Kislev 5765 •December 2004 •VOL XXXVII/NO. 10

THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021- 6615 is published monthly except July and August by the Agudath Israel of America, 42 Broadway, New York, NY10004. Periodicals postage paid in New York, NY. Subscription $24.00 per year; two years, $44.00; three years, $60.00. Outside of the United States (US funds drawn on a US bank only) $12.00 surcharge per year. Single copy $3.50; foreign $4.50. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Observer, 42 Broadway, NY, NY 10004. Tel: 212-797-9000. Fax: 6 Grasping the Kedusha,Avoiding the Pitfalls, When American 646-254-1600. Printed in the U.S.A. Families Move to Eretz Yisroel, Yair Spalter RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR

EDITORIAL BOARD 14 The Liberal Left Versus Religious Faith in the Public Arena, RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS Owiirman Yonoson Rosenblum

RABBI ABBA BRUDNY JOSEPH FRIEDENSON 22 The Battle for the Menorah, Rabbi Yisroel Greenwald RABBI YISROEL MEIR KIRZNER RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN PROF. AARON TWERSKI 27 Empowering One's Tefilla with Enhanced Kavana,

DR. ERNST L. BODENHEIMER Z"L Rabbi Heshy Kleinman ...... RABBI MOSHE SHERER ZHL 34 Mrs. Fruma Leah Mandel :-rv,A Pioneer of Girls' Chinuch in MANAGEMENT BOARD AVI FISHOF. NAFTOU HIRSCH America, Rabbi Shimon Finkelman ISAAC KIRZNER. RABBI SHLOMO LESIN NACHUM STEIN 40 An Exercise in Avodas Hashem, Rabbi Yisroel Rutman RABBI VOSEF C. GOLDING Miln;oging Editor

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THE OPPORTUNITIES the words ofour chachamim (sages), who the natural way of life. They have resis­ AND THE CHAtLENGES extol the virtues of Eretz Yisroel in count­ ted the influences of the outside world to less Gemoras and Midrashim, the Jewish an unparalleled degree, and the insatiable here are few zechuyos as great as people have always possessed a strong thirst for material gains and pleasures that the opportunity to live and raise emotional tie to the land, and desired to plagues the modern world is practically Ta family in Eretz Yisroel. Eretz be among its inhabitants. Certainly, foreign to their inhabitants. It is thus no Yisroel is the land to which Hashem gives someone who has spent time studying surprise that thousands of families from constant attention. This means that in Israel has experienced the sanctity of across the globe are seeking refuge in these Hashgacha prattis (Divine guidance) is the land permeating his being, and feels spiritual greenhouses, and planting their more tangible in Eretz Yisroel, and that the magnetic draw of Eretz Yisroel. children in their institutions, where they life there is more naturally imbued with These feelings stem from Avraham can develop as genuine Torah-true meaning and spirituality. The Lan.cl of Avinu, who, ever since he responded to Yidden. Moving to Eretz Yisroel, then, is Israel is the porthole through which the command of"Lech lecha;' implant­ certainly a great opportunity, but it is also kedusha enters the world through which ed this longing in the soul of every Jew. a challenge. And as with all challenges, cer­ our tefillos ascend to Heaven. Living in Today, it is not only the love of Eretz tainly in the spiritual realm, there is also Bretz Yisroel means kirvas Hashem, Yisroel that draws Jews from abroad to a possibility of regression or even failure, being close to the Ribbono Shel Olam. It make aliya. Many are seeking an escape Heaven forbid. facilitates siyatta diShemaya (Heavenly from the materialistic Western world, The successful integration of assistance) in limud ha Torah and kiyum which is replete with non-Jewish ideals American families into Israeli chareidi hamitzvos (observance). It is the land and undesirable influences. In a time when society is not guaranteed. While some where all Kial Yisroel is meant to be. most of the civilized world is uncivilized families make the adjustment with ease Indeed, throughout the two-thou­ and common sense is uncommon, the and embark on their new lives in Eretz sand-year galus, Jews have yearned to live search for a wholesome, sheltered envi­ Yisroel with great success, many find the in Eretz Yisroel, making great sacrifices ronment in which to raise a family has change from an American kehilla to an simply to reach its holy soil. Inspired by drawn many to settle in the Holy Land. Israeli chareidi neighborhood an enor­ Rabbi Spolter lives with his wife and four chil­ The chareidi communities of Eretz mous challenge. These families often find dren in Kiryat Sefer, and is a rebbe at Mosdos Yisroe~ in particular, are oases of Torah themselves at odds with the Israeli men­ Kesher, a Yerushalayim-based yeshiva for ideals where the pursuit of spirituality is tality and educational system, and have American youth at risk. The Jewish Observer alive and well. Torah values thrive in their difficulty getting their children acclimated acknowledges Rabbi Yona Taube of Kiryat Scfer for his contribution to this discussion. purest form, and Torah and mitzvos are to an unfamiliar environment. For some

6 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 families, the bumps along the road to aliya other hand, are brought to Israel by their from there." are simply insurmountable, and their only parents, and may have more difficulty Rabbi Zev Oratz has spent the past solution is to head back to the U.S. coping and fitting in. five years working with young adults How does one prepare for a success­ from English-speaking homes who have ful aliya? What are the factors that deter­ AMERICAN YOUTH IN ISRAEL strayed from Yiddishkeit. Two years mine success or failure? What kinds of - NOT A SIMPLE SITUATION ago, he opened "The Zone, a teen hang­ families are more likely to acclimate to out located in the center of town on a Israeli society with ease? What do rab­ roblems with children can range street lined with bars and nightclubs. The banim, mechanchim, and gedolei Yisroel in severity from an unhappy child Zone is staffed with counselors who try say about these issues? Whom can one Pwho just gets by, to a depressed son to make a connection with these kids and turn to for advice? This article is an or daughter who doesn't want to go to help them sort out their lives. The clien­ attempt to survey these areas of concern school, to a rebellions teenager who is tele is mainly American teeuage boys and and to offer some answers. turned off from religion completely. girls (on separate nights) who have come GETTING ACCLIMATED • aking aliya is not only a spir­ \\when a parent says to his kid, 'Yeah, that's itual or geographical move. It what the chareidi rabbanim say, but M also means completely alter­ ing your social atmosphere. Rebbetzin we're different,' the child learns quickly that there Yehudis Salenger gives parenting class­ es and is a source of personal guidance is 'us' and 'them.' This can be very dangerous." for hundreds of Anglo families living in Eretz Yisroefs chareidi neighborhoods. "When someone goes to Russia or to • Africa," she comments, "he expects to Unfortunately, the latter is becoming a I on aliya and turned to the streets. Rabbi encounter a different culture. But for reality all too familiar to chareidi com­ Oratz estimates that between ten and some reason, people think that when munities throughout the country. twenty-percent of children who make they come to Eretz Yisroel, it won't be Children of American olim who don't aliya in their teenage years end up going that way. When they get here, they can make it in the system can quickly turn off the derech, meaning that a family that be very surprised:' to the streets, where they meet up with moves with three children in their teens Working for two years as the more of their own breed. (not an uncommon scenario) has a forty Director of Social Services for Nefesh Rabbi Yossi Amar is a Ramal Beit percent chance of oue of their children B'nefesh, Dr. Dodi Tobin learned a lot Shemesh resident who teaches in Ohr abandoning Yiddishkeit. about the effects of aliya on American Chadash, a yeshiva/vocational training Mashgiach, lecturer and author of youth. In her opinion, there is much to program in Telz Stone for American numerous books on chinuch, Rabbi consider before deciding to bring chil­ teenage boys. Noach Orlowek has been counseling dren on aliya. "Identity and self-esteem Rabbi Amar began reaching out to American families in Bretz Yisroel for over are major issues for adolescents;' says Dr. troubled American teens in his neigh­ twenty-five years. Rabbi Orlowek asserts Tobin. "Beginning around the age of borhood, helping them cope with their that the most pivotal factor determin­ nine and throughout the teen years, problems. "There are, unfortunately, a ing whether a family will be successful social life is a crucially important part lot of them;' he says, "both boys and girls. in tackling these issues or not is family of a child's life. When an adolescent is Some of these kids are new olim, and stability. "Strong shalom bayis;' says Rabbi plucked out of his environment, away some were actually born here, but they Orlowek, "is imperative for a family to from his familiar friends and commu­ grew up as Americans." Although he has make it through aliya. Otherwise, the nity, and is placed into a new culture had success in reaching many children, pressures and strains that are realities in where everything is foreign to him and Rabbi Amar reports that overall, the issue Eretz Yisroel will have a very deleterious he can't even communicate, it can be very of troubled American teens in Eretz effect. If a family is strong, on the other distressing, and can result in rebellion." Yisroel only seems to be getting worse. hand, they may actually find the trans­ Dr. Tobin points out that parents who "In some communities;' he says, "rebel­ formation from American to Israeli soci­ make aliya often feel like strangers in a lious youth have already created their ety to be a bondiug experience, one that strange land, but being adults and own subculture and established them­ brings them closer together:' having made the conscious decision to selves as an entity. If a kid is not mak­ Considering the effects that the make aliya, they generally have the ing it in the system, he knows where to severe changes of aliya can have on chil­ resources to manage. Teenagers, on the find friends, and then it's all downhill dren, Rabbi Orlowek counsels parents

The Jewish Observer, December 2004 7 to approach the idea of moving to Bretz ting along can be a constant struggle. ments for the sake of unity and the com­ Yisroel with children with great caution. Israeli society in general is very mon good. Americans are, in general, He quotes Rabbi Nachman Bulman '>"Yr polarized. Affiliation with one group or more unassuming and non-confronta­ as having said that the time for families another is a crucial fact oflife. Either you tional. In the context of the frum Torah to come to Bretz Yisroel is either before decide to which group you belong, or world, the American mentality encour­ the children are born or after they're mar­ society will take one look at you and label ages self-expression within the framework ried. "I would certainly say;' he adds, "that you. There is no riding the fence, no mid­ of unwavering allegiance to Torah and parents who bring children here over the dle of the road, no "I'm okay, you're okay:' mitzvos. A Torah community can thus age of 6 or 7 are taking a big chance." The polar nature of Israeli society has be made up of families who fit into a gen­ Rabbi Orlowek asserts that in order for driven the chareidim to express their eral hashkafa category, despite minor dis­ children to successfully integrate into the extreme allegiance to Torah in every crepancies in their particular affiliations, Israeli system, they must be confident, aspect of their lives. Where one lives, how mode of dress, or social interests. socially stable, and have no language he dresses, which institutions he supports, problems. An overly sensitive child will where his children go to school - each ASK THE EXPERTS most likely experience difficulties. "The of these makes a public statement of affil­ society in Bretz Yisroel is marked by a iation. ringing these two worlds togeth­ tougher mentality. In U.S. schools, There are strict unwritten rules about er is a very difficult task, and one you're likely to find teachers more in tune what children should and should not be Bthat many families making aliya with the needs of an American child than doing, and many extracurricular activ­ are simply unprepared for. According to an Israeli teacher in a chareidi school." ities or creative outlets are off-limits for noted lecturer and mechanech, Rabbi boys. The home is meant to be a para­ Zecharya Greenwald, problems occur AT THE CORE OF THE ISSUE­ digm of Torah values no less than the when Americans come to Bretz Yisroel CLASHING MENTALITIES classroom, and the community has a without wanting to make any changes right (and the might) to demand that in their lifestyle. People who want to live he most pivotal issue for their standards be respected within the an American lifestyle in Bretz Yisroel are American olim is the vast differ­ privacy of one's home. Educationally, setting themselves up for conflict, espe­ Tence between American and stress is placed more on excelling and cov­ cially between the home and the schools. Israeli-chareidi mentalities. In the words ering ground and less on meeting the Rabbi Greenwald tells families who are of Ohr Sameach maggid shiur Rabbi needs of the individual student. Socially, making aliya that they must become Dovid Kaplan, fitting an American fam­ Torah scholarship and being in kollel are absorbed into society, which includes ily into Israeli society is like trying to plug measuring sticks of prominence. By con­ making outward changes. ''Families are a 110 volt appliance into a 220 volt out­ trast, American society is built on egal­ often attracted to Bretz Yisroel;' he let. Olim often find that where they come itarian principles, which means comments, "because there are things that from and where they are now living are respecting everyone for who they are, and they admire about the chinuch or the sim­ literally two different worlds, and that get- downplaying differences and disagree- ple way of life. What they must realize is that it is precisely the attitude of the strict Israeli system that produces these desirable characteristics." just onegear at. .. Others echo Rabbi Greenwald's remarks. Rabbi Zev Leff, Rav of Moshav Matityahu, counsels families making aliya ~~~ trrnn "I'»' '"'" itJtDD to "leave some of your hashkafos from THE SEMINARY Chutz La'aretz behind." When a family f~aa;j NEW BAIS YAAKOV comes to Bretz Yisroe4 he says, they must conform to what the school wants . ... opens tlie dPor wa l!fetime efpossibilities! Rabbi Orlowek offers: "Parents must be aware that the system here has a very Our students have been accepted Adelphi U. has established academic scholarships in different approach from that of the to the finest graduate schools! addition to Financial Aid American chareidi institutions. If you !!&: Speech Pathology ><:PT/OT PELL, TAP, ETC. want to live in Bretz Yisroe4 you must be &&: Education &&: Social Work SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIPS in line with the daas Torah here. This IM: Special Education !IC: Business IAVAILABLE means that your children's options for parnassa are going to be very limited, by REBBETZIN SORA F. BULKA, n7nn:t RABBI YESHAYA LEVY, 7nlO tl'P MRS. GITTIE NEUFELD, ASST.PRINCIPAL nature of the schools they attend. It 2600 OCEAN AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11229 M. 718.769.8160 M. FAX: 718.769.8640 means less limudei chol (secular studies)

8 The Jewish observer, December 2004 than you may have had. It means their children will fit in. "Jn some charei­ A1ncrica, for exan1ple, he may not be accepting and supporting an outlook that di communities;' he says, "a kid who looked at as doing anything wrong. Here, is more polarized than the typical wears white sneakers will be looked at such a thing can get a boy kicked out of An1erican outlook." as an outcast. You don't want your chil­ yeshiva. In Bretz Yisroe~ if a yeshiva bachur Rabbi Mordechai Rottn1an, who dren walking around feeling like bums:' shows up to shul in a blue shirt, he's not heads Kol Banaich, a yeshiva/vocation­ Rabbi Avrohom Weinberg, who heads normal. Ifhe goes roller-blading, he has al training program in Yerushalayim for a yeshiva for Israeli drop-outs in Rosh a serious problen1." When An1erican bachurim who aren't making it in the Ha' a yin, explains: "American kids come youth exhibit behavior or interests that yeshiva system, points to incongruence to Israel with a lot of cultural baggage;' are frowned upon by Israeli chareidi cul­ between the home and the school as a he says. "There are things that are ture, they are looked at as different, sec­ major precipitator of problems for chil­ accepted in yeshivish An1erican society ond-cl ass. This often leads to low dren of olim. Rabbi Rottman advises par­ that are considered by Israelis to be treif self-esteem, and disenchantment with the ents to n1ake an honest assessment of If a bachur follows professional sports in system in general, causing the child to live themselves and figure out what hashkafa fits their household, before choosing schools for their children. If they can't find a school that fits their home, he says, then they must make their home fit the school. Otherwise, they are setting their child up for conflict and confusion, and they are teaching him that "it's okay to challenge authority." When parents show children that they disagree with the establishment even on 1ninor points, they arc giving their chil­ dren a license to reject. The kids will decide what to reject. Rabbi Orlowek, who has witnessed this scenario tin1e and time again, cautions parents: "VVhen a parent says to his kid, 'Yeah, that's what the charei­ di rabbanim say, but we're different: the THE VORT • The menu for the seuda is child learns quickly that there is 'us' and • The Vort celebration is to be limited to 3 courses followed by a 'them: This can be very dangerous:' regular dessert. Even when parents are willing and able discontinued. The L'chaim (held at to conforn1, their children may not be the time that the engagement is • No Viennese table and no bar. as quick to adapt socially to their new announced) should also not turn environment. R.abbi Greenwald observes into a Vort. THE MUSIC that for many children, fitting into the THE WEDDING •A band may consist of a maximum Israeli system is a real struggle. "When • For typical families, only 400 invit­ of 5 musicians (one of the musicians children reach age nine or ten, they have ed guests may be seated at the chas­ may act as a vocalist) or four musi­ already adapted an American mentali­ cians and one additional vocalist. ty in many respects. They are used to suna seuda. (The Guidelines make dressing a certain way, acting a certain provision for exceptional circum­ • A one-man band is recom­ way, relating to their teachers in a cer­ stances - see full text.) mended. tain way. They are used to a certain per­ •The kabbo/as panim smorgasbord n1issiveness. When they n1ove to Bretz should be limited to basic cakes, FLOWERS & CHUPA DECOR Yisroe/, all of these things change. Unless fruit platters, a modest buffet, and • The total cost of these items for a child is very spiritually motivated, the caterer's standard chicken or the entire wedding should not extremely resilient, and easily adapts to meat hot dishes. exceed $1 ,800. new situations, he or she is being put at serious risk." Rabbi Rottman adds that FOR THE FULL VERSION OF THE SIMCHA GUIDELINES because An1erican children nlight look WITH ITS RABBINICAL SIGNATORIES AND THE and act differently than their Israeli coun­ ACCOMPANYING KOLKOREH, please email terparts, when choosing a neighborhood to settle in, olim should consider how [email protected] or call 212-612-2300

The Jewish Observer, December 2004 9 up to the negative image that has been standards and ideals that these families Mendel Weinbach (of Ohr Someach) placed upon him. want to ingrain in their children. told me not to do it. 'Children have to Rabbi Yaakov Hopfer of Congrega­ In recent years, a number of be integrated; they said." tion She'aris Yisroel in Baltimore is well schools, both for boys and girls, have All educators agree that olim must do aware of the challenges facing American opened up that cater to American fam­ a lot of homework before choosing families making aliya: "Thousands of ilies who are looking for an alternative schools for their children. Ironing out people are struggling with these issues. to the Israeli chareidi system. Whether all of the issues and figuring out where Not hundreds - thousands! I would say an American-style school is a help or each child is most likely to succeed is no that 50% of the kids who make aliya are a hindrance to integrating children into easy task. "Treat it like a shidduch;' Rabbi getting married and settling back in Israeli society is a controversial topic Chaim Zev Malinowitz of Congregation America:' Rabbi Hopfer offers families among educators. On the one hand, Beis Tefilah, an American balebatish shul making aliya the same advice that having other Americans to socialize in Ramat Beit Shemesh, advises. ((Make mechanchim in Bretz Yisroel are pre­ with helps children adjust by soften­ hundreds of phone calls." scribing: conform. ing the blow of coming to a new coun­ When dealing with older children, "I am a shtark chareidi Zionist;' Rabbi try, and a school that is designed for educators advise involving the kids in the Hopfer states proudly. "I truly love Bretz olim is naturally better equipped to pro­ decision. Dr. Tobin recommends that Yisroel and I have a deep desire to live vide the extra help that is needed to children be brought along on a pilot trip there one day. Nevertheless, you have get American kids on par with the sys­ and introduced to their new schools to think about the children. If moving tem. On the other hand, many feel that before making aliya. The more familiar to Bretz Yisroel is not going to be ben­ being in school with so many children are with their new environment eficial for the ruchnius of your family, Americans can leave a child without and the less surprises they encounter, the or if it will have a negative effect on the any incentive or necessity to integrate, more likely are they to make a success­ well-being or stability of your children, and that in such an environment, chil­ ful adjustment. then it is not the right thing to do. dren are likely to always remain People don't have the right to fulfill their "American olim." MAKING ALIYA TO SOLVE PROBLEMS dreams at the expense of other, more Many are skeptical of the whole idea important priorities." of perpetuating American chinuch in CCMake sure to tell people that Bretz Yisroel. They are quick to point out you shouldn't make aliya to AMERICAN CHINUCHIN that similar attempts in the past claimed solve your problems." This BRETZ YISROEL-A SOLUTION? many casualties. They fear that children comment was the advice of a mother who who grow up in an American sub-cul­ is currently struggling with one of her any American olim may want ture in Bretz Yisroel will never fit into children since making aliya four years ago. to mainstream their children the society, and that they will suffer from Her son's lack of success in school in M into the chareidi system, but a lack of religious and social identity. America prompted the family to leave the since they don't subscribe to all of the Rabbi Avraham Stern, Rav of Ohel US, placing their hopes in the chinuch of standards that the chareidi society sets Torah, the English-speaking shul in Betar, Bretz Yisroel. "We thought that everything for both students and parents, the reports that when the idea of opening would get better when we came to Bretz chareidi schools simply don't want a school for olim was brought up in his Yisroel. But it only got worse:' them. The non-chareidi schools, on the community, he consulted his Rebbeim. According to Rebbetzin Rena other hand, don't match the religious "Both Rabbi Bulman ?-:,n and ?"T.l> Rabbi Orlowek, of Project Tvunot, this fam­ ily is not alone. "Many families are mak­ ing aliya in an effort to resolve some kind of difficulty- issues of shalom bayis or a child that's not doing well. 'Meshaneh makom meshaneh mazal,' they say, and they pick up their fami­ lies and come here. Many of them end up in my office, searching for solutions to new problems." Rabbi Orlowek concurs: "If a family truly feels need for a change;' he says, "there are plenty of wonderful commu­ nities they can move to in the United States. Moving to Bretz Yisroel might only serve to exacerbate the situation."

