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RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR 8 We Are Different, Rabbi Aaron Brafman
EDITORIAL BOARD I 0 A Statement from the Rabbinic Leadership of RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS Chairman Agudath Israel of America RABBI ABBA BAUDNY JOSEPH FRJEOENSON IS Chanuka:The Search forTrue Beauty, Rabbi Shimon Pinkus 7"~! RABBI VISROEL MEIR KIRZNER RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN 24 How Many American Jews Are There? 5,300,000? 2,300,000? PROF. AARON TWERSKI Rabbi Mordechai Plaut DR. ERNST L. BODENHEIMER Z"L RABBI MOSHE SHERER Z"L 3 0 Let My People Know! Rabbi Avrohom Birnbaum Founders
MANAGEMENT BOARD 3 8 Redefining "Kids at Risk," Malky Lowinger AVI FISHOF, NAFTOU HIRSCH ISAAC KIRZNER, RABBI SHLOMO LESIN NACHUM STEIN
RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING Focus ON T EFILLA Managing Editor Published by 4 l Be a Better Baal Tefilla, Rabbi Pinchas Jung Agudath Israel of America
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November 2002 VOLUME XXXV/NO. 9 Har;i\ Ch.tim H;irav -Sunch.1 l-h,-,1;- Yit?dm~ Har.n· RcmTn Har.w Ah,uon Har.wEk.1 Harw 7,cch,\r«l Harav Nafro)i Har.iv Yi~mcl Brc.,sk1 Buaim Ehri.:nfdd h:1gelstrn:k Fem stein h:ldm,111 Fisher. <..idlcy H;iJbcr,t.1m Meir Kagan AfommlmfvHm• i!alm•"·llrbb<
I-far«' Shmuel Berenbaum
The successful work of Oorah Kimv Rechokim is already well ~ Cha.;h,1m Ch.nm lknOliel known. Oorah was established with the endorsement and sup ]' port of Gedoeli Yisrocl, led by Reb Moshe Feinstein Z''TL and Reb Yaakov Kamenetzky ZT"L and is still busily involved in l drawing the hearts of our brothers closer to our Father in Heaven, especially by enrolling boys and girls in yeshivas. Understandably, this undertaking is an expensive one.
They have now established "Cucumber Communications" through which one can receive very low phone rates. All the profits go toward the expenses of their important work, creating an even broader influence. This is really a wonderful idea, by which everyone has the oppornmity to take part in this great mitzvah of Hatzolas Nefoshos at no cost. On the contrary, one profits from the low rates, there by reaping the fruits of the mitzvah in this world with the principle awaiting him in Olom Habah.
Therefore, it is appropriate and cor rect to aid them through joining in this endeavor. And may Hashem bless all who help them with all good things.
ALL (not part) of our proceeds go directly to save Yiddishe Neshomos. Harav Shmuel Harav Yirnkov Perlow Kamcnetzk)' Lebowitz Mandel Nm~mi,,,frt,.Rd,br
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(Written approximately culture. their truths self-evident, so are they 1175 A.D., the list has tragically become commonly forgotten or ignored:' much larger since then.) He writes that EVERYDAY DIFFERENCES from the time we received the Torah on IN ENDS ... AND MEANS RASH! AND THE RAMBAM Sinai, through which the Creator sep ON THE JEWISH ROLE arated us from the rest of the world, the t is not only in our manner of nations have been jealous of us (or angry response to major crises that we are here is a basic Torah principle that with us); they desire to do battle with I at odds with the host culture; even particularly now, when Jews are G-d (perhaps because we serve the world our everyday behavior and interaction Tunder attack all over the world, as a conscience) by destroying us and among people is meant to be different. must be re-emphasized and strength our Torah. The Rambam analyzes this We are expected to exercise care in what ened; and that is our special role and in great detail, and states several times we speak about and how we converse relationship to the Ribbono Shel Olam, that their attempts will not succeed. All with one another, and we attempt to for contemporary attacks on Jews are of those nations and their religions - develop middos tovos (fine character) in attacks on G-d and His Torah. however much they persecute us - will ourselves and our children, which Rashi points this out in his explana eventually be lost and gone: "Even if they should help us become more sensitive tion of the passuk that we say when tak seem to achieve success for a time, it will to others and concerned over their phys ing out the Sefer Torah from its ark not last, and we will survive." ical and emotional well-being. Yet these (Bamidbar 10,35): Before receiving the Torah, Hakadosh very areas are frequently neglected or "l"lOD 1Nlvr.l 1'D'!M ... J"'lWO 1r.lN'11'!1Nil lnPD '71"1 Baruch Hu said to us: "You shall be to assaulted by the media and our politi "When the Ark would travel, Moshe Me a kingdom of priests and a holy cal leaders. Most of the news in the eco would say ... Let Your enemies flee from nation." As Rabbi Samson Raphael nomic and political sphere is built on You." - "'1N1WD- Your enemies' - refers Hirsch explains, not only are we com lashon hara, shekker, being malbin p'nei to the enemies of Israel, but whoever manded to lead a life of purity and sanc chaveiro b'rabbim, or miskabeid b'klon Rabbi Brafman, rne1111hdofYeshiva Derech Ayson tity, we are also charged to be a light chaveiro (malicious speech, negative of Far Rockaway, NY, is a contributing editor to unto the nations of the world. As Jews, statements - both true and false - about The Jewish Observer. His 1nost recent essay in JO we are different, and despite the long others, embarrassing others, or malign was "Frccdo1n vs. Lin1its," Jan. '00. galus, and the layers of dust that have set- ing them for one's self-aggrandize- 8 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 ment). In the Torah's view, these are ter describes how a Jew was to relate to his Jews is that "they are merciful, modest, rible sins with dire consequences. eved (heathen slave), who occupied the and generous" (Yevanws 79a). This is 1'hc entire election process on the lowest level of economic and social sta part of any Jewish neshama and is clear political scene resonates with false tus: "One is permitted to work an eved ly visible even today. That is why West hood and self-aggrandizement, the arduously; nevertheless a more appro ern powers can attack Afghanistan and opposite of anava (humility) and avoid priate and wiser way [for the master J is drop 20,000 lb. bombs on their terrain ing honors- modes of behavior that we to be compassionate and just, not seek with only token concern for collateral consider ideal. By contrast, note how ing to place a heavy yoke on his slave; damage, while Israeli soldiers fight Gedolei Yisroel were selected and what he should not be made to feel house to house at great personal peril their attributes were - beginning from oppressed; he should be provided with rather than bomb the homes. Appar our earliest history, with Moshe all necessary food and drink .... The ently there is a streak com1non among Rabbeinu. Moshe did not want to master should not embarrass him phys- some that seems to relish war, finding assume leadership of the Jewish people until Hakadosh Baruch Hu in effect coerced him. And Moshe is described as "the most humble of men." This has been the paradigm for Gedolei Yisroel for • all time. here is a fine line between publicizing The greatest of our manhigim shun the performance of good deeds to the public spotlight, and assume lead T ership only when Kial Yisroel forces it inspire others, and boasting about them in upon them. Can you imagine the Chafetz Chaim or the Chazon /sh elec public relations releases. Perhaps there is tioneering and boasting about his record of achievement, and predicting much too much tooting our own horns and what he expects to accomplish? stridency in many of our publications. Yet many of these middos tovos have been undermined in our private and public dealings. The arrogance and stridency that characterize so 1nuch • American public discourse have crept into many of our own organizational public relations and are fostered by our ically or verbally. The Torah allows you a macho thrill in blasting the enemy to own media. While it is in place to occa to use him for work, not to sha1ne him. smithereens, as armies have been doing sionally take stock of our accomplish Do not shout or talk in anger to him, for generations, whereas deep in the Jew ments, much of it runs counter to what bnt rather calmly and pleasantly, and lis ish neshama is an abhorrence of blood the Navi Micha conveys, expressing what ten to his complaints .... Cruelty and shed. We fight for survival, bnt do not G-d wants from us: "To do justice, to aggression are found among non-Jew glory in the battle. love kindness, and to walk humbly with ish idolaters, bnt the descendants of From earliest times to the present, peo your G-d" (6,8)- that our charity, jus Abraham - the Jewish people to whom ple glorify violent heroes in war and con tice, and good deeds should be done qui G-d has beneficently given the Torah quest. Even American folklore boasts the etly and unobtrusively. Indeed, there is with its just and righteous statutes and likes of Daniel Boone and Davy Crock a fine line between publicizing the per laws - are merciful to all. In this man ett; note how video games, T.V., enter formance of good deeds to inspire oth ner we emulate G-d's attributes - as it tainment, and movies are full of violence. ers, and boasting about them in public says: 'And His mercy is on all His works' These are the hands of Eisav, whose very relations releases. Perhaps there is much (Tehillim 145,9)." essence is: "You shall live by the sword." too much tooting our own horns and Amazing! How different we are By contrast, we are called upon to ful stridency in many of our publications. expected to be from the norms estab fill our role as the descendants of the lished by the media, from the banter of paradigm of "The voice is the voice of GENTLE IN PEACE, talk-show hosts, comedy routines, and Yaakov" - articulating Torah and tefilla. RESTRAINED IN WAR general public discourse. Consider how Even our warriors -David Hamelech, for lack of respect for the individual has example - are not glorified as such. ur way of talking to people is become part of the attitude of society David is revered by us as the author of also supposed to be different. and has crept into onr world, as well. Tehillim. Thus Hashem tells him (in 0 Note how the Rambam Ghazal tell us that the hallmark of Divrei Hayamim 22,8) that he cannot The Jewish Observer, November 2002 9 build the Beis Hamikdash because he has Chazal: "Since the Mizbe'ach is designed might entail chillul Shabbos - could he shed much blood - even though he to lengthen a person's life (by granting assume the task? Reb Shlomo Zalman waged wars of mitzva. him forgiveness) and metal shortens a answered that one could perhaps permit the The Metzudas David explains that, person's life (as an instrument of war), assignment if it were absolutely necessary just as we cannot use metal to make the it is not appropriate to use a metal tool - as far as the issue ofShabbos was con Mizbei'ach (holy altar), so too could in fashioning the Mizbe' ach. Also, the cerned. However, "the assignment might David not be designated to build the Mizbe'ach creates peace between Israel entail killing people in cold blood - which Mikdash. and its Father in Heaven; an instrument would turn you into a n1urderer. That I can't This restriction itself is a compelling of destruction should not be used in its be mattir (permit)." lesson that again serves to ingrain with creation." The Ribbono Shel Olam gives a spe in us remarkable attitudes and sensi A Mossad agent in Israel posed a query cial promise (in Parshas Re'ay) that when tivities. On the passuk at the end of Yisro to Rabbi Shlamo Zolman Auerbach ':i"Yl: He we carry out the mitzva of destroying an that forbids the use of metal in the con was being asked to take on an assignment ir hanidachas (a totally corrupt city, all struction of the Mizbe'ach, Rashi quotes to go undercover inside Arab territory. It of whose inhabitants worship idols), "Hashem will endow you with mercy, and be merciful to you" (Deva rim 13,18). It is only due to Divine inter vention that we do not become affect ed by the military actions in which we engage. A LONG-TERM LEGACY hose traits of being merciful, modest, and generous are part of Tour legacy, and can therefore be found even among those Jews who unfor tunately have drifted away from Torah. Rabbi Dessler explains this phenomenon with an analogy to material wealth: A man amasses a fortune, and upon his death his children inherit it. If they handle it wisely, the fortune will grow, or at least continue to provide material benefit to future genera tions. If, however, the sons neglect their holdings, they may be able to live off its proceeds and even bequeath some money to their children, but by the third or fourth generation, the legacy will be gone. So too with our spiritu al legacy. Even those who have forsaken Torah can draw from its value system for several generations ... until it ulti mately dries up. Thus even irreligious Jews from parents, or at least grand ,,7/Ar. parents, who were frum have absorbed Ra~i !J.~~yashiv the penchant for chessed. They are fV:,, F. 7./) };;, (' • ~.,. • rachmanim t; <;;• .. r N (merciful) -which is why A ~l."'1"1i ,_,..._> \•·•)lt>,. 11(0 "'f'' Rabbi Malk.iel Kotler Rabbi Matesyahu Solomon Rabbi Yaakov Perlow so many social welfare initiatives and charitable organizations in America Please Make Your Tax Deductible Life Saving Donation Payable To Gomlei Chesed, 0.8. can be traced to Jewish founders; why AND RUSH TO RABBI MALKIEL KOTLER so many hospitals were built with Jew 521 Fifth Street Lakewood, NJ 08701 ish money, and so much of the liber ' nwm1 nn">w ilNl?l1'J ilN'J n1 il'fl i11u 'J'J!lnil'J KJ al civil rights activism involved Jews. 10 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 And this is why Golda Meir could say blessing, 'Who did not create me a hea would be willing to trade his share in after the Six Day War, "I cannot for then,' a miraculous power is renewed this world -yes, yes, in this world - for give Nasser for making our boys into within me to bear everything. Never the share of these accursed vil1ains, killers!' before did I utter this blessing with my whose good fortune is smiling upon But this does not last in perpetuity. whole being, for I did not know exact them at this moment? If each one of Eventually, later generations corrupt or ]y what 'heathen' meant. Truly, now we us were given the choice at this lose their sense of value and purpose, Jews know full well why we have to moment to be the victim or the vic and become self-indulgent and self-ori thank and praise and extol the timizer, what would he choose) even ented, or they distort the attribute of Almighty for 'not having make us like here, in this hell? Who would dare rachamin1 and \vorry 1nore about the the heathens, or like the families of the stand up and say that he is envious of aspirations and frustrations of Pales earth) not having given us a portion the lowly murderers and would like to tinians or the fate of endangered whales like theirs, and not having cast our lot be Hke one of them? By all means, let than the lot of their fellow Jews. with all their multitude! I need not him get up and say so. Who?" lt is only nurtured by Jews loyal to console you, my dear friends. The A hush fell upon the listeners. No Torah, who constantly recharge their blessing 'W110 did not create me a hea one spoke. spiritual core, n1aintain and increase then' should be sufficient to comfort Rabbi Shem felt the heartbeats of their chessed fro1n generation to gener every suffering Jew. the Jews in his own heart, and he went ation, as witnessed by the unbelievable "Let us consider the matter:' Rabbi on. nurnber of chessed organizations spon Shem grew excited and began to stand "Gevalt! Master of the Universe! Is sored by the contemporary Torah com up on his shaky feet. It was not his own there one Jew who would like You to n1unity, which deals with every in1agi strength enabling him to stand, but the turn him into a murderous heathen?" nable need. strength of the Jews around him, who Rabbi Dessler in Michtav M'Eliyalw were animated by his words. "I have a (pg. 347) described, in a letter to his son, YESTERDAY'S CHALLENGE serious question to ask you, my dear the end of the Talmud Torah-Yeshiva of ... AND TODAY'S Jews! Think about it carefully before Kelm, after pointing out to him the you answer it. I ask you, who of you exalted nature of that institution, ntil the recent past, Torah Jews have always lived with an aware U ness of their unique status. And despite the long gal us of oppression and persecution, of pogroms and Holocaust, they never lost sight of this. They drew '4/S YMKOVOF PASSAIC pride from being a Yid. In Moshe Prager's book Sparks of Glory (an English translation of the Hebre\v i'Tl'm )~:::Z), a collection of stories of spiritual heroism displayed by Jews during the Holocaust), he tells of Rabbi Shen1 of Cracow, a Rcbbe whose advice for the 2003-2004/ 1"tron was sought by many, and who worked his whole life to perfect the mitzva of school year "Love your friend and neighbor as your self." During his imprisonn1ent in a will be administered i1"'~ camp outside of Cracow, he continued to help and give chizzukto suffering fel December 22/ nJV t"' at 10:00 AM low Jews. Despite being tortured and beaten like the rest, he remained a source of inspiration to others until the Nazis at the school building ''""decided to kill him. As he was being led away to be hanged, he spoke to the 181 Pennington Avenue Jews surrounding hin1: "What can I say, iny fellow Jews? Passaic, NJ You want me to teU you how I am able to bear this burden? Very simple, friends. Each morning when I say the The Jewish Observer, November 2002 11 steeped in Torah and Mussar, which pro Yeshiva, and a tremendous sound of affluence (before 9/11, the intifada, duced many gedolim and people of lofty tefilla emanated from the beis midrash. and the rise of anti-Semitism in so stature. He reminded him how on Sim However, the time came and they saw many parts of the world), this point chas Torah all the bachurim would at that the middas hadin (Divine justice) has been neglected. Perhaps some of one point go into the streets and dance was prevailing. The Nazis came to take the social problems facing families and through the town singing with tremen them to the forest to be shot. Once children in recent years stem in part dous joy and exuberance "Ashreinu, n1a again, they all danced through the from the lack of appreciation of what tov chelkeinu - we are fortunate, how streets - despite being beaten - singing, it is to be a Yid. Perhaps despite all our good is our portion, how pleasant is our with the same exuberance and joy as on advances in the quantity and quality lot, how beautiful is our Simchas Torah: ''Ashreinu, ma tov of what is being learned, and despite heritage"(Morning Prayers). chelkeinu .... How good is our portion, the increase in the external perform Many years later, he pointed out, the how pleasant is our lot and how beau ance and ease with which we can Jive Nazis herded all the talmidim, the tiful is our heritage." as Torah Jews, we have lost sight of this Roshei Yeshiva and their families into the Perhaps in our recent spurt of defining joy, and have failed to implant it in ourselves and our chil dren. We have absorbed so much of the secular culture and lifestyle (albeit with a hechsher), that as Jews we have lost sight of the essential idea that we are different and have a special rela tionship with Hakadosh Baruch Hu, They had a father a great scholar, which should be the core of our very being and the pulse-beat of our every who aimed for the heavens on earth ... activity. Two weeks ago, on a peaceful Friday night, ULTIMATE EDUCATIONAL GOALS he suffered a MASSIVE HEART ATTACK! abbi Chaim Siegel 7"llt (late HE REACHED THE HEAVENS ••• Menahel of Mesivta Yeshiva RChaim Berlin) once asked But his POOR LITTLE CHILDREN Rabbi Hutner 7"llt (the Rosh Yeshiva of are down here! Chaim Berlin), "I am fully aware of educational goals and curriculum, but what should be the ultimate goal and bottom line of what we are to accomplish?" The Rosh Yeshiva answered, "To impart and implant in the talmidim the knowledge and awareness of 'Atta vechartanu mi'kal ha'amim."' Perhaps we take for granted that this is understood implicitly, but that is not Be an earthly emissary the case. In the American atmosphere of our heavenly father! of everything and everyone being equal, to the point of elevating animal rights to the human level, this concept HELP THEM! of Am Yisroets distinctive identity is being eroded. If we, as a nation, are C!'lease join us in answe;/;;g the plea of Gedo lei Ysroel ) under attack for being Jews, then this Rabbi Yosef S. Elyashiv Rahbi Aharon L. Shteinmen Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach Rabbi Nisin Karelitz core, fundamental idea must be rein forced, both in our homes and our Rabbi Michoel Y. Lefkowitz Rabbi Yaakov Perlow Rabbi Malkiel Kotler Rabbi Matisyohu Salomon yeshivas. Please Rush You Tax-deductible Donation Payable To· Rabbi Matisyahu Salomon has Hatzolas Nefoshas spoken on several occasions (in our REBETZIN R. KOTLER: 515 Filth Street. Lakewood, New Jersey 08701 yeshiva, this past June) about the ------12 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 meaning and lessons to be learned through the Birchas HaTorah, which we say every day. He explained the beracha "Asher bachar banu mi'kal ha'amim,"by adding the insight of the Bach - that this is a time to remem THE JUDAICA PRESS ber the actual giving of the Torah on Sinai.1'here is a mitzva to remember) FACING THE MUSIC and not forget, the events of Sinai, A novel by Eva Vogiel, author of /nuisible Chains and Friend or roe and to make them known to our chil Zeesie Lipstein harbors fantasies about her future that dren and grandchildren. This is the both her n1other and her teachers tell her are unrealistic. place and vehicle for remembering it. Then-through a series of strange occurrences, myst.erious For all of our Torah is predicated on meetings, and astonishing discoveries-Zeesie realizes that avvesome experience, which all of that a ve1y different future await.s her. Klal Yisroel experienced together. Find out what happens when it's time for The Rambarn in Iggeres Taiman, Zeesie to face the music ... after listing the many empires that had tried to destroy us) and reassuring Yemenite Jewry that no one will be suc cessful in destroying us, for our foes will Timeless Stories of Hope and Inspiration ultimately vanish from the world arena, by Sorah Shapiro writes, "This book .. captivates the reader and sends a holy message "Remember the experience of that each of us can triu1nph over our trials with the guiding Sinai) which Hakadosh Baruch Hu hand of Hashem." -Ruchan1a Shain, author, All For the Boss commanded us to remeinber, and bade us to teach to our children, so TAKING CARE OF MOM, TAKING CARE OF ME they should grow up with this knowl Coping With a Relative's Illness and Death edge .... It is fitting, my brothers, that by Sima Schlos.