VOLUME VII. NUMBER 9 TISHREI. 5732 I OCTOBER. 1971 THE FIFTY CENTS

' :"T Z::llr ., H ~~~·;;~~r~·~~¥i~~-~~;~~:::.·;,; "''"'" ·~ """" """" ""' "'"""' """ '""""' .~'"'·'"' ,,.""""""'"'"'""'"''·'"""...... ~i!;.'.;;:..;;;.o:';;"~;".J.".~.,.,"';'-­.... ~-~"';f·-.;~,,.~-,.::,;:;n;=.,.::~"";...-::, ... ,.....,,...... , .. _.,.,._.....,.,,,,.,...,_.,~~.-; ...... , ..... ,~.,,., .....,.,.,,, .. ~ ... ,,,.,,, Value Crisis """""'"' '"" """" """' ,, ..'''"' ,,_,,.,, "'' '"'"' .,,,,,, .... "'"'"" ,,., "' "'"' ·'""' """" , .. ""'"'"'"' """" ,,, ,,.,, ~··· "'" """"' ·'"'" '"" "''" '""' "" '" .. ~ """"' "'" ""'" ,,,.,,,.., ...... "" "''"' """,... "'"" ""'"' .•...»•"• ;~i!·;!,~i''j·~~~,~~·;~4.~~§~~ I The Jew: - Who? - lVhat?- Where?-How?

Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Levin, 1i"'!T Spokesman for Three Generations

Unbidden Sponsors for the Yeshiva Day Schools

Birchas Kohanim

- in the Mikdosh, - at the Kose~ - £n the Gola THE JEWISH QBSERVER

in this issue ...

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ...... 3

THE JEWISH OBSERVER is published 7 monthly, except July and August, A VALUE CRISIS, /\ isson Wolpin 6 by the Agudath Israel of America, 5 Beekman Street, New York, SEASCAPE, Yisroel Blumenfeld New York 10038. Second class 9 postage paid at New York, N. Y. Subscription: $5.00 per year; Two RABBI YITZCHAK MEIR LEVIN, i1:Ji::i.i, V""Ti 1:JT years, $8.50; Three years, $12.00; outside of the United States, $6.00 SPOKESMAN FOR THREE GENERATIONS, Isaac l .. ewin 11 per year. Single copy, fifty cents. Printed in the U.S.A. BrRCHAS KoHANIM ...... 17

RABBI NISSON WOLPIN Editor UNBIDDEN SPONSORS, David Meyers . 20

Editorial Board THE SMELL OF FRESH BREAD, Jacob Marateck, DR. ERNEST L. BODENHEIMER Chairn1an adapted by Shimon and Anita Marateck Wince/berg 24 RABBI NATHAN BUI.MAN RABB[ JOSEPH ELIAS SECOND LOOKS ON THE JEWISH SCENE: JOSEPH FRlEDENSON RABBI YAACOV JACOBS YoM Tov ALTERNATIVES ...... 26 RABBI MOSHE SHERER THE LOOSE-LEAF MACHZOR .. 28 THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not assume responsibility for the Kashrus of any product or service MORE LETTERS 29 advertised in its pages.

OCT. 1971 VoL. VII, No. 9 Picture Credits: P. 11 & 16, Agudath Israel Photo Library; P. 17, Israel ·~@ Sun Photo, Ltd.; P. 21, courtesy of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath of Flatbush. Try Something More Positive Letters to the Editor To the Editor: Although I generally enjoy read­ ing your magazine a great deal, there is one quality in it which I find disturbing - your tendency (represented n1ost recently in several items in "Second Looks at the Jew­ ish Scene," June 1971) to indulge in carping criticism of Conservative and Reform Jews. Since it is unlikely that any size­ able seg1nent of your readership is men, not their followers. As for composed of such Jews, these at­ the Conservative and Reform Jews, A Complaint About "A Man tacks and slurs on the non-Orthodox they have only our compassion. of the Cloth Complains": can hardly be considered construc­ While only a minority of JEWISH Artificial Differences tive criticism. Aren't they rather just OBSERVER subscribers are from these Between Orthodox and a sophisticated form of lushn hara, groups, THE JEWISH: OBSERVER at­ Conservative Clergy a self-congratulatory invective that tempts to present a broad sampling will never reach the ears of those of (Orthodox) Jewish philosophy against \vhom it is directed? and opinion in hope of educating To the Editor: I think if you were really con­ the uninformed as well as the more I find myself disturbed by the cerned about these less- or non­ sophisticated readers. reasoning and implications of the observant Jews, you would try so1nc­ article entitled "A Man of the Cloth thing more positive-for examp1e, Yet we also see as our task the Complains" in your issue of June, devoting one issue per year to more exposing of the fraud of deviation­ .1971/Tammuz, 5731. You imply basic sorts of articles which, without ist philosophies in Judaism. For that the Conservative rabbi's com­ abandoning their Torah perspective, even the staunchest Orthodox Jew plaints reflect a lack of admirable could be accessible to Conservative finds himself under a constant bar­ intention, while those of the Ortho­ and Reform Jews without m1:ch rage of news releases, public state­ dox rabbi reflect only the highest of Jewish education. If funds were ments, and philosophical interpre­ Jewish inotivation. Gentlemen, how available, such an issue could l e tations by Jewish "spokesmen" of absurd! The rabbis voice similar distributed widely on college car.1- convictions different from ours. It complaints, common to all who take puses, Conservative and Reform is inevitable that this steady expo­ up congregational work in small Hebrew Schools and temples, and sure has some weakening effect on towns away from large urban cen­ inight stir in its readers a desire to the reader/listener/viewer, and it is ters, and you cannot distinguish as learn more about Orthodox Judaisn. therefore essential that the Ortho­ you have done. You reflect tradi­ In the mean time, I hope you dox perspectives be restated. Rashi's tional Orthodox bias towards Con­ will curb your attacks. They do not comment on the placement of the servative Judaism, and this has led accomplish any good. warning "Do not inquire after their you to entirely uncalled-for distinc­ gods ... how they worship then1," JACOB KUGEL tions between the plight of the Or­ together with "you will follow suit," thodox and Conservative rabbis. Dispatch, Incorporated as carrying a cause-and-effect rela­ (Media Communications) As a Conservative Jew and rab­ tionship, obtains here as well. In­ Cambridge, Mass. terest and information breed identi­ binical student I feel that certainly fication with the subject. the Conservative rabbi spoken of would not have indulged in public Reply: Our ahavas Yisroel must extend embarrass1nent, a sin in Judaism, A Positive Approaeh to beyond the ranks of the strictly Or­ as you have done with your article. Criticism thodox to include those Conserva­ (I hesitate to call it slander, but in tive and Reform Jews who "mean truth, it is n1uch closer to slander While we obviously do not hesi­ well, but do not know better"; but than to mere embarrassment.) If tate to point out the weaknesses in we must not permit this love to your thinking is an example of gen­ the Conservative and Reform move- blind us in regard to our personal eral Orthodox thought and reason­ 1nents, these criticisms are aimed values and those who actively seek ing and observance of Jewish Law, at the ideologies and their spokes- to destroy them. [J then I cannot say the same for either

The Jewish Observer / October, 1971 3 rabbinate for leadership and instead is confronted with men who yearn In Defense of Jewish to be followers. And yet these "Defense" yearnings are to be expected. LETTERS CONTINUED To the Editor: The source of Rabbi Friedman's dilemma is Conservative doctrine, Moshe Sokol, in his article on you or the Orthodox rabbi mention­ which clings to ritual only as long "Jewish Militancy," states that the ed in the same article. Conserva­ as it is pertinent and calls for annual only strength of the Jewish People is tive rabbis do not slander their Or­ conventions to determine which ha­ Torah. There can be no argument thodox colleagues. Orthodox maga­ lachos are still "with it'' and which with this. His statements about the zines such as yours would do well are to be dropped. It is understand­ Jewish Defense League and their to learn a lesson. able then, that Conservative rabbis activities, however, are debatable BRUCE JIIRSCHEL CHARNOV, come to share their congregants' im­ and I do take issue with several of New York City patience \Vith any religious ritual them. that seems to be failing to keep Mr. Sokol praises the Jewish De­ pace with the current view of "per­ fense League as long as their ac­ Reply: tinence." As long as the clergy's tivities are limited to defense of The Differences Are Real task is to bring the religion down Jews and Jewish institutions of this to the folk-level, why not do it now country. He is critical of the J.D.L.'s The implications carried in the instead of next year? activities against the Soviet Union, piece "A Man of the Cloth Com­ however, because the Gedolei Ha­ Orthodoxy, on the other hand, plains" that so offended Mr. Char­ Torah have come out against dem­ is often labelled instransigent and nov \Vere actuaJly quoted or para­ onstrations. In addition, because unchanging. Whether this is an oft­ phrased from the Jewish Telegra­ J.D.L. members are not tzaddikim, hurled accusation (as by the lib­ phic Agency release, which in tum their efforts are not only doomed erals) or a badge of honor (as the was based on the personal com­ to failure, but attribnting their ac­ plaint of Rabbi Jacob Friedman Orthodox view it), it is nonethe­ complishments and strengths to less a fact. The Orthodox rabbi is (Conservative) of Wanamassa, New their own muscle-power serves to Jersey. Rabbi Friedman's feelings faithful to an ancient heritage and mislead other Jews into similar attempts to inspire his flock to fol­ arc hurt. according to this story, thinking, which is contrary to low him in striving for the higher because he is ostracized fron1 other Torah. level of existence it entails. He is Jews: We would hardly expect Gedolai going to experience some frustra­ "They have a double stand­ tions-but not like these suffered HaTorah to demonstrate or even ard regarding their own by the spiritual leader who must be come out in favor of such a policy. Jewish behavior and what a lonely super-Jew when he would I could not imagine any of these they expect from me." It prefer to be one of the boys. venerable leaders marching and seems that he is supposed carrying pickets. We could never to be some sort of a "super­ Mr. Charnov finds this statement afford to allow great men who Je\v," as he calls it-above of comparative doctrines "close to represent Torah to engage in this the petty vices of his con­ slander"-although he says so with kind of activity. The memhcrship of gregants-and the strain is hesitation because good Conserva­ the J.D.L. is not made up of tzaddi­ too much. Even his kids are tive rabbis do not slander others. kim, but half of them are shomrei uncomfortable among their Yet the ultimate slander is con­ Shabbos and shomrei 1nitzvos-Or­ Jewish friends who have ex­ stantly being hurled at Orthodoxy thodox Jews-and our leaders are pectations of them, so they by the Conservatives as they un­ well-learned Orthodox rabbis. Mr. gravitate to non-Jews for ceasingly label that which we hold Sokol admits that Jewish leaders company. most dear-our Torah and tradition and armies in the past have used These sentiments offend Mr. Char­ -"an outdated fossilized religion." violence successfully because their nov. They probably are offensive to It makes neater and friendlier copy strength came from total faith in anybody who would look to the \:vhen the editorial menu consists G-d, not from relying upon their solely of tea and sympathy, but un­ own skills. This happens to he one fortunately when dealing with a of the basic beliefs and principles of i1';;~i1 c~~i philosophy that attacks that which the Jewish Defense League. It is EV 7-1750 is most sacred, the facts must be this alone which leads us to believe ll"ill .,!.Ill stated, even though they are un­ that we will be successful even in pleasant, e1nbarrassing, or etched in helping the Jews in Russia escape il/l!'T"l'l::i/'!.I 'll:t:Wt"li'1~l/ acid. D another holocaust.

