The Torah World A fascinating and Inspiring collection of biographit:al sketches. In these pages, 25 great Torah leaders - the shapers of today's Torah world .;._;. flash before your eyes, penetrate your heart, shape your thinking. o Rabbi Aharon· Kotler shaping Torah learning in America. o The Lubavltcher Rebbe facing communist jailers. o The humility and the genius of the Tshebiner Rav. Reb Boruch Ber, the Mirrer Mashgiach, Rabbi Menachem Ziemba, Rabbi Meir Shapiro, Rabbi Joseph Breuer, Rabbi Elya Meir Bloch and more and more and more. This is a• book that will .enrich every JeWlsh home. It will make yoo proud and humble. Nine of these articles are by Chaim Shapiro, the popular chronicler ofpre-War life whose Wit, Insight, and narrative brilliance have made him one of )O's most popular writers. Four sketches are new, written especially for this book - on Rabbi Meir Shapiro, Rabbi Menachem Ziemba, the Lubavltcher Rebbe, and the Tshebiner Rav. Many articl.es are frorri The Jewish Observer. Edited by Rabbi Nlsson Wolpln, Published by Mesorah Publlcatlons, Ud. in conjunction With AgudAth Israel of America hardcover.$t2.95 paperback $9.95 Of special Interest for your Tishrel reading: Seasons of the Soul Perspectives on the Jewish year and its milestones. Including Yomim Noraim and Succos essays from the thoughts of Maharal, Sefas Emes. Rabbi E.E. Dessler, Rabbi Zalman Sorotzkin, Rabbi Yitzchok Hutner and many others. hardcover $12.95 paperback $9.95
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SEPT., 1982, VOL. XVI, NO. 5 TISHREI, 5753 "Ayeka" -The Existential Query This question takes on an added dimension in a Jew ish worldview. The Torah teaches us that Man is unique An outstanding Torah scholar' of a bygone genera among all creatures. Certain powers implanted in him tion was once asked to explain the verse in Bereishis (3): distinguish him from the rest of creation, and as a "And the L-rd G-d called to Adam and said to him,'Ayeka result, he is called upon to fulfill demands not made where are you?'" Didn't G-d know his whereabouts? upon any other creature. After taking into account the The scholar responded that G-d was not asking about demands for personal morality, ethical conduct, and so Adam's physical whereabouts. Rather, after his first sin, on, one wonders if perhaps too much is not being Man was challenged with the most basic of all ques demanded of Man. What actually elevates him that tions-that of his identity: Where do you place yourself much above all else? Or as Dovid Hamelech phrased it: within the structure of creation? Have you tested and "G-d, what is Man that You should know him; the rhild weighed the facets of your personality which, when of mankind that you should consider him?" (Tehillim taken together, grant you the name "Man"? 144,3). This question, posed to Adam on the day of his crea In physical prowess, man lags behind many animals tion, has been asked continually from that day on. This he is not particularly rugged; and like them, he is limited Heavenly voice echoes through our lives, asking each of in his years: "Man is like a breath of air, like a passing us, "Where are you?" and every thinking individual at shadow" (Tehillim 144). His greatness surely lies in other some point asks the same of himself, questioning what realms. it is that characterizes him as a human being. I. Intelligence: Man's Superiority Over Animals
"attributed to the first Lubavitcher Rebbe: Rabbi Shneur It is, of course, the ability to reason that makes man Zalman of Ladi, author of Sefer Ha Tanya. not only a well-developed animal, but a unique creature, the crown of Creation. Thus the scholars who com posed the Shemona Esrei placed the blessing petitioning: This article originally appeared in MACHSHEVET, a Hebrew language periodical " ... grant us wisdom, understanding," first among the published by Moreshd Avof, a Bnei Brak-based reach-ouf organization. requests made in our prayers, expressing our prime Rabbi Silverman is currenHy sfudying in the Mir Yeshiva in Brooklyn. concern. The yearning for knowledge and wisdom must
4 The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 j l ,1
Zvi Avyashar, translated by Shmuel Silverman J Man's intelligence l is obviously the basis of his superiority over the rest of animal life. But now that man has created the computer, how secure is his position as the crown of creation?
precede everything else, for man is what he is by virtue an enterprise to develop it, or even to sacrifice for ulti of understanding and good sense. mate gain. No other creature has the ability to initiate True enough, animals also possess sufficient intelli such a process. gence to defend and provide for themselves and their • Humanity does not remain stagnant, for man has a offspring, and even have a certain capacity for under capacity for invention, continuously improving the standing. Man's obvious superiority, however, is not a conditions of life. His unique reasoning power have no matter of degree but of kind.1 parallel in any other animal. Man's advantage over animal life by virtue of intellect • Only man can deal with the abstract, or delve into was put forth by some of our earliest sages of the knowledge for its own sake, with no motive of material post-Talmudic era2-among them Rav Saadya Gaon, gain ... immerse himself into philosophy or the theoret who wrote (in Ha'emunos V'hade'os, Maamar 4): "Man has ical sciences ... or be creative in the arts, music, and an advantage (over animals) in the wisdom given us, as literature. These are unique to mankind. it is written (Tehillim 94:10), 'He who teaches man wisdom.' II. The Computer-Superior to Man? "Man can utilize wisdom to evaluate every past action and predict the many ramifications which will come Accepting man's intellectual prowess as the quintes about .... Through it, man draws water from the sence of his superiority over animals confronts us with a depths of the earth, causing it to run over the surface. problem today that did not exist previously: By this ... He fashions wheels that of themselves draw water. criterion is not a computer an improvement over man? And with it, he builds beautiful buildings, wears lovely garments and prepares delicious foods ... and under 1 Rav Yosef Afbo in his Sefer Haikrim, explains the verse (Koheles 3:19) stands the paths of the sun and the stars, and the "And the superiority of man over the animals is nothing," todassify physical forces that control them." man's superiority over animals as an actuality that cannot be physi cally sensed. This interpretation can be applied specifically to intelli gence, in line with: "Wisdom is to be found from nothingness" (Iyov • The first characteristic that Rav Saadya Gaon 28:12), describing human wisdom as an intangible entity. underscored is the ability to analyze events and project 2Rabbeinu Bechaye in his Chovos Halevi:roos, Shaar Habechina Chapter the future. Whether in business, military strategy or a 5; Rambam in his Introduction to Peirush Hamishnayosand in Yad Hachaz game of chess, man knows that he must first invest in aka, Hilchos Yesodei Ha Torah, 4:8; see also Moreh Nevuchim, I,72.
The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 5 I I
True enough, until now no computer has been con structed that can work with 10 billion details-the Building a .. Superbrain number of small nerve fibers in a man's brain, which are interconnected in a highly complicated web. This differ In Japan today a group of well-funded ence, however, is quantitative rather than qualitative. scientistsisworking to.turn fantasy into reality: Moreover, scientists may someday succeed in building The Japanese aim.to putthe intelligence of a such a computer, perhaps even improving on the man. into a machine. . . · human brain. .Japan's most adva.nced computer laborato· Of greater significance, a computer can use its rea rieshave already begun th.eirwork. The 1.atest soning ability with greater efficiency than man. A per generations of semiconductor chips .have son rarely draws on all of the knowledge he possesses. crammed so much computing power. ihto so Many times, he acts in opposition to his better judg small a space that many specialists think it is ment. A computer would never do such a thing. Forget now possible to make. a real electronic brain. fulness, also a human malady, never affects a computer. This. summer two task forces of Japanese ... At first blush, this would seem to indicate that man's scientists and engineers; backed by pots of singular superiority is actually under threat. government money, began racing each pther Man may find comfort in his control over the compu to come up with the w.orld's first tru~ artificial ter: it only can work within the framework of the intelligence,.The powerfu 1. Ministry of lnterna• ·· information a person programs into it, and since the tiona!Tradeand Industry (MITI) is backing a power of initiative is entirely in the hands of man, the 10-year. project t() ·build the. so·called. Fifth machine, no matter how smart, is virtually on a lower Generation. Computer. a mach.ine that would level than man. Even so, might not a computer some day have w~at one scientist calls a "man level" I be designed that will monitor itself, and will be able to .. inte.1Jigence ... A0othef res;earch. group, .funded work in a completely independent manner?-What by Nippon T:elegraph and Telephone(NTT), .is then? Will man have lost his claim to being the crowning trying to bui Id a v~ry similar .. machine. touch of Creation? "We'.1.1 be trying Jo set up in tile machine an Dealing with this question in depth is important-not associative memory like the one in the human only for reassurance, but to understand ourselves and brain," says Tokyo University .Prof. Tohru to define our essence, so that we might then better · Moto-oka, a physicist who chaired the MITI comprehend what is expected of us in our lifetime. working groupthafconceived the project. "In ·the present-day computerswe can only find a Ill. Human Strengths ... in Reasoning memory .if we .know its 'address.' You have to tell the computer exactly where it. is, In the Forgetfulness and Irrationality mind, thingsdon't work that way." The objec tive is a machi.ne that. can memorize images Despite all of the foregoing discussion, there is, of and store them byassocia!ion.TheMITI project course, no comparing man and machine, for man's so has also set out to. build a machine that will called human frailties actually make him superior to all read, write and speak severallanguages; use else in Creation. common metho.ds of communication includ At first glance, human forgetfulness is a true plague, ing the tet1:1phone,television and facsimile, and especially when contrasted with one of a computer's most important, learn, think and figure out its main strengths-its infallible memory. Indeed, once own way to solve prqbtems. "Our ideal," says facts have been fed into a computer, it never loses them. Kazuhiro Fuchi. of MITl's Electto•Technical Information long programmed into the machine is just Laboratories, who will lead the diwelopment as significant in its rendering of a decision as freshly team, "is to crea\e a computer that programs entered data. Yet, with all of the drawbacks of human itself." forgetfulness, this weakness also works in positive Douglas Ramse)lwith Kim··Willenson ways for a person, helping him overcome the scars of NEWSW!iEK, Aug. 9, '82 painful memories, permitting him to overlook harm inflicted on him by others, allowing him to move ahead working against his own logic, to his ultimate advantage: after suffering discouragement or defeat.3 Two opponents hold a grudge against each other for Another point: computers work according to logical years. Each of them marshals his forces and plots processes fed into it, responding in a manner that can be against his enemy, until by his reckoning, he is able to described as "rational." But it is impossible to construct a overcome the other. Cold logic dictates that any price in computer that will respond "irrationally." In contrast, suffering that one would have to pay to win is worth the man-by virtue of his reasoning power-is capable of gains to be realized through victory. Yet, despite all of this, either of the belligerents is also capable of retreat 3 See Chouos Halroauos, Shaar Habechina, Ch. 5 ing from the confrontation and giving in. Capitulation
6 The Jewish Obseroer/Sepfember, 1982 in this case does not flow from logic-but can in itself IV. Beyond Logic: Sensitivity and Subjectivity constitute a tremendous human victory. In fact, some of mankind's most heroic achievements Man is an emotional creature. Unlike a computer, he are in opposition to all rational considerations. The has feelings that intrude into his thought process. He struggles of partisan groups in World War II against simply cannot avoid reacting personally to whatever he enemies that outnumbered them tenfold in manpower witnesses. This attribute, however, is considered a and ammunition were not rational, but they won the mark of humanity in a most positive way. "Inhuman" is admiration of the world at large .... We Jews have a perjorative used to describe the person who fails to always kept the Shabbos, even if it meant loss of income, recoil in horror at the sight of human suffering. As an even loss of one's job-an attitude that is not rational, extreme case we have the infamous Adolf Eichmann yet to our view undeniably noble .... Most honorable, who claimed not to be culpable for the murder of mil yet most defiant of rationality, is the willingness of lions, which he had directed, because he was just a "cog intelligent individuals to forgo or abandon lucrative in the machine," following orders, not passing judg careers and even make a complete about-face in almost ment. Anyone with but a shred of humanity could every aspect of their lives, and to devote themselves never assume such a defense. fully to Torah study and mitzva observance, as baalei By contrast, a computer (a machine of sorts that is full teshuva-from the celebrated case of Rebbe Akiva of "cogs") cannot experience any sense of personal through those of our own time. The highest of attain involvement. It merely measures and analyzes informa ments can be those most void of conventional wisdom tion. Should it be fed a baby's cry, a siren's wail, or the that is, the kind of wisdom one programs into a call of a shofar, it will measure power, pitch, the fre computer. quency of its wave length, and other such data, but it By contrast, the Ten Spies used a rational argument will not react. Imagine a person hearing any of these in their opposition to entering Eretz Yisroel: "We cannot sounds and responding in such a cold, impersonal overcome the people, for they are stronger than we" manner! (Bamidbar 13:31). Yet they were punished. They were Human existence is enriched beyond anything me expected to transcend simple mathematical calculations. chanical by all the joys, sorrows, and excitements of life. Having done their figuring, they should have gone These are exclusively man's to experience, for the entire •' beyond the logic of numbers and acted on faith, before world of emotions is unique to him. Love and hate, pity which all arguments-rational and commensensical and cruelty, sorrow and joy-these are all expressions must yield. (We will discuss the spiritual dimension of of man's essence .... When properly channeled, they Man-its challenges and rewards-later.) inspire the striving for freedom and liberty, the will to achieve, a sense of pride, the quality of courage, the The Intuitive Leap power of imagination. These noble impulses and drives are the exclusive realm of humanity, to inspire man, Even in making rational decision, man has something enrich his life, and influence his decisions. of an edge over a computer, for at times man can judge Uppermost among all such suprarational forces with his various options and select what he feels is the most in man is his capacity for faith in G-d; that crowning reasonable choice, never knowing for certain in advance touch of humanity that makes him more than just a what his criteria for selection will be. A computer works gifted animal. This faith, and the trust that it inspires, differently. When facing a problem, it must check out enables man to suffer all kinds of deprivations for a absolutely all possibilities, which can be just about limit higher goal, and to strive to lead a better life. But this, less, and test them for suitability according to pre too, will be dealt with later. programmed criteria. Since man could not possibly do this, he instead calls up from his vast storehouse of V. Dealing with Values: Free Choice and Accountability information only the few factors that he recognizes as being related to his subject of concern, and selects in an One more facet of human intellectuality is the capac almost random manner the most likely candidates, test ity to deal with relative values. To be sure, this is not an ing only a portion of what might be considered. area to be measured or thought through the way that How does man select from his stored information just various masses and quantities are judged. Only man is those pieces of information that he needs? This is quite charged with evaluating situations and then selecting impossible to determine. Some have said that man's good over evil; for only man is capable of doing so. intuitive sense, which enables him to leap across gaps in Just exactly how does one decide what is "good" and knowledge and formulate opinions in all kinds of situa what is "evil"? Based on the information it is fed, a tions, is an expression of his being created in the image computer can conclude that one partirnlar food is better of G-d, of which we shall comment later. It is in regard in terms of nutrition or richer in caloric content. It can to this intuitive sense of judgment in its pristine form also quickly decide which medicine is most effective in a that King Solomon said, "G-d made man upright" particular case, even in terms of the least side-effects. (Koheles 7:29). But a computer will never be able to come forth with: "It
The Jewish Obseroer/Sepfember, 1982 7 is good for man to bear a yoke (of responsibility) in his ity. On the other hand, he must contend with other youth." "Good" in this verse is qualitative not quantita aspects of his humanity that are generally thought of as tive. All the more is a computer incapable of reaching weaknesses-the urges and drives that are with him his the transcendant judgment: "It is good to praise G-d" entire lifetime.5 Rather than ignore his basic drives, he ITehillirn 92,2). must utilize the entire range of his desires and urges, Similarly, no computer will ever conclude that: "A with proper judgment and wisdom. Of course, emo good deed personally executed is greater than the act of tional drives can be a source of immense difficulties, but giving charity"; or, "Better poor bread with tranquility the battles that rage within man in effort to control than a house full of delicacies surrounded by dispute" these drives are precisely what make him human. It is (Mishlei 17,1). Relative worth in these cases is subject to within this framework that man must choose between judgment of a sort that cannot be measured, and is good and evil. Only man is torn in this way, and only therefore beyond the purview of a computer. Similarly, man is constantly called upon to exercise his power of the value of acting in accordance with the law choice. especially Torah law-cannot be appreciated by a ma Formed of both flesh and spirit, man is forever being chine, no matter how smart. pulled by both. According to the commentaries, the In a similar vein, preferring death to a life contrary to name "adam" (man) sums up man's essential condition, basic values that one considers inviolable is a human for the word adarn is derived from two roots: the mater choice, one that is impossible to explain to a machine. A ial basis of man "adarna"-dust of the earth-and his pang of conscience, a feeling of dissatisfaction-these spiritual aspect, the epitome of his striving-"adarneh are limited to man, who-in addition to a brain-has a l'elyon"'-attempting to emulate the One above. soul ... which brings us to the next crucial point. Men of Holiness VI. Striving for Spirituality In view of man's unending emotional conflicts and Humanity's greatest expression is in the area of reli struggles between good and evil, we might for a minute gion, where man's wisdom not only sets him apart but be envious of the angels, for they fulfill their commands also marks him as a spiritual, metaphysical being, with exactitude and incomparable efficiency, without created in the image of G-d. This exalted dimension is conflict or hesitation. Among them, there is no hatred unique to humankind. Here he has no competition from or rivalry.7 other animals, and no machine can take his place. Upon a bit of thought, however, it should be obvious The Divine spark in man demands that he shift his that any such envy is misplaced. The sages teach that criteria for judgment from the material to the spiritual. despite everything, people-even though they are From this elevated perspective, man is equipped to formed of mundane matter and suffer human weak choose good and spurn evil, and through this, he is able ness-are capable of rising above even the level of the to achieve communion with his Creator. The Torah angels.8 Angels have no choice but to do what is incum instructs man on how to accomplish this through bent upon them, while man serves his Creator by his prayer and fulfillment of the commandments, which own free will and is thus far greater than they. After the can even elevate man to prophecy. These are lofty spir Akeida (in which Avraham was ready to sacrifice his only itual characteristics, transcending all physical limita son, Yitzchak, to G-d), the angel said to Avraham, "Now tions. Here, man can achieve the epitome of human I know you fear G-d ... from me," meaning to say "your perfection. 4 And through spiritual perfection, man can fear of G-d is greater than mine." (Sforno, on Bereishis attain eternity when his soul ascends to the Olam Hane 22:12) sharnos (World of Souls), even though his body is left to The Rebbe of Kotzk used to explain the passage (She return to dust. rnos 22:30): "And you will be men of holiness for me," as This potential is inherent to man from the very outset implying that G-d has no lack of fiery, soaring angels. of his formation, as the Sages infer from the verse He wants"'' that we, with our human feelings, shall be (Bereishis 2:7) "And the L-rd formed man." "And He ever mindful of the concept of holiness, and be-not formed," with an extra letter Yud, tells of two form angels, but-men of holiness. 13: ings-one for this world and one for the World-to Come (Midrash Bereishis Rabba 14:4). 5 The Sages explain the verse "And the L-rd G-dformed man-And He The Flesh and the Spirit formed him-with two basic drives-the good inclination and the evil inclination" (Bereishis 2:7). «Ha'amek Davar, Bereishis 1:26 It is understandable how logic and reasoning have a 7"And they grant one another permission, (to santify G-d's major role in guiding man in his strivings for spiritual- name)." -Tefilla sJn Midrash Bereishis Rabba, 1 Chapter 8, it is stated that if a person 45ee Kuzari, V, 12. merits it, they say to him, "You preceded the angels On creation)."
