THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN 0021-6615) is published monthly, in this issue ... except July and August, by the Agudath lsrael of Ameri.ca, 5 Beekman Street, , N.Y. The Sixth Knessia Gedolah of Agudath ...... 3 10038. Second class postage paid at New York, N.Y. Subscription Knessia Gedolah Diary ...... 5 $9.00 per year; two years, $17.50, Elazar Shach K"ti•?111: The Essence of Kial Yisroel 13 three years, $25.00; outside of the , $10.00 per year Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky K"ti•?111: Blessings of "Shalom" 16 Single copy, $1.25 Printed in the U.S.A. What is an Agudist ...... 17 Rabbi K"ti•?111: RABBI NISSON WotP!N Editor An Agenda of Restraint and Vigilance ...... 18 The Vizhnitzer K"ti•'i111: Saving Our Children .19 Editorial Board Rabbi K"ti•'i111: DR. ERNST BODENHEIMER Chairman The Ability and the Imperative . 21 RABBI NATHAN BULMAN RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS Helping Others Make it, Mordechai Arnon . 27 JOSEPH FRJEDENSON "Hereby Resolved .. Report and Evaluation . 31 RABBI :'-a The Crooked Mirror, Menachem Lubinsky .39 THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not Discovering Eretz Yisroel, Nissan Wolpin .46 assume responsibility for the Kae;hrus of any product or ser­ Second Looks at the Jewish Scene vice advertised in its pages. Murder in , Violation in ...... 57 On Singing a Different Tune, Bernard Fryshman .ss FEB., 1980 VOL. XIV, NOS. 6-7 Letters to the Editor ...... • . . . 6 7

___.., _____ -- -· - - The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 3 Expectations ran high, and rightfully so. After all, mony to the vibrancy and growth of Jewry in the Sixth Knessia Gedolah opened in the shadows of the recent years. glorious traditions of five previous Knessios, their stir­ But a Knessia Gedolah is more than a public demon­ ring public sessions and most impressive dais; their stration. As Rabbi Perlow, Novominsker Rebbe, put it bringing together of so many different streams within (at the session devoted to the ideology of Agudath Torah Jewry and the pooling of the efforts of their Israel): Only a Knessia that is convened L'shem Sho­ respective communities; and the legacy of their great mayim-for the sake of Heaven-can have permanence accomplishments. Surely, by virtue of the name itself, a (see Avos IV,17), for in truth any gathering of people is Knessia Gedolah must excite the imagination. inherently unstable. Each person has his own indi­ In many ways, the Sixth Knessia Gedolah surpassed vidual character traits, his own needs and designs. expectations. To help the reader evaluate the week-long When brought together with others, even for a cause of historic events and relive some of its more stirring common interest, conflict is inevitable. Only when the moments, we will ou,tline the structure and schedule of common cause is service to G-d can a union of forces the proceedings and present some of the more extra­ have perpetuity, for all individual designs become ordinary occurrences in this writer's view (pages 4-18); secondary to overriding loftier goals. A Knessia Gedolah of record excerpts from several speeches (pages 19-28); Agudath Israel, as a Knessia for the sake of Heaven, can and attempt to assess the long-range impact of this supercede differences-differences that exist, but are obvi­ Sixth Knessia Gedolah: What could be expected from a ated when responding to higher callings. Knessia Gedo/ah, and what, indeed, will be realized The term "Knessia" is well chosen to describe such from this specific conclave? (pages 29-35) a gathering-as the Maharal points out-instead of asifa, ve'ida, or any number of other words. Knessia is com­ The Purpose of a Knessia Gedolah posed of two words: om-gathering, and np-one of G-d' s names. To be sure, a primary purpose of a Knessia Gedolah Without this overriding sense of purpose, Agudath lies in its demonstration aspect: the mere fact that so Israel would be doomed to failure, and a Knessia could many thousands of should recognize the need to never be organized, let alone function and be fruitful. come together to express their allegiance to Torah as the basis for Jewish existence, the authority of Gedolei Torah in determining the destiny of Kial Yisroel, and The Framework the unrivaled strength of a united Orthodoxy consisting I. The Knessia Gedolah could be described as run­ of the various segments of the Torah community. The ning on three levels. First, is the coming together of thousands that came from all over the world to partici­ thousands of Jews who identify with Agudath Israel as pate in the Knessia, the dais of 350 Rabbanim, Chassi­ a movement, with its general principles, or at least with dic Rabbeim, and Roshei that graced the pro­ the primary concept of allegiance to the leadership of ceedings, and the tens of thousands of visitors that Torah authorities. Evening sessions, which were open crowded the Binyanei HaUma convention center in to the public attracted, record over-flow crowds as a hope of attending the public sessions-all bore testi- rule; and, in effect, were also public demonstrations as

Photo: lMillh Karlinsky, Jerusalem

4 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 mentioned before. These sessions had tremendous Torah Education, Eretz Yisroel Affairs, Rescue and impact on those fortunate enough to gain entry. Many Absorption, Press and Publications, among others. of the speeches at these sessions were definitive state­ These committees met daily from 9:30 am to 2 pm, air­ ments of (Torah ideology) or stirring calls for ing problems, sharing insights, and drafting resolu­ perSonal improvement and decisive action. tions. Every afternoon, reports, discussions and debates II. A Knessia Gedolah is distinguished by a rare were held on the themes explored by the resolution coming together of many of Jewry's outstanding Torah committees, as well as on other topics. To many of the scholars and leaders. Aside from gracing the public ses­ participants, the opportunity to pool information sions with their presence, and addressing many of among colleagues from far-flung corners of the earth them, those that are members of the Moetzes Gedolei justified the convening of this international gathering. HaTorah (Council of Torah Sages of Agudath Israel) The resolutions that were drafted were then chan­ met in private conferences several times during the neled to a steering committee, which evaluated the pro­ week. This afforded a rare opportunity for them to dis­ posals for feasibility. Those of a more sensitive nature cuss various issues and pass judgment on them. were then presented to a special session of Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah to pass on the acceptability and advis­ Beyond doubt, the opportunity to see and hear these ability of enacting these resolutions. All the resolutions Gedolei Yisroel made the Knessia Gedolah a magnet for _were then read to a plenary session for discussion and so many thousands of people. approval. These resolutions, in the form of thirty typed III. A Knessia Gedolah is also a world-wide conven­ pages of Hebrew, are currently being referred to the tion, with 521 official delegates participating, including various national Agudath Israel branches, where they· 145 from the United States. These delegates worked in are being reviewed once more. They will eventually eleven committees, which dealt with a broad range of form the agenda for the various branches of Agudath topics, such as Chizuk Hadas (strengthening religious Israel, as well as for the new administration of the world activities), Kiruv Rechokim (attracting alientate Jews), organization.

Knessia Gedolah Diary

assigned to keep order, but did little Memphis just to be part of this more than instill a bit of fear in the crowd. Imagine! Thousands of peo­ non-equestrian. ple pushing just to a chance to Monday,Jan, 7/18 Teves: The crowd built up much more hear divrei Torah!" The Opening Session rapidly than the one-at-a-time By 5:15, just about every seat in · The session was scheduled to entrants could gain admission, mak­ the hall was taken, the aisles began begin at 6 PM. And admission was ing the wait up to three-quarters of to fill, and the doorways were by ticket only, with reserved seat an hour. One person was heard to becoming blocked. The guards at numbers marked on each ticket. Yet remark, "If I weren't so far from the the entrance door had given up, and by 3: 4S, at least a thousand people back, I'd turn around and go the constant flow of people filled were pressing against the single home-I just don't have the strength adjacent halls, as well as the Grand opening in the gate surrounding the to push up-stream.'' A Southern­ Ballroom of the nearby Jerusalem glass-walled Binyanei HaUma. accented voice replied, "Are you Hilton, which were equipped with Mounted border guards were kidding? It was worth the trip from wall-sized screens for closed-circuit

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 5 TV. An air of expectancy pervaded adding a festive air as the various the hall, as dignitary after dignitary dignitaries found their seats on the filed onto the stage-cum-speaker's podium-or bama (stage), as the platform. prefer to call it. The splen­ "Imagine!" someone remarks. of the Sephardic rabbanim­ "There are at least one hundred Rabbi Ovadia Yoseif and Rabbi men up there who know !" Shalom Mashash-in their imposing ., A hundred 1 I don't think there's raiment; the modest, self-negating more than fifty." entrance of some of the world's "And is fifty so insignificant?" most imposing scholars; the quick­ A sense of history hangs heavy: footed entry of the Gerrer Rebbe­ In his address early in the program which, by virtue of his legion of Rabbi Leib Gurwicz, Gateshead young followers and ardent admir­ , refers to "empty ers, was impossible to miss. seats" made vacant by those who When the Ponovezher Rosh had passed away since the previous Yeshiva,* Rabbi Elazar Shach, con­ Knessia Gedolah. Special emphasis trasted himself with his predeces­ is made on the six million kedoshim sors as opening speakers at the Photo: Frank Storch, (martyrs) who perished during Knessia Gedolah-the Chofetz entire assemblage-the thousands World War II, followed by a Ke! Chaim, the old Gerrer Rebbe, Reb crowding the main hall, and surely Molei Rachamim. The Chazan's Chaim Ozer Grodzenski-one was those basking in the Rosh Yeshiva's Singing voice seems to explore the shaken by his humble self­ smile that lit up the wall-sized furthest reaches of memory, lamen­ assessment. And then, when he closed-circuit TV screens-seemed tation and dedication. (Strange how roared, "Mit vosz zennen mir a to feel like that many grandchildren formalities-such as the Chazan's folk?" ("What makes us a na­ sitting at his knee ... A taped mes­ rendition of the memorial blessings tion?" )-his searching cry pinned us sage from across the seas brings and the communal recitation of to the back of our seats ... The greetings from Rabbi Moshe Fein­ Tehillim led by Rabbi J.H. Dunner Gerrer Rebbe' s few carefully chosen stein, who was present in spirit, but of which opened the ses­ words, while difficult to discern, was sorely missed in actual in­ sion-should somehow be so mov­ were spoken in an insistent tone volvement The Vizhnitzer ing! Obviously there is universality and were a piercing call to self­ Rebbe,* from ... Rabbi in Hamelech's words, and in betterment and community respon­ Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman,* from the phrases composed by the Sages sibility. (The text of the Rebbe's Baltimore Rabbi Shneur who wrote the "Kel Molei Racha­ speech appears on Page 00). Kotler,* from Lakewood ... each mim.") When Rabbi Yaakov Kame­ underscoring a different point in his The Knessia Gedolah abounds netzky* bent forward, leaning on own nusach, from his own perspec­ with color. On that first night, the the lecturn, and asked, "But why do tive ... Rabbi Bezalel Zolty, of -Vizhnitz boys' choir sang, you have to hear my blessing?" the Jerusalem, bemoaning "three losses *see later irt this issue

In Memory of Six Mi11ion Martyrs: (from left to right) Rabbi Sholom Israel), Rabbi Y. Kamenetzky (Torah Vodaath), Rabbi E. Shach Noach Broz.ovsky (), Rebbi Leib Gurwicz (Gateshead), (Ponevezh), Rabbi Klein (saying the "Kel Molei"), Gerrer Rebbe, Machnovke Rebbe, (Bnei Brak), [Rabbi J. Piekarski, Rego Park/ Vizhnitzer Rebbe (Bnei Brak), Rabbi Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach (Jeru­ Lubavitch], Rabbi (Y. Chaim Berlin/Cur Arye), salem), Rnbbi Shneur Kotler (Lakewood), [Rabbi M. Sherer, USA/, Rabbi P.M. Alter (Yesh. Sfas Emes), Rabbi Y. Y Ruderman (Ner Modzitzer Rebbe, Slonimer Rebbe

6 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 suffered in the destruction of World Tuesday, Jan. 8/19 Teves The session that evening in the War II-the great , the Discussions and debates on "The main convention hall was dedicated Chassidic giants, and the rabbinical Political Situation of Kial Yisroel in to the "Ideology of Agudath Israel." leadership. The first two .have been Eretz Yisroel and Throughout the It was here that Rabbi Perlow made revived, while the third is suffering World" dominated the afternoon. the statement referred to at the Presentations were made by MK outset.. Others who addressed the session Rabbi Shlomo Yaakov Gross, Rabbi Others who addressed the theme were Rabbi Yehuda Addas (Yeshiva Simcha Elberg (USA), MK Rabbi included Rabbi Shlomo Gross, Kol Yaakov, Jerusalem), who spoke Shlomo Lorencz, and Rabbi Shmuel Rabbi leek Piekarski (USA), Reb on the day's Oaf Yomi, Rabbi Yitz­ Akiva Schlesinger (Strassbourg). Shlomo Klagsbald (), Rab­ chak Flasker (head of the Vaad Ha­ bi Shlomo Z. Sonenfeld (Jerusalem), rabbanim of Agudath Israel), Rabbi Rabbi Binyomin Zev Weiss (Zur­ Pinchas Menachem Alter . (Rosh ich), Dr. Lewin (USA). , Sfas Emes), Rabbi Chaim session was chaired by Rabbi S. Kreiswirth (Antwerp), as well as Pinter (London). Rabbi Pinchas Levin, chairman of Nshei Agudath Israel (the the Israeli Sector of the World Vaad women's organization under the Hapoel, Dr. Isaac Lewin, chairman aegis of the Agudath Israel Move­ of the American Sector of the World ment) convened daytime sessions Vaad Hapoel, Rabbi Yehudah Meir concurrently with the men's. At a Abramowitz, who was chairman of special session on that day dedi­ the Knessia Gedolah. l'hoto' [saiah Karlinsky, Jerusalem cated to Chinuch, over 4,000 Bais received, offering a source of great strength for Greetings from Kial Yisroel ... When he presented the Daf Yorni concept, he referred to the incident recounted in the : how Rabbi Akiva (when lost at sea) Rabbi grabbed hold of a plank from a ship that came his way (daf is the Hebrew word for both "plank" Simcha Bunim and a "folio in the Talmud"), Thus Rabbi Shapiro founded Daf Yorni to enhance Torah and G-d's Alter w'~'i,w glory, to be sure-but to serve as a means of spiritual rescue for Kial Yisroel as well. The Gerrer Perhaps we can emulate his approach, further­ Rebbe ing his work-that is, through the study of Yeru­ shalmi* also. The Yerushalmi is written in a more cryptic style than is Bavli, and not everyone is capable of studying its pages. But those who have the capabilities of doing so, should devote some The Gerrer Rebbe, at the opening session: time every day to its study to the extent of their j May this Knessia be blessed with success, and abilities. fellows and superior yeshiva may G-d guide all of its deliberations to fruition. students should attempt to study a folio of A Knessia Gedolah is an institution that is Yerushalrni each day. One might say that the dedicated to promoting the growth of Torah, and Lubliner Rav alluded to this in his reference to the indeed, we must seek to spread Torah as much as plank that Rabbi Akiva. chanced upon, for the possible-to study more ourselves; to bring ever numerical value of the words :'il'!ltl 71V '11 more people under the banner of Torah and Yid­ ("plank of a ship") is equal to that of 11:'1! dishkeit; and to strengthen yeshivas so that those '1.)71V11'71 ("this is the Yerushalrni"). Those enrolled there may succeed in accomplishing more who live in the Diaspora have even more cause to in their studies. devote themselves to the study of Yerushalmi, in Rabbi of established the keeping with the passage "Remember G-d from study of Daf Yorni, and the idea was well afar and let Jerusalem enter your hearts." Through the study of Yerushalrni they will come *Yerushalmi is the Talmud that was compiled by Rabbi to remember Jerusalem. Yochanan in Jerusalem several centuries before Bavli (the May G-d help this "Knessia for the sake of Babylonian Talmud) was redacted by Ravina and Rav Ashi. The Babylonian Talmud is commonly studied in yeshivas, and Heaven" promote the increase of as was the basis for the syllabus of studying one folio a much as possible-with every studying more, day. as well as teaching others in ever greater amounts.

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 7 admiration of two towering leaders: As the Gerrer Rebbe approached the stage, he became aware that Rabbi Shach was speaking. He sat down and remarked: ''I'll wait a few minutes"-rather than interrupt. Heads turned to stage left, toward the Rebbe and his entourage. The Rosh Yeshiva caught sight of him, stepped back from his microphone, and remarked to the chairman: ''I'll wait a few minutes"-rath-er than make the Rebbe wait. The chairman announced the Rebbe' s arrival, but he still hesitated until Rabbi Shach signaled to the orchestra to play "Se'u"-as a video tape of the ses­ sion shows.) The children remained on their feet as Rabbi Shach addressed them slowly in lvrit: "There is much that I as an old man can teach you young people, for I have years of experience on my side: And that is the inestimable value of a single moment. You've heard about the wealth and pleas­ ures one can gain in a lifetime, yet one moment of koras in Olam Habba (a pleasant breeze wafting from the World-to-Come) is greater than all the wealth and Photo; Rachamim Yisraeli, Jerusalem Yaakov students and members of The children responded fervently Basya/Bnos Agudath Israel from all to a communal Tehillim reading led over Israel performed and sang at a by Rabbi , with Nshei afternoon session. their thunderous response echoing the richness of the past and re­ Wednesday, Jan. 9/20 Teves sounded with a promise to the That morning the main hall of the future. Then when Rabbi Elazar Binyanei HaUma was packed once Shach entered to speak to the chil­ again-this time with pre-teen age dren, they all jumped to their feet to boys (Grades 5-7) from Chinuch greet him with a spirited rendition Atzmai Schools, coming from Kir­ of "Se'u She'arim Rasheichem.", .. yat Shmoneh (from the north) to When the Gerrer Rebbe entered Yerucham (from the south). The later, he was greeted similarly, with bama was again graced by hundreds equal gusto. The Rebbe then of rabbinical and lay leaders, stage remarked: "I'm called upon to offer and auditorium facing each other, a blessing to the children. It is really each (it seemed) thinking: "What a unnecessary, for this auditorium rare opportunity-being treated to full of children is in itself the great­ such an imposing view!" The reso­ est of blessings." lution committees temporarily (To the general onlooker, the suspended sessions, knowing that a Rebbe's entry may have seemed to memorable event was taking shape be an interruption of the Rosh in the auditorium, so they filed onto Yeshiva's address. To those fortun­ the balconies and backstage posi­ ate enough to be backstage, it was tions to watch. an exercise in mutual deference and

8 pleasures of this world. It must be limits in regard to how much is that way, because everything in this spent on family celebrations, as was world is transitory-only of tem­ enacted by the Vaad LeArba Ara­ porary duration. But that one expo­ tzos, in Eastern centuries sure to Olam Habba is eternal, and ago." one cannot compare anything tran­ Rabbi Sholom Noach Brozovsky sitory to something eternal. (Rosh Yeshiva, Slonim): "Those "But listen," he continued, with a who come to listen, testify to the warmth that found reflection in ideals of ~udath Israel with their 5,000 intent faces. "Just one silence as eloquently as the speakers moment of teshuva and good deeds do, for they demonstrate their will­ in this world outweighs all of the ingness to accept the guidance of World-to-Come! Do you have any Torah authorities." idea of how valuable your each and Rabbi Baruch Shimon every moment of Torah study is? (Rosh Yeshiva Kochav Me Yaakov/ "We are commanded to imitate Chebin): "The centrality of Shab­ G-d's midos-the Divine attributes: bos in Jewish life must be strength­ as He is merciful, so are we to be ened-through the Reshet Shiurei merciful-G-d, in one split second, Torah classes, through study and converted the Hebrew slaves in renewed dedication." Egypt into free men, a nation of His Rabbi royal princes. If he uses single Photo: Yo5sie , Jerusalem (Antwerp): "An 'orphaned genera­ moments so masterfully, then we and prevent it from becoming tion' does not simply suffer because must try to do the same." weighted down by the morass of it has no one to fulfill its needs. It Witnessing the venerable Rosh everyday affairs." suffers because no one understands Yeshiva plead and coax thousands Rabbi Shneur Kotler: "We no lon­ its needs. Those who are in a posi­ of children to prepare themselves concentrate exclusively on bat­ tion to help must begin by sharing for greatness, and somehow sensing tling threats to our spiritual inte­ the suffering of those in need, and that they understood the unique grity that stem from outside of then acting with compassion." exchange taking place, was truly a Jewry. Today we must also deal The Vizhnitzer Rebbe, Rabbi moment for eternity. with those among us that would Pinchos Menachem Alter, Rabbi Y. destroy us: those who deviate from Shapiro (Yeshivas Be'er Yaakov), * * * our heritage, and would 'innovate' Rabbi Simcha Zissel Brodie (Yeshi­ That same evening, the hall was and re-write our Torah; and those vas Chevron) and the Sadigerer filled to over-flow an hour before among our immediate ranks who Rebbe also addressed the session. starting time. And so were the auxil­ slander others, talking without re­ iary rooms in the minutes that fol­ straint, splintering us into rivaling Thursday, Jan. 10/21 Teves lowed. This time, the crowd seemed sub-groups. We must endeavor to A morning public session de­ younger than the first evening, for correct this, as the Chofetz Chaim voted to "Shmittah-the Seventh hundrecili of senior yeshiva students did a hundred years ago, by organi­ Year" was inspiring and informative who had despaired of gaining entry zing regular classes to study his in its report on how the sabbatical at the opening sessions took their seforim." year is being kept in Agudath Israel chances, many traveling great dis­ Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman: farm settlements. Rabbi M. Men­ tances, to hear greetings from lead­ "The Chassidim Harishonim (pious delson, Rav of Komemius, and ing scholars. Most addresses dwelt men of old, in the times of the Rabbi S. M. Mintz, director of the on the purpose of Agudath Israel Mishna) would linger an hour after Center for Shvi'is Observing Far­ and the function of the Council of prayer, to retain the imprint of their mers, spoke at the session. Sages within its framework. spiritual encounter . ... We must The afternoon session on "Jews Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky: "An plan now to hold onto the momen­ on Russia and Other Lands of Agudist does not have any mitzvos tum of these days we spend Oppression" reported on efforts to that every other Orthodox Jew does together. We must use our power as help citizens of those countries in not have. But he must feel the pain a community and our dedication to their struggles to keep Jewish prac­ of another more sharply than others try to solve some desperate prob­ tices, and to help immigrants from do." lems. To name two: we must endea­ those countries in their adjustment Rabbi Leib Gurwitz: "The elders vor to prevent a man from holding problems. Veteran Agudist, Meir are compared to doves. They are in back a get (divorce) from his David Lewenstein, who heads the fact the wings that keep the body of estranged wife-such a man should Russian Immigrant Rescue Fund, Kial Yisroel aloft, give it direction, be excommunicated; and legislate reported on his organization's activ~

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 9 ities. Rabbi P. Teitz (Elizabeth, N.J.), ... The teshuva is celebrating at emuna (faith in G-d) through his Rabbi J. Scheinfeld (Bnei Brak), and his official acceptance in the main­ own reasoning. (Both his parents Rabbi A. Hershberg (Mexico City) stream of Yiddishkeit? ... The joy were Jewish, but could not agree on also addre' ;ed the session. of a compelling state of purpose whether he should be circumcized !) The evening session was dedi­ shared by all-something great is In his letter, he expressed gratitude cated to "Educational and (Other) being accomplished, let's continue to G-d for leading him out of the Constructive Projects." Addresses on together? . .. darkness of denial, and pleaded to by leading Roshei Yeshiva were fol­ Individuals responsible for thou­ the gathering for help in the form of lowed by film and otl;ier audio­ sands of returnees to Torah filed on seforim, and a rabbi to teach and visual presentations. Rabbi Chaim and filled the bama. Rabbi Levi answer the questions of his growing Dov Keller (Telshe-) gave a Yitzchok Horowitz, Bostoner Rebbe group-some twenty families that stirring address calling for a concen­ of Brookline, Mass., said that just as keep Torah and mitwos, and are tration on teaching values and posi­ the first Knessia Gedolah issued a searching for guidance. tive character traits in our schools. call to Jewry to study-the Daf A high point of the evening was Others who spoke included Rabbi Yomi-this Knessia Gedolah must an address by Rabbi Reuvain Elbaz S.A. Levine (Buenos Aires), Rabbi issue a call to teach-that is, to (see JO March '78), who heads a B.Z. Rokov (London), Rabbi M.Z. instruct all ~vho are outside our yeshiva-better described as a Feldman (Bnei Brak), Rabbi B. ranks in regard to the beauties of movement-reaching out to those Posen (), and M.K. Jewish living. who have fallen to the lowest levels Rabbi S. Gross. Mr. B. Cymerman Rabbi Boruch Horowitz of Yeshi­ of society. His dynamic, tightly con­ of London chaired the session. va Dvar Yerushalayim touched a trolled gestures and clearly spoken mystical note, quoting the Pono­ lvrit convey excitement, conviction, Saturday Night, Jan, 12/13 Teves vezher Rav as saying that today's and the entire assemblage "accom­ The Moetza'ei Shabbos devoted searching youth are in possession of panied" him on a trip with his to "Kiruv Rechokim and the Baal the neshamos of the million inno­ "commandoes" to Chatzor, where Teshuva Movement" attracted far cent children who were killed in he went to reclaim the Sephardic more visitors than expected. An Churban Europa . ... He called on population of this town to Torah. unanticipated overflow was again Agudath Israel branches to open a "We plastered up the town with assigned to smaller auditoriums, teshuva department. "There are no posters. We had a program of equipped with sound but no closed irreligious Jews-only Jews that are music, singing, and straight talk circuit TV. As the yeshiva Dvar not yet religious," he said. prepared. But when entered the shul Yerushalayim band tuned up, a fes­ Rabbi Pinchas Teitz, Rav of Eli­ there, all we found were six old tive air filled the halls, but it is diffi­ zabeth, NJ, had just returned from a men. cult to attribute this feeling to one trip to the Soviet Union. He read a "'When are you starting the pro­ factor: The host organization is letter to the Knessia Gedolah from a gram,' they asked. welcoming back its errant children? Soviet mathematician who arrived "'We didn't come here for you,

