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THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021-6615 is published monthly except July and August by the Agudath Israel of America, 84 William Street, New York, N.Y. 10038. Periodicals postage paid in New York, N.Y. Subscription $24.00 per year; two years, $44.00; three years, $60.00. Outside of the United States (US funds drawn on a US bank only) $12.00 surcharge per year. Single copy $3.50; foreign $4.50. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Observer, 84 William Street, N.Y., N.Y.10038.Tel:212-797-9000, Fax: 6 212-269-2843. Windows of Heaven Printed in the U.S.A. Rabbi Shimon Finkelman
RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR I I G-d Centered or Rebbe/Messiah-Centered: Which is Normative Judaism? EDITORIAL BOARD OR. ERNST L. BODENHEIMER Rabbi Chaim Dov Keller Chairman ll RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS JOSEPH FRIEDENSON Hospice Care: Can it Have a Jewish Heart? RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN Rabbi Yosef Stern
MANAGEMENT BOARD AVI FISHOF NAFTOLI HIRSCH Louis J. Septimus RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING Drunk on Stories 8u$lnen Man;:iger A Review Article by Hillel Goldberg Published by 39 Agudath Israel of America POSTSCRIPT RABBI MOSHE SHERER PRESIDENT The Most Recent Guest Anonymous U.S. TRADE DISTRIBUTOR ISRAEU DISTRIBUTOR Feldheim Publishers Netllemia Rosenberg 200 Airport Executive Park Kiryat Telshe Stone. 108A Spring Valley, N.Y. 10977 O.N. Harei Yehuda. ISRAEL POETRY EUROPEAN REPRESENTATIVE AUSTRALIAN DISTii/BUTOR On the Avenue M. T. Bibel man Gold's Sook & Gift Co. Beily Palluch Grosvenor Works 36 William Street Mount Pleasant Hill Balaclava 3183, Vic., London ES 9NE, ENGLAND AUSTRALIA I lETIERS TO THE EDITOR THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not assume responsibility for the Kashrus of any product, publication, or service advertised in its pages © Copyright 1998 MARCH 1998 VOLUME XXXl/NO. 3 Rabbi Shimon Finkelman CONCEALMENT AND guiding hand of Prov REVELATION idence is plainly appar ent. The Jews' salvation wo Rabbinic was a declaration of holidays were Hashem to His beloved Tgranted the Jew people: "When you ish people, Purim and were exiled, My Shechi Chanuka. Ostensibly, na accompanied you6 their celebrations seem and it has never depart diametrically opposite ed from your midst. I one another. As the am here guiding and commentators point protecting you, and I out, prior to the will always be with you, Chanuka miracle, the even when My Pres Jewish soul was endan ence is not readily dis gered by the anti-Torah cernible." decrees of the Syrian The Jews perceived Greek regime. In the Hashem's Presence at days of Mordechai and that time and basked in Esther, the lives of the Jews were at stake. ir cl es His hidden radiance. And how did they This distinction is reflected in Chanu respond? "They accepted [the Torah] ka being a festival of O\Nilm ?'m, praise again in the days of Achashveirosh, as and thanksgiving, a means of celebra it is written, 'Kiymu ve'kiblu tion that is entirely spiritual, while Hayehudim, The Jews established and Purim is a day of nnr.n:n nnvr.i, feasting accepted' (Esther 9,27) - they estab and gladness'. In fact, the miracles that s he el lished [in those days] that which they these festivals celebrate and the lessons had already accepted [at Sinai]':' It was, that they impart complement one t ur es as the comn1entators explain, an accep another. tance born of intense love for Hashem The Purim miracle occurred during (Devarim 31,18). The Vilna Gaon' sees and recognition of His eternal bond the seventy-year exile between the First this teaching as far more than a play on with His people. and Second Temple eras. It was a time the words Esther and astir. The verse of great hester Panim, Divine conceal quoted is from a passage which foretells LIGHT AMID THE DARKNESS ment. The Jewish people had been ban that the Jewish people would ultimate ished from their Land; the arrogant Per ly stray from the proper path and as a period of the Second Beis sian kings were certain, according to result would be subject to severe retri Hamikdash was, in a sense, a pre their miscalculations, that the Beis bution and what one commentator5 lude to the long exile that would Hamikdash would not be rebuilt.' refers to as "the greatest trial of all" - follows. The Shechina was not manifest The Talmud3 asks: Where is Queen hester Panim, when Hashem's guiding to the same degree as it had been dur Esther alluded to in the Torah? It hand in man's affairs is not easily ing the First Mikdash era and prophe answers: In the verse, V'anochi haster apparent. cy had come to an end'. It was in this astir panei bayom hahu- "But I will The miracle of Purim was a he'aras period, a "twilight" before the "dark utterly conceal My face on that day" panim, revelation of Hashem's ness," when the miracle of Chanuka -----·--··------Omnipresence, in a time of Divine con occurred. In "Al Hanissim;' we speak of Rabbi Finkelman, a rebbe in Yeshiva Darchei Torah, cealment. True, it involved no open mir the Chashmona'im's victory over the Syr Far Rockaway, NY, is a frequent contributor to acles, but the entire story, from the feast ian-Greeks, and our kindling of the these pages, including "It's Time to Face the Music;' in Feb. '95. He is the author of several biographies with which the Megilla opens to the menora represents the miracle of the oil published by ArtScroll Mesorah Publications, as hanging of Haman and his sons, was a which burned for eight days in the newly well as the recent More Shabbos Stories. tapestry of hidden miracles in which the dedicated Temple Menora. 6 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 Maharal writes that the open mira cle of the oil bore witness to the mira cle of the military victory: "Chanuka was • n recent years, we have been witness to major established primarily because of the vic tory over the Syrian-Greeks. However, Iworld events which have affected the fate of the it was not obvious that the victory was achieved through the miracles of Jewish people in a very positive way. In fact, the Hashem and not because of their might. Therefore, the miracle of the Menora's way in which these events unfolded seem to lights occurred, so that they would know represent a semblance of the Chanuka and Purim that the war, too, was through rnira cles."10 In Shir Hashirim, we read, "I miracles, and as such, should not be forgotten. thought I would be forever alone- but behold! He was standing behind our Rather, we should utilize them to draw faith 1n wall, observing through the windows, peering through the lattice work" (Shir Hoshem's guidance of our affairs. Hashirim 2,9). This verse has been interpreted as depicting progressive manifestations of Divine Providence as we perceive it. In the darkest moments open miracles, one comes to recognize "You are to know this day and take to of exile, when travail and suffering the hidden miracles - which are the your heart that Hashem is the only abound, Hashem "stands behind the foundation of the entire Torah. For a G--d ... " (Devarim 4,39). One may pos wall" taking note of our suffering and person has no share in the Torah of sess yedi'a (knowledge) of a given directing our affairs in a way of "utter Moshe Rabbeinu unless he believes that truth, but this does not necessarily mean concealment." Yet, as the Purim mira all our matters and happenings are that he will live by it. Only when one has cle demonstrated, even in exile, there are miraculous - there is nothing natural internalized it, so that its message times when seemingly unrelated events about them." The festivals of Chanuka reaches to the depths of his heart, will come together, resulting in salvations in and Purim are timeless reminders of the his actions be directed by it. As to how which the hand of Providence is unmis Hashgacha Prattis, exacting Divine to internalize the belief in Hashgacha takably evident. It is at such times that Providence, which guides our people's Prattis, exacting Divine Providence, the a "window" in Heaven