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(9 thtpf!!l't(416,•i>•ll"'lf ...... Ndm_etout, -,dirett • S_an-ctHyi_ng--,he-_Sodal,Ethlc' d!~iont ,. :'fht:! co:i:n,_~u_hal -£thif' •- _:rhe' e__mpa_t~Y-- _tact()r_, • Concht> 't:haptt>t •--- -c~-ampion of'JuStlce Stmtmat~ -~---_yhe_N_e_~ati~_e~Et_h_ica_l-:t::am-mandmef!_ts •,:--S_par-k_-~-rer~d_l!n~ss -,__ : , •- >:--- _Hetp\ng Hand 'f()r th~_ N-fJedy • i:labor.ilt' ~f.lotn· .ind sUbje.:f indic~ _• -w_orld_ :tJ:_f:Kl __ n_dness •,: ''-EthicaLBe THE JEWISH OBSERVER [ISSN) 0021-6615 is published monthly ex ceptJuly and August. by the Agudath Israel of America. 84 William Street, New York. NY 10038. Second class postage paid at New York, NY Subscrip tion $18.00 per year: two years. $30.00; In This Issue three years, $40.00. Outside of the United States {US funds only) $10 sur 8 charge per year. Single copy: $2.50: foreign: $3.00. Send address changes Rebbe and Father, a Spiritual Partnership to The Jewish Observer, 84 William St., Rabbi Shmuel Dishon N.Y.. N.Y. 10038. Thi.' [212) 797-9000., Printed in the U.S.A. 12 RABBI NISSON WOLPIN. Editoc School and Home: Partners or Adversaries? Rabbi Yaakov Reisman Editorial Board DR. ERNST BODENHEIMER 17 Chairman Shavuos: Harbinger of Immortality RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS A Scheinman JOSEPH FRIEDENSON RABBINOSSONSCHERMAN RABBI MOSHE SHERER 23 A Little "Mamme Loshon" About ...Yiddish Management Board Dr. Bernard Fryshman NAFTOLI HIRSCH ISAAC KIRZNER RABBI SHLOMO LESIN 26 NACHUM STEIN A Meaning-Centered Approach to Reading Rabbi Yitzchok Kasnett RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING Business Manager 31 THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not You Can't Sell a Book By Its Cover assume responsibility for the Kashrus (But It's a Good Place to Start) of any product or service advertised in its pages. YaffaGanz © Copyright 1988 37 " ." (With and Without Comment) SIVAN 5748/MAY 1988 Emet Ve-Emunah, Conservative Style VOLUME XXI/NUMBER 4 Perhaps you should consider adoption! We at Chinuch Atzmai-Torah Schools for Israel did, and we believe "adoptions" can play an important role in reshaping the future of Israel. How does it work .... Communities throughout Israel have been targeted for "adoption". The schools within each community will become the special responsibil ity of Jewish communities throughout America. This project's goal is a vast expansion of exist ing Torah schools, town by town, city by city, village by village, to give every Jewish boy and girl the chance to receive a Torah education. How do you fit in .... By joining an Adoption Committee in your area, and generously supporting this project, you can make a direct impact for Torah chinuch, and ultimately, you will see the fruits of your You are invited to join with the labors reflected in the faces of the youth in Gedolei Torah of our Board of Governors, our International Board Eretz Yisroel. of Trustees, and other deeply com mitted individuals who are the "This is the only remedy backbone of Chinuch Atzmai-Torah that could change Israel Schools for Israel. This plan of adoptions is larger into a Holy Land .. :' than any individual or group of in Hagaon Harav Avrohom dividuals. To help make this a real Pam N''\J>'.:>'<1 ity, the help of every person with the love of Torah and Kial Yisroel in their hearts is needed. r------TORAH SCHOOLS FOK ISRAEL- ~ \S~~ CHll"IUCH ATZMAI "ADOPTIONS" 167 Madison Avenue/New York NY 10016 • (212) 889-0606 0 I am interested in joining D Please send me infor- ~ 35~ an adoption project mation about community i~ YEARS_, -t committee in my area adoption projects Address ______m ~Jl teJ ~. City/State/Zip ______CHINUCH ATZMAI '------' INTRODUCTION havuos, 5748 will mark precisely 3,300 years since that fateful Sencounter, in the year 2448, between the Jewish People and the Creator, when He spoke to them at Sinai, presenting them with the Torah. We refer to Shavuos as Zman Mattan Toraseinu-the Time of the Giving of the Torah, to say that one can expe rience an immediate receiving of the Torah, on this very Shavuos, rather than using the festival as an oppor tunity to pause and recall the historic Mattan Torah. How does one experience Mattan Torah 3300 years after the event? The obvious answer is to sit down with a sefer and learn though the night of Shavuos, as Jews have been doing for centuries. There is also another way, almost as obvious. Teach Torah to your son. Better yet, teach Torah to your grandson. The Torah commands: "Bring to the knowledge of your children and your grandchildren, the Day that you stood before G-d ...at Horeb" (Devarim 4, 9-10). The Gemora derives from this passage that should a man teach Torah to his grandson, it is as if he received it as Sinai (Berachos 21 ). According to the Maharsha, "he" can refer to the teacher, who embodies the convic tion of a Moshe Rabbeinu as he performs his task, as a transmitter of the Torah. Or it can refer to the child, who finds consonance between the Torah taught by his father and that taught by his father's father.. .in effect confirming the integrity of the Mesorah. the fidelity of the transmission of the Sinai experience, as passed from generation to generation. (See Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, ad loc.) Every day, a Jew is called upon to recall the Sinai experience, as recorded in the above passages in Devarim Every day, a Jew is enjoined to live the Sinai experience anew, as he "brings it to the knowledge of his children and grandchildren." The articles that follow examine the various ways in which the parent and the teacher, the school and the home, can make Mattan Torah a daily living phenomenon. Rebbe and Father A SPIRITUAL PARTNERSHIP THE BASIS OF THE some children were falling by the results from the father establishing PARTNERSHIP wayside: some who had no fathers, the rebbe as his shaliach, his agent, and others whose fathers were in to perform his task of educating his he goal of chinuch-Torah capable of teaching them Torah. To child. education-is, to put it deal with such cases, Rabbi Yeho shua ben Gamla established a T simply, to prepare the Jewish PARENT BY PROXY child for a life that exemplifies cheder in each city. This became so "Yisgadel Vyiskadesh Shmet Rab accepted amongst Jewry, that a friend and I were discussing ba"-the sanctification of G-d's community that fails to establish a issues in chinuch. In the Name. The Torah is quite specific A course of the conversation, in directing us in how to achieve I asked him (he Is in home construc this: "Vshinantom livanecha-and for some reason all tion). "How do you go about building you shall teach them (i.e. the words Ir the melamdim would a house?" of Torah) to your sons" (Devarim He answered that first a contract 6,7). The Talmud derives from this decide that they are no must be drawn up, and for that passage that It is incumbent upon longer going to teach, purpose each party brings his own every father to teach his son Torah. lawyer. The mother's role Is to create an the halacha would demand that no father I interrupted him, 'Why do you environment in the home that need a lawyer? You know the nurtures commitment to Torah. go to work, but instead owner-he's your friend! You both encouraging the child to maintain teach his son Thrah. attended yeshiva and studied Torah whatever Torah instruction he together. Don't you trust each receives. other?" For generations this system chederto Instruct the young Is sub He answered, "Building a new worked, but during the time of the ject to cherem-excommunication. house can be a matter of a half a Mishna, it became apparent that If for some reason all the melam million dollars. You must read all the dim would decide that they are no fine print in the contract. You can't Rabbi Dishon, Masgiach of the Eels Mldrash of longer going to teach, the halacha just sit down and sign an Yeshiva Karlin-Stolin, has been active in yeshiva education for over twenty~five years. This article would demand that no father go to agreement." and the one that follows are based on oral work, but instead teach his son I then returned to our earlier presentations by the authors at a symposium at Torah. Today's system, then, is one subject, and asked him, "Do you the 65th National Convention of Agudath Israel of America. of partnership-a partnership that know how your son is doing in 8 The Jewish Observer, May 1988 Rabbi Shmuel Dishon yeshiva? Did you see your son's is charged with carrying the Torah TROUBLE IN PARADISE rebbe this year?" within him. and that he is serving He replied, "Well, PTA is next as a modern-day counterpart to week." Moshe Rabbeinu. teaching Torah to nfortunately. real-life does This man has entrusted his son his generation's children. As such. not follow this idyllic scena to a rebbe for six hours a day. every he should earn the father's trust, U rio. First of all, we are all vic day of the week, and should they and if so, the father should be deeply tims of World War Two, which has pass each other on the street. they indebted to him. brutally cut us off from earlier may greet each other, without either generations and the immediacy of realizing that the one is the other's their experiences. So here we are, in shaliach-his emissary-to equip a country with no Mesora (no ,.., .... ---- ..... , his son for a life of Torah and precise tradition) of its own and yet mitzvos. Never mind engaging a 1'/ a multitude of Mesaros. Each lawyer to read the fine print! ,'t ... ----- ... ______\ , Mesora-real or perceived-pulls in a different direction. On the first day Now, a parent generally recognizes :,,-~··--·'"' ----[ \ that he has neither the time, the ', ~·. • I of school in a typical yeshiva ) '\ •-t : I ketana, a rebbe looks at the twenty energy. nor the expertise to perform \ I ' I five children (If not more) in his his G-d-given task of educating his '' I, / . 'l son the way the rebbe is doing It \", '-'/ .'\ classroom, assuming the role of shaliach for twenty five sets of for him. He should also realize that "\ i ~ ~' " \ .. , a rebbe leads a different type of \ ~-...... parents, each with his (and her) own existence. in both his bein adam \ ',, vision of how the talmid should lechaveiro (affairs between man ', develop. In the small shtetl of old, and his fellow). and his bein adam '\ regardless of any problems, at least lamakom (service to G-d). His '. everyone-the father. the rebbe, the actions. hopefully, even in the inner \ rav-were all adherents of the most chamber of his home, are \ same derech. . a far cry from elevated because he knows that he \ the standard American yeshiva, • where if the rebbe is serving ,' one set of parents faithfully, he might well be "betraying" twenty-four others (and some times twenty-four-and-a-half). Moreover. most rebbes are also surrogate fathers, for it is in them that the children confide. sharing their problems and joys. Most parents do not really know their children. The pre sures oflife today are so great that in more homes than ever .. " before both parents are ~· :,. A, forced to work. and the first i!f ~F: to feel the pinch of the ffi ~;~{¥. demands on their time are :.· ::.~[!;~jj the children. Some parents 'i~~~f~:~~f appreciate whatever the : :i!J!;::,;;;y rebbe does for their child. ' -.. ~· .... : ./::!.···.-.~:·/: and recognize when he is ' ·:,'!it':·;•.-' . . J ' ~:!£r~~·-~·. doing even more than is re ...... ?.?~~'i' quired of him. It is he (or 'cT;. she) who is melamed 1brah. t~ and often it is he (or she) :.;:.;:·.. .,,.,.,..·:'~:..:~·-1·;;· who is creating the environ- ;fJ_;~'.([:~~57 ment to foster Thrah growth ..., .,':~·i.~... ~ .....: both assignments that de- . ~""~.. - .... :~· ~::;.-:~\~. valved originally upon the '~;}Jflf ;;~~j;~('/t~~~ l;{ef:f!'/!J:;':t'c'''"f': - '"""ffi ' ' : ,. .. . . ~~/. : '·. '·''· .. ' ',.. .. :~:;_' .. Consequentally, something quite token, if a rebbe hears the child normal will often take place. The report, "My father said .. .," instead father who has such high hopes for ofreacting then and there, he would his son suddenly realizes that he is be wise to contact the father and slowly losing control over him. He speak to him directly. The problem states an opinion, or a psha~ and would thus be mitigated rather than the son protests, "But that's not blown up out of proportion, as is so what my rebbe said...... often the case. The father thinks, What do you mean "yourrebbesaid"?Wheream THE UNSPOKEN MESSAGES I in this scene? An air ofcompetition sets in, for the parent feels that the rebbe has usurped his control over This man has entrusted nother factor in promoting the child. His feelings are under his son to a rebbe for six harmony between the school and the home is hash standable. But so is the situation. hours a day, every day of A Compare the father who spends (at pa'ah-indirect influence, in con most) an hour a day with his son, the week, and should trast to chinuch-teaching. Hash with the rebbe who is with the they pass each other on pa 'ah comes from the word talmid six hours a day, teaching the street, they would shipu'ah-slant. Just as rain falling him, guiding him, and-if he has a on a slanted roof will then pour touch of charisma-exciting him not even know down on whoever is standing over his own derech--his own each other! beneath its edge, so too do parents' approach to serving G-d! This can attitudes rain down on those breed tension and trigger serious beneath their "eaves." In past years, problems. Instead of permitting this fathers imbued their children with potentially adversarial relationship is apprised of any special situations, a sense that their life's goal was to to fester, it should be defused, and problems can be avoided, or at least be an ehrlicher Yid. Without hear cooperation should be fostered. be dealt with successfully. When the ing one word spoken on the topic, For starters, parents should father and the rebbe appreciate that the child saw how his father was become more involved with their they both are working for the same moser nefesh for Torah, how he children, discuss the day's events goal, the spirit of competition tends worked heart and soul for the and share their opinions with them. to fade away. In addition, the child yeshiva he attended. In out-of-town Some homes, even with but few will see their concern over his communities, this type of devotion children, can suffer from a lack of welfare, and will tiy to measure up is still evident, for committed par communication. Staggering under to their expectations. ents work with supreme sacrifice the pressures of daily life, many Since family backgrounds