THE JEWISH BS ERV ER i I I

THE JEWISH OBSERVER ;; pub­ lished monthly. except July and August, by the Agudath Israel of America, 5 Beekman Street, New York, N.Y. 10038. Second class in this issue postage paid at New York, N.Y. Subscription: $9.00 per year; two The Jew in His Community, based on an address by years, $17.50; three years, $25.00; outside of the United States, $9.00 Rabbi Shneur Kotler, w·o•?w ...... 3 per year. Single copy, $1.25. A Tribute to Rabbi Chaim Leib Shmulevitz, 7"l1T, Printed in the U.S.A. Eliyahu Meir Klugman ...... 9 Postscripts: Our Responsibility to the Baal Teshuva RABBI NISSON WOLPIN "Reach Out With Torah," based on an address Editor by Rabbi Simcha Wasserman, w•o•?w, .18 "Don't Turn Them Off" .19 Editorial Board "Or ls It Too Late?" ... .20 DR. ERNST L. BODENHEIMER -Chairman Machon Yerushalayim: Kole! Manpower at Work, RABBI NATHAN BULMAN David Grossman ...... 22 RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS JOSEPH FRIEDENSON Second Looks at the Jewish Scene RABBI MOSHE SHERER Women Rabbis for Conservatives? ...... 25 Criticizing the Conservatives - "Lashon Hora"? . 35

THE JEWISH OBSERVER does Preparing for Pesach, a photographic essay by not assume responsibility for the Arnold Cohen ...... 42 Kashrus of any product or service advertised in its pages. A Volunteer's Expression of Anger, a poem . 45 Letters to the Editor ...... 46

Copyright 1979 FEB., 1979 VOL. XIII, NO. 9 The photograph qf Aabbi Chaim Shmulevitz, 7"YT, in the January issue was taken from the collection of Yonoson Israel, Brooklyn, N.Y. The Jew in His Community

based on address by RABBI SHNEUR KOTLER, N"~';w, delivered at the 56th National Convention of Agudath Israel of America

Like a Ship on TRAVELING ON A SHIP, storm-tossed on dangerous seas, the passengers Storm-Tossed Seas generally turn to the Almighty for help. According to the Gemora (Rosh Hashana), the verses in Tehillim (Ch. 107) that describe this situation indicate that there are times when pleas are answered, and times when they are not, · depending on whether the people are praying prior to their gzar din - before a heavenly decree had been issued against them, when G-d will harken to them - or after the gzar din, when He does not listen. Yet this distinction would not seem to apply to the situation of the storm­ tossed ship, for only when an individual entreats G-d for His mercy does it matter if a gzar din has already been issued. But a tzibbur - a multitude - is different, for it has an aggregate merit that can reverse the finality of a gzar din. The ship in the verse in Tehillim had multitudes aboard. Shouldn't their pleas be effective in all circumstances, even after the gzar din? The key word in explaining this is "tzibbur," which denotes community. While a thousand men may pour out their hearts to G-d, without some unifying principle tying them· together, they are but a thousand individuals. j When they share a common cause or ideal, however, they form a single I I communal entity, and it is only as such that their prayers assume the power ' of a tefillas tzibbur, capable of reversing a gzar din. The multitudes aboard the ship described in Tehillim were only individuals. In many ways, we Jews are like those passengers on the ship, tossed about on the threatening seas of golus, anxiously scanning the heavens for a break in the storm, searching the horizon for a safe· sheltering port. Forming a community is significant in this plight. Aside from making our prayers more effective, it can, its way, reduce the force of the storm - that is, lessen the degree of our golus. "Golus" - Beyond Geography

Rabbi Kotler N"t:l';w, Rosh THERE IS A TENDENCY to equate golus with being outside of Eretz Yisroel. Yeshiva of Beth Med rash Govoha, It is certainly true that many features of golus are less prevalent in Eretz Yis­ Lakewood, N.]., is a member of the Moefzes Cedolei Hatorah (Council roel than outside of the Land - the special status of Sunday in America - of Torah Sages) of Agudath Israel competing with Shabbos for distinction, as compared with its "weekday" 1 of America. nature in Eretz Yisroel - surely marks American Jewry as inhabiting a golus

The Jewish Observer I feb.-Mar., 1979 3 frame of mind; the all-pervasiveness of television sets in Jewish homes in America, piping in their message of hedonism and materialism, is also un­ deniably an aspect of golus. Nonetheless, golus is not a geographic designa­ tion, but an existential one. Golus denotes a personal (or national) lack of belonging, a lack of menucha - not being at rest with the world or with one­ self, whether in response to exterior conditions or to inner drives and turmoil. Rabbi Yechezkel Sarna, 7"::tl, late Chevron Rosh Yeshiva, pithily summed this up in his explanation of the Curse of Kayin: "You shall be f1MJ iii Yl - Yl - a wanderer from place to place, and ii - without composure, even when you remain in one place. Kayin was destined to a perpetual state of exile, whether he was wandering or dwelling in one place." It can thus be said that golus is not exclusive to Chutz La'Aretz; yet we in America suffer golus to the extreme - especially because of our constant, relentless pursuit of luxuries and comfort, which gave us no rest.

Wherein the Pursuer THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN REST and tranquility is evident in the is the Pursued Torah's recounting of the naming of Noach: His name was coined to com­ memorate a major milestone realized during his lifetime. The plow was invented, giving mankind a rest from its bondage to the earth - for until then, working the soil with one's hands had been the only method employed since the days of the curse on Adam, at his expulsion from Gan Eden. Now man would have rest from endless toil, as is implied in Noach's name (menu­ cha - Noach). Yet the Torah says he was so named because "Zeh yenachameinu - this one will comfort us." A respite from incessant laboring - a noach from digging and furrowing by hand - gives one nechama - comfort, not merely rest. Once a person is afforded a rest from endless toil, he can lift his head from the ground and contemplate his condition, delve into the purpose of his exis­ tence, and chart some sort of plan for himself. This "finding of self" is a mitigation of golus in the existential sense, even though one has not under­ gone any change in place.

"Golus": No Sense A SENSE OF PURPOSE and an understanding of one's self are important of Belonging for reducing the degree of one's golus condition, and these, in turn, can be realized by achieving a sense of community.The Ramban in his introduction to Sefer Shemos points out that the entire Book is called "Sefer HaGeula - the Book of Redemption." Of the eleven sidros (portions) of Shemos, only four recount the redemption from the Egyptian golus, while of the remainder, the majority deal with construction of the Mishkan - the sanctuary that traveled with the Jews throughout the wilderness, and remained with them for their first four hundred years in Eretz Yisroel. It would seem that these chapters should be represented by some other name. Yet, upon closer consideration, these chapters also deal with Geula. The creation of the Mishkan as a center of communal life - serving as a means of uniting Kial Yisroel, and as a focal point for every Jew's self-concept, impart­ ing spiritual specifity on his way of life - is but a continuation of the Exodus

4 The Jetoish Observer I Feb.-Mar., 1979 from Egypt. This enhancement of self-understanding promoted by· the Mishkarz endows a person with a merzucha that is the very antithesis of golus. The completion of the Mishkan, at the very end of the Sefer Shemos, is in effect the culmination of the Geula process, and a fitting conclusion to the Book of Redemption. As the passages in the Torah say, "And I will meet there with Bnei Yisroel, and [the Mishkan] shall be sanctified by My glory .... And they shall know that I am the L-rd their G-d who brought them out of Egypt that I might dwell among them .. ," (Shemos 29:44-46).

Community and BELONGING TO A COMMUNITY endows a person with an expanded Inter-personal identity - an identity that embraces many other people, in addition to him­ self. As fellow members of the same community, the actions of each person Accountability reflects on the other, and by the same token, they are all accountable for one another. The extent of this communal responsibility is delineated in a discus­ sion in the Talmud Yerushalmi: Once the Jews crossed the Jordan River into Eretz Yisroel and assumed the fullest expression of peoplehood, their accountability for each other even extended to rzistaros - every individual's private sins, known only to him­ self. This was evident when the Jews suffered their first setback in their sweeping conquest of the land, when their army was defeated in the city of Ay because one man, Achan, had taken from the forbidden booty of Jericho. It is difficult to fathom why all Jewry suffered for the private indiscretion of one man - except that his sense of freedom to exercise his own wishes and take the forbidden objects reflected a general permissive atmosphere: Had all of Israel taken to heart the prohibition against taking posession of any pro­ perties from Jericho, this would have generated an atmosphere of restraint that would have thwarted any such tendencies on Achan's part. Indeed, we are familiar with restraint against Chilul Shabbos that pervades some obser­ vant communities, and because of this general atmosphere, those individuals disposed toward Chilul Shabbos are inhibited from acting on it.' Achan's ability to act out his acquisitive impulses was an indictment of his society, and as a result, the entire community was forced to suffer.

The Anguish at MORE THAN A THOUSAND YEARS LATER, when the second Bais Yavne Hamikdosh was destroyed, the Sages met in Yavne, and beseeched G-d to free them from accountability for rzistaros -their fellows' hidden offenses ... "And they were deeply pained" (Yerushalmi). Contrary to the common

1. The Kattowicz Concept - A community, faithful the Agudath Israe1 movement is to then, has the ability to create an atmosphere its founding ideals fas there was at the Con­ that reflects its values and convictions, and vention when Rabbi Kotler presented this the community is faulted when it faiis to do discourse - editor], this centers around so to the fullest. It was with this in mind various details or stresses in its programs. that Agudath Israel was founded in Katto­ But conceptually, Agudath Israel is surely wicz: To create a community of all Jews faithful to its original, overall purpose: To who are Joyal to _Torah, generating an create a community that projects values that atmosphere of submission to Torah sover­ will pervade the atmosphere, enveloping all eignty. Indeed, if there is a debate as to how who identify with it.

The Jewish -Observer I feh.~Mar., 1979 5 interpretation - that the Sages had found the burden of this excessive accountability painful (Pnei Moshe) - one might suggest that it was the change in status they had undergone which caused them anguish. With the destruction of the Bais Hamikdosh, Kial Yisroel had lost its spiritual focal point. It was no longer a strongly cohesive unit centered around service to G-d. As a loosely structured community, its members' accountability for each other was weakened. And it was this lessening of status that brought the Sages pain. By the same token, we too must be pained by any degree of alienation from each other that we experience, and we must take all possible steps to strengthen our sense of community, with Torah as our uniting prin­ ciple.

The Soviet Parallel IT IS A NATIONAL TRAGEDY when one of our communities loses its viability, and indeed, one of the most tragic occurrences of our time is the disintegration of the Russian Jewish community, since the Communist Revo­ lution. To be sure, there always have been individual Jews in the Soviet Union who have preserved their fidelity to Torah, but out of necessity this has been in secret. In no manner could the pockets of Torah-loyal Jews unite to preserve that glorious community of Russian Jewry of generations gone by. It would seem that it is lost forever. This had always preyed on the minds of our leaders. Year after year, in advance of every Rosh Hashana, the sainted Chofetz Chaim, 'i"lT, would issue a call to prayer on behalf of our Russian bretheren; and I recall how fervently he would offer his own tear-soaked tefillos on their behalf. We are currently witnessing an historic phenomenon of Messianic implica­ tions. After half a century of sealed borders, the doors of immigration are open for Soviet Jews, and thousands are being permitted to leave every year. These people present one of the overwhelming challenges of our time. We must endeavor to do all within our power to bring individual Russian Jews back into our fold, as members of the Torah community. While much has been done in Eretz Yisroel and America to carry out a program of spiritual absorption for our Russian brethren, the scale of activities has not been commensurate with the historic scope of this challenge.

The Inverted AT THE OPPOSITE POLE of communal awareness is a total immersion in Priorities of the one's personal material enhancement. I will not easily forget the time I had Community accompanied Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, M"1'''i1V, and Rabbi Yaakov Kamenet­ Drop-Out zky, M"1'''i1V, on a visit to a wealthy man to solicit his support for the Russian Immigrant Rescue Fund. The weather was dreadful and traffic was impos­ sible. When we finally arrived at our destination, these venerable Roshe Yeshiva and I trudged through a snowdrift to reach the curb and make our way to the man's office. He refused to see us because we were tardy for our appointment. I wondered: Why is it that those who already carry so many other responsibilities are the ones to be burdened with additional problems, such as meeting the budget of this particular undertaking, while a man blessed with such bounty can shrug off this pressing need because we had

6 The Jewish Observer I Feb.-Mar., 1979 been late for an appointment! Apparently his involvement in his own material prosperity left no room for communal concerns. The Gemora implies that one individual's involvement in petty matters can have terrible, destructive ramifications, as is borne out by the incident of Pilegesh B'Giva, in which a civil war broke out between the Tribe of Binyomin and the rest of Israel (Shoftim Ch. 19). This internicine warfare, killing thousands, had its genesis in one man's displeasure with his concu­ bine. The Gemora reports that G-d Himself was studying a Talmudic debate centering on the incident. There were two opinions on the matter - Rabbi Evyasar contended that the incensed man had found a fly in his soup, while Rabbi Yonason maintained that he had found a misplaced hair .... The Gemora concludes that he had actually found a hair, but both opinions are "the words of the living G-d" - that is, both are valid. How? He found the fly and did not mind; but when he found the hair, he did become angry (Gittin 6b). The question remains: what is the validity of attributing the man's anger to finding a fly, if he did not take exception to it? Only the second opinion is accurate. Closer thought, however, reveals that both figured in the man's anger. Evidently, one may conclude, when a person is above pettiness he does not even notice a stray fly. On the other hand, merely taking notice of the fly - albeit in a forgiving mood - betrays a smallness of mind that breeds dispute which surfaces with the discovery of the hair. Ultimately, the hair that kindled the man's temper and the fly that did not both testify to his involvement in himself, and both brought the controversy.

... And Those ON THE OTHER HAND, a person who puts stress on the spiritual can be Properly Ordered oblivious to the trivial. An acquaintance (who is in business) told me that when he is engaged in Torah study or tefilla, he ignores every possible distrac­ tion. "It is Friday night after licht-bentchen for me," he says. "The Chazal call for 'viewing all your labors as though complete with the advent of Shabbos.' The ringing of the telephone, the arrival of a visitor on business matters - they are of no consequence, no matter how pressing the urgency. It is Shabbos .... And so it is when I daven and when I study. Nothing can intrude.'' Another acquaintance of appreciable wealth, whose children are all engaged in Torah study, once shared with us the secret of his success in imbu­ ing his family with his values: "Years ago I was struggling to expand my busi­ ness, and my family was aware of it. Yet, I kept my kvi'as ittim - my appointed hours of Torah study, come what may. I must confess that it was difficult for me to concentrate under the circumstances, but I was more con­ cerned that I serve as an object lesson to my children on the primacy of Torah in our lives." And he succeeded.

Living Up to Our TODAY, WE ARE IN THE MIDST of a virtual swirl of challenges that Community's beg for concerned action: the surge of baalei teshuva returning to our ranks, Challenges the influx of Russian Jews, the turmoil in Iran .... Our generation is also blessed with an abundance unmatched in all our history, providing us with

The Jewish OhserVrr I Peb.-Mar.,- 1979 7 unrivaled means for achievement. For any of us to indulge in our own petty material concerns in view of the historic challenges we face is a damning indictment of the individual. A prime example of this is implicit in the Gemora's treatment of Achan's sin of taking from the booty of Jericho. While the Tanach seems to describe Achan's action as stealing and no more, the Gemora goes further, inferring from terminologies employed in the passages that Achan had denied the validity of the Five Books of Moshe, and had even abrogated the bris - the Convenant of Abraham. This cannot be understood if we view Achan's thievery as an ordinary act of responding to his acquisitive urges. Instead, Achan's actions must be seen in the context of his times: the cul­ mination of forty years of wandering in the wilderness, under G-d's constant miraculous surveillance ... the imminent realization of Israel's eternal dream of taking possession of the Land ... facing the impending battles with the thirty-one powerful kingdoms. For a man in such a time/place/situation frame to be involved in the petty concerns of adding to his material possessions indicates that he is totally removed from the spiritual realms of Torah and bris, and cut off from the historic role of Kial Yisroel. Should we, in our present-day situation, be so guilty, the time will inevitably arive when, as Yishayahu prophesied, "In that time, each man will throw away the idols of his silver ... and his gold," rejecting his erstwhile enchantment with material possession when there had been so many oppor­ tunities for using his wealth for spiritual endeavors.

Living Within the ONCE ONE HAS IDENTIFIED with the community, one must recognize Community: that interacting with others can have negative implications as well as positive The Additional ones. On the one hand, living luxuriously, spending expansively for personal Obligations simchos - even when one can afford to do so - sets formidable examples for others to follow - and too often the others do not have the resources to do so. Living in community with others also calls for extra vigilance against falling into the machlokes (dispute) trap.' We call attention to the Rambam's famous letter to his son asking him to avoid machlokes at all costs - a letter that is worthy of constant review: "Do not defile yourselves with machlokes (disputes), which waste away a person's body, soul, and money - and then what is left? I have seen the pure defiled, the lowly humbled further, families plagued, princes deposed from power, thriving cities undermined, associations ruined, pious men reduced to naught, men of faith ruined, honorable men shamed - all because of mach­ lokes. Prophets have prophesied, wise men have analyzed, philosophers have speculated on the pitfalls of machlokes, but they never succeeded in fully describing its evils. Therefore, despise it, flee from it, and keep your distance

2. Disputes and Pettiness - As mentioned, to report. Finally, someone said he had dwelling on one's own comforts and perso­ heard that two pious men in Tzfas had nal needs tends to promote divisiveness, engaged in a dispute. "That's it!" said the and this has terrible ramifications - as a Rizhiner. "If two worthy men in the Holy statement by the Rizhiner Rebbe, Rabbi Land have angry words with each other,the Yisroel, 7"n, demonstrates. The Rebbe once repercussions are world-wide, and most asked, "What is happening in Tzfas?" destructive." Noone could find anything of significance

8 The ]e1vish Ohsen1er I Feh.~Mar., 1979 from all who enjoy it." Living in a community means accepting the values that guide the com­ Rabbi Kotler reviewed this essay as the issue was munity, and endeavoring to promote them. It means accepting the responsi­ go£ng to press. The Rosh bility to support the institutions and organizations that perpetuate its ideals. Hayesh£va's comments So many of our Torah institutions are in financial crisis. Membership in could not be £ncorporated the Torah community means that every one of us carries its burdens. Meet­ into the essay and w£ll be ing these responsibilities and carrying them out is more than a means of be presented separately. acquitting ourselves. It also enhances the standing of the community as a whole, providing ourselves with a better world in which to live. LT.