Photo: Yossie Melamed, Jerusalem

10 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 "Zaide" Would Have Been Proud I must admit that I cried that evening, unashamedly, And that in a way sums up what the Knessia Gedo­ in the midst of thousands of people. It was when the lah meant to me. I stood in the room, unable to get a seat American band of Yeshiva DvarYerushalayim played a amidst thousands of bearded men looking at a stage song that the Israelis probably didn't understand. The crowded with row upon row of learned sages and saint­ young man sang an English language composition ly Chassidic , and I thought of the world of my about his" Zaide"-his grandfather. He sang how Zaide Zaide, of the pogrom in the which caused him taught him right from wrong, how Zaide made Kiddush to lose one eye, .of which robbed him of on Friday night. And then, when he was in camp, Zaide some of his children, of a world gone up in flames and died and his parents packed up his books and slowly yet miraculously reborn and flourishing in 1980. The stopped being Jewish. Now, the youth sang, he has miracle of Jewish rebirth, the authentic, unadulterated found Torah and he wonders who will be the Zaide of Yiddishkeit that everyone thought would have disap­ tomorrow, if not he. peared by now, is experiencing a growth unparalleled in Perhaps it is a corny song, but I thought of my any other Jewish circle. Over 30,000 people partici­ Zaide who lived with us in Montgomery, Alabama, pated in the week long assembly, young men and when I was growing up and kept us on the Jewish track women with large families, passing on the heritage. I when all my friends were drifting far away. And I saw beautiful yeshivas and girls' schools in Israel, huge thought of the countless other young Jews whose only children's towns, institutions of every kind. Torah is· Jewish experiences were had in the homes of their alive and well and its adherents are full of confidence in grandparents, so little appreciated at the time. their future and in their youth. My Zaide would have excerpted from "From Alabama to the Knessia Gedolah" by Elchonon been very proud to be there. Oberstein you're already frum. Where are the we spoke-straight talk: Where youth?' they're at (the gutter). Where '"The youth?' they said. 'Forget they're heading (tragedy, heartache, about them. They're at the cinema, abortion, drug raps, prison, prema­ watching a karate movie. You'll ture death-they've seen it all, never reach them anyway.' already). And the only way out­ "/ dispatched my man to the Torah. Let me tell you. The last man theater, and sure enough, the kids in-the baa! ha-steakio-was the started trickling in. They looked first man in tears!" 't uneasy, but they were curious: "But don't sit here, content with Why not try something different? it all," exhorted Rabbi Elbaz to the I Soon the movie theater was empty audience. "It's got to begin here, except for three men, I was told. I because 'From will the Torah made it my mission to get them. come forth, and the word of G-d J "'You don't want us,' they said, from Yerushalayim!' You've got to 'we're .' Arabs? In Chatzor? see to it that this happens!" 'We're from Nazareth. We're here His charge of responsibility to the to see our girl friends.' gathering left no doubt that his "/was shocked that Jewish girls words were words of truth spoken Migdal HaEmek), Rabbi Zvi Enbal, in Chatzor entertained Arab visi­ from the heart, and as such, had the and Rabbi Yitzchok David Gross­ tors. I traced them to a steak-house, uncanny power to enter the hearts man, Rav of Migdal HaEmek, who where the proprietor-tattooed from of one and all. is widely recognized for his effective his finger tips up to his neck and work among the delinquent-even then down to here-was all alone, Mordechai Arnon• former waiting for 'me, I figured. 'Come,' I comedy star of Israeli stage and criminal-element in Israeli society (see JO March '71). told him. 'Are you kidding? What screen (once known as "Pupik" for?' 'Aren't you a Sephardi? Don't now associated with Yeshiva Ohr Sunday, Jan. 13/24 Teves-: you have any pride in your heri­ Somayach), spoke about his own experiences . . . again, as once Closing Session tage? Come!' And he came. Again the hall filled rapidly to "A little music to disarm them, before in an earlier life, winning the capacity, plus. Word had been some songs to unite them, and then house in Binyanei HaUma. Other speakers included Rabbi released that the session would "'see later in this issue (Ohr Somayach; begin earlier than announced-at 7

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 11 PM instead of 8 PM. The Agudath Israel representatives offered greetings. Rabbi Moshe Sherer (president of Agudath Israel of America) denounced the Israeli press for its distorted treatment of the Knessia Gedolah, and called for a pooling of talents and efforts to carry out the ambitious agenda out­ lined in the resolutions. Rabbi Sherer had been elected a chairman of World Executive of Agudath Israel at the Knessia Gedolah with special responsibility for Diaspora and international affairs. The speeches that followed re­ iterated this theme:

Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky lt"ll''W: A closing-siyum-is actually a beginning. but only when this diversity is infused with unity of derive the concept of siyum from Shlomo Hamelech­ purpose, the service of G-d. And so it has been in Kial who marked the completion of the Beis Hamikdosh Yisroel throughout the ages. with a weeklong festival. But, that was in fact only the We each have our unique obligations, but together, beginning of the glorious era of the first Beis Ha­ as brothers, we can realize our common goal-the fur­ mikdosh. So, too, this closing of the Knessia Gedolah is therance of Kiddush Hashem and the speedy arrival of but an embarkation on the long road ahead-a start to Moshiach in our days. the enormous work to be done. After the completion of the Mishkan, Israel was Rabbi Elazar Shach it"=''W: instructed to travel and to camp in a specific formation, The mood here is festive, but we need only step out­ with each group of tribes having its own banner. A side of our immediate surroundings to see how grave banner or flag by very function distinguishes one group the situation actually is. Don't forget: Agudath Israel's from another; it indicates a diversity. It was only after bill to limit abortion on demand suffered a momentary the completion of the Mishkan, which served as the defeat in the Knesset, and our opposition danced in the aisles! They danced for the joy of being able to continue killing unborn Jewish children! And-face it-they were dancing on behalf of a very large constituency. Think­ ing about it, one can get rather discouraged, but one must take heart. ... I'm reminded of an incident that took place in a Nazi concentration camp during the war: One evening, several inmates gathered together. It was Simchas Torah and one of them insisted that they dance in honor of the day. "But we don't have a . How can we have hakafos?" "Perhaps someone has a ." "No." "A ?" "No. None at all." "Then, we'll dance with the Ribbono Shel Olam alone!" They did. And this fervor and ecstatic devotion car­ ried them through the camp experience. They survived, and outlived their oppressors. focal point of their encampment, that they could sport We, too, musn 't feel dejected for being outnum­ distinctive banners and express their individualism­ bered. Let us dance with G-d Himself, and not let go. only when they all clustered around one central point, Then we, too, will overcome our obstacles, and win our the Mishkan of G-d. There can be strength in diversity, opponents to our way-the way of the Torah. l'i'.

12 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 Rabbi Elazar Shach K"b'?tv

The Essence of Kial Yisroel

It is most difficult for me to speak at such a gather­ Chofetz Chaim, Reb Chaim Ozer Grodzensky, the ing, especially in view of those who had preceded me Gerrer Rebbe and their illustrious colleagues, ci11;1 at this platform, at the previous Knessios Gedolos: The n;ij?. Who am I in comparison to them? The Chofetz Chaim would constantly call Kial Yisroel to action. He wrote books and convened assemblies without respite: He insisted on addressing the hearts of people, awaken­ ing them, admonishing them, strengthening them. How can I compare myself to him? But then I recall how the Gerrer Rebbe ':>"it cited the words of Rabbeinu Yona: "When the leaders of the people and the broad masses come together to serve G-d and design ways to strengthen mitzva observance, they sanctify G-d's name ... and whoever abstains from joining such a group is included among those who despise the Name of G-d ..." (Shaarei Teshuva III, 108). Ven es brennt, darf yeder einer shtitzen! A fire is raging, and everyone must do his part! With these words echoing in my ears, how can I free myself from the obligation to participate in this Knessia? Everyone who is capable of doing so must join this gathering to help strengthen . Furthermore, involvement in this Knessia Gedolah is not merely a case of efforts expended for others, it also enhances the person involved. The Seforno's words in Parshas To/dos bear this out: The Almighty's promise to Yitzchak was "Because Avraham obeyed My voice, and safeguarded My ordinances, My com­ mandments, My decrees, and My " (Bereishis 26,5). This assurance was spoken to Yitzchak before he called out in the name of G-d. He therefore had to rely upon Avraham's merit for this promise. After he too called out in G-d's name, his own merit was sufficient to earn G-d's promise .... We see, then, that it is not enough for me to be aware of G-d. Rather, I am obliged to constantly invoke His name and proclaim His ways RABBI 5HACH is Rosh Yeshiva of the Ponovezh Yeshiva, Bnei Brak, to others. Otherwise I am lacking in. merit, no matter and is one of the leaders of the Moetzes Gedolei Ha.Torah of Agudath · how great I may be. Israel of Eretz Yisroel. This essay, based on Rabbi Shach's address at the opening session of the Knessia Gedo/ah, was prepared for publi­ cation by HANOCH TELLER, as were all other e!!says based on Knessia Truth-Obvious, Yet Forgotten addresses, unless otherwise indicated. He is an American studying in the Mir, Jerusalem. A number of his articles have been published in I wish to address several simple statements to world JO. Jewry. Think for a moment: Every nation has its own

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 13 individual character. One cannot liken Americans to ing the inquisitions and the burnings of the Talmud, Germans or Italians. Each national group has its own only the paper pages were consumed, but the letters legal system, its own customs, culture, literature, and toclk to the air and returned to their place. Where is that scholars. To learn about a nation's character one need place? In the heart of the Jew, as it says, "Inscribe (the but refer to its literature and scholarly works. You can words) upon the tablets of your heart.'' And when the then begin to understand what makes an Italian an Torah is inscribed in the heart of the Jew, he too Italian, an Englishman an Englishman. becomes an eternal creation, like the Divine words of Brothers and sisters! Jews throughout the world! the Torah itself. What is the uniqueness of the Jewish People? Many Jews today-especially those who are not educated in Torah, not instructed in the fear of Heaven and derech A People Beyond Spacial Considerations eretz-find Jewish success and achievement in a sports The Torah was given to Israel in a desolate wilder­ victory or top place in a music competition, and Jewish ness. We did not have the , nor "adminis­ failure in a sports defeat or a loss of some similar sort. tered territories." Nevertheless we became an eternal Can our uniqueness be reduced to such trivia-or even nation. Only with the Torah were we able to persist. to the fact that we have experts in physics and medicine And sadly, when Israel abandons Torah, the conse­ and the other sciences? These are merely areas of secu­ quences are detailed in an entire chapter in the Torah­ lar enlightenment, attributes no different from those of the Tochacha: "And if you will not obey My com­ any other nation. In their own way, they can make a mands" (Vayikra 26:14) ... Jew into a great German or great Frenchman. Bu( As believers, children of believers, it is impossible wherein lies our uniqueness? What in our laws, cus­ for us to imagine things otherwise. How foolish are toms, and manners makes us distinctly Jewish? those who contend that a Jewish nation can exist with­ I can walk down a street and ask any non-observant out a Torah, or that any ordinary nation could survive Jew: "Tell me, my brother, what makes you a Jew? You in our circumstances- surrounded as we are by 80 to eat and drink together with non-Jews. Their meat is 100 million hostile Arabs aimed at our destruction, sup­ kosher to you; their women are acceptable to you for ported by the rest of the world. If we are without Torah, wives. In what way are you Jewish? By means of your soldiers, weapons, and the entire Zahal are of no avail. intelligence, or culture?" Should he respond, "We are a Only the fulfillment of the Torah ensures our existence, nation. We have our own land, a state, an army," I will for the Torah fashioned us into a Jewish Nation. With­ still question him: "How long do you have all this? The out Torah, one can be a Turk, or a German-but not a State was established just 31 years ago. Did Jewish Jew. nationhood not exist prior to this? Do those acquisi­ tions-or these illusory ideas of Jewishness propagated this past century-, and so on-did these create Jewish Pride the Jewish Nation? Were our parents and grandparents Every Jew is obliged to review this fundamental who preceded these ideas on the scene, not Jews? If principle: "How are we Jews? Only by means of the you truly believe so, you profane the honor of Am Torah." Incredibly, there are Jews who are ashamed of Yisroel and our Creator!" our Torah, when it should rightfully be a source of deep pride to us, for we were the first to enlighten humanity with the Sabbath concept, the edict to love your neigh­ The Eternity of the Jewish People bor as yourself, to be charitable, not to murder or steal. Every logically thinking person with but a modicum These commandments were our living heritage when of seriousness must confess: Our uniqueness lies in our other nations were still barbaric cannibals. All worth­ Divinely written Torah, given to us at Sinai 3292 years while, beneficial, humanitarian values that grace mod­ ago. To this day, not one letter has been added to the ern civilization emanate from our Torah. Torah, not one jot has been introduced, not one letter­ fragment has been lost. It is as complete today as it was The Key To Our Security on the day that it was given. Bear in mind: We received the Torah from G-d, who As a Torah Nation, we can only triumph over our is eternal. The Torah is also eternal, for "the word of the foes by means of the Torah. As Yaakov said, "Shimon Lord shall exist forever.'' And we, the nation of the and Levi are brethren; instruments of violence are their Torah, the people to whom G-d's eternal word is swords" (Bereishis 49:5). explains that murder­ spoken must perforce be an everlasting nation. This ing (that is, use of the sword) is not rightfully theirs; it should be apparent from our history, for we have is part of a blessing conferred upon Eisav. Using these endured so many pogroms, expulsions, and religious weapons is his tactic, Yaakov told them, and you have persecutions and are still here. usurped it from him. (They are yours through The Torah has a striking attribute: "The parch­ violence-taking what is not inherently yours.) ments were burnt and the letters float in the air.'' Dur- We Jews follow a different path in life. If we over-

14 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 power another nation, it is only by virtue of the Biblical No Alternatives promise: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, We live in an age where all the false hopes for salva­ but we call upon the Name of the Lord our G-d" (Tehil­ tion have been shattered. There was a time when Social­ lim 20:8). "The might and strength of my hand" con­ ism was believed to be mankind's panacea. Look at its cept is totally foreign to us, for by this criterion we are denouement-in Russia and other Socialistic countries, the least of all the nations. Only our ancient ammuni­ millions of souls are rotting in their respective Siberias. tion will save us: Indeed, our explained the Nationalism-patriotism-was also held in highest phrase "With my sword and with my bow" as referring .l to "My wisdom and my prayer." We are faced with so esteem as the means of redeeming our people. Jews had thought that the creation of the State of Israel would many millions of enemies who would delight in our save them from anti-semitism, for-they had sur­ annihilation; we should recognize this as a signal of mised-the hatred they suffer must stem from our sorts, a signal to repair to our basic devotion to Torah. national dispersion and exile. But hatred of Jews has A Jew who thinks differently-who puts his faith in never been so widespread as it is today, even with our other strategies-has llsurped Eisav' s weapons. Only State .... Torah is a "fortress of salvation." Despite the fact that all of the gods and ideologies have been refuted, people continue to stumble, and are The Power of the Individual as content as ever in their errant approaches. They Yehoshua son of Kobsoi said: "I had always reject the Torah's laws, only attaching importance to non-Jewish values. Our task is to publicly proclaim the understood the passage, 'And the pure sprinkled truth of the Torah. upon the impure/ as referring to one pure person sprinkling purifying waters on the other impure person, until I learned from the treasure house of National Boundaries and Guarantees Yavne that one pure person can sprinkle on (purify) any number of defiled people." In regard to the phrase "the land whereon you The Braissa quoted in the Yerushalmi above seems (Yaakov) are resting," Rashi explains, "G-d rolled to imply that an individual may wonder: "Of what together the entire Land of Israel under ... (Yaakov).'' effect can I be? I am but one solitary individual. Perhaps This teaches us that we must not think of Eretz Yisroel I can help one other person, besides myself, but no as a land bound by conventional borders. Rather, more." Yavne's treasure house of wisdom demonstrated wherever Yaakov (the dweller of the tents of the Torah) otherwise. At the brink of the Churban, Rabbi Yocha­ rested is Eretz Yisroel. Only the spirit of the Torah nan ben Zakkai recognized that the Jewish Nation defines Eretz Yisroel and sustains is. could continue to exist without its own land, but not The only way to guarantee our existence !')OW and in without its Torah. Granted one request from Vespacian, the future is through the Torah-to increase Torah in the conquering Roman general, he asked: "Give me Israel. We are blessed with the Chinuch Atzmai school Yavne and her scholars." He knew that from the tiny system, which educates thousands in Torah and the fear corner of Yavne, myriads of scholars would grow and of Heaven. We could accept thousands more students the future of the nation was guaranteed. From the were it not for lack of funds. There are so many more Yavne precedent, one sees that one pure person can children to save, but people fail to perceive the needs of purify any number of disadvantaged p~ople. There is Chinuch Atzmai or its importance. If they do not un­ no limit or bounds to the power of salvation inherent in derstand how we differ from every nation, how can the Torah. they understand why we must learn Torah Min Ha­ One immediate obligation, then, is to publicly shomayim? Indeed, "Out of the mouths of babes and invoke G-d's name, in the manner of Yitzchak Avinu, sucklings (speaking words of Torah) have you estab­ and bring others close to Torah. Perhaps others will lished strength" (Tehillim 8:3). ridicule us: How effective can you be? People don't want to change their life-style! But our formula is time­ tested. "If you encounter the evil inclination, draw him A Matter of Life and Death into the beis mid rash." The situation today is most grave. Enemies from all Millions of Jewish children are not receiving a sides seek our destruction. It is truly a matter of life and Torah education! So very few of them are learning death for us to increase the realm of Torah in Israel, to Jewish values! To be sure, there are more yeshivos and valiantly fight the battles of G-d, and fight for the kollelim than ever before, but they must be seen in pro­ existence of Judaism. In the merit of Kial Yisroel, and portion to the total population. After all, our goal is with G-d's guidance imbuing us with the wisdom to "All of your children shall be taught of the Lord." A implement programs at this Knessia Gedolah to child may grow up to be a merchant, a professional or a strengthen Torah and Yiras Shomayim, may we be laborer-but he must study Torah as a child, or else privileged to the speedy "restoration of our judges and what kind of Jew will he be? counselors" and the arrival of Moshiach. lT

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 15 Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky N""'''W

Blessings of ''Shalom''

Photo: Yos~;e Melamed, ]emsa!em The Individual Blessing We have a precedent for public expression of per­ sonal blessings, when Yaakov Avinu gathered his sons around his death bed to bless them. He realized that he was leaving his family at the onset of the Egyptian bondage and therefore proceeded to delineate the respective roles they were to play in Kial Yisrael, bless­ ing each son as the progenitor of his tribe-each indi­ vidual according to his talents, his gifts, and his destiny. Kial Yisrael, then, was not to be one homogeneous community, but rather twelve tribes-each with its own function-yet each but a part of a whole. No tribe was to impinge on the functions of the other. The consequences of such an encroachment would be disastrous, as evidenced by the disappearance of the Chashmonai lineage. The Ramban explains that this was a direct result of this family-members of the tribe of Levi-having assumed the monarchy, a responsiblity clearly devolving upon the descendants of Yehuda. Each tribe must accept the individuality of its fellow tribe. It is natural for one who excels in a particular mitzva to consider that mitzva not only as important but imperative, surpassing perhaps most others. A wealthy person would naturally feel that the mitzva of debt repayment is of paramount importance. There is some truth to this. The Chazal declare: "G-d wanted Israel to be meritorious and therefore gave them Torah ' and mitzvas in abundant measure." The Rambam (Commentary to the Mishna, end of Makos) explains this to mean that if a Jew observes a single mitzva with all of its ramifications, it will lead eventually to his I have been invited to offer my blessings for this observance of the other mitzvas as well. We find, for gathering. This could actually be done privately, in the example, that the people who lived in the region of manner of all brachas. Only the blessings of the Rabbi Yehuda (in the times of the Mishna) were exceed­ Kahanim require public proclamation, in a loud audible ingly careful in regard to Shvi'is-the laws pertaining to voice. Yet there is good reason to pronounce a blessing the Sabbatical year. They became identified with that aloud-so that all within earshot can add their own particular mitzva. affirmative ''Omein.'' Despite the importance of each group's unique method of divine service, each person and every per­ RABBI KAMENETSKY, Rosh Yeshiva of Mesfita Torah Vodaath, is a suasion must realize that they are part of an aggregate member of the Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah of Agudath Israel of Ameri­ ca. The first essay is based on his address at the opening session of the whole, and must respect their fellow's way of serving Knessia Gedolah; the second, on his greetings at the "Dvar Moetzes the Creator. To underscore this point, all of Yaakov's Gedolei HaTorah'' session. These were prepared for publication by sons were present when each son received his indi­ Pinchas Meyers, an American studying in Mir, Jerusalem. vidual blessing, as if to say: take note of the distinctive

16 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 gift of your brother, and his specific role within Klal successfully' bridged this enormous gap to create a co­ Yisroel. hesive and therefore powerful force to fight for the Torah ideal. In view of the importance of diversity in , one of the original by-laws of Agudath In Pursuit of Harmony Israel was that each country was to be directed by its This mutual respect can be described as "Shalom" - own Torah leaders. This conforms with the Rambam's but this does not simply mean peace in the conventional ruling that after the completion of the Talmud, the sense, a total absence of differences. By the same token, decrees of the Gaonim were only binding in their own machlokes-commonly thought to refer to contentious region. Indeed, the three decrees of Rabbeinu Gershom quarreling-can even be beneficial. As long as it is Le­ were never accepted in Sephardic countries. Shem Shomayim it can even be consistent with Sha­ The diversity of Judaism is its source of strength. It lom-but with one condition: it must be confined to sit­ was in regard to divergence in points of view that the uations such as when one group conforms to the opin­ Talmud says: "These and those are the words of the liv­ ion of the Rambam and the other to that of the Ravad. ing G-d," and indeed each group has its own unique This definition is evident from the Rambam, who rules concept of the "words of the living G-d." that during the time of machlokes or war, it is necessary And so it was that when all the sons of Yaakov that Jewish kings be annointed to dispel doubts regard­ declared in unison: "Hear 0 Israel, the Lord our G-d, ing their rights to the throne-e.g. machlokes such as the Lord is one" that Yaakov Avinu was able to respond when Yoav and Evyasar Hakohen sided with Adoniah "Blessed is the name of the glory of His Kingdom for in his claim to the crown, in opposition to ­ ever." Only when Yaakov was assured of the unity of not a dispute that grew out of rivalry or envy, but a dis­ Israel was he convinced that the glory of G-d will sure­ pute in which each side was led by spiritual leaders. ly be manifested by his descendants. Corroboration to this definition of machlokes is apparent from Rabbi Eliezer's dispute with the sages, in "Shalom"/Peace and "Machlokes"/Differences which the majority rule prevailed despite' numerous "The Almighty found Shalom as the only suitable heavenly signs that seemed to verify Rabbi Eliezer' s vessel for His bounteous blessing." "Shalom" does not position. In the end, Rabbi Eliezer was excommunicated mean identical views.-That is impossible, and undesir­ for refusing to submit to majority rule because Rabban able, as well. Nor does it mean the end of warfare.-If Gamliel declared "there should not be excessive mach­ that were so, then the verse "He makes peace in His lokes in Israel." Such is the meaning of machlokes-a firmaments" would imply that the Almighty brings polemic for the Sake of Heaven-not motivated by peace to warring angels-and no mention is ever made jealousy and petty rivalry. that Gavriel and Michoel were at battle with each other. "Shalom" means harmony, where melody and counter­ Important, Yet Not Dominant point complement rather than clash with each other, and each understands the other's strengths and appre­ This was Yaakov Avinu's will and testament to his ciates his respective mission, tailored to fit his specific descendants. Each tribe is to have its own role. Each abilities. This, then, is the status in the heavens, the one's role is not merely important, but crucial. But-of goal of Yaakov Avinu in blessing each of his sons in the paramount importance-each must realize that the presence of the rest, and the substance of my prayers on future of Judaism does not rest on his shoulders alone. this assembly's behalf: that we together-cohesively­ When Agudath Israel was established, it was a syn­ work to further the Divine purpose, with each group thesis of widely divergent views and ways of life. It was contributing its way of Torah life-its "word of the liv­ the meeting of East and West-the coalescence of the ing G-d." worlds of the Gerrer Rebbe and Moreinu Yaakov Now that I have expressed my blessings to you­ Rosenheim ~:,:? cm:t. At the time, people were that the harmony that grows out of mutual respect amazed that such dissimilar outlooks could blend so reign in our midst-I ask everyone here to please affirm harmoniously .. But the Torah giants of that generation my sentiments with an "Omein." What is an Agudist? What is an Agudist? What are his responsibilities scatter them .. , and disperse them among Israel." The over and above that of any observant Jew? descendants of Shimon and Levi were to travel An Agudist must be like "Shimon and Levi, throughout Israel as teachers, Kohanim (priests) and brothers who usurped weapons of war," as Yaakov Leviim. Avinu referred to them-brothers who avenged the vio­ What connection is there between the description of lation of their sister's honor. Yaakov continued: "I will the two and their assigned role? The Ramban explains

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 17 that although all the brothers participated in avenging distinguishing feature of an Agudist. the violation of Dinah by Shechem, Shimon and Levi The list of tasks to be accomplished and wrongs to were the moving force behind this retribution. It was be corrected is painfully long, but we must act and dare they who so deeply felt her shame. It was they who not silently stand by. But as with Shimon and Levi, this were shaken to their innermost core by the travesty must be the result of our brotherly love and concern. perpetrated by Shechem-so shaken were they that they By the same token, this brotherly affection must not could not idly stand by and witness "their sister treated blind us to our brothers' shortcomings-especially in like a harlot." Only owing to Shimon and Levi's Israel, where the distinctions between the holy and the extreme distress were the other brothers galvanized into profane are infinitely more difficult to discern. For even action. the negative can be easily polished and made to glitter It is therefore precisely Shimon and Levi who were in this land, where a carpenter is not merely a laborer, most worthy of being the teachers and spiritual leaders but one fulfilling the mitzva of building Eretz Yisroel. of Israel. For who is better qualified to teach and to lead In a land where the blandishments necessary to portray spiritually than he who is anguished when he perceives the immoral as pure, and the profane as holy are so something in opposition to the honor of G-d and His readily available-in such a land we must be doubly people-he who is not content with painful thoughts vigilant to correct wherever and whatever is humanly and pious statements, but translates this heartache into possible. Our zealousness and its consequent responses action ... because his very nature compels him to must be measured and responsible. This is the clear and respond. That extra sensitivity and drive should be the present obligation of every Agudist. !.T.

Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman M"~''ilV: AnAgenda of Restraint and Vigilance for a Sacred Gathering

This large assembly, gathered together for the Knes­ sia Gedolah, should merit the presence of the Shechina-the divine presence-on two counts: first, any time a group assembles, even if it consists of only ten Jews, it merits the Shechina's presence. Moreover, the common purpose of spreading Kavod Shomayim, giving glory to G-d, also should endow this assembly with the Shechina's presence. For even a much smaller group than this grand assembly can be an entity unto itself if it has some central binding force that endows it with a specific identity. An interesting example of this concept may be found in the Gemora (BerRChos 47) that discusses the criteria for forming an eida-a quorum of ten. The Gemora con­ siders the suggestion that nine people and the aron hakodesh (the ark containing the Torah scrolls) might comprise an eida, but rejects this suggestion by point­ ing out that the aron hakodesh is inanimate and the RABBI RUDERMAN, Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Israel in Baltimore, is a mem­ ber of the Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah of Agudath Israel of America. prototype eida consists to ten people. This essay is based on his address at the opening session of the Knes­ This surely seems strange: How could the Gemora sia Gedolah. have possibly considered that an aron kodesh might

18 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980

-~--J."".:..·x Jll.·~.....,.~----·,:.!;'.:; ..... *'?Ff - .. contribute to a ? One must reallze 1 however, and 613 are written with the same letters.) It would that an aron hakodesh plays an extraordinary role in a seem that if Yaakov had observed all the rriitzvos, it group of people: it is a unifying symbol, and as such, its should be apparent that he did not emulate Lavan. presence might conceivably convert a collection of indi­ What need is there for Yaakov to say the obvious-"! viduals into one unified entity. So the Gemora was will­ did not learn from his evil deeds"? Apparently even a ing to consider the aron hakodesh as a possible,. tenth" person who is meticulous in the performance of mitzvos for a minyan. and in avoidance of transgressions can hardly help but The Gemora concludes that only when ten men join be influenced to some degree by his environment. While in participating in a religious activity, does the this may not affect his actual mitzva observance, it can Shechina-G-d' s presence, so to speak-dwell in their erode his value system in extremely dangerous ways. To midst, constituting the required unifying force. But the be impervious to the influences of the environment calls concept is nonetheless there: a group that finds com­ for extra care. During my stay with Lavan, Yaakov told monality in a uniting purpose is worthy of the his brother, I preserved my vigilance. I did not learn in Shechina-and I have every reason to believe that this the least from Lavan's evil deeds. My values remained impressive assembly qualifies. in tact. We, too, must assume a special vigilance, even as we An Agenda of Personal Restraint find ourselves becoming even more exacting in mitzva Now that we have convened, I would like to offer one observance. For example, we live in an affluent society particular item for an agenda. May I preface it with the that delights in conspicuous consumption. We must familiar (which Rashi quotes at the beginning curb our spending on luxuries, and on lavish celebra­ of Vayaitzai) in regard to Yaakov Avinu's message to tion. This is only one example, but the rule is one.that his brother Eisav, approaching him for their first has wide application: In spite of all sorts of encouraging encounter in over thirty years: "I dwelt with Lavan-/ developments, we must avoid being influenced by the dwelt with Lavan (•nil), I kept the 613 mitzvos (l'"1M), society that surrounds us. This consideration should and I did not learn from his evil deeds." (Both "dwelt" guide us in our deliberations at this Knessia Gedolah.

Rabbi Moshe Hager, Vizhnitzer Rebbe K"~'?'IV: Saving Our Children

For years we have been fighting many spiritual bat­ tles here in Eretz Yisroel. It is not enough for us to wage this war. We must also search for the roots of the prob­ lems that plague us: Why does religion suffer so much in Eretz Yisroel? Should a man suffer paralysis in a hand or foot, his doctor would not limit his examination to the afflicted limb. Paralysis generally stems from a disorder of either the brain or the heart, and any examination that does not include these organs cannot result in a cure. We should bear this in mind, and search for the roots of the religious crises that afflict our community in the Holy Land. The battle areas are well known-abortion-on­ demand, unauthorized autopsies, the "Who is a Jew" problem, the new stadium in Jerusalem .... A common -ii cause explains them all, and this can be summed up with one phrase from the Gemora-a phrase that is employed to describe the death of Aharon's sons: "Their souls were consumed by fire, but their bodies

THE VtzHNITZER RtBBE is a member of the Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah in Eretz Yisroel. This essay is based on his address at the opening ses­ sion of the Knessia Gedolah.

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 19 were untouched" ( 52). This is the status of of Jerusalem, and the shock-waves spread all over the the majority of the Jews in Israel. Take the hundreds of world. This projected stadium would have caused a thousands of children who are attending Israel's secular desecration of the Sabbath on an enormous scale. How schools. They may appear to be alive and healthy in could Jews even contemplate tampering with the sanc­ body, but their neshamos-their souls-are being con­ tity of Shabbos? This too results from the State's secu­ sumed, wiped out, with an education totally lacking in lar education taught by teachers who do not observe the Torah values. This is the root of all our problems. Shabbos-who never even tasted a Shabbos, They do not know what Shabbos entails, totally unfamiliar with How Abortions? the command: "You shall not do any work." To their One may have asked in astonishment: How are understanding, Shabbos is made for soccer. If this is the Jews capable of murdering Jewish fetuses, the future type of instruction children receive, can one be sur­ generation of Kial Yisroel? We did succeed in passing prised at the terrible results? an amendment to the law that had permitted abortion on demand, and modifying it; but even after this Desecration of the Body amendment, loopholes can still be uncovered that will How can pathologists perform autopsies so capri­ allow the brutal murder of Jewish children in their ciously? Don't they believe in the sanctity of the body mothers' wombs .... When terrorists strike at Jewish as a vessel for the neshama? This, like all of our afflic­ children and kill them, everyone protests in horror. tions, stems from this godless education system .... I How, then, can Jews murder Jewish children with cannot feign surprise as ever new frontiers of immoral­ impunity ?-This is the inevitable result of an education ity are crossed in Israel. After all, what is to inhibit the devoid of Torah values-part of a system established graduates of Israel's schools from applying their 30-40 years ago. abstract amoral teachings to the everyday world of Indeed, Avraham said as much to Avimelech, King action? Should the teachings of Reishis Chochma or of the Philistines, when it was discovered that he had Chovas Helevavos trouble their conscience? Does belief concealed his relationship to : "The fear of G-d is in the Master of the universe distress them? They were not in this place and they will slay me," he said. Today never exposed to these concepts in all their years of is no different. Without Torah, everything can be schooling. rationalized, and as a result abortion is not considered murder. The graduates of this godless educational system­ Hot Pursuit of Neshamos people whose souls were consumed forty years ago-are Imagine if a train-load of Jewish children in the time today's Knesset members and they are currently presid­ of the Holocaust, heading for the infamous death ing over the murder of the Jewish body. The cause-loss camps, would have passed through Eretz Yisroel. The of soul ... and the result-killing the body. very land would have trembled! . .. Each and ever day, The Puzzle hundreds of thousands of Jewish children pass before our eyes, bound for spiritual destruction. We must do The same principle apples to the "Who is a Jew" our utmost to save the educational situation. problem. Two weeks ago, a man came to see me with The Rambam writes: "If someone is pursuing a Jew tears in his eyes. His grandchildren are not Jewish, for to murder him, everyone is obliged to save the life of the his son is married to a non-Jew. Although his grand­ pursued, even if he is a minor" (Hilchos Rotze'ach l,6). children attend an Israeli school and may someday The Rambam later writes: "Anyone not coming to the become "baalei teshuva," maybe even Torah scholars, aid of the pursued transgresses a positive command­ they will nevertheless remain non-Jews, for their ment ... and violates two negative commandments: mother did not choose to convert. (Even if she would 'Do not stand by as the blood of your brother flows,' have yielded to pressures to convert, under such cir­ and 'Do not close your eyes' "(ibid: 1,15). The Rambam cumstances it would have been a non-halachic conver­ summarizes: "Even though one does not receive lashes sion and virtually meaningless.) So the Torah is captive (for violating these commands), since they involve no of a society that dictates how is action, they nevertheless are grave sins, for whoever to be conducted. . . . One question looms over this: saves one life is considered as though he has rescued an How, in the first place, could a Jew have married out of entire world, and destroying a Jewish soul is tan !a­ the faith in Eretz Yisroel? The answer-his soul had mount to destroying an entire-world" (1,16). been destroyed by a secular education that negated all In Israeli society, the pursuer is an adult and the differences between Jew and . Once the soul has pursued is a minor: Innocent children are enrolled in perished, everything becomes permissible. irreligious schools where their neshamos are being Violation of the Shabbos snuffed out. The child is too small to react in his own defense, but all of Israel is obliged to save the pursued Every person of the least sensitivity was repulsed by from the pursuer. the stadium that was slated to be built in the Holy City Our accountability is alluded to in the passage deal-

20 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 ing with the heifer (offered as an atonement for a wan­ Sofer do on a day in which he did not study Mussar, if derer found dead without apparent cause): "And (the not engage in constant service to G-d? Yet, he somehow elders of the closest city) shall say: 'Our hands have not felt that something was lacking. shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.'" True. The Torah tells us: "Know this day and take it to Our hands have not actually shed this blood and we feel heart" (Devarim, 4:39). The Ohr HaChaim explains relieved of guilt. The tragedy, however, is that "neither "Know this day" -know the actions of each day, and have our eyes seen it." We have simply been oblivious "you will take it to heart"-you will not continue any to what is happening. Jewish souls have been consumed evil practices in which you had engaged. A personal before our eyes, and now the body is being destroyed. accounting of "know this day" cannot be culled from Tl1e Hebrew letters of dam (blood) have the same newspapers or the radio, and certainly not from televi­ numerical value as yeled (child)-especially when the sion. They tell you about the broad world, with stress blood of children flows must we shout our protest. on the sordid, but tell you nothing about yourself. In summary, I hope that our minds and hearts will Works of Mussar and Yirah must be studied. They be aroused to deal with these crucial matters. We must open up your mind and help you grasp where you are do whatever possible to rectify the conditions prevail­ in the world. My holy grandfather was wont to say: "A ing in the general educational system in Eretz Yisroel. good Jew is one who doesn't learn Mussar. Once he studies Mussar, he realizes that he is still far from being Duties of our Hearts and Minds a good Jew." I therefore propose that every one of us study a por­ When focusing on the faults of others, there is tion of the Chovas Halevavos, Cheshban Hanefesh (the always a-temptation to ignore one·'s own shortcomings. chapter on "Personal Accounting") daily, thus com­ It would be in place, then, to comment on the education pleting the entire chapter each and every month. The of our yeshivos, which could also benefit from some benefits of such a study-commitment are bound to be attention. enormous. For the words of the Chovas Halevavos pen­ The primary purpose of Torah study is: "To fear the etrate a man's heart and enable him to think about his Lord your G-d, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, spiritual status and his purpose in life. and to serve the Lord your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul.'' Beyond achieving great scholarship, I would also suggest that five chapters of Tehillim one must also strive to be a servant of the Lord, as the be recited at the conclusion of each day's tefillah, com­ ultimate objective. Torah study must involve warmth pleting the entire Tehillim every month. and enthusiasm, sanctity and self-sacrifice. Our sacred These programs only take several minutes per day. literature is replete with advice on how to achieve this: I would not want to tax Kial Yisroel, but several The Elimelech (in Hanhagas Ha'adam) says, minutes per day is but a minimum sacrifice for His "One must study a Mussar Sefer (works on ethical con­ sake. duct) such as Reishis Chochma, Shla and Chovas Ha­ In the merit- of these efforts, may Kial Yisroel be levavos each day .... The Chasam Sofer said that on a aroused to prevent the further burning of Jewish day on which he did not study a volume of M ussar or neshamos through a Torah-less education, drawing us Yirah (ethics or divine service) his enthusiasm in his all closer to our goals of general betterment and divine service was dampened. Just what did the Chasam Moshiach's speedy arrival. ~'I'.

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 21 Rabbi Shneur Kotler ~"~'?lV: The Ability and the Imperative

His plan on that first Tishrei before Creation. It would seem that man's actual conduct should be judged on the anniversary of his actual creation, rather than on the day that G-d decided on his creation. Apparently, the implication is that man is not to be judged in the absolute terms of his accomplishments; rather, what he achieves must be measured against G-d's original plans and designs for the ultimate out­ come-on a scale marked by the ideal rather than by that which we succeeded in accomplishing. When we consider that "every Knessia-every assembly convened in the name of Heaven will endure" Building on the Ruins (Avos IV:l4), this Knessia Gedolah poses immense So we are subjected to an uncompromising type of responsibilities for us-with obligations for the immedi­ judgment. Next we must know-what is our actual ate present and implications for the distant future. We potential for accomplishment? We can find a situation must take into account the glorious precedents set by similar to ours in the days of Yirmiyahu the Prophet. the Knessios that preceded this one, and we must His disciple Baruch ben Neiriah had requested the gift assess the vast capabilities with which we are endowed. of prophecy, and Yirmiyahu answered him in G-d's Then we must ponder our purpose for being here and name: "Behold, that which I built, I will destroy; that set our goals accordingly, determining the direction that which I planted, I will cut down. You are seeking great­ our efforts will take. This examination of our responsi­ ness for yourself-do not seek it!" (Yirmiyahu bilities is the call of the hour. 45:4-5). We have survived a similar era of "All that G-d built up, He destroyed." We-every one of us-are The Criterion for Judgment survivors of Churban Europa. We have no right to seek greatness for ourselves. We simply will not suc­ How far do our responsibilities go? How searching ceed. Nevertheless, the Almighty has granted us that and demanding must our self-judgment be? We can whatever is built for the sake of Kial Yisroel will find an indication to this in our Chazal: Our rabbis endure. And whatever is planted for Kial Yisroel with teach that the Almighty decided to create the world on self-sacrifice will flourish. If our efforts are for the Rosh Hashana. Six months later-on ultimate sake of others, we will succeed. Witness this Nisan-the actual creation took place. The Emek Yeho­ great assemblage: its vast numbers and broad represen­ shua expounds on this: Before the world was created, it tation testifies to the unusual success that our Torah is said, it had been G-d's intention to rule with Middas efforts are meeting. And the concluding verse in that HaDin (the attribute of strict justice, as opposed to section of Yirmiyahu indicates that this will take place: mercy). Later, during the actual creation, He under­ "I will bring evil on all flesh ... but I will spare your stood that it would be necessary to temper justice with soul wherever you go" (ibid:5). mercy; otherwise the world would not be able to with­ This, then, is an auspicious time for our endeavors, stand the harsh justice of Middas HaDin. Thus, when making it is all the more imperative that we strive for the Almighty judges the entire world on every Rosh greatness. Hashana-the day on which creation was conceptu­ alized-He does so with Middas HaDin, for He is in effect reviewing the achievements of the year against The Curse of "Helplessness" . . ,

RABBI KOTLER is Rosh Yeshiva of Beth Medrash Gevoha, Lakewood, We face a challenging assignment with a demanding NJ, and a member of the Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah of Agudath Israel set of expectations. Moreover, we dare not be pessimis­ of America, This essay is based on his address at the opening session tic. To be resigned to one's fate is in itself the worst of the Knessia Gedo lah. curse, as is recounted in the Tochacha (the section of the

22 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 Torah dealing with the punishments Israel will endure): There is a dispute in the Talmud whether Kial Yis­ "Your sons and daughters will be delivered to an alien roel is accountable for the nistaros-hidden transgres­ nation, you will see, you will pine for them all the day, sions, or only for those that are committed openly and and you will be powerless" (Devarirn 28:32). This is the could be controlled; with the Yerushalrni contending peak of all suffering-your hands are bound while your that Kial Yisroel is even responsible for nistaros. Rashi children are given over to another nation, to foreign (in Parshas Nitzavirn) asks: How can the multitude be · ideologies. Indeed, we have witnessed this very scene punished for the evil thoughts of an individual? He taking place as assimilation runs rampant today at a replies: when Kial Yisroel is in a state of perfection­ rate exceeding that of any other generation. when Shabbos, for instance, is observed as it should On the other hand, we can take encouragement be-the entirety of Jewry radiates, and it would be from the flourishing of the Torah wherever we did take inconceivable for one individual to depart from the an initiative. Our generation truly conforms to the Torah norm. It would simply be an.aberration for even Chofetz Chaim's description of the era when the birth one individual to sin. pangs preceding Moshiach's arrival will be felt; that is, Our leaders must carry the burden of concern for along with the suffering, G-d has created openings for each individual's actions and private thoughts. In fact, us and is guiding us to return to Torah Judaism. We are the phrase O"n n1mn 'll:>I:> ·~ "For the life force flows experiencing a hunger-"not a famine for bread, not a from me,'' refers to the Sanhedrin, Israel's supreme thirst for water, but a hunger to hear the word of the judicial body. This group is also called "the eyes and L-rd." After surviving the Tochacha, we are learning heart of the congregation": It is "the eyes" because it that the ability to flourish is a matter of will. There is a sees and judges that which is apparent. And it is "the blessing aspect implicit in the mirror side of the Tocha­ heart" because it has the power to affect even that cha. We need only learn what our strength is and then which is hidden. If the heart is strong and healthy-if utilize it to the fullest. the heart of Israel is in its pristine state, and Torah is studied and adhered to as it should be-then the influ­ ence of this life force can affect all of Kial Yisroel in a .•• vs. the Potency of Perfection most beneficial way. How do we find the source of our strength? For a Jew, the manner is invariably the same: by examining An Awesome Agenda of Responsibility the deeds of our Avos. Thus, Yaakov's optimistic expectation to be victorious in his seemingly uriending So this must be the scope of our agenda and the battle with Eisav can serve to guide us. His ultimate degree of our responsibility. Then we shall (please G-d) strength can be understood from Yitzchak's consolation succeed at this Knessia Gedolah, and embark on pro­ to Eisav, after having given the blessings to Yaakov in grams that will truly enhance the glory of Torah. We are his stead: "And when you bemoan your loss, you will deeply aware that we were spared the destruction of remove his yoke from your neck" (Bereishis 27:5). World War II to fulfill a sacred mission-a mission that Rashi explains this to mean that when Israel will trans­ is ours by virtue of our eternal promise to the Eternal gress the Torah, then Eisav will have an opportunity to One. We must endeavor to harness our community's bemoan the loss of the blessings. It would seem that potential for excellence in Torah study to its fullest, and Eisav would constantly be "shouting a great cry" over not allow any part of it to go to waste; to see to it that this loss, not just when Jews abandon the Torah. every Jew aspires to attain the loftiest goals in ­ Israel's loyalty to Torah, however, does make a dif­ keit; that all parents do their utmost that their children ference. When Israel keeps the Torah and reaches the grow up to be Torah giants. (The Chofetz Chaim used heights of perfection, the entire world is humbled. to comment on the verse "Your children will be Yaakov's conduct conforms with G-d's primordial plan prophets, your sons Nazerites"-"Why doesn't this and he glows with the light of sanctity, with the world exist anymore? Why do parents no longer express the in his tow. G-d supports Israel's endeavors, and Eisav's desire that their sons become a 'Rabbi Akiva Eiger'?") offspring are simply without opportunity to object. In Especially today-when all other value-systems are so fact, they do not even feel the need to protest. That is obviously bankrupt, and yet matters of genuine worth the era when all peoples will join in saying: "Let us go are despised-why do people fail to wake up and strive forth in the light of G-d." for worthwhile goals? Our sights must be realigned with the truth of Torah, and we must project our image to the world accordingly. In this way, we can fulfill our Responsibility for Every Individual mission so that our every word and action sanctifies Our goal, then, is a lofty one-to raise all of Kial G-d's name to the fullest. Yisroel to the heights of perfection. If we are serious Our sense of mission, our potential, and the devel­ about this, we should be concerned about each and opment of our va'st untapped abilities must dominate every Jew living up to his potential. How far does this our deliberations and the drafting of our plans at this toncern go? K~~ m

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 23 Rabbi Y Y. Ruderman, Rabbi Y Kamenetzky, Rabbi S. Kolter

TheKnessia Gedolah: When Gedo lei Yisroel Gather

~abbi Shach emphasizes a point at ,1oet.z:es Cedolei HaTorah meeting

Modzetzer Rebbe, Rabbi Broyde, Slonimer Reb~be and Erlauer Rav

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The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 25 25,000,000 DOLLAR CHILDREN TORAH RESCUE FUND FOR CIDNUCH ATZMAI TORAH SCHOOLS FOR ISRAEL To open Torah Schools in additional new areas where none exist. Sure, there are Torah Schools in 125 communities-from Kiryat Shmone all the way to Yerucham. But there are 17 communities of 19,000 people or more that do NOT have a Torah School' To make emergency repairs in 20 school buildings that are so substandard that the very existence of the school is threatened. On the first day of school in MAGO/EL, thirty first graders came ... on the second, only 14 returnul. You see, the classrooms have no window panes. To absorb additional children in existing schools. In Murchevet, additional children want to enroll in the local Torah School, but there's no room ... Where should they go? To cover currently doubled budgetary needs due to rampaging inflation. Triple digit inflation is a depressing fact of life, making last year's record budget a quaint relic of the past. BOARD OF To maintain the network of 300 Torah Schools and GOVERNORS Kindergartens. HONORARY CHAIRMEN 4,000 teachers and supportive personnel, meeting the Ri1bbi need of 40,000 Israeli youngsters. Rabbi Israel Spira (Bluzhover Rebbe) This Emergency Campaign was proclaimed in Jerusalem by the Ge dolei T ora h o f our generation at a meeting o f Rabbi Or. Joseph B. Soloveichik the International Board of Governors: It is the Rabbi , President responsibility of every Jew who takes the future of Rabbi Yaakov Y. Ruderman Vice President Torah and Israel to heart to ANSWER THE CALL OF Rabbi THE GEDOLIM! Treasurer ------, Rabbi Shneur Kotler Torah Schools for Israel I Chinuch Atzmai I Secn'tary 167 Madison Avenue/New York, NY 10016 (212) 889-0606 I Rabbi Shmuel Feivelson I hereby pledge the sum of $ I Rabbi as my contribution in answer to the call of the Gedolim. Rabbi Shraga Moshe Kalmanowitz O Amount enclosed 0 Kindly mail statement I Rabbi Dovid Lipshitz Name ______I Rabbi Benjamin Paler Rabbi Address ______I I Rabbi Schechter City __s~ ___ Zip ____ =-.J Rabbi Ely a Svei TORAH SCHOOLS FOR ISRAEL I CHINUCH ATZMAI /167 MADISON A VENUE/NEW YORK, NY 10016/(212) 889· 0606

26 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 Mordecai Arnon:

Helping Others Make It

Roshei Yeshivas, Agudath Israel leaders, honored audience which has filled this hall to capacity: It is a highly emotional experience for me to address you from this stage. Five years ago I spoke from this very stage on other occasions, which I am pleased to say will not recur. Intelligent, cultured people paid enormous sums of money to watch me, and applauded every foolish thing that I said. At the time I thought: This is the peak of my life­ performing in Binyanei HaUma and entertaining such a large audience. Baruch Hashem, since then my eyes have opened. I can't explain this metamorphasis with cold reason­ ing, for the change was suprarational and cannot be grasped with conventional logic. Some zechus Avos must have ignited a holy instinct in my dormant heart, to compel me to travel to Jerusalem and inquire "What am I doing with my life?" * * * The irreligious Jew is not totally unaware of his observant brother. He is both aware and unaware. He sees the Torah Jew as a fossil from the distant, un­ civilized past. It takes a great deal of siyata diShmaya (Heavenly help) to reach the point where one asks: Why can't I turn on the lights on Shabbos? We do not rub stones together anymore! It was about five years ago-I arrived in a world that I did not even know existed until then-Before I ever caught sight of the light of Torah, I saw its glow in the hearts of those who observe the Torah .... When I arrived, I had three kilos of hair, wearing Prepared for publication by HANOCH TELLER. flashy pants that looked like-lo !-and never-

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 27 theless was welcome to spend Shabbos in a Jewish stage facing a young crowd. This is a unique attribute home of eleven souls-nine children. Rabbi Ravitz, my of Klal Yisroel-that the young do not try to usurp host, was not afraid of any detrimental influence I the elders. One may not forget this. I understand that might have on his ch\ldren or their education. (I am not this is a trademark of Agudath Israel. To my sorrow I alone. Hundreds have passed through his living room.) was not familiar with the activities of Agudath Israel After such a Shabbos something happens to the non­ in the past. observant Jew-something difficult to describe. He is To fill this hall with baalei teshuva would be promised a Shabbos of genuine delight and tranquility. much easier than you would imagine. Anyone in the Then it comes, and he does not know how to deal with field is acquainted with the tremendous yearning that it. gnaws at the insides of the people not with us and There is a rule of military strategy: know your many of them can be saved: A mature couple I had enemy's weapons. If the irreligious Jew who sees the instructed kashered their home, purchased a Shabbos "Dati" as the enemy is uhaware of our armaments, blech (to permit keeping a pot on a burner on Shabbos}, then all of their maneuvers and tactics to fight us, or and now send their child to a Chinuch Atzmai school. to evade our approaches, are of no avail. They can ... There are so many similar incidents, but in the time come well-armed, in their opinion, but their weapons allotted to me I can't begin to tell them to you. But our are worthless. organized efforts are hampered by a serious lack of This is precisely the way I felt on my first funds. In fact, we've even been forced to cut back on Shabbos visit-without any weapons. I had prepared some of our activities and close down some of our most a list of challenges to puncture the "square" Torah effective ventures. world once and for all, but I was refuted before I We must take steps to niobilize the religious began. I simply was unaware of the weaponry that I community to support these endeavors in every way was up against. This ammunition is called Shabbos, possible. Individuals must get involved, too. After all, an open heart, emes-such weapons guarantee an organization cannot invite visitors for Shabbos. victory. An individual Jew can. * * * * * * The biggest wonder is what is transpiring on the I shall conclude with something that I cannot streets today. I travel daily, and I am in constant brush aside. Perhaps the audience would rather not contact with the secular world. In truth their situation hear these words, but please listen: We are called is that of the lull a step or two prior to their defeat. ba'alei teshuva-repenters-but it is a misnomer. We ... For we are about to win. The captured always are, more accurately, tinokos shenishbu-we've been tries one last attempt before giving in. captives since childhood, and simply never knew But wait a minute. If everything is so great, why better. I'd like to tell you who should be baalei is everything so bad? This hall is filled with such an teshuva: First, however, realize that every Jew who elegant audience-and a hundred meters away is a wears a kipa-a hat-and surely one who wears a vast multitude of adam ub'heima-man and beast. black hat, tzitzis and beard-sanctifies G-d's name in And suddenly this rosy dream of us sitting on the top public. Three million secular Jews watch us and they of the world evaporates. Every Jew is an illuminating yearn to be taken by the hand to a sensible Torah life, candle. Every who abandons his social but we deny them the opportunity. circle is a double-edged sword. All of his friends Consider how we look in their eyes when we inquire, "Where did you go? Why did you leave us daven in shul. To whom do we daven? To the dollar? alone?" The more prestigious the baal teshuva, the We scarcely finished Shemona Esrai and we are greater the curiosity. However, even the simplest Jew already talking about money. I brought some people who abandons his circle leaves a vacuum behind him. to shul and they fled home .... A girl who had I see this with myself. After six years, I am still a struggled with herself for two years to enter a shul subject of conversation amongst my former friends. finally came- and heard two women discussing a bracelet. She turned around and fled, abandoning * * * Judaism. Who knows when she will return? To pat This is my first encounter with the concept of ourselves on the back and say that we are swell is "Knessia Gedolah." At the time of the previous one, I easy, but we must find favor in the eyes of the Lord was on the opposition. It is a pleasant surprise to and man! We, who wear the kipa, the hat, the beard­ participate in this enormous, unparalleled demon­ we must be the baalei teshuva. If we make a personal stration. There are several aspects to this demon­ accounting of how we should talk in shu l and how to stration that those in opposition could never daven, how to act in the street, we shall certainly be duplicate: They could never gather in such a con­ victorious in our struggles to see the light of vention, where old men with grey beards sit on a Moshiach! ~T.