opens, allowing happenings, both collectively and indi Chafetz Chaim writes the following: us to perceive that Hashem was there all vidually. And their spiritual aura can I have heard in the name of a cer along, observing our precarious state of infuse us with strength to face the tests tain gaon that a person should ponder affairs and setting into motion the chain of life and the ability to recognize his endeavors, so that he will come to of events that would result in the bet Hashem's guiding hand in our affairs. recognize Hashem's guiding hand terment of our lot. upon him, and through this his bita Malbim writes that the term meitzitz, FROM MIND TO HEART chon (trust in Hashem) will be peering [through the lattice work] strengthened. Even if Providential means to stick one's head through an Talmud relates13 that the involvement will not be so obvious at opening and peer inside. Thus, the term prophet Chavakuk saw one prin the conclusion of the matter - for can allude to an even more obvious ciple as the basis for fulfillment example, if the high market price of manifestation of the guiding hand of of the entire Torah: "And a tzaddik lives grain earned him a handsome profit Providence, as in the Chashmona'im's by his faith." Every Torah Jew believes - nevertheless, he should ponder how military victory, where there were no that Providence guides all that occurs in this deal first came his way, how he open miracles but the incredible con this world. Yet there are infinite levels of procured the grain or the money quest of the many in the hands of the emuna (faith). As the Chafetz Chaim with which he purchased it. If he will few 11 was clearly a miracle for anyone points outl4, were every Jew's faith to be reflect in this way upon all his dealings, whose spiritual antennas had not been on a par with the tzaddik's, no Jew would he will see the Hashgacha manifest in sullied by Greek teachings or other neg let a day go by without Torah study, no a revealed way.ts ative influences. For those whose spir Jew would even consider an improper If this is so in one's personal life, it ituality had been diminished, the mir monetary dealing, and no Jew would is certainly true on a national level. In acle of the oil was proof enough. ever become upset over a slight to his recent years, we have been witness to Ramban writes12 why so many honor! major world events which have affect mitzvos recall our miraculous deliver A Torah verse that we recite thrice ed the fate of the Jewish people in a very ance from Egypt: "Through the great, daily provides the key to the matter: positive way. In fact, the way in which The Jewish Observer, Morch 1998 7 these events unfolded seem to represent responded, "No, it is not our fault. The WHEN THE IRON CURTAIN CRUMBLED a semblance of the Chanuka and Purim armies of the world aren't out there miracles, and as such, should not be for fighting Saddam to defend the Jews. nly six months after the Gulf gotten. Rather, we should utilize them After all, Saudi Arabia, at least official War ended, the Communist to draw faith in Hashem's guidance of ly, is not allowing a single Jewish soldier 0 stranglehold on Eastern Europe our affairs. on its soil, and President Bush had to was dealt its final blow. A coup by hard restrain Israel from attacking Iraq, for line Communists to overthrow WINDOWS IN OUR DAY fear that this would cause the Coalition reformist Mikhail Gorbachev threatened to fall apart. to restore the Cold War to its former t was approximately eight years ago "No, it's not our fault - but it is frigid state, and there was real fear of when Saddam Hussein declared his because of us. It's G-d's way of protect war, either civil or international. Instead, I intention to 7"1 «incinerate the ing the Jewish people from one of its the coup failed miserably within days, State of Israel." About a month later, Sad worst enemies." but it did serve to get rid of Gorbachev, dam miscalculated and invaded oil-rich When the war ended on the eve of and with him, the Iron Curtain disap Kuwait, which resulted in President Purim, Jews the world over rejoiced peared. Jews were free to leave Russia Bush's organizing the "Coalition" which euphorically. If the incredible chain of and spread Torah throughout the for eventually attacked Iraq and defeated it events, from Saddam's threats against mer Soviet empire. in the Persian Gulf War. Of course, seven Bretz Yisroel to the ground war's swift On the surface, the crumbling of the years later, Saddam seems as dangerous and successful conclusion, brought to Soviet Union and its Communist bloc as ever, but this does not mitigate the mind the miracle of Purim, the mira seemed to be the result of Gorbachev's miracle of Bretz Yisroefs salvation at that cle of the Scuds could, perhaps, be gross miscalulations. His reformist poli perilous time. placed in the category of"obvious" hid cies gave his country1nen a taste of A popular anecdote being circulated den miracles such as the victory of the democracy, and once their appetite during the Gulf War told of an in-flight Chashmona'im over the Syrian-Greeks. was whetted, it became insatiable. Rec encounter between a pro1ninent talmid Thirty-nine deadly Scud missiles rained ognizing this, the old guard sought to chacham and a gentile businesswoman down upon our brethren in the Holy turn the clock back, but their plan back who was reading the Wall Street Journal Land, reducing entire housing com fired. Some see the Chernobyl nuclear and muttering over the falling stock plexes to piles of rubble. Yet, only one disaster as the spark which set the wheels prices which the war had seemingly person died as a direct result of the of change in motion. induced. The woman turned to the Scuds. In most instances, everyone Rabbi Shimon Schwab ';"~ took a scholar and in the spirit of true Jewish crawled out from the rubble with noth different view. For seventy years, the hatred said, "Rabbi, this war is all your ing more than superficial wounds and Soviet Union had been a giant prison people's fault!" The talmid chacham stories of how they had left the scene of where the teaching of Torah and mitz disaster moments before the explosion, va observance was a serious crime. As or how falling debris had missed them decades passed, Soviet synagogues were by inches.1 6 used only by the aged, who still recalled In an address immediately following the days before the Bolshevik Revolu the warI7, the late Gerrer Rebbe, Reb Pin tion when the Russian landscape was the chas Menachem Alter, 7":stis, said: scene of thriving Torah communities "First and foremost, we are oblig and yeshivas. ed to thank Hashem Yisbarach for all Then, in the 1980's, a small, coura the goodness He has bestowed upon geous group of ba' alei teshuva sprang up us until now. The miracles that have in the heart of Russia. These yonng men occurred recently are so obvious that and women, numbering perhaps a even people far removed from religion hundred souls, risked arrest, imprison must echo the words of Halle~ "This ment or worse to be taught Torah in emanated from Hashem, it is won secret by visiting scholars, to teach each drous in our eyesl9," other, to perforn1 circumcisions, build for information on As time goes on and the me1nories mikvaos and meticulously observe other obtaining cemetery plots in of the Gulf War fade, so does their mitzvos. It was their mesiras nefesh, Rabbi Eretz Hochoim Beth Shemesh impact. It would do us well to ponder Schwab maintained, that brought about Hor Menuchoth - Hor Hozeisim the happenings of those tension-filled a Purim-like miracle, where the mighty months and recall the emotions and Soviet regime came tumbling down with 011-972-2-641-1923 thoughts we experienced as that drama hardly a shot being fired. unfolded. These events should likewise serve to 8 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 8 strengthen our faith in Hashem's eter twenty-thousand-plus nzaintaining perfect dcconun This is elaborated upon in S~fsei Chaim (collected dis courses of Rabbi Chaim Friedlander) vol. II, p. 108. nal direction of events, to remind us that throughout chazaras hashatz, to its