Eliyahu Meir Klugman

A Talmid Remembers Rabbi Chaim Leib Shmulevitz, '"~T

THE SCENE: The third level lecture in Reb which takes him to the Kosel. At the Kosel, the Shimon Shkop's yeshiva in Grodno. father with barely enough strength to stand, gets Reb Shimon has just tested the students. Before leaving he turns to the class and remarks "This much I can say about your Rebbi: when I was as old as he is now, I did not even stand as tall as his ankles in Torah knowledge." The Rebbi was all of 19 years of age. THE SCENE: Hoshana Rabba in Jerusalem 57 years later. The young Grodno instructor, who has become the Rebbi of thousands, is lying on his death-bed, his body racked with pain and ravaged by disease. A young man enters the room and asks him to pray for the recovery of a sick person. After the young man leaves, the Rosh Yeshiva says to his son, "Please dress me, I'm going to the Kosel." "But father," his son protests, "you can hardly turn over in bed. How can you possibly go to the Kosel?" "Dress me please," his father insists. "I'm going to the Kosel." Reluctantly the son helps his father dress and with the aid of another carries him to the car

Eliyahu Meir Klugman is a talmid of Mirrer Yeshiva-Jerusalem, currently studying in Beth Medrash Govoha, Lakewood, N.J.

Tl1e Jewish Obsen1er I Feb.-Mar., 1979 9 out of the car and entreats the Almighty for the Chaim sent some of the manuscripts to America with well-being of another. Then he returns to his his uncle, Rabbi Avraham Yaffen, with specific instruc­ sickbed. tions that he carry them by hand and not put them in Such was the Mirrer Rosh Yeshiva, Moreinu Hagaon his luggage, because "Dos iz mein gantze leben - This Reb Chaim Leib Shmulevitz, 'i"~T. Such was his youth, is my whole life.'' such was his old age and such was his entire life. He often told of the time the Mirrer Mashgiach, It is beyond the ability of this writer to capture the Rabbi Yeruchem Levovitz, passed through essence of such a giant among men. What, really, can Stutchin, where his father, Reb Alter, was Rosh one say about a man who learned through the entire Yeshiva. Reb Alter asked Reb Yeruchem to stay Torah, both written and oral, countless times (Bavli, on as Mashgiach. Yerushalmi, Medrash, Rishonim, and Acharonim), and "/ have no means to support you, nothing to knew it so thoroughly and completely in its width, give you," he said, "but the one shirt that I'm breadth and depth? What more is there to say about one wearing. But I'll give it to you, if you'll stay." who had the entire Torah at his fingertips, and not satis­ Reb Chaim explained this incident in his inimi­ fied with his own accomplishments, spent all his days table manner: "Was it really necessary to have teaching this Torah by word and by deed to thousands Reb Yeruchem as Mashgiach? The Rav of Stu­ of disciples, young and old, brilliant and ordinary? tchin was one other than Reb Leib Chasman - a The Torah tells us: "And Abraham came to talmid of Reb Yisroel Salanter, one of the pillars of eulogize Sarah and to weep for her." Reb Chaim the Mussar Movement. Didn't Reb Leib suffice asked, "Why doesn't the Torah elaborate further for the mussar needs of Stutchin? We can learn on this point and tell us what Abraham said?" He from here that for just one additional drop of suggested that the answer is to be found in Rashi's mussar, one must be prepared to give away his comment to pasuk 2: "The years of the life of only shirt." Sarah." Rashi comments, "They were all equal in In 5680 (1920) when Reh Chaim was 17, both his virtue." parents passed away within a very short time, orphan­ Reb Chaim explained, "Abraham could not ing him, a brother, and two sisters. As the oldest, Reh truly eulogize Sarah, because, as the Chazal tell Chaim felt the responsibility of supporting his brother us, she was greater than he in prophecy, limiting and sisters, so during the day he went to the market­ Abraham's capacity to fully understand Sarah's place to make a few groshen. greatness. Thus he could not describe the true "That was during the day,'' his brother Reh Shlomo dimensions of her personality. He could, however, recalls, "But the entire night, I would see him writing offer one all-encompassing praise - 'All her years his chiddushei Torah - which must have occupied his were equally superb.' There were no lapses in her mind during his day in the market!" excellence. She was perfectly consistent and con­ He was able to study Torah and think in Torah under sistently perfect." all circumstances wherever he was. At a meal, a simcha, If we cannot evaluate the Rosh Yeshiva, we can at taking a walk, or on the bus, one could always see him least paraphrase Abraham's comment: All his days with his brow furrowed in concentration and his closed were equally virtuous. fist moving back and forth, punctuating his Torah What we will attempt to do is sketch with tentative thoughts. strokes the likeness of a man whose life was an unend­ He committed to paper his every shiur, shmuess, ing, consistently perfect lesson, expounding and illus­ chabura, va'ad and public address, leaving behind at his trating the heights that can be attained by one whose passing thousands of handwritten pages, including entire being is permeated by Torah, and Torah only. chiddushim on every tractate of the Talmud.

Early Years With Reb Shimon in Grodno Reh Chaim was born in Kovno, Lithuania, on When but eighteen, Reh Chaim was invited by the Motzaei Rosh Hashana 5663 (1902) to Reb Refoel Alter world famous Gaon, Rabbi Shimon Shkop to give the Shmulevitz and his wife, Ettel, the daughter of Reb third level shiur in the yeshiva ketana (preparatory Yoseif Yoizel Horowitz, Der Alter fun Novaradok. The academy) in Grodno. Many of his students of those sandek at his bris was Reb Yitzchok Blazer (Reb ltzel years later became great Torah leaders -Rabbi Shmuel Peterburger), a Torah and Mussar luminary of the time, Rozovksy (Rosh Yeshiva in Ponoviez), Rabbi Yisroel one of Reb Yisroel Salanter's greatest disciples. Gustman (Rosh Yeshiva Netzach Yisroel) and Rabbi Reb Chaim's respect for his father was legendary and Dovid Lipschutz (Suvalker Rov), to mention but a he quoted him often in both Torah lectures and mussar few. discourses (on ethical themes). He considered his When Rabbi Gustman was menachem oveil father's handwritten chiddushim (Torah novellae) his Reb Chaim's family, he related: "/ was among most valued treasure. During the Six Day War, when Reb Chaim's first talmidim in Grodno. When he the yeshiva was within range of Jordanian artillery, Reb finished his shiur, and we would return to the Beis

JO The ]e;vish Observer I Feb.-Mar., 1979 Hamidrash. A while later he would rush around In his shmuessen, Reh Chaim never spoke the room, rounding up the bachurim of the shiur. about increasing one's hours of learning. Rather, 'Quickly, you must come at once!' he would ex­ he dwelt on the ruination that interruption claim. '/just thought of a new approach to under­ causes: standing the Yerushalmi.' This might happen a "Imagine a kettle of water heated to 200" and few times a day, even late at night. We didn't then cooled down . .. heated up to 200·, and again listen to the shiur, we lived it." cooled ... ad infinitum. With all the heat ex­ pended, the water will never be brought to a boil. His four years in Grodno with Reb Shimon had a And if it is heated up for sufficient duration but profound influence on his approach to Talmudic analy­ once, it will forever be boiled water." sis. His thirst for Torah knowledge was always un­ The Move to Mir quenchable. At the age of 22, he headed a group of students who A chavrusa of his recalled studying tog•ther transferred from Grodno to Mir, and for the next 54 when this chavrusa's pupil, a young novice, years, Reb Chaim Stutchiner (as he was called) taught, approached to ask some simple questions. R,,b guided, and inspired thousands of talmidim by word Chaim leaned over, straining to catch every word. and by deed, individually and collectively, with his way "What did he ask? What does he think? What did of life and his approach to learning. he say?" Perhaps he would hear a new approach, His hasmada (diligence) and the intensity of his ef­ a new insight, something too precious to miss. He forts in Torah study became a legend in his lifetime. thirsted to learn from anyone, no matter how A friend once asked to study with him before humble. Shacharis. "Fine," said Reh Chaim. "How about The importance of this eagerness to learn Torah from starting at one in the morning?" anyone was a thread that he wove through many a "/can't tell you when he slept," said that friend shmuess. In this context he often dwelled on the story - now a Rosh Yeshiva, "but I do know that when told in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 68 ): I went to sleep at eleven p.m.; he was still up, The disciples of Rabbi Eliezer Hagadol were learning. And he would awaken me at 1 a.m. for gathered around his deathbed and each, in turn, our pre-Shacharis seder (session)." asked the nature and circumstances of his own During his years in Mir, while still single, he death. When Rabbi Akiva's turn came Rabbi ate the Friday night meal at the home of the Eliezer said to him, "Your end will be the most Mashgiach Reh Yeruchem, 7"~1. After the meal, severe because if you had studied under me pro­ Reb Yeruchen1 gave a mussar discourse in his perly, you would have learned much more home to scores of students, .but the Mashgiach Torah." And so it was. Rabbi Akiva was tortured would tell Reh Chaim not to stay: "Your mind is to death, his flesh torn from his body with iron always occupied with your learning; during the combs. shmuess it will be no different. Go to the yeshiva "Let's pause for a moment," Reb Chaim would and study in peace." say, "and consider to whom this happened. To Rabbi Akiva, one of the greatest of the Tannaim ... Rabbi Akiva about whom his contemporaries said, 'You are fortunate, Rabbi Akiva, your fame has spread from one end of the world to the other' (Yevamos 16). Rabbi Akiva about whom Moshe Rabbeinu declared 'If such a man will exist, why do You find it necessary to give the Torah to Israel through me?' (Menachos 30). "And from whom was Rabbi Akiva supposed to have learned? - from Rabbi Eliezer, who was excommunicated by his contemporaries unti] his death. Nonetheless, he died a horrible death be­ cause he had failed to learn as much as he could have from Rabbi Eliezer. And we, who know so much less than Rabbi Akiva - how much more is it incumbent upon us to learn from whomever we can l" Even in his youth Reb Chaim's fame as a masmid The Rosh Yeshiva, Reh Lazer Yudel, and the Mashgiach, Reh with phenomenal memory in all areas of Torah had Yeruchem spread throughout Europe.

The Jewish Obsr>rvcr I Feh.-Mar., 1979 11 Once, on a visit to Vilna, he stopped in at the So as not to attract attention, each group studied in a home of Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzensky, the different town in the surrounding countryside and Reb acknowledged leader of Torah Jewry. When Reb Chaim would shuttle from one to another to say the Chaim entered the room where Reb Chaim Ozer weekly shiur, preparing on the bumpy ride between was meeting with some rabbinic leaders, Reb towns. Chaim Ozer stood up. Upon being asked why The hashgacha pratis (Divine Providence) of the next he had honored such a young man, Reh Chaim few years was patently evident. Miraculously, the Ozer answered, "When the Torah Library of the yeshiva obtained transit visas for the entire group, and Mirrer Yeshiva enters the room, l rise in respect." after much travail managed to reach Japan via the trans­ In 1929 Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, the Mirrer Siberian railroad. Those involved saw divine manipula­ Rosh Yeshiva, took him as a son-in-law, and a scant tion of events every step of the way, and the pasuk few years later, at the relatively young age of 31, Reb "Lev melachim ve'sarim be'yad Hashem - The hearts Chaim was appointed as a Rosh Yeshiva, delivering of kings and officials are in the hands of G-d" was for regular lectures. The hallmark of his lectures was depth them a living reality. (For an excellent account of this combined with a fabulous breadth. On the subject at inspiring episode the reader is referred to Nes Hahatzala by Rabbi Chuna Hertzman, and to Chaim Shapiro's article on the topic in JO, May '73.) Reb Chaim often mentioned in his shmuessen that one of the most important factors in its miraculous salvation was the yeshiva's staying together at all times. In this connection he often spoke of the power of the united community: When the Jews reached Mount Sinai, the Torah says, "Israel set camp adjacent to the Mountain: Rashi comments that the Torah employed the sin­ gular, speaking of the entire nation as one indi­ vidual "As one person with one heart." The Ohr HaChaim Hakadosh explains that this unity was a prerequisite to receiving the Torah. "Imagine," said Reb Chaim, "600 ,000 men, plus women and The Yeshiva building in Mir-Europe children, whose release from Egyptian bondage hand, he would bring to bear countless references from was only to facilitate their receiving the Torah, all over Bavli and Yerushalmi, Rishonim and Acharo­ thereby becoming G-d's chosen people. They nim. It was not uncommon for him to cite 20 or 30 dif­ travelled to Sinai for this reason and this reason ferent sources from far-flung corners of the Talmud alone. But that did not suffice. These multitudes and its commentaries during a single lecture. could not have received the Torah as individuals. It was only as a nation, as a cohesive unit with one body and one heart, as it were, that they could The Beginning of the Years of Exile receive the Torah and fulfill their destiny." With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, the He would elaborate further on this theme: yeshiva was forced into exile, beginning one of its most "Those who separated themselves from the glorious chapters. Years later, he would say that under yeshiva - numbering 30 or so - and tried to make these most trying circumstances, forced to flee form one their own way out of the European inferno, did place to another, the yeshiva prospered as never before. not succeed. Only the yeshiva as a unit managed The ensuing seven years of golus - of exile in the most with Divine guidance to escape unscathed." real sense -serve as a shining example of the heights a The yeshiva stayed in Kobe, Japan, for about six united community can scale, of the dimensions of months, and then relocated to Shanghai for the next greatness and strength of character a yeshiva can attain five years; living conditions were extremely difficult, but when its only nourishment is Torah, its only home Bita­ the yeshiva prospered. Reb Lazar Yudel Finkel had chon BeHashem. gone to Eretz Yisroel to obtain visas for the yeshiva and On the second day of Cheshvan 5700 (1939), the was forced to remafn there; so the entire responsibility yeshiva bachurim and faculty fled from Mir to Vilna, of directing the yeshiva was borne by Reb Chaim and where they stayed for about two months, after which the Mashgiach Rabbi Yecheskel Levenstein '"pm. they moved to Kaydan, where they managed to set up the yeshiva once more. Seven months later they were Shanghai Yeshiva ordered out of Kaydan by the Lithuanian Communist authorities, whereupon the yeshiva divided into four The refugee population of Shanghai included con­ groups, each numbering between 80 and 100 students. tingents of students from other Yeshivos, including

12 Thr ]ewisl1 0'1sen1er I Feb.-Mar., 1979 Kamenitz, Kletzk, Lubavitch, and Lublin, among others. Each had its own place of learning, but Reb Move to Jerusalem Chaim was responsible for the financial needs of all. Exchanging foreign currency in Shanghai was fraught In 1947 the yeshiva moved again - as always, as a with danger and Reb Chaim lived with a perpetual fear single unit - this time, to ihe United States, where Reb of being apprehended by the authorities, but this in no Chaim spent some six months before rejoining his way deterred him from seeing to the needs of all the father-in-law Reb Lazer Yudel Finkel, in the Mirrer yeshivos, while learning and teaching with unmatched Yeshiva in Jerusalem. Someone studying in Mir-Jeru­ zeal. salem at the time told this writer: During the years in Shanghai, Reb Chaim was like a When Reh Lazer Yudel came to Jerusalem a father to all the students, many of whom had been number of years earlier, he had started the yeshiva orphaned as a result of the war. He himself would bring with ten carefully chosen talmidim -ten of the food and medicine to the ill. And he cared for them finest young men in local yeshivas - among them spiritually and emotionally, teaching them, learning Rabbi Yudel Shapiro (now Rosh Kole/ Chazon with them, and raising their spirits in any possible way. !sh), Rabbi Chaim Brim, and Rabbi Chaim In Shanghai, the yeshiva was confined to the ghetto, Grainerman - today each an outstanding Torah together with most other Jewish refugees. As dean of personality. When Reh Chaim joined the yeshiva, the yeshiva, Reb Chaim had the privilege of living out- the yeshiva was still quite small and all of the students went to visit him. As was the custom, the best of them related some of their recent chid­ dushim (Torah novellae), brilliant insights and interpretation on Shas and Rishonim. Reb Chaim sat through their presentations without a word. They had felt that they had suitably impressed the new Rosh Yeshiva from America. Only then did Reb Chaim speak, telling each in turn that whatever he had said could be found in one Acharon (later commentator) or another - Beis Harnidrash in Mir-Shanghai and he told them where: "This you'll find in the side the ghetto. Since he studied with a chavrusa when­ Teshuvas Reb Akiva Eiger, that in the Noda ever possible, the chavrusa slipped out of the ghetto Biyehudah, the next in the Yeshuos Yaakov." every night without permission, to learn with him. In "We left in a daze, awestruck that one man could time, he was caught and the two of them were thrown have mastered so much of such variety, with total into jail for a day or so. During his entire stay in jail, recall." Reb Chaim was seen standing at the window engrossed Reb Chaim remained in Mir-Jerusalem until his in his Torah thoughts. passing some 32 years later, disseminating Torah and mussar to thousands of disciples with shiurim and Postponed Departure shmuessen (lectures on Talmud and on ethical themes), A short while after arriving in Shanghai, Reb Chaim vaadim and chaburos (smaller groups convened on these received American visas for himself and his family. He respective topics), teaching Torah Hashem. refused them, saying that he would leave only when all His influence was felt far beyond the confines of the ' the students had received their visas. This meant ulti­ Mirrer Yeshiva. Groups of talmidim from yeshivas all mately staying in Shanghai for 51/z years. over the country would come at any time and request a After the war, the yeshiva had obtained visas for all chabura on this or that sugya (topic), in any volume in the students and was ready to leave -except for two Shas. "Come back in 20 minutes," he would say, and boys who had become mentally unbalanced as a result they would be treated to a chabura - deep, brilliant, of the trauma of war and exile. The American govern­ and wide-ranging as if he had just been delving into the ment wasn't interested in admitting sick people to the very topic they had requested him to expound upon. U. S. The enormous demand for the very scarce visas In 1964, after the passing of the mashgiach, his made falsifying information for obtaining a visa highly brother-in-law Reb Chaim Zev Finkel '>"~l, Reb Chaim dangerous, more so than in normal times. Reb Chaim began to give .shmuessen in the yeshiva. Their fame took the two boys to the consulate and somehow in­ spread, and people from all parts of Israel would flock duced them to sit still and not say a word. He did all the to Mir to hear his Sunday night shmuess. His elo­ talking and managed to convince the consul that they quence, his ability to drive home a point simply and were sane and eligible for visas. This he did at the very lucidly, his wide-ranging knowledge, and his emphasis real risk of being caught, but as was his life-long prac­ on matters pertaining to man and his fellow were tice, there was little he would not do to help someone among the reasons that they attracted standing-rootn­ else. only crowds.