are so and dedication for their local parents cannot muster the patience divergent nowadays, differences yeshiva. Parents in larger commun to listen to their children.... All the between the school and the home ities, however. tend to take their more reason to appreciate that the are almost inevitable. Through open yeshivas for granted. Worse yet, a rebbe does manage to cope with his channels between the home and the father may boast within earshot of twenty-five charges! school, these differences will be his children how he was able to run better understood, and if not re circles around the tuition commit solved, they will at least be treated tee and avoid its "outrageous DEFUSING TENSION respectfully-after all, the father and demands." The child receives a host THROUGH COMMUNICATION the rebbe know each other as real of spoken and unspoken messages, people, not as phantom figures. and will either follow his parents' he starting point in any coop Open disagreement, then, will also lead and not take a serious interest erative venture is communi surface: but often, not enough in his school, or reject his parents' T cation, and the relationship thought is given to how and where values and influence. It becomes a between the parent and the rebbe these opinions should be expressed. matter of either/or. (teacher) is no exception. As a When the child comes home and The school and the house are matter of fact the rebbe's (or says, "The rebbe said .. .," and the meant to be partners. Through ef teacher's) specific task with each father takes exception to that fective and open lines of commun child could be more clearly defined approach, he should not state his ication-talking to each other, to the benefit of all concerned, if the opinion to the child. It would be far understanding each other, and parents make a point of meeting the more proper and productive if he working together-they can be true rebbe before the term starts, and were to call up the rebbe and ask shuifim in one of life's most impor maintain regular contact through him what he had said, and discuss tant missions: raising a generation out the schoolyear. When the rebbe it with him personally. By the same dedicated to Torah and mitzvos.• 10 The Jewish Observer, May 1988 A LANDMARK PUBLISHING EVENT! The Collected Writings of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch Volume V: "ORIGIN Of THE ORAL LAW" During Rav Hirsch's lifetime, the historians Graetz and Frankel published works that seriously distorted the truth about the divine origin of the Oral Law. Hirsch, keenly aware of reform Judaism's advances through Europe, considered it a sacred duty to respond to these devastating works, and he authored a series of articles clearly refuting their arguments. Today these essays are more relevant than ever. They explore a wide variety of events, personalities, and concepts relating to the era of the Mishna; so for any student of Torah-scholar and layman alike these articles provide essential information toward a basic understanding of Torah·She'b'al-Peh. And now for the first time ever, these essays have been translated into a lucid English, appearing all together in one magnificent volume! 330 pp. $15.75 hardcover They were both witnesses to destruction. They were both messengers of hope; though they lived more than 25 centuries apart! The Book of Jeremiah is complex: full of tragedy and suffering, describing a nation under attack that would not heed the repeated warnings of its prophet. To make such difficult passages meaningful to a contemporary mind is not an easy undertaking, but such is the accomplishment of Rav Dr. Joseph Breuer's profound commentary. Rav Breuer witnessed the immeasurable losses Jewry suffered in Europe; yet he succeeded in transplanting both the ideology and the Kehilla of his grandfather-Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch-from Frankfurt to New York. Rav Breuer was indeed able to look into the text of Jeremiah and provide a moving, meaningful commentary, relevant to each and every one of us today. And now it is available for the first time in English translation. Features the original Hebrew texf of Jeremiah with corresponding English franslation followed by Rav Breuer's full commentary. 440 pp. $19. 9 5 hardcover (j FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS 200 Airport Executive Park, Spring Valley, New York 10977 r;; Tel. (914) 356-2282 I Out of State, call toll free: 800-237-7149 Visa & MasterCard accepted I-~ Send for your free copy of our new 48-page illustrated catalog. SCHOOL HOME: Partners or Adversaries? CHOOSING . .. CONFORMING shield them from corrosive influen ment. But what about the home? ces. For instance, some schools will The home could be a place of re here are different types ofye not accept children from homes that inforcement, or it might be a source shivos. different types of have televisions. Some prohibit the of conflict and confusion. For in T homes, different communi student body from attending sports stance: What will the child think ties with different people from events or going to the movies. Some when his parents. or anyone else at different walks of life, each with a prohibit the student body from home, violates restrictions he was unique style, Its own strengths and reading library books and popular taught to honor in school? What weaknesses. magazines.... On the other hand, does a daughter think when she In most large metropolitan areas. some schools do not screen appli picks up the novel her mother is parents have a choice as to which cants but seek to influence their reading, which would make Mommy school to send their son or daughter. students to be selective on their blush if she knew that it was found? So they carefully question friends own.... But each school does set a What does a son think of his father and neighbors about the schools standard that it seeks either to who skips a shiur (Torah class) or their children attend. They speak to enforce or to imbue its students fails to daven Mincha!Maariv in menahalim and rubbetm. princi with. shul because he must watch an pals and teachers. generally select Having carefully researched and "important" program on television? ing a school that most closely then chosen the school that best ... The very things he was taught reflects their goals and values, a reflects their commitment, parents not to do. school that will project and reinforce expect the teachers to instill in their A girl is taught a standard of those values to their children, and children the sensitivity and commit tzntus (personal modesty) both in ment that will guide them, and the physical sense-to dress prop Rabbi Reisman serves as Rav of Agudath Israel protect them from negative influen erly at home and away- and In the of Long Island. He has been active in yeshiva ces. This is what parents expect and abstract sense-to be refined and education for over fifteen years. including servtng as a rebbe ln the Telshe Yeshiva's mechina. later should get from the school. And if subdued in both manner and dress. as menahel In Cleveland's Mosdos Ohr HaTorah, the school does not deliver, there are, What does she think of her mother and then as a founding rosh yeshiva In the generally. channels through which who seems oblivious to the rules she Yeshiva of Telshe Alumni in Westwood, New Jerse)'~currently in Riverdale, New York. they can register their disappoint- must abide by? 12 The Jewish Observer, May 1988 Rabbi Yaakov Reisman The son is taught zehirus b'mitz Parents may be aiming the movies, "selective" use ofV.C.R.s, vos-care in mitzva observance: not higher for their children a junket to Atlantic City (Glatt to talk during daventng, to have than they do for Kosher, of course), all sorts of books derech eretz for talmidei chacha and magazines, missing tefillos in mim, awe for gedolim, rabbeim, themselves. But do shul. menahalim What does he witness parents' actions reflect the But what is the message the when goes to shul with his father? standards of the school. or young. astute mind gets? Comprom What are his father's topics of ise? Excuses? "I do what I like and conversations enroute to and from do they challenge them? don't do what I dislike"?-Attitudes shul-or in shul? How does he like these can be carried further into speak about his Rav or the "other" kashrus, as well as other areas of Rav. or about Roshei Yeshiva and issur and hetter, the prohibited and Rebbes? Should there, indeed, be a the permitted, and children will BLACK STAINS, WHITEWASH sincere difference in shita (ideology) infer that not eveiy command is between different leaders and their meant for all people at all times. groups. is the child mature enough he parents' mode of conduct Furthermore, parents can teach to understand it as such? Does the can have even further rami children to be dishonest. without father speak about his son's yeshiva, T fications in terms of how it in ever uttering a false word. This is menahel and rebbewith deference? fluences their children. Human a message implicit in a Gemora in Admittedly, parents may be aim nature is such that one never views Succa. ing higher for their children than himself as having done wrong. The they do for themselves. But the yeitzer hora (evil inclination) some Reb Zeira said. one should not tell question still must asked: In sum. how provides us with a rationale for a child. "I will give you something," do parents' actions reflect the stand everything we do. "In this situation," and in the end not give it to him ards of the school. or do they chal . . . "under such circumstances" - for this will come to teach ... {the lenge them?-How do the children it's really permitted. child] to lie. As the pasuk states, perceive the two, as partners or Parents may thus find easy jus ''You will teach their tongues to adversaries? tification for the occasional trip to speak lies." The Jewish Observer. May 1988 13 On the surface. this Gemora measure at best. Economic condi seems puzzling. Is It only prohibited tions limit the amount of time and to break a promise to a child? Are the number of campers accommo broken promises to an adult per dated In this limited summer edu mitted? In addition. why does the cational system. Gemora cite a pasuk in Tanach We have yet to resolve this sum (Prophets) to prohibit teaching lies, mer problem, while slowly we find Ignoring the pasuk in the Torah: creeping upon us the mid-winter "Midvar sheker tirchak-Distance vacation. Spurred on by new-found yourself from falsehood"? affluence, people fly south for several One might assume from this that weeks during the winter. and take the Gemora is not dealing with an their children with them. The direct outright lie. A promise spoken. but impact on the child is missing not fulfilled, is not yet a lie. Since school. The new things he will pick no falsehood was said, or even up there-Disney World ... mixed implied. "Midvar sheker tirchak" swimming (F1orida is not known for does not apply. (Or perhaps we are its separate beaches) ... a rich diet dealing with a type of lie that is of happy hours in empty days-all permitted.I Reb Zelra teaches us 11 will remain with the child for a long that even in such cases, it is possible OOODO•••nnm Du u ~ time. Even after he returns to the to be teaching our children to lie, school physically, some time will by not yet having delivered on a pass before his mind will be there promise. And imparting this type of with him. These impressions, along message, even through indirection, We would welcome the with the message that school is must always be avoided .... Yes, school's intervention to expendable. will last a lifetime. At the inconsistencies between implicit fend off alien lifestyles, but same time, we have the distinction of introducing into Klal Yisroel a teachings and open behavior can often fail to realize that we teach a child dishonesty. new trend and lifestyle, something negate the school's we might be sorry for ever having teachings by the clothes started. . . . Comes December, are FROM THE SUBTLE school and home partners or TO THE OVERT- our children wear, the cars adversaries? ALL THAT MONEY CAN BUY we drive, the homes we The problem of extra-curricular live in. trips-whether or not approved by ntil now we have mentioned the school-is not confined to subtle, passive ways that extended vacations trips, but Uparents-by their actions or includes all other expeditions and by their lack of them-can set ex these alien lifestyles, but often fail visits where parents directly violate amples for their children, contrary to realize that. at the same time, we school policy, regardless of their to what they have been taught by negate the school's teachings by the nature, whether entailing a visit to both the school and the home. clothes our children wear, the cars Bubby's house during schooltime, But there are other-more di we drive. the homes we live in. or a late-night tisch that results in rect-influences. To focus on one aspect of this a tardy arrival to school the next As of late. Klal Yisroel has pros affluence and its consequence: A de morning. pered and as a whole has become bate is now In progress as to Unless the parent writes a note much more affluent than it has been whether two full months of vacation stating the truth, he has actively within memory. This has brought in the summer is necessary or even taught his child to be dishonest. with it a new set of lifestyles-and healthy for our children. (A similar And should he write the truth, he nisyonos (challenges): how we dress, debate is currently taking place in teaches his child that school policies how we live, what we eat. what we some public school systems.) The are made to be broken. The only drive, and where we go on vacations. consensus among mechanchim exception is when the school Most of us would agree, at least (educators) is that summer vacation genuinely believes that at certain in private, that these lifestyles have is In fact too long and even detri times, for certain children, some made tremendous Inroads into our mental to the children. But we are activities are more important than Yiddishkeit. We gradually have at the mercy of a host culture that routine classroom. become more occupied with our designates July 4 to Labor Day as One would hope that the parents material status than with our spir free time. The most we can do for view the school's policies and atti ituality. We would welcome the our children is enroll them in tudes as expressing their own atti school's intervention to vend off summer camps, which is a stop-gap tudes as well. 14 The Jewish Observer. May 1988 LESS REWARD