4 The Jen•ish Observer / October, 1971 Much more than what we have Being a loyal Jew in a free society worthwhile as a mllying point for done for Soviet Jewry so far, Soviet such as ours involves different chal­ our own Judaism. A demonstration Jewry has done for us. Their cour­ lenges from those that confront the may seem justified by that warm age in clinging to the faith of our Soviet Jew, and demands a totally "Jewish" feeling one experiences on forefathers, despite the efforts of different response. The freedom of the way home from a session in their oppressors, has given us all a choice available to us in our per­ front of the Soviet Embassy (rein­ sense of pride in being Jewish. We sonal lives and the presence of forced after seeing it screened on the have been able to take Jewish youths respected Torah leaders who are 7 o'clock news). But these demon­ who had been Jost to the Jewish deeply involved in the problems of strations also carry the terrible risk People, had been involved in leftist, Soviet Jews obviate the need for of harming our Soviet brethren. even anti-Semitic, organizations, any dare-devil flamboyance or grop­ Demonstrating "on their behalf" and who had not had the slightest ing in the fog. Our Gedolei Torah then is not a Jewish gesture at all, idea of what it means to be a Jew, have already shown their capacity but a destructive act. Other means and make true Torah Jews of many for overt action and public demon­ of identifying "Jewish," which are of them. We gave them a Jewish stration, and would beyond doubt honest and productive, must be cause to fight for and taught them do so again if the need should arise. found. to be high on Torah, not on drugs. Their refusal to behave militantly The immediate ends of Jewish We do not only teach self-defense in regard to Soviet Jewry is not pride can never justify acts that but believe in the principles of based on a reluctance to get their defy the decisions of Torah leaders Torah. This is not always easy be­ hands dirty, but rather on the con­ and also endanger the well-being of cause where there has never been viction that this type of action is others. D any Torah education we must pro­ harmful to the cause of Soviet Jewry ceed one mitzvah at a time. But -as recent events have again dem­ with my own eyes I have seen what onstrated-and must be avoided on Wanted: An Alternative Rabbi Kahane has been able to all levels. To Extravagant Festivities accomplish. The J.D.L. leadership then would Rabbi Kahane is now going to do well to consider two points. One To the Editor: establish a J.D.L. in Israel. He is is its obligation to exercise a sense Rabbi Brenner's article on the ex­ going to try to unify the people and of responsibility towards its follow­ travagance of Jewish celebrations get them to see that the very exist­ ers. This program should include was a much needed discussion of a ence of Israel depends upon tl1eir emunas chacho1nim, faith jn our critical problem that afflicts all levels adherence to Torah. They and Torah leaders, which after all is a of society today. government leaders must realize basic tenet of Judaism-that Juda­ Rabbi Brenner's "appeal to the that the question of "Who is a Jew" ism with which it aspires to re-unite wealthier members of our commun­ must be decided according to its membership. This means follow­ ity to voluntarily curb their tenden­ halachah. ing the instructions of Torah leaders cies to overly luxurious simchas" EDWARD S. RAMOV, -not second-guessing their sympa­ may well result in exemplary curbing President Northeast Chapter thies or working around them. It of floral decorations and other frills, and Member Board of Direc­ also means promoting this relation­ with a saving of thousands of dol­ tors-Jewish Defense League ship of respect and subservience; lars at each such affair. The rest of Pennsylvania not inciting Yeshiva youth to re­ of us who are at the other end of bellion against the very Rabbis who (Letters continued on page 29) Reply: teach them Torah knowledge and ma·>n>» ,w;z vwo..?A'&"WW?Y&

The Je1vish Observer / October, 1971 5 Nirson Wolpin A Value Crisis The recurring deception of Jewish ideology when it is severed from Torah.

SINCE THE STATE OF ISRAEL IS in existence now for they could exercise freedom of choice in religion, the over twenty-three years, and all hut the Neturei Karta gain would still be immeasurable. seem to have some de facto involvement with the ad­ With this goal in mind, many Jewish groups had ministration of the State, the heated discussions that been urging the United States Congress to pass a once surrounded the legitimacy of political Zionism bill to revise immigration restrictions that might prevent should have been relegated to dialecticians and abstract Russian Jews from entering this country. Congress is theoreticians. But this not the case. Those who once now considering such a bill, granting immediate visas dreamed of a Jewish State as the fulfillment of the sum to 30,000 Russian Jews to enter the United States. total of Jewish existence-to the absolute exclusion of This would allow the Soviet to be "humanitarian" in everything else-and those who had planned a Jewish her immigration policies without antagonizing her Arab State as the total answer to The Jewish Problem, have allies by flooding Israel with able-bodied Russian their heirs very much in evidence today, in positions emigres. True, Israel would experience a reduction in of power and respect. They are demonstrating again potential immigration; and she would have one less and again that in their narrow view there is no Judaism "cause'' to cite in her fund-raising efforts; but-since outside of Zion, and that once aliya bas been realized, it is the Russian Jews we are primarily concerned with there is no need for any other type of Jewish experience. -such a liberalization of American immigration laws The irony of this poverty of values is that it is being could have a decidedly salutory effect. expressed in regard to our brethren in the Soviet Yet Herman L. Weissman, president of the Zionist Union-a segment of our people that is experiencing Organization of America, objected to this proposal an enrichment in its own Jewish identity and is serving before the Congress, saying: "It can only serve to as an inspiration and cha11enge to the rest of us. distract attention from the basic problem-aliya to Israel-and the Rabbis [who are backing this proposal] "Let My People Go"-Where? don't understand this." Does Mr. Weissman feel that the only problem is THE SELF-AWARENESS of the Soviet Jew is truly a miracle, and it has sources on many levels. Some have aliya, and that the United States cannot be a religious managed to keep their Jewishness alive through half haven for 30,000 Jews? That a Russian Jew would not a century of clandestine Torah study and mitzvah per­ be better off in Brooklyn or Los Angeles than he is formance. Others have stumbled across their religious in Moscow or Kiev? identity through encounters with official anti-Semitic Eretz Yisroel is indeed our mother country, but in policies in the form of denied applications to univer­ Mr. Weissman's view are there no other aspects of sities and limited opportunities for professional and Jewish identity worth protecting, even in the gola? political advancements; or by finding an old family A distorted hierarchy of values is a grave enough Bible with Russian or Yiddish translations and notes. problem, but lack of any Jewish values beyond yishuv Still others have responded to their discovery of the ha' aretz, to the point of sabotaging efforts to save them existence of the State of Israel, and its inspiring victory from obliteration-such a blatant lack is a value-crisis, in the Six Day War. As a result, many erstwhile "Good and in its overt expression, a menace to Jewry. Comrades Schweik" have been breaking the mold into This should not be surprising, for it is simply another which they have been cast and are reaching for their manifestation of an attitude that was expressed during heritage as Jews. World War II. A letter from Rabbi Solomon Schonfeld Undoubtedly, immigration to Israel looms as a major who presided over the Union of Orthodox Hebrew aspect of the Russian Jews' yearning to live a full life Congregations of England, printed in the London Times as Jews. Yet, if they could be fully Jewish in Russia or (June 6, 1961 ), recounted with gratitude the "British even relocate to any country other than Israel, where readiness to help, openly, constructively and totally

6 The Jewish Observer / October, 1971 [in rescue efforts], and that this readiness met with "In December 1942 . . , we in London opposition from Zionist leaders who insisted on rescue formed a Council for Rescue from the Nazi to Palestine as the only acceptable form of help." (A Terror which, in turn, initiated a Par1ia­ fuller extract from this letter is printed in the adjoining mentary Rescue Committee under the chair­ column.) manship of Professor A. V. Hill, M.P .... This overriding sentiment was also expressed by one A Motion was placed on the Order Paper of the foremost leaders of World Zionism, as quoted in the following terms: by Rabbi Michael Ber Weissmandel in his Min Ha­ meitzar: "We also have to shed blood ... because it is That in view of the massacres and star­ necessary for the establishment of the Jewish Home­ vation of Jews and others in enemy and land-Only with blood will the Land be redeemed." enemy-occupied countries, this House asks His Majesty's Government . . . to In some people's roster of values, ideals, all mitzvos declare its readiness to find temporary even life itself seem to fade away when dealing with refuge in its own territories or in terri­ the prospect of aliya. tories under its control for endangered persons who are able to leave those Let Which People Go? countries . . . and to invite the other ONCE AL!YA HAS BECOME the entirety of Judaism, one Allied Governments to consider similar can almost argue that whoever aspires to aliya is ipso action. facto Jewish. This seems to have become the rule-of­ " ... this Motion achieved within two weeks thumb for immigrations procedures under Israel's Law a total of 277 Parlmentary signatures of all of Return, which guarantees immediate visa to any parties ... While the Parliamentary Motion Jew who wishes to immigrate to Israel. Jewishness and was gathering momentum, voices of dissent its attendant privileges is assumed on the basis of were heard from Zionist quarters: "Why not evidence of any conversion-halachic or otherwise-Or Palestine?' The obvious answers, that the even claim alone. As a result, partners in mixed mar­ most urgent concern was humanitarian and riages, pretenders to Judaism, Reform converts, ques­ not political, that the Mufti-Nazi Alliance tionable converts (as per spurious conversions that arc ruled out Palestine for the immediate saving reputedly taking place in Vienna, Marseilles, and of lives and that Britain could not then add several South American cities) are entering Israel as to their Middle East problems, were of no full-fledged Jews, blurring the demarcations between avail. Jew and non-Jew. "At the Parliamentary Meeting held on This has caused widespread alarm, and the Ministry January 27, I 942, when the next steps were of interior, headed by Dr. Joseph Burg (Mifdal), being energetically pursued by over 100 has been accused of shutting its eyes to a deplorable M.P.'s and Lords, a spokesman for the situation of its own making-especially in regard to Zionists announced that the Jews would the the admittance of non-Jews as Jews. oppose the motion on the grounds of its Journa1istic investigation-notably a recent series in omitting to refer to Palestine. Some voices Maariv-has uncovered a number of such immigrants were raised in support of the Zionist view, who have since admitted to their non-Jewishness. Some there was considerable debate and there­ claimed to have never been asked about their religion, after the motion was dead. Even the pro­ but simply to have been rushed through bureaucratic moters exclaimed in desperation: If the Jews procedures with minimum snags ... Others confessed cannot agree among themselves, how can to falsifying their Jewishness to facilitate their emigra­ we help? tion from the countries of their origin [which have "It was useless to argue with a then cur­ been permitting Jews to leave, but not other nationals rent Zionist argument: Every nation has had or malcontents], but have since found greener pasture its dead in the fight for its homeland-the elsewhere in the free world, and have chosen to leave sufferers under Hitler are our dead in our Israel with a clean slate-as non-Jews. Immigration fight." officials claim that they are being as strict as the from letter to London TIMES, June 6, 1961 Law demands, and cannot impose restrictions not written into the Law. Rabbi Shlomo Lorincz, Agudath Israel Member of The religious community has not hesitated to voice the Knesset, has censured the Mifdal for refusing to its objection to this desecration of safeguards that have take a strong position on the very issue that prompted protected the sanctity of the Jewish People for it to leave the government when it was faced with a millennia. similar crisis thirteen years ago. He also projected the

The Je1rish Observer / October, 1971 7 current situation to years hence, when children of formed, and it is carrying on independent investigation non-Jews (who are now being accepted as Jews) will concentrating on conversion practices and immigration be educated as Jews in the national schools and then procedures. will attempt to marry as Jews- and will inevitably The Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Israel issued a encounter difficulties with religious authorities. The proclamation regarding this situation. (Copy of the humanitarians will then find reason to attack the back­ text and a translation of excerpts are printed below.) ward-thinking clergy . . . Yet it could all be avoided now, with a sensible strict approach toward admissions "Let My People ... Serve Me." and conversions. THE ULTIMATE IRONY is that those who are meant to Students in Bnei Akiva yeshivas have joined in benefit most from this "liberal" immigration policy are formally protesting this situation. complaining most bitterly. The official apology for this A League for the Integrity of the Jewish People, policy has been that these people who must hurdle consisting mostly of Lubavitcher Chassidim, has been so many obstacles to gain release from their native

