Glimpse of Women’s Window into Greatness Wisdom the Kollel 3 4 5 chicago

A monthly publication of University Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago אדר תשע”בTORAVolume 1 Issue 5 Adar 5772H

table of message of the month: ADARVolume 1 Issue 1 contents By: Rabbi Ya’akov Trump, Kollel Fellow “תשועתם היית לנצח ותקותם בכל דור ודור” - שושנת יעקב 3 Glimpse of Greatness “You were their salvation for eternity and their hope in every generation.’”— Shoshanat Yaakov 4 Women’s Wisdom n the song Shoshanat one; it was signed by G-d as well. merits in the time of Haman’s Yaakov we extol G-d The Midrash states that when decree; we had no grounds for being our eternal the Megilah speaks of “the for redemption. G-d saved us 5 Window into the Kollel I salvation, both king,” it is a veiled reference for one simple reason: we are historically and in the to the King of Kings (Midrash His nation. Purim’s unique 6 Torat Eretz Yisrael future. It is fascinating that Abba Guryon 1). When the salvation shows us that the this message finds its way into Megilah (3:10) describes the connection of the Jewish people 7 Kosher Korner the liturgy of Purim specifically. “king” handing over the royal to G-d can never be severed. What is it about Purim that seal to validate Haman’s plans, This message of Purim is elicits this reference to our this means it was sealed in the timeless. In Hilchot Megilah 8 Yahrtzeit of the Month redemption throughout history Heavenly records as well. (2:18), the Rambam writes that and in the future? Escaping a divine decree was in the Messianic era, all books chicagoTORAH 5772 is Though the Jews have no simple matter, especially for of the prophets will become endowed by Lennie & faced destruction in many the Jews of Shushan. The Sfat obsolete, except for Megilat Jessica Weiss in loving generations, Haman’s plot Emet (Shmot, Purim) explains Esther. Our unconditional memory of Mr. Irving posed a unique threat. This that this Midrash means that connection to G-d is truly Weiss, a”h decree was not only an earthly the Jewish people were bereft of enduring “in every generation.” לע”נ ישראל בן דוב ע”ה

This issue is anonymously Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago sponsored in honor of AnnuAl Dinner SunDAy evening, MArch 18th, 2012 Rosh Kollel Rabbi Reuven Welcoming - rAbbi herShel SchAchter, Shlit”A Brand and all the Kollel Recognizing the contributions of fellows for enriching and strengthening the Dr. ShMuel AnD chAnA golDStein greater Chicago Jewish Dr. MichAel AnD DArryle gillMAn Mr. ShMuel AnD Miki Schreiber community with inspired to MAke reServAtionS or for More inforMAtion contAct uS At 773.973.6557 or [email protected] Torah living and learning. letter from the EDITOR Rabbi Menachem Rosenbaum

Chicago Dear Reader, TORAH “When Adar enters, we to why Esther asked for a second party with Rabbi Reuven Brand increase our joy” (Taanit Achashveirosh. The mitzvah of reading the Rosh Kollel 29a). Outside of Yeshiva Megillah itself implies this notion of communal University’s Beit Midrash Torah learning; Megillat Esther is the only Sam Medow there is a sign that goes Megillah that is read publicly and then publicly Executive Director up every Adar that adds reviewed the next day. The halacha is telling us: the following explanation: let’s talk about the story again. Torah learning Rabbi Menachem “There is no joy other than during the month of Adar is more joyous Rosenbaum the joy of Torah.” because it brings the community together, one Editor-In-Chief of the major themes of Purim. There are many ways for us to enhance our Shaina Weiss General Editor Torah learning, but Adar increases our joy of In our own small way, that is what we are trying learning Torah in a unique way. Every one of to do in the YU Torah Mitzion Kollel every Stacy Kass us, at one time or another, has found ourselves day and with chicagoTORAH every month. Graphic Designer with that chidush, that incredible Torah novelty chicagoTORAH brings the community together that brings us so much pleasure that we just by displaying a buffet of timely Torah literature chicagoTORAH have to share it with someone, only to find no that everyone can access. This publication 5772 is endowed one with whom to share it. This is what makes strives to present the Chicagoland community by Lennie & Jessica Adar different- it has an element of communal with Torah thoughts that help connect its Weiss in loving learning. So many people are familiar with the readers to each other as well as to the Torah that memory of Mr. Irving story of Esther. Everyone loves to talk about the Kollel learns daily. Weiss, a”h the many nuances found in the Megillah, from Rabbi Menachem Rosenbaum why Vashti’s death is not explicit in the text לע”נ ישראל בן דוב ע”ה Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] did you KNOW? • The Kollel has Celebration. Families joined together for developed a new interactive games, activities, and a seder 3 part women’s Tu B’shvat presentation by our Kollel halacha shiur in fellows and community members. Northbrook for the women and friends of • Over 275 Ida Crown Jewish Academy Congregation Darchei students participated in a Yom Iyun Noam of Glenbrook. facilitated by the Kollel last month which Given by our Rosh brought together community scholars Kollel and Kollel and the Kollel fellows who each offered fellows, this series individual learning sessions that the focuses on food preparation on Shabbat and Holidays. students were able to choose from.