closing, Ne'i 9 See Yonia 21 b. even during times of hester Panin1, /a-like Jvfaariv with its thunderous Shcnza Yisroel, 10 Cf1iddushei Aggados, Shabbos 2 ! b. Divine concealment, He is still "behind the Tenth Siyi11n HaShas was a testimony that even 11 From Al Hanissirn. our wall, observing through the win in exile, the Shcchina dwells an1ong Israel20. dows, peering through the lattice work:' Let us not forget how on that mem 12 Commentary to Shemos 13,16. orable evening, we perceived Hashem's D 1\:fakkos 24a. THE TENTH SIYUM HASHAS bond with us and our bond with one 1.i Shern Otani I,3. another. And how, in the true spirit of 15 It is related that the Ponovezher Mashgiach, Rabbi "Above all, we must think deeply Puri1n, we expressed our en1otions Yechezke! Levenstein, would encourage talmidim to maintain a diary of moments in their personal lives how the wheels of Providence have with spontaneous singing and dancing where they percieved flashgacha Prattis. brought us to this great day, how a dev which stretched from New York to Mel lii For a detailed account of the "Scud miracles," astated people half a century ago put bourne - our own Kiymu vekiblu, a see lvlissiles, Masks and A1iracles by Sam Veffer itself together again by the grace of renewal of our commitment to Torah (published by Yeshivah Aish HaTorah of Hashem and rebuilt its spiritual edi out of joy and love. • Jerusalen1). fice, its Torah empire." 17 A translation of that address appeared in The So said the Novominsker Rebbe, N"t7'7t!J in his 1 Mishna Berura 670:2 citing Levush. Jewish Observer, April 1991. 18 At the time of the war, Rabbi Alter was Rosh moving address at the recent Siyurn HaShas of the 2 See i\1egilla ! lb. It was because of Yeshiva of Yeshivas Sefas Emes. He became Ger Daf HaYorni. In a time ofgreat hester Panirn, when Achashveirosh's miscalculation that he dared to use the sacred vessels of the Beis Hamikdash Sefcr rer Rebbe follov•ing the passing of his older broth our people are enduring travails both individual Ben Yehoyada discusses why Achashveirosh did er, the Lev Simcha. ly and collectively, Hashem yeracheim, the Tenth not die for this as did King Balshatzar before hin1. 19 Tehillin1 118:23. Siyum HaShas was a brilliant flash of light amidst 3 Chullin 139b. 20 Rabbi Avraham Chain1 Feuer, chainnan of the the darkness, one fron1 which 1ve should continue 4 Co1nn1entary to Esther 1,2. proceedings at r..1adison Square Garden, cited to draw chizuk (spiritual strength) in the rnonths Tosafos to Bava Karna 83a that 'vhen 22,000 Jews 5 Nesivos Shalotn to Sefer Devari1n. and years ahead. We should also draw strength by (rivevos alfei Yisroe[) convene, they merit the high~ 6 The Talmud states, "\!Vhen Israel was exiled, the est possible level of gilui Shechina, Divine reve~ recalling the almost tangible feeling of kedusha Shechina was exiled with then1" (A1egilla 29a). lation. It is the level that was enjoyed by the (sanctity) which was felt throughout the evening. 7 Shabbos 88a. prophets and that was experienced at the Mishkan From its opening Mincha with a congregation of and Reis HaMikdash. I Recommended By a Trusted Rabbi ... 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TWO MINVANIM - A'iHKE:NAZI & 'iE:PHARDI (213) 931-9575 BE:IS ME:DRASH FOR BACHURIM AND ADULTS .. . (213) 931-3344 CHILDCARE: PROGRAM DURING LECTURES .. . Rabbi Chaim Dov Keller G-d-Centered or Rebbe/Messiah-Cen tered: Which is Normative Judaism?1 n an article in theSun1mer'97 issue readers: "The rebbe, no longer bound to "prove" that they "do not indicate any of The Jewish Observer, I wrote of"a by physical limitations, is accessible to turn away from normative Yiddishkeit:' I movement... of active 1nessianism all of us, everywhere. Anyone, however This to me is extremely disturbing, which has lately taken a frightening turn great or humble, can turn to him with because Rabbi Mosco\vitz, \Vhether his toward avoda zara." As is quite obvious their innermost thoughts and deepest hashkafos are normative Judaism or not, to anyone who read the article careful prayers. There are no barriers. There should, as the regional director of ly, I took great pains not to level this is no need to make a pilgrimage or Chabad Lubavitch of Illinois, certainly charge at the whole Lubavitch move stand on line to receive his blessing."3 represent normative Lubavitch thinking. ment, but against one faction - the The Orthodox world looks for Let us look at what we are being asked group popularly known as "Meshichis guidance; the non-Orthodox world to believe is "normative Yiddishkeit" and ten" (Messianists). To quote the article, impugns us with guilt by association; "well within the mainstream of Torah We have seen a highly respected those in Lubavitch who are opposed thought": Chassidic movement, with great to all this look for support. I. The Rebbe is not dead but still lives accomplishments for Torah and Yid A response to my article was circu (so that we cannot celebrate his dishkeit to its credit, torn apart by a lated by Rabbi Daniel Moscowitz, Yahrzeit) and is present everywhere. machlokes (dispute) that touches ikrei regional director of Lubavitch Chabad 2. One may pray to the Rebbe, who emuna - the fundamentals of our of Illinois. He does not repudiate the also knows our innermost thoughts. faith. offensive statements as the opinions of 3. The Rebbe is omniscient-which The Rebbe has progressed in the a small minority - a lunatic fringe - as in simple English means he knows eyes of one faction within the move I have heard from some of my Lubav everything - a quality which is pos ment [emphasis added] from being a itch friends. Instead he defends the sessed only by Hashem Himself. navi to being the most probable can whole movement from the charge of 4. The Rebbe is omnipotent- mean didate for Moshiach, to being avoda zara by writing that "these state ing all powerful - kol yachol - which "bechezkas" Moshiach, to beingMelech ments are well within the mainstream is also the exclusive attribute of the Cre HaMoshiach, to being a dead Moshi of Torah thought as recognized by the ator. ach who has not died, to being"omni non-Chassidic world." He then proceeds 5. The Rebbe is the Essence and Being scient," "omnipotent" and being "the to cite chapter and verse from a num of G-d enclothed in a body. This, Essence and Being [ofG-d] enclothed ber of sources - Zohar, Yerushlami, together with the idea of the second in a body"!2 Chassidus and even Nefesh Hach aim - coming of a dead Messiah, has hereto More recently, a full-page ad fea fore been recognized as standard Chris tured in The New York Times advised 2 These are direct quotes (including the words in tian - certainly not Jewish - theology. brackets) from "The Rebbe's Answer: A Drean1 That there is a machlokes (dispute) Rabbi Keller is Rosh Yeshiva of Telshe Chicago. Coine True," by Aryeh A. Gotfryd, Beis Afoshi within Lubavitch in these matters is well ach, Elul, 5756. 1 AUTHOR'S NOTE: This article, as \veil as known and was clearly demonstrated by JThe advertisement, entitled "The Third ofTam the quote fron1 my previous article cited belovv, the fact that a day after publication of muz is Not the Rebbe's Yahrzeit," sponsored by \Vere reviewed, before they were published, by Shofar Association of America Inc. 820 Eastern the above mentioned full-page ad enti several widely respected Gcdolei Tor(Jh-- both Parkway, Brooklyn, appeared in the Ti.rm:son July tled "The third of Tammuz is not the Chassidic and non-Chassidic -- \vho urged 8, '97. their publication. Rebbe's Yahrzeit," there appeared anoth- ------~ ~-.