Tht ]eroish Obsrrver I Feli.-Mar., 1979 13 Reb Chaim had a habit of standing by the Even when he was involved in the administra­ bimah, waiting several minutes before speaking. tive work of the yeshiva, his mind would be Reb Shlomo Wolbe explained: "He did not need occupied with learning. "Nisht azoy iz pshat in the time to prepare his words. He needed it to pre­ der Rashba (This is not the explanation of the pare himself for the shmuess. Until he was certain Rashba)," he'd say to himself although involved that his thoughts were mi'libo-from his heart-he in some task that apparently had absolutely no would not say them." connection with the Rashba - but anything and everything he did reminded him of this Rashba, that Tosfos, or some other part of Torah. His Hasmada On his way to America from Shanghai, the ship Hasmada could be defined variously as diligence or was teeming with refugees and it was almost persistance. But the term falls short as a description of impossible to move around. Under those condi­ Reb Chaim's single-minded devotion to Torah learning. tions it was quite difficult to study and almost The Vilna Gaon explains that hasmada is an integral impossible to concentrate. Reb Chaim had part of one's character, an ability to concentrate. But brought along a copy of Shev Shmatsa, which he there is a higher level - that of being a daveik be­ studied avidly throughout the entire trip, oblivi­ Hashem (cleaving to G-d). When one is intensely ous to his surroundings. A fellow passenger devoted to G-d and His Torah, with divine assistance inquired about the duration of the voyage: one can become davuk beHashem. This dveikus is not "Where are we?" he asked. "In Shmatsa gimel within the range of human capability. It is G-d's gift to (Third section of the book)," replied Reb Chaim. a chosen few whose every fibre of body and soul has During his younger years he would learn with a become permeated with Torah and avoda. One can say chavrusa every night - all night. This time it was that Reb Chaim was blessed by G-d with this special Reb Shmuel Rozovsky (now Rosh Yeshiva in gift, for his entire personality seemed to radiate it. Ponoviez). Their plan was to learn at night and He once confided to his brother Reb Shlomo, catch a few minutes of sleep during the day. When "The most difficult thing for me is to refrain from day broke, Reb Shmuel went to sleep, leaving Reb my Torah thoughts when I'm in unclean places Chaim at study. Reh Shmuel awoke, and Reh where Torah study is forbidden." Chaim still had not gone to sleep. Two full days passed before Reh Chaim realized that he had not eaten or slept for two consecutive days. When he was older it was no different, night and day he would be sitting by his Gemora. During intersession, yeshiva students customarily rest up to gather strength for the coming z'man. While Reb Chaim agreed that recuperation was important, he nevertheless told us: "It's hard for me to understand the whole idea of bein hazmanim (intersession). It's like having a bein hachaim (an interruption of life). Does one ever take a vacation from life?"

Communal Responsibility Reh Chaim's hasmada would seem to preclude any other involvements. He had a strong sense of responsi-

At the Shabbos table, while his family was eat­ ing and conversing, he would sit at the head of the table in his own world, totally engrossed in Torah thoughts. His closed fist would describe small concentric circles, his face tensed from his total concentration, and those present would hear him saying "Als shtimt (It all adds up). L'fi zeh iz meyushav der RaShash (now the RaShash is reconciled)," or something similar. Reh Chaim addressing a rabbinical gathering. Note Rabbi Zalmen Sorotzkin, 7")f!, in center.

14 The Jewisl1 Obst>rver I reh.-Mar., 1979 bility for community, however, which impelled him to Israel: "His heart is the heart of all Israel" (Rambam active involvement in Agudath Israel in Eretz Yisroel, Hilchos Melachim). and its Moetzes Gedolei haTorah (Council of Torah Reb Chaim often said," A leader of Kial Yisroel Sages) on which he served. must feel the joy and suffering of his fellow Jew as The writer recalls an early morning several if they were his own." He quoted the comment of years ago when Reb Chaim told his wife, "I'm Chazal that Aharon Hakohein merited wearing going to daven, and then I must vote early, before the Urim Vetumim (special breast-plate) over his I return home." heart, as a result of his profound joy at learning of "You're in such a rush," she commented, "that the selection of his younger brother Moshe to be you're forgetting how early it is. You'll finish the redeemer of Israel. Reb Chaim explained: "A davening, and the polls still won't be open!" heart that had the capacity to truly rejoice in the She happened to be right. good fortune of another - that heart was the appropriate place for the Urim Vetumim. Through the Urim Vetumim, G-d revealed to The Encyclopedic Grasp Aharon the solutions to the most difficult prob­ His awesome clarity in every part of Torah was such lems in a manner all but incomprehensible and that Zeraim and Taharos (sections dealing with agricul­ unfa~homable - except to him whose heart could tural laws and ritual purity), which unfortunately are so totally identify with the problem of his suppli­ not studied with the same frequency as the other Sedo­ cant as to feel that problem as his own." rim (sections), were as familiar to him as any more He too rejoiced in the good fortune of others as if his popular mesechta. A colleague once remarked, "What own, and he literally became ill upon hearing of their really can one say about a man who knows every Rash misfortunes, as was evidenced, for example, during the in Taharos by heart!" weeklong Entebbe incident when he became physically When quoting a source during a shiur or sick with concern. shmuess he would open the Gemora, leaf through This writer was standing near the Rosh Yeshiva the pages and read. Those standing behind him when the yeshiva was praying for the recovery of would often notice that the sefer was not even the late Gere Rebbe, '"~!. His body was shaking turned to the appropriate page. He knew the text with sobs as he entreated the Almighty to spare entirely by heart, but in his humility he made it the life of this great leader. appear as if he were reading. His family often hid the daily Agudah news­ A visitor to the Mir in Poland remembered paper Hamodia to spare him the anguish of seeing spending a Shabbos at Reb Chaim's house: "Reb requests for public prayer for the recovery of this Chaim made Kiddush, quickly finished the fish, or that ill person. and joined a chavrusa waiting in the next room On a shiva visit to a friend who had lost his with a Tur Even Hoezer. Reb Chaim would recite wife, Reb Chaim sat down and wept bitterly with the Tur, Bais Yosef and Bach from memory while anguish over his friend's loss. After twenty the chavrusa read from the corresponding page in minutes, he arose, said "Hamakom · Yenachem the Tur." (May G-d console you) ... ," and left, offering Once when learning with a chavrusa, he men­ the greated comfort to the bereaved by bearing tioned that he had heard that there were fourteen with him the agony of his loss. kushyos (questions) on the topic they were study­ ing. Together they thought of thirteen, but the The baa! kriya at Mir, Reb Yechiel Zilberberg, fourteenth eluded them. Reb Chaim was not satis­ captured the profundity of Reb Chaim's emo­ fied. He reviewed the sugya again and again, in tions: "On Shavuos morning, the drowsy his quest for the fourteenth kushya - to no avail. assemblage could barely stay awake for the read­ His anguish at being unable to realize the last ing of Megillas Rus; Reb Chaim, however, would kushya was readily apparent. Only when he stand and sob-Why? In contrast to shallow finally remembered that last kushya did he return emotionalism, which is activated by a few banal, to his normal self sentiments, Reb Chaim's heart was stimulated by his mind. He thought about Rus: The tragedy of a splendid princess reduced to the most degrading ... A Character to Match poverty, picking kernels with the rabble; and the beacon of light that would someday emanate from Reb Chaim's greatness in Torah was matched by his her, to enlighten a world-her great grandson sterling character. He was a giant in Torah and a giant Dovid Hamelech. in midos. His all-encompassing concern for his fellow "How else can one explain Reb Chaim's vivid Jew and his constant preoccupation with the well-being portrayal of everyday. life tragedies," continued of others were manifestations of the love that poured Reb Yechiel,"-of an impoverished mother whose forth from his great heart, a heart like that of a Prince in tattered child begs her for a pair of shoes, and she

The Jewish OIJser\Jer I Feh.-Mar., 1979 15 must broken-heartedly refuse; of an agunah Shmuel I recounts the rivalry between deserted by her husband over twenty years ago, of Elkanah's two wives - Chana, who was childless, her bitterness and hopelessness." and Penina, who was blessed with seven children. "I doubt that the women themselves could have Penina taunted Chana incessantly about her bar­ portrayed themselves as vividly as Reh Chaim ren state, causing her much anguish; as a result, did. This was because he thought about people, Penina was punished with the death of her seven strove to understand their sorrows and rejoice in children, one by one. Yet the Sages testified to the their fortunes," concluded Reh Yechiel. nobility of Penina's motive's - to induce Chana to In the same vein, we understand Reh Chaim's entreat G-d for the gift of children (Bava Basra shmuess about Yad Avshalom: Reh Chaim told 16b). Reb Chaim asked, "Is this the reward for her that he often would stand by Yad Avshalom and devoted concern for Chana's welfare?" say a tefila. He was once asked, "Wasn't "Hurting someone," Reb Chaim answered, "no Avshalom a rasha-a wicked man? Why pray at matter how selfless and noble the reason, pro­ his graveside?" vokes an unpleasant divine reaction - not a He replied, "Contemplate Avshalom-he tried punishment, not retribution, but a reaction - to kill his father; and yet when he died, his father pure and simple - cause and effect. The purity of David was brokenhearted and prayed for him. one's intent in no way mitigates the pain inflicted; This helps me understand what is meant by a and inflicting pain on a fellow human being can be 'father's mercy,' and I'm ready to beseech G-d: likened to putting one's hand into a fire. There 'As a father has mercy on a son, so should G-d can be countless good, even imperative reasons I; have mercy on us!'" for doing so, but the hand will be burned never­ Everyone's feelings are aroused by standing at theless." k the Kosel. Who but Reh Chaim could respond to Yad Avshalom?

Reb Chaim with 11is son-in-law, 7":J", Rabbi Nachum Perfzovitz (Trokker ). Reb Chaim often went to hear the shmuessen of an elderly baal mussar living in Jerusalem - even in his old age, when he was hard of hearing and could not hear what was being said. His mere presence was an honor to the speaker, and for that reason alone he would sit there, looking for all the world as if listening to every word. Reb Chaim's shmuessen on the subject of hakoras hatov - gratitude - are among his most famous. Chazal tell us that Joseph's brothers sat in Reh Chaim with his grandson, 7"::r. judgment on him and deemed him deserving death. In spite of-this, Reuven came to his rescue because he felt indebted to Joseph for having men­ Between Man and His Fellow tioned seeing eleven stars in his dream, thereby including Reuven among the brothers, and allay­ As his concern for fellow Jews was exemplary, so ing Reuven's fear of being excluded from the were his shmuessen on this topic classics. family circle for his "sin" with Bilha. Said Reb

16 The Jewish Ohserner" / i=eb.~Mar., 1979 Chaim: "Let us consider what Joseph had really could be heard mumbling divrei Torah - Torah Jewry done for Reuven. It was only a dream which in­ the world over stormed the gates of heaven pleading for volved no effort on Joseph's part ... a dream his recovery. which served to increase Joseph's prestige, cer­ On Monday night the third of Teves, after the last of tainly not Reuven's. But a dream that nonetheless the Chanukah lights had cast its glow this great light reassured Reuven. And for such a seemingly had shined its last - a great light that for 60 of its 76 minute favor, Reuven recognized such a profound years had illuminated the byways of Torah with loving debt of gratitude that he was compelled to save kindness joined his colleagues in the Mesivta D'Rakia Joseph's life, despite the fact that he concurred in (Heavenly Academy). the brother's verdict that Joseph deserved death. Reb Chaim often told us that the essence of life is giving. "What is the purpose of life if not to give of "The requirements of gratitude go even further: one's self to others?" With this he. explained the Jacob instructed Joseph to inquire after the wel­ Gemora (Nedarim 64b) that states that there are four fare of his brothers and their sheep. Our sages types of persons who, although physically living, are deduce from this that one is required to look after considered dead - a beggar, a leper, a blind man, and a the welfare of anything from which he benefits. - childless person. Reb Chaim explained that their com­ But for what reason? Are the sheep consciously mon denominator is their dependence on others and helping their owner? Does it comfort the sheep their inability to give of themselves to their fellow: The that someone inquires after their well-being? beggar needs the support of others; according to Jewish -But herein lies the principle: Gratitude on the law, the leper must live outside the community and thus recipient's part should not depend on the effort cannot help others; a blind man needs constant assis­ expended on his behalf. Deriving benefit from tance; and a person without children has no one to someone or something in and of itself requires an whom he can bequeath his legacy. In one way or expression of gratitude. This appreciation must be another, they are all limited in their ability to give of shown not only to human beings, but to lower themselves in all respects and so essentially they are not orders of creation as well." living. His shmuess on this subject, like all his shmuessen, It would seem to this writer that we can similarly was not only a guide for others; it was a reflection of his understand the saying of our sages: A righteous man is very personality. For the slightest favor he would be considered living even after his death because the living eternally grateful. The parade of anecdotes regarding world is still feeling the influence of his words and this aspect of his personality is endless .... At the last deeds. He is giving, so he is considered among the shiur of the zman, he would invariably thank his living. students for giving him the opportunity to say the So the great light that ceased to be on that third night shiurim. of Teves was really not extinguished. It is only the During his stay in Shanghai, he sometimes had candle that is missing. The flame, however, continues to long talks with his host about trivial matters of no burn brightly. Reb Chaim is still giving. The light of his importance whatsoever - this from Reh Chaim, Torah, his mussar, his chesed, the light of the very the unsurpassed masmid. A talmid once asked example he set with his very being will continue to him why he wasted his precious time on such shine brightly for years to come. small talk. Reh Chaim replied, "This man pro­ vided me with a home. How can I express my appreciation? By learning with him? He has no background in learning and it would have no meaning for him. So I show my gratitude by lift­ ing his spirits, talking with him about things in 1vhich he's interested, something he can more readily appreciate." Appropriately enough, the last shmuess of his life, on Yom Kippur. of this year, dealt with the profound debt of gratitude a man owes his wife. "There is no one to whom one is so beholden as to his wife."