• In partnership with , Hillel Torah and • The Kollel partners with Hebrew Theological College to Or Torah the Kollel hosted an Israeli Tu B’shvat offer a joint summer learning and internship program. 2 chicagoTORAH • A monthly publication of Yeshiva University? Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago glimpse of GREATNESS A Story of Inspiration: Rav Chaim Soloveitchik, zt”l

Rav Chaim Soloveitchik, zt”l (1853-1918) Further evidence of his sense of compassion in the house was being used by Rav Chaim’s When most people is described in the following story: Rabbi son, Rav Yitzchak Zev, who was using the pen think of Rav Chaim, Meir Bar-Ilan once asked his grandfather, to write divrei Torah. Nonetheless, Rav Chaim what immediately comes Rabbi Yechiel Michel Epstein (author of the demanded that his son hand over the pen to to mind is his piercing Aruch HaShulchan) what was the role of a the beggar. In his mind, there was nothing that analysis of Talmud community rabbi. He answered, that his role preceded gemilut chasadim. and Rambam that is to be a posek, a decisor of Jewish law, for Although his life was dedicated to learning and revolutionized the study the town. Rabbi Bar-Ilan later asked Rav teaching Torah in ways that were unparalleled of Torah worldwide. Chaim Soloveitchik the same question. Rav in previous generations, that is not how Rav However, another vital aspect of his personality Chaim said that the main role of the rabbi is Chaim wanted to be remembered. Before he was his remarkable, boundless compassion. to provide chesed to those in need. passed away, he commanded his family what to An article published during his lifetime in the For Rav Chaim this answer was not just write on his gravestone (pictured below). The Yiddish newspaper, The Forward, describes theoretical. When Rav Chaim would only thing he wanted inscribed was that he was Rav Chaim as a paradigm of benevolence: encounter a poor person who didn’t have the Rav in Brisk, who cared for those in need. “To the locals, who know the rabbi, he is, shoes, he would take off his own shoes and quite simply, a moral giant. In Brisk, young give them to the poor person. Similarly, Rav atheists and old religious Jews share the same Chaim was given a woodshed to heat his house view of Soloveitchik. He is talked about as if during the winter, but only agreed to use it he is a living legend. Soloveitchik’s breadth as if it were left open and accessible for all who a thinker and moralist is known to all in his needed wood. Sources: Forward.com, Revach.net, The Rav by hometown, no matter what religious affiliation Once a beggar came to Rav Chaim’s door Rabbi Aron Rakeffet-Rothkof, Rabbi Kenneth they may or may not have.” looking for a pen. The only pen to be found Brander, in a shiur The Purim Tail

