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A~ililabl~ ilt-~9(ai Hebrew bOokstor'es'or (Jirec~--l(C>lfl)>u_~liSher: ··W~fil>. .• )969 Coney Jslalld•All¢./Bio(iklyn;NY1faz3/(('18))3~17~ biretfMail:,..\dd $t95 i>e'r o'rdt•r postage & _handllfigi Ny_S ft-sld~nis '3dd sales fail:. Jn lsr-a~J: ). Grossmt\n~Mesotah Mdtzlm J Rechov Hara\'- Uziel i17 lJeru~lem THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN 0021-6615) is published monthly, in this issue . . . except July and August, by the Agudath Israel of America, 5 Beek man Street, New York, N.Y. 10038. Second class postage paid at New York, N.Y. Subscription $15 .00 per year; two years, $27 .00; three years, $36.00. Outside of the United States (US funds only) $20.00 in Europe and Israel. $25.00 in So. Africa and Australia. Single copy: $2.00; foreign: $2.50. send address changes to The Jewish Observer, 5 Beekman St., N.Y., N .Y. 10038. Printed in the U.S.A. "Vehigad'ta ... And You Shall Tell Your Children," RABBI NISSON WOLP!N Editor Remembering Europe in its Glory and its Destruction, a symposium based on presentations by Rabbi Dovid Cohen, Mr. Joseph Friedenson, Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Levine, Editorial Board Rabbi Yisroel Isaac Piekarski, Rabbi Shimon Schwab, DR. ERNST BODENHEIMER Chairman Rabbi Chaim Segal and Rabbi Shmuel Unsdorfer...... • • . 9 RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS JOSEPH FR!EDENSON Heroic Efforts, fatal failings, Rabbi Joseph Elias...... •...... 21 RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN RABBI MOSHE SHERER Shabbos in Siberia, Mrs. Sorah Mermelstein...... • . . • • ...... 28
Management Board fighting City Hall, Chaim Dovid Zwiebel. . . • . . . • . . . . . • ...... • 32 NAFTOLI HIRSCH ISAAC KIRZNER Please Take, Note, Tovia Meister ...... • 37 RABBI SHLOMO LESIN NACHUM STEIN Second Looks on the Jewish Scene And Now ... Rabbi Amy ...... 41 Business Manager RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING A Jewish Child, All Alone ...... •...... 45
THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not Letters to the Editor ...... 49 assume responsibility for the Kashrus of any product or service advertised in its pages.
@ Copyright 1985
MAR. 85, VOL. XVIII, NO. 4 f,i\ KOSHER The Pride of Israel ~ FOR PASSOVER
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-----·· _.... ,._.~_ll'/li< __ .~ Vehigad'ta levincha bayom hahu leimor .... 11 And you shall tell your son on that day saying ... ''
Our forefathers' sojourn in Egypt represents the prototype Galus-Geulah cycle, where the nadir of suffering gives way to redemption, and an eternity of lessons are learned on the way. The Pesach Seder, wherein the older generation passes on some of these lessons to their children, also serves as a model for sharing experiences, transmitting wisdom, and inspiring a commitment in the successor generation.
The events of the past 50 years surely fit into this pattern. The suffering and destruc j tion of millions of Europe's Jews in World War II, and the subsequent rebuilding- to some degree - of that which was lost, gives us much to ponder, much to remember, ' much to learn.
The theme of the recent (62nd) national convention of Agudath Israel of America - ' '40 Years Since the Liberation of Europe: an Orphaned Generation Strives to Restore a Shattered Legacy" - was addressed by rabbis and scholars. Essays based on three addresses discussing this generaton' s mission were presented in last month's JEWISH OBSERVER. We are presenting here a compendium of insights, comments, and anec dotes on the theme based on excerpts from speeches by Rabbi David Cohen (Congre gation G'vul Yavetz, Brooklyn), Mr. Joseph Friedenson (editor, Dos Yiddishe Vort), Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Levine (Telshe, Chicago), Rabbi Yisrael Isaac Piekarski (Con gregation Beth Jacob, Rego Park, N .Y ., Yeshiva Tomchei Temimim), Rabbi Shimon Schwab (Congregation K'hal Adath Jeshurun, New York City) Rabbi Chaim Segal (Mesivta Chaim Berlin), and Rabbi Shmuel Unsdorfer (Yeshiva Reishis Chochma, Mon treal). (Names listed in alphabetical order.)
These selections do not pretend to represent a full treatment of Churban Europe, but merely reflect the speakers' emphasis. To be sure, much more could be written on the topic, and much of value has. The main focus here will be on the purpose and nature ofremembering, as well as some first person recollections of the glory of pre-World War II Europe. Other key themes, such as spiritual heroism during the war and the mira cles of post-war reconstruction, were also touched on by the speakers, and these, too, are recorded in these pages. Rescue efforts and failings - an extremely important topic - are discussed in a review article, by Rabbi Joseph Elias.
; I. WHEN REMEMBERING IS A MITZV A ' A Question of Mode and Substance
The Focus of Remembering Rabbi David Cohen Remembering the suffering of san is almost as objectionable as World War II has many purposes. It throwing a party on Tisha B' Av. Both provides a much-needed catharsis for represent total apathy toward the the survivors. It provides us with the Jewish calendar. "mas' chi/ bignus - the opening with degradation" - that helps us better Putting an accent on physical hero appreciate G-d' s mercy in granting us ism instead of Kiddush Hashem is not relief and the strength to rebuild. our approach to commemorating the Churban. But we must exercise caution in re l gard to our focus. Recounting the de An event of such enormous scope ' tails of violence enacted against Jews should be a constant presence in the can breed more violence. After per Jewish consciousness - remem forming the mitzva of destroying an ir brance instead of commemoration. A hanidachas - an incorrigibly depraved once-a-year commemoration risks the city - the Torah says, " ... and G-d Mother's Day Syndrome, wherein will grant you mercy." A special Di one day of attention soothes the con vine intervention is necessary to science of those guilty of 364 days of counteract the effects of involvement neglect. in a brutal act. .. otherwise, one act of brutality prompts another. To be capable of convening a day for remembering requires ruach Before the destruction of the Sec hakodesh, much as that possessed by ond Beis Hamikdash, the Sanhedrin the men who convened Chanuka a stopped judging capital cases when year after the miracle of the oil, men the incidents of murder increased, be who were capable of sensing if the an cause executing murderers had a niversary has the same "feel" or numbing effect on society, promoting vibrations to it as the original day did. callousness more than it inspired fear in the hearts of would-be murderers. We are a community of limited How much more so can anti-Semitic resources and vve must select our groups take inspiration from detailed tools for remembering and transmit accounts of atrocities the Nazis corn ting our experiences with care. Oral mited against the Jews! histories, for example, are an invalu able tool for transporting American children to other times and places. We Should Not Commemorate ... The spiritual beauty of Pre-war Eu rope, for example, should be high on We should not commemorate the list, as well as spiritual heroism Churban Europe in the manner of the during the war. The Torah commu secularists. Monuments are not our nity provides an ideal source for these medium, for even granite is insights. On the other hand, accounts ephemeral when compared to the of personal suffering will merely eternity of the spirit. duplicate some of the harrowing di aries of torture and death that already We cannot join them on the desig have been published. We must en nated Yorn Hashoa, for convening a deavor to do that which no one else day of mourning in the month of Nis- can accomplish.
The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 9 Forgetting: The Formula for Comfort or Betrayal? Understanding Events Rabbi Shmuel Unsdorfer Rabbi Chaim Segal The Midrash relates that Adam and Some people tend to seek out joy Chava wept for their murdered son, ful occasions and triumphant events Hevel, and could find no source of for understanding the Jewish ex comfort in face of his dead body lying perience, passing over the painful and in their presence. Their attention was the tragic. Others find "too many un caught by a raven, which appeared answered questions" in the unhappy with a dead fledgling at his feet. With chapters of Jewish history, and only his beak, the raven dug a shallow find positive experiences meaningful. grave, shoved the body of its child We must understand that everything into the hole, covered it with earth, that befalls Jewry is the expression of and left. The bereaved parents of G-d's will. We are described as both Hevel followed the raven's example, "a nation sated with pleasure," and and found consolation in their ability "a nation that survived the sword." to forget their buried son. we understand that it was not mercy Whether pleasure-filled or sword that prompted the raven to cover his threatened, we are G- d's people, One might wonder why, of all crea offspring from his view, but callous each condition merely one side of a tures, the raven, the symbol of brutal ness. Yes, there is need to bury the two-sided coin. Concentrating on one ity, was selected to teach human par dead, but permitting oneself to forget while ignoring the other is only deal ents how to deal with grief ... unless the dead lacks in humanity. ing with part of the whole.
Why Remember? or simply: elected democratically. And here in America, the Democratic Party could ".n:n~ni 'JN ii:n·" Joseph Friedenson not manage to pass a resolution to (Mr. Friedenson' s qualifications to But toward what end should we condemn anti-Semitism. speak on this topic include, in his own remember? words, "seven diplomas from seven - To bellow "Never Again!"? German universities of murder and - To inspire us to improve our That casts aspersions on the Kedoshim, atrocity.") selves culturally? Let us not forget that as if they were guilty of complicity in this terrible destruction emanated their slaughter, and we who are so To be sure, we must remember the from the land of Dichter und Denker - much wiser, would not fall into the suffering of the War years, if for no poets and philosophers! The six Ger same trap. For "Never Again," we other reason than to respond to the man governors of the six sections of must pray. urging of the scribbles that greeted us occupied Poland were all possessors on walls in Auschwitz, Birkenau, and of Ph.D.'s. And Hermann Goebbels Remembering must be aimed at Dachau, inscriptions written by Jews had three doctoral degrees! something nobler: to reflect on the on their way to the gas chambers: way of life of pre-War Europe, and the - To strengthen our commitment spiritual heroism during the war, so "I was here. Shlomo ben Yehuda." to democracy? But Hitler did not over they may serve as examples to us, the "I was here. Yosefben Shirnshon" throw the previous regime. He was survivors and their children.
10 The Jewish Observer/March, II. The Glory That Was Europe .1.1Churban or Europe''? Rabbi David Cohen We want to fix Churban Europe in our memories. But what do we focus on, "Ch urban" or "Europe"? The Ma hara/ points out that to understand Geulah, one must first understand Go/us, to understand" day", we must delve into "night." We can begin to fathom Churban only if we first try to appreciate Europe in its glory: the Lithuanians distingllished by Ahavas Torah, from the great Rosh Ha Yeshiva of Kamenitz, Reb Boruch Ber Lebowitz, who confessed that he could not gain fresh insights in his Tal mud study on a day that he did not shed tears in Ahava Rabba (the prayer that begs G-d to "enlighten our eyes with Your Torah"), to the simple wagon driver who - upon learning that his young passenger to Volozhin was on his way to the Yeshiva - refused to charge him for the ride ... the beautification of ritual, exactingness of mitzva ob servance, fidelity to tradition, discipline and rationality of German Jewry ... the charity and zeal of the Chasam Sofer's separatist communities of Austro-Hungary ... the sincerity, ehrlichkeit and joy of life of Ukrainian Jewry ... the breathtaking, multifaceted world of Polish Jewry, its hu mility, its keen intellectual sharpness, its total dedication to serving G-d (Avodas Hashem), its colorful citizens, who justified Franz Rosenzweig's description, "Every Polish Jew is a character out of Shakespeare."
The Tears and the Hand Rabbi Shimon Schwab
When Rabbi Eliezervisited Rabbi Yochanan during his last ill ness, he broke into tears. "Why are you weeping?" asked Rabbi Yochanan. "For the remaining beauty of Jerusalem that we are losing, which will soon be in the dust." (Rabbi Y ochanan was among the last sun>ivors of Jerusalem.) "That is reason enough to cry," said Rabbi Yochanan, and he joined him. Finally Rabbi Eliezcr extended his hand to Rabbi Yochanan and helped him rise to his feet.
We must weep for our losses to give expression to our grief. And we must extend our hand to those who have
The ]wish Obserorr!Manh, 1985 11 ( '
fallen and want to stand on their own. Our tears and our furt am Main, Berlin, London, Antwerp, rising above 100 hands help those who suffered and survived .... Now, let years of Reform dominance. These Kehillos consisted of the children of the surviving generation hear of the beauty laymen distinguished by love for Torah, awe for their of that which was lost, so they may appreciate what they rabbis, punctiliousness in mitzva observance - militant are missing, and can picture the sources from which their defenders of emuna and tradition. They cherished their in roots dra\\1 nourishment. dependence from the Reform "Kehillos" - having no business whatsoever with Reform or its camp-followers - We are a dor yasom - an orphaned generation. As the functioning on a charter validated at Sinai. late Ponovezher Rav, Rabbi Yoseif Kahaneman, ?"~l, ex plai:ied, a yasom is someone without parents, while a dor What were its most impressive features? Visit the Great yasom is a generation without children. We are orphaned Shu/ in Frankfurt-am-Main, where I grew up. Built like a of our parents, but our children need not be cut off from massive fortress, sheathed with marble and copper, it was their past. Indeed they crave hemshech - continuity. And the shul where the great Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, we can provide them with it if we but project for them the ?"~l ,presided,followed by his son-in-law Rabbi Shlomo morasha kehillas Yaakov - the legacy of Israel's sacred com Salomon Breuer, ?"~l. Two thousand men filled its vast munities ... capture for them the sparks from the flame of once upon a time .... Then we yesomim will at least not be fathers to a dor yasom.
Choosing Memories
"Do not say, 'The days of yore are better than today.' ~ That is not a sign of wisdom" (Mishlei). My rebbi, Rabbi Yoseif Leib Bloch (Telshe),, explained that while it is ax iomatic that people of earlier times were greater than to day's people, that does not make them better than us. Just as the generations of Jews are in constant descent, so too are the generations of other nations. Present-day non-Jews certainly fall short of the moral standards and sense of de cency of their predecessors. In view of the deterioration of the general environment, a Torah Jew must try much harder to rise above his surroundings than did his parents, giving him far more credit for his achievement than his parents deserve for theirs. 111ey may be greater than he is in terms of spiritual achievement, but they were not "better."
But their greatness is nonetheless inspiring and instruc The Great Shu/ in Franfurf-am-Main tive, and we must uncover the areas of their greatness for inspiration, even as we overlook their weaknesses. This chamber, proudly wearing their top hats - the Ashkenaz may seem like an unbalanced approach to history, and in counterpart to the Chassidic shtreimel (during the Nazi era deed it is. We are actually incapable of writing objective in the 30's, the men stored these in the shul, forfear of be histories, for ever since the end of the time of Scripture, ing attacked if they wore them in the streets), filling every when prophets had recorded whatever G-d instructed available space to hear fiery drashos .... On Shavuos, the them to, we do not find any formal, comprehensive Jew decorative blossoms converted the shul into a beautiful ish histories written. For us to write negative accounts of flower garden ... Yomim Noraim, it was a study of white-on peoples' lives is lashon hara. Furthermore, we must focus white, for on Rosh Hoshana as well as on Yorn Kippur, all on those events and those aspects of peoples' lives that are wore the white kittel and yannulke, and the little lecterns instructive to us .... Documenting the shame, the infirmi that held the Machzorim were covered with white cloth .... ties, the seamier side of life in the past does not help us be On Succos, a palm forest oflulavim waved in unison to the come better people. strains of Hall el. .. "Ki leolam chasdo - for His love is eter nal'' ... and then were inserted into a special receptacle built into the seats of the Great Shu!. Growing Up in Western Europe The baalei battim of the shul were as distinguished as the Western Europe was not home to teeming masses of setting: Moreinu Yaakov Rosenl1ein1, architect of Agudath Jews, as was Eastern Europe. Rather it was the setting of Israel, Dr. Shlomo Ehrman, Dr. Yitzchok Breuer, the pro Kehillos Kedoshos - islands in a sea of assimilation: Frank- found philosopher....
12 The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 J '
The Nazis,l!I'", attempted to set the Shu/ afire, but it From his tiny store on a street corner, an elderly would not burn, so they dynamited it. Today, one visits few sold pickles, herring and the like from one side, the Shu/ Platz, and an empty space marks the acres of land and sold seforim from the other, his mind absorbed where the Shu/ once stood .... in a seferofhis own in the middle. I once entered his private domain to purchase a Minchas Chinuch. He The town of Bad Homburg nearby, where over seventy looked up at me from his precious sefer and scolded years ago Rabbi Chaim Soloveichik of Brisk met with Rabbi me: "Why must you come just now and disturb me Yitzchok Isaac Halevi Rabinowitz and Yaakov Rosenheim, in my learning'" to plan the founding conference of the world Agudath Movement in Kattowicz - the Judaism in these towns is He showed me the door and returned to his sefer. also gone. The small Bavarian town of Damstadt, where I served On through the Lithuanian countryside, with a Torah as Rav, was also typical. I offered to take a massive geography of its own: Slobodka ... Kovno ... Kelm. The fa privately-owned seforim library with me to America when mous Kolle! of Kelm was called "the Talmud Torah," a be I left in 1935, but the elderly owner did not see the ginners' school. The saintly scholars there concentrated on need ... .In a matter of four years, the library was reduced perfecting themselves in anivus, emuna, cheshbon hanefesh to ashes, blown away with the smoke. (humility, commitment to faith, introspection and self analysis), waited on one another like shamoshim or valets, and were called to the Torah without any of the titles they had earned. Reb Daniel, who stood at the head of this remarkable institution, had a cropped beard and dressed in the short jacket of a merchant, yet his every word sent tremors of awe across the Torah world .
. . .Into Lithuania
Rabbi Yoseif Leib Bloch
As a young man, I crossed the border into Lithuania, Across the Border ... where the landscape was totally different. Poverty prevailed, living conditions were primitive, the cities teemed with masses of Jews, and the yeshivas were on the cutting edge of the battle against the Maskillim. And a new The Chofetz Chaim word entered my vocabulary - "Shteig!" (Grow') This was the hallmark of yeshiva life. Across the border to Dvinsk, in Latvia, home of the Telshe, where I was introduced to the Lithuanian Rogatchover Gaon, where his great colleague Reb Meir yeshiva, was a city of Torah, with a yeshiva gedola, a yeshiva Simcha had been Rav ... on into Poland: Radin, where the ketana and a girls' school, Gymnasium and teachers' semi aged Chofetz Chaim sat in his little cottage, and knew nary (founded in pre-Bais Yaakov days). In spite of the what was transpiring around the globe. poverty, the city was home to Torah royalty, and an air of dignity prevailed. The Telshe Rav, Reb Yoseif Leib, was a While I was visiting him (see JO, Feb. 83), another Torah prince, respected by his people, feared by his an yeshiva bachur, of Swiss extraction, dropped in. tagonists. Every minute of his day fit into a structure designed by Torah, and within that structure his profound "Do you have good tidings from Switzerland'" mind was constantly at work, and his neshoma resounded asked the Chafetz Chaim. with song. When he delivered a shiur in Gemora or a shiur "We have opened a yeshiva gedola," the bachur daas in Torah thought. the boys donned their suit jackets answered with pride. out of respect, and stood at attention when he entered - "We have yeshivas here," said the Chafetz Smoking during the shiur? Out of the question! The Chaim. "You need chadorim in Switzerland so the yeshiva boys carried this dignity with them into the streets children would not have to attend goyishe elemen of Telshe, fulfilling the command that "The Name of tan; schools!" Heaven be sanctified by you." And they encountered this dignity in the baale battim - the laymen of Telshe - who We marveled: How is he so knowledgeable in con included many a ta/mid chacham in their ranks. ditions in eve1y corner of Europe?
