TEVES, 5738 I DEC., 1977 VOLUME XII, NUMBER 9 SEVENTY FIVE CENTS

Who's Saving American Jewry? an analysis and critique What's Really Happening to Soviet Jewry? a first-person report Who's Worrying About American Kids in "Sheirut La'am" Programs? diary of a reach-out attempt plus BOOK REVIEWS • SECOND LOOKS • LETIERS Essays Based on Convention Addresses By Roshei Hayeshiva THE JEWISH BSERVER

in this issue

Who's Saving American Jewryl I Nisson Wolpin ...... 3 Jews in Russia Today: Fact and Fiction, I}. David Bleich ...... 8 Yelamdeinu Rabbeinu A Matter of Values I based on an address by Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman ...... 11 Of Truth, Responsibility, and Zeal I based on an address by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein ...... 20 Torah Consciousness on the Border I Hanoch Teller ...... 25 THE JEWISH OBSERVER is publi$ed Books in Review monthly, except July and August. by the Agudath Israel of America, Anvil of Sinai ...... 29 5 Beekman St., New York, N.Y. Oholei Yeshurun ...... 29 10038. Second class postage paid at New York, N.Y. Subscription: Time for Torah ...... 31 $7.50 per year; Two years, $13.00; Jewthink ...... 31 Three years, $18.00; outside of the United States $8.50 per year. Second Looks on the Jewish Scene · Single copy seventy-five cents. Comment ...... 33 Printed in the U.S.A. Shabbos and the State ...... 36 Ozymandius in Rome I Mordechai Schi//er ...... 38 RABBI N1ssoN Wot PIN Editor Photographs pp. 11, 14, 20, 42~46, Aura Studios

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THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not and Address ...... assume responsibility for the City ...... State/Zip ...... Kashrus of any product or ser­ SAVE From: vice advertised in its pages. copyright, 1977 Name ...... Address ...... DECEMBER, 1977 VOL. XII, No. 9 City ...... State/Zip ...... Typography by Compu·Scribe ..• 0 ______Enclose gift card D Bill me: $...... 0 Enclosed: $...... at ArtScroll Studios, Ltd. Nisson Wolpin Who's The statistician and his computer forecast Saving doomsday the social agencies and their directorates unwrap band-aids and palliatives American ... while the Torah community forges ahead - slowly, but deliberately, and sure-footedly. Jewry?

The Talmud tells us that since the close of the Era of Without raw statistical data, it is quite impossible to the Prophets, the task of forecasting future events has pretend to translate this force into a projection of the been left to children and idiots. One might suggest that make-up of American Jewry a century hence, but it is putting trust in the projections of statisticians sets them obvious that Bergman read the over-all downwards up as yet a third category .... As a case in point, statisti­ drift, ignoring these very real counter-trends. cians do not even shy away from attempting to gauge Nonetheless, the situation is definitely of crisis propor­ the strength of the sense of Jewish identity of the tions. Amerian Jewish community (if such a qualitative Obsolescent Hopes and Activities feature can be quantified), and determining what it bodes for the far distant future. Thus, Elihu Bergman, In fairness to Bergman, he does deftly consider - and Assistant Director of the Harvard Center for Popula­ then reject - the possibility of a salvation coming from tion Studies (in "The American Jewish Population historical corrective devices that had recharged Erosion," Midstream, Oct. '77), projects that in the year American Jewry's dwindling sense of Jewish identity in 2076 "the American Jewish community is likely to the past. As Bergman sees it (with our comments in number no more than 944,000 persons, and con­ parenthesis): ceivably as few as 10,420." Immigration ... natural increases? Highly unlikely, The factors that point to this radical loss of numbers for there is no untapped source of conscientious Jewry are the spiraling intermarriage rate, the rising tide of as­ abroad, and minus-population-growth seems to be the similation, and the plumetting birth rate (only 1.6% wave of the future in the American Jewish community children per family, according to Gladys Rosen of the (except, of course, for the strong reservations in regard American Jewish Committee) .... The striking range of to the Orthodox community, voiced above). 10,000 to almost 1 million Jews in 2076 depends on The sense of community that Jews muster whenever whether the intermarriage rate stabilizes at a "low" of a crisis looms? Non-Jews and inter-married Jews also 15% or rockets up to 50% (as per projections by Harvey "identify" with crisis Judaism, with no appreciable cor­ Liebenstein and Samuel S. Lieberman, also of the Har­ rective result. (And should one think that buying bonds vard Center for Population Studies). or supporting UJA prevents inter-marriage, one need While we are very deeply concerned over the vast only check the leadership of these causes to see plen­ numbers of Jews who seem to be marked for disap­ tiful evidence to the contrary.) pearance as Jews, and it is to their plight that this article Moreover, we should rather be hoping for an end to is addressed, a cautionary note must be registered crises, rather than relying on their conscious-pricking before allowing the statisticians to push us over the power as prods to identity. Also, one must always con­ brink into extinction. There are some very potent sider: with what frequency will culturally estranged counter-trends both within the Orthodox community Jews continue to sign the dotted line to bail out the and emanating outward from highly productive ac­ threatened communities of Israelis or Soviet Jewry; tivities of the Torah camp. These will be discussed later. and, how much staying power can crisis appeal have?

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 3 Affiliation with Defense Agencies? Active anti- marriage as life threats to a viable Jewish community. Semitism, based ostensibly on unfamiliarity and suspi­ What, then, is it doing about it? cion of the alien Jew, seems to be fading away in the For one, according to a JT A story (Nov. 4), the New United States. With the exception of pro-Israel lobby­ York Federation of Jewish Philanthropies is putting ing and watch-dogging against more subtle forms of "increasing emphasis" on Jewish education, as well as discrimination, AJC and AOL have pretty much out­ focusing "on including every age group in the lived their general usefulness - certainly as rallying educational process." Now, before the reader is carried points for identity. Why, the wealthy Jew who has ac­ away with the assumption that Federation is reordering crued the wherewithal to do so can often as not skip the its priorities, and investing its funds in yeshivas instead Bnai Brith route and join the country club of his choice, of the great-white-hope-of-old, the Y's and Com­ if he so chooses. Leaving the Defensive Jew an en­ munity Centers, read on: dangered species. "(This new emphasis) is reflected in the inclusion of Jewish educational content as an integral part of daily What, Then? programming at 33 community centers and YM­ Unfortunately, it would be a gross exaggeration to YWHA's under Federation sponsorship ... (which) of­ say that the broad Jewish community is mobilizing its fer social, recreational civic and cultural activities for forces to fight against defections and to fortify its sense the whole family. They also provide a variety of oppor­ of Jewish identity. In fact, some Anglo-Jewish new­ tunities for both formal and informal Jewish education spapers make a practice of publishing announcements for children, teenagers and adults. of mixed marriages on their social pages - to keep the "This includes 2400 children in nursery schools and young couples within the community, they claim, kindergartens, including registration in bi-cultural meanwhile obliterating the definition of "Jewish com­ programs in Hebrew and English, sponsored by com­ munity" beyond any meaning .... 40% of the Reform munity centers, Hebrew school programs for children rabbis in America officiate at intermarriages, while and teenagers, conversational Hebrew and Jewish countless others make referrals to those who do; and history classes for adults, and Jewish literature which is then accept intermarrieds into the Temple as members available in the network of center Judaica libraries. In - "as long as they are willing to identify as Jews." How addition, centers afford a wide range of opportunities else, they cry, can we keep Jewry from disappearing for informal Jewish education through such activities as and their Temples from desolate emptiness? Jewish music and dance, arts and crafts and discussion Nonetheless, the Jewish Establishment obviously papers. Senior adults benefit from the many does recognize the defections of assimilation and inter- educational programs at the centers ... classes in Jewish Others Say ...

"Federations may not be that reflective of the We persist in this profligate policy despite will of the Jewish community, and in many the general consensus that hospitals have respects the Orthodox viewpoint rarely gets a become a public utility and, therefore, a hearing." categorical responsiblity of public taxation - Rabbi Alexander M. Schindler, president of Union of rather than private philanthropy ... American Hebrew Congregations (Reform), and Chairman There is a disinclination to give up the com­ of the Presidents' Conference of Major American Jewish fortable problems to which we Jews have Organizations. (Quoted by Gabriel Cohen, The Jewish Post, Dec. 2, 77). become accustomed; never mind that these problems are obsolete and trivial in com­ "We would deride anyone who dared claim parison to our current problem of survival of that Jewish financial contributions to the U.N. religious identity. As socially desirable as the advance the cause of peace and, therefore, are production of better trained cardiologists may good for Jews, whereas Jewish financial con­ be, producing better trained Jewish car­ tributions to Israel represent vulgar national diologists in Jewishly sponsored hospitals will chauvinism and are thereby bad for the Jews. not preserve and further Judaism. Judaism will Yet, we perceive no analogous absurdity when longer survive the disappearance of Jewish car­ finite Jewish moneys are used to build non­ diologists than the absence of religiously religiously-specific intensive care units in a educated and committed Jews. hospital when that institution is no more Jewish Dr. Lowe!! E. Bellin, former NYC Health commi.ssioner, in an operational sense than Columbia Presby­ now professor in Columbia U. (From Jewish Digest, con~ terian Hospital is operationally Presbyterian. densed from United Synagogue Review Vol. 30, No. 1).

4 The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 studies, humanities, and arts and crafts, as well as dent on the success of programs such as this" (JWB physical education programs .... In Far Rockaway - Circle, Nov. '76). The photograph accompanying the lectures and courses, skill groups, and choral and dance press release showed six burly young Israelis, sporting programs. grins - but not a yarmulka in sight. "(Also) day camps are an educational service, (with) Examples of frivolous fund-allocations and frilly ex­ nearly 19,000 campers, including 2650 older adults, in penditures abound all over the country. These cited are summer day camps." random samples of what is happening while Jewry is It would certainly be unfair not to acknowledge that disappearing. the Federation does provide for daily study sessions in three Y-sponsored Brooklyn day camps that accom­ "Jewish Education" - Not the Solution modate Orthodox boys and girls. But, in the broader There is a tendency to begrudgingly but gratefully context, an Israeli song here and Jewish folk dance accept the unspectacular barely-perceptible rise in there with a smattering of humanities elsewhere are funds allocated to Jewish education for the little bless­ next to worthless as weapons in the war for Jewish ings that it brings. But statistics and the "Jewish identity. Jewish education, Y-style is just that much Education" allotments they represent are grossly mis­ structured recess. leading. Let us first remind ourselves of Orthodoxy's Across the Land longstanding cry that Jewish education without Torah is worthless at best, and - foisting a distorted picture of The New York Federation is notorious for its topsy­ Judaism on the unsuspected - a dangerous betrayal at turvy system of priorities, and it thus should be no sur­ worst. prise that when it finally does discover the vital role of education to Jewish survival that it should assume such Two aces in the sleeve of the Establishment are the a non-productive form. Do not think for a moment, Judaic Studies programs in the colleges; and the gamut however, that other federations - even those that have of Federation supported formal education for children better track records in support of education - have - be it Sunday Schools, or afternoon schools. That vir­ launched an all-out campaign to hold on to drifting tually hundreds of colleges across the country offer Jewish souls! From coast to coast activities are picking courses in Judaic Studies, has been touted as a proof of up, but: a resurgence of interest in Judaism on the collegiate - in Los Angeles, the Federation organizes inter­ level. - Now, for generations the Torah community Synagogue celebrations, with a "Gay" Temple's dance has argued that presenting a "scientific" approach to Judaism - a Wissenschaft des ]udentums - reduces group on the entertainment program, granting what should be an exciting living experience to a two­ legitimacy to a group organized solely on the basis of dimensional microscope-slide. These objections have defiant deviation from Torah and societal norms; is been more than substantiated by a survey of the effec­ publishing a Jewish Community Newspaper, featuring tiveness of Judaic Studies by Commentary contributing articles extolling the only Jew to be written out of the editor Robert Alter ("What Jewish Studies Can Do," Jewish community in 500 years - Benedict Spinoza Commentary, Oct. '74), in which he found the teaching ("not as a great Jew, but at least as a Jewish great"); lavishing $1 million of its $22 million (1976) budget on mediocre, the subject matter uninspiring, and the stu­ its Board of Jewish Education, which proudly sponsors dent body unignited. This is not in the least surprising, performances of "Oklahoma! - a Hebrew Language for most of the teachers of Judaic Studies courses are musical" (how's that for Jewish consciousness raising?) Conservative and Reform rabbis, or others of marginal commitment. Moreover, in their "scientific approach" and requires teachers to attend seminars on to the subject matter on hand, emuna is routinely methodology, Zionism, and comparative religions .... sidestepped in favor of outright apikorsus: denial of - in Boston, as Elihu Bergman points out, the G-d and the divinity of His Torah. This is by far not Federation "reflects the response of Jewish federations the setting from which a heightened sense of Jewish on a nationwide basis, and, like them, fails the test of identity emerges. adequacy. On the national level, while federations As for the children's level, much of the fault the doubled their actual dollar allocations during the 1966- Torah community finds with Jewish-education­ 73 period, the percentage of domestic allocations to without-Torah commitment is spelled out in a subjec­ education rose by only 4.3 percent during the seven tive treatment of this failure, in an essay "Where Are year interval. (It is recalled that intermarriage rose by Our Children?", by social critic Charles E. Silverman, 500 percent during a similar time span.)" featured in Moment magazine, January '76. (Mr. - in Philadelphia, the Y's proudly announced the ar­ Silverman is author of Crisis in Black and White and rival of a team of six shlichim from Israel, who will Crisis in the Classroom.)"Success is too infrequent and serve the Jewish Y's and Centers of Greater failure is too widespread," he says, because "it is un­ Philadelphia the next two years with information and reasonable to expect schools and summer programs to guidance. "The survival of the Jewish people is depen- develop commitment to Judaism when the homes and

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 5 While Federations are pumping money into frill-oriented Y's and Centers, who's filling the spiritual void - the modern synagogues? Judging by a full page advertisement in the Baltimore Jewish Times, the syn­ agogues (three of them nominally Othodox!) are going the Federation route of bringing Jews back with jazz ensembles, speeches by Kissinger and Cardinal Sheehan, family carnivals and - oh, yes - "simply attending ser­ vices", too. communities from which the youngsters come are in­ priorities. The Federations must either come to the different or hostile to Jewish life .... It is entirely fair recognition that the only route to a raised Jewish con­ and reasonable to expect that Jewish education will not sciousness is through genuine Torah study and a full make matters worse - that schools and summer Torah life or invite others to make the decisions for programs will not become a major force in the de­ them. Judaizing of the next generation. And that is what is The Bottom Line happening." This, he claims, is because "educators - like everyone else in Jewish life - fail to take account of Unfortunately, not all is glowing in the Orthodox the radically different environment in which Jewish life yeshivas and day schools either. Beyond doubt, a is being lived in this country - an environment radical­ yeshiva rebbe as a man of religious commitment and ly different in kind, not just in degree, from anything dedication to his profession, is the best possible can­ that has preceded it for the last 2,300 years or so." For didate for transmitting Torah (and identity) to the next the first time, youngsters are asking "Why should I be generation. But (in the words of Jerome Becker, presi­ Jewish?" and the educational establishment is still dent of the Metropolitan New York Coordinating answering old questions from an old, less-open era - Council on Jewish Poverty) Jewish education threatens questions no longer being posed·. to become "a transient profession" attractive only t0 young, unmarried students and non-household heads. Not all of Silverman's answers will be our answers, If the best teachers, the veterans of the field, are forced but his critique is a solid one. And some of his points - out of the profession, or pushed into seeking sup­ the reduction of Judaism to a list of facts, reducing it to plementary sources of income that crowd their days, a joyless fossil to be examined, but not a way of life to children of the Torah community are also being short­ be celebrated - certainly hit home with an undeniable changed. True, they do have their home environment thud of recognition that echoes in afternoon schools, and peer group to fall back on; but what about the Sunday schools and community day schools across the children from irreligious homes who, because of insuf­ land. ficient funding, are denied the best of teachers? Need In the final analysis, neither we be reminded of the teachers' strike that closed down "Jewish life experiences" nor dry, un-action oriented the Rabbi Dov Revel Yeshiva in upper-middle-class studies programs can trigger a sense of proud Jewish Forest Hills, New York, because of delinquency in identity in the hearts of our alienated youth. Yet salary payments, making the front page in N. Y. Federations are doing nothing to meet this need in the Metropolitan dailies? way of instructing their Boards of Jewish Education to add Torah-life to their curricula. But how could they? The Orthodox Lead In his article, Bergman makes a stinging indictment of Regardless of problems within the Orthodox com­ the Federation's decision-making process, unmasking munity, the statisticians would do well to study the the folly of the assumed relationship between fund­ trends within Orthodoxy - and the Establishment raising abilities, and the right and ability to determine would be well advised to support these trends.

