KISLEV, 5736 I NOVEMBER, 1975 VOLUME XI, NUMBER 3 THE Ew ISH SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS BSERVER

Agudath Israel in Israel - Political Party or ''Torah Government in Exile''? 1Nl ,~,,- ,~ l 1\liri

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in this issue

A Jewish Observer Symposium Agudath Israel in Israel: A Political Party or a "Government in Exile"1 THE JEWISH 0sSERVER is published monthly, except July and August, Time to De-politicize I Leo Levi 4 by the Agudath Israel of America, Both a Party and a Movement I Joseph Friedenson 14 5 Beekman St., New York, N.Y. 10038. Second class postage paid at New York, N.Y. Subscription: Chanukah and "Hoda'ah" - $6.50 per year; Two years, $11.00; The Eternal Light of Gratitude I Zev Haberman 21 Three years. $15.00; outside of the United States $7.50 per year. Single copy seventy-five cents. The United Nations and Racism - a Statement 25 Printed in the U.S.A. Second Looks at the Jewish Scene

RABBI N1ssoNWoLP!N No Hiding Place in the Theater 26 Editor "They" I Joseph Rosenberg 29 Reform "Sloppy-Doxy" 32 Editorial Board DR ERNST L. BODENHEIMER Chairman RABBI NATHAN BuLMAN RABB! JOSEPH ELIAS JOSEPH FR!EDENSON RABB! MosHE SHERER

THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not assume responsibility for the K'Ashrus of any product or service Photograph Credits: pages 4-13, from Russian Immigrant Rescue Fund; pages 33- advertised in its pages. 35, Zelman Studios

NOV., 1975 VOL. XI, No. 3

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Leo Levi Agudath Israel in Israel: Time to De-Politicize 1/\118 ,~,~ 11t!JI1

For valid reasons, you enter a course of action. As time evaluate our course. goes on, this course becomes routine and you no longer Agudath Israel was formed "to advance Jewry and think of the reasons. Meanwhile, conditions change, and Judaism on the basis of the 'Religion', free of any someone challenges you: why do you follow this routine? political tendency"' and it worked in that direction, Your response is likely one of utter amazement at the more or less successfully, until the State of Israel was questioners naivete. As true as this is to most of us, it is founded. At that time, the spiritual leadership of even more true of organizations, which suffer from greater Agudath Israel decided that the battle for the survival inertia than individuals. of Torah in the secular state required that Agudath Israel become a political party. Only thus could it pre­ A man working on a vital aspect of Torah-survival vent legislation which would undermine the preserva­ recently told me: "Agudath Yisrael has offered us help, tion of Torah Umitzvoth in the country. It was a deci­ but I am afraid of affiliation with them; it might sub­ sion fraught with danger, but given the knowledge vert completely all my efforts."* It would seem that if available then, it was the best decision possible. In ef­ matters have come to such a state, it is time to re- fect, it excluded a significant segment of previously DR. LEVI. who immigrated to lsrael from America five years ago, heads the Dept. of Physics and Electro-Optics at Jerusalem College of * This man has organized a group of army veterans to save from the Technology. His published works include JEWISH CHRONONOMY. draft, girls who for religious reasons, do not want to serve in the APPLIED OPTICS, a definitive text; and articles in journals of Jewish army. The reader will appredate the importance of this effort in view thought, includingThe Jewish Observer. At Dr. Levi's request, his of the fact that, in many circles of Oriental Jews, a decent boy will not system of transliteration was followed in this article. marry a girl who has served in the army.

4 The Jewish Observer/ November, 1975 faithful Agudah membership who did not want to Indeed, this splinter-party approach has been tried in recognize the government as legitimate; and perhaps the State of Israel and the degree of its effectiveness is a many others who, for economic reasons, could not join matter of historical record: Such a party can have some a party that was the political adversary of their impact as part of a coalition government - its partners employer (or labor union). But no one could predict will avoid offending it as long as the issue is not impor­ what extent of anti-Torah sedition was in the offing, tant to them and as long as other coalition candidates and as a party, it was possible to attain some modest are even more demanding. Even in this position, results immediately. however, a small party carries limited weight aS Meanwhile, things have settled down.The effec­ evidenced by the experience of Agudath Israel who in­ tiveness of a religious party compared to other political itially joined the government when the State of Israel weapons can be evaluated on the basis of experience. was founded, but had to leave the coalition when it was And the secular camp had undergone a major evolution unable to prevent women's draft - a matter of highly made inevitable with the attainment of the Zionist goal. questionable military and economic value according to making Zionism itself superfluous. professionals.' Many Agudists are re-evaluating the party status of If the party is in the opposition, it is in a far weaker Agudath Israel and this paper is written to clarify that position yet. It must then wait for the rare occasions issue. Although the· main purpose is to present the when the coalition government is in a difficult position arguments in favor of abolishing party status and con­ over a crucial vote, and exploit these situations for some centrating the efforts on reviving the Agudah as a concessions. Invariably, however, these concessions powerful spiritual movement, an effort is made to pre­ will be either transitory or trivial. The constant pres­ sent the opposing arguments, as well. This paper sure, that the Jewish electorate exerts on both the should not be read as a suggestion to Agudath Israel - Democratic and Republican parties in the United the writer feels far from qualified to make such a sug­ States, is simply missing in the present set-up here. gestion; it is meant, rather, to present the arguments for An objective appraisal of the realities of the interplay change and provide evidence for their validity. of political power blocks in a modern democratic Each of the following sections discusses one major republic seems to imply that the American approach argument that militates for a return of Agudath Israel should be tried here also. The time seems to be ripe for to supra-party status. These are followed by counter­ this. In the last election, 75% of the elected represent­ arguments and suggestions. atives belonged to the two major parties. If the votes cast for religious parties would go to them also, a mere Effective Political Action 13% would be split among the secular splinter groups - a situation making a healthy two-party system feasible. TORAH IS NOT A PRIVATE RELIGION given to individuals. There is one serious limitation to this system: a major It is a national constitution, and the nation, as such, ac­ party will not compromise on a matter of principle - on cepted it. The responsibility of one Jew for the other a matter which will affect its basic position. Thus, at the (arevuth) goes far beyond concern for the spiritual time of the founding of the State, the ideological op­ welfare of our fellow. Hence, political activity has position of the socialist factions caused much difficulty always played a major role in Torah life. This is certain­ to Torah observance in the State. This opposition has, ly especially true today in the State of Israel. however, declined significantly. Except among the left­ However, political action can take many forms and wing Socialist Mapam faction, there seems to be little the effectiveness of various actions changes with time. opposition to Torah in principle. Already a number of For instance, a suggestion that U.S. Jews found a Batey Knesseth have been established on the secularist "Jewish Americans" party to protect and advance their socialist Kibbutzim, which used to be the major expo­ interests would not be taken seriously. The present nents of the opium-of-the-masses approach to Torah. system works well enough. Each of the major parties Even notorious secularist strongholds of yore, such as has a sizeable segment of Jews, and neither can afford Giv'at Brenner and 'Ein Charod have built Batey Knes­ to antagonize that segment, especially since there is not seth in response to the demands of their membership.3 much at stake. Thus the vital interests of American Many of the original Marxist leaders have died or Jewry are protected, provided it remains politically retired from political life and many others have come to alert. If, instead, its voting power were concentrated in see their erstwhile ideals as dead-end streets - or at a few representatives in the Capitol, it would surely be least have mellowed with age. Ugly remnants of this far less effective - even granted that a major portion of anti-religious bias still abound, especially among jour­ the Jewish electorate would vote for this party. This, nalists, and they can have devastating effects if left however, is a questionable assumption; it presupposes without response. But the general population is open­ that the voters would consider the goals of this party of minded and responds to an honest argument. The a significance overriding, for instance, economic con­ younger generation is, on the whole, too materialistic to siderations. worry much about such ideological dogma. They may

The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 5 oppose Torah legislation - but for different reasons. statistical evidence demonstrates that this form of However, more of this later. education leads to better citizenship and a reduction in In summary, at the founding of the State, the condi­ crime. Any government who would deny this right, for tions were less favorable to indirect political pressure ideological reasons, would cast itself in a totalitarian and this was, perhaps, the reason for the decision of the role and antagonize decent people throughout the Gedolim at the time to permit the formation of an world. The government here could not afford this. It Agudath Israel party. Now, however, the major objec­ knows that the Torah community is sufficiently well tions have evaporated and the decision of then may well organized - through rabbinic and lay organizations - be brought up for reconsideration. to quickly mobilize public opinion. It must be emphasized that all this does not mean a And here lies the crux of the matter. It is not enough relaxation of political efforts. In a Socialist-oriented to abolish the party structure. We must, simultaneous­ society, such as Israel, government influence pervades ly, organize other activities which will constitute in­ much of public life and this influence can be swayed direct political power. Fortunately these are the same and bent only by political pressure. But this pressure activities as those to which we are obligated anyhow in need not be in the form of a political party. our struggle to strengthen Torah. In other words, if we The segment of the old Yishuv in Jerusalem popular­ become effective as a spiritual factor, we will ly called "Neturei Karta" have no represenatives in automatically wield political power in a far more natural, and therefore less offensive, form than at pre­ parliament (they do not even recognize the govern­ sent. This we 'hope to demonstrate in the concluding ment), and yet they are not seriously interfered with, section on suggestions. even in such matters of basic governmental prerogative as military draft. Among the reasons for their success is So much for the effectivepess of political action. their organization and the strength of their convictions - these factors pose such a serious obstacle to govern­ Limitations of Political Action ment interference that it is not worth the trouble to en­ ONCE INVOLVED IN POLITICAL ACTION, we can lose sight force such laws there. of its role in our general struggle for the strengthening Chinuch Atzmai - the independent religious elemen­ of Torah. With all its importance, political action, in tary education system - is another example of political general, and legislation, have only short-term power far in excess of any party effort. In this system, significance. They can provide a hot-house for a tender founded and administered in the main by Agudath shoot, but will not make it grow; they can prevent a Israel, tens of thousands of children are given a Torah­ legislative foray against shemirath hamitzvoth but will rich education. Not only tolerated by the government, it not guard against inner decay. is almost completely supported by the government. By way of illustration, take the law of "marriage ac­ (This is, of course, no charity. The money is provided cording to halacha" -that a marriage or divorce must by the parent's taxes. On the other hand, the autonomy be performed by the Rabbinate in order to be valid. given to Chinuch Atzmai is a major concession on the This is perhaps the greatest concession to Torath part of the politician, whose prime currency is control Yisrael made by Medinath Yisrael, and it would seem over money and jobs.) Despite claims to the contrary, it that it performs a major "hot-house" function in the seems preposterous to believe that the government State. But let us see what happens in practice when agrees to this because of the three* Agudath Israel such a law is not based on the ethos of the general representatives sitting in the parliament, these being in p.ublic. the opposition, to boot. The accomplishment here is so The legislature here has elevated the common-law out of proportion to the power wielded by a tiny op­ "marriage" (yedu'a betzibur)to a level almost equal to position, that we must look to other power factors to that of an actual marriage, especially as regards social account for the success. All this is not meant to belittle security and other benefits. Here "common law mar­ the very important contributions to Chinuch Atzmai riage" refers to a couple living together as if man and made by these men. They invest much time and energy wife. Supreme Court decisions have ruled that this in­ to make the above-cited pressure stick. But this effort cludes such "marriages" even if the woman is actually does not require party status and party status does not married to another man4 , 5 By means of this simple seem to contribute to its effectiveness. device, legislature and court have effectively It seems obvious that public opinion, both local and neutralized the law of "marriage and divorce according foreign, is a major role in the decision to support to halacha" by providing the benefits of marriage Chinuch A tzmai. A substantial segment of the taxpay­ without actual marriage. ing population has the right to educate its children in Yet it may be unfair to blame the court alone. In the manner it believes correct, especially when justifying its decision to recognize such a "marriage," *Po'aley Agudath Yisrael do not participate in Chinuch Atzmai. On even if adulterous, the court cited the legislation in the other hand, they support it loyally vis-a-vis government officials. favor of common law "marriage" as evidence that such

6 The Jewish Observer/ November, 1975 Agudath Israel as a party must create the il­ lusion that it speaks for all Torah Jewry . .. ls it true that only 4% of the country's popula­ tion are true Torah adherents? Surely not! adultery does not conflict with public morals.' Legisla­ This transformation should be doubly spurned if it tion is ineffectual, in the long run, unless public opi­ becomes a serious handicap to the real task. That this is nion suports it: People who cannot obtain rabbinic indeed the case, we see presently. marriage (because their union is forbidden by the Torah) can simply enter a common law marriage. Handicap in Strengthening Torah But what about those who would like to be officially WE HAVE ALREADY POINTED out that the ideological registered as married? Even this can be arranged opposition to Torah has declined substantially since the without rabbinic approval. Any marriage which is founding of the State - and yet, in practice, opposition refused by the Rabbinate for halachic reasons can be to the efforts of Agudath Israel and other religious par­ performed and registered by any lawyer (provided it is ties seems to continue unabated. Why? Why do people halachically valid after the fact). 6 In effect, because of who see themselves as decent and liberal perpetrate lack of public support, the much acclaimed law of such indecent and totalitarian programs as the "marriage and divorce according to halacha" does not organized sedition of the children's aliyah - on a cover the marriages prohibited by the Torah - the cases wholesale scale as recently as twenty years ago with the where it is most urgently needed. children from North Africa, and on smaller scales all In addition, there is the possibility of a foreign mar­ along? riage or divorce, requiring only a quick trip to Cyprus The answer is quite simple. Opposition which used (or a letter to Mexico?). All this is the result of a slow to be ideological is, today, politically motivated. There process of erosion. Pressure is steadily building up is a constant struggle among the parties for members behind the demands for the abolishment of the religious and votes. With the present political constellation, the compulsion implicit in the present laws of "marriage secular parties correctly feel that a child who grows up and divorce in accordance with halacha." Let us face it; to keep the Torah is most likely to become a member of what to us is a minimal safeguard of the unity of the or voter for a competitor. Hence such a secular party is Jewish people, is to the secularist an offense to his forced by instinct of self-preservation to prevent a child freedom of conscience - how can we force on him the from growing up a Torah Jew. This type of thinking hypocrisy of proclaiming that he marries "in accor­ was laconically expressed by the late D. Ben-Gurion, as dance with the Law of Mosheh and Yisrael" when he reported by the newspapers at the time. The president does not believe in it? of the Great Synagogue of Tel-Aviv, a leading Mizrachi My point here is: with all the importance of political personality, D.Tz. Pinkus, a highly respected friend of. action, we should beware of overrating it. With all its Ben-Gurion, once suggested that he visit his shul at importance, it is secondary to work on the spiritual least once a year. The answer. "I, as a leader of Mapai, level - spreading the emunah which is the only ground cannot afford to visit a Mizrachi institution." Torah on which Torah-based legislation can flourish in the umitzvoth have become a political issue. long run. Supportive legislation can buy us time - and Of the many case histories wliich could be cited toil­ this time can be valuable if we use it to prepare this lustrate this point, let us take the group of Oriental ground. But if the political action distracts us from the Jews, recent immigrants, who had been settled in a real task of spreading emunah, it is worse than wasted Mapai village, Parod. They complained to the P' eylim effort. Certainly, such effort should not be permitted to (Israel's Torah Pioneer organization) that their religious shape the organization as a whole, to transform the needs were totally denied them and that they were supreme Torah movement into a mere political party, a prevented from giving their children a religious educa­ transformation which automatically tends to make tion. They asked the P' eylim to arrange to have them political considerations supreme and all others subser­ transferred to a religious settlement. The P'eylim turned vient to them; and which, in addition, serves to salve to both the Agudah and Mizrachi settlement offices - the consciences of all those who remain inactive to no avail. These refused to accept their oppressed cor­ because they are not directly involved in the legislative eligionists because of threats of the Mapai that they process. would start propagandizing for their own brand of