The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 13 Vilna, where no Rav ruled since the days of the Gaon, to lecture me on the supremacy ofhalacha over cus yet without the title, Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky car tom, habit and instinct. ried the burdens of Kial Yisroel. His love for Torah kept him The following year, I again borrowed fare, and involved in supervising the Rameilles Yeshiva in Vilna, when I returned it afterwards, I did so in silence. impelled him to embrace every yeshiva bachur he met - "Where's your gratitude?" the Mashgiach not as a gesture of chizuk and encouragement, but out of demanded. genuine love. "Rebbi, "I protested, "last year you took me to task for thanking you, and this year you scold me for People lined up to see him, and entered his room one not thanking you. What am I supposed to do?" afterthe other - to pose a she'eila (halachic query), for ad "Of course you shouldn't say anything, but your vice, for tzeddaka or other types of personal help. Reb feelings of gratitude should so overwhelm you that Chaim Ozer, '"~l, dictating a complicated teshuva to his you should have difficulty suppressing the words. secretary, would stop in mid-sentence, carry on a warm I see no such struggle!" animated discussion with the petitioner, and then pick up An acquantaince of mine from Berlin visited me the dictation at the precise point where he left off. in Mir, and I urged him to meet the Mashgiach. "What can I possibly gain from meeting him?" He carried on a day-to-day correspondence with Reb he asked skeptically, very smug with the courses in Yaakov Rosenheim in Frankfurt on matters of Agudath Is philosophy that he had taken in Berlin University. rael and Klal Yisroel even though it took a week for the "Come anyway," /urged. mail to reach its destination. We opened the door to the Beis Hamidrash ten minutes before Maariv, during Mussar Seder. Four to five hundred bachurim had their voices raised in the mournful, introspective Mussar niggun, which inspires awe and introspection, repeating key phrases, again and again. Reb Yerucham stood at his place, his hands together, slipped up the opposite sleeves, presiding over the scene, his face aglow like an angel's. My friend's jaw dropped in amazement, and he I stood there, mesmerized, until the gabbai brought t his hand down on the bima, and the cacophony gave way to one thundering sound: V'hu rachum ... and He will have mercy .. .," introducing Maariv. Maariv on this ordinary Wednesday evening took a Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzenski Rabbi Yen": ham Lrvovifz half hour, and struck this novice like Yorn Kippur services .... He never returned to Berlin. On to Vilna, Mir This did not compare to Maanv on Motzei Shabbos in Mir. On to Mir, where the Rav, Reb Avraham Kamay, and After Shalash Seudos which the bachurim ate in the privacy the Rosh HaYeshiva, Reb Lazer Yudel Finkel, were joined of their stanzyes (rented quarters), they returned to the dar in their leadership by the Mashgiach, Reb Yerucham Le kened Beis Midrash. Without illumination, without bene bowitz - whose wisdom, warmth and compassion were fit of text, each chose a passage that was meaningful to him a magnet that attracted bachurim and older talmidei chacha - a quotation from Mesi/as Yeshorim or another mussar text, mim alike. He employed deep insights into Chazal along from Pirkei Avos, or some other expression of Chazal - and with his own understanding of the human personality to repeated it again and again and again, without any self guide the growth of his charges. consciousness orfear -it was dark. Over the hundreds of voices, one could hear Reb Chezkel Levenstein (who later I had borrowed money from the Mashgiach to succeeded Reb Yerucham as Mashgiach) singing without purchase tickets to go home for Pesach. When I words: "AiYaiYai Yai ... Ai YaiYai .... " Voices soared and returned and repaid my debt, I thanked him for the tears flowed, until that punctuating hand came down on loan. ;~e,bima, and the ~any voices became one spine-chilling "How dare you thank me for a loan?" he V hu Rachum .... chastised me. "Aren't you aware that it is ribbis devorim?* Apparently in your scheme of things On Through Poland courtesy overrules halacha!" he said, and continued Baranovitch today is synonymous with Reb Elchonon
k ''Verbal usury,'' that is, using \vords as an 'interest payment'' for a Wasserman, the renowned ta/mid of the Chofetz Chaim, Joan. who headed the Yeshiva Ohelei Torah there. I recall the
14 The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 times I caught glimpses of him: once, saying "Asher Y ot ness of their lives, which they achieved in a setting of ut zar" with the concentration one usually associates with most simplicity - without the intrusion of radio, Neilah .. . Brisk, where the Rav was Reb Chaim's son, Reb television, or videotapes ... without the benefit of the Velvel, whom Reb Chaim Ozer described as the Ish Haemes trauma of on-camera assassinations .... They responded to - the Man of Truth ... Kletzk, where the youngest of the the message, spoken by Rabbonim, Rabbeim - I heard it great yeshiva leaders, Reb Aharon Kotler, '"~l, from the Mashgiach - that the ben sorer umorer (the rebel presided ... Grodno, home of the dean of the Lithuanian lious son who is put to death once he steals and consumes Roshei Yeshiva, Reb Shimon Shkop ... Byalostok, head a measure of meat and wine) earns the death penalty be quarters of the Novaradok yeshiva network ... and one cause his total immersion in this-worldly pleasures makes concludes a tour of one side of Poland. him akin to an apikorus, who rejects the spiritual aspects of life. On the other side, the part of Poland where the glory and splendor of Chassidus reigned, one entered a new The legacy of the kedoshim is one of dignified simplicity, world ... a different world, yet one that shared a common respect for fellow human beings, andachdus - unity. The bond with its counterpart, a bond ofAhavas Torah and Yiras Polish Chassidim, Lithuanian Roshei Yeshiva, German ac Shomayim (love of Torah and fear of Heaven). tivists and Hungarian kano'im all respected the /'shem motives of the others - the fact that their col "Hemshech" - Continuity Shomayim leagues were guided by pure intentions. They respected We study the past to achieve a sense of hemshech - con their otherness without yielding their own integrity. What tinuity with the past. It is our task to appreciate the rich- a lesson for us to emulate!
The Strength of Polish Jewry Rabbi I. Y. Pierkarski
"In place of copper, I will bring gold; in place of iron ... silver; The Great ... and Their Mentors in place of wood ... copper; in place of stone, iron" (Yishayahu 60, 17). For all that the nations took from us, there can be a The results of this seemingly non-structured system replacement, but there can be no replacement for Rabbi Akiva and was a wealth of talmidei chachamim. In Poland, unless a his companions whom they murdered. man was thoroughly versed in at least a quarter of Shas ROSH HASHANA 23a (the entire Talmud), if not half of Shas, he was not consid ered a ta/mid chacham. This may not be understood in the Regrets and reparations can replace material losses, but light of the American experience, but this was the standard there can be no compensation for the people that were that prevailed in Poland. killed by the Germans. The cities of Poland throbbed with Torah life. Lublin was celebrated as home of Poland's first Chassidic Rebbeim knew Shas, as did the hundreds of and only Yeshiva. But Warsaw also teemed with places of Rabbonim, Gedo/ei Torah, who came to them. It was my learning. How many Gerrer Shtieblach were there in War privilege to see a gathering of some of these Rebbeim and saw - 50, as some claim, or only 22? Whichever - these Rabbonim at a meeting of Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah in War represented hundreds and hundreds of /omdim ! And what saw. I begged my Rebbe, the Koziklover Rav, Reb Arye Zvi about the shtieblach of the Chassidim of Aleksander, Czort Fromer, to take me to this gathering, and he did - up to kov, and Amshinov, and the hundreds of other shtieblach the door, where Reb Alexander Zushye Friedmann where the excitement of Torah learned and discussed and (known for his Mayona Shel Torah anthologies) stood at the debated reverberated 24 hours a day! One could open the door to screen those who entered. I, of course, was ex door of any such shtiebel at 4 am and find bachurim bent cluded - but not for long. I watched as the 200 or so par over their Gemoras, learnmg. These were Poland's equiva ticipants entered - the Gerrer Rebbe, the Sokolover lent of yeshivos. Rebbe, Reb David'! Sochaczover, Rabbi Meir Don Plotzki, Reb Menachem Ziemba, Reb Avrohom'le Weinberger, One might wonder, what nurtured their enthusiasm Reb A vrohom Bornstein (recognized as the biggest boki in and warmth for Torah and Chassidus? They were not Poland, possessing encyclopedic knowledge of Talmud, known to delve into Mussar seforim as did the Lithuanian yet he had no official position). I recognized Reb Elchonon yeshiva students. Each group, however, had its special Wasserman from the Lithuanian contingent, but was dis text: Sfas Emes for the Gerrer Chassidim, Shem MiShmuei appointed that Reb Boruch Ber was not strong enough to for the Sochaczover, the Taras Emes for the Lubliner. ... participate ....
The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 15 ~------~ . - t I
I slipped in undetected, and hid at the feet of the par Reb Mottele Galliner, who carried on a lengthy ticipants, among their long coats that hung to the floor at exchange of letters with the Rogatchover Gaon in the edge of the table, round which the deliberations were Dvinsk, was not shamed by comparison with his held. con-espondent. He had no rabbinical position, no reb bistive, he was just another Gerrer Chassid. Reb Motte/ was absolutely penniless, and lacking a per manent dwelling, he rarely slept in the same place on two consecutive nights. So, through summer heat and winter chill alike, he carried all his posses sions with him, wearing as numy as ten separate sets of clothing on his back. I must confess that at the time, as a child, I judged only by appearances, so I once tossed a towel at him when he passed me by. My rebbe saw this and scolded me: ''This is no way to treat a man of such stature. Do you realize that there is no statement in Shas Bavli and Yerushalmi, Sifra, Sifri and Mechilta that he doesn't know?" Rabbi Menachem Ziemba The Gerrer Rebbe Reb Motte! was not exceptional but typical of thousand of Polish Chassidic Jews. It was in regard to such men that Most of the discussions were over my head - figura the Belzer Rebbe,J"~t ,brought glowing reports to the Ger tively as well as literally - but I do recall one discussion I' rer Rebbe, J"~l ,- the /mrei Emes - when he arrived in centering around finding financial relief from the oppres Eretz Yisroel from war-tom Europe .. .in regard to men such sive poverty of Polish Jewry. Someone suggested sending as those Gerrer Chassidirn who, when commanded by the a rabbinical delegation to America to solicit funds. To fill Nazis to shave off their beards, refused, saying, "We the vacuum in leadership on our side of the ocean, it was should remove our own beards, by ourselves? Never'" proposed that we accept an equal number of American rabbis on an exchange program. The Gerrer Rebbe quickly Let us remember the half million Jews in Warsaw, the dismissed that suggestion: "If we must, we'll send our rab quarter million that lived in Lodz, and Cracow' s 150,000 bonim there, but please - no American rabbis here." At Jews. Their myriad talents and many different allegiances the time I couldn't understand how the Gerrer Rebbe did not prevent them from identifying with one overrid could willingly take the short end of the deal. .. ing Torah-peoplehood. (We are not talking of the Ameri can phenomenon of seeking a united peoplehood without The Great and the Humble benefit of Torah!) Indeed, the "Alef" of unity is what makes the difference between m'.>l and n71Nl - exile and The great men of Polish Jewry also included so many redemption. Let us strive to achieve that Alef, which makes seemingly ordinary people. For example: such a difference!
• The Commitment of Hungarian Jewry Rabbi Shmuel Unsdorfer The landmark conference of Orthodox communities of of a summer cottage that his father, the Chasam Austro-Hungary in 1869 declared the unity of Jewry based Sofer, used to frequent. The man apparently was in exclusively on Torah, confirming the Chasam Sofer's un awe over having the saintly Chasam Sofer on his compromising stance of the previous fifty years: those grounds, and lost no opportunity to assist him in who deny the divinity of Torah cannot be part a united any way possible. This came to an abrupt stop, and Jewish religious community. Thus the "frum am the Ksav Sofer was curious to know why. "Because ha' aretz'' and the seasoned talmid chacham both had their your father is one of the Neologen - a Refonner, " place in the Torah community. the man said. "How can you say that?" The Ksav Sofer (Rabbi Avrohom Shmuel Binyo "He doesn't say Kiddush on Shabbos morning the min Sofer) recalled an incident involving the owner way my Rebbe does!" (The Chasam Sofer' s custom
16 The Jewish Observer/March, 1985
- ,.,.. ------t '
was simply to say the bracha cm a glass of wine, without the pesukim recited by some, known as "Kiddusha Rabba. ") When the Ksav Sofer told his father the man's comment, he smiled: "The fellow has such complete, unquestioning layalty to his rabbi, and adheres to his example with such keen faith, he is secure with his generations in spite of his ignorance!"
The Chasam Sofer' s unbending fidelity to tradition and the example of hasmada that he set guided generations to come. I recall Pressburg before World War II. Its Jewish population of 15, 000 souls formed scores of study groups in Mishnayos and Gemora and halacha .... Every Shabbos morning, Mussa[ was completed by 9 am, and the entire community remained in the Batei Midrashim, studying un til noon .... These people were destroyed, but their inspir ing example Jives on.
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The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 17 Even under the infamous chimneys of Birkenau-Ausch He was dumbstruck. "Du Glaubst das, Frieden witz, which lit up the sky by night and choked us with son? Do you really believe that?" he asked. their suffocating fumes by day, Jewish men maintained After a moment's hesitation, 1 started to stam their spiritual dignity. Let me give you a few personal ex mer. A young fellow prisoner, quite unlearned, periences. jumped to his feet and said, "fa, Ich glaube!" The German shook his head and muttered, "Un In Block 22 in Birkenau, a Hungarian few used to glaublich! Unbelievable! I am afraid the Fuhrer will arise even; morning and say the morning blessing never succeed with you people!" aloud, giving us the opportunity to answer Omein .... Then, coughing from the smoke from those chimneys, he'd continue the morning prayers, "Ashreinu - Hm.v fortu1111te we are, how good our Reb Yossel Novominsker, formerly a Chassidic portion, how sweet is our lot .... " One Monday was Rebbe in Warsaw, came across a Jewish kapo beat a Gernian holiday, so we had more time, and he ing another Jew. recited from memory the V'hu Rachum (recited on "Don't hit him!" begged the Rebbe. Mondays and Thursdays): "Look from heaven and ''Rebbe, stand back or I might hit you," warned perceive that we have become an object of scorn and the Kapa. derision among the nations; we are regarded as the "Schlag! Schlag! Schlag! (Beat me! Go ahead, sheep led to slaughter, to be killed, destroyed, beaten, beat me!)" replied the Rebbe. and humiliated. But despite all this we have not for gotten your Name - we beg you not to forget us. " "Despite all this we have not forgotten Your Name ... " Three hours after the liberation in Buchenwald, two bedraggled, gaunt fellows - Reb Leibel Gelieb ter and Reb Leib Pinkosevitz - came rushing into One Sunday in the Hermann Goering factory in our barracks, panting, "I hear that there's a pair of Staracharke, the Gennan and Polish guards were tefillin here! Where are they? Please give them to not to be seen, so we stayed in our fudenstube. Some us!" one remembered that it was Simchas Torah so he sang at the top of his lungs the "Mi Pi Ke/" song "Yes, ~espite all this we have not forgotten Your of the holiday. ''No one is mighty like G-d, no one Name .... is blessed like Moshe son of Amrmn, there is no greatness like the Torah, and no one seeks it like Is rael ... there are no wise ones like Israel." Chosen Not to Murder Suddenly we became aware of the chief of our fac tory in the room, and the singer stopped cold. Rabbi Unsdorfer "What is going on here. Tell me, Fnedenson, When the Klausenberger Rebbe was in Bergen- Belsen, what is he singing?" he asked me, since 1 was rela a Nazi officer delivered a blow to his back and knocked tively fluent in German. him over. "Are you still the Chosen People, Herr I explained that it was a Jewish holiday .... He was Rabbiner?" not singing, but praying, 1 added. "Zicher, to be sure," the Rebbe replied. "One hundred "But what do the words mean?" times may we be struck," said the Rebbe. "As long as we Again I explained .... are not the oppressors, we are the Chosen People."
18 The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 IV. The Phenomenon of Reconstruction
Looking back - not just in mourning, but for inspira tion .. and looking ahead - not in despair, but in hope .... With their sights thus leveled, the leaders of the postwar generation built, and continue to build on the ashes of the past. Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Levine, Rosh HaYeshiva of Telshe Yeshiva in Chicago, describes how he witnessed this amazing resiliency.
The Strength to Rebuild l The Jewish people have the capacity to rebuild from the 1 very depths of their suffering. I learned of this ability from both the words and the deeds of my Rebbe, Rabbi El ya Meir Bloch, '"~t,the late Telshe Rosh HaYeshiva. l -~ During the war years, Reb Elya Meir did not know for l certain what had happened to his family. He only could guess that his wife and children had been murdered by the Nazis. He devoted his energy and talents to establishing the Telshe Yeshiva in Oeveland.
It was his practice to come to Detroit during the Spring bein hazmanim (intersession) to raise funds for the yeshiva. He would then stay on as the guest of my parents for Pesach.
At one Seder, he stopped at the passage from the Haggadah: "And I passed over you and saw you downtrodden in your blood Rabbi Elya Meir Bloch and I said to you: 'Through your blood you shall live! Through your blood you shall live!'" donated by the women who had used them, when they were enslaved in Egypt, to beautify themselves so they The Jews had been enamored of the Egyptian culture, would be attractive to their husbands: they elected to bring said Reb El ya Meir, and wished to assimilate. But when children into the world when a realistic look at their Op the Egyptians actually pressed Jewish infants into the walls pressive conditions would have dictated that no children to fill gaps in the structure, and slaughtered them to pro should be born. Yet, they had the optimism to look be vide blood for Pharaoh's baths, the Jews were so outraged yond their suffering and to anticipate a time when they and were so revolted by what they had seen, they totally and their children would be redeemed. rejected Egyptian culture .... The brutality, the flow of blood, actually inspired them to return to Judaism, the Today, too, said Reb Elya Meir, the Jews are seeing the source of life. At that point, where others would wallow Germans shedding the blood of their children, and their in despair, we find the source of our integrity and cause long- standing enchantment with German culture is grow for hope. ing sour. We are now on the threshold of a rebirth.
The value attached to this is reflected in the use of the The words were spoken as a commentary on the Haggadah, but women's copper mirrors to construct the kiyor (laving pool they were also a commentary on Reb El ya Meir's capacity for op for the Mishkan, the travelling sanctuary in the wilder timism and his ability to lead the rebuilding of Kial Yisroel dur ness). These were very precious to G-d because they were ing its darkest moments.