10 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 FINANCES the contrary, they are impressed with all American to gain a chinuch position in of its spiritual advantages. They encour­ Bretz Yisroel, or to find employment in or many families, the simpler, age their own children to become part the work sector. These issues can be a more affordable life-style in Bretz of this system. Families that follow this source of great stress. Families must seek FYisroel is an appealing alternative formula are considered genuine assets to guidance before taking the plunge into to running a household in the US. In their communities. By blending in with the Israeli kollel world:' some cases, this can be legitimate. the society at large, they circumvent many Rabbi Kessler addresses another Occasionally, however, families who of the bumps on the road to aliya that issue: Some children, he says, adapt to are struggling to make it in America envi­ others encounter. Israeli culture much faster than adults. sion aliya as a magical escape from their Even for families like these, howev­ Parents who are still thinking and act­ financial burdens. Some even come with er, there are a number of considerations ing like Americans can have trouble the resolve that it's easier to be poor in to keep in mind. Rabbi Meir Kessler, understanding their now-Israeli children. Bretz Yisroel than in America. Rabbi Mara D' asra of Kiryat Se fer counsels such Often these children are street-smart, and Avrohom Stern (Betar) cautions against kollel families, that in addition to "con­ get into trouble without the parents hav­ unrealistic expectations. Finding a forming to the Israeli way- even if these ing a clue to what's going on. Taking means of parnassa in Eretz Yisroel is no hashkafos occasionally run contrary to advantage of their parents' American easy task, he warns, and financial strain the way they are used to thinking;' they temimus (innocence), they cover up their doesn't just disappear when you enter should recognize: "In America, someone delinquent activities. By the time the par­ the Holy Land. "Many men are unable who spends his first years of married life ents pick up on what's going on, it is often to find proper jobs here, and they end in kollel may eventually go into chinuch, too late, and their children have drifted up in menial, low-paying positions. This or look for a conventional job. In Bretz away. Rabbi Kessler warns that is a big problem. Although it's true that Yisroel, a young married man does not American parents must get to know the many Israeli families live on kollel necessarily anticipate ever leaving kol­ Israeli culture in which their children are stipends alone and never work, the Israeli lel. When the financial situation gets growing up, and understand their chil­ way of getting by financially just does­ tough, he finds a way to get by. The dren's ways of communicating to them. n't work for the Anglos. Families who Israelis grow up with this idea, and are try to pull this off sometimes end up with able to live this way. For American's cou­ SUPPORT FOR OLIM tremendous debts." ple, ifs not so easy. An American Some families relieve themselves of woman may not be ready to live in a tiny onsidering the myriad of issues the problem by the fathers' holding on apartment on a meager income. The hus­ facing olim, finding support and to a job in the States even after making band might like to work after some years, Cguidance within their new com­ aliya, commuting regularly to America, but remains in kollel because of social munity is a binding condition for often spending up to half of every year pressure, or simply because he does not American families. One organization that away from their families. Rabbanim take have any good options for earning a liveli­ is involved in helping Americans suc­ issue with this recent phenomenon, find­ hood. It can be very difficult for an cessfully acclimate to life in Bretz Yisroel ing that it often has detrimental effects on the family.

KOLLEL YUNGELEIT

lthough there is no model for the successfully adjusted family, kol­ A lel yungeleit who make aliya within the first few years of marriage seem to be integrating into Israeli chareidi society with relative ease. FOR Generally, either the husband or wife has THE FINEST· attended a yeshiva or seminary in Bretz IN Yisroel, acquainting them with the Israeli mentality. They want to live a spir­ 11111111 itually-oriented lifestyle, and find the AND VIDEO atmosphere of Bretz Yisroefs chareidi neighborhoods conducive to achieving USA/ ISRAEL this goal. These couples are not ques­ tioning or fighting the Israeli system. On

The Jewish Observer, December 2004 11 is Project Tvunot, established four years Israeli religious co1n1nunities. lies to do a lot of research before decid­ ago by Rebbetzins Rena Orlowek and In addition, some chareidi neighbor­ ing to make aliya. He also stressed that Rivka Friedlander as an address for hoods contain their own supportive struc­ olin1 must give their financial situation English-speaking families with family or ture to help new families. Welcoming strong consideration, warning that fam­ educational issues. Since its inception, committees, organized shiurin1, social ilies who con1e to Bretz Yisroel without Tvunot has become a center for support events and information hotlines are some significant financial resources are like­ and guidance for Americans throughout of the channels by which Americans ly to run into trouble. becon1e acclimated socially into their new environments, and find the resources that IN CONCLUSION they need. In communities like Betar and Ramal Beit Shemesh, a new family can e are living in a unique era of find a supportive kehilla, guidance for Jewish history, when the mitz­ olitn, and structured programs geared W vah of yishuv Eretz Yisroel is towards helping Anglos integrate into within our grasp. The many issues and • ord9r'a CUstom Audio Visual Israeli society. challenges involved in aliya and inte­ Presentation,-about YOUR institution gration into Israeli society, however, can • P:re:sentedJ;JV£ -at yoUr ~ent THE GEDOLIMS ADVICE make moving to Israel a difficult task. • Or oN' DlSK as a fiindra~i< Being aware of the risks and difficulties hen asked for their con1ments that aliya entails can help parents make Tlttrl>ower o:f a visuai i~_~e !if~,1_,move your regarding the subject of an educated decision and plan a suc­ audience more effedlv~,,y t~~-'tt} any other medium! ,, , , , W American olim, both Rabbi cessful aliya for their family. The road Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg N"V''ro and to aliya may be a bumpy one, but it is Rabbi Shlomo Wolbe N''V"n> offered the a road that can be traveled successful­ same reply. "Speak to the mechanchim ly; by following the advice and guidelines who are dealing with these issues,» they of the people who are experienced and said. "They are the authority on the mat­ knowledgeable in the area, a family can ter." I I did. J Rabbi Schein berg did insist, ensure the1nselves a smoother, more 845-426-1512 however, that it is imperative for fa1ni- comfortable ride. II

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12 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 DOING IT RIGHT The Story* of a Successful Aliya Menashe and Miriam Levy made coming with children, make sure you rebbi taught them that soccer is avoda a/iya six years ago with their five chil­ have the money to provide them with zara. In Toronto he had been in a very dren - ages 11,9, 7, 5, and 2. Menashe tutors. It's also a good idea for the frum cheder and the rebbis played had spent a number of years as a children, and the parents for that mat­ soccer with the kids. My son was bachur in a yeshiva in Eretz Yisroel, ter, to get as much Hebrew language shocked! When my 7-year-old son got and Miriam had attended a seminary as possible before coming, as well as in trouble for wearing shorts (outside in Yerushalayim. Both had always once they're here. For the children, of school!), I was taken totally by sur­ dreamed of returning to Eretz it's crucial, and for parents, it's prise. In Toronto, my daughter could Yisroel and raising a family there. In important for communicating with ride her bike outside on the streets. their first year in Eretz Yisroel, the their children's teachers." Here, girls don't ride bikes." Levy's met with challenges and dif­ The Levy's did everything possible According to the Levy's, such sit­ ficulties getting acclimated, but to make aliya into a positive experi­ uations are moments of truth for Menashe had a secure position in the ence. "We really stretched our budg­ many olim. "How people react is so administration of an established et in order 1:o rent a large apartment, crucial in terms of determining their baal teshuva yeshiva, and they were so the kids wouldn't feel cramped. children's success. We have learned well equipped to deal with the tri­ We went on family trips around the to just roll with the punches, to sup­ als and tribulations. country. And we constantly spoke in port the system, and give our children "Our family was our main focus. our home about the zechus of living the clear message that this is what the first year. This was far more time­ in Eretz Yisroe/. Our children were we do (and don't do). Kids here have consuming than we had imagined. making sacrifices, and we wanted to know which camp they are in, they There were so many issues to work them to appreciate that it is worth need a clear identity. Parents who out - schools, transportation, camps the sacrifice. u knock the camp that they are putting - everything was new. It took the After a year. the Levy's realized that their kids into are confusing their chil­ entire year just to get our feet on the "being in a highly American com­ dren. They are trying to place them ground." munity was ultimately not good for into a world that doesn't exist here. The Levy's initially moved to a com­ our children. We saw that living in We know many families who, as their munity with a high percentage of Israel as American chareidim just does­ children reach their teenage years, Americans. "We wanted to make it n't work. It's very hard to keep that found their kids wanting to go back easier for our children to adjust by middle ground, picking and choos­ to America. In some cases, the chil­ starting out in a place where they ing what you consider to be the best dren begin dressing in more modern could readily make friends. We also aspects of the Israeli system, without styles. They need to identify with sent the boys to an American-type losing the advantages of the someone. They figure, If I'm not cheder. For girls, there was no American approach. We noticed chareidi, maybe I'm modern. American option, so we sent our 11- that when children see their parents Unfortunately, this identity crisis year-old daughter to the Israeli Ba is doing this, they learn that it's okay sometimes leads kids - even from Yaakov. She had difficulty adjusting to pick and choose, and then they yeshivish homes -totally away from at first, but now she is the most Israeli often pick and choose in ways that Yiddishkeit. It is essential that parents of all the kids. their parents don't approve. This was accept their children's community as "A lot of time and resources happening to many families, and we a complete package, and that they went into getting the children didn't want it to happen to ours. So act in accordance with the accepted adjusted into the school system. First we moved to Betar, determined to practices of that community, even in of all, we had to break the language do our best to become a part of Israeli the privacy of their homes." barrier. Secondly, the Israelis are ahead chareidi society. The Levy's five children are today in knowledge and skills, and our kids "Meshing with the Israeli charei­ fully acclimated to Israeli society, and had to catch up. We spent a lot of dim often means conforming to are happy to be living in Eretz Yisroel. time speaking to teachers and prin­ things that we're not entirely com­ The Levy's attribute much of their suc­ cipals, making sure that our children fortable with. Sometimes it means not cess to the fact that "We made sure were being brought up to par, and squawking at rules or hashkafos that to ask she'ei/os and get eitzos all the that they were placed in the right seem outlandish. When my 9'year-old time. It's a vital part of the process." classes. And we spent a ton of son came home from his first day of 'Every detail is authentic Only the names have money on private tutors. If you're cheder telling me that, today, the beeh changed.

The Jewish Observer, December 2004 13 Yonoson Rosenblum

OF ZEALOUS EQUATIONS Enlightenment Went Out;' Wills wrote, cide bombers, much less thousands of "The secular states of modern Europe them, among the tens of millions ot since John F. Kennedy con­ do not understand the fundamentalism American evangelicals. Their goal, how­ fronted fears that he would be of the American electorate. In fact, we ever, was to portray the President's fun­ N subservient to the Vatican has a now resemble those nations less than we damentalist supporters as hate-filled, candidate's religious faith been the sub­ do our putative enemies [i.e., Islamist ter­ homophobic, bigoted racists, just like the ject of so much discussion as that of rorists J. Where else do we find funda­ Isla mists. President George W. Bush this year. Bush's mentalist zeal, a rage at secularity, victory did nothing to quell that dis­ religious intolerance, fear and hatred of FACT-BASED OR FAITH-BASED? cussion. Indeed, it only added an element modernity?" Wills, too, accused Bush of of hysteria to the invective of those who perpetrating jihad: "They [i.e., the hen the Times was not busy loathe the President and feel threatened Europeans J fear jihad no matter whose comparing evangelical by his evangelical Christian supporters. zeal is being expressed." W Christians to jihadists, it was The New York Times may affect the The equation of the President and advancing a comparatively subdued, but staid tone befitting its nickname, the Gray Islamist terrorists might once have been ultimately more invidious, critique of the Lady, on most issues, but not on religious the exclusive province of the loony Left. President's faith and that of the 42% of faith. Two days after the election, the Today, however, it is a familiar trope at Americans who describe themselves as paper's resident hysteric Maureen Dowd the Times. Princeton visiting professor evangelical Christians, and who voted accused President Bush of running "a Robert Wright, also on the Times op-ed overwhelmingly for the President. jihad in America so he can fight one in page, not so subtly compared President People of faith, in the Times' telling, show Iraq:' The President, she charged, "wants Bush to Osama bin Laden, in a piece little curiosity about the world as it actu­ to bring any riffraff who disagree to heel:' exploring the sources of the President's ally is. Faith supplants the need for facts, Historian Garry Wills was no less over faith: "[P]eople [like the President] in their minds. And even when the top in an op-ed the same day. In a who take drastic action based on divine­ obstreperous facts that contradict their piece entitled, "The Day the feeling feelings, and view the ensuing 1 Presu~~bJYth~··drastic action to which Wright death and destruction with equanimi­ referred was Operation Iraqi Freedom. How, one Rabbi Rosenblum, who lives in Jerusalen1, is a ty, have in recent years tended to be the wonders, would he compare the apparent equa­ contributing editor to The Jewish Observer. Jfe problem, not the solution." 1 ni1nity of those who opposed the war to the fate is also director of the Israeli division of Am Echad, of 25 million people Sadda1n Hussein held in the Agudath Israel-inspired educational outreach Needless to say, neither Dowd nor bondage and the hundreds of thousands he killed, effort and media resource. Wills nor Wright could point to any sui- often in the 1nost horrendous fashion imaginable? presuppositions hit them smack style of governance. The picture that all religions, including Judaism, and those between the eyes, they remain oblivious. emerges is of a president congenitally whose religious beliefs are "progressive." Wright, for instance, searches oblivious to empirical reality and When he referred to Jewish fundamen­ through the religious homilies of 19" imbued with such an unshakeable con­ talists) he meant us. 3 Century Scottish cleric Oswald viction in the rightness of his every action And just a few weeks later, Reform Chambers, read daily by the President, - a confidence attributed to his religious leader Uri Regev took up Friedman's lead for clues to the latter's faith. In messianism -that he never feels the need by accusing religious zealots in Chambers' praise for Avraham Avinu for to reexamine his previous course of Jerusalem of "spreading the venom of consulting with no one before prepar­ action. religious fundamentalism" and seeking ing to sacrifice Yitzchak, Wright discerns to "get rid of infidels." The linkage disdain for "the powers of reflection:' The RELEVANCE TO A TORAH JEW between chareidi Jews and bin Laden was Chambers route, which Bush is presumed highly effective in front of his Reform to be treading, according to Wright, hy should any of this matter audience. requires ('abandoning rational analysis to Torah Jews? After all, the Eli Valley implies that President Bush and critical re-evaluation for ineffable W current inhabitant of the might court a nuclear catastrophe out intuition and iron certainty." It does not White House is not an Orthodox Jew, and of his religious "longing for Apocalypse:' occur to Wright that comparisons the religious faith of his followers that We laugh at our own peril. For the very between President Bush, who has never has come in for such derision is not Torah same charge has been lodged against suggested that G-d speaks to him, and Judaism. chareidi Jews. Motti Golan's play Atom, Avraham Avinu are a bit far-fetched, or The first answer is that mockery of which premiered at Tel Aviv's prestigious that both Chambers and the President one faith is readily extrapolated to all Ca1neri Theatre, revolves around a himself are mindful of the distinction faiths. President Bush's faith and that of takeover of the government by charei­ between those who experience prophe­ his Christian supporters is not ours) but di sleeper agents, who then trigger a cy and those who do not. the attacks are directed at faith in gen­ nuclear war to hasten the coming of The alleged contrast between fact­ eral. Mashiach. We are not immune to the based or empirical reasoning and faith­ When the Times gives first-page scoffers. based reasoning has already become a attention for nearly a year to the scan­ The critique being advanced against fixture of all critiques of the President dal of abusive priests in Catholic dioceses, the President's faith and that of his "born­ and his supporters. In a Jerusalem Post we may not feel implicated. Some Jews again" followers is far 1nore generalized op-ed urging Jews to vote for John Kerry, might even rejoice momentarily at the than evangelical Christians. The critics Eli Valley, who works for philanthropist comeuppance of a faith at whose hands find all intense religious faith frighten­ Michael Steinhardt, juxtaposes those who we have suffered greatly over the cen­ ing and ridiculous. The more that we are run their lives based on faith and those turies. But we can be sure that in the eyes exposed through the media to an inces­ who do so based on facts. "Absolute faith;' of many readers the scandal only rein­ sant drumbeat of their derision, the like that of the President, "runs in oppo­ forced the old stereotype of all people greater the danger to us. When that deri­ sition to scientific inquiry and eliminates of faith as religious hypocrites, preach­ sion goes unanswered) it can, over time) all possible doubt from one's course of ing one thing and doing another. begin to sow doubts and undermine our action;' Valley asserts. Wills too warms There are many examples of this own self-confidence, and that of our chil­ to the same theme of the anti-empiri­ process by which the deformities of the dren, as believing Jews. cis1n of Bush's Christian supporters: followers of one religion are made to And finally, we must remember that "Respect for evidence seems not to per­ stand for all believes. Within two days those most susceptible to the derision of tain any more when 75o/o of Bush sup­ of 9/11, Thomas Friedman effectively religious faith are non-religious Jews. Fear porters believe that Iraq worked closely exonerated Islam of any particular of the religious Right has already hard­ with Al Qaeda."2 responsibility in order to shoot down big­ ened the absolutism of the general The October 17 New York Times ger game: all so-called religious funda­ community on separation of state and Magazine devoted a dozen pages to mentalists. The real battle, Friedman religion issues, and thereby worsened the author Ron Susskind's analysis of the opined) is not between the West and prospects for long-time survival of the impact of President Bush's faith on his Islam, but between "fundamentalists" of Jewish community by helping place a

2ActuaJJY"itis Wills ;l~~i others ~lh~ J,eft who groups around the world.An 11-page 1ne1no dated 3 1i~nner vice-President AT c;ore Jr. slmilarly lumP~· refuse to alter their theories in light of contrary Jan. 25, l 993, for instance, speaks of developing together a wide variety of religions under the evidence. They repeatedly n1ocked the idea that contacts with groups or individuals affiliated with rubric "funda1nentalist." In a New Yorker profile, the secularist Baathist state could have had acted Al Qaeda, such as Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and he describes the President's religion as "the in concert with the Islamist Al Qaeda. Docun1cnts Ay1nan al-Zawahiri, two of the most wanted ter­ American version of the same fundamentalist from the files of the Iraqi lntelligenceServices (IIS), rorists in the world. The sa1ne documents indi­ impulse that we see in Saudi Arabia, in Kaahmir, confiscated by U.S. forces in Iraq, however, show cate that Saddam's Iraq trained non-lraqis in in religions around the world: Hindu, Jewish, that the lIS maintained dose contacts with Islan1ist terrorist techniques and suicide bombing. Christian, Muslim."