~, author of Starting (_)per you should raise your children on that In the space of five years, Mrs. Schloss confronted the great event and talk about it in your of MOM, congregations ... because that is the TAKING CARP sickness and loss of seven close family members. While the years she spent caring for her ailing parents and foundation of our faith." ~!ME '"'""'""·"'""'''' grandparents were trying, they were also a source of Perhaps this is a missing ingredient '"" ,~ ',,. """' tremendous spiritual growth. Read about her journey of in Jewish life today. We are so caught up pain and healing, and allow her insights to be a source of in the daily pressures oflife and perform comfort and support for you as well. so many of the necessary externals of Yiddishkeit, that we rarely stop to 60 MINUTES THAT CAN SAVE A CHILD reflect and teach our children the nature of our essence. If we, as adults, Tula Sixty-Minute Tapes for Parents and Teachers and certainly our children, could be by Rabbi David Go!dvvasser made to feel special - not because of any Raising children is one of our greatest challenges. Now, for grade or other achievement, but the first time, parents and teachers come t.ogether in because of who they and we are in an open forum with Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser. essence - many of our problem areas Hear the provocative discussion and reap the rich rewards. would be easier to tackle. If we would understand what it means when Haka : Too Big, Too um, , dosh Baruch Hu says "Am zu yatzarti ... 1ustRight1 TOO BIG, TOO LITTLE ... JUST RIGHT! ~ ~ I created this nation for Me, that they Written and illustrated by Loren Hodes n1ay relate My praise" - what an awe some privilege and responsibility it is, Like many kids, Racheli feels that "life's not fair!" She's too big to be a baby, and too little to be a big our lives would be immeasurably more kid. Join Racheli as she learns that the best thing in exalted, refined and purposeful. Perhaps life is to be exactly what you are ... yourselfl now - as we approach what may very well be the end of time - it is time to live it as it is supposed to be. 718-972-6200 • 800-972-6201 • www.judaicapress.com The Jewish Observer, November 2002 13 "A LIGHT UNTO NATIONS" 111111 light unto the nations:' In Ch. 2, where he talks about the End of Days, he says: he current climate may well be e are so caught up "Many peoples will go and say, 'Come, part of the process of preparing in the daily let us go up to the Mountain of Hashem, Tthe world to return to G-d com W to the 1emple of G-d of Jacob, and He pletely when Moshiach comes. pressures of life and will teach us of His ways and we will In our long, bitter galus, in which we walk in His paths.' For from Zion will have suffered so much at the hands of perform so many of the the Torah come forth, and the word of other nations, we have forgotten that we necessary externals of Hashem from Jerusalem." ultimately are meant to be a light unto The sin1ple 1neaning of this passage, the nations. On Rosh Hashana, we pray Yiddishkeit, that we according to the commentaries, is that primarily for Malchus Shamayim rarely stop to reflect and the Torah and Jews will be the teachers (Hashem's dominion) to be accepted by and guides for all of mankind. the entire world. teach our children the When all idolatries, which includes Note how a true gadol viewed his role nature of our essence. all the "isms.'' will prove to be mean and what his attitude was. (I heard this ingless and empty (as we have wit story years ago from Rabbi Yechiel Perr. nessed) as a way of life; when false reli 111111 It is now printed in the I" volume of the gions will become discredited and lose recent biographical works of the To which the Chafetz Chaim respond their appeal; as mankind sinks more and Chofetz Chaim ?NW"l'l' "l'Nl:i.) ed, "First, they are also people. Secondly, it more into 1neaningless hedonism and The Ponovezher Rav used to travel to says that eventually the entire world ivill be violence, they will turn back to G-d and South Africa to raise funds for his yeshiva. filled with the knowledge of G-d, which seeks His ways through Torah, as we say Once, upon his return, he visited the includes everyone, so shouldn't I be con in "Aleinu": "Ve'al kein nekaveh lecha .. . . Chafetz Chaim, who asked him. "What is cerned with their ivelfare?" And therefore we put our hope in You .. . the situation of the blacks in South Africa?" This is perhaps the effect of Sep to remove detestable idolatry from the After relating some of his observations, tember 11 '" on the spiritual state of the earth ... to perfect the universe through the Ponovezher llav asked the Chafetz world. the Almighty's sovereignty." Chain1. "Why is the Rebbe so concerned The Navi Yeshaya speaks many times And Kial Yisroel will be their about the blacks in South Africa?" about our role to be "ohr lagoyim - a teachers. B The concluding volume in our six-volume history of Torah transmission. by the renowned author and educator, RABBI ZECHARIAH FENDEL This is truly the "Book of the Century," bringing, as it does, a rich Torah perspective to the turbulent events of the twentieth century! A culmination of our renowned History of Torah Transmission, this is the story of the turbu lent 20"' century, when the Jewish People rose from the ashes of the Holocaust and rebuilt their Torah centers in all comers of the Diaspora. It is the story of the Eternity of Torah. Kristallnacht • The awesome Holocaust • Extensive anthology of spiritual heroism • Apathy of Western Powers • A rebirth of Torah from the ashes • in America • in Eretz Yisroel • Divine guidance• 432 pp. Acquire entire 6-vol. History Seti A Magnificent Chanukah Gift! . 5762 years of Torah transmission at your fingertips I 118 original Charts; 16 Maps; Footnotes; Indices. ~ Buy 6 books, and receive any 2 volumes Of "Charting the Mesorah," Free [list, '17.90]. urchase to Publisher for free bonus, ires 12131/02. Books available from sefarim stores, or ubijsher. 14 The Jewish Observer;. November 2002 1ves• "I had no idea anyone at OHEL could understand my son's pain. I never knew there were other young men and women suffering in silence like my son did." 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NOAM Monsey, NY KEHILAS YAAKOV PUPA Williamsburg, NY VICTORY APARTMENTS NYC, NY JOYLAND ACRES Monticello., NY OHRHATORAH Brooklyn, NY .. , "· ' ' . better ·5302 Hew Utrecht:Av~nue I ,· h · '~h·"'Brooklyn, HY 11219 · eQ1l .: i>Kont:718-436-4801 . , ' A Statement from the Rabbinic Leadership of Agudath Israel of America Schocken Press recently published a book consisting afa dialogue on fundamental principles offaith between a recognized Tarah scholar and the leader of the Association of Reform Zionists of America. The boakjacket describes the exchange as an "unprece dented ... exploration of the {religious] issues that divide them." The Torah community viewed the book as an unacceptable violation of established restrictions against engaging in religious discussions with anti-IOrah spokesman. 1'he Moctzes Gedolei Hatorah (Council of Torah Sages) of Agudath Israel of America responded to the book with the statement that follows: DECLARATION A distressing development has occurred in our the falsehood of our time, locked in the spiritual community, the publication of a book that presents prison that our world has become. All such Jew a debate between, on the one hand, a faithful Jew and ish souls stood with us at Har Sinai and heard with ta/mid chochom and, on the other, a Reform leader us as one the eternal word of Hashem, and in the whose premises reflect his· denial of the very bases depths of their being their souls cry that "our will of our faith. The entire gestalt of the book and its is .to do Yours?' There is undoubtedly a special duty promotion, including the strong public emphasis on incumbent on us all to strengthen and support them, the warm colleagial interaction between the two and help return them to their spiritual home. authors aud joint promotional appearances before large audiences, represents a blurring of boundaries The book in question, however, is not the way between darkness and light, and an undermining of to do so. The Torah must be presented to the mass the Jewish religious tradition. That tradition, hand es - pure and straightforward- as it was present ed down to us from Sinai, is distorted in the pages ed to our people at Har Sinai, unsullied by decid ofthe book through the words of one who falsifies edly unTewish ideas. We may not treat our perfect Torah. What is more, the general impression left by Torah on a par with others' casual speculations. the book promotes the unacceptable notion that there Light cannot co-exist with darkness, nor can false is some parity between two legitimate approaches to hood be peddled along with truth. The book, there Judaism, as if to say: "Here, dear reader, are two ways fore, is an entirely unacceptable enterprise, one to of seeing the world:' Such is a debasement of the which we forcefully object. Furthermore, all who essence of the Jewish faith. recognize our.responsibility to "not veer after your hearts," to shun all that denies the truth of our tra Let it be made clear that we are not unaware of dition, should keep far from our homes any book the benefit, and the need in our time, of clarifying like this one. May Hashem repair the breaches of the truth ofthe Torah to those who have never heard His nation Yisroel with mercy, and enlighten our it. Nor are we unaware of the obligation of feeling eyes with His Torah. brotherhood and love for all Jews, including those Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah of America who have been brought up with and ensnared by Cheshvan, 5763 The author responded; renouncing his involvement The Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah, welcomed the in this enterprise: author's statement, and acknowledged it as a sign of As everyone knows, I have acted lesheim shamay strength. im and on the advice of people older and wise than A lengthier discussion of the topic will appear in I am. I accept the declaration of the Moetzes Gedolei a future issue. Hatorah, as I am sure my advisors do, beleiv shaleiln and without reservation. YYR ------.-···----··------·------.------···--.-----.---- The Jewish Observer, November 2002 17 Rabbi Shimshon Pinkus CHANUKA The Search for True Beauty ADAPTED FOR PUBLICATION BY AVROHOM BIRNBAUM THE SACRED CYCLE OF c¢dll'J'''by the Holy Days of Rosh SPIRITUAL GROWTH Hashan~ ~nd Yorn Kippur, enabling us b~ spiritually prepared to stand ur festivals follow a pattern, .. et the chupa - the succ~,."'J~lth beginning with Pesach and cul 'Hashem. Simchas Torah is the culmi- 0 minating in Chanuka and nation of the High Holiday s~as~n; the Purim. This cycle represents the sus day when we celebtf!te the ultimate joy tained and ongoing growth of Am Yis ·of being together with the Torah, rep- roe~ the Jewish nation. Let us explore the resenting them .. ted moment, the place of Chanuka in this annual cycle. of l_ oneness with (Purim will wait for another occasion.) Pesach commemorates the birth of ]'. .in the cycle is the Jewish nation. Pesach's special diet hlinuka achieve a of matza is analogous to an infant who g:her rung on the must have special food so as not to harm ·sh Hashana his delicate digestive system. Pesach is the infancy of the Jewish nation. Shavuos represents the time when the '~-'as nation reached maturity in its relation and ship with Hashem, realized Succos with acceptance of Torah and mitzvos. And then there is Succos - the cha suna, the marriage of the Jewish pea- ···---- Rabbi Pinkus lived in Ashkelon where he served as Rav. lie, was a revered teacher in hashkafa pie to Hashem. Prior to the wedding, he passuk in Shir Hashirim (Torah philosophy) and a leading figure in kiruv however, it is necessary for the bride (3,11) refers to "Yorn chasuna in Israel, until his untimely death two years ago. and groom to purify themselves so, u'beyom simchas Zibo - the Rabbi Birnbaum, of Lakewood NJ, is a freques T nt contributor to these page. through teshuva. Succos is thus pre- day of his wedding, the day of the ------18 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 gladness of his heart:' When a mature THE ETERNAL STRUGGLE the arrival of the time of Moshiach will chassan and kalla stand together under he be healed. The Kabbalists explain that the chupa, it is clear that although it o1ne 3,500 years ago there was a the Sar of Eisav temporarily took away is yam chasunaso, it is not yet yo1n sim wrestling match that changed the from Yaakov, from the Jewish nation, chas libom, the day of true joy, because Scourse of world history forever. one of the seven attributes of Hashem in the back of their minds, there is still This was the fight between our forefa called hod- beauty. Perhaps we can give much uncertainty. They do not know ther Yaakov and the Sar (ministering a simple explanation to this cryptic how their new life together will turn angel) of Eisav. Chazal relate that the statement of the Kabbalists. out. Until this point, everything has dust that they kicked up as they wres been carefully scripted. On the day of tled rose up to the Heavenly throne. The THE BEAUTY OF GREECE the chasuna and even continuing passuk relates that they fought until alas through the Sheva Brachos, life is beau hashachar, daybreak. Commentators eep in our heart of hearts, we all tiful, with everybody playing their part explain that contained within that fight know good from evil. Still, we to the utmost. A chassan and kalla who were all of the wars until the end of time, Dcan be distracted and confused are intelligent and mature, however, until the new dawn of Moshiach. The by the manifestation of external beau understand that the period of Torah tells us that even though Yaakov ty. Is it good? Is it bad? Or, perhaps, is courtship through n1arriage is not an Avinu was victorious, Eisav slightly it a bit of both? accurate reflection of how their future wounded him. "He dislocated Yaakov's Yes, we are impressed with beauty together will be. How will they react hip socket and Yaakov limped that and knowledge. When a handsome under stress? What will happen when night until the sun rose and healed him:' person walk into a room impeccably they have a disagreement? True hap Indeed, in that fight, Yaakov ulti dressed in a well-tailored suit, piness only comes after their first real mately proved himself more powerful starched shirt, with a matching tie and ly serious argument. After they over than all of the evil in the world. Never glossy shoes, we are immediately come that hurdle, resolve their theless, he did not escape unharmed and impressed. He 1nakcs a positive differences and make up, that is truly he limped until the morning. Only with impression. While cerebrally we may the day of "simchas libom, true hap piness." This is the role of Chanuka. Yes, Rosh Hashana, Yorn Kippur and Suc cos are all beautiful, exalted times, but they are like the chasuna. Everything is For careful attention to your scripted. We are on our best behavior. individual needs, call us today! What happens, however, after these holy days pass? We return to our (845) 354-8445 mundane, ordinary lives. In these everyday activities, we are exposed to and encounter Greek culture, at aln1ost Why did the Chofetz Chaim & R'Chaim Ozer Grodzinskv start Ezras Torah? every turn. Chazal say, "Greek culture is darkness." How do we pull ourselves TO SAVE ont of that pervasive darkness and still TALMIDEI CHOCHOMIM show fidelity to Hashem? '"""""'"""" FROM THE PAIN AND SHAME OF POVERTY. "'""" "'''"""" Chanuka is the candle - the light - In an ideal world, those who devote their lives to Torah Emergency Medica.f Funds, Wedding Assistance, Yam TovStipends, that enables the Jew to dispel the sur would be recognized as the spiritual heroes that they are. Simchas & Special Need's Grants & Loans Support Ezras Torah's Zedakah Proarams and make that Make a life of Torah devotion and commitment an rounding cultural darkness and there ideal a reality. everlasting edifice that will bring us the Rabbonim, Oayonim by find closeness to Hashem. Chanu In Eretz Yisroel today, Ezras Torah provides Housing, and Leaders of tomorrow! ka represents the permanence of the STAND UP FOR TORAH! HELP EZRAS TORAH'S relationship of the Jewish nation with COMMITTED SCHOLARS AND FAMILIES STAND STRONG! Hashem through thick and thin, even y.-ES";i-INCiiii-li-ii-K:li-TCi-iiiCL:i>"Ez-iiA:s--i()i:i-Aiii ______during the most mundane of times. ENCLOSED IS MY TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTR!BUTION FOR: Make payments to: Thus Chanuka fits into the cycle of hol Cl $18 L:J $36 O $100 O $180 Cl $250 O $360 O $500 n $1000 n Other$ EZRAS TORAH Method of payment: O Check n Visa O M/C O A/E -~ 235 EAST BROADWAY, idays in the Jewish calendar. Acc.#: Exp. Date: NEW YORK, NY 10002 Still, if the holidays are an upward Name ______... ______···-----·-Phone____ ·-"··- PHONE: 212·227·8960 Address ------·------Please contact me regarding spiral, how is Chanuka on a higher spir estab!ish·mg an Ezras Torah itual level than all of the holidays begin City - .--··---·-;c=~-===-c=~-cc==c=.~~'.:'---'"---·-- Endowment Fund for a: EZRAS "TDRAl-i 0 Free Loan fund ning with Pesach? D Medical fund The Jewish Observer, November 2002 19 recognize that beneath the facade may Chazal tell us that Yavan - Greece implies\ co-opted beauty in our lie a thief or an evil person, his - was a grandson of Yefes, one of world. When the Sar of Eisav struck appearance blurs that knowledge. Noach's sons. Yefes, as his name Yaakov, he captured the concept of beauty on behalf of other nations. Of FORA course, Yaakov re1nained with truth, MOST with Torah, and we Jews do not I BoRuck LEARNS H!s BROC:kos ENJOYABLE AND ENTERTAIN.! G attach much significance to beauty. 