Remembering Rabbi Mordechai Gifter i1:J1:17j7~i~1:Jl A .Melamed For All Times

BIOGRAPI-IICAL NOTES he recent passing of Rabbi Mordechai Gifter, j?'"T~ "Ot he served for close to five years -years marked by intensive ;i:iu7, the Telsher Rosh Hayeshiva, this past 23 Teves/Janu­ study, as before. Su1nn1oned by the Telzer Roshei - Rabbi Tary 18, vvas not only a Eliyahu Meir Bloch 7"~! and time of n1ourning, but an occa­ Rabbi Mordechai Katz 7"'1! -he sion to conte1nplate the many joined them in the fledgling aspects of greatness that marked Yeshiva ofTelshe in , this unique Torah personality. Ohio, eventually as Rosh Yeshi­ The me1norial page in the va (with Rabbi Baruch previous issue of The ]eivish Sorotzkin 7"::n) until his passing, Observer listed the salient facts: except for t\\lo years, frotn 1977 born 85 years ago to Reb Yis­ to J 979, when he founded roel and Mrs. Gifter in Yeshiva Telshe-Stone near Portsn1outh, Virginia, later Yerushalayin1. n1oving to Balti1nore, eventu­ He \vas an outstanding ally going to Yeshiva Rabbi tahnid chachan1, as \\/ell as a Yitzchak Elchonon after his bar bold and visionary leader and niitzva. Inspired to learn in the articulate spokes1nan for Kial in , he Yisroel - prin1arily through left America at age 17. lndeed, Agudath Israel of A111erica, after a few arduous years, he \\lhich he served as a me1nber was recognized to be a quin­ of its Moetzes Gedolci Hatorah tessential 'felzer in outlook, in (Council of Torah Sages). re1narkable dedication to Most of all, however, he Torah, and even in 1nanner of made his mark as a dedicated expression. n1ela111ed Torah to his I-le had an unusual affinity talrnidhn ... a teacher of 1'orah to Gedolci Yisroel, and during to generations of disciples, as the years of his youth, he had the article that follows delin­ close relationships with Rabbi eates. Moshe Soloveitchik 7"~!; the He leaves behind his devot­ Telzer , Rabbi Avraham ed Rebbetzin, six children and Yitzchak Bloch ,.-,i1; his even­ their families - Rabbi and Mrs. tual father-in-law, Rabbi Zal- Binyamin Gifter (Brooklyn), 1nan Bloch l'"'i1; as vvell as Rabbi and Mrs. Zahnan Gifter Rabbi Mordechai ("Reb Mot­ (Wickliffe), Rabbi and Mrs. Yis­ te!") Pogramansky 7··~1. roel Gifter (Lakewood), Rabbi After six years of intensive and Mrs. Ephrain1 Eissenberg learning in Europe, he returned (), Rabbi and Mrs. to A1nerica, and soon after­ Avroho111 Chain1 Feuer (Mon­ ward, niarried his Rebbetzin, the fonner Shoshana Bloch, ''MnV. sey), and Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Reisman (Far Rockaway) and He served as a Rav in Baltin1ore, moving on to Connecticut, \Vhere their children and grandchildren. NW

8 The Jewish Observer, March 200 I Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer

PRINCE OF THE TORAH RENAISSANCE We entered high school with and the glory of Torah. our eyes on eventually moving on to insti­ In this brief tribute we will attempt to first entered the Reis HaMidrash of tutions of higher education - university. touch some of the aspects of this mas­ Telshe Yeshiva in 1962 at the age of six­ He raised our sights to aspire for yet high­ terpiece. ! teen. I had never heard of Rabbi er education, fullowing the curriculum of Mordechai Gifter, so I asked someone the Master Melamed, Hashem Himself. As THE MELAMED who he was. His response was, "I think a result we experienced a renaissance, a that he was best described by an out-of­ profound awakening on a spiritual level, y revered Rebbe, my beloved town rabbi who introduced Rabbi Gifter thanks to his ability to talk to us as some­ father-in-law, the Telzer Rosh as 'The Prince of the Torah Renaissance one who - born in Portsmouth, Virginia M Ha Yeshiva, Rabbi Mordechai in America."' After learning from him in - could relate to our struggles and our Gifter, always said that he disliked the the Yeshiva for prestigious seventeen years title "Rosh and being close Yeshiva" and to him as his much pre­ son-in-law for ferred to be thirty-four known as a years, I am cer­ "melamed," a tain that that simple teacher title is a most of Torah. appropriate VVhy? Because description of the Master of this unique the Universe, Gadol B'Yisroel. Hashem Him­ The diction­ self, is des­ ary defines ren­ cribed in the aissance as a Birkas Ha- renewal, a Torah, the rebirth. For all blessing over practical pur­ Torah study, as poses, in the "Hamelarned first half of the Torah L'amo twentieth cen­ Yisroel," He tury, Torah Who teaches study and gen­ Torah to His uine Torah life nation, Israel. was well nigh "If that title is dead. In the sec­ Rabbi Gifter walking with Rabbi Clwin1 Stein N'1"'m and Rabbi Mordechai Katz.,··:n. ln the background, Rabbi Noch11m good enough Perlow '7":n, previous Novominsker Rebbe. ond half of the for the Rib- twentieth century the Ribbono Shel Olam capacity for growth. And he did this with bona Shel Olam, it's good enough for blessed American Jewry with an amazing the royalty of a true ta/mid chacham: me!" said Rabbi Gifter. revival of Torah study and Torah life. The "Mann malka rabbanan- Who truly pos­ In the fifty five years that Rabbi Gifter great Torah leaders who were Hashem's sess majesty? The Rabbanan." ( Gittin 62a) served at Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland, he emissaries in accomplishing this turn­ The Gemora (Megilla 3b) teaches that truly was a melamed par excellence to about are well known to us and to them Kavod HaTorah, giving honor to the thousands of students from diverse we are eternally grateful. Yet Rabbi Gifter Torah, surpasses limud HaTorah, the study backgrounds, hailing from every point played a singular role in this renaissance of Torah, because when people see how on the globe. and made a unique contribution. And we important Torah is, they will be inspired Truth to be told, none of us, his American-born-and-bred boys in Telshe to study it more. Hashem blessed Rabbi talmidim, ever viewed him as the sim­ were the beneficiaries of his contribution. Gifter with many admirable talents that ple melamed he strove to be. If ever there no one else could duplicate. When you was anyone who projected the idealized Rabbi Feuer, who serves as Rav of Kehillas Bais Avrohom of Monsey, NY, is author of numerous put all of those talents together, there image of an impressive , it books on Torah themes, most recently, The emerged a masterpiece of a man whose certainly was he. Rabbi Gifter was a pro­ Tzedakah Anthology (ArtScroll/Mesorah Publi­ entire being evoked a sense of the majesty found lamdan of the highest order; a cations),