The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 7 Socialism within all the religious settlements. The (c) The integrity of Torah is further degraded when it P'eylim then turned to the head of the Mapai settlement becomes "known" what kind of deals, devoid of moral office and asked how he squared his conduct of considerations, are behind the occasional accomplish­ religious coercion with his own conscience. Again, the ments of the religious parties. Often these reports are reply was revealing: "A party cannot commit political fictitious; but they are believed because they are such a suicide. If these children grow up to be religious, they good imitation of the real thing. will vote Mizrachi or Agudah." The Mapai spokesman (d)Then there is the distortion of the public image of even offered to accept a Rav and religious instructors the strength of Torah life in the country, which is and pay their salaries, on the condition that they have caused by the deliberate effort to identify all true· no political ties. adherents with Agudath Israel. Is it true that only 4% of These incidents show to what extent party status is a the country's population are true adherents of Torah? most severe handicap in Chizuk Torah. One very active Surely not. worker in a spiritual "reaching out" program tells that Many of the strongest adherents to Torah do not when he visits homes, the first question usually is: vote at all. Many vote for other parties because they feel which party do you represent? and only after he reas­ they can accomplish more for Judaism that way. But sures the hosts that he has no party affiliation is he Agudath Israel as a party must create the illusion that asked in. 6 every true Torah Jew backs them, even if this creates All this, in conjunction with the obvious decline of the disgraceful impression of Torah being relegated to anti-religious ideology, points to the party-status of the role of a tiny splinter group, not much larger than Torah as a major obstacle in Chizuk Torah among the the "Citizens Rights" party. The very thought that general population. It seems amazing that the Tor ah strength can thus be measured is abhorrent. widespread disillusionment with the secularist idols How it hurts when we compare this state of utter does not lead to a return to Torah on a larger scale. Part debasement with the lofty goals that stood before the of the answer seems to be one of political party con­ eyes of the founders of Agudath Israel, who envisioned siderations; we will discuss another part at the end of a "Torah government in exile" - And now? A beggar this article. who makes his living by his ability to rock the boat - or We should ask the painful question: to what extent perhaps by insinuating himself into the good graces of would the mass seduction of the immigrant children his ideological enem'ies. from North Africa 20 years ago have taken place had ( e) And even worse than the above: Perhaps Torah Agudath Israel not been a political party? principles become debased even in the eyes of the political practitioners themselves. The inevitable deals Degradation of Torah - practicing "the art of the possible" - is bound to have a corrupting influence on his outlook and in­ ANOTHER FACTOR is the public degradation of Torah tegrity. caused by its identification with a political party. This (f) Furthermore, in time, the temptation to practice degradation has many faces. chanifah (flattery) presumably becomes all but irresisti· (a) It may be argued that the very existence of Torah ble. Our sages tell us that the Jewish people were con· in party form borders on kefirah.In the words of Isaac demned to destruction when once, in a weak moment, Breuer:9 they flattered, in a good-natured gesture, their power­ "After (secular Zionism) has dethroned the Torah ful king.10 If we put a man into a position where his and crowned the nation itself in its place, then it is main task is to wheedle concessions out of opponents - prepared to view with a kindly eye 'religion' - with good will one of his major instruments - can we just like other national trends; also to recognize expect him to remain free of chanifah? And, if not, can the 'religious party' just like other parties ... we afford the dangers of chanifah? Only Torah as the (ultimate authority)- that the (g) Obsession with the effort to remain in power sovereign nation cannot accept. The Torah in must slowly obliterate the loftier ideals that originally party form she can tolerate, and even welcome, motivated the politician. I recall when, during the re­ because Torah in party form is an acceptance of cent pre-election campaigns, representatives of the the nation as the sovereign."* religious parties were asked to tell the public how they (b) Cynicism and knowing smiles greet the Agudah saw their role. When the turn came for the Agudah representative when he speaks up for the maintenance representative to speak, I expected him to say:"We are of Torah values. "That is his line; that gets him his there to watch over the soul of the Jewish nation. votes." It is hard to believe in the sincerity of a speaker Everyone is so concerned over the body, that the spirit when his livelihood depends on his ability to "sell" is in danger of death from neglect - we are here to save Torah. the nation from spiritual death." His words? "There is a Torah commandment which obligates a Jew to ad­ *emphasis mine monish his fellow Jew on seeing him transgress Torah

8 The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 By eliminating the party status of the organization, we take most of the "profit" out ofits activity, and this would eliminate a good part of the potential sources of corruption. law. We take on this function in order to free the Torah political power is involved. By eliminating the party scholars from this obligation. Because we sit in parlia­ status of the organization, we take most of the "profit" ment, the Jew in Bnei Brak can learn in peace, without out of the organizational activity and this would having to interrupt his study to admonish." This state­ eliminate a good part of the potential sources of corrup­ ment, unabashedly aimed at the voters "back home" is tion. totally meaningless to the general public who need it The forms of decay described under (e - g) may be most. Such does political thinking permeate, in time, unavoidable. It is very sad when such happens to an in­ the mentality of even the best-intentioned Torah-party dividual professional lobbyist. But if the affected in­ man, limiting him one concern to please his electorate. dividual would stand as the representative of Torah in Another illustration of the corrupting influence of front of the secular public and the religious public, the direct political power can be seen in the lack of a degradation would be more than tragic; it would take national Agudah conference for the election of officials on the dimensions of chillul hashem barabbim. for over 22 years. Quite officially, all appointments are To sum up: The practice of politics, essential though made in the back room. Three years ago, a strong effort it is, carries with it the dangers of corruption of ideals was made to remedy the situation in preparation for the and destruction of personal integrity. With Agudath national elections. This effort received tremendous Israel a political party, such dangers could lead to a chil­ popular backing and the enthusiastic approval of the lul Hashem, defeating the very purposes for which it Mo'etzeth Gedolei Hatorah. Unfortunately, its execu­ was founded. tion was left in the hands of the established politicans. And, with utter contempt for the record 21,000 members who registered to vote in the national con­ Universality of the Movement ference of Agudath Israel, the conference set for Adar 5733 was postponed, until the announcement was made IF AGUDATH ISRAEL 15 TO UNITE all Torah-true Jewry - that time was too short before the national elections to all those who would like to see Torah govern both our hold the Agudah convention. I suspect that the plan­ private lives and the life of the nation - we must ners involved were conscious of only the highest eliminate all non-essential conditions for membership. motives- the good of Torah - in scuttling the conven­ According to the original statutes, any Jew who tion. Perhaps they feared that some less qualified men recognizes and accepts the authority of the Written and might be put in their places. Perhaps they feared that Oral Torah as binding on him and the People of Israel, the criticism sure to be voiced at the convention would can be a member. 1i. In order to qualify him to hold sully the public image of the party. These reasons are office, there is an additional requirement that the well known, and the outsider sees them differently. member must be a faithful and observant Jew. A third restriction excludes from the highest offices in Agudath I know the bright hope that this effort engendered - Israel members who are also members in organizations and the anger and despair that followed its abortion - who stand in opposition to the principles of Agudath because I was involved, albeit on the sidelines, with a Israel. nb 12 last ditch effort, by its initiator, to save the plan - an effort made by a precious Jew, who would not benefit These statutes reflect the broad base envisioned for from public funds, including even his salary as a the organization by the founders of Agudath Israel member of the first "Israeli"* parliament. (while simultaneously safeguarding its independent Such atrophying of ideals can happen in any status). organization; but the dangers are multiplied when the Let us compare this broad goal with the results of our stakes are so much higher, as they are when direct conversion to party status. This immediately acerbated the break with the Neturei Karta and lost additional *I use quotes around the word "Israeli" when used in the modern more moderate elements of the original Ashkenazi set­ sense, referring to the State of Israel, in contrast to its classical mean­ tlement in Jerusalem. This precious segment, having a ing, where it refers to the Jewish nation in its glory: "G-d will rule". burning dedication to Torah values, was automatically

The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 9 excluded when Agudath Israel entered the elections to Objections the parliament. Is this really so basic a principle that it is worth losing over it a part of our nation which in­ LET US NOW CONSIDER the two objections that are cludes some of its truest sons? And, on the other hand, usually raised against abolishing party status: there are others, dedicated to Torah, ready to work for I. The party ensures the maintenance of the status it, but sold on other - perhaps even strange - ideas, quo regarding Torah practice in the State. too. . . ideas which make them join other parties. What are the main accomplishments in this area? The Perhaps such membership disqualifies them from items most frequently advanced are Chinuch Atzmai; holding the highest offices in the organization, but here marriage and divorce according to halacha; curtailing we are excluding them, in practice, from the organiza­ draft of women, draft of Yeshiva students, and com­ tion altogether. If" all of Yisrael are responsible one for pulsory autopsies; and protecting Shabbath as the of­ the other" then a major duty of ours is to bring Torah ficial day of rest. knowledge to our brethren who have been deprived of it - and don't even know what they have been deprived Concernings Chinuch Atzmai, we showed already in of - to bring it to them in a form which makes it attrac­ the first section how totally unreasonable it is to credit tive to them. We have not been particularly successful party status, or participation in parliament, with this at this, But among these" rejects" of the party status are major accomplishment. A strong organization, a burn­ some of those most qualified for such work. These are, ing dedication to the ideal - yes; party - no. in fact, bringing back to Torah children and The law of marriage according to halacha, a holdover grandchildren of the very men who tried to uproot the from pre-mandate law leaving this to each religious role of Torah from our nation; yet they will not join us, community, was inspired by a desire to guard the unity because we belong to a different party. of the Jewish people. When this desire began to fade, What prevents this large group, the Chassidim of the law was undermined, bit by bit, so that, by now, it is Lubavitch*, from joining the Agudah? Perhaps their no longer very significant, as demonstrated in the sec­ spiritual leadership simply does not want to repel their ond section above. And if, G-d forbid, popular con­ many followers who have joined organizations opposed census would support its abolishment, a few opposition to the principles of Agudath Yisrael. Perhaps we have members in the parliament would not prevent that. here another very positive Torah force which we are ex­ cluding from our ranks because of our party status. • Agudath Israel as a party, even as a coalition member, was unable to prevent the passage of laws per­ It would certainly be naive to think that the Neturei mitting the drafting of women and Yeshiva students. In Karla and Chasidei Chabad would join Agudath Israel practice, these groups are given the opportunity to as soon as party status is abolished. But, on the other avoid draft for religious reasons - not as a matter of hand, such a step would eliminate a major source of an­ parliamentary action, but rather one of mobilizing tipathy and friction and would open the way for public opinion, of being able to convene massive pop­ detente. ular demonstrations and, in extreme casess, civil dis­ We must ask ourselves: Whatever we gain as a party, obedience; and these are not the monopoly of a party. is it worth the loss of all these valuable coworkers? More to the point, is it worth abolishing the lofty vision • The law of Anatomy and Pathology, which was to of an Agudah uniting all Tor ah-true Jews? Some safeguard the sanctity of the human body after death, founders felt that Agudath Israel was to be a sort of again illustrates how ineffective legislation is, unless it "Torah government in exile." There were those who re­ is backed by alert public opinion. The law here was cir­ jected this lofty vision as too dangerous. But there is cumvented simply by the mass-signing of "special" one accomplishment of Agudath Israel which earned it autopsy permits - and the religious parties stood by the admiration of all; it united all segments of Torah­ helplessly. The abuses were finally brought under con­ true Jewry, regardless of national origin, chassidic or trol after massive public opinion was mobilized by un­ non-chassidic affiliation. By converting it into a party, affiliated citizens groups here and abroad. we have destroyed the one accomplishment that was ununanimously acclaimed as a major achievement of • Shabbath is the official day of rest in the State of the organization. We must ask: what have we gained by Israel. According to law, an employer must demonstrate it? a threat of" severe economic damage" to obtain a Shab­ bath work permit for his employee. The special com­ *Perhaps the reader is not aware of the fact that the then Rabbi of mittee, composed of government ministers which must Lubavitch sent expressions of identification {and apologies for his in­ approve every such permit, delegated this right to an ability to attend} to the founding conference at Kattowitz {13) as did official and this eventually led to wholesale issuance of also Rav Kook {14). The former even participated, through personal Shabbath work permits, with Agudath Israel unable to delegates, in the preliminary deliberations at Bad Homburg in 5669 do anything about it. The situation changed drastically (15). only when two Orthodox academicians got involved,