6 The Jewish Observer/ December, 1977 Regardless of the general tendency toward disap­ pearance, the Orthodox community is doubly blessed A recent nation-wide study by the American with both a high birth-rate and very low incidence of Association for Jewish Education noted that assimilation and intermarriage. Not only does teacher salaries in Jewish Day and Supplemen­ adherence to Torah teachings and traditions form a tary Schools were "too low to afford a head of buffer between the Orthodox Jew and alien societies, an family a decent, comfortable standard of living active Torah life can only strengthen a person's sense of as the sole wage earner." An analysis by Rabbi Jewish identity. Furthermore, Torah Umesorah's latest Jack Simcha Cohen, MNYCCJP Executive figures show over 500 Yeshiva-day schools in the USA Director, of the AAJE data in comparison with and Canada, compared to a mere 30 schools in 1945 - various official and unofficial governmental plus a score of beis midrash-level schools and kolelim. poverty-level figures, disclosed that: In addition, the Orthodox community is growing 1 - The minimum annual salary for from others joining in response to some very creative teachers in Jewish Day Schools is below reach-out programs. True, the introduction to Judaism the official Poverty Level of $6,111 for a they offer may be a mere fragment of the whole - family of four, and would qualify them for whether it's a JEP111 Shabbaton for a kid from welfare programs, food stamps, and other Philadelphia; an NCSY''' rap session for a St. Louis similar government benefits. Thus, most teen-ager; a lawyer from Great Neck tasting Torah for Hebrew teachers would be included in the first time in a ReSheT131 adult class; a Detroit any official category of poor in America. physicist stumbling across a Torah class in the local kole/1•1; a University of Washington (Seattle) collegiate 2 - The median minimum annual salary turning on to a farbrengen in an off-campus Chabad for all teachers in Jewish education is less House!5l; a former yeshiva student in Columbus than the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Lower rediscovering his thirst for Torah through SEED''' - a Income Level of $10,041, the figure below fragment, yes; but it is also an integral part of that which a family of four in urban America whole. may be regarded as a potential welfare To be sure, the number of people being reached by risk. On this basis, the overwhelming ma­ these efforts is pitifully small. The well-organized jority of all teachers in Jewish education ranks of volunteers and professionals that are devoting may be classified in the potential welfare their energies to these pursuits are also much too small. risk category. The Orthodox community can, to the best of its ability, 3 - Few teachers in Jewish schools can devote its own resources to strengthening its own realistically aspire to earn the $16,236 the members while reaching out to others, and still witness, Bureau of Labor Statistics deems necessary with dismay, the defection of ever more thousands. for a moderate living for a family of four in This trend will only be reversed when the secular es­ the urban U.S. tablishment recognizes that the single-most top priority for survival is not proliferation of catchy press-worthy "Furthermore," Rabbi Cohen declared, frills, but support of Torah education: for decent "none of the governmental categories of salaries for teachers, so seasoned professionals will not poverty provide budgetary allowances for such routinely drop out at the threshold of tenure; and with added costs as kosher food, religious affiliation, financial aid to some of the most imaginative programs and Jewish education. As a result, Jewish ever introduced on the American scene. 1.'- teachers to whom such items are necessities, rather than luxuries, would have still less funds available for food, clothing and shelter; 1. Zeirei Agudath Israel's Jewish Education Program, funded by its parent organization, Agudath Israel of America. "The harsh facts are that a family head must 2. National Council of Synagogue Youth, the high-school age youth virtually take a vow of poverty before entering program sponsored by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congrega­ the Jewish teaching profession." He noted that tions of America. many gifted students would either be dis­ 3. Agudath Israel's Torah Education Network, staffed by Zeirei suaded from ever entering the field or would volunteers. direct their talents toward more lucrative posi­ 4. One of several newly founded kolelim that have become actively tions as principals and administrators. "Such a involved in community reach-out programs. situation," Rabbi Cohen added, "would have a 5. One of more than 100 Chabad Houses, sponsored by the dire negative impact upon the future of the Lubavitch Youth Organization, serving campuses in America. Jewish community, for it would mean that our children would suffer from second-rate 6. Acronym for Summer Educational Environmental Development, Torah Umesorah's program of bringing groups of Torah students teachers and rapid instructional turnover." to smaller Jewish communities in America.

The Jewish Observer/ December, 1977 7 ]. David Bleich Jews in Russia Today: Fact and Fiction

The Anglo-Jewish press frequently carries news items describing the sad state of Jewish life in the U.S.5.R. The picture which emerges is that of a dying community, isolated from the rest of the Jewish world. leave them unimpeded in the performance of their But then, every once in a while, a report appears which functions. They may very well be convinced - and paints a far rosier picture. Jews, we are told, are indeed it may be the case - that the cause of Jewish unhindered in religious expression and observance. religious observance in the U.S.S.R. can best be They could all lead rich and full Jewish lives, if they but furthered if they comport themselves in this manner. wanted to. Which portrayal is a true one? Which is an While this may explain the conduct and statements of accurate reflection of the prevalent state of affairs and such individuals, it is regrettable that some visitors find which is a distortion? it necessary to become conduits for what is essentially Communist propaganda. Statements issued by Synagogue officials in Russia and transmitted to the media via prominent Jewish On the basis of a three-week visit involving tourists should be seen in proper perspective. These extensive and-· by a stroke of fortune - unsupervised officials serve in their offices at the pleasure of the contact with Russian Jews of all walks of life, my wife Russian government. They are extremely anxious to and I can but report that no Russian Jew of those with serve their Communist masters in a manner which will whom we met - including regular Synagogue worshippers, elderly individuals meticulous in religious RABBI BLEICH is a Rosh Yeshiva in Yeshiva University, Rabbi of observance and the few remaining Jews of Chassidic the ~ orkville Synagogue (Manhattan), and author of the recently orientation - would endorse the statements attributed published Contemporary Halachic Problems. to the government-appointed leaders.

8 The Jewish Observer/ December, 1977 The quality of Jewish life in the Soviet Union is been razed and is now an empty lot. In many cities heart-rending to behold. The general Jewish populace is separate Jewish burial sites are no longer permitted and abysmally ignorant of all aspects of Judaism. To all new cemeteries are non-denominational. Not only witness Synagogue services in a city such as Vilna or are old cemeteries desecrated but Jews in major cities are Minsk is a painful and searing experience. With very denied kever Yisrael - burial among their coreligion­ few exceptions, the only people found in the ists. Two historic cemeteries in Vilna have long been Synagogue on a regular basis are shabbily attired, aging destroyed. Tombstones that once marked Jewish graves pensioners. The presence of a younger person is a rare have been used for paving roads and construction of exception. A child is simply never to be found in a public buildings. In several locations the Magen David Synagogue. and Hebrew incriptions can still be discerned. It is It should be remembered that there is not a single rumored that the third, only remaining Jewish cemetery qualified rabbi in any of the major Jewish population is to be razed. In Radun, the burial site of the sainted centers. It is simply not the case that "qualified Chafetz Chaim, which had long been preserved by the laymen" are performing the services required of a local non-Jewish populace who venerated his grave as a rabbi. I personally was beseiged on all sides by people holy place, has been desecrated and all signs of the seeking guidance in matters of religious law. There are cemetery have been obliterated. The authorities have Jews who have serious she'elos and they have no one to falsely denied culpability and maliciously spread the whom they can turn. canard that the desecration was the work of Jews.

The Sad Matzah Situation The Courageous Refuseniks The matzah situation is extremely distressing. The The courageous stand of the refuseniks should assistance of the Russian government in making flour command the respect and admiration of all Jews. Their available for the baking of matzah last year has been role in keeping alive feelings of national and religious widely publicized. Despite the positive nature of this identity is crucial. They certainly merit both material aspect of Russian Jewish policy, serious problems and moral support. It is lamentable that they are remain. The matzos baked in Russia are very expensive ostracized by Jewish communal officials in Russia. by local standards and are not available in all parts of The refuseniks were originally prompted to apply for the Soviet Union. The fact that the president of the emigration visas for a wide variety of reasons. Not all Moscow community reports a 40% increase in the flour were motivated by positive feelings of Jewish identity. to be allocated by Russian authorities next year for the Some feared the intensification of anti-Semitism; baking of matzah speaks eloquently to the inadequacy others were stifled by the lack of academic freedom; of the quantity of matzah available. More significantly, still others were motivated primarily by material there are grave questions regarding the kashrus of these considerations. However, the waiting period has matzos. Supervision of the baking process is, in most changed the outlook and world-view of many of them. cases, non-existent; in no place is it adequate. Most Contact with foreigners, seminars, their own reading importantly, the flour supplied by the government is and the growth of feelings of comradeship and ordinary baking flour. No care is taken to process the interdependence has combined to intensify feelings of wheat in accordance with Passover regulations. It is Jewish identity and to awaken feelings of responsibility absolutely imperative that Jews in the free world toward other Soviet Jews. As a result, many of these redouble their efforts to effect a change of policy which refuseniks find themselves far more "Jewish" now than would permit the sending of gift parcels of matzah. when they first submitted visa applications. The Moscow Yeshivah One must understand their position within Russian society. Branded as social pariahs, ostracized by former The Moscow yeshivah is a sad, sad story. We met the colleagues and friends, deprived of gainful students and observed "classes" in session. The total employment, they have nothing more to lose; they can enrollment is eight or nine. Two are known to be non­ proclaim their Jewishness for all to hear. They stand Jews. One or two are known to be government-planted out as identifiable Jews, proud of their distinctiveness informers. Several others appear to be psychologically and heritage. Other Jews, themselves much too fearful maladjusted. The level of instruction is pitifully low. to apply for exit visas, are, nonetheless, able to identify The "graduates" are certainly unqualified to serve as with the refuseniks. The result is an intensification of religious functionaries. As an institution, the Moscow Jewish identification and feeling which fans out from yeshivah serves only propaganda purposes. the refuseniks in ever-widening circles. Their impact upon Soviet Jewry is far out of proportion to their The Vexing Cemetery Problem numbers. The cemetery problem is particularly vexing. We The happiest impression of our trip was the small but personally observed exposed fragments of human significant number of religiously observant young bones at the site of the cemetery in Minsk which has people we met. The American ba'al teshuva

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 9 phenomenon has its counterpart in Russia. One can with informed and intelhgent questions. 1"hey were only marvel at how the spark of Jewish consciousness eager for information about all aspects of religious life has been fanned into flames of religious zeal in the in the u·nited States and Israel. Many of their questions absence of a tneaningful Jewish environ1n1nent. The on Jewish 1aw W('fe quite specific. Why is it forbidden pervasive thirst for knowledge of the Jewish heritage in to swin1 on the Sabbath? May a refrigerator door be its broadest sense is remarkable. opened on the Sabbath? \!Vhy is there dis0gree1nent It is only by virtue of inordinate diligence and over the pennissibility of hard cheese? The rnost superhuman struggle that some young individuals have learned of the group had mastered the Ramban1's made thernselves into self-educated Jews. For the introduction to Perek Chelek and had prepared a list of masses the lack of educational materials is an detailed questions on ikrei ernunah. The fact that in the insurmountable obstacle in the assertion of a Soviet Union, sixty years after the C'o1n1nunist reawakening Jewish consciousness. Let us remember revolution, we had yet been able to part from young that even a Russian-language translation of the Bible is fellow Jews literally mi--toch dvar halachai1 gave us not to be found; it is not even availablt' in a public inspiration and a sense of hope for future. library. It is to the credit of organizations devoted to the cause of Soviet Jewry that they have succeeded in And Therefore ... breaking this impasse by providing a steady trickle of In light of recent Ameri.cr.n undertakings regarding Jewish material in simple f-Iebrew and in Russian scientific and cultural contact with the \!Vest, every translation, Surely the 'Iorah c1)mmunity n1ust novv b(' attempt should be rnade to foster Jetvish cultural . mindful of its obligation - whatever the effort i1nd exchange. Hopefully, such con tacts may be expanded expense -~ to prepare a wide range of Torah to encompass religious interests as well. 1'he titne has publications suitable for dissemination within the con1e to utilize every avchumash in his ho1ne and spends can only echo the sentiments of our friend in his spare time translating works on basic Judaism into Leningrad, "In ten years there will be nothing." Russian. We were later to see painstakingly However, outside the decaying walls of these photographed copies of these pages furtively passed institutions, there are fertile fields of ripening Jewish from hand to hand to circulate as part of the Jewish awareness. In so far as individuals are concerned - samizdat. We were to meet a young man who spends particularly young men and women - there is more long hours studying c_;emara, dreams of entering a basis to hope for the future than we would have yeshivah in Israel and gave us a detailed list of seforim dreamed possible. he longs to obtain. At the moment the only real solution is emigration. On the very last day we spent in Moscow, a small But, phoenix-like, Jewish life can yet arise even on group joined us in our hotel suite. All young those shores. professionals who had been dismissed from positions of "Shomer Yisroel, shemor she'eris Yisroel, ve-al responsibility because of their avowed desire to youad Yisroel, ho-ornerhn S'1en1a Yisroel! Guardian of emigrate, they were Jewishly self-taught. Israel, watch over the remnants of Israel, and do not Knowledgeable and extremely interested, they plied us permit the loss of Israel, who say Shern

10 The Jewish C1hserver / Decen1bcr, 1977 Yelamdeinu Rabbeinu Enlighten Us, 0 Teachers

The recent national convention of Agudath Israel of America of fered an invaluable opportunity to be in the presence ofAmerica's lmding Torah personalities and to share their thoughts and in­ sighfc;, The following essays are adapted from addresses by the elder Roshei Fla Yeshiva, who are members of the Motrtzes Gedo lei fiaTorah (Council of Torah Sages). They appear here in the order of their presentation at the convention.

More Than Mitzvah-Observance: A Matter of Values

Based on remarks by RABBI Y A/\KOV YITZCHOK RUDERJ\!1AN K"t'.l't,ill at the recent Agudath Israel convention,

In Lavan's Domain But Not Under His Influence

WE ARE ALL FAM!UAR WITH THE Midrash that expands on Yaakov Avinu's message to his brother Eisav approaching him for their first en­ counter in over thirty years: "! lived with Lavan - I lh>ed with Lavan ('11'11) I lrept the 613 mitzvos (l''lll) and I did not learn from his evil deeds." Several questions arise: If Yaakov had observed RH the rnifz.vnsr it should be apparent that he did not emulate Lavan. v\lhat need was there for Yaakov to say the obvious-··- "I did not .learn frorn hjs evil deeds' 1 ? Furthermore, vvhat need was there for Yaakov to tel.l a_n;-' of- this to Eisav? And, generally, how did Eisav have the audacity to arm himself for battle with Yaakov? He surely did not forget thei.r father's blessing to Yaakov: "You shall reign supreme over your brother" (Bereishes 27:29). He did not have a chance to be victorious over him in combnt. The answers to these questions are interlocked with each other. While Yaakov was blessed with supremacy over Eisav, this power was con­ ditional, dependent upon his strict loyalty to Yitzchok's standards of purity of belief and mitzva performance. This, thought Eisav, was an at-

[he Jrwish Observer I Deremher, 1077 Ji tainment impossible for Yaakov after living under Lavan's influence for so many years. For sure, Yaakov weakened somewhat in his observance; didn't their father assure him: "When your brother descends, you (Eisav) will rise in control over him"? Thus, Yaakov, realizing his ambitions, in­ formed Eisav that his assumption was false. Even while "I lived with Lavan ... I kept the 613 mitzvos." But more - even a person who is most fastidious in the performance of mitzvos and in avoidance of transgressions can hardly help but be in­ fluenced to some degree by his environment. While this may not affect his actual mitzva observance, it can erode his value system in extremely dangerous ways. To be impervious to the influences of the environment calls for an extra vigilance and an unusual perception. In my experience, with Lavan, Yaakov told his blood-thirsty brother, I preserved my vigilance. I did not learn in the least from Lavan's evil deeds. My values remained in tact. Similarly, we find that Moshe Rabbeinu is praised for his wisdom when he side-stepped the opportunity to amass personal wealth from the booty of the Sea (following the Egyptian debacle on the shores of the Red Sea after it was split) and instead applied himself to recovering the re­ mains of Yoseif from Egypt to transport them to their eventual burial in the Holy Land. While this may not seem to be an act of wisdom, it truly was. For without special perception, Moshe would have joined the mul­ titudes who were immersed in the mitzva of collecting the booty, neglecting this overriding commands of honoring the dead, and keeping the vow made to Yoseif. Indeed, wisdom is called for in setting priorities when mutually exclusive mitzva activities compete with each other.