The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 19 4 ' •'
,•' I
THIS IS NO PICNIC Walk through the town of Pardes Chana in Israel leak and windows are broken. During the winter, rain on a windy winter day and you'll see two groups of pours right into some classrooms. children sitting on cartons with their teachers in front of Several months ago the principal of the Chinuch a small dilapidated school, house. They aren't sitting Atzmai school in Beer Sheva came to Harav Schach, I outside to enjoy the fresh breeze. There simply isn't Rosh Hayeshiva of Ponevitz, crying that the roof was enough room inside for all the children and there falling in on the children in his school! is no money available to erect a .------. Har av Schach immediately new building. GIVE EVERY JEWISH CHILD wrote a personal check for the You can see the same in IN ISRAEL THE CHANCE principal to cover the cost of Tifrach, in Ashdod, in TOLEARNTORAHTODAY emergencyrepairs. Yerushalaim·s Haari school, But even while our doors and at dozens of other Chinuch JOIN US AT OUR 32ND are bursting with new children, Atzmai schools throughout ANNUAL DINNER the Israeli government has just ' Israel. cut 1,500 hours per week of While secular government schooling out of our budget, school buildings stand THE enlargingourdeficitbyanother underutilized, thousands of J $800,000 in one year alone, parents are begging Chinuch WALDORF-ASTOR A on top of the deficit on special Atzmai schools to accept their cuNDAY 7 IYAR 5745 programs not funded by the children. The spirit of Teshuva ~ government. has never been so strong as to· APRIL 28, 1985. We are talking about the day. Parents are taking their future of 40,000 children , and children out of magnificent of Torah in Israel. If we had the school buildings with the most •lnscribeyournameintheNationalJoumal• money we could teach another modern facilities, and crowding For reservations andjoumalinfotmatkm: . 40,000 children next year. them into overworked Chinuch Torah Schools for lsrael-Chlnuch AtznlaJ Atzmai schools that are l6?MadtsonAve.NewYork,N.Y.10016 physically substandard. Roofs (212) 889-0606 'wl1111111111111111iiiiiliiiiliiii... 1111111111111111• INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF GOVERNORS AMERICAN SECTION HONORARY CHAIRMEN' CO- CHAIRMEN' RABBI LEVI KRUPENIA RABBI Y AAKOV KAMINETSKV RABBI MORDECHAI GIFTER RABBI AVROHOM CHAIM LEVIN RABBI YOSEF D. SOLOVEICHIK RABBI BINYOMIN PALER RABBI DOVID LIPSCHITZ RABBI ISRAEL SPIRA RABBI Y AAKOV PERLOW PRESIDENT: RABBI AHARON SCHECTER RABBI MOSHE FEINSTEIN RABBI LEIB BAKST RABBI ELYA SVEI VICE PRESIDENT: RABBI S.B. EHRENFELD RABBI MORDECHAI WEINBERG RABBI YAAKOV Y. RUDERMAN RABBI SHMUEL AVIGDOR FANELSON RABBI YAAKOV WEINBERG SECRETARY: RABBI YOSEF YITZCHOK FEIGELSTOCK RABBI AVROHOM PAM RABBI S.M. KALMANOWITZ Toruh for Every TREASURER: RABBI SHMUEL BERENBAUM Jewish Child In Israel
-..,.,_ ----~, - -- 4 ' Rabbi Joseph Elias
Heroic Efforts, Fatal Failings An examination of some new books on rescue efforts during the Holocaust
The destruction of European Jewry contrr111es to spawn of European Jewry that ."'ere hitherto shrouded in books of all types, ranging from autobiographical ac· acrirrtony or co11fusi()n, While!he detai]s of how the Nazis' counts, such a~ Soldiers fr?m the Ghetlo (1) and extermination process worked were clarified long ago, thls photographic reporj:age, such as The Warf11W Ghetto in has notbeen the case with the role played by lheir~dver Photographs, (2) to af)f;b<:>,logies and collecti
The Jewish- ___ Obseroer!March, J~iBS 21 A Finely Drawn Picture of Failure characterization of the Stembuchs' reports as "atrocity tales," at the very time that he himself had the same terri Likewise, the two authors present us with the finely ble information and kept it secret( 4); the discrimination drawn and clearly documented picture of the failure of the against the Orthodox and non-Zionists in the work of Jewish establishment and its major organizations to res Aliyah Bet (5); the opposition of Wise and his associates to pond adequately to the crisis, even though there were in the congressional rescue resolution - which, in the end, dividuals who labored heroically for HatLalah . There were brought about the creation of the War Refugee Board; the three factors at work: genuine fear of any action that might Zionist opposition to the proposed congressional resolu be "illegal" hobbled the Joint Distribution Committee's tion to open refugee shelters in Palestine which led to its work when crucial major possibilities of rescue arose; there defeat; all these are just some of the instances documented was the patriotic desire not to disregard Roosevelt's in these books. At the same time, the two authors wishes, and the fear of stirring up anti-Semitism; and final highlight the work of the Vaad Haztalah and Agudath ly there was the commitment of the Zionist movement to Israel as uniquely single-minded and effective in its em put the attainment of a Jewish State before the pursuit of phasis on rescue by any means. rescue possibilities. These factors vitiated the rescue ef forts, divided the organizations when unity of purpose Different Approaches ... was necessary above all, and actually led to numerous tragic instances where imminent rescue possibilities were Yet there are differences in their approach to a number hindered and sabotaged: The picketing of the Agudath of issues. Wyman, who focusses on the United States' Israel offices by the American Jewish Congress and other role, apparently never took a first-hand look at the work groups when A.I. insisted on shipping food packages to of Rabbi Michoel Ber Weissmandl' s Working Group(6), Poland at the beginning of the war; Stephen Wise's and has only limited acquaintance with the efforts of the
(4) See the comments of Rabbi Sherer (box on p. 24) for the cen tral role played in all matters of Jewish concern by Stephen Wise, leading Reform Rabbi and accepted as the spokesman for Ameri can Jewry at large, both by American fews and by governmental and political circles.
Mrs. Sternbuch with Chief Rabbi Herzog and Jewish children from Poland who were rescued with her help.
I illegal immigrants via the Black Sea to Palestine. The organizers of the transports insisted that Orthodox Jewish refugees could only compose 6% of the transports, even though they comprised a much larger part of the fleeing fews, with some of the organizers boasting of not admitting any Orthodox fews (Penkower, pp. 169- 170 on this topic). Rabbi Micharl Ber Weissmandl Mrs. Recha Sternbuch (6) The Working Group was an underground group of Hungar ian Jewish leaders, representing varied backgrounds, dominated The role of the Sternbuchs during World War II is described in by the personality of Rabbi Michael Ber Weissmandl. Working full in Heroine of Rescue, The Incredible Story of Recha with the Sternbuchs in Switzerland, he inspired and set into mo Stembuch, by Joseph Friedenson and David Kranzler, which tion a large numberof efforts to inform the free world of the "Fi was reviewed in JO, April 84. The Sternbuchs obtained, and for nal Solution, ''and to develop rescue plans based on the fact that warded to Yaakav Rosenheim in New York, full reports on the ex during the latter part of the war Nazi officials became more open termination of European Jewry, hitherto not known to the pub to bribery. Themostambitiousoftheseplans, the "Europa Plan," lic. Stephen Wise belittled these reports and prevented action on involved the "purchase" of one million fi!WS. Owing to the re them even though he had also received the information, because fusal of the faint and the other major Jewish groups to provide the he had promised the State Department to keep it secret for the time necessary finances, the plan failed. Key figures in obstructing being. these plans were Saly Meyer and Roswell McOelland, the (5) Aliyah Bet was the illegal Aliyah organized, under the aegis representatives in Switzerland of the faint and the War Refugee of the Jewish Agency's Vaad Hahatzalah (not to be confused with Board: McClelland derisively dubbed Rabbi Weissmandl "the the Orthodox Vaad Hatzalah in New York). It involved bringing holy man."
22 The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 Sternbuchs (his inability to use Hebrew materials must also have been a handicap). As a result, he not only plays down the sit, •. ,ficance of their work in those instances where he takes note of it at all, but casts Saly Mayer in a heroic role and likewise bestows inordinate praise upon McClelland (for an accurate and documented assessment of his role see David Kranzler in Appendix 4 of the Goldberg Report, p. 17). He tries to defend Wise's silence on the first extermination reports, apparently unaware of Wise's attacks on Yaakov Rosenheim in this matter; and he also discusses the efforts to save Jews by means of Latin
American passports without any awareness of how these i efforts were initiated and how comprehensive they were. Penkower, in contrast, gives the fullest recognition to the imaginative and daring work of the Orthodox activists. On i a different issue, Wyman dramatically contradicts Penkower' s positive evaluation of the Fort Oswego episode; perhaps he was better able to gauge the real feel ings of the town's people .
. .. Different Conclusions More important are the differences in their conclusions. Penkower, despite his admiration for Rabbi M.B. Weissmandl, stresses that "Sternbuch' s attacks on Mayer and Kastner, Weissmandl's bitter recriminations against free world Jewry in general ... reflected a failure to grasp the fundamental powerlessness of a people abandoned to its fate" (p. 215). Quite apart from the fact that the saving of even one life is a supreme goal for us, and therefore the criticism that nothing major could have been achieved totally misses the point, it is by no means clear that Penkower' s assess1nent is correct - Wyman's list of miss ed possibilities very definitely suggests the opposite con clusion. Many of these possibilities depended on coopera peded it by all means fair and foul); but it does stress that tion by governments, but not all; and the achievements of the Orthodox efforts, although based on the activities of the activists proved that even impossible things could be a small group of men, achieved far more than those of the done by desperate people. Wyman himself, who describes secular groups. himself as a Gentile Zionist, is deeply critical of Jewish Throughout the Report, as in the other books discuss leadership in general and Zionist leaders in particular, ed, there can be felt the influence of Professor Yehuda even though he stresses that they should not be condemn Bauer, who has been aptly called an apologist for the ed, since they meant well. Zionists' wartime leadership, has persistently argued that The Goldberg Report Jewry was really impotent, and has rather consistently belittled the rescue schemes of the Stembuchs, Rabbi Against the background of these two books, it is in Michael Ber Weissmandl, and others. The article by David teresting to read Seymour Finger's American Jewry During Kranzler, "Orthodox Goals, Unorthodox Means," and the Holocaust (March, 1984), the headline-making report Samuel Merlin, on The Europa Plan, which are in the ap by the research director of the American Jewish Commis pendix to the report, are a helpful corrective. So is a new sion on the Holocaust - popularly known as the volume, The Holocaust Studies Annual, vol. 1 (Penkevill Goldberg Commission - which was established to deter Publishers, Greenwood, 1984) which contains, among mine (a) whether American Jewish leaders knew, and (b) other articles, a study of Jewish disunity during the war, whether they could have done more about the Holocaust. which concludes that the stress on "the preeminence of The Report, albeit coached in very careful terms, does the Zionist program in relation to the refugee question" show that they knew and that more could have been done. (Nachum Goldmann) profoundly weakened American The Report deals gently with the leadership in general, Jewish rescue efforts. Other articles indicate that in and personalities like Wise and Mayer in particular (odd dividuals and their efforts make a difference, by reference ly enough, Wise is even credited with helping bring about to Varian Frey's efforts in Vichy France, and the successful the creation of the War Refugee Board, even though he im- sheltering of refugees in the Panama Canal zone.
The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 23 Comments by Rabbi Moshe Sherer Appended to the Report of the American Jewish Commission on the Holocaust (excerpts) This report seeks to achieve mutually exclusive goals: government regulations to save Jews, simply refusing to to be both painstakingly candid about the guilt of the "dirty their hands," even though the alternative forthe American Jewish leaders during the years under con victims was an unmarked grave or ending up as a piece sideration, and at the same time be graciously protec of soap. tive of Jewish leaders whose heartless obsession with legalisms prevented the rescue of large numbers. This policy of inaction also was influenced by the general philosophy of Zionist groups - that rescue op Professor Finger's attempts at even-handedness, sim portunities were secondary to concentrating on build ply do not work. On the one hand he deserves plaudits ing a Jewish homeland in Palestine after the war was for courageously exposing the grievous faults of the over. Alas, they did not perceive how utterly ridiculous secular Jewish leadership. On the other hand the ex and heartless it was for Jewish leaders to concentrate on cuses he offers to justify their actions, attributing them a postwar homeland, when the people for whom they to "serious misconceptions," do not hold water. were seeking this home were being slaughtered like sheep! Professor Finger is to be commended for his vivid portrayal of the callousness of the Allied Governments Professor Finger is to be commended, on the other to the plight of the Jews. It is vital that his report about hand, for helping document the fact that the Orthodox the inaction of American Jewish leaders should not be Jewish community, through Agudath Israel and the misconstrued as a diminution of the thousandfold Vaad Hatzalah, "saved significant numbers of European greater guilt of the governments of the free world, who Jews." Justice Arthur Goldberg's Commission, by focus ignored the plight of human beings whose only "sin" ing public attention on the uniqueness of the Orthodox was that they were born Jews. Jewish rescue activity, has made an important contribu tion to the history of that era .... Within that smaller framework, the Finger Report does set the record straight, even atthe cost ofopening Of course, one dare not say that the Orthodox Jews old wounds. For instance, Dr. Stephen Wise, who and other activists did enough to rescue Jewish lives. For served simultaneously as president of three well-known every peaceful breakfast that we ate when Jews were be organizations - the Zionist Organization of America, ing gassed and burned, none of us can have a clear con the World Jewish Congress and the American Jewish science. The historic fact remains, however, that Ortho Congress - was a chief architect of an American Jew dox Jews were the only element (together with the Peter ish policy, which resulted in the loss of many thousands Bergson-Shmuel Merlin group and possibly the Jewish of Europe's Jews who could have been saved. He and Labor Committee) for whom there was no other issue his policy must stand in judgment before the tribunal of during those years except the rescue of Jews. history. The course he and his colleagues charted was surely based on what they thought was best for the Jews: Beyond the facts I ies a deep lesson to be learned: not to rock the boat by antagonizing the Roosevelt ad when one views events from a Torah persepctive, the ministration, not to disturb the general war effort by ag perception is diametrically different from the experience gressively pushing for special methods to save Jews, and of seeing the same object through secular eyes. The To not to risk creating more anti-Semitism by being con rah Jew is inculcated from early childhood with a spe spicuous. But it was also a tragic disaster. cial sense of areivus (responsibility) of one Jew for the other and for all mankind. When one's heart is over History will also point a finger of guilt at these same flowing with love forG-d, then that love naturally flows leaders for their fear of resorting to methods that violate over to man who was created in the image of G-d. The tighter one clings to his roots as a Jew, the more pro foundly one thinks and acts as a Jew. Rabbi Moshe Sherer is the president of Agudath Israel of America and chairman of Agudath Israel World Organi It is my hope that these revelations will help to inspire zation. Jews to think more Jewishly and to act more Jewishly. Unexpected Rescue, From Unlikely Places Many of the articles and their practical conclusions are no longer directly relevant - but the original thoughts and The fact that opportunities for rescue could unexpect imaginative approaches contain many lessons for us. It is edly appear in unlikely places, and thanks to unexpected obvious from these writings how clearly Rosenheim saw helpers, is illustrated by Rabbi Chayim Uri Lipschitz's Franco the needs of the time. He cried out against political efforts Spain, the Jews and the Holocaust (Ktav, N.Y.,1984, to block rescue efforts in favor of seeking statehood. He $20.00). The author makes a well-documented case that saw the need, and launched the struggle, to save the souls Franco saved more than 45,000 Jews, either by letting them of the children that had been rescued from the Holocaust find refuge in Spain or by extending his protection to them and represented the future of the Jewish people. Of par (specifically the Sephardic Jews, who claimed to be of ticular interest is his exchange with Dr. Isaac Breuer over Spanish origin). Franco was by no means consistent in his the creation of a Torah State in Eretz Yisroel, and the form policies, but he did more than anybody could have ex that it should take. The value of this work is enhanced by pected from a Fascist ruler closely linked to Hitler. More the historical photographs included. ' over, his motives were not crudely self-serving; he could, for instance, expect no practical returns from his efforts, long after the war, to aid Egypt's Jews - and Rabbi Lip ... and the Cries of Reb Michoel Ber 1 schitz tantalizingly touches on a plan of Franco's to be of help to Russia's Jews. In all, this is an intriguing work. Rabbi Michoel Ber Weissmandl is the subject of a biog raphy by Abraham Fuchs - The Unheeded Cry (Mesorah Publications, N.Y., 1984, hardcover $12.95, softcover $9 .95). It is a fascinating volume and introduces the reader to the many facets of Rabbi Weissmandl's life - as talmid chacham and scholarly researcher, as Rosh Yeshiva and educator, and in between as an utterly indefatigable leader in the searing struggle to save Jewish lives. This book, which is thoroughly documented and illustrated by many From the Heart of Rosenheim ... historical photographs, seeks to correct the mistakes and injustices from which he has suffered at the hands of so many of the Holocaust historians, and firmly to establish his place as a brilliant strategist and totally unselfish fighter against the Nazis' Final Solution. In the writings of Penkower, Wyman and Finger, the significant role that Yaakov Rosenheim and Rabbi Michoel A recent writer on the Holocaust expressed surprise at the fact that it was left to an ''ultra-Orthodox'' rabbi from Ber Weissmandl played in the tragedy of the Holocaust I clearly emerges - but not enough about these two men Hungary to propose the bombing of rail-lines to Ausch themselves. Two recent books help us gain a better under witz. Such surprise is , of course, quite out of place - it j standing of these outstanding personalities, as they con flows from the fatuous sens of superiority with which the tended with the war and its challenges. "modems" tend to view the Torah Jew, and to belittle his wisdom and insight. The expression of surprise is doubly Moreinu Yaakov Rosenheim' s place in modem Jewish ludicrous when it relates to la man of such towering stat history is secured by his key role in the founding of the ure as Rabbi Weissmandl. Abraham Fuchs excellently Agudath Israel World Organization, and his service as its delineates the guiding principles of his policies: never to president until his passing in 1965. Agudath Israel was not give up, never consider his own safety, to respect no laws meant to be a political party, like others, and Yaakov when it came to saving lives, and to play on the enemy's Rosenheim was not a political leader in the usual sense of conviction of Jewish international power. As David Kran the word. Torah personality and profound thinker as well zler showed in his work on the refugees under Japanese as a dynamic leader of men, he chose as his aim to guide control, the Japanese protected the refugees because they the life of Kial Yisroel, and to solve its problems, in the spirit mistakenly believed that the Jews controlled the U.S.A. of the Torah. The ultimate challenge to the attainment of and this country would be influenced by their treatment this goal was represented by the events from 1933to1948, of the refugees. In the same way, the Germans in time be from the rise of Hitler, through the Holocaust to the emer came victims of their own propaganda about the power of gence of a Jewish State. Comfort, Comfort My People, A international Jewry, as Penkower's book shows in detail, Collection of Essays and Speeches by Moreinu Jacob Rosen and Rabbi Weissmandl, perceiving this weakness, ex heim, edited by Dr. Isaac Levin (Research Institute of Reli ploited it by dangling all kinds of promises before them. gious Jewry, N.Y., 1984, $10.00) brings within the covers Fuchs perceptively presents Rabbi Weissmandl's ideas of one book the thinking of this extraordinary personality (though he does not correctly explain his opposition to Zi about the earth-shaking events of the time in which he onism, p.352); his work will undoubtedly become an in himself was called to act. dispensable aid to the understanding of this era.
The Jewish Obserorr!March, 1985 25 Religious Responses Glory, the classic work of Mosheh Prager, J"~t,translated by Mordecai Schreiber, and now available in a new editon, as part of the Artscroll History Series (Mesorah Publica While the books discussed are primarily concerned with tions, N.Y., 1985, $11.95 hardcover, $8.95 softcover). the actions of the leaders, other works deal with the Prager' s central point is that Nazi hatred of the Jews was responses of the Jewish masses to the fate that threatened directed, in the first place, at what the Jews stood for - them. Isaiah Trunk's Jewish Responses to Nazi Persecu their spiritual legacy which they had preserved through tion (Stein & Day, N.Y., 1979, $15.95) explores "collective out their history. Therein lay the particular importance of and individual behavior in extremis." The first part of this spiritual resistance, of the defiance that Jews, who were volume analyzes the different kinds of responses that unable to fight back, demonstrated by remaining Jews and could be found; and the author's observations on the way preserving their faith even at the gates of death. religious Jews reacted (pp. 21- 25) and particularly interest ing in the context of the economic difficulties of maintain Forty years after the collapse of the Nazi empire, we are ing one's integrity and moral standards under ghetto and still struggling to come to grips with events that we are not camp conditions. The second part of the book presents ex really able to understand. Yet it is important for us to be tracts from 62 eyewitness testimonials - chilling and hor aware of the heroism and wisdom shown by personalities rifying insights into the realities of life and death under the like the Stembuchs or Rabbi Weissmandl, as well as the Nazis. faith and grandeur of all those unsung victims who died with the "Shema" on their lips - a lesson to us of the That Jews could and did preserve their spirit even un greatness that can be attained through Torah if we but der these conditions is, of course, the point of Sparks of strive for it.