8 The Jewish Observer/September, 1982
- - Wishing all our friends a year of peace, happiness and prosperity.
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a ~ .. ~ Pre-Creation, The World Today, any other power sharing His domain. After creation, \\< ,\\. and The End of Days the perception of G-d's unity became distorted, giving an illusion of non-unity. Good and bad, light and dark, The essence of Rosh Hashana is summed up in the and an endless variety of seemingly unconnected crea three parts of the Mussa[ prayer: "Malchios"-the affir tions give the impression that there is no unifying factor mation of G-d's rule over the entire world, "Zichronos" in the universe. The third stage will be with us when ' the examination of mankind's deeds, and "Shofros" Moshiach comes, and with one twist of the puzzle, each ' various occasions of shofar blowing mentioned in the one of G-d's creations will slip into its proper position, Tanach in connection with revelation and judgment. all together proclaiming the unity of G-d. What theme binds together all three seemingly vaguely If we are to sum up the Ramchal, we would say that related topics? What is the axis around which Rosh even in today's cacophony of contradictions, two factors Hashana as a whole revolves? perforce unite the whole of creation: origin and pur The Ramcha/• in Daas Tevunos explains that the only pose, past and future. Or to paraphrase the Mishna in facet of the divine that is comprehensible to us is His Avos, uKnow whence you originate, and where you are unity, for G-d's Unity, as an absolute, can only be per headed ... and you will not sin." ceived in terms of what it is not: He is not divisible, nor does He share His power with any other force or being; Unity in Tefilla He is not corporeal and can in no way be contained by limits of either time or space. Rosh Hashana, as the beginning of the year, must By contrast, any other aspect of the Divine is outside hold within it the essence of the entire year. (The Vilna our realm of knowledge, beyond our grasp. G-d's wis Gaon says that the beginning of every prayer also con dom is beyond the reach of human comprehension, as is tains within it the nucleus of the whole prayer.) Thus His patience and His goodness. How can Man ever the axis upon which the beginning of the year revolves begin to fathom their infinite expanses? is G-d's unity, for "Rosh," besides meaning beginning, Not only is unity comprehensible, it is the motif also means head; just as the head is the unifier of the behind man's involvement in Torah and mitzvos. Tosfos body, allowing the eyes to absorb information that will (Gitlin 9b) expresses this by saying that the term direct the hands, and the ears to hear sounds that affect niui 7tu 111'0K (Truth of the Torah) refers to a mezuza, the feet (i.e. walking, dancing), and so on, so too does which contains in it the "Shema," affirming G-
10 The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 •
ity that prevails for the duration. studied "day and night" without interruption. The Ark "Shofros" projects the revelation of G-d, proclaiming that held the Tablets of the Law in the Temple was His unity. Whether it was Hashem's revelation at beyond spatial limitations-it stood in a place that Mount Sinai with the blast of the shofar, showing there is according to simple mathematical calculations, could not no one but He, or the call of the shofar of Moshiach possibly contain it. By contrast, the rnizbe'ach (altar), gathering in the scattered Jews lost around the globe, symbolizing sacrifice and prayer, required a very precise the shofar brings out the unity in that which is seemingly place (see Rarnbarn). Similarly, one must establish a discordant. definite place for prayer. Also, korbanos (sacrifices) as well Moreover, the sounds of the shofar itself contain all as all Temple service could only be performed by a Kohein three elements: The Rarnban in Beha'alos'cha explains that (priest), while Torah is described as lying in a corner teki'ah is the sign of unity, being one continuous blast, waiting to be picked up by anyone willing to do so. while teru'ah-the series of short spurts of sounds The reason for this divergence is that Torah and symbolizes fragmentation. That is why an assembly lefilla represent two opposing processes uniting the the gathering together of Israel's people in the wilder spiritual and the material. Torah preceeded creation, ness-was signalled with a teki'ah, while a journey-the making its roots unfathomable to us. The world was breaking up the camp into separate traveling units then created along the guidelines of the Torah, to give was proclaimed by a leru'ah. material expression to ideas and concepts that are Rosh Hashana is described in the Torah as "day of transcendental. zichron-teru'ah-a remembrance of the shofar blast," the Prayer, on the other hand, originated with man, as remembrance of judgment is linked to the short blasts Rashi comments: Until man was created, there was no of the teru'ah. There is also a requirement that a teru'ah one to pray for rain. Prayer starts with the material must be preceded by a teki'ah and followed by a teki'ah, for sustenance, healing, and other mundane-related needs. even as we mark the world's current state of dishar The purpose of prayer is to elevate the material by mony and disunity, we also bear in mind that all started associating it with G-d. with an evenly sounded teki'ah, and someday all will come The prayers of Rosh Hashana, however, reflect the together with one. junction of these two processes. Our Rosh Hashana lefillos must consist of verses of Torah. (While Shabbos and The Core of the Day's Theme Yorn Tov prayers also contain verses from Scripture, their inclusion is not obligatory.) Torah becomes incor Unity as the essence of Rosh Hashana is reflected in porated in prayer, and prayer consists of Torah. It is the many facets of the day: point where "heavens and earth kiss." If we probe these • Rosh Hashana is celebrated not on the initial day of two activities to their innermost point, we will reach the the creation of the world, but on the day of the creation core that is essence to both. of man because man is the uniting element of creation. The only common element shared by a kangaroo and a The Emerging Unity of Today's World bat, for instance, is that they both-like all creation are intended to serve man. The Ramchal in Mesilas A person with a broader sense of the sciences sees this Yesharirn explains that anything used by a tzaddik finds process taking place in science as well. fulfillment by being an auxilliary to the service of G-d. Matter was once thought to be made of different Rosh Hashana is the day when all of creation was basic elements. Today we know that atomic particles are granted the potential of unification by virtue of man's the building blocks of all elements. We are beginning to emergence on the scene. break down the different particles within atoms them • The two days of Rosh Hashana are considered, for selves to still smaller units of matter. halachic purposes, a "Yoma Arichta" or "one continuous Energy and matter were shown to be interchangeable. day." Thus, whatever triggered the rabbinical ordinance Energy itself is being classified into ever smaller of instituting the second day, the two days are united as groupings. one, and are treated as such. Mathematics contains formulae that are useful for • Rosh Hashana unites the seemingly conflicting measuring the growth rate of bacteria, as for infinitely emotions of joy and trepidation. We are enjoined to compounded interest rates. Statistical predictions are as express both the solemnity of the day of judgment and valid for the eating habits of turtles as they are for the all the joy of Yorn Tov, with confidence that our verdict traffic fatalities on a holiday weekend. will be favorable. The fact that scientists strive for the simplest set of • Torah and prayer are usually thought of as oc rules is not just a matter of expediency. Theirs is an cupying the opposite ends of the spectrum. Someone innate intuition that truth lies in simplicity. Even in who is totally immersed in Torah study (1rur.m< 1m1Ji) is regard to the origin of the world, there is mounting absolved from praying. evidence that it all began in one spot, with one event, Prayer and Torah are also different in form. Prayer from one piece of matter. True, science alone cannot has its distinct, prescribed times, while Torah is to be bridge the gap separating the "bang" and the producer
The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 11 of the "bang," but the recognition of the oneness as one another. As they become connected, the entire field expressed in the genesis of the world is a beginning. assumes more meaning, until the day arrives that one There are times when one faces the world and it complete picture in its entirety stands before our eyes, seems to be a meaningless array of numbered points, and the unity of the origin is reflected in the unity of but there are directions on how to join these points to the end of days. c'I'.
impressing Yes! FOR US, addressing We should have arranging demanded, Hashem, DEAR changing for her sake CHILD? gravelling as well as travelling Your mitzvah of Mother Father scanning kibud ov vo'eim. I remember your souls planning But ... today. and manning to her credit, It is Yom-tov; all kinds of one most The Yizkor I'm going Good Things and important things: to say. Worthy Causes. She did do Yes, those are tears that (How heady the public all she could, you see in my eyes praises and the applauses!) whenever For you! sickness set in. For us? Dear Child. And then ... If we could and then, Hashem, Really, that meant we would tell It was not a lot; you her fault ... it's a comfort that It was we, her parents too many parents we are crying who were haven't got. for your soul ... the errants. for the many times We gave and And now, say Yizkor, that you "forgot" did for her Dear Child, and to 'phone providing give T zedokoh for us. to visit delighting But let to provide protecting your crying be the wrinkled needs deflecting mostly for of aging hearts. profusely yourself. excusing, So that your days may be long, We would tell you, and she learned and so that some day furthermore, to take and take your children that we are also for granted. will not do praying-saying We never the same Yizkor: taught her to give to you. and that Yizkor, Elokim there would come -RUTH FINKELSTEIN Please, please, a time remember, Hashem, when that she didn't mean to sin. Mrs. Finkelstein, a Lakewood resident, isa her giving to us professional writer whose "Mendel the Mouse" has She was busy, would constitute been instructing and entertaining OLOMEINU always so busy, our soul life-line. readers for fifteen years. !..T.
12 The Jewish Obseroer!Seplnnber, 1982
- - Entering its seventh year, the Mechon HaHoyroa concept continues i1"::l to demonstrate its effectiveness Achievements thus far: *We offer a brief summary ofthe pten\i•e ofthe e Over 110 advanced Talmudic scholars are currently M.echon HaHoyroa.for the sake of those who .did not under full Mechon HaHoyroa programs to complete the ha~e an.opportuliity to I.earn .about it: entire Four Sections of the Shulchan Aruch. Five men from the It is t~e intent of Mech'?n HaHoyt()ll ~o do wha• original seven that launched Mechon HaHoyroa will com te~er po~sible to tneet the growing need. for qualifed plete Choshen Mishpat (Business Law) after 61h years of inten. Poskifj\ (halachica\lih"rities}~ysefo~ting highly quali• sive study. fi~dscholars who have already r~ived $emicl\a (ordi, na~i()n fC>r completing specific parts of Shukl\anAmch: • Ten men have already received Yadin- Y adin ordination, .Y<>reh Deak) ~nd enrolling them in a. closely guided, after examination by Gedolei Torah in Eretz Yisroel on 262 .highly structu;ed P'.pgra.m .t() cowpler~.the Four~~ chapters of Choshen Mishpat with Nosei Keilim (major com ti.ot1.• .of tJie Shuli:h
•The first volume of Yissachar BeOhalecha, an anthology of halachic responsa and discussions by Mechon members, ·------Mechon HaHoyroa, was published to the enthusiastic response of leading rabbinic figures. A second volume is in preparation. POB 371, Monsey, N.Y. 10952 Gentlemen: I want to participate in the support of the work of Meehan HaHoyroa: Begin 5 7 43 by joining the supporters of Mechon HaHoyroa. D Enclosed please find my contribution of$ ------Invest your tzeddaka dollar in the growth of highly 0 Enclosed please find$------·---- qualified, hand-picked Yungeleit-spreading Torah first of my monthly contributions. and fostering the development of poskim to serve our Name ______people. Address------
Every dollar you contribute is translated into Torah City• ______State Zip•------support of the highest caliber! A!I contributiom are tax deductible.
The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 13
, ARebbe Passes Away, and the World Weeps The Skullener Rebbe 'i'~ Photo: DOVID YANKELEWITZ
It is rare that the passing of an World War II, he adopted close to fit of anger and confusion, accused elderly saintly Chassidic Rebbe 400 orphaned children and, incredi him of reneging on their agreement, should attract attention beyond his bly, took care of their needs as the Rebbe replied, "Eleven souls are circle, and stir the hearts of the wi though they were his own children. more important than one." dest possible spectrum of world Jew His Rebbetzin cooked for them, and Up until his final years-even ry. Such was the case on 29 Elul/ he led many of them to the chupa. He when blind and frail-he personally August 18 with the petira (death) of remained in Rumania after the Com administered his Chesed L' Abraham the Skullener Rebbe, Rabbi Eliezer munists took control of the country network of hatzala (rescue) and edu Zisya Portugal '1J1J7 P'1l 1Jt, at the and ministered to the personal and cational institutions, totally uncon age of 86. spiritual needs of countless others cerned about himself. The Rebbe was a tzaddik of unus pursuading a girl not to marry out of • In a land of brutality and op ual stature who had become a legend the faith, bribing a prison guard to pression, he was the epitome of in his own time. While his rare pur permit food to reach an inmate, love, sensitivity, and forgiveness. ity of character, his tzidkus and his "convincing" a state official to per After his arrival in America in 1960, boundless Aharas Yisroel (love for his mit a fellow Jew to immigrate, while he continued to work feverishly, fellow Jews) would have won him he stayed on, eventually serving tirelessly for the release of hundreds admiration in any era, they were several prison sentences under the and hundreds of Jews, sending them especially awe-inspiring in his par most brutal conditions for his ac packages, helping them travel to ticular time and place. tivities. America or Israel, starting them out • In this era marked by narcissism On one occasion he actually gave in business, paying for the educa and selfishness, he devoted his life his hard-won exit visa to a head of a tion of their children. completely to helping others, saving family of eleven. When the official An aide once pointed out that a countless lives! Immediately after whom he had "paid" for the visa, in a woman whom he had brought over
14 The Jewish Observer/September, 1982
,.ii-. from Europe had actually informed of all-encompassing concentration the Rumanian government of his reli when he poured out his heart to G-d gious activities, resulting in his arrest in his prayers, day after day-was and imprisonment. Why go to such staggering. Shacharis was a four-hour effort and expense to save a person of effort. Saying the Shma on an or her ilk? dinary evening Maariv took twenty "You have no idea how much she five minutes .... It should be no sur suffered beforehand, and how tempt prise that when he said his custom ing the authorities make it to inform," ary Sh ma in the intensive care unit of lhe Rebbe said with tears in his eyes. a hospital during a recent illness, the "Zie's doch a Yiddishe tochter doctors were alarmed when the car you'll see how she'll change!" Then he diogram readings fluctuated wildly added, "Whal do you think Lot looked with every carefully articulated like when Avraham Avinu pleaded word. with God that he be spared destruc • In the darkest of conditions, the tion from Sodom?" Rebbe never failed to see the light of Numerous religious Jews, many G-d's intervention. in Chassidic garb, confess to having "Baruch gozeir umekayeim-We been mechallel Shabbos befarhesya (pub bless G-d for decreeing and sustain lic Shabbos desecrators) in Ruma ing," said the Rebbe. "He passes ter • nia, before the Rebbe had gained rible decrees, but He grants us the ' their release; and only now strength to endure the worst: When through the Rebbe's love and self the Communists imprisoned me, they • lessness-did they come to realize tried lo break my spirit. After days of • the value of leading a Torah life. starving me, only allowing me a bit of water, they gave me a bowl of steam • In a time of egocentricity, the ing, tempting vegetable soup-with a Rebbe was the spirit of simplicity piece of lreifa meal floating in it ... and humility, both when he was and became involved in the personal and they gleefully watched as 1 hung under a system that thrived on problems of many a Jew who had rily picked up the spoon. Bui then J duplicity, and when in our own land lost or seemed never to have had the spotted the meat, and 1 would not give of unabashed overstatement. basics of Kedushas Yisroel. Yet his own in. Baruch gozeir umekayeim. G-d In an interview (to which the life was a model of spirituality and gave me the strength to refuse!" Rebbe consented so as to publicize his sanctity: "Why don't we (in Amer Chesed L'Abraham Fund) the Rebbe ica) teach our children of the impor His joyful melodies celebrating was asked how he and his Rebbetzin tance of shmiras einayim (guarding our hope and confidence in G-d's love managed to care for the personal needs vision from moral contamination)," for His people have become classics. of so many children after the war. he pleaded with an educator-only • In this time of alleged mutual Replied the Rebbe, "Der Heiliger demanding of others what he him exclusivity of heart and mind, Bashefer hot/ rachmones gehall oif self did. thought and action, love and disci zeine kinder-The Holy Crea/er had • When doubt and agnosticism pline, the Skullener Rebbe had mas mercy on His children." The Rebbe? have become fashionable, the Rebbe tery of both as pee ts of every para His role didn't count! became a symbol of unyielding be dox-immersed in the spiritual and In his lzava'a (ethical will), read at lief. "Help your children with the Kabbalistic phases of each milzva as his funeral, he requested all as basics of emuna," he instructed a con well as the demands of halacha, sembled to forgive him if they ever ference of youth leaders of Pirchei down to its most minute detail ... gave him contributions for his holy Agudath Israel-themselves senior devoted to the Kial and the indi work because they thought him a yeshiva students. "Teach the chil vidual-his body and his soul. lzaddik-which (he protested) he was dren Rambam's Thirteen Principles of In this age of pinpoint specializa not. "So let all gathered say 'Machul Faith. Inspire them with tales of tion and general dilettantism, the Zach! Machul lach! Machul Zach! (We spiritual heroism from the Midrash Skullener Rebbe was a broad-spec forgive you! We forgive you! We and the Talmud," he pleaded ... trum specialist: he devoted all his forgive you!' ") , while he, in turn, represented a energies toward being a guile Yid, • In an age of shedding inhibitions fresh chapter in the on-going saga and he succeeded in a manner that and brazenness, this singular saint of Jewry's eternal heroism. embraced his entire being, as he in dealt with the moral dregs of so • In our"do-it-yourself era" when turn embraced all Jewry. ciety-high political officials and every man pulls for himself, his Who will ever fill the void he lowly prison wardens in Rumania- avoda in lefilla-the hours upon hours leaves behind! -N. WOLPIN 'T
The Jewish Obseroer/Sepfember, 1982 15 Rejoice With/Without Trepidation
THE JEWISH OBSERVER recently featured two articles Torah knowledge and neither writer would question that discussed the current proliferation of English lan their judgment, nor would JO publish such articles. And guage literature on Torah subjects, ranging from trans both recognize the need for exercising caution in using lations of classics to original commentaries and halachic English language books-Weinbach: "From Trepidation works. The first article, by Rabbi Hanoch Teller (March to Joy" -he presents measures for graduating from '82), sounded a note of trepidation-that there is a risk total dependence on use of translations to independent that a basic Jewish attribute, our distinctive language, is study of the originals. being lost; in addition, English language texts preclude The basic differences between the two lie in stress the essential ingredient of yegi'a-expending effort on and in how seriously the attendant problems are to be study. In his article (May '82), Rabbi Mendel Weinbach viewed. described the entire phenomenon positively-as a "fur Readers expressed a keen interest in the discussions, ther step in the pragmatic determination of educational and submitted a number of letters on the topic to the JO priorities." editorial office, many underscoring points only on one Both writers, however, did describe the English lan side or the other. To print all the letters in their entirety guage publishing explosion as cause for rejoicing would prove repetitive and present the arguments Teller: "Rejoice-With Trepidation"-nowhere does he weighted far beyond the intentions of the original wri suggest that these books should not be published. Gedolei ters. Instead, we are selecting key paragraphs from the Yisroel have gone on the record as encouraging these letters and presenting them by topic, in hope of clarify works as making major contributions to the spread of ing the discussion point by point.