Suspect "The Man of His Times"

IN A SIMILAR VEIN, the Talmud relates a judgment made by Rabbi Meir when he was traveling with several companions and, upon nightfall, was searching for lodging. They arrived at an inn, but before settling there Rabbi Meir asked the owner, "What is your name?" He replied, "KiDor." "Come," Rabbi Meir told his companions, "let us travel further and search for a different lodging." "What's wrong with this place?" they asked. Said he, "The man's name forebodes evil, as it says: Ki dor tahapuchos heima - For they are a perverse generation.' I don't want any part of him" (Yoma 83b). This may strike one as a very capricious manner for refusing a place of lodging for the night. What actually took place in this exchange? Rabbi Meir asked the innkeeper: "How do people refer to you? What is there about your conduct that singles you out?" The man answered: "KiDor - like the generation. "That is, he is telling us that he conforms with the spirit of the times. "Come," said Rabbi Meir. "The times are turbulent. 'This is a perverse generation.' People are selfish, materialistic and hedonistic. We cannot

12 The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 have trust in an individual who does not have the strength of purpose to stay above the current of the times." The dangers of floating along with the spirit of the times is surely at A. A student in our, least as dangerous today as it was 2,000 years ago in the times of Rabbi yeshiva was marrying the daughter of a wealthy, Meir. Unfortunately, too many among us who are observant Jews in pro1ninent member of the every respect are swept away with the fever of the times that puts Jewish community, known emphasis on acquisition of material wealth and amassing of personal for­ as a pious individual. Just prior to the chupa, the tunes, overlooking the spiritual treasures of our people. 1" 1 young man approached me, and asked, "Rebbi, you Of Mind and Muscle know that I am entering my father-in-law's business. THE MIDRASH (Sifri, Vayikra 19) records differences of opm1on What obligations shall l assume now to establish the regarding what is ";nm:i ':i11l ':i':i:i - a fundamental principle in the right kind of household?" Torah." One opinion is "Shema Yisroel ... this is ;i-,m:i ':inl ':i':i:J." Another contends that, "You shall prepare one sheep (as a sacrifice) in I told him, "Set aside a the morning, and a second sheep in the afternoon, this is ;nm:i ':inl ':i':i:i." period of 2 to 3 hours a day for intensive Torah study The author of the first statement selects the first passage of Shema, which with a chavrusa (study declares the Jew's belief in monotheism and unity of the Divinity as partner). Adhere to this for central to Jewish belief. The fundamental principle of Torah, according the first three years of your marriage. This will to him, is a matter of correct ideology. establish the foundation on The second opinion, however, focuses on the daily service in the Beis which to build a household HaMikdash. Regular performance of divine service - this is the fun­ we will all be proud of." damental principle of the Torah. Here the implication is that whereas At this moment, the father­ philosophy and ideology are important, unless one translates this com­ in-la10 entered the room mitment into the world of activity as a way of life, the conviction is found and asked, You're delaying the chupa - what's lacking. First, it may not be strong enough to stand the test of temptation happening here? Is there a and challenge in the world of action. Second, thinking correctly in and of problem?" "No," I replied, itself is simply not enough. Thought, to be meaningful, must find expres­ and reported our exchange to him. The man became sion in action. furious. "What kind of Our discussion today dealt with preserving our value system in spite of nonsense are you telling my the constant assault it suffers because of the current Zeitgeist. It is an son-in-law? He is entering the business world now and achievement, indeed, to survive the battle in the world of ideas. But this is he has one evrriding task at not enough. This ideological victory must also be translated into respon­ hand - learn the ropes and sible action. This is a fundamental principle of the Torah. We are for­ make a fortune." tunate that Agudath Israel of America represents Torah ideals in both The young man heeded my ideology and activity. advice and truly succeeded in setting up a model 1..'i household, yet, I still do not cease to wonder at how such an ostensibly religious man could suffer from such a confusion of values . Of course, he keeps all 613 mitzvos, but unfortunately is effected by the evil trends of society.

Sadly, this incident does not stand alone. There are others, many others, to illustrate the same dichotomy.

The Jewish .Observer I December, 1977 13 Of Responsibility, and Zeal

Based on remarks by RABBI Y AAKOV KA!v1ENETZKY K"t'.P?tv at the recent /tgudath I' con n n,

Why did Yaakov Defer lo His Sons?

/\. Thr Nesivos (Ra!J/1i THERE IS MUCH THAT WE CAN GAIN from examining the incident of Yaakoz1 LorberlNnun, rabhi Dena, the daughter of Yaakov, The response of her father and brothers of Lisa, Polandj in his to her violation by Schechem brings many questions to mind, and we'll 1111r·suit (lf i11fellPcfual inl"egrity, dcrnonstratl!d attempt to deal with them b'derech p'shat -- seeking an understanding holo s1

14 The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 knouJ/edgr of Torah is so vast, id~r hut inir gekent At the end of the incident, after Shimon and Levi killed the people of L1rtrunkcn in 1,ein Schechem to gain their sister's release, Yaakov chastised them: "You shpeiachtz. V\i'ith 110 effort have shamed me before the dwellers of the land," to which they replied u1hatsoever he could have drrn.un on his vast "Shall he make our sister into a harlot?" There is no record of Yaakov knnrvleds_e 1u1d demolished replying in any way. \Vhy not? niy chullengt? and Y aakov surely realized that the brothers' requirement that the co11ti11ued ·with his plannrd rn1?se11tation. But his deep 5chechen1ites circun1cise themselves as a prerequisite to n1erging with integrity did not pennit him them was only a rnse; the brothers surely had no intention of honoring to!" this agreement. VVhy did he not express disapproval when the offer was made instead of saving his anger for later, after the fact? B. !11 White l\ussia, "fc1uisli scoindler" ·was a connnon epithet. The Two Types of Response source for this ivas an incident that took place 111any years ago, rvhen in BEFORE DELV!Nc; Flll

The ]e1Dish Obsen1er I December, 1977 15 He had hoped, however (as the Ramban explains), that his sons would take advantage of the weakness the Schechemites would suffer as a result of their circumcision to snatch away Dena, but no more. Thus, he was shocked when Shimon and Levi went further, and killed Dena's abduc­ tors and their city, and he chastised them accordingly. While in response to the situation, his sons had the right to be cunning in their behavior, resorting to violence was intolerably beyond the limit to Yaakov. His program to exemplify integrity and responsibility to the nations around him was endangered by their conduct. Their answer, that they could not permit their sister's honor to be violated, seemed somehow to satisfy Yaakov .... More about his later. 2

The T ernpered Blessing YEARS LATER, WHEN YAAKOV BLESSED his children on his deathbed, it seemed as though he did not yet forgive his two sons who were responsi­ ble for the action at Schechem: "Shimon and Levi (are) brothers, weapons of violence are their tools ... I will divide them up in Yaakov and I will scatter them in Yisroel" (Bereishis 49:5-7). Rashi explains that they were destined to become wanderers within lsraeL as scribes who write and check sacred scrolls, such as those used for mezuzos, tefillin, and C. In Vilna between the sifrei Torah; as teachers of children, wandering from community to com­ wars, a group of "enlightened" Orthodox munity; and as Levites and priests whose sustenance comes from gifts Jews initiated use of an from the harvests across the countryside. ornate casket for their burials. Eventually, the 2. Similarly, Avrohom Avinu understood commanded the Jews: Atter you have community split in their his constant flow of chessed - unbridled wiped out the idol-worshipping nations of funerals - those who used kindness - as a means of educating the Canaan, "Do not ask: How did the na­ the traditional stark masses in regard to G-d's chessed, which tions worship their Gods that I shall do wooden box and those who created and sustains the world: 0':?1.Y likewise?" - Devorim 12, 30-31. used the more ornate llJ:Ji iOn. Out of his concern for public (Moshe did not find it necessary to coffin. One of the opinion, he consulted with Oner, Eshkol warn against foreign worship per se. He community leaders and Mamrei in advance of circumcising was concerned that once the Jews were approached Reh Velvel, the himself to determine whether or not to settled in Israel they would search the Vilna Maggid, "Why must perform the bris in secrecy, for fear of pagan past of their land for beauty in its we become two separate misrepresenting the chessed he ex­ worship, so that they might adapt some of communities in our funeral emplified, should the bris become public its aesthetic forms to the worship ot practices? Come and knowledge. (This is discussed more fully G~d. !CJ But that would never do, warned examine one of our more in the synopsis of Rabbi Kamenetzky's Moshe. "They burned this sons and modern coffins, which we remarks at the previous convention, in the daughters in fire." Any deity that tnakes have stored in the back of March '77 JO.) This. too, was the sub­ such demands could not possibly have any the large Shu/. Take a look stance of the Satan's challenges to redeem~ng value in any aspect of its at it and tell me what it's A vrohom when he was on the way to the worship.) missing." Akeida: "What will happen to all your Thus, Avrohom, too, faced the dilemma Reh Velvel agreed. After he disciples, whom you have won with your of alienating all of his followers with the examined the box, the lay kindness, when they learn that you "brutal" sacrifice of his son. Nonetheless, leader asked him again: sacrificed your son in response to your he told the Satan: "You are right. But I "Well, what's it missing?" G-d's command? You will ruin your was commanded to do so. So, I have no lifework!" choice." If need be, Avrohom was "Only one thing. It's (There are many other challenges and prepared to conceal Yitzchok's fate from missing a cross and it could questions that can be answered, but it is the public, to avoid the chillul Hashem of be a Christian coffin." (In impossible to find redeeming merit in a distorting the representation of the Divine the long run, it is self­ religion that demands the sacrifice of one's attribute of chessed, which was his life defeating to borrow own children. Thus, we find that Moshe work. aesthetic values from other religions.)

16 The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 The punishment, resulting in the diffusion of their strength, was a just one. But the question can still be posed: Why, as teachers and as guar­ dians of our heritage, should they be entrusted with our children and our sacred scrolls? The answer to this can be found in their response to Yaakov's accusa­ tion at Shechem: "You have shamed me .. .," when they replied: "Shall he make our sister into a harlot?" The other brothers, upon hearing of their sister's suffering, recognized her past shame and sighed; and then rescued her from further degradation. These two, however, were "Shimon and Levi, the brothers of Dena." They felt her shame, as she did. They experienced her anguish, as she did. And driven by their brotherhood, they acted with kano'us - a zeal that goes beyond the letter of the law, with a sense of responsibility that transcends the yoke that Torah places upon us. 3 They took sword in hand and wreaked vengeance on Schechem. They could do no less. This was expressed in their response, "Shall he make our sister into a harlot?" By the same token, in selecting tribes from amongst the twelve to bear the responsibilities of sacred service and passing on the heritage to future generations, Yaakov chose those who concern would inspire more than a sigh, but who would be impelled to take staff in hand and wander from place to place if need be, out of desperate concern for their charges - a concern that goes beyond elementary obligation. Not only was the punishment of "I shall scatter them" just, the trust implicit in this destiny was also just. 101 0. We must take note of the laudable initiative taken by a group of young sofrim The Uncooled Passions/A Parting of the Ways under the banner of Vaad L'mishmeres Stam, who are WHAT HAPPENED TO THE FIERY ZEAL of Shimon and Levi? Generations deeply concerned over the widespread proliferation of later, we find record of the Tribe of Levi fulfilling its sacred destiny, but invalid scrolls, especially in not so Shimon. In fact, the Rambam refers to those in contemporary mezuzos and tefillin. society who devote themselves to Avodas HaKodesh - studying Torah, Through an educational teaching it to children, leading congregations and communities - as the campaign and the creation of a controlling agency, progeny of the tribe of Levi. How did Levi preserve this trust, while they are attempting to Shimon did not? reduce the incidence of such spurious scrolls. In tracing the transmission of the Torah heritage from the time of Avrohom, the Rambam describes all three Avos (patriarchs) as" dwellers In addition, we must express special gratitude to in yeshivas." After them, it was only the tribe of Levi who was singled Agudath Israel of America for promoting legislation that was passed in the New 3. Similarly, all of Israel was frozen with did not use it. In fact, he could not. Of York le:{islature making it shock when Zimri brazenly displayed the course, Torah law forbids intermarriage, illegal to sell non-kosher Midyanite princess he illegitimately chose but it does not prescribe any punishment. tefillin and mezuzos unless as a mate. Only Pinchas responded with Only he whose heart burns with kano' us they are so identified. This action. But first he asked Moshe, "Can't - a zealous responsibility and concern - is significant progress in something be done?" is permitted, even commanded, to act the field of endeavor of Moshe replied: "Kano'im pogim bo - beyond the letter of the law. Pinchas Shimon and Levi. zealots can kill him." So Pinchas took qualified for this action, while Moshe spear in hand and killed Zirnri. Rabbeinu did not. ... Thus, Moshe's reply Moshe was aware of this option, but he and Pinchas's response.

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 17 out as "dwelling in yeshivos."4 During the 210 years of sojourn in Egypt, the other tribes suffered bondage, while the Levites studied Torah, keeping the sacred heritage alive, maintaining themselves in the role of its custodians. Thus, 250 years later, in the blessings he conferred upon Israel on the last day of his life, Moshe singled out Levi for praise because "he did not know his father, nor recognize his brother" - Levi took arms against whoever worshipped the Golden Calf, even if it was his own father (maternal grandfather), his brother, or his neighbor. The sense of respon­ sible zeal that burned in the heart of the Brother Levi, in defense of Dena, burned fiercely in his children, the Tribe of Levi in the wilderness of Sinai.. .. And again they acted with similar kano'us against the renegades who said, "Give us a leader and we will return to Egypt," stopping them with force, as well. Throughout those years in between, from the time of Dena until the Exodus, the passionate fires did not dim; moreover,they were disciplined and directed by immersion in Torah. By contrast, Shiomon's passions also burned - but without direction, without discipline, without the guidance of Torah. When did these emo­ tions surface? At Ba'al Pe' or - when Zimri ben Salu challenged Moshe Rabbeinu's leadership and the moral codes of Kial Yisroel by flaunting his illicit relationship with Kozbi, the Midyanite princess .... Only the zeal of Pinchas, offspring of Levi, challenged Zimri, bringing a spreading plague to a halt.

Suitable for the "Mizbe' ach"

WE FIND ANOTHER EXPRESSION of the dangers of uncontrolled passion in the very limited selection of birds that were acceptable as korbanos in the Temple sacrificial order: Only the tor and the ben yona. The tor was ac­ ceptable in maturity. According to the Gemora, every month the female of the species lays two eggs, hatching one male and one female. These pair off and form a nest of their own with a love and fidelity that last their lifetime. A creature of this sort was surely acceptable in the Bais HaMikdash. The ben yona, by contrast, is a zealous bird. When he returns to his nest after a short absence, he suspects his mate of infidelity. He evicts her, and after separating they mate again with others, regardless of whether they were betrothed or not. Disgraceful behavior, one might say. But, on the other hand, these birds are highly t~mpermental and without any discipline .... Thus, the ben yona is only acceptable as a korban when it is young, before it had an opportunity to violate rules of family loyalty.

4. It was to secure the place of Levi as a (Bereishis 47:22). We would surely have full-time student of the law throughout no interest in Yoseif's fiscal policies as the years of bondage in Egypt that Yoseif, regent, except that he was preparing the as regent, saw to it that the priestly caste way for Shevet Levi to be a dweller of was exempt from all taxes when the rest of yeshivas, even in the most difficult of the populous was so heavily taxed on all times. Levi, as a tribe of priests, was ex­ the produce that their land yielded empt from the labor tax.

18 The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 Thus, we find that the Torah places very high premium on zealous concern. At the same time, however, this only has value if it is tempered and disciplined by Torah.

Contemporary Concern and Responsible "Kano'us"

AN EXAMPLE OF RESPONSIBLE CONCERN on the highest level is a letter that the Ponevezher Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Eliezer M. Schach K"tl'':il!I wrote this past summer, in which he warned very strongly against being swept away with enthusiasm for the government in power. He stressed in the letter that the Torah community must bear in mind that the State was founded as a secular state, its laws are secular laws, its leadership is a secular leadership and - with rare exceptions - one scarcely hears the name of G-d on the lips of its spokesmen. True, we must acknowledge those who are making concessions to the religious community and encourage their work. 1, 1 And, for that reason he had E. Among the reasons for recommended (with the other members of the Moetzos Gedolei Ha Torah) which we must be grateful for the rise of the new that Agudath Israel enter the current Knesset coalition .... Rabbi Schach's government is that the letter is an extremely important document and I urged that it be circulated abolition of the avoda zora as widely as possible. Parts of it may have appeared to be a bit sharply of Marxism, which had worded but upon close examination, one would understand that under so dominated the Israeli scene, has finally the circumstances the letter was indeed balanced, subtly making al­ transpired. In addition, lowances for another aspect of the State. twenty religious girls who were in hiding from forced There is need for a tempering of kano'us with a well-rounded view, for conscription in the army with all our misgivings with the motivation behind the creation of the have been released, and the State and the leadership that guided it, we must realize that were it not for threat of further 1948, harrassment has been the creation of the State in a million Jews would have become as­ allayed. This is surely a similated as a result of the despair that followed the destruction of World worthy accomplishment War II .... Similarly, the miracles in the 1967 war also had their place. (I (aside from others that have refute the idea that miracles can emanate from a destructive satanical been enumerated elsewhere). source. Miracles of such magnitude can only be performed by a force for good.) In response to the '67 War, hundreds of thousands of Russian Jews awoke from their forced slumber and accepted their Jewishness with a pride and sense of purpose, starting another miracle on their own. Un­ fortunately, the Israeli response to them was without responsibility and even non-Jewish immigrants were admitted as Jews by the State.