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Fighting City Hall When "Gay Rights" Collide With Religious Rights: Agudath Israel's Decision to Challenge New York City's Mayoral &ecutive Order 5 0 t "You can't fight City Hall." Such is the conventional Conspicuously absent from these anti-discrimination wisdom. Yet there are times when there is no choice, statutes is any reference to homosexuals as a protected r when fight one must. group. The absence is no mere oversight. Numerous Agudath Israel is in the midst of one such fight. It has "gay rights" bills, which would have expanded the pro sued the City of New York, challenging the constitu tections of the anti-discrimination laws to cover homo tionality of a mayoral Executive Order that forbids City sexuals, have in recent years been introduced, debated contractors from discriminating in employment against and defeated in the halls of Congress, the New York homosexuals. Although much of the litigation centers State Legislature and the New York City Council. on the arcane legal issue of separation of powers Agudath Israel, through the activities of such promi between the executive and legislative branches of nent Torah activists as Rabbi Naftali Neuberger, Vice government, lurking in the background is a fundamen President of Ner Israel Rabbinical College, and Dr. Ber tal clash between "gay rights" and religious rights-a nard Fryshman, Executive Director of the Association subject that never would have found a place in these of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS), ' pages just a few years ago, yet today is legitimate discus has long been in the forefront of responsible opposition sion, even in The Jewish Observer. to these "gay rights" bills. In the words of attorney By choosing to fight City Hall, Agudath Israel has Abraham Mordowitz, a member of Agudath Israel's placed at risk approximately $2 million currently used to Commission on Legislation and Civic Action who testi fund a myriad of Agudah's social service chessed pro fied against such a bill the last time it was introduced in grams that benefit the young and the old, the dislocated the New York City Council, the proposed bill would worker and the displaced homemaker, the hungry and have "afforded[ed] government sanction of homosexu the homeless. Had Agudath Israel chosen not to fight, als' determination to impose their unacceptable life however, it would have placed at risk something infi styles on school children, families, and the community nitely greater than $2 million: K'vod Shomayim. in general ... [Gay activists] are seeking the ability to This, then, is the story of Agudath Israel of America vs. flaunt their homosexuality with impunity, which im The City of New York. pinges upon the rights of those citizens who do not wish to be exposed to this behavior which goes against the Background: The Consistent Defeat of Proposed most intimate and important religious and social mores "Gay Rights" Legislation of the vast majority of our citizens." The City Council apparently agreed, refusing even to vote the "gay Unwarranted discrimination in employment is an evil rights" bill out of Committee. that has occupied a prominent place on the agendas of Into the legislative breach, however, stepped New the Federal, New York State and New York City legisla York City's executive branch, with a vengeance. tures. Each has enacted an extensive body of statutory law to prohibit job discrimination against certain speci Executive Order 50 fically identified segments of the general population. In Executive Order l, promulgated by New York City Mr. Zwiebel, Director of Agudafh Israel of America's Offfre of Govern men I Mayor Edward Koch shortly after he assumed office in Affain, is an attorney and represents Agudath Israel in the lawsuits described in this 1977, the Mayor barred discrimination against homo article. sexuals in government hiring. Three years and 49 Exec-
28 The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 utive Orders later, the Mayor extended the prohibition out regard to the ... source of funding of the contract," to private entities doing business with New York City. even if the contract "is funded in whole or in part by Thus, although the ostensible purpose of Executive federal or state funds." They empower the City to insist Order SO was to "ensure compliance with the equal upon non-discrimination against homosexuals-or, employment opportunity requirements of City, State more precisely, affirmative action on behalf of homo and Federal law in City contracting," the Executive sexuals-not only at "the facility or establishment Order went a considerable step further. To the statutor where the contract will be performed," but also at the ily protected categories of race, creed, color, national contractor's "principal place of business or corporate origin, sex, age, handicap and marital status, Executive headquarters." Indeed, the regulations require the City Order SO added "sexual orientation or affectional pref to conduct a "pre-award compliance review" to deter erence" as factors City contractors could not take into mine a prospective contractor's compliance with Executive consideration in making employment decisions. Order SO even before the City enters into any contract with that prospective contractor. Behind the Phraseology Thus, although the City's attorneys now deny it, the What is meant by the strange phrase "sexual orienta plain language of the regulations clearly suggests that tion or affectional preference"? According to the City's unless a contractor is ready to adopt an organization-wide lawyers, it encompasses "male or female homosexual affirmative action policy on behalf of homosexuals, it ity, heterosexuality or bisexuality by preference or prac will be disqualified from doing any business with New tice.''Stated otherwise, Executive Order 50's ban against York City. What the regulations appear to be telling employment discrimination on the basis of "sexual Agudath Israel, therefore, is that as a condition of orientation or affectional preference" does not merely accepting City dollars to fund its social service chessed prohibit employers from prying into their employees' or projects, Agudath Israel would have to place advertise prospective employees' sexual preferences; it requires ments in the "gay" media whenever an opening occurred employers to close their eyes even to publicly flaunted anywhere on its staff-presumably even for a privately homosexuality. funded Torah project such as Oaf Ha Yomi, Camp Bnos Illustrative of the extent to which Executive Order SO or J.E.P.-and designate one of its executives to reach would preclude consideration of "sexual orientation or out to homosexual activists. affectional preference" is the position the City has taken with respect to child care employment. The City has Why Matters Did Not Come to a Head Until 1984 grudgingly acknowledged that the Executive Order "does not bar denying child care employment to in Onerous though the requirements of Executive Or dividuals who-because of child abuse convictions, open der SO and its implementing regulations may be, reli sexual solicitation, or other compelling factors-present gious organizations like Agudath Israel had good reason a true danger to the welfare of the children who would to believe, until early 1984, that those requirements be placed in their care." Absent such "compelling fac were not binding upon them. tors," however, Executive Order SO apparently would The New York City and State legislatures both have insist that a child care employer totally disregard even enacted laws that specifically permit any religious overt and demonstrative homosexuality in making hir organization to make employment decisions "calculated ing decisions, regardless of the nature of the job to be by such organization to promote the religious principles filled and the degree to which the job would put the for which it is established or maintained." These sta employee in a position to influence impressionable tutes, which exempt religious organizations from the children. broad sweep of the anti-discrimination laws, reflect the The Implementing Regulations legislatures' judgment that government should not trample upon religious freedom in the name of em Effective January 21, 1982, the City's Bureau of Labor ployment equality. Services promulgated rules and regulations purporting By their terms, Executive Order so's anti-bias provi to "implement Executive Order No. so." But the regula sions were designed to eliminate only "unlawful dis tions do not merely "implement"; they expand the crimination" and to be binding on City contractors Executive Order, considerably. "except as provided by law." Since employment discrimi Entities contracting with the City must not only nation by religious organizations is expressly permitted I expressly covenant that they will not discriminate on by law, the Executive Order would appear implicitly to the basis of "sexual orientation or affectional prefer acknowledge that contractors like Agudath Israel for ence," they must "actively recruit" homosexual em whom discrimination on the basis of" sexual orientation ployees. They must in addition appoint an executive to or affectional preference" is a matter of religious prin "serve as a liaison" with "advocate organizations" for ciple are exempt from the Executive Order's require homosexuals. ments. The regulations further require City contractors to In early 1984, however, it became apparent that the comply with Executive Order so's requirements "with- City did not so interpret Executive Order SO. In a highly
The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 29 publicized confrontation with The Salvation Army, a No Longer the "Shtadlan"? Protestant social service provider, the Mayor insisted There was another factor that made the decision to "there can be no exception to Executive Order 50 .... sue an especially difficult one. Since its inception more When religious groups receive city funding to provide than 70 years ago under the direction of the leading services to those who live in this city., in effect as an Torah personalities of pre-war Europe, the worldwide agent or delegate of the city itself, those provider groups movement of Agudath Israel has served as perhaps the must conform to and conduct themselves pursuant to ' foremost shtadlan representing the interests of Orthodox • the regulations and laws promulgated by the City of Jews at the highest levels of government. To fulfill that New York." The Mayor indicated that the City would role properly, Agudah strives to maintain good relation not terminate existing contracts with religious groups ships with governmental officials who are in the posi that insisted upon their right to discriminate against tion to make decisions that affect the vital interests of homosexuals, but that those contracts would not be Torah Jewry. Precisely those types of relationships have renewed upon their expiration on June 30, 1984. enabled Agudath Israel over the years to resolve many critical problems that have beset Orthodox Jewry. To Sue or Not to Sue Needless to say, taking the government to court is When word spread of the Mayor's surprising refusal hardly the optimum means of fostering a climate ripe to recognize the right of religious organizations to hire for effective shtadlonus. A decision by Agudath Israel to and fire in a manner that conforms with their religious enter into an adversarial relationship with New York beliefs, religious contractors that relied upon City fund City and its Mayor would thus not only endanger ing to service needy members of their communities Agudah's own programs, but could also threaten to were faced with some stark choices. They could agree to undermine the organization's time-honored role as be bound by the provisions of Executive Order 50 and governmental advocate for the Torah community. institute an affirmative action plan to attract overtly Yet another consideration gave Agudath Israel pause homosexual employees. Or they could forego City in determining whether to wage a public war against funding and cut back on their programs for the needy. Executive Order 50. In practical terms, and as the City Or they could commence litigation. has recognized in discussions with Agudath Israel, the Agudath Israel did not arrive at its decision to sue likelihood that any avowed homosexual ever would casually. On the one hand, no Torah-true organization seek employment with the Agudah is so remote as to could ever simply ignore an employee's or a job appli render meaningless any pledge by the organization not cant's openly deviant "sexual orientation or affectional to discriminate in hiring on the basis of "sexual orienta preference"-let alone" actively recruit" overtly homo tion or affectional preference." Given the fact that, at sexual employees for any and all organizational job least in Agudath Israel's case, signing such a pledge openings. By the same token, no self-respecting reli would not eventually result in the hiring of a homosex gious person or group could ever meekly accept gov ual, a number of lay supporters of Agudah advised the ernment's heavy-handed attempt to impose its secular organization not to take the City to court. conception of moral right and wrong upon those who Doing Battle Against "Chillul Hashem" derive their morality from a higher source. On the other side of the ledger, the costs of taking the The beauty of Agudath Israel's modus operandi, how City to court would clearly be staggering. In Agudath ever, is that major policy decisions are made not by Israel's case., declaring war on Executive Order SO would executive staff or by lay boards, but by Gedolei Yisroel, mean jeopardizing Agudah's ability to continue such Torah leaders whose scholarship and piety sensitize vaulable social service chessed programs as Project COPE, them to concerns that all too often escape the views of senior citizen centers and a number of youth activities. persons less attuned to da'as Torah (a Torah perspective Were the City ultimately to prevail in the litigation, on so-called mundane affairs). Though fully cognizant I those who rely on Agudath Israel for such services of the whole array of considerations militating against a would have to turn elsewhere-and "elsewhere'' often lawsuit, the Agudah rabbinic leaders nonetheless con means a social service agency not in tune with the cluded that one countervaling consideration was para special sensitivities and needs of our community. mount: combatting chillul Hashem. Agudath Israel was also painfully aware that, in addi The whispers had begun in the spring of 1984. Both tion to the approximately $2 million at risk in suing the The Salvation Army and the New York Archdiocese City, the costs of the lawsuit itself would not be insub had taken their cases to the media, announcing that stantial. As anyone who has had the misfortune of they would rather give up their City funded programs having to resort to the courts to achieve justice will than sign a statement contrary to their religious princi readily confirm, the time, resources and aggravation ples. But none of the many Jewish organizations that that must be invested in litigation are often so substan operate programs with City dollars appeared ready to I tial as to dwarf the benefits of any ultimate judicial take a similar stand on religious principle. It seemed fair, victory.
30 The )rwish Obsrrvrr/March, 1985 then, for the casual observer to draw the conclusion remain on constant alert against public distortions of that either (a) Judaism's view of homosexuality was Torah principle; one obviously cannot always rely on more tolerant than that of Christianity, or (b) if it was legal niceties and public pronouncements to prevent not, then Jewish organizations were more readily will chillul Hashem. In this writer's view, therefore, Agudath ing to sacrifice their religious principles where money Israel-together with all the other Orthodox recipients was at stake than were Christian organizations. of City funding that did not publicly proclaim their The whispers reached a crescendo on June 24, 1984, readiness to challenge the Executive Order and, to this ' when a New York Times editorial announced for all the date, still have not joined Agudath Israel's battle against 4 world to hear that the Emperor had no clothes: "Or the City-must shoulder a share of the responsibility thodox Jewish groups have acquiesced in the city's pol for having contributed to the media's perception that icy." The stakes had been escalated. Continued silence "Orthodox Jewish groups have acquiesced." by the Torah community could only be interpreted as a confirmation of The Times' mocking challenge. It was at Of Temporary Milestones and Historic Decisions this point that Agudath Israel's rabbinic policy makers directed the organization to restore k'vod Shomayim by Most readers who follow the newspapers (or the "coming out of the closet" (zeh l'umas zeh barah Elokim) and press releases reprinted in the back pages of The Jewish taking a public stand against Executive Order 50. Obseroer) are by now familiar with the highlights of the Agudath Israel acted quickly to carry out the directive still ongoing litigation. As of the date of this writing, of its Torah leaders. Legal papers were drawn up imme New York State Supreme Court Justice Alvin F. Klein t diately and a suit commenced on June 27, only three has ruled in favor of Agudath Israel and the City has I days after The New York Times had thrown down the appealed Justice Klein's ruling to a higher court. The gauntlet (and only three days before the City's June 30 New York City Board of Estimate has reacted to the I deadline). In addition, Rabbi Moshe Sherer, President of Klein decision by promulgating its own anti-bias provi j Agudath Israel of America, authored a letter published sion prohibiting employment discrimination against in the July 2 edition of The Times disabusing the homosexuals in all City contracts that require Board of newspaper-and the world-of the notion that Or Estimate approval. Agudath Israel has mounted a legal thodox Jews were comfortable with the Executive challenge against the Board of Estimate resolution as Order. "Agudath Israel,'' Rabbi Sherer declared, "if well. faced with the choice between remaining faithful to Who eventually will emerge victorious after the sev religious principles and administering social service eral inevitable rounds of appeal in these litigations, and programs on behalf of the needy, will have no choice., .. how long it will take to achieve any such ultimate vic We would violate the trust of constituents and the tory, is anyone's guess. It is also anyone's guess whether religious tenets that are at the very core of our move the parties will be able to find some acceptable formula ment were we to close our eyes to a practice described for settling their differences. There is little to be gained, by the Torah as an 'abomination'." therefore, from a detailed analysis of the temporary In retrospect, and with the benefit of hindsight, it victories and setbacks achieved along the road to that appears to this writer that Agudath Israel may have ultimate resolution. miscalculated in deciding to remain on the sidelines But one need not wait until final resolution of these during the early part of 1984 when the furor over legal skirmishes to draw some firm conclusions about Executive Order 50 first erupted. Because Agudath the importance of the issues at stake and some concrete Israel had such a longstanding and public record of lessons on the nature of kiddush and chillul Hashem, For, unequivocal opposition to "gay rights," it was felt that whatever the outcome of the litigations, in a very signi the position of the Torah community on this issue had ficant sense Agudath Israel achieved its purpose and been made clear. But as the Times' misrepresentation of gained a major victory the moment it chose to fight City that position demonstrated, Orthodox Jewry must H~. • £-...... -. ~ 7"""~f we are OPen ~ FEIVEL KIRSHENBAUM, Ph.D. r v PASSOVER · ';;, FINANCIAL ADVISER I ... thru SUCCOS .:J. Hilll' Expertise in financial planning, lnvestmenc ~0 selection, tax strategies, retirement and estate I _ ~njoy " a Traditional Atmosphere Ii'~~%~ I _amidst over 200 lovely rolling acres ... with planning. delicious Glau kosher Meals and Excellent Accommoda- II I Ill tions. Cho!ov Y1sroel & Glatt Meats. INDOOR POOL-Sauna- ';: Registered Investment Adviser. Twenty years I Whirlpool-separate swimming, a Kosher L'Mehadrin house, ~ i I a Hotel as warm and friendly and as reliable 1n Kashruth as ""' of experience in financial analysis. No sales or our own home. WRITE OR CALL FOR BROCHURE & RATES. S commissions. Absolute confidentiality. L\liE HOl'SE H(JfEL • NOW BOOKING WIHtDIUDGE, S.Y. 1~789/ \ ""--GROUP PACKAGES (914)434-7800 o< 1212)9'3·86~ (914) 352-1919 The---·------Jewish Ohsenl/'r!Marrh, 1985 31 TORAH DISSEMINATIO! "KESER YISROJ Founded by Mechon Hahoyroa, Monsey, New York- · 4533 16th Avenue, Brooklyn, l