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The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 29 6 THE IDEAL AFIKOMEN GIFT-'IT LASTS LONG AFTER i"'Jl:')l'.> .[f) A FELDHEIM BOOK llt'55m&'m~.•. ·... J~m -'lnaa.W tt~ :J""11t Zelni~­ Goldie's Toys Rebel Avraham Ben Avraham Maaskil lishfomo Written bv Shrindel Weinbach. illus. The famous hi"torica\ novel about the tratNI bv Aide! Barkman SJ 79 G<>r Tudek ofVi!na. Retold b:>' a master Torah Seminars writer. Sehp, .'frhachnou:itz, 1t tell" the storv of a young Polish nobleman of the The Homontash that Ran Away Catholie faith, as he endures the HORAV SHLOMO Wrillen and illustra!ed by Chaiky Hal· supreme tests of suffering and coura~e­ ~-1 79 CARLE8ACH Translated b_v Y<'h<1sl1ua /,<'1man and illustrated by Tami Bezaleli. New, teaches hashkofo from the Mihu The Detective revisededition. 24()pal(es $5.9.') \Vrillen and iilu~trated by Chaikv Chu mash to talmidai Beth 1-folpPm SI 79 The Baal-Shem ofMichelstadt Hamed rash Shimmee and the Taste·Me Tree The incident-laden ~tnry of Rahhi Written by Shemdcl Wrinbach. rheer· Se(•kel Loeb W<1rmser 0768-1846). by A.unique approach to.the under- fully illu.:trated by Aidel Backman. Judan<> Translated by Manfnd f' SI 49 Kuttner Jfj{Jpag~~ $5 95 standing of Tova's Happy in Yerusholayim developed · during more than a The Family y Aguilar An entertaming rol<>ring book, with decade as Mashgiach Ruchni of st<>ry by Ll!ah !Jornblmc pictur!'S by A dramatic historical nowl from thep('n of Hab61 Dr Marcx . A Very Special Yarmulke that paints a p•ct'lr~ of Sp~nfah .Jewry Aryeh. under the lnquis tion. Adapted h;-· -Jm·ub The story

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 30

.... "-""------II ''Hereby Resolved . • • a Report and Evaluation

The Knessia Gedolah is an institution that gave ... and Inward birth to Oaf Yomi, the network of Beth schools, The Knessia Gedolah turned to its own ranks urg­ Chinuch Atzmai/Torah Schools for Israel, and far­ ing" every shul to appoint a full-time rav, if financially reaching policies regarding partition of and, feasible; and if not at least engage a rav for Shabbos.'' It later, the Torah community's relationship with the secu­ strongly urged "all Jews, especially activists and lay lar State of Israel. With such an illustrious record of leaders of Agudath Israel, to set aside time for Torah achievement, the question must be posed: "What was study," and to endeavor to link up with a accomplished at this Knessia Gedolah ?" (partner) to study with at least once a week. The resolutions drafted at the Sixth Knessia Gedo­ lah give an indication of what can be expected to result II. Social Concerns from this gathering. One must bear in mind, however, that resolutions are more announcements of intentions, Curbing Extravagant Spending offering a basis for action, rather than legislative ac­ Social concerns occupied an important place in the complishments. Also, many of the resolutions are resolutions. The Knessia Gedolah urged "the Torah affirmations of support and encouragement to estab­ leaders in every country to introduce limitations to the lished institutions and organizations: yeshivos, and the scope of the celebration of personal simchas-especially entire Chinuch Atzmai network, various Agudist pub­ weddings, and related functions, as well as in regard to lications, activities in Chizuk Hadas and Kiruv furniture and day-to-day expenses.'' Rechokim , .. Sky-Rocketing Housing Costs As mentioned, a draft of the Knessia Gedolah reso­ It also took note of the sky-rocketing costs of hous­ lutions fills thirty pages of Hebrew type. We are pre­ ing in religious population centers such as Jerusalem senting here the content of some of the more innovative and Bnei Brak, which make it virtually impossible for ones, in keeping with their intent: helping establish a most young couples to secure adequate housing. (In climate that will make the prospect of their becoming a Israel, apartments are generally purchased with the reality that much more immediate. Indeed, some of "tenants" actually part owners of condominiums.) them have already been acted upon in national Agudath Fathers are often reduced to heavy borrowing and "col­ Israel organizations, and others show promise of being lecting" money from abroad to enable their children to considered. We will present some of these under the marry. As families grow, the problem becomes a crisis. headings of the committees that dealt with them. The Knessia Gedolah therefore proposed "the ap­ pointment of a committee of five members (three from Eretz Yisroel, one from the USA, and one from Europe I. Chizuk Hadas-Strengthening Religious Observance to deal with this. problem immediately ..." Looking Outward . , . New Frontiers and Old Neighborhoods In reaction to the growing militancy of Reform and It also called for "effort to be made to secure an allo­ Conservative elements in Israel, the Knessia Gedolah cation of land from Israeli government authorities to saw it necessary to "proclaim that there is but one build a new kirya of 10,000 units to accommodate new Judaism (and) reject the claims of the Reform and Con­ olim. At the same time, new neighborhoods of at least servative Movements to legitimacy as spurious and 200 units in existing population centers should be without foundation." reserved for young families.'' The Knessia Gedolah also turned to Gedolei "Out-of-Town HaTorah "to reaffirm the well-known proclamation The Knessia Gedolah also turned to the Moetzes issued by thirteen Roshei Yeshiva (23 years ago) that it Gedolei Ha Torah "to advise newly married couples to is forbidden by Torah law to belong to any religious spend at least the first five years of their married life in organization that includes Reform or Conservative smaller communities, far from the population centers." groups in its membership," seeing such membership as An eye was also cast on the possibility of establisrying implied recognition. all-new religious housing along with new institutions

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 31 of Torah study, and is indeed being done most success­ III. Kiruv Rechokim and the fully in Ashdod, Netivot and Migdal HaEmek. This theme was also sounded in regard to establish­ The Knessia Gedolah took note of the growing ing Kollelim in new areas in Diaspora countries,as well. number of Jews searching for Torah and therefore Large Families recommended that "Agudath Israel set up a special Perhaps it is a sign of the times that the Knessia department under the guidance of Gedolei HaTorah to Gedolah found it necessary to call for "the numerical engage in activities aimed at bringing alienated Jews growth of the Jewish People-especially after the ter­ close to Torah and mitzvos." It also decided to embark rible destruction of World War II, in which a million on related ventures: to "publish literature that relates Jewish children were murdered"; and "urges its their stories of discovery of Judaism and return," as branches to embark on an educational campaign in well as "guide books with material geared for those regard to the urgency of the matter, and to stress the working with baalei teshuva." severity of the prohibition against abortion." Helping Hand The Knessia Gedolah calletl for renewed effort toward devoting ma'aser (tithing) of one's income, as The Knessia Gedolah also took to heart the needs of well as a tenth of one's time, to communal and char­ the individual baalei teshuva, calling on families "to itable purposes. welcome, and invite baalei teshuvas as guests for Shab­ In addition, "community leaders who marry off bos meals; ... and to help them find gainful employ­ their children should contribute a sum equal to a tenth ment.'' of the wedding expenses to charities." If done, and Aliya to Torah widely publisized, this could set an admirable example Another resolution called for endeavoring to place a for many to follow. religious Jew sensitive to "kiruv" possibilities with each

American delegates: at sessions ... American delegates that chaired sessions were: Rabbi Shmuel Arye Levin (Buenos Aires)-"Chinuch and Constructive Projects"; Rabbi Chaskel Besser-"Kiruv Rechokim"; Rabbi Chaim Nussbaum ()­ "Debates on Agudist Ideology."

... and at committee meetings and caucuses. American delegates that chaired Resulutions Com­ mittees included: Rabbi Joseph Elias-"Torah Educa­ tion," Joseph Friedenson-"Journalism and Literature," Rabbi Yekusiel Bittersfeld-"Assimilation and Inter­ marriage," Rabbi Shlomo Freifeld-"Kiruv Rechokim and the Baal Teshuva Movement"

32 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 Aliya office, to direct potential baa/ei teshuva to an reduce conflict between recreation plans and Sabbath appropriate yeshiva. restrictions. International Torah Corps IV. Chinuch-Torah Education The Knessia Gedolah also called for the establish­ ment of an International Torah Corps to help under­ Chinuch occupies a major place in Agudath Israel's developed Jewish communities in the Americas as well concerns. This is reflected in the thought-provoking as in Australia and South Africa. resolutions of the committee focusing on educational concerns. Shabbos New Curricula Emphasis To facilitate keeping Shabbos, the Knessia Gedolah Taking note of the ideological confusion, selfish­ urged the introduction of the five-day work week, to ness, and materialism that mark our times, the Kenessia

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 33 Gedolah urged the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah to put Sephardi Presence at the Knessia Gedolah: added emphasis on Torah hashkafa (worldview) and midas (character development) in yeshiva curricula. In line with the proposal of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, the Knessia Gedolah called for regular study of the por­ tion of the classical ethical work Chovas Halevavos (Duties of the Heart) that deals with "Chesban Ha­ nefesh" (Personal Accounting), completing the entire section each month; and also, in line with Rabbi Schneur Kotler's suggestion, that the sefer Chafetz Chaim be studied regularly in yeshivas, to be completed every year. Yerushalmi A resolution was passed calling for regular study of "Yerushalmi," as proposed by the Gerrer Rebbe. Enhancing the Teacher's Status ... The Rebbe, teacher, and principal were given spe­ cial recognition as "the virtual life-force of Kial Yisroel in their role as educators of our next generation." It therefore deemed it essential that" the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah as well as rabbis and Roshei Yeshiva in every country endeavor to enhance the prestige of the Torah educators in the eyes of both yeshiva students and the community at large ... to encourage young men who have the potential to enter this profession." ... and Salary By the same token, the Knessia Gedolah "urged lay leaders in Torah education to improve the conditions of teachers, and to aim to upgrade salaries [which today are unthinkably low-below minimum living levels, in many cases] to a level that reflects the value of their sta­ tus, and compensates them justly for their talents, train­ ing, and efforts.'' Perhaps the attention focused on this topic may make some waves. To be sure, in most schools, Agudath Israel per se cannot upgrade teachers' salaries. But a public call for this will surely be heard outside the con­ fines of Agudath Israel. Moreover, the Knessia Gedolah Rabbi Yehudah Addas (Kol Yaakov, ]ertlsalem) did include many members of yeshiva directorates VI, National Affairs among its delegates and visitors, people who can bring this message home. A caJI was issued to stimulate more tourism to Israel and to step up aliya from the Gola. In addition, the Knessia Gedolah called "on all branches of Agudath V. National Security Israel in the Gola to establish a sister-relationship with a branch or religious community in Eretz Yisroel." Pro-Peai:e, Anti-Assimilation Sefardi-Ashkenazi Barriers After extending greetings of "Shalom" to all of A crucial resolution called for including Sephardim Israel's neighbors, the Knessia Gedolah fully backed the in every level of organizational activities. This is so peace agreement with Egypt. At the same time, it important a matter that Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky "expressed concern in regard to the risk of intermar­ deemed it worthwhile to respond in the closing session riage that may result from the open borders policy with to a circular calling for use of lvrit instead of Yiddish as Egypt, and pleaded with all concerned to endeavor to the language of communication in the Knessia Gedolah, control this danger to the Jewish in Eretz so as not to close out Sephardi participation. The Rosh Yisroel." Yeshiva conceded that the petitioners were correct in It also took "exception to groups and movements their complaint, but said that his inability to communi­ that provoke hatred between brother and brother, cate freely in lvrit compelled him to speak in·Yiddish. between Israel and the nations." Unfortunately, language barrier-at the Knessia and

34 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980

l.-~ Photo: Yossie Melamed, ]ertisalem publication of literature for religious youth, and to sup­ port religious writers on Jewish themes, with special emphasis on literature dealing with Churban Europa and incidents of Kiddush Hashem that occurred during that epoch." A call was also issued for publishing a quarterly (or semi-anually) ideological journal to bring clarity to our hashkafa. Also, to publish a history book on the World Agudah Movement.

Vlll. Intergroup Relationship . Perhaps it is a reflection of the new confidence of the Torah community that Agudath Israel is seeking to establish more solid links with various Orthodox Jewish bodies of worldwide stature, so that a better understanding be created among Torah Jews of differ­ ing views. At the same time, a resolution urged the Torah community to assert itself in its dealings with international Jewish agencies, such as Joint, HIAS, Jerusalem Shalom Mashash World Jewish Congress, World Conference for Russian Jewry, Jewish Memorial Foundation. The Torah com­ munity has a voice of its own and intends to make its views known. The Bottom Line The committees' meetings, and the resolutions that they drafted at the Sixth Knessia Gedolah were not only meant to prod the conscience of the world. To be sure, some of the resolutions cannot be acted upon in the chambers of the Binyanei Hau ma, or in local branches of Agudath Israel, such as those dealing with upgrading teacher's salaries. But public opinion, so essential for Rishon Letzion Rabbi innovative programs, become generated by public in general-is but one factor in limiting the Sephardi proclamations. representation in Agudath Israel affairs. Agudath Israel On the other hand, many resolutions can be acted was originally a European product, without any upon-and in fact, in some cases action has begun. In l Sephardi participation. To some extent, this has even New York, on February 10, the first meeting of the been carried over to present-day Israel, where the major American members of the international executive of the siyot (factions) within Agudath Israel are associated Agudath Israel World Organization was held. It charted with geographic (i.e. Ger, Vizhnitz, "Jerusalem") or a two-year plan of activities, with nine separate com­ ideological (Bnei Brak/yeshiva) constituencies. Inci­ mittees working on specific areas, aimed at bringing the dentally, this situation has also served to exclude Amer­ resolutions to fruition. ican and European Agudists who do not identify with Rabbi Moshe Sherer, World Chairman of Agudath any factions within the existing power structure; but Israel, is presenting the views of the American members they are not as large an element as the Sephardi and to a conference with European members of the World Oriental communities. Nor do they suffer as much from Executive, held in London during March. A similar con­ being disenfranchised. ference of the Israeli section has taken place in Jeru­ The mere fact that the Knessia Gedolah passed a salem. resolution to bring them into the Agudath Israel main­ Rabbi Yehuda Meir Abramowitz, one of Agudath stream, and that this concern was seconded publicly by Israel's four Knesset members, is chairman of the World Rabbi Kamenetzky, may be heralding much needed Executive of Agudath Israel, in charge of Israeli affairs. progress in healing this sore spot. The presidium of the consists of Rabbi Leib Gurwicz (), Rabbi Pinchas Levin VII. Literature and Hashkafa (Israel), and Dr. Isaac Lewin (USA). It is far too early 'to judge the long-range impact of The need for literature on a number of themes was the Sixth Knessia Gedolah, but at least our hopes can recognized, and the Knessia Gedolah called for "the assume some specifics of shape and substance. !.T.

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"If we were to take away press cards of correspon­ potential olim-thus working against the interests of the dents for untrue reporting, we would have the press State." corps here down to a minyan overnight."-Zev Chafets, An Agudath Israel representative was quick to director of the Israeli Government press office (quoted respond with a personal note: As a young man in pre­ by David K. Shipler, NY Times, Feb. 25, 1980). War , he had applied for a visa to Eretz Yisroel, but the Jewish Agency, which handled immigration in those days, only assigned a paltry 6% of the visas avail­ The Press Conference able to Agudath Israel. He was forced to change his I A press briefing can be the passing of information papers and then wait six months more .... When he ~ from the source to the disseminator of news. Or it can finally made it to Eretz Yisroel in 1938, he joined a reli­ be a battleground between hostile reporters and a be­ gious kibbutz. . . . Today his children and grand­ leaguered individual or institution. The press confer­ children are in Israel, and have no intention of leaving. ence called in advance of the Knessia Gedolah was the How many professed Zionists can say the same? As for latter, and this adversary relationship was dominant the Russian immigrants, the Torah is precise about the during most of the ten days that followed. value of saving even one Jewish life: "Our first concern Most of Israel's large dailies had sent reporters to is to get the Soviet Jews out of a land where they suffer the briefing. After a rather detailed introduction by an oppression .. We'd like them here in Israel, but the choice Agudath Israel spokesman, highlighting the historical must be theirs. We can't impose a decision on them. If background and international scope of the Knessia they opt for America or Canada, we still must help Gedolah, the discussion was opened to the floor. In the them. They are our brothers." very first question, a reporter from the Maariv set the tone by saying, "Why don't you Agudah people make up your minds? You used to be anti-Zionist, working The Loaded Question against , Then in 1948 you joined the govern­ Then came question number 2: "Why wasn't Presi­ ment. Now you're anti~ again, giving assistance to dent Navon invited to your Knessia?" The question, of Russian Jews in the Disapora, depriving the State of course, was based on a misconception. During the two previous Knessios Gedolos held in Israel, an official delegation from Agudath Israel met with the President. RABBI LuBINSl

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 39 tical record certainly collided more with the Torah When Rabbi Elazar Shach declared that Jews were a community than does that of Yitzchak Navon-a Sab­ nation in the desert before they had a state and territor­ bath observer with a positive relationship with Ortho­ ies, because the Torah is the basis of our national dox Jewry. But the Agudah representative was not pre­ identity, this was labelled anti-Israel-So there you had pared to handle this question, and he fumbled some­ it: Round one in the press's imaginary on-going battle thing about the necessity of standing up for the Presi­ between two outstanding leaders of Agudath Israel. dent, and it would be wrong to invite the President expecting the venerable sages and rabbis to rise in his The Unread Greetings and the Un-Walk Out presence. That became the story of the Knessia Gedolah, Dozens of messages of greetings were sent to the reappearing day after day. Thus right after the press Knessia Gedolah; but they were only mentioned-none conference, headlined its story: were read aloud. And the reference was greeted with "Religious anti-Zionism." It read," has polite applause, period. Among the unread greetings never renounced its self-declared anti-Zionist label." was a letter from the venerable member of the Moetzes After defending the honor of the State and its president, Gedolei HaTorah of America, the Bluzhever Rebbe, as the Post launched into a hateful tirade against govern­ well as from the Bobover Rebbe, the Bostoner Rebbe ment support of Chinuch Atzmai and yeshivos, con­ and the Lubavitcher Rebbe. The latter was not lost on cluding, the press, and sure enough it served as basis for acid in "Our politicians have never paid attention to the a venomous "news-story": anamoly of a committed Zionist government pro­ The morning after the festive opening, the local viding large-scale funding for Agudat Yisrael's press presented an ugly picture: The great rabbis, educational system, whose primary purpose is the claimed reporters, jostled each other to get more raising of new generations which will stand in prestigious places on the podium. Rabbi Eliezer opposition to the Zionist concensus-both secular Shach, the dovish leader of the Council of Tora and religious-on which this country is built. It Sages, walked out when the name of the Luba­ would be well if on the occasion of the Agudist vitcher Rebbe, who advocates holding on per­ public reassertion of basic anti-Zionism, both manently to Judea and Samaria, was listed among coalition and ·opposition leaders reassess their atti­ those who sent greetings. Judy Siegel, THE JERU­ tude towards that party." SALEM PosT, Jan. 14, ·'80. In addition, in advertising that stressed its broad range of coverage, the Post included a reference to its "Down With the Free Press" reporting on the Knessia: "Agudath Israel's sit-down . convention." As an added note of creative interpretation, the JTA quoted Rabbi Pinchas Levin's ringing condemnation of Opening Day Headlines the pervasive influence of the "freie press" (uninhibited or anti-religious press), and in horror protested Rabbi On the day after the opening session (described Levin's rejection of that cornerstone of democratic soci­ elsewhere in these pages-editor), surely one of the most ety, "the free press"! impressive sights the Orthodox Jewish community has seen as of late, the press chose to focus on the minor scuffles that took place between the police and those who had hoped to enter the hall but were unable to do so. The Jerusalem Post headlines read: "Scuffles, Protests Launch Agudah' s Great Assembly." The rest of the press followed suit. Because it is a medium that regularly channels cor­ rosive influences into homes, Agudath Israel did not permit TV cameras in the Binyanei HaUma. The cam­ eras came anyway, and focused instead on the confu­ sion outside, when thousands attempted to enter the hall. The call of the Gerer Rebbe, Rabbi , urging Jews to learn Talmud Yerushalmi, adding that this would particularly be of value to Jews in Diaspora, was interpreted by The Jerusalem Post (and others) to mean: "The Gerrer Rebbe, Rabbi Simcha Bunim Alter, gave a ringing opening call to Diaspora Jewry to immigrate to Israel."

40 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 Binyanei HaUma: No Story Inside Shach will speak for him as well, and then left-at which point Rabbi Elazar Shach spoke. When he con­ Somehow, news of the impressive turnout reached cluded his address, he too left. (Remember: these are the Israeli public, so instead of trying to minimize the men in their 80's, and nonetheless pursue a rigorous Agudah' s base and its drawing power, as they did prior schedule.) The press, however, reported: to the opening, the media concentrated on inventing The entire week of the Knessia was marked by stories of friction within the Movement. (Admittedly, unending tension between Chassidim and Mis­ this situation was aggravated somewhat by the rumor nagdim, the two large camps in Agudath Israel. To mills within our own community, which were working allay these tensions, the Gerrer Rebbe, "the Chas­ overtime.) The focus shifted to an imaginary disagree­ sid," and Rabbi Shach, "the Misnagid," entered ment between Rabbi Shach and the Gerrer Rebbe over the hall together, But when Rabbi Shach arose to settling on the West Bank. Just prior to the closing ses­ speak, the Gerrer Rebbe hurried to leave the hall, sion, for example, the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah met. even foregoing the opportunity to say words of Afterwards, the Gerrer Rebbe and Rabbi Shach con­ blessing. And when it was the Vizhnitzer tinued in private discussion for an additional half-hour, Rebbe's turn to say a message of Chass id us, Rabbi Shach left the hall. -Yehoshua Bitzur, MAARIV, Jan. 14, '80 When a reporter from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in Jerusalem was asked how he could reconcile the Gerrer Rebbe walking arm-in-arm with Rabbi Shach with his later exit "in protest," he replied: "In Israel, everything goes."

For Men Only? Fully aware of the Orthodox sensitivities in regard to mixed audiences, the press nonetheless chose to assign women to cover the Knessia Gedolah-even though male reporters were offered full credentials, and women reporters could have covered the entire session from closed circuit television, The result? Some vicious snipes by ladies of the press who stayed home. The invitation arrived in the newsroom addressed to "Mr. Judy Siegel." Since I am a Ms., and since admittance to the Binyenei Ha'ooma auditorium was closed to women, there would have been no way for me to cover the opening of the Sixth Knessiya Hagodola ("Great Assembly") of the Agudat Yisrael World Movement last week. As a journalist, I couldn't adequately cover the event from a separate hall reserved for women, where closed-circuit television showed only the

Photo: Rachamim Yisrae/i, Jerusalem faces of the speakers at the dais, As an Orthodox Jew who came of age in after which they rode together to the Binyanei HaUma. America when the women's movement began to Then, to demonstrate their unity, the two Torah leaders fight for equality, and who doesn't believe that walked in, arm in arm. The Gerrer Rebbe had initially women are any less holy than men, lam unwilling told the Ponovezher Rosh Yeshiva that he could only to go to the separate hall, .. , So I decided to stay stay for a few minutes, and he urged Rabbi Shach to away. No loss to me, l thought, No speech satu­ extend greetings on his behalf. When the two entered rated reporter goes to a conference unless he has the hall, the overflow crowd spontaneously broke into to. enthusiastic song: "S'eu She'arim Rosheichem," For Judy Siegel, many of the delegates and guests that were present, this JERUSALEM PosT, Jan, 14. welcome was one of the most impressive demonstra­ One wonders: would Ms. Siegel had been so tions they had ever seen. The Gerrer Rebbe offered his sweetly absent had the occasion been a massive Islam blessings though the chairman, declared that Rabbi conference ....