D To me at least, English is not books as: Sefer Hachinuch, The Chafetz English: Acceptable or Ideally to simply a "gentile" language to be Chaim on the Siddur and A Tzaddik in be Avoided? spurned, any more than America is Our Time, has been called "the dean simply and wholly a treyfa medina. of the translators ....") Several writers find English totally accep Any language (including Aramaic of table as a language of Torah study: old) is an instrument of expression, Others are appalled at the growing accep like a violin. In the hands of a tance of these works. D Most of us think in English and are craftsman it can serve the Al at home with English terms-similar mighty's purposes: aley higayon bechin D It may sound funny for a woman to Yiddish for the last few genera nor. Translation is a method of com to comment on an article decrying tions. When the Torah was given municating thought. It again is a the effects of English seforim. and explained in seventy languages, craft. It's fraught with responsibil ... Despite the abundance of sefo the term "explained well" was used. ity, requiririg care. But there is firm rim in English I cannot help feel This should be the prime considera evidence of its powerful impact and abashed when I see men learning tion: that it be well understood, effect in bringing people nearer and them. Maybe it is because I am from employing whatever language best into the world of Torah. It is doing the old school, but aren't we all-or conveys the thought to the student. its share in moving us on toward a shouldn't we be? MOSHE GOLDBERGER supreme goal of having a col bonayich At first I thought that these books Staten Island, NY limmudei haShem-in Lashon Hakodesh. weren't for men, but now I see that I (Rabbi Goldberger, a member of the CHARLES WENGROV was wrong. Rabbi Teller is right, we Kolle! of the Yeshiva of Staten Jerusalem have lost a culture. lsl<1nd, is author of several halacha (Mr. Wengrov, who is responsible I shudder at the thought that my works in English) for rendering into English such sons may shuckel to a translation
16 The Jewish Ohseroer!Septrmber, 1982
~t instead of over what their fathers ters for reasons of kedusha, wishful understand it. Each letter and the and grandfathers had learned. I thinking or imputation notwith structure of every word is a world doubt that I am alone in my fears. standing. Rabbi Samson Raphael unto itself. Any knowledgeable To LEAH Fox Hirsch may have studded his Torah rah student knows that there is a Montreal, Quebec commentary with untranslated bits world of meaning in the Lashon Ha of Talmud and Midrash, but ordi kodesh; many drashos of Chazal can be D When English translations first narily he preached and wrote in understood only in the context of came out it was clear whom they pure German (without the use of Lashon Hakodesh. The goal of the se were intended for-only those who Hebrew characters). rious Torah student must be to needed them. There was no attempt CHARLES WENGROV learn to think in the terms of the to win over the yeshiva crowd who Torah language. was content spending their time and D Teller would have us believe that JOSEPH SITTNER money on seforim in their original. the Rambam's commentary on Mishna Far Rockaway, N. Y. Now the English books are viewed written in Arabic but with Hebrew as sacrosanct. If English books don't characters is somehow more "Jew hug a Shas, then your seforim shrank is ish" than the ArtScroll/Mesorah In response to this caution we find: considered incomplete. Rabbi Teller Mishnayos containing the actual is the first one to warn against these wording of the Mishna together with D There is one very important point potential hazards. an English language translation and which I would like to emphasize SHMUEL B RADIE commentary. Presumably the Ram regarding Feldheim books: Almost Unsdorf, Jerusalem bam used Hebrew characters because all our English translations are pub his reading public could not under lished together with the original Historical Precedents stand Lashon Hakodesh. Certainly the Hebrew text (usually vowelled) on Rambam did not resort to utilizing facing pages. Often we make special The interpretations of historical prece Hebrew characters to provide a Jew efforts to prepare a new Hebrew dents for Torah works in the vernacular also ish flavor to the Mishna. Many Gao text using manuscripts and early varied from writer to writer: nim and Rishonim did the same as did editions. When we published the R' Yaakov Culi when he wrote Me' am Mishnah Berurah, we innovated a D Rashi's words in Old French only Lo'ez in Ladino with Hebrew charac black and gray color scheme to make bolster Rabbi Teller's point. Rashi ters. They all used the only language it easier for the reader to follow the uses these words just like the Gemora and alphabet that would be under Hebrew text while using the trans frequently cites indigenous delica stood. lation. These methods should make cies, weights, coins, etc. to help it clear that our purpose is to en grasp something hard to describe in S!MCHA SCHORR New York City courage the reader to learn and a Jewish tongue. Rashi did NOT understand the original and not to write his monumental works in Old Seeing the Original replace it. French and if he would have he would not be Rashi. ls there a definite advantage beyond sen Y AAKOV FELDHEIM Feldheim Publishers Limited NAME WITHHELD By REQUEST timent and yegi'a to studying the Hebrew? Jerusalem (affiliated with a Brooklyn yeshiva) (Feldheim Publishers are pioneers in D The study of Torah never should the field of English language publi D Mr. Teller mourns the loss of past be considered similar to the study of cations of Torah literature.) glories, when all was written in La other bodies of knowledge. True shon Hakodesh, or at least in Hebrew limud Hatorah involves kedusha, ruch The Margin of Error characters. The Talmud took form niyus, mesora, and ameilus (don't ask and was recorded in Aramaic, not me to translate these because Eng Since most of the works put out by the Hebrew. It was the lingua franca, but a lish words cannot possibly do justice established publishers are meticulously edited, foreign language. Rarnbam wrote his to these concepts). Also, what hap is there genuine need for the note of caution Arabic-language works in Hebrew pens to the principle of osiyos mach'ki sounded by Hanoch Teller in regard to inac characters (and so too R. Saadya mos (the very letters impart wisdom)? curacies? Here, too, there's no unanimity: Gaon, R. Bach ya ibn Pakuda, R. Ye The student of Torah must learn huda Halevi, et al.J because only a to think in the Torah language if his D The danger of inept translations is select few in the entire world, Jews knowledge is to be Torah rather well taken but Teller failed to cite or non-Jews,- could read Arabic than merely information. It would such errors in any of the new books script. It was not an age of literacy in take an article in itself to briefly dis constituting this "literary deluge." Arabic. There is no evidence that cuss the essence of Torah learning Indeed, by fabricating his own hypo Rambam (et al.i used Hebrew charac- within the context of our ability to thetical translations of the words
The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 17 "chessed" or "adam," he indicates that be happy to be the first Torah pub In contrast we have: he was unable to discover such er lishers to put out books only in rors in the works that he is criticiz Lashon Hakodesh. D Mr. Teller deplores the appear ing. All will agree that all scholarly Y AAKOV fELDHEIM ance of halacha in English: It may works in any language should be of damage or diminish the yegi'as ha high standard. Torah of our fine stalwart bnei Torah. SIMCHA SCHORR The Yegia Factor To me, I fear, yegi'as haTorah con There is not even full agreement that use notes a certain attitude to learning: a D Teller is correct in pointing out of translations in place of Hebrew text consti zest for knowledge of what the Rib (there are many more examples) tutes a loss of yegi'a for the more seasoned bono Shel Olam gave us, starting from that translations have been discour scholar. This difference of opinion was Sinai, and a willingness to work aged and have caused trouble in the expressed by people in position to know; on hard for it, for its own sake. And past. There is no reason why they the one hand: that (I believe) is inculcated by a may not generate pitfalls in the really good teacher in a really good future. Even those publishers con D I find it difficult to comprehend pupil. It is true, as Chazal state, that cerned and conscientious enough to why someone with the background the Torah learned at the greatest spend time and money on editing and the ability to read the original cost of toil, effort and struggle is the (and reediting) cannot ferret out should read a translation. T ransla best retained. But does that mean every error and ambiguity. Aside tions should be used primarily by that all of Torah should be made an from words which defy translation, those who need it. I, too, fear [and I obstacle course, the bigger the ob many words and phrases are de talk from experience] that people stacles the better? Or would it make pendent upon context, nuance, taste, who should and could learn from more sense to postulate that where etc. the originals will allow themselves part of the Torah can be acquired ELIOT KAPLAN to be guided by the Meforshim and easily and swiftly, go right ahead, Brooklyn, N. Y. insights of the translator rather than and apply your yegi'as haTorah to their own efforts. other areas, which can't be learned D In Vayikra 20:17, re: brother mar easily and swiftly? Or do logic and rying sister, chessed cannot mean (RABBI) DOVID 0PPEN Menahel, Machon Devorah common sense not come into this at kindness. Fine. So what does it mean? Jerusalem all? If I had to translate it, I would first check meforshim, the more the better, D I do not understand the objec CHARLES WENGROV taking notes. Then I might have to tions to Teller's article calling for sit down and think, perhaps with a caution in dealing with translations. thesaurus in hand (remember yegi'as The purpose of our work in the field Are There Any Exceptions? ha Torah?), till I had something satis of translations is to enable the stu factory. At most it might need an dent to advance to studying from D In halacha works, the primary con explanatory note. But the problem the original. cern is to master requisite informa is not insurmountable, and no rea SHRAGA SILVERSTEIN tion to keep Shabbos properly, recite son to stop all translation. Jerusalem the brachos correctly and so on. If On adam translated as man, lead (Rabbi Silverstein is a noted transla yegi'a is to be the determinant re ing to an error in halacha, let me note tor of many classical works, includ garding which text one uses, and as that soferim also make mistakes, and ing Luzzato's Mesilas Yesharim and a result the student is slow in amass no one has yet suggested they stop Daath T evunos, published by Feldheim) writing sifrey Torah. ing information, or errs in his under standing of the text, I would say that CHARLES WENGROV D Rabbi Teller made a point which, he has made a very poor choice, albeit eloquently written, he did not indeed! D If Teller intended his essay for a invent. Hanoch Teller merely trans DAVID ROSNER lazy yeshiva bachur, he should have cribed Aleph Bais in Yeshiva Chinuch Brooklyn, N. Y. written it in a completely different avoid shortcuts. vein. . .. The problem of the possi The tragedy is that it sounds so ble misuse of translations deserves radical today. Maybe it is a reflection D Mr. Teller notes that since read serious treatment but there is no of our generation who shuns using ing Zelig Pliskin's excellent Guard doubt that these books are needed their head for anything-holy or Your Tongue, he no longer dips into and should be published. secular. Chofelz Chaim. From the little I know I hope that soon the day will come NAME WITHHELD .. about the Chofetz Chaim, had he when n)I~ y;Kn nK701. Then we will Brooklyn been told of something like this I
18 The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 think he would have smiled indul most irresistible tendency at super fact be a myopic decision. The 16 gently, shrugged and waved his hand ficial absorption: as a result there is a year-old Yeshiva bachur hooked on a in dismissal. He would have been lack of understanding, or even mis Soncino Shas, Hertz Chumash, Art happy to know that another Jew understanding. We most definitely scroll Nach, English Mishnah Berurah, was getting information about lashon do need translations-but also the Mussar books in English may know ha-ra out of his source-book, even if strongest possible emphasis that more than his less-liberal peer, but from an English kli sheyni. they are crutches, only to be used as when he enters Beis Midrash this lead CHARLES WENGROV aids. will plummet-unless they begin A VETERAN EDUCATOR translating the Rashba, Divre Yechez D Why shouldn't a linear 'Rashi New York City kael, Reb Boruch Ber etc. translation be used by the many A BAAL TESHUVA yeshiva students who skim through D I was once approached by some Rashi without understanding every one with a request to borrow a copy D Having personally attended a Baal word? of the ArtScroll Daniel for a Rosh Teshuva Yeshiva, I am well aware of I think that many yeshiva stu Yeshiva who was learning the sefer the assets of these books; aware as dents are embarrassed to admit it, and wanted to see how it treated well of how difficult it is to be but these English seforim are very certain topics. This, too, is a lesson weaned away from them. (Where useful to them, and they help them in gadlus: to use all the means at our would I, and countless like me, be to really appreciate the original disposal to grow in our understand without the Linear translation of Hebrew and to eventually become a ing of Torah, instead of avoiding Rashi on Chumash? But on the other full-fledged ta/mid chacham. what is available only in English hand there comes a time ....) But I MOSHE GOLDBERGER because of the stigma attached. cannot emphasize enough how dis MOSHE GOLDBERGER couraging it is to see these same D A strong case may be presented books being used indiscriminately that time spent (often futilely) in On Your Own by the students and graduates of developing one's own concept of the Once the advantages and hazards of using distinguished yeshivos who should weaving process and machinery English translations have been spelled out, know better. when a description is readily avail does the serious student maintain his sense of SHMUEL BRADIE able constitutes bittul Torah; so, too, balance, and only consult them as much as is not using available aids and quotes absolutely necessary? Different readers are of DI believe that Rabbi Weinbach has for translation purposes or technical different opinion on the matter: taken some important steps to en information may be bittul Torah. I too sure that his students not obtain a have no particular desire to see the D An eye-opening insight from an distorted view on what is "learning." Kelzos HaChoshen in English, but if and English sefer can go a long way in But how many Bnei Torah, outside when that occurs it would not dim helping a ta/mid shteig to the point the walls and influence of the Ye inish the yegi'as haTorah required in where he can use the original with shiva, will exert this kind of self learning and understanding the Ke out such aids, which of course is discipline? tzos. A translation will not transform essential to true gadlus. G. NACHUM Bnosz the Ketzos into light reading material. MOSHE GOLDBERGER Brooklyn, N. Y. S!MCHA SCHORR D Just as a dictionary is solely for A final editorial note: Others havr argued that easy reading reference, so too should English does lead to superficial thinking, and an D As all agree, the proliferation of translations be used only as refer English language Ketzos should therefore English language Torah works is a ence material. It should have no never see light of day. most encouraging sign, and cause place as primary study material for Original works in English are generally for-yes, joy. How these works are the Yeshiva student. (This letter is accepted as another matter: to be used for maximum benefit will not referring to adults who are vary from sefer to sefer and from talmid limited in study time or in knowl to talmid. 0 Correctly defined, the problem is edge of Torah language.) Yet some The individual would best be ad not one of a careful translator mak teachers have encouraged its use as vised to consult his Rosh Yeshiva, ing errors, but of the student being text material. Rabbi, or mentor to determine how tempted to read an English text JOSEPH SITTNER best to chart his own course in where he would have had to study Torah growth with the richness of (and ponder) a Hebrew one. Thus, D The decision to risk using English English language works now be when e.g. Rashi is studied in the books "for the purpose of a students coming available. English translation, there is an al- greater Torah knowledge," may in N.W. I.!