•--- _____.. .,•••-----·------•m•---•••---·---•-••----•- The Jewish observer, December 2004 15 Jewish education outside the financial harder for alienated Jews to give a seri­ and people of faith. And so a refutation reach of all but the wealthiest or most ous hearing to their own religion. That of the charges against faith in general committed. view has brought American Jewry to the must start with an analysis of the bill of Ridicule of evangelical Christians eas· edge of extinction. particulars against the President. The ily morphs into a more generalized G­ For these reasons, it is imperative to most detailed indictment is Ron d phobia among secular Jews. Jewish subject the ubiquitous derision of reli­ Susskind's in the New York Times children grow up convinced that belief gion in the prestige media to a search­ Magazine. He portrays an administra­ in G-d - and certainly the view that any ing and vigorous counterattack. tion characterized by a "disdain for con· consequences might follow from that te1nplation or deliberation, an embrace belief - is not intellectually serious. The PRESIDENTIAL PRECEDENTS of decisiveness, a retreat fro1n empiri­ pervasive view that all religious believ· cism, a sometimes bullying impatience ers are hypocrites, n1urderous fanatics, atred for George W. Bush lies with doubters or even friendly ques­ slightly dim-witted, and oblivious to rea­ behind much of the current tioners." Each of these characteristics, son and evidence makes it that 1nuch H fashionable disdain for religion Susskind asserts, is somehow linked to the President's religious faith. The nature of that linkage, however, is never made clear. Susskind fails entirely to pro­ duce the smoking gun, or even much Eden Hills news &update smoke, to prove that the President thinks he is getting his orders straight PRESENTATIONS from G-d. NY-Dec.4 / Baltimore-Dec.6 / Florida-Dec.8-12 / LA-Dec.13-18 I profess no knowledge of the To host or attend a presentation/parlor meeting please e-mail or call. President's analytical abilities or man­ agerial style; I know only his public poli­ Preconstruction NBA Phase III will open December 1, 2004 cies. And it is hard to find in those policies anything to sustain Susskind's critique or to link Bush's religious faith to what Susskind views as his analytical failures. The claim that the President's faith has To receive an electronic brochure please e-mail [email protected] turned him into a fanatical di1n-wit, and please include your full name oblivious to empirical reality, does not bear scrutiny. Far from being unable to adjust to changing circumstances and new facts, perhaps the most astounding aspect of President Bush's presidency has been his very responsiveness to the new world revealed by 9/11. Almost from the day of the attack, he broke radically with his own prescriptions as a candidate in 2000 and the foreign policy"realism" of his father. As a candidate, he expressed disdain for the project of "nation· building:' As president, he has undertaken to transform failed Arab societies by Eden Hills Team Eden Hills, the new gated injecting them with a dose ofliberty.4

!ni~iators. ja!\e and Devorah Leibowitz community southwest of "'-~------.Architects C~ Planners: l'lnch P!esner/itai Linenber.9, Jerusalem inside the green 4 Co111pare Bush's reaction to 9/11 to that of the Archirecrs & Landscape: Sade. Goldstein & Avni/ An

16 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 Not a single premise of Bush's foreign describe Islam as a religion of love, and campuses where blacks and whites fre­ policy depends on religious doctrine. made the G-d-given right of every quently ate at separate tables. Indeed, many of its leading proponents human being to liberty one of the guid­ Hate-filled? The Catalogue for are nco-conservatives - the "Likud­ ing principles of his foreign policy. Philanthropy publishes a Generosity lobby'' in the Pentagon, in Michael Bigotry? Bush has placed more blacks Index of states. Interestingly, the twen­ Moore's rant - who neither share the in positions of the highest responsibil­ ty-five most generous states were all "red" President's religion nor are notably ity than any president in history, and his states carried by President Bush, and nine observant of their own. The President's of the ten least generous were "blue" states foreign policy may be well thought out carried by his opponents.6 or not, well or poorly executed, but either In charging Bush's supporters with a way, many of those developing and exe­ • lack of tolerance, the Times Thomas cuting policy share few of the President's he elite media Friedman offers an odd definition of tol­ religious convictions. 5 erance. He accuses those who oppose sin­ Doubtless, the President felt a strong Tdescription of the gle-sex marriage of intruding into sense of mission in the wake of 9/11, and "people's sexual preferences and the mar­ that sense of mission was intensified by president's religious riage unions they want to make." But it his religious faith. Far from being a neg­ is not the opponents who are intruding) ative attribute, however, his sense of hav­ supporters as rage­ it is proponents who seek to force the ing been placed in a certain position at filled bigots is itself a state to affirmatively place its stamp of a certain mon1ent in time, can provide approval on their unions. the courage to make the right decisions prime example of Orthodox Jews have frequently faced over politically expedient ones. Lincoln's this paradox that those who talk most diaries are suffused with the same anti-religious bigotry. about love, generosity, and "tikkun awareness of his n1ission during the dark olam" often manifest the least evidence early days of the Civil War, as he fought of it in their personal lives. As political to preserve the "last best hope of • scientist Raymond Legge Jr. observes on mankind." the basis of a l 999 survey of the giving closest confidante is a black woman. I patterns of American Jewry, "While social "TIKKUN OLAM': once had the experience of being seat­ 6 CLAIMS OR PRACTICE? ed amidst a multi-racial church group True, there arc so1ne statistical problems with this chart, but \vhen Jmnes Taranto of the Wall from Indiana on a flight from Israel to Street Journal graphed the percentage of individual he elite media description of the New York, and I can testify that the easy income given to charity, he found an almost per­ president's religious supporters as camaraderie among the church members fect inverse relationship between Kerry's victory rage-filled bigots is itself a prime of different races contrasted sharply to 1nargin in the state and the amount of charita­ T ble giving - i.e., the higher the margin of victo­ example of anti-religious bigotry. anything I experienced on Ivy League ry for Kerry, the lower the rate of charitable giving. Thomas Friedman accuses the President and his followers of using faith "to pro­ n1ote divisions and intolerance at home and abroad:' According to Susskind, he surfed to the presidency on a wave of MOTHERS AND FATHERS ALIGNED SAVING KIDS "prayer and righteous rage." Support for Parents of Children·ln·Conflict One wonders where these writers detect the rage in Bush's public utter­ CONFIDENTIAL HOTLINE ances, except at those who have killed Parent Support Groups innocents in the thousands. He has bent Yeshiva Liaison over backwards, so1netin1es too far, to E-Mail Support Group 5 Many of the cxa1nples of those with superior Sibling Support Groups analytical ability to whoin Susskind compares President Bush unfavorably are not exactly conl­ STARR Female Sibling Program pelling. One example is Secretary of State Colin Private Consultation Powell, who resisted the President's insistence that Referrals for the Palestinians to be granted statehood they n1ust first de1nonstrate the capability of establishing Educational Forums a functioning deinocratic state capable of living Prevention and A""areness in peace with Israel. Powell feared that this Parent Mentoring Group approach \Vould "unleash" Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Lending Library

The Jewish Observer, December 2004 17 justice is a concept stressed 1nost heav­ when it ca1ne to the actual 1nurder of 2 A beautiful theory trumps a hundred ily by the Reform denomination, ... the million Cambodians by the Khmer unruly facts for many of those who are analyses indicate that in ter1ns of finan­ Rouge, this world famous intellectual first so contemptuous of the President's cial contributions this group is least like­ denied the reports, and when that final­ faith. Intellectuals' theorizing often ly to practice it." ly proved untenable, argued that the grows not inductively, but out of the Orthodox Jews, Legge found, are 50% Khmer Rouge had "good and bad emotional needs of the theorist. Oslo more likely to volunteer their time, than points." One wonders what good points architect Yossi Beilin's proof of the pos­ non-Orthodox. Nearly J 4% of balanced killing two million people. sibility of making peace with Yasser Arafat Orthodox Jews contributed over $5,000 Even more telling, consider the sway is a case in point. Beilin argued that peace to a Jewish charity last year, versus 2.8% must be possible because he cannot live for Conservative Jews and I o/o for in a world in which peace is iinpossible. Reform and non-affiliated. Orthodox Too often, a "beautiful ideal;' such as Jews were even twice as likely as Reforn1 communism, blinds intellectuals to Jews to contribute over $5,000 to a sec­ reality. A world government linking all ular charity. These disparities become men in perfect hannony is another such even more remarkable when one con­ • ideal, and has given rise oflate to the per­ siders that the Orthodox are the least hile social nicious belief that only U.N. Security affluent sector of American Jewry, and justice is a Council resolutions can confer moral most large Orthodox families stagger W legitimacy on the uses of military force. under huge tuition bills. Legge's con­ concept stressed The attribution of moral authority to the clusions hold true for Israel, as well. U.N., however, requires re1naining wil1- Orthodox Jews, according to a Bar Ilan most heavily by the fully blind to many uncomfortable University study, give four to seven times facts. what their secular counterparts do. Reform To name just a few: nearly a third of U.N. members are Moslem states in LIBERAL CERTAINTY denomination, which basic civil rights are unknown; VS. EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE the analyses U.N. peacekeeping forces headed by the current Secretary-General Kofi Annan ost important, there is no rea­ indicate that in stood by helplessly while Hutus slaugh­ son for religious Jews or other tered a million Tutsis in Rwanda, and the M people of faith to feel the slight - terms of financial U.N. is doing no better today in Sudan; est bit defensive about the alleged cor­ the U.N. Commission on Human Rights relation between secularism and contributions this has been headed by Libya, one of the rigorous empiricism. Secularism clear­ group is least likely world's chief violators of human rights, ly provides no defense against subscribing and the U.N. Commission on to arrant nonsense. Indeed, as George to practice it." Disarmament by Saddam Hussein's Orwell once observed, there are many Iraq; the huge U.N. bureaucracy is ideas so ridiculous that only an intel­ implicated up to its eyeballs in the Oil­ lectual could believe them. Consider the • for-Food scam, which allowed Saddam case of Noam Chomsky, who is lionized Hussein to skim off billions of dollars by European intellectuals and regular­ in illegal kickbacks to maintain himself ly speaks to packed houses on univer­ in power and bribe U.N. officials and sity ca1npuses. Prior to the American that Freudianism exercised over almost influential European politicians. invasion of Afghanistan, Chomsky told all Western intellectuals for nearly a cen­ A Communist Party apparatchnik in an audience in India: "Looks like what tury. Yet no one has conic any closer to a Tom Stoppard play says, "If a man is is happening is so1ne sort of silent geno­ seeing the id, ego, and superego than to s1nart enough, you can convince him of cide .... [P]lans are being made and pro­ seeing an angel. There exists virtually no anything. The problem is if he is not quite grams implemented on the assumption empirical evidence for the efficacy of psy­ so smart." Over and over again, intel­ that they may lead to the death of sev­ choanalysis over either short-tenn ther­ lectuals twist themselves into convolu­ eral million people in the next few apies or phar1nacological tools, and a tions that cause them to lose all moral months, very casually, with no co1nment, great deal of evidence in the opposite clarity, not to mention com1non sense. no particular thought about it. .. :' direction. \t\forse, as Frederich Crews and The facile con1parison, once considered If there was any evidence for these wild others have demonstrated, Freud falsi­ the height of intellectual sophistication, charges, either before or after the inva­ fied many of the n1ajor case studies upon between the export of American popu­ sion, Chomsky has yet to reveal it. Yet which his theory was based. lar culture around the globe to Soviet

18 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 imperialism is one example. That lack of moral clarity, Natan Sharansky tren­ chantly observes, is "why people living in free societies cannot distinguish between religious fundamentalists in de1nocratic states and religious terror­ ists in fundamentalist states. It is why peo­ ple living in free societies can co1ne to ELI SCHOSTAK, C.S.W. see their fellow citizens as enemies, and foreign dictators as their friends." Specializing in Children and Adolescents

THE RATIONALIST FALLACY 917-930-5793 Brooklyn, New York New Office in Philadelphia, PA Limited Evening Hours inally, intellectuals often prove incapable of grasping reality Fbecause they subscribe to what might be called the rationalist fallacy: the belief that all people are basically all alike - each seeks to maxiinize his share of the world's desired goods. The whole Oslo process was predicated on the sunny, and VISION. nai've, view that if the Palestinians were offered a higher standard of living, every­ GROWTH. thing would be fine. In that vein, Shi1non Peres's response to Yasser Arafat's declaration of war four years ago XCELLENCE. was to call for greater infrastructure invest1nent in the Palestinian Authority. en we first opened our doors, we set our to build a first class, nut­ But the rationalist model cannot ofrown ycshii,ah - including a mesivta, hais 1nidra5h and kollel. We account for religious belief, either pos­ selected only superb 1ncchanchim fnr our limwlci kodcsh sraff. \Xie itive or negative. No rational human accepted the appHcations of only the finest ralinidim, high caliber bnei Torah being seeks death, and thus the ratio­ \Vith excellent midos anJ a desire rn "shteig" in lczirning. We established a solid nalists cannot co1nprehend societies Regents-accredited general stuJies prograrn. AnJ the Mesivta flourished. that have elevated martyrdom to their Since then, we expanded our facilities twice. Finnlly, \Ve purchased a large highest values. building and launched a cainpaign to prepare it for our future needs. John Kerry's comparison of Al Qaeda But the future has caught up to us. We ran out of space; to an international criminal cartel fully right in the middle of our building campaign. captures the limits of the liberal imag­ ination in the face of faith-based ter­ Fnr rhb ycetr's pre:>sing needs, we renovated three flnors for out dortli'i~ rorisn1. The analogy is ludicrous. l)rug tory. We arc now in Phase II nf rhe campaign, \vhich will give us a.new lords may be bad guys, but they are also midrash, kitchen anJ dining facilities, ch1ssruo1ns, n1ulti-purpose roo1ns, offices and inuch tnnre. profit-seekers. Make their business unprofitable, and you have defeated Reserve your share in the most them. Not so, theological! y driven ter­ exciting new Torah institution in the rorists whose goals are unlin1ited and New York area. who do not mind dying to achieve them. Indeed, President Bush's religious per­ spective has arguably granted him a clear­ "~~~.- er understanding of the nature of the 9" l MESIVTA & HAJS MEDRASH OF lsla1nist enemy and what 1nust be done MANHATTAN BEACH to con1bat then1. Susskind begins his ----··-----~------·--··--- indictrncnt of the President \Vith what he takes to be a devastating accusation against Bush: "He believes that you have to kill them all !i.e., Al Qaeda and the

The Jewish Observer, December 2004 19 Islamic fundamentalists]. They can't be is pretty much dead on. Is it self-evidently tently resort to terror. persuaded, ... they're extremists, driven wrong? Less empirically supported? Or Because the President takes serious­ by a dark vision." has the President's appreciation of the ly his enemies' faith-driven ideology, he Later on, Susskind contrasts Bush's power of religious faith, for both good realizes that there can be no co1npromise view to the more enlightened view of Jim and evil, given him a more accurate view with them. They view the struggle as a Wallis, the only religious person to receive of the Islamists? battle to the death, and so should we. "We his stamp of approval. He quotes Wallis Bush does not view explicit descrip­ are not interested in winning concessions telling the President: "Drain the swamp tions of religious motivations as mere from you. We intend to destroy," say Al of injustice in which the mosquitoes of pretexts for more n1aterial demands, Qaeda spokesmen. Osama bin Laden terrorism breed."7 and feels no compulsion to look for the consistently portrays the battle with the I suspect the view attributed to Bush deeper underlying motivations for infidel West as a test of will between noble Islamist terrorism - e.g., poverty, lovers of death (Islam) and the effete Israeli settlements. Here the empirical lovers of life (the West). With such a APARTMENT evidence supports the President's view. worldview) there can be no compromise) Islamist terrorists have been over­ no appeasement. Expressions of sym­ FOR SALE whelmingly drawn from the best-edu­ pathy for the poverty and backwardness cated and wealthiest elements of their of Moslem societies will only be met with in Mattesdorf respective societies. There are 1nillions contempt and further fuel their fury. 180 square meters of poor and oppressed people in the What evidence does Susskind offer to 4 bedrooms • 2 1/2 bath. world. But only the Islamists consis- refute this view of the enen1y? When it comes to the analysis of Excellent condition 7The President too recognizes that in the long­ Magnificent view run defeating lslamist terrorism requires trans­ empirical reality, it would seem that the Large living room - 30 sq. forming failed Moslem societies that have beco1ne secularism of many intellectuals is itself meter porch - 3•d (top) floor breeding grounds for rage against tnorc success­ a quasi-religion - only devoid of any No agent - $500,000 ful neighbors. That is the point of his call for restrictions on personal behavior - that democratization in the Middle East. But that will distorts reality as much as anything Call 011-972-2-538-4178 take a long time, and not help the West deal \Vith 8-10 Israel time the thousands of very nasty and dangerous ter­ believed by President Bush or evangel­ rorists already on the scene. ical Christians. • ... Your only real choice when it comes to Foreign Residents' Mortgages in Israel ... and a great deal n1ore

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20 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 A QUICK BURST OF GENUINE INSPIRATION For A COLLECTOR'S Goodness• COLLECTION By Rabbi Chai111 Orange Sake abbi Chaim Orange (that's his real Rabbi Baruch Brull Rna1ne) is a yeshiva fund.raiser who ow can you turn an ordinary insists he never put "the squeeze" on any­ H moment into something extra-ordi­ one. Even so, he did inanage to squeeze out ~-ary? With an act of chcsed, and the proof a wealth of true stories and anecdotes- that in this collection of over 70 stori~'s that are as sweet, juicy, and refreshing as a tree rate the transforming power of !ov­ ripe orange. ingkindness. This reinarkab!e collection - Fundraising is not what 1nost people imagine it to be, and of special moments in the lives of Rabbis and studPnts, butchers and busi­ Collection sets the record straight. With stories that stretch across centuries - nessn1en, parents and children - demonstrate hov.' a single act of chescd classic, contemporary, and personal - Rabbi Orange puts the 1noney where his can change a life forever. 1nouth is, and the results are alw;iys insightful, humorous, and uplifting. You'll Overflowing with faith, warn1th, hope, and inspiration, these uplifting con1e away enriched (pun intended), and with a new perspective on this stories will enrich and entertain you - from first page to last. uniquely Jewish enterprise.