Megillah 12b chicagoTORAH • Adar 5772 3 חכמת נשים בנתה ביתה women’s WISDOM Every Last One By: Dr. Nechama Brand

n a curious passage, the Rabbis of word matching. There is a thematic one tree- the tree of knowledge- that the Talmud (Chullin 139b) find connection between the two stories. was beyond them. Adam and Chava an allusion to the main characters Haman had everyone in 127 countries could not be satisfied until they were I of the Purim story in the Torah bowing to him. Yet, “Umordechai Lo able to enjoy every last fruit and no itself. Regarding Haman, the Talmud Yichra V’lo Yishtachaveh” (Esther 3:2). restriction to their desires existed, just cites the phrase from Bereishit, “Hamin There was one Jew, Mordechai, who like Haman. Haetz”- from the tree. We learn to refused to bow, and this drove Haman connect the name “Haman” with the mad. Haman was not satisfied with Chazal are teaching us the importance word “Ha-min,” which relates to the all of his fame and honor, because his of happiness with one’s portion- tree of knowledge from which Adam desires would not be quenched until he sameach b’chelko. One who is not ate against the command of Hashem. had every last person bow to him. satisfied with the gifts they have from Hashem and constantly seeks more is Why do the Rabbis relate the character We now appreciate the parallel to the walking down a path of self-destruction. of Haman to the events of Adam story of Adam and Chava. The entire Our appreciation of all that we have is and Chava? Is it merely a play on world was open to them. G-d gave a triumph over Haman and an essential words? Clearly our oral Torah must them every possible aspect of the garden ingredient in our Purim happiness. be teaching us something deeper than to enjoy. There was one restriction,

events in ADAR 13 ADAR • Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, considered by many to be the leading Halachik arbiter of American Jewry, died. [1986]

15 • The Spanish Expulsion: Queen Isabella ordered her more than 150,000 Jewish subjects to either convert to Christianity or face expulsion. [1492]

16 ADAR • The Chief Rabbinate of Israel was founded. Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak Hacohen Kook and Rabbi Yaakov Meir Cohen were 1 ADAR appointed Israel’s chief rabbis. [1921] • Napoleon convened the “Great Sanhedrin,” an assembly of the French Jewish leaders. [1807] 20 ADAR • Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, a leading Halachik arbiter 3 ADAR of Israeli Jewry, died. [1995] • Jonathan Pollard was sentenced to life imprisonment in the United States for espionage. [1987] 29 ADAR • The path to was cleared during “Operation 7 ADAR Nachshon,” which took place in the War of Independence. • Moshe Rabbenu was born and died on this day. [1392/1272 [1948] BCE] Sources: Napoleon III by Georges Roux; ccn.com, Talmud Kiddushin; www.jpost. הרבנות הראשית לישראל, בעריכת איתמר ורהפטיג והרב שמואל כ”ץ; ,ADAR com; www.ynet.co.il 9 התורה המשמחת הרב יוסף אליהו The “Flag of Ink” was raised by Israeli soldiers who captured • Eilat, the last conquest of the War of Independence. [1949]

4 chicagoTORAH • A monthly publication of Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago window into the KOLLEL Circumcision: a Prohibition By: Rabbi Yoni Gold, Kollel Fellow