The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 19 COPE VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE Will Oller Its Intensive 600 Hour Computer Programming Course Including Intro/Basic/Cobol/ JCL/BAL In the following sessions this fall t 1) Monday - Thursday " 9:00-5:30 15 w11ks 5 l11kman Str11t Friday 9:00-1:00
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20 The Jewish Obseroer!Septembtr, I 982 What happens when an old man dies, believing that his hopes for perpetuation of his ideals are but an unfulfilled dream? ELKANAH SCHWARTZ tells a fictionalized account of one such true incident: A JEWISH DREAM
Portraits in Anguish hoped for a greater spiritual reward from him " Kaddish insurance," he had called it. Visiting an old-age home is seldom a joyful expe The glamour of a new society asserted too strong a rience, but looking in on Uncle Fishel after his wife pull on both boys, and the father's poor command of passed away leaving no children, was a responsibility. the new language of opportunity was too weak to He was alone, and his warm welcome made me feel hold them. The older son left home for a job, the like a better person. So once every two weeks I younger for college. Both dutifully wrote regularly, dropped in to see Uncle Fishel. and called on Mother's Day and Father's Day. By the He had lived an active life in a world long gone. A time Mr. Altman's wife passed away and he came to grocer, who lived with his wife behind their busy little the old-age home he was embittered by hopes gone store in Brownsville, he was king in his local syn astray. He was in New York, with one son in Califor agogue. Little of local community interest took place nia and the other in Florida, both married and with without him. He was vice president of the free-loan children who had never met their Zaydie. fund, occasional chairman of a herring-and-boiled These two old men, Uncle Fishel and Mr. Altman, potato Melava Malka, and reliable member of the were a portrait in anguish. The past gone, the future Chevra Kadisha. He was of a generation that studied non-existent, the present bleak, each held on because Midrash on Shabbos afternoons and Ein Yaakov on Mon it was the only thing to do. My uncle at least had me, day and Thursday evenings. Now that world was but his roommate had less than that. And so, even gone-someone locked the door and threw away the after my uncle left this world, I kept in touch with the key-and with nowhere to turn, he was counting out other man. his days in the routine of similar sad company. Since he wasn't my uncle, I didn't go that often. I He shared a room with a Landsman of his wife, a sent cards for Rosh Hashana and Chanuka, and Galicianer who refused to share a different room with brought mishlo'ach manos for Purim. Although he a Litvak. The two managed to keep out of each oth wasn't friendly, I couldn't ignore this new association er's way, finding occasion to share a few words, which was thrust upon me. After two years, a Chan although the roommate-Mr. Altman was his name uka card was returned to me by the home with a was a quiet fellow. Most often on my visits, I would note, informing me of Mr. Altman's passing. A chap meet him and exchange greetings, but little more. ter in my life, I thought, was closed. At Uncle Fishel's It was from Uncle Fishel that I learned more about Yahrzeit, I would reflect briefly on the other man. the other gentleman. He had lived in East New York-a shopworker who looked after his wife and Encounter at 30,000 Feet two sons, a shul Yid who was a member of the Chevra Mishnayos. The older son went to public school and Meanwhile, my own life made its demands: family, afternoon Talmud Torah until Bar Mitzva. The business, friends, and community, the normal current father, sensing the pull of forces beyond his control, of concerns. Splashing in the mainstream leaves little enrolled the younger son in a yeshiva elementary room for contemplating have-nots. Live long enough, school, struggling to meet tuition payments as he however, and threads of previous experiences re-appear. Rabbi Schwartz, rabbi of Congregation Kol Israel in Brooklyn, and public Some years later, my wife and I took a trip to Israel. information advisor for Chinuch Atzmai-Torah Schools for lsrael, is author of Aboard the plane was a UJA mission, middle-class American Life, Shtetl Style. committed Jews with little or no religious understand-
The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 21 ing. When a sunrise minyan was assembled, one of the mission members joined in. Shiny yellow yarmulka, silk tallis, small tefillin, I assumed he was a Knddish-sayer. But he wasn't. Then I recalled how at dinner the night before, he had a Kosher tray, while his wife didn't, though he ate with his head uncovered. We struck up a conversation, and he told me his story. He was a salesman in St. Louis .. with three children. The younger two were in a day school, which accounted for his own limited religious prac tices. His wife was reluctant to go along, consenting THE DAIRY serves the most delicious and only to keep the house Kosher and light candles Fri PLANET widest ~ssortment of dairy and vegetarian dishes. day evening. She agreed to the day school, but her motivation was not ideological: their oldest child, a THE DAIRY has Its own bakery. Enjoy our girl, had taken to drugs while in public school and was PLANET danish, pastries, and cakes now living with a gentile boy. To save the other kids, baked fresh dally. they turned to their local day school, at the price of bringing religious conflict into the home. THE DAIRY has a private dining room for PLANET seminars, conferences, meet ings, Sheva Brochos, etc. 200 Follow-Up in St. Louis Seat dining capacity This experience would have remained dormant in THE DAIRY delivers outgoing orders my mental file, except for a turn of events that two PLANET ($s.oo min.> years later brought me to St. Louis on a business trip; OPEN MON.·THURS. 10AM-10PM, FRl.10AM·3 PM among the people at a meeting I attended was none other than the mission member. He remembered me, 182 BROADWAY (COR. JOHN ST.) CALL RIGHT NOW FOR INFOAMA TION and asked, since I was to stay at a hotel overnight, if he could take me to his home in the evening to meet 227-8252 his children. I accepted his invitation. As we entered into his driveway, I could observe Now available! the Jewish version of the American dream: neat pri The three volumes of the classic commentary written 750 years vate house in a manicured neighborhood, two cars in ago by the ROKEACH, Rabbi Elazar of Worms. the garage, an "I gave to Hadassah" sticker on the "The ROKEACH'S commentary does not need my endorsement front door. Undoubtedly the family belonged to a any more than the bright sun needs testimony to its existence. Its every word is the 'word of our living G-d'." - Rabbi Elazar Shach, country club, perhaps a synagogue too, and bought Ponovezher Rosh Yeshiva their share of Israel bonds. Academic achievement, "A blessing for your home ... a hidden treasure, a great and economic accomplishment, community service-a marvelous light." -Rabbi Y. Y. Kanieusky, The Steipler Rav beautiful shell with little content, a well-groomed body with a famished soul. 1'1ilri1'1 ~)I npli 'ti,,,!) nl!>'OlnTI >!:J)l:lr.I ,l 22 The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 worlds, I mused, long in conflict, both now gone. It accounted for my host's eating Kosher on the plane while his wife didn't. She had never seen it as a child. But something was nagging at me, something I "ZECHUSIM" FOR SALE could not place. We continued talking. My host and his wife spoke of their satisfaction with their chil dren's school, while my gaze kept returning to the A highly respected Rosh Yeshiva who pictures. has always helped others, now finds The Altman Chronicle himself in desperate need. You can buy a part of this MITZVAH GEDOLAH by "Our parents," she said. "Neil and I met at work in sending your tax-deductible contribu Los Angeles. He was a boy from Brooklyn and I was from the Bronx, so we thought it natural." tion in any amount to: I stood up and walked to the pictures. Taking a MIFAL TZEDUKA V'CHESED closer look, the pieces to the puzzle in my mind fell into place. c/o Yonoson Israel My host's name, I knew, was Neil Altman, pro 1680 59th Street, Brooklyn, N.Y.11204 nounced "awult-min.n There, in the picture of his par ents, was Uncle Fishel's roommate, Mr. Altman, pro The costs for this advertisment were donated. All nounced "ahlt-mahn." contributions go directly to help this family. "I knew your father," I said to my host. !n:rn~ He looked at me in amazement, partly from the no•nm n::.•n::. "isn't-it-a-small-world" syndrome, partly from discov ering a missing link to a treasure. "You did?" It was his wife. "How?" I sat down to spin my little tale to four speechless 1'.:lf\'.:j[") ii::l1~ ii.ltv'i people. Yet no one in that room was more astounded than Happy New Year myself. A story familiar to me took on a whole differ from ent complexion because of a totally unexpected CARL McCALL framework of circumstances. It was exciting to asso the Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor ciate the old-age home in New York with this split who knows what is troubling the Jewish community: level family home in a St. Louis suburb. But it was mind-boggling to suddenly realize how the chain of QUALITY OF LIFE-To protect the future of our communi old Mr. Altman's life and tradition had a new claim to ties, CARL McCALL will • Work to maintain basic services and programs carrying on, even though he had died with a sense of • Develop State-based grant and loan programs for college it's having ended. He had given up on his sons, and students abandoned by the Federal government had never met their children, yet here were two • Develop bridges of understanding and cooperation among grandchildren who could be picking up where he had religious and ethnic groups left off. Somehow, the world of the fathers came JOBS-To fight unemployment, CARL McCALL will mysteriously back to claim the grandchildren. • Encourage State agencies to respond to special needs of small business At the same time, I thought of Neil's in-laws. They • Advocate tax incentive programs directly tied to job must have raised their daughter on Yiddish as her creation vehicle of Jewish identity. Yet not one Yiddish item • Focus on vocational education to develop a labor force for could I see in their bookcase. And if they had been high tech jobs working-class Socialists, their daughter was certainly CRIME-To fight crime, CARL McCALL will not living as one. Grandchildren in day school? Abso • Demand swift and certain punishment of convicted of fenders lute heresy. • Promote restitution for victims of crime Neil and his family listened closely as I sketched • Press for tighter monitoring of parolees before them the last sad image of their patriarch. Neil CAAL McCALL has had a distinguished career as diplomat, State could tell his children how his father died, how he and Senator, government administrator, clergyman and business his brother came to the funeral and returned some man. months later for the unveiling. But it was from me As Lieutenant Governor, CARL McCALL wants to that they learned, however meagerly, of how he had help YOU-that's why he needs YOUR VOTE in the lived. DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY on THURSDAY, SEP More than that: I was also a functioning member of their grandfather's world. His values were mine, his TEMBER 23 Continued on page 26 The Jewish Obseroer!Sepfember, 1982 23 ttWhen tlie sun sets in midday those who mourn its loss must light candles ...'' The tears are still wet. The heart is still numb. The Jewish People have barely begun to assess the enormity of the loss. f ... AND HIS LEGACY IS ENDANGERED UNLESS WE RISE TO THE CHALLENGE Only several months ago he was still young and active and vibrant, delivering his brilliant shiurim. It seems like only a few days ago that this great and beloved man was still carrying the crushing burden of the greatest Yeshiva in the world; the largest single coocentration of Torah scholars in centuries. Beth Medrash Govoha was created on the ashes of the Holocaust by Reb Aaron Kotler 'i'~I the transcendant Torah leader of our era. For r9 years, 7 months and one day, he led it, inspired it, fashioned it, made it a new hope and a new beacon for the generation whose hopes had been dashed and whose beacons had been darkened. Then he was taken-and Reb Shneur 'i")ll took the helm. For r 9 years, 7 months and one day Reb Shneur led, fashioned, sustained, built, breathed new life and aspiration into his father's masterpiece. Carrying on the work of his great father-Reh America's three most venerable Roshei Shneur, '7":ll made Beth Med rash Govoha one of Yeshiva, K"!!l''7!U, speaking for the great Admorim the greatest Yeshivas in the world, perhaps the and Rabbonim whose urgent appeals are now largest concentration of Torah scholars in going out to every Kehilla in America and abroad, centuries. call upon every Jewish family to make Today, Beth Medrash Govoha has close to a suggested minimum contribution of $180 1,000 Talmidim. It pulsates with Torah and dedi to keep alive the flame of Beth Medrash Govoha. cation every moment of every day. Still choked with grief, still numb from the But Reh Shneur '7":.:l is gone. Who will loss of their colleague who was like a son, the carry the burdens? Gedolim call upon us to keep alive the flame Whose broad shoulders and awesome sense of kindled by Reh Aaron '7":ll and nurtured by Reh dedication will meet tomorrow's bills, yesterday's Shneur '7":ll. payrolls, the future's demands? The Yeshiva is now led by four distinguished grandchildren of Reh Aaron '7":ll and great grandchildren of Reh Isser Zalman Meltzer, of sainted memory, headed by Reh Shneur's eldest son HaRav HaGaon, Reh Malkiel Kotler K"!!l''7!U. Together, these gifted Roshei Yeshiva, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok scions of illustrious families, who have grown and K"tl'7TO K"~'7W Ruderman N"t::i'':'W absorbed Da'as Torah and authentic Mesorah in a Indifference, delay, shall not allow the lifework of royal vineyard, are now carrying on the work of Reb Aaron and Reb Shneur to falter for lack of finan their unforgettable father and uncle '7":ll. cial resources! NO! It will not happen. We dare not But-during Reh Shneur's illness, the finan allow it to happen. cial crisis of Beth Medrash Govoha reached fright ening proportions and the young leadership needs everyone's loyalty, every chizuk and encouragement. Beth Medrash Govoha exterior study hall SURVIVAL-yes! LETTER OF APPEAL FROM The Yeshiva's very survival RABBI SHACH AND RABBI KONIEVSKY hangs in balance. Now is the time for every Jew to light a candle-to help dispel the darkness of Torah's bereavement, Become a partner in maintaining R.eb Shneur's legacy through contributing genetously and without delay to the .o'>v'>•>1•"l'"''""' REB SHNEUR KOTLER MEMORIAL FOND !""'"'"" 1"'"''""""" .,.,,,,,,, """"·"'""""'"""''""'''""'''"' ..... ""'"""' """"" """ "'' "'"'" ""'"",,. "°">.,,.,'ml'"; "'l'V> ""'" ,.,,,., -,o,.,,'>"Yt ">'>•Fr-''" RABBI SHNEUR KOTLER MEMORIAL FUND ..,,..,, ""'"" """""' """"'"' """"""' "'"'""" """""' ""'" .,.,,, - .. ;1'"'11.0•J ...., ""''"" '>• 617 6th Street, Lakewood, N.J. 08701 .. .,, ..... ,.. .,,,, .. .,.,.. .,..,. """"""""' ,,..,.,,. "'"""·"'""'""" ,...,., ,,..,,., ,.,,.,. ,,..,.,,,,.,..,,, I wish to join in support of BETH MED RASH GOVOHA, .'>•,., .,...,,., .., "'""" l'"~' "" n•n """ ••FJ> •'>- µ """' ''""'""·""'""" ..,,, ...,.,., ••F"I>' and am enclosing my generous contribution. """""''>IO"""'' 1'>::lo .,.,n.,.,, """ "" •'> •"n"" ""'~'·"'...... ,, =11'> '>111' w.n'>,..