2. Boiruck LW:NS 4boUT CHANUl *" Yofi'' means beauty 20 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 TRUE JEWISH BEAUTY Yaakov clandestinely escaped from The Yevanim pursued the same goal. Lavan's house, Lavan pursued him for They did not wish to destroy the Beis n truth, however, despite the fact that three days. When he ultimately caught Hamikdash. When Antiochus came in to Eisav struck Yaakov, he did not gain up with him, Yaakov asked, "What is my the Beis Hamikdash and wanted to bring I a monopoly over all the beauty in the sin? What is my transgression that you a chazir (pig) for a sacrifice, he quoted world. There was one place where Jew have pursued me?" (Bereishis 31, 36) the passuk (Isaiah 56,7): "For Yerusha ish beauty shone through, without any To this, Lavan responded very layim will be a house of prayer for all Greek influence - Yerushalayim. The sharply, "The daughters are my daugh nations." He claimed that the Beis passukdescribes Yerushalayim as "kelilas ters, the children are my children. Hamikdash is not exclusively for Jews. Yoji:' We cannot even fathom the pro Everything you have belongs to me:' "You bring your sheep on the found, yet simple beauty of Yerusha Lavan in essence was saying: "Why are Mizbei'ach, and I will bring my pig. We layim. you running away? Let us live together. can live together," he said. "You have Chazal tell us that the Menora was We can co-exist. Your sons and daugh knowledge, I have beauty. Let us co hammered out of an immense block of ters can also be mine." exist." pure gold, which was purified and melted down repeatedly until all that 6w accepting remained was a kikar ( 150 lb. block) of applications for the purest solid gold, which Chazal tell '"""'" ''"" /2003-2004 us shone like the sun and the stars! Even for the serious talmida who aspires more beautiful than the Menora was the to grow and achieve in a warm Kohein Gadol who, when dressed in his and congenial erivirOnment. special raiments, appeared as striking Our seminary ,was established and pure as a heavenly angel. with the encouragement and This manifestation of Jewish beauty guidance of Gedolei Hader. irked Yavan. The Jewish People was A Seminary with a highly devoted encroaching on his territory. "Beauty is and qualified staff where strong :rn!lpwn and i1"\1hn ri:inN are mine!" he claimed. "You have truth and imparted to the talmida. Torah, but not my beauty:' For this rea son, during the Chanuka era, the focus of the war between the Yevanim and the Jews was the Beis Hamikdash and the Kohanim. And this is why we sing in Maoz Tzur nn!I '" inn!! "na'aseh nes lashoshanim- a miracle was ... c;:,? nn!lx 'lxi performed for the roses:' The Jewish people during the Chanuka struggle are Rav Y. Oelbaum • Rav N. Bruck• Rav D. Gibber referred to as "roses.'' The beauty of roses is completely superficial, and this is what Rav M. M. Weiss• Rabbi M. Schloss• Reb. M. Eisenberg disturbed Yavan. He argued, "You can Reb. Y. Karelitz •Reh. D. Kitevirz • Reb. N. Lerman have the inner beauty, the truth, the Miss R. Licht • Reb. B. Rubin • Reb. R. Slomowitz Torah. But the roses are ours!" On Chanuka, the Chashmonaim Mrs. 5. Stein • Reb. M. Steinharter • Mrs. }l Stern fought to demonstrate that Torah is not lv1rs. L. Waxman • Reb. M. Weinberg • Reb. F. Wolpin only true and worthy, but also possess Miss E. Zeffren • Mrs. Y. Zwick es an esthetic beauty. We do not have to IN A WORLD OF CHANGING turn to Greece to experience beauty. We For information VALUES, IT IS ESSENTIAL have our own. TO MAKE FORMAL PROVISIONS please call FOR THE EDUCATION OF OUR BNOS YISROEL THE STRUGGLE OF CHANUKA: Rebbitzen Steinharter at CO-EXISTENCE • il' )jl," 1'.'.l:J ! 718-258-2711 Preparation for )'KW"l his battle over beauty between • O~it ni)n: '~:, ~'if<\:\\ GR,n I \ !Y; l' "\+~<>~ ! l Responsibilities and Bnei Yisroel and Yavan has its ' ~ 7 ll 8-972.:790~' ' ' ' ' source in the confrontation privilege of raising happy T and healthy children between Yaakov and Lavan. When 1681 - 83 42nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11204 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 21 Rachel and Leah, however, respond ed to Lavan with a sentiment that serves as the paradigm for true Jewish moth ers throughout the generations: ''Are we not considered by him [Lavan J as Personal responsibility throughout service - NOT JUSf "PAPERWORK" strangers?" In essence they were saying, ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT RABBINICALLY APPROVED METHOD "We want nothing to do with him. We Highly recommended bJ Gedolai Uador- Here and in Eretz Yisrael cannot live together with him. Co-exis 1043-42nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219 tence is beyond consideration!" Day & Night phone: (718) 851-8925 The dialogue between Yaakov and Lavan continued, and Lavan urged )JJt"D~1~D~j7 Jll"j7 - )'iJ 1~l nlD)I)) '1l~ Kavod Haniftar with Mesiras Nefesh and compassion for the bereaved family. Yaakov to join him in a covenant. The TAHARAS HANIFTAR SHOULD NEVER BE COMMERCIALIZED Torah tells us, "They took a pile of stones, which Yaakov called [in Lashon Kodesh J 'Gal ed'." Lavan, however, chose a different name: the Aramaic words "Yegar sahadusa." Both mean a "pile of Subscribe or give a gift of stones;' but Lavan's choice connoted that there would one day be a co-existence between the nation of Hashem and those The Jewish Obseroer who speak a foreign language. The word yegar has the numerical value of 213, says the Megaleh Amukos. He explains and $ave! that the Chanuka episode took place during the 213•h year after the building WHY NOT GIVE OR GET A PRESENT of the Second Beis Hamikdash. Lavan THAT WILL LAST AN ENTIUE YEAU? was saying, "Yes, for now you can be alone and separate from me. There will Subscribe, or give a gift at these reduced prices be a time, however, 213 years after the and The Jewish Observer- filled with the views building of the Beis Hamikdash, when of ]eading Torah thinkers on current issues- will be our cultures will mix together:' That is de1ivered each month, directly to your door. why he specifically called it by its Ara 'I'he longer you subscribe for, the larger your savings. maic, not Jewish name. Yaakov, however, retorted that the Of course, this offer is unconditionally guaranteed; name was "Gal ed." The passuk in V' Zos you may cancel at any time and receive a refund for Habracha says, "And Hashem showed all undelivered copies. Moshe Gilad." The Gemora tells us, "Gilad is the Beis Hamikdash:' Yaakov So order today. and the very next issue vi.1ill be on was in effect saying,"No! Lashon its ·way to you as soon as possible. Hakodesh will prevail. In the Beis Hamik dash, that holiest of places, there will be no Greek influence. Even the beauty that 0 YES, I want to take advantage of this money saving offer! Enter 1ny order as follows: is contained in the Beis Hamikdash will 0 SE!.F 0 GIFT be a uniquely Jewish beauty, without any rs~ •OFl'SJDE: i\am1''------or.u rsA \ddn SS non-Jewish influence." 0 ~years Cover Priee $105 Your cost $60 $96 Ci1y ______That is the essence of Chanuka. 0 2 years Cover Price $70 Your cost $44 S68 Chanuka is the time when a Jew must State _____ Zip ____ 0 1 year Cm·er Prier $35 Your cost $24 Sa6 realize that Torah and mitzvos are not ::J ~f'rnl l(ift ea rd from: only the ultimate truth, but they are the U [nclo,<'d: S ____ m ultimate beauty. Charg" my: 0 MaslnCainl J HSA Ghazal teach us that Torah is not only 42 Broadwi1v, 14th Flo1Jr, Nf'\\· York. NY 10004 r\('{·ounl No. ____ Th<' }nn'h m,:er1'1'r ~' 1mb/i,/ird tru>ruh/.,· e;·,·rpl }ufr mu/ i1'rg'1. ------.. -···~---- 22 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 of how dear the Torah is. It is "true, cer ish the beauty of a blatt Gemara, you will own. And they all bear fruit. tain, fair;' and so on. The final descrip see and feel the beauty of a mitzva or a This appreciation of true Yiddishe tion on the list is" va'yafeh - beautiful:' Chassidic tale. You will understand beauty, the beauty that one can only We do not have to turn to Yavan in order how beautiful your neshama could be, experience through rejection of super to procure beauty. Our own Torah is how beautiful your children can be. ficial Greek beauty that seeks to con exquisitely beautiful, Jewishly beautiful. 1ruly beautiful. taminate us, will bring the Alas It possesses a unique Jewish beauty. Let us remember the words of the Ilm Hashachar, the dawn of a new era Ezra: "Do not turn to the wisdom of when Eisav's dominion will forever be CULTIVATING A TASTE Yavan, because they have no fruit, only expunged, and the Jewish nation will FOR JEWISH BEAUTY flowers:' Chanuka tells us that not only once again experience the profound is the fruit ours, the flowers, the beau beauty of the Beis Hamikdash and the an we access, appreciate and ty also belongs to us. Our own literature, Kohein Gadol with the advent of achieve that unique beauty? How our own music, our own legal systen1, lvfoshiach. II Ccan we find the "roses" in Yid have a symmetry and beauty of their dishkeit without feeling that we have to turn to Yavan? It is not easy. We live in a world per meated by - even saturated with - the BEIS YAAKOV SEMINARY darkness of Yavan. We have become so addicted to Yavan that we sometimes fail of London to realize how it has crept into our own psyche. We teach our children Torah, we K"tl''iW il'1 '17;'1 ':l~ 1')01' i"i;"J11j )/';ii;i li1K'Wl:J send them to the best schools because Founder Principal Rabbi .J. Dunner we know that the Torah contains the Principal Rabbi R. Dunner truth. When we have to entertain them, however, we feel that in order for them to be "healthy children," we must stim Applications are invited ulate them with the latest distractions and decadence from Yavan. from prospective students Contemporary society is steeped in the beauty of Yavan. Its effect on us is for Ellul 5763 analogous to somebody who sits down to a traditional Israeli Oriental Shabbos Stimulating learning programme meal, and is given the sharp Oriental dip called charif to put on his challa. The plus many course options with first class uninitiated will dig deeply, bite gener learning and dormitory facilities ously and immediately experience such a burning sensation in his mouth that Closing date for applications no matter how sweet and delectable the fish, the kugel, and any other food that Rosh Chodesh Shevat I 4th January 2003 follows, it will all taste like more of the hot charif His mouth cannot respond to any other taste sensation. The sa1ne For further details, can be said with regard to the Hellenistic prospectus and application form culture that surrounds us. The more we please contact the Seminary office expose ourselves to it, the less chance we have of fully understanding and expe 196-198 Lordship Road riencing true Jewish beauty. London N16 SES England If one wants to sample the Torah's delights, he simply cannot fill up his Tel +44 (0)20 8800 4719 "mouth" with spicy, tongue-tickling condiments - that non-Jewish culture Fax +44 (0)20 8800 6067 - no matter how intriguing it might Email: [email protected] look. Heed this cautionary note, and you Registered Beth Jacob Seminary Charity no 312913 will then see true beauty. You will rel- The Jewish Observer, November 2002 23 Mordechai Plaut How Many American Jews Are There? 5,300,000? 2,300,000? An examination ofa recent demographic survey OUR STRENGTH - NOT IN NUMBERS BY WHAT CRITERIA? "Russian;' you do not ask him to say "comrade" in Russian to prove it. If some ((you were not desired by fuller analysis of who exactly is one says that she uses Detergent X, you Hashem because of your included in this group leaves one do not ask to see her ring-around-the multitudes ... because you Awondering whether this is mere collar. You just take people's word for it. are the least of all peoples;' (Devarim ly a description of the current situation For most concepts and groups, this 7,7). Jewish power in galus is based on or a prescription for whom the authors works fine. They are well-defined and our prayer and not on our numbers. think should be included. It is clear, how there is no uncertainty about who is in Chazal emphasize that we do not rely on ever, that religious Jewish communal bod and who is out. With regard to other social our material clout to ensure our safety, ies do not regard much of this group as questions, often it is the attitude itself that but on our relationship with Hashem. their constituency, as will soon be shown. is of interest and being measured ("What Our survival and success in America, as (A report of the study is available elec is your opinion on the death penalty?"); in our other exiles, is not due to our large tronically at www.gc.cuny.edu/studies or else, they are groups in which you are numbers, but due to our strong Father. /studies_index.htm) what you say you are (more or less) unless On the contrary, there is every reason This core Jewish population is divid you are lying. If you say you are a Demo to understand that we are as few as we ed by the authors into three major crat, you are a Democrat. If you say you really are, so that we do not chas groups: BJR (Born into the Jewish Reli are a Methodist, you are a Methodist. vesholom get confused and think that gion), that is people born into the Jew The situation with Jews is much more our influence is our own doing. ish religion and still there, JBC (Jews by complex. Nonetheless, in times past this The "official" statistics that most peo Choice), meaning those who have con approach gave a reasonable approxima ple quote, based on the "National Jewish verted or "otherwise" become committed tion of those who were actually Jewish. Population Survey- 1990" putthe Amer to being Jewish, and JNR (Jews with No If someone said they were Jewish, they ican Jewish population at 5.5 million. A Religion), those who said they had an eth probably were. But in these assimilationist new "official" study, "American Jewish nic Jewish background but were not at all times, after three to four previous assim Identity Survey, 2001 "conducted (as was religious. A major group not included in ilationist generations, that is no longer so. the first) by respected demographers and the core population is JOR (Jew of The meaning of "Jew" is not agreed social scientists and published last Feb Other Religions) - that is, those born Jew upon. Some people "feel Jewish" but may ruary, says that this number has declined ish but now professing another religion. not be. It depends on what you mean by to 5.3 million. The big question is: 5.3 mil It is very important to realize that these "Jewish." Is it someone born of a Jewish lion WHAT? groups are self-defined. Thus, survey mother? Or also someone born of a Jew The number of 5.3 million is supposed respondents are asked questions and their ish father? Or also someone who identi to count what the authors of both stud answers are simply written down and fies with the Jewish people? ies call the "Core Jewish Population" of counted, without any attempt to challenge In the previous study in 1990, no ques the United States. This group includes, or verify them. If a respondent says that tions were asked about parentage. Last write the authors of the study (Egon both his or her parents were Jewish, for year in the new study, those interviewed Mayer, Barry A. Kosmin and Ariela example, he or she is marked as a person were asked about their parents, and Keysar, of the Institute for Jewish Stud born of two Jewish parents. There is not their answers were recorded. The results ies of the Graduate Center of the City Uni even a follow-up question asking if are interesting indeed. versity of New York), "those whom most either of them converted or not. Jewish communal bodies accept without This is standard for academic surveys, JEWS AND HALACHIC JEWS qualification as potential members of their and gives a result that is valid for their communities." purposes. Most social groups are simply he total of the Core Jewish Pop Rabbi Plaut of Jerusalem is editor of the English made up that way. If you ask someone ulation that claims to be halachi language Yated Ne' em an weekly in Israel. what his native tongue is and he answers Tcally Jewish, in the sense of ------·---·------··--- 24 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 claiming to have at least a Jewish moth· reported no current religious prefer themselves Jewish by religion ( 16%) do er, is only 4,041,000. ence." not even claim to have a Jewish moth Based on the classifications in the Obviously, this is a group of people er. This does not include converts who Core Population, they divide up as fol. who, for the most part, are not close to are measured in a separate category and lows: of the BJR Jews (of the Jewish reli· the Jewish people. They have a Jewish in any case the total number of converts gion), 84 percent say they meet the clas· background, but no longer identify as is small. sic Jewish identity test of a Jewish Jewish. At least they do not identify as mother (2,461,200), and of the JNR (no being part of a different religious group, HARDCORE JEWISH POPULATION religion), 58 percent say they have Jew· like the JOR Jews, but they are still not ish mothers (649,600). These are the willing to be counted as Jews. he "Core Jewish Population" is adults in the "Core" population, a total Moreover, correlating these cate thus much too loose a grouping of 3.1 million. The rest are the children gories with parentage shows how loose Tfor our purposes. in the Core. they are. Even in the best category, For one, we want to define within this In addition, 34 percent of the JOR almost 500,000 of those who consider population the subset that is simply the (having another religion· not part of the Core) claimed a Jewish mother (499,800). HOW JEWISH IS THE It hurts "CORE JEWISH POPULATION"? 1oc he short answer to this question is "Not as Jewish as anyone would Tlike:' This means that, of the 3.1 million adults who claim to have Jew· ish mothers, 1nany are quite distant fro1n the Jewish people. Even in the tcrn1s of the social sci • entists, the quality of the Jewish popu· lation has been declining very sharply. One interesting finding of the survey is that even according to their standards, the "Core Jewish Population" is rapid· ly becoming less overtly Jewish. In It hurts 1990, the total proportion of those in the Core who considered themselves Jewish r (BJR+JBC, adults+children) was 80 percent. Only 11 years later, in 2001, the proportion was only 68 percent of a o. slightly smaller total. This means that the number of Jews with no religion has risen sharply, and now about a third of It feels better just to talk about it. That's why we're here. Our staff ls made up of the "Core Jewish Population" do not caring and sensitive individuals. Together, identify themselves as Jews. we can help you explore your options. We Who are the Jews with no religion? can refer you to recognized professionals for counseling, legal advice or help in The authors report: "This category finding a safe environment. We can also consists of persons of Jewish parent· put you in touch with some very special age/upbringing who report they have Rabbis. But in order for us to reach out to you, you must first reach out to us. 'no religion,' or replied 'atheist,' 'agnos tic,' 'secular' or 'humanist.' In addition, Confidential Hotline 1.888.883.2323 those qualified Jewish respondents who (Toll Free) reported being of Jewish parentage 718.337.3700 and/or upbringing but replied 'don't Do it for yourself. (NYC Area! know' or refused the religion item, were Do it for your chi Id ren. Shalom Task Force 15 a 501(c)(3) chantable orgarnlat The Jewish Observer, November 2002 25 Jewish Population. Then we will want ish mother do not have a mother who ish:' If they are not willing, for the pur to narrow down the definition further is halachically Jewish. poses of a benign, noncommittal survey, to arrive at what we will call the "Hard First of all, in trying to arrive at the to identify as Jews, they cannot be count- core Jewish Population:' "Hardcore Jewish Population" we will ed on for much and, simply using their The Jewish Population is no more exclude all those who do not identify as own alienation, we leave them out. than about 4 million. We are not really Jewish (JNR Jews, as explained above). According to "Exhibit 6" of the excluding the extra 1.3 million people Although for some purposes they may study the BJR adults number 2,760,000. who are counted as part of the "Core be included ( kiruv organizations must Of these, 84 percent are self-claimed to Jewish Population;' since those people evaluate if it is an efficient use of their be Jewish, or 2,318,400. With half of the were never really part of the Jewish peo resources to target them, for example), 170,000 )BC converts (a generous ple. This, it should be ooted, is an upper for most social and conceptual purposes assumption), we get 2,403,400. Since one bound, since there is no doubt that this group would, as per its own selec who is intermarried can hardly be many of those claiming to have a Jew- tion, be left out of the "Hardcore Jew- called a Hardcore Jew, we should exclude the intermarried from this cat - egory. According to "Exhibit 7" 23% of the )BR group are married to a non-Jew ish spouse, and assuming the same pro portion among the halachically Jewish, THEVORT • The menu for the seuda is limited to 3 we are left with 1,850,618 (exactly!). There are, according to the sampling • The Vort celebration is to be courses followed by a regular dessert. of the survey, 700,000 children of par discontinued. The L'chaim (held at • No Viennese table and no bar. ents in the combined BJR and )BC cat the time that the engagement is egories (called )BR). If we just assume THE MUSIC announced) should also not turn into a that the children divide up in the same Vort. • A band may consist of a maximum of proportion as the parents, we are left THE WEDDING 5 musicians (one of the musicians may ad with only 470,000 children who are part as a vocalist) or four musicians and one of the Hardcore Jews. • Only 400 invited guests may be additional vocalist. seated at the chassuna seuda. The grand total (estimated) of Hard • A one-man band is recommended. core Jews in the U.S.: 2,320,618. It should • The kabbolas panim smorgasbord be stressed that this is a rough estimate should be limited to basic cakes, fruit plat FLOWERS &. CHUPA DECOR based on the data of A)IS. ters, a modest buffet, and the caterer's • The total cost of these items for the entire (By the way, assuming the same pro standard chicken or meat hot dishes. wedding should not exceed $1,800. portions on the N)IS-1990 data we find that there were 2,830,238 Hardcore Jews FOR THE FULL VERSION OF THE SIMCHA GUIDELINES - 2,256,278 adults and 573,960 children AND THE ACCOMPANYING KOL KOREH, · in 1990. This is a decline of 18% in only please email [email protected] or call 212-612-2300 11 years. The real number was proba bly higher in 1990.) We the rabbinical signatories - barring familial obligations - and unusual and extraordinary circumstances - will not participate in or attend a wedding celebration that SOWHATI disregards these guidelines. (Rabbinical listing in formation) Rabbi Shmuel Birnbaum Rabbi Eli Simcha Schustal Rabbi Elya Ber Wachtfogel here are three very important Roih Hayeshivo, Mirer Yeshiva Rosh Hayesh1va, Bois Binyomin, Stamford Rmh Ho Yeshiva, Yeshiva Gedo/ah of consequences of this. l] The reli Souih Fallsburg Rabbi Elya Svei Rabbi Yisroel Rokowsky gious Jews are a much more Roih Hayeshiva, Yfihiva Gedola of Philadelphia Rabbi Chaim Baruch Wolpin T Rabbi Yisroel Simcha Schorr important part of American Jewry than Rabbi Shmuel Kaminetzky Roshei HaYeihivc, Yeshiva Ohr Somayach Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeih1va Karlin Stolin Rosh Hayeshiva, Ye$hiva Gedo/a of Philadelphia is generally acknowledged. This is espe Rabbi Aryeh Malkiel Kotler Rabbi Zecharia Gelley Rav, Kha/ Adas Jeshurun Rabbi Yaakov Perlow Roih H.;ye5hiva, Beth Medraih Govoha, Lakewood cially relevant to long-term projec Novominiker Rebbe tions, as follows in the fuller discussion Rabbi Yisroel Tzvi Neuman Rabbi Lipa Margulies Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak feigelstock Rosh Haye5hiva, Beth Medraih Govoha, Lakewood Roih Ha yeshiva, Yeshiva & Mesifta Torah Temimah below. 