hen counting the 613 include explicit negative commands spend the money in order to fulfill commandments, one (Va’yikra 12:3 and Devarim 16:3). the mitzvah? R. Isserles writes, based immediately notices on the Talmud, that one need not pay W the two basic categories R. Herschel Schachter, in a lecture to in excess of one-fifth of his assets in of mitzvot. On one hand, there are our Kollel, suggested an explanation order to purchase such an etrog or, positive commandments, mitzvot in fact, to perform any mitzvah. which must be performed. On However, he continues, a person the other hand, we have negative must spend all of his money to commandments, prohibitions avoid transgressing an aveirah (a which must be avoided. However, negative commandment). With there is a type of mitzvah which this distinction in mind, how straddles the line between these much money must one spend in two groups. Occasionally, the order to fulfill the mitzvah of brit Torah will instruct a negative milah? command by way of a positive command. In these instances, the If brit milah is merely a positive command to carry out the positive command, then there would be a mitzvah will imply a prohibition of Rambam’s odd statement. Brit limit to what is required, as is true with against not performing that mitzvah. milah might be phrased as a positive all positive commands. Alternatively, This class of mitzvot is known as issur command, but its punishment of if brit milah is also an issur asei, then asei, positive prohibition. kareit is an indication that it is also it contains a negative command. This an issur asei, a positive prohibition. element of issur (prohibition) might In his commentary to the mishnayot, The Torah requires the performance necessitate that someone spend all of Rambam (Makkot 3:1) claims that of circumcision and includes a his money in order to perform brit any commandment which carries negative command if one shirks milah. These issues are also discussed the punishment of kareit (spiritual this responsibility, implied by the by R. Joseph Teomim (1727-1292) excision) is a negative command from punishment of kareit. With this in his commentary Eishel Avraham the Torah. In his commentary to conception of brit milah, the mitzvah (O.C. 656:8), a supercommentary to Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, entitled becomes an amalgamation of positive the Magen Avraham. He ponders Lechem Mishneh (Hilchot Sanhedrin and negative command, which leads the ruling in regards to negative 18:2), R. Avraham de Boton (1545- to different treatment in the realm of commands which are similar to this 1585) quotes and challenges this halachah. model of brit milah. This complex premise. One problem with Rambam’s issue can also be found discussed in assertion is the status of the mitzvah A possible expression of this nuance Pitchei Teshuva (Y.D. 157:4), of R. of brit milah (circumcision). The first is the extent of one’s obligation. R. Yaakov Tzvi Hirsch Eisenstadt (1813- mishnah in Masechet Kritot lists thirty Moshe Isserles (1520-1572), in his 1863). six commandments which carry the glosses to the Shulchan Aruch (O.C. punishment of kareit. Amongst this 656:1), discusses the amount of money The Kollel has just concluded the 19th list are brit milah and korban pesach that must be spent in order to fulfill a perek of Massechet Shabbat, which (paschal sacrifice). These last two mitzvah. If, for example, someone can discusses the laws of milah. commandments are phrased in the find only a single etrog and it is being

Torah as positive mitzvot and do not sold at an exaggerated price, must one chicagoTORAH • Adar 5772 5 תורת ארץ ישראל torat ERETZ YISRAEL

By: Rabbi Yakov Ochana, Kollel Fellow מדוע מרדכי סיכן את כל היהודים? מרדכי לא יכרע ולא ישתחווה )אסתר ג, ב(. זקיפות הקומה של מרדכי עוררה את רצון המן להשמיד את כל “עם מרדכי”)ג, ו(. ואכן, מצינו ביקורת על התנהגותו זו שהיא לכאורה חסרת אחריות. וכך אומר המדרש )ספרי דאגדתא על אסתר פרשה ג’(: “אמרו לו, הוי ו יודע שאתה מפילנו בחרב!” התשובה הרגילה והמוכרת היא שמרדכי לא השתחווה להמן כיוון שהמן היה עטור בצלם של עבודה זרה. זוהי תשובה דתית. אך אם נראה את המשך המדרש, נראה שישנה עוד תשובה, התשובה הלאומית. המדרש אומר: “מה ראית שאתה מבטל קלווסין )שבחו וכבודו( של מלך? אמר להם שאני יהודי! אמרו לו, והלא מצינו שאבותיך השתחוו לאבותיו )של המן(, שנאמר ‘וישתחו ארצה שבע פעמים’? אמר להם – בנימין אבי, במעי אמו היה ולא השתחווה, ואני בן בנו. וכשם שלא כרע אבי, כך לא אכרע אני”. המדרש הזה מוביל אותנו לקריאה אחרת בסיפור המאבק של מרדכי בהמן. כאן אנו רואים ביטוי של השאיפה היהודית לזקיפות הקומה אל מול הגוי, שאיפה החותרת תחת הדימוי של ה’קורבן החלש’ המקבל עליו את גזירות הגוי ברפיון ובחוסר ישע. ישראל לא משתחווה לעשו. זוהי גישה המבקשת להעמיד את כל תולדות עם ישראל במתח שבין דמותו של יעקב המתנהל ברפיסות קומה אל מול עשיו “כה תאמרון לאדוני לעשיו, כה אמר עבדך יעקב” )בראשית לב, ה(, אל מול דמותו של ישראל הנלחם עם “שרו של עשיו” עד עלות השחר. ואת הדמות הזו – דמותו של ישראל, אימץ מרדכי. וכך כותב הרב יעקב מדן )ראש ישיבת ההסדר ‘הר עציון’( “לא מצינו שדורו של מרדכי היה פרוץ בעבודה זרה אך מצינו שהיה פרוץ בנמיכות קומתו היהודית ובנכונותו לסגוד לכל גוי מתרברב. היה זה הדור שלא עלה ארצה בהצהרת כורש לבנות את בית המקדש וויתר בכך ביודעין על הסיכוי “לעלות כחומה” ולחתור לעצמאות לאומית בארץ ישראל. אותו הדור עצמו ישב במשתה של אחשוורוש וסגד ל”מלכו של עולם” – אחשוורוש המולך מהודו ועד כוש. בעת שחזרה נמיכות הקומה בהשתחוויה להמן – החליט מרדכי למסור את נפשו ולקדש את השם כדי למנוע את ההידרדרות ואת פרצת הדור” )מגדים יד עמוד 961(. מרדכי בא לתקן את האווירה שהייתה בעם – לא עוד נמיכות קומה למול הגוי אלא גאווה יהודית אצילה!