The Jewish Observer, March 2001 9 true genius whose powerful mind never knew that you were standing in the pres­ "MY MIND IS ON THEM" stopped thinking in learning, whose ence of genuine greatness. The last thing pure mouth never tired of speaking in Rabbi Mordechai Gifter seemed to be nvariably, when he would address learning, and from whose prolific pen was a simple) ordinary melamed. convocations of Torah educators) he flowed a never ending torrent of Torah But now that our Rebbe is gone and I would cite the Gemora (Bava Basra writing. He was a 1nan of truth who we reminisce and recollect our fond Sb) that describes the master melamed, despised falsehood, flattery and frivol­ rnemories of him) we realize that at the Rav Shmuel bar Shilas, who set the Tal­ ity. A brilliant, compelling orator in Yid­ very core of his being, all of his talents mudic standard for elementary level dish, English and Lashon Hakodesh, he and achievements en1anated from his Torah teachers. This skillful and dedi­ literally kept his audiences spellbound overriding ambition to be a melan1ed cated teacher was under the constant as he delivered addresses that would worthy of transmitting Hashem's Torah guidance of the gadol hador, the great never be forgotten. Merely standing in to this generation, in the unique fash­ Talmudic giant, Rav. The Gemora relates his presence was a\\resome- because you ion which these times require. how Rav was once quite shocked to find his disciple, Rav Shmuel, resting in the comfort of his garden on a regular school day while classes were in session. "What has happened to you, Rav Shmuel?" the bewildered Rav asked, ('have you forsaken your custo1nary devotion and loyalty to your students?" To which Rav Shmuel responded, "Believe me, Rebbe, that this is a long overdue rest which I desperately need. I have not been in this garden for thir­ teen years! And even novv as 1ny exhausted body is getting some much needed rest, my brain is still thinking about my students and daati ilovayhu, n1y mind is on the1n." In reference to this, Rabbi Gifter observed, "Over the ages, countless vol­ un1es have been written atten1pting to ,,,~i1 teach the science of education. Believe me, .no!l iliJil "rn 1ttJ1i'n (tot everything that can be said on this sub­ 'ttl 'v ml~" ject is summed up in the pithy, two-word 'r~n 110't-t ,t:l'':l mv Jil 1l1i::i 0111t-t1:i1 O'ttl1i1n (::i statement of Rav Shmuel bar Shilas, 'daati :1:i1 i10!l ,,, iio ,il:l~ l"1'':Jt-t l"11:l~ 'r~n rip1i::i ilovayhu, my mind is on them!' Any teacher who sincerely cares about his stu­ dents and gives them serious thought will be blessed to find the proper approach to influence and educate the1n!" C"i::l t,:iM i'"T""M M~ :i:i With this in mind, he would say over an idea he heard in the name of the Cha­ OJ';i 0Jl1J'O 1'i';J i'r1S'j1JliJ i'"i'l l";Jj<1 ;i; zon !sh. In the final decades of the nine­ jil ITU~ O"il~V::l teenth century, Rabbi developed the Telzer Yeshiva into one of the most effective in Lithuania. Someone once asked the Chazon !sh if he could explain the secret of Rabbi Gor­ o~i~Oi1 rii~i~n:i .:1~tit;ii, don's extraordinary achievement. He observed, "Reb Leizer has a yeshiva filled 1.:in~;i ?~~ ,~ with over four hundred bachurim, yet he feels that each and every one of them Tel 718~520~0115 •Fax 718~268~0186 is his hen yachid, his one and only son,

70 The Jewish Observer, Morch 200 I and he treats them accordingly!"

LOVE WITHOUT PAMPERING IATIONAL CONVENTION

abbi Gifter cared very deeply about his students, yet he did not Rpamper them. To the contrary, he felt that pampering was counter-pro­ ductive to their education. He demand­ ed diligence and single-minded dedi­ cation to laboring in 1brah. His rich Yiddish vocabulary contained numer­ ous terms to express the idea that one must exert and exhaust himself to comprehend any and every Torah con­ cept. Mir darfen horaven, n1atteren, extract the 'flavor' and squeeze out the that at the Pesach seder the men are sup­ nzuchenen zich tzu farshtein der dvar reasoning for you!" posed to recline (heseiba) at certain Hashem! As much as Rabbi Gifter was times to demonstrate that they are truly an outstanding master of the English SITTING BEFORE THE REBBE IN AWE free and can eat in a relaxed, lounging language, he felt that he was unable to posture. ( Orach Chaim find the proper English words to ade­ student who is in awe of his 4 72:5) rules that a student should sit in quately translate the above Jewish terms. Rebbe when he is in his Rebbe's awe before his Rebbe, so he may not Rabbi Gifter emphasized time and A presence, will remember to think recline in his presence. Indeed, in this again that the main purpose of a and act like his Rebbe even after he leaves regard, it is considered irreverent to teacher is to teach students how to think his presence. Thus, the halacha requires lounge in front of one's teacher. If the for themselves, not to spoon-feed them with answers. He cited the (Jemora ( Chullin 12a) which relates that a stu­ dent once posed a question to his The wine to Rebbe, Rav Nachman, to which Rav Nach1nan's gave a very strange response: Ileen uou n~­ "I will only provide you with an answer if you first provide n1e with a large meas­ throuan ure of salt!" Rabbi Gifter explained that Rav Seder Nachman had a full appreciation for his disciple's intellectual capacity and knew that he was perfectly capable of coming up with the right answer on his own. The student, however, failed to think intensely and preferred to let his Rebbe do the laborious thinking for him. Therefore, Rav Nachman employed the metaphor of salt to illus­ trate his point. Salt is not tasty on its own, yet it enhances the taste of edi­ bles because it draws out the hidden flavor that is locked deep inside the food. Rav Nachman said, "You, my dear student, are perfectly capable of exert­ ing your n1ind to answer this question. If you want me to do the thinking for you, you are making me into a mere sack of salt, because you want me to