THAN EFFORT ignore the stark facts (hoping they When the parents and the school Will go way), ail this time putting are partners, It is for every contin their child through unnecessary gency. o far we have discussed hardships and difficulties to pre important Issues of dayos serve their own endangered egos? S and mtddos-attitudes and Are they thankful for an honest MORE THAN MONEY CAN BUY character-but have not touched on evaluation, which can be helpful to the learning process. Here, too, their child, or are they quick to d then there is the Almighty much can be said about the parents blame the school and staff for ollar. We want the best for helping or hindering their child's bumbling incompetence, and find ur children. No comprom scholastic achievement. ing "an easy way out"? ises. That's how we were brought up Consider: A rebbe/teacher tiying his/her hardest. virtually giving of himself to teach your child. But your child is not responding either to Boruch Hashem, You're Leaming . .. your satisfaction or to that of his rebbe/teacher. The rebbe/teacher But Are You Remembering? continues with his/her greatest effort. What is your reaction? Do you DO YOU forget the last daf almost as quickly as you learn the new one? express your appreciation to him for DO YOU find it difficult to stick to a schedule in your learning? his attempts at reaching your child? DO YOU feel as if you don't really know even what you've finished? Are you being objective about your child? Or do you succumb to the subjectivity that parents tend to If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then maybe the have for their offspring? What! My son/daughter ts not the best in the class? Can't be! Both I and my wife FOUNDATION were at the top of our classes! Or, ...... FOR ...... How could he be doing so poorly? All Qf his brothers and sisters were honor students! How could my TORAH KNOWLEDGE nephew be doing better than my can help YOU maximize your gains from YOUR learning time. son? Or, How could my neighbor's son be better than my son? After We have developed a progran1, endorsed by Rabbonim, that provides for in-hon1c all, I'm so much more intelligent monthly testing in four different areas of study, with manageable schedules, at no than my neighbor-and a bigger charge. It works like this: talmid chacham, to boot! It must be WE send you a study schedule in your chosen field: c;cmara with Rashi, the rebbe's/teacher'sfault! Mishnayos, Mishnah Berurah, or Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. It can take some parents quite a YOU study the material indicated for the current month. while before they finally recognize WE send you a test at the end of the month. that perhaps nobody is at fault. Every child is different. YOU take the test at home at your convenience, and mail it back to us. Consider, too, when a child is WE grade it, and return it to you with next 1nonth's test. found to be learning disabled. Do The testing system can help YOU in the following ways: parents realize how much mechan -+It provides the incentive to finish a pre-allocated, manageable amount chim and menahaltm research the of material every month. child's capabilities and performance -It provides the incentive to learn the material more thoroughly, enhancing before arriving at such a conclu your co1nprehension. sion? This is followed by the agony - It provides the incentive to review 1nore, enhancing your recall. of facing parents and informing -The returned tests provide valuable feedback on what you misunderstood and them. Once parents are told.their where your weak points arc. immediate reaction is, "Can't be Those currently enrolled in the program testify that our system has already begun to not my child! (Thafs not what I enable them to answer a resounding "NO!" to the questions at the top of this ad. ordered!) How Will I tell Zeidy and Wouldn't YOU like to join them? After all, isn't YOUR hard-earned Torah knowledge Bubby?" etc. But once the truth has too precious to lose?? had time to sink in, do the parents For more information, write or call: see to it that the child is taught FOUNDATION FOR TORAH KNOWLEDGE whatever he or she can and should 407 Yeshiva Lane, Baltimore, MD 21208 (301) 653-1064 be taught. or do parents tend to The Jewish Observer, May 1988 15 and we wouldn't have it any other office. You sit down opposite the way with our children. The best of menahel and look him straight in both worlds: The best Torah educa Ideally, the home should the eye, and declare, "This place is tion along with the best secular be a makom mikdash falling apart! And do you know why education... and the best teachers this place is falling apart? Because for both. The building should be a a veritable sanctuary, you can't hold on to good talent even half-decent structure, maintained and the school should be when you have it!" well, with clean bathrooms and challenged to strive to And so the parent has leveled with uncluttered corridors. We recognize keep up with the standard the school. ... that all this costs money, and we are willing to pay our share. Or are we? set by the home. * * * After we return from that mid We have touched upon a number winter vacation. we decide to visit -- of points, which are perhaps unique the school and make a reckoning. to a large city elementary school. But on the way, we have to stop at loan) connections and comes back High schools and out-of-town day the car dealer, because the old '84 to the hanhala (school administra schools and chadorim have their doesn't look like it'll make it through tion) for help. The hanhala assures own peculiar challenges, which can another winter. And "I definitely him that they will rectify the situa be examined as parallels to those have to keep my promise to my wife tion as soon as possible, but the enumerated here, or can wait for to redecorate. After all, it's already prtme movers in the parent body their own day in the spotlight. In five years now with the old furniture. have not returned from vacation.... any case, successful education is Besides, our older children will Your son's class isn't covered for based on a partnership. And to be begin shidduchim soon, and the two days and the grapevine has it worthy partners. our home must be house must be presentable. Sure, I'll that his rebbe could not hold out a makom Torah, a place of Torah. pay my share in tuitioB. But I just any longer, and left suddenly. The Torah says: "Make for me a don't have the money, just rtght Now you really fume: 'What! This mikdash-a sanctuary-and I will now." rebbeforwhom I've waited forthree dwell in their midsf' (Shemos 25,8). Meanwhile. While you were away years so my son will finally have him, Chazal point out that it does not for two weeks, and then, on return gets up and leaves rtght in the say "in iis midst" referring to the deeply involved in the pains of middle of the year! Where is yoisher building, but rather "in their shopping and redecorating, a crtsis ljustice)? Where is mesiras nefesh midst"-in the midst of each and developed in school. The cash flow (devotion)?" every one of us. Ideally, the home got even tighter than before, and the You promise yourself, come what should be the makom mikdash yeshiva fell another month behind may, this Sunday you're going to a veritable sanctuary, and the school in payroll. Your son's rebbe, now two visit the yeshiva to get to the bottom should be challenged to strtve to months behind on his meager of this. keep up with the standard set by salary, finds that he can't make ends Sunday arrives, and you go to the the home. Then the two will be meet. He exhausts all G'mach (free yeshiva, directly into the menahel's partners, not adversaries.• Not just a cheese,_ a tradition ... - Hao lam, the most trusted name in Cholov Yisroel Kosher Cheese. A reputation earned through 25 years of scrupulous devotion to quality and kashruth. With 12 delicious varieties. Under the strict Rabbinical supervision of K'hal Adas Jeshurun. N.Y. Haolam, a tradition you'll enjoy keeping. Kosher for Passover Cbolov Yisroel Haolam. THURM BROS. WORLD CHEESE CO., INC. NEW YORK. N.Y. I6 The Jewish Observer, May 1988 AScheinman 11 I Harbinger qf Immortality TRANSCENDING MORTAL ened on Shavuos; and we have an Tovim, with a special emphasis on LIMITATIONS unrivaled opportunity to grow in the festival of Shavuos. emuna/bitachon (faith and trust in ManyChassidicseforimdwellona he three Regalim (pilgrimage G-d) on Succos. concept mentioned in Chazal (Tal festivals)-Pesach, Shavtws Our sacred literature discusses mudic literature) called ''.Ashan" T and Succos-each mark an more traits and yet other pheno an acronym for Olam, "world" important and seminal event in the mena in connection with these fes space; Shana. "year"-time; and Ne formation of Klal Yisroel. Not only tivals. each one echoing yet another fesh-"soul," being or essence. These do they each commemorate a past aspect of the original core event that represent three basic dimensions of event. but they also each reawaken served to bring about the Yorn Tov. existence by which anything in the and bring to the fore a national Many seforim, for example, draw world can be described. Let us clarify characteristic that is somehow as parallels between the three festivals this concept and its application. sociated with those very historical and the Patriarchs, and the pillars of The Creator is boundless. limit events. Thus, our capacity for Geula, Divine service that they represent, less. timeless; in short, infinite. We redemption, is heightened on Pe associating Pesach with Avraham refer to Him as Ein Sof-without sach; our bond with Torah is strength- and gemilas chassodim (hospital limit. There isnoplacewithoutHim, ity), Succos with Yitzchak and avo He is eternal and has always existed. da!tefilla (prayer). Shavuos with and all else that exists is contained Rabbi A. Scheinman, who studies in a Kolk\ in Yaakov and Torah. Let us examine within His existence. By contrast, JC'rusalem. is a frequent contributor to these pages-most recently. "f-\>sa('h: Rejuvenation and another set of three concepts and whatever has been created is limited Rcnc\\'aL"' March '87. find their expression in the Yomim and finite, and it is through their The Jewish Observer, May 1988 17 limitations that they are defined. For object contained within the space. nal, at least from our perspective. example, by tracing the boundaries Thus, we have Olam-a framework How, then, do we define one ne of a picture or an object, we describe of creation known as space, or place. shamaand distinguish it from other the object. Thus, a line-drawing or a neshamos?The answer is that each picture of an object is essentially a • Time. Creations cannot be des neshama ls endowed with becht representation of its boundaries or cribed exclusively In terms of space ra-free will to choose for itself physical limits. But there are differ or place. Two objects can occupy the which distinguishes it. at least in its ent kinds of"boundaries," other de identical spot at different times. own understanding, from G-d. A finitions to employ in delineating Therefore, we need a different co person might be aware intellectually different aspects of creation. Let us ordinate-time-to define things of the fact that he is "a portion of examine three basic dimensions of that exist. Everything that is non G-d," but emotionally and mentally creation, beginning with the one Divine-created, that is-is bound he feels that he is a separate being, just described. by the limits of time: It staried at a capable of acting independently of specific time, lasts for a period of • Place or space. Our most ele Divine dictate. He Is thus defined by time, and at some time will cease to his bechira as a creature limited and mentaiy concept of boundaiy and exist. Time, then, is our second definition is naturally the physical finite, rather than par! of the Infinite framework of coordinates of crea Divine. space that something occupies. De tion, known as Shana. scribe to me the length, width, height It is also this consciousness of self and depth of an object. its contours • Soul. This is a more elusive. yet that separates, defines and distin and topography, together with its most critical definition of a "crea guishes one neshamafrom another. coordinate position in the universe, ture," as contrasted to its Creator. While we are told that Kial Yisroel is and I have before me a clearly deli The neshama is not a physical entity in actuality one embracing, all-in neated physical reality. It is axio and consequently does not occupy clusive neshama-elements of a matic to us that no two objects can space. The neshama of a Jew, as a great unity-our feelings are other exist In the same place, so by delimit 7~r.ir.i 'Pl7N p7n-a poriion ofG-d, from wise. "I" am "I." and "you" are "you," ing the space occupied, we know the Above, so to speak-is virtuallyeter- period. The Baal Hatanya explains that "love your neighbor as yourself' is not fulfilled simply by drawing closer to a fellow Jew, but rather through the realization that all of TWO Kial Yisroel is "one"; yet. one need not go to great lengths in describing QUESTIONS the difficulty encountered in incor porating this concept into one's emotional makeup. 1. Would you like to know Thus we have an additional boun more about the laws concerning daiy that separates and defines dif tying or untying knots on ferent parls of creation. It is meta Shabbos? physical and subtle rather than overt and concrete, but it is no less real. It 2. Would you like to study a is a boundaiy that contains man, Responsa by the Rosh Ha separating him from his Creator, Yeshiva, Hagaon HaRav Moshe dividing man from fellow man. It is Feinstein, zt"l, on the subject of the element of bechira, the con translating Torah lessons into sciousness and awareness that one the vernacular?) (The Responsa is an independent being ... the di is in Hebrew.) mension called Nefesh. These three dimensions. then. Send $3.00 for your copy to: represent limitations, barriers sep Yeshiva Fund aratingfinitemanfrom the spiritual Box 82 Staten Island, NY 10309 absolute. Three times a year, how ever, we are privileged to have our In Israel: tethers loosened, and for a brief in Goldberger stant we have the singular good for 27 Pines Street Jerusalem 94701 tune to overcome these barriers to Or ask at your local Seforim store. some degree-to catch a glimpse of that which is beyond, giving us the means to transcend the limitations of Olam. Shana and Nefesh. 