THE JEWISH BSERVER
in this issue • • •
Letters and Responses Charity and Scholarship I The Unexceptional Failure I Truth in Advertising I The Teshuva Movement ...... 3 And 'Darkness' - That is Greece, A. Scheinman ...... 6 Mishnayos - For Young and Old, Avi Shulman ...... 7 Memo to an Unidentified P.R. Agency, Elkanah Schwartz 11 A Sh'liach Tzibbur in Williamsburg, Gershon Kranzler ... 12
THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN A Lesser Dunkirk, a review article by Dr. Joseph 0021-6615) is published monthly, Kaminetzky , ...... 15 except July and August, by the Agudath Israel of America, 5 Chumash and its Commentaries - in Translation Beekman Street, New York, N. Y. (a review article) ...... 18 10038. Second class postage paid The Call of Torah I The ArtScroll Series I The Torah at New York, N.Y. Subscription $12.00 per year; two years, Anthology (Me' Am Loez) I The Midrash Says I $21.00; three years, $28.00; out The Malbim I Bastion of Faith I Chochmoh Umussar I lI side of the United States, $13.00 Sabbath Shiurim I Lilmod Ulelamed I Eighteen Sidroth I per year. Single copy, $1.50 Treasury of Chassidic Tales I Printed in the U.S.A. Other Books in Review The Book of Judges I Three Beacons on Yonah I RABBI N1ssoN Wo1r1N Halachos of Chanukah Editor "Dear Morah," lta Grinblat ...... 26 Editorial Board DR. ERNST BooENHEIMER Post Scripts Chairman ls There Really a Teshuva Movement?, Hanoch RABBI NATHAN BULMAN Teller ...... ,, ...... , ...... , ...... , ...... , 29 RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS More on the Kamenitzer Partnership, Chaim JosEPH FRIEDENSON Shapiro ...... , .... , ...... , ...... 31 RABBI MosHE SHERER Second Looks at the Jewish Scene MICHAEL ROTHSCHILD Business Manager After the Elections: Back to Old Times? ...... 33 "Hamavdil": Without Intelligence, How Does One THE }Ew1stt OBSERVER does not assume responsibility for the Differentiate? ...... , ...... 35 Kashrus of any product or ser (continued) ...... , .... vice advertised in its pages. Letters to the Editor 38 i
NOV., 1980, VOL. XV, NO. 2 ~ KISLEV 5741 As we go to press, we note with a profound sense of loss the passing of Rabbi Yitzchok Hutner, :i:ii:i7 f''1~ 1:lT, on 20 Kislev/November 27, in Jerusalem. Rabbi Hutner leaves an irreplaceable void: as a molder of men, in the tradition of his great mentor, Rabbi Nosson Zvi Finkel (the Alter of Slobodka); as a builder of Torah institutions - Mesivta Chaim Berlin-Kolle! Cur Arye, in Brooklyn, and Pachad Yitzchok, in Jerusalem; as a creative thinker and master teacher, opening up to thousands, aspects of Torah thought, hitherto unaccessible, with un equaled grace and clarity - both in his lectures and his published works, Taras Hanazir and Pachad Yitzchok; and as a deeply concerned leader of Kial Yisroel, as expressed in his involvement in Agudath Israel, as an active member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah (Council of Torah Sages), its policy making body.
Letters & Responses
Several articles dealing with problems lt is certainly unfair-even counter in our yeshivas featured in recent issues productive-simply to focus on alleged of THE JEWISH OBSERVER attracted shortcomings of our yeshivas. Beyond much comment: Dr. Bernard Fryshman's doubt, if the general attitude of all con "When Charity Begins at Home" (April cern were one of: "This is my obligation; '80 ), which maintained that tuition pay how can l best discharge my responsi ments must take top-most priority in bilities to our yeshiva system?"-then every Jew's list of obligations, while many of the problems besetting it would scholarship must be considered loans to be mitigated. ln this spirit, then, con be repaid in later years by the recipient; cerned, responsible discussion can contri and Dr. Joel Rosenshein's "The Unexcep bute to the resolution of problems, in the tional Failure" (Sept. '80 )-addressing the vein of "A wise query is half a solution." need to recognize that the child of less With this in mind, we present some of the than-average abilities in the yeshiva set discussion that reached our letters' desk, ting may well be average or better by as well as two additional articles on relat national standards, and should not be ed subjects, among this month's articles. J i relegated to failure. I The Exceptional Failure tion that it is the child of intelli tude-a kind of conditioning pro gence below average (by yeshiva cess-to a rebbe's inspiration, a standards) I above-average (by Pirchei contest's excitement, or To the Editor: national norms) who is being over positive peer example. We all Dr. Rosenshein's concern over looked in our yeshivos. Fifteen remember pluggers from our "the unexceptional failure" (Sept. years of teaching experience, and at yeshiva days who by sheer will '80) is well-placed. Somewhere least as many years before that as a power and exemplary hasmoda suc along the line, children are being student in the classroom, have indi ceeded in their studies, later passed over in our educational sys cated otherwise. Exceptionally excelled, and eventually became tem. His statistics demonstrating bright boys are prominent among outstanding teachers, rebbes or the average yeshiva student's the failures, and others of barely morei hora'a. I cannot say for sure above-aver;;ge placement by average ability (by any norm) fre whether or not they actually raised national norms, were interesting, quently do exceptionally well. The their measurable IQ scores, but but hardly surprising to anyone success factor is motivation, quite there surely is a "MD no,~no factor at with experience in yeshiva educa apart from intelligence. The source work ("The precepts of G-d are tion. of this motivation is varied, ranging reliable to make the fool wise"). I do contest, however, his conten- from home orientation and atti- If the failing student's problem I The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 3 j
···"'1 is basically not one of intelligence As a father whose six year old son yeshiva to accept only the best and but attitude, the onus is no longer now attends first grade in public the brightest so its alumni might exclusively on the school. A posi school because no Yeshiva or climb the highest academic rung: to tive, ambitious attitude toward Hebrew Day School could be found reach our country's most elitist learning must begin as early in life with a curriculum that makes universities (M.l.T., Harvard, as possible, and be nurtured as the allowances for a "slow" learner and Columbia, etc.). Yet ... for so many child grows. At the start, this can as an adminstrator of a hospital years children had no alternate only be done in the home, and later based child development center, I yeshivas to go to-no school was must still rely heavily on home would like to elaborate on some of prepared to teach (not just environment. A dynamic, resource the points made in Dr. Rosenshein's "accept") slower students. ful, sensitive rebbe can be extremely excellent article. It is only recently that hotlines effective as the child enters In his popular book, V' she exist for giving free referral service school-and every rebbe worth his Non-Tom, Rabbi Elias Schwartz to parents who want to send their salt tries to be that rebbe-but it says: child to a yeshiva or a Hebrew Day would be illogical and unfair to all "No Yeshiva has the right to School. Here Lubavitch must be concerned to rely only on the rebbe. exclude a student because of a low applauded because they are calling I must add that while an atmos LQ. After all, his neshama is part of the families whose children par phere of positive feeling toward G-d, just like everyone else's ticipated in last year's Matzah Ball learning can often be generated in neshama. Contest to see which school the great measure by a family deeply "No one can fortell when G-d's child is currently attending. involved in Torah study (a Rosh gift will become manifested! Per Dr. Rosenshein is correct when Yeshiva's home, for instance), this haps a weaker student will be able he notes that it is easier for a atmosphere is not exclusively the to learn better than the student with yeshiva with a large student-body domain of the homes of talmidei the more natural ability and higher to enroll children with different chachomim. In fact, an opposite LQ. Don't ever give up on Torah capabilities: because such a school reaction can set in when such learning." can have more than one class on a household members overlook the Rabbi Nasson Scherman, editor grade level and thereby have the individual child's needs. And by the of the Art Scroll Series, as well as of means to place children in different same token, a "baale-battishe" Olomeinu (Torah Umesorah's groupings. home can-and often does-succeed magazine for children), makes a Any yeshiva that decides to in motivating children strongly for similar point: "The ninth-grade accept children with a wide range of learning. misfit can become an inspiration, capabilities will then, ideally, place Raising a child as a successful even a Gadol B'Yisroel a age 50 or as much emphasis on midas as it student is complicated. Scientists 60. I know it's true, because I've does on winning the national merit are fond of citing statistics and clini seen it." scholarship. As a case in point, may i cal factors .... Folk wisdom attri If both Rabbis are correct, what is I draw from my own experiences? butes success to "mazal." the justification for the I.Q. test as In the mid 1950's when I was I' ... Chana (mother of Shmuel Ha an entrance requirement to a enrolled in Yeshiva Torah Vodaath ! Navi) demonstrated that tefilla can Hebrew Day School? (Usually, it is on Wilson Street, at the age of lOVz make the difference .... So can a the Hebrew Day School rather than with children at least two or three rebbe like Ely HaKohein (who the traditional yeshiva that insists years younger than I was. Torah raised Shmuel), and a set of parents that a child, even a four-year old, Vodaath had some very unique vir like Elkanah and Chana. take an I.Q. test prior to registra tues, as I recall. (RABBI) Zv1 CoHEN tion.) Ostensibly, the justification Brooklyn, N. Y. is: learning Jewish studies (Hebrew) and English at the same time is diffi a. I was enrolled as an older child cult, so we use the LQ. test to with no prior entrance exam or any psychometric test. Who Is Responsible "screen out'' those children who For the Average Child? would have trouble with a" double" program. No one want& to place any b. I was placed in a class where To the Editor: child, boy or girl, in a situation the children were much Dr. Rosenshein deserves our where he/she will be doomed to younger than myself. I cannot appreciation for his lucid descrip failure. remember, however, even one tion of the responsibility of our Regretfully," screening out" chil incident where any child ever yeshiva to properly educate the dren who would have difficulty is teased me for my "slowness." child who learns at either a slower often a coverup for a peculiarly or different pace than his/her class Jewish phenomenon; namely, c. The yeshiva recognized that mates (September '80 issue). wanting the Hebrew Day School or Torah-scholarship is always
4 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 related to character so that all how large the outlay. This, then, students, irrespective of their ''Scholarship'' or ''Charity''? would be a "tax'" that would be intellectual capacity, were self-reimbursing, as well as tax aware that what was critical To the Editor: deductable. Shouldn't our com was not grades ("high marks") I believe that I have the right to munity welcome such as an attrac but the effort made in wanting comment on Mrs. Roth's letter on tive combination? to learn. And I am certain that "Scholarship is not Charity;· for we've ;i": raised a large family while NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST my classmates who graduated Queens, NY from Torah Vodaath elemen my husband was teaching in a tary school in 1957 are now yeshiva and we always made a point prominent rabbis, psycholo of paying a decent tutition. More Questions Re: Former Teacher gists, social workers, profes over, most of our children followed sors, and certified public my husband's footsteps and became To the Editor: accountants. In other words, a teachers, resisting temptations of In your Elul edition there school that teaches midas will better earnings in other fields. In appeared a letter to the editor enti also succeed in teaching aca addition, we kept our family cele tled "Tuition Bargains-Short demic subjects whereas a brations-Bar Mitzvas or weddings changing Our Children." I would school will risk teaching -simple, remembering each child's like to question a few of the com neither midas nor genuine Alma Mater before anything else. mentator's points. scholarship .... And now for the theme of her let 1) Is learning one's entire life (or a ter: that children should not be substantial number of years) more Yes, our Jewish community needs burdened with the responsibility of important than harbotzas Torah? so much. P'Tach wants our yeshivas repaying their yeshiva for scholar 2) What if your husband-to-be to make provisions for the learning ships extended them. By trying to also joins you in the ranks of being disabled. Orthodox Parents of relieve the young child from this "marbitz Torah" in the fields of Retarded Children want our schools sense of duty, the burden on the "chinuch?" to accept and to educate develop shoulders of an older menahel is 3) Is it not possible for you to mentally handicapped children. doubled and tripled .... Poverty teach one-half a day, work in com Russian Jewish children have to carries a stigma only if we use it as puters one-half a day, and with the be educated and we have to respond an excuse for not meeting responsi salaries combined support your to that need. Salaries of Jewish bilities, even later when one can husband? teachers are so low that it is becom repay. I ask these questions not neces ing increasingly difficult to recruit As Dr. Fryshman points out, sarily in disagreement, but rather, to good teachers. once upon a time things were differ make room for dispute and re There are ways that limited re ent. A new car, a shining baby evaluation. sources can be shared. First, parents coach, and catered affairs had little meaning. Excellence in charity, NAME WITHHELD I must give more-be it in tuition Cleveland, Ohio and/or in time, energy, and knowl prompt payment of tuition, strong devotion to communal affairs, those edge. And yeshivos and shuls must 1 treat each other fairly so that when were the true status symbols. Another Tuition Supplement I a yeshiva looks to expand its space I would like to see all yeshivos or to improve its physical plant for put into effect programs to keep To the Editor: its students a shul should not (must their alumni interested in the con Dr. Fryshman's recent article not!) charge an exorbitant rent. tinued existence of their Alma (When Charity Begins at Home) Are there any limits to what we Mater: (1) A specific portion of brings to mind the question of are as a unified Jewish community their ma'aser should regularly be set inadequate salaries for Rebbes. might accomplish? Are there any aside for their yeshiva and/or Bais I would propose that parents limits to the means we have avail Yaakov. undertake to pay ten dollars a year able to accomplish our goals? The (2) Wedding expenses should be (or some such minimal sum) for a answer is "NO." If there is a mitzva taxed properly. Additional taxation period of (say) twenty to thirty to educate all our children Jewishly, should be indicated on flowers, years to each Rebbe a child had so that they will "think" Jewishly sports cars, stereos, and other frills. in his career. and "act" Jewishly, then G-d has After all, it is well known that every For the child, and his parents, given us the Divine will to complete person's earnings for the year are this would amount to a maximum of the mitzva. determined at the outset, on Rosh $150 a year. Surely not an over Hashana. The exceptions are tzed whelming sum. (Dr.) ROBERT WILKES daka and tuition, which are For the Rebbe, on the other hand, Brooklyn, N. Y. returned in full measure, no matter there would be, for the first time, an
The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 5 important incentive to remain in able to save or otherwise prepare for paramount importance of such an chinuch as long as possible. He, like his retirement years. article. any other businessman, now has a To my knowledge, five "re Zv1 CHADASH long-term financial incentive to do Brooklyn, NY marriages" have been conducted to the kind of job which will attract ------date, in wake of this article. Such an students, and encourage yeshiva "Kesuba" Fall-Out essay highlights the importance of administrators to keep him in the publishing material which is "le classroom. To the Editor: ma'aseh." Tactfully written arti During a productive career of, I would like to commend you on cles on sensitive topics are sorely say, twenty years· teaching, a Rebbe your "A Kesuba for Our Anniver needed and I truly hope that you might meet as many as five hundred sary" by Ch. Y. Maggid in the Rosh will commence publishing such young boys and thereby be assured Hashana issue of The Jewish articles on a regular basis. of a not insignificant sum of money Observer. I am the director of a NAME WITHHELD TO PROTECT PRIVACY each year for the foreseeable future, woman's seminary for baalot teshu Jerusalem, Israel over and above what the Rebbe was va in Israel and can testify to the
A. Scheinman 11 And 'Darkness' - That is Greece''
I. Our Sages, '1JiJ7 ClliJT, when explaining the deeper approach lay in the saying of the sages, "The beauty of meanings of the Torah's account of creation, have writ Yefes adorns the tents of Shem," implying that the ten that the nihilistic forces of tohu, vohu, choshech, beauty of Yefes (i.e. Greece) has a definite place in the and t'hom (void, formlessness, darkness, and abyss) are tents of Shem (i.e. Israel). (See Rashi on Bereishis manifest in four nations that have risen to rule the IX:27.) How, then, do we differentiate between philo world: Babylonia, Persia, Greece and Rome ... Greece sophy as "chachmas Yevanis" (according to one is equated to darkness. This is puzzling, for although interpretation), in which one is prohibited to engage we recognize the many faults and shortcomings that lie under the penalty of NJ'1 c?iy? p?n i? J'N loss of one's beneath the civilized veneer of Greece, compared to the share in the World to Come, and the philosophy of "the swamp of idolatry and ignorance that preceeded it, it beauty of Yefes?" (A complete answer would fill many would seem that Greece was a spark of light, rather tomes, encompassing scores of different interpretations. than a shroud of darkness. Was it not Greek thought This article is focusing on just one of the many aspects that planted the seeds of reason that ultimately dis of this question.) placed polytheism in modern society? There was a long period in Jewish history-from II. Rabbeniu Saadia Gaon (10th Century) through the Rishonim, up until the R'mak and the Ari (16th Cen To understand this, we must differentiate between tury) when the main thrust of religious thought was two different aspects of philosophy: philosophy as a based on philosophy. Although the conclusions of the disciplined thought system, used to explain and cate rabbis' reasoning were certainly different from those of gorize events; and philosophy as a "way of life" and as Greek philosophers, their terminology and approach a parameter of existence. were definitely based on those of the Greeks. Did not The first aspect is that which is included in the the great Rambam state: "In all matters submetaphysi "beauty of Yefes," which one may bring into the tents cal Aristotle is correct"? and" Aristotle almost reached of Shem. It is one of the" seventy facets of Torah," and the rank of navi (prophet)"? The justification for this as such was employed by the Rambam and many more of the Rishonim as a method of expounding the Torah. Rabbi Scheinman, an American studying in Jerusalem, is a frequent Yet, there is another aspect of philosophy-one that contributor to JO. is normative rather than descriptive. It rests on the
