 gratitude was boundless. He lived another decade after the Reb. Noa Flam ,,nn - Menaheles The Jewish Observer, January 1991 27 CY Adult admission: $8.00 • Children 6-12 & Senior Citizens: $6.00 • Under6 enter free• Groups of 20 or more: $5.00 •Visa & Mastercard accepted. For Tickets and Information call: 212-302-6677 International Jewish Expo, Eventful Enterprises, Inc. 21 W. 38th Street, N.Y.C. FAX (212) 302-3731 Rabbi YISroel Miller When Can Feminists Judaisi1n De1nand, Deliver? Fulfillment For Women Within a Torah Framework on-observant Jews inter The feminist movement took note alternative approach to the whole ested in the topic of Judaism that Judaism limited the woman's subject: Women have been hood N and Feminism generally ac role in the synagogue. She is not a winked into believing that the syna cept feminism as an article of faith, rabbi or a chazan, she gets no aliya gogue is central to Judaism. against which they measure the rel and she is not counted in a minyan. It is well known that our tradition evance or fairness ofJudaism. While Many women demanded ritual contains 613 Biblical command this is not the case with those who equality, and the Conservative and ments. but synagogue attendance are shomerTorah u'mitzvos, words of Reform clergy gave it to them. To is not one of them; it is basically a explanations aimed at the non-ob make such changes, however, one rabbinic enactment. There are pi servant could be instructive to those must overcome an objection: the ous old Rebbetzins who never go to with a strong commitment as well. to Torah is transmitted from genera shul, on plinciple, even on Yorn help them answer the questions of tion to generation by means of our Kippur. When I say this, people their alienated neighbors... or some Mesorah, and the rabbis are en sometimes look at me in bewilder gnawing doubts within themselves. trusted with safeguarding that ment: Are we talking about the Mesorah. Ultimately. the only way to same religion? WOMEN, THE SYNAGOGUE, cutJudaism down to egalitarian size, AND THE REST OF JUDAISM is to reject the binding nature of our And the truth is, we are not. Mesorah and re-do Judaism un Americanized Judaism. even some dressinganon-observantgroup bound to Sinai. And once you've Orthodox Judaism, is a far cry from should begin by exposing done that, why bother with Judaism the Torah given on Mount Sinai. To a damaging misconception: at all? Why not Unitarianism. 1"1"1? be sure, the synagogue is a sacred institution. It is the setting of tefilla Rabbi Miller, author of In Search qf the Jewish So it appears that a sincere femi betzibbur, which is a fundamental Woman, servesasRavojCongregation PoaleZ<..'Cl.eck In Pittsburgh. 'Illisarticle Is based on Rabbi Miller-'s nist must choose: either Judaism obligation for men. But in the total presentation on the topic at the recent national or feminism- a terrible choice to ity of Torah, the synagogue litual is convention of Agudath Israel of Americ,.a. have to make. May 1 suggest an only one ingredient. a worthy rah- The Jewish Observer, January 1991 29 binic addition to the Biblical mitzvos. A SEARCH FOR A SOURCE OF Hashem in their lives, and they don't. To mistake that component for the FULFILLMENT We teach women that their source whole is like mistaking the leaf of a of kedusha is to be found in the rose stem for the flower, and then here are some women who home, in raising a family with a looking at the leaf and wondeling: complain about the "restlic Torah outlook- and lightly so. But where is the beauty of roses ofwhich T tions" of the Torah because to what if a woman has a home and a the poets wrote so much? To truly them, the dvar Hashem is not of family, and attends shiwim. and still understand the place of men and definitive autholity. But there are feels unfulfilled? She's not asking women in Torah, we must examine other women who complain, or at for an aliya or a Gemora; all she the list of the 613 mitzvos in the least question, not from disloyalty, wants is a feeling of spiritual Chumash. This is the first task in but to the contrary. because they do achievement that she does not yet our aproach. care: they want to feel the dvar possess. What do we tell her? Some may argue that in the To rah world there are no such women. Then what of the woman who has no family: single, divorced, or marlied and childless? What of the baalas teshuva who comes from a different Rabbi Yitzchak Berkowitz world, and has a different set of self expectations? Is there some direc Prominent speaker of the tion we can offer, to make things Shmiras Halashon Telephone Shiur presents: more understandable- not an al ternative to the Mesora, but a per The39 Torah Guidelines for Tehillim &. ,..:-'""Ctive on it? Melachos Money &. Business, Bitachon A true ben Torah, however he earns his liVlng, can wake up each in Your Home Truth &. lying Insights into chan morning and thank Hashem for the A brilliant overview A hands-on collection of nelling your emotions day that lies ahead, because each through David HaMe of the principles and laws governing posses day he looks forward to accomplish lech 's Psalms, ... and practices behind the sions, damages, interest, ing something. Llke everybody else, lost objects, hiring and fir how much "hishtadlus" weekly observance he will spend hours at his job to of Shabbos. ing, and 'telling the truth.' HaShem expects. provide for his family; as a Torah plus $2.SO:shlp, &. hand. Jew, he will try to conduct himself Aish Halorah Each 3 Tape Set with honesty and integnty, and be Audio Center mekadesh es Hashem But more 900 Forest Ave, Dept. B7 only $18.00 Lakewood, N 08701 important, all of this is framed in a structure that begins and ends with tefillain the synagogue, and regular sessions of Torah study. And im YAVNE SEMINARY ••• ATEACHER'S TEACHER mersed in these activities, he can For the committed student of every level - expect to expelience growth: mak a unique, time-proven approach to learning. ing progress on completing Shas; and perhaps also improving his Under the auspices of the l'oshei Yeshiva of Telshe kavana in davening, adding to his Rebbetzin Cha} 30 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 We teach women that their source of kedusha is to be found in the home, in raising a family with a Torah outlook-and rightly so. But what if a woman has a home and a family, and and still THE CHOFETZ CHAIM'S WHOLE attends,shiurim LIFE CATALOGUE feels unfulfilled? n his last years, the Chofetz Chaim ?"lit wrote a sefer which I he advised us to learn and re various aspects. In sum. there are •> A commandment to thtnk viewtime and again. ltisaseferthat considerably fewer than 613 types before giving advice, to be sure that most of us have never read, called of obligations. it is not harmful or self-serving; and Sefer Hamitzvos Hakotzer, a list of Of the remainder. many apply not to he! p or encourage someone to all the mitzvos that apply nowa only at special times, like those as do an aveira. A mitzva not to take days. The seferis not that popular, sociated with Shabbos and specific revenge or bear a grudge, or curse. perhaps because we tend to think in Yomim Tovim. So when one consid and a mitzva to be always scrupu terms of the final halacha. What ers, how many differentTorah obli lously honest: not to take from oth difference does it make whether a gations are there for us to fulfill on ers improperly and not to fool them, halacha is from Chumash or an ordinary Sunday?-how many and not to delay payment of wages; d'Rabbanan? One reason why the different ktnds of religious experi a mitzva not to overlook the obliga Chofetz Chaim may have felt that ence does the Torah want me to tions due to one's spouse; a mitzva the sefer was important enough to pursue on a weekday?- one finds to help others carry packages, and a wrtte is that human beings are by that there are approximately forty mitzva to remove a hazard from nature goal-oriented. We need a different types of daily mitzvos... structure within which to work and about forty things for Jews to think specific targets to aim at. With the of when waking up in the morning, ~BIAVROHOM-GOL~~ERG, : Chofetz Chaim's list, one says Modeh besides mitzvos d'Rabbanan and I DIRECfOR i Ani and then one thinks: such and minhagim. Let us sketch an outline i BRACHA PERSONAL SERVICES I such are the mitzvos that I hope to of Y'iddishkeit, by seeing what these I Offr>rs Shir!uchiln Sl"rvices for: r accomplish today. forty types of mitzvos are. I l? ~in~:. l? V\lidnwrd D Divorcpd j Within this context, it is possible One category is what some people 1 MODtRAfE FEES ALL AGES 1 ' Call: (718) 338-2170 I' to address the women who are not call rituals: mezuza, taUis and L, ______._____ J yet frum, to give them a picture of teflllin, kashrus. the prohibition what Torah is; at the same time, this against shatnez and the halachos of presentation can help an observant taharas hamishpacha. Three woman perceive a picture within mitzvos are included in our prayers: MON.