18 The Jewish Observer. May 1988 The soul of each and every member Qf Klal Yisroel was present at the giving Qf the Torah at Mount Sinai. It could not have been otherwise.for Torah is not an additive to Nishmas Yisroel; it is its essence. I. PESACH-RELEASE FROM the passage of discreet units of time, deeper level, the succa represents THE SHACKLES OF TIME and these in tum are controlled by Israel's 40 years' journey through the declarations of the terrestrial the desert, an experience that trans esach preparations and ritu beis din. With the redemption from cended the conventional limitations als focus on being rid of cho Egypt. man became master over time of place. P metz and eating matzah. instead of its subject.* • The desert itself represents an Chometz is a product of the passing area beyond the specifics of place. It of time, for when dough of grain II. SUCCOS-BEYOND SPACE is not inhabitable and cannot sup meal is left lying around for a suffi port people. Rather. people support ciently long period of time, the leav s Pesach represents the mas themselves in a desert in spite of ening process sets in. On the sym tery of man over time. Succos where they are. bolic level, this represents the work A represents his mastery over • The Gemora (Eruvin). in a dis ing of the yeitzer hara, man's evil place. The mitzva of succa itself cussion of the requirements for involves leaving one's regular place inclination, which tends to become gaining the status of residency activated whenever a person delays of dwelling for a temporary hut. On a usually a matterof thirty days-says purposeful action. Limiting our diet that although nomads have no per to matzah, as opposed to chometz, *See the author's article in the March "87 JO for further discussion on the topic. manency in any locale, members of we remove from ourselves the effects of time. Pachad Yitzchak (the published works of Torah thought by Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner '"~') explains that zerizus the concept of (alacrity) in since 1928 Pesach preparation and ritual is not meant to be understood merely in FREEDA® the conventional sense. Usually. ze rizus is contrasted with atzlus (sloth), but on Pesach it refers to transcending the effects of time in VITAMINS our worship of G-d. There are many THE BEST IN THE VITAMIN WORLD ,-·· examples of this in Pesach: • The exile in Egypt was decreed to be of four hundred years' duration. Yet when He decided it necessary, Over 250 Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids to cover all G-d began the count toward the your vitamin needs. Our vitamins are made on the premises under strict pharmaceutical and kashrus standards. redemption from an earlier starting Freeda Vitamin-:; are parve and vegetarian and are under the point, and the Jewish people left Rabbinical Supervision of the Orthodox Union and Rabbi Egypt in half the time decreed-after Mordechai Kohn from Nevv Square, N.Y only 210 years. • No sugar • No sulfates • No coal tar dyl'-s • The mitzva of Kiddush Hacho • No starch • No salt filler • No animal stearates desh(the beisdin'sjurisdiction over declaring the start ofeach month, in accordance with its sighting of the new moon) was given in Egypt. FREE FREEDA BROCHURES Jurisdiction over the calendar is thus 0 completely in the hands of man. But that is not all. Even the physical 3H E. 41st St., Ne-iv York, NY 10017 (212) H85·4980 effects of time. such as levels of maturity, are often determined by The Jewish Observer, May 1988 19 A person might be aware Qf thefact that he is "a portion Qf G-dfrom Above," but emotionally and mentally hefeels that he is a separate being, capable Qf acting independently Qf Divine dictate. the "generation of the desert," fol· haps this was because the genera· of serving as a barrier to spirituality, lowing the Exodus, were considered tions of the desert were above "place,'' the body will be illumined by the permanent residents wherever they and thus did not leave any imprint soul, extending beyond the limita· happened to be because they tra· on any place. tions of life as we now know it, serv· veled and rested in accordance with ing as a vehicle for reaching up G-d's command. Rabbi Chaim toward Ein Sqf. •Torah is the agent Shmulevitz '""explained this with ill. SHAVUOS-ALIGHTOF through which this is effected, as IMMORTALI1Y a parable: A child in the arms of a the Gemora says, "The dew of Torah mother who has flown from Los revives a person." Indeed, this is Angeles to New York, does not feel as he soul is not encumbered alluded to in Tehillim 19,9 (the though it had traveled across the by the physical limitations of chapter read on Shavuos) that des· space and time; nonetheless, continent. It was in its mother's T "'~' it also seems to come to an end.After cribes the Torah as m>vn-re· arms from the outset of the journey storer of life. a person's earthly existence is over, until its conclusion. It senses no his soul returns to its Creator, ter· • Rabbi Hutner once explained change in location. Only its mother that from the fact that a talmid cha· feels the toll of having traveled. The minating its existence, from our perspective. True, the soul does not cham who has forgotten his studies child relates to its mother, not to the is still respected as a talmid cha· places that she passes through. disintegrate or vanish, but its capa· city for initiative and accomplish· cham, we see that Torah leaves an • The pillar of cloud moved ahead ment is gone. Most important, its indelible impression on that which of the Jews in the desert, smoothing gift of bechira, its power of free once contains it long after the recep· out the way ahead of them, obliterat· choice, has gone and to a great degree tacle appears to have been emptied Ing the specific characteristics and it has become part of the great Unity. of its contents. Torah so permeates individual features of each place. All For this, too, there is rectification: the soul of the person who studies it. places of sojourn were "beyond techiyas hameisim (resurrection of that even after its wisdom has been place.'' the dead), when each soul will be forgotten on the conscious level, •Mount Sinai did not remain holy reunited with its physical self, as a evading any semblance of having after the giving of the Torah. Per· free standing individual; but instead been retained. it is nonetheless present as part of the person's es· sence. One might say that Torah's eternity transcends the ephemeral ll/e have some ideas for you!! nature of the vessel that holds it. The Gemora learns this from the place· Would you like to develop some ment of the broken Luchos along unique methods of fulfilling the side the complete ones in the Holy Mitzvah to honor your parents? Read: Ark, demonstrating that even after "Dear Parents-How Can I Ever the first Tablets were broken, the Torah that impressed itself on them Thank You Enough?" is still present. By the same token, Ask for it at your local Seforim store or the Torah absorbed by a person is send $5.00 to: also indestructible. Yeshiva Fund • Ghazal (the rabbis of the Tai· Box 82, Staten Island, NY 10309 mud) tell us that upon hearing each of the first two of the Ten Com· In Israel: Goldberger *In Derech Hashem Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luz zatto elaborates on the deep, paradoxical ques 27 Pines Street, Jerusalem 94701 tion of how, after techfyas hameisim. on the one hand one \Vill regain a sense of self, while on the Don't keep your parents waiting!! other hand, one will achieve a total harmony and con1plete unity with G-d. With our present limited capacities, we cannot comprehend such a state. 20 The Jewish Observer. May 1988 mandments. the soul of every Jew in a presence in all generations, so as to Chazal also tell us that when the Kial Yisroel left him. only to be res guide and teach the Jews. While his angel of death came to kill David tored to him again. From that time body had to leave the world. as the Hamelech, it had no power over him onward. the soul no longer is an giverofTorah and paradigm ofTorah ... for he was immersed in Torah entity separate from the Torah, but knowledge. he gained an immortal study. It was only through a ruse is melded with it. At that moment. ity of spirtt possible only through that he succeeded in distracting him the command of 01>< '1\UYJ-"Let us Torah. and. taking advantage of his mo make a man"-as the force that • David Hamelech, who died on mentary vulnerability, that he was animates man was supplanted by Shavuos, is destined to usher in the able to overpower him. 1P''" tJIUil »J><-"l am the L-rd your era of techiyas hameisim.* His own G·d"-and Torah became the inner demise is actually related to the t is the thick of night. A world essence of the Jewish soul. Thus, Yomtov of Shavuos; According to lies in slumber. Some have gone Torah is the very dew of life and Chazal, David never sank into deep I to their eternal sleep. while oth· serves as its means of resurrection. slumber-for sleep is a taste of death. ers in their own way sleep away The Talmud teaches that the soul and David was not sullied by death those few years called life. There is of each and every member of Kial or its associate expertences. Indeed. but one person who does not sleep; Yisroel was present at the giving of we declare "'i'' >n '"""'' 1'.?l'.l 111 "David he seems to drift off for a few min the Torah at Mount Sinai. It could King of Israel lives!" It is most ap utes at a time, napping yet remain not have been otherwise, forTorah is propriate that on the night of Sha ing alert. At the head of his bed not an additive to Nishmas Yisroel; vuos-the occasion of his Yahr hangs a harp ready to catch the it is its essence. zeit-we, too. avoid the "taste of slightest hint of a breeze. A soft •We know that Moshe Rabbeinu, death," and stay awake the entire whisper of a northern wind caresses the Giver of the Torah, died on Adar night to study Torah, the essence of the harp strtngs and David Harne· 7, but his place of burial is hidden eternity. lech is up, taking the harp in his from us, as if to indicate that in some hands to play the melody that will *While the actual techiyas hameisim will be per ways he is not gone. The Zohar formed by Eliyahu Hanavi, the era will be ushered awaken the entirety of creation. explains that Moshe's spirtt retains in by Moshiach. David, King of Israel. lives!• Subscribe, Renew or Give The Jewish Observer now and save. U.S.A. ONLY OUTSIDE U.S.A. THE OOne Year/$18.00 (for ten issues) 0$28 OTwo Years/$30.00 (a $50 value) 0$50 JEWISH OThree Years/$40.00 (a $75 value) 0$70 U.S. FUNDS-DRAWN ON A U.S. BANK ONLY OBSERVER Suite 1200, 84 William Street, New York, NY 10038 Send magazine to: •Analyzes. •Reports. Name •Evaluates •Reviews. Address ______•Comments. •Reflects. City ______State ____ Zip. _____ •Inspires. •Projects. OEnclose gift card OMasterCard OVisa A r··rr. ·r·}il.lJT-r-J i'fJ-11 cct. No. [___ _, ____ .. m •• ,L~ _____ L--~.L. ------'---.-. _.~L_L_--·--·--·-· __ _j ___ _j Wedo more Expiration date DD (month) DD (year) DD than just observe. Signature The Jewish Observer. May 1988 21 YourKosherFamilg Will love Our Kosher Family l,, @Kosher There's a Kosher POST® Fruit lovers have a delightful All Kosher POST® cereals are cereal for everyone in your family choice. Theres POST' Natural fortified with at least 10 essential -From the kinderlach to the Raisin Bran with its plump, juicy vitamins and minerals. Plus bubbehs and the zaydes. raisins and the tempting varieties POST® Natural Raisin Bran, Both POST" Grape-Nuts' of POST® Fruit & Fibre' cereal: POST® Natural Bran Flakes cereal and Grape-Nuts' Flakes Peach; Dates, Raisins & Walnuts; and POST" Fruit & Fibre" have have an extraordinary taste that Tropical Fruit; and Raisins, Zip-Pak'" resealable packaging. comes from nature's own wheat Apples & Almonds. So always keep all 5 Kosher and barley. Grape-Nuts' is hearty Of course, there's greattasting, POST® cereals on hand. ,-,:;; and crunchy; Grape-Nuts' high-fiber POST® Natural Bran Your family will love our 'iJ/ Flakes is light and delicious. Flakes. family. GENERAL '°°OS ©1968 General Foods Corporn11on USA Dr. Bemard Fryshman A Little Mamme Lashon About . .. A LANGUAGE THAT'S A PEOPLE UNLIKE capture an insight, or a knaitch of LIKEALL THE OTHERS ALL THE OTHERS the Chofetz Chaim, as well as a Yiddish description? There are his is not a paean to Yiddish. ot so the Yiddish that is the people who witnessed events involv Too much harm has come to lingua franca of the majority ing European Torah Giants and T the Jewish people through N of the world's Orthodox Jews. relate stories, in Yiddish, in a man the efforts of Yiddish-speaking This is the Yiddish in which Jews ner that envelops their audience "nationalistic" Jews for anyone to learned Torah for the better part of with them into the event. Will my claim that teaching children to a millennium, the language in children be an integral part of the speak Yiddish is an end in itself. Nor which Jewish mothers through the group, or will they be onlookers? do I intend to describe the beauty ages spoke and prayed to the Crea A trivial difference? I claim not. of the language, its poetry, and its tor. Should our sons and daughters Young Arabs are ready to die for the Iiterature. A language with a close be cut off from their heritage? Palestinian cause because they have kinship to German, and a literature Should they be unable to speak to learned from birth about "their" exemplified by Peretz and Asch has the last of the gedolim of Europe land, their language, their heritage. no call on a Jew's loyalties. who, in their very persons. carry the Two generations after their fore Yiddish divorced from Torah Mesorah of the Jewish people? bears left Israel, young Palestinians doesn't call for this piece to be I want my children to be able to can describe every detail of "their written. Like the FDRWARD, which hear stories of previous rebbes and land." used it to help assimilate millions tzaddikim in the language that An extreme example, even dis of American Jews, it will ultimately these gedolim themselves spoke. I tasteful. But graphic. And instruc vanish in the scrap heap of history, want my children to be able to listen tive. More than any other. we are a unremembered and unmourned. to a tape of Reh Moshe Feinstein, people with a heritage. This heritage J"'1-without a translation. I want includes a thousand years of Jewish Dr. Fryshman. assistant professor at the New York Institute of Technology, also serves as them to experience the flavor, the life in Europe; every aspect centered executive director of MRTS (Association of taam of the world which shaped around Torah, and tightly woven in Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools). He and