10 The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 Neturei Karta is not interfered with even though it has no direct party representation. The days of active, ideological opposition to religion are long over. via the independent Institute of Science and Halacha. basis of the above-cited precedent, we may assume that They initiated the establishment of two secondary com­ the appointment in question is permissible, in principle. mittees - one to pass on each permit and one to in­ The reader should also note that sending a G-d fear­ vestigate the claims. They obtained seats on these com­ ing delegate to the parliament, too, is questionable from mittees and, by means of technological know-how and the halacha point of view. Each member of the parlia­ effective diplomacy, were able to invalidate 1500 such ment must pledge allegiance "to the State of Israel and permits in the course of just one year.16 its laws." A number of these laws** contradict Torah If no car enters Me' ah She'arim on Sabbath, this is laws and, therefore, pledging such allegiance seems, on obviously not due to the efforts of any party, only the the face of it, to be a denial of the sovereignty of Tor ah, dedication of its inhabitants. In contrast, there was a chas vechalilah. municipal coalition agreement that cars would be ex­ cluded from Bayit Vegan on Shabbath; but the Agudah members of the City Administration never bothered to Advantages follow it up, so that there are still occasional cars corn­ LET US BRIEFLY REVIEW the advantages accruing from ing in (providing welcome entertainment for the kids the existence of a religious party'. who relish shouting "Shabbes! Shabbes!"). (a) At the municipal level, where budgeting, rather It may be that religious parties have contributed than legislation, is the major concern, many consider as something to maintaining Shabbath sanctity in the vital the presence of an organized party to concern itself State, but certainly not as a major factor. with the requirements of the religious institutions. 2. According to the halacha, do we have the right to Also, the local religious councils (analagous to the con­ vote for a party if we know that we are thereby causing gregational administration in the States) are presently a non-observant Jew to be elected to the parliament? chosen on the basis of party - a situation which would The Rambam writes"" Anyone who is not G-d fearing, have to be changed if the religious parties were even if he is very wise, is not appointed to any appoint­ abolished. ment in Yisrael." On first sight, this precludes us from Of course, in any municipality, those interested voting for secular parties. The case does not seem so could still form a party-like block which would not clear-cut, however. At the beginning of the State, have to have any formal connection with Agudath Agudath Israel was partner in government coalition, Israel. implying that they voted for the ministerial slate which (b) Although we pointed out that legislation in sup­ consisted of many men who openly declared themselves port of Torah-requirements is of limited usefulness, we not to be G-d fearing. This is certainly an appointment re-emphasize here that such legislation is nonetheless far more direct than a mere vote in an election, and yet useful and, if religious parties were abolished, alter­ it was twice approved by the Mo'etzeth Gedolei Torah, native means of obtaining such legislation would have the supreme Rabbinical body of the Agudah.* On the to be found. (c) When government decisions are made, these may *On what basis did they permit this? No details si:em to have bi:en have a bearing on Torah needs in a non-obvious way. published concerning the halachic justification. On the other hand, a The presence, at the relevant meetings, of an observer well-founded conjecture is difficult to arrive at, since the source of with Torah interests at heart may help avoid harmful the Rambam's statement is not known. Note, however, that the Ram­ decisions which may be very difficult to undo after the bam's statement is not in the form of a real prohibition; perhaps it is fact. A religious party in the government is the most meant only as a recommendation, which may be set aside when the interests of Torah demand it, under unusual conditions? In the opi­ **In addition to a number of laws recently cited in JQ19, there is, for nion of some Ged0Jim1 5 an "appointment in Israel" means only an instance, the law of conscription of women which, according to many appointment within the Torah fr::.mework. An appointment to a body Gedolei Torah is not only in direct contradiction to Torah, but even which declares itself as unbound by Torah is not "in Yisrael" and one falls into the category that demands martyrdom, if necessary, to avoid may therefore appoint even non-G-d-fearing men to it. transgre5sion (yehareg ve-al ya'avor).

The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 11 natural way of ensuring such a presence - but alter­ publishes a thought-provoking periodical, native ways could, in principle, be found, and this Machsheveth, which has much valuable influence would be advisable should the religious parties be among the serious youth in the country. abolished. I recently heard of a group started not far from our (d) When we pointed out that on many important is­ house last Pesach for a few T zabra students who sues the religious parties were unsuccessful, we did not wanted to return to their heritage. After seven months consider the converse: would public opinion alone have it has grown to a hundred. succeeded without party effort? It is obviously impossi­ One can envision how, with a bit of planning, a large ble to know this with certainty. scale network of Torah instruction would revolutionize (e) Another question arises in reference to Mizrachi the spiritual state of a major segment of the community. (the National Religious Party). The full benefits of Great as the present efforts are, a great deal of their abolishing the religious parties are obtained only if all political power is wasted by the fact that they are scat­ such parties are abolished. If, for instance, only tered and isolated. They are condemned to this isolation Agudath Israel were abolished as a party, many former by the party-status of Agudath Israel, which forces Agudah voters might vote for Mizrachi; Torah would them to avoid affiliation in order to preserve their effec­ still remain a party matter and a number of the above­ tiveness. Surely such a network could be a backbone of mentioned advantages would be voided. popular power if unified in a movement standing above The situation is very unpleasant, whichever way we petty party strife. approach it, and we must be content with choosing the The organization and nurturing of such a network least evil. would be a far better utilization of the excellent ad­ ministrative and organizational power of the party Suggestions and a Warning representatives who, at present, waste away spiritually in the parliament, unappreciated and continually WHAT, THEN, SHOULD AGUDATH ISRAEL in Eretz Yisrael do to safe-guard the spiritual welfare of the Jewish frustrated. community here? • Newspaper A few suggestions come to mind immediately. They It is not enough to work with the large masses of are certainly not new, but have never been implemented population which are not politically active. Contact on an appropriate scale. must also be established with the intelligentsia, who in­ • Popular Shey'urei Torah fluences the social and political trends. This may be Large segments of the population, especially from the done effectively through the establishment of a news­ paper of stature. This paper would have to cover all so-called Oriental communities, are still loyal to the significant local and world news as objectively as possi­ Torah (though in practice they may be weak because of ignorance). They are, however, unable to transmit their ble, including weekly summaries of parliamentary faith to their children because the foundations for this debate. Even exposes, if handled factually and with faith were never developed beyond mere tradition. This dignity - and without favoritism - could be an impor­ accounts for the enormous defection from Torah in tant part of the reportage. In addition, analysis and these sections of the community. evaluation of the news would be included; here the point of view of Torah would automatically and tacitly Shey'urei Torah(classes in Torah study) established become evident. Such a paper could easily become a in the communities where these people are concentrated "must" for every politically alert, intelligent citizen would be welcome, if handled appropriately. A and, consequently, an effective watch-dog over the wonderful effort in this direction has already been politician. It would also provide a vitally needed started by Agudath Israel: Resheth Shey'urei Torah" counterweight to the violently anti-Torah propaganda provides Torah instruction, often on a vounteer basis, which is presently found in most of the major news­ to some 7,000 people in urban centers. Perhaps this papers here. In English translation, this might be very could merge with the Tenu'ah Lehafatzath Hatorah21, welcome reading matter for Jews in the Golah who are which has established in outlying settlements 23 kol­ presently forced to content themselves with the anti­ lelim of young men who are committed to spend a Torah "Israeli" paper available in English. specified part of their day to Chinuch work within the community. The success of one young Ben Torah in the • Lecture Series in Kibbutzim spiritually desolate town of Migdal Ha' amek has A major segment of "Israeli" intelligentsia is located already become legendary22. in Kibbutzim. These are isolated, running the risk of Another group, Moresheth Avoth, has organized ap­ serious intellectual inbreeding. Many of the younger proximately 100 shey'urim in outlying settlements and, generation in the Kibbutzim are earnestly seeking their through its subsidiary El Hamekoroth, provides regular heritage and are having a hard time finding it. Lectures lectures on Torah ideology in high schools and and symposia on our Torah heritage would, in many

12 The Jewish Observer/ November, 1975 cases, be enthusiastically welcomed, if untainted ble for the devastation of Judaism in America. It is not politically. This is a tremendous need, crying for atten­ aggressive, like Marxist ideology; it does not attack; it tion. does not coerce; it merely gives an alternative option - and yet, if we neglect our work, it is no less deadly. • Revitalization of Public School Education This accounts for the strange paradox: on the one The need for a modicum of appreciation for our hand, a pronounced decline in the militantly anti­ Torah heritage has long been recognized by secular religious sentiments - even the remaining old liners educators. However, past efforts to inculcate such ap­ don't seem to have their hearts in it; and, at the same preciation have invariably failed because they never time, we see strong defection from the Torah camp. I could be transmitted effectively by people insincere quote just one piece of evidence and offer just one about these values. Once out of politics, the Agudah typical fact as an explanation: Torah-true families could well play a role, providing manpower for a have, on the average, many more children than do Torah-program within the secularist educational secularist families, so that one should expect the system, as well as contributing to the teacher training elementary school population in the religious schools, programs, manpower capable of developing in the taken on a percentage basis, to rise rapidly. In fact, it teachers appreciation for the national importance of the has remained essentially stationary for the past twenty inculcation of Torah values. years. The figures are 68.5%, 25.1%, and 6.4% for 5733 Many more approaches are possible and have been vs. 68.5%, 24.5%, and 7.0% for 5714, for general suggested. If we but start - divorced from party politics government schools, religious government schools and - we will find the general community thirsting for such Chinuch Atzmai schools, respectively.22 How does this programs. come about? One of my students, who comes from a • And now a word of warning: rural area, tells me that from his whole class in a Our earlier description of the decay of the Marxist religious high school, he is the only one who remained anti-Torah ideology may have given a false picture of religious. On the elementary level the situation is no the dangers confronting Torah values. It is true that the better, especially since there often is very little secon­ virulent anti-Torah ideologies are on the decline; but dary education follow-up within the religious com­ they are being replaced by an ignorance of Torah and a munity except for those learning limudei kodesh ex­ liberalism which are no less dangerous. The average clusively. high school graduate here is hardly aware of his What is the significance of this decline of Torah­ national ties; he may feel closer to his Arab neighbors adherence at a time when anti-Torah sentiments, too, than to the Jew on the remote American continent. If he are on the decline? It seems to me that this points to a feels religious needs, he may as easily turn to Reform failure on our part. Gone are the convenient bogey Judaism as to Orthodoxy, so that Liberal, Conservative, men; we can no longer blame others - they are ob­ and Reform Judaism are beginning to take hold here, viously on the decline, too. Let us finally examine after years of contemptuous rejection. And the dangers ourselves, discover what we are doing wrong, even if it of liberalism are likely to be well-known to the hurts, and, if it turns out that we have gotten onto the American reader; it is probably the force most responsi- wrong road, let's get off it - for Heaven's sake. l'i'.

REFERENCES 9. Moriah, 2nd ed., Jerusalem (5714); pp. 206-7. 1. From the motion founding Agudath Israel (Kattowitz 5672) E.g. 10. Sotah 41. a. "Agudas Jisroel", office of A.Y. Frankfurt a/M (ca. 5673); p.69 11. Organizational Statutes of Agudath Israel World Organization b. H. Friedenson, "A Concise History of Agudath Israel" in (a) Par. C; (b) Par. D. Yaakov Rosenheim Memorial Anthology, Orthodox Library, New 12. Y. Breuer, Moriah, 2nd ed., Jerusalem (5714)i p. 219. York, (5728/1968); p.8. 13. Ref. la, p.121. 2. Dov Stein, Chief Programmer, Israel Treasury Dept; oral com­ 14. Ref. la, pp. 115-117. munication. 15. O. Reichel, [saak Halevy, Yeshiva U. Press (1969); p.112. 3. Israel Ministry of Religions, Dept. of Synagogues; written com­ 16. Prof. A. Halperin, Torah Umada, Assoc. Orth. Jew. Sci.; Israel, munication. Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 4-6. 4. Piskei Din (Israel Court decisions); Vol.16 (1962) Civilian Appeal The number is based on an oral communication by Prof. W. Low. 384/61, p.102. 17. Mishneh Torah, Hil. Melakhim 1. 7. 5. !bid, Vol. 20, Pt. 3 (1966) Civilian Appeal 563/65, pp. 24-252. 18. Harav Yitzchak Hutner, oral communication, 5 Kislev 5735. 6. Ibid, Vol. 24, Pt. 1 {1970) High Court of Justice 51/69. pp. 704- 706. 19. M. Shonfeld, JO Cheshvan 5735. 7. S. Hoffman (Coordinator of P' eylim at the time); oral communica­ 20. M.D. Ludmir. JO loc. cit. tion. 21. E. Toshavi, JO Nissan 5731. 8. M. Cheshin, Chairman, Sa'ad Ruchani; oral communication. 22. Statistical Abstracts of Israel, No. 24 {1973) Table XXII/12.

The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 13 Joseph Friedenson Agudath Israel in Israel: Both a Party and a Movement Agudath Israel's function as a political party in Israel has been subjected to all sorts of criticisms in the previous article - ranging from being contrary to its historic mission to proving counter­ productive in simple pragmatic terms. Mr. Friedenson demonstrates with historical precedent and contemporary evidence that Agudath Israel in Israel does, indeed, have a productive role to play for the furtherance of Torah as an active political party.

A History of Partisan Activity Rabbi Moshe Halperin, Head of the Rabbinical Court in Lodz; Rabbi Avrohom Perlman, Head of the Rab­ binical Court in Warsaw; the Rav of Lublin, Rabbi The European Precedent Meir Shapiro; the Reisher Rav, Rabbi Aharon Levin; REACHING BACK to Agudath Israel's earliest years as a Rabbi Mordechai Dubin of Riga n:iiJ':> om:i1; also 71J' movement - before the creation of the state in 1948, O"n':> Rabbi Mendel Chodakov, still a leading figure in which introduced special circumstances - the Agudah the Lubavitcher movement. During their tenure in the had already assumed party status in a number of various legislatures, they and the other distinguished countries. True, Moreinu Yaakov Rosenheim - at the Agudah members formed coalitions and entered founding conference of Agudath Israel, in the platform negotiations with all segments of non-religious Jewry he presented in Kattowitz in 1912 - envisioned an as well as with non-Jews. Agudath Israel free of any party tendency. But that was Obviously, the Agudath Israel of the Chofetz Chaim, in the relatively calm pre-war world of 1914. When the Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzenski, and the Gerrer Rebbe smoke cleared from the shambles of Eastern European saw no violation of its historic mission in becoming a Jewish life in 1918 and Poland gained its freedom, it party, courting votes, and negotiating for concessions became clear to the Gedolei Torah that Jewish interests whenever general Jewish interests - and particularly demanded that Agudath Israel, which was founded to religious interests - could be safeguarded. (Among the restore to the Jewish people the Torah as its national significant gains of that period were the securing of the soul, should assume the role of a Torah party to further religious status of the kehillos; the protection of and protect the religious interests of European Jewry. shechitah - ritual slaughter; and the protection of the For this reason, in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and to a right of Jewish children to pursue their education out­ certain extent Rumania, Agudath Israel entered the side of state schools - which was in danger of being political arena and presented candidates for office. abolished, not only by virtue of agitation of non-Jews, Among the religious parliamentarians during the inter­ but at the instigation of secular Jewish parties. war years were such towering rabbinic personalties as When statehood came to Israel, the Torah greats did not rely on the precedents of Eastern Europe, for daas JOSEPH FRIEDENSON, editor of Dos Yiddishe Vort, is the General Torah decisions must be reevaluated as circumstances Secretary of Agudath Israel of America, and serves as a member of change. the Editorial Board of The Jewish Observer.