The Jewish Observer, March 2001 11 Rebbe grants his student special per­ mission, he may recline in his presence. A son, however, may always recline in the presence of his father, even if his father is his Rebbe, because a father usu­ ally grants his beloved son permission to do so. The very first Pesach after I married my Rebbe's daughter and became his son-in-law, I sat at his sedertable. I asked Rabbi Gifter if I now had the status of his son so that I could recline by the seder. He replied, "Of course I love you like a son, but my primary relationship Rabbi Gifter with Rabbi and Rabbi Eliezer Silve,. n:ro? tm1:1l to you is that of a Rebbe. A student gains tremendously by sitting in awe in the HE SHARED HIS SOUL WITH US Rather, we must open up our hearts and presence of his Rebbe. I do not wish to share the feelings that flow from our deprive you of that. If I give up my sta­ abbi Gifter taught us that the fun­ soul, the core of our innermost being. tus of Rebbe towards you, you will be damental rule of all effective How vividly do his talmidim recollect that much poorer. I really don't want you RTorah teaching is that it is insuf­ how he would recite the words of the fol­ to suffer such a heavy loss, so I think it's ficient to merely con1municate the lowing Midrash, which demonstrates better for you not to recline!" thoughts that come from our head. how the Master Melamed, the Ribbono Shel Olam, teaches Torah. "For Hashem gives away knowl­ edge; from His mouth emanate wis­ dom and deep understanding" 11117in· ]1ll'D• tiiino I1:l,1l1 • I11JYr.l• rnnnnr.i• ,,, n:J n1Jyin • (Proverbs 2,6). Knowledge is of great n1JJ:JTil • I'11J'.J1j'il• rnmpr.i 'K1r.l • value, and G-d gives it away to all men. ciJ.n:n:i • 011'/:J.KlJ• '01l11J1+ i1illi1• Ho\vever, wisdom and deep under­ Journal Ads • Yearbook Entries• '1lr.J1l11 i1'17pi1 • standing are much greater gifts, for G­ d personally reserves these gifts for Full C'illC publishing services: Typing, Typesetting, Printlng & Binding those whom He loves very much, as it says," ... from His mouth emanate wis­ dom and deep understanding?' Rabbi Yitzchak said: "This concept may be illustrated with the allegory of the great king whose little boy came home from school and saw a large tray of food placed in front of his royal father. The doting father took a piece of food from the tray and gave it to his Registration is now open for the summer program of 5761 which will be held IYH in Yerusholayim. son to eat. But the son refused to Once again, the program which has been recommended and endorsed by Gedolei Yisroel, will accept it, saying, 'No! This is not what I want! I only wish to eat from the very present an intensive course of study, prepared for Bnei Torah to enable them to develop their full poten­ same piece that you, father dear, are tial as Mechanchim in Yeshivas and Day Schools. eating! I want to eat from the food that Our dedicated staff of Roshei Yeshiva, professional Rabbeim, and prominent Mechanchim, will you are putting into your own mouth!' present the full range of subjects vital to the success of the rebbe in the classroom. We invite moti­ Because the king loved his son so much, he shared with him the very vated individuals possessing higher Yeshiva and (or) Kolle! education, to participate in this program. same piece of food he had bitten into Recognized for a Yeshiva Teacher's License with his own mouth. Similarly, G-d For further information contact generously grants general knowledge RABBI HILLEL MANDEL, Dean RABBI NACHMAN ZAKON, Administrator RABBI CHAIM ROBERTS and information to all of mankind, but NY (718) 805-1!9! 02-651-9739 England 161-740-3465 with His Chosen Nation, Israel, He

12 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 shares the intimate wisdom and deep ference whether he spoke publicly resounding kiss. This kiss was so full of understanding of the Torah which before an audience of thousands or con­ tender love and yearning that it spoke come from His own mouth." versed privately with a solitary individ­ volumes, and constituted an entire Rabbi Gifter elaborated on the lesson ual; he always spoke with passion and on its own. of the Midrash: The king already had shared his heart with you. No wonder One talmid related that when he was distributed food to the members of his his words always left an indelible a fledgling teenager in high school he court before his son arrived. They were imprint on all who heard them! was going through a difficult period, dis­ all quite satisfied with their portions, Not only did the words flowing couraged and plagued with doubts. His because they were only interested in the from his lips leave their mark, the kiss­ learning was suffering and he felt very nourishing food. The king's beloved son, es of his lips had a power of their own. down. One day, Rabbi Gifter delivered however, wasn't hungry for a portion of At the end of every shiur, as he careful­ a shiur to his class, and when he con­ food. He yearned for fatherly love to sat­ ly and somewhat reluctantly closed his cluded, he gave his Gemora his cus­ isfy his soul. Ehr hott gevolt ufessen der Gemora, Rabbi Gifter would bend over tomary kiss. The talmid says that there tatte alein! His prin1ary craving was to his cherished tome and give it a big, was so much ahavas Torah, pure emuna, "eat up" his cherished parent. The clos­ est he could get to that was to eat the food that came straight from his father's mouth. Similarly, there are two approaches to Torah study. Some students study only with their head. For them, limud Ha Torah is a purely intellectual pursuit. G-d will not send them away empty­ handed, and He will grant them knowl­ edge. But the students who really love G-d study for more than merely filling their heads with knowledge. Their pri­ mary goal is to cling to the Almighty and to enter into a close relationship with Him. With these devotees, G-d shares true wisdom and deep insight, which Sometimes abuse einanate from His own mouth. is hard to recognize. In the same vein, Rabbi Gifter observed, there are those who teach Torah in a detached manner. They merely "give away" their accumulated information and knowledge to their Learn the signs of abuse and how to respond. Come class, but they fail to share their hearts to the Shalom Task Force National Women~ Conference. April 29, 2001* 25 Broadway in and souls with them. They will not suc­ . ceed to the fullest. The inspired Rebbe, For women in leadership positions: Rebbetzins, Kallah the melamed who emulates G-d, opens teachers, Mikvah attendants, Principals, Teachers, Guidance up and shares his very essence with his Counselors and Shadchantas. Your choice of vital and disciples. He gives the very same shiur informative workshops. Featured speakers include: as the detached teacher, but his words Rebbetzin Faigie Twerski, Milwaukee, Rebbetzin Chana Wein­ are not from the head but from the berg, Baltimore, Dr. Cheryl Kramer of Wurtzweiler. heart. This melamed will capture both For reservations and the minds and the hearts of his students information call (888)533-4783. forever. *April 30, 2001 is a special program for Rabbi Gifter was richly blessed with out-of-town Shalom Task Force affiliates and those a variety of extraordinary talents and interested in affiliating.

unique qualities of character, but his Shalom Task Force is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization outstanding feature was the sincerity, POB 137, Bowling Green Station, NY, NY 10274 energy, and passion he invested into every word he uttered. It made no dif-