Excerpts from Kol Korei With the power of our sacred Torah, we proclaim that there can be no basis for We decry the steady reduction of tbe Jewishness other than halachah, and he who sovereignty of Torah in the Holy Land­ is forbidden from being accepted as a Jew especially the recent attempts to shake the cannot, by any po\ver or governmental very foundations of family life, and to in­ decree, he considered a Jew. vade the solidarity and integrity of the We therefore issue a warning to all re­ Jewish People. sponsible parties, and to all who cherish the existence of our people, to refrain from subverting the foundation of our nation. Our historic pronouncement of "we shall 'i1 lJY )N do" before "we shall listen," our loyalty to Torah, has always been the basis of our nin ::i:s~:::i :ipil 'P'1 11Yl 1'"N:J ;iiiri;-; ,,,,,. n;;:yi~ nD'CN::l 11i71lii ni:ipn:iil ;'1N17.:7 il1D!JN ::lN;:l1 :iiini ,;·nv11p;i 1lS1N:! existence, has guarded us in all eras of our 1107ic::i 1l7 1K!OlW ,,;;n~ ~;;~., 7~· C'l1t0 C'1'11l 1'.S~ ni:i71i1! history-protecting us in this choicest of 1';l'1';l'7 1'11li'Olii ,J'iNCJ'i !0'1lii 11inN·iii ,11::l:S;'l "" ?";; J'i11r:il lands, and illuminating our way in the icin,, iiin':::i f1!:l r11!:l'7i ,7N1l.V':l i!nnW"~ii ''" nt?11p n11Hr ,7"n1 , 'iN1!l" CY 'itt7 darkness of golus. Whoever tampers with ''"' xi,1 ''" Hi, '' 1tl't'i'~ 13x riw1ipri uniu1 n:J::i the Torah virtually endangers our national M3i, '" i1,,NW '"' 1'il1'1' Xl1"1 1'1:)i;r1'11'1 !>")JW 'U Ht:rN 'iH''I' security ... t;l 11t., .,UHU:)' ,,.,,,,1'1t;I i;r\:)' ll'H ll\?i;rWl n:) 'OlW 1t;l1"1j.'::I 11 11 We urge all honorable rabbis to remain 1'1 3j.71'1 .,UN11 (h 1il '0 1"1'0 '01illl' i l 1l r1iil~tl 'U7'0'1') 'Tl .,,,, • 11t;ru3 l>'H 1'1'11,.,1'1 )U .,:lil ,,.,'03 ,,,,u, ~t;rr<1 nut;rw steadfast in safeguarding Torah Law ... not .. 1'1\ llll1'1 ,,,:1,'0'U ll1't:rWU 1'1t;r)Jut;r H'il 1'1il,,1'1 ; 'O.,l)Jt;I '01i'' to waver as much as a hair's breadth in any .,,,nH 1'1.,,,, H1'1,, Nt;rl ,,!>.,n1u X1'1,, Ht;! 1'111,,1"1 ,,Hll ,'O'H~,, matters that touch upon Torah Law, for C1'i'iV '~ ?:i7i ·C'f.l11);"1 7:i7 :ii:ino i!'?ii:i. ;"!N'11':l ll'l1.t' 1lN iinn7 l'yil'? N'?1 '?N1W' CY nN l7::i7 N'? ,1'l'Y:l 1P' 7N1!U' oy "the counsel of G-d will stand forever." At iic' ':i ,niN·::i:s: •:i ci:i:i, 7::i.n'7 N71 ni;ii i111nil n111c' nnn 1"n this time it is our obligation to accept our ilir.iww N'il i1niin1 ,yr.iwli :iwyl n7::ip 'Nln:l xi:i :ir.iiN~ i~r.ii'p ni'n,:i n:iwn::i. c:i.i :ii'n::i. y1N 7y 1ln::iw::i. 1lr.i1'i' r11:iipn 7:i::i. r'?y task of protecting the spiritual purity of our .:ir.iiN:i 01'P TlN i:lCr.i :i:l Y1lti'? :10l~;'I '?:ii ,1]'7 '11'NillV N':i people with added strength, to fortify the 0'1f.l1i/;"I O'i::i.::i1:i 1:l'l:l1il 1'l":l)r.i '?N1 '7N1?C' ':nr.iN 'r.i17W '7N1 fine points of Judaism in our camp, and to ,n:r.iNi ip1n C'N11p 1lN ,ni;n :i11n;i wiip:i ni~iVr.i cnir.iv~ 7;; teach wisdom to those who stray . . . )'l1l'.V :ir.i 7::i:i ;"11)Wo1 '01n::i 1"M i'l1'0l7 N'?W W't:i7n 11l::l iir.i)1 iir.i;:n c?iy'i ';i nIY '' ,c::i:i:i,7 ,,, ?Ni ,:iwiip:i i1n11n 'l'i? (Rabbi) ELOZOR MENACHEM SHACH, nNw 111'::1 ir'?y 7:ip7 i1n::i.1n it :iyv:ii .n'7Il1 :ivy1 •;i cw:ii 1r.i771 1l'lnr.i:i n11;i':i 'i'1::l p1n~ ,7NiW' :oy 1,110 7;.· iir.iw? nyi Rosh Yeshiva, Ponovezh .ciir.ir.i n11 ;'11):'1 ,7N1W' ir.iy 1'11l1!l ,,,,., :i 11 ::ip;i1 .;'ll'::l 0'Y1M (Rabbi) CHAIM MEIR, 1lpil "'wr.i nN'::l'? ;i:ini ,cw:i MN1'1 ny1 n11 ,:i1;ioi ;i:z.11p n~i ,N":l:l Vizhnitzer Rebbe (Rabbi) YISROEL ALTER, Gerer Rebbe i'"Mll'1K:l M'1il"IM ,,,.,; l"llll.'11': CW:l (Rabbi) YAAKOV YISROEL KANYEVSKJ, ?Nil!>' Jj;>Y' i11':>N ':>Nil!" >''000 i'N~ C"n Cnl~ i1y'?N The Steipler "i'O::l")j.' (11l'! 1 11 1r.i1N:1) ;"1";"17lT '"1;'11~ teN1) 1tz..' l~

8 The Jewish Observer / October, 1971 lands should not be forced to face further obstacles in adjustments the immigrants undergo-including their the form of red-tape, bureaucracy, and endless ques­ dismay at the proliferation of "Western-style" (mean­ tionnaires. Yet the Russian immigrants seem to be ing pornographic) books, journals, and advertisements most unhappy about the lack of restrictions on Who that seem to abound in the large cities. ls a Jew? But after closing out distractions, living as fully Individuals who have broken up their own mixed Jewish as one chooses should not prove to be a prob­ marriages-as a final step in returning to Israel: the lem. Yet, 400 immigrants recently participated in a Land and the People-were dismayed to find tolerance demonstration, complaining against their inability to toward gentile marital partners at the Jsraeli consulate find jobs that do not involve working on Shabbos! in Vienna . .In fact, a group of over 130 Russian Jews, The total picture is ironic, yes; but also inevitable. newly arrived in Israel, demonstrated against indis­ These immigrants had looked forward to aliya to Israel criminate Immigration Laws. as an opportunity to keep all mitzvos, including those After entering Israel, there are countless social. emo­ that "depend on the Land.'' But they were resettled tional, and occupational obstacles to be hurdled. Victor by a bureaucracy that sees aliya as the complete Jewish Louis \Vrote facetiously in a series in the New York experience, requiring nothing else. Tim

Yisroel Blumenfeld Seascape

The roar of breakers slapping the sandy shore, Watching the sea, I wondered-why does the the hiss of foaming spray invited my eyes to follow Midrash compare the sea to man's heart? Why does the waves' hasty retreat out beyond, to where the all the Torah a man learns enter only his heart? waters merge with the sky. I gazed thoughtfully at the Perhaps, I thought, because Torah is not just sea's seemingly endless expanse. If I could stand at knowledge, only the stuff of intellect. To stay with the horizon it would be only to encounter another sky­ a person, it must enter his heart, not only his mind. hound horizon bridged by the ocean beneath. Woven into the fibers of man's emotions, it becomes A verse in Koheles came to mind. Its words bounced a part of him. It is grasped with an understanding along the wind-blown waves I was contemplating. so precise, a clarity so vivid that one actually feels "All the rivers flow into the sea and the sea is never its meaning. If one assimilates Torah as prescribed, full . ... To the place where the rivers begin it eventually becomes part of his being, just as the there they return to flow." rivers inevitably flow into the sea. As expansive as the sea! As seemingly infinite! Remembering the Midrash, I repeated it aloud: Try as I might, I knew I could never see the ends "All the rivers flow into the sea-this is the heart. of the sea. Could the Midrash's analogy be meant All the Torah a man learns enters only the heart. as only poetic hyperbole? Or is it perhaps that I And the sea is never full-so is the heart never full." am unaware of the depths of my heart? After all, can man begin to fathom the depths of his heart, where the spark of G-d's image lies hidden? True, there are times when we do surprise ourselves. It RABBI BLUMENFELD is a n1en1ber of the Ner Israel Kole/ in TO· ronto, Ontario. This is his first piece in THE JEWrsH OBSERVER. might be a moment of awareness of the Creator, a

The Jewish Obser1•er / October, 1971 degree of awareness never reached before-or a are His values. And His very Presence embraces those new clarity in comprehension of His Law, a spiritual who toil in its understanding. pleasure that words cannot describe. We discover a new expanse of heart, and the "sea" is still wider. The Midrash continues: "One might complain that when he transmits his learning to another, it is no But then I reconsidered. Surely, it must be in longer his; but the verse teaches otherwise-There prayer that man's heart is as expansive as the ocean: they return to flow." To give away material possessions speaking face to face with the Source of all life; is to part with them forever. An object cannot be recognizing one's complete dependence upon His possessed by the both the bestower and the receiver kindness; imploring His help so a meager mind can at the same time. Not so with spiritual commodities­ comprehend His profound ways .... Surely, it is with Torah. One may give it to others, and yet only on a Yorn Kippur, when we transcend the retain it for himself. On the contrary-through earthly bonds that confine us, when tears cleanse expression, its message is often clarified. An error the idolatry of self ... only in such a moment can can be detected through the scrutiny of a colleague a mortal heart be compared to the vast sea. or student. Verbalization deepens one's comprehension But, no. The Midrash says Torah-the learning of and makes knowledge more readily committed to Torah. Without the relationship of prayer, without memory. Indeed, two of the forty-eight means by the sanctity of Yorn Kippur, when studying, learning, which Torah is acquired are "scrutiny of colleagues" then is man's heart like the sea.-A difficult topic; and "discourse of students." In our sages' view, one struggles to understand the Talmud. The early "One learns much from his teachers, more from his commentaries approach the question in different colleagues, and most from his students." Through ways; a contradiction must be resolved. You carefully sharing, one's own grasp is enhanced. consider each position. You asks yourself-What is being said?-What does it mean?-What are the "To the place where the rivers flow, there they bnplications? You review and try again, and in so return to flow"-a cycle in continuous 1notion. doing, a concept, an approach is born; an expanse The lbn Ezra explains, "A vapor always rises from of the sea is discovered. the sea ... forming clouds ... returning as rain." The rain replenishes the rushing streams that join The topic might even be a seemingly mundane yet others to become surging rivers, which eventually one, dealing with such intricacies of halachah as flow into the sea once again. Torah once acquired the means used for acquiring an object, or liability is never stagnant. A question asked by a colleague for different types of damage. But the logic of the or a student inspires a new application, provokes discussion is not man-created. It is rather the logic fresh implications from some previously learned of the Laws of man's Creator. The thoughts one 111aterial. The vapors, the ideas that leave a man, entertains are His thoughts, and the values absorbed return to him as flowing rivers of knowledge.

The oceans have countless sources, for there are BURIAL IN ERETZ ISRAEL many rivers that flow into the sea. Man could learn G-d's ways from many sources-whether in nature, Chevra Kadisha Perushim- Ashkenazim history, or man himself. Were our eyes truly open, our minds fully alert, we would find the truths of OF JERUSALEM the Torah in the universe itself, thereby strengthening Founded 5616 (1856) our faith and understanding. Yet at best these sources can only reflect Torah, for "G-d looked PINCUS MANDEL, sole representative into the Torah and created the world"; as a mere reflection of Torah they cannot compare with the Over 19 years experience original as a source-book of Divine Wisdom. Still, interment in all parts of Eretz Yisrael the boundless complexity of the world gives us an indication of the vastness of the Torah. Many. 111 PENN STREET, BROOKLYN, N. Y. 11211 rivers, but none niatching the sea. Day and Nile Phone 855-5121 I dropped my eyes from the endless horizon, and the waters at my feet seemed somewhat more A dedicated, dependable, expeditious service peaceful. As I turned and slowly walked away, I Agudah Member-over 42 years. felt that I was not the same. To know that the Charter Member, Brownsville Branch vastness of the sea was never further from me than my own heart made me into a different person. O

JO The Jewish Observer / October, 1971 RABBI YITZCHAK MEIR LEVIN

Spokesman for Three Generations

by Isaac Lewin

HE PEN VIRTUALLY QUAVERS in adding the words the vitality of Agudath Israel; he personified the con­ ;;~i~; v'"TX i~r to the name of Rabbi Yitzchak tinued existence of a Torah-committed people. When T Meir Levin. Somehow, the loss they imply seems one would try to envision the future melech Yisroel, aln1ost too great to bear. Has he in truth been torn his image-that of a zakein shekanah chaclunah-an from our midst? Will he no longer grace our as>emblics, elder in fullest possession of wisdom-would inevitably our knesiyos? Is the light which so long shone amongst come to mind. Only a rare image such as his could us now extinguished? evoke such wide respect and love among all segments of the Jewish people. We knew that he was not well. The thought had occurred more than once that his strength must be The tragic reality is, nevertheless, that we have lost diminishing. But we would brush away the possibility, Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Levin. His passing marks the as if shaking off a nightmare, that things could possibly close of an era of heroic Orthodox Jewish leadership get worse. For Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Levin symbolized begun more than fifty years ago.