-, ""''" Address------_,,.,,,.,.,.. '"""·""' 1"'> ,,..,. '"'" - ""·"""""" "''""" """' .....,,,."""',,.., ·"""' "'"'" ,,., """'F' ., ... ,,.,,, City ------~t,ate ip______(Tuts ad" sponsored by a Ion~ nme friend of the Yeshiva and the family.) ideals my own. Though his world had not carried on world, so would his daughter return one day to his. I through his children, there were others who took When the son finished high school, the whole fam r their place, and I was one of them. While Neil's child ily made a trip to New York. We spent a Sunday with ren sought their link with their grandfather through them on a heritage tour: East New York, where Neil their father, they found it instead in me. And I had to grew up; the Bronx, where his wife found her child visit my uncle, take a trip to Israel, and come on busi hood memories; the old-age home, where my first ness to St. Louis., in order to provide it. link to this odyssey was established; and finally, the cemetery, to view the silent stone reminders of a Groping For Castaways newly vibrant voice. The boy continued his Torah studies in Israel, and During the time Neil had known his father, he had stayed on longer than planned, with no objections rejected everything he was and stood for. Now he from home. His sister followed, and Neil and his wife was reaching out, groping for those impressions once enjoyed their two trips a year to visit their children, cast aside. Now, because of his children, those impres bringing us enthusiastic reports on their return. Neil's sions became vitally important, giving substance not wife gave in here and there on religious practices for only to his image of his father, but more so, to his the sake of the kids. After all, they were leading nor image of himself. mal lives, and this was a small enough price to pay for And the old man, who had died a lonely death, was it. now experiencing a sort of techiyas hamaysirn, the resur By now, it almost sounds like a routine story. Both rection of the dead. His picture on the bookshelf took children are married-to religious spouses, of on a new luster. He was alive again, in the home of a course-the daughter living in Baltimore, the son child he had given up on, and he assumed a new life working with his father. Needless to say, their own through the grandchildren he had never met. children are getting a stronger Jewish education from Three months later, Neil was on a brief visit to the very beginning. New York, and made sure to have dinner at my I make no claims to having been responsible for the home. He brought news of his children's progress, children's development, although I'm entitled, I believe, and of their hopes to visit too. to at least a share. We kept up correspondence. Neil never spoke of his What I do appreciate most of all, however, is my lost daughter, although he undoubtedly nurtured the privilege to witness dry bones rise again. It makes my hope that just as he had returned to his father's own belief in Jewish eternity that much stronger. k'l MIRIAM RELIGIOUS SUPPLIES 48 Canal Street, New York, N.Y. 10002 is the location of The New Israel Esrog Distribution Center We are pleased to inform the Orthodox public that we once again have available for purchase choice Esrogim from Eretz Yisroel, guaranteed !fbilti murkav"-of an unmixed strain-as attested to by the Beis Din Tzeddek of Yerushalayim-c~7wii~::i l'"i::l as well as by a letter of certification from K"e~7w ,DK7w~~l Mtvo 'i TiKJi1 ::iin K1iiPD ii:J~tv P"Pi i"::lK Rabbi M. Neuschloss, chief of rabbinic court of New Square. Several factors attribute to the superior quality of these Esrogim: 1) The trees from which they were picked are grown from shoots taken from the orchard of the Chazon !sh 7"Xl. 2) All the Esrogim grown in the pardesim (orchards) of Rabbi Moshe Friedman, source of our Esrogim, as well as those sold in our store on Canal Street, are exclusively bilti murk.av, and carry the Hechsher (rabbinic kashruS' certification) of the above mentioned rabbis. 3) Our Esrogim are recognized as the most beautiful, highest quality Esrogim available in their respective price range. Special allowances are made for rabbis and yeshiva students. Wlwlemk & &tail available also in: NEW YORK-MAIN CENTER 48 Canal Street MONSEY, N.Y. NEW SQUARE Tel: 925-9272, Toll Free Tel: 800-221-9424 Merkaz L'Sofrim Faivel Schwartz Also available at all Esrog stores: 22 Main Street 13 Jackson Avenue Ask for them by name: 914-354-6949 From the Pardesim of Rabbi Moshe Friedman 26 The Jewish Obseroer!Sepfember, 1982 >\\1111 BOOKS LEARNING FROM HISTORY A Review Article Transmitters of Torah: Earlier Eras The emphasis is on the chain of transmission itself rather than on the historic background, in keeping with The importance of the lessons to be derived from the objective of the book; thus e.g. the institutions of Jewish history is equalled by the lack of reliable informa Zugos is clearly described, but no explanation offered as tion about our past. It is, therefore, a source of great to the historic circumstances that led to it. On the other satisfaction that a number of new works have appeared hand, the author carefully provides source references which can serve as reliable guides to our past. for the chronological data and usually even for diver Some years ago, Rabbi Zechariah Fendel published Anvil gent views (an exception is the dating of the Chanukah of Sinai and Challenge of Sinai (see J.O. Dec. 77, Dec. 78) as story, where he chose the later date, and does not men veritable textbooks of Torah Hashkafa for the contempo tion the controversy; cf. the discussion in the Art scroll rary Jew; in these works he included a review of the Chanukah). transmission of Torah from Mount Sinia to our days. T:here is also a wealth of incidental information in this He has now undertaken to expand this review into a volume that will always anew surprise the reader; e.g. a work by itself. legacy of Sinai (New York, 1981, full-page chart on historical happenings at the site of the $10.95) is a"history of Torah transmissions with world Temple (p.89). It is to be hoped that we will soon see the backgrounds, from creation through the close of the publication of a companion volume on the last 900 years Geonic Era." An introductory overview of the periods of Torah transmission. covered, detailed charts for each period, a clear and fully footnoted presentation of the main features of each • • • • period under discussion, as well as its main personalities and Torah works, and elaborate indices of personalities The value of a clear understanding of the chronologi and subjects discussed, combine to form a most interest cal sequence of Jewish history surely need not be ing and valuable work. stressed. We should, therefore, take note of an interest- Hat)lam, the most trusted name 1n Cht)lov Yisroe! Kosher Cheese. A reputation.earned through 25 years uf scrupulous devotion tn quality and kashnith.With 12 delicious varieties. Under the stnct Rabbinical supervision c)fK'hal Adas Jeshuru~. N. Y. Haolam. a tradition you"\\ enjoy keepmg.11 Cholov Yisroel '"'''M'M WC""""""co "' N The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 27 .r• ing wall chart prepared by Rabbi Tzvi Black-a Time Line of the later Middle Ages have their lives and literary Display of Jewish History (Atlanta, P.O.B.15022; 1981, creations described in this volume. Most of them are poster edition $15.00). This multi-colored chart shows known to the student of the Talmud, at least by their the main periods and happenings in Jewish history, with name or that of their seforim: here he has the opportunity some comparative dates from world history (the larger to learn more about when and where they lived, and classroom edition features a supplementary list of about their place in the chain of Torah scholarship. important dates in the Jewish past). Accompanied by a In the Publishers' Preface we are promised a compan guide for home and classroom use, this Timeline should ion volume on the Acharonim, the leading sages from the be very helpful in furthering a clearer perception of the fifteenth century onward. It should perhaps be pointed flow of Jewish history. out that there is no agreement on where exactly the line between Rishonim and Acharonim should be drawn (cf. • • • • Fendel's Challenge of Sinai, p. 480, note 175); the present volume includes scholars who had passed away by the Another new aid to the knowledge of our past is "The time of the expulsion from Spain in 1492. They are Rishonim, Biographical Sketches of the Prominent listed according to the geographic centers in which they Early Rabbinic Sages and leaders from the Tenth to lived, and in chronological order; but there is also a full Fifteenth Centuries:' edited by Rabbi Hershel Goldwurm, alphabetical index, as well as two useful lists: one of on the basis of research by Rabbi Shmuel Teich (Artscroll Hebrew place names and their English counterparts, History Series, New York, 1982, hardcover-$10.95, and the other of major rabbinic works, with the names softcover-$7.95). Over 300 outstanding personalities of their authors. A historical introduction provides the 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111; 111111111111111 reader with a general background for the period of the Rishonim. This book should be of great value, not only for ARE you A foRMER srudENT of A "BAAl·TshuvA" the study of Jewish history but to the student of Talmud. YuhiVA wlm WANTS TO AdvANCE liis IEvEI of IEARNiNG? ARE you A YuhivA Hiqh School GRAduATE wHo • • • • WANTS TO GET sERious AOOUT IEARNiNG, buT doESN'T Movements in Recent Jewish History WANT TO GET losT iN THE CROwd? ' While all of Jewish history is of importance to us, YEShivA KESSER ToRAh- there is a special need for a correct understanding of the A IEARNiNG pROGRAM dEsiGNEd TO GiVE THE srudENT THE last few generations that, in effect, set the stage for our ANAlyricAI ANd TECHNicAI skills TO ACHiEVE iNdEpENdENCE time-the movements that arose, the personalities that iN His lEARNiNG. emerged and the ideas that were generated. The Art Scroll Judaiscope Series, published by Mesorah Publica Yuhiu KunR ToRAh- tions in conjunction with Agudath Israel of America, WkrnE THE srudENT HAS THE fREEdoM TO bE kiMsElf ANd has put out two volumes edited by Rabbi Nissan Wolpin THE STRUCTURE ANd GUidANCE TO fully REAliZE kis that contribute greatly to our knowledge of the recent pOTENTiAI. past-The Torah Personality (New York, hardcover YEshiu KEsnR ToRAh- $12. 95, softcover-$9.95) and The Torah World (New York, 1982, hardcover-$12.95, softcover-$9.95), both WHmE CHARACTER REfiNEMENT is EMpHASiZEd THROUGH treasures of biographical sketches, almost all of them THE swdy ANd ApplicATiON of THE clAssicAI MussAR culled from the pages of The Jewish Observer. WORks. Due to the fact that they were written by different YultivA KunR ToRAlt- authors, for different occasions, and with different pur poses in mind~ the selections vary in approach and in foR TltE CltANCE You NEVER HAd! length. Some stress the communal and historical back ground; some focus on the thoughts and writings of the CoNVENiENTly LocArEd-BEAUTiflll REsidENTiAl NEiGliboRliood personalities discussed; some are short and some are ModERN DonMi1ony fAciliTir.s lengthy. Taken together, however, they provide a most RAbbi ElyAkiM C. ROHNblAn, DEAN remarkable panorama of Jewish life and Torah leader 141·20 GRANd CENTRA[ PARkWAY ship in Lithuania and Poland; they take us to Germany, Hungary, the Sephardic countries, and present day Erelz BRiARWood, OunNs, NEw Yo•k 114H Yisroel: and they trace the American experience from (212) 291·1JH /441·7809 colonial days to the present day flowering of Torah. The growth of the Yeshivas and the Mussar movement, the "AN AffiliAYE of YEshh1A ChofEJZ ChAiM, FoRESJ Hilb, N. Y ." labors of the great Chassidic leaders, the rise of the Beth Jacob movement, the heroism of Torah leaders during 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 the war, and their selfless dedication to replanting 28 The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 Torah in England, in America, in Eretz Yisroel, all emerge to bringing Moshiach, is obviously not accepted by non clearly from these pages, replete with moving anecdotes Chassidim; but even they will find this a most illuminat and incisive Torah observations. These books deserve ing and challenging work. to be used as textbooks in our educational institutions, to provide inspiration and guidelines for our age. • • • • • • • • In a very different vein, an insight into some aspects Chassidus has, of course, been one of the most dynamic of Chassidus can be gained from a perusal of the writings and formative movements in modern Jewish history of Bratslav Chassidim, the followers of Rabbi Nachum and, as such, it has suffered frequent distortion and of Bratslav. Some of his renowned tales have been misinterpretation from the likes of Martin Buber, Isaac retold by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz in Beggars and Prayers Bashevis Singer or Chayim Bloch. ).0. reviewed some (Basic Books, New York, 1979, $8.95); each tale is fol time ago the English translation of Rabbi Zevin's Treas lowed by a commentary which seeks to elucidate its ury of Chassidic Tales on the Torah; this has now been fol lowed by the two-volume Treasury of Chassidic Tales on the Festivals (Mesorah Publications, New York, Vol. I hardcover-$12.95, softcover-$9.95, Vol. JI hard cover-$11.95, softcover-$8.95, hardcover set $26.95). Beautifully translated, and with a biographical index of the Chassidic personalities mentioned in this work, it makes a further valuable contribution to an understanding of the life of Chassidus, as well as to our experiencing of our Yomim Tovim. • • • • Exclusive Caterers et the Elegant For an insight into the world of Chassidic philosophy, COTILLION TERRACE the reader can turn to a recent volume, On the Essence 7307 18th Avenue, of Chassidus, a full translation of an essay by the Luba Brooklyn, N.Y. vitcher Rebbe, ~"!l''7!1', (Kehot Pub!. Society, Brooklyn, Open Chupa-Glatt Kosher 1978, hardcover-$5, softcover-$3), which seeks to Accommodations Up To 700 Persons provide "a definitive explanation of the nature and idea We also cater tor all ·your simchas of Chassidus." It is a profound work which gives a deep 8r1s. K1ddushes. S'1eva Brochas elc insight into many of the most complex aspects of Chassi a1 home synagogue or the ha11 of your cnoice dus, as seen by Chabad. In addition to the text itself, and to CALL MR. GREENFIELD 436-2112 the Rebbe's own footnotes, which the translators have excellently translated, they have added explanatory notes which will enable those unfamiliar with Chassidic philosophy, and its terminology, to follow the author's presentation. Despite all this, it requires, of course, a major intellectual effort to absorb its full meaning. Although a relatively slim volume, it touches on a Mffo•';>w 17iJ•Dw rnir• :l?lr' J"l>1 very large number of important topics. Some of these MNtr•';>w JriuciMo )"':i1:i p help explain both the enormous impact Chabad Chassidus M"u•'nv V'J :iwo '"I t11o:i :.10 inm has had, and the determined opposition which it has FOR THE PEOPLE WHO LOOK FOR aroused. It is well known that "there are seventy faces EXCELLENCE IN FISH to Torah," and there has always been an understanding MAKE SURE TO HAVE DAGIM in Kial Yisroel that-from the time of the twelve sons of AS YOUR YOM TOV DISH Yaakov on-there have been different ways of serving Fish Mish Ground While & Pike G-d; and Chassidus, in general, can certainly be seen as White Fish Steaks one of them. But this is not the view of Chassidus that this Flounder Fiiiets exposition presents; it sees Chassidus as the revelation Sole Fiiiets and effusion of" a new life-force into the world," and the Cod Fiiiets coming of Moshiach (in the words of the famous quote Canned Tuna & Salmon from the Baal Shem Tov) as dependent upon the spread Best Wishes tor a il::m~ no•nni ;;:::i.•n:i DAGIM TAHORIM CO .• Inc., BrooRl~n. New YorR 11204 ing of its wellsprings. The implication that it is a higher level of perception of Torah, and the only authentic way The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 29 essential message. The interpretation is frequently Gedolei Ha Torah, he should read Beyond the Sun, by David based on in kabbalistic concepts, but does make clear to Zaritsky, translated by Charles Wengrov (Aleh Pub!., Jerusa the reader the longing for purity, for redemption from lem, 1979 $9.50). In form, a loosely constructed novel, the fetters of exile, and for closeness toG-d, which have this book is really a tribute to the author's fellow stu played such a big role in the rise of Chassidism. dents at the Chofetz Chayim's Yeshiva in Radun; their personalities and experiences, thinly disguised, are • • • • immortalized in this volume-and the picture it draws is of men climbing the greatest spiritual heights, while The counterpart to Chassidus, in Northern Poland and contending with all the obstacles that could conceivably Lithuania, was the Mussar movement, which had its rise be put in the way of a person's aspirations. Even rene among the Yeshivos of the area. The growth of these gades of the spirit that fell by the wayside, such as a Yeshivos themselves is highlighted, through the biog recent newcomer to the bestseller lists, with his poison raphies of some of the personalities who had the grea ous distortion of the Eastern Torah world, have not test impact on them, in Giants of Jewry, translated from been able to deny that there was an ethereal quality in the Hebrew Marbitzey Torah Umussar of Rabbi Aaron the life of the Yeshivos-as reflected so eloquently in Surasky (Vol. l, Chinuch Publications, Lakewood, 1982, Zaritsky's book. hardcover-$9. 95, softcover-$7. 95). This volume deals with the Netziv, the Bais Halevi, Rabbi Chayim Brisker, the Chafetz Chayim, and Rabbi Chayim Ozer; further • • • • volumes are projected. While each of these biographical sketches gives an outline of the life of its subject, his The Yeshivos, and the Mussarmovement, in particu salient approaches to life and Torah are delineated by lar, have previously attracted treatment. Thus, The stories and extracts from his letters and writings (some History of the Musar Movement, 1840-1945, by Lester quoted in the original in appendices). As a result, each Eckman, was published in 1975, and a biography of the personality emerges clearly, with his way of life a pow Chofetz Chayim, by the same author, Revered by All, in erful lesson and inspiration to the reader. 