"Kano'us" With Sufficient Torah resources

SOME PEOPLE WHO ATTEMPT to control their zeal with Torah do not have sufficient Torah resources ot their own to draw upon, but proceed on their own nonetheless. To point out their failing, I ask as a corollary question to be posed to the average student: "If a man has a choice of either marrying a Jewish girl who will not keep the laws of family purity or marrying a non-Jewess, which is worse?" The student will assess the pro's and con's, and say: "Violation of family purity laws is punished with koreis (being cut off from life in this world and the next), while liv-

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 19 ing with a non-Jewess is simply a transgression of a severe negative com­ mand, but no more. Obviously, the latter is preferrable." The person replying, however, is not aware that even the Rambam - who is alone among the authorities in considering having relations with a shifcha (Canaanite slave woman) only proscribed by rabbinic law - non­ etheless condemns it as extremely intolerable in the highest degree. For the man so involved shows total lack of consideration for his offspring - who will have the status of an eved rather than Jews. By the same token, the man who marries Jewish, rather than consorting with a non-Jewess, at least is assured of generations that follow in spite of his personal loss ... This very same consideration may be aptly applied to kano'us against the secular state of Israel. Sensitive questions must be examined in the light of halacha, focusing on the problem at hand in the long view perspective of Daas Torah - not in the fiery light of unchecked zeal. ,.,

Following the Guidance of the Tor ah Personality

Based on remarks by RABBI MOSHE FEINSTEIN K"l),i,IV at the recent Agudath Israel conven­ tion,

The Unquoted Command

!MMEDIATEL Y FOLLOWING THE CONFRONT ATl ON between Schechem and Yaakov's family, G-d told Yaakov: "Go up to BethEl ... and make a mizbe'ach (altar) to the G-d who appeared to you in your flight from Eisav your brother." At this point, Yaakov told his family to purify themselves and otherwise prepare themselves, for "we shall go up to BethEl and I will make a mizbe'ach to the G-d who replies to me in my day of anguish" (Bereishes 35 :1-3). It seems strange that Yaakov did not tell his family that in making a mizbe'ach in BethEI he was responding to the command of G-d. From his words it would seem as though the move and the action were on his own initiative. Earlier, however, when he informed his family that the time had come to leave Lavan, Yaakov attributed the decision to G-d's com­ mand - even though the move was well justified on the basis of their own welfare. Yet here we find a reverse situation.

20 The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 Indeed, Yaakov had decided to leave Schech em for reasons of his own - to see his father, to stop at the place of the Mikdash - even before G-d spoke to him. And, when the Torah relates that Y aakov told his family of his decision to make this move, it was not in response to a command, but to inform us that Yaakov had conteIT\plated the move for reasons of his own, that ultimately did meet with G-d's approval.

Divine Approval for Man's Initiative

WE FIND THIS PATTERN of initiative by_ man with subsequent approval by G-d in a number of places. For instance, the Gemora (Shabbos 87a) tells us that Moshe Rabbeinu initiated three practices contrary to what had been understood as G-d' s command - practices which G-d later ap­ proved: Adding one day to the preparation for receiving the Law, break­ ing the Tablets, and separating from his wife. In fact, G-d actually com­ mended Moshe for his actions. But Moshe's authority to take these in­ itiatives had been his before G-d expressed approval. Similarly, Yaakov did not have to cite G-d's command for his company to follow him to BethEl. His own standing as a man wise in Torah was sufficient basis for his authority. For when a great man - drawing on his vast Torah knowledge and on his greatness of personality - deems a par­ ticular move worthwhile and timely, his decision should be honored, even if it appears to be contrary to established precedent and spoken com­ mand. Thus, one can say that G-d, in His words of apparent command to Yaakov, was actually expressing approval for his contemplated move. This approval should not be assumed to be limited to Yaakov and Moshe who had exceptional status as "the chosen of the Avos" and the "lord of the prophets," respectively. On the contrary, the ability to perceive needs and render decisions belongs to the Torah leadership of every generation - even an impoverished generation such as our own.

Not Just the Prophet

NOR SHOULD THIS AUTHORITY be attributed to possessions of the gifts of prophecy. In fact, Tosfos explains that when Eliyahu erected a mizbe'ach for korbanos on Mount Carmel, which was outside of the Mikdash - he did so with the authority of a leader, rendering a horo'as sha'a - a deci­ sion relating to a specific, short-lived need, not as a prophet. G-d's words of agreement with his plan were spoken as an assurance of success not as approval, which was not really essential (Sanhedrin 89a). The Torah leadership of every generation, then, always possesses the ability to perceive the needs of the time and to initiate individual acts or even sweeping ordinances to meet these needs. And these ordinances bear the full weight of an actual halacha. Thus, with the advent of the Era of the Mishna, at a time when very few prophets survived the earlier era,

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 21 "They said three things:' ... and erect protective barriers around the Torah' " (Avos I 2) referring to drafting rabbinical ordinances. The responsibility for passing such ordinances, and the ability to perceive their need - as was stated - was always the mark of Torah scholars throughout the ages. Not only in the time of the Mishna and the Talmud, but through the time of Rabbeinu Gershon and Rabbeinu Tam, in­ novative laws and decrees were promulgated. To this very day, it is both obligatory and sensible for every Jew to guide himself by the decisions of those who are wise in Torah, because the ta/mid chacham is vested with the ability and responsibility for judg­ ing the circumstances pertaining to Jewry and for setting their policies ac­ cordingly.

Leadership in All Matters

FOLLOWING THE LEAD OF THE Torah leadership in all matters - even those not directly governed by the rulings of the Shulchan Aruch - has always been a fundamental principle of Agudath Israel. Those who main­ tained: "What do they (the talmidei chachamim) know about politics? This is a field where we are better versed" - groups that set their policies in such a manner cannot be considered as being within the Torah camp. One might well say that ignoring the advice of the ta/mid chacham is far worse than transgressing a !av (negative command) clearly expressed in the Torah. Whereas one may violate a command beacause he finds himself too weak to resist the insistent attractions of that which is wrong, at least he realizes that his action is wrong. By contrast, when one does not heed the advice of a ta/mid chacham, he denies the superior wisdom of the Torah personality. This is a far more serious breach. This imperative applies to Kial Yisroel as a whole, as is recognized by Agudath Israel. Indeed, the administration of Agudath Israel consults with Gedolei Torah; it asks, it listens, and it acts in all matters in accor­ dance with the advice that is rendered. This should be the guiding princi­ ple of every individual Jew, as well.

On Giving Tzeddaka and Educating the Young

TWO AREAS OF DEEP CONCERN to every person - education of his young, and giving of his funds to charity - surely should require consultation with someone of superior background and sagacity. Unfortunately, among the countless queries addressed to me rel'larding so many aspects of Jewish life, very, very few deal with the Torah education of the young or the proper use of one's financial resources: How much one should give to charity, to which tzeddakos, and the basis for setting up priorities. We are all familiar with the Torah's blessing to those who tithe - con­ tributing a tenth of their income to charity - ilUlinl11!1 ?':tlU:t ilUll -

22 The Jewish Observer/ December, 1977 through tithing, one achieves wealth. Those who find it difficult to guide their investment planning and financial activity by this plan can at least fall back on the assurance quoted by the Rambam: "It is a tradition in our hands that one never becomes poor from giving tzeddaka" (Shemos Rab­ ba 36:3). The funds that we think we possess are only entrusted to us to use for their pre-ordained purposes. If we respond to this trust, and give A. It should go without saying, of course, that not the required amounts to tzeddaka, we do not become impoverished. A 1 1 only must we adhere to the As we stated, G-d controls the destiny of the Jew - both the individual Torah's commands in and the community, as part of the Jewish nation. Security of the nation of regard to the manner in Israel and peace within the boundaries of the Holy Land are totally in the which we handle our funds, but we must consult our hands of the Almighty, not within the power of one administration or Codes regarding the another. In addition, the ge'ula (redemption) can come with the blink of conduct of our businesses, an eye. Let us pray for its speedy arrival and not search for signs of honoring all laws pertaining to integrity, as'chalta d'Geula - the beginnings of redemption - a term totally inap­ scrupulously avoiding all plicable to current developments. Let us rather pray and strive to be prohibitions against worthy of the ge'ula sheleima - the complete redemption. cheating, thi'every, and usury.

A SELF-CONTAINED LIBRARY of TORAH HASHKAFAH CHALLENGE of SINAI ANVIL of SINAI - Clarifying contemporary problems Clarifying fundamental in the light of Torah thought Torah concepts • Testimonial mltzvos • Quest for Identity • Shabbos ~ the precious jewel • Emunah values • Adolescence and Kedushah values • Relevancy of Taryag Mitzvos • Combating the yetzer hara • Mesorah approach to emunah • Torah values and sexual mores • Science and Judaism • Contemporary styles • Refonn trends in Judaism • Taharas Hamishpachah • The Oral Law • The Mussar Approach • Rabbinic legislation • T eshuvah - the road home • History of Torah • Torah study Transmission - !: •History of Torah Transmission - !I: Mattan Torah through Early Rishonim lo present Geonic era

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J Hashkafa Publications I 68-61 Selfridge St. Hashkafah Library Series I Forest Hills. N.Y. 11375 I (212) 261-6076 95 Anvil of Sinai 464 pp. in J vol. $8. I Please send me the fo!loVJing at your pre-publication discount price. 9 Challenge of Sinai, 644 pp. in i 001. $11. 5 I D Anvil of Sinai, $805 1 D Challenge of Sinai, 644 pp. in 1 vol., $1015 Challenge of Sinai, deluxe edition. 2uols. $13.95 I 0 Challenge of Sinai, deluxe ed., 2 vols. $11 85 l Publication date: Jan. 20, 1978. Offer expires Feb. 15, 1978 Special pre-Publication discount : Enclosed find check for $ Challenge of Sinai (15%); Anvil of Sinai (10%) Name ...... Special Bonus: Free slipcase included on combined orders ! Address ...... of both Anvil and Challenge of Sinai I Cily/State/Zip ... . (offer limited to first 200 orders). I Postage will be paid by Hashkafah Publications. Please add applicable sales tax. ' ~~--~~~~~~~~

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 23 Kisle", 5738 ~Q::>

CRISIS c 0 M M r T T e E

for Yeshiva $ais Binyomin af Stamford, COnnactic:ut

132 Prospect Street, Stamford, Connecticut

Dear ¥riends of Higher Torah tearninq,

We are compelled to depart from our custom and to turn to all Jews whos~ hearts are awake to,and concerned over.the survival of To~ah in lUal Yisrael. We ask ycyu to come to the aid of one of the fin.est Yeshivos of our era -- for this is literally not a tnatter of assi$tance, but of SURVIVAL.

Yeshiva Bais $inyom:ln o~ Stamford, Conne~ticut has succeeded during its brief existence in gaining an enviable reputation among TQrah scholars. Its sutce$s is due to its distinguish~d Roshei Hayeshiva, Horav ttagaon R. Eliyahu Sil:ncha Schustal and Horav ~agaon R. Moshe Shapiroi its Mel'lahel, Horav R. Shmuel David Zvi Mayer; and the carefully selected qroup of ~llel members whO contribute life, verve and depth to the development of the younge~ students. With the con­ tinueQ help of Hashem Yistxtrach, $ais Binyomin has before it a b~iqht future as one of the greatest instituti~ns in the Torah world.

aut -- due to unpre4ictable circumstances, the Yeshiva's financial situation has suffered to the point where the very exi¢tence of Rais Binyomin hangs in the balance. Heroic mea$ures are needed to rescue the Yeshiva for the present -- and thereby to giv~ it the possibility to establish itself upon a reliable financial basis for the future.

Therefore, ve turn especially to all lover$ of To~ah to exert themselves mightily this one titne -- tQ shoul4er the burden of Torah survival in our generation. G~ve to the utnPst -- and more -- and do- not permit disaster t6 occur due to ina~tion.

We ask, too# that every shul, bais ~edrash 1 and g~oup of b'nai Torah arrange for emergency appeals. And we ask that everyone an1:>Wer thls appeal with an open hand and warm heart commensurate with the heavy respon~ibility that rests upon us all.

May all who join in thi$ holy task merit that they may see the rise

of Torah's pride 1 and that of tho$e who study it and carry its bG\nner, and may their portion be secure among Hashem's messengers who car~y out His pledge that "It will. not be forgotten from t.he mouths of their offspring."

With Torah blessing$,

Rabbi Moshe Bick Rabbi Shmuel Ehrenfeld Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky Cong, a•nai Moshe of Ma tesdorf Yeshiva Torah V'daath Yeshiva Chasan Sofer

Rabbi Shneiur tcotle:r: Rabbi Elya Svei Beth Medrash Govcha Yeshiva 4! Philadelphia Lakewood, N. J.

Z4

The Jewish Ob Server /D ecember, 197? Hanoch Teller Torah Consciousness on the Border

I

The Maharal MiPrague states that the number crime and violence is above average. Despite the heroic shemona (eight) is suprarational. The number sheva efforts of the local Rav (Rabbi Zephaniah Drury), the (seven) corresponds to the number of days in a week; presence of a Chinuch Atzmai school for youngsters, shemona lacks conformance. Sheva is indicative of and the recent opening of a Hesder Yeshiva, Kiryat rationality, shemona of irrationality. I lack a rational Shemona - like all development towns - is almost explanation for how I arrived at Kiryat Shemona (City devoid of religion. In terms of a Judaism to which an of Eight) last summer and for what transpired there. American Jew can relate, Kiryat Shemona is a vacuum. My reason for going, however, would score an even The Jewish Agency selected the most opportune setting seven for its rationality: American Jewry is halving for the Ulpan: American college graduates four-and-a­ itself. Asssimilation and intermarriage are raging un­ half hours away from Jerusalem and irreligious Mor­ checked. Here, it seemed, was an opportunity to do my rocans is a calculated non-shidduch. small bit to stem the tide. And under the circumstances, every opportunity is in truth an obligation. Influencing someone towards a religious life is always a difficult task. Succeeding when he is an­ While there is a general stereotype of the "typical tagonistic - and working on an intellectual basis only yeshiva bachor" and his conventional way of doing - is an even more formidable task. Local conditions and things, this past summer bein hazmannim (intersession) the Ulpan schedule, however, worked to my advantage. I chose to pursue a rather unique course. I left The students had only three hours of classes in the Jerusalem for Kiryat Shemona, a town near the mornings. The afternoons and evenings were free, save Lebanese-Syrian border, to lecture on Judaism to a for weekly Israeli dancing and sporadic lectures. The group of American college graduates who were in Israel participants were so bored that a class about basket­ for a year on a Jewish Agency sponsored "Sheirut weaving would have been well attended. La' am" (Service to the Nation) program. Welcome to Kiryat Shemona The Ulpan Setting Accommodations at the Ulpan were kindly arranged The first phase of the Sheirut La' am program con­ for me by Rabbi Drury. Upon arriving in Kiryat sists of three months at an Ulpan in Kiryat Shemona. Shemona, I went directly to the Ulpan and made my Unbelievably, the participants skipped over the presence known. The manager informed me that there Jerusalem stop that is a must for every tourist and stu­ were no accommodations prearranged. Rabbi Drury, he dent. After witnessing this program for over two explained, did not and could not commit anything in weeks, I could not accuse the Jewish Agency of acting the Sheirut La'am program. Furthermore, a lecturer on with intelligence in setting up this itinerary, but it cer­ Judaism is not needed (i.e., wanted) for there were tainly reflects a practical approach. hardly any Americans in the Ulpan. The building is almost entirely inhabited by Argentinians and female Kiryat Shemona is a Development Town founded in soldiers. 1956. Anyone familiar with Israel realizes the negative I was sho.cked and hurt. I thanked him for his implications of development town status. Generally, it "hospitality," took my suitcase and walked to the refers to a town made up of Sephardic religious olim, Drury house. The Rabbinit verified that her husband situated somewhere on the border - or at any rate, far had indeed spoken with the Ulpan housemother con­ from "civilization." The standard of living, education, cerning my accommodations. and culture is below the Israeli average; the standard of That evening I returned to the Ulpan to determine my status. This time I found the office attended by a f-fANOCH TELLER is an American studying in the Mirrer Yeshiva in boy- apparently local talent. I deduced that after office Jerusalem. As the article demonsrates, he is active in Kiruv Rechokim hours the Jewish Agency staff members returned to work in the Holy Land. their homes outside of Kiryat Shemona. I started