6 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 axiom, "Nothing exists that cannot be comprehended ed, and cannot be used as a parameter of existence, Kant through reason, and anything that cannot be compre took a courageous step in the right direction. hended through reason does not exist." Here lies the An Orthodox Jew who has occasion to mingle with unbridgeable schism between "Israel" and the people far removed from Torah, whether Jewish or not, philosophers of"Greece". For, while Israel's is a theo may often find himself treated with respect or under centric world, employing thought and logic to under standing regarding his way of life and practices. Yet one stand that which is accessible to logic, Greece's is a point always seems to bother others: "It is nice, but you homo-centric world, using reason to define its boun don't really believe that a G-d came down and told you daries. Even if the thinkers of Greece understand and to do all these things, do you?" accept G-d and Torah, it is because they perceive it In light of this, it is no accident that Greek idols all thus, and they understand it so. While we believe that possessed human characteristics-super-people with G-d created man, to their view it is man's understand human frailties on a divine scale. For it was humankind ing that creates G-d! as a whole that was being idolized ... A western jour It is in this aspect that Greek philosophy was a nalist visiting India ridiculed the animal worship so darkness infinitely worse than idolatry. For an idolator rampant there. The Indian countered, "But you too still understands the world to be theo-centered, and if worship an animal." The puzzled journalist inquired, he searches long enough, he will find the initial cause "Which animal?" "Man," answered the Indian. like the conclusion in Avraham's debate with Nimrod, the fire worshipper: "Worship water for it is stronger than fire; worship clouds for they are stronger than Ill. water; worship winds, etc., etc." By following this chain of thought, one can someday arrive at the ultimate des The leadership of Kial Yisroel is divided amongst tination, the true Deity. By contrast, once a person is the monarchy, the Sanhedrin and the Kehuna Gedo/ah locked in the vicious cycle of self-belief, he has no hope (high priesthood). The first two were usually the leaders of exiting. Even if someone convinces him of the truth of Kial Yisroel. Yet, against Yavan the kehuna was of G-d and the Torah, he still is the god; he believes picked to lead the fight. For it was not the Torah per se because he believes! His awareness-cum-belief en that Yavan was trying to uproot; rather, it was Torah as compasses the two "I's" of philosophy. The "I" of stemming from the Divine source. Thus it was the task thought and the "I" of existence. of the kehuna as the agents of G-d on earth to combat The Yilna Gaon (quoted in Kesser Rosh) said that all Yavan. philosophy is worthless, save for Kant's. (It is worth When Alexander (who heralded the beginning of while noting, however, that the Chazon !sh reads this Hellenization) came to Yerushalayim, Shimon Hatzad statement to mean "including Kant's.") One feels that dik the Kohain Gadol confronted him in the full regalia this refers to the elements in Kant's philosophy (i.e. of his office. When Alexander bowed to him, the even critique of pure reasoning) that limits the scope of tual victory of Yisroel over Yavan was asssured for the philosophy itself. By showing that philosophy is limit- generations to come. ~T 1
1. Avi Shulman Mishnayos-A Course of Study for Young and Old
"Mishnayos? Not anymore! .... I'm eleven years were having a heated argument about a din of shilchus old, I learn Gemora !" (an aspect of the principle of designating an agent). The My interest in Mishnayos developed quite by acci argument was so long and loud that I could not help dent. I was studying in a Beis Midrash where two overhearing it, and I was amazed to discover that their fifteen-year old bachurim learning Maseches Kedushin dispute was the result of simple ignorance of a clearly stated fact in a Mishna in Gittin. Mr. Shulman was for many years a rebbi in the Yeshiva of Spring It was disturbing: Why should fifteen-year old Valley, N. Y, and currently coordinates Torah Umesorah's Project boys-or anybody, for that matter-be frustrated in SEED and Aish Dos Program. their independent study simply for not having learned a
The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 7 Mishna? Then, more directly, what can be done to Mishnayos to a young student. The fact that it opens encourage the next generation of talmidim to overcome the door to sections of Shas (the full Talmud) that the this same problem 1 average student following the conventional curriculum Subsequently I have discussed the general topic of may not learn for another ten years, gives him an learning Mishnayos with roshei yeshivas, menahalim appreciable measure of satisfaction and self-esteem. (principals), rebbis, and parents, and the following Equally important is the practical "hard-nosed" benefit observations emerged from their comments: to the talmid when "making a laynen" (approaching a As is known, Moshe Rabbeinu received both the new piece of Gemora independently before hearing a Torah she b'ksav (Written Law) and the Torah lecture on it); even a good student can become frustrat sheb'alpeh (the Oral Law) at Sinai. The latter was trans ed when dealing with the Gemora's quoting of a totally mitted from teacher to disciple from memory. Some unfamiliar Mishna. Not only is the content of the quote thirteen centuries later, Rabbeinu Hakadosh (Rabbi often vague and confusing, as is the Gemora's entire Yehuda Hanassi/the Prince) saw the need to transcribe discussion; the novice is dealing with concepts and Torah she b'alpeh. In the few sentences that comprise language that are often unclear. One can visualize the each Mishna, Rabbeinu Hakadosh conveyed the frustration and wasted effort this can cause-especially essence of the halacha; and this was further expanded when the time-frame or the general trend of the upon and clarified in the discussions and debates of the Gemora's discussion does not allow for leisurely ex Gemora, recorded several centuries later. Thus, Mishna ploration of the quoted Mishna. By contrast, the is in every sense both the base and the framework of the student who has learned a considerable amount of Gemora. Mishnayos will not be thwarted by a quote or a concept from even an unfamiliar Gemora. While he may not have learned the specific quotation, his broad famil THE MISHNAYOS ADVANTAGES: iarity with topics discussed in Shas, culled from his FOR BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS knowledge of Mishnayos has given him the "working Because the Mishna is written in a relatively simple, tools" with the frame of reference to understand the classical Hebrew-especially when compared to the Gemora's reference. Gemora's Aramaic-its language and message can be more easily grasped by the inexperienced student. It is for this reason that Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky, Moreover, the form of the Mishna-the presenta has expressed strong feelings that Mishnayos is the tion of one or several related thoughts in each "shlissel to Shas" (the key to Shas). The Rosh Yeshiva Mishna-is conducive to easier comprehension than recalled how Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk, famed Gemora, even to a young child. Thus every novice can for his deep analytical approach to Talmud study, took handle the basic thought presented in a Mishna without pride in one of his sons-in-law for having committed the extra complications of language or extended debate the entirety of Mishnayos to memory. He had found associated with the Gemora. As a student grows and this puzzling, for it was not the type of accomplishment develops, the peirush of Rav (Rabbi Ovadia of one associates with Brisk. Then, only a few years ago, Bartenura's definitive commentary) should be added to the Rosh Yeshiva came into contact with several young his course of study; and so, continuing to grow in the men who had an unusually wide knowledge of topics depth of his understanding as he advances in experi from all over Shas. He discovered that in each case, the ence and maturity. young men had studied Mishnayos extensively. "I then Study of Mishna has yet another advantage. A com understood Reb Chaim's cause for pride," said Rabbi plete unit of thought is encapsuled in each Mishna, Kamenetzky. allowing one to cover a meaningful amount of Mish Through the Rosh Yeshiva's guidance, a number of nayos in the space of only a few minutes. This affords families over the past fifteen years have undertaken the younger student-even one of limited attention major Mishnayos projects for their children. A number span- the opportunity to satisfy the deep, often unful of boys completed thirty, forty, or more Mesechtos filled, emotional need to pursue a project to completion, between their eighth and sixteenth birthdays! These tasting from a variety of subjects over a relatively short youngsters were well prepared when they began span of time. This is also attractive to the ambitious Gemora, and by the admission of their Mesivta rebbis, adult or seasoned scholar with an overtaxed schedule. It they are considerably better in their studies than their is well known, for example, that Rabbi Moshe Fein co-students. stein, venerated as our leading authority in halacha, has long made it a practice to review several chapters of Mishnayos every day, as he puts away his tefillin. The Question The Question, then is obvious: If experience has An "Open Door" Reward proven the validity of establishing a solid base of Mish More must be said about the value of the study of nayos, why do principals and melamdim resist a regular s The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 Mishna program for their students who are past the ed. Following are several practical suggestions culled fifth or sixth grade, when they no longer "need" Mish from years of observation and experimentation: nayos as an introduction to Torah she b'alpeh? (1) Set attainable goals. Obviously we would like our Said the Rosh Yeshiva: 'Tm convinced that the children to learn all 4,300 Mishnayos of Shas. (The problem started with fathers who knew that among the author knows many youngsters who have finished one people who gathered in shul to study Torah, the lomdim or more of the six Sedorim of Shas, and several four (seasoned scholars) studied Gemora, while the less teen-, fifteen-, and sixteen-year olds who have finished learned laymen studied Mishnayos. These fathers were Shas in its entirety.) But encountering such an over impatient for their sons to become lomdim and prodded whelming goal at the start of a program is so far the rebbe to teach Gemora instead of dwelling on Mish removed from the young child, that it can have a defeat nayos. The competition between melamdim soon forced ing rather than motivating effect. The immediate goal learning Gemora earlier than advisable, in spite of the should be the learning of one, then several Mesechtos, fact that according to long-standing tradition-as stated (2) Start with easier Mesechtos, on subject matter clearly in Avos and reiterated by authority after within the frame of reference of the child's experience. authority (such as the Maharal, for one)-it would have Mesechtos like Brachos, Succah, and selected perakim been far more beneficial to concentrate on learning of Pesachim are especially suitable for the beginner. In additional Mishnayos rather than begin Gemora pre fact, such Mishnayos provide an ideal limud (study) at maturely." the Shabbos and Yorn Tov table.
SUGGESTIONS FOR MISHNA YOS STUDY The Adult Possibilities Any number of possibilities exist for adults to pur sue independent study of Mishnayos. These can range from chavrusa (partners-in-study) programs to pocket sized volumes for commuters."" The commentary can be as complex or self-explana tory as the individual chooses. The Mishna Mevu ' er es-a comprehensive commentary written in clear Hebrew by the late Moshe Kahati, an Israeli accoun tant, published by Heichal Shlomo-enjoys wide popu larity. Among the English language versions, Philip Blackman's dominated the field for a long time, but unfortunately suffers from inaccuracies. The newly launched Art5croll Series-so far only covering seven Mesechtos in two volumes-provides a new, compre
hensive commentary 1 in addition to its clear translation of the text. Without risking overstatement, the author can say that he is not alone in gaining new apprecia tions and insights in long-familiar Mishnayos when Soon thereafter, switch to another area, Expand the studying with the ArtScroll Commentary. child's horizon with Bikurim (an easy Mesechta, if the preparatory groundwork is done: the first eleven pesu kim of Ki Savoh; skipping some of the second perek), The Children's Program Yoma (can you imagine the child's excitement when he is able to apply his newly gained knowledge to the Launching children on a Mishnayos program study of the Avoda section of the Yorn Kippur Mussaf, should be more than trial-and-error venture, but and then to its recitation, once he has learned this should be carefully planned in advance. One serious Mesechta!), Tamid, Eruvin, Avodah Zara, Gitlin, and misstep can effectively kill any interest in further trial. so on. Babba Kamma, and Babba Metzia build on fami Instead, a graduated program-far safer-is recommend- liarity with laws of damages and shomrim (watchmen) picked up from Chumash, and also have the advantage of an excitement that relates to everyday experiences . .. We call the reader's attention to the UOJCA Diary, a handsome (3) If one or several Mishnas deal with difficult, un production, which has one Mishna with English translation and com mentary on each day's page; as well as to the Mishna/Halacha Yomit related or sensitive subject matter, they can be skipped - a schedule for studying a specific Mishna and halacha every day. A without disturbing continuity, Unlike Gemora, where copy of the schedule is available from Rabbi Elias Karp, 1880 47th skipping a segment tends to interrupt the train of Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11204. - The Editor thought, each. Mishna consists of an individual, self-
The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 9 contained halacha, and each perek (chapter) is a com obviously has the educational background and metho pletely new subject. (In Meseches Succah, for example, dological skills to be the prime teacher of this subject. the first perek deals with constrution of the Succah, the b. The parent. With a little preparation, thousands second perek with the mitzva of dwelling in it, the third of yeshiva graduates can teach their children Mish deals with the four species, the fourth with the four nayos. For the parent who feels inadequate, the Mishna species in the Bais Hamikdash, and the fifth with the Mevu'eres in Hebrew and the new Artscroll Series in Simchas Bais Has ho'eivah and the service in the Ba is English provide enough knowledge and confidence for Hamikdash on Yorn Tov.) The fact that each perek is a teaching the young child. (Incidentally, the Mishna separate unit is especially appealing to children with a Mevu'eres' introduction to Mishnayos dealing with short attention span or limited memory. unfamiliar subject matter can serve as a model for pre (4) Develop and sustain enthusiasm. To be sure, en senting background information to make a difficult thusiasm is the spark plug of any project. On a young Mishna accessible.) child's level, make the completion of every Mesechta, I have so often heard the claim that to adequately especially the first ones, a special event. Make a siyum teach Mishnayos one must be a talmid chacham with party, and invite your son's friends and classmates thorough knowledge of all relevent Gemoras, that I (should it be less of an occasion for simcha than a birth questioned Rabbi Kamenetzky in this regard. He said day?). Present suitable gifts. Show your young son how that given a choice between teaching Mishnayos with truly proud you are of his accomplishments. out a broad background and not teaching at all, it is far (5) The teacher should state both the immediate and preferable to opt for the former: try to prepare long-range goals in writing. It has been demonstrated adequately, and then teach Mishnayos, even if one is that writing a goal is a valuable aid in crystalizing a not a great talmid chacham. thought, and clear thought is essential to purposeful c. The special rebbe. If you involve your son in a action. The written word records where we started, serious Mishnayos program, you may find it desirable determines where we are now, points to where we are to engage a special Mishnayos rebbe for him-pre heading, and spells out the approximate time-frame in ferably in a group with his friends. Because each which this is expected to happen. Mishna offers self-contained information that can be The Pirchei Agudath Israel Mishnayos B'al Peh taught at one given session, it lends itself perfectly to Contest in which recognition is given for memorizing special classes. Thus, on Shabbos and Sunday after Mishnayos, has a major share in stimulating this new noons, one or two evenings a week, over a summer in a awareness of Mishnayos study. Similarly, a simple cer bungalow colony or camp, during Pesach and Succos tificate such as the one (shown on the left) distributed to vacations, a child can cover a remarkable amount. students by the rebbe in the Yeshiva of Spring Valley (8) Ideally, every new Mishna should be repeated by upon completion of their first Mesechta of Mishnayos, the student a minimum of four times. Once immediately encompasses the basic elements of goal-setting and after being taught; at the start of the next session; upon I recognition for effort expended. completion of the perek; and at the end of the (6) Learning Mishnayos should be an exciting, not Mesechta. formidable experience. It is a serious error to introduce (9) Notwithstanding the success of the Pirchei Agu ~ a new Mishna with the foreboding words: "Concen dath Israel Mishnayos B'alpeh Contest, learning Mish trate fellows, the next Mishna is a very hard one." nayos by heart is not the universally suited ideal for Mishnayos is rarely hard if the students are thoroughly everyone. For those who find memorization difficult, it prepared in advance. Even if a considerable amount of can be a deterrent. B'al peh should be encouraged for time is invested in laying the foundation for a Mishna, those who can handle it without difficulty, but in an so as to provide background, it is more than worth either-or situation it does not pay to trade off b'al peh while, if the M ishna becomes "easy" as a result. "Now for learning of Mishnayos altogether. Know the capa that we know the facts, learning this Mishna is going to bilities and limitations of the child and tailor the pro be really simple" might be one of the most powerful gram accordingly. By contrast, the Pirchei's other pro motivational tools that a parent or teacher can use, gram of completing the study of a complete seder by because it says to a child, "You are capable, you have Bar Mitzvah is suitable for almost everyone. the ability to understand, and I have confidence in you!" (7) Mishnayos study should be a shared objective. A * * * young student can be taught Mishnayos by three differ There are few gifts that parents can bestow upon ent people, and if the objective is a considerable amount their children that are as valuable as the broadening of of Mishnayos, all three should be actively involved: their horizons, motivating them to continue reaching a. The Yeshiva Rebbe. Responding to the new out for bigger, better and greater goals, and to show awareness of Mishnayos on the part of parents and them how to achieve these objectives. Involvement in teachers, a number of yeshivas and day schools are an exciting Mishnayos program holds out to each child increasing Mishnayos study in class time. The rebbe just such a promise. ~T,
The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 10 ~o·· ~~ TO AN UNIDENTIFIED PUBLIC RELATIONS AGENCY From: Elkanah Schwartz Re: Remembering Program Outline. Hot stuff. Let's look: I saw an ad that tells a good story-good gimmick ... "Construction of a permanent memorial made from probably make alot of bread for all involved: rocks brought to Israel by every participant survivor." WoRLD GATHERING OF Jrw1sH HotocAusr SuRVIVoRs, Not bad. CoMING ro ISRAEL IN JuNE '81: "A pilgrimage of But what if, at the same time, each pilgrim brought remembrance" and all that. Smart. along a Mishna to study as a memorial, and together "Survivors will produce a testament to future they all observe a mass siyum Mishnayos? generations of the historical impact, the legacy and the You know, Mishna and Neshama (soul) are spelled uniqueness of the Holocaust . , . a reaffirmation of the with the exact same letters. There's a connection continuity and survival of the Jewish people." between the two. And learning a M ishna for a Good copy, really. martyr's Neshama is a very Jewish thing to do. And when you get down to it, a good cause: Better yet, what if they collected Six Million dollars Remembering. and built a yeshiva? Real, living Judaism-unbent, proud, vibrant. How's that for a living memorial? Just one thing. A gimmick, to work, must be new. And a second point. When a situation has the potential "Public assemblies in the kibbutzim founded by of delivering something more than emotions, deliver. Holocaust survivors." Very nice. They had come home Pull out the stops. Don't hold back. So here are some of to Israel, and struck roots on holy soil. my comments. But why not expand the list to include the Yeshivas of Mir, Slobodka, and Ponvezh, and the Chassidic You guys aren't selling the Holocaust as the biggest centers of Ger, Belz and Vizhnitz, which were also destruction. In your copy it's the only one. Didn't you founded by Holocaust survivors, and carry names that ever hear of it's Holy Temple? There were two in refused to be reduced to ashes? succession, and each one was destroyed. The Churban, it was called, each time. Testaments? The "A mass Memorial March through the streets of survivors produced testaments to future generations Jerusalem to the Western Wall." Impressive. Truly of the historical impact: the legacy and the uniqueness I impressive. of what happened. But you don't say what they're going to do once they And those testaments are still in vogue. They speak to get there. Perhaps they will daven Minchah, and recite us today, from then. Those old salty tears are still wet. "Es tzemach David avdecha mehayro satzmiach You don't buy this line? Try visiting your local (Speedily cause the offspring of your servant David to Orthodox synagogue or summer camp on Tisha B' Av, flourish)." You know, a nod toward the future. Hope. and you'll get the idea. Not despair. That should be nice.
And regarding "the continuity and survival of the "A concluding Mass Rally where the 'Testament' will Jewish People," try dropping into a day school or be signed by all survivors and presented to the Second yeshiva any day of the year. You'll see that the glory Generation." Obviously, this means a mass recitation of the past still looks alive. of "Shma Yisroel"-the eternal Jew's declaration of So the ideas, fellas, are good. But really nothing new. faith, since Israel came into being: Nor have you really hit the jugular. Yaakov recited the Shma to his sons at his deathbed.
