A PUBLICATION OF THE RABBINIC ALUMNI OF THE ISAAC ELCHANAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY • AN AFFILIATE OF UNIVERSITY CHAVRUSA Volume 51 • Number 2 אין התורה נקנית אלא בחבורה (ברכות סג:) May 2017 • Sivan 5777

תשע"ז Chag HaSemikhah

Special Chag HaSemikhah Perspectives from the Feature Courtroom Page 6 Page 25 In This Issue Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Page 3 In Pictures Alumni Yarchei Kallah, Purim 5777, Siyum HaShas in Theological Seminary Honor of Rav ’67R and Yom Ha’atzmaut 5777 in Yeshiva Richard M. Joel PRESIDENT, RIETS

Rabbi Dr.

PRESIDENT-ELECT, RIETS proudly presents Community Page 4 YU Community News Rabbi Dr. Beit Midrash YU Announces Makor College Experience Program, YU and ROSH HAYESHIVA EMERITUS, RIETS at ’s Henry Beren Campus Young Israel of Fort Lee Spring Learning Series, Straus Center Exciting Learning Opportunities with Renowned Yeshiva University Faculty and CJF Present “Pesach and the Future of Jewish Thought,”

HalacHic Observance PrOPHecY in tHe and a Semester of Community Beit Midrash Joel M. Schrieber in tHe infOrmatiOn age secOnD temPle era

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, RIETS rabbi Daniel Z. feldman rabbi Hayyim angel , Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Undergraduate Bible Studies Faculty, Seminary; Faculty, Sy Yeshiva University and Wurzweiler School of Social Work, YU

This series will examine themes in the biblical books of the Second Halacha and Torah principles are at the core of our value system Temple Period. Insights into the critical period of restoration and and serve to guide us as we live meaningful Jewish lives. This the simultaneous decline of prophecy will be developed. Topics series will explore the relevant and complex interplay between include: Ezra—A Miracle of History; Haggai—Imminent Potential Halachic and ethical concepts and contemporary society. Topics for Redemption; Zechariah—G-d is Hidden, but Ready to Reveal include: 21st Century Shidduchim, Journalism, Marketing and Himself; Esther—What they didn’t teach us in day school; Ezra and the Truth, Intellectual Property in the Digital Age, Lashon Hara Nehemiah—Different Models of Leadership;Malachi —The End of and Blogs, and Political Campaigns. Prophecy and Transition to the Rabbinate. Learn how strikingly relevant these books are to our modern age. Rabbi Menachem Penner 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Course Dates: Wednesdays, February 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15 MAX AND MARION GRILL DEAN Yeshiva University’s midtown campus Page 6 Feature 215 lexington avenue, new York, nY 10016 Open to men and women RIETS AND UNDERGRADUATE TORAH STUDIES Register online at www.yu.edu/sternlearn RIETS Chag HaSemikhah 5777 tuition: $275

For weekly sponsorship opportunities or for more information, please contact: Rabbi Aryeh Czarka or Julie Schreier Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander [email protected] • 212.960.5400 x 6826 VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY LIFE

Rabbi DEAN EMERITUS, RIETS SPECIAL ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT ON YESHIVA AFFAIRS Page 20 Chomer Lidrush Rabbi Yaakov Glasser B’Atzeret al Peirot Ha’Ilan DAVID MITZNER DEAN, CENTER FOR THE JEWISH FUTURE AND UNIVERSITY LIFE by Rabbi Rabbi Chaim Bronstein Joel and Maria Finkle Visiting Israeli Rosh Yeshiva, RIETS ADMINISTRATOR, RIETS

Rabbi Adam Berner • Rabbi Binyamin Blau Page 25 Feature Rabbi Kenneth Hain • Rabbi Elazar Muskin Perspectives from the Courtroom Rabbi Moshe Neiss • Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Rybak Rabbi Shmuel Silber • Rabbi Perry Tirschwell An Interview with Rabbi Shlomo Weissmann ’01R ’14YY Rabbi Elchanan Weinbach • Rabbi Howard Zack Menahel, of America Rabbi Eliezer Zwickler YESHIVA UNIVERSITY RABBINIC ALUMNI ADVISORY COMMITTEE Page 27 Lifecycles and Recent Publications CHAVRUSA A PUBLICATION OF RIETS RABBINIC ALUMNI

Rabbi Aryeh Czarka EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, CHAVRUSA

Ms. Keren Simon ASSISTANT EDITOR, CHAVRUSA

Rabbi Robert Shur GRAPHICS AND LAYOUT, CHAVRUSA Editorial Policies

CHAVRUSA is published by the Rabbinic Alumni of the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan • CHAVRUSA will consider articles and letters for publication. Theological Seminary, through the office of Yeshiva University’s Center for the • Books authored by musmakhim that are reviewed by musmakhim will be considered for publication Jewish Future. Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future serves as the as well. community service arm of the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS). It continues the work of the Max Stern Division of Communal • Obituaries about and authored by musmakhim will be considered for publication. Services which, for over 60 years, has served as one of the premier service • CHAVRUSA aims to maintain the Hebrew pronunciation style of the author of the article. organizations for the Jewish community. Transliterations follow the author’s preference i.e. academic, Ashkenazic, modern Hebrew or the like. While we will remain consistent within articles, each author will be afforded to transliterate 500 West 185th St. Suite 419 • New York, NY 10033 within his comfort level. 212-960-5400 ext. 6826 [email protected] •www.riets.edu/chavrusa • CHAVRUSA reserves the right to edit articles received for publication, and will make every effort to show a draft form to the author prior to publication. Editorial contributions and submissions to CHAVRUSA are welcome. • Contributions may be sent to [email protected]. This publication accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or • In addition to CHAVRUSA magazine, articles and divrei Torah may also be submitted for publication photographs. All submissions are subject to editing and are used at the in the weekly Rabbinic Alumni e-newsletter. Please e-mail them to [email protected]. editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed in this publication do not reflect official Seminary and/or University policy.

2 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 In Pictures Rabbis Alumni Yarchei Kallah February 27-March 1, 2017 • Boca Raton

Purim 5777 March 11, 2017

Siyum HaShas in Honor of Rav Hershel Schachter ’67R March 15, 2017

Yom Ha’atzmaut 5777 in Yeshiva May 2, 2017

3 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 YU Community News

YU Announces Makor College Experience Program

Beginning this fall, a new partnership of the staples of Jewish life that are While the program doesn’t grant between Women’s League Community readily available on our campus, such a degree, students will graduate with a Residences (WLCR), a lifespan social as minyanim, kosher food and Jewish Certificate of Completion, a résumé and services organization, and Yeshiva celebrations and activities.” a reference letter for future employment. University, will make a Jewish collegiate The program is tailor-made for young Residential opportunities will be experience accessible to individuals with men with intellectual disabilities who addressed on an individual basis during intellectual disabilities. wish to continue their education after the admissions process. Called the Makor College Experience, high school; have a strong motivation “This is a win-win experience for all the three-year, non-degree program to learn and gain skills; are excited to involved,” said Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander enables young men with intellectual become involved in campus life; and ’86R, Vice President for University and disabilities to become a part of the YU have a long-term goal of finding gainful Community Life at YU. “As a yeshiva and a community on the University’s Wilf employment. As such, it will feature a university, it is fitting that we join the ranks Campus as they gain skills, explore heavy emphasis on vocational exploration of other colleges that offer this type of opportunities and transition to a life of and opportunities, preparing students to program. We look forward to the mutual independence. Students in the program take on employment in administrative learning and give-and-take our current will begin their day immersed in a special environments, retail and food services, students and those we will welcome Judaic studies program in the Yeshiva’s and communal work. Students will work to campus through the Makor College batei midrash, then take self-contained with academic advisors to choose a career Experience will share.” courses in the afternoon that will range in field based on their interests, skills and “For many families in our community, focus from the liberal arts to living skills. abilities, as well as learn how to build a YU is more than just a university—it’s “The YU Wilf Campus in Washington résumé and manage correspondence. a dream,” said Dr. Stephen Glicksman, Heights is the perfect place for such a Equally important will be an array of developmental psychologist at WLCR. program,” said Rabbi Menachem Penner social opportunities to experience life at “This gives a whole new meaning to ’95R, the Max and Marion Grill Dean of Yeshiva, as students in the program engage the term ‘letter of acceptance’—for our RIETS. “Here, they can have wonderful in chavrusa study with their peers, attend students, this is next step in their growth opportunities for social integration and events, connect with mentors and avail as young Jewish men.” n enjoy Torah and secular learning. At themselves of job placement options on the same time, they can take advantage and around campus. YU and Young Israel of Fort Lee Spring Learning Series

Learning is a life-long endeavor. Yeshiva Perplexed,” Dr. Rynhold examined of YIFL, corroborated this point: “Our University’s Center for the Jewish Future the complexity of reading the Guide, community is particularly pleased to offer in collaboration with Young Israel of Fort analyzed ’ theories of this course in conjunction with Yeshiva Lee (YIFL) aims to enrich members of prophecy, the purpose of life, and University, an institution very dear to the community with the opportunity creation ex nihilo. many of us in the congregation.” to learn from renowned YU scholars on The learning series takes place in the In the effort strengthen relationships the other side of the George Washington fall, spring and summer semesters over with the community, “CJF is proud to Bridge. four consecutive weekday mornings, and partner with the Young Israel of Fort YIFL had the privilege of hosting has currently launched three successful Lee, and Rabbi Goldberg, in bringing Dr. Daniel Rynhold, Associate Professor semesters. Community members the scholarship and inspiration of of Modern Jewish Philosophy, Bernard noted that the program has exceeded Yeshiva University to the Bergen County Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies. expectations and they look forward to the community,” said Rabbi Yaakov Glasser In the four-week course, “Maimonides continued relationship with Yeshiva. ’01R, David Mitzner Dean, CJF. n and his Guide—Understanding the Rabbi Zev Goldberg ’14R, rabbi

4 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 YU Community News

The Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought, Yeshiva University’s Center for the Jewish Future and the Straus Center and CJF Present Abraham Arbesfeld Yom Rishon and Millie Arbesfeld Midreshet Yom Rishon present Pesach and the Future “Pesach and the Future of Jewish of Jewish Thought

Celebrating the publication of the Straus Center's new volume, Thought” Books of the People: Revisiting Classic Works of Jewish Thought Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik ’03R Books of the People as “an extraordinary

Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks and Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks led a introduction to the full range of Jewish Director, Straus Center A Guide for the Perplexed at the The First Work of Political Thought: Seder Night: How Maimonides Can discussion on “Pesach and the Future of thought as well as a treasure trove of A New Approach to the Haggadah Help Us Understand the Exodus Jewish Thought” on Sunday, March 26 insights that have been an essential part Sunday, March 26, 2017 • 10 a.m. Yeshiva University’s Wilf Campus 2017 at Yeshiva University’s Lamport of the intellectual heritage of the Jewish 500 West 185th Street • New York, NY 10033 Open to men and women—Parking available by RSVP only Auditorium. people.” Register online www.yu.edu/thought In partnership with the Center for Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, the Jewish Future, the Abraham Arbesfeld who had been the Chief Rabbi of the For more information, please contact: Rabbi Aryeh Czarka, Program Coordinator Center for the Jewish Future Kollel Yom Rishon and Millie Arbesfeld United Hebrew Congregations of [email protected] • 212.960.5400, ext. 6826 Midreshet Yom Rishon, the event the Commonwealth for 22 years and celebrated the publication of Books of the was recently named the winner of the People: Revisiting Classic Works of Jewish 2016 Templeton Prize, is the author, “This program provides an Thought by the University’s Zahava and among many other books, of A Guide opportunity to enrich the experience Moshael Straus Center for Torah and for the Perplexed at the Seder Night: How of the Pesach Seder with the insights Western Thought. Maimonides Can Help Us Understand the and perspectives of two great scholars Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik, director Exodus. He recently served as Kressel and in Jewish thought,” said Rabbi Yaakov of the Straus Center and assistant Ephrat Family University Professor of Glasser ’01R, the David Mitzner Dean of professor of Judaic studies, describes Jewish Thought at YU. CJF. n