created Ashkenazic Jewry. Is every respect by a common lan ls active in a wide range of Jewish community activities. there an English work that can guage; Yiddish. The Jewish Observer, May 1988 23 Our forebears spoke nothing else. children be denied contact with an Not Polish, not Russian, and l'hav important pari of their past, simply di~ not Lashon Kodesh. Can we "Farvoss redst du because others don't share that transmit our heritage in a different past? tongue? Ainglish vi a Nu, vos macht a Yid? How many thousands of conversations across ANOTHER UNIQUE HERITAGE gass yingel?'' the world-and across the centur ies-have been staried this way? ranted, not all Torah Jews How many shidduchim, business share our Yiddish heritage. deals, and chassodim can trace GThe Sephardim, too, built a their genesis to these five simple life centered around Torah, but with words? Even now a young man from societal influences, language, min Lakewood can learn Gemora with a hagim, and history quite different. contemporary in France only A noble heritage, equally worth because both know Yiddish. Admit preserving. tedly, Yiddin are not as familiar with Only, far too often our response Yiddish as they used to be. Nonethe has been to preserve neither herit less, American Jews succeed in age. Educational programs have befriending Russian immigrants, been designed to eliminate both the understanding an Israeli Rosh Ashkenazi and Sephardi influences Yeshiva, moving around in Argen and retain only that which is com tina, and establishing a close rela mon to both. Do we become a tionship with Hungarian Jews (in stronger people when the medium 1956), only because of Yiddish. A of instruction of Limudei Kodesh is knowledge of the language enables neither Yiddish nor Hebrew, but a Torah Jew to establish an almost English? Surely we are large and J want my children to be instant kinship with so many con wealthy enough a community to able to hear stories of freres across the world. What a ensure that our children receive an patrimony to leave for our children! education that reinforces their previous rebbes and M(?sorah rather than mongrolizes it. tzaddikim in the language More. The fact that some Jews that these gedolim TORAH AND TONGUE! don't view Yiddish as pari of their themselves spoke. heritage doesn't change the fact: he argument is sometimes Yiddish is part of mine. Should made that a child's under T standing of Torah can be ad versely affected because he cannot appreciate concepts in an unfamil iar tongue. This is a serious indict ment, and in some cases, undoubt I GOT MY JOB edly true. Especially if doting parents support a child's natural THROUGH reluctance to stretch its mind. Haven't we lived through a prime example of the consequences of not p1ojcrctCOPE forcing children to exercise their faculties? A whole generation of "minority" children was lost as JOIN THE MANY YUNGELEIT WHO sympathetic liberals tied themselves HAVE FOUND CAREERS THROUGH into knots justifying the failure of OUR FREE PLACEMENT CENTER Black children to learn. And as the excuses became more imaginative, the failures became more profound! CALL (212) 363-5660 Haven't others had the experience Offices located in BoroPark, Flatbush and Manhattan of teaching immigrants who arrived knowing virtually no English, and who by dint of hard work, advanced to the top of the class? Are our children any less capable? 24 The Jewish Observer, May 1988 In Montreal a Yeshiva boy could ,, ~.'.liiw,, separates the child from a good part very well be learning French and of the "street"; the Anglo-Saxon English, Lashon Kodesh and J.'.l,\?,DO ,:::i expletives. which punctuate every Gemora Lashon. While in Brooklyn fifth word of some conversations, his aunt and uncle will come storm I~ i',,, w,;J.'.l,~ are simply unknown to the Yiddish ing into the school office to protest speaking child. Even adults whose their daughters having to learn "?,,:::i ll'i',il'~~-'~ daily affairs are carried out in Chumash in Yiddish. Interestingly, Yiddish will not have at their dis the children are from the same back posal the filth. the imprecations and ground, with the same abilities. the harsh expressions which flavor Only the parental attitudes are colloquial English. The language different. exerts a civilizing effect on its Children learn languages in con speakers; it provides a mental text. and at young ages will absorb framework that is softer. more as much as we offer. Watching sedate. and, yes. Torah-dik. Iranian refugees learning Talmud in A merchant and customer were Yiddish pretty much puts to rest the going at it: in Yiddish. The scene argument that Torah can only be was noisy, nasty and harsh. And effectively studied by American yet the limitations of the language children in English. did its bit: there were no swear words, and no curses. Finally the customer, driven almost to distrac IT CAN BE DONE . .. tion, released an emotional. cutting 'Zolt ihr gezunt zein," and stamped ome of the problems children away. None of the onlookers experience probably stem thought for an instant that this party had interrupted his torrent qf Sfrom the fact that many me ... AND IT SHOULD BE chanchim are themselves uncom arguments to wish his antagonist fortable with the language; this good health. We knew what words discomfort is easily detected by began this piece by noting that would have come to mind had they children. and their adaptation inev Yiddish (as a tongue divorced been arguing in English. But a itably suffers. But this is far from I from Torah) has nothing special language that is st![fused with the a fatal flaw. especially if Yiddish is to recommend it. Not so the Yiddish strictures of Torah held fast And introduced at ages five and six. spoken by the Torah Jew. Yiddish both people were the betterfor it• Sometimes. it is the yeshiva caught in the middle of conflicting pres sures that causes the problem. Compromise solutions often result in the language being taught in a manner that is at variance with the way children learn. Is learning Yiddish a hopeless task? Consider that the average person speaking a language prob ably has a working vocabulary of about 2500 words. A less educated person functions flawlessly. if uni maginatively, with !500.Achild will usually make do with fewer than 1000. Far from a daunting task, we will agree. given that Yiddish con tains a large number of Hebrew words, and a surprtsing number of terms and expressions straight out of the Talmud. There is more than a touch of irony to hear people talk of not being able to teach Gemora in Yiddish .... The Jewish Observer, May 1988 25 Rabbi Yitzchok Kasnett A Meaning-Centered Approach to Reading AN ASSESSMENT OF JUDAICA IN LIGHT OF RECENT EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH WHY DID THEY RESPOND SOWELL? pproached by a student four years ago to clarify an obs ure passage from a reading assignment, I found myself forced to delve into the passions of idol worship and witchcraft. After dis cussing the concepts with the stu dent. I became rather upset; his comment ('Why do I have to read such stuff'?") left me with a feeling of despair. That experience promp ted a decision to revamp the reading program entirely to include only Judaica literature. The results of that decision are documented in the article. "Rebbe. That Was Great!" published in The Jewish Obseroer (Oct.. 1986). As mentioned In the article. the switch was a smashing success. yet I was left questioning how to inter pret the pleasing results. With diminished focus on phonics. why did the boys do so well with the decoding of unfamiliar words? Why Rabbi Kasnett is coordinator for the P'TACH program in Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin Elemen tary School and High School. 26 The Jewish Observer. May 1988 did the fluent, but monotone, apa· function effectively In the world of thetic reader begin to read with work, and to realize personal fulfill· emphasis and empathy, and why did ment. The main features of an English the disfluent reader begin to read language arts curriculum that reinfor with greater fluency? Why were two Why were two of the ces the goals of our reform movement of the boys, noted for their quiet, boys, noted for their quiet, Include: (among other things) withdrawn natures, so suddenly withdrawn natures, so •A systematic literature program with and without prompting drawn into a meaning-centered approach based on the classroom discussions? Finally, suddenly and without intensive reading, writing, speaking. why did the boys only now appre prompting drawn into the and listening; and .•• ciate the importance of a dictionary, classroom discussion? • A clearly communicated sense of precise vocabulary and correct spell common values and common goals. ... ing, as they strove to improve their writing lest they distort an insight· He continues: ful answer? There was a factor that Language is the medium of the mind. I was not grasping, though the for the decline in student reading It forces us to find the words that most impact of what had happened was abilities from 1970 through the persuasively express our point of view, quite easy to grasp. Thus began my early 80's. Its first great impact was and In the process, forces us to clarify project to classify the available the remodeling of the English· ourpolntofvlew. Writing, lnparticular, Judaica literature by readability Language Arts Curriculum for the exercises the intellect. The habit of levels. (The present list and latest good writing-the organization of State of California. a framework that ideas, the marshalling of evidence, and update are available upon request has become the model for the rest see end of article for information.) the choosing of the most appropriate of the country. Robert Honig, Super words to express an idea-is virtually The next course of events, promp intendent of Public Instruction for indistinguishable from clear thln!ring. ted by Rabbi Yehuda Pollack from the State of California, has pres To use language effectively, we must the Yeshiva Zichron Moshe in South ented the following guidelines in his want (emphasis mine) to communicate Fallsburg, NY, involved several meet foreword to the new curriculum: and we must be equally skilled In all ings in America and Israel with aspects of language. To this end, Feldheim Publishers concerning the The goals of our educational reform English-language arts require the inte need to make Judaica more suitable movement are to prepare all students gration of all the elements of lan for the classroom. The result of to function as informed and effective guage-listening, spea!ring, reading, those meetings was the newly edited citizens In a democratic society, to and writing. Student Edition of the novel, The Twins, which incorporated a com prehensive study guide, and is now available for classroom use. THE Yfl"l'Y LEIBEL HELP-LINE A Free Service of the WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY Yitty Leibel Chesed Fund ast spring I spent two months • Marital problems? • Fear of break-down? discussing the state of the • Overpowering stress? • Parent-child friction? LBasal Reader with a great many reading specialists from Do you have problems like these and are afraid or ashamed to talk to across the countiy. They included heads of university and college read anyone? ... Do you want a trained, wise, warm professional who will talk to ing departments, private consul· you on the phone? tants, the educational advisor for Some of the Torah community's highly skilled psychologists, social workers, the Rand Corporation, and, of most and therapists are ready to help. Your consultation will be treated with the importance, experts at The Center utmost discretion. You may remain anonymous if you prefer. They under for the Study of Reading at the stand. They're trai11ed. They have Ahavas Yisrael. University of Illinois. The latter Hours: group had prepared the landmark Monday through Friday 8:00-12:00 a.m. publication, BECOMING A NATION OF Sunday through Thursday 9:00-11:00 p.m. READERS: THE REPORT OF THE COM Sunday morning 9:00-12:00 noon MISSION ON READING, for the United States Department of Education. Dial (718) HELP-NOW (435· 7669) Later presented to Congress, the This project has been approved by leading Turah authorities. For information only call (118)435·7706. report aimed to identify the reasons The Jewish Observer. May 1988 27 Mr. Honig insist that reading use of Judaica: a meaning-based. programs incorporate the following culturally rich text that encouraged essential and effective features for careful reading. which in turn improved reading skills (as em generated hours of animated dis phasized in ""BECOMING A NATION OF cussion, as content aided and rein~ READERS""): forced decoding skills. The intrinsic desire to know and be accurate is •Attention to values in the literature stimulated far more effectively when that reflect real life dilemmas.... the student is presented with mate • Instructional programs that emphas rial relevant to self. This frees (as ize the integration of listening, speak was true in my classroom with the ing, reading, and writing, and the teaching of language In meaningful Learning Disabled student and contests. certainly for the mainstream stu o An oral language program in which dent, as well) the disenchanted all students experience a variety of learner from his or her veil of apathy, speaking and listening activities, indi which exists not because of a pre vidual and group, integrated with vious lack of desire to achieve. but resdlng and writing; and. ... because the material offers no • A phonics program tsught in mean motivation, no reflection of self. and ingful context, kept simple, and com thus no impetus to maximize poten pleted in the early grades (since the goal Much of the Orthodox. tial or arouse any sense of empathy. of phonics Is to teach approximate learning-disabled It becomes evident that much of pronunciations, leading the cblld to the Orthodox. learning-disabled continue to decode by analogy). students' potential to students' potential to achieve in achieve in reading and reading and language is squandered A SPECIAL ED CLASS'S CONTRIBUTION TO language is squandered because we present them with skill MAINSTREAM EDUCATION because we present them oriented, but content-shallow work books. and texts alien to their values t has become clear that the very with skill-oriented, and sensibilities. We lead them to elements that are stressed in but content-shallow comprehend morals and values that I these publications are identical workbooks. often conflict with what they learn with the synthesis of educational