Last Days A few days after Succos of this year, Reb Chaim was rushed to the hospital and, for the next two months, his life hung by a thread. Even during the weeks of semi­ consciousness his lips moved, and from time to time he

The ]eWish Observer I Feb.-Mar., 1979 17 Our Responsibility to the Baalei Teshuva

'I'm a Chassid, '/protested. 'And so am I a Chassid.' 'I am learned in Torah!' 'And so am I learned in "Reach Out With Torah'' Torah.' 'But I studied under the Great Maggid the Rebbe Reb Berl' 'And I was here with you,' said based on an address by RABBI SIM CHA Satan .... So I threw off the tallis, and walked away." WASSERMAN, N:''1''71V, at the recent Convention We find that we cannot be free of of Agudath Israel of America. distorting influences in even our most sacred endeavors, including distant future? We can perhaps our efforts on behalf of baalei understand this expression if we teshuva. The Satan gets under the note that the Midrash does not say tallis together with us. While many "in the future"; but "toward the young people are interested in future." That is, we must constantly exploring the possibilities of leading prepare ourselves to accommodate a Torah life, they have not yet been ever more baalei teshuva, be ready exposed to an authentic Torah en­ to quench their thirst as ever more vironment, and turn down many a return to our ranks. If we fail to do blind alley. Surprisingly, there are so-if we do not keep an eye to the scores of searching baa lei teshuva in future-we will be abandoning them the University of Judaism (Conser­ to the clutches of others, who are vative) and Hebrew Union College without scruples. (Reform)! The outcome will surely There is a well known incident in be tragic if their future as Jews is which the Rebbe, Reb Levi Yitz­ left in the hands of people who deny "Days will come, says the chok of Berditchev, as a young man the validity of Torah SheBe'al Peh Almighty, when I shall inflict was wrapping himself in his tallis, (the Oral Law) for, as the Rambam famine upon the land. Not a hunger preparing to say "Atta Horaisa" on states, such a man is considered a for bread nor a thirst for water but Simchas Torah. Suddenly he threw rodeif . .. in hot pursuit of an inno­ only [a desire) to hear My words, the tallis aside-only to pick it up cent person, intent on spiritually says the L-rd" (Amos 8:11). again, ready to don it once more. He killing his victim by leading him to Beyond doubt, we are witnessing threw it down again, picked it up a life void of mitzvos · (H ilchos the virtual fulfillment of these ... repeating this several times, and Mamrim Ill). This status applies words today. Yet, the Midrash tells then walked away. When asked regardless of whether he is aware of us that their relevance is" le'asid-to what had ensued, he explained: it or not, for those under his tute­ the future." How is one to under­ "As I put the tallis on, who lage are being victimized, in either stand this Midrash if the streaming should be there with me under its case. of people to Torah is a contempo­ spread but the Satan himself. I His children, however, are a dif­ rary phenomenon, and not a des­ asked him, 'What are you doing ferent matter. And by the same cription of some situation from the here?' To which he said, 'And what token, so are all the people whom he are you doing here?' 'I'm going to· influences. In such cases, says the Rabbi Wasseman, founder of Yeshiva Ohr say 'Atta Horaisa.' I'm going to say Rambam, we are obligated to reach Elchonon in Los Angeles, is a veteran pioneer 'Atta Horaisa.' 'You? How dare out to them with "words of peace" in Torah education and "Kin1v Rechokim." you?' I asked. And how dare you?' - a reference to Tor ah - until we

18 The Jewish Obsen1er I Feb.-Mar., 1979 have succeeded in fully winning a willingness to carry out any direc­ Torah study centered on broad his­ them over to a life of Torah. Lec­ tives implicit in it. This can be very torical backgrounds, values, and tures and sermons alone are ineffec­ difficult when dealing with a novice concepts-such as Sefer Bereishis, tive. Only Tarah study can do the to religion. Imagine attempting to Pirkei Avas, and the Rambam's Hil­ job completely. teach Sabbath laws to a potential chas Teshuva. In such cases, "the Our obligation to these p~ople is baa/ teshuva, delving into the light of Torah" will have its desired a strong one, and the means for ful­ details of all muktsa restrictions! effect of returning lost neshamas to filling it are clearly defined. The The person will likely retreat from their source without frightening only difficulty is that Torah is not the entire scene befote he even them. simply a field of abstract study. To begins to comprehend the study With so strong an obligation, and qualify as a means of returning material at hand. Instead, I would so receptive a group to work with, hearts to Yiddishkeit, its study must suggest that the "words of peace" we must not shirk from the task at be pursued "la'asas" - studied with of the Rambam's reference mean hand. tT.

magazine, memories of a woman in cross-cultural contacts, since sobbing at the Wall. Whatever it each person seems to think that Recent issues of The Jewish was, something has shaken their what he was taught to be good Observer gave considerable prejudices, and aroused their in­ manners is the natural way for any coverage to the ba' ale terest. Now they are watching us, considerate human being to behave, teshuva, their problems and and we can be picked out in a and only fussy people worry about crowd. the things not covered by his code­ agonies, and the joys they ex­ If they get the general impression like littering, line-jumping, or perience in discovering their that Torah Jews are honest, kind, dressing immodestly. Reuven learns Jewish roots. Among the large intelligent, and not materialistic­ in a smoke-filled kallel, and has very good. If the opposite-very never dreamed that anyone might volume of correspondence on bad. We can't know how many take seriously the claim that the topic that has reached the potential ba'alei teshuva were cigarette smoke is bad for the lungs. JO desk, is a letter from a turned off before they started, and Shimon is a ba'al teshuva with woman who is involved in by what. However, it is possible to asthma who is a staunch member of mention a few of the things that the Clean Air League. If Reuven leading Jews distant from have in the past bothered ba'alei lights a cigarette in a winter bus Torah to their source, and a teshuva who stuck with the Torah next to Shimon, a nasty argument is tragic letter addressed to Rab­ anyway. Someone with much ex­ almost guaranteed. bi Simcha Wasserman in Los perience in counselling "returnees" 4. Finally, there are sins of omis­ could presumably provide a fuller sion which can also produce Angeles that describes the list of areas of potential Chillul bitterness. Let it be remembered that condition of those not reached Hashem. most ba' alei teshuva live far from -forwarded to us by Rabbi 1. First and most obvious, there are their families, who are genrally not matters like lashon hara, gossip, in religious. In times of illness, finan­ Wasserman. which so, so many are in error, and cial problems, or simple desponden­ know it. cy, when one's family is a natural 2,. For many (searching) source of support, the ba'al teshuva Don't Turn Them Off Americans, "honest" and "legal" often has no one at all to approach are practically synonyms; further­ for help. This is particularly true of Dear Editors, more, not being lawyers, they have newcomers in the community, who Barbara and Vicky, Bruce and only a hazy notion of what the law are short not only of friends and Mike. They look just like all the says. In order not to seem dishonest family, but even of neighbors and other kids in the street. You in their eyes, we must ask about any acquaintances. The potential for couldn't pick them out in a crowd, transaction not only: Is it muttar, chessed in any Torah community is unless you realize that they are permissible? but also: ls it legal, and very high, because the Torah ., watching .you. In some way the does it look legal? If we lose money demands it of us. However, we may Torah life has touched them: A by foregoing some deal or invest­ not always exercise enough in­ i. friend or cousin or brother who has ment, it is only money. If we turn itiative in translating that good will become religious, an NCSY Shab­ away a Jewish soul, that is a whole into action. Sometimes we must be baton, a mitzvah tank, a JEP Melave world. sufficiently sensitive to offer help Malke, a distant relative's joyful 3. Differences in conventions of before it is asked. wedding. an interesting book or social behavior always cause trouble I enjoyed the article on honesty in

The Jewish Observer I Feb.-Mar., 1979 19 business in the Sivan issue, but much better are our chances of con­ Or Is It Too Late? would like to see an article on other vincing a stray outsider that the forms of honesty. If the deep love Torah is indeed true. Dear Rabbi Wasserman, of truth of the Gedolim permeates MALKA SCHAPS To describe a color is not to the whole Torah community, how Bnei Brak, Israel produce it. As I try to portray a pic­ ture of the explosive situation ex­ isting in Santa Barbara, affecting hundreds of Jewish young adults and children, I feel that words can­ not embrace the shocking clarity of A Summary of genocide apparent. I will, however, do my best to deliver to you an ac­ Halachos of Pesach curate account of an experience which we had in our home yester­ 25 day with the sincere hope that you (Section Three) $2 will pass this information on to someone in Hashem' s army of In English newly published text followers experienced in and willing to explore further the tragedy called by Rabbi Shimon Eider the Messianic Jew. A young man, Allan Kleinman, prepared for use · 29 years old, was introduced to my with two cassettes ... $ 3"" each family during the week. When we learned that he is Jewish and living Part of Shiurim in Halacha Series four blocks from our home, we TOPIC: Kashering and Preparing the Kitchen for Pesach* eagerly invited the young man to come to our home, Shabbos, for the (*also applicabk• to Kashering the entire year) seudah. When he arrived the usual Available in Hebrew bookstores or from the author: introductions were exchanged and we learned that Allan is presently P.O. Box 162, LakewoodN.J. 08701 working for a PhD in Engineering, came from Cleveland, Ohio (the ------order form for cassettes and publications------youngest of five children), lived in I NAME.. . .. I Isla Vista for five years (a college I ADDRESS...... I community bordering Santa Bar­ I CITY .. STATE&ZIP.. I bara) before moving to "town" a PLEASE SEND: I Oth!'r items in /ht' Shiurim in Halacha Series: I few months ago and he is presently J ... ,. ... G)pies HALACHOS OF PESACH I: Eruv proselytizing for the Messianic I Casscrtl' I (CHPI) at SJ.00 ...... c('pics HALACHOS OF THE ERUV I ... .,.,.Copies HALACHOS OF PESACH Cassl.'lle I (CHE !) at SJ.00 $... I . Jews, door to door, together with I Cassette 2 (CHP2) at $3.00 .... C('pics HALACHOS OF THE ERUV the rest of his "good Jewish .... Copi!'s A SUMMARY OF HALACHOS Casserrc 2 (CHE 2) at $3.00 $... I I OF PESACH, section I '11 $1.50 ...... Copie.> A SUMMARY OF HALACHOS I friends." I (017 Ta'aruvrs Chomctz) OF THE ERUV at S.75 S... I Our guest monopolized much II: Four Minim I .... Copies HALACHOS OF PESACH ...... Copies HALACHOS OF THE FOUR I precious time at our Shabbos table Cassette 3 (CHP3) at SJ.00 MINIM ·cassetle (CFM I) ar SJ.

20 The Jewish Observer I reb.-Mar., 1979 say that we could not handle the she was originally upset to think l"l":l situation wisely enough because of that Allan might reject his religion 1p1rr "'"'l l'll':i rr:ii,rri, rr:inun our lack of experience. Our (as his brothers and sisters had l1Klf"I MKY.1 eagerness not to push this young done) but she is now convinced by xut:1'':itv 1V1 'Pl l:IM.'U:3 "'1Tv7x: "l"""li1io man further from his roots con­ her son that, although he believes in flicted with our yearning to enjoy a Jesus, he is still a good Jew. proper Shabbos. Finally Dr. Eisner Rabbi, I can remember when had to firmly deny our guest the parents tore the hair from their right to speak his mind in our home. heads, cried to their Rabbis and At the same time he softly tried to "carried on" when their children encourage him to learn Torah moved away from the Jewish way before cutting off a life-line. Allan of life. It certainly did nothing to consented to meet with someone to help the situation but my point is ?·1 O''l"I f!ll"ll"I f1T.l discuss the possibility (of course he that not only are our children ven­ 1'll 1b bl"!)l3 "'lf)li,N treats this potential meeting as an turing much further away, into pi:l 'l:l ,n:JYv•n n•.,p .·•n"o 'JN1wn':t opportunity to be challenged in Golus and into Gehenom, but it is :>':>riwn rn7•l tllt:ll:r ov )pm -i!l11un'::> vn.1:::i scripture quotes and Jesus con­ being accepted. A whole two 'lfll'ln )y:i.7 ni:ir.i n:iul:l ':>)J n1:i':>n '\'.llP'J i!ltl:J 1"1}." )'Nl ,lt:!NYJ :l11:l'l' ,O't! \'.l!l'l'Y.l 1')JJ ,':l ;·> ')TJ ,Q"h cepts). generations of people are no longer .rn::i >pn'J My own contribution was very seeking advice to correct any ob­ .nll'.:IY.l ';t:i::i .,t:!N 'rpl!ft ~·N lltl'llWJ )J);> Oll minimal yesterday. I had this very vious misdirection of a child. TVI 1)) Of'l)I) "ITV"N - 'll:l-" urgent desire to find out who else is Thousands of Jewish souls are fall­ ';;w nn ni~nn •\'.>i!:11 •'.:i7:i ';;::;, 1'lYJ rin,.11n n:.,,, ,., 1:in o•JiW '"'l!:ltin:t- ,1ptn rnun •Nl n.,,,l involved in this group. The infor­ ing into a persecution trap. They are ,.. mation is overwhelming. There are not being physically annihilated li'l - tl'lll ,,,.,,, six major Messianic Jewish but, rather, their spiritual artery is n~!:i'nt1 "11N) - lPln )1'f'll1 rn)'l l'))l!l movements in town, including four being severed. For this, we cannot wo•'.>v"l)ll'1l 11'0'3 !l"l:"'I m~o Jews For Jesus organizations. (150 call the surgeon the enemy No. 1. n'n,;;in O"lPVJill ,ntvin ,O'l'1il .,.,,, • .(''1!1l.,i''!ON )'VY.ll souls, at least.) Of the contacts On behalf of the unconscious vic­ ;::io N""''VJ ,,.,,, ,.,,,l 1l1'Vl nn:ipn:i P!l1J • Allan worships with, most live in tim, the Reform and Conservative .O'llnil iv -1'l!IH11 ;v "llJ1 i:n - O'P'f'l 'l' p;1no ,. Isla Vista, a community with the leaders act as the responsible parties ,1>)!1; ll"lV )n7l\IJ lD) N171\IJ mean age being 25 years, and are in giving "surgical consent" for our ,ilJ''tl' 'tlNi ,:ii ril;io; n17v7 n~1;'tl ,,, ;:i • full time evangelists. They include spiritual death. ;:iJ1 nt "llJ'nJ 'PJ Tll'il7 ,,.,~ ,n":n ont:i J''Oil., ilPl )il)Tlil'J l'N nvi )VD., ,lJ 1DN)Tl Dana Greenberg, Kim Friedman, Please, Rabbi Wasserman, .11•v1 v:n ;::i:i Dan Weissman and Tony Weshler. forgive my emotional analogies. I (J'l1'P:ll 0'ilt.:IV soo Hillel House at UCSB is a favorite know that you are more than aware ,.,,,..,. nnnt ni1:7'3n ,n'3:t'On '2"'" hang-around place where "our of the Jewish climate amongst our ("nl'l'l nUl)P" l'1lilN \)1!1J) more successful approaches have uneducated young people. Blame K"\1'1:7W b'lH't)M b'l:tin nK'3 wmi• 1'"11"' "T·JN"'ll t1•'11 !lf7)1• pn!ll• been made because there are many can't help these people but clarity of (Jl)l"fl M"'lln) 'T'TM,, >\!In ••!l'TJ (W'11NJ1>!/J •ptl'TMP''ll pn:v !IM'\"'' poor souls just waiting to be loved our shortcomings has always been (J'tl'"flN'1l 1'T,22tllt'T 'T)l!l ,,..,, ('"In) it1>t1 on10 t1n111 and accepted. We all want to main­ something you have been unafraid (1lN11;:m'1 '\)lttp 'TlM'),, 1111ip1 J"11"1N'T) o•i:iin fl'T1Jt1 (Ml''"'IDN''T) Ot)!l'TI'! 'Tl)>tl tain our Jewish identity and the to study. All I can do, as you ad­ ('tJ•i1!:IJ 'rl io on11:1 it)I)" ('T)l';:>)IS»l:lt1111uon l'Ji'< OVJ.l 'Jnl!l'>P 0"11 proof is that we go to Hillel often." vised me via telephone this mor­ (;>'TJ •iJ .i•No in:m '\ltlcn •1!>n '"'1:1" (l"l1Jt1Ki1'Vl 't"ll'\111 ,,, oni:iH I called Mrs. Kleinman in ning, is to keep Allan out of my {"lND1'Ntl) nt11t'T !>Mptn• !l'!:l)>'TJ)l'T) l'Tltt''ll ""'!) Cleveland this morning. She ex­ home and away from my four (N!IN!l1nMm•'\J'l"'' {l'ilJ'n mvDl l"l>I' """J pressed that she doesn't understand young children. ('lVNl') Ol)!l !>Mii'\ ()l~;,~;~~~~~,!~":ri:.~ ~= why three of her five children I submit this letter to you as a {O'lD!l O''T)>\D} ,.,,,,"., nw1:1 {'tllNI)) 'T)lllJ"ll Ol'l'T!ltl married "out" and Allan is a plea to whomever you might show (K1'lNiN1') 'T,'T))ll '')'T) 1o•w1mi11 •·nJ 11\l>l •1!J!l tn:in ••o "Christian Jew." She had all of her it to: Save our children, get in on (J"'TJ tlJ.) 'T!l)•I ''Ill'!' l'O'l!l Wl'11"'1' •o»nn ,,. ')IJ 'Pll '\111'0 O"n :ipv• children in Rabbi Silver's Reform these Messianic meetings, expose (J"'TJ 'lJ ,>•1lK Jl•i;> 1"JN) 'Tl"tl~'ll') lS\l the obvious lie; a Jew who believes ('11:1"'1 rn!:ltnnl 0'l1P'11 01.1) '')VIM 1'"11iM'3!l Temple in Cleveland. They all went :11ltl1rl) to Sunday School" even many years in Jesus is a contradiction in terms, {J."l)>T.)11 Jlll)> >)J ''ti 0~"'1) H,>llnl=aM )Mi'll• qln'N pTl!:I' ,p~J.ltl) 'l''llO» TIT {'tll:l'llNJ\>'.>J l'P'Tltll., 11'1:1'1 ll:l)t beyond Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitz­ and, most importantly, expose the l)NJNJJ ,l'!l'11' 'l'ltl' :ip,• 1:1"fl (~tll' Jl'TllJJ 11P'l'll "'""' vah." Her only "consolation" is Reform and Conservative O'l"'llrln '~'Tl Jl!:l~ll) 1J\IK';:>:U M'\•O'll !>rn'll• {11'TVN) Ki•llnl!lM 'T1MQ that all of her friends are having the movements by publishing and (·o•J~"'ln mi1nt1n· i•JM1 ;•1K'U> ,,:ii»""' .,,.n """' Sa)Yle experiences with . their publicizing the results of their ef­ (N'T'11Ptl )l''V) 'OH~""l fl'lll) children; it removes the guilt of this forts. Lastly, who can help Allan oi""l!lt1 '"'l:>lr.l ?:>,:::IN l'\!Jil? )Tl') Di•tributl.'dbyZ. BERMAN.:ROOkS being the result of her own personal or is it too late? 1340 Slrd' Sireet, lltooklyn NY. 11219 mistakes. "Why do you think I put Mrs. Leo Eisner $7.oo J11'.l'W" .,_,.,,,,n;, i'nn:i nn'n them in Sunday School?" Of course Santa Barbara, California