Yeshiva University proudly presents CJF Presents a Semester of Community Community Beit Midrash Beit Midrash at Stern College for Women’s Israel Henry Beren Campus Exciting Learning Opportunities with In its fourth year, the Community Beit halachic and ethical concepts and Renowned Yeshiva University Faculty HalacHic Observance PrOPHecY in tHe Midrash program has expanded its reach contemporary society. Topics included in tHe infOrmatiOn age secOnD temPle era

rabbi Daniel Z. feldman rabbi Hayyim angel Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological with over 375 participants from North 21st Century Shidduchim, Journalism, Undergraduate Bible Studies Faculty, Seminary; Faculty, Sy Syms School of Business Yeshiva University and Wurzweiler School of Social Work, YU and South Jersey, Manhattan, , Marketing and the Truth, Intellectual This series will examine themes in the biblical books of the Second Halacha and Torah principles are at the core of our value system Temple Period. Insights into the critical period of restoration and and serve to guide us as we live meaningful Jewish lives. This the simultaneous decline of prophecy will be developed. Topics Queens and the Five Towns. This lecture Property in the Digital Age, Lashon Hara series will explore the relevant and complex interplay between include: Ezra—A Miracle of History; Haggai—Imminent Potential Halachic and ethical concepts and contemporary society. Topics for Redemption; Zechariah—G-d is Hidden, but Ready to Reveal include: 21st Century Shidduchim, Journalism, Marketing and Himself; Esther—What they didn’t teach us in day school; Ezra and the Truth, Intellectual Property in the Digital Age, Lashon Hara Nehemiah—Different Models of Leadership;Malachi —The End of series program is held at Stern College and Blogs, and Political Campaigns. and Blogs, and Political Campaigns. Prophecy and Transition to the Rabbinate. Learn how strikingly relevant these books are to our modern age. for Women’s Israel Henry Beren Campus In the second session, “Prophecy in 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Course Dates: Wednesdays, February 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15 each semester, where participants learn the Second Temple Era,” Rabbi Hayyim Yeshiva University’s midtown campus 215 lexington avenue, new York, nY 10016 from prominent YU scholars over six Angel ’95R, instructor of Bible, examined Open to men and women Register online at www.yu.edu/sternlearn consecutive weeks. themes in the biblical books of the tuition: $275

For weekly sponsorship opportunities or for more information, please contact: This semester in the first session, Second Temple era, developing insights Rabbi Aryeh Czarka or Julie Schreier [email protected] • 212.960.5400 x 6826 Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman ’98R ’06YY, into the critical period of restoration and School; Ezra and Nehemiah: Different Rosh Yeshiva, RIETS and instructor at Sy the simultaneous decline of prophecy. Models of Leadership; and Malachi: The Syms School of Business and Wurzweiler Topics include Ezra: A Miracle of End of Prophecy and Transition to the School of Social Work, presented a series History; Haggai: Imminent Potential for Rabbinate. of lectures titled “Halachic Observance Redemption; Zechariah: G-d is Hidden Plans for the upcoming fall semester in the Information Age,” exploring the but Ready to Reveal Himself; Esther: are underway. For general questions about relevant and complex interplay between What They Didn’t Teach Us in Day this program, contact [email protected]. n

5 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Chag HaSemikhah 5777

חג הסמיכה תשע"ז Chag HaSemikhah 5777 The Yeshiva celebrated 133 Musmakhim from the past to be leaders in the כותלי בית מדרש three years, who leave the .להגדיל תורה ולהאדירה ,community

6 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Chag HaSemikhah 5777

The Musmakhim

Rabbi MoshePittsburgh, PA Abrams Rabbi Ari Holliswood,Federgrun NY Rabbi AriWest Hempstead, NY Lamm Rabbi EmmanuelNew York, NY Sanders

Rabbi JoshuaDallas, TX Abramson Rabbi RoyBayside, NY Feldman Rabbi MichaelBrooklyn, NY Langer Rabbi Gidon Schneider

Bergenfield, NJ Rabbi AriehHighland Park, NJ Ackerman Rabbi ShayaTeaneck, NJ First Rabbi YaakovBaltimore, MD Lasson Rabbi Uri Toronto, ON Schneider

Rabbi GershonMontreal, QB Albert Rabbi CalebColumbus, OH Fischer Rabbi SimchaLawrence, NY Lauer Rabbi AshieWoodmere, NY Schreier

Rabbi JasonBaltimore, MD Allen Rabbi AaronPassaic, NJ Fleksher Rabbi HartNew York, NY Levine Rabbi ElliotWoodmere, NY Schrier

Rabbi Avi New York, NY Anderson Rabbi Adam Friedman Rabbi ElironHighland Park, NJ Levinson Rabbi DavidStaten Island, NY Schwartz

Teaneck, NJ Rabbi JaredWest Bloomfield, MI Anstandig Rabbi NoamNew York, NY Friedman Rabbi AviToronto, ON Libman Rabbi Elie Schwartz

New York, NY Rabbi AdamSaint Louis, MO Ariel Rabbi JonathanQueens, NY Fruchter Rabbi BradleyLos Angeles, CA Lipman Rabbi Moshe Schwartz

Los Angeles, CA Rabbi Yisroel Ashen* Rabbi YechielNew York, NY Fuchs Rabbi AriWest Hempstead, NY Lipsky Rabbi Shaul Seidler-Feller

Great Neck, NY Bergenfield, NJ Rabbi Mosheh Aziz Rabbi MosheEnglewood, NJ Genack Rabbi MichaelLincolnwood, IL Macks Rabbi Ely Shestack

Cleveland, OH Baltimore, MD Rabbi Willie Balk Rabbi YeshayahuColumbus, OH Ginsburg Rabbi Yoni MandelstamJamaica Estates, NY Rabbi Mordechai Shichtman

Hollywood, FL Rabbi Eliezer Barany Rabbi MarkManchester, UK Glass Rabbi JoshuaCedarhurst, NY Maslow Rabbi Joseph Silverman

Atlanta, GA Elizabeth, NJ Rabbi Sammy Bergman Rabbi RaphaelCleveland, OH Glickman Rabbi Alon Meltzer Rabbi Moshe Spira

Chicago, IL Edison, NJ Auckland, New Zealand Rabbi Jacob Berman Rabbi DanielTeaneck, NJ Goldberg Rabbi Yair Menchel Rabbi David Stein

New York, NY West Hempstead, NY , Israel Rabbi David Block Rabbi NoachTeaneck, NJ Goldstein Rabbi Yoni Miller Rabbi Dovid Strauss

Fairlawn, NJ Jamaica Estates, NY Rabbi Jonathan Bloom Rabbi ShmuelMonsey, NY Goldstein Rabbi Ari Mirzoeff Rabbi Jason Strauss

Teaneck, NJ

West Hempstead, NY Vancouver, BC Rabbi Abraham Borenstein Rabbi YosefTeaneck, NJ Gottesman Rabbi Steven Nemetz Rabbi Yaakov Taubes

London, UK

Boca Raton, FL Teaneck, NJ Rabbi Tuvia Brander Rabbi JasonLawrence, NY Grossman Rabbi Yechiel Neuburger Rabbi Sam Taylor

Los Angeles, CA

Portland, OR St. Louis, MO Rabbi Natan Brownstein Rabbi ScottSkokie, IL Hoberman Rabbi Alex Ozar Rabbi Yosef Venoziou

Woodmere, NY

Arlington, TX Jerusalem, Israel Rabbi Shamir Caplan Rabbi DoviWest Hempstead, NY Hochbaum Rabbi Elchanan Poupko* Rabbi Eli Wagner

Teaneck, NJ

Teaneck, NJ Brooklyn, NY Rabbi Dov Carpe Rabbi MichaelTeaneck, NJ Hoenig Rabbi Mordy Prus Rabbi Moshe Watson

Kew Gardens Hills, NY Rabbi BryanEast Brunswick, NJ Chustckie Rabbi Yehuda Israel Rabbi Ari Teaneck,Pruzansky NJ Rabbi Gabi Weinberg

Teaneck, NJ Rabbi ShlomoBergenfield, NJ Clark Rabbi AndrewWest Orange, NJ Israeli Rabbi YitzyDetroit, MI Radner Rabbi Yosef Weinberger

Kew Gardens Hills, NY Teaneck, NJ Rabbi Chaim Cohen Rabbi Yossi Jacobs Rabbi MosheTeaneck, NJ Rapps Rabbi Mark Weingarten

Holliswood, NY Holliswood, NY Queens, NY Skokie, IL Rabbi Dan Cohen Rabbi Michael Kahn Rabbi AlvinBronx, NY Reinstein Rabbi Michael Weingarten

Teaneck, NJ Oceanside, NY Rabbi MeirTeaneck, NJ Cohen Rabbi RaphaelSilver Spring, MD Karlin Rabbi Sam Reinstein Rabbi Mordecai Weisel

Lawrence, NY Rabbi NoahBoca Raton, FL Cohen Rabbi Shaya Katz Rabbi JaredScarsdale, NY Rosenfeld Rabbi Elliot Wiesenfeld

Tel Aviv, Israel Concord, CA Rabbi Yakov Bergenfield, NJ Danishefsky Rabbi Joshua Klein Rabbi ItamarQueens, NY Rosensweig Rabbi Siman Tov Yanetz*

Ganei Tikva, Israel Columbus, OH New Hempstead, NY Rabbi YoniWoodmere, NY Danzger Rabbi Nuriel Klinger Rabbi Yisroel MeirCharleston, SC Rosenzweig Rabbi Yosef Yanetz

Teaneck, NJ Brooklyn, NY Rabbi Daniel Elsant Rabbi Mordechai Kornbluth Rabbi DavidNewton, MA Roth Rabbi Yeshaya Zimmerman

Woodmere, NY Teaneck, NJ Silver Spring, MD Rabbi JoshuaWoodmere, NY Elsant Rabbi Yosef Kornbluth Rabbi WillieTeaneck, NJ Roth Rabbi Daniel Zuckerman

Fair Lawn, NJ Rabbi YoelNew York, NY Epstein Rabbi Yehuda Kravetz Rabbi IsaiahMonsey, NY Rothstein

Southfield, MI Rabbi MatthewPittsburgh, PA Faigen Rabbi Shmuel Kresch Rabbi MosheHewlett, NY Rube

London, UK Rabbi NatanCedarhurst, NY Farber Rabbi Ben Kurzer Rabbi ShmuliLondon, UK Sagal

*Yadin Yadin 7 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Chag HaSemikhah 5777