-WED. 4-6 RM. which she can see herself: the key Affirmation of loyalty, with Krins TUES.·THURS. 7-9 P.M. to self-understanding for both men Shmatwice a day; expresstngthanks and women is to view Yiddishkeitas to G-d with Birkas Hamazon; and to a structure of 613 mitzvos, and to daven sincerely. to ask Hashem for AGUDATH ISRAEL see how one functions within this help, at least once a day, plus when structure. ever in trouble. Those are the mlni HALACHA INQUIRY 613 mitzvos may seem like a vast mumD'OraisaexpectationsofteflUa. TELEPHONE LINE number, but many of them are a <• Most of the remaining mitzvos single commandment counted as are a sanctification of human rela (212) 363~8133 two because it is stated several times tions: A chiyuv to try to love and SPONSORED fJI THE CONFERENCE OF tn different ways, like the positive help eveiy Jew as ourselves. and an AGUDATH ISRAEL BRANCH RABBONIM mitzva to honor parents and the extra chiyuvto love the true gereven negative mitzvanot to hurt them; or more; an obligation not to hurt fORMORE INFORMATION CALL lHE AGUDATH ISRAELDEPARTMENT the prohibition against idol-worship. people's feelings, and not to embar OF TORAH PRUIECTS . which involves at least eighteen rass them and not to speak ill of (212) 7¢7'9000 separate mitzvos, referring to its them even if it's true. The Jewish Observer, January 1991 31 your home- sweeping up a banana keep commitments, and not to say tlnually contemplate His kindness peel is an act of holiness. one thing and end up doing another. taus. Thereisamitzuatoavoidnon + We have a mitzva to honor the The last of these four personal Jewish religious services, even as a elderly, talmideichachamim and our mitzvos is "Lo sasuru- Do not stray spectator, and not to busy our parents. A mitzva to develop a rela afteryoureyes," which according to thoughts with alien ideologies. tionship with chachmei haTorah. the Chofetz Chaim amounts to a There is a mitzvanot to covet, not And an obligation to judge people warning against sinking into hedo to spend time thinking of how we favorably and assume that their nism. even kosher hedonism; for would like to have another person's motives are sincere, while at the us, it is a cautionary command sportscar or spouse. And there is a same time offering constructive against overspending on luxunes mitzva of teshuva, to repent from criticism when warranted. and status symbols, and frequent aveiros regularly. •:• We could spend a lifetime ing even glatt kosher nightclubs. trying to perfect ourselves in any If you still need more to fill your one of those areas, but there are MITZVOS day with spirituality and purpose, also other mitzvos demanding per OF MIND AND EMOTIONS there are two other obligations: One sonal sanctity in general: The mitzva is to learn Torah. Apart from the of KiddushHashem to always actin he final category of chiyuvim man's mitzva to learn Torah for its a manner that demonstrates to the are mitzvos of the mind and own sake, both men and women are world that goodness and kedusha T emotions: The mitzva of obligated to learn those parts of are the only things that count, and emuna, to think about Hakadosh Torah that are necessary to know to avoid even the appearance of Baruch Hu and make His presence how to fulfill all their mitzvos, which unethical behavior; and "Lo sikrevu come alive in the room; the mitzva means enough learning to keep us legalos erva" - the far-reaching of Yichud Hashem, to know that He all busy forever. And one last mitzva: mitzva to avoid any situation that is one, and not two or three, and "Veholachta bidrachav-walk in the might possibly lead to violating To also that He is the only One, that He ways of Hashem," which Rabbi rah laws against immoral conduct. is in complete control of my life Moshe Chaim Luzzatto explains to The chiyuv is to be holy by avoiding naturally, this implies that there Is mean that we must each work to compromising situations, even if a mitzva to develop emotional tran develop every noble trait of charac nothing improper occurs. quility and peace of mind. ter: kindness, humility, honesty, •:• Yet another obligation is to There Is a mitzva to learn to fear Industry, self-control. compassion, fulfill vows, and by extension, to Hashem, to love Him, and to con- serenity, dignity and joy. 'T"O:l ~'l"''"' r1 ~'t~" n~~ nx1~.,, 7~iin71 -n~'7 N> for YOUR FUNDllA/S/NG or T.:>>n 1)1l VISUAL PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN IMAGE CONSIDER a The finest in CUSTOM DESIGNED Video Production LUACH or DIARY (7 1 8) 851 - 1 3 14 DISCREET CONflDENTIAL Rabbi Aryeh Schechter i"tl:i CL1NICAL PSYCHOLOGIST RABBIAVROHOM GoLDBERG, M.S., M.Ed. SOFER S"TAM UNIVERSI1Y CERTiflED FA.i.V!ILY COUNSEWR .DR. BENZION Counseling: 1235 49th St. SOROTZKIN 0 Marriage 0 Individual Brooklyn, NY 11219 N.Y. STATE LICENSED D Family 0 Child e make 0 housecalls." ADULTS D Pre-Marital (Help yourself make a decision (718) 972-4003 AND and commitment) CHILDREN f.P. :i-~il:'tlll For an appointment call: (718) 338--2170 / • - ;t,,~tv (718] 266·7151 EMPATHETIC CARING 32 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 example, has become an "in thing." couple came to a ceriain yeshiva, To some extent, so has learning the and requested that prayers be said That is our picture: forty halachos of lashon hara (slander). If for a sick relative. They explained different areas of we could embark on a campaign, in that they belonged to the local Con yeshivas and schools and publica servative Temple: and when the tal kedusha, to think about, tions, to extend this prestige to chovos midim asked the couple, "Why did halevavos (duties ofthe heart). and to you come to the yeshiva?" they re to work at, and to these other chiyuvim- from honesty plied: "Well, we know that G-d is experience every in business to wearing a smile on our Orthodox." There are hundreds and faces- these could also become val thousands of Jews who, in their day.. .forty goals to wake ued goals, sources of self-esteem, hearts, also know. If we can set the up to. None of these is and sources offulfillmentand simcha example, to structure ourlives around for us all. the presence of Hashem, others will considered extra Some years ago, a middle-aged notice and try to do the same. • frumkeit, it is all basic curriculum for every Jew. CONVENTION TAPES AVAILABLE Tapes of the major weekday sessions of the Agudath .Israel convention are available for purchase through the main office of Agudath Israel of America, THE TOTAL PICTURE 84 Wuliam Street, New York, NY 10038 (tel. 212-797-9000). The following recordings are ·aoailable, ·at $5 ·per tape, $25 for ·the entire That Is our picture: forty different set ofsix. areas of kedusha, to think about. to work at, and to experience every TAPE #1 Thursday aftemoon symposium: day... fortygoals to wake up to. None Coping with thePressures ofContemporarySocll!ty: of these is considered extrafrumkeit; 'rough Choices for Tough Times it is all basic curriculum for every Rabbi Levi Yit:i:chok Horowitz, Ilo8rbner Rebbe Jew. And they all apply to both men Rabbt Chaim Dov KeU,,,,, Chairman: Shmuel RUeder and women. except for: tallis and TAPE 112 Thursday evening b'}'mposium: tejllUn. From the Era ofRav Chaim Ozer to the 20,000 at Madison square Garden Of course, there are also the Chartlngthe Course Ahead mitzvos for special occasions. and Rabbi Shinwn Schwab, Rabbt Shmuel Bloom, Rabbi Nosson Scherman the mitzvos d'Rabbanan. But this Chairmam Rabbi Chaskel Besser basic list, which most Jews have TAPE #3 Motzoei Shabbos-Keyn-0te Session: never thought about. are the build Rabbi Yosef Franke~ Rabbi Harrari Rqftd, Rabbi SVei, Rabbi Sherer ing blocks of Torah living. the struc TAPE -114 Md'tzoei'Slwbbos-Keynote SessWn Contirw:ed: ture with which to begin. FortheJew Rabbi Perlow, Novomlnsker RJ;bbe, Rabbi Silber From Thursday's Sesslon-Rabbi.Henoch Leibowitz who is not yet .frum, this will not TAPE H5 sun.day Morning Symposium: answer all the questions, butit offers Altera&ns In the Social Fabric: an entirely new perspective, and it '!be Long-Tenn Implications of Feminism fur the Torah Conunnnlty deflects his or her initial negativism, Rabbi l'lsmel MU/er, Rabbi Reuven Drucker to enable him or her to ask questions Chairm.ani Rabbi Yrsroel Reisman and want to hear the answers. TAPE HG Sunday MomingSymposium: As for the frum woman looking for Government: Friend or Foe? more substance, she will discover Religious l'Nedom at the Crossraads that spiritual growth is not in the RabbiAvrohom Chaim Levin, Nathan Lewin, &q., pageantry of carrying a sefer Torah, Mr.. Chaim Dovid Zwlebe~ Chairman: Abba Cohen, &q. but in the kol demama dakka- the still, small voice of connecting with WORKSHOP tlpes ate also available upon request. one's own neshama, as the neshama connects with Hashem. None of this conflicts with the traditional role of The tapes may ,be purchased . wife and mother; it makes