spotlight on a KOLLEL STAR Rabbi Michael Teitcher Kollel Alumnus, ICJA Seminar in Jewish Thought Instructor Quick Stats: • Currently pursuing a Masters in Medical Science at Loyola University of Chicago • Born in Oceanside, NY. • Married to Ayala nee Rosen originally of Passaic, NJ, an architectural designer at Airoom architects and builders • Resides with their son Raanan in West Rogers Park. “The Kollel is invaluable for the opportunity it offers to partner with the Torah Mitzion shlichim. Learning with and from the Israeli fellows is a unique privilege in which I was honored to take part.”

“The Kollel’s uniqueness lies in that it offers people an opportunity to go above and beyond the normal expectations of communal and spiritual involvement”

“The Kollel strives for excellence in learning, teaching, and community outreach.”

6 chicagoTORAH • A monthly publication of Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago kosher KORNER

Bishul Akum?

Dear Rabbi K, Is a potato baked by my non-Jewish babysitter Kosher?

Our Sages forbade kosher food that is cooked by non-Jews (Masechet Avodah Zarah 35b-36a). This prohibition is referred to as Bishul Akum. However, the Talmud (ibid.) excludes any food that either is edible when raw or one prepares in an unrefined manner from this law; such food may be cooked by non-Jews (Yoreh Deah 113:1).

Potatoes are not usually eaten raw and are not subject to that exclusion. With regard to the second exclusion, we need to consider if a particular dish would be presented in a refined manner. If so, it would be prohibited even if currently lacking the necessary garnish (see Darchei Teshuvah 113:9). With a slightly sophisticated

presentation and the addition of a garnish, baked potatoes would be served at even regal affairs. Therefore, they are subject to Bishul Akum. (However, according to some authorities microwave-baked potatoes may be permitted, see Chelkat Binyamin 113:126.)

One should note that Bishul Akum does not apply to a situation where a Jew plays a

critical role in the cooking process. Exactly what suffices is subject to a dispute. The Mechaber opines that it is permissible for a non-Jew to do everything else involved in baking the potato if a Jew is the one to actually place it in a hot oven where

it could bake (YD 113:7). The Rema (ibid.) goes further, permitting the potato if a Jew simply turns on the oven or raises the temperature so that the potato will bake faster, even if a non-Jew performs all prior and subsequent steps in the baking

process. Thanks for asking! Rabbi K

chicagoTORAH • Adar 5772 7 To sponsor an upcoming edition of chicagoTORAH please contact the Kollel office at 773.973.6557 or [email protected]