14 The Jewish Observer/ November, 1975 The Israeli Setting that such participation is forbidden or at least wrong is THE ISRAELI SITUATION was indeed different, for it to impugn the judgment of Gedolei Yisroel especially could be argued that participating in Israeli politics ipso since the establishment of the State. facto constitutes a recognition of the secular Zionist ideal, and the State as its ultimate expression. Further, it Politics: The Risk of Corruption was argued that any collaboration with non-and anti­ vs. Pragmatic Advantages Torah Jews is unconditionally unacceptable. Yet these arguments - as compelling as they sound - are not AGUDATH ISRAEL IN ISRAEL, or anywhere else, is not simple. In Czarist Russia, the greatest Torah authorities above criticism. Like all areas of human activity and all of their time - Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Spector (Kovner temporal institutions, it has not attained perfection, nor Rav), Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik (Brisker Rav), among does it show any signs of doing so in the foreseeable others-participated with secular Jewish representatives future. It is not the purpose of this article to claim that in taking action to safeguard general Jewish interest the performance or the leaders of the Israeli Agudath (i.e., the St. Petersburg asifos ). (These meetings were Israel are without blemish. The argument must be far removed from membership in religion-based whether the gains to be realized from political activity organizations such as the Synagogue Council of are appreciable enough to justify the possibility of un­ America and the New York Board of Rabbis, which savory side-effects: imply recognition of Reform and Conservatism as ls it worthwhile risking becoming tainted? Does it legitimate expressions of Judaism.) pay to expend valuable energy on constant vigilance Participation in the Israeli government also found a and the waging of wars against internal corruption? close parallel in the kehilla structures of many Eastern And if political activity is so essential to the security European communities, where Agudath Israel sat with and expansion of religious life in Israel, would this ef­ blatantly anti-religious parties. To be sure, the advent fort not be more effective and preferable within other, of a Jewish State ushered in questions of even broader majority parties - as Professor Levi advocates? Why considerations, both in terms of ideological implications even bother with an independent party status of and opportunities to be seized. Therefore, the Torah "negligible significance"? leadership of the time met, debated, and deliberated. An Contrasting the Israeli political realities with the outstandingly congent presentation of the various American two party system is basic to understanding arguments and considerations can be found in an essay the importance for Agudath Israel to maintain its cur­ by Rabbi Reuvain Grozovsky, who was then head of rent form as an independent party, regardless of some Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah (Council of Torah Sages) of obvious drawbacks. the Agudath Israel of America, in his "Ba'yos Haz- man. " The American Israeli Differences The decision of the Gedolei HaTorah in 1948 was to order the Agudath Israel in Israel to become a political The U.S.Power Base: a Swing Force Within party. As a matter of fact, many recall Knesset election the Major Parties rallies in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak in 1955 at which IN THE UNITED STATES political parties in the European Rabbi Aharon Kotler and Rabbi Zalman Sorotzkin and Israeli sense do not exist. An American President - among many others campaigned for the Agudah even an immensely popular one - has absolutely no parliamentary list. Further, at virtually every election in power over federal, state or local officials of his own Israel, the Agudath Israel list had the ardent backing of party unless they are appointed directly by him. The almost all recognized Gedolei HaTorah in Israel, in­ national Democratic and Republican parties hibernate cluding the saintly Belzer Rebbe and (some twenty between Presidential election years. Every American years ago) the Brisker Rav. President has discovered to his humiliation that his per­ Since 1948, few acknowledged Torah greats (with sonal campaigning, especially in mid-term elections, the obvious exception of those who have historically means little except for the votes of his own and his can­ differed with the Agudah ideology) have even sug­ didate's cousins. There is absolutely no area of national gested that the Agudah withdraw from the electoral life save for political patronage that is dominated by the arena. To inveigh against the very principle of Agudah parties. Israel is totally different. Party power and as a political party is to say, in effect, that the Torah affiliation determine and control, permeate and color giants of the 1918 era, the 1948 era, and all the others everything from jobs to health insurance to local since then, are either unaware of, or disobedient to, the religious councils. It is most unfortunate, but all too dictates of Torah. It would certainly be pertinent to true, that the Israeli without a party is tantamount to write an authoritative review of the reasons and the man without a country. American Jewry has no halachic justifications for party status, Knesset and need to form a Jewish-Americans Party. The decisive even cabinet membership - as Rabbi Grozovsky indeed role of the Jewish vote in key electoral states, Jewish in­ did - but to raise questions with the clear suggestion terest and largesse in dispensing campaign support and

The Jewish Observer/ November, 1975 15 The splintered multi-party system in Israel, where the ruling coalition has a partisan ma­ jority, and every faction asserts considerable influence, is simply no comparison to the all­ encompassing two-party system in America. contributions, and Jewish know-how can do far more numbers. It not only enhances the size of the govern­ than a tiny minority party could to assure consideration ment's majority in a vote, it helps keep fractious of Jewish needs and interests. members of the coalition in line. Thus, Agudah's Nearly as important is the American tradition of each representatives have always been courted by the coali­ political party as a servant of numerous groups and in­ tion leaders and have, therefore, been able to quietly terests, the undeniable religious roots of America, and­ win concessions all along. The contention that Agudath most important ot atl - the American political tradition Israel could not win anything of significance is, by the of compromise and ideological accommodation. This very nature of the parliamentary games played in tends to blur and reconcile differences and provide at Jerusalem, unrealistic, and factually incorrect - as we le<..st a smidgen of consideration to all legitimate view­ shall show. points. Multi-party states like the Israel of today and The Knesset: A National "City Council" the France of pre-De Gaulle days are totally different. Each party represents a narrow point of view and an ANOTHER ADVANTAGE to Knesset membership is not so unyielding belief in its own formula for saving obvious to an American, who - conditioned to the im­ mankind. Israel may have the appearance of a two­ mense size of his country - naturally thinks of the party state because its two leading parties garnered 75% Knesset as being similar to Congress - far removed in of the total vote, but even these two party groups are terms of distance, understanding, and empathy from uneasy coalitions of other parties, each with its own the people it governs. The congressman from Grand structure, policy, and leadership. Disbanding of Rapids - whether he sits in the House or has made it to Agudath Israel would give it no significant influence the White House - is little concerned with the plight of within the other parties. On the contrary, religious New York City. rights would be trampled without even the protection Israel is different. With a population of only 3.5 mil­ and forum of Knessef representation. lion, and the size of one of the smaller American states, Moreover, there is little opportunity for a segment its Knesset is more like a city council. Its 120 members within a major party to safeguard the electioneering have a staying power comparable only to the favorites promises exacted once in four years in return for voting of a big-city machine boss. The Knesset becomes a club for the larger group. Ample proof of this is the ineffec­ whose members become chummy despite deep tiveness of the religious sector of the Histadrut ideological differences that erupt into battles on the (Ma' arach), headed by Rabbi Menachem Hakohen. By floor. In such a setting, the most important business is contrast, a constant Knesset presence offers daily op­ often disposed of in the members' dining hall over a portunity to stand guard on old concessions and to gain glass of tea. Knesset members are able to win favors and new ones, as we shall point out arrange quiet deals simply by virtue of knowing how to play the game and with whom to play it. That is an ad­ Israel: The Power of an vantage that no non-party organization can enjoy or "Insignificant Minority Party" exploit. (For confirmation, ask Ralph Nader or John THE VIEW THAT A MINISCULE Agudath Israel Knesset Gardner of Common Cause.) delegation of only three or four members cannot be The Knesset as a Public Forum more than an irritant to the large parties would seem to be logical, even compelling - but such is not the case in THE ISRAELIS are a radio-listening, press-devouring Israel, especially in its current political state. The Rabin people. As Professor Levi tells us, those in control of government has a paper-thin majority. The govern­ the media in Israel are fiercely anti-religious - much ment is so fragile that, had it not been for the constant more so than the general populace. Until the Agudath state of national emergency, it would have long since Israel publishes a widely-read popular newspaper (that fallen. In such a situation, an additional handful of exceeds its Hamodea in reachJ, it has scant opportunity votes assumes importance out of proportion to its to mold popular opinion.

16 The Jewish Observer/ November, 1975 Public demonstrations that shun the Black Panther Agudath Israel pressures brought forth recognition, violence route receive little attention outside the con­ and growing financial support for Chinuch Atzmai as a fines of Kikar Hashabbat, or wherever they are con­ third, unfunded track, eventually winning significant vened, unless they attract the participation of some funding. Those who find this too tall an accomplish­ 30,000 demonstrators. How often can one depend on a ment to credit to a small party simply are not well turnout of such proportions? versed in the facts of Israeli political life, and lack the On the other hand, the Knesset proceedings receive kind of awareness of how things happen that prompted nation-wide attention, and even a lonely voice of objec­ so many of the Torah leadership (from Rabbi Aharon tion is heard - both within the confines of the Knesset Kotler 'i"~T, to o~n'i 'ii:l' Rabbi Eliezer Menachem and throughout the land. Even a representation of one Schach, among others) to publicly praise Agudah Knes­ is worthwhile to articulate the Torah point of view on set members for their commendable accomplishments the countless issues that arise - from threats to per­ in this very area. sonal modesty (i.e. sheirut le'umi) to national security Of course, in the last few years, the government has (return of shetachim for guarantees of non-aggression). realized that its own school systems are comparatively The Fruits of Knesset Activity bankrupt. But that does not mean that the struggle for full acceptance and support is all over. There are still THE CONTENTION THAT CHINUCH ATZMAI - the many battles yet to be waged on behalf of Chinuch Atz­ independent network of Torah Schools responsible for mai - especially in regard to funding for extra hours, the education of some 40,000 boys and girls throughout evening classes, and a huge transportation budget, all Israel - would be as generously funded as it is today but ignored by the government. even if there would be no Agudath Israel party is simp­ Tash bar ly not grounded in fact. THE OFFICIAL SANCTION to operate Tashbar-the Professor Levi argues that governmental support of completely independent, Yiddish speaking schools that Chinuch Atzmai is inevitable as a response to public have little or no secular studies-was gained through opinion, as an obligation because of taxes paid by the personal intervention of Rabbi Yitzchok Meir Torah Jews, and as an outgrowth of the government's Levine when he represented Agudath Israel in the realization that such education leads to a reduction in Knesset. crime and to better citizenship. He also maintains that an Israeli cabinet decision to permit Chinuch Atzmai Benefits from partisan activity on behalf of Tashbar schools to function, but not to fund them, would result have also been realized at the local level-most recently in its being cast "in a totalitarian role (that would) an­ to the point of averting financial catastrophe for these tagonize decent people throughout the world." If this schools. By virtue of Agudath Israel representation on would be so, one must wonder, why these very same the governing councils of Jerusalem and Bnai Brak, considerations in the United States have not prevented these municipalities granted land, buildings, and a long string of judicial decisions against any significant maintenance subsidies to Tashbar schools, which form of government aid to schools of religious affilia­ otherwise receive no direct funding whatsoever from tion. the Education Ministry. Only an organized and effec­ tive political party functioning within the municipal To whatever extent public opinion was of impor­ infra-structure could have brought this about. (True, tance in the creation and support of Chinuch Atzmai, Professor Levi concedes that the active presence of a that public opinion was in great measure created by the Torah party is essential in municipalities, but can one Knesset activities of Agudath Israel's representation. promote local party activity in a national political For quite apart from the daily intervention and pleading vacuum?) behind the scenes, the Agudath Israel's representatives regularly cried out against the government's policy of ... and Other Accomplishments discrimination in favor of its own public school system THE MOVE TO DRAFT yeshiva students, which picks up and against religious schooling. It took many years of new momentum with every national security crisis, is this type of Knesset activity to create that climate which shelved time-and-again through effective Agudath succeeded in winning broader acceptance and funding Israel Knesset action-most often, behind the scenes. In for Chinuch A tzmai. fact, the original exemption of yeshiva students was The Agudah's Knesset activity was also directly achieved through the personal intervention of Agudath responsible for tangible benefits gained by Chinuch Israel representatives. The same has been true in regard A tzmai. This began with the pressures that originally to attempts to activate the Sheirut Le'umi (National won recognition (in 1950) for a Torah school system Service for Women) Law. that comprised the fourth of Israel's arba zeramim - D Local draft boards often harass religious girls and at­ four educational tracks. When these were reduced to tempt to conscript them into the army. Only Agudath two - Mamlachti (general) and Mamlachti Dati Israel intervention at the higher levels of the Ministry (general-religious, a co-ed school system) - again of Defense prevent these attempts from succeeding.

The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 17 Despite Agudath Israel's aspirations to serve as the organizational representation of Klal Yisroel, and despite its present-day at­ tainment as the most broad-based Orthodox movement, it is not necessary for Torah Judaism to be a monolith.