Yeshiva Community Celebrates RIETS Chag HaSemikhah More Than 130 Newly-Ordained Rabbis Celebrate at Triennial Convocation

he streets of Yeshiva University’s Wilf Campus hummed with excitement as more than 130 new graduates of RIETS gathered to celebrate their ordination at the March 19 Chag HaSemikhah. Together with their families, friends andT Roshei Yeshiva, the musmakhim danced and sang together outside Zysman Hall as they marked the continuity of a beloved mesorah being passed down to a new generation of spiritual leaders. In a day filled with festivities and brimming with pride, the graduates of the 2014-2017 classes joined more than 3,000 rabbinic alumni who have gone on to become distinguished Orthodox rabbis, scholars, educators and leaders around the world. “In today’s celebrants, Yeshiva hookups in the Harry Fischel Beit musmakhim when he said that a primary embraces the continuity of our profound Midrash and YU’s Caroline and Joseph impulse in pursuing rabbinic ordination mission of advancing Torah values, so as S. Gruss Institute in Jerusalem, and an was the “desire to professionalize my to guide, teach and lead our people and online webcast. Approximately 1,800 passion for Torah” by becoming a rabbi. the world to a better place,” said President people were on campus for the event, and This fall, he and his wife Miriam will Richard M. Joel. “As musmakhim of close to 8,000 people viewed it online. become -Jewish Life on Rabbeinu Yitzchak Elchanan, The musmakhim currently living in Campus educators at the University of you have been trained in leadership, Israel will hold a ceremony at the Gruss Maryland. you have been prepared to serve as our Institute on June 8, 2017. Rabbi Jason Grossman ’17R, from ambassadors of nobility, spreading the This class of rabbis represents an Lawrence, New York—grandson of the warmth of Torah by constantly fanning internationally diverse group, hailing late RIETS Rosh Yeshiva Rabbi Zerubavel its flames. Your actions matter—your from five continents and more than 50 “Zelo” Schussheim ’48R, zt”l—sought commitment to Torah inspires people North American cities. While most of the because he felt the need to and elevates the world.” musmakhim will remain engaged in either “serve the community at large and help President-elect Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman full-time post-semikhah or in people develop their relationship with ’95R, looking out over the musmakhim, religious work such as Jewish education, God and reach higher spiritual levels.” He said, “If you are to be rabbis, you must the pulpit, outreach or nonprofit is currently working as a chaplain at St. impart chochmah and exude anavah … management, many will pursue careers John’s Hospital in Far Rockaway. but you must live with ahavah—with in other professions, including medicine As they go on to build their careers, love. If you do so, you will make God’s and law. the new musmakhim will benefit from the Name more beloved in this world.” Rabbi Elie Schwartz ’17R, unique education they received at RIETS. The Chag HaSemikhah ceremony originally from Cleveland and now In addition to intense religious study with took place in the Nathan Lamport living in Chicago, spoke for many of the renowned Torah scholars, the seminary Auditorium at Zysman Hall, with video

8 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Chag HaSemikhah 5777 offers an enhanced Rabbinic Professional prodigious knowledge of Kol HaTorah the greatest description that we can have Education Program designed to meet the Kula, the open warmth of a , the of you—a lifelong Ben HaYeshiva.” communal and spiritual needs of today’s courage of a , and the understanding In addition, special Jewish communities. heart of a gentle man, to enrich our world,” acknowledgement was given to RIETS Students receive extensive training said President Joel to Rabbi Schachter. “As alumni whose grandsons received in topics critical for public leadership a talmid muvhak of the Rav, much of what semikhah at this year’s ceremony, as well positions, such as pastoral psychology, you teach others is your understanding as to musmakhim celebrating their 50th public speaking and community of the legacy of the Rav. How appropriate anniversary. All the musmakhim heard building, all taught by renowned that your Yeshiva honors our Rav Muvhak divrei bracha from Rabbi Shlomo Amar, experts and rabbis. They’re also exposed with the conferral of the HaRav Yosef Dov former Chief Rabbi of Israel and current to contemporary halakhic issues in Halevi Soloveitchik Aluf Torah Award. As Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. bioethics, technology and business to we recognize you on the 50th anniversary “The Chag HaSemikhah is a singular prepare them for real-world dilemmas of your serving as a Rosh Yeshiva, and event celebrating Yeshiva, our community they may face. celebrate you at this Chag HaSemikhah, and our future,” said Rabbi Menachem A new mental health emphasis we invite our young musmachim to savor Penner ’95R, the Max and Marion Grill also provides musmakhim with critical and anticipate how they can impact on our Dean of RIETS and Undergraduate Torah self-care tools as they manage the world.” Studies at YU. “Our opportunity to honor stresses and challenges of a life of RIETS also commissioned the Rav Hershel Schachter and Rabbi Julius public service. Rabbi Yossi Jacobs ’17R writing of a Sefer Torah in Rabbi Berman takes this excitement to an even pursued semikhah concurrently with a Schachter’s honor, with events in Los higher level.” psychology degree because he wanted to Angeles; ; Passaic and Following the ordination ceremony, be able “to integrate the two in order to Teaneck, New Jersey; and the Five Towns RIETS held a Gala Evening of help people by empowering their Torah to enable Rabbi Schachter’s talmidim to Celebration honoring Rabbi Schachter understanding while also helping them participate in the process. and Rabbi Berman at the Grand Hyatt face their challenges in life.” Chairman Emeritus Rabbi Julius Hotel. In addition, philanthropist Dr. During the ceremony, RIETS Berman ’59R was honored with the Eitz David Arbesfeld was presented with honored Rosh Yeshiva and Rosh Chaim Award at the Chag HaSemikhah. the RIETS Service Award. The dinner Kollel Rabbi Hershel Schachter ’67R, “You have spent your life championing raised more than $1 million for RIETS. Nathan and Vivian Fink Distinguished the causes of the Jewish people,” To learn more or to support RIETS, visit Professorial Chair in , with the President Joel told Rabbi Berman. “The www.yu.edu/riets. n HaRav Yosef Dov HaLevi Soloveitchik Eitz Chaim Award, our Yeshiva’s most zt”l Aluf Torah Award. prestigious honor given to a lay leader, “You bring the rigor of Talmud, the affords us the opportunity to recognize

9 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Chag HaSemikhah 5777

Chag HaSemikhah Remarks

Richard M. Joel President, RIETS

face, and G-d says no. But then G-d says ישראל ואורייתא וקודשא בריך הוא חד הוא ”.oday marks the fourth one and final opportunity I And almost 85 years ago, our first “stand beside me.” have to address a Chag president, Dr. zt’l, stood at Rav Sampson Raphael Hirsh explains: there is a place next to — הִ ּנֵהמָקֹום אִּתִ י HaSemikhah as Yeshiva’s president. It has this podium and said the following, “Out been a sacred privilege. of the portals of this sanctuary of the Me. One and only one point of view exists Today, we celebrate over 130 spirit shall come a Jewish leadership—lay as the highest goal to be attained by the young men of extraordinary quality and spiritual—conscious of its unique highest human mind, even for Moses, only andT character who I have seen grow heritage, striving to develop in this land one legitimate point of view, and that is not in learning and in middos and in a Jewish life, culturally creative and to try and get a sight of God, but, elevated professionalism. spiritually satisfying, based upon the by God, and godliness, to look at men and And today, I know that you join eternal foundations of the Torah, helping the human condition from a height, next me in celebrating the extraordinary our communities to fuller self-expression, to God, near to God, from God’s point of Roshei Yeshiva and Hanhala of Yeshivas and richer contribution to the cultural view, to understand and appreciate all men Rabbeinu Yitzchak Elchanan whom I and spiritual values of our society.” and all conditions of human life. have had the pleasure to partner with. So I stand here today on the This master insight—the human In today’s celebrants, Yeshiva shoulders of those who came before me, being is not supposed to see G-d—it’s embraces the continuity of our profound and I contemplate, what can I possibly not our realm. Our goal is to stand beside mission of advancing Torah values, so as to add to this discussion? To this continuing God. Our role is not to see G-d, but to see guide, teach and lead our people and the conversation? as G-d sees, and strive to do as G-d does. world to a better place. Almost 40 years To me, parashat Ki Tisa offers a Beloved musmakhim: Hear the ago, President Norman Lamm stood at this precious perspective on how we, klei message from four presidents of this podium and shared the following message: kodesh, and lay kodesh, are to lead our Yeshiva, and consider that: “Scholarship and piety are necessary, lives, a message that has been a defining Be a caring role model; but they are not sufficient. A spiritual insight for my life and I think for that of Believe in the Jewish People; person is one whose ideals and practice my wife and children. Dare to make a difference in the world; transcend his self-interest, whose Perek lamed gimmel details an And strive to see as G-d sees and do deportment and, indeed, very presence amazing discussion between Moshe and as G-d does—vehalachta b’drachav. symbolizes the values of Torah.” the Ribbono Shel Olam, culminating with As musmakhim of Yeshivas Rabbeinu Years before that, at an earlier Chag Moshe beseeching God to let Moshe see Yitzchak Elchanan, you have been trained HaSemikhah, his predecessor, Dr. Samuel G-d’s face, Hareini na es kevodecha. G-d in leadership, you have been prepared Belkin zt’l, shared the message that, responds to serve as our ambassadors of nobility, spreading the warmth of Torah by וַ ּיֹאמֶ ר לֹא תּוכַל לִרְ אֹת אֶ תּפָ נָי ּכִ י לֹא יִרְ אַ נִי הָאָדָ ם וָחָ י There is one thing we must remember“ always. Just as we have faith in God, And He said, “You will not be able to see My constantly fanning its flames. Your actions and just as we have faith in the Torah of face, for man shall not see Me and live.” matter—your commitment to Torah .inspires people and elevates the world וַּיֹאמֶר ה’הִ ּנֵה מָקֹום אִּתִ י וְנִּצַבְּתָ עַל הַ ּצּור Moses, so let us have faith in the Jewish people, in the continuous miracle of its And the Lord said: “Behold, there is a place Esther and I are entrusting our rebirth. Let us have faith in the miracle of next to me, and you shall stand on the rock.” children and our grandchildren to spiritual unity between G-d, His Torah Such a dramatic moment—Moshe you. Partner with them and with all and His people, which is summed up in wants to see G-d’s face. As close as Moshe our children to advance the Torah and the sayings of our Sages, “Israel, the Torah was to the Ribbono Shel Olam, he was advance the world. and the Holy One Blessed Be He, are hungry for more. He wanted to see G-d’s V’cheyn yehi ratzon. n

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What Does it Take To Be a Transformative Rabbi?

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman’95R President Elect, RIETS

ver the course of the last few Talmudic teaching. The Torah command to love God. As such it months I have had the great commands: “Love the Lord your God” applies to each and every Jew. Rambam, pleasure to meet a number (Deuteronomy 6:5). While this verse however, prescribes this teaching as of Yeshiva University’s fine rabbinical appears straightforward, the Gemara a requirement for “a person of great graduates. Allow me to share the story of (Babylonian Talmud, Yoma 86a) cites a wisdom,” and places it specifically in the one particular encounter. rabbinic interpretation that points to an context of the mitzvah of kiddush Hashem, A number of weeks ago, I was additional layer of meaning. the sanctification of God’s Name. The introducedO to a young man and I asked It is taught: “Love the Lord your notion of a sliding scale of behavioral him to tell me a little bit about his time God,” such that the name of God should expectations, depending on how learned in the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological become beloved through you. one may be, is part of a larger theme in Seminary. He replied by recounting to me How can a mere human being make Rambam’s works. But for the moment I a very difficult situation that arose in the God’s Name even more beloved? The wish only to highlight that according to course of his family life several years ago. Gemara continues: Rambam, the sage is not only required to Even with the distance of time it was clear One should read Torah, and study adhere to a higher standard of conduct, that this situation was too emotionally Mishnah; serve Torah scholars; and be he is also distinguished by a unique set charged for him to describe in great detail. pleasant in all one’s personal interactions. of opportunities. In this case, the one But whatever the exact circumstances, Follow this tripartite formula, the who is recognized as a chakham, a sage, the situation required expert halakhic Talmud advises, and the name of God will possesses an extraordinary opportunity guidance. So he approached his teacher, become more beloved in the world. to sanctify God’s Name in this world. one of the senior roshei yeshiva in this There is a debate among the People judge religion by its adherents. institution, explained the situation, and Talmudic commentators over how Their experiences of , Torah asked him for his counsel. to interpret this teaching. The simple and God are shaped and inspired by “Do you know what his response reading of the Gemara, which appears their interactions with His messengers. was?” the young man asked me. to be accepted by all of the medieval On some level this applies to all of us “My rebbe began to cry. It was one of authorities who simply cite it verbatim, who are clearly identified as , but it the darkest moments in my life. There was is that it comprises part of the general applies even more so to rabbis. As such, not much that anyone could give me. But he gave me his tears. My family and I look back on that difficult time with much grief and regret. But completely intertwined with that experience is the memory of a rabbi who both answered my halakhic question and honored my pain. We will never forget that as long as we live.” This is the story of a person whose life was transformed by his encounter with a rabbinic leader and it raises a broader question. What does it mean to be a rabbi? What does it take for a rabbi to be a transformative force in this world? The answer may lie in a crucial