The Jewish Observer I Feh.-Mar., 1979 21 Rabbi David Grossman

Machon Yerushalayim: Kolel Manpower at Work

Twelve year~ ago, a group of gifted Kole! men, The task on hand, then, is to facilitate the publica­ under the leadership of Rabbi Yosef Buxbaum and tion of these Torah manuscripts, beginning with deci­ Rabbi Abraham Kabalkin, met to discuss how they phering, explaining, and annotating these manuscripts. could utilize the yeshiva world's manpower and special­ And the published works, especially the rare prints, ized skills for some unexplored methods of disseminat­ would have to be assembled, and made available at ing Torah. reasonable prices. In addition, commentaries pertinent I At that sitting, they decided to establish Machon to specific sections of the Talmud were often published ~· Yerushalayim - The Jerusalem Institute of Talmudic in other contexts (related topics, responsa literature, Research, offering young outstanding Torah scholars etc.). As an additional undertaking, these comments an opportunity for Talmudic and Halachic research of a should be brought together for easy reference. The type that heretofore was pursued primarily by secular thousands of Kole! scholars who are dedicating their Jewish scholars - often in violation of the spirit and lives to Torah study are best equipped to handle these intent of the original. The Kolelirn in Israel were assignments. To be sure, many of these young men will scouted for the talent to pursue this undertaking al be the rabbis, poskim, and teachers of our people. taharas hakodesh - with the sanctity it requires, Others, however, may not find position in such fields, attracting forty highly gifted Torah scholars. And or may not be suited for them. Instead of being forced Machon Yerushalayim set up headquarters in the old to truncate their careers in Torah study, they can city of Jerusalem with a branch in Tel Aviv. become involved in perpetuating our heritage in a While the projects undertaken by Machon Yerusha­ scientific endeavor, yet from a point of view that is pure layim call for a strong background in Talmudic studies, of any bias or influence. other elements, usually asSociated with scientific endeavors, also feature significantly. For instance, one aspect of the Machon's activities centered on redeeming The Treasury of Commentators from oblivion old volumes not in circulation, as well as The first major project that the Machon launched interpreting and publishing some hand-written manu­ was the Otzar Mefarshei Hatalmud - Treasury of Tal­ scripts: Throughout the past two millennia, Torah mudic Commentators, an endeavor to excerpt and con­ scholarship has focussed on the study of Talmud. The dense the commentaries and glosses of the Talmudic Torah giants of each generation contributed their origi­ and halachic authorities to the Babylonian Talmud, nal interpretations and insights to help others better from the Rambam (Maimonides) on to the present era. understand the sacred words of our Tannaim and These excerpts are taken not only from explanatory Amoraim (Sages quoted in the Talmud). Many of these works, but also from responsa, which often shed an scholarly works have been lost over the long and peril­ entirely new light on the text. Thus - arranged accord­ ous path of golus; and not all of those commentaries ing to each page of the Talmud - are the sources and that did survive are readily available, since many comments quoted, the problems they raise and the solu­ volumes can only be found in prestigious public lib­ tions they offer, in a condensed form. The result is an raries or priceless private collections. Furthermore, encyclopedic survey of all major comments of the there are thousands of manuscripts that have never . Talmud. To be sure, everyone from the experienced been published and eagerly await their day of redemp­ scholar to the ordinary talmid prefers to consult com- ~ tion to quench the thirst of Torah students. I mentaries in their original form, so they may interpret them on their own, rather than rely on the readings of others. In addition, some of the ameila she! Torah - the Rabbi Grossman is director of Boro Park Senior Citizens Center of laboring over Torah study - is lost in consulting a Agudath Israel of America and serves as president of Central Torah digest presentation. Nonetheless, its exceptional value Library of Agudath Israel of Baro Park as a learning aid cannot be overestimated. Until now,

22 The Jewish Observer I Feb.-Mar., 1979 only four volumes have appeared - on Bava Metzia and Makos. Yet, close to 40,000 copies have already been sold. Contemporary Torah authorities have hailed the Otzar Mefarshei HaTalmud as a major contribution to Torah scholarship. In the words of the late Rabbi Yecheskel Abramsky, 7•n: "The value of the Otzar is inestimable, especially since it quotes works completely forgotten hardly found in even large libraries. Now the Otzar has saved them from oblivion and their contribu­ "Every thought tion to Torah has again become active as at the time which genius and piety · they first appeared." throw into the world. alters the world" The Talmudic Index As one group at the Machon continues the prepara­ These notable words were never so true as in the case of tion of the Otzar of the whole Talmud, another group is Samson Raphael Hirsch. diligently preparing a companion work, "Mifal Hamaf­ Over a century ago, by his spoken and written word, this iizcisive, insightful Rabbi of Frankfort stemmed the teichos" to be published in twelve volumes. It will be a tide of assimilation and reform, and left a body of comprehensive index showing where in major works by memorable writings that continue to infiuence and later day authors any given passage from Talmud Bavli, inspire perceptive Jews in our day. Talmud Yerushalmi, Rambam, Shulchan Aruch and Here is a list of major works by the mas'ter, in fine major commentators, is cited and discussed. It shall English translations from the original German. As many have found, buying and reading them is an cover over 1,000 works and be made available in easy investment that pays lasting dividends. reference form. THE HIRSCH SIDDUR: an inspired original translation and commentary on the ,Jewish prayer book, bearing the Manuscript Search stamp of his unique philosophy and creative genius. Here is food for thought, giving rich meaning to our age-old prayets. In recent years, the Machon has taken upon itself Two new thoroughly corrected editions, with the full Hebrew an additional task of organizing a search for manu­ text. De luxe binding $15,00 Compact edition on Bible paper $10.00 scripts of Rishonim to be found in the great libraries The Psalms! the master's superb translation and throughout the world. The search has been rewarded commentary on the biblical book of T'hillim, where his ideas with astonishing discoveries. found their finest fruition. A sound, coherent, satisfying As a result of the many discoveries, the Machon and commentary, in a new, corrected, compact 1·volume edition, Regular binding $13.95 its group of experts has undertaken the publication of De luxe (padded and boxed) $17.50 heretofore unpublished manuscripts of the greatest Also available: 2-volume edition $21.50 early Torah luminaries in authoritative editions, richly Chapters of the Fathers: his inimitable translation and annotated with extensive biographical introductions. commentary on Pirkey Avoth (a section of the above work), with vocalized Hebrew text. $3.95 The Nineteen Letters: his first major work, vigorously explaining and defending'Torah Judaism, that placed him in Beth Jakob of Luzern, the forefront of Jewish thinkers and leaders. $4.50 From the Wisdom of Mishle: twenty-two essays on the. which offers a high academic themes of the Book of Proverbs, offering insight and guidance standard in a harmonious on the human situation and its dilemmas in every age. A new important book, from Hirsch's mature years, never before atmosphere under carefully guided published in book form in any language. $9.00 supervision, is now considering Fundamenials of Judaism: a cross.section of his writings, applicants for 1979-80. establishing the Torah's supremacy in Jewish life, plus a wide variety of articles by outstanding disciples. An excellent introduction to his range of thought. The principal, Rav Yisroel Ehrentreu, Hard~couer edition $7 .95 will again visit the USA in March. Paperback $4.95 TimelessTorah: an anthology of his writings, showing the full Personal interviews will then be given. scope and meaning of his main principle of thought: eontains For Further information material not found elsewhere. $9.75 please contact: AvaUable at your Jewish bookstore Mrs. Gitty Weinstock (212) 435-2067

The Jewish Observer I Feb.-Mar., 1979 23 In addition to some twenty volumes already pub­ volume of Chiddushei Rabbeinu David Bonafed on lished, covering the works spanning from the period of Tractate Pesachim was published. Rabbeinu David the Tosafists in France and England until works of the Bonafed was a talmid of the Ramban (Nachmanides) 19th Century, three major projects are now underway: and his sefer was lost in a sea of manuscripts in the Mifal Tarah Chachmei Ashkenaz - The writings of Casanateuse library in Rome - ignored because of a the Sages of Medieval Germany - the publication of mistaken listing of the author on the title page. Thanks manuscripts of the Golden Age of German Jewry in the to the determination and four years of extensive second half of the 13th Century and 14th and 15th research by Rabbi Avraham Shoshana, a member of the Centuries. Seeing publication for the first time are such Telshe Yeshiva Kolle! in Wickliffe, Ohio, this classical important seforim as: "Minhagim and Halachos of commentary has been published. The sefer is already in Rabbeinu Avraham Klausner" (14th Century). He was great demand and the Machon has indicated that it is one of the Maharil's teachers and one of the greatest preparing a second edition. authorities of his time. "Minhagim and Halachos of Mifal Yad David - The publication of the twenty­ Rabbi Sholem of Neustat" (14th Century). He was also volume opus of the great Gaon, Rabbi Joseph David a teacher of the Maharil, and many of his Minhagim are Snitzheim, a commentary covering most of the Talmud. In 1799, Rabbi Snitzheim published the first volume of his Yad David, the only sefer ever to be printed of his famous commentary. In recognition of his outstanding Torah scholarship, he was elected in 1807 as the first President of the Grand Sanhedrin under Napoleon's rule. A controversial body, created to institute "hala­ chic reforms," it was kept in check by virtue of Rabbi Snitzheim's leadership. The Chasam Sofer 'i"ll eulo­ gized him as "a master of the entire Talmud, and capable of quoting verbatim all Rishonim and Achronim as indicated by his sefer. He had attained greatness in Torah and warmest recognition among the leaders of government without compromising Torah principles." After 175 years the Machon has gathered all re­ maining manuscripts of Rabbi Snitzheim 'i"ll and plans to publish them all to assure Torah students and scholars the benefit of his Torah wisdom. Much is being accomplished in Israel to assure the preservation and spreading of Torah through publica­ tion of rare prints and manuscripts. The doors of the Israeli Kolelim have enthusiastically opened up to meet the historic challenge in supplying the necessary talent. Undoubtedly, members of the American Kolelim will follow the lead of Rabbi Avraham Shoshana of the The old Jewish cemetery in Worms; Telshe Kole!, and share their specialized skills to help at left: tombstone of the MAHARIL, 1427 bring about the fullest realization of this monumental undertaking - the mass dissemination of Torah know­ referred to in the Maharil's "Minhagim." "Responsa ledge on a major scale. i.'l and Decisions of the Maharil - Rabbeinu Yaacov Muliu of Mainz" (end of 14th Century-beginning of 15th Century) over two hundred responsa by the fore­ THE SINAI HAGADAH - MlllV~1 Mi1vl>-MC~ ;w MilM most Talmudist of his generation and the greatest sys­ vvith a new translation and co1nmentary based on tematizer of the religious rites and customs of German the traditional Jevvish sources p":itu?::i niiy:i CY Jewry. Many of his rulings are in effect until our by J. H. SINASON times. These, then, are works that have influenced a key K"tl,?lV' f~:iii) 'T 'M ,, l":ii:i i1:ii11lilb nb:JO:'l7 nn:JT iT :iiln figure in the determination of halacha and minhag for iYnOt:l'"'l1 b"i Ashkenazic Jewry. Redeeming these works represents a including a detailed guide to the !avvs and custmns ofth,c Seder contribution beyond presentation of fascinating but T",, l""f 7:;i7 iipo CY c•poiD:'l •"11l !J"Y n11:1bn ~1Y'll' CY !l"W i"TO ni:i?;i obscure comentaries whose works have not made any by Rabbi A. WEISS ripples beyond their own geographic and chronological o•?tzni•:i n"llii"JNi M"t1•7w o.,.,,, ,, '' ,, l":ii;i i'r.i?n community. Their mark is still felt. Main Distributor: J. Leh1nann, Gateshead Mifal Ohr Hamizrach - The Writings of the Available fro1n the n1ajor Hebrew booksellers at $3 95 Greatest Sephardic Rabbis - Recently a 452 page

24 The ]e

Women Rabbis for the Conservatives? every such deviation from sacred The Rabbinical Assembly-the Jewish Observer. When the move­ Jewish tradition as a corroborating national association of Conservative ment that recomn1ends counting evidence of the hollowness of the Rabbis-appointed a Commission to women in a minyan looks favorably Conservative's claim to being an study the advisability of ordaining upon the conferring of semicha on authentic stream within Judaism. women as rabbis. Last January, after them as well, there is little to com­ a series of hearings held across the ment on the matter. Even if opposi­ There are several elements pre­ continent, the Commission recom­ tion to the proposal seems to be sent in the Commission's report, mended by an 11 to 3 vote that threatening amOng grass-root Con­ however, that are worthy of com­ women be admitted into the Jewish servatives, the more knowledgeable ment. First, the Conservative Theological Seminary as rabbinical Orthodox Jew is not impressed. Movement has always attempted to students, leaving the final decision Once a group of Jews has put aside project itself as conserving · the up to the faculty of the Seminary. Torah MiSinai as a governing prin­ essentials of Judaism, preserving ciple in favor of adapting to con­ the broader trends of Torah, .even As a letter-writer in the pages of temporary trends, no innovations it while promoting violation of Torah this issue maintains, this should be introduces are going to be surpris­ halacha and restrictions of rabbinic of little note to the readers of The ing. 1n fact, some people welcome derivation. The more alert indivi-

n11, n111n'2 m11n n,1

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The Jewish Ohserver I J:eb.-Mar., 1979 25 dual was not fooled. populace to women rabbis-a sort of made in strict accordance with its Lately, however, the Conserva­ advance Neilson rating before the "commitment to the notion that tives have gone a step further. They season-is also misrepresented as legitimacy within Conservative are employing the terminologies of falling within the halachic context Judaism must be measured first and ha lac ha even while defying halacha. of the requirement that "a rabbini­ foremost by an halachic standard." As a prime example, the 29 page cal ordinance is only valid if the So, what could possibly be remiss? report of the Commission on community can withstand it" (a To the average yeshiva bachur, Women in the Rabbinate makes halachic requirement for newly the "halacha standard" honored frequent ")earned" references to drafted restrictions, with no bearing in the Commission's proceedings Mitzvos D'oraita and D'rabbonon on the introduction of innovations are as to be taken as seriously as in the very same paragraphs that that violate all old guidelines). In Reform Rabbi Solomon Freehoff's these mitzvos are circumvented ... his summary, Dr. Gershon Cohen, "halachic" responsa, which deal The coast-to-coast series of hear­ Chancellor of the Jewish Theologi­ with such questions as whether or ings that were convened to test the cal Seminary states that the Com­ not grape juice may be substituted receptivity of the Conservative mission's recommendations were for wine for sacramental purposes (i.e., "Kiddush")-when as far as Reform Judaism is concerned, "Kiddush" can be followed by shrimp cocktails and fillet mignon. I A more sober look at this misrep­ ~· "THE FINEST IN CHILDREN$ WEAR & BABY GIFTS resentation and its attendant publi­ i AT LOWEST DISCOUNT PRICES" city, however, can be frightening. Now showing There are undoubtedly well­ meaning people who are less GRAND OPENING Our new knowledgeable and may be con­ SPRING fused by this cloaking of the our new spurious in the robes of legitimacy COLLECTIONS not unlike the first Reformers of a Princess II -Little Princess hundred and fifty years ago, who spoke only of "strengthening Yid­ (preteen) -Princess II dishkeit" while perpetrating mortal featuring wounds in its body. The innocent *the most important fashion bystanders might then assume that name brands the situation is not all black and I *truly lowest discount prices white, and convinced that there *huge. complete selection must be some truth in Conservative arguments, they will be attempted to accept its claims at face value. (This new Conservative brazen­ ness was pointed out in last month's discussion of Dr. William Berko­ witz's invoking of Rabbi Aaron Kotler' s words for the purpose of raising funds for his Conservative adult education programs. Again, the uninitiate could easily have been misled.) The Dissenters' Fears Little Princess Princess II The dissenters only numbered Boys, Infants - Toddler 4 ... "just about euerythlng" for the three out of the fourteen members, Girls: Infants - size 14 fashionable young Junior -- Preteen but they most likely will still be -in a separate store of their own- heard from. First of all, they ex­ 825 Kings Highway 1840 East 7th Street (Corner East 9th Street) pressed foreboding over the very (just off Kings Highway) real possibility that the role of 336-6469 open Sundays Hours, Sunday, 10 AM-6 PM Friday, (J,30-.. 3.30 ' Hours, Sunday thru Thurs --10 AM-6 PM Monda!l' Ihm Thursday. 3,30---- 7-30 PM women will escalate from the Fnday - 10 AM-.. -2 PM and by ap intmen! 3i6·l431 ceremonial-as teachers, preachers, Mrs. Yocheved Josef (continued on page 31)

26 Th~ Jewish Observer I Feb.-Mar., 1979

• ri.r !10'1.l l?l.I, an eye for an eye (ibid. 21:24). How are we to compute the payment due an injured party? The literal interpretation ~the one adopted by the ignorant - was nevertaught Moses at Sinai nor was it ever imposed by a Jewish Court .:.:. what, then1 do the cryptic words mean? · ·

• i;t'?:;lJ;CJ ••• i;tr;t~t1 , You may slaughter ... and eat (Deuteronomy 12:21). What means of slaughter is permitted to the Jew? • o;r1:'.1:;/l? "IK"11l1'l,l1\11' 1il!IX"IQ 01•:;i "11S , However, on the first day, you must destroy leaven from your houses (Exodus 12:15)...... When is that first day? The.first day of Passover?- but all leaven must be gone blafore then! The answers to these questions and myriad others were given to Moses at Sinai. But one can delve into the text of Scripture for infinite hours and not find the answers. How .. ::M:...... ~.·.~.. ~·ii~.a.~wi~ni~g·. ~ttS·Crolt: .layout >·/"; qCt1aimed fprstudy~ease

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D Every phrase in »the M'ishnah accounted. for. No need to· refer baCk and forth from text ta ·corirmen)arJf

0 .Ful(range. of. m11jor commentaries

1~0, 0 All sources clearly cited 1igah 0 Prefatory_ comment whe.rever needed Rosenberg to introduce new concepts