ONCEuPON A TALE By Gadi Pollack

ake 12 classic and lin1eless para­ By Pessie Frankel & Yoclieved Perkal. Tbles from the \Vorks of the Dubner Maggid, add the creative genius of oung readt'rs will love tht' stories in author-illustrator Gadi Pollack, and YMrs. Honig's Cakes. They're full of you get this re1narkable book in fun, adventure, and an assortment of vd1ich fundamental lessons of en111na'1 colorful characters - as varied as a plat­ {:t bitaclum come graphically and ter of pastries. vividly to life. These wann and wonderful stories cap­ Innovative, entertaining, and always thought provoking, Once Upon ture the true feelings and daily dilemmas of children growing, and they do A Tale takes readers - young and old alike - on a stimulating visual so in a way that is always wise, touching, and delightful. Add to this the charming illustrations of Tova Katz, and you have a book that young read­ journey that instructs and inspires, as much as it entertains. ers \Vill absolutely adore. A llamodia Publishing book.

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T e attle for& Menorah

THE MENORAH - ancient Greek Empire place such enshrine for posterity their victory over THE DEPOSITORY OF ALL WISDOM emphasis on a single golden cande­ the Jewish People labrum that was housed in the Jews' Holy It is well known that light is a sym­ The Yavanim (Syrian Greeks) gath­ Temple? bol of wisdom, 1 and specifically, the ered against me Lest it appear as a quirk of their par­ lamp of the menorah was the reposi­ Then, in Hashmonean days, ticular civilization, the Ro1nans tory of sorts for wisdom for the entire They breached the walls of my seemed to harbor those same feelings world. 2 As Jews, we treasure the 1neno­ towers as well. The Midrash relates that when rah as the fount of Divine wisdo1n, And they defiled all the oils. the Romans plundered the second which is the Torah. But as Rabbi And from the one remnant of the Temple, they first sent in a Jewish mer­ Yonasan Eibshitz explains, the seven flasks, cenary to remove a treasured object, branches of the menorah also corre­ A miracle was wrought for [the and told him that he may keep the loot­ spond to the seven primary branches nation comparable to J roses. ed booty. When he emerged carrying of general wisdo1n.5 Fron1 earliest Men of insight designated eight days the menorah, they immediately altered times, the Jewish people \Vere respect­ for song and jubilation. their agreement and told him, "It is not ed not only for their Torah knowledge, (From Maoz Tzur) befitting of a con1moner to use a ves­ but also for possessing a broad range ro1n the song Maoz Tzur, it would sel such as this. Return this and take of knowledge encompassing all aspects appear that the Yavanin1's entire out a different object that will be yours of science and human endeavor.4 The Fwar revolved around one single to keep." l Kohclles 8, I point - the menorah. In fact, the Why did they think a golden cande­ 2 Babba Ba:;ra 25b defiled menorah seems to have been their labrum is less befitting for a common­ 5 Ya'an1s l)e'vash, (l)rush 7) ulti1nate trophy in their conquest over er than, say, a golden table or altar? The ,f nlnJnil in1N 7"n ,N"Y '!l N"n ,D'JlJ.) 1111n::i 'V the Jewish People. Why should the ancient nations obviously viewed the N:l iP7V nln1Nil ui7m 1N ,7N1lV''.l ill1lVN1:l 1'11 Rabbi Greenwald, a n1e1nber of the Kollcl Bais menorah as an object of importance. in'lVN1'.l ni'n nN1) onn i::i1 uin7:i nn1N1 D1'7 Hatahnud in Melbourne, Australia, is author of Note that from among all the vessels of ·1!l'n7 'nn1 onNn Reb Mendel (ArtScroll), a biographical appreci­ Vl/e also find the kings of ancient \vorld E1npires the Temple, the Romans specifically all shared in their desire of having Jewish advi~ ation of Rabbi l\1endel Kaplan 7n~r. His article "The Chanuka l\1enora And The King's Crown," selected the image of the menorah to sors: Egypt - Yosef, Ravel - Danie!, Persia - appeared in JO Dec. '03. engrave on the Arch of Titus, to Mordechai, etc. See also Eid1a Rabba 1:4-13.

22 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 ancient nations realized that wisdom "The sages had more wisdom in their lit­ 1ng point in connecting to G-d was is power and the key to prosperity and tle pinkie than I have in my entire body!"" through the handiwork of nature. One military might. No wonder, then, that Although the natural world is a advances from appreciating Hashe111 in Greece and Rome sought to capture the product of Hashem's infinite wisdom, it nature to appreciating Him through menorah of the Jews with single­ still pales in comparison to the wisdom Torah study. This same pattern is rein­ minded pursuit. of Torah. Thel9'" chapter of Tehillim forced in our daily prayers. The Sages opens with David Hamelech's extolling instituted the blessing of Asher Yatzar, THE SUPREMACY OF TORAH AND THE the grandeur of Hashem's handiwork which praises Hashem for our bodily ROLE OF SECULAR KNOWLEDGE manifest in the cosmos. This continues functions, to be recited before the bless­ for the first seven verses. In the eighth ing on TOrah. Again, prior to Krias Shen1a, ow can so1nething as spiritual verse, David begins his praise of the the blessing that praises Hashem for the and lofty as the menorah, the Torah. From that point until the end of luminaries precedes the blessing for the H receptacle of the light of Torah, the chapter, David praises the Torah Torah. From this, it is evident that the also be associated with something as exclusively and drops any further refer­ natural world is conduit to seeking 1nundanc as secular knowledge? ence to the glory of Hashen1 inherent in Hashem through the Torah. 8 Certainly the vastness between the two nature. The Ramban7 explains that this The same can be said regarding sec~ wisdoms make them beyond compare. is because the Torah is so vastly superi­ ular knowledge. Secular knowledge is no The Midrash says that when Onkelos, the or to nature, that once Torah is extolled, more 1nundane than nature, as both nephew of the Roman Caesar, expressed it is no longer appropriate to return in derive from Hashem's wisdom.' The his desire to convert to Judais1n, his uncle praise of nature. Maham!'" demonstrates this with the told him, "You wish to join the most Nevertheless, we see that f)avid's start- blessing the rabbis instituted upon see- despised of the nations?" Onkelos 6 Related to this author by his grandson, J{' ity. This conte1nplation, Rabbi Miller said, was"the replied, "The youngest child among them Ephrai1n Lcnchitz. highest spiritual experience he had had in his l!fo," know nlore than the greatest gentile and eventua!ly led him to supreme heights. In his 7 [)crush Toras l-Inshcni Tet11i111a philosophers ... "' later years as well, he was so inoved by the Divine 8 Rabbi Avigdor Miller?:zr. Rabbi Miller's personal This truth was apparent to even some wisdon1 and goodness found in an ordinary apple life attested to how one could utilire nature in attain~ seed, that he couldn't bring himself to discard it. secular scientists of recent tin1es. When ing an intensely spiritual experience. In 1rValking Instead, he always saved the1n, which over the course Rabbi Shaul Lenchitz, a prominent Rav with Rabl1i Miller pp. 88-89, Rabbi !vliller related of years accumulated to a large bag of seeds that in Brooklyn, once visited Albert Einstein to the author how as a youth in Slabodka he occa­ he kept safely in his closet. He also would at ti1nes sionally hiked in the Lithuanian hills during the regarding a certain niatter, he used the place a fruit before hin1 while he ate, not \Vlth the sun1n1er intercession. ()none such excursion, he intention of eating it, but rather to gaze ;ind reflect opportunity to give him a taste of the sat and stared at a flower, analyzing its coinponents, upon, through the course of his inea!. appreciating its beauty, and basking in the brilliant wisdom of the Torah. After demon­ 9 Throughout our discussion, secular knowledge wannth of Hashe111's infinite wisdom. He sat this strating the knowledge of the Talmud, is referring specifically to the en1pirical sciences way, 111cditating on the flower for an hour. \Vhen Einstein exclain1cd with exciten1ent, as opposed to philosophy or the hu1nanities. he was finished, he described that he felt an awe­ so1ne feeling of closeness with Hashc111 and saw the lO Nesivns Olam, Tbrah, chap. 14 :, The 1Hidrash continues," ... For they know what Divine Hand in creation with an outstanding clar- was cre<'lted on the first day, the second day etc:' The Rm11ba11, in Dcrush Taras f-lashc111 Te111irnn, ,..----G=-=E=F=EN~~..---, ...... t quotes this Mid rash and elaborates on this point: "And this is true, for the Ii:irah contains the secrets of creation as Onkelos 1nentioned, as well as other secrets, of which the gentile sages will never n1erit FINt-o1h_

The Jewish Observer, December 2004 23 ing a gentile sage, "Who has given of His my and agronomy were all necessary to to bodily needs, such as eating or sleep­ knowledge to human beings." In be known by Torah scholars in order to ing, is considered an extension of his essence, all wisdom comes from reach proper decisions in various Torah study. The Angel of Death thus Hashem. Thus the Maharal concludes: halacha problems. had no power over him at those "This being the case, it appears that one times, as well. should learn chochmas ha'umos- secu­ SUBJUGATING THE MUNDANE The Netziv applies the same princi­ lar knowledge - for why shouldn't one TO HOLINESS ple to secular knowledge. The first learn wisdom that is from Hashem yis­ chapter of Tehillim compares the right­ borach?" t is therefore not surprising that eous man totally immersed in Torah Just as nature is a prelude to although the menorah primarily study to "a tree deeply rooted along approaching Torah, some Rishonim I represented the wisdom of Torah, it brooks of water, that yields its fruits in write, some secular knowledge is also a also incorporated other forms of wisdom its season and whose leaves never with­ stepping-stone towards understanding as well. The Ya' aras De'vash points out er:' The Netziv explains that the firm roots Torah. Rabbeinu Bachya writes, "All wis­ that the western lamp, in closest prox­ are Torah study, which give one the abil­ doms are necessary for the study of Torah imity to the resting place of the Shechina ity to perform mitzvos properly, which and are the ladder on which to rise in in the kadshei kadashim, represented the are the fruits of one's labors. The attaining spiritual wisdom."11 The Vilna more spiritual wisdom of Torah. In the "leaves'' are secular knowledge, which of Gaon also stated, "All wisdoms are nec­ daily service of kindling the menorah in no intrinsic value, still protect the fruit. essary for Torah." 12 Rabbi Yonasan the Temple, the western lamp was the first As the Gemora says, "If not for the leaves, Eibshitz, in his discussion of the meno­ to be kindled and the last to be extin­ the clusters would not survive." In such rah, lJ explains at length how mathematics guished, conveying that the Torah was a context, "the leaves do not wither;' but and sciences such as anatomy, astrono- the ultimate source from which all wis­ rather become something invaluable and dom flowed, as well as the final desti­ eternal. 15 nation of all those spheres of By way of an analogy, this idea can Digest of Meforshim knowledge. 14 be compared to the laws regarding In other words, the justification and blessings over food. One of the well­ '1'1p7 in:i '1'1P7 value of secular wisdom is a function of known concepts regarding blessings is ?··::111Vl:>'?N '?N1r.l1?J l .. '1T.1r.l its being subordinate to 1orah. When this the law of ikkar and tafel. This applies ,-\vailable at is achieved, the mundane knowledge to a mixture of two types of food, where LEKUTEI becomes suffused with the light of a secondary ingredient beco1nes subor­ c/o Yitzchok Rosenberg Torah, and is elevated to a higher spir­ dinate and takes on the character (and 1445 54th Street itual plane. blessing) of the primary food. The Brooklyn, NY 11219-4228 The Chafetz Chaim quotes the Ghazal same is true with Torah visa-a-vis sec­ 718-854-6701 that David Hamelech was informed of ular knowledge; when it becomes sub­ 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, Medrash, the day on which he was going to die. ordinate to Torah, it beco1nes battul Megilos, Talmud, and Tehilim. David attempted to cheat death by uti­ (nullified) to it. Proceeds of sales distributed a111ong lizing that day for studying Torah with­ For this to be accomplished, it is Yeshivos and used for reprinting of volu1ncs out-of-print out interruption. He knew that as long imperative for secular knowledge to as he would not cease studying, the Angel always retain its secondary status. The PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME of Death would have no power over him. Toras Kohanim 16 stresses this point - The Angel of Death was only able to take n':nm:> twl'n ':>Nl 1j7')) twl' cmn:t7>. This his life through a diversion that momen­ presupposes that there is some involve­ tarily distracted David from his studies. i-i" Rabbeinu Bachya, A~;~s, e;;-d-~f chap. 3~·5;~--~-i~-~ The Chafetz Chaim asked, Why did Ran1ban1, Introduction to Avos, chap. 5, Divrei the Angel of Death have to cause a dis­ Chan1udos, Berachos 5:43 and Maharsha, Huryos turbance in order to kill David? Why 1Ob. It is important to note that this point is not a universally accepted view. According to other couldn't he just kill him in his sleep? And opinions, while secular knowledge has its place, even if we say that he refrained from it should be ideally studied only after one is pro­ going to sleep on that day, certainly he ficient in Torah knowledge. (See, for example, had to take a break from his learning to Netziv, D'var H'a1nek, Hoshaya 6,4.) attend to his bodily functions. Why 12 Introduction, Pe'as Hashulchan couldn't the angel kill him then? 13 ibid Answered the Chafetz Chaim, When 14 Ya'aras De'vash, Derush 7 someone is devoted exclusively to 15 Devar Ha'en1ek, p. 219. See also Sukka 2 lb Specializing in small batim for a perfect fit. Torah study, even the time he devotes 16 Vayikra, 18:4

24 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 1nent with studies that are outside come from the power of the Torah. But People: In Midrashic literature, the "forah thoughts, but the study of Torah [when these gifts] are taken by the force 'eyes' are a reference to the Temple and 1nust be the ikkar- our main occupa­ of man, then they are worthless" the Torah sages, which are both akin tion - and other knowledge - tafel, sec­ (Bamidbar Rabba, 22:7). to the eyes of the nation. 19 ondary. In a letter, the Rambam refers he Greeks sought to capture the "The Greek empire had no inten­ to other wisdoms as "cooks, bakers, and wisdon1 ensconced in the meno­ tion of destroying the Beis spicers for Torah." By this description, Trah. But instead of recognizing Hamikdash, nor did they try to total­ he expresses his appreciation for their that its power emanated fro1n its close ly eradicate the Torah. On the con­ usefulness, while at the same tin1e rele­ proximity to the Shechina, they wished trary, through their activities, they gating them to their proper place - unlike to wrest it away from its holy abode. They were able to publicize the beauty of those who give them equal standing. wanted the light of the menorah, not sub­ the written Torah by having it trans­ This has always been the perspective jected to 1orah, but as an independent lated into foreign tongues .... But they of our sages who were fami1iar with the entity. only desired the 'culture' of the natural sciences. Rabbi Elazar Hisn1a was So they had the Sages translate it into Jewish People. They allowed the Jews an expert in physics and geometry. The Greek. The Sages say that as a result of to retain their own state and to pre­ Gemora states that he was able to cal­ this event, darkness descended upon the serve their Temple, but only as a cul­ culate the drops of water in the sea. He world. What the Greeks failed to fath­ ture. They wanted to preserve the said, "Astronomy and geometry are like om is that when the Torah becomes body of the Jewish nation, but to anni­ the seasonings of wisdom:'" All his ancil­ defiled of its purity, it loses all its light hilate the sanctity of its soul."20 lary knowledge was in his view compa­ as well. This is why the Midrash The miracle of Chanukah tran- rab1e to a seasoning that enhances the describes the exile ofYavan as "darkness." spired as a result of restoring the meno­ flavor and gives one an appetite for the As Rabbi Gedalya Schorr 7··~r rah to its proper place. By searching for main course. explains: a flask of untainted oil, the A more recent example of a Torah «What made the exile of Yavan Chashmanayim recognized that for the scholar who excelled in broader knowl­ unique is that unlike the other three menorah to shine properly, it requires edge while always cognizant of its sec­ major exiles, this one transpired while 17 ondary status is Rabbi Menashe Ben the Jewish People dwelled in the Land Avos 3:23. Yisroel. A Rav in Amsterdam in the of Israel and the Temple was in their l8 1l'YJ. Y1' 'nn ,onn nnw1 1!lO? inir.np;i:i 7"n l]JIJ N? 1\VN 0'1!J10 n11v i7N U'1Ji n:::tpJ 'N'J.il l 600's, he could accurately be termed as midst. The Jewish People at the time ')'Jr.l nnNil ?:lp? Nlil D'J.1\Jil tl'\VlNil lJ'J lY' ,ur.n.) a "renaissance man." A master of ten lan­ possessed the light of the Torah sages, nin:>nilr.l 'n"VV N; ?p? n1? 1nn 'lN1 ... i1tJN1,?> guages, he corresponded with the the light of the Temple, and the Greeks '1.t1:n i1n?n:i '1101? ?:> O) ...v:iv n1')'~'" ni:;,?il illilD ilr.l:J ill"'D'l ,,, V11) 1lDN:J ,U'n1J1 thinkers of the day, and was a speaker attempted to extinguish that light. This .•nynlDl'.l ?N D'101 ')!'.l? 0'llD1' ro•in ''V11 of parliaments, advisor to kings, and even is why the Midrash describes the 19 See Melachi1111,9 and Huryos 10. subject of a portrait by Rembrandt. Greek exile as 'darkness,' because, 20 Among his accomplishments on behalf 'They dimmed the eyes of the Jewish Ohr Gedalyahu, Moadim, pp. 55-56 of the Jewish People, he wrote a treatise to Oliver Cromwell, which succeeded in persuading him to allow Jews to return Our comprehensive to England after having been expelled by evaluations and King Edward I in the thirteenth centu­ JUlllpstart therapies are ry. For all his prominent standing in the performed free EARLY INTERVENTION of charge, in the secular world, he viewed his role of learn­ A 0'1vision of Won-1en ·s Lnaqun Comrnunity l'.:\ssidences. Inc privacy and ing and teaching Torah in the beis fo·v-1.n:J detayul i"/P.Af> & foddterr, convenience of hamidrash as the only position of true in- tf-u, Brookfyfr., / NYC area-. significance. 18 ~ER~_ICES~ROV:..!.DED: O OT, PT and SpeBch Therapy o R0lprte THE DARKNESS OF GALUS YAVAN o Spec•al lnstruct1on o UnparaQeled Service o Nutntron. V1Slon Therapy. Coordination (small caseloads wrth Ass1stive Technology personal attention by o Psycllologteal Counseling I St:cBI experienced case "Three gifts were created in the Work Sen.rices I Parent Training coordinators) world. If one acquires one of them, with Sheindel (Jeanne) Warman Pinchus Lerner Ph.D. it he acquires a11 the treasures of the EcXECUTIVE DIF'llCCTOR CLINICAL SUPEfWISOR world. 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The Jewish Observer, December 2004 25 pure oil. The light of the menorah radi­ 11 ates all forms of wisdom; but it does How Great are Your so because its light stems from its pure 11 connection to Hashen1, and comes through the strength of the Torah. Works, lfashem (Tehillim 104,24) The message of Chanukah translates primarily in our rededication to Torah Baila H. Susholtz study in a spirit of sanctity and con­ nection to Hashem. The Greeks had n the tapestry of attempted to defile the holy and failed. a blue and white sky, As Jews, we are entrusted with the 1nis­ sion to not only guard the holy, but to 0 The wind threads itself elevate the mundane. With proper through the red, gold, intentions, one can sanctify the'mun­ orange, amber and greens dane wisdom of the world by extract­ of the Autumn trees, ing from it ethical instruction, 21 deriving lessons in Divine providence, Leaves are sewn into and using it to gain a better under­ a fantastic embroidery. he scene makes us standing of Torah knowledge. In this love the gift way, secular knowledge does not stand of a glorious day; as a counterforce to Torah, but T becomes incorporated into it. Which The touch of His hand is as it was originally intended, when is seen in each twig. the menorah stood in the Beis How can we not Hamikdash. • but love the Artist .... 21 See Chovos Halcvat'OS, S!uwr Habechi11a, Pcrek l.