------·---- The Jewish Observer, March 1998 11 er full-page ad in the Times published tion. Which leads us to conclude one of I do not intend to respond to Rabbi by American Friends of Lubavitch, two possibilities: Moscowitz. But I believe that a broad entitled "Finding Love and Unity Across A. That Rabbi Moscowitz, by virtue er discussion is in place at this ti1ne. the Jewish Spectrum." It contains not of his position, speaks as a spokesn1an one word about him being alive, or for the "official" view of Lubavitch - A CALL FOR BROADER DISCUSSION being Moshiach, or the Being and and the non-Messianists are the minor Essence of G-d. In fact, it speaks of Jew ity. n the first ad in The New York Times ish comn1unities the world over com Or ("The Third of Tammuz is not the memorating the third Yahrzeit of the B. That the Meshichisten are the I Rebbe's Yahrzeit"), besides a per Rebbe on the Third of Tammuz. One minority, but have taken over a signif functory "by the grace of G-d" written only commemorates Yahrzeits of dead icant part of the Movement's official in small letters at the top right hand of people. So there is obviously another fac- machinery- at least in Illinois. the ad, there is no mention of Hashem. We are told that "the Rebbe continues to inspire and direct the drive towards Mozeson/Malinowski Advert•sing (201) 801-0101 redemption in ways beyond our limit ed huinan vision." It is not Hakadosh Baruch Hu who directs, but the Rebbe. Moshiach is not Ith a shaliach of Hakadosh Baruch Hu, but the director of Redemption. "We are absolutely certain the Rebbe will lead us to our ultimate and eternal redemption," the ad tells us. VeHu yolicheinu komemius le'artzeinu - "He st1c will lead us proudly to our land" - which all Jews recite referring to Haka dosh Baruch Hu, is recited by the Mes sianists in reference to the Rebbe. The ad does not tell us to turn to Hakadosh Baruch Hu with our inner most thoughts and deepest prayers, but • to the Rebbe. A box on the side of the ad tells us: "A single righteous act can tip the bal ance and make all the difference. In honor of 3 Tammuz, I hereby commit myself to the following improvements in my lifestyle in order to hasten the arrival of Moshiach and redemption for all mankind:' This is followed by a checklist of mitzvos. *** ormative Yiddishkeit is a G-d centered religion. We believe in The Shalom Task Force N an 01nniscient, omnipotent, and ... ~ omnipresent Creator to Whom we pray Abuse Hotline is endorsed by ~-. ,. "' and Whose mitzvos we fulfill because He F01-ti leading Orthodox Rabbonim. "'-t-. has commanded us to do so. What we are being asked by the Mes Confidential Hotline 718 337 3700 sianists to accept as normative Yid Collect calls accepted. Do it for yourself. dishkeit is a deified Rebbe/Messiah Do it for your children. centered religion. We are told to believe in an omniscient, omnipotent, 12 The Jewish Observer, Morch 1998 omnipresent Rebbe, who is the physical to be son1e disagreement on this point even though \Ve do not see him." 4 incarnation of G-d, to whom we should even among the Meshichisten. Some got The ad in The New York Times seems direct our prayers, and that the mitzvos around the problem by saying that he to want to cover all bases. We are told should be performed in order to bring never died. there: "Three years ago today (3 Tammuz about his Second Coming. "Since the Third of Tammuz (5754- 5754) the Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi What we have seen developing slow 1994), we are no longer able to physically Menachem M. Schneerson was liberat ly over a number of years is finally see the Rebbe King Moshiach. The Rebbe ed from the limitations of corporeal exis being publicly proclaimed. In simple remains physically alive just as before, it tence." He is not alive in a physical sense words: Worship of the Rebbe has been is only to our eyes that he is concealed. 1 substituted for worship of Hakadosh Therefore, we call this a day of conceal • Published in a brochure entitled "Chassidi1n Prodain1 to the Lubavitcher Rebbe: Long Live our Baruch Hu. ment, and many refer to this as the 'last Master, our Teacher, our Rebbe King f\;foshiach test: just as we know that there is a G Forever and Ever," con1piled in the "Merit of the **' d though we may not see him (sic), so Righteous \Vomen"/433 Kingston Avenue/P.O. too the Rebbe King Moshiach is here Box 35/Brooklyn, NY 11225. he Meshichisten are quite apt at producing "sources" for all their Ttheology. But let us ask a ques Catering under Hashgocho of@Vaad Hakashruth of Lakewood, N.J. tion: Did the theology and the resultant • Ground ffoor rooms avail. agenda evolve from "the sources," or TRANSPORTATION were the sources dug up to justify the · also joining rooms theology and the agenda? I have reason CAR • l hr. from Verrazano Bridge * Communal & private D'i'To to believe that the latter is true. First, private family rooms avail. BUS from/to Port Authority because all of the above-mentioned (NJ Transit or Suburban) statements now represented as norma • Shul on premises. Daily Spend noo in a every 1/2 hr. (24 hrs. dai~) tive have been historically rush hr. every l 0 min. Yiddishkeit tt'l'ln & ,,,,, ~, heimeshe atmosphere foreign to Jewish thought. Not only the D,,1V'111 tor men & women BUS From/To Boro Park average Jew, but even Gedolei Torah who ot the 47th corner l 41h Ave reviewed this article were not aware of • Special Diets Avail. Daily AM. and ~M such Torah hashkafos based on these Vegetarian, Cholesterol Free, Solt Free & Sugar Free (908) 920· 7202 sources. Second, the Messianists among VAN From/To Monsey • Baby sitting Lubavitch are notorious for picking and Main St. cor. Maple Ave. service avail. choosing "sources" which fit the current Daily AM. and ~M. state of affairs, and then doing theo (914) 352·8543 logical and scholarly flip-flops when the • Modern Mikvah situation changes. 1'he obvious case-in nearby point: when the Rebbe was alive, they • 24 hr. Tea Room brought "proofs" from a number of We can arrange sources that there has to be a live per door to door • 2 Blocks transportation son in every generation who is most fit from Yeshiva before and to be Moshiach. Because ifhe is not alive, 10 ~ The Jewish Observer, March 1998 73 - which makes him even greater. And Wagon-loads of so-called "proofs" student of Torah knows that there are therefore, "the third of Tammuz is not will not make the Lubavitcher Rebbe into statements in Tanach and in the words the Rebbe's Yahrzeit." Yet the ad tells us, what the Messianists would have us of the chachamim to be taken literally, "We believe with complete and uncom believe, and will not convert Christian and those to be understood metaphor promising faith in Moshiach and the res theology into nonnative Judaism. ically. Whoever confuses the two is guilty urrection of the dead." They obviously Besides, I do not believe that it will at times of outright kefira (heresy). hope for his resurrection from the dead. make any difference to the Messianists. To address and refute point by point They will remain steadfast in their Of Literal Meaning and Allegory all of the Messianists' "proofs" does not faith. For most others, it's not necessary, come into question. We are not going because the fallacies are obvious. But for f one would take every pasuk in the to enter into a theological debate on those who may be confused, I will Torah literally, for instance, he could unquestionable ikrei emuna and digni address the issue in a general manner I "prove" that Hashem has hands and fy with a response that which should not and begin by making one quite univer feet and eyes and a mouth, which any even be heard. sally accepted observation: Any serious cheder child knows is not true. These pesukim are obviously not to be under stood kepshutam - literally - but metaphorically. Subscribe or give a gift of Similarly, if we take pesukim such as 1'l')) r::t n.:JPP7 1'i11 1'"T' 7)) l"l1N7 Cl"liVjil - "You shall tie them as a sign on your The Jewish Observer hand and they shall be an adornment between your eyes," or nirn:i 7)) cn:in:n 1l1'~ - "and you shall write them on the and $ave! doorposts of your house" allegorically, we will have 1"n eliminated the mitzvos WHY NOT GIVE OH GET A PRESENT of tejillin and mezuza. THAT WILL LAST AN ENTIRE YEAR? The Messianists' "sources" for "equat ing tzaddikirn with IJashern" are obvi Subscribe, or give a gift at these reduced prices ously not to be taken literally, but are to and The }eirish ()bserver~ filled \vith the vievvs be understood as referring to certain of leading Torah thinkers on current issues- "\vill be attributes of Hashem which apply to the delivered each rnonth, directly to your door. tzaddikim, or as speaking of Hashem's spirit resting on the tzaddikim. If we say 1'he longer you subsc1ibe for, the hu·ger your savings. that these sources "prove" that Hashem's Of ('ourse, tl1is offer is unconditionally guaranteed; "Being and Essence" is clothed in a body, you n1ay cancel at any tin1e and receive a refund for we are guilty of the same idolatrous all undelivered copies. error as saying that the Creator has hands and feet.' So order today. and the very next issue \vill be on But perhaps the Messianists are also its 'vay to you as soon as possible. 