The Jewish Observer, March 2001 13 and positive energy in that one kiss, that bos to hear Torah from Rabbi Bloch. HaYeshiva who failed to attend these it dispelled all of his doubts and gloom, Rabbi Gifter was so mesmerized by drashos was young Rabbi Gifter, who and infused him with so much love for this Gadol, that he decided to learn in would not budge from his Gemora. Torah that he has not left the Beis Lithuania as soon as he finished high The Rebbe wanted his ta/mid to gain Hamidrash to this very day, almost fifty school. Finally, at the age of seventeen, fron1 these important lectures, so he years later! May He kiss me with the kiss­ he made the long and arduous jour­ asked him, "Why do you absent your­ es of His mouth, Jo.- your love is dearer ney overseas. self from these drashos?" When telling to me than fine wine (Shir Hashirim 1,2). The new student in Telshe pursued over this story, Rabbi Gifter would pref­ his studies with great diligence and ace his account by saying that at that CUSTOM-TAILORED TORAH quickly earned himself the title, the ti1ne he was still young and i111petuous, Amerikaner Jluy (genius). He spent and had not properly studied Mussar. abbi Gifter cherished the close much time "speaking in learning" with He answered, "Frankly, I don't think it's relationship he enjoyed with the Rosh Ha Yeshiva, Rabbi Avraham worthwhile to interrupt my study of Rhis Rebbe Muvhak, his prime Yitzchak Bloch, and would not miss his Gemora for this." Rebbe, Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Bloch shiurim for anything. To this the Rosh Ha Yeshiva, Rabbi 1"'11, the Rav and Rosh Yeshiva of Tel­ Jn his capacity as RavofTelshe, Rabbi Bloch tersely replied, "D'milsah albishay­ sai before World War II. The Telzer Bloch would periodically deliver impor­ hu yakira, A garment of fine wool is pre­ Rosh Ha Yeshiva came to America on tant drashos in the main Beis Hamid rash cious to the one who wears it.'' a fund-raising trip in the middle of of the city. Not only did the baalei bat­ The Rosh Ha Yeshiva was referring to the l 930's when young Mordechai tim of the city eagerly attend these ser­ the Gemora (Shabbos JOb) that relates Gifter was in high school. Rabbi mons, but the best yeshiva bachurim also how Rav Chisda was an exceptionally Gifter was always eager to make the came to hear their Rebbe speak; they did devoted disciple of his Rebbe, the great acquaintance of Gedolei Yisroel, so he not want to lose any opportunity to ben­ Amara, Rav. Once, Rav Chisda held two traveled to the Lower East Side of efit from their Rebbe's wisdom. The only precious gift items in his two hands and Manhattan on many a Motza'ei Shab- devoted student of the Rav and Rosh called out, "If anyone comes and tells me a new teaching in the name of my revered Rebbe, Rav, I will give him these two precious gifts!" Rava bar Mechasya stepped forward and said over a new teaching of Rav, and Rav Chisda immediately handed over the two gifts to him. Rava bar Mechasya was very impressed by this devotion, and asked, "Are the teachings of Rav really so dear to you?" ~~~~!er!~f~!?ab1!~!iPnc::~r~:;: Rav Chisda enthusiastically replied, exciting tours and inspirational 0'11YI!!. I "Yes!" Rava bar Mechasya observed, "Your our ISRAEL AND/OR EASTERN appreciation reflects yet another teach­ EUROPE with experienced tour guides Bais ing of Rav who said,' D'milsah albishay­ and wonderful n1)>11D. hu yakira, A garment of fine wool is par­ T: Yaakov ticularly precious to the one who usually .S. Graduates, Se wears if" [A particular type of garment op priority to safety and security. mary Girls, too. is 1nore valuable to a person accustomed SHEILA SCHWEBEL will personally to wearing such garments than to any­ I.T.T. one else. Likewise, Rav's teachings are escort the girls on all tours. is just for T: especially precious to you, because you, you! being his devoted student, are much New York Coordinator accustomed to them (Rashi) ]. Rav Chis­ Mrs. Esther Biberfeld da exclaimed, "Rav actually said that! (718) 435-7575 This teaching is worth more to me than (718) 258-2622 the first one! If I were holding another set of valuable gifts, I would gladly give them to you as well!"

14 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 Rabbi Gifter recollected that this a drasha from his Rebbe. Whenever the understand them. Yet, when I study the piece of Mussar made a profound Telzer Rav would deliver a drasha for commentary of the Rashba, who lived impression upon him, and literally baalei battim in the main Beis Midrash some six centuries ago in faraway changed his life. He realized then and of the town, even on a \veekday) his young Spain, I do comprehend what he is say­ there that the student who takes his student, Rabbi Gifter, would don his ing. How can it be that I understand the Rebbe's teachings lightly betrays his Shabbos clothing in honor of the event, Rashba who was a Rishon, a giant of own iinmaturity. To truly appreciate a and make sure to attend the lecture. an entirely different time, yet I cannot Rebbe, one must be a maven, i.e. a con­ understand the Rebbe, who is standing noisseur, who has cultivated a taste for DESIGNER GARMENTS right in front of me and is speaking something highly sophisticated. The FOR THE MIND AND THE SOUL directly to me in my language?" student must prepare to change him­ Reb Meshullam replied, "Indeed, self dramatically in order to think and abbi Gifter had a treasure trove that is the greatness of the Rishonim. feel and experience life through the of anecdotes that illustrated the They knew how to wrap all of their perspective of his Rebbe and guide. The Runique qualities of the master words in well-fitting garments!" student-Rebbe Rabbi Gifter connection is a explained this most intimate cryptic response: and personal A relatively relationship that small person has demands that a narrow field of the student sur­ vision and is render his head only capable of and his heart to viewing the his teacher. He world or its 1nust spend a inhabitants from great deal of his limited, per­ time listening to sonal vantage­ the Rebbe, point. A greater observing him person is far in all types of more broad- situations. Ulti­ minded and mately, the stu­ enjoys a much dent becomes so wider perspec­ familiar with his tive. He has the Rebbe that at ability to see a every occasion subject from he will ask him- many different With Rabbi Yaakov Y. Ruderman, in Camp Agudah, Ferndale, NY self, ('How angles. Thus, would my Rebbe react here? What melamed. The following was one of his when he elucidates a subject, he would he think? What would he say?" favorites: explains it in a comprehensive fashion As one wears a garment of soft mate­ Rav Meshullam Iggra, Rav of Tys­ that will make sense to a variety ofpeo­ rial more and more, it slowly begins to mienitza and Pressburg (immediately ple who are on vastly different intel­ change its original shape and con­ preceding the Chasam Sofer), was uni­ lectual levels. Thus, the great Rashba forms to the unique body-contours of versally acclaimed as an extraordinary was able to skillfully wrap his com­ the wearer. Similarly, as one pays more genius of the highest caliber. His devot­ mentary in verbal and intellectual and nlore attention to his Rebbe's ed disciple was the young Yaakov Lor­ "garments," which people on many lev­ words, he reconfigures the contours of berbaum, later to become the renowned els could comprehend and relate to. bis mind so that they take on the dis­ Rav of Lissa and author of many clas­ If a teacher is to reach his students tinct shape of his teacher's thought sics such as the Nesivos Hamishpat, successfully, he must not speak to them process. Chavos Daas et al. Once Reb Yaakov from a narrow, personal vantagepoint. Rabbi Gifter testified that from the posed a very serious question to his He must use his ingenuity to wrap his moment his beloved Rosh Ha Yeshiva gave teacher. ''Rebbe, I am deeply per­ words in intellectual "garments" appro­ him that well-deserved dose of Mussar, plexed. Often, the Rebbe 's amazing shi­ priate for his audience. he never missed an opportunity to hear urim, are so profound that I cannot Rabbi Gifter illuminated this concept