11 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Chag HaSemikhah 5777 the very idea of receiving semikhah, the words of Matthew Arnold, “to the with thoughtful professionals, sensitive rabbinic ordination, carries with it great thoughts which make the furniture of parents, and people of substance with a consequences. For each of you today their minds,” and directly relate to the wealth of experience. They have much to who are being publicly recognized as specific challenges and opportunities offer and much from which you can learn. musmakhim—ordained rabbis—are not of our times. Now this may sometimes Take advantage of their insight. Learn only being rewarded for your years of require you to challenge some elements from their life lessons. They are not just Torah study, but are also being granted an of contemporary culture. But to be an your parishioners, they are your partners. enormous opportunity to fundamentally effective and respected countercultural You will need to lead and speak with alter the world in which we live. voice as opposed to one who is written wisdom, but also approach your new role How can you best capitalize on off as simply out of touch you will need with the humility to learn from all those this opportunity? How can you most to acquire a deep familiarity with the around you. Impart chokhmah; exude effectively utilize your strengths to intellectual and cultural milieu of our day. anavah. sanctify God’s Name in this world? Using In this context, in order for one to The Gemara’s third and final the Gemara as a homiletical guide, allow speak with chokhmah, one needs to have suggestion is to behave with ahavah, with me to suggest a three-pronged strategy. deep insight into both Torah and reality. love: “Be pleasant in all one’s personal First, you must speak with The Gemara’s second suggestion is to interactions.” chokhmah—with wisdom—and to do act with anavah—with humility: “Serve I only began genuinely to understand this you must learn deeply: “Read Torah Torah scholars.” the possibility of loving someone outside and study Mishnah.” Know what you know and know what of one’s family as oneself after working Your greatest resource is the Torah; you do not know. As the Mishnah says, as a rabbi, for my community became your greatest strength is that you the wise man is not the one who knows my extended family. Working with them represent a 3,000-year-old tradition. everything but the one who continuously day and night building our synagogue, You must be sure to do so judiciously learns from others. Be secure enough in facing deficits and challenges, formulating and authentically. And so you must be yourself to seek advice and counsel. ambitious plans for expansion and learned. You have already succeeded in This is of course true in respect to success; grieving with them over the loss completing a rigorous process of semikhah your rabbis, teachers and peers. You have of a loved one, adding a name to a sick that required you to have displayed a a large support network here at Yeshiva child who suddenly fell perilously ill or mastery of Torah. But you must continue University that will always be ready to celebrating the birth of a child to a couple your studies. The vistas of Torah are vast, assist you. I myself, all throughout my who previously thought that they would and you must explore them with great years in the rabbinate until today, have never have children. I thought of them passion and vigor. been deeply blessed with the ability to in my personal prayers, spent sleepless But more than just developing as turn to my rabbis and teachers at Yeshiva nights considering ways to ease their lamdanim, as rabbis you also need to University as resources and guides to troubles, and felt true joy upon hearing develop a deep understanding of the help me think through challenges of great of their triumphs. This, too, is what you broader world and modern reality. You complexity and consequence. But it is have learned by example from your will need to speak directly to the hopes also true of your lay leadership, parents, rebbeim and teachers at Yeshiva—that the and concerns of this generation, in and students. Our community is filled responsibility of the rabbi, educator and

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Personal engagement with Torah and mitzvot, living a life that accents service over entitlements, giving as opposed to receiving, and a life in which one participates in the incredible unfolding story of the Jewish people and seeks the betterment of the broader society—such a life is filled with great meaning, purpose and true joy.

spiritual guide is to love one’s students adversaries, but of partners and potential words of benediction that in the girsa, and congregants, to be moved by them partners. It is the rabbi who when faced or textual version, of the medieval and inspired by them. with a halakhic dilemma responds not commentator, Rosh (R. Asher b. Yechiel), If you are to be rabbis, you must only to the question but also to the serve as the coda to our Gemara. The impart chokhmah, exude anavah…but person; who not only has the depth of Gemara concludes this section with the you must live with ahavah, with love. knowledge to know the answers but also assurance of what will happen if one And if you do so, you will make God’s the humanity to cry. It is the rabbi who is behaves with chokhmah, anavah and Name more beloved in this world. not fueled by fury or self-righteousness ahavah. You our dear students have an but by love, care and concern. What will humanity say of such enormous gift and opportunity, and this is It is this kind of rabbi who is deeply a person? ‘Fortunate is his father, his especially true today. There are those who needed in our world. mother, and his teacher who taught him think that in today’s climate of nihilistic This is your gift and this is your Torah…see how pleasant are his ways, individualism, in which claims to opportunity. You as rabbis, educators, how proper his deeds. It is about such a authority or transformative leadership are and spiritual guides can show by word one as this that the Lord says, “You are my mocked, the role of the rabbi, educator and deed that personal engagement servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified and spiritual guide is diminished. But in with Torah and mitzvot, living a life that (Isaiah 49:3).”’ truth the opposite is the case. These roles accents service over entitlements, giving May the praises of the prophet be are even more necessary today. People as opposed to receiving, and a life in said about you as well, our dear talmidim. naturally seek meaning and purpose; which one participates in the incredible May you continue to be a source of great they will always find their role models unfolding story of the Jewish people pride to our Yeshiva and to your families, and sources of inspiration. The question and seeks the betterment of the broader May you be a blessing to all those with is whether they will find it outside of our society—that such a life is filled with whom you come into contact. And tradition or within our tradition. The great meaning, purpose and true joy. through your actions May God’s Name rabbi is certainly needed, but what kind of You can bring God into this world, become even more beloved in this world. rabbi? What does it take for a rabbi to be sanctify His name and sanctify the lives of We need you. The world needs you. a transformative force in this world? those around you. Alu ve-Hatzlikhu—rise up, and find great Today, perhaps more than ever What a berakhah—what a blessing! success. n before, it is to embrace this formula of Ashrekha! What an inspiring and This speech was originally published in chokhmah, anavah and ahavah. It is the meaningful manner in which to channel Tablet magazine, at tabletmag.com, and is rabbi who speaks with sophistication your energies and to which you may reprinted with permission. and humility; who views the Jewish devote your unique talents and skills. world not through the prism of allies and Allow me to close, then, with the

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Of Yeshivot and Grandparents

Rabbi Ari Lamm ’15R Special Remarks from the RIETS Annual Dinner Evening of Tribute

confess to some cognitive the Gemara in Menahot assert that dissonance in paying simply reciting the Parshat HaChatat— I simultaneous tribute to the pesukim describing the chatat—is both my grandfather, Rabbi Dr. Norman sufficient substitute for bringing the Lamm ’51R, and our Yeshiva. After all, offering? Surely R. Yishmael recited for all that my grandfather is inextricably korbanot every morning, so why would bound to this institution, in many ways he he feel the obligation to bring a fresh represents its opposite, or at least its stark korban in the Messianic Era? counterpart. TheEmek Halakhah ultimately For instance, our Yeshiva is the answers by referring to the halakhic institutional personification of , principle kohanim okhelim be’alim with all the cerebral, academic precision mitkaperin. According to this dictum, a of that tradition. My grandfather, by chatat, even if formally valid, does not contrast, represents the heritage of Galicia achieve atonement for its bearer unless Rabbi Ari Lamm with all its witty, whimsical creativity. the meat of the chatat is consumed Our Yeshiva taught us the majesty of by the kohanim, by the priests. Now, human consequences. Will a kohen tzvei dinim, two concepts underpinning simply reciting the Parshat HaChatat, who might in another era have served a rabbinic dispute, while my grandfather according to Rabbi Baumol, is equivalent in the Temple have something to eat always marveled at the possibilities of solely to the act of sacrificing the chatat. today, or will he go hungry? While you shivim panim, of Torah’s seventy faces. The But since such a recitation provides no may formally discharge your obligation foundation of our curriculum in Yeshiva sustenance to any actual kohanim, it by reciting these pesukim, realize that consists of the Gemara and rishonim— does not result in genuine atonement. R. this decision may dramatically impact the raw material out of which halakhah Yishmael therefore resolved that when the daily existence of a living, breathing and halakhic values are shaped. But the opportunity presented itself in the human being. There are kohanim who whenever I learned with my grandfather, age of the Third Temple, he would bring may not eat on account of our having we would study teshuvot—the literary a new, more effective korban from which discharged our obligations merely culmination of the halakhic process. he could provide meat for the kohanim, through mouthing the Parshat HaChatat. Is there not then some unresolvable notwithstanding having already recited And herein, I believe, lies the tension at the heart of this evening? the Parshat HaChatat. coherence—even the necessity—of A resolution may emerge from the In other words, we may conceive of honoring both our Yeshiva and not just very first teshuvah my grandfather and I reciting the Parshat HaChatat in two ways. my grandfather, but all our grandfathers, ever studied together, a teshuvah by his First, it is an abstract act with conceptual and all of our families. That is, for Torah to grandfather, R. Yehoshua Baumol zt”l, consequences. Has a theoretically valid thrive—for our religion to become not just the Emek Halakhah. Therein, theEmek substitute korban been offered or not? The a dull habit, but an acute fever—we require Halakhah wonders how the Gemara answer is the same no matter who brings both a Yeshiva and our grandparents. could relate that R. Yishmael—having the korban, and whether or not a kohen We require our Yeshiva for the transgressed on Shabbos—recorded has eaten from it. This sort of analysis treats purpose of treating us all equally. Our in his ledger that upon the Temple’s all people equally. Yeshiva teaches us that no matter who we rebuilding he would bring a korban But in addition, reciting the Parshat are, we all must learn the same Rambam, chatat, a sin offering. After all, doesn’t HaChatat is a particular action, with the same Milchamot, the same Ketzot.