The Jewish Observer I Febr.uary, 1980 41 Diplomatic Break-for Lunch own media-notably its daily newspaper . But there are millions of non-Hamodia readers that must A particularly spirited debate regarding settlements in also be spoken to. Admittedly, one great difficulty rises the West Bank broke up for lunch. Not the way the from the fact that in Israel, many daily papers are pub­ press saw it: lished by political parties. As party organs, they have Jerusalem (JTA)--An angry dispute over what no intention of praising competing political groups. position Aguda-Israel members should take on Thus, Agudath Israel as a party is bound to be dis­ the future of the West Bank and credited in the press of hostile factions. caused the abrupt termination of a sesswn What is desperately needed, then, is improved devoted to that issue at the Aguda's sixth Knessia communications for the sake of better understanding of Gedo/ah (world congress). the entire Torah community. Must this be attempted What began as a discussion of the matter at without the trappings of party affiliation? this world assemblage ended in turmoil ]TA, Jan 18, '80 The Foreign Press Some Serious Problems Correspondents from foreign newspapers do not seem to share the anti-religious bias of the Israeli jour­ There is no question that the hostility demonstrated nalists. Nonetheless, they tend to reflect the topsy­ by the Israeli press is part of the ingrained perceptions turvy perspective of Israeli journalism. First, because of that plague Israeli society, mostly because of its secular inadequate command of Hebrew, they tend to depend educational system. Yet public opinion is not, to be on The Jerusalem Post for information; and second, ignored if we are to have some hope for reaching out to journalists generally fraternize with the members of the the bro~d masses. The Orthodox community has little press of the host .country. Thus, any distortion in the direct contact with their non-religious brethren, who Israeli reportage of the Knessia Gedolah had damaging get their impressions of the Torah world from the anti­ effects on the international press, as well. dati media. How do we reach them? of January 15 committed its Agudath Israel in Israel is apparmtly resigned to. the own breach of good journalism, headlining a Page 3 situation as it is, and therefore puts its maior effort into addressing its dedicated, but critical public thorugh its lh-d.~Orthodox ls~aeli-Sect Fights .. • t'lJ .Having OpeiiBorders .With ,Egyp .. .._'()'t~~· \c:.,..i.1.1. ,.~t~"-.\. ... ~\.;V '(\•~... °'. ~.·· ·"'."'.·.~·. ..•. ·.··.·····.'. ~\ JERUSAU:M; -,an~ 'f4 - An 1nte·rna.: aS. Naturei '.KB.rta. which ·has ·rec:en anal ·sect. of ultra..Orthodox Jews. ~ swnmoned Agudat Israel to a rabb~ t IsraeI, ended·its first congress m 16 court. to answer a den;iand that 1~ last night with a resolution oppos- stripped of i_ts name, which has a_cqw O\:>en borders with.Egypt out:of ~ .antl-ZionJstconnotations. -« ~-' ,.• ;. ·....· .. ..··.·.·· .. ·.•· ~o.. ... ··... •· .. ·: .. .~'ii\' ..·.·· .... ·e···..··.·e-····'.\.·.· •.· .••• ..•.•·· .. ·...... ~~· .....·.··.·.·.· ..... ·.... ·.i....···.···.····.\"(· ...··.·.······N··.· ..·O: ..· .. . rn that they 'WOUid ..stimulate _assi.~7 : ·, __ . Battle Against Other Groups_· ·; ·.···~ ~~.t~·.· ;.~.·~·····o···.•ovi ~ i~ 1 tion,, and inte~~age ~f. F ~ ::_~}.gudac·Israel, meanwhile!, started ws. --- - l --Wted ·.sl.'...... Jy verbal battle against ather sects. A lbe .movement·. a so efi- ...... }" d lution '"declared •war' on attempts .• rded·m.~ ~gainst R_ ~ -~ _ . .••..••••.·.·••.• ·..···.··.·.···.·.·."'.· ·... ..···... ·.~...... ·.··/\·.· ...... · ..•"'.·.·~· ··· ~'i... ·· .. ·.•·· .•... · •.. ·•· ... ····.· .•... ··.~.·~~ oG.•.· ..•·· ..·••.·· .. ·····.··.~ ... ·•.·.··· ·~ ...·.·.·.·•.~ .....•... ·..··.······.··.··<·· ...••. ~~'\~,\)'\'~ ·.·····•..·.•.·.····.· ·.•. ·.~.• story: "Ultra-Orthodox Israeli Sect Fights Having

. ·.·.·.·.. ·· .. "'· ...· .. ·.·.., .. ·.··.. 9J·..···.• G. .•.....··· .. ·· ..·.•. ·.·.•.• ... •.... ·· .. '...·.. ·• ... ··.· ...... ··.·...... e... ·. v...~ ·.~.~ """'~··.'0.~·~.· ~·.··.·····.~'()\·.·~ ."'~ ""'°' ·····.··~.· .~.~~·.·.·~. · 9\' . Open Borders with Egypt." The story itself begins: "An - ---·. -''" ',,• '·>"· ,'" '','/•, ,,' ·:.·--·.·--.·./'\·,·· ·.~•.·········.··.•.> ... · •.•· ·.... i _ '° ~e'>,c1' '1> • . • ···.··.'.... ··•.. ·.··..;xi..• ..·'.· ...... ·.e;·o·.. 'Q·. ·'. o.·.·.'o'l······. .. 'i~~~°N'fot:\liti~AcAo.l.v·· ; ; i \~~ "'~.19,. ·.·.·.·.~.·.·.·1'{·'t~~ ~ ·~\\• ~. •to.~\-V c~'~ 13,\ sx:.'a' ... ~.'v. .· • .·.·. .•· ~)()'. 'b~~ o'-i\o~e'1>c~ ~~s~'(l'(\ 7>'(\o Tlie Tora6i1v~l]~yand' Bfe~sh1g; ··•·••· ·· ..••... ·.· .. .• .. ·.·.. ';..(,·.· ... ·.. ·.'.. .. «.. \o(...... • \).,(·O· 11.'a .p/\F•'yefvlf r~~e}ioi'ld. y()~tr!'a~p, )p\W· t!i.e·.thou: ··,.:··~~ "'\.>!' ·.'~ 11-ie"~. ··'a'.·~.'\'6'(\e ·.·~. :I<' o,·~ ~\ \("··l!l.~. . ~9'!. . \'(\-i(l •. 0~s 0 \e'a'. \()"": . sands .whoJoll<)W th.e ·MISHNA+HALl\C';flA 'IOM!Tfl .. (~~ 117>~ . \\\e .• 7>~e. 'o'(\"' 9'0~~()"90<:-"'<"'b-~;,,,c''Q ses"' . ~~'(\ Send' for y~urfi~e···.!Uacli'•·todayl 9 .. .. .e.·':··"· •. 1e'1>".·· .. ·.. ·..··.<' .. :1.... ··"":'(\··.···.e\'l····..· .. ·.\i'()'I:, ·· ...... ~abbi Ella§• Karp;···•·:····· .. ··, ~.··.~ •·· ·.·. • e\IC'- i

42 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 international sect of ultra-Orthodox Jews, Agudat 0 Israel ..." Actually the resolution referred to in the NOW AVAILABLE!!! story had "expressed concern that the open borders The newest publication in the Series with Egypt would stimulate assimilation and inter­ A slice of our priceless pre-Holocaust heritage, marriage for ." When I later met with the reporter responsible for a breath of Jewish neshamah the story-David Shipler-I explained that Agudath :i.,111:i i,ll c•-.•Qr1 ..,,.ot> Israel was part of the parliamentary coalition of Mena­ chem Begin and had indeed voted for all phases of the a t:r

The Aftertaste All who had experienced the Knessia Gedolah first­ 7 hand returned with stories of exciting moments and ...... ··...... ·.·.... · ... ?. ;;1•~&~r~~~~.o.'.~~.;· z.t/y. inspiring addresses. It is a pity that those who were .Jz;~tif~f?~~i~•lll!• .. • .. ~~p~~n;, ~·j~f.~i~I~~~·.. •· dependent on the "freie press" for their information F\f,jjJ~r~ubst~P,f~'>~ f\\r~ei.ft$~~··~~~il~~~•~ail:•. $2!t~' lost out on so much. !..T. ·· Wrile.lJoliJftll'.ytjutffel! s11m~e copy·· ·

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The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 45 ~.-d".?:·c.. ~.=-~."$.;.'~.. :;.,·~- -- ·- -~~.~ .. -- - -""-~--·--~,..,.~~";/--~ ~ .. '-/·-~,-:~ .. ~~~. -8~~--~ ~~~-V\l{JlpJnl

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The clouds below, covering the Mediterranean, look Night."'-Then the music changed to "Autumn the same as the clouds covering the Alps. The seat belt Leaves." sign blinks on, and the plane descends, burrowing Everyone has a vision of Eretz Yisroel secreted through the cloud bank. After minutes of tunneling, the away somewhere below the conscious level. You have coastline emerges, and I recognize old Jaffa's skyline. to penetrate the heavy cloudbanks before getting in The loudspeaker plays "Haveinu Shalom Aleichem." touch with it. And when you finally hit it-is it "Shalom The melody almost seems sacred, it has become so asso­ Aleichem"?-kissing the pavement at Lod?-or ciated with touching ground in Eretz Yisroel; but as the "Strangers ..."?Every trip to Eretz Yisroel is a search earth reaches toward the plane, the music switches to a for the real Eretz Yisroel, and -after the clouds dis­ soulful piece that is vaguely familiar. perse-holding it up against the subconscious one, to "What is that nigun they're playing now?" see if one or the other is not deficient ... Illusion and "It's an old Frank Sinatra song-'Strangers in the reality, cloudiness and clarity, mix too easily.

46 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 l

I. Holy and Foreign except for one lonely soldier, who leaned his head on his arm against the wall, not moving-he and the Wall You would think that some places are so permeated as one ... a deep sense of identification that I envied. with kedusha that visiting them should be a celebration A friend had once told me that he finds every of fulfillment. But it is not so simple. The Ram ban had visit to the Kosel a festive reunion of sorts. Every said it seven hundred years ago: The greater the sanc­ visit? Welcoming Shabbos at the Kosel is festive­ tity, the more profound the destruction. The streets of picking your way through the polyglot of min­ Yerushalayim are ours. The yeshivos that line the yanim: the Yemeni chant, the Vizhnitzer lyrical streets there are ours. And the multitudes of spirited welcome, the Karliner sustained shout, the Yeshi­ children rushing to school early in the morning dispel va! Ha Ko tel' s choral greeting-discovering long­ all doubts about them not being ours. But so do the lost friends, looking for the words in the Siddur­ streets of Monsey, Williamsburg, and Boro Park seem the gilu bi'rada (rejoice in the trembling) of a to be ours. wedding celebration on Yorn Kippur Eve, when overpowering emotions tumble over each other in The Kosel is Different friendly combat. Then, it is festive. But not every visit. The Kosel, that's different. The Kosel, from where Rabbi Chaim Shmulevitz 7"1! warned against the Shechina has never departed, should be obviously, going to the Kosel too frequently; you know how exclusively ours. But the Kosel is under 24-hour army familiarity breeds lack of awe. "Once a month guard. Somehow, it is not fully, securely in our control. should be enough," he pleaded. "So why do you ... And to get there by foot, one passes through the go every week?" "I can't stay away," he con­ multi-fragrant, exotic Arab shuk-dodging aggressive fessed. hawkers and hostile eyes ... a trip through the last few l Rabbi Zvi Pesach Frank 7"1! never went to the l centuries of foreign occupation before one can reach it. Kosel. "Why not?" he was asked. "Come," he said, "I'll show you." He led his questioner through his house to a corner room. "There!" he said, pointing to the Kosel through a window, and broke into tears. "I can't bring myself any closer.'' No two stones are identical. And-it seems­ no two people see the Kosel in precisely the same way. I know full well what once stood on the other side-or do I? Let me at least think of "Ne'ilah", when the gates close on Yorn Kippur, and transfer my emotions from Ne'ilah to this set­ ting . , . and I begin Maariv, begrudging my in­ adequacies, yet contriving to hold on to each word, trying to really feel the word's message, not willing to let it go .... As I turn to leave, a familiar person stops me-an acquaintance from the States: "What do I do? I said 'Hamelech ha­ kadosh' by mistake." Was he genuinely over­ whelmed? or did he stumble over a contrivance similar to mine? Some people make a point of visiting the Kosel for Before my departure from Eretz Yisroel, I went to the first time on a Friday afternoon or Shabbos, to avoid see the model of ancient Jerusalem on the grounds of kri'ah-rending of their garments in mourning for the the Holy Land Hotel. on the outskirts of the city. There destruction of the Mikdash ... It was Thursday night, I. realized that only five percent of the original Kosel but I did not want to postpone my visit. Riding the# 1 Maaravi is visible-an area outlined in red on the model. bus from Rechov Me' ah Shearim, I found it difficult to The rest is buried, built over, out of sight. We don't wait. Yet, I couldn't even look out the window at the even see most of the Kosel. And of the little that is in beloved walls of the , for that would require an view, how much do we really see 1 ·.~ additional kri'ah. So I peered out the window at the darkness to the right of the bus, until we arrived at our Beis Lechem, on the Road to Ephros destina,tion. Looking at the city walls and the light-bathed Kosel "I saw you on the road from Beis Lechem, You must in one sweep, I then ripped my jacket and recited one have been at Kever Rochel." bracha for the two-fold mourning. "Right." It was a drizzly evening, and the plaza was empty My questioner was a respected rav from America.

The Jewish Observer/ February, 1980 47 He eyed me and then asked softly, in confessional tones, From the foot of the steep hill, where the Tanna, "Tell me, could you feel anything at all there?" Rebbe Pinchas ben Yair, is buried, one faces a mountain That same afternoon I met a colleague and men­ wall to the west. The sun slipped out of sight, and I had tioned where I had been. He repeated my words in a wanted to join the minyan for in the upper Ari hushed sigh: "Kever Rochel. You really feel the impact Shu!.* So up the hill I raced, and the sun came into view of the place there, don't you 1 There's just no other place again, above the western hills. Then the path cut across like it." Then he continued reminiscing about his recent a terrace in the cemetery and the sun sank again.­ visit: Another set of stairs, which I took three at a time, and I was oblivious to the traffic whizzing through once again the red sun came into view . ... So it went Arab Bethlehem, as I crossed the kvish to the until I staggered into the Ari Shu!, midst lengthened familiar domed building-like a little child run­ shadows on the narrow street. I wondered how it was ning across the street, home from the school bus. when the Ari and his disciples greeted the Shabbos at "Mommy, are you home?" "Is that you, this spot: with more grace and dignity ('"Come, let us Meir'ke?" "Of course! Don't you recognize me?" greet the Sabbath bride"), to be sure; but did their "It just didn't sound like you." enthusiasm match my frenzied drive?

Hebron: Dangerous and So Close Don't Pick the Oranges I was advised to stay away from Hebron. Danger­ Not everything is mystery, subtlety and enigma. ous, you know. But I did want to try to join the Avos in There should be times when experiencing the kedusha their eternal prayer at Me'oras Hamach'peila. Goal of the Holy Land is as easy as picking an orange off a notwithstanding, the sights, sounds, and fragrances do tree. not permit you to forget for even one moment that Heb­ "But I've always wanted to pick an orange off a tree ron is an Arab city. For good measure, look carefully at and eat it fresh," she said. the doorposts of the shops, and take note of the chiseled grooves that had housed mezuzos until the massacre of fifty years ago, and you will better appreciate the men­ acing air that permeates the gray atmosphere of Hebron. Up the steep steps to the massive building that covers the caves where the Avos and Imahos slumber. Desperate for a corner where one can address our Creator in the language of the Patri­ archs, one finally finds a small shul nestled among the vaulted-ceilinged mosques that dominate the building . . , . And there, amidst the overwhelming otherness of Hebron, one's lips move in the rhythm of the prayers of the Avos, and one's heart beats with the pulse of their yearnings. Incomparable Tsfas Nothing matches Tsfas, the holy city of the North, where the great Mekubalim and Poskim of four centu­ ries ago are resting-the Ari, the Bais Yoseif, Reb Shlomo Alkabetz. The hillside cemetery, sloping down from the Old City, is Jewish-all Jewish, and no foreign winds whisper among its stones. But the restored Old City itself is a maze of twisting, narrow alleyways, lined with time-polished stone houses that sport TV aerials and quaint shingles notifying the tourist that this artist or that nightclub is housed here, in the ancient town.­ The white gleaming high-rise apartment buildings at the foot of the hills? Ironically, they house Kiryat Meor Chaim-a new development (see JO April '79) where those who can best appreciate the legacy of ancient *There are two of them: The old, Sephardi Ari-Shul is where the Ari Tsfas dwell in ultra-modern appointments. Their win­ had davened during the week-so the story goes. Friday twilight, he dows open directly on this rugged ancient hillside; but would lead his disciples to a field on a higher ridge to greet the Shab­ from here, on the pebble-strewn path, they seem very bos. This place is marked by the so-called Ashkenazi Ari-Shul, the distant. one that is used today.

48 The Jewish Observer/ February, 1980 "Look. The trees don't grow wild. They have owners. You need permission." "Even on Shmittah?" A Luxurious Hotel in the "Not everybody keeps Shmittah the same. Some Heart of Boro Park rely on the 'helter' and sell the land ..." Driving into Kommernius, we spotted an orange E verv studio or suite tree heavy with fruit, next to a house to the right of the has akitchen and lots road. Out of the car, over to the tree-two ripe, juicy of modern conveniences. oranges- and back to the car. "Here, have one." Enjoy a moderately­ "Hey, you can't just take an orange off the tree," priced breakfast in chimed in the man at the wheel. "Citrus fruits go ac­ the hotel Breakfast cording to the appearance of their blossoms. It's still the Room. We're near the sixth year for fruits. They have owners." subway, shops, restau­ "But the owner's out there," I said, pointing to a rants and couple standing passively near the house with the tree and only thirty minutes next to it, "and they didn't stop me from picking them. It's OK to eat the oranges.'' from . "And what about teruma, ma'aser rishon, and the rest? (gifts and tithes that must be separated from pro­ duce grown in Eretz Yisroel).'' The driver persisted in ,9?,}t,f.ffir,J~ .fiir~fl getting between me and the orange. 1206-48th Street "C'mon now. We didn't bring it into a house. This [lrooklyn, New York 11219 is a casual eating, like eating in the field. There is no (212) 871-8100 obligation to take teruma or ma'aser yet." Call or write for free brochure_ ., A car is like a house. Once you enter the car, you must take ma'aser," he said with the authority of an Israeli driver. ISRAEL "Are you sure?" I asked. Burials and American Disinterments "Well, there are opinions on the matter. Just give F1MT'i1M1V ;'11''itv me the orange. I'll separate what I have to. I have announces that RIVERSIDE continues to be the only licensed money at home for ma'aser sheini, and-" luneral director 1n the U S able to effect "What do you mean 'ma'aser sheini'! This is sixth Transfer to Israel within the same day year fruit. It's the year of ma'aser ani." Har Haze1tim Har Hamenuchot "Oh, yes. Right," he conceded. "But it's a sofeik." And all Cemeteries In lsraei "Why? Don't you have to find an ani and give it to RIVERSIDE also is available as the him?" ... Sole agent for Sanhadrea Cemetery There are many fruit stands and green-grocers RIVERSIDE only can offer this service throughout Israel that sell produce with reliable super­ vision in regard to Shvi'is, ma'aser and the rest. Perhaps Enroute to Israel within the same day • Strict adherence to Halacha and Minhagim their merchandise is not a mere ten minutes off the tree, • Arrangments made dur'1ng r1fetime with no obligation but it is succulent nonetheless, and worth the price in • Chapel secured in any community peace of mind. RIVERSIDE Il. What to See? Memorial Chapel, Inc. Funeral Directors

"What should I visit?" I asked the Rosh Yeshiva. MANHATTAN He quoted a letter from Reb Yisroel Salanter: 180 West 76th St (at Amsterdam Ave) NY. N.Y. I EN2·6600 BROOKLYN· 310 Coney ISiand Ave ( "When in the Holy Land, visit the places of Torah and at Prospec! Park), Brooklyn, N Y I UL 4-2000 Chessed. Otherwise one can fall in the trap of : 1963 Grand Concourse {at 179th St). Bronx, N.Y I LU 3-6300 FAA ROCKAWAY: 12-50 Cen1ral Ave., Far Rockaway, N.Y. I FA 7-7100 Meraglim," Moshe's ten agents who brought back a And The Westchester R1Vers1de Memorial Chapel, fnc discouraging report from their spying mission. 21 West Broad Street, Ml. Vernon. N_Y I {914) MO 4- 6800 Chapels in Miami, Miami Beach. Hollywood. Sunrise. Florida So we visited the massive Ponovezh Yeshiva, where Carl Grossberg I Andrew F1er I Solomon Shoulson the "Omein, yehei shmei rabba ..." shouted by the hundreds crowding the immense beis mid rash filled the vaulted ceilings, and echoed out to Bnei Brak spread at the feet of the regal palace of Torah, resounding for sure back to the Mediterranean, ten miles to the West .... We came to the Mir in Jerusalem during the morning For generations a symbol of Jewish Tradition

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 49 AnnGuncing seder, where there's a terrible scarcity of seating space­ even nooks and crannies in forgotten balconies are 1ll'i7 I ASummaryof populated by chavrusos. And the air is fairly churning with Torah. '.\'; n177il Halachos of Pesach The geographic map of Israel is gradually becoming TIQ7 (Section four) $250 a Torah map. In addition to the Chinuch Atzmai r schools that dot the countryside, institutions of advance AsummAryop In English Torah study are also becoming a distinct presence all lJAlAClJos Of pesAClJ newly published. text over the country.... Looking for the Ari shul in Tsfas, I stumbled into the Kole! Nachalat Naftoli. ... Stop­ by Rabbi Shimon Eider ping to visit a patient in the hospital in Chadeira, we prepared for use 'with two cassettes ... $3.00 each also paused at a Torah oasis, in the Itri branch there-at the Kole! in Zichron Yaakov, in Lower Gali!; and in Part of Shiurim in Halacha series Ofakim in the Negev .... The housing/Torah-study TOPTC!.Searching for and Selling. the Chomefz complexes growing in Netivot, in Migdal HaEmek, in (Bedikah, Bitul, Biyur and Mechlras. Chometz.) Ashdod-each aspiring to be the "Bnei Brak" of the Available in Hebrew bookstores or from the author: north, or the south, or the seacoast, and each showing P.O. Box 162, Lakewood, N.). 08701 promise of making it. I.. ~ -----ordtr form for ca~seties and publicatiMI~ - - -- - " Torah in Toronto or or even Lakewood NAML ... is forever a paradox: even in America, Torah can flour­ ADORtSS""' ish. In Eretz Yisroel, it always seems indigenous-even ClTY .. --. -STATE & ZIP in . PLEASE St.ND When spotting someone with an open Mishna Brura, or Chumash, or Gemora on his lap on the 'T' ,,., .. Copies HA.l.ACHOS Of l'ESACH Other ilems i11 the Shlurim in Halacha se•ies; Cass~tre 1 (CHP"t) l'f S3.00 ~ 1: : train to Manhattan, it is always with a sense of irony. ,. .. ,.Copits HALACHOS OF PESACH .... "Copie~ HALACHOS OF THE ERUV Caf...•ett~ :Z (CHPt) at SJ,00 • Cassetle I (CHE 1) af $3.00 • When spotting someone with a sefer open on the # 3 ''"'Copies A SUMMARY Of HALACHOS ,. ... Copies HALACHOS OF THE ERUV bus heading toward "Brisk" -or to work-it seems as OF PESACH, stcfisse/f,e 2 (CFM 2) nt 53.00 • Ill. Appreciating the Holy Land on Shabbos ..... Copies A SUMMARY Of HAtACHOS __ ,.Copies A SUMMARY OF HALACHOS OF PESACH, sutio11 fl a! $2.SO OF THE FOUR MlNlM t1f i1 .50 ~ "One must always be on guard to discern between (NI the Seder) Alm: ... Copies HALACHOS O" SHABBOS (5atiott> 1-3) al $9. 75 Uardcot)er • the sacred and profane-especially in Eretz Yisroel '"'"Covlcs HALACHOS Of PESACH ·"'" Copi~s HAlACHOS Of SHABBOS where someone digging a ditch or quarrying stone can Cassl't!e S (CHP5) at $3.00 ~ (Sutiort 4) ar $9.75 Hi:irdcot'tr • ,,, .. Coples HALACHOS Of PESACH ... Copif~ HALACHOS OF THE 'ERtJV lay claim to 'building the Land.' One must be astute to Casstlfe & (CHl'6)

50 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 Sholom Bayis is associated with illumination. In many cases, the source of light is either a candelabra or a kero­ DON'T GET MARRIED!! sene lamp, to avoid using electricity produced by a Jew­ DON'T MAKE A BAR OR A SIMCHA ish firm on the Shabbos. A notable exception are those who live across Rechov Shmuel Hanavi, where electric­ ity is provided by the Lighting Com­ pany-an Arab-owned firm. But the municipality wants to buy off Arab control of this major utility, and with Jewish control, the brightness that dispels gloom and insures Shalom Bayis in Jewish Jerusalem may become dimmed.