(All this in addition to the public education campaigns ideologically, it is preferable to vote for the historic that Agudath Israel conducts as a "movement.") enemies of Torah-parties that "claim no portion in the 0 The international campaign against autopsies may G-d of Israel or its heritage" - than for a party that, have succeeded to a significant, although insufficient, while not faultless, is still a voice of Torah loyalty. extent. Legislation sponsored by Agudah has further There are major differences between political parties in reduced the incident of unauthorized autopsies - but America, which assume no formal stance on religion or not sufficiently. All the same, however, when a family the definition of Jewry, and secular Zionist parties in finds itself impotent in the face of hospital intran­ Israel that are built on anti-Torah conceptions of Jewry sigence, it takes a call from a member of the Knesset to and Judaism. Can an Orthodox Jew, in good con­ stay the pathologisfs knife. science, cast a vote for a party that conceives of a Klal D The same is true in countless other areas. As every Yisroel without Toras Yisroel? tourist knows, Israeli society is embalmed in red tape Of Halacha and Symbols that can best be cut with a magic tool called "protekt­ zia," a tool wielded most effectively by representatives IS IT REALLY SO TRIVIAL a matter that a Jewish state of a political party. Indeed, in Israel's extremely maintains the laws of halachic marriage, Shabbos as a politicized society - overpoliticized society - party ac­ national day of rest, and official observance of tivity is unavoidable if the rights of the religious com­ Kashruth-even though these laws are not always munity and individuals are to be safeguarded. honored to the fullest? To be sure, these laws are on oc­ casion violated or circumvented, but the fact remains Without Agudah? that because of these laws tens of thousands of Israeli Jews enter marriage Kdas Moshe V'Yisroel as a matter LET'S LOOK AT THE OTHER SIDE of the coin as well. It is of course. And the children of these marriages are easy, even comforting, to dream of shucking the grub­ Yehudim Kasheirim. Since Professor Levi and I share by label of party and donning the stately mantle of such high hopes for the eventual return of these people idealist. But what would the outcome be? The National to Torah Judaism, is it not to their ultimate benefit that Religious Party (Mizrachi), of course, would continue this return be eased by their status as Yehudim to exist to insure that Torah would still be a political Kasheirim? This surely is a factor in the view of so world. But that is not all. There is little doubt that some, many Gedolim that abolition of these laws-with all probably several, other groups would join the electoral their imperfections-would be a calamity of historic lists to fill the vacuum created by Agudah's withdraw!. proportions. Moreover, with no Agudath Israel Party, many an erstwhile Agudist would cast his ballot for "religious" Furthermore, can one belittle the status of these laws parties that are considerably further from an ideal as symbols? There are many who maintain that the representation of Torah than the Agudah is today, cases of contention that surface because of the "Mihu rather than go along with a "join the majority" plan Yehudi" debate involve so few people that the cause (and perhaps for a justifiable reason, as will follow). celebre is indeed largely symbolic. For, by way of con­ Seen in this light, Agudath Israel's continued existence trast, they point to the thousands upon thousands of as a political party is the alternative to an unseemly Mamzeirim in the United States whose increasing struggle for votes among a more-splintered, less­ abundance hasn't raised a tiny fraction of the hue and worthy generation of successors. cry attending Mihu Yehudi. This is because it is recognized that symbols are important and it is worth One more comment on the contention that religious the investment of time and energy to maintain the sym­ voters should judiciously divide their ballots between bolic principle that a state governed by Jews must two major parties: One must truly question if, recognize, on the books at least, that it must maintain

18 The Jewish Observer/ November, 1975 its Jewish identity. This is meaningful to the inhabi­ above the fray. It is true that in many places an avowed tants of the state, and to marginal Jews the world over Agudist would be viewed with hostility by other ele­ who take their cues as to the parameters of Jewish con­ ments of Israel's party-bound establishment, while they duct from the rules of conduct of the Jewish State .... would tolerate, even admire, people dedicated to On occasion, the times demand that even a Jewish nothing but lofty idealism - especially if the idealists shoelace requires the supreme sacrifice, pragmatic con­ are few enough and powerless enough not to be c'on­ siderations notwithstanding. sidered a threat. Nonetheless, the great majority of the successful activists are disciples of Agudath Israel's "Great Achievements" and Agudath Israel spiritual leadership, and are themselves Agudists by ideological conviction and-yes-by action in the voting THE MAIN THRUST of Professor Levi's case against party booth, too. status is not so much the lack of productivity made pos­ sible by such status, but the fact that the party label Non-Agudah as an Inevitability robs Agudath Israel of the opportunities for great NOR SHOULD WE DELUDE ourselves into thinking that a achievement. First, identification with politics cheapens de-partisaned Agudah would become a massive its image as a voice of Torah; and second, he argues, umbrella uniting all Torah-loyal factions. Unfortunate­ truly effective idealists in the country are finding recep­ ly, but, perhaps, inevitably, the groups that work for tive ears among disenchanted secularists, but Agudath Torah observance are seldom amenable to Israel, by virtue of its identification with a discredited organizational suicide in the name of unity. As a case in establishment, is shunned by both the idealists and the point, the efforts of the greatest roshei yeshiva during uncommitted. the last twenty years have not succeeded in healing the It is commonly accepted among thinkers in the breach resulting from an internal struggle that split one Agudath Israel ranks that all great achievements do not of Israel's oldest and most important Torah activitist necessarily begin and end with the Agudah movement. organizations. Despite the aspirations of Agudath Israel, since its very Furthermore, Moresheth Avot, a truly outstanding inception, to serve as the organizational representation and highly effective volunteer organization, mentioned of Kial Yisroel, and despite its present day attainment by Professor Levi as an example of non-affiliated effec­ as the most broad-based Orthodox Jewish movement, it tiveness, was founded at the initiative of Rabbi Eliezer is not absolutely necessary for Torah Judaism to be a Menachem Schach, who has traditionally been a promi­ monolith: "The tree of life is in the midst of the gar­ nent signer of proclamations to vote for Agudath Israel den," and there are many paths by which to reach it. in the election campaigns-obviously not a man who is There will always be different groups, organizations, ashamed of his Agudah ties. Professor Levi also gives and approaches - and by all means there could be. deserved praise to El Hamekoroth, "a subsidiary" of Agudah withdrawal from politics will not change that. Moresheth Avot. Professor Levi seems unaware of why Traditional non-Agudists and the allies of the Neturei Moreshet Avot found it necessary to form a new Karta will continue to find reasons to remain outside organization, or, at least, adopt a new name for a simple the Agudath Israel ranks. Nonetheless, Agudath Israel extension of its work. The reason is that El Hamekoroth will continue to support and admire all activities when does outreach work in non-religious schools and among they promote Yiddishkeit. Agudah representatives in non-religious intellectuals. Rabbi Schach felt that such the Knesset as well as in other councils around the activities would be frowned upon by many of the globe have never been faulted for narrowmindedness yeshiva elements of Bnai Brak, thus bringing disrepute and have always promoted the interests of non-Agudist upon Moresheth Avot. To avoid this, he proposed that groups and their institutions, to the great benefit of a nominal subsidiary be formed. these groups and Kial Yisroel. The point is that Israeli Torah society is composed of myriad ideologies, not all of them tolerant of one Non-Agudah is Agudah another. Agudath Israel as a party may offend some, ANOTHER POINT Most of the organizations mentioned but Agudath Israel as an organization would not likely by Professor Levi, and most of those not mentioned by win the allegiance of many more. During the last elec­ him as well, are guided and inspired by the leading tions, the Moetzes Gedolei Torah decision to unite with roshei yeshiva and admorim who are themselves strong Poalei Agudah in a Torah Front election list cost it sup­ supporters of Agudath Israel. They, in their wisdom, port of a substantial number of voters, resulting in the contend that, although Agudath Israel is the main loss of a Knesset seat. Such is the nature of the country; organized force in the struggle for Torah.there must be it is sheer self-delusion to think that a shift of labeling other forms of effort, as well. Of course, some people would bring on a landslide of allegiance. working in those groups shun Agudah indentification The contention that party status was responsible for believing that their work demands total non-affiliation the defection of Neturei Karta and Lubavitch is incor­ for success: In order to win the fray, they must be rect. Neturei Karta broke with Agudath Israel long

The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 19 before the establishment of the State, because of their Tor ah, but that nowadays, the virulence is gone and the opposition to any form of cooperation with irreligious Israeli populace is open to new ideas, even Torah ideas. elements, even for promotion of general Jewish in­ On the other hand, he suggests that a non-party terests; their opposition to the creation of Beth Jacob Agudah would have forestalled the calamitous tragedy Schools; as well as on other issues. And it broke when of even the early waves of immigration being torn away Agudah was under the leadership of Rabbi Moshe Blau, from Torah. But that was twenty years ago and more - a man of awesome integrity and monumental stature, a a time when the confirmed enemies of Torah were in man whom the Satmar Rav called a complete tzaddik in the saddle and doing everything they could, as they had his personal life, although the Rav disagreed violently done in the 20's and 30's, to uproot Torah observance with Rabbi Blau's politico-ideological views. from the Land! The tragedy of Yaldei Teheran took As for Lubavitch, its international accomplishments place before Israel was a state, and before the Agudath for Torah life are beyond cavil, but the movement does Israel was a party - in 1943. To contend that Yaldei not ally itself with other groups in the United States Teheran and Yaldei Morocco etc. were victims of a either. The Lubavitcher Rebbe is one of the great political Agudah is a simplistic, myopic approach that leaders of the generation and he surely finds good and is blind to historical fact. sufficient reasons for his policy. But it has nothing in the least to do with the party status of Agudath Israel. What about today's generation, the disillusioned On the contrary, the Lubavitcher Rebbe has repeatedly non-Zionist generation anxiously awaiting the corning called upon his followers to vote for" the most religious of the Word of Hashem from Jerusalem? First of all, in­ list" in Israel elections - an obvious reference to tellectual and political leadership in Israel is hardly Agudath Israel. more tolerant of Torah Judaism than was the leadership of a generation ago. A strong argument to the contrary The Lightning-Rod Function can be made. The old guard like Ben Gurion, Eshkol, and Sapir had a consciousness of the unity of Kial IT IS INDEED SADDENING that public proclamations of Yisroel; they were willing to bend at least somewhat to Agudah spokesmen are derided by political opponents avoid the creation of an unbridgable chasm between as insincere mouthings of a party line. On the other communities. Much of the younger generation have no hand, perhaps we should be grateful that Agudah is such feeling. Proposed legislation against official there to serve as a lightning rod. In past gener<.J.tions the recognition of religion has been increasing. Blatant literature and publications of maskilim, Zionists, and secular manipulation of the rabbinate is as frequent as reformers were full of virulent attacks against the ever (and is being restrained by the vociferous protests Gedolei Torah who stood in their path. If Agudath of the Agudath Israel representatives in the Knesset). Israel-the political party is available to receive the barbs, then the Gedolei Torah and the groups they in­ It is true, however, that there are sizeable elements spire can remain on a pedestal where their work can be that are willing to listen, and who thirst for something more effective. The very fact that Agudah is attacked genuine to listen to. If Agudath Israel is not the voice rather than derided may well be a left-handed compli­ they want to hear,they have other voices such as those ment that should convince us that it is truly ac­ mentioned by Professor Levi - the yeshivas, and many complishing things. We can be sure that an ineffective other groups from all parts of the religious spectrum. but saintly Agudah would be given the deference nor­ And those voices are strong and vibrant in no small mally accorded to ineffective holy men. measure due to Agudath Israel's activities in the politic arena. Let us not be put off by Ben Gurion's "political" in­ ability to attend a synagogue in Tel Aviv. Surely, if the Most assuredly, more dedicated men must be trained mood were upon him, he could have found many an and attracted to the difficult, but rewarding course of unaffiliated synagogue to attend - or he could have Torah activism in Israel. That two Orthodox scientists built one at Sde Boker. The man also said that if a mil­ have been able to invalidate 1500 bogus Shabbos work lion Orthodox Jews from America came to settle in permits in the course of a year is no condemnation of Israel,he would don tzitzis and a skull cap, but that did lay Agudah politicians. Rather it shows what can be not make him a baa! teshuvah. He apparently had a done by dedicated, fearless individuals who place their sense of humor along with his bitter hostility to Torah talent and training in the service of Torah. By all means, Judaism. let there be more. Let there be scientists, writers, publishers, kollel organizers, rabbanim, roshei yeshiva. Who Are the Non-religious Israelis? By the thousands and tens of thousands, let them form an army to fight G-d's war in G-d's Land. They can and PROFESSOR LEVI seems inconsistent in his reading of will succeed-and the presence of Agudath Israel in the history. On the one hand, he says that the early leaders Knesset and at the levers of power will help im­ of the State were hardened ideological enemies of measurably to bring the victory closer. ~T.

20 The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 Zev Haberman IN RESPONSE TO THE QUESTION, "what is Chanukah ?" the Talmud, gives a brief account of the Chanukah miracle, and concludes that these eight days were established as a festival to be celebrated with Halle/ Vehoda'ah - praise and gratitude, As the basis for Chanukah,they are certainly both worthy of study, The fol­ lowing discussion focuses on the thread of Hoda' ah, which interwoven with Halle/ forms the cloth from which Chanukah is cut, To ap­ preciate the role of Hoda' ah in Chanukah, one must gain a broader understanding of hoda'ah in general.

Four Who Say Praise THE RAMBAM instructs us: "Four are required to give thankso a person who has recovered from illness, a released prisoner, a sea voyager safely ashore, and a journeyer through wilderness who has safely reached a settlement, Gratitude must be proclaimed in the presence of ten, including two wise men, as it say" 'Exalt Him in public, praise him the elders'(Tehilim 107), How does one offer thanks and how does one honestly express the bracha? He stands among them and recites the bracha Hagomel lechayovim" (Hilchos Brachos, Chapter 10, 8), While in the main, the Rambam seems to have recorded only what appears in the Gemora, a subtle difference is present: "How does one offer thanks? .. and e stands among them." In the Gemora no mention is made of standing "among them" rather than" before them," The Rambam had codified existing laws and would not have introduced such requirement on his own. We shall endeavor to uncover the source of this requirement and to examine its profound impli­ Hoda' ah cations. The Midrash tells us that although a day will arrive when all tefillos and korbanos (prayers and sacrifices) will become extinct, Hoda'ah and the Karban Todah will remain: two expressions of gratitude will prevail in the House of G-d, those of tefilla (prayer) and korban (sacrifice). Two questions ariseo Why are the hoda'ah of tefilla and the korban todah fated for eternity, in contrast to all other tefillos and korbanos, which are not? What is the distinction between the two expressions of hoda'ah (tefilla and korban)?- for the Midrash does classify them as two separate entities. One can better understand the ramifications of gratitude by examining the nature of ingratitude. There are many causes for ingratitude, but most pernicious is the Magi' a Li Syndrome - when a person tends to _consider whatever benefits he has been granted as his due, not the result of another's generosity. Thus, the recipient is without reason to be grateful for what he feels he justly deserves,

The Total Dependence Of Man IN DEALINGS BETWEEN MAN and his peer, the Magi'a Li attitude is the classical attitude of "sheloch sheli" - the ill conceived notion that another's posses­ sions are for one's own use. When the same proposition is applied to affairs between man and his Maker, it thoroughly undermines man's subservience to Divine dominion. This point is brought into sharp focus by the Maharal's interpretation of the Talmudic discussion regarding the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, which RABBI HOBERMAN is Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva begins with the repetition of the Name signifying mercyo Hashem, Hashem , , Bnai Torah, in Brooklyn, N. Y. This essay I am merciful to man. This expression of mercy is repeated becau?e G-d is is an adaptation of a chapter in his sefer twice merciful to man: once before he has sinned and again after he has sinned 'J p?n l')ni;,• JNi (Talmud Rosh Hashana 17),