1974; these books contain much useful, historical mate rial for the serious student of the subject, but particu larly the volume on the Chofetz Chayim is seriously • • • • flawed by the author's inadequate approach to many Lest the reader think, however, that the Yeshivos in Torah issues. daily life did not live up to the noble aspirations of the More recently there has appeared a scholarly moder nistic study of Israel Salanter, Text, Structure, Idea by Hillel Goldberg (Ktav Publishing, New York, 1982, $17.50), subtitled "the ethics and theology of an early psychologist of the unconscious." Yet this work, too, is disappointing, for different reasons. The author did not set out to write a full biography, but to concentrate on Rabbi Israel's thought. The final conclusion of the are now available to eerve you in the fineet tradition of Glatt Kosher Catering at author, in the last paragraph of his last chapter, called "Summary and Evaluation", is undoubtedly correct: To assure the highest slandards , ofKashruthandQualitywehave Rabbi Israel Salanter "dedicated himself to unveiling the ,.. $ OOR OWN EXCLUSIVE Divine presence within man and within his relations '--'~ KITCHEN AT LEONARD'S. Pruzansky serves only food. with his fellow ... he preached a doctrine of inner o f Great Neck Gi.tt Kooher L'MoloadriB, wholeness and serenity side by side with social respon freshly cooked m our own kitchen sibility and religious struggle" (p.206). Yet the author ·@~·~iIDW:- ~~~::;:;:~-1500 people chose to reach his conclusions by a most exacting, ' R!llJ! j 1 ~ : Unhmi"d f,ee Puking. almost microscopic analysis of Rabbi Israel's writings, o ·:: ~ · Open Ch•P•· • ""'r * Complf'te Package Deal and the reader, struggling to follow the intricate thread 'I!-" ~ Availeble. of the book, comes to suspect that not only the author's Introducing a new Pruzansky service: Custom catering for terminology but even the categories of analysis which your Bar Mitzvah, T'nayim, and Sheva Brachos in your he uses are borrowed from an academic world essen Shul or other location of your choice. tially alien to Rabbi Israel Salanter. Somehow, this • • • • reviewer admits, he felt overwhelmed by the heavy Custom catering in your office for that special occasion. didactic prose-and missed any spark of the dynamic and vitality that is felt whenever a story or saying of Reb Please call Moshe Pruzansky for an appointment: HERITAGE CATERERS, INC. Yisroel is told over in a Yeshiva. Indeed, the interpreta (212) 438·2700 or (212) 851-0116 tion of his writings may be correct, but the living per sonality himself somehow eludes our grasp. 30 The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 Take, in contrast, "Reb Elchonon, The Life and Idea of Rabbi Elchonon Bunim Wasserman of Baranovich," the first volume in the Artscroll History series, adapted from Aaron Surasky's Hebrew biography (New York, 1982, hardcover-$13.95, softcover-$10.95). This vol ume of over 400 pages is not as tightly organized as NEW Goldberg's work, and the issues are not as profoundly LOW analyzed-although this reviewer hastens to add that PRICIS the scholarship is impeccable (in fact, the book corrects some historical errata that had gotten into the Hebrew original). But from every page, there emerges not only ~ the towering figure of Reb Elchonon, but the Lithua nian Yeshiva scene in all its poverty-stricken grandeur. !Parmttsc Across the pages there wander the great personalities of Glatt Kosher Caterers at pre-war Lithuania-the Chofetz Chayim, Rabbi Chaim Ozer, and many others. We are given the opportunity, so to speak, to look over their shoulders and see how ~ OJ\farig_a del ~ these Gedolim dealt with the problems of the time, as well Throgs Neck. N.Y. (a short -?S minute drive from Boro Park and flatbush) as with the constant struggle for self-perfection which _,..., is demanded of every Jew, great or small. In fact, this volume may well be seen as a Mussar text; it is surely well neigh impossible to read it without being inspired to greater exertions in one's own service of G-d and For memorable affairs the choice is always fellow-men. Paradise at The Marina. The reason is simple! Superlative _Glatt Kosher Catering in • • • • an extravagant setting - all on one level to accommodate up to 800 of your guests. So to celebrate It is interesting, in this connection, to recall the publi "a marriage made in heaven" in style, call Paradise - the cation, in 1975, of an English edition of Lev Eliyahu exclusive Glatt Kosher Caterers at The Marina, because (published by Rabbi Pinski, Jerusalem, $10.). This volume The Marina reflects you best! contains Mu55ar talks of Reb Elyahu Lopian, on a wide Call Moshe Plaut or Moshe Gordon (212) 627-0072 range of topics, and these talks, based on Biblical, Tal mudic and Rabbinic quotations, interspersed with cit ations and stories of later Torah authorities, and ren 8th Avenue dered into excellent English, provide a rich source of guidance and inspiration (some of them, moreover, Lumber Inc. provide specific direction on why and how to study 5002-Bth Avenue (Corner 5oth St.) Mussar, cf. pp. 45, 266, and 317); it is, indeed, a pity that Brooklyn, New Yark the book does not contain a subject index. But the 854-0401 - 854-0402 reader may well feel that he gained the most from reading the first 34 pages, which contain recollections of Pre-fabricated Paneled Sukkahs Reb Elye, and where he truly experienced a face-to-face For the LOWEST PRICES! encounter with a tzaddik of a stature ultimately incom Shomer Shabbos prehensible to us. All Sizes Bamboo Available Along somewhat similar lines, The Mashgiach, Ral> One Call Gets You All! beinu Horav Yecheskel Levenstein, by Rabbi Elchonon Attention: Joseph Herlzman, translated by Rabbi M.G. Bronstein (Jerusa lem, 1981, obtainable from Rabbi Hertzman, 61 Harri HOME OWNERS, son, Brooklyn, N.Y., 11211 $5.50) represents an effort CONTRACTORS, LANDLORDS to provide the reader with an insight into the life and We Have All Kinds of thoughts of the Mirrer Mashgiach. The volume contains personal recollections of the Mashgiach, as well as Building Materials, Lumber, Tools, thoughts and entire talks as gathered by disciples of his. Hardware, Moulding, Paints, Windows, A more vigorous organization of the material would Doors, Insulation, Plywood, Panels, have made this book more effective; but even in its Sheet Rock, Ceiling Panels, Formica and present form many worthwhile insights can be gained Roofing Supplies from it. (lo be continued) The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 31 Jl.!1.• ~.~!~I Published weekly 97, Stamford Hill, London, N. 16, England Annual subscription Airmail $48.00. Surface Mail $25.00 Wrire now fOT )'OUT free sample copy Published b-y Agudath lsrael of Great Britain It pays to advertise in The Jewish Tribune KARKAINISRAEL Take advantage of the opportunity to purchase cemetery plots in Eretz Yisroel in Mifgash Shimshon near Yerushalayim through our newly established CHEVRAH OSEH CHESED OF AGUDATH ISRAEL Membership in the Chevra entitles one to all benef its which accompany the services of a Chevra Kadi sha and interment. When you purchase a plot from the Chevra Oseh Chesed of Agudath Israel, you are supporting the many Agudist activities especially the Pirchei and Bnos activities as well as a Free Loan Fund in Israel. (212) 791-1800 No one has worked harder for our community than Noach Dear Let's keep him working for us. Noach Dear for City Cowtcil Endorsed by: The Jewish Press Howard Golden. Steve Solarz. Chuck Schumer Democratic Primary • Thurs. Sept. 23rd Paid for by Friends of Noach Dear, 4707 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 32 The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 second looks at the jewish scene spicuously identifiable as members advertisements in a number of Jew Selection at of Agudath Israel-the party that is ish publications (including JO) apol responsible for bringing Sabbath ob ogizing for the conduct of "a small servance to the national airline of group of El Al employees ... during Ben Gurion the Jewish State. non-working hours," much to the The story by now is well known, How were they identified? Ac managements' "singular distress." but it is still worth reviewing for the cording to Gaby Saltzman, spokes sake of some reflection: man for the EL Al workers commit August 12-The Nesher limou tees, "by their black kapotas (long sine stopped at the curb outside of coats) and slreimel (fur hats)." Ben Gurion airport, and the mixed group of travelers stepped out, pick Discrimination, As Usual ing up their luggage, checking their tickets, ready to go through the No, this is not a repetition of the glass doors and the endless "process ignonimous selection of the Nazi ing" before boarding their EL AL concentration camps. It is more sim flight to New York. Not everyone ilar to the discriminatory practices made it to those doors. Standing in of the World Zionist-run Jewish Apologies are in place, but of their way were several hundred El Agency that limited visas for entry themselves are not quite enough. Al employees, barring entry to those to British-controlled Palestine in the We expect that El Al will see to it whom they decided to exclude. 30s to the non-religious, officially that Shmiras Shabbos will be ushered The lady in the pants-suit-OK. issuing only 6% of their assigned in smoothly, without delay at its Her bare-headed companion-fine. quota to Agudath Israel applicants appointed (overdue) time. In fact, The grey-bearded gentleman in the . . . and, in reality granting even the El Al management stated as long black coat followed by his mo fewer, turning away thousands and much in its ad: "El Al will abide by destly dressed wife-verboten! It thousands of Agudists, who cla the Government's decision concern seemed that they were excluded mored to enter the Holy Land. The ing ceasing Shabbat service and do because they were recognizable as heirs to pre-war Socialist-Zionism, everything in its power to overcome religious Jews .... The bearded fel the employees of El Al, have not all difficulties for the good of our low had been carrying on an ani forgotten how to say No to Agu passengers and the company." mated discussion with a sports dists.* In addition, we would like to see capped biology professor, when The sense of outrage at this ugly some public discipline imposed on suddenly they were separated at the discrimination was not limited to the guilty employees, to truly make gate-by the EL AL workers, much Agudath Israel members. National certain that the action is never re to the shame of the professor. The Religious Party member Israel Me peated. We would like to join El Al in detainee waved goodbye to his erst lamed declared: "Today we are all being "confident that our employees while travel companion, baring his kapota wearers." Haim Druckman will support this policy." !.T arm ... with a faded blue number called the workers action" open anti tatooed on it. Semitism." Deputy Foreign Minis A throwback to the Selektzia en ter Yehuda Ben-Meir tried to get *As a limud zechus (vindication) of sorts, we dured at Auschwitz forty years ago? the Knesset to recess for 15 minutes might suggest that the disgusting behavior Not exactly. as a sign of protest at the airport of the employees was motivated less by con tempt for the religion and its adherents, than Those granted entry to the air incident. (JT A) it was by old-fashioned greed; after all, with port were Jews, no more, no less Offended travelers made no secret cessation of Sabbath activities, they will able-bodied than those excluded. of their shock, and called El Al offic stand to lose an opportunity for triple over Those denied entry were guilty of ers all over the world to protest. In time pay that was theirs until now for Shabbos one sin only. They were most con- response, the airline quickly placed work! The Jewish Obseroer/September, 1982 33 A MUST FOR YIDDISH READERS! ""' ~~~~~m~CIOOO~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oooo~~~~~~~~~~ )1!l U"j:>!l'7llmYD 1"1111:'17 7111 YilY)"'1.'·P'7"1'1 •i ~''~t '1)1~"~1' '1'N'lV ''1 l'N)11 -•ir•:i11.i 110•11l ,, p!l 1Yl"ll 7111 i11111p•117 1•11 "1'11:1l w1i1.i n•:i" pc n:i•w•n-w111 i11ul.l,.1tc:i 1Y7Y'lrY!lC 1$ !'II !11111 !l2'1Wl$ll )111 U1Yi7•WYl U',,ll 1:1111 ,11i 1YTl111 )1!l Cl'l'l'!ll.l )111 l'li'lnl'! p!l Yl21$l0'111 ::111·!11.lM 1YilYl.l1j? 1Yi p!l Yltt7"l2 "~iNiiT l1W'i'N ONi"T .cm.ii'T•11-niin 1ic Tll7.lll'iD~i1 iir t.illo'T•iwl 'itciiiw1·111'Tin· 1llt.llllji'llD ill'T 1U!ll !0'11l )1!l M1.,17 Yj:>'T'1 •i )1!l 1Yi7•:i )111 !U!l'11$ll JU71$1'1Ul1$ 1'111 1:1111 Yl21$l0'111 Y7Y'lrY!lC ,, ll21$1'1 CY 01$11 c•i!)Cl'! l7il1,, ., p!l M'lrl.lM TU'l.l )l71.ll$T1lr .c•7w11• p11 i'1tt!l·1$,1$ll .i11111p•117 1'11 . :'t:l'W'·'Wll1 )11< :'t11M:'t·'1'1il '1 Cl'I< '1'11< )t:7l(l'!Yl 1YU1$!l T"T p1111 nm1::i1 7c•:itc 1•11< •11) p1l711 l7l"T ptc 1t:!ll pl711 JYllW~W!l1$ •1 t:'l.l !l71.llCTW Y7Y'irnc,, 1:1111 ~cn::i1:i7ci11:i1,1l7ir7111.i 71.i7110•11 ·1 ptcln T1"T T"T pt< 1117t:tti' 7in11 '1 ptcll'l . 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You'll · ==~~·, kashruth and quality. IMPORTlD BY TAAM TOV FOODS INC, BRCXJKL YN, N Y 11223 "' graph pictures of Rabbeyim and Letters to the Editor Mechanchim who came from weak backgrounds? Far-Reaching, Unpleasant Effects Why all the fuss?, you ask. It's really very simple. No one wants to be placed in a category, to be known Kiruv Rechokim article entitled, "The Amateur's as different or singled out. An indi Burden in Reaching Out." Rabbi To the Editor: vidual can reach his potential in a Gottlieb states: much more confident and effective Although your publication has "Baalei teshuva come out of disillu expressed its admiration for the no way by not being bombarded with sionment, out of despair. Some seemingly derogatory terms ("life in ble efforts of Kiruv Rechakim leaders, I simply cannot face the world, their cannot help but feel that the ).0. has shambles," indeed!) and placed in the lives are in shambles, and they suffer same category as an ex-"Buddhist not done justice to the term "baa/ emotional problems, physical addic teshuva," be it the term or the in Monk." Such associations have far . tions and failure in their endeavors." reaching and unpleasant effects. dividual. It was almost as if Rabbi Gottlieb To cite but a few examples, I take When a boy with non-frum parents was saying that children of religious has learned in Yeshivos for a number note of the article in the March 1982 families were immune to the above. J.O. entitled, "Planting Seeds of Re of years and the time has come for a I must take exception. The baalei shidduch, and some indiscreet shadchun turn." Why must the Baal Teshuva teshuva in my circ]es have come from always be associated with such tur tells a prospective girl the standa;d exemplary families (in areas such as dialogue: He's such a fine boy and I ';' bulent backgrounds, as was illus midas and honesty, to say the least). trated by the articles' three case stu sure it wouldn't bother you that hes My friends really haven't done all a baa/ teshuva, wouldn't it?" (I won't dies? Why must the term "Baal Te that much to be ashamed of; and are shuva" always conjure up images of even go into the lashon hora involved in stable and happy human beings, be relating to someone the levelofreli disheveled hair, torn jeans, not to fore and after their commitment to mention drugs, intermarriage, and giosity of one's parents. Even if s~n:e Torah life. Many have been learning one wanted to express it as a positive other hard-core "teshuva cases." for quite some time, have learned Concerning these, whether in pho point, and praise the fellow for his through Shas and are so polished in drive in going against the grain and tograph or words, I refer to the every area that no one would ever Summer 1981 issue. What was es becoming frum, one would never suspect that they did not attend catch a shadchun saying: "Nice boy, pecially insulting was the statement Yeshiva Ketanah-a side of the coin made by Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb in an frum family, and even though the which was neglected by both arti father's an unbelievable hot head cles. Why didn't the j.O. speak of and the mother is a lush, the boy has various prominent rabbis and Roshei come through with fine midas.") Why c2J{ATANA Yeshiva or Rabbi Akiva-to name shouldn't it bother her, what with but a few? Why didn't they photo- all of the wonderful publicity in The (;ALLER}' Jewish Observer! After all, the boy might have a physical addiction and Esrogim, Succah Decorations; You Can Now Receive be a failure in his endeavors. If this Jewelry; Personalized Chall ah girl were smart, she would stay clear Covers, Talis Bags and Yar KosherGram of such fishy sounding prospects. mulkas; Jewish Books, Ju the kosher consumer daica; Taleisim, Mezuzos, and newsletter of THE MERKAZ In closing, I suggest either that Lots More- - the Layman's Association the all encompassing melting pot of of the Vaad Horabonim of the term, baa/ teshuva, be expunged All at Super Discount Prices. Greater Detroit. from existence, or that we apply it, even, to those of us from the most Open Sunday and Wednesday For Copies Write: !\ prestigious family lineage who may 11 :00 A.M. • 6:00 P.M. THEMERKAZ have once spoken lashon hara and Other Times by Appointment. 26200 Greenfield Road have reformed. 