The network of institutions affiliated with Mechon Hahoyroa has earned its reputation during the course of years, throughout the "Torah World" as embodying comprehensive and yet unique approach to Torah A dissemination. Established in Monsey, New York, by Rabbi Ezriel TOOURJEV'J Tauber-a pre-eminent scholar, lecturer and successful businessman-inspired by inexhaustible zeal, the Mechon Reb Ezri el Tauber,Shlita, of Monsey, New York mushroomed into a vast conglomorate of diversified pro widely acclaimed as a brilliant and dynamic jects in the States and in Eretz Yisroel all working in close innovator, founder and guider of Mechon Ha hoyroa whose reputation is established by the conjunction with each other to enhance and propagate caliber of its excellent scholars, and by its activi Torah. ties in Kiruv Rechokim was recently joined in his Mitzva ventures by the vigorous and multi A special subsidy enables only the most qualified Yunge talented Harhag Rabbi Menachem Shlomo leit to devote themselves full time to mastery of Choshen Beckerman, Sh/ita, Dean of Tschechenov Insti Mishpat-preparing them for arbitration of monetary tutions in Yerushalyim, which are widely recog disputes and related financial matters. Unfortunately, this nized as a center for Torah and Yiras Shomayim area of study, although vital in every Jewish community, in that Holy City. has been largely neglected-almost ignored-in the Henceforth, the project they head shall be recent past. The void was deeply felt, all the more so with called Keser Yisroel. It will encompass some 45 the advancing ages of the few remaining Choshen Mish Torah and Chesed Institutions in the Holy Land pat experts-may Hashem prolong their years. Some and abroad with the goal of propagating Torah and Yiras-Shomayim. thing had to be done-soon-and was! We therefore urge all our Jewish brethren, Rabbi Tauber-a pioneer in many of his enterprises-es whereever they may be to provide their assist tablished the first Mechon Beis Midrash with several ance to this extremely vital project. Each and others following. It was designed specifically to train carefully selected, promising young Kolle! scholars in all Moshe Teitlebaum aspects of Choshen Mishpat and related subject matter. (Grand Rabbi of Satmar) The initial group of 20 graduates was thoroughly exam Sholomo Halberstam ined by the most prominent Torah authorities of this (Grand Rabbi of Bobov) generation, who acclaimed them as future Gedolei Moshe Feinstein Hadar. At present, close to 200 such potential Poskim (Rosh Ha Yeshiva, Tiferes Yerushalayim) in 8 different Kollelim-devote their full energies to excell in Chosen Mishpat. A group of 50 graduates are Teves 5745, New York scheduled to receive their Y adin-Yadin ordination in the I also subscribe to the call of the foregoing Ge• very near future. Yisroel, enabling them to carry their heavy b• sponsors and administrators be blessed. The Mechon maintains two Yeshiva Gedolos, one in Yitzchak Yaakov Weiss, Rav Av Beis Din, Yerus Yerushalyim and another in Monsey, for exceptionally talented Yeshiva Bachurim, where the curriculum is geared towards preparation for acceptance into the Mechon. ASK''HOW CONTACT OUR CENTRAL
--· ···~ ON A COLOSSAL SCALE ·-~
I INSTITUTIONS I l~r the auspices of Tshechenov Institutions in the Holy Land. 1 rYork, 11204 (718) 438-2100 In addition, the Meehan generously subsidises some 30 independant institutions in Eretz Yisroel Among them are Yeshivas, girls' schools, Talmud Torahs, etc., mostly lll in impoverished areas with large concentrations of J Sephardic populations. 1
HBRETHREN Noteworthy is the Mechon's involvement in the expand ing Teshuva movement. Sparing neither efforts nor everyone has an obligation to support these resources, the Meehan assists in the organization oflec activities aimed at helping our brethren out of tures, Seminars and Shabbatons, finances teaching visita their spiritual plight. Especially now, during the current reawakening when so many people are tions in the most remote regions-notably in the knocking at the gates of Teshuva and so many Negev-places that others have written off, and the are pleading to enter the realm of Torah, in the results are phenomenal. Virtually thousands upon thou institutions under the auspices of Keser Yisroel! sands of Jewish souls have been salvaged from total We appeal to each individual Jew to participate spiritual catastrophe. In Keser Yisroel to supply the strength so neces sary to carry the heavy burden. In return, may all The projects' current operating budgets-exclusive of benefectors as well as the sponsors be endowed capital investments-amount to millions of dollars yearly, with the blessings of worthy children, good and Gedo/ei Hador have decided to issue their appeal to health and material abundance, and may we all, the benevolence of Acheinu Bnei Yisroe/ to help shoulder in the very near future, witness Israel's Re demption. the load, to enable Keser Yisroel to continue with its magnificent and sacred tasks. ! In addition to the above, we pray thatthe afore mentioned Rabbis witness fruits from their labors In order to augment Keser Yisroel's effectiveness, the for many years, combined with personal com 1 forts, and success in all their endeavors, bringing Meehan leadership welcomed into its ranks the adminis i pride and grace to Kial Yisroel. tration of the Tshechenov Institutions, led by its dean Rabbi Menachem Sholoma Beckerman, Sh/ita, combin ing their forces to carry on their holy mission. Yaakov Kamenetzky (Rosh Ha Yeshiva, Mesivta Torah Vodaath) Keser Yisroel is not affiliated in any way, nor dominated Moshe Arye Freund by, any particular group. It is totally independant and its (Gaon Av Beis Din, Yerushalayim) services are made available to Jews of all denominations Shmuel Ha'Levi Wossner and affiliations. Keser Yisroel has the blessing and (Chief Rabbi, Zichron Meir, Bnei Brak) enthusiastic endorsement of all Gedolim. We appeal to every Jew to whom the Torah is sacred and , 1dikkim, to strengthen those who head Keser its heritage dear: Join in our undertakings. Share our n return, may the benefactors as well as the goals by: sponsoring a Kolle! scholar, a Yeshiva student ' or a Teshuva organization member; provide three daily meals at one of the Yeshivos supported by us; cover a month's salary of a Magid Shiur or Melamed; pay an electric bill of a Bais Mi£lrash or a classroom; donate any NI HELP?'' amount & purchase your share in Torah today. :cE BY Ll1i•t1R OR PHONE Sarah Mermelstein A Shabbos in Siberia
SrnERIA, 1943. Among the thousands of exiles in this Carrying on Shabbos in a crowded metropolitan area vast, frigid H.ussian interior were eighty-six students constitutes a Torah prohibition, a d'orysa. Carrying from the Kamenitzer Yeshiva. When Russia took con twigs and branches in the Siberian wilds, which is a trol of Lithuania in June 1941, all of Reb Boruch Ber karma/is, constituted a Rabbinical prohibition, a d'Rab Liebowitz's ta/midim (pupils) fled and hid. Those that banan. Yet these Yeshiva bachurim, after two long years escaped and were not found by the Russians were of Soviet labor, still searched for a way to minimize eventually trapped by the Germans and perished; even a Rabbinical desecration of Shabbos. If two indi those that were caught by the Russians were ban viduals share a load that each person could carry him ished to Siberia. self (iml!l~l!J o>w), this too lessens the severity of Chi//u/ These eighty-six Kamenitzer l1achurim found them Shabbos. And, furthermore, if they would stop for a selves in the company of the enemies of the Soviet few moments every few steps, before walking four empire: political prisoners, generals, ministers and amos (approximately 85 inches), this minimizes it even clerics. This particular Siberian camp was largely for further. So the group of twelve students divided the "elite" of Soviet prisoners. Yet even among the themselves into pairs. Each twosome lifted a small better class of captives the Kamenitzer young men twig and carried it on their shoulders. Then each pair wore a mark of distinction. Their honesty was so evi marched a few steps and halted. The performance dent that prisoners who received a two-day supply of looked ludicrous, yet for eight hours the Kamenitzer food stored it with the yeshiva students. bachurim rejoiced in the knowledge that in this limited In the summer of 1943, when this incident took way, they were glorifying the Shabbos. place, the war raged on with an intense fierceness. Even in this wilderness, in this vast expanse of iso LITTLE did this small party realize that the com lated land, each prisoner understood the gravity of mander did not leave the area, but was observing the battle. The bachurim knew that the supervisors their activities from a nearby hilltop. His reaction would tolerate no slack in their effort, so they worked which was puzzlement at first, turned to suspicion I daily--even Shabbos, with the sanction of pikuach nefesh: and then rage: This group of young men who dragged ' the camp commander would surely kill them if they heavy chains during the week were walking in pairs, ! reduced their productivity. carrying ridiculously small twigs and stopping every They were a weak group of young men who did few feet. At the conclusion of the day, he approached r not produce much. "fhe rations they received \-Vere in the group and asked them innocently why so small an relation to their work output, a system which in amount was collected. They replied that they could turn further weakened them physically. not accomplish more because of their weak condition. He wrote down the amount of wood they had col ONE SHABBOS, the local group commander, who was lected and dismissed them. himself a prisoner, selected twelve young men from Late that evening, after supper, a loud bell the larger group of students. He instructed them to resounded throughout the camp. The ringing sound clear the river bed of all wood pieces, twigs, and at such a late hour could only indicate an emergency. branches, and throw them into the lake. These wood The hundreds of workers assembled in the large hall. particles would then be washed ashore on the other There, a makeshift courtroom had been set up. The side, and be carted away for industrial use. They were twelve bachurim had been seated aside as the defend to begin work at seven in the morning and finish by ants, while the local commander acted as the court 3:00 P.M. Under the strong assumption that the local prosecutor. The chief director of the camp, the natcha/ commander would leave for the day, the Kamenitzer nik, sat solemnly as the judge. boys produced a plan of action. Until now, the group The local commander began by describing the day's commander always oversaw their work and they were events and the activities of the yeshiva students. As not free to honor the Shabbos. But with his departure he portrayed their performance, the courtroom they would at least mitigate any desecration. exploded in laughter. The scene threatened to become a comedy. The chief director remained seriously com posed. He asked the students to speak in their own Mrs. Sorah Mermelstein liPes in Lnkrwood, N.j., where lll'r hushand is defense. One of the group, who spoke Russian flu memher of the Kolic/ flf Belh Ml'drash Govoh11. This is her firs/ appearm1ce in ihl'se ently, spoke on their behalf. He explained to the court pages. room that they were diligent workers who toiled
I 34 The Jewish Obseroer!Manh, 1985 - earnestly all week. Without going into the intricacies slowly began to speak. They explained their behavior, of Talmudic law, he explained to them briefly that interpreted their actions according to Talmudic law, they were following the dictates of Moses regarding and elucidated on the sanctity of Shabbos. They found the laws of the holy day. The judge then became him a receptive listener. furious. The Soviet official explained to them that he "I've heard of Moses. He was esteemed as the bril viewed his presence in the camp as an extraordinary liant leader of the Jews. He never would have inno occurrence. Several inspectors were traveling through vated such nonsensical laws. And besides," he shouted the Siberian camps to check on maintenance and pri "your parents and relatives are dying in gas chambers soner supervision. Their vehicle had broken down and you are hampering our efforts to win this war. nearby, and upon sighting the lit hall, they came to How dare you fool around and work at such a slow the camp to ask for assistance. Instead they found the pace!" makeshift trial. The Jewish inspector saw Divine The group of twelve sat quietly and mumbled Tehil intervention in this entire episode. lim nervously as the natchalnik went on to accuse them They reentered the courtroom and the government of sabotage. Being accused of such a crime in Russia, official began to question the local commander: "How especially during wartime, was no laughing matter. do these men perform all week?" The terrified bachurim could well be facing a death "They work wonderfully. just this past Thursday sentence. they had to drag heavy chains. I just don't know what got into them this morning. They acted with no SuDDENL Y a car pulled up to the camp grounds. A sense." delegation of high-ranking Soviet officials stepped out "They have not lost their minds," the Jewish inspec and proceeded to the illuminated hall. The nafchalnik tor replied," they have only lost their strength. Their jumped to attention and hastily arranged seats for the bodies are in a very weakened condition. Increase men. The official angrily demanded of the chief direc their rations to 800 grams a day to improve their tor to know why the camp's work force was being stamina and send them home to bed." kept up so late: "How are they to arise at 5:30 in the The young students, who had been at death's door morning and put in a full-day's work if they are being that evening, gravely returned to their bunks. Their kept up in the evening? Is some kind of theatrical per efforts at sanctifying the Shabbos, even after two years formance going on here?" of Siberian labor, had shielded them that evening. My The nafchalnik attempted to calm them. He asked the father, N""'?IV, one of the twelve bachurim, told us local commander to repeat the day's episode for the afterwards that this episode of Hashgacha Protis government officials. Once again the story enfolded warmed them up in the cold Russian months ahead.1\i of the young clerics and their ridiculous antics while clearing the trees. Again the campers exploded in mirth when the commander mimicked them taking short walks and pausing, carrying tiny pieces of wood CARVEL CORPORATION is proud to on the shoulders of two men. announce to the Jewish Community The government officials themselves also showed that it has entered into an additional signs of amusement as the charade continued. Only one of the officials sat in quiet earnest. This official Kosher supervision agreement asked that these twelve students be sent to a small with ~ -Kosher Supervision Service room so that he could further pursue the investiga for Kosher certification of Carvel pro tion in private. His prominent rank was evident in the ducts at select stores throughout the l alacrity with which his request was granted. United States. Carvel Corporation has As soon as the government official entered the chamber in which the terrified students assembled, he taken this important step in order to 1 opened his remarks with a "Gui Voch." The bachurim assure its valued Jewish consumers looked up in shocked surprise as he continued to and patrons of the highest standards address them in Yiddish. of Kashrus and quality in all its products. "I AM a Jew like you. No one in the Party is aware of In the near future a list of sup my religious identity. I myself have strayed far from :iJ the Jewish path, but before my mother died she made ervised stores will be publicized. me promise that I would do something good for the Supervised stores will have a:!!} cer Jewish people. But before I fulfill her deathbed tificate on display. request, please explain to me the cause of your strange actions." The bachurim, who were numb with amazement,
Thr Jewish Observer/March, 1985 35 ,' f O:.,t:.•. ~o/ ' I ;·11t,,,..,_J1-2'l=------'11 ask for Dagim ~~- MeChon Hahoyroa Frozen Fish ' from the people who know fish best. Ladies Auxiliary of Flounder ,.-,,101\7 tl• Sole Q'-0-•·J\U ~-,,s} KESER YISROEL Cod .nn1w~~ ';y)'~'tl f711)'"J,1Y' l J1'1 formerly Canned Salmon -- - ·1 r7~ni .•. Mechon Hahoyroa & Tuna •~ Kosher Le'mehadrin for Pesach and year round . Under the hashgocho of Rabbi J.J. Spiegel, TORAH TAPE LIBRARY of Ostrov-Kalushin, of Brooklyn. ~ Attention Hotels, Nursing Homes, Restaurants: All our products are available in t Shiurim by Rabbi Ezriel Tauber institutional packs. Menahe/, MECHON HAHOYROA t n~wi iw~ in I HASHKOFO & CHIZUK P.S. Our breaded products are not Kosher for I Pesach-enjoy them year round. for Bnai Torah and Advanced Beginners r Over 250 Informative, Dynamic 90-minute I Tapes in English, Hebrew and Yiddish ' Library: 5916-18th Ave., Boro Park Annual Membership: $10.00, Students $5.00 ~~\O~ ,]"T.J'O t Or Purchase Tapes-$2.50 each + .85¢ postage ~~o D"..,'\ll1,, 10~ Most Popular Tapes: ~~""'""' "'""" re 11·re1-,· ~" v #50 The Torah Concept of Marriage :'6 \~ P"'' '""' -,-,'le 11-,e #73 The Holocaust: In the Torah ~ for High School graduates seeking a Seminary in Ereu Yisrod. Consider care" fully our #149 The Real Bitachon •Years of experience #261 My Only Request of HaShem • Reputation of reliability •Willingness to grant scholarships
SARA SCHENIRER SEMINARY 1s pleased to 2nnounce the opening of" one-year Seminary m Erer: Y1srod for American students. This branch, to open in E!!ul 5745 (September 1985), will combme an excdlont staff/program and comfortable dormi tory fadities wah the umquc armDilpherc of Yerushalayim ------This seminary is located on a beautifol street in the R...:havia~Shaarei Chesed area, ORDER FORM where a girl can truly fod ohe is in Eret:! Yisroel Our fact sheet, sent upon request. de;ctibes innovations D I should like to join the Tape Library and born of much thought and insight. All Beth Jacob high school graduates'" those with equivalent preparntion enclose$ membership feel. are invited 10 apply D I should like to purchase tape/s # _____ lt os our sincere desire. i1> esrablishing this Semi..ary, to join the !essoM o( our extensive educational expenence I enclose$ ______in Amerirn wah this atm011phere. Thos combinaiiot» we fee!, will ensure a learning experience whkh will be D Please send Free List of Tapes. memorable for its scholastic level. for the warmth and vaality which our program will afford, and will be enhane<'d by the Kedusha of Eret:! Yisroel NAMES------Rabbi Michael J. Meisel> Rcb. Basha Rihner ADDRESS _____~IP ----- '"•" '"""''~ TEL: ______SEMINAR YERUSHALAYIM PLEASE make tax deductible check or M.O. payable The branch in Eretz Yisroel of I to: The Ladies Auxiliary, KESER YISROEL, 5916- Sara Schenirer Seminary, New York 18th Avenue, B'klyn, N.Y. 11204 or call (212) 4622-14th Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219, (718) 633-8557-8 232-0070. Jerusalem, P.O.B. 7556 ~------~ 36 The Jewish Observer/March, 1985