The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 The unavoidable question is : Why must man avail ion pi iNii:t Man has no claim on his Creator ... not himself of Divine mercy even before he has sinned? As even his own person. long as his earthly record presents only credits, has he A korban is meant to be a surrogate sacrifice of its not earned his keep? ls he not entitled to sustenance owner. When bringing a korban todah, the owner without the benefit of mercy and grace? The Maharal sings: "Mizmor lesodoh - King David's Song of responds to this question stating pi ixii:i 'n MK'i:i'> J'K Gratitude ... He has fashioned us, and we are His" - .:iin )K:l J'K1 C'1>ni1 ion There are no Divine debts. Man's even our very person is His. He proclaims before his Maker owes him nothing. In the best of circumstances, Maker: You spared my life, but were not beholden to man has nothing to bank on but Divine grace and me to do so, for my life is not mine but Yours, as is mercy. borne out through the sacrifice of my korban todah. This premise is further substantiated by the The .Psalmist's singling out of the recovered invalid Ramban's commentary in Chumash: Reward for to offer the sacrifice of a korban todah now becomes mitzvos is tzedaka - a Divine act of charity, for man's clear. True, the lives of the sea-farer, the desert traveler position is like that of a servant who is his master's and the released prisoner have also been spared, but property and as such is obligated to serve him with no only from extraneous threats; none was attacked from claim to recompense. Whatever reward his master within as was the man whose body was racked by ill­ grants him is but tzedaka! - the benefaction of His ness, surviving a threat to his very person. All four who kindness. Thus, whoever seeks requital from his Maker survived a mortal threat should bring a korban todah, is not a true servant of G-d, and has cast off the yoke of but none so much as he whose ordeal was akin to Job's. Divine dominion. Thus we have the division of hoda'ah into categories: The Person-Factor In "Hoda'ah" todas hatefilla - the gratitude expressed through prayer for the security of one's life and one's posses­ MAN'S RESISTANCE TO FULLEST hoda'ah becomes clear sions, and todas hakorbon, which deals specifically from what appears to be an inconsistency among the with the hoda'ah for the sparing of one's flesh and verses in Tehillim that deal with the four aforemen­ bones. The heart of the "ba'al korbon todah" must suc­ tioned who bear the obiigation of hoda'ah. Each of the ceed where the heart of Job was found wanting. four is reminded of his duty: "Yodu lashem chasdo-Pay homage to G-d for His grace and the The Eternity of Gratitude wonders performed for the benefit of man (Tehillim THERE IS AN ELEMENT in hoda'ah and korban todah that 107)." However, only in reference to one who has invests them with eternity which other tefillos and recovered from an illness does the Psalmist also com­ korbanos lack. Again we refer to the Maharal, who ad­ mand "Bring forth a korban todah." Yet the halacha re­ dressed himself directly to this principle: tefilla is es­ quires the sea-farer, the desert traveller, and the sentially a request for the fulfillment of human needs. released prisoner to bring this korban as well as the When the Messianinc era of fulfillment arrives, tefilla recovered invalid. will be without purpose. Korbanos are meant to correct man's deficiency in one area or another: again, in an era Perhaps this inconsistency can be understood where perfection will be the norm and deficiencies a through a study of Job's reaction to his agonizing thing of the past, korbanos will be obsolete. tribulations. He had been completely wiped out, left totally bereft of family and possessions. Nevertheless Hoda'ah and korban todah, however, are neither re­ he was able to say "G-d gave and G-d took." This quests for the fulfillment of needs, nor means for cor­ would seem to be the supreme hoda'ah - man saying to recting deficiencies, but expressions of recognition of his Maker: You owe me nothing. You are entitled to the Divine sovereignty and grace which are all the more ap­ return of all that You have entrusted with me. !lut this propriate when Heavenly benefaction is at its zenith. still is not hoda'ah to perfection. The obligation to be thankful never ceases: it grows in proportion to the magnitude of the favor for which it is When Job was subsequently smitten with physical expressed. Gratitude is eternal and defies obsolescence. disease, he retained the superb fortitude to proclaim, "The good we accept from G-d, would we not accept The Individual and the Congregation in "Hoda'ah" the evil?" The pasuk then testifies: "And Job did not ··sACRED MATTERS REQUIRE a quorum of ten." sin with his lips," to which Chazal add, "But in his "The bracha of Hoda'ah is recited in the presence of heart he did sin." Despite Job's impeccable conduct in ten." the face of the severest of tribulations - indeed, his lips These two rulings appear to be a statement of had honored the most stringent demands of hoda'ah - halacha and its applications, two aspects of the same in his heart a silent protest had stirred against the in­ principle. It is o.ur contention that they are parallel - justice of losing his physical well-being. He had felt en­ similar in course, but never intersecting. The quorum titled to this one claim from G-d, although he would not for the performance of sacred acts is referred to as an bring it to his lips. Thus he had fallen short of perfec­ "eidah," while the minyan required for "Birchas tion, the unconditional confession that ... ?Y MK'i:i? )'K Hoda'ah" is referred to as a "kohol," ("Veromemuhu

22 The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 bekhal am - Exalt him in a congregation of the through these portals because he failed to express the people.") The term "eidah" is understood in the sense required hoda'ah. Indeed, Alexander the Great was the of eidus - testimony, for it is the mission of Kial antithesis of hoda'ah - far from standing among the Yisroel to bear witness to the omnipresence and om­ kohol, permitting his identity to blend with others until nipotence of the Shechinah. "Kohol" implies a gather­ it no longer bears the mark of his individuality. On the ing of individuals, forming them into a single com­ contrary, he stood at the very threshhold of hoda'ah, posite unit, of one mind and one heart; a blending of insisting: "I am King! You must grant me my souls into one entity, akin to an individual man. demands!" The unspoken protests of Job in circum­ In the context of kohol, the individual trades his per­ stances of severe provocation were fully articulated sonal identity for a share in the composite identity of without restraint by Alexander the Great: "It is only the tzibur. Just as "There is no eidah numbering less just that you pay me my due, in accordance with my than ten," so too, "There is no kohol numbering less worth as a deserving individual.'' than ten" (see Rashi Kesubos 7b). - Eidah and kohol indeed do seem similar. There is a difference, however. As the fountainhead, so flows the stream. According All that an eidah within Kial Yisroel demands is the to Hellenistic philosophy, man is a royal creature minimum participation of ten of its souls. A kohol is worthy of making his own way. Human qualities and different, as is implicit in the Rarnbam's requirement endeavors are glorified to a point where they seem to that Hoda'ah be proclaimed not "before" a kohol of justify demands for personal recognition and continu­ ten, but" amidst" the ten. As long as one retains his in­ ing sustenance. dividuality, he is apt to fall prey to the Magi'a Li It is this frame of mind which commits us to the Syndrome, tending to believe that whatever has been imprisonment of Golus Yovon. Our redemption can granted to him by the benevolence of his Creator, is only be signalled by a true-felt hoda'ah, imbued with owed to him. Let him stand among them - let him the fundamental truth that" ...ion pi lNilJ '?Y nN'iJ'? fN. blend with the"kohol and share in their collective iden­ - Man has no claims on his Creator." Chanukah is the tity, so that his hoda'ah will flow from that realization final link in the chain of festivals. It must ultimately that:" ...ion pi 1Ni1J '?Y ~N'iJ'? rN. Man has no claim on lead us along the path of tzadikim to the portals of Gan his Creator." A sacred act conducted in the presence of Eden. Alexander the Great and Hellenism have come an "eidah" can be performed "before" them. Hoda'ah, and gone, but Knesses Yisroel illuminates herself and however, when recited in the presence of a Kahal, is all the world with the glow of eternity - the eternal enhanced if it is expressed from "among" them. light of gratitude. ~T. The "Hoda'ah" of Chanukah HODA' AH HAS A VERY SPECIAL relationship with Chanukah. The nature of the Greco-Syrian Golus can PINCUS MANDEL be traced to the fountainhead of Greek imperial Recognized Expert domination, Alexander the Great. A revealing insight Over 22 Years of Experience into his nature emerges from an incident related in the Through the effor1s of Rabbi Mo~he Sherpr of A_gudath hrael, Talmud (Tamid 32). On one of his explorations, Alex­ the coopf'ralion of 1he hrae/i Corhula1e and a~ ... i~lance of rwo ander chanced upon a spring of water that exuded an pron1inen1 Orrhodox Phy~ician~, rf'gu/dtion.' havP bl:'en extraordinary fragrance. He followed the spring toward ame1Jded n1aki11g 11 /Hl:...,ible for its source, to the gate of Gan Eden, whereupon he asked INTERMENT IN ISRAEL permission to enter. He was refused, for this gate was in ff• .,_, 1han 18 hour.'> airer den1i~e, r'/, with JI/ HIDL-'RIM- reserved for the righteous - "Zeh hasha'ar lashem J_, don(' only by SHOMREI TORAH l,'MITZVOS tzadikim yavo'u vo" (Tehillim 118). Graves available in all parts of Eretz Yisrael­ p ro cu red directly from CHEVRAH of He challenged this, exclaiming, "I am a king worthy ESTABLISHED KEHILOS, responsible for their of honor! You must grant me my demands!" - In spite COMMUNITY CEMETERY. of his protests, Alexander the Great was refused entry into the Garden of Eden because its gate, as described in PINCUS MANDEL Tehillim, is reserved for the righteous. 175 LEE AVE, BROOKLYN, N.Y. 11211 The pasuk in Tehillim immediately preceding "This Day and Night Phone: (212) 855-5121 gate ... " proclaims "Open for me the Gates of Recommended by m.-iny pron1inen1 Righteousness, so I may enter them - V'odeh Ko - and Orthodox Rabbis and Adn1orim Known for Personalized, Ultra-Orthodox procedure in express my gratitude to G-d." The implication is that rC'ndering .-i Dedicated, Dependable, Efficient ServiC{' JI these gates of Eden, reserved for the righteous, are Reasonable Cost opened to those who come forth with hoda'ah. And Agudah Member - 46 Years consequently, Alexander the Great was denied entry

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24 The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Ac! of October 23, 1962, Section 4369, Ti­ tle 39, United States Code)

1. Date of Filing: October 3, 1975 The United Nations ~ .• and Racism 2, Title of Publication: The Jewish Observer 3. Frequency of Issue: Monthly, except July and August. 4. Location of Known Office of Publication: 5 Beekman Street, New York, N.Y. 10038 (Thefollowing resolution tl)OS l?assedat the recent.53rd National 6. Names and Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Manag­ lsra~I ing Editor: Publisher - Agudath Israel of America; Chr. Convention ofAgudath ofAmerica, in response lothe United Na· f.ditoria! Board - Dr. Ernst L Bodenheimer, 5 Beekmari · lions Re.solution that inclu.ded Zionism tn its condemnation of racism:) Street, N.Y.C.; Managing Editor - Rabbi Nissan Wolpin, 5 Beekman Street, N.Y.C. 10038 7. Owner: (lf owned by a corporation, ih name and ad­ dress must be stated and also immediately thereunder We join World Jewry in our shock at the United Nations resolution, the names and addresses of stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of stock. If not for its potential to !rigger a new wave .of anti·Semitlsm throughout the owned by a corporation, the names and addresses of the world: individual owners must be given. If owned by a pMtnership or oTher unincorporated firm, its name and address, as well as that of each individual must be given.) Although the U.N. resolution condemns but onernovernent w!thln Agudath Israel of America, 5 Beekman Streel, New York, Jewry ~ a movement With which the majority of Torah Jews does not N.Y. 10038 8. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and other Security identify, and whose secular .character is foreign to authentic Judaism· - Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total we view this resolution as a brutal attack Glgainst the .entire Jewish. p.:io· Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or other Securities: None 9. ~or Completion by Nonprofit Organizations pie. Authorized to Mail at Special Rates (Section 132,122, Postal Manual), The purpose, function, and nonprofit Firstly, it is. a falsehood• tolabt>ctions 132,231, Secondly, the resolution is clearly directed against the historical, 132,232, and 132,233, Postal Manual (Sections 4355a, 435- divinely ,accorded right of!he JeWiSh people to Eretz Yisroel - a right 5b, and 4356 of Title 39, United States Code). A.Total No. Copies Printed (Net Press Run): Average No. Copies Each documented in the Torah,.which the civifized world.holds sacred. Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 11.000. Actual Number ol Copies of Single Issue Published Neares1 to The Jewish .. people' S, dairn to faetz Yisroel is. much older than the filing Date, 11,000. B. Paid Circulation 1. Sales 1hrough dealers and carriers, street vendors and counter sales: charter of the United N<1tions and cannot be nµllified by any earthly average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 power. . · months, 6,265, actudl nuriiber of copies of single issue published nearest to filing date, 6,250; 2. Mail subscrip­ tions: avt>rage no. copies each issue during preceding 12 The 0.N. resolutibn is thus a blatant violation ofbaSic justice and is a months, 3,650, actual number of co'pies of single issue libel against the entire Jewish people, which c()uld re·ignite. the. flan;ie of published nearest to filing date, 3,699. C. Total paid cir­ culaflon; average no, copies each issue during preceding anti·Semitlsm that. consumed .one.third oftli~ J those Jews who <1re.. disheartened over the world's calloused at; single issue published nearest to filing date, 11,000. I •enify that the statements made by me above are cor­ tilude towards uo>, we say: "Do not despllirl Tfiis is not the first time that rect and complete.

nations have united against the Je\\llsh peopl~ .. 'In every generation they Rabbi Nisson Wolpin, Editor arlse a9G1inst us to destroy us, but G-d saves us !tori) their hands.' And so The Jewish Observer shall it be in ()Ul' generation.» .. . When we are beleaguered from somany sides, almosttotallyberl?ftof friends, le! us tum our he<1rts to the et~mal Guardian of Israel, so He may .extend His. lo\ltng kindness toward ·Us and protect ·us from all dangers MOVINC? "These came IA!ith chariots and th6se llVith horses, butwe call the Be sure to notify us in name of the L·rd, ourG0d. They knelt and fell, but we arose <1ndfound strength," advance so that your copies will continue to reach you.