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 25 shmoozing with this boy about the soccer standings budget cover their cost. But there are funds for an and the like. Israeli dancing teacher, Jerusalem Posts, TV sets .... I casually inquired whether the Ulpan had any Lack of interest. Americans. "Betach (of course)," he said, "52 Stiff-necked I was and stiff-necked I am, so I insisted Americans!" I was stupefied. I questioned the that the book closet be unlocked and checked. The feasibility of lecturing to them this very evening. He closet was opened and was stacked with twenty five Bi­ said that he was unacquainted with these matters and a bles. Baruch Hashem, not only Bibles, but English madricha (female counselor) must be consulted. Since I Bibles! I inspected them and I was stunned: 25 mis­ wasn't allowed past the office he offered to go up the sionary Bibles. stairs and inquire. A conventional yeshiva bachur probably would have I was convinced that the madricha would be disposed of them on the spot. However, I thought it es­ delighted with the idea of having a volunteer lecturer sential to explain to the madrichot why they were on Judaism at the disposal of the students. They had "treif," hoping that they would get rid of them already been in Ulpan for a month and so far had not themselves. I don't believe that I ever had a less produc­ heard or experienced a thing relating to their religion. tive conversation in my life. "Ma pittom get rid of After a long wait, the boy came down alone. His dis­ them? Maybe the Americans want to read them." Said position towards me was less affable. He relayed, in the I: "If the Americans want to read missionary literature, name of the madricha, that "none of the Americans are no one is stopping them, but why seduce them? The interested in Judaism." Her message and the manner only literature in English save Aliyah propaganda is she chose for delivering it spoke volumes .... missionary Bibles. Our Bible you don't have, but theirs (lehavdil) you do have! Where is the justice?" 11 Wanna Try Some Judaism?" One madricha then said, "We got these Bible> fur The Almighty has labeled us "a stiffnecked people" free, and we never throw out anything we get for free." and who was I to diverge from our tradition? I asked "What kind of reasoning is this? If you were to the first three students I met if they would be interested receive an explosive for free would you keep it? Of in a class on Judaism. The first student answered course not! You'd throw it out before it explodes. "Sure," the second one more enthusiastically, and the What's the difference between physical harm and third even. more so. spiritual harm? Anyway," I added, "you threw out a That evening I taught the story of Rabbi Akiva: How lecturer on Judaism you got for free!" a 40 year old, lowly shepherd molded himself into our I later smuggled twelve missionary Bibles out of the greatest Tanna. I related how Moshe Rabbeinu, when Ulpan and took care of them myself. The house mother given a glimpse into the future, marvelled at Rabbi had collected the remaining Bibles in a box and assured Akiva's lofty achievements; and how Rabbi Akiva's me that she would take care of them. On the day I left students were inspired by his martyrdom. As I told the Kiryat Shemona I pleaded with the head of the Ulpan to stories, I witnessed a tangible resurrection of the Yid­ make sure that such literature would never again gain dishe neshama. entry. Out of curiousity I asked what was done with the The students assumed that the Ulpan had co­ Bibles. - They were sent to a kibbutz in the area .... ordinated the lecture. True, I had advertised Judaism, but they still expected to hear about Zionism, politics, The Over-Subscribed Tanach's or development towns. Their eyes lit up and they Missionary Bibles out of the way, but the class still moved their chairs closer. The boy who had brought did not have Tanachs. I decided to take my T anach ap­ along a newspaper placed it under his chair, the girl peal to the Ulpan director of studies. I was informed with the needlepoint stuffed it back in her bag. "Rabbi that the only time possible to speak with him was dur­ who?" "Moshe Rabbeinu?" - "Isn't Rabbi Akiva the ing the coffee break when the teachers and madrichot name of a street?" "I don't believe it, but it's a lovely gather in his office. As I waited to go in, I heard their story." Thus Torah was introduced to the Kiryat opinion of me and what I represented. Earlier I had Shemona Ulpan. thought that I was hyper-sensitive and over-reacting, but now I knew: I was a spiritual malaise that already No Bibles in the House succeeded in delivering one mind-poisoning lecture, The next morning, I spoke with the house mother and I must be curtailed. about accommodations. She denied speaking with Rab­ I walked in and politely inquired about the acces­ bi Drury; perhaps she had forgotten, perhaps she had sibility of Tanachim. One teacher told me that he had been asked to forget, perhaps.... In any event, accom­ Tanachs, but he was unable to lend them out for he modations were out. used them every morning in classs. (According to his I then inquired whether the Ulpan as equipped with students he never used them.) I explained that he Bibles to serve as my text. There weren't any. Why not? taught in the morning and I'd never start before the Because there isn't any interest in them, nor can the afternoon; an overlap was impossible. He admitted the

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 26 justice of my argument, but he was afraid that they and you haven't realized this yet. I know that the stu­ would get scattered and might disappear. I told him that dents are more interested in Rosh Hashana than in Beit I was in favor of getting the maximum usage out of the Shean. If you speak at the same time, no one will attend Tanachs and he could be genuinely assured that they her speech. If she speaks later, they will be too tired to were in good hands. He finally acquiesced. listen to another lecture. What can I tell a woman who came all this way from Beit Shean? I told you in the The Tangible Effects beginning that you must confirm all your classes with me .... With the Almighty's help, the classes progressed with visible effects. After the first week, two girls went I corrected her: "You never told me to confirm my to Jerusalem for Shabbos, returning full of enthusiasm. classes, but rather relayed a message to me that none of the Americans are interested in Judaism! I, too, came all The lectures were held in a classroom adjacent to the the way from Jerusalem - three times further than Beit maintenance room. On occasion we had to switch Shean. Why for the past four days wasn't anyone rooms because of noise emanating from our neighbors. notified of the conflict?- or at supper, for that matter? One time the noise was particularly disturbing - it What is more important, Beit Shean or Rosh seems a mad rich was pounding on something. We Hashana ?" asked him, "Must what you're doing be done right now?" He replied, " I'm repairing something necess­ "You refuse to understand that you are not wanted." sary for eating and it can't be delayed." "Could you wait 15 minutes until we finish? - Anyway, the "There is no room for Judaism in the Ulpan - no kitchen's empty and the next meal is in five hours .... room for G-d. Ribbono she/ Olam - Beil Shean more Furthermore, our tradition teaches that man does not important than Rosh Hashana?t" live by bread alone but rather on what emanates from the mouth of the L-rd." Said he,"! have no choice and "On the contrary," she insisted, "I respect G-d very you must und~rstand." We understood very well .... much." We must have been more effective than we had "Yofi," said I, "I am sure that He is pleased .... " imagined. Other madrichot arrived and said that they are all in Rosh Hashana, Anyone? agreement ... there isn't any room for Rosh Hashana in the Ulpan and there is nothing to argue about.... After a week of classes, I inquired when the most Perhaps she was incensed because she had gone on the convenient time would be for delivering a sermon on record saying that no one was interested in Judaism, Rosh Hashana. I asked the students to verify a sug­ and before her sat 52 refutations. gested date with a madricha and to publicize the speech. It was scheduled for 8 p.m. Sunday, and by Wednesday At 10:15 that night a sermon was delivered on Rosh afternoon posters were already up. I spent Shabbos in Hashana and the meaning of.teshuva. It is difficult to Jerusalem and returned early Sunday evening to make sit for three uninterrupted hours, but their thirst for sure that everyone was aware of my scheduled sermon. Torah dominated. For the duration of the sermon, the At supper someone announced the scheduled talk, in­ madrichot stood in the back - chatting, giggling, and viting everyone, including the madrichot. By 7:45 the disrupting. I couldn't be resentful, because obviously, lounge was full; even some female soldiers came in to they were bemoaning their defeat. listen. Nachas mamash - all these people so remote from Yiddishkeit gathered to find out what Rosh The Finger of Accusation Hashana is. There is a lot to write about concerning the Kiryat Just as I was about to begin, a madricha informed us Shemona Ulpan: Tisha B'Av was selected for the day to that the sermon was "cancelled" due to the arrival of a teach the names of foods. Each class was equipped with guest lecturer from Beit Shean (a development town food samples to aid in the instruction .... The students one and a half hours south of Kiryat Shemona), who were sent to irreligious kibbutzim for the Yomim was scheduled before the Rosh Hashana lecture; I could Noraim, etc ..... speak after she finishes - in two and a half hours. I believed that with derech eretz and a reasonable ap­ It is related in the name of the Chofetz Chaim that in proach a compromise could be reached, for my sermon the World-to-Come, the irreligious Jews are going to was scheduled to only take forty five minutes. Perhaps, innocently point their fingers at the religious Jews, ac­ if I could speak with the lecturer from Beit Shean, u:• cusing them of neglecting their brothers and sisters. could work something out. How could we let Kiryat Shemona happen? What are we going to do to stop it? Ve'im lo achshav aimosai - The madricha retorted, "You are not wanted here, And if not now, when?

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 27 NEW BOOKS FROM FELDHEIM Interested in a sound, coherent, satisfying com­ first Tanach ever produced entirely (from design of mentary on T'hillim? the letter, to unsurpassed page design, to printing and binding) by Jewish hands in Israel. Take a good thoughtful look at the new compact one-volume edition of THE HIRSCH PSAlMS The English translation (on facing pages) is based on the long accepted Jewish Family Bible sal'lc· A spiritual giant who led his community safely tioned by England's Chief Rabbi. Thorougly against the ravaging onslaughts of Reform modernized by Professor Harold Fisch of Bar llan Judaism, the famed Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch University, it is the first sound contemporary drew untold riches of inspiration and courage from translation of the entire Tanach produced within the words of the Written Torah.Throughout his life Torah Jewry as an invaluable reference, or for in­ he studied it, and wrote his creative, inimitable spiring reading. works of translation and commentary. 2,096 pages, large edition, 51h'' x 81h'', in hand­ Of all the Books of the Bible after the Pentateuch, some box, $15.95. the T'hillim was closest to his heart - the Book of Psalms. Into his translation and commentary he THE RAV - A historical narrative of the life poured his finest powers of creative thought. He and times of Rabbi Schneur Zalman ofLiady, by began the writing in his early years, but didn't Naftali Hertz Ehrman (Judaeus). publish it till late in life, as the product of a lifetime Observant Jewry has never been the same since he of reflection and inspiration. lived in its midst. The movement he founded is A classic in the original German, it has been pop· more active today than ever and is spreading ular for years in our 2-volume edition. Now it is out authentic Judasim through the ranks of the people. in a compact (1,024 page) single volume printed Here is the biography of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of on special pleasant-on-the-eyes paper and bound Liady, "the Rav" (known to generations of fol· to last in durable skivertex. So take a good thought­ lowers as "der Alter Rebbe, Ha'admor Ha-zaken, ful look at it the next time you are in a Jewish the Ba'al HaTanya"), told in fictionalized form, but bookstore. And for a really handsome gift (even to faithful to the authentic sources. yourself) there is the deluxe edition, in padded In these pages we see the unusual talents and binding and attractively slipcased. qualities of character that he showed already in One-volume edition, size 51h'' x 8", 1,024 pages, childhood, which led him to become the first $13.95. Deluxe padded edition, $17.50. Lubavitcher Rebbe, the founder of Chabad Also available in the original two-volume edition, Chasiduth. size 6" x 91h" $21.50. Widely read in the original German (after it ran as a serial in "Der lsraelit"), this masterful narrative by KOREN TANACH - the gifted author of the Ba'al $hem of Michelstadt THE JERUSALEM BIBLE has been ably translated by Karen Paritzky, utilizing Belongs in your home, too, because there is other (documentary)sources, to present in English nothing like it! Three pages at the end explain in the life-story of one of Jewry's most important detail why the Hebrew text is the clearest, most ac­ religious leaders in the past few centuries. Price, curate, most beautiful, ever printed. It is also the $5.95. PHILIPP FELDHEIM, INC. FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS LID. "The House of the Jewish Book" PO Box6525 96 East Broadway Jerusalem, Israel New York, N.Y. 10002 Add sales tax where applicable.

28 The Jewish Observer/ December, 1977 The truly encyclopedic nature of this work, with its more than 1500 sources quoted, does not permit us to touch on all the subjects treated. But it should be abun­ BOOKS dantly clear that this volume - written in a most 111 readable style, despite the complexity of much of its subject matter - is a most important addition to our educational literature. While it should ideally come into Anvil of Sinai, by Rabbi Zechariah Fendel the hands of every Jew interested in his heritage, it is (Hashkafah Publications, New York, 1977, $6.95). bound to be of great help in the yeshiva and Beth Jacob libraries, as a research tool for the students and a source of enrichment in our teaching of Yahadus. It is to be This volume, of over 450 pages, represents a hoped that the second volume will indeed appear before monumental undertaking. In the time-hallowed form of long, and continue the high standards which the author a correspondence between Rabbi and disciple, it seeks has attained in this volume. to "bring the classical sources of Torah literature to bear upon contemporary problems" and to convey an understanding of the authentic Torah heritage and Oholei Yeshurun, a compilation of Jewish laws and values. The author has drawn on his many years of traditions dealing with Yichud, Sheva Brachos, Tevilas conveying Torah teachings to - and meeting the Kailim, and Hechsher Kailim, by Rabbi Aaron Felder spiritual needs of - yeshiva youth, to present a series of (New York, 1977). essays that deal most effectively with many of the most pressing contemporary issues (a second volume is This volume follows the pattern of the author's scheduled to appear shortly and to deal with topics not earlier Yesodei Smochos on the laws and traditions con­ included in this first volume). nected with bereavement (Jewish Observer, Sept. 1975). It should prove of great relevance to the Torah The book starts out with an analysis of the uni­ community - not only because the four subjects dealt queness of the Jewish people, as carrier of a divine mis­ with are all concerned with the Kedusha and Tahara of sion - to manifest the existence and mastery of the the Jew and have frequent practical applicability, but Creator. To this end, the Torah and its mitzvos were because there is a deplorable lack of precise knowledge entrusted to the Jew - and the author proceeds to about them. Changing social forms and technological enlarge upon their significance and the manner of their progress have given rise to new circumstances and con­ transmissions through the millennia of Jewish history. ditions for which laymen cannot find halachic guidance He provides a lucid analysis of the Written as well as in the older reference works, even if they are able to the Oral Law and the role of the Rabbinic precepts; and consult them - and many are not able to do so but re­ in tracing the chain of transmission he in effect presents quire an English statement of the basic provisions of us with a full account of the history of the law. In that the halacha. Of the four subject areas of Rabbi Felder's connection, mention should be made of the excellent volume, that of Yichud has previously been dealt with charts and tables which are included and trace the in an excellent pamphlet, "Yichud, A Concise Guide", transmissions of Torah from Sinai to our days; there is by Leib Tropper, published a few years ago in Eretz also an ingenious index of names which provides infor­ Yisroel; but the other three subjects - Sheva Brachos, mation on when and where the ou !standing Torah and the Tevila and Kashering of dishes - are here made scholars of all generations lived. available for the first time in a systematic English presentation. As in his earlier work, the author has However the bare outline of the book's central con­ aimed to limit himself to providing information on the cern does not provide any hint to the many important generally relevant provisions of the halacha; however, subjects which branch off from the main theme. Thus each section of his work is followed by a Hebrew com­ the discussion of the process of Torah transmission pilation of sources, references, and clarifications, which brings us face to face with the immutability of the will prove of great interest to the scholar. Torah - and an analysis of the tragedy of Reform and Conservative Judaism and secular Jewish nationalism. A particularly valuable chapter deals with the challenge Photography of science to the faith of the Jew; Rabbi Fendel shows, on one hand, how the belief in evolution is being shaken by an ever-growing body of scientific evidence and how, on the other hand, everything in nature ii:LlilAn )i:Ui>IO) points to the existence of a Creator. At one point or another in this volume, the author dwells upon and ex­ U.S.A,/lsrael 623 Cortelyou Road (off Ocean Parkway) plains the meaning of every one of the thirteen princi­ • Brooklyn, NY 11218 • (212) 941-5500 ples of our faith posited by the Rambam.

The Jewish Observer I December. 1977 29 NOW AVAllABIE! Tragedy Strikes - Third Time New From Judaica Press A young mother of nine children, from a highly respected family, who in recent years lost both her A new, expanded, revised up-dated edition of husband and a young son, has now passed away. PARDES RIMONIM She left behind unmarried children, the youngest a little girl of eight, with neither father nor mother A Marriage Manual for financial and emotional support. For The Jewish Family The following Gedolei Yisroel K"!:>'?lll, upon By Rabbi Dr. Moshe Tendler hearing of this immense tragedy, have issued an urgent call to you, ciJt.Jni 'l:J C'lt.Jn1 to contribute 5% x 81h, Soft Bound $2.95 as generously as possible to help this family in Encompassing the Following: their time of need: Horav Yaakov Yisroel Kanievsky Beis Din Tzedek - • Nida laws (the Steipler) Eida Hachareidis, Jerusalem • Natural Childbirth - Husband's Role Horav Yosef Sholom Elyashuv Horav Yaakov Kamenetzky in Accordance with Halacha Horav Moshe Feinstein Horav Moshe Stern • Infant Care on Shabbos and Yorn Tov Horav Eliezer M. Schach (Debretziner Rav) • Population Control - The Jewish View (Ponovezh) Horav Shneur Kotler • Ethical Implications of the Drug Culture Horav Sh. z. Auerbach Horav Elya Svei • Genetic Engineering Horav Yaakov Perlow • The Llving Will or Natural Death laws; (Novominsker Rebbe) An Halachic Analysis Rabbi Yisroel Friedman Rabbi Nasson Scherman Available at your Local Jewish Book Dealer Rabbi Chaim Yitzchok Trenk Rabbi Nissan Wolpin or Direct Fram: Tax-deductible contributions can be made payable to: S. GOLDMAN - OTZAR HASEFARIM, Inc. Mifal Tzeddaka Va'Chessed c/o Yonoson Israel 33 Canal St., New York, N.Y. 10002 1680 59th St../B'klyn, N.Y. 11204/(212) 837-6674 (Please Add 50C for Postage and Handling; Also Sales Tax where applicable) Ninety-Nine tor Dov Dov JUST OUT!!! and ottier stories Pincus Mandel by Vona Weinberg The latest in the orawinp by Eslhei LefllOWitz widely acclaimed Renowned Expert - over 25 years experience in DOV DOV Kvura on all cemeteries in Eretz Yisrael SERIES With all Hidurim - as done only by Shomrei ages 5-10 Torah Umitzvos with a foreward Responsible for current system - speedily ex­ by Olomeinu editor pedited - at Airport in 4 to 5 hours. Rabbi Nasson Scherman. With more than 45 years of cemetery ex­ Approbations by: perience, constantly dedicated to the allevia­ Rabbi Joseph Elias Distinguished author and educator tion of the inyan of Chesed Shel Emes - not to Dr. Joseph Kaminetsky Mesaken the inyan of Monetary Gain ... National Director of Torah Umesorah Recommended by Most Prominent Rabbanim Rabbi Joel Kramer and Admorim President of the National Conference of Yeshiva Principals Rabbi Pinchas Stolper Pincus Mandel Executive Vice-President of the U.O.J.C.A. 175 Lee Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11211 Other DOV DOV Books: The Magic World of DOV DOV - Second Printing Day and Night Phone (212) 855-5121 A Home Run for DOV DOV Sorry, DOV DOV on the Moon is currently sold out. All bills rendered on actual "Costs-Plus" Basis. Send $2.00 per book to; No hidden or 'padded' charges Agudah Member - 50 years. DOV DOV Publications 6203 Biltmore Ave. Baltimore, Md. 21215 (301) 358-9864