The Jewish Observer, March 2001 15 with the teaching of the Rambam in his may interpret this statement allegori­ introduction to Mishneh Torah. Rarn­ cally. The "bird" represents a frivolous bam describes in great detail how the Torah insight that has no solid basis or Torah was scrupulously transmitted foundation in text or tradition. The from generation to generation, begin­ rational, well-disciplined Torah men­ ning with Moshe at Sinai and culmi­ tality of Rabbi Yonasan could not tol­ nating with the completion of the erate such flights of fancy. His razor­ Babylonian in the days of Rav sharp intellect instantly demonstrated Ashi. In every generation, the leading how and why the flighty Torah insight rabbi would entrust the complete Oral was untenable. In this fashion the pure Series #17 Tradition to his primary disciple and flame of Rabbi Yonason's truth incin­ 0 1 First Night of Selichos 5741 charge him with the responsibility of erated the wild, 'tzuflogeneh' idea. 0 2 Yomim Nore'im - 5744 transmitting it to the next generation. Rabbi Yonason was awesome, but his 0 3 Aseres Yemai Teshuvah - 5745 In his itemized listing of forty gen­ greatness was too much for his contem­ 0 4 Aseres Yemai Teshuvah - 5746 erations of transmitting Torah from poraries. It was the smallest disciple, Rab­ 0 5 Pesach - 5746 master to disciple, the Ramban1 states ban Yochanan hen Zakkai, who \Vas close 0 6 Elul - 5747 that the great Hillel entrusted the tra­ enough to the level of his contemporaries 0 7 Before Maariv T. B'Av - 5747 dition to his disciple, Rabban Yochanan to be able to convey the Torah in a fash­ O 8 Chol Hamoed Pesach - 5748 ben Zakkai. This is puzzling because the ion most suitable for them. 0 9 Aseres Yemai Teshuvah - 5749 Gemora (Succa 28a) relates that Hillel In this vein, Rabbi Gifter would relate 0 10 Chanukah - 5749 had eighty distinguished disciples, the that Rabbi Mordechai Pogramansky had O 11 Pesach Thoughts - 5749 greatest of whom was Rabbi Yonason observed that the learning method of the lJ 12 Yeshivas Bein Hazmanim ben Uziel, while the smallest of all eighty Rogatchover Gaon resembled a sweep­ 0 13 Diversity In Orthodoxy was none other than Rabban Yochanan ing storm, whereas the brilliant analyt­ 0 14 Chanukah - 5750 ben Zakkai. Why did Hillel entrust the ical style of Rabbi Chaim Brisker was like 0 15 Derech Halimud transmission of the Mesorah to his the calm following the storm. The 0 16 Purim smallest disciple rather than to his deep, penetrating method of Reb Chaim O Entire Series of 16 tapes greatest disciple, Rabbi Yonason ben was n1ore appropriate and satisfying for Uziel? our generation, and therefore became COST: Rabbi Gifter explained that the Baal universally accepted and revered. $7.00 per tape if purchased Mesorah who is designated to transmit individually the tradition from one generation to THE PATIENCE OF RAV PREIDA $6.00 per tape if more than 5 another is not necessarily the greatest tapes purchased rabbi and scholar; rather, he is the one $90.00 for all 16 tapes bbi Gifter had a unique $96.00 for all 16 tapes w/album who best makes the transition from the pproach to the words of Chaz­ previous generation to the present one. l, when extracting brilliant, This is the person who can appreciate original lessons from their words. Once, Series #178 and comprehend the greatness of the he shared with me a novel explanation earlier generation, and then turn around 0 20 tapes on Sefer Hachinuch for the Gemora (Eruvin 54b) that tells and customize these teachings to fit the of an exceptionally devoted teacher: COST: diminished level of the contemporary Rav Preida had a student to whom $90.00; $96.00 with album world, without compro1nising the he would have to repeat a lesson four authenticity of our tradition. Precisely hundred times before he understood SAVE $12,00 - order because Rabbi Yonason ben Uziel was so it. One day Rav Preida was required to both series with album great, he could not lower himself to the leave the House of Study to attend to for only $180,00 level of the next generation. a pressing viitzva matter. Before leav­ On that very same page, the Gemo­ ing, he taught his student the lesson Check boxes of tapes ordered ra vividly describes the awesome power the usual four hundred times, but still Send payment to: of Rabbi Yonason. When he was the student failed to grasp the lesson. Tapes engaged in pure Torah study, a pillar of Rav Preida asked him why he failed to PO Box 504 fire emanated from him so that any bird grasp the lesson. The student replied, that flew overhead \Vas instantly con­ ''From the very moment they told the Wickliffe, OH 44092 su1ned in flames. Meiri (Introduction to master that there is an urgent mitzva Postage and Handling included. Commentary on Pirkei Avos) says that we matter to attend to, my attention was