2] This is another argument that Rosh Ha)IBhiva, ll!shiva of Wng Beach Rabbi Dovid Kviat Schu~tal the Israeli Law of Return should be Rabbi Moshe Wolfson Rabbi Dovid Tzvi Chiiinnan, Conference of Synagogue Rabbonim Rosh Haye5hiva, Beth Medraih Govoha, Lakewood Maihgiach, Yeihiva Torah Vodaas of Agudath Israel tightened. 3 J It may be that most of the Rabbi Aron Moshe Schechter Rabbi Yeruchem Olshin Rabbi Shlomo Mandel world's Jews are already in Israel. Rosh Hayeihiva, Yeshiva Chaim Berlin Rosh Hayei:hiva, Beth Medrash Goooha, Lakewood Roih Hayeshivc, Yeshiva of Brooklyn 1 J a. The religious Jewish population Rabbi Yosef Rosenblum Rabbi Mattisyahu Salamon Rabbi Ephraim Wachsman is often belittled. The Reform and Con Rosh Hayeshiva, Yeshiva Shaarei Yosher Mashgiach, Beth Medrash Goooha, Lakewood Roih Hayeihiva, Mfiivta Meor Yitzchok servative claim that we are a tiny pro- 26 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 portion of America's Jews: 5-9o/o at 1nost. balance will be perpetuated from gen (according to the Israeli government's We do, however, make up at ]east a quar eration to generation. Central Bureau of Statistics). Virtually ter of the Hardcore Jewish Population. In this respect, there is greater, long all of these are Hardcore Jews, without That is not a proportion that can be dis reaching significance to the commit question including Meretz and Shinui missed, and by most objective measures ment of the religious segment of the Jews who are virulently anti-religious. of commitment, we are extremely co1n Hardcore Jewish Population as com Calculating quickly, using the numbers mitted to being Jewish, much more so pared to that of the Jess religious seg given by Professor Sergio DellaPergola than other sectors. ment of Hardcore Jews. The religious for 200 I: Outside of America and b. It can be argued that both margin Hardcore Jews' commitment will far Israel, the total Jewish population ally religious Jews who care about their more likely persist over the generations. [C.l.S. (.5 million), U.K. (.5), France (.5), brothers in Eretz Yisroel, and non-Jews 2] Though there are only 2.32 mil Argentina (.2), Canada (.36), all other who identify as Jews, should be weighed lion Hardcore American Jews, the cur ( .5) I is 2.56 million. Even if we just in as part of the pro-Israel lobby, and that rent Law of Return would probably rec assume these are all Hardcore Jews (a certainly is the case. There is another con ognize close to 10 million as entitled to strongly optimistic assumption) we sideration, however: 'fo what degree can full rights ("Total Persons in Qualifying have a total of only 4.88 million Hard we rely on a population group's influence Jewish Households"). The experience core Jews outside of Israel. If we guess over the next generation? Hardcore Jews with well over a quarter of a million that only about half the non-American generally imbue their children with Russian non-Jews has not made us eager Jews are Hardcore, then it is clear that their own values, and their concern over to absorb hundreds of thousands of Israel has well over half of the Hardcore the fate of their fellow Jew is certainly of American non-Jews. It should be Jews in the world today. A note about highest priority to them. recalled that in the mid-80s the chance our definition: We have given estimates If one's Jewishness is not a dominant of 850,000 people immigrating to Israel of our concept of"Hardcore Jews" pri feature of one's life, however, there is lit from the Soviet Union looked no more marily to show that the usual estimates tle assurance that this particular concern likely than the chances of a similar used for world Jewish population are will be passed on to subsequent gener immigration from America look now. excessively inclusive. A full explanation ations, any more than Judaism-equals 3] We are talking about Hardcore of why this concept is important has to Jiberalism/-egalitarianism/ - ecological Jews. There are 5 million Jews in Israel await another article. • toinn n•~ ,,,"° THE NEW BAJS YAAKOV SEMINARY CHINUCH: Earn MAXIMUM --...\}pend the upcon1ing year within M Outstanding content and quality of tra1n1ng credit for ~ the right institution, with the s Prerequisites tor training as a Speech/Language PathologIBt Limudei Kodesh right chevrah, with the right content. M Special Education · exceptional program in both &"Professional" Limudei Kodesh and General Studies M: Challenging program ofLimudei Kodesh Courses COMPUTERS: M. Faculty of Exceptional Caliber ic Cutting edge tecl1nology !Ml: Fully networked M Weekly Guest Lecturer Series s Learn 4 (or more) Pro- s. Assistance with !C. 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PRINCIPAi AVAllABJJl M: Halacl1a and Business Ethics Brooklyn and Monsey sites. ----·------·------····------··-·-- -·----- The Jewish Observer, November 2002 27 'nl"~' '""' '11.,'i'n., n~'"i' n~'"i' l tall \II saue our .1e1111s\\ t\\11111'811 W\J'1 't-\:n' •"JJ'\N ;i:;nn ';)I '\))ll'.l'IJJ '\)n'\!'\N rr1'in' '.l'n onn n::i.1n1:1 ,nt-t1i1 '('\N':l nir'lf\N'.J W')i1 -w.1N r-i.1'.l1:n we are deeplV d·1~Messed about tne situation ol our v'':i:i?t!ll omn)ln ;!l\J ';i:i'; on'n1n.1 on'l:l. o•n?W' recentl)l-arr\11ed bret\11en lrom Russia, espec\a\\V "" l'l'fl o'll o•';l:lj?l'.ll 0»1>n "\'J. ol:I O'\ln\Jll (')19'0 tnose 1rnm suKK\1ara. ioo rnanv ol tnem are sending ':J"f'."I 01w1n'P V''\) o•vr11T1P' ttie\r sons and daugntets to publ\C school, wnere tney n11::tr.ll ;111n >;l'.ll'<' O''lllN '))) \N? 1J.liP1 rnce\ve an education tnat distinces tnem 11om y11:i on'l:J. nN ni•nl on11;i' ':l\1 Y'\l'.l'll on'n"l'1n:i.'ll juda\sm and wnere tney a1e assimilat\ng w\t\1 gofnn. iragica\1)1, tnese Jews are iorah obsetvers wno ,rrnn;i n11u1o:i o'll 11n':J onr.i ':tn> v'.m' ,nl'-"''n' n;1nn iaised \nei< coi\Ornn in IM "'' 1oiao in russia and ')J'?'J':I o1' ';N'7 '\'N'tl ,'\lPD \11'01"1 nnnl'.l ,"l?{'.J'J O)P)rlJ.1 'J'I.! n> f\<:l'.l 1J':Jl ;i;1nn n11uWl'.I ;1n''J -o> ·fJ1'P ~~\\)"!Ml> O'n'\ltt ~lt"\~, · ,~!.,ii,''"'"'~t i; ' •'"~µ.;:~r1lfn W' l\i ""'ti 11~~ l'~~"·uul(!\i:~;r"" ~r ..... ~,)')• •'>11•1 l~li'»' .. /fl 'lie ,1 , -{' ~)~~I~;; \)'V\''O :ol"'1:1i1' •.• ,,.~~~"'" ~,-5• ,,.~'ff.''·~ ;~~"IJA ,... 'ntll T\'llD "'" '1'~·'11 "~'"' )~i· 1"1W'" 1'if.~ '""'" ,,~,1·~1·1•r·~l\~ ,.,l ff'' ,,/I' ~>'''li1'1''~ ,1:t-'l'" /•~1/ . ~lj~-~n• ,~ ~~ ,\nl' '"'~~ ,, >l\'I)~" ~'ii OUR RESPONSIBILITY early stages, the Gedolei Yisroel realized that will link it to its hallowed past:' that it was insufficient to simply help get Reb Yaakov went on to explain that ((Let My People Go!" was the Jews released from behind the Iron Cur if Hashem has seen fit to open the gates slogan of activists who tain. They recognized the necessity to of Russia after so many years, it is our sought to influence the gov also provide these Jews with a chance to obligation to ensure that in addition to ernments for the release of Soviet Jews experience the heritage and religion achieving physical freedom, our in the late 1960's and ?O's, and it was the which three generations of rabidly anti deprived brethren be provided with the substance of our tefillos - our prayers religious Communist indoctrination means to acquire spiritual freedom. Both and beseeching before Hashem .... Final had so brutally suppressed. One of the Reb Yaakov and Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, ly, with a great amount of special first schools established in America cre ?"Yt, had seen Communist oppression Divine intervention, and covert and ated to meet the needs of children from firsthand, and they sought, despite overt activism, Jews began to be the Soviet Union was Be' er Hagolah in their advanced age and frailty, to released, and slowly, the Iron Curtain Brooklyn. Those who attended the first impress upon our communities this began to fall. The trickle of Jews arriv dinner for its supporters heard a sense of responsibility. "We must do it ing on American shores swelled to a poignant speech delivered by Rabbi for them. It is our achrayus - our respon wave. Yaakov Kamenetsky, ?"Yr, which they will sibility," was the phrase they used When this most recent emigration never forget. repeatedly. from the Soviet Union was still in its <'Minsk;' said Rav Yaakov emotion Rabbi Birnbaum, an educator in Lakewood, NJ, ally, with a tear in his eye. "What is left DIFFERENT MINDSETS and a regular columnist for Hamodia, is a fre of the Minsk of my youth, the gaonim, quent contributor to these pages. The above arti tzaddikim and talmidei chachamim?" nfortu~ately, with a few notable cle was based on interviews with a number of mechanchi1n involved in educating students Then, placing his hand on the head of exceptions, as a community we who come from the former Soviet Union. He a small boy standing next to him who Ucannot claim that we have suc would like to acknowledge the contribution of had recently come to New York from ceeded. Perhaps our greatest mistake in Rabbi Avrohom Schorr, who delivers a weekly Minsk and was learning at Be' er Hago the early years of Russian kiruvwas the shiur at Sinai Academy, for giving unstintingly misconception that giving our new of his valuable time and insight in the prepara lah, he said softly, "This is what is left tion of this article. of Minsk. This is the future of Minsk found, estranged brethren a smile 30 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 accompanied by a warm, caring "slap on ply would not perform it. It took Yosef intentioned attempts of our communi the back" would be sufficient to reach three years before he consented to under ties were not met with success, Ameri their hearts and convince them of the go a bris milla! Once he had crossed that can Jews began to mistakenly deduce that beauty of Torah and mitzvos. threshold, however, his journey to becom Russian Jews cannot be worked with suc Although such an approach might ing a complete shomer Torah u'mitzvos cessfully. This attitude has lingered, work well when we try to reach out to was extremely rapid. Today he is learn influencing the attitude of many Amer our estranged American brethren raised ing in the Mir Yeshiva in Yerushalayim. icans, even today, when experts in Russ in the "Land of the Free and the Home An American-born baa! teshuva, ian kiruv fully understand the methods of the Brave:' it is quite clearly less effec however, will don tefillin long before he necessary to bring our Russian brethren tive when we are trying to reach people is committed, but for the one from Rus closer to Yiddishkeit and have opened who - either they, or their parents- have sia, it often does not work that way. There numerous yeshivas and Bais Yaakovs lived their entire lives under totalitari is yet another cautionary by-product of catering specifically and successfully to an Communist rule. People from the this lack of understanding of the Russ Russian Jews. Despite the selfless devo former Soviet Union - with the notable ian mindset. Because the initial, well- tion of those who established them, these exception of those from Asian/Sephar di Republics - simply have a complete ly different mindset than their Ameri can-born counterparts. To say warmth PLEASE HELP!!! does not work at all, however, is a mis take and an oversimplification. In fact, many Russian children have been raised Dear Brethren, W"1J::lll 11" lllll"1' in America, and American attitudes also have penetrated their psyches, and a We beg you to please help a YJ1wn family who is in desperate need. good Shabbos meal with cholent and They have staggering debts which they cannot cope with. The father is kishke can break the ice. Nevertheless, not well and cannot work to support the family. Their only steady income their upbringing and that of their par is their Social Security checks which is minimal. Gemilas Chasodim ents have shown that they also require loans must be paid, as well as rent, food, medical bills, etc. a more intellectual approach. Many of the senior generation have undergone extensive academic training Their agony is great. Please help this family have some menuchas and have developed extremely rigorous hanefesh from all their trials and tribulations. and logical thought patterns. In the early stages of kiruv, they expect depth of May Hashem bless you with good health, happiness, long life and thought and intellectual honesty much may you always be able to help and never need to ask for help. more than warmth. Perhaps, more than anything else, they require Russian-born mashpi'im (mentors), bnei Torah who May we be zoche to be mekabel panim Moshiach, soon, together grew up in circumstances similar to their with Kial Yisroel. v:iN own, and are therefore able to penetrate the layers of their seeming indifference (.,. f)) rJ) ') and suspicion, and can appeal to their ('61)f;I /o'J sense of intellectual honesty. Only after "M'llj,7 '111 ~'111 the mashpia has been thoroughly test O"n ~ ~)lo'.nnti' n1nN1 J1 )!Q;Mll )'ll'l :ii11 ed on both the intellectual and person Rabbi Dovid Kvial Rabbi Nisson Wolpin al level, will a display of warmth be Rav~Ylwel srufdiofeti:Olaim Editor, The Jewish Obstnier accepted as completely genuine. uring the summer, one of the kiruv yeshivas serving Russian Please send your tax-deductible donation to: D born Jews sent its boys to a camp in the Catskills. Yevgeny, or Yosef, as he Cong. Zichron Shloma c/o Rabbi Nisson Wolpin is now known, was a good student with 305 Avenue F a quick grasp in both Jewish and secular studies. Yet, he consistently refused to put Brooklyn, NY 11218 on tefillin. As long as he did not under Foreign contributors: Please send American Express Checks stand the reason behind a mitzva, he sim- The Jewish Observer, November 2002 31 organizations and schools have not gar who knows what kind of Divine wrath importantly, seeing quantifiable success. nered the support of the larger Jewish we may incur?" 'rhe Rosh Yeshiva con It is obviously impossible, in a short community. It seems that the initial dis tinued, "Hashem will say, 'Did I tear article, to properly describe and evalu appointment and the ensuing stereotype down the Iron Curtain so that they ate the more than thirty such mosdas has refused to go away, and consequently should come to America and be lost to active today. We will therefore focus on support for the Jewish education of our Yiddishkeit forever?"' a few of the yeshivas for high school age brothers and sisters from the former bachurim that have produced excep Soviet Union has become all but elusive. EMULATING SUCCESSFUL tional results: for example, Sinai Acad The schools catering specifically to APPROACHES emy, Ohr Eliezer, Ohel Simcha, Tal Torah Russian Jewish children, such as Shearis (Lakewood), R'tzahd, Darchei Avo Yisrael, Torah Academy of Queens, hat, then, can our communi seinu, among others. Shalsheles High School for Girls, Ateres ties do on behalf of Acheinu Not only have they been instrumen Tzvi, and Tashbar, have been forced to WBnei Yisroel, who have come tal in transforming hundreds of their close - not for lack of need, but simply from the former Soviet Union? Perhaps Russian graduates into bnei Torah who due to lack of funds. we should look at those mosdos (insti now learn in premier yeshivas like Lake The Gedolim, however, have deter tutions) that have had the most remark wood, Brisk, and Mir, but perhaps mined that it is our responsibility to able success and see how we can support even more important, they are at the support the education of Russian Jew them, to expand and apply their suc forefront of producing a new generation ish youth. The Rosh Yeshiva of the cessful techniques on a larger scale. of dedicated, Russian-born educators Philadelphia Yeshiva, Rabbi Elya Svei, Thanks to the great mesiras nefesh of whose innate understanding of their fel N""""'1 rhetorically asked at a recent Agu a few special individuals, numerous mos low immigrants will have an enormous dah Convention, "Did Hashem let them dos have opened in the greater New York effect in reaching the tens of thousands out of Russia after seven decades of area, catering to boys and girls of all ages of Russian children now in America. Communism, only so that they should from the former Soviet Union. Each of Successful yeshivas understand the assimilate in the American melting them works on a shoestring budget, necessity to appeal to their counterparts' pot? If, chalilla, we let them assimilate, doing wonderful work and, most intellectual honesty. They have proven very effective in the way they teach Tal mud, by simply demonstrating, step by step, how the Gemora reached its con clusion, showing the way Chazal derive so much from a single passuk, a single word, and even a single letter. The sim ple, irrefutable logic of Torah itself has a profound effect. The serious education "The Name You Trust" and upbringing of their students has sensitized them intellectually to distin DOMESTIC CORPORATE ACTIVATIONS guish between truth and falsehood. • Cellphone Rental for over 150 countries When they understand and feel that the Torah, which they are learning, is trnth, • Nationwide delivery available they intellectually conclude that the • Voice mail & text messaging commandments of the One who gave • Guaranteed lowest rates and gives the Torah must be followed. Once the intellect has breached the bar • 24 hr. customer support rier, the emotional attachment to all that • Fax & data service is associated with Yiddishkeitis not slow • Itemized bill in coming. In addition, these young men must • Call waiting be taught hashkafa at an advanced •Caller ID level, perhaps even exceeding that taught in our own mainstream yeshiv as. The hashkafa of the Maharal, Ram 877.CELL P chal, the Chassidic works of Reb Tzad 877.235.5746 dok Hakohein and the Sefas Emes speak to their hearts, penetrating the layers of www.travelcell.com falsehood, indifference and deception, 32 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 which are the legacy of three generations of Communism, reaching the core of 11 / am not an.educator.teaching in a their pure, unsullied Yiddishe neshamos. These youngsters, and even moreso their school for children from the former parents, were products of the rabidly anti-religious Communist educational Soviet Union. What can I do?'' system. They have been taught that all rabbis are liars, money-hungry parasites, Reb Yitzchak.S., i! former public still is, begging to be filled. and that religion is nothing but decep school teacher who, since his re~ire "The. main ingredient required tion, preying on people's sense of guilt ment, spends a large portion of his when interacting with. these chil and vulnerability. To dispel such day learning Torah, realized how dren," RebYitzchak explains, "is notions, it is therefore absolutely essen much needed to b.e done. He now patience a.nd understanding. tial for every educator and, for that mat dedicates four-to-five hours per ''If we only recognize the mag ter, every observant Jew dealing with our week to tutoring Sinai Academy stu nitude Of the changes