the woman in Brooklyn from: Copies of the Annual the kind of wife and mother the Mrs. Berl Report of Agudath Israel distributed at the convention. Torah wants her to be. 1443 38th Street Brooklyn, NY are also available, free of charge. For this approach to succeed, I (718) 435-5793 suggest, it needs to be publicized; and it also needs status. Dafyam~ for The Jewish Observer, January 1991 33 Matis Blum YEARNINGS FOR ETERNAL LIFE e live in a strange world. People perform the most bi Wiarre stunts for the sole pur pose of having their names entered into the Guinness' Book of World Records. Others, looking for a unique gift for the person who has everything, pay to have a star named Forget- Me-Not for him. Well-known personalities hire publicity agents whose princi pal responsibility is to Insure that their clients' fame and popularity constantly grow. Even in our day to-day lives we find that the widest range of Items and ideas are named to give homage to their creators from units of electricity (Ohms), to food (sandwiches), to beds (Murphy), to laws (same as above), to library systems (Dewey), to buildings (Rockefeller), to highways (Van Wyck); the list is endless. And these models of fame (although not ac tively sought, in most cases) fire the ambitions of other, lesser mortals. What is the motivation behind this obsession with seeking fame and publicity? Why do people want to stand out and be remembered? On a very simplistic level it can be theirnames. Very likely, they, too ited to mortals. and it depends on explained that a desire for honor and at least on a subconscious level human perceptions in this world. recognition is a basic human need, long for a measure of what they Eventually. the fame will be lost and which, when channelled properly perceive as immortality, and fear forgotten. True immortality, by {through kin'as sojrim, for instance) that after they die they will be for contrast, transcends the material can be a positive motivating force, gotten, and it wtll be as though they context of this world, and endures and when taken to extremes or used never had existed. eternally. It may be that because to further improper goals, can be the Dor Hajlaga sought fame rather very destructive (in Avos 4. 28- "a THE TOWER-OF-BABEL than true immortality, they were desire for honor" is considered one of SYNDROME punished by losing both: "And the character traits that can remove Hashem scattered them from a person from this world). his phenomenon is not a new there" - in this world, "And from On a deeper level, it may be that one. If we look back to the there He dispersed them" - and they since human beings possess a soul Dor Hajlaga- those who built did not receive any share in the that contains a Divine spark, they T the Tower of Babel-we see that World-to-Come (seeRashL Bereishis instinctively yearn for a link with their motivation for doing so was: 11 :8,9). eternity. Even avowed atheists who "And we will make a name for our Western civilization has updated espouse total rejection of religion selves" (seeibnEzra. Bereishis 11:4). the theme of the Dor Hajlagaso that and any belief In an afterlife. erect The mistake of the Dor Hajlaga- and one who is not fleet-footed enough monuments to themselves and that of all of their philosophical to run a three-minute-forty-six dedicate buildings in their own honor heirs-is that they confuse endur second mile, wealthy enough to en during their lifetime to perpetuate ing fame (or notoriety) with immor dow a seat in his name at a major tality. No two concepts could be university, charismatic enough to Rabbi Blum compiles and edits Torah Lodaas, a more different. Fame, though it be elected President. or clever weekly compendium of commentaries on the may endure after the person dies for enough to write a best-selling novel. Parsha. which has been appearing regularly for the past twelve years. He also lectures in various a generation or a score of genera is considered as having done noth Bais Yaakov high schools in the New York area. tions. is a phenomenon that is Jim- ing with his life. It is such a person 34 The Jewish Obseroer. Janumy 1991 the basis of the number of books or articles the person has published. After all, published authors on their staffwill bring in larger endowments. This concept, ironically enough. Musings on is foreign to the "People of the Book." Although we have produced over Fame and I.200,000 prophets. only 48 men and seven women are "published Immortality authors" in the sense that their prophecies were recorded in Tanach. Does that mean that the rest of the prophets and prophetesses who re main obscure forever failed to achieve immortality? Definitely not! Ghazal tell us that only those prophecies that were deemed rel evant for future generations were What is the motivation behind this obsession with seeking fame and publicity? Why do people want to stand out and be remembered? who would seek to immortalize his selves to be cast into a fiery furnace inscribed in Tanach (Megilla 14a). name in more outlandish ways rather than be guilty of idolatry, While those prophets whose proph like setting the world record for one they are never again mentioned in ecies were recorded may have had fingered pull-ups or riding over Tanach. What happened to them? special zechuyos (merit) to become Niagara Falls in a styrofoam barrel. The great fame that grew from their recognized as links in the glorious public sanctification of G-d's Name chain of the Mesora (Torah trans THE PITFALLS OF FAME made them susceptible to an ayin mission). this does not mean that hora, and they died soon afterwards their more numerous counterparts istory has provided us with (also, see Bereishis Rabba 56: 11). lost their link to eternity. many famous people, but A visitor to a yeshiva was dL'>cuss Ghazal (Succa 28a) relate that H :veryfewimmortal ones. Attila tng variDus aspects of the institution Hillel the Elder had 80 disciples the Hun was famous. So is Mickey with the Rosh Yeshiva. Before leav the greatest of whom was Yonoson Mouse. ing he asked to see the sefortm that ben Uziel and the least of whom was But are they immortal? Hardly. the Rosh Yeshiva had authored. The RabbanYochachanbenZakkai. The Fame, by definition, requires Rosh Yeshiva toid his guest to follow other seventy eight disciples are not publicity. Immortality can be him, and led him to the Beis Midrash, mentioned by name. Does it mean achieved through total obscurity. which was ji1led to capacity with that because their names have been Fame is not to be confused with young men who were totally immersed forgotten that they were relegated to true immortality. By the same to in Torah study. the dustbins of history... that they ken, obscurity should not be con "'These are my sefortm !" the Rosh are not immortal? By no means! fused with oblivion. Yeshiva proclaimed with pride. They formed "Beis Hillel." Fame, even in its noblest form, is Much of academia is guided by Anyone who studies the sections still fraught with danger. Ghazal tell the adage: "Publish or perish." Too of the Talmud and Shulchan Aruch us (Sanhedrin 93a) that after the often, universities select their dealing with the laws of cooking awesome Kiddush Hashem that teaching staff not because of their (concerning Shabbos and Kashrus) Ghanania, Misha'el and Azarya mastery of subject matter or their is familiar with the term "Ma'achal brought about by allowing them- ability to impart knowledge, but on Ben Drusa'L" which delineates the The Jewish Observer, January 1991 35 specific degree to which a partially prepared food is cooked (some say a third: others say a halO. Who was Ben Drusa'i? A rather unsavory character, to say the least. He was a robber during Mishnaic times whose way oflife in the fast lane did not permit him the luxury of sitting down to a fully-cooked meal (see Shn.bbos 20a). I always wondered what zechus Ben Drusa'i (or, to be more specific, his father, Drusa'~ had so that for the thousands of years since he lived, whoever learns the complex Jaws of bishul invartably invokes his name in the course of his studies. 1 still do not have an answer, but I am certain of one thing: Ben Drusa'i does not receive any more Olam Habba because of this notoriety. The list of examples is nearly inexhaustible. The point is, though, that fame and immortality are not synonymous. BIG APPLE COPY & PRINTING The Talmud (Babba Basra !Ob) Volozhin, ?