I11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 Ill

Poland Between the Wars' Years of Defense and Preservation

N ATTEMPT!NG TO OUTLINE Rabbi Levin's illustrious career, one might divide it into three distinct stages. I The first can be called the period of defense. The Polish-Jewish community in which Rabbi Levin was born and reared had long been solidly based on the principles of Torah. Yeshivas had flourished; the au­ thority of the Gedolim had gone unchallenged. Whether in the large towns or in the shtetlach, a full-blooded, fervent Jewish life-style was evident. This tranquil situation, however, was disturbed dur­ ing the early l 920's. Soon after World War I, a number of new movements began to develop in Poland which threatened to impair the devotion of many Jews to their former values. Leftist movements and ideologies -whether socialism, Zionism, or "folkisn1" -posed grave dangers to the up-and-coming Torah generation. Poland in particular, rebuilt on the ruins of the empires

DR. ISAAC LEVIN is the Chairn1a11 of the A n1erican S('ction of the Executive Board of the Agudath Israel World Organiza­ tion, and is its accredited representative to the United Nations Econon1ic and Social Council.

The Jewish Observer / October, 1971 11 of Russia and Austria, was fertile ground for new slo­ strength and numbers. Warsaw, Lodz, other great Jew­ gans trumpeting revolutionary ideals. Indeed, many of ish centers-all bore testimony to the successful de­ the radical secular efforts met 'vith success, as some grim fense waged under Rabbi Levin's administration and statistics clearly bear out. In the elections for the first leadership. Polish Sejm (parliament), three deputies were elected in the Jewish district of Warsaw (a Chassidic metro­ Tl1e War Years: Rescue, Reconstruction, polis to match any other of its time )-two folkists and an

12 The Jewish Observer / October. 1971 No member of the she'aris hapleitah, Rabbi Levin peerless, multifaceted manhig Yisroel; not just a explained, could conceivably discover why he had been staunch defender of Judaism, but a rebuilder as well. saved in place of his neighbor. His own life, that had In the Stale of Israel: Guardian of been spared, must now be devoted to a renewed com­ Religious V al11es mitment to G-d and His Torah-and not to a search for chessed le'umim, the indulgence of other nations. THIRD STAGE IN RABBI LEVIN'S CAREER was yet The impact of this speech---Oelivered before thou­ to follow with the establishment of the State of sands at the kosel maarovi and read by thousands more A Israel. through the press- cannot be measured. Its profound A few short years after the Holocaust, thousands of thought, clothed in simple language, gives us a glimpse Jews were returning to the Holy Land. To Rabbi into its author-a man who by now had emerged as a Levin, as to any Orthodox Jew, Israel was still the .---Rabbi Levin asks the nations of the world: Where were you?! --- I appear be.fore you today as the repre­ and Treblinka I do not know-hut per­ sentative of organized Orthodox Jewry to haps it was to give voice to the cry of those present our demand: Open the gates of the who can no longer speak for themselves. Land of Israel to Pvery Jew who wants to The blood of the slaughtered makes enter.' the very earth tremble. World! Can't you For 2 ,000 years we have wandered feel it? among you, the nations of the world, and I will not go into the facts and figures suffered every eoneeivahle and inconceiv­ of how many could have been saved, es­ able horror which you, in your unending pecially by the great powers ... You chose hatred and cruelty could inflict upon us. not to interfere ... Not one of you can Through it all, we have survived-indeed, ever he relieved of the culpability of your we have outlived the great conquering na­ choice. But you can at least partially pay tions, who have vanished almost without your debt to the Jewish nation by the step trace. Through it all, we have never for­ I ask of you today: give us hack the Land gotten our homeland, which we have been of Israel! including in our prayers and benedictions The U.N. was founded in the earnest sei·eral times a day for all these 2 ,000 hope that relations between nations can years. Not for a moment in all this time be put on a high moral plane. The best has the Land been without a Jewish settle­ way to begin is to do right by God's people, ment. Our homeland is more than another the People of the Book. nation's fatherland; it is intimately associ­ We believe and trust that our deliverance ated with the G-d Who chose it and made lies with God. But the day of reckoning it holy, and eternally bound its fortunes will come when the nations of the world inseparably with ours. will be asked: "Where were you when the I must mention once again the ultimate Jews were almost wiped out? And what horror which so recently engulfed us. did you do to rectify this terrible injustice?" One-third of Jewry was wiped out. I my­ It will be to the advantage of humanity if self, who was privileged to live among the you will be able to give a positive answer Jews of Poland, lost my brothers and sis­ at least to the latter challenge-to say that ters; and my three precious grandchildren you took this vital step for our unfortunate were destroyed by fire, along with a million folk; that you made it possible for us to and a half other innocent children. Why I return home. was rescued from the ovens of Auschwitz May God help you to do right.

The Jewish Observer I October, 1971 13 place where "The eyes of G-d are from the beginning religious minority in a predominantly secular Jewish of the year until the year's end." State. In the subsequent elections to the first Knesset, Ben-Gurion and other State officials were familiar the Agudist list, with Rabbi Levin as its first candidate, with the qualities of leadership that Rabbi Levin pos­ gained only three seats out of 120. sessed, and they were anxious that he join them as After the elections, however, he continued to partic­ the Agudath Israel's representative to the Provisional ipate in governing the country. His accomplishments, Council of State. Although the establishment of Israel then, in the face of heavy opposition, is all the more found him in the middle of an important mission in striking. In every arena he fought to preserve the re­ America, he was appointed Minister of Welfare in the ligious identity of the State of Israel. He prevented the first Cabinet. It may have seemed amazing to many acceptance of a constitution heavily secular in form; that a man who had long fought Zionism should sud­ he was very instrumental in the creation of the zerem denly become a member of the first government of revi'i (fourth track) of religious education, forerunner Israel. Yet Rabbi Levin accepted this post on the di­ of Chinuch Atzmai. Yeshiva students and observant rection of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, who recog­ young women were freed from military service. Behind nized the potential such a Cabinet seat offered for every governmental decision of this sort Rabbi Levin's safeguarding and even increasing Torah observance in guiding hand could be seen. And no wonder; for he the Jewish State. commanded almost universal respect among his col­ Obviously, he was now confronted with a situation leagues in the government and in the Knesset. His different from the one that had once faced him in speeches, often a blend of Divrei Torah, Mussar, and Poland. No longer was he the spokesman for the maj­ down-to-earth practical matters of state, were listened ority of Jews in his country; instead he represented a to with great interest. The image of this patriarchal

Rabbi Levin at Israel's Constitutional Convention -1949 Acrording to the laws of nature, we from strange tables and call them our should not be here today. The recent at­ "Law." Can this be the purpose of 2,000 tempt by our hostile neighbors to destroy years of suffering in golus? Can this be our outnumbered and poorly-armed rem­ what we have hoped for and dreamed about nants was thwarted only by Divine inter­ for centuries? vention. Indeed our very existence through It would be appropriate in this debate 2,000 years of wandering, oppression, and on a constitution for M edinas Yisroel to murder can only be a super-natural mani­ consider for a moment what, in essence, festation. We have seen with our own eyes makes the Jewish people a nation. Some the realization of the prophecy of "one among us would say: "The Jewish people (surviving) in a city, two in a family" ... is just one nation among many, essentially It is strange, then, that just at this moment not different from them"-then everything there are among us men who would draft is perfectly simple. Every national group a "national constitution" for our State. has a State, so we must have a State. They suggest that professionally-trained Every nation has ... a language ... and lawyers be provided with copies of 10 or a constitution, and so must we. And just 12 of the perhaps 70 constitutions extant as every nation created its own culture in the world, from which we could codify and code of laws, so too will we proceed the "best" and ''i,,visest'' laws as a constitu­ to create our own. tion for Medinas Yisroel ... That we, the But was it worth everything we have en­ ancient Jewish nation, who possessed a dured, and are destined still to go through, high level of culture when the others were just to have a little state among the big barbarians, should now gather crumbs ones?-Just to translate the other cultures

14 The Jewish Observer / October, 1971 leader, issuing his pleas for a return to Torah values, To be sure, Rabbi Levin abided by the Gedolim's and the rare regard for his words tendered by his list­ decision-and he stepped down from his Cabinet posi­ eners, bring to mind the prophetic description: "And tion. What a rare majestic act of Kiddnsh Hashem! the peoples of the Land will see that the name of G-d How frequently have officials sacrificed the power of will be conferred upon you, and they will be in awe high office in deference to Torah authority? Yet for before you." Rabbi Levin leaving the Ministry was as self-sacrificing The role Rabbi Levin now assumed was not one of as stepping into the Ministry. He did neither to enhance his own political standing. He did both in response to a trouble-beset leader setting up barriers in defense. the bidding of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah. No, this time he was taking initiatives, attacking. Fully cognizant of the fact that he would be speaking to This total subservience was later repeated. Follow­ Jews opposed to his philosophy, he neither hedged nor ing a new election to the Knesset, while a new govern­ ment was being formed by Ben-Gurion, an offer was compromised his stand. He stormed anti-Torah posi­ made to Rabbi Levin to reenter the Cabinet. As before, tions; he assailed their proponents; he made demands he submitted the issue to the Gedolim. Israel waited and the walls began to shake. tensely for the decision on which the structure of the * * • Coalition hinged. The decision was once again nega­ SUCH A STANCE'., however, was faced to be short-lived. tive. Rabbi Levin immediately informed Ben-Gurion The Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah's conditions for partic­ that he would remain on the outside. ipation in the government were not being honored. The Subsequently, on the occasion of a meeting with danger arose that Rabbi Levin's participation in the Ben-Gurion, I observed the deep impression this re­ government would be construed as acquiescence to nunciation of office had left upon him. With deep anti-religious policies. respect for Rabbi Levin's decision, he remarked: "If

into Hebrew? ... For this alone, it would itself on its own land . ... Our history and perhaps have been better to have thrown our miracle should teach us-and them­ ourselves entirely into the midst of some that it is the goal of religious Jews to have other powerful nation and cease to be the Torah alone serve as our "national separate at all. constitution." ... This is the ultimate raison For indeed, we are a separate people­ d'etre of both our nation and our land. difjerent-the People of G-d! However, at this time we must settle for "Behold a people that dwells alone and the assurance that whatever individual laws cannot be reckoned among the nations." are passed will at least not violate our To compare Judaism to other religions or freedom of conscience ... Any law which national identities is a grave error. No does so we must of necessity consider tem­ measuring-rod suitable for other nations porary and not binding upon us. On this applies to us. Our Torah is a way of life: basis we will undertake to cooperate with Not merely a philosophy and not merely a the Government of Medinas Yisroel. code of law, it is both-and transcends "And they shall mix among the nations both. To date, the world has not found a and learn from their actions." Yes, we have better system of justice than the one the seen this prophecy come true. But just as Torah teaches us-nor will it. our father Abraham stood alone against ... As a nation, and peculiarly in this the entire world and proclaimed that there our land; we have an ideal to unfurl-and is only one G-d, so have we no doubt that not just for ourselves. A war-weary world, the entire nation living in Zion will some­ tired of its own excesses, living in fear of day throw off all the remnants of golus ultimate atomic destruction, looks on in and all the false gods, to say as one: "I wonder and hope as our ancient nation shall go and return to my original Master." suddenly and miraculously reestablishes D

The Jclrish (Jbserver / October, 1971 15 at any moment Rabbi Levin should declare his read­ iness to reenter the Cabinet, the door remains wide open for him!" The fruits of Rabbi Levin's labor are still being har­ vested. The Chinueh Atzmai school system, the ex­ emptions of bnei-Y eshivos and Orthodox women from military service, and many other aspects of contemp­ orary Israeli life bear witness to his accomplishments. Whether as a defender against alien hashkofos, as a rebuilder of the religious community after World War II, or as an aggressive advocate of Torah ideals in a newly created state, Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Levin rep­ resented throughout his distinguished career of service to klal Yisroel the epitome of leadership of Orthodox World Jewry. 0 Rabbi Levin addressing the 4th Knessiah Gedolah

- Chinuch Atzmai: "We will not surrender a single religious child!" - Founding Chinuch Atzmai was a historic or else he sinks into the depths of depravity. undertaking. It is actually the purpose for This phenomenon is painfully visible today which Agudath Israel was originally cre­ among the young. Spreading Chinuch Ha­ ated: to ensure the perpetuation of Torah Torah can be the salvation of the entire within Kial Yisroel. nation. Long before the establishment of the We still remember the tragedies of Y al­ State we were concerned with the prob­ dei Teheran and the orphaned children lems of education. We knew that even if of Europe's martyrs, who were forcibly there were some areas of possible accom­ placed in non-religious children's homes modation with other elements among us, and torn away from their heritage. We still when it came to education we were sepa­ remember the anti-religious coercion in rated by an abyss. Here there could be no the ma'abarot - the settlement camps, compromises. where all kinds of pressures, direct and The first, temporary governing coali­ indirect, were brought to bear on naive and tion of the State, of which I was a mem­ bewildered immigrants to send their chil­ ber, "solved" the problem of education by dren to non-religious schools. How can we setting up separate school systems for the have confidence in an education system various elements of the population. To be conducted by the very perpetrators of these sure, it pained us that 300,000 children, outrages? pure Jewish souls, were thus lost to Torah Obviously, chinuch to us is a matter of education; we were forced to be content life or death. The State is entitled to re­ with saving our own children. ceive our money in taxes and our sons as However, when the Knesset subsequent­ soldiers-hut the souls of our children? ly voted into existence a single, unified That we will never surrender! school system, we had no choice but to "And now, 0 Israel, what does G-d de­ leave the government. It requires no par­ mand of you?" We must ponder what G-d ticularly profound insight to see where demands of us "now," at each particular secular education-socialistic or national­ moment in our history. There can be no istic-is leading. It is an old rule that either doubt that today G-d simply asks us to the Jew rises constantly in his moral stature save the Torah. Translation by 1'11RIAM MARGOSHES

16 The Jewish Observer / October, 1971 BIRCHAS KOHANIM

Command Aaron and his sons saying, .i~N7 ,,lJ 7Ni )1~N 'N 1Ji "So shall you bless the Children of I sracl: Say to - c;-;; .,,~x : 7xitv' 'J:J nx ~:;,i:in ;-;:;, them-

May the L-rd bless you and guard you. ; ,.,~w.,, 'ii i=>"l:J' May t/1e L-rd make His face shine upon you ; iJn'~ i''N ,,J~ 'ii '1N' and be gracious to you. May the L-rd turn His face (with favor) to you and give you peace." And they shall place My name upon the Children of Israel and I will bless them.