------~------... a ""I'll? Get --~ \\. t• \ot _ ·,;\"> \\. Dr. T ovia Meister . tett'e" ,, \'!> 0 v'" ,r.-o 10 te<\ ' ~\/\°I)~ :'~;,;tl-1 ~ "~~;;, ,-o'll~..,'"\;;. \4. Please, Take Note ) i\"i."!l'C ' i\'l.W'C .~ iJ"i . t-- i\'lW'O ,) ; r."i",? ~ 1 ·::1;-i:.'11'0,::. v"\titl·:.\'\":.'1J, ;~' ,.., .. ,-.. ? cv""\t:.;;. ~ ~~·=..,c:;~~°"'~·r-;,-if\"\l ';".,~\v~--J------;;.~~~-1 \Q l"'\i')'l'~ ·' ...... c r- v-.. , ..... ~ 0).ge • ... v"\ti ... --"" ~"1 ' ' i\ I ,;,;'Mf .. ' ....w'Cl ' I 'I) •:tlo I>' ) : I) bringing ~ fr ~ Covering ... But How About Remembering? orin om 0', i f'l.l'1o 2) l '.l£l.:li .:lf'l~.l ,.l£JJ - (N it.lWo) .. - requirement to say what are boundaries of; THE JEWISH OBSERVER recently presented several arti 3 bringing a t:ll in 7N11t'' N_11t" Y1N for l't:l'l ? (J ,1Jlt'O) cles concerning the importance of learning large quanti '1J1 JnJJ 'l~J? (l nllt'O) Y1N itself - must you stills ties of Talmud (bekiyus) and described several programs 4 what if you can't ay with that goal in mind (JO, Mar. '84). The need for (Also see 111llt'r.> , say onni 'l~Ji Jl"1JJ 'l~J _ ( learning bekiyus as one of the prerequisites for being a S) c . ··~pi~ 1 mlt'o) ompar1son of 0,W.l , .... , lalmid chacham was stated eloquently and need not be (Also see J iiJWO N :::ii ~ J to 0,1.::lV ,,,..1nw repeated here. A layman with family and financial ' i £l ,7,te'11,p •oo) burdens, or someone with many activities in kla1 work, may feel that he cannot reap the rewards of learning large amounts of Talmud for bekiyus because it is obvious that constant review is necessary for any of these pro grams to succeed. A busy layman may have enough my fourth siyum of the entire Mishna, my main problem time to learn a daf a day or a perek of Mishna a day, but he is finding time for adequate review. may not have enough time to review his studies more It was to this end that my wife, while she was still my than once, if at all, if he is to keep a steady pace going, as kallah, suggested that I keep notes summarizing my daily in Oaf Yomi. learning. Taking notes can serve two basic functions. I myself was confronted with this situation. I am a Firstly, in order to put down in writing the material he medical doctor who is a baal teshuva. I became observant has learned, a person must first organize his knowledge in medical school, and therefore had a need to cover in an understandable and concise way. Secondly, the large areas of material quickly, as I had a lot of catching notes can serve as an extremely powerful index and up to do. I did take three years off from medicine to reference source, thereby aiding someone who does not attend yeshivos, but this was not enough. So now I have the kind of time necessary for a proper review that must learn intensely while in the middle of residency leads to full retention of numerous facts. training, a very busy time by anyone's standards. Although I recently finished the first half of Shas Bavli Starting With 11 Mishnayos" (the complete Babylonian Talmud), and am working on For my Mishnayos learning, I summarized each perek, Dr. Meister studied in Yeshiva Ohr Somayach of Jerusalem and Yeshiva Kol Mishna by Mishna, in English and/or Hebrew. Whenever Yaakov of Monsey, is Senior Resident in Radiology in the Medical Center Hospital I saw the same topic linyan)repeated in another Mishna, I of Albany, and wi/1 be Chairman of the Radiology Department of Laniado Hospital would indicate the source of the new Mishna next to the in Nalanya as of July 1. '85. original entry and vice versa. For example, "hamofzi The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 37 mamon mechavero alov hareiya" (the burden of proof lies on divorce document) by Torah law. At the beginning of the person wanting to extract money) comes up nu my summaries of the Mishnayos for Giffin, I listed all ten merous times in Mishnayos. I put all the places it comes up factors and listed next to each the Mishnayos in which it in parentheses next to the appropriate summarized could be found. Should I want to review the idea of k'siva Mishnayos that discuss the idea. So, as long as I can lishmo (intent at time of writing a get), for instance, all I remember one place where this idea presents itself, I need do is look at my list and I am immediately referred have automatic access to all the other sources. Likewise to numerous Mishnayos discussing this idea. Likewise, for bereira, * peh sh'osur peh sh'hitter** and innumerable there are five things that invalidate shechita (ritual other topics widespread through Shas Mishnayos. The slaughter) by Torah law. I summarized the five things at reference systems found in the standard editions of Shas the beginning of Mesechla Chu/in. So if I want to look up Bavli and Shas Mishnayos only cross reference to another the idea of derisa or shehiya. for example, I immediately place that has the exact same words. My notes are know which Mishnayos to look in. thematic, and cross-reference to any other Mishna that discusses the same idea or a relevant idea, even if the wording is different. No Replacement for Review In addition, I summarized the main ideas of an entire Mesechla (tractate), and filed it at the beginning of the This does not replace the need for review-and Mishna-by-Mishna summaries of that Mesechta. For exam would never even suggest that, as Chazal have repeat ple, there are ten factors that can invalidate a Get (a edly stressed the need for review. But it does help someone who wants to learn bekiyus but cannot presently *a type of selection that takes effect retroactively, which has applica review sufficiently to retain his learning. As long as I can tion in circumstances throughout Slws. remember one place where a widespread idea was dis **limited liability in case of confessional evidence-a ru!e in juris cussed, I have all the other references automatically at prudence (Nezikin). my fingertips. EVEN IF YOU WEREN'T THERE, THE EXCITEMENT AND INSPIRATION 2 New Books From Feldheim OF THE RECENT 62ND ANNUAL CONVENTION 27 CHESHVAN-1 KISLEV /NOVEMBER 22-25 Sparks of Mussar ' ,,.,.,> .· .· ..· .. OF AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA A Treasury of the Words and Deeds of the Mussar Greats ... 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I Tape #4: Religion in the Public Arena- The Mystical Glory of Shabbath & Pesach analyzes the Hebrew Where Do We Draw the Line? language, using ancient linguistic and numerological methods. It Mr. Dovid Zwiebel, Rabbi Berel Wein, Dr. Aaron offers the reader a fascinating, rewarding experience. Twersky• paperback $7 .95 Tape #5: What Can We Learn from Israel's Bal Tshuva Movement? Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser, Rabbi Uri Zohar, Dr. Sholom Srebernik Available at Jewish bookstores or order direct from • FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS Each tape costs $5.00 including postage. If you order three 200 Airport Executive Park • Spring Valley, N. Y. I 0977 tapes or more, the price is $4.00 a tape: 3 tapes= $12.00; (212) 2 !0-2215, (914) 356-2282 • Visa & Master Card accepted 5 tapes = $20 .00 38 The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 If I want to review a major idea of Gittin, Chu/in, etc. all I need do is look at my notes for that mesechta and my If YOU LOVE JEWISH 10015, indices will direct me to whichever Mishnayos I should consult. Similarly, if I know that a certain idea is men JOllUS. tioned somewhere in a certain seder, in a matter of minutes • Books in Eng'lish, Hebrew and Yiddish I can run through my English notes until I find the e Boundjournalsandperiodicals •Current appropriate reference. It is certainly easier and quicker mag:izine collection e Pre-school & children's to review a few pages of English notes than to review section e Now serving adults as well as the actual text of numerous Mesechtos until I find the youth e Read/study at the Library or take appropriate reference! hooks home • 11 week summer loan period Enhancing My Gemora The Jewish Youth Library These notes also greatly enhance my Gemora learning. l:l53 5lst St, Brooklyn, NY 11219 (718)4:15-4711 For example, I was recently learning a Tosafos in Kiddushin and I knew that a Mishna that I had learned somewhere in Temurah would have been most helpful. Nowhere in the Tosafos was a reference to Temurah even made. Using my notes, I found the needed Mishna and was able to understand the Tosafos much better. This type of thing happens if not daily, then almost so. Literally hundreds of times my Mishna notes have helped me to locate facts spread out in the entire six sedorim of Mishnayos, to help me to understand a Gemora or Tosafos. I also keep a similar set of notes on Shas Bavli. I make a brief (one-to-three line) summary of each sugya in Eng lish andfor Hebrew. I also cross-reference, as in my Mishnayos notes. I keep a separate loose-leaf book for each seder. So far I have complete summaries of all Bavli from Zeraim, Moed, and Nashim. So, if I know that I learned a certain Gemora somewhere in the second half of Kiddushin, for example, that will help me in Yevamos, it "In my Pharmacy and Health Food Store takes a matter of minutes using my notes to find where I feature only Freeda Vitamins U , which the needed Gemora is. Then I can review the desired are also under the supervision of Rabbi Gemora from the text. The point is that looking through Mordecai Kohn of New Square. I know a few pages of English notes is a lot quicker than search that Freeda Vitamins are manufacturers of ing the last fifty pages of Kiddushin on the inside, looking for the needed Gemora. kosher vitamins, minerals and amino acids, So, someone who cannot presently review his learn all made in their own modern vitamin ing from the text, can use Mishna and Gemora notes of his plant, where production is supervised from o.wn style, in his own handwriting, to aid his memory beginning to end. I have found that others and to prevent himself from losing what he has gained. I are distributors or make both kosher as knew that the quote that started off this article was well as non-kosher items in their plants. somewhere in Mesechta Eiruvin between daf 50 and daf70. "l find that my customers are quite satis To have reviewed twenty pages of Gemora on the inside fied with the variety, high quality, fresh i to find the needed quote would have taken a long time, ness, as well as the reasonable price of and perhaps discouraged me from writing this article. these fine supplements." Using my notes, I was able to locate the needed quote in i a matter of minutes. E. Pincus, Pharmacist Below is a sample of my notes for the beginning of Apple Drugs Mishnayos Gillin. The underlined items on the righthand margin are the ten factors that invalidate a get by Torah law. Listed next to each item is the perek and Mishna that discuss the inyan. After these ten items is a summary of the first chapter. The items in parenthesis refer to per tinent cross reference that discusses the same or a rele vant idea. The notes summarizing each chapter read from left to right as I use English syntax with Hebrew words inserted. The Jewish Ol1seroer/March. 1985 39 the hat rack 5416 16th Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. (718) 871-2278 ((STETSON®] • .HABIG ,toL- ' KANGOL •LONDON FOG •CAPS• TIES .. NEW!! FASCINATING BOOK .--~~~ ..n.~.X~~~~ FOR YOUNG ADULTS i"::itvl'I t:l'i'~l'I~ iiM'N ')'11t'l1"1 ''Cl'Tl!'l., 0•1>0M1"1 '11J''(" l'l'CI., '<'P" ''Vllf'I., 1"l!l '.l'~J n1•wo ;nJn l"Wi Sarah Schenierer: NOW THAT THE SUMMER IS NEAR!! amstress of Cracow i #) If you are not yet 14 years old you have Now the greatest opportunity in your life!!! • You Now have a chance to enter a GIANT Mishnayos and Gemora contest - The Biggest of the Year! • The only thing you have to do is Learn! Here is how it works· Study - Understand and Memorize in Mishnayos: .rm,..y .m:iiJ ,Kl'Jl' :'!J1C (<><: inuud <>f f'Vl'T'~ and ~:n~ Gemora KY"ll'l:l l(JJ /\JOO - l'liM'll'l:l 1'11< ). Only th1m can you be crowned the KING OF MISHNA for the year! Therefore, it is advisable to begin right now - to CQncentrate on comprehension and ltt the summer weeks be utilizffi for memory - ;'lt-'n!:l. The first test will be given :!"'II on: Thursday, August 1, 1985 - pnn111 nurni .":! C1':l The finalists will be tested at the MAIN RABBINICAL PUBLIC CONTEST which will take place :!"'II by the g.,,,,,,,,11 l)U!!) on Sunday August 18, 1985 - ;"1"C1t1n c•ct11t1 nvit "1'111 n·ii ':l 'K C1':l. For more information please call our office: (718) 435-3305 Rabbi Psachya Rosenwasser An alert and sensitive child Sarah blossomed • General Secretary forth into a young seamstress, a beloved school l teacher, a dynamic personality , . , pioneer All major leading learning camps have participated in this program i11 founder and architect of Jewish Religious the past amt pledged to support and participate Irr it, in the future. education for girls ' A classic for every Jewish girl • ' Counsellors Wanted for Various Summer Camps & Day • Camps Call Our Office at (718) 435-3305 Available at Hebrew Book Stores 6.95 ~ For Information: 718·854-6155 ' ,_,'' 40 The ]Nvish Ob"1i>tr1Marth, 19S5 second looks at the jewish scene And Now ... Rabbi Amy ]TS equalizes men and women: . at the Sefer Torah , .. in the Beit Hamidrash The Rabbinical Assembly (RA) - halachic norms, for the Conservatives the international organization of Con have already sanctioned driving a car servative rabbis - has cleared the to shul on Shabbos, permitted a kohein way for the acceptance of its first fe to marry a divorcee, and accepted a male member, Amy Eilberg, who is woman as a mohel* - all clear viola scheduled to be the first woman to tions of Torah law, all direct out graduate from the Rabbinical School growths of the Conservative denial of of the (Conservative) Jewish Theolog the divinity of Torah. ical Seminary ()TS) and be ordained in May. The New York Times thought it What may be noteworthy is that worth a front-page, story the elec the Conservatives seem to be tronic media went wild over the responding eagerly to pressures to "breakthrough," and the reactions move along with the latest social from all streams of j ewry were fast trends - currently calling for identi and furious, ranging from "long over cal treatment of men and women. due'' from some feminists, to strong "Right-wing" Conservatives are dis denunciation from Orthodox mayed by this trend: Rabbi David spokesmen. Feldman (Teaneck, NJ) is complain This move, unfortunately, does not ing that such Conservative actions fail take us by surprise. It has been on the to live up to the mandate implicit in horizon ever since the rrs faculty voted 34 to 8 in October, '83 to admit *Dr. Heather Zitner, a Halifax physician, func· women to its rabbinical program. It is tions as official ''mohel'' for that city's Conser· also just part of a tragic flow from vative Congregation Sha'ar Shalom. The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 41 their name: "What are we conserv 75% vote, so it resorted to political ing?" he asks. In fact, the )TS faculty's maneuvering to avoid bringing the HOME overhwelming vote did not come un matter to a vote at its coming conven til shortly after the death of Dr. Saul tion. Instead, the RA specially ATTENDANTS Lieberman, the leading scholar of its amended its constitution to accept au Talmudic Faculty. During his lifetime, tomatically all JTS graduates, includ needed for in apparent deference to him, the ing women, as members, which only HOUSEKEEPING AND Faculty defeated the same proposal. requires a 66% acceptance - and the PERSONAL CARE Furthermore, despite the alacrity wifh vote on this actually did fall short of which fhe )TS jumped on the feminist 75%. ( In a mail ballot, 267 members bandwagon, its Talmudic faculty was out of 903 - 30% - voted against the for the unanimously against the proposal, amendment, but 247 did not cast bal with the sole exception of Dr. Judith lots at all.) While the fact that half the DISABLED AND Hauptmann. There were many )TS rabbinical class of 36 members HOMEBOUND within the movement who argued consists of women speaks volumes in that a step with such halachic implica regard to the lack of vibrancy of the good pay and benefits tions should be decided upon only by Conservative Movement, Amy Eil Boro Park, Bensonhurst and those faculty members with some berg herself confessed to this in Shma Flatbush Area qualifications in the field, but that, (Oct. 19, 1983), saying, "The entry of full-time live in positions only too, was trampled upon in the head women can only upgrade the level of long rush to keep in step with today's the rabbinical school, which has long editorial writers and social renovators. suffered from the steady drain of Project OHR Inc. talented male candidates who choose "Not a Halachic Movement" more lucrative and respected careers (Office for Homecare Referral) This point was stressed in a recent in the professional and business 1308-40th Street article in Midstream (Aug.-Sept. '84), worlds." Brooklyn, NY 11218 in which Sherwin Pomerantz, a Con 853-2700 servative lay leader, faults fhe Conser Next, we fear, the woman rabbis vatives for abandoning their own con who are officiating at weddings and cept of "halachic evolution" by presiding over divorces will surely ex conferring rabbinical status on pect to serve as ritual witnesses on Pincus Mandel women, when by no interpretation of these occasions - a role from which Cemetery Consultant halacha can they possibly be qualified halacha unequivocally disqualifies Representative of Chevros for any kind of rabbinical duties. In his them. In truth, they are scarcely more Kadisha in Jerusalem own words: "When a body ofleaders unqualified than their male (Conser with karka on Har Hazaitim, San vative) counterparts who also lack a hedria and Har Hamnuchot; also within the Conservative movement, basic requisite for being a witness - sole agent for the "ADMAT KO in this case the faculty of the Jewish DESH" Cemetery in SEFAT, near Theological Seminary, votes to over that of accepting fhe divinity ofTor ah. the " TZIYON" of R'PINCHAS ride the recommendations of the Ben YAIR and MER ON Cemetery, 'Talmudists in an area of halacha (on What we are faced with, then, is a in the vicinity of the "OHEL" of the ordination of women) then, by new point on a continuum to religious R'SHIMON BAR YOCHAI. Karka definition, the movement is no longer oblivion - a more conspicuous slip also available on all other COM (sic) a halachic movement." ping away of Conservative Judaism MUNITY-OWNED Cemeteries in from its pretense of adhering in any ' Eretz Yisrael. controlled and main The Rabbinical Assembly seemed way to halacha. The lessons to be der I tained by the CHEVRA KADISHA to fear the possible defeat of this pro ived from this latest breach are too ob of the COMMUNITY ... Not a vio us to require · detailed PRIVATELY-OWNED BUSI posal in convention where accepting NESS. new members to the RA requires a enumeration .... 1569 4 7th Street Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219 Formerly Kosher King Day and Night Phone Come To (718) BSS-5121 Honesty - Integrity - Responsibility Over 30 Years of Dedicated Service to the Orthodox Jewish Community Whitehead Hall, Brooklyn College The Jewish Observrr!March, 1985 A Jewish Child, All Alone An envelope arrived in the editorial yeshivas performing State-mandated offices of The Jewish Observer the tasks by teaching the children re other day with a provocative illustra quired subjects? Shouldn't the State tion on it: at least pay for the English teachers' salaries? - They would, but the American Jewish Congress and other wey secular Jewish" defense" groups are is this concerned that the government not in Jewish child any way support children's education sitting all taking place in a yeshiva. That might alone compromise the U.S. government's ina commitment to separation of Church and State. So the American Jewish Congress and the others have in stituted lawsuits against states sup porting general education in yeshivas, and the yeshivas must carry the financial load of the English teachers' salaries. Or maybe the child has a learning disorder and requires special therapy, and he's all alone because he can't af ford private instruction. "Afford"? Before reading the letter it con Shouldn't every Board of Education tained, we wondered: Indeed, why is provide therapy for learning dis he all alone? orders free of charge? Of course, but not to children who are in yeshivas Perhaps he's there alone because and other non- public school build his English teachers are on strike for ings ... thanks to legal action by the the back pay the yeshiva owes them. American Jewish Congress and - But, you wonder, why should the company. yeshiva be forced to foot the bill for their salaries? Doesn't the State gain Or then again, "the Jewish child all from not having yeshiva children en alone in a classroom" might be in rolled in public schools? Aren't the need of tutoring aimed at bringing Yisoscher/Zevulun famous Partnership Agreement the dairy restaura11t Nl'ME ------,. ... ------222 West 72nd Street ADDRESS (212) 595-8487 TELEPHONE j l would like to become a partner in the l Cholov Yisroel - Shomer Shabbos wonderful work of Mital Hashas by contributing Under the Supervision of K'hal Adath Jeshurun c.: $150permonthasaShutafHaTorah" CJ $100 per month as a Parnes Ha Torah '~ $50 per month as a Tomech Torah Open for Breakfast. Luncheon and Dinner i:; S36 per month as a Mokir Torah Catering - Parties - Meetings u $18 per month as a Chai Supporter r: $ other Any end all contnbut1on1 to ··M1fal Hasha5" art? tax dedu I Now Available! J GE FEN PO RI 0 H------1~~,-----i THE LAWS OF NIDAH by Rabbi Abraham Blumenkrantz Gefen Porioh, encyclopedic in scope, is a practical guide in English to the laws of Taharas Hamishpocha and Hilchos Tznius. Written in a clear and concise manner for immediate comprehension, also including original source material, together with extensive annotations and halachic discussions, this book is geared for both the average reader as ' well as for those more advanced in the knowledge of these laws. The Perfect & Definitive Guide for Choson & Kallah! Ge fen Porioh ... 6"x9~' 496 pages hardbound .... $19. 95 softbound .... $ 15. 95 Available at fine Jewish bookstores everywhere. Distributed by: J. Goldman, Otzor Haseforim ISRAEL BOOK SHOP 33 Canal Street 410 Harvard Street New York, NY 10002 Brookline, Moss. 02146 (212) 674-1707 (617) 566-7113 44 The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 J yeh Hilsenrad made your sugges tion a reality by founding his Keren HaChesed. Each month, over 500 families receive from him addresso graphed airmail envelopes, which they use for mailing their monthly checks to poor families in Israel. In addition, Mr. Hilsenrad runs twice yearly appeals for extra funds for certain desperately poor families who need extra help to tide them over Pesach or the Yomim Noraim. Every family receiving aid has been verified to truly be in need of it. Of course, Mr. Hilsenrad does all this without remuneration (people may donate separately to help defray the cost of postage, envelopes, and run 11 Ahavas Yisroel": ning advertisements). Puzzle, Resolution and Challenge MRS. )UDY RESNICK Brooklyn, N. Y. To the Editor: Ylsoschcr/Zevulun It was exciting turning the pages Matzas for the Allergic Partnership Agreement of the recent Jewish Observer (Jan. '85) that explored, studied and re To the Editor: searched the nature and obligation I would appreciate your publish of Ahavas Yisroel defining love as a ing this letter in response to one ADDRESS very Jewish word. from LY. Lipson of Brooklyn, N.Y. I was anxiously awaiting the in your October, 1982 issue con TELEPHONE Yl!l "iJ))N.J "lll'N-an "amazing" final cerning "The Shmura Matza Prob I would like to become a partner in the encounter to take place. And it did! lem for Allergic Jews and a Solution." wonderful work of Mifal Hashas by contributing Unfortunately the sincere letter My husband also suffers from ·,-i $150 per month as a Shutaf Ha Torah" from the Holy Land and the valiant food allergies and we would be very r1 $100permonthasaPamesHaTorah editorial response took place a few glad to find an acceptable substitute r·: $50 per month as a Tomech Torah pages after that dramatic moment. for a reasonable cost. The "Kosher c $36 per month as a MOkir Torah Hotline" here in Baltimore was help lJ $18 per month as a Chai Supporter MRS. SHOSHANA PERR :-: $ other Far Rockaway. New York ful. but we were unsuccessful in our efforts this past Pesach. , My ~nd all rnntnbut.ons to ··Ml!