5 In his letter, Rabbi Moscowitz writes: "lt is pos J.O. SUBSCRIPTION SAVINGS CERTIFICATE sible that Rabbi Keller's ire is aroused by the words !:J YES, I want lo takt• advantage· of this ntont·y !iltVing: offer! Enter 1ny ordt-r as follows: 'Essence' and 'Being' ! used in reference to the Rebbe], but the basic issue is identical, whether ..) '\E\\" SLBSCHlPTlOT\ :::1 HENE\'1-AL w cnT !\anw •m·J~!!JE ~~------we speak of the Shcchina, spirit of G-d, the 1;'-\ Essence of G-d, Being of G-d, or any other tenn I [)a years Cort>r Prict' $10,) l'o11r ('OSI $60 896 for Hashem as being endothed in a body." I U 2 \'Par.- Co\'er Price Sill l'o11r cost S44 $68 1 find this confusion and equation of''Being I CJ l yt>ar Corer Prit't' S.:3.S , }'our cost $24 K)6 ~lat.------Zip -----·- and Essence" - atzrnus u'1nah11s-with Shec/1i nothing short of ainazing. There is a basic de- '..J~l"tHI gift («ml from: na, 1nentary difference between Shechina- the 1nan ifcstation of kavod }Jashem, which n1ay be Char).(« ml': .) \fa~tnC;ml ':..l l /S·1 liinited in ti1ne and place - and the Being and Suite 1200. 84 \X'illiam :-;1n•d. i\ew York. NY IOO:lll .\,·<·mini T\o. ______Essence of Ein Sof, which has no lin1itation. The Thr ],.,, i. 14 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 using the term "Being and Essence" in an allegorical sense? This is obviously not so. The article6 l quoted in my orig inal essay leaves nothing to the imagi nation. Let me quote more fully: Personal responsibility throughout sen·ice - NOT JUST "PAPERWORK"' So being stuck with Moshe Rabbeinu means being stuck with the ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT METHOD Highlr recommended by Gedolai Hador- Here and in Eretz Yisrael Rebbe, which means being stuck with 104.1-42nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219 the absolute truth of all their state ments, including those statements I>ay&Nightphone: (718) 851-8925 about what is Rebbe. For example, that )))t»r.JN1~1:1Nj? ))l"j? - 1'1' 1Nl nlr.JY)) '1l~ Rebbe is the "Essence and Being [of Oresed Shel B\-IES \\'ilh Meiiras Nefush. •.ai; understood and pl".k'liced by ooe adire in the hxhNry fur more lhan ltllf a cenfm1; BEWARE 011 IMPOSTERS • TAHARAS HANIFTAR SHOUI.D NEVER BE COMMERCIALIZED G-d] enclothed in a body;' that a Rebbe is by nature "omniscient," and "omnipotent," that all material and spiritual blessings flow from the Rebbe. These are radical statements that many would like to sweep under the rug of normative Judaism. However, they are neither wild exaggerations nor poetic parables. Rather these ideas are facts of!ife which help us understand how a "human being" like the Rebbe can foresee and control and coordinate the finest details of someone's personal life effecting his powerful blessings over many years and many miles removed. In other words, there is noth ing shocking about the Rebbe's power given that his nature is above the lim itations of nature. The article concludes as follows: What can we learn from all of this? See G-dliness! "fhere is someone con trolling the workings of this world and therefore everything is governed according to Particular Divine Prov- 6 "lhe Rebbe's Answer: A Dream Co1ne True," bv Aryeh A. Gotfryd, Ph.D., Bais Moshiach, Elu!, 5756. This Purim, when you send your little ones out to deliver Mishloach Manos, send along somethingspecial-Haolam Cheese. Cheese, you're giving wholesome goodness MO~ Mi~M Haolam Cheeses add variety -nature's finest gifts fur this special holiday. 't:: to "Shalach Manos" -a wheel of Hao lam So this Purim, don't give stale cake, ji~~'il ~TiN Gouda or Muenster, our popular Smoked loose popcorn, or crumbling cookies. Cheese Sticks, or your favorite triangles. Give the gift that's good for you ... and J";U..T'! Ml?J "UHi fl:lil fl""OC And when you give a bottle the little ones, too! ':~ •p1m u•ni.:"I of wine, a nice piece of fruit, and Haolam This year, smile, give cheese, and say .. ,.,. i:i\c t'IMJ., "' ..._ ...... HAPPi' PURIM __ ,,,,,...... ,,...... Yn )':1:-0i' ~.wi re Y-st •pc:•;i "'""'lli re ...... r> rio ,...... Y'tl rtttl'"C C""Ui re THE MOST TRUSTED MI'IE 11'1 CHOLOVYISROEL CHEESE -.. -...... (718) 871-8652 -- ·------The Jewish Observer, March 1998 15 Moshiach and the resurrection of the dead." To that, we say, "So do we." But • these are but two of the Rambam's Thir ny serious student of Torah knows that there teen Principles of Faith. There are are statements in Tonach and in the words of eleven others, also codified in the Ani A accepted by faithful Jews all Maamin the chochamim to be taken literally, and those to over the world - among them: N1n 1r.:ro ,-on' Nil::tnv i1r.l7w rmr.il'O 1"l'JNr.l "lN be understood metaphorically. Whoever confuses n\'J'll>l nw ii::i.7 N1n1 0"1'•ni:in 7~7 l'illr.ll Ni1:i the two is guilty at times of outright (heresy). c>vvr.m?::l7 '1\!Jl'"l - "I believe with per kefira fect faith that the Creator, blessed be His The Meshichstim are not only guilty of taking Nan1e, creates and rules all creatures and He alone made, does make and will literally that which was never meant to be taken make all things." U'N 'ltJ\?) ~ N"Tl:l."lV i1tJ7\v i'lro~ T'tJl'ro 'JN literally, but have also turned that which was 'JWPl'Wr.1"11l"'1'N'>l.'lll- "I believe with per fect faith that the Creator, blessed be His certainly meant to be taken literally into allegory. Name, is not a body and nothing per taining to physical bodies pertains to Him." 17 lt:J''O 1l:JT1" N1l:li1V nr.i?w i'Ulr.lN:J 1'r.lN1J 'lN • -1rl71r7 77nm7 '1Ni l'l'\1 "7!l11n7 '1ITT 1i::i7 idence. Moreover, this Particular From Faith to the Realm ofAction "] believe with perfect faith that to the Divine Providence operates not only Creator, blessed be His Name, alone is when we see how it all comes togeth f course, this does not remain it proper to pray, and that it is wrong to er but also when we don't. We know with faith alone, but is trans pray to any other." this to be true because the "punch 0 lated into action by directing V"'T1' 'In\?.' ii::m' N10.;iw nr.tn> ;i:nnl'O 1')'JN1J 'lN line" Divine Fingerprint event must be prayers to the Rebbe. All of the "sources" crn:iwnr.J7::>1C"IN'l:lm>))r.>':r.l-"I believe that known in advance by someone draft that indicate one can ask tzaddikim to the Creator knows all the actions of man ing the plan and coordinating various intercede for him with their prayers to and all their thoughts"; and this is the unrelated factors long in advance of Hashem have no bearing on praying to exclusive property of Hashem. the climactic glorious moment when the tzaddik. Praying to the tzaddik, upon Of course, the Meshichisten in their it all comes together. whom one has conferred the qualities fantasies believe that once they have But who is that someone pulling the of omniscience and 01nnipotence, is made the Rebbe into the Being and strings and dispensing all Particular avoda zara. Essence of G-d, there is no problem with Divine Providence, revealed and oth To cite sources from Zahar that the any of this. But the Rebbe is not the first erwise? Our Sages say "A Tzaddik souls of departed tzaddikim are found man to have been made into a god. His decrees and the Holy One Blessed Be in all worlds more than in their lifetime tory is replete with them. The Torah tells He fulfills." They also say "The Holy and that they shield the world after their us in Parshas Bereishis in regard to the One Blessed Be He decrees and the death, to justify an ad that is entitled generation of Enosh: "Az huchal likro tzaddik tears it up:' "The Third of1ammuz is not the Rebbe's