The descendants of Aaron, the kohanim, as the sight of the Temple site to bless the people. On several priests of our people, are charged with the avodah­ occasions since then, tens of thousands of people have the Divine Service in the Bais Hamikdosh. Since the responded to a modest advertisement in the Israeli destruction of the Second Bais Hamikdosh, 1900 years newspapers and have crowded the Western Wall area ago, the avodah lives in memory as a past glory, and to receive the blessings of as many as a thousand in our hopes for its future reinstatement. The one kohanim. Witnesses have described the thunderous aspect of the kohain's service that still applies is the pronouncement of the brachos as overwhelming. triadic blessing of Yevorechacho . ... In gala, one associates the Birchas Kohanim with In Eretz Yisroel, where the Birchas Kohanim is the Festivals and the Days of Awe, for it is only on recited daily, the blessing has on occasion become the these days that the kohanim bless the people. Of the focus of widespread attention. This is because of the thirteen times that the Birchas Kohanim are conferred recent discovery of a manuscript attributed to the on the people in gola, seven are during the month of famous philosopher-Cabbalist of the Middle Ages, the Tishrei. THE JEWISH OBSERVER therefore presents a Baal Rokeach, that describes the wonderous results collection of comments and interpretations regarding one can anticipate if 300 kohanim would gather within this blessing in this issue.

.The Jewish Obserrer / October, 1971 17 Birchas Kohanim sence-illustrating that He is here, within our grasp, -is a commandment that applies at all times. "And not only in the ratified atmosphere at the Mikdosh. they shall place My Name upon the Children of Israel, Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch and I will bless them." G-d designated the blessing of * * * the kohanim as a conduit for the placing of His Name The main purpose of the blessing is to draw man upon His people; this was done not so much for Israel's back to his higher sources. sake as for His Own, because it is a fulfillment of His G-d is always prepared to bless His children. It is wish that Israel be blessed. up to us to raise ourselves to the level where we can Aruch HaShulchan receive His blessing. The kohanim indicate this by * * * holding their hands in an upward position. In the Bais And the kohanim have their hands washed by the Hamikdosh, where we could aspire to even higher Leviim before the blessing; but the Leviim must wash attainments, the kohanim held their hands high above their own hands first, to insure their own sanctity their heads. before adding to the kohanim' s. If the Levi is learned Sfas Emes in Torah and the kohain is ignorant, the Levi is not * * * required to wash the kohain's hands; but he should And the kohanim shonld look downwards and pray do so nonetheless, for when a ta/mid chochom lowers with kavanah-deep concentration-that G-d should himself for the sake of a mitzvah and for the bestowing bless the people; and the people, though the kohanim of sanctity upon another, it can hardly be considered face them, should not look at them and not anywhere a degradation. On the contrary, this adds to his stature, else but downward, and accept the brachah with kava­ and is true honor. nah. That is the reason for the custom of the kohanim Slwlchan Aruch HoRav covering their heads with their ta/eisim during the * * * brachah, while the people do the same; but the hands Nesiyas Kapayim - Raising the Hands of the kohanim should extend outside their taleisim so -in the Bais Hamikdosh took place after the daily there should be no barrier between them and the people morning sacrificial service, when the kohanim would being blessed. raise their hands above their heads--except the kohain Shulchan Aruch HoRav godol, who raised his hands no higher than the tsits * * * (his head plate)-and with fingers spread out they Birchas Kohanim would repeat the words of the blessing after the reader. -in the gola takes place not every day, but only on Today, since we have no Holy Temple, the order is holidays. This is because Birchas Kohanim is like the as follows: when the reader of the prayers begins retzey Temple Service, which is forbidden to any kohain who (which is a prayer for the restoration of the avodah in is drunk-and the People of Israel, sunk in the despair the Mikdosh) the kohanim go to the front of the shul, of the golus, are all in the category of "drunk though and stand with their backs to the congregation and not from wine." their fingers closed in fists until the end of "Modim." Reb Chanoch Tzvi Hacohain of Bendin They then turn around to face the congregation and, * * * with their arms outstretched at shoulder level and their On Yorn Tov we are happy and "He who is good of fingers spread, they repeat the brachos. heart should bless," whereas the rest of the year (even Rambam, Y ad Hachazaka unfortunately, Shabbos) finds us in constant worry * * * over our livelihood, and the kohanim do not bless the In the Mikdosh, the kohanim raised their hands people. above their heads, to counter the idea that the presence Ramo of G-d is only in the Sanctuary, indicating that He is But those in Eretz Yisroel and Egypt who do bless also above, beyond, and outside of the confines of the the people every day do right. Mikdosh. Rais Y oseif, Tur Orach Chayim Outside the Mikdosh, the kohanim position their " * * hands lower to express the immediacy of G-d's pre- Ko SeYor'cl1u es Bnei Yisroel - "In this manner shall yo11 l>less Israel." WARNING "Ko"-"in this manner ..." Because kohanim are This year many Goods Manufacturers started to produce great quan­ tities of LINEN-AND-WOOL combined in the material ifseff-THfS good of heart, they bless the people willingly, and there fS SHATNES which is prohibited to wear just as strongly as it is is no need for the Torah to command them to give this prohibited to EAT TRE!FA. - Look at the paper ticket stating the blessing. The emphasis is on "ko"-specifying exactly contents, when buying your garment. how the blessing should be rendered. For informafion calf: SHATNES LABORATORY, 203 Lee A•e .. B'klyn, N. Y. • EV 7-8520 Reb Avrohom Mordechai. Gerer Rebbe

18 The Jewish Observer / October, 1971 "Ko .. ."-as they are, so should you (the kohanim) -but the reverse is also true. If the people do not do bless them. Do not search out the righteous and im­ so, they commit a grave sin, aside from the fact that portant among them for your blessing. Each and every the blessings will not apply to them. Jew is worthy of the blessings of G-d. Rabbi Akivah Eiger Mozhitzer Rebbe * * * * * * Rashi: "The word emor is written with its full vowel The kohanim begin by reciting the blessing to value, like zachor and shamor (in regard to the Shab­ Hashem: " ... Who has sanctified us with the sanctity bos) ." of Aaron and commanded us to bless His people l srael The words cited from Shabbos imply some thematic with love." If the kohain does not feel love in his heart, relationship between Shahbos and the Blessing: Just he is uot permitted to join in the blessing, for the as the prohibitions of Shabbos and the mitzvos of posuk tells us: "He of good eye shall bless." keeping it holy can be observed only through constant Zahar vigilance, without even a mo1nent's lapse, so do the * * * blessings of the kohanim require concentration of mind With your inheritance from your ancestor Aaron and heart. The words are only meant to be the outward you are to bless them-with the attribute of love, for expression of a love that overflows from within the Aaron "loved peace, pursued peace, and loved the kohain's heart, without hesitation or interruption. creatures." * * • Reb Chanoch Tzvi Hacohain of Bendin "\:~evorechacho - "May G-d bless you ..•'' The kohain's blessing to the Jew is that Hashem * * * Following the blessings, the people thank the koha­ should bless, because only He knows what one truly nim, but not for the blessing-after all, they are com­ needs for fulfillment. Rabbi Avrohom Shmuel Binyomin Sofer manded to bestow this blessing-but for the love which * • * each kohain brings to the task. The kohanim bless the people in the singular, for N esivos Sholom all the people must be united as one body for any * * * blessing to have any value. Emor Lohem - "Say to them." Rabbi Shlomo Leib of Lenchine The word emor also means bind them together­ * * * with their spiritual source. Yiso - "G·d will favor vou . , . " As the six days of the week are bound together and But does it not say: G-d does not show favor to any endowed with blessing by Shabbos, the seventh day, person?-That is when we do not do His will. He does so too are the six aspects of the kohanic blessing favor us, however, when we do behave in accordance Yevarechacha ... Veyishmerecho ... Ya'er ... with His will.-Midrash Viyechuneko ... Yiso . . . V eyaseim . . . bound to- One may wonder what need there is for special gether by G-d's summary words of "Place My Name favors if one is performing G-d's will. But even a on them and l will bless them"-drawing them together commitment to do right still requires siyata dishmaya with Me, back to their source. -an extra measure of Divine assistance. The nesiyas Sfas Emes panim-the "favor" of the kohanic blessing-is a * * * hakoras p'nim - G-d's recognition of man's inner Emor Lohem - "Tell them , .." yearning for spiritual betterment, and His subsequent Tell the people that it is up to them to be worthy response of helping him realize this yearning. of the blessings that awaits them. Sfas Emes Dubna Maggid * * When the people stand with silence to receive the SCHECHTER & HIRSCH'S blessings with kavanah-they are then performing their aspect of the mitzvah. Rabbi Elozor A zkari of Tsfas K:~:R/la7i88£1111H@l * * * ENTIRE OCEANFRONT BLOCK- 31th •• 31th St. MIAMI BEACH ... is a GREAT Kosher Hotel - you'll love it! • DiAi. For Reservations CSpeak to MIAMI SAM SCHECHTER FREE PARKING Be sure to notify us in • ? BEACH 800 _ 327- 8165 PRIVATE POOL advance so that your copies I Or Coll N.Y. Off: Pl 7.4238 AND Mov1ng FREE. SANDY BEACH • will continue to reach you. Evenings & Sunday FA 7·1742

The Jeivish Observer / ()ctober, 1971 19 David Meyers

Unbidden Sponsors

The success of the American Yeshivos is attracting a host of new sponsors - welcome and otherwise.