ROSH KOLLEL Rabbi Reuven Brand YAHRTZEIT of the month Rabbi Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht, zt”l KOLLEL FELLOWS Rabbi Dovi Bergman 7th of Adar Rabbi Etan Ehrenfeld • Born: 1924, Jerusalem Rabbi Yoni Gold • Founded: Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh Rabbi Yakov Ochana • Writings: Asufot Ma’arachot Rabbi Ephraim Rimel • Died: 1995 Rabbi Menachem Rosenbaum av Chaim Yaakov the classical Yeshiva world, would give an address to the Rabbi Ya’akov Trump Goldvicht, founding Rav Goldvicht accepted the entire Yeshiva explaining his of reigns of leadership of a new distress at leaving his precious Yeshivat Kerem yeshiva and a new ideal in students, butVolume at the 1 Issue same 1 table of R B’Yavneh, was the which Torah study and army time noting his obligations the month leading force behind service went hand in hand. to the needs of the Yeshiva. contents the creation of the He took this plunge with Every time he would travel, a ahead Yeshiva system of today. the words of the Chazon Ish large group of students would FEBRUARY 28 – In 1948, Hesder Yeshivot ringing in his ears: “If they accompany him to the airport. JEW IN THE MODERN had yet to exist. Individuals need Torah, go and teach Upon his return, there would WORLD: PART II with Barry who joined the army of the them.” be an eager group of followers Weiss, entertainment executive new State of Israel had no waiting to greet him. structured system to learn During the decades of his and member of the Academy of leadership in the Yeshiva, Rav Goldvicht left behind Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Torah during their service. Rav Goldvicht developed an a legacy of Torah, a vast and 8:00pm at the Gidwitz Place At the time, Rav Goldvicht incredibly close relationship indispensable Yeshiva system, and Friend Center inDeerfield. was learning in the illustrious with his students. Rav and thousands of beloved *Registration required.* Slobodka Kollel in Jerusalem. Goldvicht would visit students. His mentors included students at their army bases as MARCH 11 – ARON AND Rav , well as attend their university As told by Rabbi Ari Katz, executive RIVKA FRIEDMAN KOLLEL the Chazon Ish and the graduations. Before flying director of Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh YOM RISHON. Modern Brisker Rav. Despite losing a to America for the annual Medicine and Timeless Teachings with Dr. Stuart Apfel, Associate potentially fruitful career in Yeshiva dinner, Rav Goldvicht Professor of Neurology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and at Downstate about our KOLLEL Medical Center, and Rabbi Aaron The mission of the Yeshiva learning is its Beit Midrash, inspiring youth and Segal, Kollel alumnus and PhD University Torah Mitzion where fellows spend their teen programs, women’s student at Notre Dame University. Kollel of Chicago is to day engaged in intensive initiatives, online resources enrich and engage the study of Talmud, Halacha and access to renowned greater Chicago Jewish and Jewish thought. Our Torah personalities. MARCH 18 – Join us for our community with inspired Torah shines throughout ANNUAL DINNER in support Torah living and learning. Chicago; it is a strategic The Kollel is comprised of of the Kollel. Welcoming Rabbi The Kollel is an open asset to our community, eight families from Israel Herschel Shachter, shlit”a, Rosh community of learning that strengthening shuls and and across America, all endowedYeshiva of YU and recognizing by Dr. celebrates three core values: schools with diverse Torah of whom share a passion Michael & Darryle Gillman, Dr. the primacy of Torah, the programming. Our for inspired Jewish living Shmuel & Chana Goldstein, and importance of positive dynamic, talented team of and learning. Since the Mr. Shmuel & Miki Schreiber. interaction with general scholars offers a learning Kollel’s founding in 2008, Contact us NOW to make your society and culture and the portfolio unique in its scope several alumni have taken reservation. religious significance of the and breadth by partnering community positions in State of Israel. with local institutions rabbinic and lay leadership For more information on Kollel to provide one–on–one capacities in Chicago. programs please contact the Kollel The Kollel’s center of learning opportunities, office at 773-973-6557 or email info@ chicagotorah.org A Community Partnership of Yeshiva University Center for the Jewish Future – RIETS in affiliation with Kollel Torah Mitzion

8 chicagoTORAH • A monthly publication of Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Kollel of Chicago • Adar 5772