~I H The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 45 - - A child made sure his candy bar at all. Were Mr. Teller to step into was kosher ... the sixth-grade classroom of almost A little boy told me he loved being any prominent yeshiva in Brooklyn, I Jewish ... Morsey, or any other "yeshivishe" Because I was his teacher ... neighborhood at recess-time, he would invariable see groups of boys huddled over desks, bargaining over "Because I Was a Teacher ..." Then one day, a computer programmer "the latest Rav Yaakov" or "the l To the Editor: I became. Klausenberger shooting a bow and May I submit the following auto Basic, Cobol, CICS, IBM, WANG arrow on Lag Bomer." In fact, sales biographical poem, dedicated to filled my days ... have reached such a pitch in one those who are involved in the teach Green and white paper filled my Yeshiva that it has introduced price vs. programming debate. attache case ... control on all pictures. The Menahel NAME WITHHELD Because I was a programmer ... appraises each picture and sets a By REQUEST price not to be exceeded. There may be many photo-stores in Yerusha Because I was a teacher ... There were no more smiling faces, layim and Bnei Brak, but Boro Park crying faces or dirty faces ... and Flatbush boast more and better Smiling faces, crying faces, dirty No more delicious cheeks to collections for sale at many well faces filled my classroom ... pinch ... known studios. Among yeshiva boys Caring and loving filled my Because I was a programmer . , , of those neighborhoods, pictures days ... are the rage. Those who must make Because I was a teacher . do with a small allowance, trade, Money may have filled my buy, and sell until they too have wallets .. amassed collections of seven or eight "Morah, I love you" notes filled my Because I was a programmer .. . albums filled with pictures of our attache case ... My friend, don't leave teaching .. . Gedolim in every imaginable pose. I saw a child love Chumash ... Because I was a programmer . . . Baseball cards are being outmoded. Because I was her teacher. Some yeshivas have even forbidden Too much money you may not them completely. A child told me, "Morah, my earn, I know ... Sure, you'll find kids out in the mommy lit the Shabbos Because I was a teacher . , halls playing initial baseball, but at candles for the first time" ... the same time there are Israeli ye A child gave her allowance to shiva boys exulting over the Macca Tzedakah ... But, my friend, I cry, there is no bees' latest victory. If comparisons Because 1 was her teacher ... greater thing you can do than are to be made between Israeli and be a teacher .. American yeshiva boys, let us real Because I was a teacher ... ize that the same distinctions must NOW IN THE HEART be made in both countries. Granted OFFLATBUSH that in Israel it is easier to distin guish between the Yerushalmi and Bnei Brak picture-toting children, RIGLER'S and the more modern Israeli kids, SEFORIM & GIFTS but that has nothing to do with pic 1206 Ave. M 627-3818 tures of Gedolim. Yarmulkas • T zitziths Picture collecting is certainly a • Talaisem commendable hobby, and has many Mezuzos Certified by America's Old "Baseball Cards" virtues, some of which Mr. Teller V'aad Mishmeres Stam To the Editor: referred to at the end of his article, LARGE SELECTION Having read Hanoch Teller's arti but it is not nearly a new pheno OF cle on "Israel's New 'Baseball Cards'" menon, nor one limited by any (Sept '84), I find it difficult not to means to Israel. A more apt title ENGLISHJUDAICA take offense. I'm an American kid, would have been "The Extinction of * Books for Children graduate of one of Brooklyn's finer Baseball Cards." * Records & Tapes * Beautiful Challah Boards & Yeshivas Kelanos. Test me. I still don't Covers know what AB, SY, and ER stand AN AMERICAN * All Items at Discount Prices for. As far as my chaveirim in Yeshiva YESHIVA BOCHUR and I were ever concerned, nothing in Jerusalem 46 The Jewish Obseroer!March, 1985 .. :Passover Cakes and Cookies ... u j 7'raditional ::favorites and ~ !:New Selections u Fancy cookies, chocolate leaves, assorted layer cakes, macaroons i and much much morel Freshly baked in our SE PARA TE Passover bakery under strict Rabbinical supervision of K'hal Adas Jeshurun, Washington Heights, N. Y. 1 For the store ...,.st you, call' (212) 567-4500 or 942-0300. 1 Av.tll.tbleaty6ul' local food store and at Food Town and Pathmarlc in New /ersey, Westchester and RoclrlandCouitty. j ... So })ou IMl'ORTtlJ BY TAAM TOV FOODS INC , BROOKLYN, N Y 1122J The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 47 Now available on two 90 minute cassette tapes ):>.. YT '£> ?y iY)? 11)n "How to Raise Children By Really Trying" Exclusive Caterers at the Elegant COTILLION TERRACE 7307 18th Avenue by Brooklyn, N.Y. Open Chupa-Glatt Kosher Rabbi Chaim D. Keller Accommodations Up To 700 Persons Rosh Hayeshiva, Telshe Yeshiva-Chicago We also cater for all your simchas Bris, Kiddushes, Sheva Brochas, etc. A two part seminar at home, synagogue, or the hall of your choice presenting a Torah perspective CALL MR. GREENFIELD 436-2112 on raising well balanced children. To order please send $8.50 per set (includes price of postage & handling) To: C.l.T.Y. (Community Institute of Telshe Yeshiva) 3535 W. Foster Ave. Chicago II. 60625 Soro Park, B'klyn. East Side, N. Y.C. 17-13th Ave. 51 Canal St. Subscribe, Renew or Give The Jewish Observer Lowest Prices! Big Savings! now and save. COME IN and $AVE I 0 One Year/$15.00 (for ten issues) I WE CARRY A FULL LINE of I 0 Two Years/$27.00 (a $40 value) Ix •CAMERAS• RADIOS• TVs• I 0 Three Years/$36.00 (a $60 value) I STEREOS• VIDEOS• TELEPHONES I D *Overseas-$20.00 per year I •GIFTS• WATCHES• -I 0 *Australia, South Africa: $25.00 per year I J * air delivery I WALL CLOCKS I US dollars, drawn on a US bank only. I- AUTHORIZED SEIKO, PULSAR, BULOVA, DEALER I The Jewish Observer I WE HAVE A FULL LINE OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES I 5 Beekman Street/New York, N.Y./10038/ I I I for EXPORT 220 V I Send magazine to: I RECORDS • TAPES I Name I. . I I I Addms I 7HOUR f City State Zip f DEVELOPING t fI O Enclose gift card 0 Master card D Visa II/<_;: I SERVICE I Account No DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD I I Expiration date DD (month) DD (year) 1 ·· 50°/o OFF I------Signature I · 48 ,' ' ' II I I ' On this day, you can transact business at any bank in .Manhattan. ALL our offices are closed on all Jewish holidays. Some customers like us because of when we're closed. Others like us because of what we do for them when we're open. nr.nui , W:l ln n:J,:i:i Member FDIC. A subsidiary of United Mizrahi Bank Ltd. 630 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10111 • (212) 541·8070 Branches: EMPIRE STATE BUILDING, 350 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10118 ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER, NEW YORK 10048 •l for Agudath Israel stressed Iha/ families who believe they may be eligible for such deductions should consul/ with professional lax aduisors lo determine whether The NEWS FROM they qualify. I AGUDATH ISRAEL In referen.ce lo /he U.S. Treasury Deparlment's lax reform proposal lo the Presideri/, the Agudalh Israel Mj',iM 'CU,,,D bulletin reviews /he impact that specific provisions of the proposed package could lzaue upon /he financial support structure of yeshivos. Among the items dis n,t,l~ w~n t,37 cussed are the suggested restrictions on /he deduction of l~ DATELINE ••. NEW YORK\ I I charitable corilribulions made by individuals and cor May be obtained from: porations, the elimination of the charitable deduction Julius Klugmann, O.P.C. l RELIH FOR SPECIAL ED for non-itemizers, the abolition of the parsonage allow PARENTS HIGHLIGHTED IN ance, and other miscellaneous provisions recommended 461 Fort Washington Ave. by the Treasury. NYC 10033 AGUDAH TAX ADVISORY The Agudath Israel Commission on Legis New York-As part of an ongoing series lation and Civic Action has, for over 30 2 Volumes-$20- of publications on governmental policies af years, been active in counseling yeshivos and plus $2-postage fecting yeshivos, Agudath Israel's Commis their advisors on issues of concern to them, sion on legislation and Civic Action has including the implications of the constantly issued this week a comprehensive tax-update changing, yet consistently complex tax laws memorandum outlining information of cur and regulations. One of the major functions rent import to institutions, religious faculty, of the Commission is to advise yeshivos and HebrewAcOdemyofOevetondpul> and parents of non-public school students. day schools on legal issues that concern fishes <:Ner 50 Educorional Items for Of particular interest in the newly released them, and to advocate the interests and Hebrew Doy X:hools publication is the elucidation of a rule which rights of such institutions before legislative could save parents of children in special edu and regulatory bodies. cation schools or classes a substantial sum of In addition, the Agudath Israel Commis =o, J1S'J1 Jl money in tax deductions each year. sion sponsors frequent workshops and semi The memorandum also treats, among nars for yeshiva personnel on a variety of other topics, the new U.S. Treasury De ~wa1i7S.=~-~. ----- " -,------=-,~·''' -- ,----~"'""' government-related topics, and publishes a .. ~ 3 '.,,,-;·-~-~~: ,- ' ' l · J partment tax simplification proposal and series of memoranda and newsletters-of .. ,.,. ''"""• ~,:;,'. -"·"' how it could affect religious Jewry, a recent which the current tax advisory publication is IRS ruling on reimbursed expenditures for the twentieth installment this school year services to charitable institutions, and other distributed to approximately 1,000 heads of regulations governing the tax-exempt status Torah institutions throughout the country. of yeshivos. It also discusses the legal res ponsibilities of the volunteer leadership of "non-profits" with regard to tax law com DATELINE ••• OHIO pliance. The special education provision was ex plained by Shmuel Prager, Esq., General OHIO AGUDAH COMMISSION Cotolog sent upon request. Counsel of the Agudath Israel Commission, TO PUSH FOR Send$1.00 for handling to: as a possible deduction under the category of NEW AUTOPSY LAW HEBREW ACADEMY medical expenses. "According to Treasury Cleveland-Officials of the Ohio branch PUBLICATIONS DEl>T. regulations," he said, "while ordinary educa of Agudath Israel's Commission on Legisla 1660. South Taylor Rd. tion is not considered a medical expense, the tion and Civic Action announced this week a Oevelond HeighlS, Ohio 44118 medical cost deduction may be available to campaign to build support among state legis parents whose children attend a special lators for a law that would protect observant school for learning-disabled or physically Jews from unwarranted autopsies. The drive handicapped children, if the child's condition will include meetings with representatives Young Yerushalmi had heart is such that the resources of the institution from across the state, to sensitize them to attack. His wife takes care of for alleviating such mental or physical han the Jewish concern for sanctity of the dead him and 8 children under 15. dicaps are a principal reason for the child's embodied in ha lac ha (Jewish law), and to work Need is great. Kindly send tax presence there." The Agudath Israel attor out specific details of the proposed measure. deductible contribution to: ney added that the en/ire cost incurred in Under the present Ohio law, the families sending a stude_nt to such a school may be of Jews who pass away are "at the mercy of Bikur Cholim, Inc., c/o deductible, and this includes incidentals such the coroner" when requesting that autopsies as transportation expenses and fees for meals of their kin be waived, according to Rabbi RABBI AVROHOM and lodging (if provided by the school). Sruly Wolf of the state Agudah Commis BLUMENKRANTZ Another important aspect of the provision classifies sion. The new legislation, to be modeled as a deductible medical expense the cost of a tu/or for a after similar laws in other states with sub 814 Caffrey Ave., child with a mental or physical handicap where such stantial Orthodox communities, would gua Far Rockaway, N. Y. 11691 tutoring is recommended by a professional. Atforneys rantee the legal validity of religious objection The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 51 to unnecessary post-mortem procedures. volvement with autopsy legislation designed of the pituitary gland mandatory in every Rabbi Wolf said that representatives of the to protect the rights of observant Jews. case of death in the state. The current law, ' Commission have already been in touch with In Ohio itself, the regional chapter of the which Agudath Israel is seeking to amend, ~ the State Attorney General and key senators Commission mounted a successful campaign leaves authority for regular post-mortem l and congressmen to brief them on the autop two years ago against a proposal that would procedures solely in the hands of the coroner. sy issue. have posed even more difficulties for reli Harry Brown, a prominent Cleveland at With branches in states throughout the gious Jews than does the present law. At the torney active in promoting the new law, country, .Agudath Israel's Commission on Legisla time, several groups were pushing for a expressed confidence that the new legisla tion and Civic Action has a long history of in- measure that would have made the removal tion protecting religious rights will win ap li proval. "Our task," he explained, "is primar I ily an educational one. We feel that through the proper effort in this area, passage will be ~ assured." ~ The drive for a new autopsy bill comes af a lime when the local Agudah Commission is expanding its statewide activities, enlisting lhe support and counsel of rabbis and laymen throughout Ohio in coordinating l efforts lo articulate Orthodox concerns in the halls of government. Beyond its efforts in the slate legislative arena, the Commission is involved in a number of other areas of activity. The Agudalh Israel body monitors compliance with the State Kosher Foods Law, and, in addition, serves in an advisory capacity to several pub Ii lic offices. If also maintains relationships with munici pal officials and local police personnel to help ensure cooperation and understanding for the needs of the Orthodox Jewish community. In another aspect of its work, the Agudah Commission meets frequently with U.S. Congressmen from Ohio on matters that relate to policies of the federal government. Said Rabbi Wolf, "Our representatives know us well, and they generally contact us on Jewish issues that come before them." The local Agudah Commission on Legisla tion and Civic Action is one division of Agu dath Israel of Ohio, a broad-based Orthodox coalition group sponsoring a wide range of religious, educational and social action pro grams. President of the Ohio Agudah is Henry Lowenthal, and central offices of the organization are located at 1861 South Tay lor Rd., Cleveland Heights, Ohio. DATELINE ... NEW JERSEY ~ ACCORD REACHED ON Because a// Kedem employees wines). If you would rather have HOLIDAY BURIALS IN N.J, r are Shomer Shabbos, we satisfy J\91ll'.l 1" {asdohotelsand Elizabeth, N .J. -A special arrangement was the strictest v:i ,,,1nr.l caterers) then our smaller sized secured this week with representatives of )'11nDn requirements for bottles in 750 ml and 6.3 oz. are cemetery associations across the state of making wine that is not 1'' JUSt right Don't forget that every New Jersey which will dear the way for the I ' • z ?vnn. In fact, our domestic process from crushing to bottling performance of Jewish burials on legal holi I I .5 & 3 liter bottles are not Yay1n takes place 1n Kedem's own wine days when necessitated by the requirements e Mevushal. If you prefei naturally cellars. This allows us to maintain ~ of halacha (Jewish law). In announcing the z sweet wines with no sugar the highest standards of quality ~ agreement, Rabbi Yaakov M. Dombroff, ~ a 52 The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 1 j I It's been an honor ~ and a pleasure for generations. J li j 1 ~ l ~'"''\ 111 H~,440?<' 1 Manischewnz® ""*fl"'ll""'!l'fl QUALITY JEWISH FOODS SINCE 5649 ~.to.,~ ~f"' ~o•" Produced under strict Rabbinical supervision~ I Kosher for Passover for Kashruth Certificate write: Board of Rabbis, P.O. Box 214, Jersey City, NJ 07303 All Manischewitz Meat Products are Glatt Kosher. No Corn Syrup or Kitn!os Oerivates used in any Manischewitz Passover Products. J 1 1 NEW SHOWROOM TO SERVE YOU BETTER 2021 Avenue u' Brooklyn, (718) 769-4550 Andersen Window Andersen . 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Nor tive front since its formation over a year ago. concurrent gathering in Baltimore, young mally, provisions for such burial can be easily It has worked closely with Orthodox leaders sters who participated in the organization's • arranged. However, on days such as Memor and institutions across the state, maintain nationwide learning contests were presented I' ial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and other ing central headquarters in Eliza'beth, and a with individual citations of merit, as well as public holidays, when cemeteries are dosed branch in Deal. Its offices can be reached at coveted prizes-in the form of sifrei kodesh as a matter of course, observant Jews in New 1169 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth, New (volumes of Torah literature)-in recogni Jersey have in the past been caught in a pain Jersey. tion of their attainments. l~ ful situation, as cemetery associations have According to Rabbi Joshua Silbermintz, refused to open their grounds for burial. The CHINUCH director of Pirchei Agudath Israel, the an new agreement provides that cemeteries will nually sponsored celebration highlighted the ~ permit burials on legal holidays, in accom accomplishments of winners in three con j modation of Jewish law, when cemetery offi PIRCHEI AGUDATH ISRAEL tests: Mishnayos Bifnim, in which participants cials are contacted by a reasonable hour on AWARDS l,000 CHILDREN FOR qualify by studying specified quantities of the morning of such days by a synagogue TORAH ACHIEVEMENTS Mishnah; KedushasShabbos, wherein young men rabbi or a representative of the Agudath More than 1,000 children from communi between 7 and 15 years of age gain credit t Israel Commission on Legislation and Civic ties across the United States and Canada units for specific amounts of time spent in 4 Action of New Jersey. were honored this month by Pirchei Agu extra Torah-learning on long summer Shab dath Israel of America, for outstanding bosos; and the Hasmodoh Contest, in which Rabbi Steven Dworken, President of the achievement in independent Torah study, youngsters are awarded on the basis of Rabbinical Council of New Jersey, elabo ~ pursued outside the demands of their re hours devoted to Torah study during holiday rated on the significance of the achievement quired yeshiva curricula. At an awards vacation time. in human terms." At last," he said, "due to ~ this agreement, we can alleviate the addi tional, unnecessary suffering caused to fami lies who have enough to deal with in the way ~ of anguish and pain felt at the death of a ; loved one, without having to have their trauma exacerbated by a delay in the burial." The "Brooks Brothers" Look! It was at Rabbi Dworken's request that l Agudath Israel began investigating options The "Barney's" Selection! of resolving the legal holiday burial problem j last spring. Working with Rabbi Pinchos At 25-503 Off I Teitz, dean of the New Jersey Orthodox rab binate, and with rabbinic and community Only at The Beanstalk! I leaders throughout the state, the Agudah Clothing for Men and Young Men Commission on Legislation and Civic Action initiated contact with appropriate state • agencies and public officials. It subsequently organized a meeting with top aides from the Best Buys in Trench Coats, Blazers, Slacks, ~ office of New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Shirts, Sweaters, Underwear, Robes, l Kean, representative of the State Attorney Slippers, Sox, Belts, Ties and Jewelry. General's office, and the chairman and the ~ director of the New Jersey Cemetery Board, THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL: to brief them on Jewish sensitivities regard • ing the sanctity of the dead and on the reli Reversible fine leather belt with three dress 1 gious requirements of halacha. buckles FREE with $75 purchase. ($25 value) State officials as a result agreed to explore ways of accommodating religious practice, HOURS: Sun. Tues. Wed. Thurs. 