And that's not all. You coughed up a Preliminary And you finish off by saying: "You owe it to yourself, your family, and to the memory of our Martyrs, to £1kanah Schwartz is rabbi cf Congregation Kol Israel in Brooklyn. He led youth groups on "Holocaust study tours" of Europe during participate in this unique, once-in-your-lifetime summers '76-'77. Based on his experiences, Rabbi Schwartz created historic act of remembrance." an audio-visual presentation on the subject, and wrote an article "In Come now, fellas. Is once in a lifetime enough for the Searchof Polish Jewry," which was featured in JO, Dec. '76. Six Million?
11 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 1 When Jews are serious about remembering, it's once a remembering in order to live, and to keep all we've year, at least. It could even be daily, too. believed in alive. After all, isn't that why we want to So as long as you're basing the theme on Zachar remember? (Remember), how about extending it to es yom And isn't that what the martyrs want us to ha-Shabbos l'kadsho (the Sabbath day to keep it remember-to keep things going? holy)? I hope you guys appreciate this free advice. There's That has real class. They could keep doing it even still time, you know. You don't have to drop anything after they get home. you've already got planned. Just expand it to make it And the men should extend this to the wearing of a little more Jewish. tzitzis. There's something in the Bible about seeing them and remembering. Your friend, Then the remembering is not limited to a commemoration of tragic deaths. It will mean Elkanah Schwartz l'I'.
The lives and accomplishments of many a great express the aspirations of their peers, and direct rabbinical figure have been chronicled in the pages them upwards? Shouldn't the lives of these men also of THE JEWISH OBSERVER, to help us better appreciate be recorded in these pages? In the lines that follow, the nature of Jewish leadership and the ways in GERSHON KRANZLER has captured the special dignity which these men address the varying needs of our and warmth of a humble Jew who was in the busi people. What about the ordinary people-those who ness world throughout most of the year, but inspired respond to the call of our leaders, who step in to the hearts of all who heard him on Yomim Noraim, bring their message to the broader masses, who when he served as A ''Sh'liach Tzibbur'' In• Williams burg:
Reb Yisroel Rosenbaum '"T
WHEN the past Yomim Noraim were approaching, our hislahavus (fervor). His nusach transformed a regular thoughts inevitably were turning to the man whose Halle[ into an unforgettable experience, an outpouring tefilla drew us back to Williamsburg like a magnet, year of heart and soul into the old-new vessels of King after year, long after we had left to dwell hundreds of David's psalms. miles away. This was the routine at our minyan at Reb Reb Yisroel was a superior baa[ tefilla any time he Nosson's, above the old A&P on Lee Avenue, where stepped before the amud, whether for a plain "voche Reb Yisroel was an aristocrat among the elite of Chas dige" Mincha ot a Shabbos Mevorchim. When he con sidic mispallelim, who combined lomdus (Torah sented to daven Shacharis on a Yorn Tov, a sigh of scholarship) with business acumen or professional ken. joyous expectation went through the minyan, in Like Reb Yisroel, most had come to the U.S. shortly anticipation of his sweet voice, his choice of beautiful before or after World War II, to start life anew. niggunim (melodies) of every type and variety, and his The Yomim Noraim were different. All attention, the very holiness of each precious moment, focused on Reb Yisroel and his mission as our sh'liach tzibbur Dr. Kranzler is a professor of sociology in Towson State College. This (lit. emissary). Reb Nosson, our revered rav, had article is condensed from a chapter in a forthcoming book on the shaken us out of our lethargy with searing words of Williamsburg community in Brooklyn, focusing on its Post-World mussar, breaking us loose from the moorings of routine War II status when it was in transition to its present state, as a reflections and private worries. He had made us aware primarily Chassidic community. of the abyss yawning before us. Then his tekios cast us
The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 12
,' into the depths of contrition like "paupers at the gates of friendship, inspiration, and devout piety that was the of the Heavenly Court pleading for forgiveness." The perfect setting for Reb Yisroel's davening. They loved beis midrash was permeated with deep-seated awe, a every moment of it, their every tefilla becoming a per searching, pregnant silence, an almost unbearable ten sonal experience. They loved the brief interludes when sion, as Reb Yisroel readied himself to begin the Reb Yisroel's sons would give their father a breathing Mussaf. spell and thrill us with their new niggunim, most of which were on their way to becoming standard pieces in HE stood long and silent before the amud, his body the batei midrash. They sang solo, duets, or together shaking convulsively, the silence only broken by soft with their father, and they were joined by all of us as we sobs and an occasional krechtz. The silence grew deeper picked up their melodies. They were not like the solo and louder with every passing second of his struggle Wunderkinder of the famous synagogue choirs that with the forces that block human prayer from breaking used to make the old ladies swoon. No, they were exten through, from penetrating to the Heavenly Throne of sions of their father's total being, part of his throwing Mercy. Audibly the breathing grew heavier, and the himself, with all that he was and possessed, into every echoes of suppressed cries from behind the heavy move or phrase of the avoda of the Yomim Noraim. mechitza grew more frequent. Even the smallest among Not only his children-we all became participants, us would refrain from giving vent to his childish wants. extensions of Reb Yisroel when he got ready to sing one Suddenly Reb Yisroel straightened up half-ways, and a of his favorite niggunim, his marshen, his multi sigh of relief went through the rows arranged within phased symphonic tish niggunim, carrying the voices the long, narrow beis midrash when the soft strains of of anguish, pain, pure joy, and fervent prayer to the his inimitable "Hineni he'oni mima'as (Here I stand higher spheres, the Heichal Haneginah (the Heavenly indigent, without worthy deed)" broke through the Palace of Song) which-as he was fond of stressing-is silence, conveying his humbleness as he initiated the right next to the Haichal Hakedusha (the Palace of tefillas Mussaf. We heard it, experienced it, year after Sanctity). He turned us into a chorus, an orchestra on year. Yet this opening confessional caught us unpre whose strings he plucked to befit the moods and mean pared every Rosh Hashana anew, with the powerful ings of the tefillos .... As long as we live, we shall sweep of an unfolding drama, as Reb Yisroel proceeded remember Reb Yisroel's "Ain Kitzvoh (There is no to lead us ... step by step ... along the ever-higher limit to Your years)" to which he sang one of his most reaches and steeper declines of the avoda*-only to lift stirring marshen that heralded the approach of the us up again, raising our spirits and yearning to new Mussaf Kedusha. We were all waiting for it, getting insights far beyond the normal range of our sensitivi ready for it as Reb Yisroel straightened up, wiped the ties. The words rose from the pages of the Machzor to streams of tears and sweat from his face, raised his left assume a new immediacy, as Reb Yisroel formed and hand like a shell behind his ear. Our hearts and feet reshaped them, highlighting, emphasizing, or under were ready to jump with the first drum rolls of the stating. Ever so often he would cry aloud, eloquently, "ta-ra-ra-ra-ram, ta-ra-ra-ra-rum" that introduces haltingly, silently, as he wrested with the flaws of the Ain Kitzvoh. And from the first downbeat we all, human frailty, of our individual and collective short old and young, joined in the full-throated, full-hearted, comings that confront us and our prayers, trying to joyous "Kapelle." Reb Yisroel led us as if with an I pierce the heavy veils that separate man from G-d. invisible baton. His glorious voice high above ours, punctuating a phrase, repeating parts of the melody, * * * renewing each section of the march, intensifying our MAKE no mistake. My words are not an outpouring of fervor and filling our hearts with a sacred joy as if we sentimentality, the halo of fading memories. On the were marching, ranks joined with the Heavenly Hosts contrary. The faster the years pass since we had last proclaiming the Divine Glory of the Creator and Master davened with Reb Yisroel, the stronger ring the soft of all. Reluctantly only did we let go of the marsh, but sounds of his powerful tefillos in our ears. And the its irresistible rythym remained with us throughout the recent news of his passing to the Higher Spheres is davening. still shocking to us. This Motzaei Yam Kippur our chil dren called to tell us about the beautiful davening they * * * had partaken of, each in his own particular milieu. Yet, MORE than anything else, we appreciated Reb Yis like our daughter from Boston, they concluded: "But I roel's traditional, yet unique nusach as he dramatized, still miss Williamsburg, Reb Yisroel's davening.There cried, shouted or whispered each phrase, or stifled them is just nothing like it anywhere.'' with a sob, or a krechtz, as in the sacred poem of the You see, since they were children, they looked for recording of all men in the Book of Remembrances, in ward to the annual trek to Williamsburg for the Yomim the heart-breaking climax of the Unesaneh Tokef: "Mi Noraim to daven at Reb Nosson's, in the atmosphere bechayim-who for life, and who, chas vechalilo, not; who for a peaceful and calm New Year and who ""literally, service-here referring to the tefilla, in general. Heaven forbi~-for a troubled existence.''
13 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 But not for long did Reb Yisroel permit us to fall When he sang his "Odom Yesodo M' afar," into the gloom of uncertainty. He would take us by the after the Unesaneh Tokef had shattered us, he hand, like his children, glett us, lift us up again; giving would gather up the fragments of the cheres us hope that if not on our own, then on the merits of hanishbar, the fragments of our tortured, fear our forefathers we may look to Heaven for mercy and ridden, repentant hearts, and fuse us together forgiveness. again, cleansed by the very act of being shattered, lifted up by our desparate yearning, our hope * * * against all expectations, on the merits of repen THIS was Reb Yisroel, our baa/ tefilla, a kindly, wise tance, charity, and prayer. man, a Chassid-"one of G-d's own Chassidim," as the Klausenburger Rebbe N"D•?tv describes these saintly THIS was Reb Yisroel, and this was the Williamsburg Jews whose whole being throbs with living Chassidus, our children and we all remember so well, where we unbounded by the limitations of any particular school. blended into the very atmosphere of devotion and piety, He was a modest, humble man, yet aristocratic; a the sincerity and inspiration, regardless of the diversity superb scholar who carried his knowledge inside. He of our backgrounds. It was he who personified the very sparkled when he took part in the discussions of fine best of our Kehillah, the wholeness of our community, points of a shakle vetarya (give and take) of the because he lived and taught us the wholeness of a Gemora; when he expressed a mussar thought; when broken heart. he spelled out one of the deeper thoughts of the Ari Zal, being as conversant with the very esoteric realms of Chassidic thought as with the rich treasures of stories of famous and lesser known tzaddikim of all generations and locations. Reb Yisroel seemed so "ordinary,'' so gentle a man when we saw him every morning rushing past our house towards the bus that took him to his work, after having spent the early hours in prayer and learning. But to us who knew him, he was a multi-sided and deep personality, with a burning enthusiasm that belied the calm exterior. It broke through full force in his daven ing; in his singing; in his pleading, like the Kohen Gadol on Yorn Kippur-for himself, for his wonderful family, and for all of us. On the Yomim Noraim, when we reached the "Mar'eh Kohen" (describing the glory of the Kohein Gadol) at the conclusion of the Avodah of Yom Kippur, some of it reflected in the vision of :' ....: Reb Yisroel in the kittel. There he was, wrapped :·.·····:···.·::.: in his heavy tallis, tear-stained, sweat-drenched, \,' physically exhausted. But he was also exuding the 8. very kedusha of the sacred experience of the Beis Hamikdosh, in our beis midrash. cT.
And n\l wunJer. Hal)lam is lovingly manufactured hy sonK' llf Americ;-is gre<1tesr cheese makers under the strictest rossihlt: Ral--hinical supervision fnim the milking t(1 rhe \\,rapping \X/e unt1nng!\ put nur hest t__ ~ efti1rts 1J1f() maktng tht'St.' '.\()f]J re- vou~ J1(}l),n1:d cht'eses, hut we don't mind J ~ orth.. it. World Cheese Co., Inc., New York, W I Under the supervision ofK'hal Adath Jeshurun, ~ The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 14 BOOKS
Joseph Kaminetzky A Lesser ''Dunkirk'' A Smaller Miracle
SHEFFORD - The Story of a Jewish School Com nous tomes. We have waited almost forty years, munity in the Evacuation 1939-1945 - by Judith however, to be told the charming and moving story of a Grunfeld. (Soncino Press, 1980. 125 pp.) lesser "Dunkirk" much nearer the British Isles, as told With great emotion, I often recall the exciting in a little book entitled "Shefford" - which represents announcement in the press by Irving Bunim in Vaad the saga of a Jewish School Community during the Hatzlalah days of "The Jewish Dunkirk.'' He was refer years of 1939-1945, when school children in London ring, of course, to the miraculous rescue of the Mirrer were sent to the countryside to escape the ravages of the Yeshiva and other East European Yeshivas - to Shang "London Blitz." hai. That story has already been recorded in volumi- The author of this dramatic yet tender story is known to many Beth Jacob teachers as the learned Dr. Kaminetzky is the national director of Torah Umesorah, the educator from Frankfurt who aided the unforgettable National Society for Hebrew Day Schools. Sarah Schenirer in establishing Beth Jacob schools and Mark Your CALENDAR The American Friends of Kiryat Sanz Laniado Hospital 18th Avenue Third Annual Dinner Selorlm and Gift Center Tuesday evening, December 16th, 1980 at the Plaza 5001 lBthAvenue Fifth Avenue & 59th Street Brooklyn, N.Y. 11~04 New York City (212) 633-9225 Guest of Honor: The Honorable Eliezer Shostak Minister of Health, The State of Israel We sell exclusively all lecture tapes by The world famous Gaon Award Recipients: Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Hasenfeld RABBI AVIGDOR .MJlllR,: Sbllta Mr. & Mrs. Dov Levi (Now available over .450 tapes} Mr. & Mrs. Manny Spero Isaac Wolf Dinner Chairman Wonderful story tapes for children (in Viddish} Shraga Newhouse Journal Chairman for more information contact: by Rabbi L Welutoc:k Zt"l American Friends of Kiryat Sanz Lanaido Hospital 580 Fifth Avenue, New York City 10036 Large selection of seforim and English books 944-2690 I
The Jewish Observer/ November, 1980 15 ~ the Beth Jacob Teacher Training College in Poand in the late 1920's. Others associate her with her revered late SHEVACH husband, Dayan I. Grunfeld, 'i"t, of the London Beth Din, the able translator into poetic English of some of HIGH the major works of Samson Raphael Hirsch. But SCHOOL "Sheffordites" recall her most fondly as the "Queen," The New Torah High School For Girls the Headmistress of the Jewish Secondary School of London during the evacuation years. We are grateful to in Queens the Soncino Press and the Memorial Foundation for Proudly Announces Jewish Culture for making this publication available to REGISTRATION FOR 1981-82 us, to mark the fortieth anniversary of the outbreak of ENTRANCE EXAM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 at 9 AM. World War II. THE 'SHEVACH' HIGH SCHOOL From Preface through Epilogue - and beyond to the Aims to develop the total personality-a Bas Torah equipped to Letters and Addresses - Dr. Grunfeld plays consistent meet the challenges of 20th Century Living-dedicated to the ly on one chord, concenrates on one theme, indicating spirit and education of Bais Yaakov. that "a full-powered educational force succeeded OUT-OF-TOWN STUDENT PROGRAM against incredible odds by the impact of devotion and For a select group of students. Housing in suitable homes in single-mindedness." In point of fact, the book em suburban Queens. phasizes that the Al-mighty, in His infinite mercy, brought a number of forces together to bring about a For additional information and entrance exam. veritable small miracle, "an epic poem" of Jewish Ca/1847-4402 or Write: survival and identity: the daring convictions of the SHEVACH leaders of the Beth Jacob movement in Eastern Europe; 124-27 85th Avenue the underpinnings of S.R. Hirsch's ideology of "Torah Kew Gardens, N.Y. 11415 im Derech Eretz"; the philosophical premises of Day MR. JACK FRIEDMAN, President RABBI A. MOSHE POSSICK, Principal School education (as expressed in the Jewish Secondary School program); and the gentility, the basic sense of Dedicated to the Spirit and Education of Bais Yaakou human decency and respect for tradition of the English folk. In the end, what was achieved was the building of an extraordinary, self-contained encapsulated com THE DIAMONDS ARE BACK!!! munity - a veritable close-knit family of hundreds of children and adults - which over the years shed its rays of light all over the world through the Shefford graduates and the implications of an awe-inspiring event in their lives. Adhering to the code "Pied Piper," three days before the outbreak of the War, 450 children from the primary and secondary grades of London's Jewish Secondary School - mostly between the ages of eight and fourteen, with some younger and older - were evacuated to the country-side some 40 miles outside of London. Most of them went to Shefford, with smaller groups in Clifton, Compton and Mepperhsall. Dr. Grunfeld was charged with the responsibility to carry on the School's program and philosophy and to see to the welfare of the children. By dint of her deep love for Hilarity ... action ... excitement ... warmth, them and the ideals and values of the Torah, she suc and suspense ... all rolled into one. ceeded in building a "Noah's Ark" for them while the rest of Europe was sinking in the flood of bestiality and $275 genocide. In the peaceful countryside of England, the THE ·DOV DOV BOOKS children built their own community, continued their learning and their strict observance of Jewish law-so JEWISH BOOKS FOR JEWISH CHILDREN much so that they won the respect, love and esteem of their gentile foster-parents who dubbed them lovingly Dov Dov Publications "the Children of Israel from the Bible.'' In essence, we 6203 Biltmore Avenue have here a beautiful instance of Netzach Yisroel lo Baltimore, Maryland 21215 Yeshaker. Or, as the author herself puts it: "On an ~ (301) 358-9864 epoch of holocaust, homelessness and war, this story throws a humble ray of light.''