1163 East 10th Street Suite 34-A YITZCHAK KRAMER Bet. Kand L Oak Park. Mich. 48237 Phone: l311) 968-6110 (F.F.B., married, 252-1222 and no axe to grind) 36 The Jewish Observer!Sepfember, 1982 - - Rabbi Mandel replies: Mr. Kramer's letter, the term baal Even Mr. Kramer must concede Yitzchok Kramer correctly points teshuva is not a negative stigma but, that there is a distinction between out that (1) the term "baa/ teshuva" as Rav Gifter, the Telshe Rosh Ye one who may have spoken lashon hara should apply to even those from shiva, recently pointed out to a and one who has eaten lreifos and prestigious family lineage who have group of Ohr Somayach alumni, a been mechallel Shabbos. I, in turn, l done leshuva; and (2) not all baalei badge of honor. would agree that rather than feel teshuva from non-Torah observant l homes come from turbulent back l grounds. The underlying kiruv phi losophy that 1have learned from my Roshei Yeshiva is that teshuva is a pro cess which must begin from an indi Kosher wine vidual's positive points, such as his honesty and humanitarian instincts, and grow from there. To grow from needn't be sweet one's positive nekudos (points) is in fact a useful approach for the already Torah-observant Jew to pursue, as justspecial well. It is important to mention, though, that contrary to the tone of The Prophecies of Tan a ch and Ghazal As Realized in our Days Approved by Gedolim in: li::lJT"N •i'ii1 'iN~i 111'!0 (Author of "A Matter of Return") Second Edition Distributed by: Endorsky Hebrew Religious Books 4401-16\h Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11204 212-635-5500 .. . . !:SHELLY . . .. • . .• = lADG .. . . E orchestra . . --- 438-3402 . . MOVE TO Paramus, New Jersey And special means Kedem. Premium wines from the Shiu rim classic vineyards of France, Italy, Spain and the U.S. All specially selected for the finesse and character that lingers happily on your palate. Kosher, of course. Thurs. Eves: Gemora Shabbos by RABBI H. SCHACTER Rosh Hakoll,el, Yeshivas Rabbeinu Yitzchok Elchanan Call: David Lehmann (201) 261-3136 (212) 929-2395 KEDEM WlNE CO., NEW YORK. N.Y. Transportation available from N.Y. The Jewish Observer/September, I 982 37 77 successful in secular terms, and it is Rabbi Gottlieb replies: precisely the meaninglessness of By quoting the first half of a para that success which creates their graph, Mr. Kramer creates the im smug about our religiosity when unique sense of despair and which pression that I believe all baalei teshuva leads to their search for a new way confronted by a baa/ teshuva (a short start with life in shambles. The of life. coming shared by the "Frum-From paragraph in full reads as follows: Mr. Kramer believes that some Birth" and the veteran "baa! teshuva'~, "Baa lei teshuva come out of disillu baalei teshuva are stable and happy even we should rather draw inspiration sionment, out of despair. Some before their teshuva. When one con from the baa/ teshuva and realize that simply cannot face the world, their sic{ers the enormous change in ideo in fact our lives are in shambles as lives are in shambles, and they suffer logy and life-style which teshuva en well and concentrate on the thrice emotional problems, physical addic tails, are they displaying stability cited prayer imin7 U'JK 1lJ!l'n (Re tions and failure in their endeavors. (which may not evidence psycholog turn us, our Father to Your Torah) Others, and 1 think they are the majority, ical health but just rigidity and steril formulated by the Men of the Great have personalities too rich, ideals too high, ity) or creative and courageous Assembly, men who appreciated and and goals too profound to be satisfied with a change? Without a strong measure strove to become baalei teshuva. two-car garage in the suburbs and trips to of discontent with secular life (either (Rabbi) 5HLOMO NOACH MANDEL Europe as the highlights of their life. The preceeding contact with the Torah JEP!Ohr Somayach lures of material success are empty for them world or as a result of such contact), Toronto, Ontario and they come out of despair." The lives of no normal person would undertake (author of the article, "Seeds of Return"} the majority of baalei teshuva are very such a radical transformation. This is the reason for the heavy stress in my article on providing Jewish ex periences, rather than arguments: the experiences create the discontent which opens his mind to the argu BEN ments. Pincus Mandel Cemetery Consultant Representative of Chevros ~l'l'E:RS Kadisha of Jerusalem 236 Broadway, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11211 with karka available on Har Ha· zaitim, Har Hamnuchot and Telephone: 384-8956 Sanhedria. Karka also obtain· Featuring the largest selection of able on all other Community· owned Cemeteries in Eretz Yis· BORSALINO FROM ITALY rael, controlled and maintained and by the Chevra Kadisha of the HABIG FROM VIENNA Community. 1569 47th Street V ANZINA FROM IT ALY Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219 Day and Night Phone IN ANTELOPES AND SUEDES (212) 855-5121 Honesty - Integrity - Responsibility Agency for Over 25 Years of Dedicated Service tc SCHAPARELLI, ANTONELLI, the Orthodox Jewish Community KANGOL & STETSON HATS OPEN SUNDAY Come in and meet "Friendly Stan" n:.lt' ;oilt' ;;:.lt' ;oilt' 38 The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 To completely absorb baalei teshuva THE WORLD FAMOUS anonymously, as Mr. Kramer sug D1GES.1' .OF MEFORSRIM 1 gests, can have very cruel conse HOME -~1p; "ll'l:l 'lO'li'; . quences. Baalei teshuva have very ATTENDANTS ?"lit iJ'b~l!. ~K1!:l!Q,"' ;eMMc!:l unique needs-specialized shiurim, Availitble at sensitive counseling and p'sak halacha, l.EKUTE'UNC., do- L Rosenberg chevra (companionship)-which will needed for lOWest 47tl\St,..t, Room 702 not be met by a community that New York,N.Y.10036 HOUSEKEEPING AND (212)719-1717 wants to forget that they exist. At PERSONAL CARE each stage in life a baa/ teshuva is try 20Volumes()!>1'or~h,Perek, ing to live according to a life style of Med.rash, Mi!gil05 and ,Talmud. for the Ptoct~eds--ofsales:dis_tribtited a_mong which he had no personal experience Yeshivos and,useiifor tepr,ntlng until adulthood. It is our experience ~f 'Vollim,_es ou_t'."()J~ri~-t to help him fill that gap, not only one DISABLED AND PR.ICE $7.SO PEltVOLUME year after he makes his commit HOMEBOUND ment, but throughout the rest of his life-even after he can pass for an good pay and benefits If you've priced diamonds lately you will appreciate F.F.B. through his dress and Torah Boro Park, Bensonhurst and knowledge. In many areas of life a Flatbush Area CUBIC ZIRCONIA baa/ teshuva never stops being a baa/ full-time live in positions only teshuva. Perhaps Mr. Kramer should con sult Gedolei Yisroel with respect to the Project OHR Inc. she'eila of lashon hora in connection with shidduchim. I can only report my • (Office for Homecare Referral) •• experience-that it is regarded as It looks like a diamond. Many jewelers can't tell the difference. absolutely essential for the prospec 3920 13th Avenue Its clarity, cut and brilliance is the tive chassan and kallah to know every Brooklyn, NY 11218 thing relevent about each other, marvel of the century. 853-2700 which includes their schooling, fam Stud earrings set in l 4kt gold; also ily background, and so on. In this pendants and engagement rings are context, it is impossible, and indeed i1'5'.:li1 tl~1~ available at: irresponsible, to hide the fact that someone is a baal teshuva. In other EV 7-1750 l/"'1C '11:!C 212-388-0554 contexts, extreme caution and dis ww1i'C1i'I:! 'CllllWl,,,,~l.' cretion should be used. No one has Mail orders accepted.. HECHT'$ ., "EZRA". f i INFANT AID FUND I Hebrew Bookstore o This is an URGENT APPEAL to Aid Mothers in o Direct importers of Vanover and Israeli Esrogim, ii Eretz Yisroel Who Are In Dire Need To Furnish Their' Lulavim and Haddasim Meshulashim. 'o New Born Infants With Layettes, Blankets,,- Sweaters, Etc. •.... In Merit Of This Great Mitzvoh Moy The c Wholesale - Retail Almighty Bless You In All Wolks Of Life ' Quality and Service Guaranteed i, Endorsed By: 0 by Rabbi Sholom Hecht - Rebellen Rashel Krawiec • Mrs. Dora Weiss Complete line of seforim & Judaica I Mrs. B.essie $qfrin - Rebltzen Bella Suzholz'o Shul & School orders filled W• alto furnish LINENS to needy KALLAS i' Mak• Checks ,,ayahle To: 1265 Coney Island Avenue, (near Avenue I) ° CONG. OHEL YITZCHOK i Brooklyn, NY 11230 (212) 258-9696 I 202 Hewes Street, Brooklrn, I.Y. ti 211 Open Sunday-We Ship Worldwide 0 i (Tax Deductible) . ' The Jewish Observer/Seplembtr, 1982 39 WHATWOULDYOUOO? ••• Sins of Omission, Etc. 0 'I ••• they asked me about this boy . To the Editor: for their daughter. I know he had baalei teshuva I major surgery. Can I tell them?"* ever suggested that be May I point out to you a number " .• ,I know he's-entering a busi .. "bombarded with seemingly deroga of errors on the second page (sic) of ness venture-with a man who has tory terms." the May 1982 issue which I like to 'I shady business practices. Can I tell Finally, I must confess a certain describe, benevolently, as inadvert him?'!"" sadness that even now there are ~ " ... 1 knowthtit Reuven's "shtikel ently. Agudath Israel was founded Torah" was _not his own. May I tell people who regard the term "baal in the German city of Kattowitz; Kat my -Chavrusah?"**"* teshuva" as derogatory. One hopes Th&se and countless other ques towitz became Polish in 1918 and that the struggles these people was then spelled Katowice. (Ober tions, which come up in day-to-day courageously undertake, and the living, can be answered by studying schlesien or Upper Silesia). The Eng unique strengths and sensitivities ni?•::;i~ yitr1i!C'" rii:ii;;i lish translation on this page of the which they contribute to the Torah (C'"M }'bM 'itltl ~ti ?):). "Programm" . . . ("C ons t'tI u t.ion ") The "l!)O which was selected by - world, will one day win them the Numbers I is incomplete, omitting the Agudath lsra_el World Organiza.. respect and admiration they deserve, nt? nt cn~ni:i? nK :iip?i; i-- tion for worldwide distribution. fol .. instead of a classification which lowing a-- call at the last Kn'essia 3 why did you leave out Eretz Israel Gedola by Hagaon Horav Shneur others are mercifully willing to help from places where we will help our them conceal. Kotler ':'~f. for chizuk in fllt''Jii h"l'l::llt'. brethren?; 6 is also incorrect at the The-"'!tib is a collection of every (Rabbi) Dovm GOTTLIEB end .... single Halocho on yin tiW? (accord (The writer is on the faculty of ing to the po• of.the Chofetz Chaim), (Rabbi) RALPH NEUHAUS in_ a _concise, organized manner, Ohr Somayach/Tannenbaum Col Congregation Ohav Sholaum compiled by Rabbi Yisroel Ko_lman lege of Judaic Studies.) New York City Krohn and Rabbi:Y_isroel:MeirShain~ Enthusiastically recommended by the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, the "1tib explains in an eminently readable and lucid style of ?Mip f!lt'7 Come To Formerly Kosher King many untarniliar halochos of vin T~'lt'?. Presently _used as a textbook in schools in Eretz Yisroel, U.S.A. and England, in shuls and at Shabbos tables throughout the world. k~r£~.~t'Y SOFT-COVER (96 pages) Available Whitehead Ha11 Brooklyn College through Agudath Israel World Org, Publications Dept., 5 Beekman St., New York, N.Y. 10038 $.50 (in bulk for schools. shuls. etc.) $1.00 for single copies. Do you have a manuscript to print? HARD-COVER {130 pages) includes special section with over 40 _practi· Do you need someone to edit it? cal tips, taken from all the Chofetz Chaim's writings,-f6r those who are seriously seeking to avoid this com .. Are you too lazy to run around mon transgression. $3.50 I With ni"!lJll $4. 75 looking for a good experienced typesetter? HARD·COVER POCKET SIZE (136 Or maybe you just can't afford to run pages) with handy 1no;i n~'i:i edi~ tion. $3.00. ,For hard:cover_editions, please add $.75 peti!)O for postage, to the printer and the binder? Order hard-cover editions from: Rabbi Y,K. Krohn Now, you can arrange all this in just one visit 426-Sth St, Lakewood, N.J. 08701 to: Yerushalayim Publishers Also available at the following addresses: Rabbi S, Honig, 86 Fairhold Rd., London, N.16 5HN, England call now for an appointment: J"\:llOY"i .i.tl :l'"H"i 10 it"lin .nirv '.tii 851-0318 c~'i101i• ., j'"t'l ·i-t J'"! ., lt:l10 ,n,~'::l"i ni::7H l'"V* FREE DELIVERY AND PICKUP 'J r·n 'K ri ,,- jt:i•c Jii':"'.:i'l n1::7n J''V** ,, l'"i ·" j!!:•o ,).1"\n JWt':' ri'::'n f"'ll*** 40 The Jewish Observer/Sepfember, 1982 Horav Yaakov Horav Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman, Kamenetzky, N"~·??U N"e~?IU (''"Y~'l "1"iiO !'iK !'ii~ii 1''.l"l' i"ili" $35.00 SAVINGS FOR AGUDATH ISRAEL MEMBERS! Agudah Members can now receive four full color 8x10 photographs of the "Ziknei" Moetzes Gedo/ei Torah at an unbelievably low price. Days and Eves. These original shots are actual photos developed by the newest "CIBA (212) 436-0303 CHROME" method and are of the highest quality available today. (212) 436-0909 Suitable for framing-an adornment for house or office. Ready F0t lmmediat• This $50value is being offered to JEWISH OBSERVER subscribers for only $35, Pick Up and $.hipment and to paid members of Agudath Israel for only $15- S Al 0-U.S.A. & Caoe1o A SAVINGS OF $35.00!! There is a limited number of photos available, so don't delay! LOST AND MUST BE FOUND i O Yes! Please rush me four, full color Photos of the "Ziknei" Moefzas Gadolai Torah, suitable for framing. I've checked off the appropriate box Thousands have been lost to cults, missionar, and made a check payable to Agudalh Israel. ies, intermarriage, and assimilation. Mail to: Moetzes Pictures, Suite 910, 5 Beekman Street, New York, NY 10038 1. O Paid member 5742 (membership#• ______, CHIZUK-an agency of Agudath Israel World only$15 ----- Organization is doing something about it 2. 0 non member-only $50 through outreach activities-adult study classes 3. 0 JEW!SH OBSERVER subscriber-only $35 4. O 5742 membership enclosed-only $25 for membership plus -seminars-campus programs-counseling $15 for photos publications. Tota! $40 5. 0 5743 membership enclosed-only $25 for membership plus We must expand our staff of volunteers and $15 for photos urgently need capable people who have a feeJ, Total $40 plus $1.00 for postage & packaging $1.00 ingfor Kiruv, to help out in the following areas: Total enclosed e giving classes Name ______e campus activites •artwork Address------9 counseling City. State, Zip ______e home hospitality program O Payment Enclosed 9 office work O Charge my credit card: O MasterCard D Visa e publications and more. Account No. o:::DCIJ[]J[l][l][]]C[JO e but mainly giving classes INTERESTED IN HELPING OUT Expiration date OD{month} DD (year) OR IN MORE INFORMATION? Signature ______CALL (212) 791-1848 We are sorry, but due to high bank charges, all payments must be made in GET INVOLVED ,.6. US dollars, drawn on a US bank. - "The Torah Link' Bluzhover Rebbe, l'ivefltt1 The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 41 Ready Now! The new LuachJ"titul'1 for Mishna and Halacha Yomit. Are you ready? 1ennn1 1:i.n:m n:i.ie mtti'i To learn Mishna and Halacha daily-on to all relatives and friends schedule. ' from To start the Seder Moed i))1e.....;with thou- I Rabbi and Mrs. Simcha Lyons sands of others throughout the world. St. Louis, Missouri And end the year with a iM~' l!ltul!ll))!:l))l l!l1l. '~ Send for free Luach: Rabbi Elias Karp 1880 47 Street/Brooklyn, NY 11204 ;t"O~.li n:.it!:l i'IO'.nni il:t'.li:l I to Rabbi and Mrs. all our relatives, friends Berish Fuchs and members of wish all of their Agudath Israel friends and relatives: . Mr. and Mrs. Al Rieder io.nn.ni i:..n:i.n n:.it!:l ii)~; and Family ' • ' Hasenfeld-Stein, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Ernst L. Bodenheimer i wish their many friends and relatives: wish all their friends ir.:innni 1:i.n:in n:i.ie nltu'i n:i.ie ne•nni n:i.•n:i l'Ott'/11011111111:l/1~/111:l11!l l'lltt'; . l'oit>111e11n111 i:i11:i11 n:mo mw; Best Wishes to all our Best Wishes to all our friends and relatives for a Happy, Sincerest wishes for a friends and relatives for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year 11:i1e no•11111 n:i•ri:i Healthy and Prosperous New Year to all Jews everywhere Mr.&Mrs. Mr. & Mrs. Moishe Katz Abish Brodt Reisman Brothers Bakery Lawrence, L.I. Brooklyn, New York n:lito i"'ll:)'Jini l"'l::1"l"l~ 'l:)f'lMrn i:n:in n:itti ru~? The Shmuel Oelbaums to Kia! Yisroel Mr.and Mrs. wish friends and relatives Naftoli and Shaini 1'aac Kirtner npit'l!!l' ii::1l~ Ml~ HiTsch Best Wishes for May Yott>n bring ioniin11~n~n n~11> niw~ n~ie nl!l'.nni M'l'ri~ the best of Ntw Years to Kial Yisroel Mr.and Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Kalman Mandel Rabbi&Mrs. DaWl Mendlowitt Brooklyn, New York Abraham M. Kahaoo Brooklyn, New Yotk -- 10MMM\ 1~n~n M:l\!!l lll!I'; 1l:>MMM1 1:ln~n M:l11:l nl!I'? Mr. and Mrs •.Chaim]. BankeT Mr.andM,., Mr.andM I J'O!t'l'1 11:ll'll11'11 1:ll'l:ll'1 l"l:l1!!l 11lW7 J'c!t'n 1onnn1 1:in:in n:i11:l 11lit>'7 Mr.&Mrs. Best Wishes to all our Best Wishes to all our Jonathan David friends and relatives for a Happy, friends and relatives for a Happy, Bachrach, Esq. Healthy and Prosperous New Year Healthy and Prosperous New Year Washington Heights, New York Mr. & Mrs. Ari Fishof Rabbi & Mrs. Max CarnUlft wish fl'iends and relatives and family Oak Park, Mich. n:.110 nc'nn1 n:i•n:i Brooklyn, New York i1:1nt1n1 1::m:in n:i.11:l 11lW? 1 Shana Tova Greetings l'l:l!t'n ionnm i:in:in n:ml mw'7 • to the distinguished editor Best wishes for ' Best Wishes to all our of The Jewish Obser.ver n:i.11:l n1:1•nn1 l"l:l'n:l friends for a Happy, Healthy I and hif family, and to l't:iWnNW and Prosperous New Year atl of Klal Yisroel to all our friends and relatives Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Strahl l Henach and Chana Cohen amongst Kla! Yisroe! Forest Hills, N. Y. and family Yit.tchok & Miriam Pogrow i J'l:lwn i1:1nnn1 i:in:m n:i11:l mit>'7 l'll!t'l'1 Best Wishes to all our n:i11:l nc•nn1 n:i.