It is well-known that new endeavors usually pass Culture (American Section) to the special session of through several stages: at first they are ridiculed by the Zionist Action Committee devoted to Jewish Educa­ most people; then they arc seriously opposed; and, in tion in the diaspora. The report eloquently points out the end, when they have proven themselves, everybody that "the most significant development in the area of suddenly tries to take them over. The history of the Jewish education has been the advent, gro\vth, and Jewish Day School, the Yeshiva Ketanah, in this country proliferation of the Jewish day school movement ... provides an excellent illustration. Slowly, grudgingly, In light of recent developments, the day school is its opponents have come not only to take it seriously the only meaningful, far reaching and productive in­ but even to concede its vital contribution to Jewish strument of Jewish education in America today. The survival (even if so many of them still object to govern­ afternoon schools (Talmud Torah's) and other forms ment funding for it). The next step? Trying to take of 'supplementary' Jewish education have already fallen it over, of course. into bankruptcy." It is not difficult to pinpoint examples. There is the One would assume that the Department of Torah Reform movement sponsoring day schools of its own. Education and Culture is extremely happy and satisfied not to speak of the Conservatives' Solomon Schechter with the organization that was established to promote schools (that so proudly claim that they are opening day schoo1s in this country and has conscientiously the "first residential high school" for Jewish young­ done so for over 25 years-Torah Umesorah. But not sters). Here we at least find an effort to build new quite. The Department feels that Torah Umesorah schools. There are those who would rather just take has not been adequately cooperating with it, "this over existing day schools. Various local Federations being the result of pressure upon the administration and Bureaus of Jewish Education that are finding the of Torah Umesorah from influential Roshei Yeshiva afternoon Talmud Torahs less and less satisfactory hold who are still endeavoring to impose Agudah ideology out prospects of support to day schools, "if they will upon the institutions affiliated with Torah Umesorah ... agree to become truly cu1nmunal and accept communal The time has certainly come for the Vaad Hachinuch controls": their governing boards must represent all H atorani of the Religious Zionists of America to enter segments of the community, the curriculum must be upon the educational scene in a major way and to equally acceptable to them all, etc. In short: the day demand involvement and participation within the school is to be "taken over." framework of the day school movement so that it may From tl1e Religious Zionists: guard the interests of those more than 50% of affiliated Enrichment and Intensification schools who are committed to a religious-national ide­ ology in education." There lies before me a document that provides a Beyond this task, very much emphasized by the sound illustration of this stand. It is a report on the authors of the report, the Department looks forward North American educational scene, submitted by the Jewish Agency's Department for Torah Education and to the promotion of a 100% increase in enrollment in the various types of Jewish Day Schools within the next five years. ("It is sad but true that, since the DAVID MEYERS was represented by "Norn1alization-A Strategy in ,5elj7defeat" in the June JEWISH OBSERVER. advent of the emancipation, the people of Israel is

20 The Jewish Observer j October, 1971 divided into various currents or denominations . . . to be capable and eager to help any current or demoni­ When speaking of Jewish education, then, there can­ nation in Judaism reach its 1naximum effectiveness. not be one . . . solution to the problem. This is not only true in regard to the three or four denominations It is against this background that we read with of American Jewry, but even within Orthodoxy itself interest the second part of the report, devoted to one may find different educational approaches as "enrichment and intensification of the Jewish Day Satmar. Lubavitch, Agudah, Mizrachi, etc. We must School curriculum" and other educaticnal services to be prepared to help each stream reach its fullest po­ the existing schools, including the provision of teacher­ tential and maximum effectiveness.") Unhampered by shiluchin1, the organizing of summer seminars in Israe1, a sense of responsibility to the Roshei Yeshiva, it the publication of textbooks, and so on. It is through would seem that the Torah Education Department can its work in these areas that the Torah Education De­ indeed work with all trends, from Reform to ... well. partment is most effectively establishing an influence not Satmar, surely, despite the Department's touching upon the day school movement. The report lists some readiness. of the yeshivas and organizations (including the Igud Harabanim!) taking advantage of the services offered. As a further aspect in what is called "broadening the It would behoove the principals and officers of our base of Jewish education," the report also calls for the Torah institutions to analyze very carefully whether establishment by the Torah Education Department of such cooperation is in their spirit and interest, and new educational centers in America, especia11y on the what its implications and consequences are. secondary level, patterned after the Bnei Akiva Resi­ dence High Schools in Israel, "Israel-oriented under the N. Y. C. Federation: direction and influence of an Israeli Dean" (the first Money - With Strings such schools, one for boys, one for girls, was scheduled to open this September in Monsey, N.Y.). The educa­ Another example of persistent efforts to muscle in tional impact of these schools, and indeed their entire on the day school movement could be observed this future. may be speculated upon; but in any case, the past summer. For two years, New York day schools plans for the creation of such schools are of much less have agitated for financial support from the Federation interest to us than the other points of the program of Jewish Philanthropies. While day schools were en­ set out, which do merit our attention. titled to this support, and desperately needed it, there was also a clear recognition of the dangers it could When the report speaks of the "pressure of influential bring, in the way of interference with the schools' Roshei Yeshiva who seek to impose Agudah ideology'' independence and Torah commitment. Hence a clear upon the existing day school system, it actually refers decision issued by thirteen leading Roshei Yeshiva to the Rabbinical Board that, since the inception of and Rabbonim that funds from Federation were to Torah Umesorah, was to assure the Torah (not "Agu­ be accepted only if channelled directly to the Yeshivas dah") character of the movement. The authority of (through a central agency set up by them) rather than this Board is here challenged by forces flexible enough through any outside educational agency-such as the in their Torah commitment (by their own statement) Jewish Education Committee (now, rather pretentiously

The Jewish ObYerver / October, .1971 21 TEXT OF RABBINICAL DECISION REGARDING USE OF FEDERATION FUNDS Tishrei 5731 October 1970 In response to the inquiry made by the As­ dare that all such funds may only be ac­ sociation of N.Y.C. Yeshiva Principals & Ad­ cepted if given directly by Federation to an ministrators, who have agreed to abide by independent agency composed of the repre­ the authority of Gedolei Yisroel (Torah sentatives of the recipient institutions them~ Sages) with regard to their efforts to obtain selves. from the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies Only in this way can the vital educational of New York the substantial funds to which and spiritual autonomy of the Yeshiva move­ Yeshivas are entitled, ment be preserved. Only upon these con­ The undersigned Halachic authorities and ditions may the Yeshivos receive the above­ Deans of major N.Y.C. Yeshivas hereby de- mentioned funds.

Rabbi Samuel Ehrenfeld of Mattersdorf Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky Yeshiva and Mesivta Chasam Sofer Yeshiva and Mesivta Torah V'Daath Rabbi Levi Krupenia Rabbi Moses Feinstein Yeshiva & Mesiv. Toras Emes Kaminetz Yeshiva and Mesivta Tifereth Jerusalem Rabbi A. Henoch Leibowitz Rabbi Josef Grunwald of Papa Yeshiva Tiferes Moshe Yeshiva and Mesivta Kehilath Yaakov Yeshiva Preparatory High School Bnos Jacob School for Girls Rabbi Azriel Yehuda Lebowits Yeshiva Yesode HaTorah Rabbi Levi J. Grunwald of Zehlem Yeshiva and Mesivta Arugath Habosem Beth Jacob of Adas Yereim Mesivta Nachlas Yaakov Rabbi Solomon Halberstam of Bobov Rabbi Gedalia Schorr Bobover Yeshiva Bnei Zion Yeshiva and Mesivta Torah V'Daath Rabbi Yitzchok Hutner Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum of Satmar Yeshiva Torah V'Yirah Rabbi S. Moshe Kalmanowitz United Talmudical Academy Mirrer Yeshiva Beth Rachel School for Girls

renamed "Board of Jewish Education"). With this the day school field; it could not be passed up lightly. understanding, a persistent effort was made to secure So the rabbinic statement against working with an Federation funds-but to no avail. agency not committed to daas haTorah was belittled; This summer it seemed as though there was to be several thousand dollars of desperately needed funds a breakthrough. A concerned and generous individual were dangled in front of the Yeshivas that were chosen took the disastrous financial condition of the yeshiva to be beneficiaries of this project; and each was given schools to heart and pledged a large sum of money to understand that it might as well take the money for the day school movement-if Federation would because, no matter what people preached. in the end match his pledge. Federation could not ignore this everybody would take it anyhow. offer; instead, it most skillfully exploited it. In the The effort-not the first and sure not to be the first place, the matching funds were produced-not last one-by the Board of Jewish Education did not from the Federation treasury but from a number of succeed: A large majority of the Yeshivas refused to individuals; thus, Federation's official policy on day take the money in the way Federation offered it. At school subsidies was upheld. Secondly, the entire sum a meeting in the office of HaGaon Rcb Moshe Feinstein, was to be disbursed through the Board of Jewish attended by many of the signatories of the original Education; thus the Yeshivos were to be pressured Rabbinical statement or their representatives. it was into working with the Board of Jewish Education. made clear that the funds offered under the new project Pressure there was, indeed-more than enough. fell within the provision of the original statement, Here there seemed to be a golden opportunity for the and therefore should not be accepted. However, this Board of Jewish Education to establish its authority in formal determination was hardly necessary. and there

22 The Jewish Observer / October, 1971 are many reasons for this. A good many Yeshivas today the day school field is where the action is. More­ resented the high pressure salesmanship, and the con­ over, the educators of the B.J.E. sincerely want to fident assumption that they would sell their principles further the American day school, for which many for a few thousand dollars; the manner in which the of them have devotedly labored in the past; they merit funds were to be disbursed also struck many of the our appreciation for this. But that does not mean that designated recipients as demonstrating a deplorable we can turn over the day schools to them! lack of respect for the Yeshivas. Then there were Let us put aside for a moment the fact that the practical considerations; it was felt by many that, in B.J.E. finds it possible and necessary to work with the long run, the Yeshivas would not benefit from such all educational trends (echoes of the above-quoted a fund, as it would seek to attract the same people who Torah Education Department reprint!). Let us forget up to now have been giving to Yeshivas anyway. Above for a moment that, as a result, B.J.E. must take all, however, there was the fear that politics and responsibility for a great many things that are intoler­ favoritism might determine which Yeshivas would be able to us. The key issue, from which all others worthy to receive the support of the fund, and which flow, is that Torah education can only be built upon would not; a premium would be put on"playing ball" undivided loyalty to daas haTorah, to guidance of the wit h the Board of Jewish Education, in order to make gedolei haTorah. Such undivided loyalty is impossible sure that one gets "on the list," and thus the Board for the B.J.E., by virtue of its history, ideology, func­ of Jewish Education would indeed be able to wield tion, and communal commitments. Hence it has no great authority over Yeshivas. In other words, this share in the growth of Torah institutions in this com­ particular project would be even more dangerous to munity, and cannot now aspire to taking over their Yeshivas than a routine across-the-board disbursement leadership. by Federation through the B.J.E.-and yet even this Torah lives, and Torah education lives. As a result had been expressly forbidden by the spiritual leaders at a time when everything else is put in question, of the Torah world. there will be no shortage of unbidden sponsors who It is perfectly understandable why the B.J.E. seeks a will want to take over Torah education. If we want bigger role in the day school movement. As the educa­ to keep it alive and flourishing, we must save it from tional arm of Federation, it has witnessed the decline its new friends, and make clear to all comers where of its foremost ward the afternoon Talmud Torah; the true authority in Torah education rests. D

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The Jewish Observer / Octob?1", 1971 23 Jacob Marateck his landlady to give me something to eat, and fell on his mattress as though he'd been shot. But before long I began to get a picture of what it meant, back in those simple, unspoiled days, to be a baker's apprentice. And then I understood why, even among boys as hungry and homeless as myself, The Smell someone who voluntarily became a baker was the kind whom his family no longer expected to grow up into a human being. Such a boy, after he'd been of already thrown out of the house, which I think you know a Jewish family didn't do lightly, would often end up sleeping on top of the oven in a Fresh Bread bakery, which seemed to be an almost traditional place of refuge. Then, after he had hung around the bakery for some time running errands and eating scraps, when one of the other employees, Translated and Adapted by almost inevitably, collapsed of fatigue, or caught Shimon and Anita Marateck Wince/berg pneumonia, he might suddenly be given the chance to become a baker himself. That of course was not how it happened to Mordechai. He had come to Warsaw innocently For boys like me, who, at age 13 or 14, had ready to take any kind of honest work, and, after hungering for several days, had simply been attracted con1e to Warsaw to make their fortune, the authorities had a foolproof system. You couldn't get a job in passing by the smell of fresh bread. unless you had a place to live. And no landlady Almost the moment he'd set foot in the store, could rent you so much as a straw mattress unless half-hypnotized by the intoxicating smell, he found you had a job. himself signed up for an apprenticeship of three Somehow, my brother Mordechai, in one of his years, for a salary of ten rubles a year, plus meals infrequent letters, had forgotten to mention this. and sleeping privileges on the bake-oven. All I knew was that he worked in a bakery, and if The word "union," of course, was unheard of, I came to Warsaw he would try to help me find the and a good working day could sometimes run for same sort of job. 22 or even 24 hours. To make up for this, I. for my part, was so impatient to get my travel however, you were free all Friday night and all day permit from the police, you might have thought Shabbos until sundown. The moment after I had Heaven-knows-what golden fortunes awaiting Havdalah, though, the boys panted back to the me. But having already once run away from bakery like condemned souls being lashed by demons Yeshivah (purely as an alternative to dying of and, with luck, didn't see sunlight again till the starvation), it didn't take any great promises to draw end of the week. me toward a new place and a new life. Unlike New York, whose bakeries, for several After several freezing, homeless days in Warsaw, decades before, already had steam-driven machinery dodging the police at night and eating dry rolls even for matzo-baking, all the kneading, mixing with coffee once a day, I finally found my brother. and baking in turn-of-the-Cenutry Warsaw was It was not that I didn't have his address. He merely still done by hand. In addition, wood had to be had neglected to write us that he came to his chopped for the ovens, barrels of water hauled from wretched dormitory to sleep only on Friday nights. the well, and flour from 200-pound sacks dumped The rest of the week he didn't get enough time into a huge vat and kneaded by hand. off between shifts to make it worthwhile leaving I remember the shock it gave me the first time the bakery. I saw my brother and two other boys immersed and The first time he saw me, he was so stunned with struggling through one of these swamps of flour exhaustion, he simply said "Sholom Aleichem," told and water, while the sweat ran freely off their brows and arms into the dough, and one of them, if you'll forgive my mentioning it, with a running This rnanuscript was adapted fron1 the Yiddish by SHIMON W1NCELBERG lVhose lrork has appeared in The New Yorker, nose adding its steady drip to the mixture. The New Leader and Con1n1entary. He is also represented in Best An1erican Plays of 1958/59 and Best American Short Thus they stood day after day, night after night, Stories, 1953. He lives in Beverly Hills, California. asleep on their feet while their hands continued to