16 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 The details or the epic - joyful and tragic, ! The Sixth Rnessia Gedolah which took place last sia Gedolah edition and the Vdna-Jerusalem of Lithua winter inJerusalem, its sagacious personalities, its nia edition. fascinating sessions, the far-reaching and inspira Every month Dos Yiddishe Vort brings you news tional adaresses by the Torah giants of our gener and commentary onjewish life; incisive discussions of ation, are captivatingly recorded in a special edid all problems that interest an Orthodox Jew: biogra tion of Dos Yiddishe Vort. phies of great Torah scholars and monographs of The issue includes over 150 photographs ofthis historic Jewish communities; and much more reading 1 historic gathering - both panoramic and intimate material not to be found elsewhere. in scope. It is a collector's item that you will want Dos Yiddishe Vort is a popular, widely-praised to treasure, and show your children and grand monthlyjournal read by many thousands with interest children for many years to come. Price: $3 a copy and joy. Become a regular subscriber of Dos Yiddlshe I Vilna·Jerusalem oflithuania which for many cen Vort and assure yourself many hours of spiritual and turies played such a vital and central role inJewish intellectual stimulation every month. history, with its revered Torah wants, rabbonim and leaders. Beg'mning with the earlier era of r------I development, through the epoch of the Gaon of loos YIDDISHE VORT I Vtlna, to the period ofReb Chaim Ozer, and the lsBeekmanStreet/NewYork,N.Y.10038/(212) 791-1812 j terrible Holocaust, hi®Iights and events are des I D Enclosed please find $3 for the Knessia Gedolah edition. I cribed in a warm and fascinating manner, in the I D Enclosed please find $3 for the special Vtlna edition. I richly illustrated lishrei edition of Dos Yiddishe ID Enclosed please find $9 for my subscription to I It is an issue of great historic significance, Vort. I Dos Ylddishe Vort. which should be treasured in every religious !Please send me absolutely free the issue described above, I home. Price: $3 a copy I You can now receive both these monumental !Name-. I issues FREE, if you subscribe now to Dos Yiddlshe I Vort for one year. IAddress, I If you are not as yet a reader of Dos Yiddishe Vort, ICity. State. Zip, I send in $9. 00 (Canada and overseas: $12) and you will receive, in addition to a years subscription, the Knes- IGift to the______above. from JI The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 17 The Chumash & its Commentaries in Translations a review article It is an obvious truism that we do not adequately course of every passing year, we are brought face to face appreciate that which we are used to. An instance in with all the eternal verities of the Torah-they are read point is the institution of the weekly parsha. In the to us from the bimah of the synagogue, studied in our educational institutions, and discussed at the festive Shabbos table. What an extraordinary device for the education of an entire people! It must be remembered, in this context, that the words of the Chumash, numbered and finite though they are, contain infinite and inexhaustible lessons for us, speaking to each student and each generation about their particular needs and problems. Hence the unend ing flow of new commentaries that -seek to uncover those truths particularly relevant to the age in which they are written. It is no accident, for instance, that the major commentaries written during the last 150 years (from the Ktav Vehakabalah, through Malbim and Rabbi 5.R. Hirsch, to the Netziv and Torah Temimah) are especially concerned with demonstrating the unity of the Written Law and the Oral Law-for this was so bitterly challenged during this time by the Enlighten ment. It is therefore of great importance to take note of the commentators that are presently becoming available to the English-reading Jewish public-most recently The Call of Torah by Rabbi Elie Munk (so far two volumes, covering Sefer Bereishis, have appeared at P. Feldheim, 1980, $22.50 for both volumes). Originally published in 1969 in French, this commentary represents a truly remarkable achievement. At first glance ft is an antho logy of interpretative passages from an extraordinary wide range of commentaries; however, these passages have not been chosen at random but form an integrated whole, organized along very specific lines. In the first place, the author has sought to provide an understand ing of the text at the pshat level, drawn from the clas sical thinkers and commentators, both early and late; thus the sources he quotes range from Rabbi 5aadia Gaon and Rabbi Yehudah Halevi to Abarbanel, Malbim and Rabbi 5.R. Hirsch. At the same time, he presents "non-rational or, rather, super-rational" insights which he has gleaned from Zahar and Kabbalistic works such as Rekanati, to illuminate another dimen sion of Torah teachings. (Rabbi Munk quotes the obser vation of the Sfas Emes that everyone should study the Zohar's interpretation of the Torah insofar as they are accessible to us.) There is an enormous spiritual wealth accumulated in this commentary, and few, indeed, will be those who will not find inspiration in it. Whether it is the author's analysis of Jacob's blessing or his explanation, based on Kabbalah, why man was permitted after the Mabul to 18 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 eat meat, the student of this commentary will find new make the commentary fit the needs of readers with dif vistas of thought opened to him. Any anthology tests ferent levels of understanding, more complex interpre the author's judgment as to what to include or to leave tations are given in smaller print and can thus easily be out. This is particularly true when Kabbalistic sources skipped. This is typical of the care and thought that are drawn upon. Rabbi Munk has indeed passed this have been lavished on this work, to make it of universal test. He has chosen well (though this reviewer would value to the student of Chumash; at the same time, perhaps question the detailed explanation of the Ram however, the authors stress in their introduction that all bam's interpretation of Milah, or the reference to who are capable of doing so, should go back to the Mohammed's views, Ch. 17 V. 20). And he has demon original Hebrew sources, as no anthology can capture strated great skill in conveying complex and esoteric ideas (though his reference to Midas Hadin as reflecting the rigor of exact logic, and Midas Harachamim as the l source of the warmth of sentiment, can easily be mis understood by the reader). 1 It is almost impossible that, in a work of such scope, there should not be this or that minor slip. Thus it is not circumcision which "is referred to in our prayers as n'i::i ;iitz1Y tz1?tz1" (p. 342) but the Thirteen Divine Qualities; and one or two source references in the au th or's discus sion of the Ramban's exegetical method (p. 9) are jumbled. More serious is the fact that a reader of this discussion could get the mistaken impression that Ramban held that Scripture is not particular in how it expresses itself; this should be clarified when the com mentary will be issued in a second edition, which it well deserves and will surely need. It should be added that not only is the translation of this work excellently done R ein_ember the organization that has been plan~ and most readable, but the typographical presentation ning for Torah, speaking for Torah and taking is excellent (the Hebrew text is taken from the Koren decisiVe action tOr Torah fOrxlose to six decades, .. edition of Tanach). All in all, an outstanding work by when you make your will. an author whose previous writings (notably The World !tis the best way to use your wealth of wisd.om of Prayer) have contributed so very much to Torah a:frd exp·erl-eriCe-from the pasr -io devote your finan~ Jewry. 1 cial resources_ t The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 19 and convey all the nuances that our sages offer in their A rather different type of anthology-one that goes teachings. This is undoubtedly true-but subject to this beyond the clarification of the Chumash text to include limitation, we have here before us a well nigh perfect a vast panorama of Midrashic stories and of Torah laws anthology of Chumash commentaries. and customs-is represented by The Torah Anthology, the English translation of Rabbi Yaakov Culi's monu mental Yalkut Me'Am Loez. So far, nine volumes have appeared, covering Bereishis and Shemos, and a tenth volume is devoted to the Pesach Haggadah, which appeared in the Hebrew original as part of Sefer Shemos; in addition, two volumes are devoted to Megillas Esther and to Pirkei Avos respectively (Maznaim Publications Co., Brooklyn, NY, 1977- 1980). When the Yalkut Me'Am Loez began to be pub lished, in 1730, it was meant to counteract the decline of Jewish knowledge among the Sephardic Jews of the Mediterranean area. Written in the Ladino dialect spoken by them, it offered to the men, the women, and even the children an authentic and comprehensive insight into the full range of Torah thought and living, presented in an unpretentious popular style. The translator, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, has succeed in capturing the spirit of the original, working from the original Ladino as well as the Hebrew translation, also published by Maznaim. His translation is eminently readable, the footnotes throw much additional light on the text, the layout and typography is most attractive, Double Album and a comprehensive index of topics is attached to each volume-and the author did indeed touch a vast number 34 NEW HITS of topics in this encyclopedic work. Yet the comprehen Instrumental. Marches. Horas. Chassidic. Contemporary sive scope which makes this work so interesting to the Songs which have never been recorded before!! reader also raises a number of questions. They concern, in the first place, the halachic material LEIBELE HASCHEL included in this work. Rabbi Yaakov Culi and his co Voted Singer of the Year in Israel authors were concerned with strengthening Torah observance; therefore, they included detailed directives AIU POLLACK on all aspects of halacha-from the laws of family purity Award Winning Singer&. Entertainer ~ 1978 to those of treifos (for which fine drawings are included in this edition). Rabbi Kaplan mentions his own doubts SHAUL ROTTENSTRE.ICH whether the laws of family purity should be included, World Renowned Chazon as they are rather explicit, and adds that they were retained upon the advice of leading rabbis. Yet the fact FREILACH ORCHESTRA that they are included, in the first volume, must be kept No. 1 Band in New York I in mind in determining to whom to make this volume The first album of its kind an}"Nhere. LIVE CHASSIDJC WEDDING available. More generally, the reader of these and other ~ featuring the Freilach Orchestra encompasses each and every halachic sections will be tempted to use them for prac moment of the traditional wedding ceremony. from the KABOlAS PONIM (reception ceremony) through the SH EVA BRACHOS. Not tical guidance. Quite apart from the fact that they one step in our tradition isde!eted, and the entire album progresses generally follow the Sephardic practice (in many, but in the same order <1.s the events and ceremonies actually take place. not all instances, the Ashkenazic practice has been !n addition, explanatory notes explain each event ~ inserted by the translator), halachic guidance cannot I Due to popular demand Cassette Tapes and should not be sought in a work of this kind. This I available reviewer feels strongly that an explicit and repeated To order by mail D Record(s) D Cassette(s) please send warning to this effect should be included in future $9.95 including postage&.. handling. to: editions of each volume. Slmcha Sason/G.P.0. Box 2445, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11202 The non-halachic parts of this work also raise some or call: (212) 771-1810 questions. Amidst the wealth of valuable material con For FREE brochure call 24 hrs. a day (ZIZ) 771-1810 tained in the Yalkut Me'Am Loez, there are a good Now available where ever RECORDS are sold. many statements and stories that posed no special prob lem to the good people of the author's time, but in- 20 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 evitably will disturb a modern reader who does not Generally, in selecting Midrashim, he appears to know how to penetrate behind the outer and often per have wisely given particular attention to Midrashim plexing form of rabbinic and Midrashic stories and and rabbinic teachings that convey specific lessons to teachings. Rabbi Kaplan points out that in a number of the reader. Where necessary, he points out the lessons cases, where the author discussed scientific questions in to be learnt-either in an indented paragraph included the light of the knowledge of his time, these discussions in the text, or in one of the supplementary footnotes (an were omitted-and so were some Kabbalistic interpreta excellent index enables the reader easily to find any par tions contained in the original work. However, it would ticular topic he is interested in). Thus, in Vayishlach appear important to this reviewer that the publishers ···------··-··------. critically evaluate what is presently included in this ·rhe l)n\· (Jrtho_>d(i..._ Eng!:sh Y' 1dd:<.:.h v.·~-'ekil..· 1~·1 work, with a view to possibly omitting some more mat ters that can only create confusion and disbelief in the t'1e \i..·nr\d present:nq tht> tluth1'nt1r -fr)rah mind of an uninformed public, and-in the case of other material-possibly including some clarifications on how to approach such Midrashic material. (An example in point is the discussion of the causes of solar and lunar eclipses-having included this discussion, Rabbi Kaplan would have done well to quote the likely explanation i, that the sages were talking about the visibility of the 97. Stamford Hill London. N. 16. England I eclipse rather than their occurrence.) ,'\nn11ui ~uh'>rnpt~nn Airmn:il $]:'.) Suri.:' The Jewish Observer/ November, 1980 21 (footnotes on pp. 313 and 319), he applies the lessons of advice in Avodah Zarah concerning an encounter with Yaakov's dealings with Eisav to our contemporary a gentile (p. 321); yet in Yoreh Deah (153:3), this pas situation. sage is cited together with a cautionary note that it Yet the problem of how to understand and present applied only to the heathens of old. Can we totally the statements of our sages emerges even in this con disregard the considerations of eyvah here involved? text. Rabbi Weissman includes, without comment, the The fact is that a work presenting Midrashic teachings in English (albeit only selections) needs full comments and interpretations if it is not to stir up problems and even disbelief-or, at the very least, confusion. This is a IS RAEL most difficult task, and in many places Rabbi Weissman Burials and American Disinterments has valiantly tackled it; but there is need for much F11'<1'71l' 22 The Jewish Observer I Nt>vember, 1980 The efforts to create a bridge between our under and thought-provoking comments by Rabbi Moshe standing of Torah and contemporary scientific findings Feinstein, first published in 1973. Others offer lengthier has been made by others who preceded Dr. Faier, and is expositions-thus, during the years 1972-1977 P. Feld of very definite value. Dr. Faier, indeed, demonstrates heim, in conjunction with the Samson Raphael Hirsch profundity of thought and familiarity with the most Publication Society, published an English translation of varied aspects of modern science; as a result he is able to Chochmoh Vamussar, essays on the weekly portions carry the analysis of the problems he encounters, and and special days on the Jewish calendar, by Rabbi development of his ideas, much further than others Solomon Breuer, son-in-law, disciple and successor of who have tried to correlate scientific insights and Torah Rabbi S.R. Hirsch. These essays are in the classical teachings. Moreover, the picture that the Malbim him tradition; elaborating on profound and often very com self drew of our world, based on the teachings of Tal plex Midrashim, but also applying the lessons extracted mud and Kabba/ah, provides an excellent foundation from them to the critical problems of the day. They for such efforts at correlation. have relevance not only to the kehilla of the author to Yet they also have their dangers. One must always which they were clearly addressed in particular, but remember that scientific thought is in flux, and that the also for us; e.g. the author stresses the compromise more specifically our interpretation of Torah is based on and danger-involved in working with "other trends in scientific ideas, the more it can inevitably only be ten tative and possible. There is another point to be con sidered too. How an Infinite Deity created and acts upon our finite world is a central subject of Kabba/ah. Rabbi Elie Munk Despite the explanations given, it ultimately must remain a mystery to us, no matter how deep our scien tific insights into the ultimate nature of the universe. THE CALL There would appear to be boundary lines between the areas of scientific inquiry and Torah understanding that must be respected. (This reviewer, for one, has always of the been doubtful about the effort made by some to identify the energy which modern science sees as the ultimate TORAlI building material of our universe, with the Divine rrrr~rrr~r~~r~r~~ emanation that "every day again renews the work of I creation".) a solid Dr. Faier seeks to establish some correlation that anthology of commentary I would appear to this reviewer questionable; e.g., he ' writes that man can only attain the highest level "if we An outstanding integrated anthology of commentary have a proper heart. On the basis of what has been sug on the chumash, for the mature, intelligent reader (in 1 gested here, this should not be taken metaphorically but English) in search of the meanings that the Sages as alluding to a real interdependence" of heart, brain, and the classical commentaries found in the immor and lungs through measurable electrical and mechanical tal words ot the Written Torah. j waves, so that, for instance, "the range of free will The work of decades by a distinguished rabbi of available to any given human being (including the Western Europe, resulting from a lifetime of study, capacity to fear G-d) is somehow linked to the actual reflection and inspired teaching, The Cafl of the Torah condition of his heart." Suggestions such as this raise is a new anthology which trpces, with care and skill, major questions-possibly from a scientific angle, but significant concepts and patterns of thought in the certainly from that of Hashkofas Ha Torah. Few readers realm of Torah commentary throygh the ages. will be able to deal with such problems competently and The work includes the {Koren} Hebrew text, with a adequately, and it is to be hoped that this will not lead new translation based on Rashi. to confusion and misunderstanding. This, however, is sure: they will certainly all be able to benefit from Dr. now at your Jewish bookdealers: the whole Faier's presentation of the Malbim. Seier Bereishith I Book of Genesis in 2 volumes * * * A somewhat different approach to the parshios of the week is represented by those works that do not provide a running commentary on the text of the Chumash but single out specific points in each weekly portion for discussion. Some provide a number of shorter comments on each parsha, e.g. Rabbi A. TORAH LITERATURE OF QUALITY Fishelis' Bastion of Faith, a collection of wide-ranging The Jewish Observer/ November, 1980 23 I 1 Judaism," or the problem of giving enough time to On a much more elaborate scale, the same objec Torah study, and diligence to mitzva observance, in a tive-to enrich the Sabbath table and, in general, our life taken with the pursuit of professional or economic children's understanding of the weekly Torah teach success. ings-is pursued by three volumes of Eighteen Sidroth by Rabbi Y. Greenbaum (published by J.C.M.B. Publi * * * cations, London, distributed by Monsey Books, 40 Some time ago, The Jewish Observer reviewed the Main Street, Monsey, NY). This excellent work covers Sabbath Shiurim of Rabbi M. Miller. Recently a second all 54 Sidros in its three volumes, providing for each of volume was published by the Gateshead Foundation for them five easy and five difficult questions, a proverb Torah (Gateshead, 1979, $12.00). Like the first volume, related to the Sidra which is discussed and explained, the present one offers a shiur on each of the parshios, and a narrative section containing stories from the characterized by the wide range of sources used and the Midrash. There are attractive illustrations, which will depth of interpretation. The author, indeed, presents appeal to the youthful reader; but the greatest value of his insights in such concise form that the student of this work lies in the help it gives to a group leader or these shiurim is well advised to read, reread and ponder teacher-or parent-who want to add interest to the them, in order to absorb fully the points which each review of the weekly parsha (in fact, the author includes Shiur makes and to gain the fullest benefits from it. suggestions on how to mark the student's performance on the question section, and answer books give the * * * answers for each question.) Typical of the "easy ques Again different in approach-if only because it was tions," is e.g. the question as to how long Joseph was in published with a somewhat different purpose in the house of Potiphar and how long in prison; a typical mind-is Lilrnod Ulelamed by Rabbi Mordechai Katz "difficult question" asks how come that Joseph came to (published by the Jewish Educational Program of harm when he was doing a mitzva, an errand for his Agudath Israel in 1979). This volume provides for each father. In addition, there are for each parsha a Number Sidra a summary of its contents together with several Question (e.g. the age of Yaakov when Joseph was sold) brief discussions of major topics found in the Sidra, and extra tasks ("Find the Posuk" and "Something To enlivened by parables and anecdotes of famous rabbinic Do"). It should be obvious that this work is a valuable personalities. The aim was to provide a manual for tool for every educator-as are the publications of teachers and group leaders as well as a guide for laymen J.C.M.B. Publications in general. on who to bring Torah thoughts to the Shabbos table. The author showed much skill in the selection and pre * * * sentation of his work which will undoubtedly prove of Finally, our review of recent works on the weekly much value to its readers. ($5.95 hardcover) portion must take note of the two volumes of A Treasury of Chassidic Tales, a translation of Rabbi S.]