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26 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 Rabbi Heshy Kleinman

With the encourage­ ment of Rab Matisyahu Salom . ~·"'7\?J and Rabb{;;N Don Segal ~'·"'7W:. Rabbanim across the country are launching a National Tefilla Initiative to raise awareness regarding the meaning, back- ground, and beauty of tefi/la. The Jewish Observer SIX STEPS THAT CAN presents the following article in line with that effort. MAKE A DIFFERENCE

THE FIRST STEP Why, when we want to pray correct· Otherwise, he is setting himself up for ly, when we want to pray effectively, when despair. etween knowing and feeling lies an \Ve understand what all this 1neans, is it According to Rabbi Dessler, in setting ocean. Anyone who has given still so frustratingly difficult? goals a person should set a "1ninimu1n" Beven a little thought to the concept So1ne con1fort 1night be taken in the and a "1naxin1u1n" goal. The minimun1 of prayer knows that it is a conversation knowledge that this is a challenge of very goals give him a greater opportunity to with the Almighty. Anyone who has pon· long standing. The Gemora1 states that gain strength from success, while the dered the concept of the Almighty knows the one sin that an average person co1n­ 1naxirnun1 goals give hi1n a vision that He is a Being before Whom a per­ mits everyday is iyun tefilla, which, toward \vhich to strivc.5 son 111ust stand in utter awe. Nonetheless, according to Tosafos and the Maham/,' As in every attempt at self-improve- even with that knowledge, many people refers to a lack of kavana during davening. 1nent, the key is to n1ake a n1odicun1 of are perfectly capable of speaking the sacred Nevertheless, the requirement for effort, and Hashem will help with the rest. words of the Shemoneh Esrci without feel­ kavana still stands; a key axiom of the To capitalize on even the smallest effort, ing a thing. We bccon1e expert at the out­ Torah says that Hashem does not however, it niust be rooted in a sincere landish feat of mouthing prayers while demand the impossible, and therefore, desire to change. This single factor is what thinking about anything from the dinner kavana must be within our reach. distinguishes those who are able to menu to the weather. According to Rav Yehudah HaChassid 1 improve themselves from those who there is no single magic for1nula; each spend a lifetime spinning their wheels. Rabbi Kleinn1an is a co-founder of the Hakhel person must implement the strategies According to psychologist Dr. Public Lecture Progrmn in Brooklyn, and a n1cn1- ber of the Con1111ission on Kedushas Bais that attract him, based on his desires and Edward L. Deci,'' "The truth is that there Haknesses of Agudath Israel of A1nerica. He is abilities. are no techniques that will motivate peo­ the author of Scfcr Ylid Leclwzora on Bava Mctzia; Rabbi Eliczer Eliyahu Dessler4 ple - n1otivation n1ust come from with­ Bc'chal /)crachccha De'ei!t11, as well oJs the soon­ reminds us that a person who wants to in, not from techniques. It comes fron1 to-hc published scfCr, Unleashing the Power of Prarer: 80 Days to Effective Tcfilla., from which succeed in climbing the spiritual ladder their deciding that they are ready to take the above article was adapted. The author n1ust always work at his current spiri­ responsibility for managing then1selves.

The Jewish Observer, December 2004 27 and lie ineffectually upon the surface of he knows to be true - that this is an preparation in order to improve upon the heart. Nonetheless, it is worthwhile opportunity not to be wasted. his kavana, there are techniques he can to learn it: Pausing to empty one's mind of for­ develop. He might find it helpful to sum­ Intellectual knowledge is similar to eign thoughts is the vital first step in mon certain thoughts, words and water that accumulates behind a wall. preparing to pray. There is a second step images. Eventually, the water will soften the wall and as well, and that is to refill the mind with Rav Elimelech from Lizhensk used to a crack will emerge allowing all the water thoughts that arouse a person's longing say the following words before entering to surge through [to the heart]. to connect to Hashem. The Rambam says' the synagogue to pray: "Know where you Having laid that foundation, we will that pausing before praying provides an are entering; what you will do there; now examine six practical strategies that opportunity to focus on the idea that one 'Who is in this house; Whose house it is; can help a person daven with kavana. is about to stand in front of Hashem. It and Who empowered you to enter this Each method offers a means to traverse appears that the Rambam is informing house." the ocean that separates what we know us of a halacha that a person must pre­ The Chofetz Chaim' 1 wrote that he about tefilla from what we feel as we pray. pare properly in order to have kavana. personally used the following method It is our desire to get to bridge the dis­ The spirit of this halacha would there­ of preparation: "Zimein Ii Hakadosh tance, however, that guarantees the fore be violated by arriving late for Baruch Hu ke'tzas eitza she'yesader success of the voyage. Shacharis, which results in no prepara­ beda'ato heiteiv techila ma ledaber" - tion time and a hasty struggle to don tallis Hashem granted me a little advice that Strategy 1: Take Time to Prepare and tefillin; 9 by arriving at the last minute in the beginning [oftefilla} one should to "catch a Mincha"; or by "flying" arrange well in one's mind what to say. reparation shows the value a per­ through Maariv in an effort to catch up. 10 Even in the midst of prayer, prepa- son places on the event for which A late arrival simply rules out a prop­ ration is necessary. For each of the bera­ Phe is preparing. Rabbi Dessler,7 erly prepared tefilla. chos in Shemoneh Esrei, a person should quoting Rabbi Yeruchcm Halevi In 2001, several rabbis from the New York pause hefore Baruch atta Hashem (at the Levovitz, points out that the essence of n1etropolitan area were granted a meeting end of the beracha) and think about the mitzvos and the wholeheartedness of with President (;eorge W Bush. One rabbi blessing he is about to recite. For exam­ their performance depend on the degree later recounted the great atnount of careful ple, before ending the beracha of bina of preparation, which serves as a meas­ thought that went into preparing meaningful (understanding), one should reflect on ure of the value that the person attrib­ remarks that could be conveyed to the the fact that Hashem is a chonein utes to the mitzvah. President in the few moments they had. hada'as, gracious Giver of knowledge. Preparing to pray not only shows Would only a fraction of that preparation By taking the time to prepare, we not Hashem that one values the opportuni­ go into coming before Hashem, one could only change our state of mind, we change ty to speak to Him; it instills in oneself not even i1nagine the massive increase in the our state of heart. From there, our true a sense of the importance of the occa­ power of the words of tefilla! kavana - our soul's deep desire to feel sion. It helps a person internalize what If a person wishes to enhance his connected to Hashem - can freely flow.

•Grand Canyon Come and connect to the wonders of Hashem's Strategy 2: Do Something • Yosemite Park ~~-:._ creations in some of the most an enters a synagogue as a • Bryce Canyon C !~f,.h.;\.b- spectacular locales in inyan is gathering. The • Zion National Park Ma Ra U :> Western America. oment the tenth man walks in, For boys ages 13 thro15. DATES: June •The Golden r 26-July 15 a blinding light shines forth from above Gate Bridge Under the direction of Rabbi Raphael Mendlowitz. the ark. The room fills with an •Sea World Ear61 bird special-register before December 31. unearthly scent circulated by a strong • Motor Boating CALL Now·SPACE Is LIMITED! wind. The men clutch their talleisim • Scenic Hiking and Siddurim and begin to pray. Each • Para Sailing time they utter Hashem's name, the light begins shooting in bolts all around the room. No doubt, there is no kavana problem in this shul. For the rest of the world, however, the senses do little to help in the effort to per­ ceive Hashem's presence. The Mesillas Yesharim 12 points out that our senses do not naturally help us pray with kavana:

------···------··------·------28 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 "When you daven, know ... that Imagine - were such a development responsibility to elucidate prayer comes you are really standing before the even possible-the infinite power of this before he engages in any other learning." Creator, His Name should be blessed. remarkable device! This portrayal is but Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach testified Because one's eyes do not physically a glimpse in contemporary terms of the about the way his father, Rabbi Shlomo see Hashe1n, it appears very difficult extraordinary process which culminat­ Zalman Auerbach ?··~r. recited to have a genuine picture in a person's ed in the sacred and ever-powerful words Shemoneh Esrei: "Every beracha was recit­ heart, and the senses do not assist in of Shemoneh Esrei. ed with hislahavus (fervor) .... His this at all." The text of Shemoneh Esrei was prayers were pleas, not rote utter­ To counter this reality, one should composed through Divine inspiration by ances ... From beginning to end he recit­ actively engage his senses to the great­ the 120 elders of the Men of the Great ed the1n with concentration, so as not est possible extent in the process of tefil/a. Assembly - among them, many to miss even a word. And he said that The Shulchan Aruch'-' states, "One must prophets - at the beginning of the era what counts 1nost is understanding the not pray in his heart alone; rather, the of the Second Beis Hamikdash. Four hun­ meaning of the words."20 person must say the words with his or dred years later, after the Beis Among the closing prayers is Aleinu her lips so it can be heard with the indi­ Hamikdash was destroyed, the text was Leshabeiach, which is, according to the vidual's ears." Furthermore, the Sefer rearranged into our current for1nat Kolbo,2 1 one of the first prayers ever com­ Yesod Ve'Shoresh Ha'Avoda 14 suggests that under the direction ofRabban Gamliel, posed. It was established by Yehoshua we articulate the words of tefilla as if as the original sequence had been for­ when he captured Jericho. The Chida22 counting inoney, pausing after saying sev­ gotten.16 comments that after the destruction of eral words. From their soaring spiritual heights, the Beis Hamikdash, Rabbi Yochanan ben How does articulating the words in the Men of the Great Assembly grasped Zakai instituted it as part of our daily this way i1nprove one's kavana? Rabbi the inner powers hidden within each prayer to strengthen the Jews' faith in Dessler15 suggests that, in general, a per­ word of each blessing. They understood Hashem at a time when they were dis­ son's outward behavior stirs an inner the sweeping cosmic effects of each let­ honored and heartbroken. awakening. Pronouncing the words of ter and word con1bination, granting them The Sefer Mateh Moshe2' says that prayer as slowly and clearly as possible the ability to formulate each prayer into when one stands to recite Aleinu, serves this purpose. a mighty force whose impact could shake Hashem also stands with all the angels the very heavens. 17 in Heaven, and all say, "Praiseworthy is Strategy 3: Understanding the Meaning The Chovos Ha'levavos 18 writes: the people for whom this is so, praise­ "... regarding tefillos, one should observe worthy is the people whose G-d is mail child doesn't know the differ­ the words and their objective so that Hashem." nce between a hundred dollar bill when he speaks them before Hashem he This holy prayer, said at the conclu­ nd a scrap ofpaper. If he were given knows what the words mean and what sion of tefilla, serves as protection over the currency to hold, he 1night drop it out his heart is asking:' The Sefer Yoseph all our prayers by declaring our faith in the windo1v or cut it into pieces; he would On1etz 19 states: "It is elementary that the Hashent's Oneness.24 never understand 1vhat he had lost. To value something, you have to know tvhat it is and Why did the Chafetz TO SAVE what it's worth. TALMIDEI A person who prays with little under­ Chaim & R'Chaim CHOCHOMIM standing of what he is saying and what Ozer Grodzinsky FROM THE PAIN AND the words are supposed to accomplish is start Ezras Torah? SHAME OF POVERTY. missing a vital source of inspiration and Jn an idea! world, those who devote In Eretz Yisroe! today, E1ras Torah Make ;1 life of Tord!1 devotion and kavana. 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They I 11 • my tax-deductible contribution for: ,innRi:ss I are joined by visionaries able to discern every ~ o$18o$36o$JOOo$250o$360o$500o$1,000o$- C!Ti' ST1\TE ZIP : possible requiren1ent offuture generations of I Method of payment: OChcck OVisa Oi\'l/C DIVE PllO~E I con1puter users. Their 111ission is to 1vrite a 1 1 1 .Ace.:.. # ·'··'··'··'i1... D.atc:- li'fZRASw;; TO=RAH.'1QlW.177JeH11111ansideofTomhPbik111!hropr I progran1 for a supercomputer designed to I Please contact me regarding estahlishing an Eznt'i 'fomh Make Jl~ymeots to. Euas Torah I ren1ain state-of the-art for all time. I Endowment Fund for a: OFree Loan fund Oi\ledicaJ Fund 255 East Broadway, New York. NY !0002·212-227·8960 JOI L------~ The Jewish Observer, December 2004 29 By focusing on the special lot connection to them, one has to pay atten­ The Vilna Gaon recommended recit· Hashem has assigned to His chosen peo­ tion each and every ti1ne. The road signs ing every word of the prayers from a ple, Aleinu also girds a person for the in this journey are the words of the Siddur. He finds an interesting allusion challenges to his faith that might emerge to the importance of praying from a in the business day ahead. If he happens Siddur within the text of the Megilla of to see a non-believing person prosper, • Esther which states: 26 "Ub'bo'a lifnei ham· he will not contemplate following in his f the many elech amar im hasefer yashuv ways. 25 means to find machashavto." Literally, "When she Of the many means to find inspira· O \Esther] appeared before the king tion in one's prayers, understanding their inspiration in one's \Achasuerus], he commanded by means meaning is among the most easily ofletters that [Haman's] wicked scheme accomplished in our times. The book· prayers, should be overturned." Homiletically, the store shelves are lined with beautifully Gaon translates these words as follows: translated and annotated prayer books understanding their "When one appears before the King that offer everything from simple trans­ [Hashem] in prayer, he should recite the lation to mystical insight. Taking one meaning is among words from a sefer, [for in that way] he word at a time, one verse at a time, any­ the most easily will cast aside any inappropriate one can learn to speak the language of thoughts."27 prayer. accomplished in our Similarly, the Magen Avraham 28 tells us that the Ariza[ davened exclusively Strategy 4: Use a Siddur times. Taking one from a Siddur. This practice was also exemplified and advised by the Maharal, aving driven the roads of his town word at a time, one the Chafetz Chaim, and more recently, hundreds of times, the 1na11 verse at a time, by Rabbi Moshe Feinstein. In fact, the H becan1e bored lVith the road signs. Chafetz Chaim stated that using a Stop. Yield. Left Only. No Passing. He knew anyone can learn to Siddur was one of the foremost priori· ivhat to expect at each corner. He decided ties in striving for proper tefilla. 29 to stop paying attention to the signs and just speak the language The Manchester Rosh Yeshiva, drive according to the dictates of his heart. Rabbi Yehuda Zev Segal, who was Naturally, he soon caused an accident. "I of prayer, known for the power of his tefilla, was guess you really do have to pay attention each a compassionate messenger for thou­ and every time," he surn1ised. sands offews who, throughout his life­ Prayer is no less demanding a skill. Siddur, and surprisingly,• the more time, asked him to beseech Hashem in To maintain one's focus, absorb the expert the "driver," the more particular their behalf. He not only prayed from meaning of the words and form a live he is to read the signs. a Siddur, but was often seen pointing with his finger to each word he uttered, in order to guarantee his exclusive focus You can! Just call on the meaning.30 Even the berachos he The Yit:t:i Leibel wish I could recited were always read fro1n either a ''r Helpline. Siddur or a card upon which they were HOURS: printed. Monday-Friday ...... 8ain -12pm So often, using a Siddur reveals itself speak to a Monday-Thursday ...... 8pn1 -1 lpm Sunday ...... 9an1 - l 2pm, 9p111 -11 pn1 to be the tool of the intellectual giant, not the crutch of the intellectually frum therapist {)l'~ 718-HELP-NOW weak. The more one understands and I,:~ (718) 435-7669 masters tefilla, the more one demands Chicago ...... (800) HELP-023 the constant reinforcement of the Lakewood.. ...(732) 363-1010 Siddur. on the phone C\cvelond ...... (888) 209-8079 ..... (410) 578-1111 During the ominous years leading ...... (877) 435-7611 up to World War II, one of the key fig· without giving San Diego ... (866) 385-0348 ures in Europe at that time, Rabbi Tornnto...... (416) 784-1271 Chaim Ozer Grodzenski, ?"~1 tvrote The Rebbetzin Phyllil W1Cinberg Brarich of the Y•tti Leibel Helpline 1n .-n:'D -, p ,;·)!'t" ·1 Year. The following words, written on n·'7~T j)'';J 'J ''·'~ll Dedicated by Mr. & Mrs. Shmuel Boruch Wilhelm Erev Yorn Kippur 5694 (1933 ), were