"Shabbes" and the Barrier-1. From the vantage of our mirpeset (porch) overlook­ ing the hills to the north of Jerusalem, we see an Arab village on one slope, the tomb of Shmuel atop the next peak, the glistening buildings of Ramo! studding the adjoining hillside, then another gold-brown hill, and OPfN SUNDA. YS another crowned with a cavity where the foundation of the disputed sports stadium was dug out and left, •m• SORRY - we must stop SRnding finished. The Ramo! Road snakes around the hills, fol­ THE JEWISH OBSERVER when your lowing the random course of the wadis, making its way RENEW NOW! to the foot of this northernmost ridge of Jerusalem, subscription runs out ... finally tracing the front of the hill graced by the build­ ings of Itri, Unsdorf, and Ezras Torah-all housing developments that are populated completely by Ortho­ dox Jews. Rare is a car that passes on the Ramot Road this ~lication on the Shabbos that I'm there, and no cries of "Shab­ bes!" disturb the tranquility of the day. is available But the road itself-even untraveled-is the true in desecration of Jerusalem, for it is a Shabbos barrier, holding back the spread of Shabbos observance to that microfor1n ridge, letting it move no further. Stand on curving Rechov Panim Meirot/Sorotzkin, and let your eyes fol­ low the contours of the hill-new housing reaching downward from the Tevunah plant at the crest of the hill, Mattersdorf, Itri, the rest-the dormi­ tory, Kiryat Hayeled, and then Panim Meirot/ Sorotzkin, followed by more buildings-the homes of young families-some who devote their full day and half their night to Torah study, and the others, whose business activities are only secondary to the Torah j study. Look downward. The stony s.tretches below are punctuated by more buildings, as yet newer apartment ------Please send me additional information. complexes rise. And then the Ramot Road imposes an University Microfilms International abrupt barrier to further expansion. One can readily believe that Mayor Kollek said, "I don't want another 300 North Zeeb Road 18 Bedford Row government within a government in the northern part Dept. P.R. Dept. P.R. Ann Arbor, Ml 48106 London, WC1 R 4EJ of my city." The Ramot Road is his barrier, to U.S.A. England unchecked spread of the city's Shabbos to the north. Name ______

Institution "Shabbes" and the Barrier-2. Street ______Three Shabbosos in the Holy Land, and not one CitY·------confrontation did I witness. I was happy, but somewhat State ______Zip _____ apprehensive. Walking down Rechov Me' ah She' arim l to daven at the Kosel early Shabbos morning, we hear

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 51

'""°'-.. -,_~.-'-','' the still of the Jerusalem air broken by the unmistak­ "Is America in a state of siege?" able sound of wheels. Ahead, two men in the gold­ "Look, we've been around for two thousand years striped robes of the Yerushalmi take note of the rumble while bigger and stronger nations went down the drain. of the approaching vehicle. They rush to the Shabbos And it wasn't because we had an army." barrier that blocks the street from sidewalk to side­ "I suppose you'd like to 'stay alive' like we did in walk-to man the ramparts? No. To pull them away to in 19401" permit a Magen David Adorn ambulance to pass "Or die like 8 million Russians, who had a terrific through. army?" "Not if they were here in Israel, they wouldn't have IV. Torah Through Chessed died!" My stop came, so he had the last word. I was getting So travel meant discriminating, and yet not repeat­ off to visit a "place of Torah and Chessed"-a voca­ ing the folly of the Meraglim . ... Apparently the jaun­ tional school with a strong Gemora program. It is not diced eye is endemic to the Holy Land. one of the mainstream yeshivas, but it does succeed in "You're here for the Anti-Zionist Congress," said sending 80% of its graduates to yeshivas gedolos all my seat companion on the # 12 bus to Bayit Vegan. over the country, and has proved itself as an institution 'Tm here for the Knessia Gedolah," I said. that deals successfully with hard-core non-yeshiva "That's exactly what I meant," he said smugly. material. ''I'd rather call it a 'Torah Assembly.' But what's the "Mind you, without the Agudath Israel-Begin difference if it's pro-, anti-, or non-Zionist?" I asked coalition agreement, we'd still be nowhere," the dean of him. "We brought in several thousand visitors. We're the school told me. "Before, if a tichon (high school) or pumping a million dollars into the Israeli Economy. vocational school graduate wanted to spend a year in a Many of us have sons and daughters living here, and yeshiva, it would have been impossible. He would have many more will. Do you prefer a stay-at-home Zionist had to spend two years in a yeshiva before his eight­ in Omaha to us non- and anti-Zionists?" eenth birthday, or else he would not be eligible for draft "Why aren't your sons in the army?" deferment. But no kid would leave vocational school at "They aren't in the army in America either." 16. He wants his diploma first. Now, when 18, he can go directly from our school to Netivot or Beer Yaakov or a yeshiva, if he chooses, and not be drafted until he leaves. Some study, and become genuine yeshi­ va students. Others leave yeshiva at 21 or 22, but in the process have become much better prepared to face the army's relentless pressures to conform than they were at eighteen." So they reach a life of Torah through the Chessed of learning a trade .... Then I thought of my companion on the bus: "Do the regulars in the army resent the fact that your boys aren't drafted until later?" "Resent them? Just the opposite. They appreciate them more than anyone. We keep tabs on all our graduates, and-believe it or not-we've organized regu­ lar Gemora-study groups for our boys on various army bases. When I was visiting a particular airforce base, a head mechanic complained to me that one of our boys who worked under him stopped wearing his kipa. 'It's not that I'm dati,' he explained, 'but I'm afraid he'll go bad, like the other guys. Too many of our boys are so hooked on drugs or girls, I can't even trust them to tighten a bolt on a helicopter engine mount. It's getting so that I can only trust the boys with kipot. I'd hate to lose another good mechanic. Can't you get him back?' he begged." It seems that if not for non-Zionist mechanics, Zahal's helicopters would not be too secure up there when they patrol our borders. And with enough young men benefitting from institutions of Torah and Chessed-who knows?-we would not even require border surveillance.

52 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980

----~--· Chessed Through Torah -~~~-~,..,,.,~~~~,...,,.,..,,.....,..,..,.....,,,_,_~~,,_, Who's worrying about the kids hanging out at the K1tt4Af ~~it~sij~~a~·· ··· .· ·ai"1A ~,~~I~~. central bus station in Jerusalem? society's dropouts in the Bukharim Quarter? the youngsters with free time l"~ ~~'~ ••y•··~~.•f)~~'.tl .. ~ ~id l)~h;!~lll~R ~llp~ ~1lt~" on their hands? the older men with no one to bother . ~·b ':111'! ;~r~~ l!')'!. ,111(11•• t11:1~0 -~'r·~:.r)~'IV' m11 ..•11.:1'1!· with them? ,b'~ll~ ll?'lp1 ~·071~1 tl~ll ri~~tll -:T'l')l'I . ..···•· < • J . Are these the concerns of professional social scientists?-seasoned rehabilitation workers?-or per­ ~~··t~ke J~l«as~r¢.·'~ri< all~bl!~c1tig. 1~.a;S~e···· li;v~'. haps, an opportunity to reach people through Torah, :obtain'¢tl.!'l"?>fina\fy1!tlls~tyofHousi~ap~roy~l;Jl?t for "the light in it will change them for the better"? •the-; j~~iate' co~sftuction. :of;s~ itt1it~ i.n, l\4~~1¢ We had an hour and a half to sample the Torah classes that light up the night in Jerusalem. I hardly ~ulni".1--.114lzf:ach'Y'~r~~hiilayi~. .·;•• .F····/ •.... T, 0 reached for the handle to close the door of Reb Moishe's "tliis. K.fryarfor.•. '.fo~ah .~l:J~l!ry~nl ,.f~ll\ilies, ~ h.~ifl!l car, but he was cutting through Rechov Jaffa traffic. Up ~.st~J:>lisk.ell,. ln:.\he. ,\"~ty' spirit,!IJ~t\ lnl)ti\(at~ithe,(f e7 ; Strauss, a left, a right and an abrupt halt. We raced ve\lf!pers ,.9,f..•. 'fe~n Mo$he,•··.-lvl.el!l.i•· Sl)e>idlt,1,''· Ba~!~···· through the stone streets and parted the copper-plated '.\feg11~,~ecliav,~li~~is··Yisr:o'!l,-e~c:,,tp;e>;·· completed the entire with this group last lell\Ja~ln~Bnal ;rot!lli, 'lJ5~ah,,01:>,s~~v~11t la~\ff~l"latl~ Chanukah, and now had reached Pesachim on the 1'1«i£~~1()!\~ls,.• .. :"'1k?,,~fre.·.. ~ei>irous,. l?F. s~.tt)Jnl!Jn,llle··.... second time around. Yer~shal~!itll•area.bu.t ~r1<,.uil?,ble ··~•do ~,ohet~~se of The shamash carried in a tray of steaming glasses of th~ tmusµally hj~~ p~i~e§pt ~ousirti~c~l)tlll?tl~#,0~'• sweetened tea-one for the lecturer, one for each of the !

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 53 turned to leave, running head-long into a stampede of has become imbued through the lectures and classes twenty-plus ten year olds, tearing down the street. given by yeshiva bachurim, kollel fellows, teachers and "See? We to 1d you we'd make it back to learn," one of rabbis ... the ReSheT lecturers; the recruters for baal them shouted. teshuva yeshivas who "work" the Kosel area and the Around the corner to the Bukharim Street, into a bus stations, finding prospects and directing them to brightly lit beis midrash, incandescent bulbs tracing suitable institutions; the Mifal Torah Vodaath group designs on the ceiling ... olive-skinned young men­ leaders, who introduce Mamlachti I public school chil­ some in suits, others in wind-breakers and turtle­ dren to Torah through classes and recreational groups; necks-all wearing the yeshiva narrow-brimmed black the Russian Immigrant Rescue Fund personnel who hat, davened Maariv with fervor. One, somewhat older have built shuls, centers, and yeshivas for Soviet olim; than the rest, came over to me after davening. "The the El HaMekorot* lecturers reaching out to soldiers at name is Mishali," he said. "Are you here to hear Rabbi special retreats, to thousands of high school kids in Elbaz, too? He'll be here in about ten minutes." monthly assemblies, and to hundreds of girls that spend As the shul began to fill, he told me how he had Shabbos in Bnei Brak under their auspices-all of these been the boxing champion in Israel. Ten years ago, he and more: moral reinforcement and spiritual rehabilita­ was touring the States-all the big cities-New York, tion, affected through Torah . . . Chessed through Chicago, Hollywood-but in spite of successes, felt Torah. unfulfilled. In , he looked up Rabbi Levi Yitz­ chok Horowitz, the Bostoner Rebbe, who told him that * * * he could only satisfy that empty feeling inside if he Searching for Torah and Chessed in a land destined studied Torah seriously, and advised him to look up to flow with the milk and honey of G-d's teachings can Rabbi Elbaz. "And I've been a yeshiva bachur ever make every trip up and down the countryside another since," he grinned. "But that's not all. Coming here, experience of discovery. IX that was my birth as a person. Until I began living al pi Torah, I was not better than an animal." *A Bnei Brak-centered reach-out group (under the guidance of Upon becoming introduced to Torah Judaism, the Rabbi Elazar Shach, Rosh Yeshiva of Ponovezh) that operates a wide baal teshuva's gratitude is not limited to the "religious" variety of reach-out activities and publishes a wealth of educational aspect of life, but to the overall meaning with which life literature for their programs,

54 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 Be sure to notify us in ad­ vance so that your copies will continue to reach you. Sara Schenirer High School and Seminary The U.S. Postal Service will addresses itself to Rabbonim, Mechanchim, not forward magazines to lshei Hatzibur, and all those who live in your new address. continental U.S., and wish to avail themselves of a Bais Yaakov education with accompanying standards of excellence in Chinuch. Both our High School and Seminary will accept students from out-of-town and will provide residence facilities for such students. Very satisfactory arrangements are available for the parent who is earnestly concerned with his daughter's development I during the high school years and beyond. Interested parents or principals may call or write for further clarification and/or registration procedures. Administration Sara Schenirer High School & Seminary 4622 14th Avenue Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219 Tel: (212) 633-8557 l

Now available! for the first time! The second volume of the classic commentary written 750 years ago by the ROKEACH, Rabbi Elazar of Worms. Vol. II on Shemos and Vayikra "Volume II of the ROKEACH'S cominentary does not need my endorsement any more than the bright sun needs testimony to its existence. Its every word is the 'word of our living G-d'." -Rabbi E/azar Shach, Ponovezher Rosh Yeshiva "A blessing for your home ... a hidden treasure, a great and marvelous light." -Rabbi Y. Y. Kanievsky, The Steipler Rav 311 pages: $9.50, plus $1 for shipping. Copies of Commentaries on Sefer Breishis (328 pp) still available @ $6.75, plus $1 for shipping. At selected bookstores Also directly from the publisher: Julius Klugman, OPC 461 Ft. Washington Ave/NYC 10033

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The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 55 Beth Jakob of Luzern Seminary

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56 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 -Dear Ben Torah, There exists in the Kole! in I which I learn two sincere second looks I yungerleit who want to dedicate their lives to Torah and Hachzakas haTorah. They both have large at the jewish scene families b'li ein horah, and are moser nefesh to stay in learning despite the fact that they do not receive any financial help from the Kolel or their families. By giving your ma'aser and Murder in Hebron Ma'os Chittim to support these two families you will Via la ti on in ] erusalem be fulfilling the ultimate tachlis of giving ma'aser. Please send your ma'aser to: We have long been protesting alert was issued to the other hospi­ The Jewish Observer against the pathology law in Israel. tals in the region that two kidneys Box 610 As it stands, the body of a patient were available for someone in 5 Beekman Street who dies in an Israeli hospital can need-with two responses coming NYC 10038 be subjected to post-mortem sur­ in. The next of kin, Yehoshua' spar­ Sincerely, gery without permission from next ents, live in Denmark and apparent­ Another Member of of kin. All that is required is an ly were not available for permission. the Kole/ authorization form signed by two The picture here became touched P.S. This ad is being paid for physicians and a member of the with bitter irony: a recipient of one by our ma'aser. j armed forces-just about every doc­ of Yehoshua's kidneys was Amira tor, as a member of the reserves, can Abkussah, a devout supporter of qualify. Only protest by next of kin PLO terrorist activities. She does can prevent unauthorized autopsies not keep her sympathies in the CLASSIFIED from taking place, and tragically, closet, but has been using every Wanted ADMINISTRATOR for large 'I even this is often ignored. opportunity to espouse them with Orthodox in Washington speeches, amulets, and posters on Heights. Responsible for supervision of No Western country counte­ office functions and maintenance of the hospital walls. Only a young­ nances this type of proprietorship synagogue properties. Must relate well I over an individual's body. Correc­ ster, true. But in the tinderbox , to Rabbinate, officers and members. tion of this situation was one of the atmosphere of contemporary Israel, Salary commensurate with experience· 43 points in the Begin-Agudath a sixteen year old girl calling for the and qualifications. Applicant required Israel coalition agreement, but a law "annihilation of the Jews of Pales­ to live in neighborhood. Send resume tine" is an agent provacateur. Thus, to The Jewish Observer, Box 65. to this effect has yet to be passed. the remains of a martyr, who was Occasionally, a case of unauthor­ killed in hatred by an Arab bullet, ized post-mortem tampering was violated for the sake of the wel­ attracts attention and reminds us that this barbaric law is still on the fare of a girl who has been preach­ ing and urging acts of the very kind S lei A Cl~~i~g books. An incident last month was a that ended his life. Wnol~sale I Retail case in point, except that it was also The bitter irony of this case only otstcNE~ marked by unusual elements of srnrs serves to dramatize the unaccepta­ SPECr,...r DISCpUNTt tragedy and irony. bility of the law as it stands; and the . FORyESHIV,....HueE~rs•. Yehoshua Sloma, a 22-year old imperative need to change a bad Al'th1Jr sa.~t~il'I · yeshiva student from Kiryat Arba, law, and align the procedure in 125CANA~$1'llEEf• was felled by an Arab sniper's bul­ Israel with that of all democracies: N~\\f .Y()lJCiN'.\'i ~0013' let in Hebron. Yehoshua was air­ that pathologists refrain from tam­ (nea~ fs:'lanhat.tanf~ridge) lifted by helicopter to Hadassah pering with the body of a deceased . .(2121 ~535!t . Hospital in Jerusalem, where he was person when they do not have prior pronounced dead on arrival. An consent from next of kin. ~T.

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 57 Bernard Fryshman On Singing a Different Tune

I don't pretend to be an expert on select wild music or did the wild vasive this problem really is. How music. In fact, my colleagues in music induce wild behavior in many concerts and get-togethers, academe generally nod approvingly young people? The answer for a camp fires and Melava Malkas are when I characterize myself as a cul­ long time was relatively unimpor­ based almost exclusively on the beat tural philistine. My ability to even tant to the Torah Community. that probably emanated from wild discuss matters halachic is also Orthodox Jewish children were rituals of other peoples? limited, although less so than my neither wild, nor were they afficio­ Can we be sure that our children understanding of music. However, nadoes of wild music. In my own are immune to the influence that as an occasional writer I do claim case I felt particularly secure. With many feel lingers in music? Is it the right to ask questions, even no T.V in my home and with radio normal for literally hundreds of though the questions touch upon use carefully controlled, I was thousands of dollars each year to be both music and halacha. content that this untamed influence spent by many of our yeshiva prod­ My first exposure to rock and roll would not enter my home. ucts to attend concerts on Chassidic came about twenty years ago, when, My rude awakening first came and other religious themes? Is it an with every other relatively sedate when I heard a certain record being appropriate activity for young girls individual, I became aware of a played in my own home; the record to play absolutely every musical raucous new "beat" strongly remi­ was ostensibly "glatt kosher" instrument? niscent of the wild sounds of the because of the Shomer Shabbos I sometimes wonder about the jungle. Concomitant with the wild­ nature of the participants, and the numbers of parents who look at ness of the sound came an interest­ high-minded lyrics published on photographs of those sweet little ing wildness in the behavior of the the back. To put it mildly, the music boys on the record albums who then young people around us. was not in keeping with either the encourage their own sons to aspire Of course, one can speculate as to lyrics or the people involved in pro­ cause and effect. Did wild children ducing the record. Without too Cotre'~~iClrt> \ >·.·. .. •···•··· .... ··· .• · many people seemingly concerned, Th~ qateofthe passing of •Rabbi still another influence of the society Aha(ort l(otler 7"~t \i\)as stated in" DR. fRYSHMAN is chairman of the Committee around us has begun to engulf our correctly.in th~ heading ov~~ ~abf,i on Community Services of Agudath Israel. Y.• ·.Perr's a~ticle pn tfte··late R()sh He writes extensively for the JO, but not children. It is hard to describe how per- YeshivaJpe~.·.'1?)•.The.accurate··date everything gets published. is 2, snJ.: ·

Flowers. A band. The dinner. Photography. Of all the accoutrements that go into making your chassanah "something special", the kesubah should be very outstanding. A lasting testimonial to the start of your life together, it should be more than just a printed form. At SIMCHA STUDIOS we do custom kesubos - and incorporate your ideas and tastes into the design. Whether it's traditional, modern, classical or original, it's uniquely yours, and we care enough to make each one special. All artwork and calligraphy hand-done. Anniversary kesubos also done. Call or write to us and we'll send you our brochure. You'll be convinced. The band will be "Iebedig''. The flowers will be beautiful. But the kesubah will be forever. SlMCHA STUDIOS -SlMCHA BACK -LAKEWOOD,N.J. New York Philadelphia 212-581-6996 201 ·363-4702 215-878-9477

58 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 to their own "accomplishment." Is it good for our community that such fame should devolve on young boys whose attainment is not in Torah, but on the stage? 'Haolatn' Cheese No doubt there are many well­ meaning people and organizations involved in producing records; no a tradition ... doubt not all records are equally objectionable; no doubt music is a KASHRUTH.VARIETY mileu through which non-frum QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE children can be attracted. Yet the fact remains that through this con­ -L----~ For over 25 years you've heen stant exposure to the new "Jewish enjoying our Kosher for Passover sound," our children are being cheeses produced from Cholov exposed to a new, uncharted course. Yisroel under the supervision & I have no illusions about being certified kosher hy Rahhi able to stop this movement. There Dr. J. Breuer, K'hal Adas Jeshurun, are too many people from the N. Y Haolam is world renowned "finest" homes who think there is ~:fs:=:iiiii=~'.::=~~for its reliahility and Kashruth, nothing wrong with this music, c; •·------l fine quality & great variety. who will simply ignore any attempt When shopping at your to control it. Yet I would hope that supermarket, make certain there might be strong voices raised to demand Haolam brand in the defense of those fathers who cheese, the symbol of wish to put their foot down and J trust and _quality. who insist that there is something 1------.o\I I IU!SJ-WC wrong with the Charleston or jazz or rock 'n roll or disco beat, even THURM BROS .. WORLD CHEESE CO. INC, NEW YORK, N. Y. with lyrics like "Shema Yisroel," "Baruch Hagever," or "Shoshanas Yaakov"! L.T. ~:·11,~t~rt'!' ,,. Come To A Israel··•··· , ··• ~iift~'~1*~~rfR;t/~w~'f~~;011 45J.1.14tji ... ~V~l')\.IE1). (tc)p·.•fl~or),·;··.:.·.'•''••••• ltS'tfl:M I •··•·· .· Jhu. 3: .,.•.. , .• ,; .·. f~idayAjpr,•4t~pr. ro~; ~!)4,2•.;¥ ~;; ;: FinE· Cos ..,,e:ics ·~nl' •u)v1' · · -.:· ,, ... l"i'l'1:11;) Toothpaste I lipstick I Hairspray I Face :'~V)·.-"i· :'•• <(~1J~t1:~~~r~~1~i~~·.i10~r1.&~ Powder I Shabbos Soap I Instant Dish~ ..... ,.. ; '"~,•• ,. ol •.·.··••·•• $1:0~.adul~~t:s,o~.·children········ Wash I Creams I Baby Powder I Mouth­ ... '1--~"f~I INC. wash I and other fine products. .• ; ... c'f!>• ti .llls••t , ....., Ray(C)~;a}IJ1/L(!ib Ee~t.~ifJ<.·•·····•·· •> Ip ..W!i!\l.,Uth Sis~ .X(!Sl!i~~ . '•••••.····•,i Available a1 ··• RabBi•.. Y.~s¢f Gewirtz; .. Dir~r/t(Ji: : your neighborhood store ~ Vi111111N Oil :forah, Perek, "'1·1·,;,.; 'ifj!,iii'i.... ,..... ,. .. ,.., ... fli.i; ;I · ~~~' Mttilas and Talmud. ... ,.. ·,... a. ?l'.l.!:>•.>,•z\"ii!"if'1.~.. ~"""·';;;;• .. , or at: fl~~··:if· "!:ii/ff.. {/i1triOvt.d ctmol'lf • ·· •··· Eve~i~g~:,~~~4~~4~•~!' 1:<;.;;.. 145 20th STREET J'~1vo1 ·~'d u~ IOf' t•priflli119 BROOKLYN, N. Y. f# volVm•• ·oul·ol·Jninf ·~~1~~~.~a;:s~t~'i?i~!!i~?~t~~~ri'.• 788-6838 p.l(jCH6P£R VOLUME 1

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 59 CONSIDERING COMPUTER PROGRAMMINGl

I

Vocational Skills Division CopeVocational Institute Licensed by the New York Stare Education Department

60 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 paid advertisement Meehan Hahoyroa

The Partnership Grows A new chapter is being written in the classical partnership between the merchant and the scholar "Rejoice Zevulun in Your Expeditions, and Yissachar in your Tents" (Bereishis 39:14). "Zevulun engages in commerce, Yissachar in Torah study; and they are partners in each other's enterprises, both in this world and the next."

One of the greatest miracles of our generation is the Upon Whom the Onus? resurgence of Torah study and the concomittant emer­ The obligation to raise a generation of dayanim and gence of Torah leaders-especially in Eretz Yisroel and morei hora'a is ours. From Israel's inception as a nation, America-after the cataclysmic destruction of Churban our every move in day-to-day affairs-in business Europe. We are blessed with accomplished young men matters, marital problems, and kashrus-has been who are distinguished talmidei chachomim, roshei determined by our Torah mentors: .. And you shall act yeshiva and rabbis. One major position, however, in accordance with their instructions ..." We, .who are remains unfilled ... as the Talmud tells us, .. A thou­ so totally dependent upon morei hora'a, carry the sand enter a Beis Midrash but only one emerges capable responsibility of providing our people with men of such of hora'a-possessing the ability to render definitive calibre. Excuses for having neglected the need to create halachic decisions." Where are these .. one out of a such leaders may placate us, but they will not provide thousand" experts in command of all the facts and us with Torah authorities! nuances in every siman, se'if and sei'f kattan in the Thirty years ago, the idea would have seemed like a and its Nossei Kaeilim (chapter, verse, wild dream: Launch a talent search. Comb-the yeshivos and all commentaries) in all four sections of the Shul­ and kolleilim for the "one out of a thousand" that has chan Aruch? Today's yeshivas are geared to develop the requisite ability and dedication to be a poseik. And lamdanim, bnei Torah, and yorei Shomayim, but are not then enter into a written contract to support them fully producing the .. one." And there is no institution dedi­ for ten years required to master all four sections of cated solely to producing the .. one"-to create the cir­ Shulchan Aruch . . . A group of bnei Zevulun, cumstances and environment, provide the curriculum, however, have taken the initiative. They b.egan with a financial security and peace of mind required to· pro­ modest group of four married scholars; and today, mote the emergence of these desperately needed hala­ thank G-d, close to forty fellows are enrolled in the chic experts. program.