. Zevin's "collection of inspirational Chassidic stories I A Luxurious Hotel in the relevant to the weekly Torah readings" (ArtScroll Heart of Boro Park Judaica Series, 1980, hardcover, $11.95; softcover, t $9.95). In his introduction to this work, Rabbi Zevin i Everv studio or suite wrote that "Chassidic stories lead to many destina has akitchen and lots tions"-some seek to point out the workings of Provi I of modern conveniences. dence, others stress the role of the tzaddik in the carry Enjoy a moderatelv ing out of G-d's plan, and yet others teach a moral or I priced breakfast in Torah concept. From the wealth of extant stories the I the hotel Breakfast author chose some five hundred; he was fully aware Room. We're near the that there might be some objections to how he selected, subv,ray, shops, restau and indeed readers are likely to be more touched by some of the stories than by others-but every one is sure rants and synagogues to find many that will indeed truly inspire him. and onlv thirtv minutes A few stories, however, will raise some questions in from M;nhatt~n. the reader's mind. Thus, for instance, the story of "The Mystic and the Minister" (vol. 1, p. 257) presents Rabbi Yitzchok of Volozhin in a light which is quite unfavor .9JYf7~ Jfk/l able and is not borne out by other accounts of the St. 1206-48rh Streer Petersburg conference; it has to be remembered that this [lrooklyn. New York 11219 story, as others, reflect the reservations, and often dis (212) 871-8100 dain, that Chassidim had for Misnagdim. The attentive reader will also realize that surely the Melamed featured Call or write for free brochure. in "The Lifesaver in Spite of Himself" was guilty of 24 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 ' desecrating the Shabbos, contrary to the last words of Biblical account. An outline of the Sefer and a chrono the story (vol. 1, p. 303); here, too, it must be realized logical table are included, as well as passages from the that the story wanted to make a point rather than teach Ramban's Chumash commentary that throw light on a halacha. In short, the stories have to be read for what difficult episodes of this era. ever lesson can be derived from them, in the context of their Chassidic setting, rather than as necessarily guides * * * to historic or halachic data. It should be stressed that the Three Beacons of Yonah, three in-depth commen translation by Uri Kaploun is excellent and that the taries with a comparative analysis by Rabbi Aaron readability of this work is further enhanced by the high Werner (published by the author,52 Zefaniah, Jerusa quality of the typography and layout, in keeping with lem; 1979; $6.95). the exacting standards which Artscroll publications This volume is the first of a projected new series, the have always met. Three Beacon Series which aims to publish the books of i the Tanach together with three in-depth commentaries, Summing up our review of recent publications on chosen for the distinctive light that each throws on the the Chumash, we will obviously be struck by the j text (where necessary, Rabbi Werner provides brief quality and diversity of the works in question as well as comments to explain points of contrast between the by the thirst for easily accessible Torah knowledge that three commentators). For Jonah, Abarbanel, Alshich has created a market and made this publication explo and Malbim are included, prefaced by introductory sion feasible. This development is truly a phenomenon essays on Teshuva and Prophecy; also, Rabbi Werner over which we must rejoice. At the same time, we must includes an allegorical interpretation of the Sefer hope that the easy availability of so much valuable (primarily based on the Yilna Gaon), again with an material in English should serve to encourage Torah introductory essay to smoothe the reader's path. The study and thereby ultimately lead the serious reader language of the translation and essays is fluid, the back to the Hebrew sources. It would be tragic if, graphic presentation excellent, and there is even a map instead, people should become accustomed to see Torah provided for the benefit of the reader. As Rabbi Werner works in the vernacular as an easy substitute for sus points out, there is great value in providing for the tained study of the sacred texts in the original. Quite reader the complete text of the classical commentaries apart from the fact that there will always be a crucial rather than only brief summaries of their ideas; it is to residual element that cannot readily be captured in the be hoped that he will be able to carry his ambitious pro vernacular, books in English are apt to be read, rather than studied in the manner in which a Hebrew text is ject to completion. 1. studied-hence easily a lack of that "ameilus baTorah"-laboring over the Torah, according to our * * * I, Halachos of Chanukah, by Rabbi Shimon D. Eider Sages, is indispensable. It is therefore incumbent upon (1980; Lakewood, NJ; hardcover: $5.00, softcover: the educators and spiritual leaders of our age to stress $3.50) the importance of study of the sources, even as we wel I This is a welcome and timely addition to Rabbi come and further the widest possible availability of Torah literature in English. Eider's growing series of halacha pamphlets and books on the Shabbos and the festivals. It shares with them j * * * the clear, organized way and comprehensiveness of pre I sentation (including reference to halachic controversies ! Also Received where necessary), the full provision of sources in I Hebrew footnotes at the bottom of each page, and the excellent index which makes it easy to find desired I The Book of Judges, a new English translation of dinim. Many will find of particular value the detailed ~ the text and Rashi, and a commentary digest, by Rabbis analysis of what to do when some or all members of the A. and S. Fishelis, edited by Rabbi A.J. Rosenberg family are not home for candle-lighting; this is just one (Judaica Press; NY; 1979; $9.95). of the many intricate questions to which Rabbi Eider This is yet another volume in the Judaica Books of gives clear and practical answers. !..'I'. the Prophets series, of which The Jewish Observer pre viously reviewed the Books of Joshua and Samuel I. The new volume has all the valuable features of the Be sure to notify us in ad earlier ones, and in some respects even excels over vance so that your copies them. Thus, for instance, in the commentary digest the will continue to reach you. sources are not indicated by abbreviations but by their The U.S. Postal Service will full name, which makes for much easier utilization. As the authors stress in the introduction, the period of the not forward magazines to Judges has been frequently misinterpreted; hence the your new address. introduction spells out how we are to understand the The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 25 ' Dear Morah, Accompanying this letter you will find a child. She's mine. Let me tell you all about her. She's one of six children ~"~P, the second from the top. She's well behaved and polite, but can be stubborn and rebellious when punished. She's too shy, not outgoing like her sister, and doesn't always get the appreciation she deserves. Of course, she's very bright, but she needs to be drawn out. I want to tell you more about her-or should I wait until you ask? Please ask. I do hope that our common interest will give us the I'm sorry, Morah. I'm not ready Remember the father, blessed with empathy to do our best, together. to settle for a back seat. You see many children, who was asked, Like many mothers, I've gone the that little girl? I raised her from "How many do you have?" He route through teachers' seminary, infancy, through her toddler stage, answered, "One," and explained. but it's not in the smugness of and into her childhood. I'm not "One Chani, one Yanky, one that knowledge that I approach, about to hand her over now with Gittle ...." Your class is a but with deference and humility, no questions asked, like so much kaleidoscope of brightly colored offering advice from the grass laundry to be washed, starched fragments and personalities. Over roots-things we never learned in and pressed, then delivered home. the first weeks they seem at first Methodology I. I know my child too well. Use ever-changing, but eventually one My respect for you is real, not me, Morah. Supplement your pattern emerges with some colors only the lingering sentiment of the educational expertise with my predominating, and some fading me that was a student sitting in a homegrown instincts and my into the background. Remember to small desk facing the big one, but specific knowledge of my child. shake up the kaleidoscope to a genuine esteem for your True, I see her through the myopic realize all the potential beauty in dedication, your sacrifice in lens of a mother's prejudice, but its variations of colors. teaching, and your effective han there are some things I know that As you know, each child is dling of a room full of restless you cannot. Test me. See whether different. This one is mine. Please children. (How do you ever do it?) your observations lead you to don't compare her to her peers or But my potential as a parent to concur with my conclusions. And her predecessors or even her help you is also very real. She's then tell me more. Have confidence sisters and cousins. There might your student but she's my child. in me. Share your insights in my be much ground for comparison, We agree about the importance daughter with me. I'm sure that but oh what dissimilarities! Like of the "parent-teacher relation you see things that somehow the five fingers of one hand, no ship," yet there's a tendency to evade me, things that would help two are quite the same. Each is reduce it to twice yearly PTA me in being a better mother. unique and serves a unique meetings, and those endless teas. Together we can get closer to purpose, excelling and contributing We're familiar with the flowery discovering the real little girl inside in its own way. language of Yeshiva mailings about my daughter. Please let my child excel. She the "partnership of the school and As I said, I realize that you deal looks to you innocently. You will the home"; by the closing greetings, with a classroom full of children, guide and educate her, but she however, it is clear the partnership and you have to think in terms of doesn't know that. She isn't waiting seldom gets beyond the school group dynamics. Nonetheless, next to be guided or educated or molded. taking care of all educational time you have an opportunity, She's only waiting for your matters and parents taking care of look at my daughter, and stop. approval, your OK, your special all the finances. Think about her alone .... And do smile just for her. She's waiting to Mrs. Grinblatt is a housewife in Brooklyn. the same for the other mothers' be liked by you, even to be loved by I This is her first appearance in these pages. daughters that make up your class. you. i 26 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 ~ I qristitute for I know you need to discipline, to keep control, to criticize and 'Professio:rial punish. I'll try to always remember that a class as a whole needs an ffi:riticfiment extra measure of control. But please-you, too, bear in mind the hurt and pain and shame that it is your potential to inflict. Think GIADUATB 8t UNDERGQDUATB of your own feelings when you are DEGREE 8t CERTIPICATB.PROGIAMS publicly humiliated by a rude saleswoman, or when your silly POR TBE·TOBABCOMMUNITY (and quite human) errors are noticed and commented upon. SUNDAYS at I. P. E. Multiply it by the sensitivity of a child and remember the dangerous dasses meet at 22 E. 28 St, NYC edge of sharp words. How much Special Tuition in All LP .E. Programs safer a tool praise is! I know what you're thinking, ApplyNow·ror Single Course or Full Degree Morah. The tables can be turned, Starting dates as indicated and my words applied very appropriately towards myself. True. Degrees awatded 1:ly the Uftivetsity listed Every day I also walk the tightrope MAsrERS IN EDlJCA.noN of discipline, striving for the MA or MS with permanent N'lS Certillca!ion balance between sterness and *Special Ed *Early Child./Eled *Reading forgiveness, preserving my Adelphi University staff>. credits, ·degree. authority and allowing for New cycle (6 credits): Dec. 7·Feb. 8 flexibility. And I appreciate the Spring semester starts Feb .. 1.5. Sundays only. difficulties, through my own frequent stumbles. But my job is MAsT!ROP still easier than yours. Time and BUSINESSADMINISTUnON Hebrew Academy of Clevelond pub· Are you going to Israel? Jishes over 50 Educorionol lrems for Hebrew Doy Schoo~. Your visit to the Holy Land will have more meaning when you utilize the free touring information service available from, Tourist Department CATALOGUE Agudath Israel World Organization 5 Rechov Shomre Hakosel (opposite Kikar Hacherut) of Jerusalem, 02-223-357 HEBREW ACADEMY OF CLEVELAND ~ frtht '"'"c0;2i;~e~I K~~h~~f1nest PUBLICATIONS Parkside Caterer 1r1 the Metropolitan Area t:;aterers ~~;~~ng )OU at lo(Jt1ons 1980 ~ 81 ralESTPARK / /!/,',{ 01.¥ "'" /y "°?'?-' Cotolog sent upon request. Jewish Ce~ter '5East62St.N.Y.C. Send $1.00 for handling 10, 90-45 Myrtle Ave.,Queens HEBREW ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS DEPT. ~F Jewish Cente1 l I\•-.,\ 1860 South ToylorP.d. 11< 1ll1 '" Nnrthern Clevelond Heighrs, Ohio. 44118 Rvckaway Beach Blvd.& \ utu1t1 \ Nassau Count'y 135 St. Belle Harbor,N.Y. ( lt1I 1 dlitJd11'Nd (J/ft/l.Or ~/,o/imm CATERERS c~ii;W,l(~,~~ij:' \I. 111 North j efferson Rd. 2380 Hylan Blvd. Ml;lj? M::l::l 'Cl;') 73" , Whippany, New Jersey Staten lsland,N.Y. N"r"'>w TM1.l~C1l 7MilV' ::in MIU> C'117:ll7 l~n ,C'11'tl! 'l~ ''~1.l ioo" ~>raton Tilt• HPiqhl'"' $15 ,,,no in nearby Hasbr~uck Heights ~et, CATERERS 711 mo' 1l'tl!"7 mm" 7~ New Jersey at the crossroads 1060 Ocean Parkway Brooklyn of Interstate 80 & Route 17 YAAKOV LEVITZ 9201 Ave A, ONE CONVENIENT TELEPHONE Brooklyn N.Y. 11236 NUMBER FOR ALL LOCATIONS (212) 849-8817 ,_____ 498-120.:L __ - 28 The Jewish Observer/ November, 1980 r I ~- I .. J''~:»~ j 1ttmutJ~'mel Baa lei -'lllaa.i.it wr.... :J....,[, ~- HORAV SHLOMO Teshuva CARLEBAC:H teaches hashkofo from the Chumash to talmidai Beth Hamedrash A unique approach to the under standing of lll»'n Mllll>M developed during .more than a .decade as ls There Really a Movement? Mashgiach Ruchni of Mesivta Chaim Berlin/Kolle! Gur Aryeh, L1Vt UN£0ITE0 CASSETI'E LECTURES Hanoch Teller 1 / 65-~75 -MINUTES 'P'rR, SEMINAR, ON HICH-QUALITY C~90 TAPtS/ The Baal Teshuva Movement: For indeed, never in the history of tNGLISH··"'fIDl'.lISli ()R ALL £N'GLISH We've read about it, heard about it, the Jewish people has there ever $3, per tape some even sing about it. It has been been such a phenomenon: yeshi All orders must be prepaid, called the most important Jewish vas for adults on an elementary trend of our century. Perhaps it is. level, and hundreds of young NEW RELEASE IN ENGLISH people radically more religious than HIGHLIGHTS irt 1'1'1Vll'1!1 nlViD their parents, The Mirrer Rosh ~,,wn Yeshiva, Rabbi Nachum Perkowitz M"O''>tV commented that becoming a 1) c'li»n n. Ni>? n>ivn~> n?» n?mn~ baa! teshuva today is a common ,r'11'! ni~~ day occurence while fifty years ago Can Man Do It Alone? he remembered hearing about the 2) ,(mivn IVMi) C"M C'p17M 1lYl>'I single baa[ tesh uva in all of Poland! The Role of the Shofar o!\ the No one likes to puncture eupho Day of Judgement ria, but it is time for some sobering 11 reflection. There is no massive 3) .c"i't::111 rn":i t1i ?iv: l';) ~w:i ,)';),; "Baal Teshuva Movement" sweep YomKippur - A Day Borrowed ing world Jewry, The very term From the World To Come "movement" could be a misnomer 4) .n:iN1tZr.'I M':I nMJJiV for a highly publicized, greatly Nissuth HamaYhri_:A PromiSe admired stirring. If the expression is to the Downtrodden taken literally, to be used as the Hanoch Teller, an American studying in Mir, yardstick for evaluation, this could 5) .inN "iM::>":l C'ttl'T.lhll17' Q",?b "~lll J"N Jerusalem, is a frequent contributor to these only result in labeling the move Kitrug Halevonoh as a Hymn to pages. ment as a failure, According to an the Glory of G-D optimistic estimate, Israel-baal 6) ,'•i~n CYb> f Pn CYb teshuva territorv has one thousand Young Yerushalmi is laid up For Equality of the Tree With baalei teshuva ·attending yeshivos with heart trouble, His wife Its.Fruit for men and women. By contrast, in takes care of him and 6 chil 7) ,n>IV m>n I dren under ten, Please help New York City alone there may be Ideal Man vs, Real Man well over 12,000 Jews who have ' and send tax deductible joined (lehavdil) the Hari Krishna 8) ,,w;, \io7 Ch'> Jnl> contribution to Blkur Cholim Sustenance is a Transfusion of Inc, (see attached), In which direction is there" movement" 1 Indeed, accord Life Itoelf c/o RABBI AVROHOM ing to recent demographic surveys 0191, by J.C.M. Foundation· · BLUMENKRANTZ we are sinking fast. 418 Av~ I, B'klyn, N,Y. 11230 814 Caffrey Ave, When foundering, most advocate ORDER FROM CAtALOGUE Far Rockaway N,Y, 11691 securing the hatch to remain afloat Ovtr iOO taf;es available In fact, this is what Noach did, once The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 29 ...... the rains began to fall. (His sermons -Consider the airline passenger ~:SHELLY ...... while building the ark did not seem who could easily engage his neigh .. . . to leave much of a mark upon his bor in a discussion of heritage. LADli ....