30 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 found among his writings: '10 con­ son's innermost self. are other opinions as well regarding the centrate deeply when praying or The blessings of the Shemoneh Esrei proper use of personal additions to the reciting blessings; especially, to recite relate to every area of human need, hope Middle Blessings. from a text." 31 and aspiration, both material and spir­ There are some places in Shemoneh Did Reb Chaim Ozer need the itual. Each blessing offers an opportu­ Esrei that are essentially an open let­ Siddur to jog his memory? Rabbi nity to present one's personal requests ter to Hashem. Jn these places, a per­ Schach, ?"~!relates the following telling to Hashem. Rabbi Yehuda HaChassid33 son can pour his heart out regarding incident: any matter that is of importance to him, Reb Chaim Ozer maintained a present or future, personal or con1- notebook full of all the deposits and munal, spiritual or material. Those who expenditures made for various orphans • utilize these opportunities to their full and widows. Once, the ledger was ersonal ne~ds potential do not have to force them­ misplaced and couldn't be found. Reh Pmove ones selves to enter into tefilla; on the con­ Chaim Ozer's tvife became distraught, trary, they bemoan any occasion for worrying about the loss of so n1uch prayers from the tefilla that they miss. information that was vital to so 1nany Shomei'a Tefilla: The personal people. When Reb Chaim Ozer heard abstract to the requests added to the hlessing of about the loss, he said to his wife, "Don't concrete, providing a Shomei'a Tefilla may encompass any and 1vorry about it! Please just get n1e a new all needs.37 The Mishneh Berurah 38 adds enzpty notebook." Within several powerful connection that this is also an appropriate time to hours, he had reconstructed the entire confess one's sins. The only limitation record book, with all its numbers and to the person's is that one should be concise in his infor111atio11, all from memory. requests.·"' The original book was found a short innermost self. Shomei'a Tefilla provides an opening ti111e later, and all the information in into which one can insert his deepest it corresponded exactly to Reb Chaim Ozer's reconstructed ledger. Rabbi • Schach observed, "One tvho never states, "When you pray, add to each 1net Reh Chaim Ozer can have no idea beracha from its subject for your needs, how phenon1enal his me1nory was." because that will prepare the heart to Rabbi Schach drew a lesson from this pray with proper concentration." episode: "Despite his tremendous There are several places throughout n1e111ory, Reh Chain1 Ozer never dav­ the Shemoneh Esrei in which one may ened or bentched without looking in a insert personal requests: in each of the Siddur."32 middle blessings, in the beracha of She111a for all age gtoups. Using a Siddur could be no minor Koleinu and in Elokai Netzor. There are for tl1e Orthodox Jewish community. issue if this was what the great Reb specific halachos regarding how to add Rabbinical referlfltc.es available Chaim Ozer resolved to work on in the these personal requests. face of the gravest of circumstances. 'fhe Middle Blessings: This portion of the Home: (718) 338-1765 world needed the full force of prayer Shemoneh Esrei starts at the blessing "Atta P er: (917) 486-5655 then, as it does now; this requires not chonein," the blessing for wisdom, and only pronouncing the holy words and ends after "Es tzemach David," which asks understanding their meaning, but keep­ Hashem to usher in the ti1nes of ing them before one's eyes. Moshiach. The Shulchan Aruch JJ rules that a person may add a personal pe Strategy 5: Personal Requests request corresponding to any of the 111id­ • Each Daf is read, dlc blessings; however, one should be translated, and explained person who needs a job doesn't concise in his requests. -' 5 All of these slowly and clearly in just pray for his livelihood in a dis­ requests can be made in the person's own 20 minutes A tracted manner. His heart aches language if he finds Hebrew difficult. • $4 per tape (plus S&J-1) with need. His mind focuses sharply. His fiowever, the Mishnch Berura,36 cit­ • Subscription rate: $3 per tape prayer is saturated with sincere en1otion. ing the Pri Megadim, rules that one may (plus S&H) Personal needs 1nove one's prayers only add a personal request to a mid­ from the abstract to the concrete, pro­ dle blessing if it is for a current need, viding a powerful connection to the per- rather than a possible future need. There

The Jewish Observer, December 2004 31 yearnings. To help people articulate some not interested in Torah study: KARKA IN EKETZ YISKOEL of the common longings of the Jewish "May it be Your will, Hashem our Call Rabbi Gavriel Beer for information heart, Torah scholars throughout the ages G-d and the G-d of our fathers, that on obtaining cemetery plots in Beth have prepared special formulations you have mercy on my child (name and Shemesh and other locations in Israel. through which people can state their the mother's name) to turn his heart 40 011-972-2-656-9427 requests. The Chazon Ish composed a around to love and fear Your Name and prayer for the success of a child who is to dedicate himself to the study of Your holy Torah, and take away all the fac­ tors that hold him back from Torah study, and provide all the causes that FROM- YOUR CAR IN ISRAEl will bring him closer to learning Your *US$ holy Torah:' SSHABBAT Shemoneh Esrei. 41 Ya'aros De'vash 42 observes that Elokai Netzor is a proper TYPE OF CAR PER WEEK moment for asking Hashem for anything FIAT PUNTO 3 DR - nothing is too petty, nor is anything OPEL CORSA too difficult, to bring to His attention. HUNDAI GETZ 1.3 The Chaye Adam states:43 TOYOTA COROLLA MAZDA6 <(It is appropriate and worthwhile MAZDA MPV for every person to pray each day B.M.W 520 specifically for his own financial U.S.A needs, and other practical parts of life, Tel: 1·800-938-5000 that his children should be Torah schol­ 718-998-5500 www.eldan.co.il ars and that all his descendants should be G-d-fearing people .... And if he can­ not phrase these thoughts in the r.------~ Hebrew language of prayer, let him say his thoughts in his own language, as ARE You MOVING? long as it comes from the depths of his heart:' IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED Personal requests warm the heart with INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? all the emotions of human need and We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the Jewish Observer to your home. longing. This warmth can melt rock­ Please attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address and hard indifference into a river of spiri­ computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the address label. tual feeling. Every word of prayer is carried along this powerful current, imbuing one's entire tefilla with an inten­ sity and sincerity that might otherwise Affix old label here remain out of reach.

Strategy 6: Find Joy Name ______oy and boredom cannot coexist. If a New Address person is filled with joy at the City, prospect of being received by his her with open arms, he cannot pos­ State, ______Zip I sibly be mumbling distracted praises to Date Effective ------­ Him at the same time. 4 Send address The Jewish Observer The Sefer Mesillas Yesharim4 explains changes to: Change of Address that anyone who feels truly privileged to 42 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 be able to pour out his heart in prayer Please allow 4-6 weeks for all changes to be reflected on your malling label. We will not to Hashem will naturally experience the L be responsible for back issues missed unless you notify us 6 weeks prior to your move. .J desired sense of joy. Rabbi Shimshon

------The Jewish Observer, December 2004 32 Dovid Pincus 7"'1r" comments that a per­ Knowing that someone is there lvithin help him. If he consciously connects to son untouched by joy as he prays must reach, someone who has healed others that truth, he will be overwhelmed with be lacking in his perception of Who like him, ignites a great surge of opti­ joy at having been handed the longed­ Hashem is. On the other hand, a person mism lVithin the patient. for opportunity to express his needs to who truly feels in his heart that he is •A person needs a substantial loan the One who can answer them. In the 7 addressing the One who has the answer in order to fulfill his innovative plans words of Rabbi Pincus, 7'"::s-t4 : to all his problems and the desire to ful­ for his business. He believes that if he "So it is, when a person speaks to fill his needs, rises to his feet with enthu­ could present his proposal to the bank his Creator, and mentions His Name, siasm, joyful at the opportunity he has manager, he could convince him to fund if he only would think for a moment been given. the expansion. Unfortunately, the 1nan­ about the meaning of Hashem's Name, It is the standard plot to every ager's secretary will not put through his at that moment an enormous happi­ drama: The situation is desperate. All calls. Traveling to work one day, a casu­ ness would shine inside ... Specifically, hope is lost, and then, help arrives! This al conversation lvith a stranger on the the One he (meets' in shul in the is a real-life drania that plays out in bus leads to an impassioned description Shemoneh Esrei prayer, the One to some form in almost every person's life. of his business proposals. Upon reach­ Whom he is speaking now, He has the Through the emotions inherent in this ing his stop, the stranger exclaims, ability to help the person who is drama - the anxiety, the longing, the "Thank you for speaking to me about about to daven Shemoneh Esrei. And rejoicing- one can learn to pray. this! I am the bank manager and I 1vould He (Hashem) assists aJl who sincere­ How does one understand the joy a like to finance your plans." The tnan feels ly ask Hirn for help:' person is to feel upon coining to his heart swell with joy, as he marvels Our quest is to see Hashenls presence, Hashcn1 in prayer? Iinagine:46 at the opportunity he had been hand­ hear His message and feel His loving •A person is stricken with an illness, ed to bring his case before the one per­ guidance in every aspect of our lives. and all the doctors in his small to1vn have son who could help him. When we develop this perspective, we given up hope. Suddenly, word spreads VVhcn a person recites She1noneh Esrei, infuse ourselves, our lives and our that a world-renowned specialist in this he should realize that he is praying to the prayers with the indispensable ingredi­ disease has arrived in town for a visit. One and only One who can, and will, ent of joy. •

1 Bava Basra l 64b ciate them as if he were counting tnoney. eludes that it is up to one's individual preference 15 whether or not to da1 1en fro1n a Siddur. Also see 2 Maharal, Chidushci Aggadu~, Ibid Mic/1tav A1c'Elirahu, Vol. 5, p, 201 Aruch 1-IaSl1uldzn11, 93, (R). 3 16 See Mc~illa 18a; cliso see Shita J\1ckubetzcs on Scfer Chassidi111, Sinwn 784 29 1 Bcr11c'1os 28-a that the divinely inspired text of Sc.fer Shem Olam, see hasfnnatos at end of sefcr ' 1\1ichta1' A1c'Eliyaf1u, VoL J, Intro, p. 24 Shcmoneh Hsrei was not changed; rather, only the 30 Along The Maggid's Journey (ArtScroll, Rabbi 5 Scfcr Hazikaron Le'Raa/ A1icl1tal' Me'Eliyn'111, Vol. original sequence which had been forgotten was Pays

The Jewish Observer, December 2004 33 Rabbi Shimon Finkelman Mrs. Fruma Leah Mandel

When we think of pioneers in girls' Torah chinuch in America, names such as Rebbetzin Vichna Kaplan and Rebbetzin Basya Bender 7·1 immediately come to mind - and for good reason. These two nashim tzidkaniyos founded the first all-day Bais Yaakov high school in America. A lesser-known name, one which bears mention, is Mrs. Fruma Leah Mandel, who actually initiated the concept of organized Torah education for girls on these shores.

A pioneer of girls' chinuch in America

FROM KOPICHNITZ TO NEWYORK Kahaneman)? Of course not! How can one (Heavenly) gates for your sake." In the not love the Ponovezher Rav? Rather, the years that followed, Fruma Leah's moth­ he was born on Rosh Chodesh command tells us to love the Jew who is dif er appeared to her in dreams on a num­ Shevat5642 (1882) in Kopichnitz, ficult to deal with, the one who might not ber of occasions, and offered her Sa small town in Galicia, Poland. Her earn our love naturally. That is what direction that provided for her safety and father, Reb Avraham Menachem Mendel ahavas Yisroel means." success. Pollack, a talmid chacham, was out­ She learned ahavas Yisroel in her own After her mother's death, Fruma standing in his yiras Shamayim, and a home, as well. Her father's carpentry skills Leah took over the running of the house­ devoted chassid of Rabbi Yitzchok Meir provided the family with all their needs, hold, and cared for her brothers, ages Heschel ?"lit, the Kopichnitzer Rebbe. but once a week, they ate stale bread, to fourteen, six and three. When the old­ Little Fruma Leah could often be experience the difficulties of poverty and est brother, Volf, turned seventeen, he was found in the Rebbe's home where that better feel the plight of the poor. eligible for conscription into the Polish rarified environment profoundly influ­ In the tradition of her mother, Army, which posed a grave spiritual dan­ enced her. The Rebbes of Kopichnitz were Fruma Leah would stand outside the ger to any Torah-observant young man. outstanding in their ahavas chessed and door, listening as her brothers studied This is why many yeshiva bachurim in ahavas Yisroel, qualities for which Mrs. Torah. At a time when girls did not Russia and Poland went to great lengths Mandel was well known. receive any formal Torah education, she to avoid being drafted. Some starved Reb Yitzchok Meir's son and successor, developed a heightened love and appre­ themselves to appear ill at the time of RabbiAvrohom YehoshuaHeschel?"lll, once ciation for its sacred teachings. their physical examination, while oth­ said, "Do you think that the mitzvah of ers actually inflicted permanent wounds Ve'ahavta lerei'acha kamocha (Love your THE WORKINGS OF PROVIDENCE on themselves so that they would be dis­ fellow Jew as yourself) means to love the qualified from army service. Ponovezher Rav (Rabbi Yosef Shlomo er mother died when she was Volf's father, Reb Avraham sixteen. As an only daughter and Menachem Mendel, advised him to Rabbi Finkelman, a rebbe in Yeshiva Darchei Torah, Far Rockaway, NY, is a frequent contrib­ H the oldest of four', she cared for flee across the border. He did, and made utor to these pages, most recently, " ... With her mother during her final illness with his way to England, eventually taking up Kindness and Respect" (March '04). He is the great devotion. At one point, her moth­ residence in London. By that time, Reb author of several biographies published by ertold her, "If I will live, I will do what­ Avraham Menachem Mendel had ArtScroll Mesorah Publications. The above arti­ cle is based on the research of Mrs. Rochel Feder, ever I can for you) and if) chas veshalom, remarried, and his new wife was caring a granddaughter of Mrs. Mandel. I will not live, I will break down iron for his two young sons. He therefore

34 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 asked Fruma Leah, nineteen, to travel to they arrived on these shores. There were ter-in-law would play a pivotal role in England so that her brother would not women who mentioned with pride that keeping other Jewish daughters from be alone. "in der alter heim" (i.e., back home in straying off the path. In l 90 l, she arrived in England, and Europe), their father had been a rav or The new couple took up residence on two years later she and her brother jour­ the outskirts of Williamsburg, and later neyed to America. In 1907, she became moved to Woodridge in upstate New engaged to Reb Zev Keirns Moshe he spoke• softly York. 2 Mandel, who had also arrived in America without his parents. His father, Sbut convincingly BNOSYAAKOV Reb Shimshon Mandel, was a Torah scholar and a son-in-law of the gabbai about the n October of l 923, the Mandels of Reb Mordechai Shraga of Husyatin, importance of not moved from Woodridge back to a son of the Chassidic master, Reb Yisroel I Brooklyn, this time, taking up resi­ of Rizhin. compromising an dence in Brownsville, which at that time The two fathers discussed the pro­ had a thriving Orthodox community. posed match in Europe, and then sent iota regarding Some three years later, the Mandels' their blessings across the Atlantic. Reb daughter, Esther, came home from pub­ Shimshon sent his future daughter-in­ Shabbos lic high school (there was no Bais law a message (in Yiddish): "My child, Yaakov) and said that the school would l don't know you, but I have heard very observance, tzenius, he holding a prom, which included mixed nice things about you. There is but one dancing. Moreover, the hoys and girls thing that I wish to tell you: don't look kashrus and other who would be attending were almost all at the Rav'sdaughter or the dayan's (rab­ areas ... either gentiles or non-observant Jews. binical judge's) daughter. Conduct your­ Mrs. Mandel was understandably dis­ self in the way of a sincerely religious tressed. Jewish daughter:' Reb Shimshon was well Many parents considered themselves aware that many of the Jewish immi­ dayan, though they• themselves were non­ helpless in such situations. Mrs. Mandel grants to America - even from the finest, observant. R' Shimshon did not want his took action. She knew that her daugh­ most prestigious families - had aban­ daughter-in-law to fall prey to such influ­ ter might not survive the peer pressure doned mitzvah observance as soon as ences. Little did he dream that his

The Jewish Observer, December 2004 35 was alone in her struggle. She needed to Excited and happy after an enjoyable, where too many had grown lax after feel that she belonged to a special uplifting evening, they decided to form arriving in America. The girls felt drawn "sorority;' one that cherished the religious weekly classes. At these classes, halacha, to this kindhearted woman who under­ principles with which she had been parsha, Pirkei Avos, tefilla and Menoras stood their needs and empathized with raised, and shunned compromise, spir­ Hamaor were taught. Mrs. Mandel their difficulties. itual weakness, and assimilation. recruited instructors, and dre\v on her Within a short ti1ne, some two hun­ She wrote letters to the Brownsville own knowledge of Torah law and lore, dred girls were attending her weekly Bnos rabbanim, apprising them of the situa­ which, along with her warm, caring per­ Yaakov groups, which were organized tion, and requesting their support in her sonality, made her a much beloved ped­ according to age. "Buds" were her planned endeavor. Then, she sent post­ agogue. youngest charges, ages five to seven. The cards to ten girls who were her daugh­ She spoke softly but convincingly oldest group, known as Shomrei HaDas ter's age, inviting them to her house on about the importance of not compro­ (Keepers of the Faith), consisted of Friday night. "Bring a friend;' she wrote. mising an iota regarding Shabbos obser­ young, married wo1nen. That first Shabbos, fifteen girls came. vance, tzenius, kashrus and other areas Mrs. Mandel was not physically strong, and was in poor health for much of her adult life. But "those who hope to Hashem will have renewed strength.''' Subscribe or give a gift of Her success in saving so many girls from spiritual dangers invigorated her, and with time, she introduced her Bnos The Jewish Observer groups to other neighborhoods. and $ave! TO WILLAMS BURG AND BEYOND er sons, who were studying at WHY NOT GNE OR GET A PRESENT Mesivta Torah Vodaath in THAT WILL LAST AN ENTIRE YEAR? H Williamsburg, became friendly with a G-d-fearing butcher, Reb Moshe Subscribe, or give a gift at these reduced prices Mintz. Mrs. Mandel was introduced to and The Jewish Observer- filled with the views Mr. Mintz's sister, Malka (later Mrs. of leading Torah thinkers on current issues - will Malka Puretz), and the first Bnos Yaakov be delivered each month, directly to your door. group in Williamsburg was founded. Mr. Mintz's wife, Bracha, was the The longer you subscribe for, the larger your savings. daughter of Rahbi Yehuda Levenberg, Of course, this offer is unconditionally Rosh Yeshiva of the Yeshiva of New 4 guaranteed; you may cancel at any time and receive Haven. With her involvement, a group was founded in New Haven. After meet­ a refund for all undelivered copies. ing Rabbi Elazar Mayer Preil, father-in­ So order today, and the very next issue will be law of the late Rabbi Pinchas Mordechai on its way to you as soon as possible. Teitz (RavofElizabeth, New Jersey), Mrs. Mandel founded a Bnos group in ------Elizabeth. i.:J YES, 1 want to take advantage of this money saving offer! Enter my order as follows: Mrs. Mandel placed an ad in the .J SELF and/or ::I G\Fl'** LM lllfT;:rO[, "co1nmunity news" column of the ------"-~tr__ ,_M_ Addrc~s ·-·-·----.. ------.. ---- Yiddish Morgen Journal daily, inviting 0 3 years Cover Price $105 Your cost $69 $114* -~------!City __·---·------··~-----··· girls to attend existing Bnos groups or 0 2 years Cover Prire $70 Your cost $48 $78' Statr __,, _____ Zip _____. ___ to found new ones in their neighbor­ 0 1 year Cover Price $35 Your cost $25 $40~ hoods. A girl from the Bronx decided to ------' :,J"" Send gift card from: make the trip to Williamsburg for a Bnos 0 Enclosed: S ~------·-- ---·- ~~\\J\'l7fi~Ilu melava malka. She got off the train at the or Charge my: :J MasterCard '.} VISA UBSERVER wrong stop and walked three miles to 42 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 Account No ----·---.. ------·---- reach her destination. After meeting this The Jewish Oboerver i~ published monthly ncl'Pt July and Augu-;t. !, Exp. Date: (month/yt: wf'rh for drlivery. ------girl, Mrs. Mandel contacted the Vaad "Out>idr U.S.A. prier reflects $15 n,t1J pn )"JT to defroy air 3 digit security code __,, ______-----.. ·--- shipping co~ts. Foreign p;iyment must be made in U.S. dollar>. dther HaRabbanim of the Bronx and obtained lly check drawn on a b~mk in the U.S.A. or by VlSA or MasterCard Signature--··------·-.. ----· a list of tbe neighborhood's observant