30 The Jewish Observer/ December, 1977 ------Time for Torah, How to find more time for learning, by Jewthink, A Guide to Real Judaism, by A. Shafran Reuven Bia la (1977; R. Biala, 4958 N. Spaulding, (Sepher-Hermon Press, N.Y., 1977; $3.95). This work Chicago, Ill. 60625). was reviewed in The Jewish Observer some years ago --·------when it appeared anonymously, in mimeographed This pamphlet is of modest appearance and has only form. We praised it highly, at the time, as a lucid state­ 18 pages; yet it has warm approbations from Roshei ment of our beliefs in the language of today's youth; its Yeshiva, and deservedly so. The author has addressed republication, as a printed book, is a welcome sign of its himself to a universal problem which is faced by every success. 1T. yeshiva student who has left the walls of the yeshiva to make his way in the outside world: how to find time for Torah study. If well-off, his business concerns tend to A CAlt FOR TORAH STUDY monopolize his time; if struggling for a livelihood, he is equally occupied with his mundane duties: A major and Join the hundreds of Chaverim in the U.S.A., well-thought-through effort is needed to find time for Israel and other parts of the world who now enjoy an extra spiritual dimension in Jewish living by persevering in one's Torah learning - and it goes learning three halachas and I or two mishnas and without saying that failure to pursue them is bound to I or the weekly sedra every day. lead to an erosion of a person's standards of mitzvah observance and Yiras Shomayim. This pamphlet offers C1'J ion 7tv mn 1'7Y 1tur.ii .,7,7~ ;;;in~ po1y;; 7~ thirty-two concrete suggestions for maintaining one's 'l pi!:I O":JY.li? rr·n ni:i?n learning - and it has received such a favorable recep­ You will gain respect and love from your family tion that well over 2,000 copies have already been dis­ and become an inspiration to your friends. tributed (it was for instance used by Telshe Yeshiva in Ask for your free lu'ach from connection with the SEED program). The author CHARLES M. BA TT, Chairman deserves great credit for his imaginative undertaking MISHNA AND HALACHA YOMIT which, undoubtedly, will serve to further Torah study 20 Outlook Ave. West Hartford, Conn. 06619 within the Jewish community.

Sephardic Student Aid Fund ISRAEL EMERGENCY CALL Burials and An1erican Disintennents FOR HELP 10K!~',K= ii~~::i a"rio~;n: "'" (!1a' R1V["S.~!F '.;"'., "S «'.,~)p•,c·p cn:· 1 ':1c_ensed Hundreds of Sephardic BneiTorah in Eretz Yisroel - f J">;>r('Jf cJirc,, '.y ·r- '.'';,.US cit'» t'JPlfro,-i single and married students, most of them orphans and Transfer to Israel within the same day from large families - are desperately awaiting <>Ur help. Thanks to our support, many of these students were And all Cemeteries in Israel taken off the streets and put into a Torah environment. Their financial situation has become unbearoble and Sole agent for Sanhadrea Cemctel}I they are pleading for our help. Ri·/~·qs:·,;.[ 0 r.:,-;ir ';;•ortr--1sSf",;'_•• Sephardic Student Aid consists of a handful of Bnei Enroute to Israel \\.1it'hin the same day Torah under the selfless directorship of Chacham Rab­ • Str<.l a:-~~':'rfr·~" '.-:; GC: d" :-.~ at! 1gat1on attempting to save those Sephardim who are with us • Chaoei SP·: ·.«red ,n any ,·0rn.--,..1;n'!/ from destitution. With the backing of Gedolei Torah of Eretz Yisroel and__ Arnerica, we ask you. to.take patt in this grea·t and rewarding mitzva. MANHATTAN Rabbi Moshe Feinstein Rabbi Mordecha.i Savitsky 180 West 76!"> St rat A--.---.s:erdarr Ave 1~~ Y .r"\i Y 1 EN 2-6600 Rabbi Dovid Lipshitz Rabbi Sholom Shvadron B ROOKL Yf'~ :31 G Coney ls!ard Av'~ ( O:_ c1n P:i-kway at f-"0-"pect Park Brcck'yn_~, Y 1 Ui 4 2000 Rabb1 OVadia Yosef BRONX: 1963 _Gra~'? Ccn·::r;_,rse ( -~.. t ; -~:Ji h. St ,: Bronx,N Y ~U 3-6300 'i FAR ROCKA 1t;AY ~2·S0C"'",\ral Ave: 'Cl' R<)·_kaway,r\i_Y FA 7-7100 Sephardic. Chief Rabbi And The W.;stc.rw:>ler P1vers,(1P 'v~en;c::r1ai Chapei,lnr Please send your generous torttrihution to: 21 West8r0ac!St•eet.'·.'1t V··-rnoci.i'-i Y ·:9J4;,M04·6800 I S,ephardic Student Aid fund Chapels 1n Miami .M 1;101i P-i:acll .HollywooCT, Si;nrisc, Florrda Carl Grossberg; Andrey., F1cr.: Solomon Sl-10111 S'Jn cl o :Rabbi Nosson Scherman 1 1653 S4th St. Brooklyn, New York 11419 All donations are tax deductible. j ror generations a symbol of Jewish Tradition. '------• The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 31 Something new from

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32 The Jewish Observer/ December, 1977 second looks n,1n i:i:i1n'> n:i1~ n,11D:i at the jewish sc£ne M1,1, 17 1Dll(!D ,DO )llD1l'I "nli,'Onn 'l'lll" llll:l1n;'T tl)I M'llll<"1~ "1DO ':>)I i1no ?:n:J tPtv11in 1n:J.b ,,,w11 inr.J oi1yp oi1nxr.n n11ionn Comment ili1f1i1 ip10!J? 0",i1b1K iC,111 .i"Wi1 "Moshiach's Zeiten"? diplomatic strike, robbing initiative from the Israelis, putting the ball 'po7~1p ~., a17w ~-,;, :'"ll l"1lll THE JEW'S HEARTSTRINGS are tuned neatly into Begin's court ,,, the oi1:J.J1in lil:Jil pnY' :i1i11 to Messianic yearnings. An unusual Egyptian fear of dealing a hand to i111ll 1ll 111tll1'1 ,,it K?iV :-n i!JO event takes place, without any the Soviets in the Mid-East game, -l1il1 1rl1'il:l1 017'.l iY1K il1ilr.l build-up or warning, At loss for dovetailing with a larger fear in 7~7 ;i11w 1<1:-i ;>-p1 y':>1p J1llO~ rational explanations of why and Israel of dealing with the P,LO, lilY.P inx ?:J i:J. pno px .wnJ how, the Jew instinctively sees the These pressures, these oppor­ sudden turn of events as a har­ tunities, are so pronounced and in­ Mi11"1 nx 1n'.:J. ?x 11:r1:i K':J.il? binger of "Moshiach's Zeiten,'' sistent, that they must not be ig­ P1,tl7n1 Y'",T t.'.l"illll:J.il 1Ji:J.1 Such were the melodies plucked nored in any interpretation of re­ ;y tl"'"11l:l<1<:i n7w71w ':>~l:l out on the hearts of Jews the world cent events. over on the weekend in mid­ November when, quite suddenly, The Nagging Facts Egyptian president Anwar Sadat Then, after a bit of reflection for announced to the world that he some - and hardly any contempla­ would journey to Jerusalem to seek tion at all, for others - some very ZEIREI peace, Without reducing the events nagging facts come to the fore, The AGUDA TH ISRAEL to cliches, one can unhesitatingly advent of Messianic times should be say that what followed is now marked by an intensive, wide­ Of America history, spread turn to belief in G-d, Announces a Series Viewers, listeners, readers - religious practice, and all that these of Shiurim in whatever the medium they follow - entaiL A quotation from Prophets have their own favorite, most strik­ here, and a conspicuous kipa there i1iJ n1::i?;i ing scene, the one with strongest hardly denote a tidal wave of impact: Egyptian President and change, Or, failing a complete A COMPREHENSIVE SHIUR Israeli Premier each quoting return to Torah, the Gemora tells ON THE HAlACHOS Hebrew prophets, preceded by the us, Messianic times should be Given in English by speaker of the Knesset donning a marked by a complete rejection of kipa repeating passages from Isaiah belief and Torah practice (1"n), Yet, RABBI SHIMON EIDER ,, , little children waving Arab and Jewish life is not yet at the one, Author of 'Halachos of Shabbos,' Israeli flags stapled to one stick , ,, hoped for extreme or at the other 'Halachos of the Eruv,' Chaver the headlines in New York dailies dreaded one, There's still a wello haKolel Beth Medrash Govoha, proclaiming "Shalom" in Hebrew occupied middle-ground of wishy­ Lakewood letters, announcing "Jerusalem washy bog-land. Indeed, as Rabbi pact: No more wars," Isn't that the Feinstein said (see article based on THESE SHIURIM FOR MEN vision of "Moshiach's Zeiten"? his Convention address in this is­ ARE NOW TAKING PLACE sue), it is of no purpose to look for Of course, the fluttering heart SUNDAY EVENINGS - 9 P.M. shares quarters with a sophisticated "beginnings of Redemption,'' We eye and analytical brain, Factors must pray for the complete Ge'u/a, CONG. B'NAI YOSEF other than those of Messianic Moreover, our hopes for peace 1614 OCEAN PARKWAY implication make things happen: are shadowed by an underlying (corner Ave P) The desperate economy of Egypt , ,, recognition that once that Sadat's astute pre-emptive marvelous cloudless day does ar- BROOKLYN, NY

The Jewish Observer/ December, 1977 33 -- i rive, and the inilitia are disarmed and order guards are dismissed, SARA there vvill be other types of crises to contend \<\ 1ith. New problems of T'EACHER'S security, political and econon1ic stability, and religious viability will appear on the scene.

Still -- Novv? ANNOUNCES 1'o Ge sure, this does not in the least reduce our thirst for a cessa­ OF AN INTENSIVE tion to bloodshed, broken families, rnain1E~d bodies. VVe do pray for ONE-YEAR peace~···· three tin1es daily in a forn1al SEM!J\!ARY manner, and countless times more in other vvays. ;\nd just as behind TO ever;,r prontise of hope there can lurk a threat of 3nother kind, so too does every cloud of anxiety and ap­ prehension conceal opportunities " expert, experienced mechanchim. for hope, challenges for ac­ " environment conclusive Torah con1pli~hn1enL Bloodshed will, and please c; .. cJ, co1ne to a stop. New op­ yiras shomayim. portunities zviil open up for reac-hing out to people who will no " small classes, individualized attention. longer be concerned over service in the arm;r and reserves, people not haunted by the threat of death. nor "' "horizon-expanding" guest lecturer plagued b.y a vvar-time economy. program. Funds 1Ni1l be freed for more con­ structive activites. I\1inds will be open to 'forah. It is toward these " emphasis on character building. new frontiers for achievement that " diplomas awarded. our irnaginations should extend. And ultimately. the events of that " dormitory facilities. weekend do stand out The logic of grabbing a peace initiative, of responding to the pressures of the depressed Egyptidn economy, of The Monsey Community 1,vith its many Torah considering the war-weariness all around - the logic of acting in personalities, far from the problems ills of a response to these factors was large city, is a perfect setting your daughter's ahvays present, and could have for precipitated a similar scenario many spiritual and personality growth. other tin1es during these past thirty years. Yet they never did. Thus. the rush of events in 1nid-Noven1ber For further information contact the Principal: vvere totally unexpected, even shocking in impact and suddenness. REB. SARA SPIRA Making us wonder, z.vhy now? Obviously, "the hearts of kings 17 GROVE and ntagistrates are in the hands of C-d." He decided that what hap­ l\10NSEY, N.Y. 1095.2 pened should happen now .. . How often are we capable of recognizing or call: (914) 352-6581 (914) 352-6418 this? Doesn't that portend sornething mon1entous? Isn't it so

34 The ]ewis!t Obsen1er /December, 1977 very likely that inore rnuch rnore - will happen, if we are bui i,vorthy? A Time of Judgment During these sensitive, volatile days, tvhen the unexpected is occur" rino vvhen the undrearned···of is an i1nn1ediate"' reality, vvc inust KOSHER CHEESE recognize the precarious status of Israel's security. "The way tl1e situa·· PRESENTS NEW FAVORITE! tion appeared a year ago, the uncer .. tainties prevailing then could VJeil have continued for the next ten FAR \'Ca.rs. i\s of h-vo 1.nonths ago, vvht>n MAOE FROM PARllAIJY SKIMMED Mll .. 1< Geneva talks dotT1inated all con­ siderations, the fluidities then eX··

isting could have gone on for \'r;l1'ii iovc 11~ ni:ld Arid n1onths on end. But this is no longer i.fpl1i l(H~'> riavnr Pt'i­ the case. Change precipitous (\'CI lo•. ~n,Kklighl and things could tip either vvay. for diders and wt>ighl Our fate is being Wf'ighed every vvatchf'rs. Af,o illok n1on1ent. As in any other ti1ne of to1 lvt1g1Jc1! ~:o~her· l.•l\\' judgn1ent, even moreso, we n1ust )odium ( 'olhv - d !ow pray -· hard, and with earnest ~.i!1 cheP"e ·,vi th great 1.iste. ·11v them trHL1y desperation,~ that a svvift end corne to our propblerrls, by the decisions and through the guidance of f·firn \/\fho truly controls our destiny ~~ Pr

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The Jcwisli O!Jserver ! Decem!Jpr, 1977 35 manded you .. six days shall you work and do all your labors, and the Shabbos and the State seventh day (is a) day of rest to G-d' (the Prime Minister continued with A YEAR AGO, when then-Premier Shabbos ... and they will indeed do the rest of the quotation from the Yitzchak Rabin was responsible for so, if we also respect it" - so Torah)." public violation of the Shabbos to proclaimed the Prime Minister. Knesset Member Yitzchak give "a proper welcome" to Ameri­ Knesset Member Yosie Sarib Navon (Ma'arach) called out: "All can Jets, Agudath Israel initiated a (Ma'arach) interrupted: "But you this is for the sake of Agudath lack-of-confidence motion that did desecrate the Sabbath in Israel." ultimately resulted in the fall of the preparation for Sadat's arrival!" Responded Knesset Member Rabin government. Said the Prime Minister: "They Rabbi Shiomo Lorincz: "Not for the Now that Menachem Begin's new did not desecrate the Shabbos. sake of Agudath Israel, but for the government has stepped in, our at­ When we discuss one of the great sake of G-d and His Torah to secure tention is naturally focused on the values of the Jewish nation and of the eternal existence of the Jewish status of Shabbos in public - mankind in general, I request that nation." l,.,,T, amongst so many other things, of we do not permit ourselves to in­ course. We thus note with interest dulge in sarcasm but to speak with Canadian readers are advised the following item in the November the respect and gravity the situation either to subscribe at the 29 edition of the HaModia (the Jer­ demands. overseas rate of $1 additional t1'alem daily newspaper published "With great emotion every Shab­ per year, or to indicate on their by Agudath Israel). Menachem bos I say the eternal passages: checks that the $7.50 payment Begin made this statement to a 'Guard the Sabbath day to keep it crowded Knesset session convened is ID be made in U.S. funds. for the purpose of reading President holy as the Lord your G-d :c~o~m~---======: Sadat's invitation to Israel to par­ ticipate in forthcoming talks in Come To Cairo. He prefaced the reading of the invitation with the following (we quote HaModia): The Prime Minister said: "Let it be known that ours is a Jewish state k06her £~~~t'Y and it will honor the Shabbos before the eyes of the entire world. For this Formerly Kosher King reason even President Sadat under­ 1501 Surf Ave Coney Island stood that if he chooses to come to Whitehead Hall Brooklyn College us on Saturday night, he must de­ termine a time when we can prepare for a proper welcome without violating the Shabbos." RABBI JOZEF KATZ \!ARK LOVl'NGER The Prime Minister also related 83 Division Avenue Brook.lyu, N. Y, 11211 that on the previous Erev Shabbos (Friday afternoon) a personal letter or from President Carter reached the American ambassador to Israel, but the President instructed the ambas­ sador not to deliver the letter to Mr. Begin until the conclusion of the ALL LEADl .... G llOTELS BA:'OQUET HALLS Sabbath, specifying to the ambas­ sador not to bring this important, A:'llD JEWISH CE:-cTERS AVAILABLE cordial letter before the appointed time - that is, before Shabbos was iiu;, 1'l.(7; over. "We respect the Moslem day of 388-4204 388-3590 863-8892 rest - Friday, and the Christian day Caterer for Agudath Israel Conventions and Dinners of rest - Sunday; and we beseech • • all nations near and far to respect