• . • . listeners.) - The businessman or professional E= ...... Avraham had a different who for the past 20 years never ll'dlestra ...... approach. His valiant efforts on once mentioned Yiddishkeit to his 438-3402 . .. . behalf of the residents of Sodom is associates or partners. = the exemplification of the ultimate -The baal teshuva whose neighbor concern for a fellow human being is only too curious to find out what and, to this day, serves as the arch goes on inside the Sabbath-observ A HOTLINE type for prayer (Brachos). Before it ing home. is too late, we have to decide whose -The couple who wish to be wed TO JUDAISM footsteps to follow-Noach's or and are greeted with a fee rather Avraham's: than Judaism's ideas of how to build Wouldn't you like some a new home. HONEST answers to Noach built a "tzohar" in his ark; there is a polemic whether it was a -But consider foremost ourselves. questions about window or a chandelier. In either How do we conduct ourselves in Judaism? case, its function was to illuminate public? Do we attract or repulse? Is his domicile. Noach's chandelier our synagogue inspirational or dis Call our special JE.WISH inclining? Every shul must be trans INFORMATION HOTLINE. cast inner light while the deluge was churning outside. Avraham actively formed into a Baal Teshuva Center, (212) 791-1848 sought to help others and was quick and each stranger who enters .must All services are free. to act. His lamp lit up the world. be cordially greeted, and ' not ignored. CHIZUK-THE TORAH Each person has to decide which LINK illumination they wish to make, for It is time to imitate the days of a Baal Teshuva Movement-in the yore when every family had a An agency of the Agudath Israel fullest sense of the word-must be Shabbos guest. If everyone will do World Organizati6n, Five Beek· created, with every Jew a charter their share we can :'l"Y::I create a man Street, N. Y. C. 10038. member. vibrant Baal Teshuva Movement! NEW YORK, N. Y., August 5 . ... The itself: the search for a caring community own personal Jewish identity, and this proportion of Jews in religious cults far ... the most vulnerable target for cult makes them susceptible to the cults' outnumbers their percentage in the recruitment is the person, young or message. Fi1.ally, many -jews have a general population, according to a new old, who has made no meaningful con deep commit::ttert to social justice issues book discussing the rapid growth, nection with an established religion, and a profound concern about the plight wealth, and power of cults in America who is in search of spiritual values and of other peoples-this makes them vul today. transcendent meaning, who is willing, nerable to the cults' appeals to 'save the world."' In Prison or Paradise? The New even yearning, for strict discipline and The authors add that the most effec Religious Cutls (Fortress Press), authors authority, and who may be burdened James and Marcia Rudin estimate that with guilt about affluence or sex or tive way to counter the cults is to pre Jews comprise between 20 and 50 per drugs." vent people from going into them. They cent of cult members though they are The Rudins offer some possible conclude: "People must be made ·aware less than 3 per cent of the total Ameri explanations for the large number of of the rich variety of life-sty.es and can population. Jews in the cults: "First, an extra religious options that exitt within con temporary Judaism and Christianity No single element brings a person ordinarily high percentage of Jewish which can be accomplished by more into a cult, say Rabbi James Rudin, who young people attend college, and the is Assistant National Director of campus is perhaps the primary area for effective intensified religious education. lnterreligious Affairs of the American cult recruitment. Jews almost perfectly If one Seeks more structure regulation and authority in one need not join Jewish Committee, and Marcia Rudin, fit the target group for possible cult life, a former Professor of Religion at membership: middle class, idealistic, one of the new religious cults." William Paterson College. socially mobile, and often in rebellion The Rudins assert "the main reason against parental authority. Unfortun -from an American Jewish Committee peovle join a cult is as old as humanity ately, some Jews are insecure about their news-release 30 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 lehotocards of The Kamenitzer Partnership · Gedolei Yisroel 35 glossy, postcard size cham and says to him: 'Here is fifty In Chaim Shapiro's article, "The (3Y," x Sy,") portraits of Kamenitzer Partnership" (October thousand dollars. Sit and learn in '80), an incident describing a visit to comfort for the rest of your life.' Gedolei Yisroel the doctor by Reb Boruch Ber and Has he done a great thing?" asked for your set, send $4 Rabbi Tendler had also entailed a Reb Boruch Ber. to: Photocards discussion between the two rabbis. "Yes, he had surely done a great Agudath Israel of America The original manuscript had includ thing," Rabbi Tendler replied. 5 Beekman Street ed this dialogue, but editorial con "Who did a greater thing," Reh NYC 10038 siderations suggested omitting this Boruch Ber asked further, "the first l part of the episode. one or the second?" Apparently we were wrong. A "The first one, for he saved a j number of people familiar with the life." incident had asked if Chaim "And showed more greatness of Traditional Shapiro was unaware of the spirit and heart?" exchange, why we had omitted it, "Obviously, the second one," Premium etc. We therefore present it now: said Rabbi Tendler, "for everybody Sitting with Reb Boruch Ber in a understands that you must save Quality doctor's waiting room, Rabbi someone who is drowning. But only Kosher Tendler handed him a Sefer Roziel a person with a great heart can Hamalach (a work on Kabba/a) understand the importance of free for Over 3 which he had gingerly extracted ing the spirit of a talmid chacham." from a locked bookcase. Reb "This is what the Gemora means Generations Boruch Ber had thereupon drily when it says ·a great thing' and ·a remarked that it seems that doctors small thing,'" concluded Reb in America had finished learning all Boruch Ber. "The study of the act of of Niglah and were now busy learn creation and the IVlerkava is' a great ing Kabba/a. Rabbi Tendler then thing' -open to people of greatness. asked, "Isn't it true that the Gemora But the discussions of Abaya and (Succah 28) says that 'a small thing' Rava are a 'small thing,' obvious refers to the discussions of Abaya even to ordinary people, for they and Rava, and ·a great thing' refers are life itself." to the studies of the act of creation Then the Rosh Yeshiva repeated: Accepted and Preferred and the IVlerkava? Even though I "Abaya and Rava are a life-saver. worldwide without understand the greatness and One would drown without them. reservation importance of learning Gemora, it How can one live without Rava and The Most Trusted seems as though Kaballa is con Abaya?" Name in Kosher sidered greater!" Poultry and Foods CHAIM SHAPIRO lT. Reh Boruch Ber replied, "Forgive me, but you don't seem to under stand the Gemora." "Let us suppose," he continued, "that a person was drowning in a QINKWELr<~ river and someone jumped in and saved him. Did he do a great thing or a small thing?" PRINTERS "Surely, a great thing," answered INNOVATIVE INVITATIONS Rabbi Tendler, "for he saved a life." HEBREW AND ENGLISH "Now, let us suppose that a tal mid chacham has come to America; .;g OPEN SUNDAY he has no means of supporting his family, and he is being driven mad Coney Island Av:., Brooklyn,~N.. ~· by problems and worries. And let us . (212)253 9736 .•. <' suppose, further, that a wealthy ~-o. ..,, •.->.::> .....,::s,,~..., I Q;;v;:'~;;Jonal Institu~ S Beekman Street, Suite 700, New York, N.Y. 10038 u,en1ed Dy the New York Stote ldu«1tlon 01pcrrtm1nf 32 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 reflective of our deepest convic tions, it makes life a bit easier to know that our value systems are second looks still meaningful of this country. at the jewish scene ·y iioi~·i1'fe~oit.ts <·i •• fi~ecl~fot .....• ·... ) The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 33 The Torah Personality a treasury of vignettes and biographical sketches of Torah giants, inspiring leaders, courageous saviors of Jewish souls and lives, and common men and women whose warmth and devotion created chapters of Jewish life that sur vived European genocide, Arab persecu tion, and American assimilation. o Heartwarming memories of Eastern European Jewish cities; D a glimpse into the souls of such peo ple as Reb Chaim Brisker, the Chofetz Chaim, the Rogatchover Gaon, the Ohr Sameach, and Reb Chaim Ozer; D a seat at the 'tisch' of Ger, Novo minsk, Satmar, Vizhnitz; o the Sephardic world of the Ben lsh Future volumes of Judaiscope will in Chai and Rabbi Yaakov Culi; clude such topics as great roshei D a tour of early America with the heroic yeshiva. essays on the Festivals, rescue rabbis who planted stray seeds of during the Holocaust, prayer, science, Judaism here. evolution, and education. The Torah Personality collected from the pages of The jewish Observer by Rabbi Nisson Wolpin, editor 95 95 320 pages hardcover $11 paperback $8 Published by Mesorah Publications, Ltd. in conjunction with Agudath Israel of America ----.-.------Special Discount Agudath Israel of America i 5 Beekman Street I New York. N.Y. 10038 Gentlemen: to readers of Enclosed is my check in the amount of$...... (I deducted I 0% and added 90¢ For shipping per order). Please send me . .. copy{ies) hardcover / ...... The Jewish Observer: copy{ies) paperback of The Torah Personality. Order direct Name ... at a 10% Address ... discount City.State.Zip ... Hamavdil: Without Intelligence, How Does One differentiate? A paragraph, in which we separ maintained with tenacity and pride zation that has intermarried Jews at ate the sacred from the worldly, is in the very face of every form of its helm. Bear in mind, this does not added to our Motzaei Shabbos hostility-even death. refer to a Jew married to a sincere (Saturday night) Maariv prayers. Unfortunately, the secular leader convert-a ger tzeddik. Nor to the Commemorative prayers for special ship, which has long accepted inter non-Jew who undergoes conver times are customarily inserted in marriage members in its ranks, sion to marry. This refers to those one of several places in the recently has gotten the nod of Jews whose partners in marriage are Shemona Esrei, but this particular approval for this practice from the non-converts-non-] ews. paragraph is added in the first peti Reform rabbinate. This blessing In other times, a call like Rabbi tionary prayer: "You grant man from the Reform camp was issued Roth's would not only be unneces intelligence ...." The Gemora fur in reaction to the keynote address at sary, it would be an embarrassment: nishes us with the reason for this a convention of the (Orthodox) Is it conceivable that people who placement: "If there is no intelli Rabbinical Council of America, have turned their backs on their gence, how does one differentiate wherein its newly elected President, heritage-thrown it out the win [between the sacred and the world Rabbi Sol Roth, called for boycot dow-chosen marriage partners ly, between light and darkness, ting any Jewish communal organi- from other faiths, opting to bring between Israel and other nations, between Shabbos and the other days of the week]?" Apparently, simple human per ception is just not sufficient for distinguishing between these vari ous phenomena, so we must pray for extra intelligence. One could add that the blurriness result ing from lack of sensitivity to differ ences is so fraught with danger, that one must pray. FOR YOUR PLEASURE * * * KOSHER I PAREVE I UNSALTED The unlimited opportunities of our democratic society have left few areas of activity beyond the reach of MARGARINE Jewish participation. The arts and Now MIGDAL Margarine can sciences, the professions, and poli enhance your l)leals with de licious, sweet, full-bodied tics all have Jews in prominent flavor you enjoy all year positions. But acceptability has round. Kosher and Pareve, MIGDAL is a happy blend ol brought in its wake a removal of KASHRUTH and QUALITY social barriers-a tishtush hagevulin and is ideal for cooking, baking or as a tasty spread (a blurring of distinctions) with its on matzo. MIGDAL Margarine attendant dangers. And many, is available in consumer and institutional size pack indeed, have succumbed to these ages. Look for lt today wher dangers. So many, in fact, that in ever Kosher foods are sold. some groups intermarriage is simp Produced under the strictest Rabbinical supervision of ly another ho-hum fact of life. K'hal Adath Jeshurun, N.Y. Nonetheless, one would expect reli gious circles to express shock-or at least dismay-at an intermarriage: witnessing a Jew abandoning the Thurm Bros. World Cheese Co., Inc., New York, N.Y. 10013 heritage that earlier generations had The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 35 r· non-Jewish offspring into the Beyond Bounds ... world-is it conceivable that they The sad truth is that tolerance of should be charged with the respon deviation has grown beyond all sibility of determining the course of bounds, even obliterating the survival for the Jewish People? Is it bounds. A recent survey of Reform possible that at dinners, or conven congregations in the U.S. and tions, or meetings, where policies Canada revealed that "less than are determined to assure perpetua one-quarter restrict membership to tion of Jewry and Judaism, a leader persons of the Jewish faith ... The Foods We Eat should take his place at the table, nearly one-third of the congrega accompanied by his non-Jewish tions permit non-Jews to partici A Kashrus Handbook, spouse? pate in all pulpit ceremonials. 60 pages Yet Alexander Schindler, head of ,. Almost all allow the non-Jewish the (Reform) Union of American parent some role in the Bar or Bat by Rav Yosef Wikler. Hebrew Congregations, defended Mitzvah ceremony .... The over the placement of Jews married to Mail $5.00 to: whelming majority of rabbis offi non-Jews in leadership positions, ciate at the marriage of children of Yeshiva Birkas Reuven and even went so far as to label the non-Jewish mothers and Jewish P.0.B. J382, Orthodox declaration as a "witch fathers who identify themselves as hunt." How does one cope with the Jews (without conversion !-editor). Blythebourne Station, absurdity of viewing the selection of Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219 responsible leaders, eliminating "Forty-seven congregations those who put personal impulse reported special privileges to non above national priorities, and label Jewish spouses of Jewish members ing this "a witch hunt!" Can there and full membership rights for be any element of malice in review individual non-Jews. The New>···.· .. ·.•.•. / ing the credentials of those who general tendency was to permit LowetMcinhattarl make your life-and-death deci non-Jews to participate actively in Mincha· sions? the life of the congregation and its affiliates. . . . One rabbi reported Minyan.Gttide ,n1<;r p:i C'Jtu;r c•:m' that a former temple president DID YOU STUDY TORAH TODAYl , and a very good one'-was a non • If yoµknP\!.' of 17linyanim 11 there al-ya a reaaan Jew." •If you Wish to start.a why you think you can't? Na one to learn with? (fHE JEWISH WEEK-AMERICAN ExAMINER m/nya n in your neig~· for free asslslance Is flndlnt October 5, 1980). ·bQfh()O(I a suitable ChavrttSoh co11tact1 Write: Chavruaoh Matchint aervice In an outstanding example of Douplespeak, wherein the unmen iltlNCH~ MINVAN ·MAP'.•. 349·4872 791·1800 Afternoon1 1-6 P.M. tionable becomes acceptable-nay, AgudathlSl'ael ()fA.mel'lca imperative-by virtue of euphemis 5 ~man Street/NYC 10038 tic nomenclature, Alexander "'Coll: Something special! Schindler said that the shocking .DR .• 8£RNARDFRVSHMAiNl 339'- survey-results underscored "the see page 20 importance of Reform Judaism's ·outreach' problem for those who seek to embrace Judaism." Come To Destroying the boundaries of good sense, trampling over the guidelines of tradition, violating the sacred differentiations between ··the sacred and tile worldly, between light and darkness, between Israel Formerly Kosher King and the nations ..." Schindler calls it ,. outreach." Others would call it ,. irreverent" or "destructive." The Whitehead Hall Brooklyn College rabbis already had their say on the failure to differentiate. L.T. 36 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 at the RYE TOWN HILTON 699 Westchester Avenue Port Chester, New York Town of Rye Garden Weddings Bar Mitzvah Weekends Magnificent Country Setting Call Your Hilton Reservation Service - Group Center. Ivan Brent (914) 939-6300 ][ Director of Catering The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 37 Kamenitzer Inaccuracies Letters to 1/ze Ediwr To the Editor: The Observer's recent article about Reb Boruch Ber Leibowitz ("The Kamenitzer Partnership,'' < ii Oct. '80) had a number of inac curacies. The articles stated that Reb Reuvain Grozovsky edited and published the Birkas Shmuel. Reb Reuvain would have been the first to protest this inaccuracy. The Bir several points in regards to that kas Shmuel was edited and pub Chaim Shapiro and Geography article that I would like to make. lished by a nephew of Reb Boruch In a footnote on p. 18 of his Ber-Reb Chaim Sholom Leibowitz To the Editor: article, Shapiro writes that a Jewish 7"n He devoted his life to this pur As usual, I greatly enjoyed read university student by the name of pose of editing and publishing the ing Chaim Shapiro's article on the Dora Kaplan shot Lenin, and that Birkas Shmuel. The first volume of Gedolim of pre-War Lithuania in he died 6 months later. In fact, the Birkas Shmuel was published the October, 1980 issue of your fine Lenin was shot and wounded by during Reb Boruch Ber's lifetime. publication. However there are Dora Kaplan in 1918, but died in Reb Boruch Ber himself gave my 1924. father Reb Sholom (as his contem I would also like to urge Mr. poraries called him) the responsibi Congratulations Shapiro to use standard English lity of putting his writing in order. to transliterations of Russian and During the war, my father ?"T Rabbi Yehudah Oelbaum K"~•'iw Polish towns he mentions in his resolved that if G-d spared his life, the askon and marbiti Torah articles. Thus, for example, when he would see to it that the Birkas par excellence Shapiro refers to the city where Reb Shmuel be published. upon his election to the Baruch Ber succeeded his father-in He edited it, raised money for it presidency of the law as Rav, he refers to it as "Kar to be published, and published it. It Agudath Israel mentzug,'" the standard spelling in was his life's work. English of this city is Kremenchug ofBoro Park/16th Avenue (Encyclopedia judaica Vol. 10). In In the current (offset) reprints, under the rabbonus of doing some research on this city one there is a quotation from Reb Reu Horav Hagaon would also find that in 1879, the vain Grozovsky stating that were it Rav Yisroel Perkowski l<"t3'?tl.7 Malbim was invited by the city to not for Reb Sholom there would not be its Rav, but died in Kiev, on his be a Birkas Shmuel. from way there. Kremenchug was also an Regarding Reb Boruch Ber's Talmidim, friends, and admirers important center of Lubavitcher passing there were also inaccura Chassidim. Similarly, when Shapiro cies. My Uncle Reb Nochum Leibo refers to the native town of Rabbi witz 7"t was present as was Reb All Seforim reviewed in Yaakov Kamenetzky and Rabbi Reuvain, my father, and a number this month's Jewish Yaakov Ruderman, he spells it as of other talmidim (Rabbi Bobrovsky Dolinov. In fact the accepted Eng was not even in the yeshiva at the Observer are available lish transliteration of this town is time). Reb Boruch Ber was niftar at either Dolginovo or Dolhinow during the day. Apparently he felt (Encyclopedia Judaica v.6). By his time had come. He said Krias r using standard spelling, Shapiro Shma, lay down in bed, held the Eichler's would greatly aid the interested hand of one of his younger tal 1429 Coney Island Ave. reader in gathering more informa midim, and was niftar. This talmid (between J & K) tion on those towns mentioned. was later killed in the war. Brooklyn, NY 11230 (212) 258-7643 ZALMAN ALPERT MRS. ESTHER LANDAU New Haven, Conn. Brooklyn, NY WE SHIP WORLDWIDE 38 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 As for the account of Reb Boruch moving to New York It was he who Chaim Shapiro replies: Ber's passing-I was not present at told me the details of the petira the time, but my source of informa (passing), While he had mentioned I have all of Reb Boruch' s seforim tion is impeccable: Reb Yaakov the name of the other ta/mid with and I am