36 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 families. She then wrote some thirty let­ Not until 1935 did the first elemen­ there is nothing to be done. This is ters in which she described the Bnos tary school for girls in the Bais Yaakov America -all is lost." Reh Binyomin con­ groups and urged parents to send their model open in Williamsburg. vinced them that all was not lost, and daughters to a group that was then being That school was originally named his dream was realized. formed in their neighborhood. The girl "Bais Rochel," and was founded by Mrs. Mrs. Mandel faced a different sort of whose Motza'ei Shabbos journey had ini­ Mandel. Convincing parents to enroll opposition. In the 1920s, Sara Schenirer tiated this effort organized the group, and their children was a formidable task. had founded the Bais Yaakov movement Shoshana Eidelman - later, Rebbetzin In his diary, Reb Binyomin Wilhelm in Poland, but its concept had not yet 5 Soloveitchik of Monsey - was its first describes the resistance he met when he reached these shores. In America, leader. founded Torah Vodaath. Orthodox Jews were resigned to having "Do you really intend to turn these their daughters attend public school. That boys into Torah students and tzad­ a Jewish girl needed a Torah education dikim?" the parents had asked skepti­ to shield her from the winds of assim­ cally. "The years have taught us that ilation was a new idea that most were not he girls •felt drawn Tto this kindhearted woman It hurts who understood 1oc their needs and empathized with their difficulties. • • THE FIRST SCHOOL

eshiva Torah Vodaath, founded in 1917, was Williamsburg's first Y1brah day school. But by the early It hurts l 930s, America had yet to see its first all­ day Torah school for girls. In Rabbi Yonoson Rosenblum's definitive biography of Rabbi Shraga Feivel Mendlowitz, founder of Mesivta 1orah Vodaath, we read: In 1924, Reb Shraga Feivel and his close friend Reb Binyamin Wilhelm It feels better just to talk about it. That's why we're here. Our staff is made up of opened an afternoon Talmud Torah for caring and sensitive individuals. Together, girls in Williamsburg called Beth Jacob we can help you explore your options. We Hebrew School. One of the few places can refer you to recognized professionals for counseling, legal advice or help in where an Orthodox girl could gain son1e finding a safe environment. We can also familiarity with Torah was in one ofthe put you in touch with some very special handful ofinfimnal Shabbos groups that Rabbis. But in order for us to reach out to you, you must first reach out to us. Mrs. Fruma Leah Mandel of Brownsville began organizing in her Confidential Hotline 1 . 8 8 8. 8 8 3. 2 3 2 3 neighborhood in the late 1920s. After (Toll Free) moving to Williamsburg in the early '30s, 718.337.3700 Mrs. Mandel organized groups there as Do it for yourself. (NYC Area! well. The Mendlowitz girls were among Do it for your chi Id re n. Shalom Ta<;k Force •s ,, 501ic)(3) charitable orgdrn?Jt1on her first Willia1nsburg recruits.

The Jewish Observer, December 2004 37 ready to accept. "Mrs. Mandel, do you Rebbetzin Magnes was well-versed in want to make my daughter into a reb­ Tanach and Torah hashkafa, and was a betzin?" they challenged. gifted and inspiring speaker. Not one to be put off easily, she coun­ One evening, in the midst of a snow­ tered," Ver vellen zein di mamas? (Who storm, Mrs. Mandel, accompanied by two will be the mothers?)" If a woman was of her sons, traveled from Brooklyn to strong in her faith and appreciation of North Bergen. Mrs. Mandel got straight Child Development Torah and mitzvos, then there could be to the point: "Rebbetzin Magnes, you real hope that she would raise her chil­ must save Jewish daughters from spir­ Specialists serving dren to be committed Torah Jews even itual annihilation!" She pleaded her case in the "land of opportunity" where convincingly, with the result being that infants/toddlers Orthodox Jews could climb the ladder the Magneses relocated to Williamsburg of professional success. If a woman was so that the Rebbetzin could head the new and their families ignorant of Torah, however, and shaky school. Beis Medrash L'Moros Bnos in her beliefs, there could be little hope Yaakov, an evening high school and sem­ that her children would survive the temp­ inary, opened its door in 1936. tations of American life. To hope that the The following year, Rebbetzin Vichna hundreds of Orthodox girls attending Kaplan arrived in America. She found­ American public schools would all con­ ed the first all-day Bais Yaakov high tinue in the traditions of their forbears school and seminary, and eventually, Mrs. was unrealistic and dangerous. Mandel's school merged with that of Another problem was that many Rebbetzin Kaplan. observant girls attended Talmud Torah classes in the afternoon, after public * ** school. Sadly, some of the Talmud Torah teachers were not fully observant and were a harmful influence. t Mrs. Mandel's funeral, one of her Mrs. Mandel persevered and opened requent guests commented that her all-day school with approximately fif­ e had never felt that he was on teen students. It started with a first, sec­ the receiving end. This was her style of ond, fourth and fifth grade. The girls, ages chessed; she had a knack for making a six to eleven, sat around a long table in recipient feel at ease and often unaware Evaluation &Therapy at our center a shul as the teachers made their way of any efforts being expended on his around the table, teaching each group behalf. And whatever she did was or in the privacy of your home according to its level. accomplished discreetly, in the quiet, Bi-Lingual Services Available About a year later, Mrs. Mandel set modest tradition of Jewish daughters. her sights on starting an evening high She never sought, nor desired, recog­ All Services are Free of Charge school and seminary. As she often did, nition for all that she accomplished on she sought guidance from Reb Shraga behalf of bnos YisroeL We, however, Feivel Mendlowitz. He directed her to should take note of her efforts and be Executive Offices: Rebbetzin Basya Magnes, whose husband inspired to do what we can to spiritu­ 4228 Tenth Avenue was a Rav in North Bergen, New Jersey. ally assist our fellow Jews. • Brooklyn, New York 11219 1 A fifth child, a boy, died at age three. Queens Office: of Los Angeles for the past twenty years. Rabbi 2 Menachem Manis Mandel has for many decades 70-14 14/st Street They were blessed with five children: Reb Reuven Dovid Mandel has served Yeshiva of Brooklyn with been the Menahel and inspiration of Yeshiva of Flushing, New York 1136 7 integrity and great devotion for decades. Reh Brooklyn, with a combined enrollment in the boys' Pinchas Mandel has for many decades been and girls' divisions of well over one thousand stu­ SERVING BROOKLYN, QUEENS, involved with chessed shel emes, burial arrange­ dents. Their father, Reh Moshe, passed away on ments, especially in Eretz Yisroe~ for the 25 Tishrei, 5704 (1943). STATEN ISLAND & MANHATTAN American Torah community. Rebbetzin Esther 3 Yeshaya 40,31 Mindel Katz is the widow of the legendary Rabbi 4 Chaim Mordechai Katz, a founding Rosh Yeshiva See "Torah Shines Froth from New Haven ... and of the Telshe Yeshiva in Cleveland. Rabbi Cleveland," by Ari Z. Zivotofsky, JO, Dec. '03. Nachman Mandel has been a beloved primary 5 See "A Principal of Principle: Rebbetzin rebbi for over half a century and has been serv­ Soloveitchik n~:v;'by Mrs. Sarah Cohen, JO, Dec. ing in that capacity at the Yeshivah Toras Emes '00.

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ID Davka CORPORATION Yisrael Rutman "'"%~------· negative commandments involved. 1 As Rabbi Elyakim Getzel, the Maggid of Bialystock, observed, it is no accident that tears issue from the eyes, for they are the source of so much trouble (quot­ ed by Rabbi Mordechai Potash in Sefer Histaklus Behalacha). But the reward is correspondingly great for those who make the required 5 effort. The Navi Yeshayahu (33,15-16) praises the one who "hears no evil, sees 6 no evil. He will dwell in the heights ...." As the Yalkut Shimoni (439) says, one who so guards his senses will merit to see the Shechina, as implied by the subsequent verse in the Navi, "Your eyes will gaze upon the King in His beauty ... " (the "King" being a reference to Hashem). ake a walk. That's what my doc­ guard your health:' Even if! would wish Nevertheless, life makes its demands. tor told me. I should take a walk to be irresponsible, and opt for a life that We must leave the sanctity of our Tevery day for at least half an hour. is short and sweet, indulging my taste for homes for health reasons or to go to the I have joined the ranks of the millions cake and ice cream and never 1nind the beis hamidrash, the bcis haknesses~ the for whom diet-and-exercise is a medical consequences, I cannot do so. "Our bod­ workplace, or the market. Even if it 1neans prescription. We subtract sugar and salt ies, ourselves" is not a Jewish motto. It traversing a street where it is inevitable from our diet. We add regular exercise is not my body. I am just a caretaker for we will encounter forbidden sights, it is in the form of swimming, bicycling or the physiological marvel which has permissible if it is unavoidable, or if a walking. I have chosen walking, a brisk been placed in my trust by the Borei 1nore roundabout route wil1 entail sig­ outing every morning. Olam, to be used in the fulfillment of His nificant inconvenience (Igros Moshe, Even On my daily course, I pass others who will. My morning walk has become Ha'Ezer, Vol. 1:56). are also out for exercise, looking very almost as much a part of my obligato­ Although we may have no choice but much like me. I wonder what they are ry routine as tallis and tefillin. to be in such places, that doesn't grant thinking. With head down or gaze fixed Of course, there is always an element us a license to "gaze at random." On the on some distant point, do they brood of she'lo lishma. A svelter me would be contrary, the hctteris only valid on con­ over glucose and triglycerides? Do they an undeniable source of pleasure. Also, dition that we make every effort to turn dream of"a slimmer me"? And am I the I do enjoy my morning walk, and I feel our focus away from what should not be sa1nc? Or is there something more to this stronger and 1nore energetic because of seen.2 That is why G-d gave us lids, daily constitutional than the mere main­ it. So I can't claim that I do it purely for 1 "And do not stray after your hearts and your tenance of a physical body? For a Jew, the mitzvah. Nevertheless, the fact eyes" (Hamidbar 15,39), "And keep yourself fron1 the most mundane activity should be an remains that I only broke out of my total­ all evil" ([)cvari11123,10), "Every 1nan unto all flesh exercise in avodas I1ashern. What follows ly sedentary routine on doctor's orders. do not draw dose to reveal nakedness" ( Vayikra 18,6), and "I have n1ade a covenant with the eyes" are some of my thoughts on the subject Saying the passuk"venishn1a1tcm" over (lyov31,l). - ten, to be exact: to myself when I take off each day helps 2 This docs not 111ean one has to go blindfold~ to keep the mitzvah in mind. ed; you have to watch where you're going. It is Their Walk ... And Mine in1portant to note, however, that the prohibition Visionary Control does not apply to a situation arising fron1 an he most obvious difference in11nodestly dressed person happening to enter your field of vision as you watch for the traffic between my walking and theirs is nherent to going out to do a mitz­ light to turn green; rather, what is f-Orbidden is Tthat the activity is for inc a n1itz­ vah is the risk of doing an aveira on fixing your gaze upon that person. In other \VOrds, vah of"venish1narten11ne'od lenafshose­ I the way. Indeed, as soon as one steps the problc1n is not seeing, it's looking. It is record­ ichem," freely translated as "you shall outside, he enters a world of flagrant ed in the Bcis Yoseif( ()hr I-fach11yin1, 229) that it was asked of the Rosh: "I-fow is it possible to n1ake immodesty. As Rahhi Schach, ., .. ,,, once a blessing upon seeing a rainbow, when it is said Rabbi Rutman teaches Gc1110rr1 tn beginners in said: "Today, it's impossible to walk out that the eyes of one who looks at a rainbow are Yeshivas ()hr Yaakov, which is located in Zichron di1nmcd?" He answered that seeing (re'iya) is not Yaakov, in Eretz Yisroel. His article, "Junk Genes the door." (from opening remarks to the san1e as looking (histak!us), which is inore --- In the Eye of the Beholder," was featured in/(), Yarchei Kalla, Ponevezh, 5753/l 993) intensive. The T!irapplies this distinction to see­ March '04. And the stakes are high. There are four ing (or looking at) an in1n1odest scene.

------··-·~------~------.------·- ---- 40 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 unique to the eyes: so that they could be being that a sincere servant of Hashem impression that it's acceptable to drive used for a quick cover-up ( Chovos has to know the commandments of his on Shabbos. Therefore, it may be prefer­ Halevavos, Sha'ar Habechina). Master, as a soldier must know his orders. able to respond politely that you would Rabbi David Klein of Tzefas, an old The trip turned into a dazzling shiur in like to help, but you can't, because it's friend of mine, once told me, "If you're Sefer Hachinuch, as he proceeded to recite Shabbos. (I did this several times, and it thinking about a Tosafos, you just don't them for us as we walked. I think he was was almost always taken in the right spir­ see a lot of the things tbat are out there:' well into the 300s by the time we arrived it.) Or simply smile and shrug, to let him This is in line with the Rambam's at our destination. think you don't know the way. Or first counsel: "One should turn himself and The next best thing to an in-the-flesh register a polite protest, and then direct his thoughts to divrei Torah and expand talmid chacham striding in the next lane him. (See Tsitz Eliezer, Vol.15:18,19.After his mind with wisdom, because illicit is being accompanied by one of his shi­ considering the options, he recom­ thoughts only prevail over a heart urim (lectures) on tape. There are thou­ mends refraining from giving directions.) vacant of wisdom" (Hilchos Issurei Bi'a, sands of Torah tapes available on every One of the reasons I do not go for my 22:21). conceivable subject. Just be sure that the walk on Shabbos or Yam Tov is because headset is not so loud that it blocks out each of these alternatives has its draw­ Company of Choice the traffic sounds around you. backs. There is another halachic obsta­ cle as well, since exercise for health is o that end, we are well-advised by A Walking Kiddush Hashem generally prohibited on those days the wisest of men, Shlomo (although running and jumping for fun THamelech who writes in Mishlei alking presents many oppor­ is allowed). The brisk walking that I do, (13,20) tbat one who "walks witb tbe sages tunities for chessed (kind­ which is an identifiable form of exercise, will become wise:' Rabbi Avigdor Miller W ness), as well as chachma and not just a stroll, is disallowed on pointed out that it was as a result of tag­ (wisdom). A cheerful "Good morning!" Shabbos. (Mishna Berura 301:7)3 ging along after tbe great Reb Zundel that should be as much a part of the para­ Rabbi Yisroel of Salant became who he phernalia of the peripatetic ben Torah as Reflect the Sunshine was. One day, Reb Zundel noticed that his sweat suit and walking shoes. he was being shadowed, turned around, Midrash Rus tells us that Boaz and his abbi Yisroel Salanter was known and said: "Come here, Yisroel ... if you want beis din decreed that Hashem's Name to take great pleasure from the fact to become a yerei Shamayim, learn could be used in mundane greetings in Rthat sunshine is such a universally mussar." The rest is history. order to counteract the forgetting of accessible blessing, enjoyed by so many I know people who made it their busi­ Hashem and the tendency to sin in that people. Although reflecting on the vast ness to walk with (or travel with, or drive generation. All the more so in ours. multitudes who are sharing my rays at for) various roshei yeshivas. A common On a more practical level, I've been that very moment might seem an easy frustration among talmidim is the inac­ able to help others on my walks by giv­ enough way to enhance my walk, I have cessibility of the eminent men who head ing directions to passing motorists. 3 Some po skim also rule out mere strolling, if the their yeshivos and kollelim. All too The Israeli secular-religious divide intention is for exercise (ibid). often, it seems that getting close to them notwithstanding, Israeli travelers of the is the province of the smartest and most most secular appearance, sporting long Uncle Moishy, Dedi aggressive students. Others get left pony tails and hip-hop blaring from their behind. And even those who do man­ car speakers, will stop to ask directions Avrohom Fried, age to cultivate a relationship with an from a chareidi person. The interaction and other leading adam gadol (great Torah personality) may seem small, but the pleasant thank Jewish entertainers sometimes find that their intimacy you it usually elicits from the driver is with him is confined to hurried, two­ evidence enough that the notorious are available minute exchanges after shiur. But the per­ divide has been momentarily sur­ to visit son who drives or accompanies him to mounted by personal kindness. He seriously ill his next appointment can revel in his cannot deny that at least that one children presence for much longer and develop chareidi who gave him directions seems thanks to a far more meaningful relationship. like a nice guy. A kiddush Hashem has SIMCHAS,.,,...,,.,,,., CHAVA Also, one has to be on the lookout for been effected. n"}l ~ .., ronrn opportunities. When I was a bachur, I When somebody stops me on AChessed proje

The Jewish observer, December 2004 41 consigned it to the long list of things that Walk the Prayer couldn't leave it. My wife agreed, and so are easier said than done. I suppose it we stayed. takes a greater ba'al chessed than me to ((Hashem meichin mitsadei gever Some time later, I came across a pas­ derive pleasure from such a thought, even - G-d prepares mankind's sage in the Sefas Emes that confirmed my though I realize that it's certainly no ray footsteps:'' It is not just a ves­ feelings. In Parshas Balak (23,9), com­ off my nose, and even though 1 don't tigial paranoia from my days growing up menting on Bilaam's intention to curse begrudge those other people their place in New York City that makes me watch­ "a people that celebrates three pilgrim­ in the sun, either. ful for menace. Even in the relatively ages," he says, ((that envisioned prophet­ secure part of northern Israel where I live, ically that every rock and hilltop in Bretz Footing the Habit I can not escape thoughts of snipers in Yisroel [was created] exclusively for the hills overlooking my route. And it was Bnei Yisroel.