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 36 Mordechai Schilfer AGUDAH WOMEN OF AMERICA ANNUAL LUNCHEON at the Hotel Roosevelt on Sunday, March 5, 1978. Ozymandius in Rome The following ladies will be honored: Guest of honor: Mrs. Roslyn Feldberg Mrs. Ida Gottesman Rebetzin Chaya Oelbaum JEWISH VISITORS to Rome have always felt a sense of Mrs. Cir! Ogorek deep sorrow when viewing the Arch of Titus. It was Mrs. Martha Schron erected in 81 C.E. - a mere eleven years after the churban, and "immortalizes" the pillage of the Beis The Presidium of the N'shei Agudath Israel of ehamikdash, in the relief Spoils from the Temple in Philadelphia: Mrs. Shoshana Abramson Jerusalem. Mrs. Bernice Garfinkel Mrs. Faige Rosenberg Recently, travellers have found comfort in an immor­ tal graffito carved over the arrogant Roman soldiers $65.00 worth of ads entitles you to a free ticket to carrying off the Menor a: our Luncheon! "Am Yisroel Chai'" For some ~ime, I've wondered at the inscription. Who did it - A crank? A JDLnik? .. A wandering tzaddik' I finally got my answer in - predictably - a n1osl un­ likely place. While leafing through a back issue (July 1977) of the U.S. magazine The Writer, I came across the following poem: IN THE ROMAN FORUM ... 1976 If I forget thee, 0 Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning The Arch of Titus stands. Mute requiem it celebrates the emperor of Rome Agudath Israel takes pride in whose fated legions took Jerusalem, announcing publication of destroyed the Temple, bore the booty home. In bas relief, the sculpture seems obscene A Portfolio of 34 studio-quality portraits (ark and gold menorah, seven-pronged, of the following Gedolei Yisroel: borne on hands uplifted,yet unclean), R' Samson Raphael Hirsch/ R' Eliezer Gordon / R' Yitzchok Isaac Halevy remaining of remains to rack the wronged. 'If I forget iRabinowitz) / R Chaim Soloveitchik f R' Meier Shapiro f R' Joseph Chaim Sonnenfeld/ Chafetz Chaim/ Czortkover Rebbe / R' Chayim thee," vow of anguished prayer, Ozer Grodzenski / R' Borcuh Ber Leibowitz /R' Elchonon Wasserman / R' escapes my lips. In paradox I rant, Menachem Ziemba/ Belzer Rebbe / Amshenover Rebbe / Chazon "Look on my works, ye mighty and despair," lsh ,-' R' lsser Zalmon Meltzer /R' Eliyahu Meir Bloch IR' Reuven Grozowsky / Gerer Rebbe (R' AVTohom Mordechai} / R' Yitzchok Z'ev for here I am, proof of the covenant. Soloveitchik i Sadigerer Rebbe / R' Aharon Kotler/ R' Chaim Mordechai With stone on stone, my right hand scrawls reply: Katz/ R' Dov Berish Weidenfeld IR' Eliezer Yehuda Finkel/ R' Zalman triumphant tidings, "Am .. Yisroel ... Chai." Sorotzkin i Kapitshnitzer Rebbe / R' Akiva Schreiber/ R' Yosef Shlomo Kaheneman / R Yecheskel Sama/ Boyaner Rebbe / W1shnitzer Rebbe / MARZ! KAPLAN I.?. Novominsker Rebbe / Gerer Rebbe (R' Yisroell Each printed on 8" x 1O" matte suitable for framing an auspicious addition for every Jewish home SCHECHTER'$ only $7.50 per complete set for immediate delivery use the handy coupon below: K:~:l/a7i88£46H@l Agudath Israel of America/5 Beekman St./N.Y.C.10038 11n111 oc1.utf10J1t •Loe• - >n• k JI01 It. MIAMI BEACH Gentlemen. Enclosed please find ...... for , ...... ,, ... sets. ... Is • GREAT Kosher Hotel - you'll love ltJ l'>iAME. • DIAL W~ FREE brochure •Private Pool and MIAMI and boC'klet or call Sandy Beach ADDRESS llACH 800-327-8165 •Oceanfront C!TY. STATE. zrr FREEi FLORIDA AREA CODE Synagogue .....,--.• (305) 831-0081 FREE Parking

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 37 Letters to the Editor

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realized that it was not in regard to Reb Elya Meir and the Uwning nr kosher foods as ! had originally "f Bo,,Js. '.vfortg~gto '-" Sunday Minyan " l'"T)'o"e fonrtwn, c.m{ thought (due to your headline) but c1rganl7.11i«r1 iHld the nnnpt >\,\i\h 1'o -th; Editor: ------.. --·-~--- l14V(' rwt ,hengrd duttng pecfdm!" 17. about Tashmishei Stam (Torah T,1ta! No. Cc•p1e~ !'ri:cttrl 11'-kt l'r('~" Run) scrolls, tefil/in, and mezuzos), c,,piPs [ach l"ltt J 2 Monti», I-faving been a talrnid n111vhok of •\ct\>,1i ~uinh·r of copir< l0S\H' l'ubi1,lwJ Nc;;r~st vvhich surely do merit our attention Reb Eliyahu Meir Bloch ?"Yl at lo f:i:n~ iht(•, 1~.oc:o n l 5d]~o \brnllgh and care. Jcg U. ;nonths <'.7:"1) sir>f,k ;-;iiohrd n~M~-l tn 1vhich appea;ed in your last issue, regard to kosher food. These past ~i:ing ,f3t~. 7.744 . T(>tal p,11d circuldtion, av1·regr no cupics tcKh ''"llt chmng rr:cediny, 12 months. H.~25_./r­ vvith gref.'1t lnterest few years people are thinking along tu8l ris. ot ,-,.,,ie" ,,f rnod~ ii_ by I would like to paraphrase the m,,;L ,~rrirr o• other m~ans, OVCTJf.€ no .. "-'!"~" {·~ch LOO\l~ women raised this topic at their d1,nn,; prcctdini; 12 months.40Ct_ ,Kto_ol _':"··of. (Op;es. d words of the Kohein Gadol when he (a , 1ngll' '~""~ nea,~. 14,725. actud no. '1f rnpies of cmglt Yorn Kippur. "Much more than I iccuc publiclll'd nParest to filing d~te: 14,1\04. Fl Off.cc vey of Glatt Kosher and kosher "-"'"· kfl-ovc·r. unaccounted. ~p,,,Jpd Mter pr:ntmg· uvcrog~ have vvritten to vou is contained in meats and chickens before Pesach; no_ copi€, ~ad1 issc•: during pr~t_ed;ng 17. month~. 27,';; ,,,_ his life." No writer nor any article tu

I \~' and a Consumer Union-like group filini: date. 106. r.2._ Rcturm from new< ,1gcntc, o.o. C­ can ever capture the ideals, self, T,,t,,l iSumof [ ond !·). avPrase no co,nie,,Nd-, ;ssued\1r;ng called the Vaad HaKashrus has prcn·dm;' U. montho. J.;.,ooo: ,\cut~]"" rnr ,,f ""'i'lc i< lessness, principles, life, integrity, "Ut come into existence in New York. f'uhblird r.eareOhio kosher product? Perhaps some training or apprenticeship in this

1 key position is necessary. 2) More ''Kosher C:onsurnerism ' Questioning pricing policies: l_"his is especially true in regard to meat, To the Editor: poultry, and cholov Yisroel dairy Scanning the headlines of the products. Why not have gallon MOVING'? Sept. JO, I was delighted with the cartons of milk, rather than quarts title "Kosher Consumerism. and half-gallons? Why not 2 lb. Be sure to notify us in ad­ "Here," I thought, "is an idea vance so that your copies containers of cottage cheese? These vvhose time has come." There are are available in the general dairy will continue to reach you. consumer advocates on all levels of products. Many families would The U.S. Postal Service will government, in ne\~spaper articles, benefit from economy sizes. Are not forward magazines to etc. Why not begin a lTiovement for they not profitable enough for I

38 The ]eivis!i Obsen;er / Decen1ber, 1977 high quality in Baltimore that the In Far l{o(kaiva·y, the /\ye!f:'t general public purchases it, \·hereby r·-iaShachar Sen1inar}', directPd enabling lower prices through Mrs. Sor;i Freifel_d, offers coursPs greater volume? f--fovv was the price for beginners ;ind intenTledia.te sh1 of kosher rneat dropped substantial~ dents both by d.0y and_ in th<:' even'" ly (through Agudath !srael efforts) ings. She can be cont;:icted ;_11 70'? in Buenos J-\ircs? C:an this he Bolton 1(c1-

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40 The Jewish Observer/ December, 1977 not understand that, all other things discretion in my reply. Mi yittein being equal, some people would veyesamcheinu kiyemos innisonu. choose to achieve their goals in Veyofutzu ma'ayonoseinu chutzo!* LETTERS CONTINUED Jerusalem, Bnai Brak or even sunny CHAIM SHAPIRO Honolulu. SHMUEL A. LABOVITZ Baltimore, Maryland Baltimore, Maryland *May it be His will that we rejoice The World Outside Boro Park The Loss of Three Institutions ... as we suffered, and may our well­ springs spread outward. To the Editor: Chaskell Goldberg's letter in (The following addendum to The Williamsburg "Y" Torah Institute your Cheshvan 5738 issue sug­ Chaim Shapiro's letter, regarding proudly announces: gesting that Rabbi Noach Weinberg Novardok I Novaradok, printed in A Jewish Family Life Conference would contribute more to the the Sept. '77 edition of JO, was in­ to be held: Jewish community if he did his advertently left out. We print it Sunday, January 15, 1978, 4.7 p.m. work in Boro Park than in now with apologies for delay.) Speakers will include: Jerusalem reminds me of the story To the Editor, ... Rabbi Avrohom Blumenkrantz of the four men on a safari to Africa On many occasions, I've under­ Rabbi. Beis Medrash Ateres Yisroe/ to study elephants. Upon comple­ scored the terrible void that we are "The Jewish Family: tion of the safari, the Rusian wrote suffering as a result of the loss of An Endangered Species?" a book on the soul of the elephant, the Six Million, including: the one­ the German wrote on the military and-a-half million children; the Rabbi Dr. Chaim Halberstam tactics of the elephant, the Rabbi, Congregation Adas Yeshurun Torah centers; the Gedolim of of Flatbush Frenchman wrote on the love life of Torah, Mussar, and Chassidus; and Clinical consultant - Counterforce of the elephant, while the Jew wrote three "institutions" that (I thought) Torah Umesorah on the elephant and the Jewish have vanished from Kial Yisroel. Noted psychologist in private practice problem. These are: (1) Mashgichim - Kelm "Marriage: Sholom Bayis or Else" Mr. Goldberg seems to see every was a "supply-house' of • issue involving Boro Park. We out­ Mashgichim for all yeshivos. Now, Rabbi Dr. Chaim Feuerman of-towners have the impression that when a Mashgiach passes away, Rosh HaYeshiva,Dean of a Boro Parker's idea of reaching out there is no one of the old school Jewish Foundation School to help the uncommitted Jews is to who can replace him. of Staten Island travel to Flatbush to convert a (2) Maggidim - every major city Editor, Machberet HaMenahel Mizrachi member to become an in Europe had a Maggid d'mosa consultant to yeshivas and day schools and yeshiva and teacher administrating Agudah member. (Maggid-Meishorim - "local program There naturally are no correct preacher" is a very, very lame ''The Parents' Role in Chinuch" answers as to whether it is better to translation). 1 cannot begin to help committed Jews reach a higher describe the feelings of spiritual Joshua Weinstein, Executive Director, level of Yiddishkeit or to help a elevation and simple pleasure one M.C. non-observant Jew reach a low level experienced while listening to a to take place at: of observance and study of Torah. Maggid. This has all but vanished. But there may be something to be Williamsburg "Y" (3) Novardok - this great move­ 575 Bedford Avenue said for the theory that if one has a ment was a bracha for Torah and Brooklyn, NY 11211 piece of meat to give away, it may Mussar. Now I have learned the Cholov Yisroel dinner served be better to give it to a Jew on the great news - certainly happy news brink of starvation rather than to - that Novardok has been revived Members: $2 R.S.V.P. Non·Members: $3 share it with two Jews who have and is blossoming in France, 387-6695 bread to eat but lack other items in through the dedication of Reb their diet. Gershon (Kovler) Libman. Reb MACHON TORAH MEIRAH 17 Tewkesbury Drive In any case, I suppose a Jew like Nachman Braslaver is known to have said: "Our Chassidus will last Prestwich, Lanes Rabbi Weinberg who wants to con­ Manchester, England tribute to the Jewish community ex­ until Moshiach will come." The pends his talents in that realm of Braslaver have been described as the l r:ZRAT NASHIM: VOL 3 "Novardoker" of Chassidus - Agunah Problems, Present Day service and in that location where Marriage & Divorce Problems: $6.00 he feels that his personal family both, it seems, are now alive and 2_ CHUMASH TORAH ME!RAH: 3 vols $12.00 goals will be best satisfied as well as well. 3_ TORAH /fAGADDAH: $4 00 4_ MJKDUSHE! Y!SROEL: $4.00 his communal goals. It is just amaz­ In the spirit of Novardok I ask Postage E:-:tra ing that people from Boro Park can- forgiveness from all for any in-

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 41 munity leaders joined heads of social agen­ The only Orthodox English-Yiddish S·i.Annual cies at the breakfast conference, which was weekly in the world co-sponsored by Agudath Israel's agencies, presenting the authentic CooferenttooSoOOIConcerns Project COPE and the Commission on Jewish ·· ~111$m'ed bv Ethnic Affairs, at the New York Hilton on Torah viewpoint ~gudath Israel ofAmerioo Sunday, November 13 to discuss "Revitaliz­ Stimulating! Informative! ing New York City Through Neighborhood World-wide coverage of news. Growth and Development." The Governor, who addressed the con­ JEWISH TRIBUNE ference only hours before he departed for an 97, Stamford Hill official visit to Israel, called the healthy London, N. 16. England neighborhoods of New York "its flesh and blood_" He singled out three of Brooklyn's Annual Subscription: Airmail $35. Jewish middle class neighborhoods; Baro Surface Mail $18.50. Park, Flatbush and Bensonhurst. "These are the neighborhoods," Mr. Carey said, "that house and nurture the working class and middle class communities of our city." Senator Javits, in a telephone address from Agudist Benevolent Society Washington, said that "Jews, like many Gmillas Chesed other white middle class ethnic groups, have or a very long tragic history of flight." He went Lapidus Bros. on to list his agenda for helping the Gemilath Chesed neighborhoods_ HP called on H.U.D. to help revitalize neighborhoods by "setting separate Assn. of the Crown Hts. Preserve the Ethnic Communities, minimum property standards for moderate Agudath Israel Inc. Agudath Israel Conference Hears rehabilitation where the owner or tenant lives for applications call Governor Hugh L. Carey and Senator in the house while doing rehabilitation Rabbi Joshua Silbermintz Jacob K. Javits joined in calling for strong work." at 964-1620 or write measures to preserve and develop Jewish Both New York's Governor and senior c/o Agudath Israel middle class neighborhoods in the city at the Senator hailed a new neighborhood develop­ 5 Beekman St., Third Annual Conference on Social ment project launched by Agudath Israel for New York, N.Y. 10038 Concerns sponsored by Agudath Israel of Baro Park, Flatbush and Bensonhurst. America. More than 200 government of~ Funded by the Ford Foundation, the pilot ficials, higher education, business and com- project is called the South Brooklyn Com­ munity Organization and its program calls for organizing block associations, revitaliz­ The excitement of Convention '77 available for you, ing the commercial strip, housing rehabilita­ to experience in your own home: tion, and fostering interethnic communica­ tions. TI-IE AUDIO VISUAL DEPARTMENT OF AGUDATI-1 ISRAEL The two state leaders were followed by a announces the availability of the following tapes of panel discussion on the theme of neighborhoods, chaired by Dr. Seymour P. the National convention of 5738/1977 Lachman, former president of New York City's Board of Education. The speakers in­ Tape #l English Language Session: cluded Lawrence B. Simons, Assistant "Society's Newest Pressures on American Orthodoxy" Secretary of H.U.D. for Housing; and Dr. Addresses by: Rabbi Simon Schwab, Solomon H. Green, Associate Dean of the Rabbi Chaim Dov Keller Wurzweiler School of Social Work of Yeshiva University. They praised Agudath Tape #2 Keynote Session Addresses by: Israel's leadership role in preserving Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, Rabbi Menachem neighborhoods, and outlined methods of Porush, Rabbi Moshe Sherer, Rabbi Pinchas joining the government and voluntary sec­ tors to keep ethnic communities alive. Menachem Alter Rabbi Menachem Lubinsky, director of Project COPE, opened the conference and set Price $4.00 the read a paper on the problems of Jewish Please send your order with a check to: neighborhoods. Rabbi Moshe Sherer, ex­ Audio Visual Department ecutive president of Agudath Israel of Agudath Israel of Ame!lca America, presented the organization's 1977 5 Beekman Street "New Horizons Award" to Dr. Philip Ross, New York, N.Y. 10038 the New York State Industrial Commis­ sioner.