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THE F!VE MEGfllOS* in an elegant gold- Tehillim / Psalms. David plucked heartstrings stamped slip case. A gift-giving favorite - and revealed songs of devotion and longing that and with good reason, because it combines still form the text of every Jewish emotion. beauty with enduring value. Rabbis Aurohom Chaim Feuer Rabbis Meir Zlotowitz and Nasson Scherman and Nosson Schennan

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111e Book of Daniel. The rise and fall of the The Book of Ruth* The roots of the Davidic Four Kingdoms, and the development of history dynasty emerged from Moab in the person of until it is climaxed by the coming of the Messiah Ruth, the righteous model of devotion, modesty, - all are shown in the dreams and visions of and selflessness. Daniel. Rabbis Hersh Go/dwurm and Nosson Scherman

Yonah / Jonah. A prophet tries to avoid an Eichah / Larnentations~ Jeremiah's dirge cap­ onerous task. Instead he becomes the instru­ tures the pathos and tragedy of all Jewish ment of demonstrating G-d's compassion and destructions and exiles, whatever the country or of the power of repentance. century. Rabbis Meir Zlotowitz and Nasson Scherman

Koheles / Ecclesiastes~Solomon's world view The Passover Haggadah.* One of the most moves from an incisive, cutting condemnation familiar works in Jewish life assumes dimensions of frivolity and worthlessness to life's ultimate seldom seen in English as its profundity is ar­ goal - the fear of G·d which is the fulfillment of ticulated and applied. man. Rabbi Joseph Elias

Shir HaShirim~With unsurpassed beauty, feel­ Akdarriu:s Millin~ Man and angels join in the ing, and holiness, Solomon allegorizes the love liturgical masterpiece that introduces the ecstacy between G·d and Israel, a devotion sealed with of Israel's acceptance of the Ten Command­ the gilt of Torah. ments. Rabbis Yaakou Salomon and Nasson Schennan

Birc.as Ha.Mazon / Grace after Meals with Bereishis / Genesis. The ongoing series that supplementary biessings~The Jewish concept provides new dimensions of understanding and of food and eating is exalted and profound. insight into the Book of Books. Here it is expounded with grace and beauty. Rabbis Meir Zlotowitz and Nosson Schennan Rabbi Nosson Scherman Titles with an asterisk r) are also distributed to the Trade b).! Z. BERMAN BOOKS. Z. BERMAN 13001<.S Dealer and Institutional inquiries ''"'""""~""'"'"'='"'~=-"""""''°''~!,~~J·="='~~.,,,,,,,,__,, _ _,,,~- regarding these titles are invited 1340 Fifty-third Street/ Brooklyn, New York 11219 / Phones: (212) 871-5316 or (212) 851-5372

Photography: r.t~a~hem Adelman and MC's at religious services-to tion. Among the qualitative obser~ the Israeli government. Until now, the functional-as witnesses and vations made from the eight the Conservative clergyman have dayanim (rabbinical judges) which regional hearings on the issue was: not been recognized by the Israeli is clearly proscribed by halacha ... "It became equally clear that Religions Ministry, for the agree­ for the meantime, still respected by women are very much interested in ment establishing rabbinical control the Conservatives. continuing their drive toward full over kashrut and personal identity This fear is well-founded, for religious equalization with men; (marriage, divorce, conversions etc.) among Conservatives, women have moreover, many young women are is an extension of a long-standing been steadily moving into pro­ seriously interested in the rabbinate arrangement arrived at between the hibited areas. To quote an official as a career." May we stress the Ottoman Empire and the Jerusalem "Historical Note on the Status of words "full religious equalization." rabbinate. This surely precluded Women in Conservative Judaism": ... When that is achieved one won­ participation of any Reform or Con­ "The institution of family pews, a ders: on what basis would the Con­ servative rabbis, who simply were hallmark of Conservative Judaism, servatives be able to claim that they non-existent in the Holy Land of was an early recognition of the right act within the parameter of halacha? that time. Lately, under the cloak of of women to share equally with men Thus, the words of dissent have a being Masorati (traditional), the in worship and ritual ... The Bat ring of truth to them, and such Conservatives have been claiming Mitzvah ceremony has its genesis in pronouncements may well persuade that they are as faithful to halacha the Conservative Movemeht more the budding baa! teshuva that as are the Orthodox Rabbis. Thus, than half a century ago ... In 1955, aligning himself with this view puts they claim, non-Jews converted to a majority decision of the Com­ him on the right side of the issue, Judaism under Conervative mittee on Jewish Law and Standards fully into mainstream Judaism­ auspices should be accepted in held that it is permissible for women when this is far, far from the truth. Israel as having been converted "in to be given aliyot . . . In 1973 Regardless of the statements of the accordance with halacha" -in keep­ another decision authorized count­ clergy who lead it, Conservatism is ing with the letter of the prescribed ing women for a minyan." Should Conservatism is Conservatism. amendment to the Law of Return. the Conservatives ordain women In addition, the Conservatives are and place her in a pulpit, can they The Holy Land factor lobbying for acceptance of their expect that she will not lead prayer school(s) as part of the religious services, and sign legal documents Should the day arrive when the school network, recognition of their affecting personal status, etc.? The Jewish Theological Seminary or­ congregations within the religious very inevitability of one event fol­ dains women, the Conservatives establishment, and the granting to lowing on the heels of the other will be facing an increasingly uphill their rabbis the right to officiate at might make the two inseparable. battle in an area very important to weddings and administer divorces. This is not a far-fetched specula- them: proving their legitimacy to Once the fellowship of Conserva------Z. 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The Jewish Obsenler I Feb.-Mar., 1979 31 tive rabbis includes women, their on the basis of a conversion super­ Moment of Truth claims to being "traditional" will be vised by a Conservative beis din exposed for the folly that it is. And that includes a woman in its mem­ It has been reported that there are should the day arrive when an bership-its claim will indeed be a a number of men with genuine American oleh claims to be Jewish patently hollow one. ideological commitment to "Torah MiSinai" who, for one reason or another, are in the Conservative Movement. Perhaps they were simply unaware of the full implica­ tions of Conservatism when they became initially involved .... Per­ haps they had believed that Con­ ATTENTION MECHANCHIM servatism offers an easier, more Hebrew Academy of Cleveland accessible entre into Judaism for the Publication Department offers nouveau frum than does full­ 55 educational items for blooded Orthodoxy-not realizing Hebrew Day Schools that a person searching for truth wants the genuine article, no matter • Curricular manuals, gUides how bitter it seems, and no artifi­ Workbooks • Visual aids, maps, and many others cially sweetened substitute ... Or,

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32 Thr ]t>wisli O/?server I Peb.-Mar., 1979 perhaps they succumbed· to the the indiscriminate. But it may only Conservatism as a failure, it is for pressures of earning a livelihood take this one moment to realize that more significant reasons than or­ accented by the availability of Con­ within the context of halacha it is-a daining lady rabbis. Once they take servative positions. Somewhere bad joke. that step, these newly returning along the line, they may experience Whether or not the Jewish Theo­ people will surely be accepted into a "moment of truth" that exposes logical Seminary admits women to the Torah community as full Conservatism for the betrayal of its its rabbinical studies program fledged members, as any ba'al followers that it truly is. should not make any difference to teshuva should be. lT. One may wonder why a matter of these men. If they are rejecting relatively less importance has trig­ gered this strong rejection. While ordaining a woman rabbi may be a gross violation of "Tradition With­ in the Rabbinical Assembly,"* its severity does not approach that of other Conservative practices such as condoning or promoting driving to shul on Shabbos, or officiating at the marriage of a kohain and divorcee-blatant viola­ tions of Torah laws. This rejection, then, may simply be a dismal feeling one gets after embarking on a noble experiment only to discover that it is all a bad joke ... "Women's rights" have their place. "Innova­ tion" and "beautification" may sound reasonable-even desirable to

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34 The Jewish Observer I Feb.-Mar., 1979 Criticizing the Conservatives: "Lashon Hora"?

To the Editor: Editorial Note: December '4th 1978. As a reader of The Jewish Obser­ Exposing a veiled threat is a pub­ Editor, ver I find that you are using your lic service, not lashon hora. The Conservative Judaism magazine as a ping-pong ball, and successes of the Conservative Move­ 3080 Broad way you seem to enjoy it. You have ment are the results of their New York N.Y. 10027 picked the tafel (peripheral) and misrepresentation of facts and con­ Dear Sir, dropped the ikar (core). Your article cepts. This is being perpetrated by January 1979, "From a Conserva­ the leaders of the movement, and it Your Fall issue contains a foot­ tive Rabbi - A New Metaphor for is against them that we dire ct our note to Rabbi Stanley Rabinowitz's Chutzpah," is one of the many arti­ criticism, not the broad, uneducated article "Yetziat Mitzraim": Cairo to cles that do not promote Ahavas masses. We find it necessary to con­ Jerusalem which forces me to ask Yisroel. At best I can call it plain tinually write on the topic because for your readers' attention. lashon hara. of the new guises of legitimacy that The footnote says that I partici­ Why must you publish articles Conservatism constantly assumes. pated in the trip to Egypt by mem- about Conservative Rabbis? As an example of this, we refer the DW"-----­ Readers of The Jewish Observer are reader to some correspondence that LABORATORIES mostly observant Jews - so if the has recently reached out desk: readers would have heard about Manufacturers of these courses in the Bnai Jeshurun Fine Cosmetics (Jewish Press ad), they wouldn't February 8, 1979 Toothpaste I lipstick I Hairspray I Face have attended in the first place. To the Editor of Powder I Shabbos Soap I Instant Dlsh­ Why make a big deal out of it? We, The Jewish Observer: Wash I Creams I Baby Powder I Mouth­ the readers, are not interested in wash I and other fin·e products. I beg to enclose herewith a letter your fighting against Conservative Available at which I addressed to the editor of Rabbis. It's a misdirection of your neighborhood store ::j energy! It's a fact, that from Staten "Conservative Judaism" over 2 ' Island to California - all across months ago. Perhaps not surpris­ country - the Conservative syna­ ingly, the editor of that publication gogues are losing the membership decided not to publish my letter. of their you th and Orthodoxy is on Since the points raised therein the rise. are of importance to Jews concerned If you want to waste energy, with traditional Jewish values, I write about Conservatism, not of offer it to you for publication. Rabbis. Have you run out of pre­ sent (and past) day Chassidic rabbis Very sincerely yours, to extol? MANFRED R. LEHMANN (Please pardon any language that may not be most respectful. We Greater Development & Services want a better Jewish Observer.) Corporation SHLOMOLIEBERMAN Brooklyn, N. Y. New York City 623 CORTEL YOU ROAD corr OCEAN PKWY) 9Ji00KL YN. N.Y J 1218 Come To WEOb!NGS...... BAl·M!TiVA.HS (212)941-5500.

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The Jewish Ohseruer / Feh.-Mar., 1979 36 • • bers of the Synagogue Council of I. When I had located the •••• • • • • America "for the Orthodox com­ Karaite community in Cairo and ~SHELLY ··:· munity." As flattering as such a reported this to the group, there ••••• • • characterization may normally be, it ensued enough interest among its •••• members to sacrifice a half hour of ~ LADli ··:· is, in this case, totally inaccurate. ••••• • • The Orthodox community as such the time allocated for the Sphinx E: ll'thestra ..... •••• had vetoed the visit to Egypt-on and the Pyramids, for a quick ~: 438-3402 • • good grounds, I later concluded­ breezer through the -Karaite main and all Orthodox organizations synagogue and community build­ therefore refused to participate in ings. But by contrast, when I had the trip. I came along strictly as a located the Beth Hamidrash of private person, totally unaffiliated Maimonides in the Old City-and ~ with any organization. My only ...... , ,•', <····· ..... ·...•. "f'" credentials were a graduate degree .·· THE Jf.'.ORL,D F.4.MOl.J$ K"lllnl Klll'1i' i"T1JM in Egyptology and Semitics (from I·· f!JOE$T. oF M.eFons111M\ Chevra Kadisha Johns Hopkins University), and my •.·• .·.. 201v~ -,,,~ 'lJ1p?. l Har Hamenuchot • Har Hazeisim warm interest in Genizoth and Eretz Hachaim ~·ll...t .. ,lltl'?. 11· .. ~K.,...·.• .. >.)·.· ll!.'.... ·•... ';. l"~,tlll • I Manuscripts in Egypt. That I am ~iJ.i;fi/obf-•-, -rit And All Cemeteries In Israel Orthodox seemed to me quite inci­ tEKJJ'fEJ. INC. dental. .• e/o t • ltose116erg maal1n sakobesh However, your readers may be iO V/•s+ ~7tJ, S-tr_e_e+,- _koo,l'ri _tOi'' interested in the reaction of an ~- _____ 1'Jt_w_::Y'~_rk,_ N,.-- Y,_._ f003_! _, SOCl€tY 20, Vol~mes o~ T!>nh, P.erek, Orthodox person travelling for the ·. Meif r~sh, .. ~egiln and Ttlll)ucf, 26CANAL ST. first time at close range with Con­ P__~ot•~1_ :oi_- -:sOl1t_t -di:tt.i.bvl•:d oinf).n9 NEW YORK CITY 10002 servative and Reform rabbis. Here f,t'slti~.9¥·. Offd. ut•4 .l~t .·t•/it.inJ;ii'J O•v & Nit. Phcn• ol ..voh1m.,t cul~~l-pt_fnf are some examples of my experi­ 233-7878 ences and impressions: ... PRl·C06 PER VOt Uk-H

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38 The Jewish Observer/ Feb.-Mar., 1979 this was a most difficult task in it­ preached our group for a Jewish "kosher," I went ahead with the self-and then, full of excitement, wedding ceremony, all Conserva­ Huppah and Kiddushin. My Con­ told the Group about my discovery, tive and Reform rabbis avoided servative and Reform friends finally not one member (to my utter them like a plague. No one offered agreed to assist by holding up my amazement, bordering on disbelief) even to look into their case. I was Tallit as the Huppa ... was interested in paying a visit to the only one willing to do so. Since 3. During my private visits I had the hollowed shrine of Jewish during my visits to the Jewish located some unusual, ancient Heb­ scholarship. Could it be that Con­ community, I had been presented rew manuscripts, including the servative and Reform rabbis feel with a local Kethuba form, and I fabled Ben Asher Codex, written more kinship with the Karaites, had satisfied myself through almost 1200 years ago. I arranged­ than with one of the greatest per­ family documents and cross­ in writing-for a temporary exhibi­ sonalities normative Judaism has examination of the bride's 79 year tion of these Jewish treasures in the produced since the close of the old mother that everything was USA. I reported these accomplish­ Talmud? ments to the group and mentioned 2. When an elderly couple ap- that the exhibition would take place at the Yeshiva University Museum. ·Although obviously no member of 1 Now available nationwide... i the group had anything to do with 1 airlines. cruises, hotels. schools. I the discovery of the manuscripts, conventions and hospitals. , nor with my negotiations, there ensued-much to my surprise and SUPERIOR i dismay- a prolonged effort to have QUALITY i Glatt Kosher dinners produced I in ultra modern. Government ! inspected, sanitary facilities SUPERIOR KASHRUT I Chasidic shechita and I cholov yisroel exclusively, and ! shomer shabbos ownership SUPERIOR I That's a mystety only Carol Hubner can solve. In this fascinating book for young readers, the author has created the mind-boggling, SCHREIBER\ case-cracking Devora Doresh, a young yeshiva girl who keeps getting Schreiber Kosher Caterers, Inc. l involved in mysteries like The Haunted Shul, The Missing Diamonds, 9024 Foster Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y f 1236 I and ... even a homicide. Phone: (212) 272-9!84 I But Devora is no ordinary young sleuth, and draws on the Insights' of the Torah and midrashim to help her solve the mysteries. The young yeshiva detective provides young readers with practical examples of the application of Torah knowledge to everyday situations, whether at . I home with her family or helping an Irish policeman solve a crime. Carol Hubner's imagination has always captivated the hearts of young Jews everywhere, as Bais Yaakov teacher, camp counselor, and legendary storyteller. Her Devora Doresh Mysteries book is only the first of more exciting, fresh titles being developed for the new Judaica Youth Series. The series will comprise stories for Jewish youth, ages 8through14, which relate the timeless Jewish heritage to the contemporary scene. ~~· Pubffshed Bv The.Judalc:a Preas ... .ludalca Youth Series THE HAUNTED SHlJL ..• Aad other Devora Doresh Stories 5%"x8%' By Carol KorfJ Hubner 128 Pages .... $4.95 Illustrated by Devorah Kramer Soft Bound ... $3.95 Available at your book store or direct from: Israel Book Shop, Inc. 0 Exclusfre United States distributor ,. .... 410 Harvard Street Brookline, Mass. 02146 Tel. (617) 566·7113, 7114 THE JUDAICA PRESS, INC .• 521 FIFTH AVENUE., NEW YORK, N.Y. 10017

The Jewish Observer I {:eb.-Mar., 1979 39 the exhibition take place at the credible incident reminded me of solidarity with fellow Jews, typical Jewish Theological Seminary, in­ the false mother in King Solomon's of all Conservatives?-and if so, stead of the Y.U. Museum. When judgment who said "gam Ii gam what is the root to such a discern­ these efforts failed, the leader of the lakh lo yiheye ... Let the child be able change in traditional Jewish Group wrote to the Egyptian neither with me nor with you." attitudes? I think this is a valid Government (imagine the Chillul At the end of the trip, I asked question. Hashem!) saying that they did not myself, as I now ask your readers: is Very sincerely yours, favor the operation and that it such poor interest in Jewish past MANFRED R. LEHMANN should not be approved. This in- and present, and such questionable

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You've heard your friends talk about RUACH Country. Now is the time to have your children experience it. in CAMP AGUDAH in CAMP BNOS RUA CH MEANS Davening out loud - word by RUACH MEANS dazzling night activities that make word, ond a special Minyan for the the stars in the sky fade by com­ younger children. parison. RUA CH MEANS playing to win - but respecting RUA CH MEANS Shabbos zmiras that really sing your opponent. too. out the hannonies of one big hap· RUA CH ""MEANS suminer learning that' is not a pyfamily. come~on - but a "come in" to an RUACH MEANS living a Tisha B'Av. learning the active Bais Medrash. real meaning behind the Jewish RUACH MEANS the gusto of Bentching matching tear. the enjoyment of the meal. RUACH MEANS "!don't wanna go home" after the RUACH MEANS having a counselor who seems summer.... But it's OK, because like he cares, because he really the wannth of a Camp Bnos Sum- does. mer lasts all year long. RUACH MEANS CAMP AGUDAH! RUACH MEANS CAMP BNOSI Where Ruach is more than just a passing breeze but an all pervasive atmosphere with an impact that lasts all year. for information write CAMP AGUDAH/ CAMP BNOS/ 5 BEEKMAN STREET!NEW YORK 10038 or call (212)964-1620

T/1e Jewish Observer/ Feb.-Mar., 1979 41 Preparing For Pesach a photographic essay by Arnold Cohen. of Pesach preparations, photographed in the Boro Park section of Brooklyn.