42 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 Reviewed by Yisroel Yehuda Pollack

Against this backdrop, the inspiring The sad part is that, even after you and, yes, breathtaking story elaborat­ have finished reading this book, putting ed in the work under review takes the story off your mind won't come easy. shape. It is, in the first instance, a story This is because certain loose ends - of the striking train of events that led involving some of the story's main pro­ In Every Generation: The Life and to Reb Shmuel Aharon's grandfather's tagonists - aren't fully resolved, and the Legacy of Rav Shmuel Aharon arrival, in his youth, in Bretz Yisroel. It reader is left wondering, and maybe even Yudelevitch ';>":izt, by David Yudelevitch is a story, next, of what transpired agonizing over, what may have hap­ (Feldheim Publishers, Nanuet, NY, 2004, between that time and the time Reh pened. On the positive side, this is an $22.95) Shmuel Aharon made his own appear­ indication of how bound up you feel ance on the scene and developed in such with the characters you have come to his book is ostensibly a biography a phenomenal way. It is all of this, before know, and to care and hope for, as your of Reb Shmuel Aharon reading progresses. TYudelevitch 7":izr, a very special Bretz Yisroel-diker Jew from the recent *** past. To what extent it lives up to this description is something the reader will he story takes root in mid-nine­ have to decide for himself. Of this we can teenth century Lithuania, in be certain: it is an account of three gen­ T the town of Ponevezh. The erations of a family, one that proves young mother of three little boys, and extremely rewarding to read. Not least wife of a pious but poor Jew, is wid­ of the book's virtues is the magnificent owed. She remarries to a young talmid way it has been rendered into English chacham, himself a widower and the (from the original Hebrew, written by father of children. He has chosen to the subject's son, Reb David Yudelevitch pursue a life of learning. But poverty 1n,,'n1) by Debbie Shapiro of conditions in his native Europe make Yerushalayim. it impossible for him to carry out his Reb Shmuel Aharon was a Yid of intentions there. He decides to migrate unusual qualities. Already in his lifetime, to the Jewish yishuv (settlement) in he had earned a reputation as a gaon Bretz Yisroel. ha Torah and a tzaddik of extraordinary Lacking the financial means of sup­ proportions. He merited to write a sefer porting their extended family, the par­ on the use of electricity on Shabbos in ents decide that the mother's children Bretz Yisroel that won him wide recog­ must be left behind to be raised by rel­ nition and cast him in an influential role atives. In sorrow, mother and children vis-a-vis the stringent utilization of part ways. private power generators. He was held With the passage of time, the children, in high esteem by gedolim, with whom the eldest in particular, develop an he enjoyed close personal relations. unquenchable desire to reunite with their And he was known for his great hasmada beloved mother. They set out on foot, (diligence) and yegia (exertion) in it is a story of the life of Reb Shmuel learning, attributes that shone through Aharon himself. in the sefarim he had written on select­ The most amazing thing about the CHEVRA OSEH CHESED ed masechtos (tractates) of Shas (the story told in this book is that it is true. OF AGUDATH ISRAEL Talmud), which go by the name Me'il Yet, in many respects, it will strike you Shmuel But the most astounding aspect as fiction. For example, it will keep you of all was how he surmounted the obsta­ spellbound for the entire duration. BURIAt PLOTS cles of his youth to persevere and attain And the reason is not far to seek: a sig­ IN ERETZ YISROEL such great heights. nificant portion of the story told bor­ Interment ina Shomer Shabbos Yisroel Yehuda Pollack's recent Jl) contributions ders on the unbelievable. Even if you Bcis Olatn near Bcis Shemesh manage to put the book down for a while include book reviews of Wellsprings of Faith, by Please photji.rnr Write to: Rabbi Moshe Wolfson (June '02); Rabbi Avigdor and attend to important business, you Agtidath Miller Speaks, by Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen will continue to remain entranced by the Chma Oseh theled of Israel (March '03 ); and What the Angel 1'1ught You: Seven 4! Broadway, N~w.~o(k, NY 10004 Keys to Life Fulfillment, by Rabbi Noah Weinberg story's irreversible grip on your imagi­ and Yaakov Salomon (March '04). nation. (212) 'l!J7~9000

---·--··--·-·--··----·--··------···-----··-··-·--·---·------.--- The Jewish observer, December 2004 43 on a journey they hope will take them redeeming moments of brotherly kind­ greener pasture. Showing the maturity all the way to Bretz YisroeL Their jour­ ness and manifest Heavenly grace. It cul­ of someone far more advanced than his ney is beset by tormenting, frightful chal­ minates in their boarding a ship as then-twelve years, he makes the lenges, but is also overlaid with stowaways, headed for Bretz YzsroeL They acquaintance of the famed Reb Aryeh arrive, and are reunited with their Levine, who from that point onward TRAVELING mother. takes him under his wing. In time, OVERSEAS? , Rather than being absorbed into their Shmuel Aharon becomes a son-in-law mother's home, however, the three boys to Rabbi Levine. are set up with other families, the eld­ This is the point at which our pro­ est with one and the two others with tagonist is seen to come into full blos­ another. In time, the eldest is matched som. From here on in, the story is one LOWEST RATl!S IN ISRAEL A EUROPE up in marriage with the daughter of his of the life Reb Shmuel Aharon leads • Cellphone Rental for over 150 countrieS mother's husband, his stepsister. They - replete with the unusual accom­ • NiltlonWldedellwi'y avallable make a life that, though laden with plishments that adorn his personal painful tribulations, is punctuated by the mode of conduct. What makes this birth of a son, Shabsai, who will grow book at once fascinating and enlight­

• Fax & data serVke up to take on an exemplary- albeit ulti­ ening is that it lets us view the actions .,_... mately tragic - life of his own. Shabsai of this exalted person through the ·can- marries and, becoming a widower, prism of developments that affected • °"""ID remarries, and, after an excruciating and him indelibly in his youth and extend­ 877.CELL PHONE mesmerizing turn of events, has Shmuel ed as far back as his forebear's unbe­ 877.235.5746 Aharon. lievable voyage to Yerushalayim. In this UK: 0.800.594.2355 •Israel: 053.$72.900 Shmuel Aharon is, of course, the pro­ way, the book emerges as a most atyp­ www.travelcell.com tagonist of the story. With roughly two ical biography. thirds of the narrative having run its course, the saga of Shmuel Aharon *** Yudelevitch begins to take form. The boy HAT PLUS shows unusual traits of strength from his rom this book, there is much to early youth. Through an array of learn about the way resolve and encounters with strain and tragedy, his Fdetermination are conducive to the Your#! Stop character is tested and made to shine, realization of ambitious goals. The read­ even in the dawning of his formative er's empathy is powerfully evoked by for years. He forms high aspirations for poignant, even intimate, details of Quality Hats growing in Torah and an attachment to both tragedy and triumph. Permeating learning that will carry him through his the entire range of episodes and ordeals WE ALSO DRY CLEAN LARGEST SELECTION & RESHAPE HATS OF CHOSONIM TIES IN entire life. is an unyielding display of bitachon and (All work done on premises) BROOKLYN A fateful turning point is reached emuna that touches us profoundly. The 1368 Coney Island Avenue when, in the heat of an insufferable expe­ reader is afforded a glimpse of Torah (718) 377-5050 rience in the Yerushalayim cheder he is life in Bretz Yisroel, in a period that was Major credit cards accepted • We ship UPS attending, he takes the bold initiative of fraught with unimaginable hardship and seeking out a learning venue in a duress. Finally, the exposition brings to the fore an array of lessons about the way a true medakdeik bemitzvos (some­ one scrupulous in his observance) leads his life in this world. One encoun­ ters in Reb Shmuel Aharon a paradig­ matic model of what it means to set Personal responsibility throughout service - NOT JUST .. PAPERWORK" one's priorities straight and to refuse to ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT RABBINICALLY APPROVED METHOD give in to the exigencies of one's per­ HighlJ recommended by Gedolai Hador- Here and in Eretz Yisrael sonal situation. 1043-42rul Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219 Is this book really a biography of the Day &Night phone: (718) 851-8925 title character? The reader will have to 1l't7'T.lN1~T.lNp ))l"P - J'"T~ 1Nl nlT.l)I)) 'll~ decide. But without doubt, it purveys a Kavod Haniftar with Mesiras Nefesh and compassion for the bereaved family. fund of edifying lessons no one will want TAHARAS ffANIFTAR SHOULD NEVER BE COMMERCIALIZED to do without. •

44 The Jewish Observer, December 2004 Rabbi Labish Becker

. . 'I'.. .•...... , --""·.· ...·.

Tefillin and Mezuzos, by Rabbi savvy regarding mitzvah-items. It was Yerachmiel Askotsky (Published by written in consultation with 1nany Targum Press) sofrim, battim professionals, whole­ salers, retailers and poskim. Rabbi hazal (Mcnachos, 43b) tell us that Askotsky writes, "It is my hope that by there are three mitzvos that par­ raising consumer a\.vareness, Rabbis Cticularly represent the great love co1n1nunity leaders, layn1an and bnei Hakadosh Baruch Hu has for the Jewish Torah alike will demand higher standards people. "Tejillin on their heads and on for STaM (Sif1·ei Torah Tefillin and their arn1s, tzitzis on the four corners of Mezuzos) and will i1npress upon fa1ni­ their garn1ents, and a mezuza on their There is, however, one i1nportant ly, friends, students and congregants to doorways. Concerning these n1itzvos, caveat to all of the above. The Gemora do the san1e. This pressure will arouse David Hamclech said 'Seven times a day (Rosh Hashana 19) tells us of the the sofriln, exa1niners and retailers to have praised You for Your righteous ordi­ "karkafta she/a manach tefil/in,'' the 1neet the demand effecting a higher stan­ nances."' head that was never crowned with dard in STaM." Rashi co1nn1ents us that the seven tefillin. For tefillin, mezuzos and sifrei The book contains three sections. "fhe mitzvos that David Hamelech alludes to Torah to be effective, they must be kosher. first is a consu1ner's guide to STaM; the are the two tefillin boxes, on the head and To wear tefi/lin with the wrong number second is a compendiun1 of the basic the arn1, the four tzitzis fringes on the of parshios or that were made incorrectly, halachos; and the third is a practical guide corner of the garment and the 1nezuza to affix to our doorpost a 111ezuza that to wearing and caring for mezuzos, tefill­ on the door. Just as on a cold day one \vas written incorrectly, or to don tzitzis in and siji"ei Torah. It is lavishly illustrated wraps hitnself with a warm coat, so too that do not have the right number of to better convey what the author is writ­ can we be insulated by these mitzvos and strings is not at all a fulfillment of the ing about, facilitating its use as a protected through them from the blan­ n1itzvah in question. resource. "fhe sefer is written in a large dishments of the yeitzer hara. The spir­ To re1nedy this situation (as least as type with a format that is easy on the eyes. itual advantages of these mitzvos are far as tcfillin and n1ezuza is concerned), 1'he consu1ner's guide section provides im1nense, and, indeed, Chazal inform us an excellent new guide has been written an understanding of how batti1n, retzu­ that "Reb Elazar Ben Yaakov said that by Rabbi Yerachmiel Askotsky of Eretz os, and parshios are constructed and whoever has tefillin on his head and on Yisroel entitled "Tefillin and Mezuzos­ explains the appearance of the batthn, his arn1, tzitzison his garn1ent, mezuzos A Pictorial Guide: a sophertells you how their sewing and shape. It also describes on his doors, is assured that he will not to choose, niaintain and understand your how the klafis prepared for writing, and sin, as it is stated, 'And a three-ply cord Tefillin, Mezuzos and Torah Scrolls." The about the tagirn, 1nargins and other is not easily severed."' author writes in his preface that the need details. The second section, "The Rabbi Becker is Associate Executive Director of for such a book was born of his first-hand Requirements of a Mezuza," tells us all Agudath Israel of An1erica. experience of the dearth of consumer about the proper placement of a

The Jewish Observer, December 2004 45 mezuza, what to do when moving, Habba- an other-worldly delight- for him transferring, upgrading or reaffixing to debate in learning with his beloved 1nezuzos, as well as the proper placement SALOMON'S ESSENCE talmidim and baalei baattim. of tefillin and laws pertaining to the ret­ - REACHING FOR THE CWUDS Mrs. Mermelstein mentioned how zuos. The final section talks about the her father was called by Rabbi Moshe practicalities of buying STaM, having To the Editor: Feinstein 7~ to discuss an in1portant deci­ them checked, caring for tefillin, and tips Having had articles on tefilla appear in sion about a kidney transplant. Reb about mezuza and sefer Torah mainte­ two issues of JO earlier this year, I was par­ Moshe apologized to the Rosh Hayeshiva nance. ticularly appreciative of Rabbi Yaakov for having possibly woken him up in the The importance of regularly check­ Salomon's "Heavenly Prayer" (Oct. '04). middle of the night. However, he had ing one's tefillin and mezuzos, the author Hopefully, others will be stirred to take the noticed a light on in his apartment, so he notes, becomes apparent after seeing how time to focus on and derive more inspi­ figured that he might be still up. Reb Tuvia easily something can go wrong. There ration from what they're saying. However, said that any other person would not have are 304,805 letters in a sefer Torah, 3,188 the article unintentionally may have hesitated to knock on anyone's door at that in a pair of tefillin and 7 I 3 in a mezuza. given some readers the impression that late hour with such an emergency she'ei/a, If even one is missing or not written daveningat home is perfectly okay. While and yet, Reb Moshe still asked mechilla in properly, the entire Torah, tefillin or Rabbi Salomon does point out that dav­ case Reb Tuvia might have been sleeping. 1nezuza is pasul. "Keeping this in mind eningin shul, "with its power of a tzibbur, The Rosh Hayeshiva enjoyed retelling will certainly ensure that we are careful has ... clear-cut advantages,,, he casually how, when he was eating in the sukka to choose the proper sofer and have our refers to davening at home several times together with Reb Moshe and his son-in­ STaM properly examined." in tl1e article as though it were a completely law, Rabbi Shisgal 7">rr. the two were argu­ acceptable alternative to davening in ing about where a certain Tosafoswas. Reb series of very useful appendices shul. Rabbi Salomon doubtlessly was Tuvia sided with Rabbi Shisgal, and Reb are added to the book. Essays describing occasions of illness or other Moshe seemed to be a little agitated. He A from Rabbi Pesach Winston and extenuating circumstances, but it would was afraid that ifhe were starting to for­ Rabbi Yochanan Zweig provide impor­ have been helpful ifhe had made it more get his learning, he could not go on pasken­ tant insights into the philosophical clear. Again, a yeyasher kochacha to Rabbi ing she' eilos for Kial Yisroel. He bentched, implications of tefillin and mezuzos. Salomon for an uplifting article. and left quickly to go up to his apartment Finally, there is a very useful section to 0VADYA HERTZBERG in order to see where the Tosafos actual­ help one keep a record of when his tefill­ Jen1salern ly was. After discovering that he was right in were purchased and when they need after all, he came back to the sukka to wish checking, as well as a guide to adjusting MYPOSEIK, them a good Yorn Tov, and wished them the knots on the head tefillin. HARAV TUVIA GOLDSTEIN ?";yr that "der Eibershter zol aich bentchen az ihr Reading this book, I gained a far deep­ zolt kein mol nisht fargessen!" er understanding of the halachos and rea­ To the Editor: The saddest time I ever saw the Rosh sons for many of the things we do on a As I read Mrs. Mermelstein's heart­ Hayeshiva was when I broke the tragic daily basis when we put on our tefillin warming article (May '04) about her father, news to him that his beloved rebbi and or affix a 1nezuza to our doors. As with the Rosh Hayeshiva ?">rr, I began remi­ poseik hador, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein everything in the Torah, the more we niscing about 1ny own experiences with 7">rr. had been niftar, zechuso yagein delve into the halachos and their mean­ Rabbi Tuvia Goldstein.! vividly remem­ aleinu. The happiest time I ever witnessed ing the greater our appreciation of ber him saying, "How can you sleep at was when I gave hi111 a new sefer, con­ commitment to proper fulfillment of the night with such a difficult kashya both­ taining Shiurim Kelalli'im on Chullin from mitzvah. ering you?" Or he would amusedly bless llabbi Elchonon Wassern1an, itt'il, a Tefillin and Mezuzos is a highly use­ me after my persistent questioning," Du masechta that Reb Tuvia remembered ful guide for anyone who wishes to ensure zolst lebben biz Moshiach!" Tzaddik gozeir learning when he was in yeshiva in that he will not be included in the cat­ veHakadosh Baruch Hu mekayeim- I real­ Baranovitch. egory of karkafta shelo monach tefillin and ly believe that I am going to live until The last Erev Shabbos of his life, I vis­ lose the phenomenal shmira provided by Moshiach, since I set a record for receiv­ ited him in the hospital, where he spoke the mezuza. It strikes me that this ing the most berachos from the Rosh to me in a very weak voice. To my surprise, would be a wonderful bar mitzvah pres­ Hayeshiva, when I would ask him ques­ he asked me to give him a beracha. I was ent, not one to just end up gathering dust tions in the middle of his shiur. He would completely caught off guard, and later on a book shelf, but one that will actu­ clearly enjoy the lively exchanges that regretted that I didn't wish him," Ihr zolt ally be read and studied by the bar mitz­ would take place between the talmidim or lebben biz Moshiach!" vah boy, not to mention his father and mispallelim during his halacha shiurim. It RABBI MOSHE SHOCHET his grandfather. • was taam Gan Eiden, 1nei' ein Olam Brooklyn, NY

------·-···-··---~·------46 The Jewish Observer, December 2004

NEW! BY RABBI YISSOCHER FRAND Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski's powerful 1 Always fresh and timely, the essays in I An Offer You Can't Refuse elevate the insights and skilled practicality once again mundane, and make lofty goals surprisingly come to the fore as he speaks to couples I accessible. embarking on The First Year of Marriage. I Ranging from such diverse topics as His stunning portrayals of everyday I "Cellphones in the Torah" to "You are not situations will make you say, "That's us! How '+ I alone," this collection encourages us to did he know?" He knows because he has nl I see the world through Rabbi Yissocher counseled thousands of people and he knows .; ~A I Frand's wise and discerning eyes. It gently the value of advance awareness and solid t.\ ;J\.< j prods us lo work on our strengths and advice. This is a book that should be read - amtolher~''. improve ourselves as Jews and as thinking and absorbed! - by engaged couples, newly t}teartVJ mnfJ .-~-:______... ·-·-· people - truly an offer we can't refuse! married couples, and their parents. A Shaar Press book.

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