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By doing so, our Yeshiva transforms us who must eat from the korban. They our Torah. They remind us that Torah has from individuals into a united collective. remind us of the human element of Torah. not just metaphysical consequences, but Into Klal Yisrael writ large. Our Yeshiva They remind us of the beautifully unique world-historical consequences. represents the formal korban itself. individuals whose contributions shaped May it be God’s will that as we go But our grandparents—and in my life, our personal journeys through the peaks forth into careers of Avodat Hashem, my grandfather especially—always remind and valleys of halakhah. And they remind we bring pride and nachat to both our us of the reverse. They are the kohanim us of all the souls that are impacted by Yeshiva and our grandparents. n

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Ve-Ha’arev Na: The Transgenerational Kinyan Ha-Torah

Rabbi Itamar Rosensweig ’14R Special Remarks from the RIETS Annual Dinner Evening of Tribute

he rishonim are puzzled by the name of Rav Yochanan, the berakhah two aspects of ve-ha’arev na, is in fact patterned after Rav Yochanan’s the second berakhah of the derashah in Bava Metzia 85a: אמר ר’ יוחנן כל שהוא תלמיד חכם ובנו T birkhot ha-Torah we recite each morning. תלמיד חכם ובן בנו תלמיד חכם שוב אין תורה First, as the Ba’al ha-Maor (Rif Berakhot פוסקת מזרעו לעולם שנאמר ואני זאת בריתי וגו’ 5b) observes, why do we have multiple לא ימושו מפיך ומפי זרעך ומפי זרע זרעך אמר ה’ berakhot for the single mitzvah of talmud מעתה ועד עולם. מאי אמר ה’, אמר הקב”ה אני Torah? Why isn’t the first berakhah,la-asok ערב לך בדבר זה. ?be-divrei Torah, sufficient Second, as Rabbenu Manoach notes Hashem says, if you can secure three (Hilkhot Tefilah 7:10), ve-ha’arev na is generations of talmidei chakhamim, I’ll typically interpreted as a request that guarantee—ani areiv—your family a the experience of should perpetual legacy of talmidei chakhamim be pleasant or sweet. But where do we for future generations as well. This Rabbi Itamar Rosensweig ever find a berakhah asking for a ma’aseh Gemara is the source for ve-ha’arev na. mitzvah to be pleasant? Imagine if, in The Sefer ha-Manhig’s grounding or “sweeten.” Rather, it should be addition to al akhilat matzah, we made of ve-ha’arev na in Bava Metzia 85a has understood in the manner that it appears a berakhah asking for the matzah to be two important ramifications. First, as the in that Gemara in Bava Metzia—ani arev tasty? Further, as some achronim press, Manhig himself contends, the proper lekha be-davar zeh—as “guarantee.” We ונהיה doesn’t the request of ve-ha’arev na girsa of the berakhah should read ask Hashem that if we succeed in securing .אנחנו וצאצאינו וצאצאי צאצאינו infringe upon the principle of mitzvot lav Since the three generations of talmidei chakhamim, leihanot nitnu? whole import of the berakhah is about he should guarantee—ha’arev na—a To address these questions, let us securing three generations of talmidei family legacy of Torah for future examine the nature of the berakhah of chakhamim, the berakhah ought to generations. ve-ha’arev na. specify three generations. But what is the significance of three TheSefer ha-Manhig (Dinei Tefilah Second, as R. Yehudah ben Yakar generations? And why should it feature so no. 19) argues that ve-ha’arev na is actually points out (Peirush ha-Tefilot ve- prominently in our birkhot ha-Torah? a berakhah on securing three generations haBerakhot le-Rabbenu Yehudah ben Yakar The Maharal, in his commentary to of talmidei chakhamim. Although ve- II, pg. 22), the word ve-ha’arev should Bava Metzia 85a (Chidushei Aggadot s.v. ha’arev na is introduced in Berakhot 11b in not be interpreted as “make pleasant”

RIETS celebrated the semikhah of eleven musmakhim whose grandfathers are also musmakhim of RIETS Rabbi Tuvia Brander ’15R and Rabbi Aaron Brander ’59R • Rabbi Shlomo Clark ’14R and Rabbi Matthew Clark ’56R Rabbi Yakov Danishefsky ’16R and Rabbi Dr. Chaim Danishefsky z”l ’46R • Rabbi Noam Friedman ’17R and Rabbi Abraham z”l Insel ’45R Rabbi Noach Goldstein ’17R and Rabbi Dr. Noah Goldstein z”l ’53R • Rabbi Jonathan Grossman ’17R and Rabbi Zelo Schussheim z”l ’48R Rabbi Ari Lamm ’15R and Rabbi Norman Lamm ’51R • Rabbi Elchanan Poupko ’16R and Rabbi Baruch Poupko z”l ’42R Rabbi Itamar Rosensweig ’14R and Rabbi Bernard Rosensweig ’50R • Rabbi Ashie Schreier ’17R and Rabbi Max Schreier ’52R Rabbi Yaakov Taubes ’17R and Rabbi Chaim Schulman z”l ’52R

16 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Chag HaSemikhah 5777 kol she-hu), explains that talmud Torah, The ma’aseh ha-mitzvah kinyan ha-Torah some sixty-seven years au fond, is not a personal endeavor but ago when he received his semikhah a transgenerational enterprise: A kinyan of talmud Torah would here at RIETS, under the tutelage of his ha-Torah is only achieved by securing three esteemed rebbeim, Rav , generations of talmidei chakhamim. A be incomplete if it didn’t zt”l, and the Rav, zt”l. He was then grandfather can fulfillli-lmod , becoming prospectively aim towards marbitz Torah, first as a mara de-asra in a talmid chakham himself, but this does Toronto and later in New York, and also not constitute a kinyan ha-Torah. A securing a kinyan ha-torah as president of the Rabbinical Council grandfather can further accomplish li-lmod of America, where he worked closely u-lelameid, raising his children to become over three generations. with the Rav in navigating American talmidei chakhamim, but this too does not Without the perspective of Orthodoxy through the high seas that constitute a kinyan ha-Torah. A kinyan ha- threatened to overwhelm it. Torah is only achieved when a grandfather ve-ha’arev na, talmud Torah My grandfather passed that mesorah imparts his Torah to his children and those to my father, Rabbi children pass it forward to their children: would be a sterile enterprise ’80R, shlit”a, and sent him to study with li-lmod u-lelameid, and that le-lameid that withers and decays his rebbe, the Rav, under whom my father kindles a further le-lameid. received his semikhah some thirty-seven This is why the berakhah ofla-asok with the passage of time. years ago. My father then sent me and be-divrei Torah is complimented by ve- my brothers to study with his rebbe, ha’arev na. The ma’aseh ha-mitzvah of Rav zt”l, in Eretz fail to produce grandchildren who are talmud Torah would be incomplete if it Yisrael—And I’ve now spent the last nine also talmidei chakhamim? The Gemara didn’t prospectively aim towards securing years studying in my father’s shiur here answers, because the grandfathers didn’t a kinyan ha-Torah over three generations. at RIETS. Such is the transgenerational recite the berakhah of ve-ha’arev na (see Without the perspective of ve-ha’arev enterprise of talmud Torah, rebbe to Rashi s.v. she-ein). They didn’t study with na, talmud Torah would be a sterile talmid, father to son. the perspective of securing a kinyan ha- enterprise that withers and decays with Today’s Chag HaSemikhah is the Torah over three generations. the passage of time. realization of that transgenerational Tonight we are celebrating the It is this very idea that the Gemara kinyan ha-Torah our grandfathers began at realization of a kinyan ha-Torah that was in Nedarim 81a has in mind when it their Chag HaSemikhah three generations initiated at a Chag HaSemikhah three maintains: ago. As for me and my chaveirim, we generations ago, a kinyan ha-Torah that is look forward to the day when we can ומפני מה אין מצויין תלמידי חכמים לצאת realized tonight through the securing of stand here and witness the realization תלמידי חכמים מבניהם וכו’ שאין מברכין בתורה three generations of talmidei chakhamim of our kinyan ha-Torah—a kinyan we תחילה. in one family. The Gemara asks, why is it the case commenced at the Chag HaSemikhah My grandfather, Rabbi Bernard that talmidei chakhamim, by and large, today. n Rosensweig ’50R, shlit”a, initiated his

17 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Chag HaSemikhah 5777: Meet the Muskmakhim

Rabbi Andrew Israeli ’17R and Rabbi Michael Hoenig ’14R Bring Passion for Torah to Local Musmakhim High Schools Profiles

he Yeshiva community celebrated the ordination of more than 130 musmakhim at its Chag HaSemikhah Convocation on March 19, 2017. While most will remain engaged in either full-time post-semikhah Torah study Tor religious work—Jewish education, the pulpit, outreach or non-profit work—many will pursue careers in other professions, including medicine and law. It’s no accident that Rabbi Andrew Israeli and Rabbi Michael Hoenig, two new rabbis who just celebrated their semikhah, find themselves back in the Rabbi Andrew Israeli ’17R Rabbi Michael Hoenig ’14R classroom; from a young age, both were driven to teach Torah and inspire others. undergraduate in Yeshiva College, I had chachamim who have tremendous love “I want to spread a love of Torah, a met many of the rebbeim, and continued for Torah and an outlook on life that love of ruchniut, a love of Hashem and those relationships into semicha and teaches you how to be a kiddush Hashem mitzvot and our beautiful tradition and beyond,” said Rabbi Israeli. “I also knew in the world,” said Rabbi Hoenig. “YU heritage. I want to help my students in that I wanted to learn in Eretz Yisrael, semicha is the whole picture, not only their everyday lives by empowering them and the Gruss Kollel on the YU Israel in terms of the learning but also in to feel good about themselves as people, campus was a perfect place for me to terms of fully preparing you for all the and by being a good role model for them,” continue my learning while spending responsibilities you face as an educator said Rabbi Hoenig, who is a rebbe and time in Yerushalayim. The friends that I or rabbi. If you take advantage of this chessed coordinator at Torah Academy of made in the beit midrash over the years program, you’re ready to go, energized, Bergen County in Teaneck, New Jersey. were also unparalleled. To spend time inspired.” Rabbi Israeli, a rebbe at Yeshivat with guys who were extremely motivated For Rabbis Hoenig and Israeli, the Frisch in Paramus, New Jersey, felt richly and motivating was such a crucial factor close relationships they were able to impacted by the Judaic studies teachers in in my time at RIETS, which really pushed build with rebbeim at RIETS have been his own life and wanted to pay it forward. me to take advantage of everything it had especially important to their careers “I have had exposure to many rebbeim to offer.” as mechanchim. “There are rebbeim I over the course of my life and have really What RIETS offered was more than speak to all the time for my own family been influenced by them. I want nothing just high-level textual Judaic studies and and students,” said Rabbi Hoenig. “Rav more than to have that same influence on close mentorship from Roshei Yeshiva— Eliakim Koenigsberg ’92R, Rav Baruch my students,” he said. it was preparation for every aspect of Simon ’89R, Rav 91’R— To accomplish that, Rabbi Israeli Jewish communal leadership. “I chose to they’re lifelines in every sense of the knew he had to immerse himself in study at RIETS because it was the most word. The advice they give me, I pass on intensive, full-time Torah study. RIETS well-rounded program, with incredible to my students. They taught me how to was the perfect place to do it. “As an rebbeim and world-class talmidei live, give advice, be a thinking person, a

18 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Chag HaSemikhah 5777: Meet the Muskmakhim calculated person. Life is tough, and that’s Education and Administration. “Dr. texts that I remember sitting one-on-one why I think the rebbeim at RIETS are an Pelcovitz in particular was unbelievable— with my rebbeim and learning. We have incredible compass on how to behave.” his advice, wisdom and the Jewish values the ability to pass on the mesorah in an “As an undergrad I spent he brought to his course were incredible, authentic and genuine way. When I look six semesters learning with Rav and the teaching modeled by Dr. Ilana at my rebbeim and what they have been Koenigsberg,” said Rabbi Israeli. “As I Turetsky was very eye-opening and able to accomplish with their talmidim, continued into semicha, I went to learn informative,” said Rabbi Hoenig. I am immediately impacted and feel a in the Gruss Kollel where I spent two full responsibility to push myself to be the years learning with Rabbi Dovid Miller “When I look at my best rebbe I can be.” ’71R and Rabbi Assaf Bednarsh ’97R. I Rabbi Hoenig and Rabbi Israeli also had the zechut to develop very close rebbeim and what are joined by many other accomplished relationships with Rav Hershel Schachter they have been able RIETS musmakhim making an impact ’67R, Rav ’85R and at yeshiva day schools and high schools Rav Zvi Sobolofsky throughout my six to accomplish with around the world. summers in the NCSY Kollel.” their talmidim, I am “The spiritual and professional The two also benefited from the journeys of RIETS rabbinic alumni do diversity of their fellow musmakhim. immediately impacted not end here,” said Rabbi Yaakov Glasser “There’s such a range of hashkafot and feel a responsibility ’01R, David Mitzner Dean, Center for the and personalities in the program, Jewish Future. “It is strengthened as they and that’s also a beautiful thing,” said to push myself to be the participate in Rabbinic Yarchei Kallah Rabbi Hoenig. “It’s incredible how best rebbe I can be.” programs and continuing education RIETS accommodates a wide range courses. These innovative and substantive of philosophies and everyone walks Armed with that holistic preparation, programs provide our Rabbinic alumni out equipped to serve their own mentorship and deep familiarity with with resources and skills that enable them communities. I don’t think you could find Torah studies, Rabbi Hoenig and Rabbi to continue making a positive impact on that anywhere else in the world.” Israeli have both quickly become beloved their communities and schools. n In addition to their rabbinic training, at their schools—and the feeling is Rabbi Hoenig and Rabbi Israeli sought out mutual. This section is a continuation of the the most advanced teaching techniques “Being in chinuch, I find my days to Musmakhim profiles that appeared in the and knowledge in Jewish education as be overflowing with meaning,” said Rabbi Adar 5777 Chavrusa. To request a copy they earned their master’s degrees at Israeli. “I have the ability to sit one-on- please contact [email protected]. YU’s Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish one with students and engage and analyze