·~, cites the Zahar that CENTER relates that when Rav Yoseif Brei states that when the Torah writes that man was created "in G-d's im 87 NASSAU ST D'Rebbi Yeshoshua was revived from NEW YORK, NY 10038 a deep coma, he was asked to de age" it means that he was granted (212) 962"4282 scribe what he saw in the Olam the ability "to create worlds and (212) 267·9478 Ha'Emes- the World of Truth. He destroy them" through his deeds replied: "I saw a topsy-turvy world. and thoughts. Each mitzva, and by Many of those who are regarded contrast, each aveira, has the highly in this world are of very low power to affect all levels of cre DIGEST OF MEFORSHIM status in the other world, while ation- from the celestial spheres (many of] those who are insignifi down to the material world in which ,1'1p? in:i ,1'ip7 cantin this world, are given positions man lives, and whatever one does may have eternal ramifications. The ""YT iYU':>K ':>K1r.ITV l"l'lil'll:I of great prominence in the World of Truth.'' more one cleaves to the Torah, the A \'ailabfe at closer he draws himself to its infinite LEKUTEI THE ESSENCE OF and eternal essence. And while it is clo Yitzchok Rosenberg IMMORTALITY certainly not a new concept to those 10 West47th Street, Room 503 who were brought up in a Torah New York, NY 10036 hat, then, is true immor environment- that one must live (212) 719-1717 tality, and how can one hope his life in this world in a manner 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, achieve it? that will make him worthy of the Medrash, Megilos and Tulmud. Immortality is Nitzchiyus- eter eternal reward of the World-to nity- and our only connection to Come-what should be pointed out Proceeds of sales distributed is that even someone who passes on an1ong Yeshivos and used for eternity is through the study and reprinting of volun1es out-of-print observance ofTorah, the Tree of Life from this world Without leaving be and the word of G-d which endures hind yeshivosor shulswith his name PRICE:$8.00PER VOLUME forever. In his sefer, Nefesh inscribed on them*, or without hav Hachaim, Hagaon Rav Chaim ing authored masterful seforim of 36 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 yeshivos and other Torah institu Rabbi Yitzchok says, "The Torah teaches us, when a tions and by assuring their sur vival, one acquires a share in all the person performs a mitzva he should do it wholeheartedly, Torah which that institution will produce. In regard to tzeddaka, the for if Rewein had known that the Torah would write Chofetz Chaim, ?"lit, writes in his Sefer Ahavas Chessed (II, 16), that {Bereishis 37:21) 'And Reuvein heard {the plan of his if one contributes to a Gemach (free brothers to kill Yoseif) and he saved him from them,' then he loan fund), he is credited with the mitzvaeach time the money is loaned would have carried Yoseif back to his father on his out; and even after he dies and is already in Gan Eden, when the shoulders; and if Aharon had known that the Torah would money is used to help others, the write (Shemos 4: 14) (in telling Moshe about their first original giver receives an additional measure of Divine light, the ulti meeting before going to Pharaoh) 'And he will see you and mate eternal reward. he will rejoice in his heart,' then Aharon would have The Chofetz Chaim would stress the importance of'"reviving'" mitzvos greeted Moshe with dancing and beating drums." ... Rabbi that, for some reason or another, have fallen into neglect by the Yehoshua ben Levi says, "In days of yore when a person masses. which, he said, are consid ered as being in the category of a performed a mitzva, the Prophet would record it (as part of Meis Mitzva. The Chofetz Chalm Biblical history), but now if one performs a mitzva, who himself was instrumental in arous ing the public's awareness of many records it? Eliyahu and Moshiach record it and G-d mitzvos- most notably, Shmiras Haloshon- guarding one"s tongue. certifies it." Th M'd h Other examples of such of those - e 1ras who revived '"Lost Mitzvos" range from the introduction of the concept of Oaf Yomi to the arousing of Torah novellae or halachic rulings practical examples of mitzvos that awareness and practical imple can also achieve immortality. In provide a measure of "tangible Nitz mentation of Sha'atnez testing. fact, even if his name is forgotten chiyus," which are easy to relate to: Upon looking around, one can immediately after he dies, he may While not all of us have the ability readily see many areas of halacha in nevertheless be immortal. "Zehsefer or the wherewithal to be involved in which a "revival" would be in order. toldos ha'adam- this is the book of Kiruv activities full-time, there are If one were to influence the members the descendants ofAdam"(Bereishis certalnly many opportunities that of his shul to refrain from talking 5.1). A Gadol once noted that every present themselves through which during Chazaras Hashatz (repeat person composes a book during his we can influence and assist others ing the Shemoneh EsreO and leining lifetime, and that sefer is Toldos who are searching for true (Torah reading), and those people Ha'adam- his physical and spiri Yiddishkeit. If one "adopts" a Rus are later able to influence others. tual descendants- those whom he sian family or others who are look who knows what great eternal re influenced or helped. as well as his ing to experience the Torah way of ward is due the one who initiated other mitzvos and good deeds- all life, and inspires them to become this positive conduct! of which perpetuate those values Shomrei Shabbos and to send their My Rebb~ Hagaon Rav Avroham that the deceased stood for; and in children to yeshivos, he has estab Pam, N"P'71il, has pointed out that that way he continues to live on, lished a true link with eternity, for people who look for fulfillment out both in this world. and in the next. he has had a share in laying the side the home sometimes neglect Although every mitzva is eternal, foundation for countless generations the feelings and needs of their own it might be helpful to cite just a few ofTorah-observant Jews who might families. otherwise have been lost forever to Although Sholom Bayis (matri *This is meant in no way to belittle the concept of Yiddishkeit. In a very real sense, all ~publicizing those who do mit.zvos" which the of the mitzvos performed by all de monial harmony) in a Torah home Rashba (Teshuva 581} writes is halachiC'ally per scendants of that person that he may not attract attention or guar missible and, indeed, laudable. Nevertheless, influenced will be credited- to some antee fame, it is ultimately a most while the purpose of publictzing those who do extent- to the one who gave the worthy accomplishment, for by ex mit.zvos is to positively influence others to follow suit, the publicity is not necessarily a guarantee initial inspiration to their ancestor. erting effort towards that goal, one of immortality of the deed or its performer. In a similar vein, by contributing to has created a Binyan Adei Ad-an The Jewish Observer, January 1991 37 eternal home- in the truest sense of Our Rabbis tell us: Reading the the word. inscription on a matzeiva (tomb To conclude, one need not ac stone) is kasha l'shikcha- can cause quire fame or great prominence to one to forget (the reasons are achieve immortality. Immortality, Kabbalistic- based on Horayos 13b, or Nitzchiyus, can be gained only as cited by PriChadash.PriMegadim, through the study and observance Mishna Berum, and others in Drach of Torah, which is the embodiment Chaim 2; Chiddushei Rebbi Akiva of eternity which G-d has given us. Eiger, YorehDe'ah37-6). However, the Ariza! noted that this applies While we must emulate the good of Immortality is Nitzchiyus only to letters that protrude from famous righteous people, we should eternity-and our only the stone; not to those that are dosotomerittheNitzchiyusthatthey etched into it (see Kitzur Shulchan represent; not to obtain ephemeral connection to eternity is Aruch 128:13; KafHachaim, Orach fame and honor. through the study and Chaim2:3). observance of Torah, the Tree A Gadol once interpreted this IT HAS BEEN SAID BEFORE homiletically: Each person com of Life and the word of G-d, poses his own epitaph through the he issue being discussed is which endures forever. way he leads his life. Ifone spent his not new by any means. The years pursuing meaningless goals T prophet Yeshayahu ad and ideals, and did not devote him dressed it over 3000 years ago, stat self to bettering himself or others, ing: ·And let not the saris (impotent (Yeshayahu56: 5-6). And this is the the letters of his epitaph protrude person) say, 'Behold, I am like dry same conclusion that Shlomo into the emptiness of space, and wood.' For thus says Hashem, 'To Hamelech. the wisest of men, such a person is easily forgotten. the sarisim who observe My Sab reached in Koheles. After lamenting On the other hand, if a person lived baths and choose (to follow) that about the vanity and futility of all of a life that was faithful to the eternal which I desire. and strengthen man's worldly accomplishments, he teachings of the Torah, and left his (themselves in the observance of] sums up his philosophy oflife: "Fear impression etched into the hearts My covenant: I will give them a G-d and observe His command and minds of others whom he helped place of prominence (Yad Vashem) in ments, for this is what all men have and influenced- he will not be for My Temple and within My walls, been created for ... .'' gotten. "His righteousness will en which is better than sons and Fulfilling one's purpose in this dure forever," and he will be bound daughters. I will give him an eternal world brings true immortality. Ev in the bond of eternal life. This is name, which will not cease'" erything else is ephemera. true immortality. • Uncle Moishy, IMPORTANT NOTICE MATANA Mordechai Ben David, TO OUR CANADIAN GALLERY and other Top-Of-The-Line AND OVERSEAS 4906 18th Ave .. Brooklyn. NY Jewish Entertainers SUBSCRIBERS! (718) 851-4448 are available to visit The simplest way to pay for Jewish books. Talleisim. Mezuws. Seriously Ill Children - personalized Tallis bags, thanks to your subscription is through Tefillin bags. Yarmulkas and n1n 11nn\!J VISA or MasterCard. They Cha/ah covers. cassettes. lucite. change your payment Into USA sterling silver. Judaica and jewelry. currency without any sur ALL AT SUPER A New Chessed Project Run By DISCOUNT PRICES! Agudath Israel of America charge. We cannot accept for in conjunction with eign checks (even Canadian GRAND OPENING Suki & Ding Productions of new store at 1917 Ave M checks in $U.S.), only checks Between E 19th St. & Ocean Ave. To set up an appointment, call: drawn on a bank in the U.S.A. 718-692·3661 (212) 797-9000 ext. #57, M-F, 9-5 38 The Jewish Observer. January 1991 What Do You Say... Some headless bureaucrats would wantus fo shut our doors in the face of those who hnoch and seeh help. They fell us: "You must tell people you can not help them!" We say: our Torah says "No!" People in. the Jewish community need help. badly! And .when that help is notforthcominq. why are we shocl~ed when we hear .of child abuse or other. domeslic violence?! Finally. at lonq fast they are cominq for help. Despite Jhe sliqma of bein!i) labeled: .of utter denial that a problem exists. and after years of sufferinq in silence. hundreds are now beinq seen and treated in our clinic. Pesach nRl7ah is open lo hundreds of children and 11dultswho are now pleadin\l for help. and we accept everyone reqardless of their ability to pay. Bui all of the !i)OV'etnment cu1bad1s and the current fiscal crisis· pose a serious threat lo heepinlJ Pesa ch ]kvah open. Where else will Ihey !ilO for help? Consider the followins;i scenarios: • A 3 7 .year old cerebral palsy victim whose parents are loo old to care for him. wants to worR. but cannot find a job - not because of his wheelchair but because of his "Payess". • A propane !i)as explosion le17els several buildin!i)s. and aside from the physical devastalion wrouqhl by Jhe blast, ii triq!i)ers severe reactions on the part ()f .nei!i)hborhood Holocaust survivors. • A younq woman who is retarded has been molested on the subway and is afraid to s;io Jo her worhshop and !i)toup a!i)ain. All of these cases and many more lihe them require an "open door". a sensitive therapist with an open and warm heart: These individuals and their famiHes belons;i to the last frontier oflewtsh . ne!i)lecJ. They are the emotionally disturbed. lhe handicapped. and Jhe retarded. Can We Ignore Desperate Cries O~: "HELP!- PLEASE, HELP ME! DON'T CLOSE .THE DOOR ON MEr "1D1 D1 'JD 111lDn N'J" "Do nof sf and idly by while your brother needs help.'' Please answer us with your 11enerous s;lifl today! Rabbi a...... Rap.oport l.i!opokf LeO.owlt• Chairmiln. Board of Trustees Presidtnl Alfred .Sehonb""ll•• Dr. Martt Ta .... u 'Vice Chairman. Board-Of Tr\llllft$ Chaint111n, Profe$sl0nat &ml Rabbi Chaim M. stauber &etulift. Vlce ilresidenf Pesaeh Tikvah :- Hope Development, Inc. 18 Middleton Str~et, Br<>0klyn, .l'f.Y.11206, '.l'el. 718-875-6900 Your f!&lltribUtloli lM tax'ileducl!We· · . . . . ' . ·. YES! I WANT TO HELP. ENCWSEO IS MY CONTRIBUTION OF $-- NAME ...... ADDRESS .... TELEPHONE ..... 0 PLEASE SEND M£ INFORMATION ABOUT PESACH TIKVAH I ...... , J... .··uuen i.I.. e Literature ore and more, parents re the deer but the desirable (or cov children are most impressed not by alize- often very reluc eted) land. what they are told but by what they M tantly-just how offensive The same theme is treated from a see from their role models. and harmful so many of the books somewhat different angle in King Me and My Bubby, My Zeidy are that can be found on public David and the Frog by Ruth and I, by Ya.ffa Ganz, illustrated by library shelves, even those marked Zakutinsky (Aura Pub!., Brooklyn, Harvey Kleineman(Feldheim, Spring juvenile. !tis therefore a great source 1986, $5.95); the verses included Valley, 1990, $9.95), explores the of satisfaction to note the ever-in are by Ya.ffa Gottlieb, and the excel interaction between grandparents creasing flood of books produced for lent illustrations by Aide!Backman. and grandchildren. The author our children and teenagers. At the In effect, this book is an adaptation chose to cover a broad spectrnm of same time it is important that these of Perek Shirah, showing how not our Torah community- bearded and books should not take advantage of only human beings serve and praise unbearded, great at being a Baal their captive audience by lowering G-d but even animals, as they carry Korah or a good umpire at the literary and educational standards. out their appointed tasks in our children's baseball games, able to An outstanding work, in every world. This basic idea is very well tum a jump rope as well as baking respect, is Fins, Feet, Wings, and brought home to children; even non delicious challos. Children will other Animal Things, by Ya.ffa readers will enjoy having the book readily see that not all grandpar Ganz, illustrated by Lint B. Ariel read to them. This reviewer would, ents are alike but-whether they (Feldheim, Spring Valley, 1990, however, have been happier to see find their own grandparents in the $9.95). Animals of all kinds are in King David depicted only from the book or not- they will enjoy the troduced in beautiful illustrations, back; children are very literal and warmth and caring radiated by Zaidy and the text explains when each will be likely to accept the picture and Bubby. played a role in history- from the they see here as a true depiction. A Purim Story, by Linda Davis, snake in Gan Eden to the frogs in Another excellent book is But illustrated by Y.E. Taub (Feldheim, Egypt, the spider of King David, and Then I Remembered, by Chaya Spring Valley, 1988, $7.95) offers Yonah's fish. The young reader is LeahRothstein, illustrated by Ruthy the story of Purim in rhymes, as told not only made to realize that each Perlstein (Feldheim, Spring Valley, by a father to his children. Both the animal was created by G-d, but also 1990, $9. 95). This book deals with verse and the pictures are attrac that each creature has a place and the daily minor and major tempta tive, and should appeal to children role to play in the world. Moreover, tions children encounter- and how young enough to want the story told in reading this book to children they they learn to overcome them by and retold. can be introduced to many of the remembering how their parents and For an older audience, the pre stories in our past. One translation elders act in similar circumstances. teens, Dov Dov and the Money should, however, be corrected in Beautifully presented and illus Tree. by Yonah Weinberg, illus future editions: On the pshat level, trated, this volume serves also as a trated by LintB.Ariel(ArtScrollYouth Eretz Tzvi does not mean the land of reminder to parents and teachers: Series, Mesorah Pub!.. Brooklyn, 40 The Jewish Observer. January 1991 1990, h.c. $10.95, p.b. $6.95) pro BOOKS FOR TEENAGEERS vides a collection of exciting stories that addresses their concerns. urning to books for teenag Through natural and man-made ers- many of which can also disasters. through opportunities for T profitably be read by their chartty and bikur cholim. the young elders- one is struck by the fact reader is shown what are worth that most of them are set in the while goals in life and true sources past. This is. of course. explained of satisfaction, rather than glitter by the difficulties involved in writ ing mirages. ing realistically about our contem porary world. A Special Something. and other Heir to the Throne, by Shmuel stories, by Libby Lazewnick (Feld Rothstein (CJS Pub!. Lakewood. heim. Spring Valley. 