acquainted with all the Bobrowski 7"1, a native of Kame him-it could have been Reb prefaces, In no way do I wish to nitz, who was a long-time talmid of Sholom or Reb Nochum-I had diminish the great work of Reb Reb Boruch Ber, For many years, he since forgotten the name, Other Sholom Leibowitz, He was not only was a Rosh Yeshiva in Baltimore at wise, the entire episode is correct as a nephew of the Rosh Yeshiva, but the Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim, later stated, also one of the outstanding talmi dim of the yeshiva, and a great baa/ chesed, as welL In fact, I personally consider him a "shtikel rebbi of Housecleaning only -Why you? mine," for he was one of the iber zogers of the Rosh Yeshiva's shiur (those who would review the lecture High School diploma - What's next? for the other talmidim), and I would ··,\' occasionally attend his iberzogen Bachelor's Degree - Not enough? sessions. Remember, however, that we are talking about the writings of Reb Boru ch Ber, some of which were transcribed before Reb Sholom Choose an Office Career! was even born!. It is known that in preparation of the first sefer pub CVI - Business Skills Division lished in Poland during the Rosh Yeshiva's lifetime, it was Reb offers you Business Courses: Reuvain who ran up and down the • on modern electric typewriters and steps a hundred times a day-cor up-to-date texts recting, changing, discussing every line and word with Reb Boruch Ber, • in large cheerful rooms So the first sefer was indeed a pro • with dedicated, qualified teachers duct of Reb Reuvain's effort As for the rest of the k'sovim • placement assistance available (writings), Reb Sholom did not upon graduation carry them with him to Siberia or Kazakhstan; Reb Reuvain brought them to New York. Hence my state New classes begin January 1981 ment "without Reb Reuvain, Reb Enroll in the courses of your choice: Boru ch Ber's seforim would have Legal Secretary never been published" stands cor rect, While in New York, Reb Executive Secretary Reuvain occupied as he was with General Secretary his many responsibilities, handed over the assignment to Reb Sholom. Bookkeeping/Typing One may presume that Reb Reu Typing/ Office Procedures vain had his eye on the texts before publication, This does not, by any FOR MORE INFORMATION means, diminish the great work AND ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES done by Reb Sholom on the rest of CALL C, V,/c 587-9257 the seforim! Perhaps it should have Business Skills Division 1 been mentioned in the article-but remember, we are writing about Reb Reuvain, not about Reb CopeVocational Sholom, Anyway, I am certainly pleased Institute that Reb Sholom has a daughter who guards his memory and kavod, Registered by the New York State Educ;atiori Department He surely deserves it. The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 39 ™• HOW TO REFUTE The argument that Reb Yaakov I CHRISTIAN was not even in the yeshiva at the Jonas Chemical Corp. time is totally unrelated to the facts. MISSIONARIES True, Reb Yaakov had studied in Import-export of chemicals, Get the new book that has Mir also, but he was drafted into the pharmaceutical intermediates everything you need to know. Polish Army just before the war. (I • FIVE BEEKMAN STREET Write: Hamoroh Press, NEW YORK, N. Y. 10038 P.O. Box 48862-C recall when he came to the yeshiva PHONE: 212.732·1818 in uniform with the long sword TX'S: 423616, 667409 . Los Angeles, Ca. 90048 hanging from his left side, during a .JO_r:-:i~THA_":'-1___ ~'3-~~~ for more details . military furlough, we all joked: L L-~~-----·------· -----~ ]eszcze Polske nie zginela*? With such soldiers, she surely is lost!" And indeed, a few months later the Germans attacked; the 18th Cen tury Polish army on horseback, swinging its swords, was pitted against the German tanks, and fell in exactly three days.) Out of uni form, Reb Yaakov went to Vilna; as soon as he heard that his rebbe, Reb Boruch Ber, was ill and dying, he 4105 - 16th Avenue did not waste any time, and joined Brooklyn, New York 11204 him at his bedside for his last hours. SERVICES • F AMIL'/ COUNSELING CHAIM SHAPIRO • SOCIAL SERVICES • SPEECH, VOCATIONAL, AND OCCUPATIONAL, AND PHYSICAL THERAPY Baal Teshuva Issue: • MEDICAL SERVICES No Mention of • PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES • TESTING AND EVALUATION Yeshiva University • ADOPTION SERVICES To the Editor: FACILITIES • FOSTER HOtv:FS Your issue on the institutions and • SPECIAL HOMf.S FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN programs for Baalei Teshuva proved •GROUP HOMES FOR AUTISTIC RETARDED AND MULTIPLY to be most informative and interest HANDICAPPED BABIES AND CHILDREN • SUMMER CAMPS \.VITH COMPREHENSIVE THERAPEUTIC PROGRAM ON SEPARATE ing. Yet it seems as if one of the CAMPUSES FOR BOYS & GIRLS earliest and primary yeshivot for Baalei Teshuva was ignored. BRANCHES Yeshiva University's James Striar WILLIAMSBURGH BOROPARK School was begun over twenty 147 Pen~ Street 4105-16th Avenue years ago with the singular purpose (212) 642-5892 {212) 851·6570 of attracting, exciting, and educat I3athsheva Mandel Rabbi David Singer ing the religiously ignorant. Many Executive Director President Rabbeim at J.5.5. have gone on to open their own yeshivot, both in America and Eretz Yisroel. The •••••••••••••••••••••• thousands of Talmidim that have MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW FOR MISHKON'S ELEGANT AND DISTINCTIVE TESTIMONIAL DINNER SORRY- MARCH 8, 1981 8:00 PM. At the New Spectacular we must stop sel'Jding PALACE HOTEL THE JEWISH0.BSERVE:tl IN when your subscription NEW YORK runs out ... don't miss Frances Mandell, Guest of Honor a single issue •. RENEW 1'/0W ! The Honorable Harvey L. Strelzin, Honorary Dinner Chairman Jerry Goodman, Dinner Chairman *"Poland is not lost yet" -first line of the Polish national anthem. teeiiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiii •• iiiii4ii¥MMMl4iiiii88¥38888111 HMM 40 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 learned and become Torah-true plane, I saw imprinted on the boxes: connected with a kashrus supervis Jews through the efforts of J.5.5. is "A. Popodakous, Food Commisary, ing organization and therefore can its most eloquent statement of Athens." only recommend that the readers success. I knew that there was no kosher exercise their own caution before Yeshiva University has also inno restaurant in Athens, but I preferred purchasing items or making use of not to depend on my own knowledge. In services advertised in these pages. vated outreach programs for young front of me sat Rabbi Yitzchok Mezan, and old, programs now over a the Rabbi of Athens. He assured me that Nonetheless, we surely would not quarter of a century old! Before there is no kosher food and that El Al accept advertising of a product or a J.E.P., N.C.S.Y., and S.E.E.D., the according to official arrangement brings service when we have reason to Yeshiva was in touch with the the food from elsewhere for its flights suspect questionable kashrus. This Jewish community via seminars and from Athens. is done, at times, at great financial Shabbatonim, which now extend "But I saw-" I protested. sacrifice, but we attempt to main throughout America, Canada, "Impossible!" said Rabbi Mezan. tain this high standard, to continue South America, New Zealand and Several minutes later, a flight atten- to earn the confidence of our dant passed by with several empty Australia. No review or overview of readers. NW boxes and I grabbed one (apologizing the Baal Teshuva movement can be for my rudeness) and showed the box to complete until these vibrant and Rabbi Mezan. The name was clearly The source, ef course, ongoing programs have at least lettered with the Greek name of the food at Vera and Goldie's been mentioned. manufacturer-nothing Jewish nor JOSEPH RABINOWITZ Kosher. "What was in these boxes?" for all your sportswear Brooklyn N. Y. asked Rabbi Mezan. and fashion accessories. "Food," answered the flight atten dant. "We had more passengers than Why don't you stop in next expected and we had to pick up extra time you 're in Bora Park? Responsibility In Advertising food in Athens." "And where did you gel it from?" I 0% off on any purchase for To the Editor: "From the Rabbinate," answered the saying "Hello" flight attendant without a moment's I look forward to the arrival of I 5 70 53rd Street, Brooklyn. each issue of The Jewish Obser hesistation. ver-as do many of my friends to "But I am the Rabbi-" 851-7704 "Forgive me, I mean the 'shochet'." whom I pass it on. However your El "But I am the 'shochet'-" • very pleasant atmosphere Al ad has distressed me very much, "That can't be!" • no pressure salesmanship especially " ... our kitchen is as But it could be. For indeed Rabbi Kosher as yours." I am surprised Mezan produced his documents testify • come in and convince that nobody ever wrote in to chal ing to the fact that he was the rabbi and yourself lenge this distorted fact. the 'shochet' (and the 'chazon,' and the It's the best place to shop Enclosed please find a letter to the 'mohel,' ... ) for the small Jewish com· editor of the Hamodia (Agudath munity in Athens. Israel's daily newspaper published Now the flight attendant told us a in Jerusalem) which needs no third story: "We only gave this food to non-Jews •..." The 18th Ave. Mlkvah further comment. (The letter from Whoever chooses to, may believe ofCongr. and Yeshiva Hamaor Hamad ia follows.) him; but. ... 5012 18th Ave Brooklyn NY 11204 (MRS.) TOVA LEVY DA vro ScHAPS 633-7724 Jerusalem, Israel Jerusalem, Israel During the winter the Mikvah 'Nill be open every night until 10,00 PM (Please (translated from a letter to the editor, call for later appointments). HAMODIA 19 Elul 5740/August 31, We wish to express our heartiest thanks 1980) for all our friends and supporters who Kashrus and El Al back our Mikvah as the most Kosher Mikvah serving our community, and we In its overseas advertising in Jewish Editorial Comment: look to their continued support. periodical, El Al claims: "dur kitchen is Each issue of The Jewish Obser Our 15 year old Mikvah. now reno vated and enlarged is recognized for Its as Kosher as yours." I have never flown ver carries a disclaimer stating in your kitchen yet, but in the El Al kashrus and as being under constant flights, things do not appear lo be as that the magazine" does not assume supervision of gedolei harabonnim, setv Kosher as they are in their advertise responsibility for the kashrus of ing the communtty'Ntth excellent service, any product or service advertised in comfort and convenience ments. l was aboard Flight 542 from -The Administration- Athens to Israel on 28 Av (August 10, its pages." This does not mean that 1980) and when the flight attendant we are indifferent to kashrus. brought the food to the last rows on the Rather, the JO is not in any way The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 41 ORTHODOX JUDAISM NEW STRENGTH IN MIDWEST, AGUDATH ISRAEL CONFERENCE HEARS Cleve/and-"Orthodox Judaism in the Midwest is the only force in Jewish life in that region which is on the rise," ran as a cen~ tral theme throughout the entire proceedings of the Midwest Conference of Agudath Israel of America, which closed here on Sunday October 19th. Orthodox community leaders from cities throughout the region participat ed in the weekend conclave, which was held at the Telshe Yeshiva. Rabbi Mordechai Gifter, Rosh Yeshiva of Telshe and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah (Council of Torah Sages), address ing the theme of" Applying Torah Standards to Everyday Life," said that the study of Torah ''goes beyond knowledge; it actually directs Jews how to live in every aspect of life." Rabbi Gifter called for a rededication to ha lac ha as the guide for people's action in business and the professions. Secular Jewish organizations were urged to ''read the handwriting on the wall, that with out a return to authentic Judaism, Jewish life Rabbi Gffi:er addressing Midwest Conference in this country will wither and vanish, despite all the efforts of these groups to pro strengthened Orthodoxy to "lend its Israel of Cleveland, and Rabbi Shmuel vide ersatz expressions of Jewish living," in a resources to reach out to the uncommitted Bloom, administrative director of Agudath keynote address by Rabbi Moshe Sherer, Jewish masses." Rabbi Chaim Dov Keller, Israel of America. president of Agudath Israel of America and Rosh Yeshiva of the Telshe Yeshiva of On Shabbos morning, addresses were chairman of the Agudath Israel World Chicago, said that both the internal devel heard from Rabbi Chaskel Grubner of Organization. He scored the Jewish defense opment of the Torah community and the Detroit, Rabbi Chaim Stein, Rosh Yeshiva agencies for "promulgating to the general building of bridges to the still uncommitted Menahel Ruchni at Telshe, and Rabbi Naftali public an image of a totally secularized who seek authentic Judaism are of para Friedler, Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Israel of Jewish community, thus greasing the wheels mount importance. He added: "Obviously Toronot. Greetings were givt>n by Rabbi of the extremist Christian groups which are those who are equipped to educate uncom Chaim Nussbaum and Mr. Herman Landau exploiting the rampant secularism in society mitted Jews should channel their energies in of Toronto. Rabbi Chaim Shmeltzer of Chi to call for a Christian nation in the United that direction." Rabbi Yitzchok Kerzner, cago greeted the keynote session on Saturday States." "We must be defended from our rabbi of the Clanton Park Synagogue in night. defenders," Rabbi Sherer stated, and called Toronto, said, "Orthodoxy can win over the On Sunday morning, the convention held for Orthodox Jews to coalesce into a power masses by setting an example of high stan two workshops on youth and legislation. fui force internationally to press for tradi dards and by continuing to develop its own Participants included Rabbi Menachem tional Torah values as the sole basis for institutions." He said that the spheres of Lubinsky, director of Government and Pub Jewish policy decisions. operation for Orthodox Jews should be the lic Affairs of Agudath Israel of America, Echoing this theme at the keynote session entire Jewish community, adding: "G-d has Rabbi Shmuel Kaufman (Detroit), Rabbi on Saturday night at the Hebrew Academy in no favorites of one Jew over another." Yitzchok Bider {Chicago), Rabbi N. W. Cleveland was a presidium member of Agu For the delegates and guests who spent the Dessler (Cleveland) and Dr. Abba Spero dath Israel of America from New York, Rabbi Shabbos in the Te!she Yeshiva, the weekend (Cleveland). Yaakov Perlow (Novominsker Rebbe). He was a two-fold spiritual experience: the · Nshei Agudath Israel held simultaneous added: "An easy 'custOm-tailored Judaism' atmosphere at one of America's largest Torah sessions for ladies at the convention. In addi has now replaced the tribulations of the prac campuses was in itself memorable, and the tion, Zeirei Agudath Israel also met in ticing Jew of yesteryear; the challenge facing stimulating sessions at the convention gave separate youth sessions, while representa the Torah Jew today is the quality of his the delegates from the Midwest communities tives of the National Council of Nshei Jewish living." He urted Jewish parents to an opportunity to recharge their spiritual Agudath Women met with the local delega encourage their children to seek careers in batteries. tions to discuss how to expand the programs Jewish education as a first step in providing Friday night, the overflow crowd for Nshei Women in the Midwest. religious training in Judaism to nearly addressed by Rabbi Gifter also heard an 1,000,000 young American Jews who receive address by Rabbi Joshua Fishman, a member no meaningful Jewish heritage studies. of the directorate of Torah Umesorah, the At a session on the "Priorities of the Torah National Society of Hebrew Day Schools. FV 7-1750 Community: Kiruv Rechokim or Chizuk Other speakers were Rabbi Aisik Ausband, K'rovim - Reaching In or Reaching out," a Rosh Yeshiva at Telshe, and Rabbi Yehuda ~·~"'~t ... ~t' prominent Yeshiva dean from Chicago joined Blum of Cleveland. The chairmen were Mr. it:Wr"':"'C 1~~ •:::.·~·r"':"'"'~~~· a noted Toronto rabbi in calling on a Henry Lowenthal, president of Ap;udath 42 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 AGUDATH ISRAEL AGENCY HELPS 42 RUSSIAN JEWISH FAMILIES CELEBRATE The happy sounds of "Maza/ Tov" and "L'chayim" echoed numerous times as 42 Russian immigrant families celebrated Jewish simchas in special programs arranged by Pro ject RISE (Russian Immigrant Services and Education) of Agudath Israel of America. For 40 of the celebrants, the occasion was a bris mi/ah and subsequent pidyon haben, and a Bar Mitzvah, but for two of the families it was a wedding. Marina Leytman celebrated her first year in the U.S. last September after coming here from Kiev. A student at Agudath Israel's COPE Vocational Institute, she learned about Judaism from RISE staff members and volunteers. Marina married 20-year-old Alec Gleyzer, also a recent Soviet emigre, at a festive ceremony at the Agudath Israel Center of Midwood. All the divisions of Agudath Israel, under the direction of Mrs. Rochel Miller, joined to arrange every aspect of the wedding, ranging from the dinner to household items for the couple's new home. Tears of joy could be seen on the faces of Marina and Alec's friends as Rabbi Yaakov Pasternak, spiritual leader of Congregation Ahavas Achim, officiated at the chupa. When the young groom shattered the tradi Hospital participate in the RISE program. A (Al Tidom), Rabbi Shimon Rabin and Mr. tional glass, it set off hours of joyous celebra large group of Russian youngsters will David Stienmetz (Young Israel of Sheeps tion. The festivities continued during the shortly join in those already circumcised. head Bay), Rabbi Yechezkel Pikus (Brighton week-long sheva brachos celebrations, Project RISE staff and volunteers who Beach Jewish Community Council), and which included one hosted by the Agudath helped arrange the festivities include Rabbi Reverend Sholom Kleinman (former cantor Israel staff at 5 Beekman Street. Shmuel Friedler, Gitty Lichtenstein, Chaya of the Moscow Synagogue). Chairman of the 13-year-old Eliezer Pedalski celebrated Ginzburg, Rose Pollack and Faye Laufer. Par~ celebrations was Rabbi Herschel Augenbaum three times within days. first, it was a bris, ticipants in the programs include Rabbi of Project RISE. then a pidyon haben, and finally his Bar Sholom Ginzburg, Rabbi Harry Bronstein Mitzvah. He was one of ten children who were toasted at a seudas mitz.vah held in their honor at the Young Israel of Sheepshead Bay. RABBI DAVID GROSSMAN NAMED DIRECTOR OF As parents watched in delight over their WORLD AGUDAH N.Y. OFFICE newly found Jewish nachas, new yarmulkas embroidered with their Jewish names were Rabbi David Grossman has been named Feinstein (of Mesifta Tifereth Jerusalem, placed on their heads. the executive director of the new office of the where he studied). Earlier that day, one month old Baruch Agudath Israel World Organization which In his new position, Rabbi Grossman will Yosef Giterman was the youngest of 30 chil opened in New York City in October, it was oversee the activities of the Agudath Israel dren who marked their bris and pidyon announced by Rabbi Moshe Sherer, chair World Organization on the American con haben at Congregation Bnei Shlomo Zalman man of the organization's international tinent, with particular emphasis on assis in Flatbush. Yosef, who was circumcised on executive. The new New York office is one of tance to spiritually underdeveloped countries his eighth day of life through RISE, was the two World Agudah offices which are in Latin America. The new office of the named after his grandfather, Rabbi Yosef being opened in the Diaspora after the World Agudah will also concentrate on the Dimond, a former chief rabbi of Odessa. Knessia Gedolah (World Congress) that was implementation of resolutions adopted at the Rabbi Ephraim Oratz, director of Project recently held in Israel, in addition to the Jeru Knessia Gedolah, including lifting the levels RISE, stressed the strong community sup salem head office, which has been in exis of Torah education, aid to the Baal Teshuva port in making these occasions possible. He tence many years. The other office in the movement, linkage with the Zurich office added: "In each of the celebrations large Golah will be in Zurich, Switzerland. which is coordinating the organization's numbers of people from the community par A prominent educator and social service work for the rescue and resettlement of Jews ticipated. Community involvement is the key leader, Rabbi Grossman has been affiliated from lands of peril, and in general building to success in our work." with Agudath Israel of America for many bridges between Orthodox Jewish com The successful bris program of Project years, most recently as the director of the munities globally. RISE arranged for the circumcision of all of Bora Park Senior Citizens Center. He is a The new international Agudist offices are the children. Such medical institutions as former student of the Telshe Yeshiva of located in a special suite at 5 Beekman Street, Maimonides Medical Center and Beth Israel Cleveland, and a musmach of Rabbi Moshe New York City. The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 43 1 $4 MILLION GRANTED FOR BORO PARK-WEST HOUSING PROJECT FOR THE JEWISH ELDERLY "CllC1 :111 ii:=,, i~CI A major community rehabilitation pro ,,, 7Y M'7llM7 cli1Mtl1 wi1pn J11V7J Boro President Howard Golden comment gram for the western portion of the Baro ed, "The survival of this country lies in its $2.59 i'ntln - JMl:liYJ "'lVlM Jin Park section of Brooklyn will shortly be put communities. Boro Park has a bright future nNJ1K '?tv Ntin:i 7Y ":"'IN,,N ,,»W,, i::io into motion as a result of the announcement because it is so well organized and has devel pw?