besheim Hashem" (Bereishis 4, 26). So who Elokeinul Who Avinul Yahrzeit," is absurd. Rashi explains that Hashem's Name was Who Malkeinul Who Moisheinul Who The Zahar is referring to dead tzad profaned by calling men and idols with Yoshianu V'Yigaleinu Shaynis B'Korov? dikim, whose Yahrzeits are observed. The the name of Hakadosh Baruch Hu - The Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach. That's Messianists, however, still consider the Nimrod, Pharaoh, Nevuchadnetzar, the who. Rebbe alive - even call him the Rebbe Nazarene, and the Emperor of Japan, are In other words, not only is there an Shlita and speak of him in the present just a few examples. But this is not nor equation between G-d and the Rebbe, tense. Moshe Rabbeinu died, Avraham mative Judaisn1. the Rebbe possessing all of Hashem's Avinu died - bnt the Rebbe lives on! attributes, but the Rebbe dictates to This may not be avoda zara per se, but A Plethora of New and Bizarre Practices Hashem, and he, the Rebbe, is running it is surely not normative Yiddishkeit, the show, not Hashem. So the Rebbe is and is the door that opens to avoda zara. ll sorts of new and bizarre prac Elokeinu. ;i',,'m. Once a hero has been immortalized, the tices have arisen. A new declara The avoda zara of these statements process of deification is not far behind. Ation has evolved, which is at once is so obvious, that there is nothing more The ad tells us: "We believe with com a proclamation of faith and, to some, a to discuss. plete and uncomprom1smg faith in form of worship recited three times in 16 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 unison after daveningand at simchosor avoda zara removed - has not From Literal Meaning to Allegory public gatherings:" Yechi Adoneinu Mor strengthened belief in Moshiach, but as einu Verabbeinu Hamelech Hamoshiach with all false messianic movements of he Meshichsten are not only guilty of l'olam va' ed - Long live our master, our the past, has ultimately weakened it. It taking literally that which was never teacher, our Rebbe, King Moshiach for has become an object of ridicule among Tmeant to be taken literally, but have ever and ever."7 Eye witnesses report that Jews and non-Jews alike, who look also turned that which was certainly meant this slogan is embroidered on the askance at the whole concept of Moshi to be taken literally into allegory. paroches of the Aron Kodesh of Lubav ach, which has been trivialized by the The Rambarn is quite clear in itch headquarters at 770 Eastern Park ads, billboards, bumper stickers and describing the prerequisites for one to way. (It should be noted that this was, petitions.9 be called Meiech Harnoshiach: "If a king ----- and continues to be, a source of inter 9 On Feb. 6, '98, there appeared a half page ad in may you live for ever," and declaring acceptance nal controversy.) the Jewish Press entitled: "You can help bring of his leadership: "\Ve request, pray and demand To "connect to the Rebbe" ( hiskashrus Moshiach closer"~ \Vith the copy of a declaration that Moshiach be immediately revealed for all to irn HaRebbe) - Chassidim close their addressed: "To our revered teacher and Rebbe, see ...." - to be signed and returned to: Yechi Harn Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, nwlech hanwshiach, elech, 1715 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY. eyes and conjure up the image of the Rebb&. School children are being taught to kiss the Rebbe's picture just as they kiss the mezuza. BCC IS EVERY GIRL'S DREAM••• People are submitting their ques The Best Summer in Israel camping/touring program tions and problems to the Rebbe, and for Frum girls ages 10-17 requesting his blessings by writing • 6 weeks of over 22 Exciting Tours. Daily Shiurim, - f<_\I'- letters to him and placing them at ran Hiking, Climbing, Drama, Music, Dance, Arts & Crafts '-'>.·--...,..; ·. ' . ,,.r--. ,.),'-"'~ dom in the Rebbe's volume of corre and the "Rua ch" U1lich is the Haltmark of the AMAZING ~-~~ BCCProgram .,~"' spondence, "Jgros Kodesh." Whatever • On Campus: Waterpark, large Pools, I-Valer Slides, -ii''\\~ SPl~s\I letter of the Rebbe happens to be on lif.idreshes L'Mitzvos Hatluyos Baretz, Fann, Zoo, Sports ~ that page is considered to be an answer Fields & So 111/uch Morel 4-~ from the Rebbe. The Rebbe's mikveh • Join the Hundreds ofGirls who have enjoyed touring <§- water has become a new wonder cure Eretz Yisroel, with the Zelman Family since 1986. ~<$' for whatever ails you. Drink it or apply ~s"'~ it locally and with a substantial con tribution to tzeddaka, miracles will hap pen. If all this sounds strange to most Jews, to the Messianists it is all main stream Judaism. And a "source" can be found for it. The supreme tragic irony, however, is that the whole messianic movement - even with the inevitable elements of You can! Just call ------7 In 1996, in Sichos Hage'ula, a weekly published The Yitti Leibel in Israel, the word "Boreinu (Our Creator)" was substituted for "Our Rebbe." This, of course, ere~ Helpline. ated quite a stir, even an1ong the Mesl1ichisten, HOURS: and its use in print has been discontinued, to the best of my knowledge. It is still used orally, how Monday-Friday ...... 8am -l2pn1 ever, by some extreme elements. Monday-Thursday ...... 8pm - l lpn1 Sunday ...... 9am -l2pn1, 9pm -llpm 8 The Rama in the first S'if in Shulchan Aruch Orach Chairn tells us that shivisi Hashen1 leneg 718-HELP-NOW di tam id is a great principle in TOrah and in A1aa (718)435-7669 los Hatzaddikin1. The A1ishna Berura explains this to mean that a person should always think that Chicago ( 800) HELP-023 he stands in the presence of the Ribbono Shel Lakewood (732) 363-1010 Olam because the world is filled with the glory Cleveland (888) 209-8079 of Hakadosh Baruch Hu. He ·writes in the nan1e 11. Baltimore ( 410) 578-1111 of the Ari 7 .. r that a person should conjure up ' before his mind's eye the name of Hashem, which For addiction problems call our helps greatly in acquiring Yiras Sharnayirn. For addiction therapist, Wednesdays this the Messianists have substituted the Rebbe's I 1:30prn to 1:30am picture! The Jewish Observer, March 1998 17 .. will arise from the House of David who LS • TYPE OF CAR OR SIMILAR 6 JAN. 98 learns Torah and engages in mitzvos like 4 APR. 98 .. his father David, according to the writ ten 1brah and the oral Torah, and com A FIAT PUNTO 3 DR. 147 z B CITROEN SAXO I OPEL CORSA 196 • 1111 pells all of Israel to follow it, and c DAIHATSU CHARADE P.S 238 !o..... strengthens and repairs its breaches, and c·• PEUGEOT 306 /MAZDA 323 P.S 266 A.~ fights the wars of Hashem - this person c• FORD ESCORT P.S 294 A. A. is bechezkas shelw (can be assumed to N KIA BESTA 8 SEATS 490 :) ~ M MINIBUS 10SEATS 630 VIVI be) Moshiach. Ifhe did this and was suc • cessful and built the Mikdash in its place 0 KIA PR!OE/ SUZUKY SWIFT 266 z~ 01111 and gathered the dispersed of Israel, he E MAZDA 3231.6 P.S 315 VIOi is definitely Moshiach.'"" (The empha F * NISSAN ALMERA 350 sis is added intentionally.) G ' MAZDA LANTIS 434 ~t( K ' GMC VANDURA 735 VI A. All of Israel have not been brought x • CHEVROLET CAVALIER 497 :c ~ to follow the Torah. No wars were XL • MAZDA626 581 evi fought. The Beis Harnikdash has not sx • CHEVROLET LUMINA 658 .. KX 'GMC SAFARI 770 :c been built, and the Jewish people is still vx • VOLV0940 721 dispersed to the four corners of the ·POWER STEERING & ELECTRIC WINDOWS earth. But none of this fazes the Mes sianists who use this very Ran1ba1n to prove that the Rebbe is not only bechezkas (presumed to be) Moshiach he is vadai (definitely) Moshiach. They Don't Want Charity, To them "All of Israel" means the unknown nun1bers of those who have orking Poor • Large Families • Kolle! Families • Recent Olim been brought closer by the Rebbe's employed • Kolle! Families • Seniors • The crisis-stricken shluchim. There may be a considerable All struggle to survive in the difficult Israeli economy. Yet, number, but by no stretch of the imag thousands of poor, but proud Jews will not accept Tzdokah. ination are they all - or even a signif icant percentage' 1 - of the world's Jews. But Before Pesach, The bloodless revolution that brought easily, the most expensive time of the year. Matzo, wine, food, down the Comn1unist regime in the clothing and seemingly endless expenses, cause a financial crisis. Soviet Union is the success in the "Wars of Hashem" referred to by the They'll Take A Loan. Ratnba1n - which were spiritual wars A m.i; interest-free loan preserves dignity and self-pride. Since fought by the Rebbe's emissaries to Rus 1982, we have issued loans year-round. Now, our 15 volunteer sia. The aliya from the former Soviet staffed branches are swamped with Pesach loan requests. Union is the gathering of the exiles, The fund Is revolving. Your gift helps for Pesach and forever! which of course the Rebbe as Moshiach Mail Your Tax-Deductible Donation TODAY! has effected. What about the Beis Hamikdash? ;e.,,~ ?. ~ (~ ~J There the allegoric ingenuity (and con ;e.,, 1/"4 S. &~ . ;e.,, ~ '14"" . ;«>..,. .