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 61 paid advertisement Mechon Hahoyroa Why the Change? before this designated period constitutes a breach of the commitment, and the fellow who does so must forfeit One may wonder: Why, all of a sudden, do we need those amounts received beyond the customary fellow­ a special institute to train morei hora'a when it was ship stipend in conventional . never necessary to do so until now? Take into account that all of the candidates are Obviously, circumstances are not identical to those family men over the age of twenty-five, and that they prior to World War II. Then, halachic authorities were are prepared to commit themselves to another ten years carefully cultivated in a way no longer possible: Young of study to gain mastery over the four sections of Shul­ qualified scholars served as rabbonim in small com­ chan Aruch. It is surely reasonable to anticipate that munities where responsibilities and distractions were these scholars will develop into major morei hora'a. few, enabling them to continue to pursue their studies with great diligence, and develop at least ten years before they entered the public limelight. Where are the Positions? Today the responsibilities of the rav have changed Revolutionary changes are taking place in the Torah radically. Not only is he obligated to supervise the world. In the thirty-five years since the great destruc­ community's kashrus and chinuch, he must also tend to tion of Churban Europe, an entire generation of yeshiva hundreds of other communal obligations, denying him students and scholars has arisen from the ashes of the opportunity to develop into a halachic authority. despair. Who, in that dark era, would have dreamed Something surely must be done to remedy the situation. that we would now be blessed with our wonderful Mechon Hahoyroa was formed to create the autho­ community of conscientious Jews? Thousands of Yis­ ritative scholar that until now had always been taken sachars fill the yeshivos and batei midrashim, along for granted. with hundreds of thousands of laymen, meticulous in their observance of every mitzvah, deeply concerned about every aspect of Jewish life-truly restoring the Four Questions three pillars of Torah, Avodah and Gemillas Chassadim These are several questions that "bnei Zevulun" to their rightful positions. Now, if a few top calibre pose to the Mech on Hahoyroa: scholars-with all the requisite knowledge, ambitions, (1) What guarantees that these "ones emerging from a and dedication-seek to become morei hora'a, to help thousand" will truly develop into morei hora'a, jus­ solve our need for halachic guidance, dare we deny tifying all the time, money and effort invested into them-or ourselves-this opportunity to do so? them? [It is sad to note that, in spite of heightened aware­ (2) Even if the goal is achieved, and halacha authorities ness of halachic requirements in daily life, many other­ do emerge, where will they ever find positions? Which wise observant Jews abjudicate business disputes in community is seeking such people as their leaders? secular courts, as if there were no restrictions against (3) Why must "bnei Zevulun" assume responsibility to doing so; and if there were no recourse to qualified establish such institutions when there are Gedolei Yis­ dayanim, expert in the relevant halachos and knowl­ roel and Roshei Yeshivas who are capable of selecting edgeable in contemporary business practices. The and training tomorrow's leaders in existing institutions? Meehan Hahoyroa fellows will certainly increase the (4) And now the ultimate question: Can one actually availability of qualified batei din for this crying need!] assume that Mechon Hahoyroa will achieve its goal? Where are the Yeshivos? It Is There a Guarantee? is not difficult to understand why the much­ needed ba'al hora'a is not emerging from our conven­ Let us deal with the questions one at a time: What tional yeshivos. After all, the yeshivos' prime concern is are the guarantees? To be sure, it is impossible to to instruct the next generation, and as a matter of guarantee that each Machon fellow will develop into a course, outstanding scholars of promise are taken into moreh hora'a. Nevertheless, the requirements for enter­ the faculties of the existing institutions or are en­ ing the program are so structured as to suggest that couraged to establish new schools of a similar nature. Mechon Hahoyroa represents a most secure invest­ Thus, those who possess the gifts and aptitude to spe­ ment. To be accepted into the Mechon, the following cialize in halacha need institutions of their own. conditions must be met: (a) The applicant must already be prepared for hora'a, well versed in the first volume of Can the Product Be Tested? Shulchan Aruch; Yorei De'ah, (b) He must be a G-d fearing individual with impeccable character and (c) a If one really wishes to know if Meehan Hahoyroa is diligent student. (d) He must sign a ten-year contract to achieving its avowed purpose, there is no need to rely study in the Mechon Hahoyroa. Leaving the Mechon on "safe assumptions." While the Gedolei Hadar's

62 The Jewish Observer I FebYuary, 1980 •;::ii;.-el';;; :;:~· T·I<" M'l ;::~

R,ltllBl J. 1t.6.MENTIJ{Y 31 $0.CDll ••"llll U> .. o.. ~u . ..,..,... .. 0.~ ,1;11l1

·~n i1r1'1ifl 1'"" n"~'~ .,~!t .~ !' \ ' '-, '~ ?' 1."' f i;_,; f' \-'l I i I 1 resoundi~g an industrialist, a large investor, or a creative entre­ should be enough, one can visit any one of the preneur, who can never be satisfied with dealings of a batei midrashim of the Mechon Hahoyroa-the two for limited scope, and fixed income. Why, then, should his Ashkenazim (in Monsey and in Jerusalem), and the one tzeddakah be of different nature? ... While no one is for Sephardim (in Jerusalem}, and see first hand how faulted for not going beyond the means and skills with the atmosphere is alive with Torah. which he is endowed, everyone is expected to fully uti­ Your entrance is likely to go unnoticed, so lize whatever he does possess for the betterment of Kial engrossed are the students in their studies. You will Yisroel. Here is the opportunity to support a Torah notice them learning with the same burning diligence at scholar and share in his prodigious studies, and at the 8:30 in the evening as they did when them commenced same time plant the seeds for the future morei hora'a, their studies at 8:30 in the morning. And the results of reaping an on-going harvest of vast spiritual riches their efforts is measured in periodically administered, over the years. We propose an investment mofe profit­ comprehensive written and oral examinations. able than any business venture-the Yissachar-Zevulun partnership. All money that you donate goes directly to Using Business Sense supporting "your Yissachar" (there is a special separate fund to cover building and maintenance costs). Too often, initial enthtisiasm for an undertaking can Bnei Zevulun: Consider the dimensions of this pro­ cool through skepticism. This should not occur here. position, The awareness that you will be enabling a All we ask is that bnei Zevulun deploy the same scholar to master the four sections of Shulchan Aruch motivation used in business endeavors to back this pro­ and develop into a moreh hora'a b'Yisroel! From a ject for Kial YisroeL business point of view, there is no more profitable an It surely may be adequate for a regular wage earner endeavor. In return for your investment, you are receiv­ to set aside specific amounts for charity and Torah sup­ ing something so lofty that its place is virtually ?w ir.i1iJ port every month. But the case is surely different with ~?Yr.>-in the highest reaches of achievements.

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 63 paid advertisement Mechon Hahoyroa Quotations from Letters of Approbation for ,.,;rnc: i~WW' Ji"iw i~c Sefer "Yissachar BeOhalecha"

"This book is a treasury of riches and lam confident that all who "How marvelous to witness the publication of this extraordinary labor in Torah will derive great pleasure from these scholarly exposi­ halacha sefer, iohich has emerged from the Mechon Hahoyroa. tions and Chiddushei Torah . These young men are destined to The Meehan fellows have long demonstrated their excellence. . . We illuminate Klal Yisroel with their Torah and halachic expertise." must express our gratitude to G-d for not abandoning us and provid­ Rabbi Yitzchok Yaakov Weiss ing us with these authorities who will be capable of rendering halachic Beis Din of the Eida Hachareidis, Jerusalem decisions." "The are worthy of the royal table (the true royalty is the rabbinate), for all who delve into these writings will fitid immense satisfaction in their logical development." Rabbi Moshe Aryeh Freund, Rabbi Yisroel M. Dushinsky, Rabbi Yisroel Yaakov Fishman, Rabbi Binyomin Rabinowitz Ashkenazi Beis Din, Jerusalem "These lines testify to the excellence of the fellows of the Mechon Hahoyro'a. . and to the first fruits of their labors: the novella pub­ lished in this sefer" Rabbi , Rabbi Yitzchok Braun¥ fe1d, Rabbi Nosson Gestetner Beis Din, Bnei Brak "I explored 'Yissachor BeOhalecha' and found such astute per­ ception and vast knowledge on a wondrous scale . ... These writings are surely worthy of wide distribution." Rabbi Yoseif Grunwald Puppa Rav, Brooklyn "The Meehan Hahoyroa has earned a glorious reputation since its founding ... and now its unusual achievement is evident in the sefer it has produced, which is replete with quotations from all over Shas and Poskim .... Whoever supports this institution is worthy of G-d's most bountiful blessings!" Rabbi Kehillas Adath Yeshurun, NYC Mechon Hahoyroa, POB 371, Monsey, N.Y. 10952 Gentlemen: I want to participate in the support of the work of Meehan Hahoyroa. [ ] Enclosed please find my contribution of $ ______I am interested in more information: [ ] Send me some of your literature. [ ] Call me at------­ [ ] I would like to join in sponsoring the publication of Yissachor BeOholecho.

Name------

City, Stat'e, Zip------In Memory of the Departed Loved Ones

Name ______Name of Father ______Yahrzeit Date: ______Day/Mos./Year Name------Name of Father ______Yahrzeit Date: ______Day/Mos./Year All contributions are Tax Deductible I I

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Dear Friend, been discharged frorn the hospital and the It ls not often that we at(! given the op: doctor's prognosis for a corryplete recovery portunit}'to perform a.Mi~zvahandseethe is very optimistic. fruitof our actions in. a .brJefspan of ti.me. Yourcontributionis needed.immediately·· The youngest child. of one of the fore­ so as to alleviate the enormous financial . most s:cholars in Israel, was brought to the burden placed on this truly great Talrt1id U.S.A. for open heart surgery.The <.;hi Id has Chochom, IRVlNp BU.NIM Endorsed by the following Gedalim:

RABl31YIS~OEl.SPIRA RABBI MOSHE fEINSTJCIN RABBI SH.NEUR KOtlErl Bl.uzaver Rebbi

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The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 65 ;,~~\MIGDAL towers above A TRADITION FOR 35 Years for them all••• PASSOVER and YEAR ROUND USE! •COFFEE Highest in quality, uurst.;• SL!( "fl) SWISS PLUS MANY OTHER PRODUCTS. •'.'Lil l:l l ,l.1l '!;·"-"-TER • C'lll 'El' ( :l )l A'r • RA,f'.Y 0, ll '!\A,• RARY M\ !EN STER OUT OF TOWN ORDERS INVITED • <:IH:OPAR "Tlt:K'.'> •Lt lW.-;l lPlllM CHEESE Buy LI EBER'S Products with ~II •!Ht 'K\ 1RY S~\l lK!Xl FIAR & SUl :ED CONFIDENCE for they have been •RARY FARMER'S ( "HEE:-if: •Ml !EN STER Cl-HINK • Mt li'/.'\REl.L.A, ( 'Hl;NK & Sl!CED prepared to the Very High Stan­ dard of KASHRUTH and QUALITY which the Name LIEBER'S SYM- _;;!~~1-·.-~--~11·111"- I ib!J'l ,W::J BOLIZES. Unde1 the SU1~t Rabbinical supcrv1.11on YOU TOO CAN BE PART OF THE ofK'hal Adasjeshurun. Rabbi Or. J. Breuer. N.Y FAMOUS LIEBER'S TRADITION. THURM BROS. WORLllCHEESEUl. INC. NEW YORK. N.Y All our Products are manufactured under personal supervision of Rab­ bi Moshe Stern, Debreziner Rav. LIEBER CHOCOLATE & FOOD PRODUCTS CO. URGENT APPEAL! 11231 212/834-2056 A renowned talmid Chacham, Who all his life has been a self~supporting individ_ual, was -recently stricken with, a severe heart attack and was required to undergo open heart surgery. Since then, the doctors have forbidden him to do work, and has been unable to support his fa'mily for quite a while -now, Canadian readers are advised either A-ccording __ to the professional opinion of those _who, treated him, his narrow1 damp and almost Hninhabitable apartment, greatly contributed to his illness: to subscribe at the overseas rate of The purchase of a suitable apartment, even with minimum accommodatioris, invol'Ses $1 additional per year, or to indi­ huge sums of money. And aside from the rehabilitation and medical expen'seS in~ cate on their checks that the $9.00 curred, the financial Situation is so difficult, it has made it almost impossible_for_this payment is to be made in U.S. family to withstand the -pressures. funds .. Therefore1 we turn to you,_ our -brethren, me,rdful Jews, sons Of merciful Jews, with this Urgent Appeal, issue_d from the depths of our hearts: HELP THIS NOBLE FAMILY r:;:------. and save t_hem from total collapse, G-d forbid. Jn the m'erit of Tzedaka, the assistance I !'~RAMUS. NI IN JFRSI·\ you give will protect you and all your loved onesj and you will be blessed-with -G-(Ps abundant blessings, and may all the wishes of your hearts be fulfilled, SHIU RIM HARAV OVADIA YOSEF, Chiel Rabbi of Israel HARAV Tues. Eve: T ehillim By HARAV YOSEF SHOLOM ELIYASHUV RABBIE.GLUCKSMAN Rehabilitation Committee: DR. ZERAH WAHRHAfTIG, K~esset Member Callo Sam Levi (201) %7-0555 HARAV MOSHE TZVI NERIAH, Klar Horoeh Thurs Eve: Gemora Shabbos By HARAV DR. AVRAHAM YESHAVAH -DOI.GIN, 17 Ramat Hagolan Street, Jerusalem1 tsrael HAflAV DR. SHIMSHON RAPHAEL WEISS, 13--Even Ha-Ezel Street, Jerusalem,- Israel RABBI H. SCHACTER Send your generous contribtitions to ''!URGENT APPEAL" Callo David Lehmann (201) 261-3136 c/o either address liSted:above;- or directly to: (212)929·239,? POST OFFICE BANk _ACCOUNT #4--30981~2, Jerusalem, Israel T...... tion Available from N.Y.

66 The Jewish Observer/ February, 1980 j Letters to the Fditur Wonderful Summer Opportunity for Mechanchiml Last summer, Camp Agudah engaged the ------g services of several ex­ pert Melamdim to teach campers' learning groups, with wonder­ to get this started. The Lakewood f u I results. More Comments on "Papal Reflections" openings are available & "Yarchei Musings" Yarchei Kallah management has promised technical and moral this year. If you are in­ To the Editor advice and assistance. But a winter terested, call 964-1620 Rabbi Bleich's "Reflections on a locale and local sponsorship is criti­ ask for Camp office. Papal Visit" (Nov. 79) generally cal in this endeavor. treated the subject admirably. The Will you or any of your readers ••••• • relatively more tolerant current atti­ come forth with new ideas and lend ~:SHELLY : .: : tude of the Church vis-a-vis the the undersigned a helping hand in this project? ' ·=··••••. .. Jews was duly notedo "It no longer :;· LADli : : : advocated persecution of the Jews. AARON A. JACOBS .: . Anti-Semitic slurs have been - · 1rthestra . . (52 Main Street) ...... expurged from the liturgy. But the Morisey, N. Y. 438-3402 . .. underlying attitude is hardly a =· favorable one.'' Underlying attitude? The Trust your next Catered Affair to the finest Church's lifeblood is a rejection of the words of our Sages, their laws, (!J)Glatt Kosher authority and personal integrity. Take this away and the Church is Caterer in the Metropolitan Area dead. No wonder the Reform and Conservative movement feel at least Serving you at some spiritual kinship with them. arkside these As to ourselves, there is no way locations to escape the explicit hostility in the aterers Church's most basic texts to the FlltEST PARK Oral Law and its Eternal Carriers. Any expectation from the Church Jewish Cer.ter should be vastly more tempered 90-45 Myrtle Ave.,Queens than what we find even in Rabbi Bleich's article. This is basic to ~ ~ Jewish Center c,,,,, every well-informed, thinking and llol lo\\' Northern feeling Jew. Rc.ckaway Beach Blvd.& Country Nassau County As a three-time "Yarchei Kalla­ 135 St. Belle Harbor ,N. Y. ( luh nik,'' I would like to take this op­ portunity to cheer your "Musings ~.id//'l'rd ~llOf' CATERERS of a First-Timer.'' At the same time ~/l(ffimal a related experience of mine should 111 North j efferson Rd. 2380 Hylan Blvd. receive some publicity. Whippany, New Jersey Staten lsland,N .Y. The two weeks at the end of the ThP ~heraton Heiqhl!oi secular year (1979, 1980, etc.) appear an ideal time to organize a in nearby Hasbrouck Heights ~ CATERERS Winier Yarchei Kallah. It is a period New Jersey at the crossroads 1060 Ocean Parkway Brooklyn of frustrations for Jewish business­ of Interstate 80 & Route 17 men and professionals, as much of ONE CONVENIENT TELEPHONE (21 )·8 9 88l their normal daily routines grind to NUMBER FOR ALL LOCATIONS 2 4 • 7 a near-halt. For a year I have tried

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 67 Every kallah before her wedding twenty years earlier, before their is directed to a counselor, who, in own weddings. They simply had addition to teaching the halachos of not known how to deal with their Taharas Hamishpacha (Laws of husbands; the respect due them; the Pre-Marriage Counseling Family Purity), guides her in build­ need to forgive, forget, give in; and so much more-they simply did not To the Editor: ing a Jewish home-Shalom Bayis, the duty of a Jewish woman, her know the meaning of "Chachmas The Jewish Observer has written place in the house, how to be a true nashim bansa beysa-the wisdom of much on the topic of Shalom Bayis a woman builds her home." (Jan. '79) with a sincere hope of Eishes Chayil and build a true bayis ne'emon be Yisroel in every respect. As a counselor, I see the kallah solving cancerous problems. I opening her eyes to things she never would therefore like to recommend It is interesting to note that those heard before (and the lack of which a most beautiful undertaking that is women who took a counselor's causes so many problems), and the working well in Bnei Brak, in which training course deeply regretted not true simcha that these kallahs are I participate as a staff member. having heard these same words able to bring to their homes, to make it mikdash m'at (miniature sanctuary). The Seder wine This most definitely helps solve the problem because, although there needITt be sweet are two halves in every marriage, it is the woman's role to take initia­ just~. tives in bringing Shalom Bayis to the home.

Rum BENEDIKT Bnei Brak, Israel

Post Graduate Kallah Classes To the Editor: The overwhelming numbers of broken young frum families today prompts me to write you. It seems, in many cases, as was stated in an article in the JO (Jan. 79)-a lack of chinuch (training) is at fault. Chi­ nuch in regard to the meaning of being a wife-fulfilling one's hus­ band's needs ... what is demanded of a husband . . . and how these goals can be reached. Perhaps more emphasis could be placed on these points within the format of chasan and kallah classes. The orientation should go hand in hand with the halachos discussed. And special means Kedem. Premium wines from the Perhaps a new type of Shona classic vineyards of , and the U.S. Some Rishona (first year of marriage) sweet, some dry, some bubbly ... all specially selected for the finesse and character that lingers happily on class could be instituted-continu­ your palate. Kosher, of course. ing this chinuch when it becomes lema'aseh. There-under the guid­ ance of a people with experiences in KEDEM® dealing with family situations with­ in the realm of Torah-new couples KOSHERR\SSOVERWINES could get help in working things out before problems grow. The KEDEM WINE CO., NEW YORK. N.Y. counselor recognizes when a prob-

68 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 !em is beyond his or her ability to handle. The couple can be directed as to where to turn for help. But mainly these classes would be "booster shots" of inspiration and training in building a healthy, happy foundation for a new bayis be'Yisroel. Another new type of class might be one for parents of chasanim and kallos. Perhaps the rav of the shul­ someone respected by the macha­ tonim- can instruct and advise the parents on the importance of "non­ mishing." As I've heard from one experienced in these topics, this might be the most beneficial of all. As tragedies increase, the need seems greater and greater for more to be done by the Kial to safeguard Special flavor and special care produced this the shalom bayis of our families. new Migdal Passover Margarine. You've never tasted Margarine like this before. NAME WITHELD BY REQUEST Migdal Passover Margarine is a happy blend of Monsey, NY Kashruth and Quality and is ideal for cooking or baking and delicious on matzoh. Look for it wherever Kosher foods are sold. Comparison of I tm'J-.W::I Translations of Rambam Produced under the strictest Rabbinical supervision of K'hal Adath Jeshurun (Rabbi Dr. ), N.Y., N.Y.

To the Editor: THURM BROS., WORLD CHEESE CO., INC., NEW YORK, N.Y. 10013 Thank you for reviewing my translation of the Rambam's Intro­ duction to his Mishna Commentary Presumably, the preference for of my work will carry these correc­ (' Introduction to the either philosophy of translating will tions. Talmud, Judaica Press). If I may, I depend upon the individual reader; would just like to add a few more Zv1 LAMPEL and so I'm sure he would want to Mt. Dale, NY comments. know this information. By the way, Since the reviewer intended to other Jewish classics were also contrast this edition with Dr. Ros­ translated in the past-from Arabic ner's translation of the same work to Hebrew-through different TV as Child Robber (Commentary on the Mishna­ approaches by contemporaneous lntroduction, Feldheim), I was an­ writers.) E.g. Moreh Nevuchim by To the Editor: ticipating some treatment of the Al Harizi and Ibn Tibbon, and I was pleased to read the article actual translations of the text itself Chovas Halevavos by the latter and based on Rabbi Yaakov Kamenet­ (rather than a contrast of the intro­ Yosef Kimchi. zky's convention address in your ductory material and footnotes As to accuracy of translation, I recent issue, but was disappointed alone). As it turns out, both Dr. have found some mistakes and that you chose to omit Reb Rosner and myself described our unclarities in both editions since Yaakov' s prefatory remarks. different approaches in our pref­ publication. I will gladly send a Others had mentioned that keep­ aces: Dr. Rosner's is a slightly more sheet of major corrections and clari­ ing a television set in one's home is literal one than mine, which is more fications to anyone who will write akin to violating the prohibition of a conceptual one-attempting to me at the address below. I sincerely against "keeping an abomination in translate the thought into fluent hope that purchasers of these works your home" since it projects sCenes English, even adding or rearranging will allow me to rectify the errors of avoda zora, immorality and words where necessary for clarity. for them. Hopefully, future editions bloodshed. Rabbi Kamenetzky con-

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 69 example is worth a hundred Mussar Lecturing and Exemplifying Shmuessen (lectures on ethical con­ duct). Children hear what you tell To the Editor: them, but what they really care curred, but added that its worst Meir Wikler's point (JO Nov. about is what you do. No amount of crime is that "it robs the child­ '79) that the responsibility for Mussar will make a child value viewer of his sense of wonderment teaching midas (good character) something if he sees that thrn!e who through constant portrayal of fan­ must be shared by both family and tell him to do not value it them­ tasy. This sense of wonderment is yeshiva is well well taken, but I selves. If we don't do it, why should the key to learning. That is its worst would extend it a step further. they? offense!" Workshops and discussion groups And children are very percep­ are all very important, but in_ the tive. A parent may fool his friends MOSHE GOLDBERGER final analysis, the real teaching of about how much he values Ahavas Staten Island, NY midas is by example. Setting a good Yisrael, mitzvos bein adam leCha­ veiro (human relationships), or Torah education, but he won't fool his child. A child sees through all the token kindness and show of concern. If beneath it all is conceit and selfishness, then those are the "THE FINEST IN CHILDRENS WEAR & BABY GIFTS midas that he will learn. But when a AT LOWEST DISCOUNT PRICES" parent is genuinely concerned about •.• we don't Torah and midas, then it is not hard have to! to instill those values in his children. WE'RE All our REALLY NOT "LITTLE PRINCESSES" Indeed, both parents and teachers ADVERTISING and their mothers, are responsible for teaching good grandmothers and midas, but to do so they must first ANY MORE ••• be living examples of those midas friends are themselves. Today's Orthodox chil­ enthusiastically dren are in no way deficient in -.i111111.. ••••lllllliiii19~'11' spreading the good Shmiras Shabbos and Kashrus, I II word about us-AND because they see how much those THAT SAYS A LOT MORE THAN ANY ADVERTISEMENT! things are valued by society. But when it comes to mitzvos bein adam GRAND OPENING- lechaveiro, which are regularly NEW LAYETTE DEPARTMENT ignored by so many otherwise One of the largest selections anywhere of Orthodox people, they naturally everything for the newborn-coordinated bed­ feel they are not as important. ding with up to sixteen matching accessories­ When we see a child has acquired a quilts, bumpers, canopies, dust ruffles, wall bad midah, we should say to our­ selves, "What have I done that hangings-even lamps and curtains to match! In would give him the impression that gingham (7 colors) plaids, prints, appliques • such conduct is acceptable?" Once Cpmplete .line of Carter's and finest name brands we have done this, we are on firm * Truly lowest discount prices * And special gift ground to start teaching our chil­ too-one you'll be excited with! dren midas.

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70 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980

- ' :f I t

Agudath Israel: "Court Decision On Mandated Services Victory For Yeshivos" N.Y. Yeshivas to Receive $800,000 Anually Last Wednesday's {Feb. 20th) U.S. form of government assistance to non-public Rabbi Menachem Lubinsky, Director of Supreme Court 5-4 decision upholding New schools." Rabbi Sherer added: '"This is a vic­ Government and Public Affairs of Agudath York's Mandated Services Law of 1974 was tory for the millions of American children Israel of America, took note of some of the hailed as a "major victory for yeshivas" by whose parents opt for their right to select a remarks in Associate Justice Byron R. Professor , chairman of the school of their choice. Now, hopefully, other White's majority opinion. Justice White at Commission on Legislation and Civic Action states will follow New York in passing legis­ the end of his opinion acknowledged that the of Agudath Israel of America. Under Man­ lation to reimburse their local non-public nation was divided on the overall subject of dated Services, New York yeshivas receive schools for their mandated service expenses. government aid to non-governmental about $800,000 for such state required activi­ Also, the and schools. Rabbi Lubinsky: added: "It is no ties as attendance, record keeping and test­ other allies should see this court decision as a longer taken for granted that everyone ing. harbinger of a new mood in the Supreme opposes such assistance. We are moving Rabbi Moshe Sherer, president of Agu­ Court and the nation to rectify the injustice closer to the day when the Supreme Court dath Israel of America, who Was one of the from which non-public schools have suf­ will reflect the true mood of our nation that original architects of the New York law, fered for years, and will cease their obstinate the non-public schools are a vital ingredient expressed the hope that the decision "will and costly fight against the interests of to our society and should be officially aided serve notice on those who blindly oppose any yeshivas and Jewish survival." by government." ..... " - ~ UNITED MIZRAHI BANK LTD. ~)i'/ ..... IS THE .....··· 1<"\Vnl lr!lfira!C<.. 1nrluding· Take •adv.antage'of.the •• • SHALOM CERTIFICATES oppor.tunity• Ttw perfect gift for ev{'rv joi;ous occa~ion to purcha~e ten1etery plo!s. In. • UMB KING SOLOMON SPECIAL Eretz ·.Yisfoel in .. MifgashiShirnsho~·· SAVINGS CERTIFICATES ""·'· .... y erushafayim .. wrough. <>ur: Six monlh sa1.,ings cPrflfica1e<. newly. established . > • • • KING DAVID SAVINGS CERTIFICATES ·.·.. ·Cl'IEVRAH OSE.H\CH~SEt>. Long !{'rm savings C('rtificates ·.. OF.. A~UCA:i'H lSRAEt. . • THE NEW LIMB KING DAVID · Membership i'1 !lie Ch.ey.ra en• SUPER·8 CERTIFICATES Eigh1 yeilr. high yield sav·1ngs cer\if'icates. title; one Jo .. all b~n.,fos . which • UMB ISRAEL TRAVEL CARD acc()mpa:ny. the ·~~ice~ of. a lnno1Ja!ive banking and financ·1al expertise make CLOSED ON ALL Chevra: •••Kadish•< ~~d• i~t•rrn•n.t • UMB BANK AND TRUST COMPANY the bank for all your needs Wb~•·.··you ·Pu~~h~••·•~·•·Pl<>t fr.~rn thep.o~ring th~ UNITED MIZRAHI BANK LTD. many f-gudist --•l'.l-i:l,.-,ij'.if . . .. .