19 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Chomer Lidrush

B’Atzeret al Peirot Ha’Ilan Rabbi Meir Goldwicht Joel and Maria Finkle Visiting Israeli Rosh Yeshiva, RIETS

he Gemara (Megillah 31b) Perhaps we can find a distinction teaches us in the name of R. between Pesach and Shavuot when we Shimon ben Elazar that Ezra explore a verse in Devarim: ּכִיהָאָדָ ם עֵץהַּׂשָדֶ ה )דברים כ:יט( Tdecreed that Bnei Yisrael read the klalot of Sefer Devarim before Rosh The Torah compares Man to a HaShanah, and those of Sefer Vayikra tree: for man is the tree of the field. Man’s before Shavuot, in order to “finish the mission in life is compared to a tree, וחיי עולם ,year and its curses.” As we turn a new as we say in Birchat HaTorah He planted eternal life within ,נטע בתוכנו page in Jewish history, it is understood that the curses be completed before Rosh us. Unlike a seed, which must rot in HaShanah. However, reading the klalot order to produce a new plant, a tree before Shavuot in order to “finish the year remains kayam, intact and alive, even as and its curses” is puzzling. In what way it produces fruit. So too, Man remains is Shavuot compared to the beginning kayam as he produces peirot, both in What does it mean that on Shavuot of a new year? To answer this query, the bringing life to the next generation and we are judged regarding the peirot Gemara cites a Mishnah (Rosh Hashanah being productive on behalf of Klal Yisrael. ha’ilan? The judgement will determine 16a), which explains that on Shavuot we Furthermore, when the Torah says that how much siyata dishmaya Man will are judged regarding the peirot ha’ilan. Hashem created Man in the image of have in Torah from this Shavuot until the The Holiday of Shavuot, Chag HaKatzir, G-d, the Vilna Gaon points out that the next Shavuot, and whether or not he will .עץ is צלם celebrates the harvesting of the first fruits gematria of produce abundant peirot this year. For of the season. In its own way, Shavuot Similarly, every tree consists of three this reason, before Shavuot we read the brings about a new beginning, and is parts: roots, trunk, and fruit. There are klalot, in order to put them behind us as considered to be a Rosh HaShanah. also three parts to the service of G-d: we start a new blessed year. As each year comes to an end, we Tefillah, Torah, and Ma’asim Tovim. This analysis helps us understand a wish to leave behind all of the curses and These three elements of avodat Hashem Rashi at the beginning of Bechukotai: start the coming year with blessings. parallel the three parts of the tree: Tefillah אִם-ּבְחֻ ּקֹתַיּתֵ לֵכּו; וְאֶת-מִ צְ וֹתַי ּתִׁשְמְ רּו וַעֲׂשִיתֶ ם Even with this in mind, the Gemara’s corresponds the roots of the tree because אֹתָ ם )ויקרא כו:ג(. answer remains perplexing. After all, the it is through tefillah that we attach Rashi writes that following G-d’s same Mishnah that equates Shavuot to ourselves to HaKadosh Baruch Hu; Torah statutes means “…that you must toil Rosh HaShanah (for peirot ha’ilan), also corresponds to the trunk, because Torah in the study of Torah.” If Rashi’s (עמלים) admits that Pesach is a Rosh Hashanah is the pillar that holds up the world; goal is to explain pshat in the pasuk, then for grains. Why is it that we don’t read the Ma’asim Tovim corresponds to the fruit of how does the pshat here refer to ameilut klalot before Pesach? the tree. in Torah?

20 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Chomer Lidrush

Chukim only refer to statutes. When a child is born, the Gemara in to be Shetulim b’veit Hashem. As long and Gittin says that there is a custom to plant as the shatil (plant) grew up in the house ,חקיקה comes from the word חק therefore, it refers to an engraving. one type of tree for boys and another of Hashem, you can be sure that it will Becoming a person in whom the Torah is type of tree for girls. When the children succeed on the outside as well. engraved, that he and the Torah are one, grow up, we use the branches of these On Shavuot we are judged based on requires tremendous ameilut. This is the trees to hold up the wedding canopy. The the extent that we are rooted in the house which prominent role that trees play in every of Hashem. For the favorable outcome of ”,אִם-ּבְחֻ ּקֹתַ יּתֵ לֵ כּו“ symbolism behind ultimately leads to new beginning is meant to serve as a this judgement, we will merit to blossom reminder that every time a person starts in the Chatzrot Elokeinu. As the next וְעֵץהַּׂשָדֶ ה]e.g., ]” “Manיִּתֵ ןּפִרְ יֹו )ויקרא :something new, in order for it to blossom, verse continues, we further merit כו:ד(. עֹוד יְנּובּון ּבְׂשֵ יבָה ּדְׁשֵ נִים וְרַ עֲ נַּנִים יִהְ יּו )תהלים For this reason, we find trees grow, and succeed, he must remember צב:טו( associated with every new beginning in how his avodah relates to the three the history of Am Yisrael. Immediately aspects of the tree; thus encouraging him They will continue to be fruitful in their after Yetziat Mitzrayim and the splitting of to be serious about Tefillah, Torah, and old age, they will be full of sap and richness. Yam Suf, the Torah says, Ma’asim Tovim. May we internalize these lessons and :live by the pasuk ׁשְ תּולִים ּבְבֵ ית ה’ ,Every we say ... וַּיֹורֵ הּו ה’ עֵץ ... וַּיִמְּתְקּו הַּמָ יִם... )שמות וְהָ יָה ּכְעֵץׁשָ תּול עַל ּפַלְגֵי מָ יִם )תהלים א:ג( Those . ּבְחַ ( צְרֹותאֱ ֹלקינּו יַפְרִ יחּו )תהלים צב:יד טו:כה(. Hashem showed him [Moshe] a tree … planted in the house of Hashem will blossom And he shall be like a tree planted by and the waters became sweet. in the courtyards of our L-rd. streams of water. n When the Jewish people enter the Beit Hashem is the Beit Midrash; the Torah commands them Chatzrot Elokeinu is where one goes after This article was compiled by Rav to plant trees. he leaves the Beit Midrash. In order for Goldwicht’s students. everything to blossom and be successful וְכִיתָ בֹאּואֶל ץהָאָרֶ םּונְטַעְּתֶ ּכָל עֵ ץ )ויקרא in the Chatzrot Elokeinu, one first needs יט:כג(.

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21 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Chomer Lidrush

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPORTING RIETS

Vital in its approach and vibrant in its tradition, the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary is the Western Hemisphere’s leading centerVital for in Torah its approach learning and and vibranttraining in for its the tradition, rabbinate. the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary is the Western Hemisphere’s leading center for Torah learning and training for the rabbinate. The Yeshiva has trained more than 3,000 of the world’s Orthodox rabbis, scholars and teachers. With their rich grounding in the full spectrumThe of Yeshivaour hallowed has trained tradition, more graduates than 3,000 assume of the a broad world’s range Orthodox of leadership rabbis, roles scholars in the andcommunity teachers. while ensuring the perpetuationWith of Jewish their richscholarship. grounding in the full spectrum of our hallowed tradition, graduates assume a broad range of leadership roles in the community while ensuring the perpetuation of Jewish scholarship. RIETS is not just a world-class Yeshiva. It is the center of our community. The success of the Yeshiva is evident in communities around the world.RIETS Support is not just for a RIETS world-class is support Yeshiva. for the It strengthis the center and preservationof our community. of the centrist The success Orthodox of the community. Yeshiva is evident in communities around the world. Support for RIETS is support for the strength and preservation of the centrist Orthodox community. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES $25,000 Sponsor a RIETS student for a year and create a Yissachar/Zevulun relationship $25,000 Sponsor a RIETS student for a year and create a Yissachar/Zevulun relationship $18,000 Provide a rabbinic intern to a Jewish community and help train the next generation $18,000of spiritual Provide leadership a rabbinic intern to a Jewish community and help train the next generation of spiritual leadership $10,000 Dedicate in perpetuity a Yahrzeit Day of learning in memory of a loved one at RIETS* $10,000 Dedicate in perpetuity a Yahrzeit Day in memory of a loved one at RIETS* $7,500 $7,200Dedicate Underwrite an issue of the the Benjamin yearly stipend and Rose of a Bergermember Torah of the To-Go Marcos distributed and Adina to JewishKatz Kollel communities across the globe $5,000 Sponsor a semester of a professional rabbinics course to help train the next generation $7,200 Underwriteof Jewish the yearly leaders stipend of a member of the Marcos and Adina Katz Kollel $5,000 $3,600Sponsor Dedicate a semester a RIETSof a professional Shabbat programrabbinics oncourse the Wilfto help Campus train the next generation $2,500of Jewish Become leaders a weekly sponsor of the Marcos and Adina Katz YUTorah.org, with $3,600 Dedicatemore a RIETS than Shabbat 15,000 weeklyprogram visits on the Wilf Campus $1,800 Dedicate a shiur for a week of a senior Rosh Yeshiva $2,500 Become a monthly sponsor of the Marcos and Adina Katz YUTorah.org, with $1,000more thanDedicate 15,000 aweekly day of visits Torah scholarship at RIETS to mark a simcha or yahrzeit $1,800 $500Dedicate Sponsor a shiur for an aAbraham week of a Arbesfeld senior Rosh Kollel Yeshiva Yom Rishon or Millie Arbesfeld Midreshet Yom Rishon lecture in memory of a loved one $1,000 $360Dedicate Dedicate a day of Torahsefarim scholarship to the Yeshiva’s at RIETS beit to midrash mark a simcha or yahrzeit $500 Sponsor an Abraham Arbesfeld Kollel Yom Rishon or Millie Arbesfeld Midreshet *For a gift Yomof $1,000, Rishon RIETS lecture will have in thememory Mourner’s of a Kaddish loved onerecited for your loved one and will ensure the designated yahrzeit date will be observed with Kaddish in perpetuity. Kaddish is recited three times daily during the 11 months of mourning, and then annually on the date of the yahrzeit. Additionally, a designated representative of the Yeshiva will recite the Kel Malai Rachamim prayer on the *For a gift ofappropriate $10,000, RIETSdate. Each will year,ensure prior the to designatedthe yahrzeit yahrzeit date, you date will receivewill be aobserved notice acknowledging with Kaddish the in upcomingperpetuity. observance Kaddish isof recitedthe yahrzeit. during the 11 months of mourning, and then annually on the date of the yahrzeit. Each year, prior to the yahrzeit date, you will receive a notice acknowledgingFor the more upcoming information observance on of making the yahrzeit. a gift or bequest to RIETS, please call 212.960.0852, email [email protected] or visit www.yu.edu/riets/giving For more information on making a gift or bequest to RIETS, please call 212.960.0852, email [email protected] or visit www.yu.edu/riets/giving

22 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Yeshiva University-RIETS acknowledge the members of the Elef L’Mateh Society