16 The Jewish Observer, March 2001 diverted, because any of us every moment I said knew that to myself, Now the MRabbi Gifter master will be getting had a special feeling up to leave, now the for this verse, which he master will be getting whispered fervently up to leave!" after each and every Rav Preida said, Shemoneh Esrei; the "Pay attention now Hebrew version begins and I will teach the with the first letter of Rabbi Gifter with Rabbi Pam and Rabbi Svei at an Agudath Ismcl Convention lesson to you all over his name, "Mem," and again!" ognizes his absolute obligation to trans­ ends with the last letter of his name, He repeated the lesson another four mit the Torah to the next generation on "Yud." However, our Rebbe once hundred times. A heavenly voice the highest level. A Rosh Ha Yeshiva has revealed an even deeper bond to this emanated and asked Rav Preida, '<_As a no right to merely stand up in front of verse when he taught it to us in the con­ reward for such devotion do you wish his students and tell them what's on his text of the Gemora (Menachos !Sa): that four hundred years be added to mind. He has a Divine 1nandate to give The Talmud records that the great your life, or do you wish that you and over to his students all that he knows as Rabbi Yehuda HaNassi was reminisc­ all of your generation merit the life of clearly as he himself knows it! Even if it ing about his youth, when he went to the World to Come?" takes four hundred reviews to achieve study in the Yeshiva of the Tanna, Rav Preida replied, "That I and my that level of clarity - so be it. Rabbi Elazar ben Shamua. "When I generation merit the life of the World arrived, I found a certain student to Come." "O, HOW I LOVE YOUR TORAH!" named Yoseif the Bavli for whom the The Holy One, Blessed is He, said Rosh Ha Yeshiva had an extraordinary to them, "Grant him both this reward 0 how I love Your Torah! All day long love; indeed he loved him 1 ad achas,' i.e. and that reward!" it is my conversation (Tehillim 119,97). like the one and only." Tosafos explains Rabbi Gifter asked, "Who was this stu­ dent who required such Herculean effort on the part of his teacher? Was he actu­ ally dull or slow or mentally impaired? If the studies are beyond the mental grasp of the student, even four hundred repe­ titions won't help him. And for a slow learner, five or even ten times should be enough. Indeed, Rav Preida would not be I • T e Z'c us o Living, Bre ing on Experiencing e Ke us a o Erefz Yisrae • I •The Torah Touring Experience of a Liletimel •Daven by the Kosel Ha'Marovi • Oimb obligated to teach such a student on a reg­ I Mofsado • Inspiring Shiurim • Shabbos in Tzlas • Meron • Amukah • Amazing I ular basis. He was a Rosh Yeshiva running I Workshops • Kevrei Tzoclikim • Experience Yerushalayim in Depth • Delicious Hotel I a conventional yeshiva. Rather, Rav Prei­ I Style Meals• Swim in the Kinneret • Shobbos in Yerushalayim •See Gedolim •Kayaking I I in the Yorclen •Rosh Hanilcro •Fully Equipped Modern Gym •Underground Coves• I da's student was an exceptionally gifted I Eilot •Air Conditioned Dining Rooms • Bonano Booting • fin G.di • Biblical Zoo • Har I young man blessed with an extraordinary Halzofim • Beautiful Campus & Dormitory • Snorkling • Paddle Boating • Minharot I intellect. Every time Rav Preida delivered I Halcofel •Campfire •Tour tlie Golil • Mearat Eliyahu Honavi • Ught & Sound Desert I Experience • Golan Heigl.ts• Gamlo • Cable Cars • Be'er Sheva • Make Wonderful I a shiur for the Yeshiva, the probing mind I International Friends • Yod Voshem •Swim in Yam Hameloch • Bedouin Tents• Meorat I of this bachur would come up with all I Shem and Ay_ver in Tzfas • Climb Incredible Mountains • Achdus • Tzipori •Our Own I kinds of challenging, penetrating ques­ I Olympic Pool • Har Hamenuchos • Shmiras Halashon Rally • Rabbi • Ancient I Susya • Oceonarium Experience• Jeeping •Noel.al Moj'rasa • Konyon Ha'adom • I tions. So Rav Preida would patiently go I Meo Shearim • Rebbe's Tiscl. •Flower & Fruit Decoration •Camel Rides •Color War • through the entire shiur with him once I Kever Rochel• Kever Dovid Homelech • Simcho Dancing • Teverio •Meara# Chazon • I again. But that didn't satisfy this young I Nacho# Amud Nature Trail• Climb Sand Dunes• Meara# Hakemoch • Degem Beis I I Hamikclash •Hoy Rides •Banyas •Mock Wedding •Swim in Hofzbonei River• Sunset I man. His thirst for absolute clarity and I Kumzitz by the Ocean • Cove ol the Chashmonaim • Pekien • Coral Reel • I truth was not slaked. So he asked yet more I Underwater Observatory • Breathtaking Vistas • Snei Brok• and Much, Much Morel I questions. And Rav Preida went over the Justaskanyolour Wonderful Machane Brach?-mersl subject again, and again, and yet again - until he repeated it four hundred times! · · ~#lllliiSl*ltl · This is the level of devotion that a A Safe, Secure, Warm Atmosphere In Magnificent Yael Blnyamln 1 1 melamed Torah can achieve when he rec- - Under the Direction of Rabbi Sholom & Mrs. Chaya Glnzberg I 1066 E. 23rd Street Brookfvn. NY 11210 (718)377-0234 I