-4~.P- . ;e.,, 1/"4 fusion) knows no bounds. R~ . ;e.,, S""'- Sdwa4 1174/. ;e.,, ~ 5- 11741 . :e.. ?H.d. "Moshiach builds the Temple in his St- 1174/ . ;e.,, 11-d 1fl~ • ~ ie.tlt ~ 1/"4 place where he lives at the time of exile. _____)< ______)<. ______This Temple is the building at 770 East 0 YES. I WILL SPONSOR A PESACH LOAN FOR: ern Parkway, the synagogue from which D 1'7i 11'1)1 C1$7000.(/argefamily) CJ $300.(couple) CJ$500. (small family) the Rebbe teaches the Torah, and from ~ ___CJ_$_7_0_0_.(_7 p-erson) CJ$ __(co·sponsor a loan) io JJik·hos Melacl1i111 I 1:4. ~ (NAME) (ADDRESS) 11 The 1nost extravagant clai1ns of Lubavitch put the total nun1ber belonging to the whole 111ovc- • (CITY) (STATE) (ZIP) 1nent at 200,000 out of 14,000,000 Jews world 1 Ozer Dahm OZER DAUM 2a west Twenty-Fifth st • New York, NY 1001 o wide~ less than 1.59 0. (More conservative pro fessional estimates put the nun1ber at a fraction (212) 924-0023 of that figure.) 18 The Jewish Observer, Morch 1998 where the 'light bursts forth to the rest who has decided all of this? Who said of the world.' The future Temple will be II that the Rebbe is Moshiach after he died? revealed first in the place where Moshi Or that he still lives in the physical sense, ach builds his Temple in exile, and from hy hos the Torah except that our human eyes cannot see there it will be moved to Jerusalem."" him; or that he was liberated from all And the Jewish people is supposed to W community not limitations of corporeal existence and is accept this as mainstream Judaism! everywhere? Who instituted all the risen up against these strange practices referred to above? More Than the Rambam's Moshiach aberrations and If the Rebbe is indeed lvloshiach and "the Being and Essence," etc., why is it he Messianists have even gone allowed matters to necessary to prove so in full page ads in further than the Rambam The New York Times? Trequires in qualifying the Rebbe deteriorate so for Why has the Torah community not as Moshiach. They attribute all sorts of risen up against these aberrations and miracles to him. without any more allowed matters to deteriorate so far "Amazing stories keep pouring in vigorous protest? I without any more vigorous protest? I from all corners of the globe. People are suspect that it is because these experiencing miracles large and small. suspect that it is Meshichisten are not taken seriously. Lives are being transformed. The sick are People consider them odd and shrug being healed. Broken families are being because these them off with a smile. But this is not a reunited. Livelihoods are being restored. laughing matter. We are living in an age And all this because of a profound per Meshichisten ore not of teshuva. Young people are seeking sonal connection to the Rebbe who is token seriously. People spirituality and many of them are being with all of us."" drawn into this. What is perhaps more The Rambam says: consider them odd and pitiful, a whole generation of children "And let it not enter your mind that in those schools controlled by the the Melech Hamoshiach must perform shrug them off with a Meshichisten are being educated into signs and wonders and bring about new false messianism and avoda zara. things in the world or bring the dead smile. But this is not a There is no question that the Lubav back to life or other things of the sort. laughing matter. itcher Rebbe created the world's largest Jew This is not so. For Rabbi Akiva was a ish outreach organization and one of the great chacham among the sages of the largest educational networks. It is indeed Mishna, and he served the King Ben II sad to see a movement with so much good Koziba (Bar Kochba), and he said about to its credit and so much mesiras nefesh him that he was Melech Hamoshiach, Moshiach. Judged by their standards, being dragged down and discredited by and he and all of the Sages of his gen Rabbi Akiva was not a true believer - tragically misguided people. eration thought that he was the Melech for nothing stands in the way of true The responsible elements in Lubav Hamoshiach, until he was killed because faith. Rabbi Akiva and all of the sages itch must face up to the question: what of sins. Once he ivas killed, it ivas known should have believed in the second com will become of this movement? Will it to them that he was not. And the ing of Bar Kochba; or better still, they be set back on a true course to reach out chachamim had not asked of him any should have believed that he never died. and bring Jews closer to Hashem and His signs or wonders."14 1nitzvos, or evolve into a huge messian In short, according to the sin1ple, true SOME VERY BASIC QUESTIONS ic cult whose purpose is to propagate the pshat in Rambam, Moshiach is not divinity and worship of the Rebbe? • required to do miracles but he is ur present day Meshichisten are required to produce certain results. If he much stronger in their faith, and dies before he has produced, he is not 0 therefore have after his death Moshiach! But according to the Mes gone far beyond what they dared to do sianists, dying does not disqualify the in the Rebbes lifetime. Which brings us to a very basic question: VVho is now set 12 Quoted in full from the above-1nentioned pain ting the tone in Lubavitch? Who has pro phlet, "In the Merit of Righteous Women." mulgated all of the new beliefs that have l3 Ad in The New York Tirnes - "The third of come out since the Lubavitcher Rebbe's 1537 50th Street, Tammuz, etc. .. " Brooklyn, NY 11219 demise? When the Rebbe was alive and 1~ flilchos A1elachint 11:3. well, his was the final word. Since then, (718) 854-2911 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 19 Does this descli'ibe you? of scholars of all You've just finished learning a P'~ in Nim, yet .. ages, worldwide, You cannot recall ...... You cannot remember on the material You've taken time off your busy schedule to learn, they've covered. you've invested effort, but you are disappointed Participants com with your retention. mit to one of the various categories Mifal Hashas may be youli' solution: of learning and at We are dedicated to helping serious students to the end of each become true Talmidei Chachomim. 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Any and all contributions to "Mifal Hashas" are tax deductible and most appreciated. 