these.children Russian brethren, to go out of his way dents in Gemora. "These children face. Undertaking mitzva obser to be truthful and to avoid saying or from the former Soviet Union are vance .involves .tremendous sacri doing anything that might reinforce the here, in our communities and they fices; sacrifices of family relati.on misconceptions with which they were need somebody to help them ships, time and money. We in the indoctrinated in Russia. "I will never embark on the very difficulttask of frum tommunity have grown up promise a reward or trip that I may not learning Torah, a very complex, new with davening, 'learning' and Shab be able to deliver," said one mechanech, and frightening proposition for bos incorporated within our "because if I don't deliver, they will hold many. The need somebody to talk lifestyles and schedules; they have it against me and Yiddishkeit forever. to," says Reb Yitzchak, "as they face not. We have been raised. with Immeasurable damage is done to their inevitable family conflicts and the kashrus and numerous other cost perception of Torah and Yiddishkeit accompanying lack of understand ly mitzvos as part of our budgets; when they see an observant Jew behav ing and scorn at their acceptance Of they have not.'' ing inappropriately, dishonestly, cal mitzva observance. Even more The mentor won't see instant lously or uncaringly - for example, by importantly," Reb Yitzchak contin results. It may take time, even holding back wages earned." ued, "these children need the warm years, .but nothing, no amount of support of an observant family to, Yiddishkeit infused, goes to waste. MESIRAS NEFESH in some measure, replace the Eventually. it will always bear fruit warmth of their own famlly. which in some way. "One does not have erhaps one of the greatest hurdles often becomes. chilled as they to be an expert mechanech. to to the development of the new, change their life-priorities." learn with a child from the former Pfast-growing cadre of dedicated Reb Yitzchak now realizes that Sov.iet Union," says Reb Yitzchak. Russian bnei Torah and bnei aliya who he also gains from the relationship. "One must only care enough. to excel in spiritual growth, is the tremen He enjoys a tremendous sense of devote the time to teach and pos dous adversity they face,not the least of personal fulfillment and satisfaction sess the empathy to identify with which may come from their own par in the knowledge that he is help their struggles. You would be sur ents who were poisoned against religion ing to fill a real void that was, and prised how rewarding it is." in their formative years in Russia, and in1bued with an intense determination to educate rl1emselves and their children to become doctors, lawyers, etc. As these parents see their children embark on a path conflicting with that goal and, even worse, being "brainwashed" to become addicted with the "opium of the mass es" (Karl Marx's dismissal of religion) they often present fierce opposition. The mesiras nefesh that these children under go, however, serves to strengthen them profoundly and ensures that they blos som into elite bnei Torah, purified by their ordeal. Little do we appreciate the The Jewish Observer, November 2002 33 "True," responded the boy, «but in addition to chess being an intellectual game, it is also a psychological game. The trick to winning also lies in carefully studying an opponent's facial expressions. I have recently realized that I am not per mitted to stare at the face of a woman. Therefore, despite my love for the game, I have given it up." This boy's family despises religion. Unfortunately, his parents pressure him, trying to interfere, and making it difficult for him to perform mitzvos. He cannot daven Maariv until after midnight, when Rabbi Mendel Silberberg, Rebbe at Sinai Academy, touching base with alumni in Jerusalem yeshivas his parents are asleep. Otherwise they ridicule him, making davening impossi ordeals of these heroes; their struggles nizing the importance of these competi ble. "He told me with sincerity and sim and triumphs deserve to be publicized. tions to both the boy and his parents, one plicity," relates the Rebbi: '"Since I am oris/Baruch (not his real name), a of his Rebbei'im asked him why he awake anyway after I finish Maariv at bachur currently learning in Sinai stopped. He replied, "Very often my midnight, I say Tikkun Chatzos, which B Academy, had been one of the top opponent is a female and the proper eti is printed in the Siddur.' Can we begin chess players in New York State, with quette at the tournaments is to shake the to imagine the tremendous nachas that many hard-earned chess tournament opponent's hand." Hashem must derive from this unsung trophies to his credit. As he became Realizing that there was something else hero?" increasingly more involved in the world stopping him, his Rebbi probed, "I am The dedication and tenacity displayed of Torah andYiddishkeit, he stopped par sure you can circumvent that requirement by these bachurim once they have ticipating in chess tournaments. Recog- somehow." plunged into the world of Torah and mitzvos is humbling to those of us who ou are cordially invited to join the 111)111!1 have never had to face such obstacles. MOST POPULAR SUHOAY MORHIHG n:>'7n ( ( Before Purim," related another 'l:>J. Rebbi in Sinai, "I told my stu HALACHA SHIUR Dl1 . dents how Purim was not just IH THE U.S.A. lll!IM1 without ever leaving your home!! a day of reveling and drinking. Rather, it is an extremely auspicious time for sussciUlW. RABBI YAAKOV ZEV SMITH'S prayers to be accepted. I explained how NOW! WEEKLY HALACHA TAPES _ there are many Jews who rise early to recite the entire Tehillim. After Purim, a A FULL YEAR OF HALACHA SHIURIM student came over to me and exclaimed, 'Rebbi, you didn't tell me it takes five hours to recite the entire Tehillim!"' A Rebbi at the Sinai Academy relates These Shiurim deal with many contemporary applications as analyzed and clarified by a fascinating she'eila (halachic question), the Gedolci HaPoskim, and arc explained in an absorbing and engaging manner. which was posed by Chaim, one of his ' . prize talmidim. Every \Yee a great Ha ac a tape can e mai e to: haim had become very serious • YOURSELf • YOUR SPOUSE • YOUR CHILDREN • • YOUR FRIENDS• YOUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATES• about Yiddishkeit in Sinai and loin thousands of Ba'alei Batim, Bnei Torah, Bochurim, women, girls, Cwas learning diligently. He was and anyone else who really wants to benefit greatly & gain a thorough extremely particular when it came to ful understanding of the P'sak Ha!acha. filling the mitzvos, so it was not surpris Il'y it j11st once, and you'll sec why so many enjoy being c111ightc11cd and inspired in the practical application of so many daily Halachos. ing that he called his Rebbi with a Gffi fRoM.-' - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . -i:.ffT SUDSCRIPTioM-ro7"". - . - . - . - . she' eila. It was the last day of Chanuka, N""'~ -~·-·--··-·~····~-"-··-··-~---~~"""'"' which that year fell out on erev Shabbos. Ad 34 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 "Why would you have to say She he was destroying the family. As he Kugelman, a pioneer in Russian chinuch) hechiyanu again?" asked his Rebbi. walked inside, his brother knocked his yar whispered into the receiver, "Rebbi, they "Because throughout Chanuka, my par mulke off his head. He ran to his room in finally went to sleep, so I can talk. I have ents have not been home when I light. T11ey tears and stopped short in shock. Every last nothing left, no tefillin, no sefarirn, noth work long hours and don't arrive home vestige of anything Jewish was gone - his ing, and they won't let me leave the house until late at night, so each night I have lit tefillin, sefarim, books ... everything! tomorrow! I am under constant surveil by myself with nobody to watch as I 'pub At 1:30am that Motza' ei Shabbos, the lance. I am a prisoner in my own home!'' licized the miracle.' Today, being Friday, my telephone rang in the home of Rabbi After Rabbi Kugelman had calmed him parents come home early, before Shabbos, Chaim Kugelman, Educational Director down somewhat, Moshe told him of a and they will therefore be with me when I ofNechomas Yisrael, an organization that problem that was giving him no respite, light. Perhaps this obligates me to say anoth sponsors tuition payments for children pri "Rebbi, I have noSiddur, notefillin; how er Shehechiyanu," asked Chaim. marily from the former Soviet Union so ever, I do know the Sherna by heart. If that they can attend Jewish schools. nothing else, I want to say the Shema MANY PATHS TO TORAH Moshe, who had become close with Rabbi tomorrow n1orning, but we learned that any Russian parents have more than one motive in M choosing to send their chil dren to Jewish schools: the hope that ultimately their children should marry Jews, and their in1pression that private schools have a higher educational stan dard than public schools. The following story of a boy currently learning in Yeshiva Ohr Eliczer illustrates both the depth of adversity faced by these boys and their superb dedication How Can I Thank Hashem to Yiddishkeit: gift oshe's Russi;an imn1igrant par for the of ents are both successful profes marrying off my child? M sionals. They wanted their child to have the best education possible, and therefore, based on recommendations of friends that their son go to a private schoo~ You can make another enrolled him in Ohr Eliezer, a Jewish school wedding possible! in their Brooklyn neighborhood of Ben sonhurst. Upon realizing the extent ofthe It's a Resounding Thank You! religious education there, they became alanned. By then it was "too late." Their son Moshe's sensitive soul had already tast A Jewish wedding is a Simcha that everyone dreams about. ed and become deeply attached to the sweet It's joyous and It ushers a new couple into the ranks of Kial YiSrael. spiritual fruits offered by a life of Yid Many families cannot afford even the simplest weddings. dishkeit. Every Shabbos became a battle You can enable Yad Eliezer to make this couple a true Simcha on the as his parents tried to force him to dese same day as your own wedding. crate it. When he reached the "breaking WEDDING SPONSORSHIPS ARE: point," he decided to wake up early + $500 for half a wedding Shabbos morning, walk from Bensonhurst + $1000 for full sponsorships. to Bora Park to spend Shabbos there, to return home on Motza' ei Shabbos. After Rabbi & Mrs. Zevi Trenk 1586 E. 9th Street Brooklyn. New York 11230 spending a beautifully uplifting Shabbos Mr. & Mrs. Zolly Tropper 1102 E. 26th Street Brooklyn. New York 11210 ,,!!;,, in Boro Park, he arrived home. To his hor ror he was met with an unbelievable scene. His mother completely ignored him. His YAD ELIEZER '!J For more information cal! or write: father also refused to talk with him, instead The Gltty Perkowski Slmcha fund leaving him a vicious letter telling him that 1102 E. 26th Street, Brooklyn. New York 11210 • (718) 258 - 1580• [email protected] The Jewish Observer, No\'ember 2002 35 one cannot recite Shema before saying the Birchas HaTorah. Rebbi, please can you tell me the words ofBirchas HaTorah so Reaching Out to the Girls I can write them down now, and then tomorrow, I will be able to read them and Rabbi Leib Kelman say Shema too?" hana, a sweet, refined girl, was a Prospect Park Yeshiva and other gram has the highest success rate for student at Ohel Simcha in Bais Yaakov schools had previously kiruv, while offering ESL, beginner's C Queens when her mother passed accepted recently-arrived immi Hebrew, and even Special Ed. away. Her father was not merely grants from the former Soviet The chessed that led to this pro indifferent, but often antagonistic to Union, but somehow we were not gram has indeed created new Yiddishkeit. Chana, however, felt she successful in creating emotional and worlds - "o/am chessed yibaneh." had a mission. Wanting to make sure spiritual bonds with these students. Each girl who has become a frum that her younger sister would have a The girls were successful as students, shomeres Torah u'mitzvos brings Jewish education, she enrolled her in the in all subjects, but they did not make along parents, siblings, and even school. Eventually their father friends, nor did they influence their tually offspring. remarried. His new wife, who was not families. Language and culture cre The kind of hospitality, warm religious, brought three step-siblings ated strong barriers which we could yeshiva atmosphere, classic educa into the family. Chana, with a n't overcome. Schools that have all tion provided by Prospect Park combination of kindness, grace and Russian immigrant students Yeshiva, combined with the indi conviction, slowly made a profound communicate better, but provide no vidual attention from Russian impression on her step-siblings, and peer sources of hashpa'a and no speaking staff of Ora High School, thanks to her sterling example and the opportunities to befriend Bais have resulted in impressive success force of her willpower, she was able, with Yaakov-type American girls, day in stories. To mention just a few: her stepmother's begrudging consent, to and day out, a whole year. • Malka· came to Ora High School, enroll them, too, the following year. In the summer of 1989, Rabbi and 9th Grade, directly from Kiev without haim's and Yaakov's parents Mrs. Aryeh Katzin of Sinai Academy any prior Jewish education. After enrolled them in Yeshiva Ohr met with Rabbi Avraham Kelman her graduation, she continued on to CEliezer. When they noticed, how (my father) and myself, with a seminary in Israel. Upon her return, ever, that their children were becoming request that we open Ora Academy she married a Sinai Academy grad High School at Prospect Park Yeshi uate, Aaron. Both continued their va. We took the best of both studies in Israel for three years, and approaches and have created a now teach Russian Jews in New wonderful ruach and a special cur York. Right after her marriage, riculum in the middle of an existing Malka taught at Ora High School. Bais Yaakov. They encouraged both Her responsibility was to welcome, formal and informal contact with teach and provide individual atten our regular students, some of whom tion to new girls. even learned Russian. For many •At that time, Esther,• an 11'h grade We will send you years we offered Russian as a lan student from a local public school FREE the luach for Mishna guage alternative to French, Span decided to go to yeshiva. Malka and Halacha Yomis. ish and Yiddish. Many girls chose to began teaching her from the very learn Russian because they wanted beginning the foundations of Join the thousands who to befriend girls. Opportunities for emuna, hashkafa and Alef Beis. follow the luach daily. hashpa'a took place daily, especial Upon Esther's graduation, she too ly as the girls were main-streamed continued on to seminary in Israel, Write to: into regular Limudei Kodesh class and when she returned she too Rabbi Elias Karp es in the 11th and 12th grade. They became involved in inspiring Ora 4701 15th Avenue have blended in so well that in my students to embrace Shabbos, Torah 12th grade hashkafa classes I am and mitzvos. She also married a Sinai Brooklyn, NY 11219 unable to pick out which are the Ora Academy graduate, Yitzchak, and Or call 718-851-0770 Academy students. Nechomas Yis we hope to see her students and In memory of roel has commented that this pro- friends follow in her footsteps. Rabbi & Mrs. Charles Batt, Hartford, Conn. Rabbi Kelman is associate dean of Prospect * Names changed to protect privacy. Park Bnos Leah High School for Girls 36 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 religious, they beaune alarrned and antag both in An1crica and in Eretz Yisroel. He onistic. They insisted on removing them was at the forefront of struggle to ensure from Ohr Eliezer to enroll in public school. that this lost tribe of Israel, so long After resistingfor months, the boys felt they deprived of its heritage, be given a had no Tnore strength and acquiesced. chance to return. A number of 1nonths Chain1 and Yaakov, however, insisted on before his passing, when he was already being linked to Yiddishkeit. They asked extremely frail, Rabbi Pam poignantly their teacher in Ohr Eliezer to record the explained why he felt that every last classes daily. Like other children in pub ounce of strength that Hashem had lic school, the two Russian boys were seen given him, had to be utilized to encour Child Development day after day, listening intently to their age support for the education of Jews \lvalkmans, both during class and during from the former Soviet Union. Before Specialists serving recess. In truth, they did not really stand he made what was to be his last major out. To the outside observer, this was nor speech at a parlor meeting in support infants/toddlers nial teenage behavior; there were plenty of Nechomas Yisrael, he movingly ofothers at school addicted to Walkmans, explained why he attached such impor & their families listening to the noxious lyrics of the latest tance to educating these children. He rap n1usic. 1'he "1nusic" that Chaim and had once told a supporter: Yc1akov listened to lvas quite different: in Let 111e tell you what you are doing by the words of David Hamelech, "Zemiros supporting chinuch for these children. hayu Ji chukecha - your statutes were You have the merit of making Hashem music to me" (lchillim 119). happy. You see, Reh Shloime, each and Eventually, their parents realized that every Jewish child is like Hashem' sonly their acade1nic pe1forn1ance was declining child. The intense love that we have for greatly in the public school (they were lis our own children and the feeling of tening to shiurim the entire day) and re hakaras hatov we have when somebody enrolled them in Ohr Eliezer. After grad helps our children, as intense as it 111ay uating Ohr Eliezer, Yaakov went to learn be, does not come close to the love that with great diligence, first in Mesivta Rabbi Hashem has for every Jewish child. Chaim Berlin and then in Te/she. When a When you save a Yiddishe neshama and friend asked him how he was able to sit and bring him back to Hashem before he learn in one place for four hours without slides into assimilation, you are bringing interruption, he said, "The fact that it is dif one o/Hashem S children back to Hhn. ficult makes it all the more worthwhile." Can you imagine how you would feel if After a number ofyears in Te/she, Yaakov one ofyour children would be lost and decided to go to learn in Brisk in Eretz Yis somebody brought him back to you? How roel. During the bein hazmanim break happy and grateful you would be! Now EARLY• INTERVENTION •MAKES• A• DIFFERENCE before he was to leave, one ofhis Rebbei'im imagine the joy and gratitude ofB.ashem proposed a shidduch. He was told that the when you bring His children back to Him Evaluation &Therapy girl was extren1ely special, ilnbucd with by sponsoring the chinuch ofthese chil at our center or in the such yiras Shamayim to the extent that dren from the former Soviet Union." privacy of your home after observing her behavior, even her non religious stepmother consented to send her es, indeed, in the l 960's, l 970's Free of Charge own children to yeshiva. Now Yaakov is and l 980's, the battle cry was learning in a kollel and Chana is teaching Y"Let My People Go." Ultimate Bi-Ungual Services Available at her alma mater, Ohel Simcha. ly, so many of our people have left the former Soviet Union. Now, perhaps, we Executive Offices BRINGING BACK HASHEM'S CHILDREN are faced with a greater, deeper and 4228 Tenth Avenue, more profound challenge. We must Brooklyn, New York 11219 abbi Avraham Pam, 7""Yl. despite shout, protest, support and facilitate his declining health in his last the education of our brethren fro1n the decade, expended much energy former Soviet Union with all the 718•972•0880 R S!R\llNG BROOICLYN, QUfENS,STATEH 1$lANI> & MANHATrAN encouraging the raising of money and resources at our disposal. Now we must PUl!detl & Rcglll•!ed by NYS flt)'!. grf!eaJlh &: NYC llipl. tit Mental Hoalfu, the establishment of schools for chil rise to the new challenge: the challenge ·M•nt:1lRo~!ionli..Akt>li~li11nSmli:es dren from the former Soviet Union - to "Let My People Know!" B The Jewish Observer, November 2002 37 Malk Lowin er Matter of Physical Health and Vitali!