The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 25 though the Holocaust were an ex­ No Hiding Place in the Theater perience of Christian suffering, with no Jewish heroes! As though A sharp note of warning regarding a film Christianity, as the institutional conscience of one billion people, did and a play on "Jewish" themes. not fail most shamefully as silent witnesses to Hitler's genocide! The Hiding Place So now these Jews who were spared physical annihilation are in­ NON MOVIE-GOERS have been do?), avoid work, when possible, vited to commit spiritual silicide. _ . joining inveterate cinema buffs in and, in general are indistinguishable A very cheap shot, indeed, streaming to neighborhood movie in the background of events. As Reverend Mr. Graham! houses to see The Hiding Place OS· tensibly, your latest Holocaust film, but in reality an outrageous ploy aimed at winning converts to Christianity. They are being lured by advertisements that present the film as a true story of a noble Dutch family that sheltered Jews from the Nazis, only to be apprehended by the Germans and suffer in a con­ centration camp themselves. But the film itself is heavy with Christian symbolism, full of prayers to Jesus to forgive the Nazi beasts, and ends with a face-the. audience pitch from the screen "to follow Jes us as I did." Glossy mis­ sionary literature is purveyed, in­ viting ticket-purchasers to write away for a booklet that "answers some questions about God's love," and information booths in the lob­ bies are manned by friendly atten­ dants .... "The people who saved your life are now ready to salvage your soul." Nowhere do the news­ paper advertisements indicate that The Hiding Place is produced by the Billy Graham organization, or that the commercial theaters were leased by the evangelical movement to show the film. In a more subtle way, the film heaps insult on injury (never was the cliche more appropriate!), with a decided under-current of anti­ Semitism. Three levels of humanity are portrayed: the Good Guys - your every-day, long-suffering Starring JUUE HARRIS Christian; the Bad Guys - the EILEEN HECKART Nazis; and the Unsaved Ones - the ARTHUR O' CO!tltELL ordinary Jews, blemishes and all, Introducing who scramble for food (even JEAlttlETI'E.CUfT though its treife - what can you

26 The Jewish Observer / November, 1975 Yent'l ANOTHER SHAMEFUL EXPLOITATION of Jewish sentiment is being perpetrated by a Jewish company: the Broadway production of Yent'l. ATTENTION MECHANCHIM -Yent'l? The radio commercials Hebrew Academy of Cleveland warmly suggest that you "Bring Publication Department offers your 75-year-old grandmother. Take your Hadassah Chapter. It's 50 educational items for what Fiddler on the Roof should Hebrew Day Schools r11.:.in10 Sni ,·~

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The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 27 Announcing Are you looking for a career with a future? The First Graduates of LEARN PROJECT COPE'S COMPUTER Vocational Education PROGRAMMING Program FREE TRIAL PERIOD have completed their training of one week and will be available with no cost or obligation on your part to fill the following positions: Learn in as little as six months. Day or evening classes. Dental Ceramists Computer Programmers • Eligible Institution under the Federally Clerk Typists Dental Assistants Insured Student Loan Program. Key Punchers Medical Assistants • Licensed by the New York State Education Department. Beauticians Auto Mechanics • Accredited by the Accrediting Commission Locksmiths of the National Association of Trade and Technical Schools. • Approved by the U.S. Department of Justice for non-immigrant alien students (1-20). Placement Assistance for Graduates Prospective employers are invited to call VISIT US TODAY, OR CALL, NO OBLIGATION PROJECT COPE Vocational Education Division, 265-6390 to avail themselves of NEW YORK SCHOOL these qualified employees. OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Telephone 964-1300 Project COPE 200 West 51st St. (Bet. B'way & 7th Ave.) New York, New York 10019 A Division of Agudath Israel of America Qualifying students are eligible· for Federal tuition Suite 814 I 5 BEEKMAN ST. I NYC 10038 grants under CETA, throughAgudath Israel's Project fundpd by the Human Resources Administration of the City of New York COPE.

28 The Jewish Observer/ November, 1975 Joseph Rosenberg child has no scholastic or conduct problem, you haven't even entered the building again. ------"They"------Sure, they raised the price of seats again. You probably aren't even a member and daven there on "They" only paid for a hearse, that time, he never attended a Shabbos only. If you are a member, shrouds and a car for the committee meeting - emergency or otherwise you never go to meetings, attend ... "They" are taxing every parent - never attended an affair, in fact any of the shul functions, or par­ $100 . ."They" are raising the never showed his face again. He ticipate in any other way. price of seats again - who are the received a bill once a year paid it It may even be a case of choteh "they"? and that was it. u'machti, sinning and causing Sure, your father was a member Sure, it's expensive to send others to sin. Not only do we not do of the Chevra for 47 years and paid children to a yeshiva. Your child is anything, but from our vantage his dues religiously. A week after he now in the 5th grade. You place on the sidelines, we delight in got married,. his father-in-law or his registered him six or seven years deriding and discrediting those who cousin, took him down to the local ago, and have not entered the are active. There appears to be no Chevra and signed him up. Since school's office since then. If your better topic of discussion, bain

ISRAEL Burials and American Disinterments Subscribe Renew i:itn 1'1KW :ic'iw is privi!e,e:ed lo ;innounre that Hl\'F,RSIDE is the only or Give licensed funeral director in the U.S. able to effect Transfer to Israel within 24 hours The Jewish Observer RJVEHSIDE aho is available as 1he Sole agent for Sanhadrea Cemetery Now and SAVE llAH llAZETT!M • HAR HAMEN!!CHOT A:'ill AT.I. CEMETERIES rN TSRAEL The subscription fees for The Jewish Observer RIVERSIDE onlv ran offer 1his ~f>rvice: Enroute to Israel within 24 hours are scheduled to rise as of January, 1976: ~trirt ndhert>nre lo Hal.icha :ind ~finha,e:im. ArranJrf>men!~ made durini< lift>time with no obliJ1::ition. • One Year/$7,50 {for ten issues) Ch:1pel ~erured in any community. • Two Years/$13.00 (a $15 value) • Three Years/$18.00 (a $22.50 value) RIVERSIDE The old rates will be honored Memorial Chapel, Inc. • Funeral Directors on all new subscriptions, renewals, MANHATTAN· 76th St at Ams+erddm Ave .• EN 2·6600. 6R00KLYN: Ocedn~P'wdy df Prospect Pdrk - UL 4·2000 or gift subscriptions received during 1975. BRONX: Grdnd Councourse df 179th Street · LU 3-6300 -----Clip,andsave------WESTCHESTER: 21 West Broad Street, Mt. Vernon (914) MO 4-6800 I FAR ROCKAWAY: 1250 Central Avenue • FA 7-7100 The Jewish Observer Chaoels '1n M!AMI and MIAMI BEACH - JE 1-1151 I SOLOMON $HOULSON ANDREW FIER 5 Beekman Street/ New York, N .Y. 10038 I D One Year $6.50 D Two Years $11.00 I SCHECHTER'S D Three Years only $15.00 I Send Magazine to: I K:~:·/la7ill£46H@ Name ...... , ...... DCUNfRONJ l!lOCl- ""' " ...~ It MIAMI BEACH ~:'.~·.~.:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: .. ~;~~~;~;~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: • , • Is a GREAT Kosher Hotel - you'll love /ti From: I • DIAL Write for FREE brochure •PYivate Pool an MIAMI and bo<>klet or call Sandy Beach Name ...... I BEACH 800-327-8165 •Oceanfront Address ...... ,...... ~ fREE! FLORtoA AREA cooE Synagogue City ...... State/Zip ...... I (305) 1531·0081 FREE Parking ------·, D Enclose gift card D Bill me: $...... D Enclosed: $ ...... I The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 29 gavre l'gavre (between portions of taining the various institutions, l'shoim Shomayim - for the sake of the Torah readings) - according to "they" still have to face her chal­ Heaven. They spend countless those authorities of good conversa­ lenges regularly: "Every night a hours, days, nights, energy, and tion who say that talking is permit­ meeting," "You're tying up the money because they feel the impor­ ted - than to rip the they's apart. phone," "Must you go every Sun­ tance and necessity of supporting After the political situation is day morning?" "You spend more the various community activities. resolved, and the diagnosis given time on yeshiva business than you Before unleashing the next condem­ for the economic crisis, the activities do for your own business," "Can't nation, perhaps tune in to the "Mi of the "they's" is a most favorite somebody else do it?" Shebeirach" we say every Shabbos, subject. Naturally, some people are dis­ at the end of Schachris. "And all "They" - the ones who are in­ couraged by such lambasting and such as occupy themselves in volved in community work - are do not have the hide or the stamina faithfulness with the affairs of the constantly barraged with criticism to withstand these onslaughts of community, may the Holy one, and comments: "Why wasn't the criticisms, and quit. blessed by He, give them their hall cleaned after the Melave True, some people like to be ac­ recompense." Someone once com­ mented, "The Holy One has to give Ma Ike?" "Why were there so many tive only because it brings a certain them their recompense because we speeches?" "Why was he hired as a amount of honor, prestige and surely do not." Not so. We can principal?" "Why was so much power. But is that so totally evil? If listen to the official "Mi money spent on that equipment?" it brings in money to maintain an Shebeiroch" and respond with a institution, or builds a mikveh, or a resounding "amain"! !.."l The Home Fires yeshiva, why not grant the "kovod" and all that goes with it. "They" are the ones who have to RABBI ROSENBERG, formerly an executive contend with a dear Aishes Chayil. Beneath it all, most people can be director of a well-known yeshiva, is current­ Even though she recognizes the im­ credited with sincerity, and their ef­ ly in business and an active member of the portance of supporting and main- forts are truly motivated by a dedicated "they's" in Jewish life.

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30 The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 THE WORLD FAMOUS DIGEST OF MEFORSHIM ~ 'D1j;''i in::i 'D1j;''i ~ 'i"ltl i~D'iX 'iX11;11ZI 'i l";ii;i1;1 Available af Chevra Kadisha D'chasidim LEKUTEI INC. Har Hamenuchot • Har Hazeisim c/o I. Rosenberg 10 West 47th Street, Room 702 Founded 1856 New York, N. Y. 10036 20 Volumes on Torah Perek BURIAL IN JERUSALEM Medrash, Megilas and Talmud'. AND ALL CEMETERIES IN ISRAEL Proceeds of sales disfribufed among Yeshivos and used for reprinting of volumes out-of-print maat1n Bakob€sh PRICE $5 PER VOLUME SOCl€ty 26 CANAL ST. NEW YORK CITY 10002 New Lower Manhattan They are all children who have D11y & Nite Phone Mincha Minyan Guide suffered and they need loving 233-7878 • If you know of minyanim foster homes. In Canada: Montreal Tel.: 273-3211 Maybe yours? • If you wish to start a minyan in your neigh­ i1'5li1 ~~1~ borhood EV 7-1750 write: lo'""l!) "\~!) MINCHA MINYAN MAP llo'IV!"\'tli'~ 'C'lo'IV!"\"l'1r.ti Agudath Israel of America 5 Beekman Street/ NYC 10038 4907-16th Ave. or call: Brooklyn, N.Y. 11204 DR. BERNARD FRYSHMAN: 339-0289 (212) 851-6300 "The only professional child child care agency under Orthodox Jewish Auspices Individually wrapped in the U.S.A.". AMERICAN SINGLES /0./6 Slices

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The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 31 AGAIN AVAIIABLE The Following l)f Our Reform "Sloppy-Doxy" · Publications Which Were Out-Of-Print for Some Time: THE HIRSCH SIDDUR It is Ordination Day at Plum palled by the lack of sensitivity on •compact edition. 760 pages. $5.00 Street Temple. The rabbis to be or· the part of the rabbi-to-be. To af­ WORLD OF PRAYER dained are dressed in their rab­ fect some pietistic pose as if he were by Rabbi Dr. Eli Munk. Volume I • THE binical finery. One is garbed in a an authentic traditional Jew and DAILY PRAYERS · 240 pages. Volume II · kipa and a long flowing tallit. He identify himself with Orthodox THE SABBATH, FESTIVAL AND FAST DAY PRAYERS· 350 pages. Set of two looks extremely pious, if not holy. Judaism and yet insult the volumes. $17.50 One little thing mars the picture: he Orthodox in this way, makes this THE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO is smoking a cigarette. episode a very sad commentary on KASH RUTH A leading Reform Jew ap· the state of Reform Judaism. I can by Rabbi S. Wagschall. $4.00 proaches him and says, "How can only refer to it as "sloppy doxy." It lacks character and genuineness. It THE STANDARD PRAYER· you possibly be dressed this way and smoke a cigarette on the Shab· is an affectation which does little BOOK credit to our movement. text, English translation, line·by·line llneal bat?" To which the newly ordained references (sources) VJJ.th index by Rabbi graduate immediately responded, Some would rationalize it as a Dr. Solomon Schonfeld~ London. "I, sir, am a Reform rabbi!" "religious search." It may be no . $6.00 Perhaps this bizarre matter leaves more than a paucity of religious MEDICAL ETHICS nothing more to be said. The non­ depth and the emptiness will not be by Rabbi Moshe D. Tendler. A compen­ sense of this incident is becoming filled by this pietistic pretense. - dium of Jewish moral, ethical and religious Rabbi Albert A. Goldman, Isaac M. principles in medlcal practice, paper· more and more rampant. I think we back. $3.00 should put up a sign at the Temple Wise Temple, Cincinnati. THE KABBALAH which should read: "If you are go· printed in the A thorough presentation of an ancient ing to smoke on the Shabbat, please JEWISH POST & OPINION, August 15, 1975 Jewish tradition that merges mysticism with remove your yarmulke!" I am ap- religious law, this is a work of elucidation "from within/' written wlth internal knowledge and familiarity with the sources, unveiling the actual meaning of "kabbalah" for those who live lt today. By Dr. Ale11:~ A GUIDE TO MEZUZAH '(..... ander Safran. 344 pages. $10.95 by MOSES MAIMONIDES: Rabbi Chaim Eliezer Twersky COMMENTARY ON THE Member of !he Lakewood Kole! in Lo.1 Angeles .· .4- MISHNAH The first complete English rendition of This 40 page English Booklet Maimonidest famous "Il)troduction to the explains the main points Mishnah" in which he deals in his masterful regarding Mezuzah, the basic way with the Revelation at Sinai, the trans· laws regarding script, and mission of the Oral Law down to Talmudic times. the nature of prophecy and the types points that the purchaser of law in the Mlshnah. The book also con· should be aware of, in clear, tains a translation of Maimonides' Com· easy to read ·language, with il­ mentary on Tractate Berakhot Translated by Dr. Fred Rosner - with notes, general lustrations. introduction and index. 256 pages. $7.95 Price $1 50 THE BOOK OF RUTH Special discounts to schools and for As reflected in rabbinical literature. By Rab ... quantity purchases bi Yitzhak I. Broch. Hebrew vowel text MUSSAR WITHOUT TEARS! with English translation and com· Published by mentary. $5.00 A fresh, original, down to earth approach Vaad Mishmeres STaM to Torah thinking aimed primarily at the 5107 18th Av./Brooklyn, N.Y. teenage reader. The House of the Jewish Book 11204 PHILIPP FELDHEIM, Inc. 96 East Broadway Available ar your local bookseUer, from $195 New York, New York 10002 the Vaad, or from the following lishka Available from: Hagahos (in Brooklyn): GOLDMAN-OTZAR HASEFARIM FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS Ud. Doro Park 4810 16th Av. 33 Canal Street I New York City 39 Tachkemoni Street Williamsburg . 202 Division Av. and most Hebrew booksellers Jerusalem, Israel flatbush 1791 Ocean Pkwy. Haskomos from leading Rabbonim