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 71 World Agudath Israel Executive to Follow Through on Knessia Gedolah The recently elected members of the inter­ a 2-year plan to implement key resolutions Boruch Borchardt, Moshe Brachfeld (Mex­ national executive of Agudath Israel World of the Knessia Gedolah. ico), Rabbi Henach Cohen, Rabbi Leib Organization met in February and will meet The American members and alternates Cywiak, Mr. Reuven Dessler, Rabbi Simcha again in March to map out plans on the fol­ elected to the world executive of Agudath Bunim Ehrenfeld, Rabbi Simcha Elberg, lowing through on the decisions and spirit of Israel at the Knessia Gedolah are: Eli Abram­ Rabbi Joseph Elias, Rabbi Reuven Feinstein, the Sixth Knessia Gedolah in Jerusalem. The czyk, Mendel Berg, Rabbi Chaskel Besser, Rabbi Elya Fisher, Benjamin Fishoff, Eugene meetings presided over by the new world Dr. Henry Biberfeld (Canada), Rabbi Shmuel Fixler, Rabbi Joseph Frankel, Joseph Fried­ chairman, Rabbi Moshe Sherer, are charting Bloom, Dr. Ernst Bodenheimer, Rabbi enson, William K. Friedman, Louis Glueck, Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein, Rabbi Yeruchem Gorelick, Rabbi Sidney Greenwald, Rabbi Shlomo Grunbaum, Avrohom Halpern, Chaim Hertz, Rabbi Moshe Horowitz, Rabbi Levi I. Horowitz, Rabbi , Rabbi Klein, Julius Klugmann, Dr. Y. Kugielsky (Argentina), Herman Landau (Canada), Mr. Lebglit (Argentina), Rabbi Samuel Arye Levin (Argentina), Rabbi Piekarski, Rabbi Shlomo Rottenberg, Her­ shel Rubinstein (Canada), Rabbi Nasson Scherman, Zev Schlesinger, Irving Schon­ brun, P.D. Schonfeld, Rabbi Getzel Segal, Aaron Seif, Menachem Shayovich, Rabbi Fishel Sochaczewski, Nochum Stein, Rabbi Pinchas M. Teitz, David Turkel, Rabbi Valt NEW CLASSES BEGIN (Brazil), ahd Rabbi Nissan Wolpin. Dr. Isaac Lewin was elected a member of APRIL 1980 the movement's world presidium. The rep­ resentatives from Australia and South Africa are invited to the meetings in New York. The Legal Secretary, 28 Weeks Israeli world executive members met in Jeru­ salem in February, and the European mem­ bers held its first meeting in London in Executive Secretary, 24 Weeks March. _The American new office of the Agudath ABC Shorthand/Secretary, 16 Weeks Israel World Organization will be located in a suite of offices which will be opened later at 5 Secretary/Gal Friday, 24 Weeks Beekman Street, New York City.

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72 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 260 Bnos Agudath Israel Leaders Launch j Russian Tutoring Program

A volunteer tutoring program to help Rus­ Brooklyn, expandJd the theme to include Traditional sian immigrant children was launched in those "in our backyard" who have not January at the 14th national convention of enjoyed the benefit of a yeshiva education. Premium Bnos Agudath Israel of America, which Rabbi Joseph Elias, dean of Rika Breuer marked 50 years of service on the American Seminary for Women, urged the participants Quality scene. The tutoring program will concentrate to intensify their own dedication to Torah on three basic conc_erns: learning to speak and mitzvos as a prerequisite to helping Kosher English, general help in school work, and others. Workshops were conducted by Mrs. being a friend or "big sister" to a Russian Aliza Grund, Mrs. Sheina Dena Rupp, and for Over 3 child, which is so important in bringing them Mrs. Pessie Schwartz. closer to Yiddishkeit. "A primary objective of Bnos Agudath Generations The theme of the convention, "Reaching Israel," stressed Rabbi Joshua Silbermintz, Out to New Jewish Immigrants," was under­ national director of Pirchei Agudath Israel of scored by the participation of a group of America, "must be to emphasize those areas Russian Jewish immigrar\ts who are part of a of Jewish responsibility not fully covered in new leadership training program under school-such as visiting nursing homes on instructor Rivkah Wolfson of Agudath Shabbos and during free time". Greetings Israel's Project RISE {Russian Immigrant were extended by Rabbi Boruch Borchadt, Services and Education). These teenagers will executive director of Agudath Israel of be a source of Boos leaders for groups of America, on behalf of the parent organiza­ Russian-speaking children. tion. Participants expressed the feeling that the 50 years of Bnos were marked by Mrs. convention was a refreshing change from the Benisch, a student of Sara Schenirer and an standard mid-winter vacation fare. The 260 active member of Bnos in Europe. high school and post-high school students "Hashem's Heroes-Those who observe Accepted and Preferred who took part in the convention are leaders Shmitta Laws in Israel" -was led by Rabbi worldwide without of local chapters of Bnos Agudath Israel in Shmuel Y. Herman, Dean of Medrasha Ohr reservation the United States and Canada. During the Yerushalayim in Bayit V'gan-Jerusalem. The Most Trusted three-day convention, they explored ways The convention culminated with the mov­ Naine in Kosher for youth to meet challenges facing them in ing advice to prepare for the coming of Poultry and Foods the American Jewish community today. Moshiach from Rabbi Avrohom Blumen­ The spiritual and social integration of Rus­ krantz, noted educator and rabbi of Congre­ sian-speaking girls and their families was gation Ateres Yisroel of Far Rockaway, New discussed by Mr. and Mrs. Yitzchok Biegel­ York. Inspiration and advice were carried Furnished Apartment for Rent eisen, both active in Jewish communal home by all to bring to their local branches. Jerusalem, Israel, affairs, and Rabbi Chaim Kahn, director of Enthusiastic thanks were expressed to the Section. 5 Rooms fully furnished continuing education of Torah Umesorah. presidium of Bnos Agudath Israel for their for rent, telephone, central heating, Rabbi Avner German, rabbi of Starrett City, efficient organizing of the convention. air conditioning, available immediatly ·...... E.Z.

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 73 Agudath Israel-Maimonides Hospital in "Bris Milah" Accord for Russians Project Rise Emerges as a Full Service Agency An unusual agreement which will help Families who seek to keep kosher homes informal meetings have made for a rich cross speed circumcision, bris milah, for hundreds receive two sets of dishes and cookware. fertilization of culture and a great deal of of newly arrived Russian Jews, was recently Large numbers of religious articles such as warmth and good will. concluded between Project RISE (Russian and mezuzos are distributed regularly. RISE staff aided by a large cadre of volun­ Immigrant Services and Education) of Agu­ Pamphlets on the significance of the religious t~ers are currently making plans for special dath Israel of America and the Maimonides articles are simultaneously disseminated. Purim and Pesach programs similar to the Medical Center in Brooklyn's Baro Park sec­ RISE volunteers also respond to numerous successful activities of recent Jewish holi­ tion. The joint venture became necessary questions about Jewish law. days. Special gatherings and Shalach Monos when a growing number of the immigrants, A great deal of emphasis at the Agudath packages was the focus of the Purim pro­ who were unable to be circumcized in the Israel immigrant service agency is placed on gram. Kosher for Passover food packages Soviet Union, sought to have the bris per­ education. Rabbi Oratz, himself a noted and special sedorim will be highlights of the formed here. educator, spends much of his time placing Pesach program, The procedures worked out between Russian Jewish children in yeshivas and day In addition to the special religious and cul­ Rabbi Chaim Twerski of the hospital and schools and helping develop and maintain tural activities of RISE, nearly 4,000 Russian Rabbi Ephraim Oratz, director of Project special educational programs for immigrant immigrants continue to benefit from other RISE, involves a full medical team and youth and adults. Project RISE has been Agudath Israel services. Large numbers dozens of volunteers. The circumcisions are instrumental in providing educational guid­ receive their job training as well as their first held in the hospital operating room by staff ance and counseling to Yeshiva Be'er Hago­ jobs in this country from Project COPE. A mohalim with an anesthetist and urologist in lah and continues to help the school with joint project with the Cheshbonot Society, an attendance. The bris is performed after a programming, material and personnel. Sev­ organization of Orthodox Jewish account­ general physical examination which usually eral other yeshivas have also opened special ants, assists the immigrants with the prepara­ takes place a day in advance. When hospital classes for Russian Jewish children with the tion of their tax forms. stay becomes necessary, that, too, is provided assistance of Project RISE. Russian immigrants are served at Agudath at no cost. Additional psychological support Other educational activities of Project Israel's national headquarters at 5 Beekman and encouragement are provided by volun­ RISE include dispatching tutors to the Street and at field sites throughout the city of teers, together with Russian speaking Project various yeshivas and day schools to help New York. The local operations are also RISE staff workers. integrate Russian Jewish children into the active in the housing, clothing, furniture and In describing the bris program, Rabbi school, after school programs around the all other physical needs of the new Ameri­ Oratz, called it "the continuation of the city, a pilot lib.rary of Judaica in Russian, cans. remarkable story of courage of the new English, Yiddish and Hebrew, and a leader­ ." He said that a large number ship training program where high school of the new arrivals were yearning for the students at Be' er Hagolah are being trained to

"full Jewish experience" which has inspired lead youth groups. 1"1,~:2' Cl"~»" MW'~ n,i::i"T iDCI more intense effort by the Agudath Israel The highly successful "Adopt-A-Family" rwiip C"!O» MU!!O nii=i iDC agency. Rabbi Oratz cited just several campaign of Project RISE where Russian examples of the growing RISE involvement Jewish immigrant families are informally Commentary on the Talmud by of the Agudath Israel agency for Russian invited to American host families has already Rabbi Moshe Feinstein K"t>•?w. Jews: matched up some 300 "adoptions." These There are still a limited number r------, of large size vol. 5 MUii! milK I ls your name and address printed incorrectly on the JO mailing label? (Halachic Responsa) available. Are you moving'' Help us deliver your JO to you as efficiently as possi· I These Seforim can be obtained I ble. Please attach current mailing label in space below: or else print clear· I at your local Hebrew Book Store I ly your address as we now have it or at Yeshiva Tifereth Jerusalem, Name 145 E. Broadway, N.Y.C. 10002

Address ... rucln Jib nNr,, 11' .. cin City. State. Zip .... N"~-.;tV' l"~W)"D MW'~ ,, ::2iil rwiip C"!O» MIV!O n1i=i iDC Print your correct (or new) name and address here· n110=• C"!O» n11110 n1i=i ioc Name .. n,iYn ilN:bt.3 ini .. c:i::i ,;;~l Address .. j'1Dl j'1D ;, 7» City. State. Zip .. C.. ',l't.3 T'",11' ?11l OlD1~ 'n p?n nwl! milK Mail to: lK C'1DO '1'11! 7JK Cl'11m'i ilVDK The Jewish Observer I Yeshiva Tifereth Jerusalem, 5 Beekman St/NYC 10038 145 E. Broadway,·N.Y.C. L ____ _ ------'

74 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980

.iL Progress Report in Camp Agudah i

A new building to serve as the shul for Camp Agudah is in the ing summer session. Photographs above show exterior and interior final stages of construction and will be ready i1"'M in time for this com- views. 25 Million Dollar Children Torah Rescue Fund Proclaimed By Chinuch Atzmai Torah Schools A $25 million emergency campaign to replace and repair these buildings, putting Shabse Frankel, founding treasurer of the close a three-fold deficit in the Chinuch the entire burden of refurbishing the 20 American Committee for Torah Schools, Atzmai-Torah Schools for Israel system was buildings on the Chinuch Atzmai adminis­ presently a Bnei Brak resident, who traveled proclaimed at a special conference of the tration. to Jerusalem especially to attend the meeting. International Board of Governors in Jerusa­ The third deficit area is the lack of schools Present at the meeting were Hagon Harav lem on January 12, 1980. Hagaon Harav to serve growing urban areas in IsraeL Gurwitz of England; an American delegation Yaakov Kamenetsky and Hagaon Harav According to Knesset Member Rabbi Mena­ including Harabanim Hagaonim: Rav Levi Yaakov Yitzchok Ruderman, who were visit­ chem Porush, a new school must be estab­ Krupenia, Rav Yaakov Perlow, Rav Aaron ing Israel at the time, called this conference to lished with every one of the residential Schechter, Rav Reuvain Feinstein; and explore the problems plaguing this system of communities rising in our cities, or the Torah Harabanim Hagaonim: Shapiro 300 schools and kindergartens. educational system will fall even further and Rav Shlomo Noach Brozovsky of Israel. The first deficit was pointed out by behind our growing needs. Also participating were members of Chinuch Hagaon Har av Schneur Kotler, who cited the These three areas of pressing needs must Atzmai's executive staff: Rabbi Shmuel challenge of his late father Hagaon Reb be viewed in consideration of other features Weinberg, Reb Fishel Gelenter, Rabbi Aaron '"1T; that the dramatic deficit of contemporary Israel-rampaging inflation, Steinhaus, Rabbi Israel Orlansky, Reb of neshamos be closed-referring to the tens which has doubled the current budgetary Avrohom Wilhelm, Rabbi M.J. Tannenbaum of thousands of additional children that needs; and the thousands of parents clamor­ and Rabbi Henach Cohen. should be attending Chinuch Atzmai ing for for their children Upon his return to New York, Rabbi Schools, but have not yet been reached. after witnessing the bankruptcy of the Henach Cohen, Executive Director of the Rabbi Kotler was introduced by Harav General School programs that are void of the national offices in America, expressed the Shraga Grosbard, Director General of the ethical values and morality of Torah's tradi­ hope that the American Jewish community, Tor ah School network, who chaired the meet­ tional teachings. Taking into account today's which has always assisted in developing and ing after it was opened by Harav Ekhonon high costs of both building and maintenance, maintaining Israel's Torah School network, Sorotzkin. Mr. Fishel Feldman, prominent communal will contribute its share in this $25 million The second area of deficit is fhat of school leader and first treasurer of the Chinuch campaign to help overcome these difficult housing, for a score of buildings accom­ Atzmai when it was founded 28 years ago, times and secure the future of Torah in Israel. mod atin~ Torah Schools in Israel's develop­ recommended that a world-wide emergency ring towns are in substandard condition, and campaign be undertaken to raise $25 million The campaign will be inaugurate at the may be forced to dose if not radically to secure the future of the Torah School Torah Schools National Dinner April 27th at repaired. Rabbi Shlomo Lorencz, Chairman System. the New York Hilton where a group of lay of Israel's Knesset Finance Committee, The meeting was well attended, graced leaders designated by the BOard of Governors reported on the inability of the Government's with the participation of many pioneer will spearhead the drive in behalf of Israel's Treasury to make available the funds to Chinuch Atzmai supporters, including Reb children.

75 "Mincha Minyan" Map Yeshivas Toras Made Available by Agudath Israel Chaim A map and index of minyanim for Mincha in lower Manhattan was recently published HIGH SCHOOL by Agudath Israel of America in a seventh AND DAIS revised edition, compiled by Dr. Bernard Fryshman-newly named director of the MEDRASH Commission on Community Services of Agudath Israel of America. REGISTRATIONS Dr. Fryshman indicated that Agudath Israel is prepared to serve as a clearing house for the coming for-or even tO help organize-new min­ Zman yanim. Any such information or requests should be addressed to the Commission on are presently Community Services, Agudath Israel of being accepted America, 5 Beekman Street, New York 10038. Orders for free copies of the Mincha Yeshiva Toras Chaim Map should include a self-addressed stamped envelope. 1400 Quitman Avenue Denver, CO 80204 (303) 292-9060 RllBB! M05f:S n:INS'!TIN America's Torah : o•n11"'" "''" '""'" '"'"'"'""ho (212) 4-8988 ,,. "'''" M>••lo 'U "'" """" '"' "'''' 010"' ,,,_., "'""" ""''' 1"'' "" '"'" .,.,,, '"'"' "0'"' .• ,,, '""'' Rabbi Isaac Wasserman Your Support of T'O'I' •, )H>" '"F '"'""' "''''" ''101'1' 0••>1•> .,,. t>'U '"'"'" "'''""" b .. """"'~ , .. ,.,, "'"" ., .. ., 1" •• ,,,,. "'~ .,, ..,,, .. ,,,, '"'" '" .. ,., ... ,.,., .,. ,,, .. .,, (212) 438-4662 the Men of Valor ll••'· """" '" """"' a'• ,,, '>u "'''"" ''"'" """ "'.'"" ''''' "'''" ... ,,er, .. ,.., ,,. •"1 '"'""''I"•~ Applicants accepted without regard to race, >1i1 ''" '>010 l:IO: '>>• ,;,,l C'C' Oto,,.,"'" '"" 'lo• color and national origin. Who Are ..,,;;.,, "" ,,,,, ""'"'' .•.. , ''" .,.,, ""'"' .,. ,, .., ..,, ,, ""''" ., '""'" ""~: •"''' "'' """ ""' T"'' •>a •ae~• 'I"" o•p'>i O"'>' '" '''' l'"H '' K'."' •"•'"" O'I•''' Keeping the Shmittah •""'"' •••.oc ""' """'' !1"> "'" ''" "'''' '"'" "'"" SI''' :• ttM'I "'''>' ."1<~1"." » """' 'I,;) 01>1> ''H"'' , ..... 0"'" 0>" .">••'1 r"'""' C'l!~' ,,,,,) ''''~'" ,'>>• During the Year ~··i'"'' ~''"'" "'"" t''"' ,. .• ~, ,, .•• ""'!' '"'''"•' ""' ,,,,., ''""''"" "b'>r -~1xn1 "'"'" >o• '"'"' ~·'>1 OH> 5740. '"""~" MO;- o"~" ''>" •o: 0\~tt" '>1 'OMO ,~,, "'

r------Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (see letter), the Keren HaShvi'is/c/o Agudath Israel of I Agudos Horabbonim, and the Hisachdus 1America/5 Beekman St./NYC 10038 or c/o Horabbonim, among others, turn to you to Rabbi Yaakov Perlow/1569-47 St./ I help the 1300 independent farmers who have 1Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219 j responded to the call of Moshav Kommemius I to keep the Sabbatical year of rest . In response to the call of Gedolei Yisroel, These men now must find means of sup- I I am enclosing my contribution of $ to the 1 port during this year of abstenance from Keren Hashvi'is. farming. Israel's Torah leaders have created a 1 fund to support this undertaking-Keren I HaShvi'is-with a budget of over $2 million. Name ------By contributing generously to Keren j HaShvi'is, you are participating in the heroic Address ------mitzvah of keeping the Shmittah and -as our I teachers have told us-hastening the arrival ._o_f_M_o_s_h_ia_c_h_.------~City, State, Zip-- ____ J

76 The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 Kattowitr. Founding of Europe: Hungarian Uprising· Washington: Agudath Israel of Agudath Israel World Ag11dath Israel houses. feeds. and America fights for draft exemption Organization educates thousands of refugees in for yeshiva boys 1923 Europe 1972 Vienna: Chofetz Chaim 1960 Atlantic City: Agudath Israel opens First Knessia Gedola Covention establishes Russian Washington D.C.: Agudath Israel Immigrant Rescue Fund Moetzes Gedolai HaTorah of America representative tesllfies estabf1shed as highest before Congr<>ss on behalf of decision-making body, government aid to yeshivos 1973 headed by Rabbi Chaim Agudath Israel of America's Ozer Grodzensky ... Gerer Commission on Senior Citizens; Rebbe, among other Torah 1963 launched dailyChessed for 10,000 leaders. participates N.Y.C,: The Jewish Obse!\1€r. elderly DafYomi launched by Rabbi monthly magazine launched Yorn Kippur War - Agudath Israel Meir Shapiro of America sets up Emergency 1924 1965 Fund for Israel Cracow: Agudath Israel Washington D.C.: Agudath Israel 1974 assumes helm of Sais of America pleads. Congress votes 2.AJ:s Program Yaakov Movement support for non-public schools (JEP) brings kids to Torah ZAJ. launchesAm HaTorah. 1937 Brooklyn: Pirthe\ Agudath Israel journal of Chidushei Torah Marienbad: Third Knessia convenes first Siyum Mishnayos Gedola/Sets Palestine Ba 'al Peh. Thousands now 1975 policy. Dem<1nd free Agudath Israel of America founds Immigration Project C.0.P.E.; served employment needs of 15.000 since 1938 1966 Jan_ 75 Europe: 1.000.000 AJbany: Agudath Israel of America members and supporters of initiative results in textbooks for Agudath Israel New York State yeshiva students 1976 RESHET - Torah EducMion 1939 1967 Network begins. meeting adult U.SA.: Rabbi Elchonon educational needs Albany: Shomer Shabbos workers Wasserman visits U-5 A mobilizes win rights in New York State Agudah youth through Agudath Israel efforts 1978 JUDAJSCOPE - launching N.Y.C.: Moetzes Gedolai HaTorah. 1941 of Series II of Je'Wish Pocket chaired by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein. N.Y.C.: Zeirei (Agudah Youth) Books sends food packages to European calls for prayer and support of Project RISE - meeting ghettoes; helps Jews escape beleaguered State of Israel needs of Russian Jewish War Years immigrants to U.5.A 1970 South Brooklyn Community European Jewiy in ruins Buenos Alres: Agudath Israel of Organization - Agudath America inspires Buenos Aires Israel of America organiies 1941 community lo establish Beis for preservingJe'Wish urban Rabbi Aron Kotler and Rabbi Midrash and Kole! neighborhoods Reuvein Grozovsky arrive in U.S. Intensify rescue efforts. and - in succession - head American for 67 years Agudath Israel has been writing history, serving Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah as the hand of outstanding personalities ... loyal Torah 1944 N.Y. State: Camp Agudah for followers ... activists ... thinkers ... people like YOU. boys/Camp Bnos for girls founded in Catsklll Mountains Join Agudath Israel of America, the national Torah 1947 1980 Jerusalem: Agudath Israel wins coalition, at this exciting time in the life of Kial Yisroel, and written guarantees of religious life in State of Israel from Jewish write history now. Agency PRESIDIUM: N.Y. City: Agudath Israel of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein. chairman I Rabbi Moshe Horowiti (Boston er Rebbe) /Rabbi Shnwr Kotler/ Rabbi Yaakov Perlow {Nooominsker Rebbe) I America begins annual campaigli Rabbi Chaskel Besser I Rabbi Moshe Sherer• Nochum S1ein. National Membership Chainnan to ship Matzoh parcels to Eastern Europe - -Fill out and mail this application today 0 Become a member now!- - - 1948 Agudath Israel of America 5 Bt>ekman Street New York City. 10038 N.Y. City: Zeirei Agudalh Israel f ] Enclosed rkase find my check for national membership in Agudath publishes Jewish Pocket Book Israel. ($18 annual membership. New members pay only $12. and receive free one year introductory subscription to [ J The Jewish Obsen,er or Series I J Dos Yiddishe Vort-a $9'value. Total $27.00-you save $15.00. Please 1950 indicate your choice of magazine.) Jerusalem: Agudath Israel founds Name .. Ch\nuch Atzma·1 in Eretz Y1sroel Address. N.Y. City: Dos Yiddishe Vort. City, Sta:.,, Zip ...... Yiddish language monthly ! ! Please send me more il'lformatlon on Agudath Isrnel of America. launched

Tiu· cos1> of !his orloe'1i

78 The· Jewish Observer I February, 1980 YESHIVA OF STATEN ISLAND l'

INTRODUCES A SPECIAL SUMMER PROGRAM ANNOUNCES A SPECIAL ON OUR 68-ACRE CAMPSITE IN THE COMMUTING PROGRAM CATSKILLS FOR FOR GRADES 7, 8 AND UP * SHIURIM * THE COMING ELLUL ZMAN * EXCELLENT MECHANCHIM * FOR BORO PARK, FLATBUSH, * YESHIVA RUACH * AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES * Recreational Activities * •TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE YESHIVA • Supervised and Varied • FOR 9th GRADERS • *Boating, Swimming, Basketball, etc. • • SHABBOSIM AT HOME FOR THOSE WHO WISH * TURN YOUR SUMMER INTO INTERVIEWS AND VISITING 8 EXCITING AND SHABBOSIM FOR HIGH SCHOOL FULFILLING WEEKS. AND BAIS HAMEDRASH STAFF POSITIONS AVAILABLE Call Mon., Wed., Fri.: 356-4323 (9-12)

~)1~£t/ CAMP 1 \ 71 ,,~\,~ / A UNIQUE TORAH CAMP OFFERING A COMPLETE LEARNING AND \ ~ cAMP RECREATIONAL PROGRAM FOR YESHIVAH STUDENTS AGES 10-16 KOL TORAH • Intensive Torah Atmosphere • Boating , • Shiurim conducted by experienced teachers on • All organized sports activities Chumash, Halacha, Cemorah and Meforshim • Trips and excursions to places of interest • Swimming and water sports in the Mid-West. LOCATION: Scenic grounds at the campus in Northeast Ohio. SEASON: Tamuz 23 - Menachem Av 22 (July 7 - August 4) RATES: $380; small charge for excursions and insurance For further information contact the representative in your area: Baltimore: Rabbi V. Rosen (301) 358-4577 Monsey: Rabbi E. Goldfischer (914) 356-7964 Chicago: Rabbi Avrohom Weil (312) 973-6715 Montreal: Rabbi I. Zryl (514) 739-6028 Rabbi R. Levinson (312) 267-9151 Moshe Friedman (514) 273-6478 Rabbi Chaim Weinberg(312) 539-5122 New York: Rabbi F. Steinmetz (212) 436-0141 Cincinnati: Rabbi M. Deutsch (513) 531-6142 Phoenix: Rabbi L. Scheinbaum (602) 266-6549 Columbus: Dr. I. fried (614) 237-5780 : Rabbi A. Brodie (412) 521-4975 : Rabbi S. Kaufman (313) 967-3352 Rabbi G, Brea (412) 421"7752 Avrohom Borenstein (313) 967-3502 Toronto: Rabbi S. Moddel (416) 783-2557 Miami: Rabbi Z. Leff (305) 651-5507 Rabbi E. Appelbaum (416) 781-8632 Minneapolis: Rabbi H. Dachs (612) 922-0524 Rabbi H. Roberts (612) 920-1247 or Write to the registration office for further -information: CAMP KOL TORAH - 3599 HARVEY ROAD - HEIGHTS. OHIO 44118 Tet (216) 321·9282

The Jewish Observer I February, 1980 79 -~--~-·-

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