}' ROUTINE DIETETIC EXCESSES al, your son (or daughter) makes a mad American children are exercising less dash out the door. He catches the bus and eating more, a combination that ur children are at risk. No, it's on the corner and reminds himself that leads directly to childhood obesity." not what you're thinking. Not he hasn't had time for a drink. And childhood obesity can lead to a 0 the risk of spiritual or social He pulls out a sweetened drink-box wide range of health issues that we can decline that we're all accustomed to from his knapsack, and, while he's at it, certainly do without. Conditions such hearing about. The Jewish Diabetes a bag of chips. Two hours later, he shares as cadiovascular disease, hypertension, Association is warning you about a com greasy donuts with his friends. Two elevated cholesterol levels and more. pletely different type of risk. It might not hours after that, he devours a school Even orthopedic problems can develop have the same implications as other lunch consisting of fried fish sticks and simply because children are carrying types of risk. But its effects can be every pasta. He's basically remained sedentary around too much weight. bit as devastating and destructive to our all day. Recess is indoors because the Not the least of all these is the risk children's future as well as their physi Yeshiva school yard is undergoing con of diabetes. Ms. Hardy is calling it an cal health. struction. By late afternoon, he is back epidemic. So are the doctors and med Most of us consider our children to on the bus and on his way home. By ical experts in our own community, who be robust and healthy. Baruch Hashem. now, he's famished and he wants to are seeing the very same alarming They're growing nicely, learning well, know what's for dinner. But you have a increase in Type II diabetes as in the gen and have an active social environ1nent. simcha tonight, so you left some money eral population. They've seen the num That's really wonderful. But maybe it's on the counter and told the kids to order bers and they've watched the statistics not good enough. pizza. Again. rise. Aud they're keenly aware that the Consider, for a moment, what goes Now consider this, taken from an edi risk factors within the Yeshiva commu on inside their bodies on a typical school torial which appeared on June !st in the nity are startlingly high. day. After breakfast of sugar-coated cere Diabetes Forecast. ('As recently as ten Mrs. Lowinger, of Brooklyn, is a popular journalist years ago;' writes Pamela Hardy, FNP, WHAT IS TYPE II DIABETES? who covers a wide range of Jewish issues. Her CDE, "physicians rarely saw a child with byline appears in various publications, including Type II diabetes. 1oday, approximately ype II Diabetes is a condition that Yated Ne' em an, Horizons, and Kashrus Magazine. forty percent of children with newly affects the blood sugar levels. Her article, "Developing Leaders For the In1mi grant Community," was featured in JO, Feb. '99. diagnosed diabetes have Type II. Why? TWhen the body produces insulin --··------··· --- 38 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 but doesn't use it efficiently, this can not exist in previous ge11>;·1.itions. As it till night. They don't walk to school, and result in consistent high blood sugar lev turns out, they are a mixed hlt'Ssing. "fhe they barely even walk up a flight of steps. els. If left untreated, it can eventually prevalence of reliable hecli:herin1 on Hashem made children active for area lead to significant health complications. every conceivable type nf .-;nack means son. Muscles develop properly when Seventeen million Americans current that we can always find a kosher bag of they're being used. When they're not, ly suffer from diabetes. Ten percent of pretzels at any Seven-Ekvrn. But it also they atrophy and don't develop at all. A them have Type I Diabetes, which is con means we can purchase that snack child's body was created to climb, to run, trolled with insulin. The vast majority anytime we feel like it. to move around. He needs that activi have non-insulin dependent Type II. Years ago, we were forced to brown ty in order for his muscles, his frame, Type II used to be called "adult onset bag it every time we left the house. Oth and his respiratory system to develop. diabetes," because most of those who erwise, we'd go hungry. These days, it It's part of his nature:' were diagnosed with it were over 40. seems like there's a pizza store around According to Dr. Schulman, "In the They do not call it that anymore the corner from every yeshiva. And a fast old days, kids walked a mile back and because the condition is now occurring food restaurant in virtuallv every bud forth to school. They did chores around in much younger people. ding Jewish community. The challenge the house. Exercise was part of their life, Type II is caused largely by environ of"what to eat" has been virtually elim whether they went to a gym or not. If mental factors. The irony is that it's so eas inated for the American lewish popu we take away the exercise, then they are ily preventable. With a ten percent lation. stressed and the calories are not being decrease in weight and a slight increase So has the challenge of exercise. Do burned. We're not producing healthy in exercise, the risks are vastly reduced. you know anybody who walks to school individuals with healthy lifestyles for the Since there's no actual cure for diabetes, these days? Probably not. The yeshiva future. They're becoming sedentary prevention seems to be the most obvious bus will pick up your son even if he lives adults and sedentary parents. We com way to battle the spreading of this con around the corner.And if not, then the plain that tl1ey're obese and out of shape. dition. car pool probably will. When he gets to But we do not feed them right and do How does it get diagnosed? There are school, your son will probably remain not give them the time to exercise. It's currently 5.9 million people walking sedentary most of the day. And so will time we paid more attention to our around with diabetes who don't even you, now that you're in the habit of sit healthy children:' know it. They could have had it for years. ting at the co1nputer or driving to the Anyone who seems to he developing an grocery, even if it's only two blocks away. WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT? unhealthy lifestyle is potentially at risk. Dr. Susan Schulman spoke passion The Jewish Diabetes Association is cur ately about the lack of exercise in our f the problem is self-evident, so is the rently involved in implementing diabetes community at a recent conference for solution. Type II diabetes is pre screenings within our con1munity. If mechanchim sponsored by the Jewish I ventable with simple lifestyle your child is unusually sedentary or Diabetes Association: "Our children changes. "A healthier meal plan, a overweight, speak to a doctor or a reg have zero energy output fro1n morning weight reduction diet, and exercise are istered nutritionist. That will give you a head start on preventing the condition YOUR CAR IN ISRAEL FROM- before it occurs. * US$ e90 p~:AY WHAT HAS CHANGED? 15 TYPE OF CAR PER WEEK $ keptics among us may wonder A FIAT PUNTO 3 DR 112 what all the fuss is about. Haven't B FIAT PUNTO 5 DR 126 Schildren been nashing on sweets FREE* c FORD FIESTA 147 since the beginning of time? Weren't we Cl PEUGEOT 306 182 all brought up on the quintessential MT MINIBUS I 0 SEATS 518 high-fat Jewish diet of kugel and chu SHABBAT D OPEL CORSA 189 lent? And didn't we turn out okay? "' Minimum J ---- '------The Jewish Observer, November 2002 39 the first place to start," writes Ms. Children's Memorial Hospital in calories a day more than you expend Harding. "For the best results, the Chicago, says small changes in a chil - that's about half a candy bar - and entire family must embrace healthy dren's diet can make a big difference. in ten years you will gain 100 extra lifestyle changes:' "If we can catch a three-year-old pounds." The antidote? A recent sur Say the word "diet" and most peo who's still on a bottle, drinks tons of vey by the Department of Health and ple cringe. That is why it is important juice and goes to fast-food restaurants Human Services tested over 3,000 to recognize that this has nothing to do five times a week, let's stop the bottle, high-risk participants. The study clear with "dieting" and everything to do cut out the juice, and eat out only twice ly showed that even simple lifestyle with "lifestyle changes." Subtle a week. You will see a tremendous dif changes such as eating less fat and exer changes, creative changes, wi1l increase ference in grovvth pattern." cising two and a half hours a week our children's health and well-being "It doesn't take much to become a made a dramatic difference. In fact, it while not drastically complicating candidate for diabetes;' warns Dr. was almost twice as effective as drug their life. Reza Yavari of the Yale University intervention. Practically speaking, Dr. Rebecca Unger, pediatrician at School of Medicine. "Just eat 100 what does this mean? For starters, it means taking brisk thirty-minute walks, reading the labels on snacks, consuming smaller quantities ofhigh fat foods, and drinking lots of water. It means substituting fish for beef, herbal tea for soda, and anything When It's Shared By rather than those sugary sweetened breakfast cereals. The Entire The JDA, under the direction of Faniify-·~ Mrs. Nechama Cohen, publishes "Con nection to Healthy Living," a magazine filled with advice on just how to make those lifestyle changes. Some of their suggestions see1n like common sense. So why haven't we implemented them? On Shabbos, we're advised to put a fresh salad on the table, lean towards INTRODUCING THE vegetable kugels, reconsider that extra slice of challa, and go easy on dessert. During the week, we're told to send Audio-Visual Gemach fresh fruit to school for snack, encour age the kids to ride their bikes more Our volunteers will set up an Audio Visual System at your simcha, and often, and walk - not drive - to the transmit the images live, in real time - using today's latest technologies - Avenue whenever we can. right into the home or hospital room of your close family member that Schools are being encouraged to cannot attend the simcha due to an illness. Our gemach will provide this join families in helping to bring about service free of charge to any Baal Simcha. (limited to father, mother, lifestyle changes. Some have been remarkably suc sister or brother only.) cessful in their efforts. One school has Please call us at least one week before reportedly implemented a new recess your simcha to arrange for this service at: rule. All snacks must be of the" ha'eitz" or" ha'adama" variety. 718-854-4548 Sounds radical, but considering Ei~,·: P.S. In adhering to the advice of our Gedolim who the variety of fresh fruits and vegeta 1i disapprove of Video Recording at simchos, we can utilize IF various non-rei:ording audio/visual systems, such as: bles, nuts and raisins and salads, it does ,.,,:' Non-Recording Security Cameras, as well as Non- not have to be limiting. You just have Recording Conference Phones. ! to use your imagination. Another Bais Yaakov school developed an after • • school program that includes aerobics I f f I ' . •••• : ti . . , ,. ·" .. .. and exercise activities for its eighth grade students. And yet another school -----·---·------40 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 is offering nutrition and cooking class proper attitude is very in1portant. So is tutelage. Mechanchim and educators es in its high school division. the proper training. "If children are are learning how to deal with this con taught when they're young that a toma dition in their students, in case of ... AND THEN THERE ARE THE BOYS to is a snack;' observes one nutrition unforeseen e1nergency. Their wisdom expert, "then that's what they'll crave:' and judgment can make all the differ t will be more challenging, of ence in the world, especially when deal course, to make changes in the ing with an eight-year-old who wish I yeshivas, where every 1noment of es he could share birthday cake with time is already strictly accounted for. P.S. DEALING WITH DIABETES his classmates or a fifth grader who But a recent study at Maimonides suddenly feels faint during a class trip. Medical Center reveals that bone den t may be shocking, even devastating, Parents are being urged to "come sity in fifteen-to-nineteen-year-old to discover that you have diabetes. clean" and discuss the issue openly with Chassidic males in the com1nunity is I But it's not the end of the world. teachers and principals. It's difficult startlingly low. It will not take major About sixteen million Americans suffer enough to learn to control your blood modifications to bring those numbers from diabetes. That's up nearly forty sugar when you are twelve years old. up. But it will take the respectful com percent in the past decade. So those who Jt's even harder when you cannot even mitment of the parent body. have this condition certainly are not tell your best friend about your con "Five minutes of jumping jacks can alone. dition. make a difference," commented one For the Jewish diabetic, the challenges This is what Nechama Cohen has to local physician. are somewhat increased. We are a com say about kids and diabetes: "Imagine A basketball hoop erected in the munity that clings to our traditions the typical young child. Think about the yard and sponsored, perhaps, by the throughout the calendar year. Many of things that he craves the most. If he's like PTA can do wonders for posture, res these traditions are coming straight out n1ost kids, he probably craves candies. piration, and coordination. Learning of the kitchen. The Jewish Diabetes Now think about who he probably fears programs that include an hour of gym Association can help. It provides infor the most. Chances are that he's really are the perfect antidote for long mation that will help a diabetic over scared of the doctor's needle. Now imag Motza'ei Shabbosos in winter. In the come the challenge of fasting on Yorn ine telling this child that he'll have to springtime, coordinating ball playing Kippur and drinking the araba kosos on limit the things that he craves the most in the park will make the longer Fri Pesach. It also offers suggestions on how while he will be subjecting himself con day afternoons more productive. to handle a family simcha successfully tinuously to that which he fears the Awareness is the key to any success and how to survive the Shabbos kiddush most. Sounds awful? Now imagine ful change. Children who are better edu in shul. telling him that this is how he will have cated will make better choices. Adults Children with diabetes need to be to live for the rest of his life:' who are well informed can steer their treated with sensitivity and respect. And you begin to understand what children in the right direction. The They also need our guidance and it's like to be a child with diabetes. II We put the 11 organize 11 into Organizations. You work tirelessly for Klal Yisroel. You're involved requirements - completely integrated with the in raising thousands of dollars each year. Do you fundraising features! With no additional know which of your efforts get the best response? programming or setup, V-MANAGER gives you Which fundraisers are most successful? Which dozens of point-and-click reports, as well a.s a donors need more attention? complete custom report writer -- allowing you to get the information you need right now! Organizations from coast to coast are discover ing V-MANAGER, tl1e most sophisticated Ready to put the "organize" into your organiza fundraising software system available. tion? The people 1\110 depend on you deserve the Organize your contribution, pledge, and bestyoucanoffer: V-MANAGER. billing data. Arrange banquets, journals, event attendance, mail response tracking, Call us. 773-743-7240 [email protected] and more. The educational version prints report cards and transcripts, tracks tuitions and scholarships, and manages pledge-to-raise The Jewish Observer, November 2002 41 Focus ON TEFILLA Rabbi Pinchas Jung Be a Better Baal Tefilla A MATTER OF URGENCY undoubted'·· affects every participant. shul. And enthusiasm is contagious .... Needless h, -•ty, an enthusiastic baal For this to happen, it is essential that n a world dominated by fearless tefilla, vvh(1 1.-11·c11swith obvious kavana the baa/ tefilla grasps the total picture bands of defiant evildoers, hordes of and sinceri'', \.vill have a rousing effect - the privilege he enjoys combined with I Islamic terrorists waiting to commit on his listen,·1·~.. By contrast, a mediocre the responsibility he carries. It would unspeakable atrocities against "the infi one, ignortiril or n1eaning of words and parallel a kohein, who is granted specific dels," we are compelled to make a stark intent of th,· re/ilia, unknowing of rel rights and special honors. But these are ly discomforting observation. All these evant ha/11(/tu, · and indifferent in his really only a reflection of his demand groups and individuals claim to be fanat approach." ;JI have a dampening effect. ing duties and moral obligations. ically and zealously religious. These Even n1on' Lunentable is the result of the Similarly, a chazzan ought to identi implacable savages insist on worshipping leader whc•>« nne and only aim is to fy his role as a combination of distinc five times a day. This bizarre hypocrisy reach the c!'r..1 in record time. Thus, even tion and accountability, remembering delivers a chilling message to our peo in places v.;hcic there is no need to bat which is the cause and which is the effect. ple. We simply must "Change the Way tle for shu/ •_it_' .... )rum, it does not neces In a Torah context, it will surely be the We Daven" (the title of an ongoing sarily follm' ! lldl the davening will be acceptance of the responsibility that Awareness - Chovevey Tefilla campaign). stimulatin~. ind inspirational. earns the individual or the group the We just cannot afford to be lax in this Most ot' ll~ have tried out a wide extra credit and consideration. Once he area; anything we can do to upgrade the variety of _.;/111/;;, on Shabbos as well as views his duty this way, he will recognize quality and kavana of our tefilla is vital weekdays. \,,,ide from a few notable in our battle against terrorism. exceptions, 1_ hcrc is almost always roo1n l Amongst the many halachos that a baa/ tcfilla Indeed, during this last year we have for upgrading the quality of the daven ought to be fan1iliar with, we have one area of witnessed an ever-increasing interest in ing. There \.1_1uld be no better time than serious neglect that deserves exposure here: The Amein response is surely no triviality and the baal tefilla, reflected in shiurim, speeches, the present ~o identify the weaknesses tefilla must accommodate it by pausing a newspaper announcements, publica and to seek Io remedy them. 1noment after each beracha, particularly during tions and cassette tape sales. In order to the repetition of the Amida, to aHow time for pea~ complete the picture, however, all com SPECIFIC RIGHTS, SPECIAL HONORS ple to respond. If he fails to do this, he will either rob them of the opportunity, which additional ponents should be taken into account ly makes his chazara (repetition) of questionable and evaluated. One as-yet-neglected, but aa/ei le/ilia can be worthy role validity; or they \vill answer while he begins the essential component is surely the baal models, if they are willing to mas next beracha, which is also unacceptable (see tefilla, who leads the davening. His role ter tl11' relevant halachos, to daven Orach Chain1 124, Mishna Berura 37 and Shaarei B Teshuva 5). Furthermore, the tzibburshould not is clearly an integral part of tefilla bet just that bit slower (it's only a matter of answer until the chazzan has fully concluded his zibbur (with a minyan), a part that minutes), to pronounce the words more beracha (124:8 and Mishna Berura 35). This is accurately, and, above all, to intensify particularly relevant on Yant Tov when the tra Rabbi Pinchos Jung serves as Mashgiach of Yeshi kavana. ·rhis ctfort is guaranteed to have ditional tune invariably prompts a premature va Kol Yaakov, as well as Dean of Beth Rochel Amein. They only solution is for the chazzan to School for Girls, both in Monsey, NY. His arti a positive in1pact on the tzibbur, gener trim down that tune so as to end in time for antic cle, "Tefilla & Emuna," appeared in JO, Dec. '01 ating enthusiasm in all corners of the ipated Amein. " ______" ____ ---- 42 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 the need to prepare adequately and to ed - he has sent so1neone to the an1ud, eted by King Achav, eventually costing perform to the best of his ability. where he leads the tefillos. A conscien him his life. When individuals are The concept of privilege and dis tious gabbai, who cares for quality of blessed with special abilities, these are tinction can easily be diminished when tefilla, however, may select his Kabbolas tools I-Iashe1n wishes us to use to serve speaking in terms of a chiyuv (a person Shabbos chazzan in advance - maybe as Him. Clearly, they are not our own .... obligated by halacha to lead services, early as Thursday evening. His latest 1'his observation is not only relevant such as a bereaving son - weekdays, dur time to appoint the baa[ Shacharis for Shabbos and Yorn Tov. One ought to ing the first year of mourning, and on would be Friday evening. Amongst the include Chol f-Jamoed and Rosh subsequent Yahrzeits of the passing). He advantages of early planning would be Chodesh. These