24 The Jewish Observer / October, 1971 push, to stir, to clench and unclench. Already hy less concerned about losing his job than he was Monday they truly no longer knew when it was to find out whether his tefillin, after having been day and when it was night. baked, were still fit to be used. Except when things were busy, they got a breather The following week, when my brother told me for two or three hours, shortly before dawn. of a job available at another bakery, I thanked him During that time they didn't know what to do kindly and decided to pass it up. Hungry as I might first-wash, eat, sleep or say their morning prayers. have been, it took some time before I could once again sink my teeth heartily into a chunk of fresh Frequently, a boy would put on his tefillin and bread. D fall asleep. But, almost before he could start to snore, they were awakened and chased back to work. The quality of the baked goods produced under If you live out of the New York area such conditions I leave to your imagination. It would ••• this may be for you! happen sometimes that customers returned loaves of bread in which various unexpected articles had been found-a penknife, some eggshells, a cuff ~xt ,i.cxoll ,ititdios torn from a shirt, or, most frequently of alJ, a SEEKS SALES REPRESENTATIVES! half-smoked cigarette. Artscroll Studios is the largest designer and manufacturer In such cases, the offending bread was cheerfully of custom designed Hebrew-English invitations in the exchanged for another, and that was the end of United States. For the past JO years, we have served it. Truly, as the Talmud reminds us, "a pity on the thousands in the New York area with their wedding and baker who must praise his own goods." Bar Mitzvah invitation needs as well as with a full line Only once did it happen that a woman came of accessories. running in with a cry of outrage, and there were so Now, for the very first time we are expanding our I nvi­ many other women with her, they blocked the street. tation servic·e and are seeking me.n. and women who will What had she found that was so terrible? The represent us as Artscroll Invitation Consultants in their local communities. Because of the exclusive work done tefillin which are worn on the head. Obviously, by our design and print shop, the Artscroll Invitation one of the bakers had fallen asleep while praying, and Consultant will have virtually no competition! when awakened and sent back to work he had We plan to have one Artscroll Invitation Consultant in tried to finish his prayers while standing over the every major Jewish area, whom we will fully train in every vat. But apparently he had dozed off once more, aspect of Invitation consulting as well as provide with and none of the other bakers were sufficiently proven business building guidance. awake to notice that his head tefillin had fallen into We seek personable housewives or family men, who want the dough. to earn between $3,000 - $4,000 yearly, part-time, rep­ A perfectly understandable accident, I would resenting the Artscroll Invitation line. Sales ability as have thought. But this woman insisted that the well as graphic arts appreciation is helpful. offending baker be nothing less than arrested and Interested parties are requested to write giving back­ deported back to his home town. ground information about themselves. Please address correspondence to B. MILLER, Director of Franchise The master managed finally to calm her down by Operation, pointing out that this particular man happened to be the cleanest worker he had, because he didn't Artscroll Studios, 156 Fifth Avenue, smoke. The offending worker, for his part, was New York, New York 10010.

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26 The Jewish Observer j October, 1971 seen. We sang the service together Agudath Israel of America from beginning to end. There was involvement, commitment, partici­ 'o 0, cordially invites you to pation, kavanah as I have never experienced on the first day of ~ ~ Yam Tov. There was no sermon­ participate in its mereJy a d'var J"orah, no hazanut­ UNITED just ba' al tefillisheh davening; no 49th National Convention English responsive reading-rather Chevra Kadisha the cacophony of a hundred-twenty D'chasidim • Har Hamnuchot voice choir not always in tune. Founded 1856 Thursday noon thru Sunday There was no benediction-just forty children joining hands after BURIAL IN JERUSALEM November 25-28, 1971 Adon Olam, forming a huge circle AND ALL CEMETERIES IN ISRAEL around the center bimah, dancing (Thanksgiving weekend) a Hora to the clapping of adult hands and the spirited singing of • Havah Nagilah. maat1n sakobesh at the And we finished at 11 : 15 ! society Sheraton - Deauvile Hotel Now I ask myself, "Was the first 44 CANAL ST. day Sanctuary service a more au­ NEW YORK CITY 10002 Atlantic City, N. J. thentic Jewish experience for the Nr. E. Broadway Sta, "F" Train five lmndred proper, sophisticated Jews who attended? Or was the Day & Nite Phone second day confrontation for one WA 5-2277 The 49th National Convention hundred twenty far more profoundly of Agudath Israel of America educational and spiritual? What In Canada: is a colorful, exciting gathering would I accomplish if I were to Chevra Kadisha at which the foremost lay and eliminate Yam Tov Sheni? What would I gain if I retained the first of United Jewish Congregations rabbinic leaders of Torah Jewry day?" Montreal Tel.: 273-3211 face up to the contemporary And so I come to the intriguing challenges of K'lal Yisroel. conclusion that our entire approach "HADARECH" is completely fallacious. If we must E>. P.O.B. 1351 Tel.: 21111 Centrally lacated - Close to the Holy Places #{. FIRST SYNAGOGUE and MIKVA Beautiful Halls ~ufliu • for Celebrations for @rcqcstrus CLASS ,,,,,,,,,, 1» ,,,,,,,,; 1"' up to J ,000 people • HOTEL • Michael Harbater 77 Beautifully Furnished TWO RESTAURANTS Rooms - Air·condition, Dairy & Meaf (516) 239-2328 Central Heating, Private J. GRUENEBAUM Telephone and Bathroom, EXCELLENT CUISINE - Balconies. Superior Service The Management

The Jen:fah Observer / October, 1971 27 studied casualness (akin to the The Loose-leaf Machzor: "hand-crafted" leather goods flower children hawk on business streets, which look more like seconds from Forsaking the Eternal for the Relevant Orchard Street) with the decora­ tions in motif of Year-book' 57. And yet some pictures make strong emo­ It seemed pre-packaged for a tional statements-like the photo of the clothes line of taleisim JEWISH OBSERVER "Second Look." The brochure announced that "the ketanim flapping in the breeze (on United Synagogue of America the page with parshas tsitisis), or the (Conservative) and The Prayer one of people touching the Kosel ... Book Press of Media Judaica proud­ After closing the scrapbook, one ly announce . . . A Contemporary is overwhelmed with a heavy sad­ High Holiday Service." The stained­ ness. True, prayer may be said in glass decoration depicts a tree of any language, but why are the in­ 1ife, an electric guitar, an open tended readers of this "machzor" book, a rnogen dovid, and a peace removed from the true source of symbol. "Who are the authors of Jewish emotion-even in translation the new selections in this book? e.e. -and left to pry open their feelings Cummings, Eugene O'Neill, Morde­ with a paste-up of utterings by anti­ cai M. Kaplan, Abba Hillel Silver, Semities and infidels, pop artists and Norman Corwin, Anne Frank, The free spirits? Beyond doubt, young Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Abra­ emotions turn on to commercial ham J. Heschel, Karl Shapiro, Edna schmaltz more readily than to the St. V. Millay, Michael Quoist, The formal-sounding statements of gen­ Kotzker Rebbe, * Carl Sandburg, erations ago. But it is very depress­ Chaim Nahrnan Bialik, George San­ ing when these youngers are patted tayana, Herman Wouk, Viktor E. on the head and told that if Simon Frankl, a few teenagers." & Garfunkel turn them on more than Reb Elazar MiKalir (lehavdil), Our detractors (and many of our then that constitutes "a significant staunch supporters) could probably advance in Jewish worship." (All imagine us writing a set-piece about quotes are from the descriptive this publication, without even ex­ brochure.) When the profound con­ amining it-and we almost sue~ cepts of "Shalom" are confused with combed to the temptation. The mere "peace," they are reassured that alI idea of a loose-leaf bind is odious A great deal of care and feeling is AOK, for "it blends tradition with for (we quote) : "It allows for ad­ went into making this pastiche, and the immediate." They are encour­ ditions and deletions." After all, a --except for some glaring violations aged to pawn Dovid Harnelech's siddur is a direct bond to our Cre­ of good taste-it does work, in a harp for George Harrison's electric ator, as well as an indirect one link­ limited way, from a literary and guitar and they are told by Rabbin­ ing us to Hirn by generations of Jews visual standpoint. The introductions ical advisors that it is "in the spirit who poured forth these same pray­ to the prayers are simple and rever­ of the best of Jewish liturgy of the ers, through the saintly men of the ential. The English renditions of ages." They never strive for the goal Great Assembly who first put these many standard tefil/os are unusually of tefillah-"and my very being is prayers into words-not a scrap­ moving-totally without the King prayer," which was the sum total of book of current paraphernalia with J ames-ian trappings of the pastoral Dovid Hamelech's stance before accomn1odations for entries today, Thee-Thou-Thy's that burden G-d. Sacred words of the Anshei discards tomorrow. the usual translations. It comes as Knesses Hagedolah, which were a shock that one can respond to weighed and measured and counted But a "Second Look" deserves at the lyrics of singing groups whose least one close examination, and the and considered from every possible sound is customarily associated with vantage point, are "woven into the experience was surprisingly poig­ the "turn-that-thing-off!" cacophony nant. life-style of the 70's," and the sacri­ of WABC. lege is hailed with "unprecedented The total visual effect of the enthusiasm." * lehavdil 1oose-1eaf "machzor" is one of Tefillah is a difficult, arduous

28 The Jewish Observer / October, 1971 task. It can inolve generations of tears, 1nil1enia of scholarship, un­ Agrees With Call An Eligible Miss Complains: known heights of inspiration, or For Extravagance Control Distorted Values in Courtship even prophecy. Its makings can be found in a simple siddur or machzor To the Editor: To the Editor: for those who are willing to invest I always take pleasure in reading Rabbi Brenner's article about the effort (and, mind you, it does your magazine's stimulating and in­ luxurious weddings was a welcome take effort). But it does not come formative articles, and I adn1ire your re-examination of what unfortun­ in easy-snap, loose-leaf binders. courage in articulating uncompro­ ately has become an accepted fea­ [j mising Torah-true ideals. I was es­ ture of Jewish life. There is one pecially pleased to read Rabbi Bren­ aspect of the marriage ritual, how­ ner's "Community Control on Ex­ ever. that he only touched upon travagance" in your Tammuz issue, which should be examined further: for an open discussion of this critical courtship. As a young lady who is issue is long overdue. still on this side of the wedding LETTERS CONTINUED On numerous occasions I have extravaganza, I find much that had the zechus of hearing HaGaon needs correction. the inco111e range, however, must Reb Moshe Feinstein, shlita, pub­ For the record, however, allow devise a totally new approach to­ licly plead for restraint regarding me to state that I have no sympathy ward modest celebrations of per­ pursuit of material wealth, and for for Women's Lib. I have learned sonal simchas. limiting extravagance in au phases to understand that women are equal Indeed, I am confident that there of life. to men in the eyes of the Torah and are many in such a position who Similarly, the Satmar Rebbe, shli­ I personally look forward to my fu­ look forward to the zechus of sup­ ta, has in his chidushei Torah and ture role as an akeres habayis. porting married children as they droshos unrelentingly attacked the The following are some of the continue to pursue careers of Torah stress on materialism in our Torah sore points I was referring to: study and who also look forward to society. He has vigoriously called Looks: a wide participation of friends and for discipline in the luxuriousness of All your life you have been told family at the wedding celebrations our homes and the elaborateness of that beauty wasn't everything. There of their children-and are either re­ our festivities. are so many other things to offer a luctant or unab1e to invest thousands This vexing problem brings to man. Then the surprise-for a girl upon thousands of dollars on lavish mind the words of King Solomon: beautv is the most important thing. catered affairs. For them there must "Go to the ant, sluggard; consider A boy can be ... extremely homely, be another ans\ver. its \Vays and be wise." The ant is but ii does not matter. Looks do not J have personally participated in the symbol of industriousness; yet count for him . . . Somehow the weddings in the Skver community in when it co1nes to knowing one's o\vn whole idea smacks of the Jewish Rockland County where the wedding needs, the ant is a prime example of culture in the time of the Hellinists; dinner took place in a con1munal what nnt to do. Although it subsists they also worshipped beauty. hall, and the food preparations and on only two grains of wheat and Fcunil:v: the service were on the "haimishc" Jives for but one season. the ant The girl with irreligious parents level rather than professionally an1asses a vast amount of food. This is in sad straits. Her counterpart. catered. While the atmosphere suf­ fooJish and wasteful rationing of the boy, is luckier because you can fered none, the total cost was re­ tin1c and energy can remind us that overlook family if the boy has built duced by close to 80%. we must determine our own 1ife his own reputation as a "good boy" Some groups in Williamsburg needs, so we may sooner be con­ at a Yeshiva. have made similar use of the Beth tent with what we possess. We will That 1nost controversial cornmodity Ruchel School's dining hall. It is my then be able to wholeheartedly de­ Money: fervent hope and plea that there vote our energies and resources to Granted, the boys who do not go will be n1ore among us, in our met­ more important matters, in the to college and devote all of their ropolitan areas, who will take the realm of Torah and mitzvos. working hours to Torah study really initiative of adopting this more The current soul-searching days deserve financial help. But what modest style of celebration and of teshuvah are indeed a most op­ about the college boys-the day­ spare solicitious parents from an portune period of each of us to learners-and-night-students? I'd like impossible burden, while denying take a firm resolve in this vital someone to explain why a young nothing to their children. matter. couple needs $60,000 for starters, CHAIM Y. TRENK RABBI DAVTD GROSSMAN just to exist. There is a vast differ­ Brooklyn, N. Y. New York City ence between "helping out" and