Arnold Cohen photographed these scenes while working on a CETA grant for creative endeavors, under the sponsorship of the American Je1vish Congress. His photographs of Je1oish life in New York were recently on exhibit in Macy's (New York) exhibition hall. Another of ... reciting the Brncha his essays was featured in the May 78 JO. Rolling the dough ...... for Erev Pesach Matzos Rabbi Moshe Feinstein Shllt"a: "I would like to ask our ' fellow Jews to take part In this great and noble mitz~ !MAIKI CAN'T HANDLE IT vah." I ALL BY HERSELF 7 our dear Mend Moshe on the 2nd day· of Pe.sac~.~::a~ Su'ddenly·rushed to th~ CAN YOU HELP? . beh Margo\ln Ruben , \\ment as an advance Illness, death or family problems .The· ·p_up h\m through the ~~~~~ta\. d~ctors n1\a2~~:~1::oauld have made it impossible for many ·s1age. al \euKemia~O y . rec\ous neiesh to_ be of our children to live with their h\g~~ c6uld. n6t stand by ~n~=~~:S ~i1~~r hearts we cried ?u~ from t e , · · ly-1earnin "'~ families. snatched from. us. r n1g'ht was speot sleep1 ess ·ea\ed to 1 These children need warm loving _to Hash~:e~·;;, ;i:~d1ng for.OiV1n~~~~~1·6~~-:~i~w\1\"1 Us. homes. How about yours? T_or~h.\n\\d6i Hayeshivos tmougn~ut he David was grarited an the· a . . ered and _os ,Our tefil/os w_e~e answ . . he oovid Please call ex~~!~~~~;i~~Y night, 1ne ~o~b1:y0°!~:::~ 1~f~her sanp -~~~·~,~~~~:~sf~!~~-;,: ~;~:!m1h~v~~~g ~~~~e~~e~~a:~a~ or write: . t the room, little rea iz, mo . t rn lrorn our among them. ol t9 "01.ir friend was tr~g1ca\l~e~ 1-teroeS".in .At \he age , e described in" rave 4423 16th Avenue Brooklyn, N.Y. 11204 "d t ·(our etlorts wer . , 8 ) i~i'.;·;~~0~~;;~:'1~~~~~:,~~~~~~~g.~:~~~t~~~:,~~X Tel: (212) 851-6300 ~~~~~~-t~~~~~et~Tif j~=~;Cs~~h(C:~sf~f '.~~e~~o~~eed d may we sen e. · b hall al his sou · nee ' a·d le'l/ui nishmosoi, on ,: he oovld free \.oen t;e~:ri~s\n' creat~n.~ the tlC~~~\on~~hOU9h Cut oif ffOm \\te Spend this Summer Fund·by sending _1n yo~ecg6v\d's ·memoty hve !orever. ln t;\s/youth, may Mos Studyhtg 'lorah Mail Tax-Deductible Contributions to· Zlchron Moshe Dovld/c/o Rabbf Harry Ruben in Nantasket Beach, Mass. 2114-66th Street, Brooklvn, N.Y. 11204 on the way to Cape Cod Pincus Mandel and Experi.enee Renowned Expert - Over 25 years Shabbosim with experience in Kvura on all cemeteries in fretz Yisrae/ the Bost.oner Rebbe With all Hidurim - as done only by Men's sessions: Shomrei Torah Umirzvos #1 June 3 - July 16 & #2 June 17 - July 30 Responsible for current system - speedily Women's sessions in Boston: expedited - at Airport in 4 to 5 hours #1 June 3 - July 16 & #2 June 17 - July 30 With more than 45 years of cemetery experience Classes ore open to all young Jewish odulfs regard­ unceasingly dedicated to the highest standards less of background and ore under the auspices of of Chesed Shel Emes in all its implications Torah Institute of New England without emphasis on the inyan of Yeshiva Machsekc Torah for Men monetary gain. Lionel Goldman Seminary for Women Recommended by Most Prominent Rabbanim and Admorim For information dip end moil to Institute. New England Cho:ssldlc Center. 1710 Beacon Stfeet. Pincus Mandel Orookllne. MA or coll (617) 734-5100. 1569 47th St I Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219 Nome. Day and Night Phone: (212) 855-5121 Addr~ ... ,

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44 The ]eu1ish Obsen1er I ~eb.-Mar., 1979 A volu nt1?et'sincovdfte ixpressio~ ofanger:

llrtl) 3lttrnb Wrttr~rra' ctnllrgr nf ilutttrrttl you won'(say no next time I C:iill will .you?

1750 Glendale Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H2V 183 - (514) 739-3614 it's hard this way Our Seminary is new accapting dormito1y applications for the fo11hcoming school year. they say AH out of tcwn studB!lls who wan! lo study in this wel!·rounded program. help please wrile fo1 en inlerview. Picturuque, European styled Montreal, is a beBUlilul setting for your Seminary educ11ion. and y4u say no SUBJECT !NSTRUCTOR TIMES PER WK. and I am between D•J•; 11ll1:ll 1111'Ul RABBI E. FINKELSTEIN 1 tl•J>; ~ '01• '1:ll 111'1N19 RABBI D. MUND 1 looking at two sides ofsadness \Un1n RABBI M. TOBER Y!Dln tJ•J•lV RAB8/ M. KATZ •1 help t1•l1n::i Or. H. BIBERFELD 2 n1'1•u:i RABBI M. BARKANY 1 is. not 1m et:tsy w.ord tJ'lnnN Q>NI Jj Or. H. BIBERFELD 2 tl>ll'UN1 D'N' lJ Mrs. M. GLUSTEIN l (every 2nd wk.) it doesn't slide.like n•iJv Mrs. P. RABINOVICZ 3 no ;"l\U1!1 Mrs. D. TAUB Quiz it~•p Miss T. ZINNER Ouiz it sticks 11'1•!>n Dr. H. BIBERFELD 1 and even U1hen it's out A. & C. in the Classroom Mrs. M. COHEN 2 (every 2nd llrk.) Child Psychology Or. A. WORENKLEIN 1 it's. in Early Childhood Mrs. M. ROSENSWEIG 1 Jewish History Mr. P. TESSLER 2 making it hard to swa II ow Jewish identity Mrs. Y. WENGER 2 (every 2nd wk.) Jewish Philosophy RABBI S. ZEFFREN 1 but you have only Methods of Education Mrs. M. GLUSTEIN 2 Remedial Reading Mrs. P. RUSS 2(every 2nd wk.) yes Special Education Or. A. WORENKLEJN S:udent Teaching Mrs. M. GLUSTEIN '2 or no The pro!Jl'lln also consists of the following optional courses to do

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The ]e·wish Observer I f:eb.~Mar., 1979 45 HERITAGE Letters to the Editor NEEDLEWORK KIT

"A Tzaddik" ... Excellent Review The reviewer seems anxious to explain the paradox inherent in To the Editor: praising a man for his Ahavas The review of "ATzaddik in Our Yisroel while at the same time es­ ':"'i ;M-,~'I... : '~~. - . - Time" is a masterpiece of clear­ pousing that others steer clear of thinking and balanced appraisal of such a dangerous course. He seeks ..,))~'~ ~.:='Iv.;~ an extremely vital issue that is also to resolve his dilemma by pointing emotionally highly charged. It can out the many pitfalls (I am curious be very difficult to analyze the sen­ what they are, since he does not A cherished 9111 for • chlldl room, sitive area of loving all Jews equally specify) of such behavior, which this 9"x12""(flnished size)a1-.V kit includ To the Editor: Reb Aryeh to lead him to the and English Books I was disheartened to read the following sort of reaction: • We sell exclusively all review article on" A Tzaddik in our "Here was a beautiful neshama, lecture tapes of Time" (October, 1978), for it who excelled in Ahavas Yisroel Rabbi Avigdor Miller X"!l•?VI seemed to me to reveal some incon­ despite the criticism of lesser in­ • Wonderful story tapes for sistencies that plague our Jewish dividuals, he was respected by the community. Chazon !sh, by Rav Sonnenfeld, by children (in Yiddish) While praising Reb Aryeh for his Rav Kook, and by criminals and by Rabbi L. Weinstock 7"ll1 outstanding Ahavas Yisroel the freier. His associations did not (from Monsey) question seemed to hover-why lessen his dedication to Torah and aren't we, the Torah-true Jewish mitzvot. His obvious Ahavas community, more like him? If he Yisroel made a deep and positive was a tzaddik of unquestioned impression upon many a lost Jewish purity of heart, if he was cherished soul. Indeed, we might as well learn EY7-1750 by frum and non-frum alike for his from his ways! Let us remember sincere Ahavas Yisroel, then why (and put into practice) that the ?t11 "~e •,N!: do we shy away from having mitzva of Ahavas Yisroel (is not n:~·ti"CV~ "C:~·~t~·,"~!:i• anything to do with those less frum only for the "rare individual who is than ourselves? totally immersed in every facet of

46 The ]rwis/1 Observer/ Feb.-Mar., 1979 his personal life in Avodas One last question-how in the cific rules which delineate and limit Hashem," but for each and every name of all that is intellectually it. Moreover, very often we are Jew. The Torah's mitzvot are for us honest can one argue that adherence faced with a clash of obligations, as all-and for all time-in your mouth to the Torah's principle of Ahavas different mitzvos make conflicting and your heart to perform? It is Yisroel is too dangerous and might demands upon us; then, too, the foolish (and wicked) to claim that threaten one's dedication to Torah Torah tells us where one obligation observing the Torah's mitzvot will principles? Isn't this a stira meney stops and another starts. No endanger dedication to Torah prin­ u'vey-Catch-22? catch-22 here at all; the rules are ciples. Just as kashrut and Shabbat MIRIAM COHEN clear-and he who goes beyond the and Taharat Hamishpacha are not Flatlands (Brooklyn), New York limits set, transgresses the Creator's meant only for the "rare in­ will. Thus, somebody who, for the dividual," neither is Ahavas sake of Kedushas Shabbos, shies Yisroel. And if Reb Aryeh bade his Our Book Reviewer replies: away from saving a dangerously sons upon his death bed at all costs I am saddened, and very sur­ sick person through an act of to avoid the machlokes (disputes) prised, that what I wrote could be so "Chillul Shabbos" is not doing a arising out of the political party grievously misunderstood. In no mitzva but a terrible wrong. system in Israel-perhaps we should way, manner, or shape did I suggest The same applies to Ahavas learn to emulate this Tzaddik?" that Ahavas Yisroel (or observance Yisroel. It is, indeed, a great mitzva, Or would such a reaction en­ of any other mitzva as it should be and the love of every fellow Jew danger the carefully constructed observed) is too dangerous and must always be with us. But this web of rationalization which we (or might threaten one's dedication to does not mean that there are no he) have convinced ourselves are Torah principles. rules or limits concerning the man­ the only proper "Torah-true" It is, however, an obvious and ner in which it is to be expressed or response to the issues which beset basic Torah principle that every applied. As with every other mitzva our people? mitzva was given to us with its spe- or midoh tova, there are built-in

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The Jewish Observer I f:eb.-Mar., 1979 49 pathology and Parent Power." I eerily and contends that "the situa­ believe my comment is in accord tion would hold even for less radical t n with the caution advised by the cases." Torah authority who was consulted It's with this backdrop and an LETTERS CONTINUED before publishing the above article. allusion to "specific anxiety-related Dr. Mermelstein questions the syndrome" (point "c") that the mitzva performance of some Torah­ author found befitting to make an "Piety Psychopathology ..• " true Jews. Namely, is the mitzva analogy to what the Chazon !sh 7"X1 and a Tzaddik's a function of his love or fear for is reported to have said concerning Meticulous Mitzva Performance Hashem to try and comply with His the great dikduk B'mitzvos prac­ will in order to achieve a closeness tised by the Brisker Rav 7"X1. Before To the Editor: to Him, or is it at times a product of discussing what the Chazon !sh Please pardon the tardiness of one's personal psychic disorder could have meant, the following this letter, since I only recently ob­ such as : "schizoid withdrawal ... should be made clear: tained the Elul, 5738/Sept. '78 issue oedipal problems ... or other neu­ (a) The extreme precaution in of The Jewish Observer. rotic mechanisms . . . cloaked in mitzvos practiced by the Rav were There's a point I wish to bring religious fervor." He presents two limited exclusively to the boun­ out in reference to Dr. Mermel­ extreme case histories casting doubt daries of exact halacha interpreta­ stein's article on "Piety, Psycho- over the individual's religious sin- tion. He did not attempt to invent

A young man's intellectual disCQVeries on his way to Yiddishkeit Foreword by Norman Lamm, President, Yeshiva Univ er~ sity

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50 The Jewish Observer I f:eb.-Mar., 1979 "Brisker chumros"; rather, due to !ions and concern with which his vast Torah knowledge, he per­ people guide their personal lives, formed mitzvos as he saw war­ the Rav ':>"lll utilized for his avadas ranted by actual halacha. Hashem as well ... a true personifi­ (b) Many bnei Torah with a wide cation of the mitzva of loving assortment of personalities (not Hashem with all one's heart and necessarily psychopaths) have soul. adopted this as the derech ha'emes I would even venture to add that in avodas Hashem (the bonafide his great scrutiny in fulfilling the method of divine service). ratzon Hashem was what brought (c) The Rav's quest for precision about a higher level in his caution in in mitzva observance also permeates his day-to-day life. But I realize his Chiddushei Torah, which are that due to his eminence, all his per­ well known for their remarkable, sonal behavior is far, far beyond my clear interpretation to the essence un·19+1*~ and true meaning of sugyos and psukim (topics and passages). His approach too, is direct and to the wii'n Oll non 7w niln point-differentiating between vari­ Miin 7111 l"ll" ous factors of the dilemma and fil­ ,0'1!11ii ,111"11'.lK ,0'1!11"1'n 'I01K ing everything into its respective 7lli nimn ':ill nr.i:i11 'Tr.l"11 O'l1'll place. The end product is the bring­ ,tJ"WiOtli1 ili.ni:i, nxn noni1 :i.n ing out of the actual meaning of the 'l1Kl1 -,omn ,.,,,l ,111i,onn 111'.:lK halacha per se. ,,,,, ,,, In regard to the meaning of the :cmr,ll qem Chazon Ish's remark as cited by his -,ion 7,7, non :i"1ll m:i,7ni m:i?n nephew, it implies no criticism. It ,,, 7ll inlli opi?r.i can be explained to stress that the concern of the Rav for the proper i71N l't.l'l:I :11n The Most Trusted Name in .0'71!11"1' 71!1 "1"'.:l'.:l rim '.:l"1 performance of a mitzva was of Kosher Poultry and Foods ... :iD'O\"I 'll'O:! great personal importance. It fol­ Preferred World-Wide lows, then, that the strict precau- 'pniK7 nonn m7 O'll'.ll mK7:io pi1'-1'l1 0'71!11"1' 0''111'.lll 180 $4.50 ""ln i:inr.m nKr.i Ol The Board of Gouernors and Mi:irr.i·i:i ni:i,?m ni:i?l'! i!lo National Dinner Committee of ,7,i;nw 1op ,ni:m--,:i 'l', 77:i 1"1ll n"1n:im ,Jr.l"1l '>'mlll m:i?n Torah Schools for Israel 7Killl' n:iwnr.i:i ni:m-.,:i cordially inuites you to attend the 0''111'.lll 288 $4.50 Twenty Six National Dinner Sunday, the 6th of May. 1979 fiue thirty o'clock in the euening Miinl'! 7l1 ll':lr omr.i ,mll'll"1 ,;v1~tun nrw-,n ':ill at the New York Hilton 111l'llr.lr.l O''.:l1Kl!I ,O'np71 tl'11r.l'7 Sixth Auenue at Fifty-Third Street ,O'l!li'lr.in 'ir.lKr.l1 l!l11i' 'K1yr.l'.:llll New York City O':i7m 111;1i 7w 111'll'.:l1 mr,Klll ':ill O"Jr.ni O"Jtv"n'O tl"JY.l! ,n1x::i1 .O'l!l'lnnr.i '1' ':ill ii'.:llll1 iir.iKl l>j?T )I'll-):! CMlll :!"1M ooiinr.in J1KlM 7w nnn 7"lrl j?ll<.,ll M'Otl ':lll '1"M1r.l $16.50 0':11:1 'JIU

The ]eioish Observer I reb.-Mar., 1979 51 encounter with Yoseif in Egypt­ Chap.A-Nosh at Miami's that it was to demonstrate that even 77 at the peak of his happiness and LETTERS CONTINUED love for Yoseif, his love of Hashem DELI-NOSH was still greater. Said Reb Chaim GLAn KOSHER FAST FOODS grasp. We can not attempt to draw "Don't associate your personal Und., Orthodox Rablointcol ~'"'" parallels between the. actions of emotions with Yaakov Avinu! (g) DINllERS,LUllCHES great tzaddikim and the haphazard Yaakov did not have to grapple with conduct of ordinary people. HAIMISHE TAKE HOME FOODS private emotions versus Ahavas IAR.&.0 CHICKEN, DIUCATESSEN Thus, Reb Chaim Brisker ~"'~1 Hashem!" SANDWICHES, BURGERS, FRANKS reportedly commented upon hear­ EAT IN OR TAKE OUT ing an explanation for Yaakov YA.NORA Open All Year I I AM· 11 PM Avinu reciting Shema upon his first Achvah/]erusalem 420 Arthur Gadffl'Y • 4 lat SI. Miamllleach,Plo.