•n:i friends and relatil!es for a Happy, l't:i!t' I'\ 11:11'1Ml'l1 1:ll'l:il'l .l"l:l11:l Ml!U'1 Mr. and Mrs. Yisroel Fogel Healthy and Prosperous New Year and family Mr.&Mrs. GemilasChesedCongregation 1433 • 491h Strennn1 i~n~n n~no Ml!!'~ 1t>MMl'\11!lmn M~1!) Ml!!'~ l BestShona Tova Wishes! Rabbi and Mrs. Mr.and Mrs. &iwin Ka~n&Uin Menachem M. ShayoW:h Mr.and Mrs. j New York Cit:y and Family ls{ried Unt 1!lMMl'.\1 1~1'\~M n~llO Ml!!'~ n:il!:I i'lC'nf'li Ti:l'tl!) ' t\ni::>'1:n rtllt' ?nn Mr.&.Mr., Mr. and Mrs. Yossie Stern Mo•ht Oelbaum Mr. and Mrs. Leibish Rapaport l llrooklyrr, New York andFam#y • Boro Park, Brooklyn, N.Y. Ediion, New Jetsey ' N.Y.S. LEGISLATURE PASSES LANDMARK "GET" BILL The Republican controlled New York State Senate, shortly before adjournment, followed the lead of the Democratically controlled Assembly and unanimously passed a mea sure which will help the menacing "Agunah problem." According to Professor Aaron Twerski, chairman of the Commission on Legislation and Civic Action of Agudath While the government's dollars are fighting for their security Israel of America, this bill is designed to alle your dollars will guarantee that the children's Torah education viate the problem of those who would be will not suffer · while barred from remarrying after a civil divorce. For Orthodox Jews, this becomes a reality if a *More students clamor for admission husband refuses to grant a "get," blocking the *More classrooms are needed than ever before woman from remarrying. In some cases, according to Prof. Twerski, the woman re *More new schools are opening fuses to accept a get. The bill is to be *More kindergartens for Israel's little ones presented at an appropriate time for his consideration. i·u't •nn"'' The efforts began nearly two years ago iun:t when Agudath Israel convened a joint meet In the Expanding ing of halachic and legal experts to come to '""'":! grips with the Agunah problem that was said .._._ --aCHINUCH ATZMAI to have reached "epidemic proportions." The bill that was drawn up after this meeting TORAH SCHOOLS Network which was chaired by Rabbi Moshe Sherer, President of Agudath Israel of America, fol lowing a lengthy consultation of the various Don't let budget cuts, the shrinking shekel, and authorities, provides that when one party to inflation, compromise Israel's Torah security! a civil divorce action complains of a barrier to remarriage imposed by the other party, the Last year, 5742: question will be submitted to a fact-finding Of 20 requests for new schools, only 4 were answered. and mediation panel to determine whether This year, 5743: such a barrier exists and if so, whether either Say "Yes!" everytime to Torah security with your dollars! party can remove it. It also provides that the Give for the security of Israel's children! panel will make recommendations for the Answer Israel's needs today! removal of a barrier and that the court may, at its discretion, withhold a final judgment of Projected budget for 1982-83: $35,000,000.00 divorce if the party seeking the divorce fails OUR SECURITY NEEDS to comply with the panel's recommmenda Give to the Torah tions. • Provide a T zrif $50,000. The bill's chief sponsor in the Assembly • Sponsor a Classroom $10,000. Security of Israel's was Sheldon Silver, who articulated the issues involved in the bill. It enjoyed the strong sup • Playground Facilities $5,000. Children port of Speaker Stanley Fink and Arthur • Classroom Furniture $1,800. Kremer, chairman of the Ways and Means Clip and ma•I today • Nassi Layom $1,000. Committee. Silver worked closely with Agu TORAH SCHOOLS FOR ISRAEL dath Israel as the bill inched its way through 'I • Lunch Program $500. I CHINUCH ATZMAI "'N:l '1' 44 The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 ties, ir:icluding various eminent rabbinic lead HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS work camp, or any other identification which ers. Prof. Twerski called the bill"a low profile MAY CORRECT BIRTHDATES shows that the person, is indeed, a survivor resolution to a high profile problem." He FOR SOCIAL SECURITY and that his age was incorrectly stated. added: "We very studiously stayed away from In response to numerous inquiries, the The Social Security Administration will the question of a court-coerced" get" to avoid Commission on Legislation and Civic Action attempt to obtain a valid birth certificate or the thicket of constitutional or halachic ques of Agudath Israel of America clarified a pol other official documents from the country in tions. In fact, this bill is by no means a pana icy adopted by the Social Security Adminis which the claimant was born. If the claimant cea. The Jewish community will still have its tration which in effect permits Holocaust is unable to submit evidence of his correct work cut out to come to grips with this survivors to correct their age for the purpose age, he may submit statements of friends or problem." of receiving Social Security benefits. A claim relatives who have knowledge of the claim ant may establish his true date of birth if he ant's correct date of birth. If no friends or states that his recorded age is incorrect as relatives can verify the claimant's correct date of birth, the Social Security Administra N11"iU-C~ 1"1!1.i 1"1)1,,~ was adopted to avoid persecution and con finement in concentration camp or extermi tion will accept the claimant's own statement. ~Ni'tl' ni~n l"l!l.''tl' nation at such a camp. According to the Social Security Adminis C'i'Y¥7 ;i:rVJ' cpi;i M"'VJ;"!TY:i traiton, a claimant under this procedure ·p;i ;iiin:i i:i.:i' iwl't ,:ii~o-i:i:i ''"o must prove that he is a survivor of the Holo ppi1;i7 •7:i~ :iiY iy ip:i~ i:i7:i caust and that his actual date of birth differs ;iiioJ :i:i'VJ'ii .C'1nl't C"i10'7? from the date currently on file with the iiiii .,,,i,., '~j?T n~ii:ii ni¥»'r'll"l:l Social Security Administration. Acceptable proof that the claimant is a holocaust survi iNti:in:iw ,':i:::i;n ciii'lil':n N"i,,';'11..1' vor includes tattooed numbers on the fore :iiuy;i nitn:i ciwo i:i VJ'VJ pJY:i ?y arm or a scar indicating surgical removal of ,Cl','l'X, l"l~1XY ;in;x:ii ,;'1JlV'1"' the tattoo, award letters or other correspon ni:iu 7Y ':1 ?'\':::!:::! C'?inVJ M1';'1' 1:!T"VJ dence from the West German government :iiin;i ?oY:i cnion;i ?'nn;i?i wip;i under the indemnification procedures, doc uments identifying the bearer as a displaced .c'iiyJ;i 'O' inwo iiy :in»'i'i person or an inmate of a concentration or l1'Y:n n"o:i. - 'N iio : iio'?;i .,,,o Y. Asher Goodman HOME 001) 71>4-6713 ,'j?ii ni:i'VJ'::i :i:i.i;iJ;i iio'?;i iii:i Accoum Executive ':l iio .Y1:llV 7:i:i ;i~n~1 ,, 1iy:i Advest. Inc. ii 1iy:i :oinn 7: CY ·~l - ! 10 Heaver Pla1a • Lu1he1v1lle, MD 2!093 • (301) 321-6900 :iitn - 'l iio .Yi::iw ?:i::i ;i;inoi Out of Srnie Cal! C'olleC1 .C'i1Y'lV' 'i':J.Oji nin:iiJ::i UYO:> C'i'O?Mii i:it ;ii:iy;i :"llilJ:l 'oin CY NY'¥0 x::i::i n:>oo iiol? :nip:i ;"!0''07 0'101Y1 ,?"Ji! iii:i .M"'W;"!TYJ crl"t1¥0i'l t 3 - 1 s ?'lO O'iin:i VOTE FOR JAMES TULLY TOT ?Y ?:ipn:i? c'rn;;o;i ciio'?:i FOR NY STATE COMPTROLLER '" nii~7 c•ivp:in~ tY'7y:i;i iiin;i iio?i ,9YONlV'Ti :!Ni j?M¥' :ii ,?;iJoil Democratic Primary September 23 .oiio'7:i ilJ'n:ii ilVJ'"~ (212)367-2431 • Tully has the experience the comptrollers' office demands. He served 1 - ·- as New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance for 7 h years and achieved an exemplary record. THE KASHRUS NEWSLETTER • Tully understands the needs of local communities and supports Your Source For neighborhood preservation programs. Authentic Kashrus Information • Tully is an ardent supporter of public and non-public (yeshiva) educa- $7.50/1 year; $13/2 years tion. He has earned our support. $10/1 year; $15/2 years($ U.S.) Canada $15/1 year; $28/2 years($ U.S.) Overseas James Tully and his family express their heartfelt wishes to the Jewish Write: community for a happy and prosperous new year-a year which will Yeshiva Birkas Reuven bring peace and tranquility to the Jews in Israel and throughout the Kashrus Department 4911-16th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11204 world, and to all mankind. Paid for by Citizens for the Election of James Tully. The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 45 CHINUCH ATZMAI The meeting determined that the Chinuch view of the continued expansion of Chinuch TORAH SCHOOLS IN CRISIS Atzmai network in Israel is in a deep crisis Atzmai-Torah Schools. Yet, the funds to OVER MINISTRY'S DELAY because it is the last to receive government cover their salaries have not been allocated. IN PAYMENTS benefits while the first to suffer cutbacks, This has forced the central administration of following a pattern of deprivation and dis the network to draw funds already desig Jerusalem, August 8: At an emergency crimination by the Ministry of Education. In nated for non-subsidized projects, thus forc meeting of the Board of Governors of Chi truth, the Ministry has never treated the ing the neglect of these other important nuch Atzmai/Torah Schools for Israel held in independent system of Torah education on a projects. the network's headquarters to review the par with the two state-run systems. •A bureaucratic conflict between the Min severe crisis facing the education network, The Ministry itself admits to a serious lag istries of Finance and Education caused the Rabbi Eliezer Schach, K"?l'7W called for" estab in physical accommodations for existing To Education Ministry to hold back an allocation lishing the interests of Chinuch Atzmai rah schools. of millions of Shekel to Chinuch Atzmai Torah Schools as the prime concern of reli • Whenever the Ministry of Finance cuts Torah Schools for student transportation. gious Jewry and its Knesset representatives. funding for education, Chinuch Atzmai-To The network's leaders emphasized that The foundation of our existence is our youth, rah Schools is the first to feel the cutbacks for these troubles come on top of a chain of diffi and all efforts should be invested in their its subsidized budget. cult problems over the past year including: education." He read a telegram which he • The Ministry of Education has been teaching schedules (it is still short of 2500 received from Rabb Yaakov Kaminetsky withholding from certain schools, forcing the teaching hours per week); a freeze on the K"?l'7tu stating: "Chinuch Atzmai Torah network to carry their full budget. Two subsidized portion of the Keren Hachiinuch Schools is in very difficult situation, and eve examples of this baseless discrimination are L'Torah, which finances the independent To ryone must join in on heroic efforts to rescue the highly successful Chinuch Atzmai schools rah programs of the system; and the deficits it." in the Old City and in Kiryat Arba. of the network of Kindergartens, which The venerable sages were referring to a • Even when the Ministry authorizes ex amounts to about 20 million Shekel. situation that has forced the temporary dos penditures, it does not always follow through The Chinuch Atzmai leadership is looking ' ing of the offices that administer four major with the allocations. This situation has cur to its friends and supporters all over the I units: finance, teaching schedules, Revacha rently brought the system almost to a stand world to come to its rescue to enable it to welfare programs, and transportation. In still, at this especially crucial time of prepara fulfill its historic destiny. addition, the entire central administrative tion and organization for the new school offices have been closed to the public until year. For example, the Ministry approved the further notice. hiring of 300 additional teachers a year ago, in Yeshiva Birkas Reuven l!f!!I'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~~ 491116thAvenue Brooklyn, N.Y. 11204 (212) 438-91 OS & 998-3201 Personal Attention Full Time Rebbeim The in-town yeshiva with the out-of-town yeshiva Atmosphere FAMOUS DAIRY RESTAURANT • Mechina 222 West 72nd Street Bais Hamedrash (Between Broadway & West End Avenue) . Semicha Program 595-8487 874-0607 Applications are now being accept ed for admission into the Mechina, Under the supervision of the Rabbinate of K'hal Adath Bais Hamedrash program or the Ha· Jeshurun of Washington Heights. lacha Chaburah. Our Semicha Pro • Cholov Yisroel Closed Saturdays gram isa2yearsederHalimud leading ' Catering-Parties-Meetings to Semicha combining shiurum on Open for Breakfast, Luncheon and Dinner. Yore Deah by Harav Asher Zimmer man, Shlita. and Shiurim in Chulin by the Rosh Hayeshiva, Harav Sham· shon Brodsky, Shlita. For an inter· view call (Z1 Z) 438-9105 or 998- 3201 Harav Shamshon Brodsky, Rosh Hayeshiva Harav Asher Zimmerman, HalachaChaburah ' RavYosefWlkkler. Menahel 46 The Jewish Observer/September, 1982 - LONG.ISLAND SEMINARY OF JEWISH STl'.JDIES FOR WOMEN The Long Island Seminary of Jewish Stll· back to our staff Rabbi Shraga Silverstein, dies for Women, in conjunction with Torah who will serve as a full-time member of our Academy High School for Girls, announces High School and Seminary faculty for the registration for the September 1982 term. coming year. Hi! will also be conducting a The. highly motivated student with a unique teacher-training and ·improvement good Torah background will have an excit course. ing opportunity to <:;ontinue her education For mote information and details, please on a higher level in an. intensive Jewish write to comm.unity in a pleasant suburban Rabbi. Moshe Weitman,. Dean atmosphere. Torah Academy for Girls j I Facilities for. out-of-town students are 444 Beach 6th Street f available. Far Rockaway, NevvYorkll691 We take this opportunity to welcome (212)GR 1-8444 GR 1-5003 ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, SEMINARY STUDENT, & GRADUATE We are pleased to announce the opening of THE INSTITUTE FOR DI SPECIAL EDUCATION BNEIYESHNA announcing of Sara Schenirer Teachers Seminary a New Edition in affiliation with The Jewish Center for Special Education ,,,)jofl·n,~ We address ourselves to the Seminary student, graduate, or the teacher who seeks to develop an expertise with in the specialized and expanding field of Special Ed, and as ,,,~ 7)1 07'1.1~ N"j:l)li applied to Limudei Kodesh. Available in a compact size in 8 volumes. It is We have designed a two-year training course printed on cream-color paper, has an excellent which is comparable to, but more intensive than, a major binding and measures 12" long and 9" wide. in Special Ed at the B.A. level. Completion of the curricu~ Ium, which covers every required and pertinent area, will Makes an ideal gift. prepare the graduate to be hired in Jewish schools for positions in Special Ed classrooms, resource rooms, indi Pre·pubfication price with ------this coupon: vidualized instruction in regular classrooms, and individ~ ualized remediation work. Only $90.00 + $5.00 postage to anywhere In the U.S.A. Courses and programs are approved and accre Good uni/I Oct 15, 1982 dited by Torah Umesorah, which will issue its License in For more information, contact: We carry Esrogim with the •) Special Ed to graduates. Elchler's Seforlm Store Hech'sher of the ;£"1:1- Detailed fact sheet sent upon request. 1429 Coney Island Avenue Lulavim-Hadassim Brooklyn, New York 11230 Succah decorations-Succos. Rablii MiChoel Meliels Rabbi Aharon H. Fried, Ph.D. Dean:- Dean Enclosed please find $90.00 + $5.00 shipping per set. Please send -----sets of J('ru to: Sara $C~-riir.ir S'etiiinary • Jtwish. Certttr f"1 Name ______Special Edm:iln011 I THE INSTITUTE FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION Address------4622.. 14th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219 Tel: (212) 633-8557-8 City & State•------Zip, _____ • The Jewish Observer/September, I 982 47 ·dA·~-- Order now, and save up to $32! We're making a special money-saving offer to our friends: Due to sky-rocketing production costs, the single copy price of The Jewish Observer will be increased to $2 as of October 1, 1982. The new subscription fee will be: One year-10 issues (a $20 value) will cost only $15 (old price: $12). Two years-20 issues (a $40 value) will cost only $27 (old price: $21). Three years-30 issues (a $60 value) will cost only $36 (old price: $28). Old Friends, who are already subscribers: Save $32 by extending your subscription for three years before October 1 (pay only $28.00 instead of $36.00 for a $60.00 value!) New Friends, who are not yet subscribers: Order a new subscription for yourself-or as a gift to a friend-before October 1 at the old price; save yourself from $8.00 to as much as $32 on the single-issue price! Don't delay. Use the handy coupon below. An additional bonus to all friends, old and new, who subscribe NOW for three years: Five vintage copies of The Jewish Observer from our files of nineteen years of publishing, selected at random, will be mailed to you absolutely free upon receipt of your check for your extension or new subscription for three years. THE JEWISH OBSERVER/5 Beekman Street/New York, NY 10038 ------Gentlemen: Yes, I want to save on D my three year extension. Enclosed please find a check for $28.00. D my new subscription. Enclosed please find $ or ______years. D Send me 5 free vintage copies of The Jewish Observer. Name: ------Mail vintage copies to: Address: City, State, Zip: ______Name: D This is a gift. 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