Rabbi Hyman Arbesfeld* Rabbi Alan G. Ciner Rabbi Meir Goldwicht Rabbi David Lapp Rabbi Dr. Shlomo F. Rybak Kew Gardens, NY New York, NY New York, NY Fair Lawn, NJ Passaic, NJ Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander* Rabbi Judah Dardik Rabbi Yosef Gottesman Rabbi Hyman Levine Rabbi Hershel Schachter Teaneck, NJ Neve Daniel, Israel Bronx, NY Queens, NY New York, NY Rabbi Aaron Brody* Rabbi Michael Davies Rabbi Jonathan Grossman Rabbi Yosie Levine Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld Flushing, NY Charleston, SC Flushing, NY New York, NY Flushing, NY Rabbi Marvin H. Rabbi Edward Davis Rabbi BZ Halberstam Rabbi Zalman Levine Rabbi Joel Schreiber Goldman* Hollywood, FL Passaic, NJ Teaneck, NJ New York, NY Silver Spring, MD Rabbi Moshe Davis Rabbi Abraham Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Rabbi Efrem Schwalb Rabbi Neil Hecht* Charleston, SC Halbfinger z”l New York, NY West Hempstead, NY Brookline, MA Rabbi Dr. Herbert Dobrinsky Rabbi Zvi Herman Rabbi Dr. Marc Mandel Rabbi Allen M. Schwartz Rabbi Jacob Hoenig* Riverdale, NY Mevaseret Zion, Israel Newport, RI New York, NY Brooklyn, NY Rabbi Ira Ebbin Rabbi Basil Herring Rabbi Leonard Matanky Rabbi Yehuda Septimus Rabbi Elazar Muskin* Merrick, NY New York, NY West Rogers Park, IL North Woodmere, NY Los Angeles, CA Rabbi David Eckstein Rabbi Shlomo Hochberg Rabbi Gary Menchel Rabbi Nisson E. Shulman Rabbi Moshe Neiss* Baltimore, MD Jamaica Estates, NY West Hempstead, NY New York, NY Riverdale, NY Rabbi Dr. Ricky Ehrlich Rabbi Barry Holzer Rabbi Jonathan Rabbi Dr. Andrew Sicklick Rabbi Marvin B. Pachino* Passaic, NJ Woodmere, NY Morgenstern Woodmere, NY Jerusalem, Israel Rabbi Zvi Engel Scarsdale, NY Rabbi Shmuel Silber Rabbi Menachem Penner* Skokie, IL Rabbi Ari Perl Baltimore, MD Holliswood, NY Rabbi Baruch Englard Atlantic Beach, NY Rabbi Tuvia Silverstein Rabbi Myron Rakowitz z”l* Brooklyn, NY Rabbi Irwin Peyser z”l Far Rockaway, NY Lawrence, NY Rabbi Tobias Feinerman Atlantic Beach, NY Rabbi David Snyder Rabbi Daniel Turkel* Yonkers, NY Rabbi Israel Polak New York, NY Flushing, NY Rabbi Arnold Feldman Teaneck, NJ Rabbi Elon Soniker Philadelphia, PA Rabbi Yale Port West Hempstead, NY Rabbi Adam Felsenthal Teaneck, NJ Rabbi Yaakov Taubes Rabbi Elliot Aberbach Teaneck, NJ Philadelphia, PA Lakewood, NJ Rabbi Jonas Prager Rabbi Jay Fenster Flushing, NY Rabbi Lawrence Teitelman Rabbi Aaron Abramson Brooklyn, NY New Hyde Park, NY Toronto, Canada Rabbi Dr. Mark (Melech) Rabbi David Fine Press Rabbi Perry Tischwell Rabbi Elli Ausubel Modiin, Israel Brooklyn, NY Teaneck, NJ Raanana, Israel Rabbi Fred Hyman Rabbi Joel Finkelstein New Haven, CT Rabbi Daniel Price Rabbi Mordechai Rabbi Eitan Bendavid Memphis, TN Passaic, NJ Raanana, Israel Rabbi David Israel Torczyner Rabbi Daniel Friedman Stamford, CT Rabbi Dr. Jacob Reiner Toronto, Canada Rabbi Alex Berman Edmonton, Canada Fort Lee, NJ Raanana, Israel Rabbi Gedaliah Jaffe Rabbi Ya’akov Trump Rabbi Barry Gelman Edison, NJ Rabbi Cedarhurst, NY Rabbi Daniel Berman Houston, TX Chicago, IL New Rochelle, NY Rabbi Howard Joseph Rabbi Marc S. Volk Rabbi Yaakov Gibber Montreal, Quebec Rabbi Daniel Rockoff Merrick, NY Rabbi Julius Berman Boca Raton, FL Overland Park, KS Jamaica Estates, NY Rabbi Milton Kain Rabbi Norman Avinoam Rabbi Yaakov Glasser Lawrence, NY Rabbi Ari Rockoff Walles Rabbi Tzvi Bernstein Passaic, NJ West Hempstead, NY Brooklyn, NY Stamford, CT Rabbi Alan Kalinsky Rabbi Ozer Glickman Los Angeles, CA Rabbi Walter Rosenbaum Rabbi Jay Weinstein Rabbi Marvin S. Teaneck, NJ Jerusalem, Israel Maaleh Adumim, Israel Bienenfeld Rabbi Mark Karasick Lawrence, NY Rabbi Shmuel M. Gold Teaneck , NK Rabbi Dr. Bernard Rabbi Shimon Wolf Rego Park, NY Rosensweig Kew Gardens, NY Rabbi Binyamin Blau Rabbi Zev Karpel Kew Gardens, NY Cleveland, OH Rabbi Efrem Goldberg Passaic, NJ Anonymous Boca Raton, FL Rabbi Sol Roth Anonymous Rabbi Irving Bodner Rabbi Chemia Kleinman New York, NY Jerusalem, Israel Lawrence, NY Rabbi Shraga Goldenhersh Anonymous Baltimore, MD Rabbi Dr. Eli Rybak Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald Rabbi Benjamin Krinsky Clifton, NJ New York, NY Teaneck, NJ Learn more at www.yutorah.org/elef As of 5/17/2017 * Elef L’Mateh Chai Supporter We recognize the following Rabbinic Alumni as members of Amudei HaYeshiva for their 5777 dues gift of $360:

Rabbi Marc Jablon • Rabbi Jacob Jaffe • Rabbi Aaron M. Kaplan • Rabbi Dr. Abraham Mann • Rabbi Jeffrey Muehlgay Rabbi Scott Rothenberg • Rabbi Melvin Sachs • Rabbi Benjamin J. Samuels • Rabbi Emanuel Sanders Rabbi Mordechai Schiffman • Rabbi Yeshaya Siff • Rabbi Howard Zack We recognize the following Rabbinic Alumni as members of Amudei HaMusmakhim for their 5777 dues gift of $180:

Rabbi Leon Aronsky • Rabbi Simon Basalely • Rabbi Moshe J. Bernstein • Rabbi Mordechai Besser • Rabbi Michael Bleicher Rabbi Daniel Bloom • Rabbi Azaryah Cohen • Rabbi Asher Finkel Ph.D. • Rabbi Isaac Furman • Rabbi Dr. Brian Galbut Rabbi David B. Ginsburg • Rabbi Jonathan Gordon • Rabbi Norman Gorlyn •Rabbi Dr. Isidore Halberstam • Rabbi Barry David Hartman • Rabbi Ari Israel Rabbi David Jacobowitz • Rabbi Jason Jacobowitz • Rabbi Eliezer Kaminetzky • Rabbi Yaakov Krakower • Rabbi Daniel M. Kroll • Rabbi Ira Kronenberg Rabbi Dr. John Krug • Rabbi Moshe Kwalbrun • Rabbi Marc Liebman • Rabbi Chanan Liss • Rabbi Arieh E. Listowsky • Rabbi Daniel J. Loew Rabbi Morton Minchenberg • Rabbi Boaz Mori • Rabbi Israel Moskowitz • Rabbi Barry Nussbaum • Rabbi Jonathan Price • Rabbi Dr. Israel Rivkin Rabbi Martin Rosenfeld • Rabbi Alan Rothman • Rabbi Bernard E. Rothman • Rabbi David Schwartz • Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Adam Schwartz Psy.D. Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz • Rabbi Charles H. Sheer • Rabbi Gidon Shoshan • Rabbi Aharon Simkin • Rabbi H. Norman Strickman • Rabbi Elihu Turkel Rabbi Mark Urkowitz • Rabbi Marvin Waltuch • Rabbi Shlomo Weissmann • Rabbi Howard Wolk • Rabbi Lawrence Zierler • Rabbi Lawrence Ziffer We recognize the following Rabbinic Alumni for their 5777 dues gift of $100:

Rabbi Shlomo Appel • Rabbi Richard Auman • Rabbi Reuven Berman • Rabbi Harold Tzvi Bernstein • Rabbi Hillel Bick • Rabbi Jack Bieler • Rabbi Gideon Black Rabbi Yaakov Blau • Rabbi Michael Bloom • Rabbi F. Meier Brueckheimer • Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Chelst • Rabbi Noah Cheses • Rabbi Asher Gabriel Dordek Rabbi Dr. Isaac Ehrenberg • Rabbi Shaul Leib Epstein • Rabbi Amichai Erdfarb • Rabbi Moshe Erlbaum • Rabbi Mordechai Eskovitz • Rabbi Menachem Feinsod Rabbi Shimon Feld • Rabbi Kalman Feldman • Rabbi Michael Fine • Rabbi Howard Finkelstein • Rabbi Stanley M. Fogel • Rabbi Ezra Frazer Rabbi Raffi Glickman • Rabbi Ezra Goldschmiedt • Rabbi Sidney Goldstein • Rabbi Jonathan Gordon • Rabbi Leonard Greenblum • Rabbi Reuven Grodner Rabbi Chaim Hagler • Rabbi Dr. Yitzchak Handel • Rabbi Michael Hecht • Rabbi Joel Hecker • Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot • Rabbi William Herskowitz Rabbi Steven Hirschey • Rabbi Jacob T. Hoenig • Rabbi Samuel N. Hoenig • Rabbi Sidney Hook • Rabbi Herbert Horowitz • Rabbi Harry Menachem Kagan Rabbi Joshua Kahn • Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky • Rabbi Joseph Kanefsky • Rabbi Eliot R. Kaplan • Rabbi Raphael Katsman • Rabbi Jerome Katz Rabbi Avi Kilimnick • Rabbi David Klavan • Rabbi Gershon Klavan • Rabbi Doniel Z. Kramer • Rabbi Yirmiyahu Lebowitz • Rabbi Bertram Leff • Rabbi Hirsh Lewitan Rabbi Menachem Linzer • Rabbi Norman Linzer • Rabbi Elchanan Lipshitz • Dr. David Luchins • Rabbi Marc H. Messing • Rabbi William Millen Rabbi Michael Miller • Rabbi Steven Miodownik • Rabbi Eliezer Mischel • Rabbi Eddie Mittelman • Rabbi Avi David Narrow-Tilonsky • Rabbi Fred Nebel Rabbi Jeffrey Neuman • Rabbi Joseph Oratz • Rabbi Milton Polin • Rabbi Gary Pollack • Rabbi Kenneth Pollack • Rabbi Daniel Price • Rabbi David Radinsky Rabbi Dr. Neal Z. Ringel • Rabbi Dr. Bernhard H. Rosenberg • Rabbi Stanley Rosenberg • Rabbi Eliyahu Safran • Rabbi Dr. Richard Schiffmiller Rabbi Ira Schnall • Rabbi Marvin Schneider • Rabbi Chaim Schnur • Rabbi Bruce Schwartz • Rabbi David Seff • Rabbi Mendel Shapiro • Rabbi Dr. Moshe Sherman Rabbi Dr. Joshua Shuchatowitz • Rabbi Joseph Siev • Rabbi Zev S. Silber • Rabbi Dr. Eric Siskind • Rabbi Aryeh Spiegler • Rabbi Moshe Stavsky • Rabbi Robert H. Stein Rabbi Glenn Stengel • Rabbi Jeremy Stern • Rabbi Marvin Sugarman • Rabbi Dr. Joseph Sungolowsky • Rabbi Isadore M. Tennenberg • Rabbi Reuven Tradburks Rabbi Baruch Tribuch • Rabbi Leonard Tribuch • Rabbi Aryeh Tuchman • Rabbi David A. Twersky • Rabbi Mayer Twersky • Rabbi Richard Vale Rabbi Samuel A. Weiss • Rabbi Shlomo Weissberg • Rabbi Jacob Weitman • Rabbi Matan Wexler • Rabbi Emanuel White Rabbi David Winter • Rabbi Yosef Wolicki • Cantor Richard Wolpoe • Rabbi Benjamin Yudin • Rabbi Alan Yuter • Rabbi Eugene Zaveloff • Rabbi Mordecai Zeitz Rabbi Myron F. Zundell • Rabbi Oran Zweitler

As of 5/17/2017 Join us in supporting our Yeshiva and its vital activities, please visit: yu.edu/riets/alumni Feature

Perspectives from the Courtroom An Interview with Rabbi Shlomo Weissmann ’01R ’14YY Menahel, Beth Din of America

Rabbi Shlomo Weissmann is Menahel of the Beth Din of America. He is a graduate of Columbia Law School, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar. Prior to his association with the Beth Din of America, Rabbi Weissmann worked as an attorney at several prominent law firms, including Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.