42 The Jewish Observer/ December, 1977 3,000 HEAR TORAH LEADERS AT AGUDATH ISRAEL CONVENTION CALL FOR RETURN TO OLD VALUES FOR MEETING NEW CRISES

AGUDATH ISRAEL oF AMERi\:.\" i1p"1tl:\J 1K1il1" £'\11l~ ss~ NATIONAL CONVENTION

Rabbi Pinchas Menachem Alter, Gerer Rosh Yeshiva (Jerusalem), addressing keynote session. Also shown (from left to right): Rabbi Yaakov Perlow (Novominsker Rebbe), Rabbi LY. Horowitz (Bostoner Rebbe), Rabbi A bra ham Fruchthandler, Rabbi Avrohom Lezerson ( RIRF,]erusalem), Rabbi Moshe Sherer, Rabbi Alter, Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky, Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman, Rabbi Baruch Sorotzkin, Rabbi Shneur Kotler, and Rabbi Gedaliah Schorr.

BRINGING TOGETHER 3,000 foremost toward achieving peace, we must never lose documents that testified to progress toward Torah scholars and leaders, dignitaries, sight of the fact that our fate lies in the hands resolving many aspects of the 43-point coali­ delegates, and visitors from forty cities on of the Almighty. We must merit the ultimate tion agreement, including such problem four continents, the 55th national Conven­ redemption, and we must strive toward being areas as unauthorized autopsies, granting of tion of Agudath Israel of America in Atlantic worthy of it taking place as soon as pos­ Sabbath work permits, and conscription of City, New Jersey, from Nov. 24-27, sible." religious girls into the armed forces, as exam­ deliberated many vital areas of Jewish life in Rabbi Pinchas Menachem Alter, Rosh ples of problems nearing solution. AmeriC"a and Israel. The Convention theme Yeshiva of Sf as Emes, Jerusalem, brother of To demonstrate the present Israeli ad­ "Torah Jewry on the Threshold of a New the revered Gerer Rebbe, also addressed this ministration's commitment to abide by the Era: Are We Prepared?" was explored and topiC" at the keynote session, stressing that terms of the agreement, the Knesset Member expounded upon from various approaches, "the need for Agudath Israel is especially read to the gathering a telegram from Prime combining first-hand reports, grass roots pronounced at times like these, when Minister Menachem Begin to the Agudah responses, and illuminating talks by leading through high enthusiasm or deep concern, Convention, stating in part: "It is self under­ Torah figures. the Jewish people can lose sight of Torah stood that the coalition agreement will be The Israeli Scene values and the determining role of hashgacha observed in language and in spirit, G-d wil­ (Providence) in the fate of the Jewish , ling." The rapid-paced developments in the in­ people." ternational arena were the subject of many of Domestic Problems the discussions. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, A report to the convention by Knesset renowned Torah authority and member of Member Rabbi Menachem Porush did much A number of sessions were devoted to the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah (Council of developments and problems on the American Torah Sages) of Agudath Israel of America, scene. In his keynote address, Rabbi Moshe spoke regarding this concern at the overflow Sherer, executive president of Agudath Israel keynote session of the Convention on Satur­ of America, criticized the American Jewish day night "While we greet with encourage­ leadership "for lagging behind their Israeli ment the efforts of the Israeli government counterparts in recognizing the religious in­ gredient of the needs of the Jewish masses." He cited the "snail's pace" of the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies in meeting its responsibilities toward Jewish education. He charged that although there are many who now are slowly recognizing the value of Jewish education, "it is inconceivable that soaring assimilation through intermarriage will wait for creeping decision making; every delay in bolstering the financially depressed to dispell the concern that the flurry of ac­ yeshivas and day schools spells the spiritual tivities toward achieving peace might cause a death of countless more Jews." slow-down in the granting of certain At the same session, Rabbi Moshe Feins­ previously withheld rights promised to the tein singled out Agudath Israel of America religious community by the new governing for praise for consulting with the Torah coalition. Citing tangible evidence to the con­ leadership before making any move, of major trary, Rabbi Porush read from a dossier of or minor scope, and then adhering to their

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 43 advice to the letter. He called on all Torah Jews to become affiliated with the Agudath Israel movement and to aid in further ex­ panding the organization's many-faceted ac­ tivities. America: Symposium and Addresses An exciting sy1nposium dealing with "Society's Newest Pressures on American Orthodoxy: Are They Being Met(" was con­ ducted in English on Thursday, with addres­ ses by Rabbi Simon Schwab (Kha! Adath Yeshurun of Washington Heights) and Rab­ bi Chaim Dov Keller (Telshe-Chicago). Rab­ bi Zev Leff (Young Israel of North Miami English language Symposium: Rabbi Zev Leff, 1noderator. Addressing the theme: Rabbi Beach, Florida) chaired the SE'SSion. Sinton Srhwab and Rabbi Chaim Dov Keller. Rabbi Schwab declared that "while the dangers of a rising anti-traditional feminism and mothers, and reject the false values "We Hereby Resolve are more or less met by widespread which dominate society today' T vvo sessions devoted to public hearings educational endeavors under Torah auspices, A si1nilar warning against the tendency on resolutions···· one on domestic topics, the the pressures exerted by society's inversion tO\.\'ard inversion of values was stressed by other on international themes ~ often of most of our sacred values are only beginn­ Rahbi Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman, erupted into heated debate on a number of ing to be realized and are subsequently not venerable Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Ner questions. Among the resolutions passed met at all as yet." Citing an example of neces­ Israel ~- Baltin1ore, in a major address. "It werp: Decrying trends toward legitimization sary change for the benefit of the Jewish calls upon special wisdom to pick up the of immoral acts and lifestyles, calling upon community, the noted scholar said: "The golden opportunities for advancing the place Agudath Israel to take an active role in com­ first two or three ve-ry wealthy parents who of Torah in our co1nn1unity from among the batting such trends. The Convention singled make a simple wedding for their children and dross of sodety's involvement in material out for condemnation "the recent Women's divert the savings to Torah causes will be pursuits. Our evaluation of the supreme im­ Conference in Houston for adopting a broad able to set a new trend." portance of Torah study must be expressed range of resolutions which are contrary to Rabbi Keller warned that the Jewish com­ in our life choices and in the decisions and the accepted moral values of our society. We munity is influenced by its exposure to the advice we 1nake on be-half of our children." are further disturbed that this conference "disintegration of moral valuE'S of the general An optimistic note was sounded by several was financed with the taxpayers' dollars society.'' He added: "Jews should set exam­ of the speakers at the Convention's Friday when the majority of Americans oppose the ples to the world of modesty and ht1mility, night session. Rabbi Levi Yitzchok principles discussed.'' honesty and sensitivity to the needs of I-forowitz, Bostoner Rebbe (Massachusetts) Other resolutions passed includ('d a cal! to others, but unfortunately all too often the cited a number of examples of the spreading stabilize Jewish neighborhoods, opposition opposite image of the Jew is suggested." The acceptance of Torah life in cont.,rnporary to quota setting in affirmative action, an ap­ yeshiva dean also voict-'d criticis1n at ex­ society, while Rabbi Pinchas Teitz peal to increase the personal budgets of Jews travagance and huge budgets for luxuries (Elizabeth, New Jersey) referred to this for spiritual needs versus luxury items, and a which could otherwise be diverted to financ­ phenomenon as a 'Teshuva Explosion." number of planks concerning the religious ing genuinely Jewish causes. Rabbi Yaakov Pe-rlow, Novorninsker Rebbe needs of Orthodox Jews in this country, Both rabbis played down the threat of the and Rosh Yeshiva of Beis Midrash Yeshurun South America and Israel. feminist movement to Orthodoxy. They (of Yeshiva Rabbi S.R. Hirsch) pointed out agreed that the education provided in how, in opening our society in acceptance of The Agudath Israel Ambiance yeshivas and Jewish day schools was ade­ Ba'aiei Teshuva, we in fact become personal­ One of the special features of an Agudath quate to preserve the traditional unique role ly enriche-d from our exposure to them. Rab­ Israel Convention is the inspiring at­ of the woman in Jewish family life. The sym­ bi Shneur Kotler, Rosh Yeshiva of Beb n1osphere emanating from the diversity of posium ended with an appeal to Agudath Midrash Covoha (Lake\vood, New Jersey) backgrounds and sameness of conviction of Israel to launch a nationwide drive for Jews underscored the necessity of using Torah the thousands of people gathered under one to "return to the saintly lifestyle of the criteria for

44 The Jewish Observer/ December, 1977 The Jewish Observer/ December, 1977 45 Rabbi Pinchas Teitz (Elizabeth, N.].) addres­ Rabbi Nathan Grunblatt (Memphis) leading a Daf Yomi session. sing the Convention. and throngs of Chassidic Jews, sharing their The Jewish Obsever); Joseph Friedenson Oaf Yomi and Other Convention Sessions commitment to the authority of Torah in all (editor, Dos Yiddishe Vo rt); Rabbi Avrohom Throughout the four days of the Conven­ phases of life - communal and personal. The tforowitz; Rabbi Chaim Sholom Porush tion, Oaf Yomi sessions were held regularly, festive Shabbos atmosphere pervading over (Jerusalem); Rabbi Ben Zion Blau, who conducted by Rabbbi Israel Leiter, Rabbi the Seudos, the straining forward to catch brought greetings from the presidium of Yosef Frankel. Rabbi Yisroel Belsky, Rabbi the pearls of wisdom of Rabbi Yaakov Agudath Israel of Great Britain; and Rabbi Moshe Rottenberg (Gerer Mesivta, Kamenetzky that he uttered during a spell­ Avrohom Moshe Leizerson, Israeli represen­ Brooklyn), and Rabbi Nathan Greenblatt binding Sholosh Seudos discourse; the tative of the Russian Immigrant Rescue (Memphis, Tennessee). hushed silence during the Friday evening Fund. Concurrent with the Agudath Israel of welcoming remarks of Rabbi Baruch An impressive Melave Malke featured America Convention, special sessions were Sorotzkin, Rosh Yeshiva Telshe (Wickliffe, entertainment by the Neginah Orchestra, held for N'shei Agudath Israel - the Agudah Ohio) in which he expounded on the and stirring zemiros by Cantor David Wer­ Women's organization, featuring talks by superior vision of a Da'as Torah view as a dyger. A highlight of the program was the Rebbetzin J. Reichel, Rebbetzin B. Sorotzkin basis for responsible activism. presentation of A vodas Hakodesh Com­ (Cleveland), Rebbetzin Yehudith Grunfeld Among the other dignitaries who addres­ mun. _y Service Awards by Rabbi Shmuel (London), and Rabbi Pinchas Teitz sed the Convention was Rabbi Gedaliah Bloom on behalf of Agudath Israel to David (Elizabeth, New Jersey). Schorr (Mesifta Tor ah Vodaath), who spoke Basch (Montreal), Rabbi Joseph Fabian Also, Zeirei Agudath Israel, the Agudah on "The Late Gerer Rebbe ?"YT - A (Cleveland), Leo Gluck {Chicago), Laurence Youth Movement, in its sessions featured Hazkoro." Others who spoke included: Rab­ M. Katz (Baltimore), and Rabbi Simcha talks by Rabbi Pinchas Menachem Alter; and bi David Olewsky (Gerer Kole!), who chaired Lyons (St. Louis). Chairman of the 55th Rabbi Menachem Porush, who fielded ques­ the Sholosh Seu.dos session; Rabbi Shmuel National Convention was Rabbi A vrohom tions on" Agudath Israel on the Firing Line." Aryeh Levin, Rosh Hakolel in Buenos Aires; Fruchthandler, who is chairman of the board Dr. Isaac Lewin of the World Agudath of Mesivta Rabbi Chaim Berlin. Co­ Election ~essions for the national organiza­ Movement; Rabbi Nissan Wolpin (editor, chairman was Berish Zolty, of Toronto. tion were held Sunday morning. A special communique regarding the results of the elections will be issued later. Recipients of" Avodas Hakodesh" Awards Seein!! America With N'shei Agudath Israel Fund raising and enjoyment were com­ bined at the Agudah Women of America one~day bus-outing. A visit to the Roosevelt Home and Museum as well as the Vanderbilt Mansion at Hyde Park, New York, was com­ bined with a stop-off for a sandwich lunch and spiritual refreshment at the beautiful congregation, Schomre Israel in Poughkeep~ (left to right) David Basch (Montreal), Rabbi Joseph Fabian (Cleveland), Leo Gluck (Chicago), sie. On the home-bound trip, a bus tour of Dr. Lawrence M. Katz (Baltimore), and Rabbi Simcha Lyons (St. Louis). West Point completed a memorable day.

The Jewish Observer I December, 1977 46 When Avi grows up, what kind of Jewish world will be waiting for him?

- one headed by a secular leadership, running scared, head-long into compromise ... assimilation ... and intermarriage? AGUDATH ISRAEL: An Ideal in Action - or a dynamic, united Torah society, guided with dignity and in­ • Youth Work: dependence, by respected Torah scholars? Pirchei, Bachurei, Zeirei and Bnos Agudath Israel What's the difference? Plenty. It's a lot more difficult and chancier to swim alone •20,000 children led by 1500 volunteers against the powerful undertow of an organized, secular-dominated world. Being part •5 Regional Siyum Mishnayas gatherings -- 50.000 Mishnayos memorized of a strong organized Torah force, however, will protect Avi, give him guidance and a •Semi-annual Hasmodah ConteSt healthy sense of belonging to a Torah Tzibbur. -· l 0.000 extra Torah study hours YOU can make the difference! • Summer Camps •Camp Agudah for boys YOU can help give Torah the voice and the arm it needs to make Avi's world •Camp Bnos for girls - Over I 000 children from North and South secure for a burgeoning Torah Jewry: America each year, many on scholarship By joining the Movement that says "I am a Torah Jew" with pride and determina­ • Public Information •The Jewish Obseroer tion. The Movement people listen to because that Movement - Agudath Israel of •Dos Yiddishe Vort America - represents responsible Torah activism where it counts •Position papers on vital issues ... with children. 8 Senior Citizens ... with yeshivas. •4 full·activity centers nutrition clubs •serving I 0,000 senior citizens ... in halls of government. • Project COPE ... in the battlefield of ideas to capture Jewish souls. •On-Job-Training ... in the struggle to prevent authentic Judaism from being watered down. •Professional guidance and counselling •Vocational Education and Job Club ~ 8,000 people served since January '75, Responsible activism as directed by our Gedolei Torah. Agudath Israel has yet to 20% of them Russian Jews reach its goal of uniting all Orthodox Jewry, but it is today the broadest-based coali­ •COPE Vocational !nstitut~ tion of Torah-loyal Jews from all walks of life. • Legislation and Civic Action •Advocate to government agencies The strength of tomorrow's Jewish world will be determined by its numbers. - defending tights of Orthodox Jews Agudath Israel will be stronger with you as part of it. And you will be stronger too. - spokesman for government aid to Yeshivas Join this historic effort to snape a better Jewish world. •Adult Torah Education •Oaf Yomi AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA •ReSheT - Torah Education Network • JEP Reach-Out Where Judaism's Tomorrow is Today's Agenda for Action •Release Hour classes - 250 children from 19 public schools Presidium: •Shabbatons Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, choimian /Rabbi Moshe Horowitz. (Bostoner Rebbe) /Rabbi Shneur Kotler •Over 1000 children serviced in 1976, Rabbi Bon.ch Sorotzkin / Rabbi Chaskel Besser / Rabbi Moshe ShereT 75 placed in Yeshivas, more in camps --Fill out and mail this application today 0 Become a member nowr-- •Chavrusa program for day school children Get off the sidelines. Agudath Israel of An'terica 5 Beekman Street New York City, 10038 I • Project RISE Russian Immigrant : Services and Education Give yourself the added 0 Endosed please find my check of $10 for my membership in Agudath Israel. ($15 •Activity clubs for Youth protection of becoming annual membership. Only $10 for new members: includes frae one year intmductmy I •Job training and placement for adults subscription to The Jewish Observer or Dos Yiddishe Vort - saves you $12.50 II • Neighborhood Stability a member of America's Please indicate your choice of magazine_) •Serving Bora Park, Flatbush, and Bensonhurst Torah mobilization Name. ll I• Overseas movement: Agudath Address ... l •Spiritual absorption of Russian immigrants Israel of America. Your City, State, Zip ..... I in Israel O I'd like to know more about Agudath Israel. Send me a directory of I •Parcels to JeVJS in Soviet lands strength is in Agudath Agudath Israel's services. I •Afternoon clubs for Israeli yauth Israel's numbers. C -1 The costs of rhi. ad.,,,nisemertl were poid by friends of Agudarh Israel of Americ:a •Establishing Torah schools in Latin America NOW AVAIIABLE I.N NEWLYREVISEDEDITIONS'i The ArtScroll Tanach Senes · edition of The Five Megillos Translations and anthologized commentaries by Rabbi Meir Zlotowltz Overviews by Rabbi Nosson Scherman available in beautifully slip-cased sets or individually

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