-:i C"i:ii nNnN ni::i?n CY O'i:ii of a $4 million federal grant to the Southern oped the expertise and the relationship to get C"M ;:,i;i ,,., 7Y M"7lJN7 Oliinoi wiip:i Brooklyn Community Organization, a pro the job done." ject of Agudath Israel of America. The alloca Congressman Stephen Solarz and Con $2.59 i'Mtl0 - f'lVlY7 tion is for the conversion of a number of four gressman Leo Zeferetti, in whose district the ?w 1wn 7Y "pnin ipw i=i~ i~c story walkups into a modern senior citizen project will be built, led the fight in Washing '7:ii nYi n:rJ:i. '7:i ipw "110'M ·?ni ipw housing development to be called "West End ton to obtain the necessary funds. Congress $3.59 1'MOil - itJOK icino Gardens.'' man Solarz lauded SBCO "for its creative approach to making use of federal funds for pYn 7Y "C"1V1ipn '>Miur .. oi~i1p Victor Marrero, Undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban the betterment of the community." - :ii"til1 :io'pl 1?il1 :ii"Ol1 :io'pl 1:iw Development, Borough President Howard Undersecretary Victor Marrero comment $2.00 i"no:i Golden, Congressman Stephen Solarz and ed, "From my early days at City Planning, I j:'i¥~,, i11:l0i1 7Y pi? 'O!:liUO C1'0l1j' Congressman Leo C. Zeferetti headed the list was impressed by the perserverance of this ~::i? 01Nil M"l1 '?i1 CY "1n'7:1' ~i!)tv~ of government officials at special ceremonies community to get things done." Referring to held at the Metropolitan Jewish Geriatric the SIS0,000 Neighborhood Self-Help Grant $2. 95 i'Mtln - M1J1 Center on November 2nd. The West End from HUD recently obtained by SBCO in Gardens development will be located at 10th cooperation witH' the Sunset Park Redevelop Avenue and 44th Street and will house 74 ment Committee (SPRC), Marrero said, "I :iiin:i '?11:u~ nio::ion cY efficiency and one bedroom apartments. The value the unique partnership between two MMl:l project will be funded under Section 202 of groups representing communities of different Rabbi Hillel Lit\vack the National Housing Act. The announce ethnicities. This project should be a model 500 E. 3rd Street ment was made by Henry Hirsch, President for other groups to emulate." of the Boro Park Community Development West End Gardens will provide a complete Brooklyn, N.Y. 11218 Corporation, and by David M. Singer, Chair range of social services as well as community man of SBCO. room facilities in cooperation with Maimo Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz, Executive Direc nides Medical Center, Metropolitan Jewish tor of SBCO, credited the Ford Foundation Geriatric Center and the Agudath Israel of and the State Department of Housing and America Commission on Senior Citiziens. Community Renewal with providing the The social service staff will be augmented by initial funding to help SBCO get organized. a number of student interns from Wurz Rabbi Lefkowitz also praised two major com weiler School of Social Work. munity institutions - Maimonides Medical Center and the Metropolitan Jewish Geriatric Center for their heavy involvement in the r Boro Park-West revitalization project and announced a $30,000 grant from philanthro I YESHIVA pist Jack Aron. TORAHVODAATH &MESIVTA THE WORLD FAMOUS 425 9th Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. DIGEST OF MEFORSHIM is proud to announce this year's ·~ii'; iri::: ·~ij:'1:i ANNUAL 7"il i,;u?x 7xi~w ,, l"fl1i'I~ Available at MELAVE MALKA LEKUTEI INC. scheduled for Motzei Shabbos Kodesh clo I. Rosenberg 17 ADAR I 10 West 47th Street, Room 702 Saturday Evening, New York, N. Y. 10036 February 21, 1981 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, tendered in honor of our Medrash, Megilos and Talmud. dear friends and devoted parents Proceeds of sales distributed among MR.&MRS. Yeshivos and used for reprinting JACK and LILA WOLLMAN of volumes out-of-print We ask that all organizations PRICE $6 PER VOLUME please reserve this date. '--~~~~~~~~~~~~ 44 The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 JEWS CONCERNED OVER U.S. ENERGY FUTURE, AGUDATH ISRAEL CONFERENCE HEARS New York Leaders Skeptical Over National Policy While the new chairman of the U.S. extracting oil to the point of considering is not only of concern to us because of its Synthetic Fuel Corporation was upbeat dropping other taxes, the Northeast is finan obvious domestic implications but also obout this country's energy future, an cially depressed." because of the consequences on the security Orthodox Jewish leader who served on a Senator John Marchi, chairman of the of Israel." panel expressed concern over the "impact of New York State Senate Finance Committee, Rabbi Menachem Lubinsky, director of the energy crunch on the Jewish com echoed the bipartisan concerns of the new Government and Public Affairs of Agudath munity," before 250 prominent participants national approach and its impact on New Israel, who opened the conference, said that at the sixth annual Breakfast Conference on York. He attacked those states who were Agudath Israel devoted the sixth in a series of Social Concerns sponsored by Agudath Israel fighting other states on such issues as conferences on social concerns to energy of America on Sunday, October 26, at the energy: "We're not 50 separate nations at because "in many respects this subject New York Hilton. Dr. John C. Sawhill, who war with each other." embraces issues that we discus.sed over the is also the U.S. Undersecretary of Energy, Peter Goldmark, executive director of the years; for energy today effects our com- was the principal speaker on the theme of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, 1nunities, our cities, our middle-class, our "America and Its Energy Future: Self said he was "wary about the lack of govern poor, our jobless and even our ability to be Suffidency or Continual Dependency." ment policy to improve energy usage in com independent in foreign policy." Dr. Aaron Twerski, a professor of law at mercial and government buildings." The During a special award ceremony, Rabbi Hofstra University, who serves as chairman landlord of the World Trade Center said he Moshe Sherer, president of Agudath Israel of of Agudath Israel's Commission on Legisla was concerned that the Synthetic Fuels Pro America and chairman of the Agudath Israel tion and Civic Action, rejected the federal gram could not be implemented fast enough. World Organization, presented Agudath energy blueprint for the 1990's, adding; Goldmark urged a greater U.S. emphasis on Israel's 1980 NeW Horizons Award to New "The Orthodox Jewish community cannot increased coal production. York City Deputy Mayor Nathan Leventhal wait till then. Families with many children, Dr. Seymciur Lachman, university dean for "opening new horizons for the com and particularly our institutions, are in and professor of history of education at the munities of our town by stabilizing and jeopardy now over the skyrocketting energy City University of New York, who served as revitalizing neighborhoods, which are the costs." He added that the expression com chairman of the conference, said that'' energy strength of our city and nation." monly used by politicians that "Orthodox Jews will get equal treatment and a fair share GLOBAL OUTREACH PROGRAM, of government services is unfair [because] "CHIZUK" ESTABLISHED: LINKS U.S.A.-ISRAEL Orthodox Jews do not use up the tax dollars for many of the services needed by other A new program to reach out to uncom seling, home hospitality, social· services, groups such as for public education, drug mitted Jews on an international scale has Chavrusa programs, and .a Jewish resource rehabilitation, or juvenile delinquency." been opened in New York as an outgrowth of library. Dr. Sawhill said that energy self-suf the Sixth Knessia Gedolah {Agudist World "Chizuk-The Torah Link" will seek to ficiency was a "critical national objective," Congress), it was announced by Rabbi reach out to all elements within the Jewish adding: "The U.S. must achieve that level of Moshe Sherer, chairman of the executive of community, to offer every possible· service to self-sufficiency which assures the protection the Agudath Israel World Organization. The save Jewish youth from the scourges of the of our national security, the independent new agency, named "Chizuk-The Torah rampant assimilation in this country. A functioning of our foreign policy and our Link," will offer a broad range of services special hotline has been established, which economic strength." particularly geared to young Jewish adults Jewish youth is encouraged to phone: (212) The importance of the new Synthetic Fuels from non-religious homes who seek to 791-1848. Program as a solution to the U.S. energy broaden their knowledge of Judaism. dilemma was cited by Dr. Sawhill: "The "Chizuk-The Torah Link" will also fea AGUOATH ISRAEL SERVICE Synthetic Fuels Program will allow us to gain ture a follow-through program for the young FOR "OAF YOMI" STUDENTS a better grip on our own destiny, domesti men and women who had studied in institu In order to enable larger numbers of Jews cally and internationally. It will help prevent tions especially geared for Baalei TeShuva in to join the Oaf Yomi daily Talmud study pro us from being captive to production and pric Israel, returning to the United States. They gram, the Oaf Yomi Commission of Agudath ing policies of a foreign oil cartel and to will be provided with ongoing courses in Israel of America has named Rabbi Shmar assure our ability to set our national security Judaism to maintain their Torah study pro yahu Karelitz, a noted Torah scholar, as the and foreign policy objectives free of interfer grams, as well as with home hospitality for Director of this project. ence. The implications for the U.S. economy Shabbos. Rabbi Karelitz, a nephew of the revered and for the U.S. as a world power are The new agency, which is already func Chazon Ish 7":iT, will provide a unique ser obvious." tioning out of a special office at 5 Beekman vice to students of the Oaf Yomi who may But Assemblyman Stanley Fink, Speaker Street, New York City, is headed by Rabbi encounter difficulties with a particular sec of the New York State Assembly, the first of David Goldwasser, former Southern Region tion of the Talmud folio being studied that four panelists, attacked the Synfuel program Director of the National Conference of Syna day. When individuals or groups _find that calling it "expensive and environmentally gogue Youth. It also will provide young their progress in the Talmud study is destructive." The Speaker argued that it Jewish adults seeking to strengthen their stumped by a complex problem, they can "would do nothing for us here in the North bonds with Judaism with a wide range of ser now simply pick up the telephone and phone east." He added: "While Western states were vices including arranging classes on all levels Rabbi Karelitz any time of ay or evening for a experiencing a bonanza through taxation for in Jewish study, individual and family coun- clarification: (212) 337-5729. The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 45 MISHKON PSYCHOLOGIST NEW YORK YESHIVOS RECEIVE DISCOVERS NEW WAY TO Pincus Mandel I FEDERAL ENERGY GRANTS Cemetery Consultant HELP AUTISTIC CHILD Representative of Chevres Several New York State yeshivas were Kadisha of Jerusalem amongst the recipients of special energy with karka available on Har Ha· Montreal, Can. At the American Psycho grants for schools and hospitals under the logical Association Conference at Montreal, zaitim, Har Hamnuchot and federal National Conservation Act, it was Canada, Septerber 4, 1980, Dr:' Ezra 5. announced by Professor Aaron Twerski, Sanhedria. Karka also obtain· Gampe! described a new technique for break chairman of the Commission on Legislation able on all other Community· ing through to the autistic child or adult in a and Civic Action of Agudath Israel of owned Cemeteries in Eretz Yis significant way. America. The program is channeled through rael, controlled and maintained Autism in children has been with us for the New York State Energy Office, under by the Chevra Kadisha of the thousands of years, yet it was only in 1943 Commissioner James L. LaRocca. Community. that Dr. Kammer first described early infan According to Professor Twerski, seven tile autism. Since then, as Dr. Gampel points yeshivos and Jewish girls schools were 1569 47th Street out, ... "there have been many attempts at awarded small Technical Assistance Grants, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219 determining the underlying deficits in the which now makes them eligible for more sig Day and Night Phone autistic syndrome." nificant funding under the actual Energy (212) 855-5121 Conservation Measures Grant. In this phase Dr. Gampel attacks the problem as one of of the program, the yeshivas will actually Honesty - Integrity - "'responsiveness." Since the autistic child or receive reimbursement for converting to less Responsibility adult is one who is locked into an inner world expensive energy either through the installa from which he cannot escape by himself, he Over 25 Years of Dedicated Service to tion of more efficient equipment or renova is helpless to respond to outside stimulus. He the Orthodox Jev.rish Community tions of their facilities to reduce the costs for is also terrified by it. This combination of heating, cooling and lighting. lack of speech combined with the inner fear The participation of the yeshivas in the intimidates the child from reaching through. l'cSi:n;i'Mial:le "'1nrner!IBI~ program is a result of the efforts of the Agu Dr. Gampel employs an intensive inter dath Israel legislative commission, which SUPERVISORS, SPECIAilSTS and personal contact which continues despite the sponsored several seminars for the yeshivas COUNSELORS in the ORTHODOX screaming and he finds (1) that this scream during the last 1979-80 school year. The DAY CAMPS ing subsides; (2) the child relaxes and actu sessions, which were arranged in conjunction sponsored by the Williamsburg and ally makes eye contact with the therapist. with the New York State Energy Office, pro Bore Park YM-YWHA's. When the session is over the child is relaxed vided the yeshivas with the basic information Send brief resume or write Ellie Kastel for a and aware of his surroundings for up to 15 necessary to file for the grants and enabled staff application: minutes. In this time Dr. Gampel believes the institutions to learn more about the pro BORO PARR YM·YWHA that the child can learn through play therapy gram in general. 4912-14Avenue and become conditioned to being aware and In making the announcement of the grants Brooklyn, New York 11219 learning. As the pleasure of doing things to the yeshivas, Agudath Israel's legislative (212) 438-5921 grows, the child becomes less fearful of out commission noted: "The skyrocketing A member agency of1he Federation of Jewish Philanthro side stimulus where he actually responds to energy costs of our Jewish institutions are pies ofNewYork questions of a simple nature. most directly responsible for their persistent r ------·- ·- ·--- - .. - --·- -- - I financial plight. While some energy costs of yeshivos increased by 225% in the last 20 Is your nan1t~ and address printed incorrectly on the JO mnlling label? l 1 months, neither philanthropic support nor /\re you rnovlng? l"-lelp us deliver your ~JO to you as efflciently as poss1 tuition by parents has kept pace with the blll, Pll~ase attach current mailing label in space below: or else prlnt clear, I sharply higher costs for energy." 1~1 your address as we now' have lt. Although the grants totalled just over $12,000, they are significant ln that they will Name now open the way for the yeshivas to partici pate in the larger Energy Conservation Address . Measure Program. The yeshivos and girls schools that were beneficiaries of the first and Otv. St~te. Zip .. second cycle of the program are the Beth Sara Print your correct (or tiew) narne and address hL>re: School for Girls, Sara Schenirer High School for Girls, Yeshiva M'kor Chaim, Achiezer Nan1c .. Yeshiva, Yeshiva Taras Chaim of South Adch·Staten Island, and the Torah High School of City. State. Zip .. Long Beach. In the coming round, Agudath Israel will Mail to: team up with the State Energy Office to The Jewish Observer supply energy auditors for institutions that I 5 Beekman St/N.Y.C 100'.l8 they will want to apply for the third cycle L----- now scheduled for early 1981. The Jewish Observer I November, 1980 46 New! and an excellent gift Exclusive Caterers at the Elegant COTILLION TERRACE 7307 18th Avenue, Brooklyn, N.V. Open Chupa-Glatt Kosher Accommodations Up To 700 Persons We also cater tor all vour s1mchos 8r1s. K•ddushes. sr,eva Brochas etc Who ever equalled him in Jewish history? at home synagogue or the ha1: o! y0ur choice CALL MR. GREENFIELD 853-0700 Poet, prince, scholar and military commander, he was the acknowledged leader of Spanish Jewry in the 11th century, and the recognized Torah author r------~ ity of his time. Born at the end of the 10th century into a family 1 Subscribe Renew 1 of eminence from the royal line of King David, he I I received an excellent education in the Written and 1 orGive1 Oral Torah, and became an authority in ha!achah. I I With his outstanding general knowledge, he could successfully dispute the spokesmen of the Moslem : The Jewish Observer : faith; and few could equal his elegance in written Arabic. 1 Now and SAVE 1 I I Having served as secretary to the vizier of Gra~ I • One Year/$12.00 (for ten issues) I nada. he then became himself the vizier. In 1027 the Two Years/$21.00 (a $30value) Jewish people appointed him nagid, the head of all I • I Spanish Jewry. With his help a new king came to I • Three Years/$28. 00 (a $45 value) I the throne, and his influence at the royal court be I TORAH LITERATURE OF QUALITY "(.,nrr!7 ,v11pn "("'l'N~ niui !7\!l ""·P'l' ,.,_,,y '7Y -iin,:i~~::.'7., ,,l'l1J •fl rn-c.i,.w 'l:l ~~.,_no.'ri '7'll. rrx.,ip.:i. t:Px.·np 1JN ,, ,,,,,, .,N,ll1' "(iN.:i. 'NJ:J!:'Vfl '?Unri lV"' nxw in~ t:P'OY1'M1" b'W'.YM lt.l ~"'1'1, ,t:P.it!l.'XI •M ni.f)l!;r. 0.''0ln .b.,.1v iv- cinn.ri nx tl!l' 11'!:1 i'llx 'XJ:J•'T? 'J11'CI ') ,,.,y.i:iv :i.'ll.t"Tpil n\nt)'tlin- n,x N·.,.n., 111.i.'ll!liN.n. nx $3 Million Chinuch Atzmai Emergency Survival Campaign to Overcome Government Cuts The Israel Government reduced the Ministry of Education budget, slashing $g5Q,OOO from the Chinuch Atzmai subsidy In educational terms, this means: • 3030 less teach mg hours per week • l 000 s of children face loss of Torah education. • 200 teachers d1sm1ssed e Absolutely no funding for expansion or enrichment programs. In human terms: • 200 teachers face loss of livelihood. • J Os of thousands deprived of free lunch • l OO's without transportation. •Classes will be forced to use sub·standard I housing. ANSWER THE EMERGENCY CALL OF THE GEDOLEI YISROELI TORAH SCHOOLS FOR ISRAEL CHINUCH ATZMAI ~ '"K:l ,J