1990. h.c. 1990, h.c. $14.95, p.b. $11.95). $10.95. p.b. $8.95) is a collection of appeared many years ago in Yiddish stories that all appeared originally and has now been translated into in the Yated Ne'eman. Like the Dov English. This novel is based on a Dov stories, they draw on everyday most moving ·folktale recorded in life for their plots and seek to point our history books (see The Rishonim, out the lessons that can be gained byRabbiH. Goldwurm. p. 149). Set from it. The author focuses in par in the fifteenth century. it recounts ticular on the fact that every person the story of a Hungalian prince who has his (or her) own worth and G-d became a ger tzeddek. married the glven gifts which should be used to daughter of Rabbi Isaac of Tirnau, make one's contribution to the world. and was burned at the stake. The The young reader is taught to re reader will not only be captivated by spect others and to help them the story, but will gain an insight whenever possible. These lessons. into the life of Jewry at that time. however. are not offered in a dry On Two Fronts. by Y. Bindman didactic manner; the stories will (CISPubl.Lakewood.1990,$11.95), hold the readers attention and in is also set in Hungary but deals with terest. and instill Torah values al the nineteenth century and the up most unnoticeably. heavals that it witnessed both in Chagainu. by Rabbi E. Wenger general society and in Jewish Life. (B'Ruach Hatorah Publ.. Ottawa. The rise ofliberalism deeply affected 1990. $7.95). is a textbook rather Jewry. leading to the split between than a work of fiction. lt is included those loyal to Torah and those es here because, catering to the sam~ pousing reform and assimilation. age-group (grades 4-7). it supple· This novel focuses on two brothers ments its primary goal, the teaching who chose opposing ways- and of dinim and Yahadus, with a se through their experiences the reader lection ofstories related to the dinim comes to understand the conflicts discussed. The present volume is of the time and the determination the first in a series and covers Ellul with which Torah Jewry stuck to its and Tishrey; it is rich in illustra values. While the protagonists of tions and also contains charts, the book are fictional, many his quizzes, andaris and crafts projects. torical figures pass through it, The author has aimed to make lending realism and depth to it. allowance for differences in Half across the globe. Australia Minhogim, and largely succeeded in furnishes the backdrop for The this difficult endeavor (although, Legacy of Gold, by Raphael e.g.. he only mentions the custom Sackville (Targum/Feldheim, not to eat nuts "on Rosh Hasha Southfield, 1989. $13.95). This ex nnah," and takes it for granted that citing book combines in itself a his on the second night of Sukkos, torical novel. a tale of adventure, "Layshev Basukkah" is said after and a mystery story. Its hero. a She'hecheyanu). This is an attrac pious Jew. is wrongfully deported to tive and worthwhile volume. not Australia (which 150 years ago only for schools but for home use. served as a penal colony for The Jewish Observer, January 1991 41 England's crtminals). While hero authoritarian government, and. ically keeping to his Jewish hert pitted against it, the radical and tage, he manages to build a life for revolutionary socialists. Many of himself amidst the turbulence of them were Jews who had shaken off the prtmitive Australian society and any allegiance to Jewish tradition make a fortune in the great gold and battled Rabbis and parents for rush. Ultimately reunited with his the souls of Jewish youth. The family, he becomes a pioneer of the young women who carried the budding Jewish community in banner ofBethJacob had to contend Australia. While the hero and the with them in order to save Jewish plot are fictitious, the background girls- and at the same time they is authentic and the author shows had to overcome the suspicions and how, even under such difficult cir two teen-age heroes of the story reservations of parents faced with cumstances, one can cling to escape from an army camp, and the yet another novel innovation. All Yiddishkeit and, in turn, be sus account of their hair-raising adven these developments are reflected in tained by It. tures is an epic of heroism, courage this grtpping book through the eyes Tales From Old JenISalem, by and frtendship, all of them nurtured of one family, diV!ded against itself, Rabbi S.Z. Sonnenfeld (Mesorah by the faith in G-d instilled in them in a small town torn apart by events. Pub!., Brooklyn, 1989 h.c. $12.95, from their youngest years. The plot Reading this book gives a better p.b.$9.95) takes us to yet another of the book will keep the reader understanding of the issues and the locale. These "great tales about ev glued to the page, and beyond it he Torah approach to them than any eryday people in old Jerusalem," will receive a clear picture of life in history book. translated from the Hebrew by David Czartst Russia and, in particular, of Usually fictionalized history is Kerschen and Michael Elzufon, and the suffertng and fortitude of Rus easier reading than factual bio illustrated by M. Bardugo, take us sian Jewry. graphical or autobiographical ac into the life of the Yishuv durtng the Promise Me Tomorrow, by Sara counts-but not always. TheStory 19th century- a life hard and dan Bimhack (CIS Pub!., Lakewood, of the Pnei Yehoshua, by Rabbi gerous, but marked by nobility, 1990, h.c. $12.95, p.b. 9.95) was Shinwn Finkelman, illustrated by dedication, and spirttuality. This is ortginally wrttten as a play ( a Video Yosef Dershowitz' (Mesorah Pub!., the author's second collection of of its performance is available); the Brooklyn, 1990, h.c. $6.95, p.b. such stones and - like the first author subsequently turned it into $3.95) will hold the attention of its volume- it is sure to retain the a novel. Its theme is the emergence readers, young or old, from begin reader's full interest and touch his of the Beth Jacob movement in Po ning to end. In tracing the life of the heart with its beauty and warmth. land between the two world wars. Pnei Yehoshua, the author shows It The illustrations contrtbute very This was a development of histortc to be an illustration of Rabbi Chaim much to the overall impact of the significance for Torah Jewry. In Volozhiner's statement that "the volume. order for the reader to be able to Satan will use any means to deprtve Escape, by R. L. Leader(Targum/ appreciate it, the author has drawn the world of Torah scholars." Feldheim, Southfield, 1990, h.c. an authentic and V!V!d picture of Throughout his troubled life, Rabbi $11.95, p.b. $9.95) is this author's conditions in Poland, and of the Yehoshua Falk was guided by second novel dealing with the tragic personalities and forces that shaped unswerving dedication to Torah and era of the Cantonists in Russia. The them. There was the anti-semitic truth- it involved him in agonizing YOUNG PEOPLE OF MARRIAGEABLE AGE MUST BE TESTED in order to prevent the scourge of Tay-Sachs disease from striking the next AN URGENT generation. in accordance with the directives of the Gedolei Hadar. SCHOOLS and YESHIVOS: REMINDER Please call 718-384-2332 if you are interested in having testing done for students Genetic counseling is also available. FROM For information call: (718) 384-6060 CHEVRA DOR Confidentiality assured. CHEVRA DOR YESHORIM, INC. YESHORIM . 160 Wilson Street. 1-B, Brooklyn, NY 11211 42 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 expeiiences but helped him to make Godfrey of Bouillon appears as MORE ON JUVENILE BOOKS extraordinary contiibutions to Klal Gotfiied of Bologna, Rothenberg as YisroeL The facts recounted in this Rottenberg, and Narbonne as oing back to books wiitten book are bound to touch the reader Narvonne. Such mistakes are all specifically for juveniles we profoundly- all the more so since too common in historic novels or G should take note of some they are not presented diily: the biographies but I believe they should works of fiction set in our everyday author has invested them with his be weeded out. world rather than the past. own feelings which came across to Turning back to Eastern Europe All Because of Raizy. by Mrs. the reader in remarkable fashion. and to our times- we find Deep in Miiiam Elias (Feldheim, 1990, h.c. (One small histoiical correction: at the Russian Night, Aaron Chazan's $10.95, p.b. $8.95). Once again, that time there was no king of Ger autobiography (CIS Pub!., Lake Mrs. Elias has wiitten an entertain many. only of Prussia.) wood. 1990, h.c. $15.95, p.b. ing story centered around junior By necessity. very different in $12.95). Itcan,andshould.beread high school girls. Penina and Terry style is Rashi, by R. Weingarten, by our teenagers but is really a work form a club to help Kial Yisroel by translated by S. Wetnbach(Chochma for adults. It is a truly unforgettable undertaking self-designed projects Publications, BneiBrak, 1988). Very book, spanning the Jewish expeii of community interest. First. their readable, and suitable for younger ence in Russia from before the Bol own classmates join in, and then readers too. this volume presents shevik Revolution to today. The many more students follow suit the established facts about the life author, who now lives in Eretz Yis except for Naomi, that is. How and work ofRashi-but it also draws roel, not only survived as an uncom Penina befiiends this girl and how on the manifold folk-tales that are promising frum Jew in Russia but she copes with Terry's problem with told about the teacher of all Israel. managed to keep his whole family scoliosis forms the core of this short They represent