11-5 and to seek means of negotiating an under New Extended Evening Hours: Mon. Wed. standing between cemetery associations and and Motzei Shabbos 7:3D-10 p.m. representatives of the observant Jewish com Open Mondays until Pesach 1 munity. In addition, Rabbi Dombroff was recently nominated by the Governor to the 1314 Ave. P, Brooklyn, N.Y, . State Cemetery Board, with Senate confir (718) 627-8724 "~ mation expected shortly. The week's accord on legal holiday burials ~ was reached through negotiations between Agudath Israel, acting in conjunction with the Rabbinical Council of New Jersey, and ;" The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 55 More than 100 boys learned over 500 As explained by Rabbi Silberminfz, the inffntives of Mishnayos each in the course of the six-week reward and recognition "often prompt a young boy lo period of the Mishnayos Bifnim Contest, in taste the joys of learning for the firs/ time." He added, c:2J1ATANA cluding six young men who each studied "Many of the children are motivated as a result, lo over 2,000 Mishnayos. Highest honors went embark on /he road of becoming lrue Talmidei (}ALLERY to two young men who completed all 4,190 Chachomim." Mishnayos in Shas. The Honor Roll for the Besides the Mishnayos Bifnim, Kedushas Shab 4906 18th Ave. Hasmodoh and Kedushas Shabbos contests in bos and Hasmodoh contests, Pirchei Agudath Brooklyn, N.Y. cluded over SO boys with credit-units total Israel sponsors similar programs promoting ling 100 hours or more. the learning of Mishnayos b'a/ peh (by heart) and Shnayim Mikroh V'Echod Targum (the weekly Jewish Books, Judaica, Taleisim, Conceived and developed by Pirchei Agudath Israel Mezuzos, Hebrew Clocks, Wall over the years, the wnfesl.~, with the atmosphere of Torah portion). In another contest, entitled excitement they generate, have long served la encourage "Know Your Gedolim", young participants pre Plaques, Lucite, Jewelry, Personal~ ized Chala Covers, T alis Bags and and in.•pire children lo reach for ever higher goals in fire pare photo albums with pictures and bio acquisition of Torah knowledge. Over $5,000 worth graphical information about the great Torah Yarmelkas, Matzah Covers1 Seder Plates, Afikomen Bags, Mesubin of prizes were distributed among participants in the sages of the generations. Over the years, tens of thousands of contestants have taken part Pillow Cases, ... And Much, Much contests this year alone. The highest award alfainable is the gift of a full Shas (set of /he entire Talmud), in these activities. More- presented lo lop winners in each category, as we// as to At the awards event in New York, Rabbi All at Super Discount Prices. boys who complete the entire Shisho Sidrei Mishna in Meir Friedman, MenaheJ of Yeshiva Rabbi honor of their Bar Mitzvah. Jacob Joseph, spoke warmly to the gathered youngsters in praising their achievements, and in encouraging them to grow ever strong er in expanding their Torah knowledge. Rabbi Kasriel Kaufman, active in the field eerti/icate d/ Kasltr11~1 of Tor ah education for the past 30years, was presented with an honorary plaque and a set 1wJn r1111m of Shas at the Assembly, in tribute to his out standing efforts on behalf of Pirchei Agudath of THE B. MANISCHEWITZ COMPANY Israel contests and other chinuch programs. ON< ...N•SC~•WITI J>u.zA ,.~..,,, CfN, N J ow» llith th<> help of G-d, January 23, 1985 Also cited were EH David, Rabbi EJiyahu Rosh Chodesh Shvat 57~'.i Steger, Rabbi Chaim Leiser and Rabbi The untleraipwd WARD OF RAll!llS certifies that all food pooducta produced Shlomo Fischer, co-chairmen of the Torah by THE II. KANISCHE\IUZ CO~ANY are under our &tdct supervhi<>n. contests. fo additl<>n to our constant visits ln the plants where MANlSCl!OllTZ food products are prepared, produced and packed, there are pero111nent Mashglchim, learn.>d and pious""'"• pre1>enr at all rimea, to 11>8ke cenaln that the e!>ti Only Glatt Kosher meats are used io all MANISCHEllUZ meat product& and all "FRESH START" baked goods are ftu Yi•roel. The Fresh Start Training Program, a div A.lao, all food producto beadng the MA.NlSCHElllTZ label such ao ma.no, ision of Agudath Israel's Project COPE, an ! Tam T...., craci 56 The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 ' __ ...., __ _ group counseling, educational assistance, job Agudath Israel has funnelled to Tomchei According to Rabbi Yoseph Chaim Gold placement, and a series of workshops in Shabbos for emergency food assistance dur ing, Development Director of Agudath Is financial planning, legal advice, and personal ing the past year and a half to over $115,000. rael, Tomchei Shabbos has been faced with a health care. Agudath Israel has been able to obtain the constantly increasing case-load of clients who The new remedial course, which is currently accept grants as a result of its long-term involve have requested help, and the new funding ing applicants, is a two-month intensive program in ment in administering chessed and social ser will translate directly into emerging assist English and basic mathematics tailored for women who vice projects within the Orthodox commu ance for families in dire financial straits. have been excluded from more advanced job training due nity. Agudah, in turn, has chosen to channel Rabbi Golding pointed out that Tornchei lo a gap in their proficiency in these areas. "For many of the funds to Tomchei Shabbos in view of the Shabbos is an all-volunteer organization, with these women," said Mrs. Silverman, "it's bern a long outstanding reputation that has been earned individuals contributing their efforts in a lime since they've had any type of schooling, and the by that organization in coordinating a project network of purchasing, packaging and deliv anxiety level produced when they mus/ take qualifying which distributes food to hundreds of needy ery operations in a number of Jewish neigh tests for higher courses is ofen considerable, particularly individuals and families throughout the borhoods. in times of crisis. Brooklyn area. Among the beneficiaries of Tomchei Shabbos pro- "Women of European background, also, are fre quenfly not confident about their English skills. These remedial and refresher classes are designed fo help women overcome the barriers that hold them back from more attractive employment opportunities." The second new course sponsored by Fresh Start is a five-month comprehensive skills training program leading to the position of Administrative Assistant. The classes will be held five days a week, 61h. hours a day, and are open to graduates of the basic remedial course. A professional job counseling component will be offered in conjunction with the new courses, providing participants with personal ~ guidance in assessing their individual needs, as well as emotional support in dealing with the pressures of a difficult transitional period. Stipends are also available to students in the training programs. l Funding for the new courses has been channeled to the Agudath Israel Fresh Start I Training Program through the New York State Education Department. Offices of the i Displaced Homemakers Program of the Fresh Start agency (tel. 718-627-3500) are located at 805 Kings Highway, Brooklyn, N.Y. CHESSED l AGUDATH ISRAEL CHANNELS THIRD GRANT FOR THE HUNGRY TO TOMCHEI SHABBOS A new grant of $36,000, to be used for the purpose of aiding the poor and hungry, was awarded this week to Tomchei Shabbos of Boro Park and Flatbush by Agudath Israel of America. In announcing the new funding, the third such allotment in eighteen months, officials of Agudath Israel specified that Tom chei Shabbos will again be the sole agency selected to implement the grants, originating from the Emergency Food and Shelter Pro gram. Rabbi Shlomo Gertzu1in, Comptroller of Agudath Israel of America, said that the new allocation brings the total of funds which The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 57 - . -- a w grams are people from all walks of life, including unemployed. ill and disabled individuals, and singlt ISRAEL'S CHINUCH A TZMAI- TORAH SCHOOLS parents who cannot manage to med family expenses on EMBARK ON "SPACE" PROGRAM I theirown. lri addition to ifs assistance in lhe form of food parcels, Tomchei Slrnl1bos has developed other means of distributing aid for families who would not accept help To Provide More, Decenf Classrooms: tinued discrimination towards the network in a dired mr:inner. With thousands of children throughout Is has resulted in almost nothing being built in A spokesman for T omchei Shabbos praised rael attending classes in hallways, shelters, the past seven years, placing the responsibil the efforts of Agudath Israel in obtaining the de!apidated shacks, or under trees, and thou ity of expanding Tor ah education through ~ "sorely needed funds," which "substantially sands more turned away because of literally out the land upon the religious community. boost the scope of our efforts." tie said that no space of any kind available, the Chinuch The memorandum listed locations, classroom the emergency food projects of Tomchei Atzmai-Torah Schools network has taken needs, and projected costs, based on current I Shabbos continue to expand, and he stressed aim at solving the acute shortage of decent construction costs of approximately $500/sq. that the organization relies on the ''generos classroom space. This crisis developed be meter, classroom size at 42 sq. meters, and ity of the community" in carrying on its cause the network was simply not prepared kindergarten size at 120 sq. meters, plus ser "essential services l:o the poor and unfortu for the current waves of transferees-par vice rooms: 't nate within our midst." ents pulling their children out of public A. Schools already functioning but in schools, dismayed with the terrible results of immediate need of permanent facilities on a purely secular education, in search of a available sites: It is not a matter of attracting NOTICE more meaningful Jewish education for their more students, or a fear of losing current children. The following ls the text of Article VI of the students. Rather, the children are there be Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood, N.J. While modern, spacious facilities are plen cause they want to be there, but there is just by-laws, which are currently in full force tifully available in the public schools, more not enough room to house them decently. and effect, and are carried out in practice. dnd more parents, especially those who are Some classes meet in portable prefabs, which chozrim b'!eshuva, are opting for an education once were adequate but no longer are, and Article VI with a genuine ethical and moral discipline, the children suffer. Number of schools: 20; Beth Madrash Govoha shall maintain a regardless of the nature of accommodations. needed: 179 classrooms; projected cost: nondiscriminatory admissions policy and In many locations, facilities for Tor ah educa $4,218,000. shall at all times be in compliance with applicable federal, state and local regula tion are either non-existent, or function in B. New schools and kindergartens needed tions In regard to admissions, accommo~ sub-standard conditions. where children are available but facilities are dations, educational opportunity, student According to a memorandum from the not: In many instances, these are in concen aid policies and employment. network's administration, the difficult hous trations of chozrim b'teshuva, either already liv Qualifed rnen of the Jewish faith are ad .. mltted to Beth Medrash Govoha and are ing problems limit the possibilities of absorb ing there and transferring schools, or mov uniformly accorded all rights, privileges ing more students and expanding existing ing into new communities. In some instances, and benefits, without regard to race, color, institutions. While school facilities are the building sites are available. For want of national or ethnic origin. responsibility of government, it noted, con- space, children are lost, families are lost, Beth Medrash Govoha shall maintain a policy of Equal Opportunities in Emp1oy rnent. il":J - IMAGINE SITfll'IO 11'1 THE QUIET AND COMFORT Shlomo Hamelech, (King . OF YOUR OWN LIVIl'IO ROOM Al'ID HAVll'IO Solomon) and the Ashmedai, ll'ISTAl'IT ACCESS TO SOME OF THE Fll'IEST the "Book of the Ages", for daI TORAH LECTURES Al'!YWHERE THE WORLD 11'1 young and old, is now available at your Judaica stores with cen 24 HOURS A DAY! tury old Aggados, plus coordi TORAH COMMUl'llCATIOl'IS l'IE'IWORK HAS l'IOW JllADf: THISAREALl1YWITH nated inspiring illustrations. 11 DIAL·A·DAF - A daily Daf Yomi program Compiled by Fayga Shain, only II l'llSHNAH-ON-THf:·PHOl'IE - A study of the ml!I~ ,,,,, nl!ll!I $3.50 II DIAL-A·SHIUR - Fascinating Torah lectures on a variety of subjects including Jewish History, Nach, Ein Yaakov, Halacha, Tefillah. Stories. a Thought on the Weekly Sidra, Tehillim, a Study of the Holocaust and more, geared to the entire family. Your cost is only $6.00 per month plus $36.00 one-time membership per program'.. For _more. infor:rnati()n_can. (718) _4:56:/4999· .... P'lease return to: Torah Communications Network 1618-4.3rd Street Brooklyn, N.Y.11204 1(718)43&4999 Name Tel. Date Address City __ State __ Zip -- 4916 13th Ave., B'klyn, N.Y. 11219 Enclosed please find $42,00 for one time membership and 1st month for (718) 854-2911 D DIAL-A-DAI' D DIAL-A-SH/UR D MISHNAH-ON-THE-PHONE 58 The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 - - -- waw 1 1 communities are lost, generations are lost, and Kial Yisroel suffers. A school or kinder AGUDATH ISRAEL DINNER TO DEMONSTRATE LOYALTY garten building is often the spiritual center TO TORAH IDEALS in a community, serving as a gathering place for meetings and events. Here, too, it is not a situation of hoping to attract students. They The 63rd annual dinner of Agudafh Israrl of activities, he is a vice president of Agudath are there-facilities to house them are not. America will seroe as a demonsfrafion of uncom Israel of America and the chairman of the Number of locations: 20; needed: 36 class promising loyalties to Torah ideals, it was declared by organization's Commission on Social Servi rooms and 31 kindergartens; projected cost: Willy Wiesner, dinner chairman. He pointed out that ces, president of the Prospect Park (Bnos $2,238,000. the uniqueness of Agudath Israel in its subserviencr lo Leah) Yeshiva for Girls, the president of C. Functioning schools with projected the policy decisions of the Moelzes Gedolei Hatorah Bikur Cholim of Boro Park, and the presi growth: These are in the urban centers of (Council of Torah Sages), and ifs conslantly l1eing dent of the Southern Brooklyn Community religious life, where the family growth rate is monitored by a Nesius (Presidium) of highly respected Organization (SBCO), Agudath Israel's outpacing school growth. Even while cur rabbinic scholars, has helped catapult it into ifs present neighborhood stabilization agency. rent facilities are crowded, action must be position as the powerful coalition force of the broadest taken now to prevent crisis situations threat diverse spectrum of Torah Jews on the American Jew The Mortinu Yaakov Rosenheim Award for out ening in the future. Number of schools: 5; ish scene. standing service to Agudalh Israel will be presented to Leo Blumenfruchl. Mr. Blumenfruchf began his acti needed: 36 classrooms; projected cost: The foremosl Torah authorities of the nation will vism in /he Agudah movemrnf in London during the $792,000. join Orthodox Jewish community leaders from every In some instances, protable prefab class walk of life at the New York Hilfon on Sund1iy eve war years when he participated in meetings with rooms, known as "karavanim," can be used on ning, May 19th to mark the American Agudah's Moreinu Rosenheim, the founding president of the a temporary basis, then transferred to other effectiveness in confronting the concerns of contem Agudalh Israel World Organization. When he subse locations. Each unit contains two classrooms porary Jewry in the Torah spirit, and to honor three quently settled in Crown Heights, he was a founder of and costs $10,5000. distinguished Orthodox Jewish activists. the Agudath Isreal chapter in that community, of The network's International Board of Gov The prestigious Rav Aharon Kotler Memorial which he has been the president for many yrnrs, and ernors, committed to give every Jewish child Award for distinguished service to Torah will be pres has a long record of service to the American Agudah in Israel the chance to learn Torah, has given ented lo Shlomo Rieder, the scion of a distinguished cause. priority to a "space" program to make possi family of disciples of the Pressburger Rav. He was a The dinner will hear a detailed report on how ble the development of Torah education. A builder of the Yeshiva of Chafetz Chaim of Manhat Agudath Israel has galvanized this united Torah program aimed at relieving this classroom tan, and is the President of fhe Yeshiva To/dos Yaakov power info practical activities to help Torah education, shortage will be presented at the 32nd annual Yosef (Skver)and the Rosh HaKohol of the Kereslierer the rescue and rehabilitation of Jews from lands of Dinner of Tor ah Schools for lsrael-Chinuch Bais Hamedrosh of Baro Park, among his other com oppression, a wide range of social service aclivilies, Atzmai on Sunday, 7 Iyar 5745/April 28, munity interests. youth programs, advocacy of Orthodox inferesls before 1985, at The Waldorf-Astoria. Louis Glueck will receive the Reb Elimelech Tress legislative and governmental bodies, and the battle to Memorial Award as the "Shearls Hapleitoh safeguard the lines of demarcation between authentic Man of the Year." Among his numerous Judaism and the deviationist groups. 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N.Y. 10038 "(sewn, for durability) Priceless Treasure! To be Read and Re-Read" The Jewish Observer/March, 1985 59 1}, r tion of some of the foremost Torah leaders in segments of the Torah community in this America. country. In our next issue we will announce DINNER The son of the illustrious Rav of Congre the distinguished roster of awardees. gation Geulah V'Y eshua, Rabbi Shmaya Wies Agudath Israel's goal is "to solve all prob ner J"t, Mr. Wiesner is well-known for his lems facing Jews as individuals and as a people devoted work at the helm of several Torah in the spirit of Torah" through the unified WILLY WIESNER TO CHAIR institutions and projects. He is the President force of the Orthodox Jewish community AGUDA TH ISRAEL of Yeshiva Torah Temimah in Brooklyn, and working under the leadership of the fore DINNER DRIVE also President of the Shmaya School for the most Torah scholars. The annual dinner tra Mr. Willy Wiesner, prominent activist on hearing-impaired in Israel. In addition, Mr. ditionally reflects the vibrancy of a united behalf of Torah causes, has been named cam Wiesner served as Chairman of the Board of movement committed to these ideals, which paign chairman of the 63rd anniversary din~ Project RISE, Agudath Israel's program of are effectuated through 19 divisions in its ner of Agudath Israel of America, to be held spiritual and material aid for Russian Jewish national headquarters, which administer a Sunday, May 19, in the Grand Ballroom of immigrants. broad range of programs in the religious, edu the New York Hilton. Over 1500 Orthodox The dinner marks the 63rd year of growth cational, social service and civic action fields, Jews from all walks of life and from across the of the Agudath Israel movement in the in addition to far-reaching projects toward continent are expected to attend the annual United States, which has in recent years the spiritual and physical welfare of the Jewi event, which i1"'N will include the participa- developed into the largest coalition of diverse ish people worldwide. THE RAV SPEAKS Five Addresses by Rabbijoseph B. Soloveichik translated by Rabbi Dr. S. M. Lehrman and Rabbi A. H. Rabinowitz A brilliant collection of speeches by one of this cen tury's greatest orthodox Jewish philosophers and talmudic scholars. Rabbi Soloveichik, until recently, has not permitted many of his writings to be published. Here, in this authorized collection, ori ginally published both in Hebrew and in Yiddish, ''The Rav'' brilliantly discusses a wide ranging variety of topics, including - modern orthodoxy, halacha, Israeli politics, heroism, repentence, con fession, aliyah and Christian missionaries. Available at fine Jewish bookstores every where or direct from Israel Book Shop. ------ISRAEL BOOK SHOP, 410 Harvard Street, Brookline, Mass. 02146, (617) 566-7113-4 Please send ___ copies The Rav Speaks, hardcover, $9.95 Please send ___ copies The Rav Speaks, sottcover, 7.95 My check or money order for $_____ (U.S. funds) is enclosed. I Nome ______Address ______I ___ State ______City ------~ Please Include S1.25 Shipping per book. Mossachusetts residents pleose odd soles tax. _...... I ------___ 60 The Jewish Obseroer/March, 1985 , 1"0J AT ZIMRIAH ORCHESTRAS I BORED ON AMIR.AR, ~ WE DON'T PLAY THE METRO, OR I MUSICAL CHAIRS. THE "A" EXPRESS? ~-··i ~ '2.J l(EStJ \ TARE THE l g~C!4£SIRF'S \ "JO"I Most wedding bands consist of the same men playing the sam: songs under a different orchestra's ~~me. Zimriah, however 1s not your typical orchestra. The mus1c1ans we use are the same ones used on the numerous albums we have been featured on. Albums like Avraham Fried, The Chevra and An Oneg Shabbos, to name but a few. The gentlemen you deal with will be those actually p:aying at your simcha, so you know you'll be getting exactly what was asked for ... not excuses. 21MIC!IAH Dl'ClCHESTl'ClAS (718) 241-3317 MORNING The Jewish Observer Thejewish Train-of-Thought CHIZUK AVAILABLE AT SELECTED NEWSSTANDS NOW! Don't Leave Home Without It! • :-- ··.···~~~~ ,...,,,.,. Tune in at 7:30 a.rn. Monday through Thursday i to 91.1 FM and hear Morning Chizuk with ; ~-,1·~4> ...... ·~.: ..=... ··• .....~.~ ..-~11.1:1 ..•·• ~~ •••• I Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser. 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Please Send Me PROGRAM PCIBUCATIONS -"'1"1".iesl ofYehoohw popetbock S.-,,,@$6.25 --"'1"1".ies)ofYehoohwhard<""" $.a,.,[email protected] 425 E.ast 9th St., "_"'1"1(ies)o!Shoftim~ [email protected] • -"'1"1".ies)o!Shoftimhardcover •[email protected] Brooklyn.N.Y.11218 --SelsofJEP"•4 V