CHAVRUSA: What makes your role CHAVRUSA: How has the training at Beth Din of America unique from at RIETS impacted your role at the all other forms of rabbanus that you Beth Din of America? have encountered? There was no semicha class that taught In some ways my role is similar to that me how to administer a contemporary of a traditional rabbi. People who utilize beit din, but the limud haTorah and psak our services are often very vulnerable. halacha skills that I acquired from my Some are entangled in emotionally trying mentors and Roshei Yeshiva at RIETS disputes, some are getting divorced from are invaluable in the work that I do. The their spouses, some are facing the horrible values taught and practiced at RIETS specter of igun. So we try to help them heavily shaped my personal outlook on through. My job is also to explain halachic many issues. practices, such as the Get process, or sometimes even the concept of chalitza. CHAVRUSA: Tell us about the These notions may be challenging, relationship between the Beth Din unfamiliar and clash with modern of America and Yeshiva. sensibilities. The two organizations have deep ties. The But my role is also unique, because rabbinic staff of the Beth Din consists Rabbi Shlomo Weissmann the Beth Din of America is a very unique entirely of musmachim of RIETS—Rabbi organization. In much of the work I do Gedalia Dov Schwartz ’49R, Rabbi I’m wearing my lawyer hat more than members of dinei Torah conducted by the Michoel Zylberman ’10R and myself— my rabbi hat. This is especially true Beth Din, and we have jointly published along with current Roshei Yeshiva of in our administration of dinei Torah, “The Journal of the Beth Din of America,” RIETS, Rabbi ’71R where secular legal questions relating to which features articles on beit din and Rabbi Yona Reiss ’02R. We have arbitration procedure arise all the time. jurisprudence and reproductions of piskei a joint program with the Yadin Yadin Our process must comply with secular din issued by the Beth Din. We maintain Kollel, which provides opportunities law in order for our piskei din to be a satellite din Torah room at the Glueck for shimush and observation by kollel enforced by the courts. Center, which we use frequently for dinei

25 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 Feature

Torah. Each year, we hire interns at the CHAVRUSA: In what ways can also the beit din of first resort for many Beth Din from RIETS. rabbis and mechanchim support people who, for whatever reasons, did not the communal goals of the Beth sign a prenup and now find themselves in CHAVRUSA: How does the Beth Din? the position of seeking to arrange a Get Din resolve today’s complicated with a recalcitrant spouse. We send out issues? One way is by educating people about hazmanot (invitations/summonses) to the importance of utilizing batei din to appear before the Beth Din and, when The Beth Din of America conducts its resolve disputes, rather than resorting necessary, we issue seruvin (documents business by successfully integrating to secular courts. Halacha prohibits of contempt) to signal that an individual Torah laws and values with contemporary litigation in secular court in most has not complied with his or her halachic secular knowledge, something closely instances, but resolving disputes through obligations in this realm. tied to the philosophy of RIETS and rabbinic mediation or arbitration is also Yeshiva University. When we needed less expensive and more efficient than CHAVRUSA: After working as a to resolve the 9/11 agunah cases, we court litigation, not to mention the corporate lawyer, what motivated utilized sophisticated investigative skills, confidentiality benefits. you begin a career in Jewish including reliance on DNA evidence. communal work? When we resolve commercial disputes CHAVRUSA: How has the Beth Din that derive from transactions in the been effective in addressing the I practiced in the area of commercial real secular marketplace, the dayanim include aguna issue? estate transactions, and I enjoyed the lawyers and businessmen so that we challenge and stimulation of working can properly analyze the facts and the The Beth Din is known internationally on interesting deals. But I knew that commercial customs that often determine for its prenuptial agreement (available avodas hakodesh would represent an the outcomes of the cases. Mental health at www.theprenup.org). This document, opportunity to do something really professionals sit on cases that involve which was introduced by Rabbi meaningful on a daily basis. n child custody determinations and other Mordechai Willig more than 20 years ago, sensitive psychological issues. has been enormously successful. We are

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Rabbi Neal ’83R and Laura Turk Recent Publications Mazal Tov on the birth of a grandson, Yoni, Rabbi Hanan ’84R and born to Eitan and Nechama Turk. Barbara Balk on the birth of Rabbi Netanel ’05R and Sara a granddaughter, to Leora and Wiederblank on the Bat Mitzvah Shmuel Lesher. of their daughter, Leah. Rabbi Saul ’62R and Shellee Rabbi Robert ’81R and Berman on the marriage of their Marilyn Zeiger on the birth of son, Akiva, to Carmela Leah. a granddaughter, Tamar Zisel, to Rabbi Michael ’11R and Yael Eliezer Menachem and Nadine Echoes of the Holocaust: Bleicher on the birth of a son, Zeiger. Haggai, Zechariah, and Survivors and their Children Gavriel Ari. Malachi: Prophecy in an Age and Grandchildren Speak Out of Uncertainty Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rabbi Dr. Kenneth ’86R and Condolences Rabbi Hayyim Angel ’95R Rosenberg ’74R Ruchie Brander on the birth of a The Family of Rabbi Dr. Nachum Maggid (January 2017) The Rosenberg Holocaust grandson, Nadav Yitzchak Tzvi, to Norman Berlat ’65R, z”l. Haggadah Yoni and Yehudit Brander, and to Rabbi Dr. Bernhard great-grandparents, Rabbi Aaron Rabbi Abba Engelberg ’68R on Rosenberg ’74R ’59R and Ellen Brander. the passing of his brother, Pinchas Yosef Engelberg, z”l. Rabbi Jonathan ’14R and Sefi Hefter on the birth of a son, and Rabbi Neil Fleischmann ’92R on to grandparents, Rabbi Yaakov the passing of his father, Werner ’73R and Abby Lerner. Fleischmann, z”l. Rabbi Josh ’01R and Aviva Rabbi Daniel Gutenmacher Friedman on the birth of a son. ’80R on the passing of his father, Redemption, Then and Now: Abraham Gutenmacher, z”l. Pesah Haggada with Essays Rabbi Seth ’04R and Leba and Commentary Rabbi Joshua Grauer on the birth of a son. The family of Rabbi Benjamin The (unofficial) Hogwarts Hoffman, z”l. Haggadah Rabbi Aaron ’10R and Molly Blech ’56R Rabbi Moshe Katz Rabbi Avraham Kelman ’83R Menorah Books (March 2017) on the birth of a son, Levi Rosenberg ’84R Yitzchak. and Mindy (and Rabbi Dr. BSD (March 2017) Norman ’51R) Lamm on the Rabbi Dovid ’94R and Bonnie passing of their mother, Jean Kupchik on the marriage of their Kelman, z”l. daughter, Tova, to Chaim Levitz. Rabbi Dr. Johnny Krug ’78R on Rabbi Yaakov ’15R and Kayla the passing of his father, Walter Lasson on the birth of a son, and Joseph Krug, z”l. to grandparents, Rabbi Dr. Marc ’88R and Jackie Mandel. The family of Rabbi Mayer Offman ’80R, z”l. Rabbi Meyer ’78R and The Feedback Fix: Dump the Rabbi Kenneth Paretzky ’75R Shulamith May on the birth of Past, Embrace the Future, and Rabbi Yisrael Meir Paretzky Divrei Sofrim: The a granddaughter, Sima Chaya, to and Lead the Way to Change ’79R on the passing of their Transmission of Torah Rabbi Yehuda and Nechama May, Rabbi Joe Hirsch ’10R and on the birth of a grandson, mother, Yetta Paretzky, z”l. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers SheB’Al Peh Rabbi Hershel Yehuda Aryeh, to Rachaeli and Rabbi Chaim Pearl ’75R and (April 2017) Shuey Lobl. Schachter ’67R Sharon (and Rabbi Richard Edited by Rabbi Daniel Z. Feldman Rabbi Shmuel ’08R and Leah ’71R) Auman on the passing of ’98R ’06YY Segal on the birth of a son, Ahron their mother, Mrs. Jean Pearl, z”l. YU Press (2017) Shalom, and to grandparents, The family of Rabbi Myron Rabbi Gershon (AA) and Tovah Rakowitz ’57R, z”l. Segal. Sara (and Rabbi Dr. Edward Rabbi Mordechai Schnaidman ’97R) Reichman on the passing ’52R on the birth of a great- of her father, Professor Louis granddaughter, Zeeva Feiga. Feldman, z”l. Verapo Yerape, vol. 7 Rabbi Peter Rabbi Rami ’07R and Debbie Rabbi Nahum Spirn ’90R on Kahn ’13R and Rabbi Dr. Strosberg on the birth of a son. the passing of his father, Rabbi David Shabtai ’09R Rabbi Avi Narrow-Tilonsky ’11R Charles Spirn ’51R, z”l. (CreateSpace Independent Hagada Shel Pesach Publishing Platform, March 2017) on his marriage to Atara Oren. Rabbi Eli Turkel ’69R on the Yismach Av passing of his wife, Jerri Turkel, z”l. Rabbi

27 CHAVRUSA • SIVAN 5777 JEWISH EDUCATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN YOUR PRIORITY. WHY STOP NOW?

“We knew YU was the place our

children could accomplish everything they wanted in a“ fully Jewish environment.

“Having attended YU and benefited from its education and religious culture we felt confident that it would provide those same opportunities for our children.

With its balance of Limudei Kodesh and challenging academics, we knew YU would provide our children with the preparation needed for their careers as professionals, as well as reinforce the religious ideals that they will take with them in all that they do. The same values that permeated the walls of YU when we attended 35 years ago are the very values that we chose to inculcate in our children. Today, our daughter is a sophomore at Yeshiva University. We are thrilled with the education she is receiving and her growth in Torah. She couldn’t be happier.”

Michele & Jody Bardash, YU Parents LEARN MORE. yu.edu/enroll

Yeshiva University’s commitment to ensuring that all students can enjoy an uplifting Torah education and a fulfilling college experience includes distributing $42 million in scholarships and financial assistance, benefiting 80% of students. Unlike most universities, YU’s financial aid office considers parents’ obligations to pay yeshiva tuition for siblings. REACH OUT TO US [email protected] | 646.592.4440