The Jewish Observer, March 200 I ·------~~------·17 this to mean that Rabbi Elazar loved that King David sang, 'Hoiv I love Your loved teaching the Psalms with the com­ his disciple like his very own soul! The Torah! All day long it is my conversa­ mentary of Rashi and Midrash Tehillim. soul has five levels, the highest of which tion"' (Tehillim 119,97). On the above verse, From all my teachers is called "yechida;' i.e. the one and only. Rabbi Gifter explained how no bond I grew wise, Rashi observes: ('I learnt a lit­ Thus, the souls of the teacher and the oflove surpasses the unique attachment tle bit from this teacher and a little bit student were bound at the very essence that links the Rebbe with his ta/mid. from that teacher - but first I studied from of their being! Other human relationships are based on one Rebbe Muvhak, a primary teacher The Gemora proceeds to describe physical and material considerations, whose approach to learning and way of how such an intense and intimate which are born of this world, but this thinking was indelibly imprinted on my bond was forged. One morning Yoseif relationship is a bonding of two souls mind:' Rabbi Gifter explained that the stu­ posed a halachic dent vvhose scholastic question to Rabbi career consists of jump­ Elazar, and his ing from yeshiva to response \Vas, "It is yeshiva, and from Rebbe kosher!" In the to Rcbbe to glean scraps evening Yoseif of interesting inforrna­ repeated his query, tion is 1nerely an intel­ and the rabbi's lectual dabbler, a shallow response was the dilettante. Moreover, he same, "It is kosher!" is likely to be confused The next morning, by the divergent vie\v­ the scenario was points and opinions of repeated with the the variety of teachers. same response, Therefore, in the very "Kosher!" It was next verse the Psalmist repeated once again e1nphasizes: Frorn elders at mid-day and the I gain deep insight, for I response was, have learnt to cherish "Kosher!" In the late your teachings, i.e. to be afternoon, Yoseif asked the question \¥ho share a co1n1non love and passion capable of learning from all men, I must once again, but this time Rabbi Elazar for Torah, which is completely spiritu­ first gain deep insight from elders who replied, "It is kosher, but there is one al, beyond the confines of this world. transn1it to their disciples an iron-dad tra­ lone opinion that rules that it is not That was the kind of love Rabbi dition, a hashkafa, that provides a clear kosher!'' Gifter had for his talmidim. But, in all frame of reference through which to sys­ Upon hearing this, Yoseif's face lit honesty, his love was so out of the ordi­ te1natically evaluate and integrate all sub­ up with an intense glo\v of genuine joy. nary, that many of us failed to appreci­ sequent knowledge into a coherent body The Rabbi asked the student to explain ate it. We were Ainerican boys and we ofwisdon1. why he was so overjoyed, and Yoseif the were trained to believe that to be loved When an outstanding Rebbe suc­ Bavli replied, "Dear Rebbe, I had once means to be spoiled and pampered and cessfully trains his disciple to have an all­ heard that there was one lone opinion fussed over. Only now, in retrospect, do encotnpassing Torah outlook, the stu­ that held that the ruling here was 'not we begin to realize the true 1neaning and dent discovers the divine everywhere he kosher,' but since the Rebbe didn't ref­ majesty of our Rebbe's feelings for us. looks. No aspect of human existence is erence it, I thought that I made a n1is­ base or vulgar to him, because every take and that there was a flaw in tny ALL THE WORLD WAS HIS CLASSROOM; detail of creation testifies to G-d's learning. Now that the Rebbe made ALL OF MANKIND, HIS TEACHERS greatness. Therefore, Your clear testi­ 1nention of that opinion, I feel as if the monies are n1y conversation, i.e. every Rebbe has returned to me a precious, Fron1 all niy teachers I greiv 1vise, for n1an has become n1y teacher because I long-lost article." Your clear testiinonies are 1ny conversation gain real \Visdon1 fron1 every encounter Tears of joy poured forth from (Tehillim 119,99). in life. Rabbi Elazar hen Shamua's eyes, and en Rabbi Gifter taught this Rabbi Gifter thus often cited lessons he exclaimed, "How very fortunate you erse to us, a group of from the world of science or physics that are, you devoted Torah scholars \\'ho W:achurin1, n1etnbers of a gave him a deeper insight into Torah. He cherish words of Torah so very 1nuch! Tehillim Vaad, were sitting arow1d his din­ once read an article about Albert Ein­ It was with the likes of you in 1nind ing roo1n table on a weekday evening. I-Ie stein's life and lessons. l~herein, Einstein

-·------·------~·------.------·------~------·------18 The Jewish Observer, March 200 I explained the unique physical proper­ away Vilna, sat the holy Gaon Rabbeinu philosopher had dedicated his brilliant ties of water n1olecules, which form an Eliyahu, who so shunned the influence mind to search for pure truth, and \Vas exceptionally strong bond with one of the outside world, that when he sat therefore prepared to pick up a tiny another on the surface of any body of and studied Torah, he had his windows glimmer of the light emanating from water. This is kno\vn as "molecular shuttered all day and night, so that the Vilna. That inspired him to approach the bonding - surface adhesion"; the bond sights and sounds of the street should lofty concepts alluded to in "A Critique at the surface is actually stronger than not invade his sacred space. He there­ of Pure Reason." the bond of the water molecules fore studied by candlelight, even in mid­ beneath the surface. I ren1ember how day. While the Gaon succeeded in keep­ TORAH - THE ULTIMATE Rabbi Gifter shared this scientific con­ ing the outside world from entering his SOURCE OF ALL WISDOM cept with me with great excitement, because nee, during this actually helped ~ein !1azrnan- him to understand the 0 1m interses­ la\vs of Mikvaos, \.Vhere sion, Rabbi Gifter trav­ the h"'acha differenti­ eled from Telshe to ates betwee 1 jo ning Kovno to visit with two bodies cf \vater on the famed Torah the surface and genius, Rabbi beneath the surface. Mordechai Pograman­ On a different occa­ sky. Rabbi Pograman­ sion he shared a strik­ sky asked the young ing idea that he had yeshiva bachur what heard from Rabbi he was learning during Daniel Movshovitz, his vacation, and Rosh Yeshiva of Kelm. Rabbi Gifter gave him At the end of the 18'" a long list of Torah century in Koenigs­ subjects he was berg, Germany, the engaged in. philosopher Immanuel Kant wrote a room, the pure light of Torah emanat­ "And what are you doing to rest your brilliant treatise, "A Critique of Pure Rea­ ing from inside his sealed room could mind a little bit?" asked Rav"Mottel" (as son," touching upon son1e sublime not be confined. It radiated outward, he was fondly known). concepts. Reb Daniel explained where spreading all over the world in every Rabbi Gifter replied, "For 'light' Kant got this inspiration from: In far- direction. In Koenigsberg, a gentile reading I have been looking into a Nobel