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52 The Jewish Observer I Feb.-Mar., 1979 WANTED! The Jewish Youth ------, Library is gathering i ISRAEL ·: back-issues of periodicals and binding them into volumes. If you have any oack-issues af: !CHARTERS! Olomeinu, Jewish I via Widebody DC-10 World Airways Jets I Observer, Yid dis he Licht, Yiddishe Vo rt, Di Yiddishe Heim, ! !550 l:E ! Hapardes, Hamapr, I LOW COST PACKAGES AND SPECIAL TOURS FEATURING . I Light Magazine, Bais I D,~.,,.,, PLAZA OR CENTRAL HOTELS I Yaakov Magazine etc. Please call the library at : ~,,, ''" '"''""'· "'''"'' ... ,,,, : · (212) 435-471 L I Your call will be answered j at all hours. We will gladly : c~~~~~~1 ~nc. : come pick them up. I -Toll-free--- 800·221-4840------New York-- 212-490·1213---.. I A CALL FORTORAH STUDY Join the hundreds of Chaverim in the U.S.A., ISRAEL Israel and other parts of the world who now enjoy Burials and American Disinterments an extra spiritual dimension in Jewish living by learning three halachas and I or two mishnas and F1MT7iiotiv :11.l?lV I or the weekly sedra every day. announces that RIVERSIDE continues to be the only licensed funeral director in the U.S. able to effect C1'~ '1Cn '>w tm1 ,,.,ll llVlOl .,.,,.,~ n~in~ po1y;i .,~ Transfer to Israel within the same day ·l ?"'ID O":ll'J"'l';i Ji"Ti ni:;ii,;i Har Hazeitim Har Hamenuchot You will gain respect and love from your family And all Cemeteries In Israel and become an inspiration to your friends. RIVERSIDE also is available as the Ask for your free lu'ach from Sole agent for Sanhadrea Cemetery RABBI ELIEZER KARP, Chairman RIVERSIDE only can offer this service MISHNA AND HALACHA YOMIT Enroute to Israel within the same day j1880 47th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11204 • Strict adherence to Halacha and Minhaglm • Arrangments made during lifetime with no obligation • Chapel secured in any community. DON'T GET MARRIED!! DON'T MAKE \ BAR MITZVAH OR A SIMCHA RIVERSIDE Memorial Chape!, Inc. Funeral Directors

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For generations a symbol of Jewish Tradition

The Jewish Obsenn•r I Feb.-Mar .. 1979 53 Holocaust Commission's First Peace Reigns at Ramo! Road, Caskets of Ancient Sages Reburied, Action Affronts Victims: Commission to Issue Report Graves Protected Agudath Israel Charges JERUSALEM - Two weeks of violence JERUSALEM - The Orthodox Jewish ThP initial plan advanced by President between the police and Orthodox demon­ community breathed a sigh of relief with the Carter's Commission on the Holocaust to strators at the newly-built road to Ramot closing of the final chapter of the recent furor mark the week of April 22-29 as "Days of came to an 3nd on Shabbos, March 3, and over desecration of the graves of Tanaim and Remembrance" for victims of Nazism was peace reigned in the area once again. The Amoraim (sages of the Talmud) in the ancient decried by Agudath Israel of America for police maintained a low profile as Orthodox cemetery of Kfar Avnit, when on Sunday the "failing to give the surviving generation a Jews stood along th3 road crying "Shabbos" caskets were reburied at a funeral arranged proper format for commemorating those that at cars which passed the adjoining religious by the military rabbinate. Representatives of perished in the destruction." For example, neighborhoods. Agudath Israel and community groups were the week's activities are scheduled to open The new attitude of the Police Department present when these caskets were returned with ceremonies at Temple Emanuel in New was an outgrowth of a conference convened and reburied. This development resulted York and to close in the national Cathedral of earlier last week with Mayor Teddy Kollek at from diligent were efforts made by Agudist the Episcopal Church in Washington. The the request of Rabbi Moshe Sherer, executive Knesset representatives Rabbi Shlomo Orthodox Jewish organization charged that president of Agudath Israel of America and Lorincz, chairman of the Knesset's Finance the program appears designed to reflect the Israeli Agudah leader Rabbi Menachem Committee who had intervened with Educa­ "ecumenical aspirations of some o_f the com­ Porush, chairman of the Knesset Labor tion Minister Zevulun Hammer who is mission's participants rather than to authen­ Committee. This was followed by a top-level responsible for the Department of Antiqui­ tically project the theme of Remembrance." meeting between the Mayor, Rabbi Porush, ties. The Agudath Israel statement declared: and the national commander of Israel's police "In honoring the memory of six million and the Jerusalem police chief. The controversy began in mid-February, martyrs, we must bear in mind that a major At the meeting with the Mayor, the when it was learned that contractors building segment of then1 were uncompromising in American and Israeli Agudah conde1nned the a military camp in Kfar Avnit in the Gali! had their Orthodoxy, and because of their media for exploiting the irresponsible acts of disturbed the graves of Talmudic sages, par­ religious convictions would have avoided several youthful stone-throwers to divert ticularly Rebbe Yehuda HaNassi, and a num­ participation in religious ceremonies held in attention from the legitimate claims of the ber of the ancient caskets were removed to any house of worship other than an Ortho­ religious "shikunim" of Ezras Torah and the government's Department of Antiquities dox synagogue. In honoring the Six Mil­ Sanz-that building a highway adjoining in Jeru!>alem. Rabbi Lorencz insisted that the lion, we must bear in mind that they were the their neighborhoods violated the Sabbath Knesset urgently discuss this development, final flowering of a community of 1,000 repose for which they had erected their and demanded that all the construction in years standing-a community whose glory suburban communities. They demanded that that area cease, with the graves restored to was its consummate devotion to Torah study the Mayor build an alternate road to Ramot, their previous condition. The strong de­ ·and its fidelity to Torah law-a community of and take strong steps to stop police brutality mands of the chairman of Agudath Israel's shtetlach and metropolises, proud of their against peaceful religious demonstrators. Knesset faction brought immediate action yeshivas, shtieblach and shuls, Talmudic The Mayor responded that he will accele­ from Israel's deputy Defense Minister scholars, Chassidic leaders and devout citi­ rate the work of the three-man commission Mordechai Zipori. zens. A combination of a temple and a that he appointed to find a solution to the church is hardly the place to perpetuate their disputed Ramot road, pointing out that this In a conference with Rabbi Lorincz, the hallowed memory. commission includes the distinguished deputy Defense Minister agreed to order that "If it is the Commission's intentions that Orthodox scientist Professor Low, head of the military camp be constructed away from the week's activities include as broad a spec­ the Institute for Halacha and Science. He the cemetery area, which he claimed had not trum of participants as possible and be effec­ agreed to implement the proposals of this been marked with any visible signs. In addi­ tive in commemorating the Holocaust, it commission, even if it involves the expendi­ tion, fences and proper markers will be built should avoid any particular religious identifi­ ture of large sums of money for building a around the graves of Abbaye, Rava, Rebbe cations foreign to the spirit of the Holocaust new r(!ad away from the Orthodox neighbor­ Yehuda HaNassi and Rav Poppa. A new victims. One would expect that a U.S. hoods. The Commission is expected to issue approach is also being built to these graves, government-sponsored commission would its recommendations this week. away from the military camp location. The refrain from steps that would offend both the remaining problem of the dislocated caskets memory of the Holocaust victims and many was resolved this week when the Department American religious Jews who would choose of Antiquities fulfilled the request of the to honor them. Russian Emigres Get Tax Help Agudath Israel leader to return them to their "Agudath Israel of America calls on Presi­ original place. dent Carter's Commission on the Holocaust Soviet Jewish emigres who are already to rethink its entire attitude towards its mis­ working in this country and are required to In an interview, Rabbi Lorincz declared sion and to come up with a program that will fill out a tax return, are receiving help from a that while he is pleased that the controversy be an honor for the memory of the kedoshim joint project sponsored by Agudath Israel of surrounding the Kfar A vnit construction has (martyrs), involve the broadest segments of America and the Cheshbonot Society. Volun­ come to an end, he condemned the delaying the American populace, and not violate the teers from Cheshbonot, the Orthodox Jewish tactics of the Antiquities Department which unique sensitivities of the Orthodox Jew. We accountants' organization, have set up desks had sought to keep these caskets. He respectfully suggest that the Orthodox in Agudath Israel branches, synagogues, and reported on the written agreement that he Jewish participants on this Commission be other central locations throughout the city to had reached with the Defense Ministry to enlarged in order to safeguard these sensi­ help Russian Jews cope with forms which are take all the necessary steps to preserve the bilities." strange to new immigrants. holiness of this ancient burial place.

54 The ]e1visl1 Observer I Feb.-Mar., 1979 Now, for only $18, you can really belong.

Er 57 years Orthodox)ews from coast to coast have The Needs Of Our Senior Citizens associated with Agudath Israel of America. Without giving a Being vlta!!y concerned with the special problems facing senior second thought to the $18 membership contribution, many citizens means, to Agudath Israel, accepting the responsihility to honestly feel and believe they belong to this movement that has create and administrate the programs they need. done, and is doing, so much to resolve the problems unique to Alook at the record proves our movement is meeting its Orthodox Jewry. ohligatlon. Thousands of Jewish seniof citizens are being served 'i They, you, do belong. But "a~odating with" is not the same through our network of four full-activity dubs and nutrition as "belonging to." To truly say you belong to Agudath Israel. C\'nters. For many, our daily kosher luncheon program offerS you must accept your obligation to participate as a dues-paying the only nutritiously balanced meal of their day. member. For both moral and practical reasons. Other on-going programs provided by Agudath Israel include ! The Power of Torah Coalition "meals on wheels" and visitation services for the homebound: ! Agudath Israel is your movement. You areAgudath Israel's legal advice and medical programs; cultural and special events strength. Where a single voice crying for help is lost, a programs: and many others, all with the unique Torah flavor multitude raising a mighty roar cannot be ignored. In the halls that brings spiritual as well as physical comfort. of government; in the policy mertings of Jewish community At Home And Abroad leaders, your membership increases our power to safeguard your With deep concern for spiritual growth as well as physical rights, make sure the needs of the Orthodox Jew are not security in the Holy Land, Agudath Israel works with its sister overlooked. By joining Agudath Israel, you are not only organization in Israel. Our broad range of services includes accepting your responsihi!ity to Hashem, His Torah and Torah education for all, trade schools and children's Orthodox Jewry, you are helping yourself and your family.All Developing Tomorrow's Leaders institutions. for a small investment of $18 Jn our detennination to !iherate all Torah Jews from the sense For our Russian brethren, both those who have immigrated of Inferiority which shackled us for generations, we have placed to the U.S. and lsrae!. and those who st!!! remain behind the Represenllllion Where It Connts special emphasis on our youth programs. Today. (Jver 20,000 Belonging to Agudath Israel of America means you have taken a Iron Curtain, Agudath Israel supports many projects and children, led by 1800 devoted volunteers, are attending the facilities, from the shipment of thousands of parcels to personal finn stand for the rights of Orthodox Je11,:ry'. It means you believe movement's active groups. in respons!hle Torah activism, as directed by our Gedo!ei Torah counselling and guidance services. At Pirchei Agudath Israel young hoys are inspired to higher It means you are part of the movement that ls respected, and spiritual goals as they study and come to understand Hashem Wherever, Whenever There Is A Need more importantly, listened to in local and national govern­ and His Torah. And, through our series of Hasmodah and A.'i a member of Agudath Israel of America, you are part of a mental chambers. MishnayoS Tral Peh national contests. they are stimulated to movement tha! is totally involved with the needs of the Torah Genuine Yiddishkeit study Torah on their own time. community. Political advocacy, youth and senior citi7..en Uke the pillar of fire in the night, every activity of Agudath At Bnos Agudath fsrael our je\vish daughters are imhued with programs are just part of our overall endeavors. Yes, we will be Israel is guided by one beautiful truth ... that the Torah was. is a deeper sense of devotion to Yiddish-Keit. as well as an describing some of ollr other successful and important and always will be supreme in everything a Jew thinks and does. underst<1ndlng of their purpose ln the Jewish community and programs in future advertisement5 .. , but you know them as we!! We, you, a!! members of the movement recognize it is no their responsibilities to the sick. aged and homebound. as we do. Thars why it is so vitally important for you to send in your $18 membership contribution today .. Jo say ''yes, I wU! ea5y ta.~k to restore, perpetuate, strengthen our genuine Jewish At l.eirei Agudath Israel senior yeshiva students and young values in today's permis.sive society. But it is a task we have adults. under the guidance of Roshei Yeshivos. through effective participate. l will help the movement go forward because I am proud !o be a Torah.Jew!'. willingly accepted. And b'ezras Hashem UI(;' shall not fail! project~ are proudly preparing themselves for a life of We Are No longer "Meekly Accepting'' responsih!e Torah activism Free Introductory Subsl:riptions For too many years the Orthodox]€\\' has heen mocked for his AU Jewish Children are Important For New Members beliefs, stripped of his dignity, his voice and needs ignored hy The movemenfsJEP REACH-OUT program (lewish Education To he infonned. to keep abreast of the Torah view on Jewish the secular-dominated leadership. tre ofAgudt1tb l\Tael reji1se Program) has been outstandingly successful in providing is.sues and event\ is to be strong. If you act today, only $18 will lo accept this role ofstepchild. With growing strength _we are unaffiliated Jewish children with a proper Torah education. include your membf.rship fee plus your choice of a free one­ standing up and being counted. \Ve are saying. with words and In addition to taking full advantage of the "release hour year's subscription to The Jewish Observer or Dos Yiddishe Vort deeds, we are proud of being Torah-loyal Jews. we are right in classes" guaranteed by the U.S. Supreme I.our!. our Chavrnsa being Torah-loya!Jews, and we wil! be heard' Program for day school children, Shabhatons and anti­ Become A Member Fill out and mail this application today. Ideals in Action missionary counselling has inspired hundreds of youngsters fo continue their Torah studies at our veshivos. ------As Kial YiSroel's most effective Torah force. guided dynamically With the support of our membe~hip,JEP branch offices~-1re (M AGUDATIUSRAEL OF AMERICA hy detennined Torah scholars, Agudath Isnel enjoys a reputa­ !~ 5 Heekman Street, New York, N.Y., 10038 being opened in 5 major metropolitan areas to expand this tion for not just involvement but for providing meaningful Ov~ I belong! Enclosed find my $;8 check fo~ my annual so!utio115 to the problems that confront us effort on a largr scale membership In Agudath Israel. As a movement of and for Torah-loyal Jews, Agudath Israel J prefer 0 The Jewish Observer D Dos Yiddlshe Vort for my one year More Rewarding Summers free suhscription brings vitality and strength-of-purpose to a multitude of Camp Agudah for boys and Camp Bnos for girls are prime D I did not forget! Continue my participation in the Agudath Israel programs created to meet our specific needs. Actively stressing. examples of the movement's responsible actiVism. Each year, at movement hy renewing my membership l'ith the rnclosed $18 check. and making possible, Torah education for young and old . these summer camps in New York's Catskill Mountains. over initiating dozens of trailhlazing projects to win the fight against 1000 children from North and South America receiw their Name creeping assimilation and against those who would water down fundamental training in Judaism. ~lost come on sclmlarships: Address our true Jewish values. And actively providing a broad spectrum all enioy the benefits of our wholesome environment and well­ of social services with a Torah flavor to the aged, the jobless and rounded educational and recrea!lonal programs that instill a City -.···----··""----.... ~----State--~·~~--·-··- Zip~·--~-,~­ the shut-ins lifelong spiritual commitment to our Torah-true Jewish values. []------Please send me more infonnation on Agudath Israel of America AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA Where Judaism's Tomorrow is Today's Agenda for Action PRESIDH!M: Rabbi Moshe Feinstein. chainnan/Rahbi Moshe Horowitz (Bostoner Rebhe)/Rahhi Shneur Ko~er/ Rabbi Yaakov Perlow (Novominsker Rehh~)/Rahbi Chaskel Besser(Rah!Ji Moshe Sherer• Nochum Stein, National Membership Chairman Thi~ advertii<:mrot paid for h)· friends of Agudath hrarl of Anwrica The Yeshiva is dedicated to provide the highest standards of Torah learning, and the total develop­ ment of B'nei Torah, through qualified, experienced Rabbeim and individualized attention. "'"Fully accredited high school fi''Modern dormitory and kitchen facilities ,..,-Full-time supervision ,..,-Pleasant year-round climate For registration information for the 9th and 10th grades or for the summer z'man for the 'Ba is Hamedrash please contact Rabbi Eliezer Gross or Rabbi Menachem Gross, Roshei Hayeshiva- 213-938-2071. 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