The Je111ish Observer / October, 1971 29 the added advantage of a little ex­ In the meantime, her counterpart, perience and knowing her own mind the boy, has done quite well, for @ 71 a little more. But some friends are his value increases with age. He "settling" because of "security" con­ has more learning, more college, LETTERS CONTINUED siderations, while others insist that and is more mature. And he knows love only comes after marriage any­ he is worth more. He has refined "taking on a parasite" just so he'll way ... Perhaps ... In any case, his tastes and if a girl doesn't "hit marry your daughter who, even if she is not as starry-eyed as she was him" at the first meeting. he doesn't she is a great girl, is still only a at 18, not as insecure, not likely to have to bother anymore. If he is girl. Do they really need to go to play a role, but more likely to be worth anything at all, he probably Israel on her parents' money simply herself--and if he doesn't like it, has another date lined up anyway. because they have more than enough too bad. Of course, there is an explanation to spare? But at 20 her parents are getting for this situation. There arc more With the wife working and par­ pushy and starting to hint that she demands being made of a boy. He ents helping a little, if necessary, doesn't know what she wants. (She must be "frum" and learned. A girl one should be able to make ends knows-she just hasn't seen it yet.) need only be religious. There are meet . . . There should be a limit She is delicately referred to by those thus fewer really "good" boys than to everything, and it is a sick sys­ around her as "nebech, she isn't there are girls. If she happens to be tem that says one must go out with married yet." Mothers point her out smart that is an added bonus, but the highest bidder. to their I 8 and 19 year old daugh­ if a boy is not learned he is not The Age Factor: ters and say, "If you don't make worth bothering with. So apparently A girl of 18 is at the prime age, up your minds, you are liable to the boy who has "made it" has the even though she is an immature wind up like her." right to be as selective as he child right out of high school and is 22, and some boys are already chooses. likely to be infatuated with just refusing to see her. The 24 year old about anyone who comes calling ... fellows just happen to prefer 19 Still, I want to know why at al­ At 19 she is still "o.K." and has year old girls. most 20 I must be depressed and disillusioned. I am depressed when before I meet someone, they ask SHOP AT how much my parents are willing "to give." My parents \Vill give­ and happily, if he is worth it-but on their own, without being pressed. And I object to being put up for sale. Somehow, I think the Torah does not mean it to be this way. NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST

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30 The JewiSh Observer / October, 1971 STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT ORTHODOX JEWRY PAYS AGUDATH ISRAEL BACKS AND CIRCULATION {Act of October 23, 1962 Section 4369, Title 39, United States Code) LAST RESPECTS TO NEW PENNSYLVANIA L Date of Filing: October I, 1971 SCHOOL AID LAW; 2. Title of Publicafion: The Jewish Observer RABBI I. M. LEVIN, 3. Frequency of Issue: Monthly, except August WORLD AGUDAH LEADER CONDEMNS AMERICAN and September 4. Location of Known Office of Publication: 5 American Jewry paid its last respects JEWISH CONGRESS BLAST Beekman Street, New York, N. Y. 10038 • AGAINST TAX-CREDIT PLAN 5. Location of the Headquarters or General Busi­ to Rabbi Yitzchok .Meir Levin, as an ness Office of the Publishers (Not Printers): 5 overflow crowd at the Congregation Governor Milton J. Sha pp of Penn~ Beekman Street, New York, N. Y. 10038 6. Names and Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Anshei Sfard of Boro Park, Brooklyn, sylvania was warmly praised by Rabbi Managing Editor: Publisher-Agudath Israel of on Sunday evening, September 12th, Moshe Sherer, executive president of America; Chr. Editorial Board-Dr. Ernst L Bo· denheimer, 5 Beekman Street, N.Y.C.; Managing participated in a memorial gathering Agudath Israel of America, for "1noving Editor-Rabbi Nisson Wo!pin, 5 Beekman Street, marking one month since Rabbi Levin's speedily to rectify the unjust harm which '"·Y.C. 10038 7. Owner: (If owned by a corporation, its name passing. the state's non-public schools would ond oddress must be stated and also immediate· have suffered because of the recent U.S. Rabbi Levin, at the tin1e of his pass­ ly thereunder the names and addresses of stock­ Supreme Court decision." The Governor holders owning or holding ! percent or more of ing, was president of the world move­ total amount of stck. If not owned by a cor­ had signed a non-public school aid bill ment of Agudath Israel, president of poration, the names and addresses of the indi­ on Friday, which had been rushed vidual owners must be given. If owned by a the Israeli Agudah, and head of the partnership or other unincorporated firm, its name through the Legislature to replace the Agudah's representation to the Knesset. and address, as well as that of each indlvidual Jaw which the Supreme Court had ruled must be given.) Agudath Israel of America, 5 He had been the president of the Agu­ Beekman Street, New York, N. Y. !0038 unconstitutional. The new Jaw. basically dath Israel organization in pre-war Po­ 8. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and other a parent-aid concept, provides parents. Security Holders Owning or Holding - Percent or land, and a leader of the Agudist world More of Tota! Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or of children in non-public schools with movement since its inception in 1912, other Securities: None grants of $75 per pupil in the elemen­ 9. For Completion by Nonprofit Organizations when it was created to represent the Authorized to Mall at Special Rates (Section tary level and $150 per pupil in the needs and aspirations of Torah Jewry. 132,122, Postal Manual) The purpose, function, high school level. and nonprofit status of this organization and the Foremost leaders of the American e)(empt status for Federal income tall" purposes At the same time, Agudath Israel [ll"] Have not changed during preceding 12 Jewish community spoke at the memo­ months, rial gathering, including Rabbi Moshe issued a statement condemning the 10. This item msut be completed for all publica­ ing board. The excessive speed with tion except those which do not carry advertising Feinstein, chairman of the Moetzes Ge­ other than the publisher's own and which are dolei HaTorah (Council of .Rabbinic cial counsel Dr. Leo Pfeffer, for "blast­ named in sedans 132,231, 132,232, and 132,233, ing as unconstitutional a reported pro­ Postal Manual. (Sedlons 4355a, 4355b, and 4356 of Sages) of Agudath lsrael, who is gen­ Title 39, United States Code). A. Total No. Copies era!Jy recognized as the dean of the posal by a Presidential Con1mission of Printed {Net Press R•.m): Average No. Copies Each tax credits to aid non-public school, even Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 14,000. Adual American Roshei Yeshivos. Number of Copies of Single Issue Published before the plan has come off the draw­ Nearest to Filing Date, 13,250. B. Paid Circulation The program of speakers featured ing board." "The excessive speed with I. Sales through dealers and carriers, street ven­ leaders of various phases of Orthodox dors and counter sales: average no. copies each which the American Jewish Congres& issue during preceding 12 months, 8,700, actual Jewish life, including Rabbi David Sing­ attempted to shoot down the Presiden­ numbr of copies of single issue published nearest er. Rav of the host synagogue; Rabbi to filing date, 7,789; 2. Mail subscriptions; average tial Commission's proposal even before no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, Moshe Sherer, executive president of it was offered, indicates an unwillingness 3,300; actual number of copies of single issue Agudath lsrael of America, who chaired; published nearest to filing date, 3,536. C. Tota! on the part of this die-hard group to. paid drculatlon: average no. copies each issue Rabbi Nochum Perlow (Noven1insker permit any serious search to find con­ during preceding 12 months, 12,000; actual number Jlebbe), rnen1ber of the Moetzes Gedolei of copies of single issue published nearest to stitutional means to help the crisis­ filing date, ll,325. D. I. Free distribution {in~ HaTorah; Rabbi Moshe Horowitz (Bos­ ridden non-public schools .. , duding samples) by mail, carrier or other means: toner Rebbe), chairman of the Vaad average no. copies each issue during preceding Agudath Israel further charged that 12 months, 250; actual number of copies of single Hanhala of Agudath Israel of America; the American Jewish Congress is "in issue nearest to fifing date, 250. 0. 2. Copiet Dr. Isaac Lewin, chairman of the Amer­ distributed to news agents, but not sold: average reality against any and every type of number of copies during preceding 12 months, O; ican Section of the Agudath Israel World government aid to non-public schools, actual number of copies of single issues nearest Organization; Rabbi Simcha Elberg, to filing date, 0. E. Total Distribution (Sum of even such forms already ruled by the C and 0): average no. copies each issue during chairman of the Vaad Hanhala of the Supreme Court as constitutional. such as preceding 12 months, 12,250~ actual number of Agudas Horabonim; and Rabbi Mord­ copies of single issue published nearest to the supply of secular textbooks." It filing date, I !,575. F. Office use, !eft-over, un­ echai Lubart, who spoke on behalf of challenged the American Jewish Con­ accounted, spoiled after printing: average no. the Gerer congregations of New York. copies each issue during preceding 12 months, gress to support the provision of secular 250; actual numbr of copies of single issue The New York City memorial gath­ textbooks to non-public schools in those published nearest to filing date, 250. G. Total rsum of E and F-shou1d equal net press run ering was one of 12 such meetings which states where such service is not yet shown in A): average no. copies each issue during took place that week throughout the provided, "if the organization seeks to, preceding 12 months, 12,500; actual number of copies of single issue published nearest to filing United States and Canada, arranged by create the image of only opposing un­ date, 11,825. Agudath Israel of America, to mark the constitutional aid, instead of obdurately I certify that the statements made by me above den1ise of one of the most important being against even such aid as already ,:ire correct and complete. Agudath Israel of America Orthodox Jewish leaders of the past proven legal in the nation's highest Rabbi Moshe Sherer, Ell"ecutive President century. court." o·,

The Jewish Observer / October, 1971 3\ The future of the 40,000 children In the 250 CHINUCH ATZMAI Torah Schools is in jeopardy TORAH IN ISRAEL FACES GRAVE EMERGENCY Demonstrate your commitment lo the Eternity of our people in the Holy Land

"CHINUCH ATZM Al is the guaran­ "The needs of CHINUCH ATZMAI "I beseech you to send your sub­ tor and is responsible for Torah in should be the first and foremost con­ stantial contribution to CHINUCH Israel." cern of all Torah Jews." ATZMAI." Hagaon Reh Yecheskel Abran1sky The Gerer Rebbe Hagaon Reh Moshe Fe;nstein ANSWER THE CALL OF THE GEDOLEI YISROEL TODAY! What Can You Do: TORAH SCHOOLS 11NT;"I ;iiin;i '1::t1 nN l:i'i'' 1!.Vlt ,,,::1 FOR ISRAEL Clip and Mail Today $1,000 President's Club r------CHINUCH ATZMAI TORAH SCHOOLS FOR ISRAEL - 1 CHINUCH ATZMAI $750 Furnish a Classroom 156 Fifth Avenue 156 Fifth Avenue, New· York City 10010 $360 Supply Milk to o Class New York City, 10010 Gentlemen: Telephone: 924-8500 I herehy pledge the sum of $ .... for One Year as my contribution in ans"\\·er to the call of the GedoHm. $180 Sponsor a Child O Amount enclosed $100 General Membership D Kindly mai] statement NAl\iE ...... $54 Lunch Program m ADDRESS ...... $18 Educational Material r~·1 CITY ...... STATE ...... ZIP.. .. ~ Contributions are tax exenipt

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