in their limudei kodesh classes and technique that was prompted by the in their homes. and so. in addition to compromising ethics. we are also compromising the vital element of motivation. We must ask ourselves: how anxious are these students to AN URGENT REMINDER read about Christian culture? Most FROM of the recent research shows that it is essential for children to learn to construct meaning based on CHEVRA DOR YESHORIM background knowledge. as well as on information in the text. Hence YOUNG PEOPLE OF MARRIAGEABLE AGE MUST BE TESTEO comprehension, the most impor in order to prevent the scourge of Tay-Sachs disease from striking the next tant pipeline to skill acquisition. is generation, in accordance with the directives of the Gedolei Hador. being withheld from Orthodox children suffering from language SCHOOLS and YESHIVOS: and reading disabilities. Raised in Please call 718-384-2332 if you are one culture and bearing learning interested in having testing done for students. deficits, they are offered as stimu Genetic counseling is also available. lation material that is colorful and Call for an appointment: inane at best. and culturally foreign (718) 384-6060 or (914) 783-1370 and confusing at worst. Is it any wonder that progress is so slow and Confidentiality assured. painful in so many cases? If we are really interested in motivation and CHEVRA DOR YESHORIM, INC. learning, why don't we apply what 198 Keap Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 research has taught us. and moti vate through learning? That is, why 28 The Jewish Observer. May 1988 don't we let the desire for reward be itself an intrinsic pari of the learn ing experience? Instead, we are "Review and Grow Smart" attempting to impari an intrinsic desire for learning as a paired be Presents havior acquisition because of prim ary and secondary reinforcement AWARDS extemal to the learning experience, on the first Perek of Mesechtas Makos. and thus less effective and lasting. Can we realistically expect our learning disabled students to expand adequately their critical thinking and problem-solving skills when much of what they read is not only irrelevant. but even prevents the reader from identifying with and projecting himself into the person ality of the characters and their We will send you a 33 Question • A Rebbe who teaches Makos struggles? Exam on the first Perek of It is possible, in fact, that we are may enter and arrange for his causing the religious students to Makos. If you answer all 33 class to enter. (We have review become confused, since the content questions you will receive a $10 notes available on the first Perek of much of what they have to read award. for $3.00.) is foreign to them, and does not • Offer limited to a supply of • Our 'Eilu Metzios' review therefore support the reading pro Awards. guide is available for $5.00. cess. Further, this may be one of the cogent factors that causes language fluency problems to exacerbate with If you are interested in sponsoring awards please contact us. time, and dampens the appeal of To enter: Send a large self addressed envelope to: writing as a spontaneous and enjoy Makos Review, Box 82, Staten Island, NY 10309 able exercise. Would we ourselves enjoy learning to read Chinese from a history book on Buddha and his customs at one extreme, or a sen seless tale about cows and frogs and their petty arguments by the pond, ARE YOU MOVING? at the other? IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? HUCK FINN IN THE P.M. We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the JO to your home. Please attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address would expect that a literature and computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the program including Judaica address label. I would prove atttractive to more parents than those whose children ADDRESS CHANGE FORM are Learning Disabled. It seems evi (Affix label here) dent that the cause of language would be served, as would that of writing, if Judaica were introduced into the mainstream curriculum in a meaningful, systematic manner. Certainly, few parents would dis Name--·------pute this evaluation of the literature Address presently used in the classrooms (quoted here from the California City, State, Zip __ Framework): "Superficial treatment of values in safe {for whom?-Y.K.], Date Effective diluted or sterile texts, dealing with Plea~P dllow 6~8 \\.{::'l'b ior dll ch,mge~ to be retlpcteJ on your m,i1ling labd \VE \l\llll_ NOT [{[ trivial subjects or condescending RESPONSIBLF FOR BACK ISSUES Ml'>SED unless you not1ty us fl weeb prior 10 your move The Jewish Observer. May 1988 29 themes (in concert with) a writing comfortable explaining the passage KIDDUSH HASHEM IN THE program in which students are in a novel about the Old West. taught YESHIVA CURRICULUM merely assigned low-level tasks and in one of the major girls' schools. papers are read only for correction, describing how the cowboys were hy shouldn't this concept (where) instructional prograros ... riding eagerly back to town after a be taught in the yeshivas. focus on only one of the language long winter on the range because W:for if not in the yeshivas, arts at a time, such as reading with they had been without women for where will such understandings of out purposeful writing, discussing so long a time! If it makes an adult Jewish greatness be learned? The and listening." uncomfortable to read such base usual rejoinder is that yeshivas do How many mainstream parents and corrupt ambitions that so not employ 'Jrum" English teachers: have really considered the spiritual, directly challenge the dignity of however, in this particular yeshiva emotional and behavioral influen Jewish married life, how does a only 'Jrum" women taught English. ces that impact upon their children ninth grader relate to her own sense And even if there are none, why who in the morning are taught to of dignity and purpose as a Jewish shouldn't the yeshivas retain a appreciate and integrate the eternal woman? ls anyone so foolish as to Rebbe or Morah to teach Judaic and holy teachings of the Torah, as believe that there is no impact? And literature? ls it because they have embodied by our saintly forefathers, yet one educator objected to use of no formal training? While ideally only to find themselves challenged The Twins, because it depicted the significant training is needed. to appreciate and empathize with heroic scene of Kiddush Hashem shouldn't adequate supervision be such noble role-models as Huck wherein Esther inspired her stu available for such a purpose? Is this Finn, Tom Sawyer, Pip, Mr. Higgins dents to repent fully before taking not one of the defined responsibil and Emily in the afternoon? I their own lives in purity, rather than ities of the school administration? wonder how many parents were submit to violation by the Nazis! Such an excuse should not exon erate us from meeting this chal lenge. especially when the afternoon lessons often transmlt to our child ren subtle messages of spiritual PINCHAS MANDEL compromise. The high school class Over 35 Years Experience in Kvura in Eretz Yisrael that studies Moby Dick, truly an American classic, should know that •Dedicated to Kavod Haniftar with personal they have ingested a parable of the responsibility throughout service life of the founder of Christianity, •Highly recommended by Gedolai Hador with all its Christian symbolism. - Here and in Eretz Yisrael - But even disregarding such extreme 1569 - 47th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11219 examples. most books nonetheless Day & Night Phone (718) 855-5121 subject our children to a parade of Honesty - Integrity - Reliability characters that exhibit insidious traits of personality that stand in CHESED SHEL FMES a~ understood and practiced by one active 1n the industry more th;m hdlf a century Taharas Haniftar Should Never Be Commercialized opposition to the vei:y ideals that sanctify our lives. We must stop and consider who authored these books-what were their moral and religious convictions? I do not think INSURANCE BROKERS & CONSULTANTS that you will find the great person Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Life & Health alities of our people numbered among them: that being the case. just whose culture is being pres ented? If one were to trace the lineage of these great purveyors of 718-851-7000 world culture, I am sure the trail would lead back to Mount Seir, the vei:ydestination that YaakovAvinu • PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • left for Eisav when the two brothers • QUALITY INSURANCE CARRIERS • parted so many years ago. • COMPETITIVE PREMIUMS • Copies of the Scaled List of Judaica: Readability Levels may be obtained from the author by sending a seif BARBARA GOLDGRABEN/HESHY SCHWEBEL/EZRA HES addressed envelope to 1314 Avenue S, Brooklyn, NY 11229.• 30 The Jewish Observer. May 1988 Yajfa Ganz You Can't Sell A Book By Its Cover (But It's A Good Place To Start) The Complexities of Religious Juvenile Publishing RELIGIOUS BOOKS AND JEWISH CHILDREN nyone entering a Hebrew book store, especially before A a Yam Tov, cannot but be impressed with the vast selection of he printed word is a major rolling off the presses in the New children's books on the shelves. But source of knowledge for hu World. But it is only in the past a closer look often proves to be T manity in general, and for twenty years or so, together with the disappointing. Some of the books Jews in particular. It is therefore no astonishing reestablishment of the are poorly done; some are definitely surprise that the publishing of Orthodox community, that an entire uninspiring. Many attractive books, religious Judaica in the English literature consisting of religious, on the other hand, although osten language is a matter of vital concern English-language Judaica has sibly "Jewish," are nonetheless not to the Orthodox Jewish community emerged. "kosher." Or not kosher enough. The in the United States. Today there are scores of religious upshot is that the religious parent When Jewish life in Europe was publishers in the United States and who wishes to buy a good Jewish all but wiped out some fifty years England. While many of them are book for his child is often at a loss. ago, Siddurim, Machzorim and only private individuals putting out And the loss is real, for books are other sifrei kodesh were already a few titles, the constant appearance important. They are, and have of new publishing ventures points always been, a potent means of to a community need which has not educating, of forming opinions, of Yaffa Ganz, a frequent contrtbutor to Jewish publications, Including The Jewtsh Observer, yet been adequately fulfilled. If this bonding loyalties. A good story can senred as editor for the juvenile division at a large is true for adult literature, it is often accomplish what hours Jewish publishing firm for several years. She is doubly true for religious, juvenile maybe even weeks or months-of the author of a number of juvenile books and stories. including the Savta. Simcha books and literature, which is still in its direct education cannot do. Who From Head to Toe-A Book About You. infancy, so to speak. doesn't remember a well-loved book, The Jewtsh Observer. May 1988 31 read over and over again, the pic shouldn't they be? Just as we have tures and images and ideas it a concept of hiddur (beautification) evoked still fresh in our minds many in performing mitzvos and in the years later? Anyone entering a religious items we use, why Today, when our Jewish educa Hebrew book store, shouldn't books that contain Torah tionai system Is trying valiantly to especially before a Yom concepts for our children be beau expound a way of life far different Thv, cannot but be tiful as well-"housed" on good from what we see around us. on the paper with attractive covers and television screen, in the movies, in impressed with the vast strong bindings; phrased in fine, the newspapers, we are desperately collection of children's rich language, and illustrated with in need of extra-curricular material books on the shelves. aesthetically appealing pictures? to help our children grow up as Most parents would be delighted to observant Jews. Why should our But a closer look often find such books. The difficulty lies children's heroes be Tom Sawyer. proves to be in writing and publishing them. Little Women, or Judy Blume's disappointing. highly contemporary (and contro versial) characters struggling to find ORTHODOX PROBLEMS a little sanity in a frightening world devoid of all Torah values? Wouldn't stance we may encounter in life, and ssuming it is a good thing for it be far better for the Jews if our a "religious" story can deal with a Jewish children to read and kids read about, were inspired by, pair of lost shoes, a broken friend A enjoy Torah-oriented books, and tried to emulate people with our ship, or a crazy canary, as well as the Orthodox writer is immediately own values? Shouldn't they derive with Shabbos preparations. The confronted with a list of problems, some, if not all, of their after-school possibilities are endless; the only challenges and difficulties. Here are enjoyment from Torah-related requirement is that a religious book just a few. sources? must somehow-each book in its A If the purpose of an Orthodox Theoretically. a Torah-oriented own distinctive way-point to a book is to somehow impart a Jewish book should be able to tell any story Torah way of thinking, acting, or "message," even in an indirect form, and deal with any issue. It should being. The only limitation is the just how didactic should the book be able to address itself to any age, author's imagination. be? Most people, including children, to every boy or girl. It should provide However, since mostJewish child don't particularly like to be lectured good, engrossing reading that will ren are exposed to non-Jewish at. But if you rule out didactics. how stimulate the reader to think and, books, our books must able to can you be sure your message will hopefully, to formulate Torah-based compete if they are to capture young come across clearly? concepts and solutions without hearts and minds. They must be as B. How do we keep the heroes in didactically spelling out everything interesting, as exciting, as attractive religious books from being "goody clearly for him. For the Torah has as the other books in libraries, goody"? Because if they are not guidelines for every possible circum- schools and stores. And why basically good, we don't really want them as heroes, do we? But if they are too good, we don't particularly like them, either! NOW AVAILABLE C. What about fantasy? What role does it play in Jewish books? Are TO AGUDATH ISRAEL MEMBERS talking Torahs, mitzva-performing animals, Jewish fairies and a host of other unreal characters in keep COMPREHENSIVE ing with the Jewish message? Do MAJOR MEDICAL they somehow demean, or make ridiculous, the performance of mitz HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM vos? Or are they harmless, cute ideas to capture the interest of the younger set? If performance of a For Information Call: mitzva is the human embodiment of G-d's wili, if it is our way ofjoining 212-797-7388 forces with the Divine, then these are important educational ques Between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM tions, which deserve our thoughtful attention. 