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The Jewish Observer, March 2001 19 Prize-winning book called 'At Home and that there is wisdom to be found by the available to the gentiles. in the World,' by the Indian philosopher, gentile nations, believe him. But if As Rabbi Gifter filled the hearts and Rabindranath Tagore. Rabbi Gifter pro­ someone tells you that there is Torah to minds of his talmidim with such ele­ ceeded to tell Reb Motte! some of the be found among the gentile nations, vating and inspiring ideas, their entire thought-provoking ideas he had culled don't believe him!" At first glance, this being was suffused with love for from that book. staten1ent seems to praise the gentiles for Hashe111's Torah, and their entire value Rabbi Pogramansky's responded, possessing wisdom. In truth, the sole system \Vas transformed. "Of course, I know that there is knowl­ aim of this statement is only to praise edge in the gentile world. But I also the Torah. Torah is sublime wisdom, A TORAH OF FIRE know that there is more deep vvisdotn emanating from the ultimate Source, in one Torah teaching than there is in from the mouth of the Almighty Him­ bbi Gifter told me that he once everything that the secular world has to self. This wisdom, which is truly "out of went to a renowned professor for teach! Believe me when I tell you that this world,'' is reserved exclusively for n examination for high blood for the past three months, I have not G-d's Chosen Children, the Jews. In this pressure. The good doctor told him that stopped thinking only intelligent, about one state- sensitive people 1nent in the suffer fro1n a cer­ Midrash. The tain genre of Babylonian King high blood pres­ Nebuchadnezzar sure because they erected a huge take things to idol in his own heart. image and forced Rabbi Gifter everyone in the re1narked, "Doc­ world to bow tor, King down to it. The Solomon himself rabbis of the expressed that Midrash teach insight many that through years ago \vhen so1ne trickery, he observed, As Nebuchadnezzar one increases his caused this lifeless wisdom he idol to appear to increases his pain speak. Day and 'JNll!J' JHllN (Kohel/es 1,18). night, without a But, my dear stop, it cried out, doctor, do you Anochi Hashem Rabbi Giffer at the 65t/J Annual National Convention ofAgudath Israel ofAmerica. Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Feuer think it is better Elokecha! I am at the podium to be a 'glump' Hashem your G-d!" wor1d, one can discover secular and sci­ who feels no pain, or to be an intelligent Reb Motte! concluded: "We learn an entific wisdom aplenty- and it has sig­ individual who empathizes and experi­ important lesson from this. The nificance. But this wisdom is only a ences pain? Undoubtedly, it is far better Midrash teaches us that even though derivative of Torah wisdom, which to suffer the pain that results from the Nebuchadnezzar thought that this stat­ comes from the One and Only Source development of the heart and mind!" ue would hear eloquent testimony to his of wisdom, the Almighty. If there would Rava taught: "When a young Torah own divinity, in actuality even this icon be no Torah in this world, there would scholar becomes heated in anger, it is the proclaimed that Hashem is the One and not be any other wisdom at all! Those Torah within him that is aflame!" (Taa­ Only G-d. The mere fact that an object who study Torah stand at the very core nis 4a) Rashi explains: "The more Torah exists attests to a Creator who brought of wisdom, those who study other dis­ one learns, the more he develops his it into existence. Everything in creation ciplines stand at the outer edge. They are heart, and it becomes more sensitive and bears testi1nony to a Creator!)) catching a mere glimpse of the Torah's caring. The Torah scholar therefore takes Rabbi Gifter would elaborate on this light that radiates outward to every cor­ things to heart more than other people theme: ner of the cosmos. That light at the do, and he reacts with greater emotion!" Elsewhere, the Midrash (Eicha Rab­ periphery is no longer called Torah; it People who do not understand the bosi 2:17) says: "If someone will tell you is mere "wisdom," and that is indeed dynamics of Torah may entertain the dis-

20 The Jewish Observer, March 200 I torted idea that Torah scholarship mere­ unlimited opportunities to see the won­ years ago.] So when I learn a piece ofGemo­ ly develops the mind at the expense of ders of Hashem's creation. He saw the ra, I approach it as though it might be my the heart. They paint a grotesque cari­ wonders of the most elementary aspects last. I treasure it. And as a result, it is so pre­ cature of the talmid chacham as a heart­ of nature. He collected leaves. He cious to 1ne, that I never forget it." less halachic automaton, who tyrannizes savored dramatic views of clouds and He later remarked to me that he often the people with insensitive demands. brilliant sunsets. A single blossom. thinks of his trans-Atlantic trip back to New Nothing could be further from the Fields of flowers. Waters - rushing or York from Telshe in 1938. He and his father­ truth. The heart is naturally paralyzed by still. "Don't be a kaltn lungen leber (a in-law-to-be, Rabbi Zalrnan Bloch ,. .. ,fl, egocentricity. Only selfless study of cold slab of beef),'' he'd cry. Some peo­ spent two weeks aboard a rickety old pure Torah can emancipate a person ple were born old - the greatest tragedy! steamer, with hardly enough food to last the from his inborn selfishness and insen­ The sagacity of Torah and the youth­ trip. "In fact, on the second last day," he rem­ sitivity. Left to its own devices, the heart ful vigor of a curious child ... both pul­ inisced, "we only had a bottle 1'Vith three will continue to shrivel and shrink, the sated within Rabbi Gifter. And the mem­ drops of Slivovitz and ah kreitchikel harte longer man lives for himself. Only ory of his greatness still throbs within his broil [a dried up end-piece from a loaf of Torah study can reverse the process and talmidim, challenging us, guiding us, and bread J. We knew that this was to be our last expand the heart so that it will have room encouraging us. Each of us cherishes a taste offood before landing, in a day or two. enough to care for the needs of others. special encounter, a jolting remark. Never did I enjoy a bite of bread or a sip of A bachur once asked Rabbi Gifter how beverage as much as that kreitchikel und A DEFINITION OF GADLUS he managed to retnember everything. Was troppele Slivovitz! Every piece of a Gemo­ he blessed with a photographic 1nen1ory? ra I learn," he added, "is potentially rny last ow do we take measure of the "Not at all," he replied. "You see, I view bite, tny last sip. How I savor it!" person who has made others every day as possibly being my last day on How we each savor every last mem­ H aware of their own greatness, earth. [He wrote his tzava' a (last 1'Vill and ory of our encounters with our great and summoned them to live to their testament) close to 40 years ago, and pur­ melamed! highest level? chased a gravesite in Har Hazeisinz over 15 He will be sorely missed. II A truly great man inspires greatness. A great builder is recognized by the qual­ ity and quantity of the edifices he has constructed. A great painter is acclaimed for the outstanding masterpieces he has produced. A great man has the ability For careful attention to your to bring out potential greatness that lies individual needs, call us today! dormant within others. A meeting with Rabbi Gifter was never a casual experi­ (914) 354-8445 ence. It was an intense encounter, which left a lasting impression. It stirred something within you. It challenged you to live by a higher standard. There was Jonah's Fashion Inc. nothing petty or trivial about this man. His very presence seemed to demand action and advancement. When he delivered a public address, he did not merely lecture. He thundered, he exhorted, he forced you to open your heart •We make skirts and jumpers, solids and let his thoughts and ideas penetrate. and plaids, from size 5 thru When he taught a Gernora shiur, he junior and pre-teens didn't just educate. He took over your • Bais Yaacov blouses made from mind and forced you to think until he our own custom made stretched your mind to greater propor­ (extra heavy) material tions. "Stretch!" That is the key word in his mode of operation. He opened up our eyes and taught us how to look at the world with "Torah spectacles;' which provided us with

The Jewish Observer, March 2001 21