mateiial accumu loyal and self-saciificing Jews. As novel. lated over almost eight hundred we follow him through his manifold Replete with adolescent issues of years, and reflect as much the expeiiences, temptations and cii fiiendship, peer pressure. confi veneration felt for Rashi as hard ses, the tension giips the reader dence and self-image, this story art facts. For that reason it would have and it is accentuated by the quiet fully weaves into the plot clear To been worthwhile for the editor to and matter-of-fact way in which the rah values. Chessed. Ahavas Yis give the source for the vaiious tales, author recounts his life. Beyond his roel and rachamim are some of the and in the text to indicate what is personal tiibulations, we also ob middos highlighted and exemplified documented fact and what is hear tain a picture of Jewish life in gen by the girls. their teachers and their say. Another issue raised by this eral and encounter some remark family members. book is to what extent we should able personalities, such as the he The individual projects devised expect- and demand- details to be roic grandfather of Yossele and implemented by the girls provide histoiically accurate. There are Shumacher. The book ends with good creative food for thought for anachronisms (Rashi "didn't con the author's leaving for Eretz Yis anyone. The dialogue is engaging. sider his Kuntrestm worthy of print roel- and the new stage in Russian and not too elementary- in short. ing," and refused "an official posi Jewish life marked by the Teshuva fine light reading with a message. tion with a salary" long before such movement and the decline of Com positions were dreamt ofi; and munism. REVIEWED BYLISAM. HERMAN Not just a cheese, a tradition ... Haolam, the most trusted name in Cholov Yisroe/ Kosher Cheese. A reputation earned through 25 years of scrupulous devotion to quality and kashruth. With 12 delicious varieties. Haolam. a tradition you'll enjoy keeping. Ml Haol•m Chtue p•od11ets are 11n<1u tht strl~l llabblniu1 s11pe•vl•lon of ll.S.11" Th• Rabbinate of l'.'l'"I Ad:alh Jtshurun. Washington Helghh. l"IY SWITRllL\ll:D: Rabb! lwrol!Om Y. S.chleslng•r. aeneva, sw111erta11d Cholov Yisroel NEW:~~~~~~~~E. YORK. N.Y COINC Haolam • The Jewish Obseroer, January 1991 43 FilesUnique oifL •in its way is· The Secret tSa Weiss by T F1 (Feldheim S . · · eterseil $11.95 b pnngValley. 1990, h.c. it is wiifte~ $;.95J. ln the first place, Letters obviously a vey a tee~ager herself. to the talent s ry promismg creative and h econdly, in a very readable umorous fash · · an amb"t" wn, it tackles Editor I IOUS theme L' wants to follow . . isa Weiss footsteps and b m her mother's worker- an ecome a social SCA A HIGH trtal pertod ddher parents give her a LETTER~FROM "DOH~g; CLASS IN CHICAGO: testherbuddi~~I~ which she can CWTHESREJECT US FOR THE around her ins h enlton the people The v . c oo and at home US FOR WE WEAR, ACCEPT h c anous episodes ("Illes") b . . ____ _ WHAT WE ARE... er ,ace to face with . nng lions where she. " vc:rr1ous situa "clients " W 11 Jl.Unps m to help her this bo~k re· -wntten though it is light fi aises quest·IOnS. ls it· an ad;:ni::~ts t~ ~anction such !sh friends or strangers would reacttoourwear1ngkipot. weused student _place for a To the Editor: unin~t~d1\m We are a group of students from to feel self-conscious about being privacy of a teacher' so s~';ade the seen wearing ldpot in public. Now matter how g d h nng, no . the Ida crown Jewish AcadeIDY of Chicago. Our cl.ass has a miXed we feel we are scorned !llore by ~ore generally~~s thie,:-~~t~~!~o~=? population, rangmgfrorn Orthodox our fellow Jews when we enter o nurture good midd ? . y kosher restaurants or neighbor questions, indeed. os. Weighty to non-religious. Ma11.Y of the students in our class have a public hood stores, because our ldpot are school background and have sacri knit and not black velvet. BrothThe Pillar' oif Chessed: My ficed much to come to a Jewish We wiSh that people would ac er s Keeper vol I b high-school. cept us for who we are and would Nafloli Gottlieb (ClS · · Y Rabbi In our Hashkafa cl.ass, we were not reject us for the clothes we wood, h.c. $12 95 Pub!., Lake first of six : · p.b. $9.95) is the discussing an issue which bothers wear. We wiSh people would ap cated to roiected volumes dedi- us very much. As students in a preciate hOW much we have ac complished instead of frowning Avodah. Divi~:~~~d, To~ah, and JewiSh religiOUS higll.-schoOl, we ingwith . to sect10ns deal are taught to keep the mitzvot of upon us for what we do not do. such a vhanous aspects of Chessed Shabba.t, K;:ishrllt, Aha.vat Yisroel, How observant we are is a. matter s ospital"ty · strictlY between us and Hashem containsstortesa:id and charity, it as well as the rest of the mitzvot in Tanach. Shulc quotations from our Torah. we obey as many of and it iS not for other Jews to hanArnch Chassid· them as we are able to, at this judge. • and Mussar literature. This an th 0 lie stage of our lives. In spite of our There iS enough anti-SemitiSm ogy-which · · al - Hebrew and 0 ngm ly appeared in trying our hardest to keep these towards the Jews in todav"s world Kaploun . was translated by Uri mitzvot, we are at times made to that we Jews do not have to lool< - Is valuable d" feel like outcasts in the orthodox down upon one another. We k11.0\I young and ld rea mg for that the Bait Hamikdash was de resource for ~ea' :id an excellent community. The boys in the cl.ass c ers. • wear knit kipot and the girls maY stroyed because of Sina.t ohinam ctress in pants when not in school, Let us work on trylnlS .to see th' but we are still Jews, Jews who good in our fellow Jews, and the: are trying to grow and become hopefully, we will then be wortb betterJews. Manyofususedtobe of Ma.shiaah, beemhara biyamam concerned about hoW our non.Jew- 44 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 Dear Friends, Shomayim,. how one overcomes fashion statement. It was a reli obstacles, and how much one has gious values statement. Now, this Thank you for writing me. I grown in the prooess. Many a. has absolutely nothing to do With certainly can identify With. your time, this kind of challenge and you. It would ~ ridiculous to feelingSofprideforwhatyouhave growth takes place under a knitted claim that toda.Y, everyone who achieved at great personal saori· yarmulka, and it. is my ·hope •that wears a kipa sa.ruga, laokS .Ytras fice, becoming. more of a Torah more of the born-from folks come Shomayim; it is our concern . to Jew, day by day. I can thus ap· to realize that, and appreciate it. dee.la.re this. misconception as preciate your frustration and dis At the same time, I. hope that nonsense, as much as it iB your couragement~ the cold reception you too .Will stretch yourselves a concern to demonstrate it as such. you seem to receive from some little to. try to understand what Pants is a different problem, membel'S of the Orthodox com makes the. Orthodox community since this enters the ha.la.chic realm. munity. tick. First, focus on the wonderful I'm sure that your tea.(lhel's have NOwthatyoU:ve read the articles people. that you meet in the Ida dealt With this topic. And I imagine in The JeWish Observer* that I re Crown JeWish Academy, and try that you mJght understa.:nd WhY ferred to you through Mrs.· Jaffe, to judge us by them. They give some of the Jong-time orthodox r hope that you picked up the very their time, their friendship-!;heir may seem to question the degree deep sense of appreciation that lives---to help young people like of sincerity of a group of kids that thlnklng, articulate Jews have for you discover their Judaism, and includes girls in pants. your struggles and accompllsh bring out their. vast potential. But this shouJd.notbe the only mentS. Perhaps now you can see Second, reoogruze that clothing basiS for looking at people. The howwe'vebeentryingto sensitize is a means of communicating one's long·time Orthodox shouldn't look our readership to your challenges, interior feelings .and values tooth at you With a lack of understand and .to inspire them to celebrate ers. Orthodox Jews make a, con ing of where you're coming from, your triumphs With you. We want scious decision to dress in a con and a lack of appreciation of the them to stretch themselves to servative, modest fashion, in defi· remarkableaohlevementingrowth identify with yo.ur position, to rec a.nee of trendy styles that .violate that you representr-,-no matter ogruzethe defiance impliclt in your basic modesty. Somehow, their ap what you're wearing. They may wearing a kipa, no matter w-hat proach seems to be a time-proven confuse your particular station on .material it's made of, the glory of tactic that,. beyond conveying a a rough upward climb With some your wearing a skirt to school message, .also workS .in terms of one else's station on a slippery instead of pants.... shunning the ·worst excesses of slope downvvard. But. that's not I don't pretend to know "the contemporary sooiety, and. per fair, and we're doing our best to bottom line.