32 The Jewish Observer, May 1988 D. When dealing with teen novels, and girls. Of course that still left the how much of the adult, contempor· many children from quite jrum CHALLENGING JOB ary world and its attendant prob· families who. while not Chassidic !ems do we want to bring into the are also not clean shaven, or who, OPPORTUNITIES If you have organizational skills, ad pages of our books? Should mar· although bearded, do wear knitted riage, divorce, sickness, death, and kipot! And don't all families have ministrative experience and enjoy other difficult subjects be given an mothers or daughters? working with people, a Residence Manager position may be the job for airing? The moral of this story is, it's you. This key administrative position E. Another highly problematic almost impossible to make everyone area is illustrating. In a Torah· happy, even with two separate is available in a Flatbush residence oriented book, one assumes that versions of a single book! serving Developmentally/Emotionally everything will look right: that is, Disabled Adults. Work in a !rum at mezuzos on doorposts (on the mosphere for a professional Chesed correct side!), people dressed accord· ORTHODOX AUTHORS Agency and receive competitive salary ing to halachic requirements, hol· & benefits. If you think you qualify or iday tables properly set. etcetera. It's ithout authors, there are would like further information, call easy to write "etcetera," and quite no books. Yet this glaringly Marjorie Seaberg; 718-972-8982. difficult to find good, professional W:obvious fact is often forgot· illustrators who are familiar with ten. But who are our authors? our particular needs. Where do they come from? How good F. And whom should the people are they? With the limited Jewish in our books look like? Which population, and the still further 11N? O'N'~1~ 0)1~ 11)1 religious image or life style are we limited number ofreligious Jews, an i~un nN illustrating when we write about author of religious Judaica cannot "religious" Jews? One Israeli pub· look forward to supporting him/ lisher tried to solve this problem by herself from the sale of his or her j)j ''l:l.i putting out two versions of an books. How, then, can we expect illustrated Siddur for very young them to write for us? children. One portrayed only Chas· Being a religious author is, there· 1)11010')11l ?ll sidic Jews, complete with beards, fore, not a profession today. It is a ) 11 il1il 11NY.l shtreim 'lach, long peyos, and no hobby: part·time, not particularly '"~l UN?llN1p 111 ,, pictures whatsoever of females. The serious, and as a result not very other Siddur portrayed "modem" professional, either. If we are seri· ?N1'tl' ii n:i>'tl'1 'lnn ?nm1 P", religious Jews-clean shaven, wear· ously interested in Jewish juvenile D',~U >i:im ?~N l''tln? i'tlnN ing knitted kipot and with mothers literature, the religious community (718) 692-2731. ?~N 1N BENNY'S Lowest Prices! Big Savings! COME IN AND SAVE . WE CARRY A FULL LINE OF CAMERAS • RADIOS • TVs • STEREOS • VIDEOS • TELEPHONES Cholov Yisroel • Shomer Shabbos GIFTS• WATCHES• WALL CLOCKS• RECORDS• TAPES Under the Supervision of Authorized Seiko, Pulsar, Bulova Dealer Kha! Adath Jeshurun Open for Breakfast WE HAVE A FULL LIHE OF ELECTRICAL APPLIAHCES FOR EXPORT 220 V Luncheon and Dinner Catering • Parties • Meetings DEVELOPING SERVICE 503 OFF 222 West 72nd Street (212) 595·8487 The Jewish Observer, May 1988 33 1i'T':1N n:i~:i must find ways to encourage reli affiliated with the Conservative or LOST & FOUND gious authors to write, and to make Reform movement? Can one write To announce an object found writing a profitable activity. a book that will capture the interest Please Call: (718) 436-4999 of an as-yet non-observant Jewish To find out if your object was child or teenager, but that will still THE RELIGIOUS SPECTRUM: be fitting material for Orthodox found Please Call: 718 438-0592 WRITING FOR WHOM? children to read as well? We have A Public Service of Torah Communications an obligation to worry about these Producers of Olal-A-Daf bservant Jews have always non-observant children. They too Dlal-A-Shlur. Mlshnah-On-The-Phone shared a strong sense of are "ours," and we must address & Sponsors of Chevra Mlshnayos Bal-Peh Oidentification. Today, how ourselves to their particular situa ever, with the proliferation of the tion and needs. religious community, there are These questions about the many stripes and colors to obser "market" are particularly trouble MATANA vance, and the feeling of communal some for the Orthodox author and homogeneity Is no longer as pre publisher. Religious Jewry repres dominant as it once was. So when ents only a small percentage of the GALLERY one is writing a child's book, whom general Jewish population, and each 4906 18th Ave. exactly is one writing for? The of the various sections within Brooklyn, N.Y. (718) 851-4448 yeshiva community? The Religious Orthodoxy is smaller still. A pub Zionist community? Ashkenazim, lisher, however, must have at least Jewish books, Judaica, Taleisim or Sefardim? Baalei Teshuva Mezuzos, personalized Talis bag;, a minimum population base to work Teftlinbag;, Yamwlkasandchalah professionals, or kollel families? with to stay solvent let alone make covers, records and tapes, lucite, Chassidim or misnagdim? Each of a profit. saver, semi-precious stones and gold these groups has Its own distinctive An important factor on the reli jewelry. nuances and needs, which they gious publisher's priority list is, would like to see portrayed in the therefore, the non-proportionally books they buy for their children. large number of juvenile books ALL AT SUPER And what about the non bought by the more "yeshivish" DISCOUNf PRICES! observant Jew? Or those who are section of the community. Generally much more stringent in the reading matter they allow their children, they are loyal supporters of religious :tn aCtfnitWn,ef twmf(y-jivtrytart f juvenile books. And since they discourage their children from training jukre:- UaMr1 gf.?//al ']ji,rr(I(,( watching television or going to the movies, and because they tend to use the public libraries sparsely, if ;irn l"r~ ))J)'~i'\1 Ut)"jl1 l>"i'H"WI 111> at all, they are highly dependent on ' "kosher" books. And they have, tbe Ja.col5 sa.ytiuTern.., baruch Hashem, large families. So they are looked upon as the "bread ~~4i1"btc,, ~i,# 5.ch:tr..crl for hoy and butter" of the religious publish ing industry, and religious publish ers are highly sensitive to their :Ffu61av .YcctUkmg f Cfu?elarul--, particular standards, values and cultural needs. 4hlzdif,a,ktjdt-~ There is, however, a difficult spin off from this positive development. £&7Ldf bdnzt~,/(r~,hr/~ The understandable emphasis on ')rummer' books for our children often means that religious juvenile 25th ~nnive~~-~unictL literature is not accessible to "less ]rum" children. What we need, then, n'bti)I Tl p•ti rS- ;{, n1:iw Ji Jl)W-Jumr 10-1z., are many more Torah-oriented 5'Uc.JiVta, :iigk SclwoC CanjlM <· IJ!J{jndway ·:{ynJ!Wrst,OIM books. of yet wider variety, that all RaJ.ic A.11: Tried. l?a.b~i '.N.W. Deuler Rabbi fu. Baron. types of Jewish children-no matter ~d.ucUiton.U Directer De.ut JWsh, MeutV'ta... how ')rum" they may or may not be-can relate to. 34 The Jewish Observer. May 1988 . Another interesting question KATZ FAMILY HOTEL arises; Should the "seal of approval" The possibilities are be given to poor books, to dull books, to unintelligent books, which are LAKE HOOSE endless; the only We are open Passover thru Succos requirement is that a nonetheless kosher? And what will happen to good Enjoy a traditional atmosphere amidst religious book must books that were not approved for over 200 lovely rolling acres ... with somehow point to a one valid reason or another (i.e., delicious glatt kosher meals and Torah way of thinking, because they were not fitting excellent accommodations. Cholov enough for all children, only for Yisroel & Glatt meals, indoor pool noting, acting, or being. Sauna-Whirlpooi-separate swimming, some)? Would the lack of the seal The only limitation is a Kosher ~Mehadrin house, a hotel as automatically brand them as not warm and friendly and as reliable in the author's kosher? Kashruth as your own home. Write or imagination. Who shall decide what is really call for brochure & rates. fitting and proper for any Jewish LAKE HOUSE HOT£L child to read? WOODBRIDGE, .N.Y. 12789 Parents are responsible for their (914) 434-3802 or (212) 740-8686 children, and it is the parents, with SEALS OF APPROVAL NOW BOOKING GROUP PACKAGES their detailed and intuitive knowl edge, who should decide what their n a recent issue of The Jewish children can or cannot read. We Observer (Jan. '88). a reader need a hechsher on food because MON.-WED. 4-6 PM suggested that some reputable there is no way for each individual I TUES.-THURS. 7-9 P.M. Orthodox body act as censor, giving Jew to know what goes on in a food its "seal of approval" to books so that processing plant. But each parent parents need not worry about the can and should know what is on the AGUDATH ISRAEL kashrus of a book. As long as the pages of the books he is bringing required "seal'' was there, they home for his children. If, on a rare HALACHA INQUIRY would know they were on safe occasion, a parent is unable to TELEPHONE LINE ground. decide as to the suitability of a While at first glance, this might particular book, he can always (212) 363-8133 seem beautifully simple. it is not. In discuss it with someone more fact, it is probably a classic case of knowledgeable before purchasing it. SPONSORED BY THE CONFERENCE OF yatzah s'charo b'hefseido, wherein And if, on occasion, a child reads AGUDATH ISRAEL BRANCH RABBONIM the loss exceeds the gains-for even something slightly questionable, FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL if a book is deemed "kosher,'' what perhaps that too is not a tragedy. THE AGUDATH ISRAEL DEPARTMENT is "good" for one child might-or Children are capable of understand OF TORAH PROJECTS might not-be "good" for another. ing, weighing, judging, and making What a Litvishe family approves of decision; if we never give them the might not be considered for a chance to do so, can we reasonably Chassidic child; one parent might expect them to deal with the much DIGEST OF MEFORSHIM • want his child to read only about more complex challenges they will religious Jews living in a religious inevitably encounter as time goes ,~ip7 in::i. ,~ip7 . environment with religious friends, on? ?"irl ,llu?x ?x1r.iw l"n,nr.i • while another might think that Available at there's value in exposing a child to other situations. I might think that THE ECONOMICS OF LEKUTEI RELIGIOUS PUBLISHING details about the Inquisition or cfo Yitzchok Rosenberg World War II, although "kosher," are 10 West47th Street, Room503 too gruesome and therefore inap rtunately, despite its small New York, NY 10036 propriate, while you might feel that ize and heterogeneous char (212) 719·1717 "realism" is educational and as long acter, the Orthodox commu 20 Volumes on 'furah, Perek, as nothing is "unkosher," the seal nity is an active book-buying com- Medrash, Megilos and 'litlmud, of approval should not be withheld. munity. Much of this buying poten Proceeds of sales distributed You might insist that all characters tial, however, lies untapped because, among Yeshivas and used for in a story be respectful and well strange as it may seem, it is difficult reprinting of vo'1umes out-of-print behaved and that all stories have to reach the customer. happy endings; I might think this There is, for example, no one PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME is unreasonable and dull. national religious publication that The Jewish Observer. May 1988 35 enters the majority of religious sand copies of a good-selling book. about Jewish books. The American households in the United States. And bona-fide best sellers may reach Jewish Library Association, the Nor is there any one national Jewish Into the hundreds of thousands.) Jewish Book Council, and Jewish publication that reaches a majority So less population means Jess Book Month are the best known. of non-observant homes. This sales: Jess sales means less profit. While Orthodox Jews are much less means that in order to reach larger means less advertising, means ... dependent on these institutions for numbers of potential book buyers, less sales. It's somewhat of a vicious information. they are nonetheless a publisher must advertise in many cycle, which calls for creative mar important for other parts of the different papers and magazines. But keting and planning on the part of Jewish community. Many of these advertising is expensive, especially Jewish publishers, few of whom organizations publish monthly or when sales potential is so limited. have Iisen to the challenge. It also quarterly magazines full of book (A Jewish book that sells five thou explains why most Jewish publish information, and librarians use sand copies is doing well: ten thou ers are, by and large, small affairs. them extensively to decide on pur sand is a best seller. A general (non· And ""small affairs"" cannot produce chases for Jewish schools and Jewish) publisher, on the other large selections of attractive, high librartes. It is therefore important hand, can easily print and sell quality books. for like everything that Orthodox juvenile books be anywhere from fifteen to fifty thou- else, quality has a price. given equal billing in these publi cations. This can. to a great degree, 1"t7J help offset the Jack of sufficient CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST SOLUTIONS: advertising by religious publishers ORTHODOX AND OTHERWISE to the wider Jewish public, and can help bling Torah-oriented books to DR.BENZION a Jess-observant, Jewish audience. o there you have it-a sizeable