32 The Jewish Observer/ November, 1975 RECORD CROWDS PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL AGUDATH ISRAEL CONVENTION 1\gudothlsroel of Americc ilP "':1~1\~ i~iro" n11'~ S]~NATIOnw"a~

Rabbi feins!ein Addressing Agudath Israel Convention: Center of the dais at the keynote Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah (speaking); Rabbi Chaskel Besser, member of the presidium of session bottom row: I. tor.: Rabbi Pinchas Hurschprung, chief rabbi of Montreal; Rabbi Agudath Israel; Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky, Rosh Yeshiva, Mesivta Torah Vodaath; Rabbi Syrncha Elberg, chairman of the executive committee of the Agudas Harabonirn; Rabbi Yaakov Ruderman, Rosh Yeshiva, Ner Israel Yeshiva of Baltimore; Rabbi Shneur Kotler, Chaim Kreiswirth, chief rabbi of Antwerp; Rabbi Moshe Sherer, execut'1ve president of Rosh Yeshiva, Beth Medrash Govoha of Lakewood; Rabbi Baruch Sorotzkin, Rosh Agudath Israel of America; Rabbi Yehuda Meir Abramowitz, member of Knesset and Yeshiva, Telshe Yeshiva; Rabbi Elya Svei, Rosh Yeshiva of Philadelphia. vice-mayor of Tel Aviv; Rabbi Mendel Chodrow; Rabbi Moshe feinstein, chairman of the

"ACUDAH" MEANS a union - the bringing for future action, which highlighted at the Age and Youth: Leaders and Followers together of distinct strands and binding them English language symposium: "Churban together as one. A convention of Agudath Europe- Thirty Years Later." The speakers BEYOND DOUBT, a major attraction of an Israel is the bringing together of a number of also represented a study in contrasts that Agudath Israel Convention is the oppor­ strands within authentic Torah Judaism, emerged as a source of stirring harmony. The tunity to be in the company of the Torah weaving them together for a three day discussants, who addressed the crovvd in Leadership of our generation - not just in­ period. The results are dynamic, inspiring, at English, were Rabbi ':'aakov Weinberg (Rosh dividually, which would easily justify tht> times surprising - and very much Agudath Yeshiva, Ner Israel-Baltimore) and Rabbi trip, but gracing together a most imposing Israel. Yaakov Perlow (Rosh Yeshivas Rabbi dais. The speakers rostrum, bringing The 53rd National Convention of Samson Raphael Hirsch). They drew on together leaders from around the globe, mix­ Agudath Israel of America, held in Atlantic Talmudic sources and accounts of spiritual ing Chassidic shtreimels, rabbinic homburgs, City, New Jersey, from Thun;day, November heroism to reject secular humanism and issue and Rosh Yeshivas' yarmulkes, was as much 6, through Sunday, November 9, attracted a a mandate for intensification of Jewish an ideological spectrum of Torah Judaism as record number of delegates, from thirty cities values, calling for a continued Torah renais­ a geographic cross-section: (in order of their in seven countries, making the event one of sance from the ashes of destruction. Two presentations) Rabbi Mendel Chodorow, the most colorful gatherings of its kind. survivors of Nazi concentration camps - Rabbi Gedaliah Schorr (Mesifta Torah Elime!ech Schwartz (Los Angeles) and David Vodaath). Dr. Isaac Lewin, Rabbi Nochum Past and Future: Klein (Brooklyn) - voiCed the agony that Perlow {Novominsker Rebbe), Rabbi Yehuda Deslrucrion and Inspiration grows, not from suffering, but from concern Meir Abramowitz (Knesset Member and TYP!CAL OF THE CONVENTION'S contrasts was a over the spectre of forgetting. Benjamin Vice-Mayor of Tel Aviv), Rabb\ Baruch past-future focus, utilizing the massive Fishoff {Forest Hills), a survivor of the Sorotzkin (Telshe, Cleveland), Chief Rabbi destruction of World War II as inspiration Lodzer Ghetto, served as chairman. Pinchas Hirschprung (Montreal), Rabbi Elya ~-") ~41 .'r-'· ''(,,

Partial View of Delegates, Visitors at Keynote Session

The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 33 ---JO CLASSIFIED--- Svei (Philadelphia), Rabbi Shmuel Aryeh ing leadership of Rabbi Aharon KotlE'r, 17";rr Levin (Buenos Aires), Rabbi Simcha Elberg, (whose yahrzeit was that night, 3 Kislev) An out- of-town yeshiva in a well­ Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman which is still a driving, guiding force in established, growing community seeks an (Baltimore), Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky Torah Jewry. Executive Director. Send inquiries to: The (Monsey), Rabbi Shneur Kotler (Lakewood), * Rabbi Boruch Sorotzkin decried Jewish Observer, Classified, Box E.D. 109, 5 Rabbi Levi I. Horowitz (Bostoner Rebbe, programs that violated Torah law for the Beekman Street, New York City 10038 Boston), Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, Rabbi sake of bringing estranged Jews closer to Moshe Sherer, and Chief Rabbi Chaim Head of a large well-known family, dis­ their heritage. In way of contrast, the Rosh Kreiswirth (Antwerp), abled. Children - some in Israel - are Yeshiva praised Agudath Israel's Jewish dependent on him for support, but now he In some ways as inspiring as the imposing Education Program, and called for the crea­ needs help. Your contribution will be pas­ dais was the make-up of the multitude of tion of a network of adult Torah classes sed on with dignity. Make your check participants that bent forward to catch every similar to the Agudath Israel's Reshet payable to A.I. Family Aid Fund and mail word the speakers uttered: veterans of a Sheurei Torah in IsraeL to:The Jewish Observer, Classified, Box score of Conventions and five Knessia­ * Rabbi Elya Svei pointed to the confu­ F.A. 10, 5 Beekman Street, New York City Gedola's, with young shutter-happy camera sion of values and information that plagues fans; serious minded young men from 10038 the broad public. Our sense of kinship with yeshivas and kollelim, and kaftaned, be­ our brethren demands that we take all possi­ spodecked Chassidim (many also kollel ble measures to clarify their hashkofos and --ESTHER'S-­ members); membE'rS of the academic world, present facts to them honestly. This would Dairy Restaurant professionals, and merchants; represen­ require the publication of a weekly news 165 Madison Avenue tatives of the country's most affluent com­ journal of Tor ah orientation; and it is incum­ (at E. 32nd St.) munities, and scores of young families that bent upon Agudath Israel to take steps New York City crowded neighboring modest motel facilities toward producing one. - producing a cocktail of languages, accents, * Rabbi Yaakov Ruderman contrasted the and intonations, that pitted Alabama drawls, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. current higher levels of American Orthodox Midwest twangs and Queens English against Only Cholov Yisroe/ community with those of a generation ago. Hoch-Deutsch and a smattering of Our lease has been renewed. Greater achievements mean greater demands. Hungarian. We have not moved Citing historical precedent, Rabbi Ruderman called for every Jewish organizational under­ Exhortations and Discussions SORRY- taking - even those geared for social welfare THE !NFORMAL DISCUSSIONS in good part - to include a program for Torah study. we must stop sending reflected the themes articulated by the * Rabbi Moshe Feinstein pointed to the THE JEWISH OBSERVER featured speakers at the sessions: stream of halachic queries that flood his when your subscription * Rabbi Nochum Perlow (Novominsker office, as unfortunately being marked by a Rebbe) recalled the dynamic, uncompromis- paucity of queries in regard to two crucial runs out ... don't miss a single issue . RENEW NOW f GO KOSHER ... f 1 V Sharmel Caterers. •• WITH exclusive caterers to THE YOUNG ISRAEL SCHREIBER OF FOREST HILLS ··~.:-~Traveling by a!r? Go the Schreiber ~ (C; , route with a Glatt Kosher gourmet the only Orthodox Synagogue meal! Breakfasts, lunches. dinners and in Forest Hills snacks. Ask for Schreiber meals when featuring Glatt Kosher Catering you make your flight reservation. Most Open Chupah, French Service domestic and international air lines and Free Parking serve our home-style meals. Ask for Schreiber and fly sure because the sky's the limit for quality Banquet Hall Completely Redecorated and taste in our Kosher food. SEE US BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR NEXT AFFAIR Also available on request in hotels, hospitals, other away- CHOICE BOOKING DATES AVAILABLE from-home eating places Sharmel Caterers and in retail stores. "The elegance of Kosher Catering PFIEPAl'~EO UNOEFt FtABBINICAL@ SUPEFtVISlON Of THE UNION Of at Moderate Prices" u ~,f.h.~~•~•~•i,!.'"9024 Foster Bklyn .. N.Y. 11236 ORTHODOX CONGFtEGAT!ONS Ave., Call: BO 8-7100 or 793-1130 US GOVEANMENT ·.1NSPECTED Phone (212) 272-9184 7100 Yellowstone Boulevard Forest Hills, New York

34 The Jewish Observer/ November, 1975 areas: the giving of tzeddaka and the Torah Reports and Resolutions featured addresses by Rabbi Gavriel Beer, education of one's children. The halachk re~ Rebetzin B. Sorotzkin, Mrs. Chana A NUMBER OF SESSIONS featured reports on the quirements of these are complex and their Ordentlich, and Rebetzin Yehudis Perlow. achievements of the Agudah's sixteen divi­ implications are truly profound, and require sions, ranging from Yeshiva kids' Hasmodah At sessions for Zeirei Agudath Israel (the authoritative guidance. contests and public school children's Agudah Youth Organization), Rabbi E!ya * Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky singled out Release-Time sessions to senior citizen Svei delivered an address and Rabbi Joshua the yeshiva community for praise, but centers and employment guidance; from aid Silbermintz led a workshop for Pirchei recognized that some yeshiva students fail to to Russian immigrants in Israel and the U.S. leaders. to Daf Yomi propagation programs. But the respond to their yeshivas' teachings, and The convention experience may seem to be suggested that the failure could be traced to Agudath Israel Convention is not a passive, a mosaic of addresses, debates, and discus­ the source of the schools' funding. Rabbi spectator experience. Sessions were followed sions, but the heady inspiration of the three Kaminetsky called on the Orthodox public to by heated discussion on the floor regarding a day conclave was reflected in the festive identify more closely with Torah and, as a number of vita! issues, erupting in debates post-midnight Melave Malka, where the result, contribute more gen,,.rously to Torah that continued long afterwards in carpeted delegates joined hands and voi,es to sing hotel corridors, at Tea Room tables, and on institutions. "Leshana Haba' a biYerushalayim" with frr­ the sand-swept boardwalk. * Rabbi Shneur Kotler developed the vent prayer and joy-felt anticipation. theme of Tor ah study as more than a crown In the convention chambers, the discus­ to Jewish communal life, for it occupies a sions culminated in a number of carefully SPECIAL CONVENTION MOMENTS vital central position. The lay public then, worded resolutions. Among the resolutions should be more involved in the support of passed during the Convention was a con­ institutions of Torah study and Torah demnation of the recent United Nations values, such as Yeshivas and the Agudath resolution equating Zionism with racism. Israel. Another resolution adopted at the Agudath Israel Convention was to expand its * Rabbi Chaim Kreiswirth, who flew from reach-out program "from its current focus Antwerp to participate in the convention and on youth to providing Torah study programs address the key-note session, bemoaned the for Jewish adults through-out the United deterioration of the classical rabbinical posi­ States." tion and urged the Torah leadership to train young men to fill the void. Other resolutions called for the expansion of Agudath Israel's growing role in social Other delegates from overseas were Mes­ services, and the launching of a new Jewish sers. I. M. Cymerman, B. M. Cymerman Pocketbook Series to provide the Jewish (both of London), Shlomo Horowitz masses with informational material from a (Antwerp), and Samuel Greenbaum (Sydney, Tor ah viewpoint. Australia). A national administration was elected, The convention also heard greetings and headed by a presidium including: Rabbi addresses from Rabbi Yehuda Altusky, Moshe Feinstein, chairman, Rabbi Chaskel Joseph Friedenson (Dos Yiddish Vort), Besser, Rabbi Moshe Horowitz, Rabbi Menachem Shayovich, Yisroel Spiegel and Shneur Kotler, Rabbi Nochum Perlow, Rabbi Gavriel Beer (both of Jerusalem) - Rabbi Baruch Sorotzkin, and Rabbi Moshe only a partial roster of the dignitaries and Sherer. community leaders who addressed the con~ Men, Women, and Youth vention and delivered position papers. The daily shiur in Daf Yomi conducted THE AGUDATH ISRAEL Convention included throughout the convention attracted a large N'shei Agudath Israel sessions which crowd of participants. reported on their projects in Israel, and

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SESSION on "The Holocaust - Thirty Years Later". The speakers THE PROVOCATIVE QUESTION-AND-ANSWER period that followed. Among the were Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg {left) and Rabbi Yaakov Perlow, session chairman, Mr. Ben­ que>tioner> in !he audience: Rabbi Moshe Stern (Birmingham, Aid.), Mayer May (Min­ jamin Fishoff (forest Hills, N.Y .) neapolis),

The Jewish Observer I November, 1975 35 Network of Youth Programs Dedicated to the memory of Elime/ech Gavriel Tress """'

All of us who cherished the mesiras nefesh of Reb Elimelech Tress 7"YT, who remember how devoted he was to bringing every youngster closer to Torah, will want to perpetuate his name by carrying on the work that typifies his deepest concerns: the 33 daily programs that Yad Elimelch conducts in 13 cities and towns in Israel.

Don't Just Cry

... over the tens of thousands of our children in Eretz Yisroel who have been torn away from Torah Yiddishkeit because we Orthodox Jewish have done so little to create the proper atmosphere for them, while irreligious groups have spent tens of millions for centers which propagate kefirah !

Crying and complaining alone will not be! mekarev these children to Yiddishkeit. Yad Elimelech Proper action will! 5 Beekman Street/New York, N.Y. 10038

Give to Yad Elimelech so we can open after- f Gentelmen: school centers all over Israel, where! I want to do something concrete for the future of children can learn and play in a Torah! children in Eretz Yisroel. Enclosed please find my atmosphere and be convinced to continue j contribution of $ ...... their studies in a Yeshiva or Bais Yaakov f

School. The life you save will be"h bring ! Name .... future generations of Torah observing Jews! : Addreo;s ...... for Kial Yisroel and Eretz Yisroel. · ) City, State, Zip ...... " ......

From Acco to Beer Sheva, from Tiberias to Jerusalem, over 1,000 children attend Yad Elimelech programs which inspire them to come closer to Torah Yiddishkeit. Scores of Rabbis and Principals plead that we establish programs in their communities. You can make that possible.