are typical occasions may see his situation as a burden he will the fact that the people chosen have time when a disinterested chazzan will down be glad to be relieved of once the eleven to prepare themselves. It also allows time play the opportunity, whereas an months are over. This baal tefilla most to try another candidate if necessary, inspired chazzan wi1l make an event of urgently needs chizzuk (encourage rather than sending son1eone incon1- it. Si1nilarly, on the frequent occasions ment). He did not elect to undertake the petent because everyone is getting nowadays when we need someone to responsibility, and he may thus be hard i111patient at the last 11101nent. lead Tehillim, his attitude and devotion pressed to view it as a privilege. The At this point, we turn our attention are crucial to arousing a wann and sin thought that is most likely to prompt to those mispallelim who are qualified cere response fron1 the congregants. him to do greater justice to his year of to act as chazzan but choose to refuse. service is the benefit this will bring to They may not think twice about their TRAPDOOR AT THE AMUD the neshama of his departed relative. If refusal but, in reality, it is not a simple that thought would prompt him to matter. If blessed with experience and ut the gifted baa[ tefilla has other reconsider his competence and bridge fluency, knowledge of meaning, mastery temptations to struggle with. The the gaps) it would be everyone's gain. of nusach, and maybe even a pleasant, Bamud could be used as an oppor At the other end of the spectrum is melodious voice, is one actually per tunity to iinpress rather than to inspire. the Shabbos chazzan. Although it is mitted to decline to use all these abili Surely this is a poignant reason for plac hoped that he doesn't view his duty as a ties for the benefit of the tzibbur? ing the words," Da lifnei mi atta omeid bind, most of what was said till now Chazal point out that the gifted (Know before Whom you stand)" would, however, be relevant to him too. Navos Hayizraeli would make his way immediately in front of the chazzan. VVhen congregants are under ti1ne pres to Yerushalayim every Regel (festival) This powerful reminder is designed to sure during the weekdays, many are sat where the throngs would assemble to incline him towards humility and mod isfied with a baa[ tefilla who merely lets hear him sing (Yalkut Melachim 1,21). esty. With that level of consciousness of them know where he is up to. Although One time Navos decided to stay home: the overwhelming Presence of the King this is a devalued perception of his func Does he have to entertain the people every of Kings, one just doesn't take liberties tion, it is a reality in many shuls. It can festivaP. He paid the ultimate penalty for ( Orach Chayim 1:1, Rema). Rather, one be assun1ed that on Shabbos, and even that refusal, by having his vineyard cov- feels humbled, insignificant and more so on Yam Tov, people are entitled to expect rather more. Detailed prepa ration (Orach Chaim 100:1), under You can! Just call standing of the texts, and genuine kavana ''1 wish I could The Yit:t:i Leibel can easily be sensed by most congregants. Helpline. Unrest in shuls on Shabbos, socializing, HOURS: and mini1nal congregational participa speak to a Monday-Friday ...... Sam -I 2pm tion can often be traced to poor or Monday-Thursday ...... Spm -11 pm inaudible projection by the baa! tefilla. Sunday ...... 9a1n -12pm, 9pm -llpm frum therapist 718-HELP·NOW ON THE GABBAI'S SHOULDERS, (718) 435-7669 IN THE CHAZZANS LAP Chicago ...... (800) HELP-023 on the phone Lakewood ...... (732) 363-1010 considerable amount of respon Cleveland ...... (888) 209-8079 sibility also rests on the shoulders Baltimore ...... (410) 578-1111 A of gabbaim. It is very tempting to without giving Detroit ...... (877) 435-7611 approach those who are usually willing San Diego ...... (866) 385-0348 ;i"v o7,m7'TI 11"1:1 i,1-t't!Jv "1 ra N'C'l1 ;i"n rnti'l +.,;7 to accept the invitation to serve as chaz (~fl"f"NN·'~it;:;Jl) •rv pN'U .,,., :iiro •., p i'l'W •., zan, even if their expertise leaves much my name.'' p·1:Wn J1'0 '::i i=J to be desired. The gabbai has succeed- Dedicated b Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Boruch Wilhelm The Jewish Observer, November 2002 43 inadequate. Having internalized that art and he now shovvs others the way. erful interaction between himself and message, the chazzan then seeks to serve He is then the genuine baa/ tefilla. the congregants. He will experience rein his Maker as well as his congregants to The title sheliach tzibbur- represen forcing waves of energy that defy the best of his ability. tative of the congregation - adds even description, propelling him and even more weight to the position. We only sustaining his stamina, particularly on COMING TO TERMS need to recall the stirring lines of"Hin Yorn Kippur when the demands on his WITH THE MISSION neni," the moving personal plea of the strength are so extreme. Later, when con chazzan before beginning Mussaf of gratulated, he may even respond with a t this juncture, it would be Yamini Norain1 in order to appreciate this. comment implying, ''It wasn't me!'' appropriate to take a closer look That tefilla will never fail to condition This phenomenon should not be a Aat the terms used so frequently him for his awesome task: he is entreat total surprise. Teachers of Torah are chazzan, baal tefilla, sheliach tzibbur. ing Hashem Yisborach that he should be stimulated by their students, even as the The word chazzan is generally used a worthy representative of His flock. That latter listen in silence. This could be seen in Chazal to describe the function of the defines the ultimate sheliach tzibbur. as an extension of the teaching ( Taanis man we call sham ash (see Yo ma 68b, This is the man who must give his 7a) "and from my students I gained Rashi). He is a servant of the commu total attention and concentration to his more than from all the others [e.g. nity and his duty is to provide their duty. We refer to it as kavana, which lit teachers and colleagues]." needs. As far as today's usage of the word erally means direction. Although every chazzan is concerned, we can conclude one is to aspire to daven with kavana, THE IRREPLACEABLE ROLE that it is his obligation to lead tefilla in the sheliach tzibburhas the extra respon OF THOSE WHO FOLLOW an exemplary manner, encouraging sibility. The requirement to direct his others to follow his positive example. thoughts towards Hashem Yisborach inally, readers may have felt unable The term baal, wherever used, exclusively is no less than imperative. So to connect with mnch of this arti denotes the master of the relevant per the an1ud de1nands intense kavana. Fcle as they simply do not identify son or thing. So the chazzan who acts Remarkably, the same amud that with that leagne - the minority who are as described becomes a master of tefilla demands so much of the chazzan also indeed baalei tefilla. There is, however, - a leader in tefilla. He has mastered the provides amazing support, too. The an important message for them, too. experienced baalei tefilla will confirm Every Rav needs the support of his that when standing there, one is in a dif kehilla. He needs to feel they are behind ferent mind-set and antomatically more him in his endeavors, with him in his focused. The distractions are largely drashos, and following him at his shi eli1ninated, awareness is intensified, urim. Shonld he feel isolated, he may, and kavana almost comes naturally. challila, grind to a halt. If you can list the 1O commandments But something even more extraor Whoever is baal tefilla at a given time by heart, we will send you a dinary comes into play. Much as the baa/ needs to feel your support, too. If he suf free sample of our new booklet, tefilla is to carry his flock, his flock will fers isolation, he is as handicapped as the "The Secrets of the carry him too - particularly if they are Rav would be. He needs your inpnt. He 10 Commandments'', motivated. "The ark lifts its bearers)) is entitled to expect you to daven along or you can order a copy for $10. (Sota 38b) is relevant in this relationship with him to reach the "Amida" simulta Yeshiva Fund also. If he is putting his heart and soul neously. He awaits your audible response Box 82, S.I., N. Y. 10309 into his davening, he will sense a pow- to every beracha and each section of Kad dish. Above all, the halacha insists that you listen in and follow as he davens on your behalf. On no account may one converse while he repeats the tefilla for us ( Orach Chayim 124:7). • Each Daf is read, Those who cooperate with the Rav From crisis to control. translated, and explained and the chazzan are the active me1nbers slowly and clearly in just of their communities. The value of their Helping our boys and girls 20 minutes contributions is immeasurable. The Parents: 1·866·6AREIVIM • $4 per tape (plus S&H) • Subscription rate: $3 per tape quality of tefilla betzibbur can thus be Teens: 1·866-0URGUYS (plus S&Hl enhanced beyond all expectations, and Email: [email protected] our tears of grief will be transformed All calls are confidential. into tears of supplication, ultimately 1'>t>''>M 'l~ J> J'l'lt f.l l"Y'> emerging as tears of joy. • 44 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 POSTSCRIPT Yisroel M. Muller hough ts From a Shelter What can be done for today's youth? A teenager's perspective. Why Are They Leaving? ent shadow is fear. Especially now, with hated learning Torah. "Everyone in my the enemy fire intensifying every second. class also hates it;' he said to me, "but other cliche article about kids at Can we n1ake the situation any safer? you'd think that I'd be different because isk .... After all the talk has died Can we protect our lives and the lives I've been deprived of Torah for so long." AJown, and people are walking of others in any way? The mind races as What could I say to him? As long as he away concerned, despondent, thoughtful, a nearby explosion shakes the very walls had merely been in JEP he had been and \veary of the subject, one lone voice of the building, and the heart pounds learning one-on-one with a vibrant is still speaking. One person just hasn't as yet another wounded friend staggers teenager and the lessons had been tai realized that the conversation is over. in from outside. These shelters are all we lored solely for him. Now that he was Because it's not. have, is there any way to make them in yeshiva, he had been reduced to being As mentioned in the title, I'm speak stronger? one in twenty five; Torah had lost its life ing from within the safest place there is Fortunately, we have gedolim to tell for him and was 7"1 becoming a hated during this time of war - a bomb shel us which of these lifesaving shelters need burden. ter. There isn't enough protection at improvement: It has been pointed out that "Never home and there is none on the street, Because of the extraordinary growth before as a people have we had so many but baruch Hashem I am here. of the Torah community, schools are individuals coming close to Torah, Although, even when I a1n inside, I hear overcrowded, and not every child while at the same time, others are aban the explosions and I feel the vibrations receives the attention he or she requires doning a Torah life. The remarkable baa/ and I know that I am not yet safe: to develop properly. Many children do teshuva movement is growing every day. because nothing is foolproof. not realize their potential, and some Paradoxically, the number of people No matter where I am, my ever-pres- simply fall through the cracks. (Rabbi growing up in religious homes who are Shmuel Kamenetzky JO, Nov. walking away into emptiness is also Yisroel M. Muller, who learns in the Beis """'°'"' '99) Midrash of the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway (NY), increasing," (Rabbi Abron Kaufman, was represented in The Jewish Observer by A JEP boy once asked me why it was ibid.) It may do us well to note that "Walking Jiomc" (Dec. 99). that, now that he was in yeshiva, he baalei teshuva are educated as individ- The Jewish Observer, November 2002 45 uals, while those growing up in religious gies of youth and their natural position driven for that missing sensation of being homes are not. as role models, with their closeness to alive. In the words of Chazal: "Habatal the culture of their younger peers and la mevia lidei zima-Wasting time leads The Third Alternative the time they have that they're able to to immorality" (Kesubos 59b ). give, they can succeed where all else is Let us remember that learning Torah any are acutely aware of the falling short. is the protection against our powerful, desperate need for a better Looking around me, I see so much evil desires: "So said Hashem to Yisroel, M rebbe! talmid ratio, and efforts that can be done by dedicated yeshiva 'My children, I've created the yeitzer hara are being made in the right direction. teens within the framework of yeshiva. and I've created for it the Torah as a cure; However, there is no need to leave the They can be encouraged to reach out to and if you are involved in Torah, you will fate of thousands to this wearying the younger boys by talking with them, not be given over into its hands ... and struggle between conscience and apa inviting them for a Shabbos meal, or if you are not involved in Torah, you will thy. There is a third alternative. The even by organizing things to do togeth be given over into its hands"' (Kiddushin world has forgotten a group of talent er. But though there is a place for all the 30b ). On the positive side, Torah itself ed individuals who may be their most above, the n1ost crying need is for the is the powerful catalyst of a complete powerful allies. older bachurim to learn with the Torah life. 1 On the negative side, when On the basis of"talking in learning" younger ones. For the following reasons: a teenager is not learning .... with students of the Ponevezher Yeshi Having said this, the other reasons va, the Chazon lsh came to the con Some of the Reasons why we must concentrate on learning are clusion that many younger bachurini unnecessary; but they are worth n1en were getting lost there and felt despon he kids would be growing so tioning nonetheless: One, being that dently alone and helpless. He request much more if they would only be today's yeshiva boy has few hours not ed Rabbi Yaakov Eidelstein, then study Tlearning more. And with Torah in claimed by formal schooling, extracur ing in Ponevezh, to organize the older their hearts and minds, they wouldn't ricular activities are impractical. This bachurin1 to learn with younger ones. fall anymore. Why is it that the child project, on the other hand, can be done (Rabbi Zvi Yabrov, ibid.) sleepwalks through life, his eyes only during school hours. Two, abandonment There is a sleeping giant, a sleeping fluttering open to catch the passing of Yiddishkeit - and rejection of pro gigantic arn1y: the older bachurim. Let's flashes of that dangerous, i1nmoral cul-· ductive life - is usually inversely pro pull them away from their radios and ture? It is only because he is not learn portionate to a boy's academic success basketball courts, their stereos and ing Torah. in school. The most direct benefit of computers, and their lethargy and bore He is wasting away in shiur. He gulps such one-on-one tutoring would be the dom; let's push them to dedicate their the salt-water called entertainment only recipient's academic ascent. And three, energies to their younger brothers and in order to still his thirst, to fill the empti an older boy that succeeds as a chavrusa their potential younger brothers. With ness within. He wants to free himself will inevitably become an older friend their hearts beating strong with the ener- from the relentless boredom and he's also, we need only emphasize limud haTorah; bittul Torah tends to happen by itself. Every teenager I know, be he my camper, my brother, n1y friend or myself, would gain tremendously from 1 " I started my ki;u1' work in J~-~~~alem sotne years ago by organizing a regular class with some of my non-religious neighbors in Romen1a. It was my first opportunity to learn with secular Jews and I had no idea what topics I should teach. Luckily, I knew someone who was an expert on FOR secularism (from both sides) - Uri Zohar, the THE FINEST well-known baa/ teshuva and fonner television star, sol sought his advice. "Well," he said, "what IN are you learning now in yeshiva?""Bava Kanuna," l replied. "\!Veil, teach them that." (Bava Ka111ma deals with legalistic decisions about what hap AND VIDEO pens when 1ny ox tramples your plants, and so on.) "Bava Karnrna?" l asked incredulously. "You don't understand the secular mind." He said something that still preys on n1y mind all my wak ing hours: "Yaacov, you don't believe in the power of Torah." (Rabbi Yaacov Haber, JO, Feb. '90) 46 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 having an older chavrusa. Every teenag Let us follow the footsteps of R' shatters the walls of his prison cell, er. If he has difficulty with the materi Chiya, who would tell his young stu bringing life into his heart and telling al - for sure. If he is exceptionally bright dents to teach each other, and so him that there's hope? The eyes of this - all the more. And even the middle-of assured the continuation ofTorah.2 (See older chavrusa have seen that miracle; the-road, regular guy is getting nowhere Bava Metzia 85b.) In Slobodka, "the and I've, of course, grown from the compared to where he could be getting. older bachurim were given a great deal experience. As my twelfth grade Rebbe A seder, forty minutes a day, with a Rebbe of responsibility for the younger ones. put it last year, "The younger boys have who has the time to focus on the talmid's At meals the older bachurim were an opportunity to learn and gain from needs, answer his questions, and discuss assigned younger bachurim who had to older role models. They will relate and his issues, would give him something he tell them some insight in the Gemora. open up to them, providing positive peer needs and is getting nowhere else. Each lodging had an older boy with two pressure. At the same time, older Once Torah is presented in a way younger ones:' This way, the Alterof Slo bachurim learn and grow as they guide that's right for the ta/mid - he'll grow, bodka (Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel ?·on) others ... everyone gains from the situ he'll learn, and he'll shteig. I asked Rabbi would say, he "was producing hundreds ation. Done properly, this has been Shonek, an eighth grade Rebbe in the of Roshei Yeshiva" 3 (Yonason Rosen proven to have an overwhelming success Yeshiva of South Shore, if I could blum, Reb Yaakov, p. 55). The recent his rate." (Rabbi Ahron Kaufman,JO, Nov. quote him on the powerfully positive tory of Torah is striking testimony to this '99) effect an older bachur has by learning truth. Let's allow history to repeat itself. I need not describe the powerful role with a younger bachur, be was confused Have you ever seen that simple hap Agudath Israel can play in the creation that quotes were wanted: "It's pretty piness on the face of a boy who is-per of such a movement of dedicated teens. obvious to anyone who looks around." haps for the first time - really learning? For, besides taking care of the technical Have you ever had a glimpse of that and physical needs of a new movement, The Gain to the Giver Himself sweet moment when a shaft of light it can provide what only Agudath Israel can provide, and indeed what was the nd let's not forget the gain of the :f,;·NoV::-·hoV::.. does fhis e·~sur~-that-Torah-will ~;;; reason for the creation of Agudath Israel: giver himself. Chazal tell us, be forgotten by Klal Yisroel? And why couldn't R' The framework for uniting Jews Chiya have taught all of the Chu.1nash and all of A "Halomeid al m'nas lelameid the Mislinayos to all of the children - and not from the whole spectrum of Torah maspikin beyado Ii/mod ulelameid- One entrust their learning to those less capable than Jewry, to work together on issues con who learns with intent to teach is given he? R' Chiya was not teaching Torah - R' Chiya cerning Kial Yisroel, under the guidance the ability to both learn and teach" (Avos was teaching Jewish children how to teach Torah: of Gedolei Yisroel. • While his goal was that Torah not be forgotten by 4,5 ). "Umitalmidai yoser mikulam-And Kial Yisroel, his method was to teach others how 3R;bbi s~i:;-;, Kam~;;;g~d;;h;~·---;;;~;;;·c1iir;-r-: from my students I learned more than to teach - how to recognize their responsibility to V\lhich is com1nonly translated as - "How great I learned from everybody else" ( Taanis other Jewish children. Only the teaching of are the works of Chiya!" In light of the words of 7a). But besides this, there is perhaps an responsibility for others can guarantee that Torah the Alter, it is tantalizing to interpret these words will not be forgotten by Klal Yisroel." (My Rosh as meaning-"Flow many Gedolini are the work even greater to'elles here, specific to our Yeshiva, Rabbi Yechiel Perr N"~, JO, Jan, '70) of Chiya!" generation: Everyone has a drive - and the teenaged boy has a need - to be work ing on something important, to be need ed. Missing a sense of being a part of Kial e6rowing Jewish Community Yisroel, today's man is missing a sense Complete family Resources of identity and a source of fulfillment, •Healthy Job Market challenge, and meaning. As Hillel •Affordable Housing expressed the cry of today's teen so long •Nurturing Commun"ity ago, "U'che'she'ani le'atzmi, mah ani - •Learning Opportunities And when I am only for myself, what am •Shomer Shabbos Medical Residencies !?" (Avos 1,14). •Community Activities If not for those who need to be helped, let us organize this for those who Total Torah Environment •Cheder •Bois Yakov need to help, before they turn to empti •Yeshiva Gedola •Kolle! ness for fulfillment 1·n. Perhaps, even • Mikveh • Eruv more than Kial Yisroel needs its youth •Wisconsin School Tuition Vouchers to dedicate their energies to it, its for Qualifying Families youth need to dedicate their energies to Kial Yisroel. The Torah Community of Rabbi Michel Twerski invites your interest 1-800-226·3129 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 47 A Review Article by Rabbi Moshe M. Eisenmann These Children Are Mine, by Rabbi Dov B. Lederman (Feldheim Pub!. Ltd., Her Children Nanuet, NY, 2002, 377 pages, $24.99) f, as Chazal teach us, wisdom is to band, loving and attentive. You dress mod tie at the horror of it all but then move be found among even the nations, estly but well, know from which butcher to on to other matters. I Shakespeare just may have had get the best cuts, and where to shop for the But, we all know that it has happened. some significant ideas to share with us. freshest groceries. You are a steady customer Heaven forefend that it happen again. As In Twelfth Night he speaks of three at a shaitel mach er who has the styles worked in all challenges, there were winners and groups of people. Those who are born out just right and the deft touch to do a lit losers. Let us draw a curtain of decent great, those who achieve greatness, and tle combing when needed. You are proud of silence over the poor souls for whom it others who have greatness thrust upon your home and gladly open it to the unhap was all just too much. But let us not for them. py and the needy. You do your bit at the ubiq get the others. Above all, let us not for There is not much purpose in ana uitous Chinese Auctions, belong to the Ladies get! Let us be inspired by those who man lyzing the first group. You have it or you Auxiliary ofyour children's yeshiva and give aged to salvage dignity from the filth, faith do not, and there is not a thing that you your time unstintingly for the Vaad Mish from the darkness. Those who practiced can do about it. meres Haloshon. You are, in short, mistress the art oflove on a hungry growling stom To achieve greatness, that is another ofa baalabatishe home, a pillar ofyour com ach, who inspired trust when despair matter. We all know stories of hard munity. When the time comes to find shid should have been the order of the day, headed strivers who refused to settle, duchim for your wonderful children, you those who were mechanech their children who had the discipline and grip to wrest expect to have your choice of the best. when the odds for success must have success from incipient failure and the The next day you find yourself in a freez appeared infinitesimal, who looked to the energy to pummel obstacles with an ing freight cart, shoved in unceremoniously future when the present by its sheer authority that beat a path under them, like so many chickens in those cruel little weight and menace could have been over them, through them, it matters not crates in which they are brought for kaporos. expected to block the view. In short, let which, but which in the end cleared the The amenities, for the lucky ones, are a few us learn from Sara Lederman, the hero road to achievement. Most of us read wooden berths stacked around the walls. For ine of These Children Are Mine and those such accounts with envy, feel exhaust all others the floor will have to do. The air others like her who earned immortality, ed by the very thought oflives marched is foul, the people smell, the facilities are a whether we know about them or not, to such insistent drumbeats, and then hole in the floor which offers everything but hanging on to Jewish sanity in a world move on to other things. Es is nischt far decent privacy. The simple and natural act gone mad. mir. I admire you but do not care to join of relieving yourself become a torturous you. humiliation. You are starving and thirsty. ave you ever heard of Komi? That leaves the third category, those Your children, always proud in the past of Welcome to the club. Very few of whom life summons to discover the your efficiency and elegance, now see you for H us have. It is an Autonomous grandeur that lurks within. No heroes what you really are; weak, vulnerable, Soviet Socialist Republic, almost the size they, but folks like you and I who, when ragged, malodorous and miserable. Above all of France, with its own language, histo called, responded heroically. These are frightened and out of control. ry and culture. It is also cold, primitive the ones who make us feel uncomfort In place of being the Lady Bountiful of and forbidding. It is the kind of place that able with the sheer banality of our silly your community, you become a sharp trad you get to know when you are a helpless little lives. They are the members of the er, looking for weakness in your adversary, chunk of humanity, shunted around at exclusive club we would so dearly want driving shrewd bargains to find a little bread the whim of an obtuse, inefficient offi to join. They make us dream that per for yourself and your children. Of necessity cialdom, endowed with a frozen heart haps we too have something worthwhile you become cunning and single-mindedly and a transmogrified mind. It is one of within ourselves. focused upon simple survival. You develop the way-stations that punctuated the pit * * * muscles as a lumberjack, learning to fell trees ted, painful roads which the Ledermans Here is a little tale. in the icy forests, you become adept at swing had to navigate on their way from pre You live comfortably in, let us say, Borough ing an axe and pushing a saw, all to the end war Warsaw to post-Holocaust Israel. It Park. Your home is well appointed, your hus of to finding the logs which will allow you to is the kind of place in which, if you have Rabbi Moshe Eisemann, a Rebbe in Yeshiva Ner coax a little warmth with which to fight the it in you, you can meet a new, more Israel of Baltimore, is author of the translation draining cold. admirable self. and comn1entary of the ArtScroll/Mesorah O.K So it is only a story never to be This review is not a travelogue. If you Yechezkel, Divrei Hayamim, and Iyov, as well as realized in our future. It is nightmare from want to get to know Komi and this other books under private label, including The Machzor Companion and Lighting up the Night. which our busy and constructive days will remarkable family's triumph over its hor He is a frequent contributor to these pages. help us cut loose. We may shudder a lit- rors, you will have to read the book. It is 48 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 only one of many places that tested their just there. Many had been placed by des had. In a book of 377 pages, the title clear mettle and their spiritual muscles. It perate parents in monasteries or private ly has only the final section, the one that makes little sense to pick this or that inci non-Jewish homes from which they now describes her Hatzalah activities and dent, this or that place name from the lav had to be pried loose. Mrs. Lederman, the begins on page 259, in mind. Is that fair? ish smorgasbord which Rabbi Dov B. Led Yiddishe Mamme, was suddenly cata I believe that it is. Moreover, therein erman spreads out for us. If he were pulted into a world of guile and intrigue. lies what may be the most lasting lesson nothing else than a good son, driven by This ehrliche neshama had to become with which this grand book can leave us. duty, love and loyalty to provide a record expert at dissembling. Lying had to I suspect that Rabbi Lederman is hinting of his mother's stellar accomplishments, become as natural as Kri' as Shem a - and to us that greatness, once it has been thrust he would still have given us a gripping and as holy. These children, inveigled as tiny upon us, can become an acquired taste valuable read. He is, however, much more. tots into Goyishkeit, caressing their cru and that we can move from the passive Here is how. Rabbi Lederman wears cifixes and reciting their"Aves," had to be third category to the active second. I sus two hats. He is of course in the first place brought back, often, too often, against pect that in the first two thirds of the book a faithful chronicler of his mother's awe their will, to Avihem ShebaShamayim. Mrs. Lederman achieved the stature some accomplishments, but he is also a Mrs. Lederman worked her magic and which made the last third possible. The historian who has done his homework. joined the ranks of the heroic few who did victories which she had earlier won As author he has mastered the art of giv not hide behind any of the comforting against the impossible situations into ing his story an immediacy that grabs bromides that most of us use as an excuse which an inscrutable Hashgacha had us by the elbows and curdles our blood. for doing nothing. thrust her, brought her face to face with We are balanced precariously with him, It is dear that Rabbi Lederman intend someone she had never met before. That his mother and his little sister, today Reb ed this book to be a celebration of his alter ego took over and enabled her to face betzin Feldman, the wife of Ner Israel's mother's astounding successes. He off against odds which dwarfed the dif Rosh Ha Yeshiva, atop the roof of their describes the wisdom that helped her win ficulties that she had encountered in her barracks, fixing a disintegrated chimney hearts and minds, the patience which dreadful Russian exile. in the middle of the night. [Fixing a taught her that not everything can be There is no more intractable antag chimney? What kind of job is that for rushed, and the love which in the long rw1 onist than a bruised and suspicious a nice Jewish boy?) We shiver with him, brought all the children into her arms. child. That she was able to succor and lost in the vast, wintry forests. We swal to heal can only be explained if we low hard to steady our frayed nerves as itles are tricky. You want somerl1ing accept that the Ribbono she/ Olarn had we stand guard with him during the nice and snappy in order to grab destined these abandoned children to dark and scary night, when he was seek Tpeople)s attention. But, and this is become hers. Ill ing to protect a cache of goods that, if important, they must also be honest. You he can stop them from being stolen, will cannot mislead the reader without loos provide the food that will see them ing his trust. What marks does Rabbi Led through another day. erman deserve for his choice? What, pre As historian, he offers priceless mate cisely does These Children Are Mine rial. The book contains close to one hun convey? dred photographs, drawings and docu One wonders whether the ambiguity ments, many of which, including a letter was intended. Who is speaking? Is it the Beautiful rooms, with kitchen facilities, in signed by the late, great Rabbi Aharon Ribbono Shel Olam or Mrs. Lederman? Or the heart of Soro Park, by day or week. Kotler ?''llr, are reaching public view for are they perhaps one and the same, the Near Shuls, take out foods, etc. Profits to the first time. The drawings were com divine will working through her willing Mifal Torah Vodaas. missioned specifically for inclusion in this hands? book and were executed by two well At first sight, we the readers might be Call (718) 851-2969 known Israeli artists. The photographs excused for suspecting that we have been No T.\7.'s were culled from sources, such as the YNO archives, the German state archives, _-J, the Ginzach archives in Benei Berak. GEFEN » FI1tAJk9.AL _.~ he war came to an end and the Ledermans returned to Poland. Registe"d Mongage Brokecs ..... There Mrs. Lederman became the NYS Dept. of Banking 8'ii..W' T 800 Manor Road, Suite #1 head of an orphanage where she had the 9 Staten Island, New York 10314 opportunity to open her heart to embrace Phone 718-983-9272 • 914-MORTGAGE dozens of children. These kids were not Loans arranged through Jrr! parry prowders The Jewish Observer; November 2002 49 Rabbi Gershon Brafman s Def inin Humanity Defining Humanity, by Rabbi Berish The present work, Defining Human he himself would have taken care of Ganz (Feldheim Pub!. Ltd., Nanuet, NY, ity, by Rabbi Berish Ganz, follows this them. This would have entailed doing 2002, 363 pages, $21.99) pattern. In fact, Rabbi Matisyahu the mitzva of hachnosas orchim Salomon writes in his letter of appre through a sh'liach (agent), which is not n defining the greatness of Rabbi ciation that "this book is a true exam quite as great as Avraham doing it by Avrohom Pam 7""j71: .. . Chumash. He then clearly shows the such compelling fashion, that he won Rabbi Gershon Brafman is an eighth grade Rebbe ramifications and implications of ders why he didn't think of it himself. at Yeshiva Tifferes Moshe, in Kew Gardens, what they say, so that the reader sud However, because being served by Queens. denly sees on his own that Chazal or "the boss" himself bestows greater the Rishonim are actually saying some kindness and honor upon the guests, HAT PLUS thing much deeper than imagined. such hospita1ity is therefore a greater In Parshas Va'era, Rashi based on mitzva. Hats • Shirts • Ties •Accessories Chazal explains that Avraham Avinu Even attaining that additional took leave of Hashem in order to dimension to the performance of Your #1 Stop attend to his guests. Chazal learn from chessed took precedence over com for here that hachnosas orchim (receiving muning with an revelation of the Quality Hats guests) is greater than greeting the Divine Presence. I)ivine Presence. This statement of Chazal are not simply teaching us WE ALSO ORY CLEAN LARGEST SELECTION Chazal is known to many readers and the importance of the mitzva of & RESHAPE HATS OF CHOSONIM TIES IN (All work done on premises) BROOKLYN is often invoked when teaching hachnosas orchim; rather, they are talmidim of significance of the mitz spotlighting the great significance of 1368 Coney.,sland Avenue va of hachnosas orchim. Rabbi Ganz performing this mitzva to the ultimate (71 S) 377-5050 however, leads us one step further: degree. There is a difference between Major credit cards accepted • We ship UPS Avraham was a wealthy man with fulfilling the mitzva in a more - a large household. As such, someone rather than less - perfect manner, and else could have presumably served as it is this difference that Chazal are the host until Avrohom's audience teaching us is greater than greeting the with Hashem was concluded. Divine Presence. Avraham could have asked some- ometimes Rabbi Ganz gives us a 28 Weaver Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 one else to attend to his guests; some new twist to an old familiar Tel.: (401) 849-0051 •Fax: (401) 847-5902 one who would do it in a manner that Rashi. The results can be star www.kosherbedandbreakfast.com S is functionally equivalent to the way tling, but as always, he bases it on the Enjoy the freedom and convenience of a classical mefarshim. kosher guesthouse, located only minutes away from KARKA IN BRETZ YISROEL At the beginning of Parshas the Touro Synagogue, Call Rabbi Gavriel Beer for information Vayeitzei, Rashi makes the well-known the oldest synagogue on obtaining cemetery plots in Beth com1nent that in North America Shemesh and other locations in Israel. Group discount available for Simcho> and Shablm< at the time that a righteous per For resenations call: 1-888-465-0051 011-972-2-656-9427 son is in a city, he is its magnificence, ------··------·------··.. - .. - 50 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 he is its splendor, he is its grandeur. potential to remove a person from this Rabbi Ganz shows us his forte. He Once he has departed from there, its world and the next. presents a compelling insight which he magnificence .. .its splendor ... (and) The idea of the Imrei Shefer pro proves directly from the text of Chaz its grandeur ... (have) gone away. vides a powerful antidote to this al and the mefarshim. These conclu We generally understand that Rashi potentially deadly pitfall: sions are inescapable; the reader sees is describing the great benefits a A person who is the recipient of for himself that they are drawn from righteous person bestows upon the honor can protect himself by keep the actual words of the source refer community in which he resides. How ing in mind that the honor he is ences. In addition, the concepts he dis ever, the Imrei Shefer (often quoted in receiving cusses deal with the very essence of the Sifsei Chachachim) explains part of is very possibly nothing but an human drives and emotions involved this Rashi in an entirely different man apparition. What may in fact be in the eternal struggle between the ner. The "grandeur" that a righteous occurring is that others are using the heart and mind - yeitzer tov and yeitzer person brings to a community is a ref honoree for their own personal gain. hara - of each individual. erence to the fact that Even the most sophisticated of while the tzaddik is with them, ach chapter in the book is sys bnei Torah has much to learn from this they are aggrandized by him in the tematically organized. First, he volume. It is, however, written in a same fashion that a person is aggran Equotes the text of the pesukim style and format that make it readily dized by wearing elegant garments or (passages) under discussion together understood by a layman, as well. In by owning an expensive object. with the relevant Chazal, and truth, all readers can enjoy this book, Other people praise the members mefarshim (commentaries). This is and have much to learn from it, for it of this community because of the succeeded by a complete rendition reveals "what is hidden in what is tzaddik. into English. Next, comes an overview already well-known.''• The inhabitants of the town enjoy in which Rabbi Ganz explains how the a sense of se]f-importance when liv comments of Chazal and the ing in close proximity to the tzaddik. mefarshim relate to the incident in the This feeling leaves them when the pesukim. AGEMACH tzaddik moves away. It is immediately following this that Rabbi Ganz explains: LoANFUND••• Although the people of Beershe -In memory of a loved one va grieved over Yaakov's departure, merits them "eternal their sadness was not a function of pleasantness ancl light to the their veneration for either Yaakov or soul in Gan Eden.· (Chofetz Chaim) for the Torah. Rather, their attitude 1l> establ/Sh o peroetuol Memorial or to having Yaakov in their midst was Honorary Filnd at one of our 20 akin to their feelings towards their brandies oaoss Eretz Ylsroel, contact: costly garments and possessions; he was a resource for the enhancement OZER DALIM 1537 50th Street, tl''n" "lTl'J.J of their self-regard (emphasis 1301 Avenue K, added). Brooklyn, NY 11219 Brooklyn, NY 11230 Something that appears to be an (718) 854-2911 (718) 434-2228 expression of honor to a talmid chacham may actually be something else entirely. If this happened with Yaakov Avinu, surely it could occur HELP FOR PARENTS OF with the Gedolei Hadar of today. The TEENS IN CONFLICT most richly deserved deference which is accorded, and rightly so, to our Gedolim, may in some situations be a M~~~ MOTHERS & FAl'lfl!!R$.. Al.IONEOSK SAVING KIDS case of others utilizing the talmid chacham for their own purposes. TEL: 718-758-0400 As with every chapter, Rabbi Ganz CONFIDENTIAL 10 AM - 10 PM '· ioJ~~~BriiiiidoxJ~Wis.1:9~~ii~~ describes "Possible Applications" of /SUPPORT GROUPS · liabbirticalrefefente!J availali/f this concept. The Mishna in Avos /REFERRALS teaches us the dire consequences of ,1 HOTLINE Home: (718}.338~1765 pursuing kavod-honor: It has the Pager: (917) 486-5655 The Jewish Observer, November 2002 51 Erected in all Cemeteries Call Toll-Free.· 866-851-1314 Rabbi M. Premock Recommended by many Rabbonim StringingR l CHEVRA OSEH CHESED ears OFAGUDATH ISRAEL Bracha Goetz BURIAL PLOTS IN ERETZ YISROEL Interment in a.Shomer Shabbos Beis How was your day? Olam near Beis Sbemesh Was it too long and boring? Please phone or write to: Or bursting with blessings Chevra Oseb thesed of ~th Israel 42 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 That sent your spirit soaring? (212) 797-9000 How was your day? Disappointing? Well ... How you look at each day Has a great deal to tell. 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