SOROfZKIN assortment of difficulties III. The granting ofawards to writers N.Y. STATE LICENSED SInherent in Jewish religious and publishers of particularly good publishing. and especially in juve juvenile books once a year. perhaps ADULTS nile religious publishing. Is the during a special Torah-Book Month, AND prognosis. then. so bleak? Not is a wonderful way of saying ""thank CHILDREN necessarily. There is much that can you."" Recognition. besides upping (718) 266-7151 be done on both the individual and sales, is a great source of encour the local level to help and support agement, and may sometimes help the religious publishing industry, to fuel another good book for your kids! encourage writers, and to obtain the IV. Write to publishers and authors type of Jewish books you would like with your requests and comments. your children to have. Descrtbe your needs and express I. Scores of Orthodox institutional your gratitude. They aren't getting publications are printed in the rich: Jet them at least kvell a little. United States. If each one contained And remember. publishers are a single juvenile book review highly sensitive to public opinion. per issue. juvenile book sales would They pay attention when you write, soar. Parents would be more aware and they listen when you call. Don't SECLUDED of what books are available and they forget to ask to be put on their OCEANFRONT would be better informed as to what catalog mailing lists. They'll be was in the books. Magazines and delighted to comply. (That's also the VILLA ON papers could also print a list of new simplest, most direct way to find out TROPICAL ISLAND Orthodox (and other acceptable) what is new and around.) • 3 Bedrooms juvenile books several times a year. V. Last of all, buy Jewish books for Most publishers are happy to supply • Private Pool your children. Buy them as gifts for copies of their books for reviews. birthdays and Yomim Tovim and for • Fully Stocked Pantry with And perhaps a national Jewish no special reason at all. And when Kosher Groceries organization like Torah Umesorah, your shelves are full, move some • Fulltime Staff of Two or local bodies such as day-schools. thing over to a side and make room • Car with driver could put together suggested new for more. A Jewish book is one of IDEAL FOR FRUM COUPLE book lists and reading lists. the most exciting gifts you can give OR FAMILY II. An entire network of book-related a child. It makes both of you Call For Free Brochure institutions and activities, funded partners in a wonderful, joint ven (718) 336·2760 by communal Jewish money, exists ture-helping to build a more ""Jew to help disseminate information ish"" world.• 36 The Jewish Observer. May 1988 a way of life for the Jew today to live .s_ ·.··_:•_•.•_•,._.. ·_.· ···.•·.·• ' < < ,)':'"''\i_·~.-.·.: J'; in loyalty to the tradition without resigning from the twentieth century." (March25-31, '88) Examining the pamphlet, one finds all sorts of "ambivalence and lack of direction"-declarations of faith like 'We believe in G-d," offset by the dignification of denial, encou raging statements of doubt like. "Does G-d exist? If so. what sort of being is G-d? Does G-d have a plan for the universe? Does G-d care Emet Ve-Emunah, about me? Does He hear prayer? Conservative Style New York Times) as well as the ince its founding, a hundred FROM FACTORY and forty three years ago, the Jewish media took note of this REPRESENTATIVE Conservative Movement has publication. The Long Island Jew SAVE!!! S M:ltu .,1liW attempted to be "traditional" ish World, for instance, commented: enough to appeal to the suburban "The document reaffirms the plural refugee from inner-city Orthodox istic stance that is the pride of the shuls, while being sufficiently inno movement but has often been confused vative to attract those ofliberal bent: with ambivalence and lack of , all things to all men, nothing to direction...... ,,, "'From now on, it will be impossible thinking men, hollow at the core. In nr.i7\\I nl'{1!l1? ??!lnn~n i1r.i7? Nl an attempt to declare once and for to say that no one knows what Conser~ vative Judaism is," explained Dr. T.iin 1)1J all what Conservative Judaism Robert Gordis, chairman of the tbirty actually is, a blue ribbon committee fi.ve member commission that worked f1 'JH'I, ~N!> 't produced a slim pamphlet entitled for two-and-a-halfyeus to produce the Emet Ve-Emunah, "truth and document. "I hope this pamphlet will '") ~n., n~i:i i:i faith." become part and parcel of the con O>r.l\\I >r.ln"l 1'1::1'11 The American press (notedly The sciousness of American Jews, offering SINGLE & DOUBLE B "H FE IVEL BREASTED MEN'S SUITS KIRSHENBA.UM SEEWALD'S Ph.D. ALL MAKES SILBIGER'S &MODELS Registered Investment Adviser •Slacks • Rainwear MON£YMANAG£M£NT • All Wool Coats AND • Sports Jackets FINANCIAL ADVISING Unbelievable Prices Fees only. 1769 51 St.. Brooklyn. NY No sales (718) 854-1196 or commissions. Daily 4:oo p.m. -9:oo p.m. Everybody Drives Sunday All Day A Used Car! (914) 352~1919 Silbiger Suits You Best (718) 604-CARS The Jewish Observer, May 1988 37 Does G-d allow the suffering of the ument that was presented to the KIRUV RECHOKIM innocent? . .." Conservative rabbinate and laity is ORGANIZATION And: "Conservative Judaism grounded In bad faith. SEEKING FULL-TIME FUND RAISER affirms the critical importance of At one time. I served as a member IN THE BALTIMORE AREA CONTACT: RABBI SHLOMO PORTER belief in G-d, but does not specify of the committee that produced this (301) 764-1SS3 all the particulars of that belief.... statement of Conservative ideology. G-d's elusive nature has always I have resigned from that commit . given us many options in deciding tee, the Rabbinical Assembly. and I how we shall conceive of Him and serve an Orthodox congregation In MAGAZINES how that will affect our lives." Springfield, New Jersey. Paramount Subscriptions The document talks "Orthodox" al~ carries ltwiJlt~rt & Magazines One could go on In searching for • 1,000 to choose from specific guidelines under such or traditional Judaism when • Ne-..., subsCriPtio'ns and renewalS at large DISCOUNTS chapter headings as "Halakhah." nothing is at stake, but when the CALL CHAVA NOW "The Election of Israel," and "Social tradition is "difficult" (egalitarian (718) 851 9698 ASK ABOUT OUR SUPER SPECIAL PRICES Justice," and come up with yet more ism) or unpopular (that the Torah FOR RECEPTION ROOMS & BUSINl':SS examples of waffling. Instead, we makes a statement that cannot SHOMER SHAh(IS elected to quote a letter to the editor serve as a theological buffet). the of the Long Island Jewish World tradition is rejected. that summarizes Conservative On one hand, the doctrine of the "Truth and Faith" in a much more Conservative statement on ideology Rabbi Aryeh Schechter cogent fashion: claims that "the sanctity and authority of Halakhah attaches to Dear Editor: the body of the law, not to each law SOFER S''TAM While I am sure that the review separately." This doctrine can be of "the new Conservative theology" 1235 49th Street read to mean that some laws, made was done with good faith. the doc- Brooklyn, NY 112 l 9 by local communities, or minhagim, are not universally binding. But it (718) 972-4003 is read to justify the selective com We make "house calls" mitment to rules of the Torah Itself. Family purity is subject to "rekindled Interest," but curiosity is not commitment. Unheralded is another document BIG which testifies to the fact that over seventy-five percent of Conservative APPLE 4916 13th Ave., B'klyn, N.Y. 11219 rabbis are willing, when push comes (718) 854-2911 to shove, to accept conversion of COPY & ~INTING other liberal rabbis without Immer CENTER sion or circumcision. When the . . Conservative movement claims that 87 NASSAU ST. The Outst,anding All-Inclusive It is bound by Jewish law, according NEWYORK, NY 10038 Thshiva and Kollel to its own lights, and when It claims. {212) 962-4282 as does the Committee on Jewish {212) 267,9478 Law and Standards, which Is the YESHIVAS supreme authority on Jewish usage BAIS YISROEL in Conservative Judaism. that Bayit Vegan, Jerusalem Israel immersion and circumcision can WOKING not be waived, the credibility of the for a religious Jewish per Under the dynamic leadership ofthe mainstream of Conservative Juda son to teach secular exceptional &s_h Hayeshiva ism must be reconsidered by fair studies in a one room HARAV HAGAON minded, thinking Jews. school in Santa Fe, New DONIEL LEHRFIELD There was a time when the dues Mexico. Please send paying clients of Conservative syn Is n<>W conducting special Bechinos agogues wanted to feel traditional resume to: Tzivia Jesmer, for admission ofserious talmidim TORAH BAMIDBAR, PO without the obligations of the Torah for the New 574911988-89 Zeman bearing heavily upon them. The Box 383, sante Fe.• NM ' For all infotmatioh,-ple::ise 'phone Conservative movement created an 87504. Or call (505) Rarav S. Shlomo Nulman, President (212) 5334993 ideology of accommodation. This 471-3037. pragmatic ideology works for those 38 The Jewish Observer. May 1988 who remember the orthodoxy of their youth, and who crave the You'reReadyto Leave HOTLINE smells. traditions, and nostalgia of yesteryear. But this client commun New York Cify ••• BlJT ••• TO JERUSALEM ity was unwilling to teach commit You want to continue to have a In lime of illness. surgery or ments. serious devotion, and the choice ofsch.oo.Is which offer a high crisis, special prayers will be willingness to live a sacred life .... quality of Orthodox and secular recited at the Western Wall and Sociologist are finding that Amer education ..- . at our Yeshiva in Jerusalem. ican Judaism is becoming more Youwantyourfamilytoexperiencea CALL 24 HOURS traditional and more assimilated. If close knit~ warm community_ dedi~ (718) 871-4111 one wishes to be a liberal Jew, one cated to Torab,Avodah and Ge mill us does not need traditional rhetoric. Chassodim. A FREE PUBLIC SERVICE OF If one wishes to keep the Torah in You want to be close lo your job or The American Rabbi Meir sanctity and purity, there is now a business in Midtovvn or lower Man~ Baal Haness Charity real support in the Torah com hauan ... KOLEL AMERICA munity. You want excellent home value with Statements of deed speak more the lowest real estate taxes in Bergen eloquently than creeds of ideology, County ... KADDISH especially when those creeds are not THEN ••• Mishnayoth, Yizkor & Yortzeit really accepted even by their observed with a minyon in our authors. Let the Buyer Beware. K'haIAdathjeshurunol'Paramus, Kosher style is not only treyf, it will under the leadershipofRabhiYechez.. Yeshiva Heichal Rabbi Meir not nourish you spiritually, it will kel Zweig, may be a solution you Baal Haness in Jerusalem. bore your children, and it will betray should consider. CALL your grandchildren. call (201) 262-0797 (718) 871-4111 RABBI ALAN J. YUTER or (201) 265-6721 Congregation Israel 132 Nassau St., N.Y., N.Y.10038 Springfield, NJ • Most banks offer low rates on short term certificates. But, at Community National Bank, we care about the small investor. We know you want the security of liquid money. 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It provides an almost unprecedented opportunity to study and know even the less familiar mesechtos in Shas and has made Torah conveniently available to the Jewish masses. A comprehensive study of the ruwr.i l'TitJ n'llw, especially geared to students of 7th grade and up, as well as adults. The shiur, taught in English, begins every half hour and changes every second day. The Magid Shiur is the noted author and lecturer Rabbi Nosson Scherman, editor of Art Scroll Publications. An excellent opportunity to study the entire mYJt.l l,Wn'OW and acquaint yourself even with the less familiar mesechtos. Every day, a 2 hour program including five lectures comes to you over your telephone. Talented, expert, interesting teachers from America and Israel bring you a variety of fascinating Torah subjects, in Yiddish and English. Let your fingertips dial the broad world of Torah into your home or office any time of the day or night. 26 different segments are available to you as follows: -- ENGLISH PROGRAMMING YIDDISH PROGRAMMING On The Hour 20 Min. After The Hour 40 Min. Aller The Hour On~JUllHwr On The Hour P"~'ll:I EIN YAACOV NACH HALACHA ,., n1,lt11» .UC:Ul1T :ro'U '"' &SUN. Rabbi Fishel Sha<:hter Rabbi Chaim [)Qv Altusky Rabbi Noa<:h L Oelbaum 'W:l7'T 'i::i•ll :IT! -w:i..,.,, ',:,'T.I :l,i"I MON. lfWISH HISTORY THfllOS STORIES ·:i. ,,,..., m,.,u1n:i ,i:i., ')I ilVlll' nMi1srnn ,.,:a., 1MUlJCJ!I Rabbi Berel Wein Rabbi Yeh0$hua Kaganoff as read by Shlomo Hill -WY'!nl o.,n om:ll< ::nn !fl,'11<."IW o'l':>v ::rii"I T\JfS. HASHkOfAH l'IRSONAUTIES IN NACH STORIES n:a"r.I n1,l11» 1JCUDl,., Rabbi Chaim D. Ketler Rabbi Moshe Eisemann Rabbi M_ ftnke!man iYY'!JtV D"M DlT'Oft ::l.Tl ~.,.,,i,:,'T.l::i.,n WED. Wf£Kl\' SBlRA SEFER TEHIWM HOLOCAUST STUDY ,:a .,,,,," n:a., 11''1.,D ·x '11l''ll' M2'1 '1.,.,1' -µcnu'IJ:t Rabbi Moshe Tuvia lief! Rabbi Pinchus Tzvi Singer Rabbi Nosson Scherman ~.,.,,i,:,'ll::l'm "Ur.).,.,., 'i:i'T.I ::l"VT nlW 1"''1n nl'lll'D lMUV"ISflM., THUR. HASHKOfAH CHO\'AS HAUVOVOS HAlACHA "'~., ·m ,Y::l.,.,I ',:,•l) ::1"11'1 'iJl::i'Y>! 'i::i'lfl ::i.,,, Rabbi Yaakov fei!man Rabbi Menachem Zupnkk Rabbi Noach L Oelbaum \MTMJ/lilr.l'X D""IU/'111 "))lill.7'T.I 1MU,,,b (l'TWI lr.l'ifli"I :irur• O"l!Mlll -QT::l•ICJ FRI. D'i"'"':.'.j,1b n1'1W1'3 i'"t11rl1' REPEAT OF WEDNESDAr5 rstOGRAM ill<"Q ,11!1 .,,Xll ::l"VT For a free trial of Dial-A-Shiur English programming call (718) 436-5166 BASIC COSTS $6 per month plus a one·time registration fttof$36, Subscription to.1 second Retum to: T.C.N,. 1_618~43 Street Brooklyn, N.Y, 11204 (718) 436-4999 progtam is only $18 (haif price registration) and $6 per month Pl.EASE N()tf; In tong Island, Eliubetb. Edison an'd Pasnk N.I, Dial-A-Dalin Ensli~his hl!ard On eYeii hOufS •nd the ota!·1'·Shiur E1tglish program on odd hour!. The mon1hly ,.,me Tel, lee is 512,-:M,ishnah·On•The-Phone is not available locally in-rhese areaS, Address BRANCH OFFICES For availability of our programs in your city, eaU the closest branch to you. Ciry Stiite ------Zip _____ BAlTIMORf £LIZABETH MONUV StAHN ISLAND j301) 578-814( (7111) .416"""9 !™) 42$.,$.45 j718) ct.-4999 Name of Business Sus. Tel. BOSTON £0tSON MONTRfAt SILVER SPRING (617) 56&>71U {718) 436-4'199 (514) 735"6611 WASHINGTON Bu5ines.s Address CHICAGO lAkfWOOO N£W YORk l»'l) 656·5~ {312) 5118.50711 !l01) 170-1700 (718) 06·4999 TORONTO _____ lip ____ CUVUANO LONC ISi.ANO OTTAWA ('4'16) 783-'43'4 City State {216) 585-'0505 {7111) 4:i6-49'i') (61l! 72!1.