• Far be it from me to petuating their ideals through fu· correct this misconception. pretend to be PrivY to who gains ture generations. So please,. do yourself a favor, quicll'.llst entry to Gan Eden. But At the same time, the. strictJy and be patient.. And let your true from what I.'ve be.e11 taught, the Orthodox are, unfortunateJy, fa self shine through. That w-ill help kind ofyarmulka one wears offers miliar With the fact that genera others appreciate you more than a no guarantees of welcome there. tions ago,. some people had made thousand editorials that I rrtey What really counts is how one a point of rejecting the strict de write. They are real1y decent, .well dea!f! With challenges to ·Yiras mands of halaoha. AS a symbol of meaningpeople, and in time they "'Thia packet included the February '90, iSsue_ this, some decided to dump the like you-Will find out how fortu of JO which ha.d articles hy Rabbi Yaakov, tradltio:na.l blackyarmulka, .which nate we are to have eachother. Haber, -Abbey Mendelson -_and Rabbi Shlorilo to them symbolized th.e strictness Most sincerely, Goldberg; within the them~ "Rea.ab. _out And they associated With Eastern Eu Teach Someone"; also,_ Dr. Y.D. Zlpris' article, "StrugglingWiththe'FrummingProoess'" (Sept. rope; and adopted ·the small knit ,..~ (,},,,~, EbrroR 'B9). ted kipa, instead. This was not a NW/es 45 1991 The Jewish Observer. J anua.n• ~ which is in no way under any Torah AGUDATH ISRAEL'S jurisdiction. INVOLVEMENT IN UJA'S Have we forgotten how secular MALOHN OPERATION EXODUS organizations held back monies MIFAL during World War II? How many To the Editor: lives were lost because of their lack VISITING NEW YORK?? The September/Tishrei issue of of Torah ideals! How they refused to Beautiful rooms, with kitchen J.O. reported of an appeal for mon cooperate with the Torah world be facilities, in heart of Baro Park ies to transport Yidden from Russia cause it did not meet their ideology? by day or week. Near Shuls, to the State of Israel. The article In light of their history, how can take-out foods, etc Profits to said, 'The Agudath Israel has made we trust them now? How can we Mifal Torah Vodaas. a special arrangement with the hope that they will meet the Ortho U.J.A.'s Operation Exodus. Accord dox way of aliya? How do we know Call (718) 851·2969 ing to this arrangement, funds that our monies will not be misman contributed to Operation Exodus aged? How do we know that our through Agudath Israel will be monies will be used for things with transmitted by Agudath Israel to only jrum commitments? During Operation Exodus to be used solely World War II, the majority of the for the purpose of helping cover the secular leadership did not think THE FINEST costs of transporting Russian Jews that human life is the most impor to Eretz Yisrael." tant of all considerations. Why O'n'?\J The idea jolted me. The fact that should they now believe that spiri the Agudath Israel could not spon tual salvation is the only survival for sor such a program on its own sur the survival of our people. 18 x 64.... .$30.00 prised me. But I was completely 26 x 71 ...... $35.00 taken by surprise that Agudath Is MRS. SARAH SrWN 42 x 64 ...... $41.00 rael wished to merge monies with Brooklyn. N. Y. 47 x 68 ...... $45.00 the U.J.A., a secular organization, 51 x 71 ...... $46.00 55 x 75 ...... $50.00 RESPONSE: 59 x 80 ...... $55.00 FOR BURIAL PlfilS 64 x 88 ...... $65.00 IN ERETZ YISROEL CONTACT The decision to support the UJA's • Hechsher of Rabbi landau, Bnei Brak "Freedom Flights" was made by the .. Money back quarantee Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah as a re ~ P. Rosenberg CHEVRA sponse to an unusual situation, - 20 I High Street where the Jews of the Soviet Union Passaic Park, NJ 07055 OSEHCHESED 201471-1039 of Agudath Israel must be enabled to leave their I country for Eretz Yisroel. Yes, we 84 William Street have historic misgivings with the New York, NY 10038 UJA, and many of them still apply. ' Phone (212) 797-9000 Ext. 37 This decision, however, should be lP~~~] viewed against the backdrop of the -···" Six Day War (1967) and the Yorn Kippur War (1973). when the ~ 7~ /tvatta&d ::JWAYl "'00'1 )J'!l\"l American Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah tl/tl/ '1l:l called on religious Jews to enhance YOM IYUN-TFILLA :nnirn 0'•1rrn ,0"'1!1n Israel's security with contributions N"1l'D N:J::i roor.i::i to a UJAfund specifically earmarked Rabbi C. D. Keller, Shlita ~ for defense purposes, with the ex and Rabbi S. Freifeld, ZTL penditures of this fund monitored. "'Doq7::J )N'Ll' ')01' ::J'Yl Similarly, the contributions to the TWO TAPES FOR $7.50 N"l:>')I!! "111'1 'l\'O m>:lJOitl "1\:>1)!1'.l IND1VlDUAl TAPE FOR $5.00 UJA's Operation Exodus currently $t2 :nnr.i being sent to the offices of Agudath Rabbi Shimon Schwab ·rom:x1 !Y').1 ~'Vil? Israel of America, at 84 William ONE TAPE FOR $5-00 Bcchhofcr Street, N.Y.C. 10038, are set aside 6309 N. Sacramento Av. under a special arrangement to be PLEASE SEND REQUESTS AND CHECK TO: Agudath Israel of America Chicago, ll 60659 utilized only to cover the expenses Publicoflons Deportment 'or.i WlN:J 'IN of specific planeloads of Soviet emi 84 William Street grants to Israel. None of these funds N(;JW York, NY 10038 (312!_~:()()35, (718)868-3~ are diverted to any other purpose. 46 The Jewish Observer, January 1991 L. Oppenheimer ______=i DON'T DELAY! Now is the i time to ioin the A lonely sapling shiVers, in the frigid winter air, gone are ali its leaves, it cowers, exposed and bare, • '?K'11!l~ )111l~ '?10 :,1tJ '2~.i1:1)1 Swaying endlessly while waiting, in ever greater despair, &: Agudist Benevolent Society. Inc. For the long night to be over.for the spring to re-appear. • fo118:;r•ol Be~Ffds ;,,, rh" Fcm·ly /(hdd'F~ up to rhp ''9'' ".'! 20 v"'J'". Shuddering and withering, weathering blow after blow, • Blooo Be~! Bf"~'''',,,. If•? I-ore''" The icy wind cuts yet deeper, as the sleet turns to snow, "My lf{e, it is surely over, I can no longer grow." (718) 436-14J8 When suddenly, miraculously, the lifeline begins to flow. Aguclist a.nM"olent Society 84 Wiiiiam Street Through the veins the sap rises, its warmth so vitally needed N- York, NY 10038 Bringing a message of hope, its encouragement is spread unimpeded; Don't give in! Don't give up! Don't let my message go unheeded! Rejuvenate yourself, grow stronger, you are so desperately needed! Hand-me-down, put-me-in-a-box, And the sapling, though still coid, though very tired and worn, Thinks no more of succumbing, is no longer so forlorn; send-me-to-Israel For it now knows in its heart, that there shall soon be a new mom, Full offresh life and new hope, it shall once again be rebom. Based on Rav S.R. Hirsch Collected Writings Vol. II ,pp. 329-334 ~~&~z5 Sarah Shapiro The Used Clothing Center (Beged Yad LeYad) servicing three Jerusalem neighborhoods ls running v l e 0 r w I always wanted to touch the sky, to be tall enough to touch the Why. y Giants walked all around- alas, not I. Recycle your old clothes and I was just a child wondering why. let others enjoy them too. A Jewish child, I knew I was. Help • large families But what's in a name if there's no because? • poor kollel families • baalei teshuva families Still that child, I grew to be tall. • immigrant families Someone gave me two candles and I covered my eyes. Every $20 invested in postage is A weak human being, I touched the skies. worth $100 in clothing value. Send to: All right to be nothing, all right to be small, Weinbach, Panim Meirot 1, Jerusalem AU right to know almost nothing at alL Schwanz, Panim Meirot 4,Jerusalem I'd found my name, I was holding hands Greenberg, Panim Meirot 3,Jerusalem with Jews of many eras and lands. A Jewish woman. So that's what I was. I had yet to fmd why, but I had because. Sarah Shapiro, who lives in Jerusalem, is a frequent contributor to thes(' pages. Her book. Growing TIZKU LEMITZVOS!!I With My Children. was published recently by Targum Press. The Jewish Observer, January 1991 47 1"17) WHEN IT COMES TO ''DAF YOMI'' ALL YOU NEED IS THE WII.I. WE HAVE THE WAY! Over Your Nearest Phone 24 Hours ADay! I Available In English Or Yiddish I Begins Every Hour-On-The-Hour Share In The lmmeasutable Z'chus I Expert Maggidei Shiur Of This Mitzvah Of Harbotzas Totah. I Listen To Part In The Morning And The Rest In The Afternoon Or Evening Sponsor A Shiur Yt7 Afriend Or Relative I Listen To Difficult Portions As Often Or In Honor Of An Occasion. As You Like Or Just To Review The Cost ls Only $120 A Shiur. I Record The Shiur For Future Reference I The Possibilities Are Exciting & Endless MEMBERSHIP COST: $8 Per Month And AOne· Time $36 Regi•ratioo Fee. In The Long Island, Elizabeth, Edison, Passaic f;. Teaneck Areas The Monthly Fee ls $12. DIAL-A-OAF ls Heard On Even Hours Only. 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