1Jc:!:'tln eftomorrow, today MlfAL HASHAS, 4415· 14th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11119 (718) 436-7790 MIFAL HASHAS 1s an international non profit orgamzat1on dedicated to the development of outstanding Torah scholars It administrates and directs the study and examination process of the entire' shas", and dispenses monthly stipends to only those who excel Rabbi Yosef Stern SLIDING DOWN THE EXAMINING THE HOSPICE SLIPPERY SLOPE MOVEMENT ou open your morn dvances in pallia ing newspaper, and tive care (including Ythere he is again - A the use of analgesics Dr. Jack Kevorkian, fresh and pain management from providing another techniques) have made it suffering individual with possible to generally con his distinctive brand of trol what many patients humanitarian care. At describe as almost unbear times it seems as if physi able pain. The hospice cian-assisted suicide is des movement has claimed a tined to become the New particular expertise in the Age version of chessed she/ use of palliative care. Hos emes. Though the pice is a philosophy of care Kevorkian approach is which posits a holistic anathema to the TOrah approach to addressing the observant community, the physical, emotional and troubling question remains spiritual needs of termi - why are some people nally ill patients. For resorting to such drastic patients who are not measures to gain relief receiving curative treat- from physical and emo 1nent, comfort and pain tional despair? management becon1e the Before we explore this prin1ary focus of care. issue and possible alterna Hospice programs for tive solutions, we should mulate an individualized appreciate that we are for plan of care to anticipate tunate in some small way, pain needs before they for at least end-of-life actually begin. This differs issues are still open for fron1 the classic acute care debate in this country. In n1odel, which medicates Holland, for example, both in response to pain that has assisted suicide and already started. The pain euthanasia have already management regimen is been legalized, and utilized, for years. observing ('what was intended as a solu carefully devised to assist patients to A survey commissioned by the Dutch tion for exceptional cases has become a remain as alert and functioning as pos government revealed that approxi routine way of dealing with terminal sible. mately 3,600 patients died in 1995 as a cases. The Netherlands has moved from How do patients enter hospice pro result of assisted suicide or euthanasia. euthanasia for the terminally ill to grams? Many terminally ill individuals A recent article in a national periodical euthanasia for the chronically ill, from are referred upon discharge from the quoted Dr. Herbert Hendin, medical euthanasia for physical illness to hospital. As we are all painfully aware, director for the An1erican Foundation euthanasia for psychological distress, managed care has created a general for Suicide Prevention, as sharply and from voluntary to involuntary atn1osphere in which patients are often -· ·-·--~------Rabbi Stern is the Rav of Congregation Agudas euthanasia:' unable to remain hospitalized for Achim of l\.1idwood, and is the author of nun1er The Netherlands, whose policies extended periods of time. Insurances ous ArtScroll publications. He also serves as Rab reportedly served as the inspiration for may discourage extended hospitalization binic Coordinator for The Jewish Hospice of Dr. Kevorkian's second career in 1ned for patients who are deemed to be Greater New York. The author acknowledges icine, has apparently stumbled down the receiving what they view as "futile Rabbi Shmuel Lefkowitz, Chairn1an of the Con11nunity Advisory Board of The Jew-ish "slippery slope" of medical ethics. As a care." There has also been a recent trend Hospice of Greater New York, and 11oshe conscientious Dutch physician laments in nursing homes to utilize on-site hos Borowski, ACS\V, Community Services Liaison in the same article: "Unfortunately, the pice services for qualified residents. for Metropolitan Jewish Health System's Home Dutch discovered euthanasia before Patients often plead with physicians and Continuing Care Services, for their contri bution to this article. they discovered palliative care." and family members to grant them one The Jewish Observer, March 7998 21 last request: "J want to reniain in my own cure all my patients. I know that I will home." Common perception is that not always succeed, but as a result of my hospice is a place where people go to die. • efforts they will live longer and better As vve we \vill soon discuss, however, he only responsible, lives:' Expounding on the approach that hospices can be designed to be life affirm halachic response he absorbed while interning at the ing, with the overwhelming majority of T National Cancer Institute many years care actually being provided in the would seem to be a ago, Dr. Hirshaut further explained that home. This approach is predicated on the "the tragedy of cancer does not have to belief that patients respond best when hospice program that be a pern1anent one. We n1ay not bring remaining in a familiar environ1nent, in a cure to this particular patient) but each the comforting company ofloved ones. allows a family's subsequent patient is closer to cure as Hospices also have short term inpatient a result of our diligent efforts." He point facilities available to treat en1ergency sit personal Rav or poseik ed out that certain patients, upon hav uations, with the goal of returning to be actively involved ing exhausted attempts at curative patients ho1ne as soon as possible. treatment, may be appropriately Care is provided by an interdiscipli in the interdisciplinary referred to hospice programs, but nary team of health care professionals, expressed great concern that such pro including physicians, registered nurses, team's decision grams be willing and able to conform physical and occupational therapists, to the dictates of halacha. social workers, nutritionists, trained vol making process. While there is a feeling in some cir unteers and home health aides. Medi cles that terminally ill patients should cines and medical equipment are deliv remain hospitalized for as long as pos ered to the home as well. Despite the • sible so as to be targetted for continu understandable anxiety and concern that WHEN IS HOSPICE CARE ing efforts to cure them, such care is not families often have, they quickly come APPROPRIATE? always available due to the managed care to appreciate the tremendous support issues that were previously mentioned. that this broad array of personnel and t this point, hospice care may Another concern was vividly described services provides. Managing the strike the reader as a \Velcome by Christina Walker Campi in her patient's pain and discomfort, coupled Acomponent in the full range of recent Op-Ed piece in The New York with providing the family with support nlodern medical treatment. But the sit Times (January 5, 1998). Ms. Campi, and encouragen1ent1 often allows uation may be tnore co1nplex. A fun executive director for Medical Mis patients and families to address the emo damental aspect of hospice philosophy sions International, writes about a tional and spiritual issues involved in the is that services are provided to individ number of terminally ill relatives who end stages of life. uals who are no longer receiving aggres recently died while in the hospital. "The Hospice programs are currently sive curative treatn1ent. During a round cause of death: morphine... , which experiencing a major growth spurt. table presentation at the recent Agudath eased pain, but also hastened death." Recent statistics (as reported in The New Israel of A1nerica national convention, This hard-hitting testomonial con York Times, July 6, 1997) show that there noted oncologist Dr. Yashar Hirshaut cludes with Ms. Campi reflecting in are now approximately 3,000 hospices discussed his personal philosophy of hindsight: "When we made the decision operating in the United States, which in patient care, emphatically agreeing with to tern1inate treatment, the doctors 1996 admitted 450,000 patients. a colleague who had stated that "I try to should have handed my husband's care CHEVRA OSEH CHESED OFAGUDATH ISRAEL BURIAL PLOTS Luxury Suites for guests or tourists in IN ERETZ YISROEL the heart of Flatbush, Brooklyn, New Interment in a Shomer Shahbos Beis York. For day/week or short tern1 rental. Olam near Reis Shemesh Coping with Adversity. Convenient Location, Near Shuls, J:>[ease jJIJone or Write to: If you can use a copy. Shopping, Bus, and Subway. Chevra Oseh Chesed of Agudath Israel please contact: For reservations and rates please call: 84 William Street.New York, NY 10038 Yeshiva Fund (718) 951-9569 Ext.261 or (212) 797-9000 Box 82, Staten Island, NY 10309 Fax: (718) 253-3269 22 The Jewish Observer, Morch 1998 II of his or her diagnosis or prognosis. is ensuring that staff n1embers are sen Families may be concerned about sitive to the special needs of the com amilies may be explicitly informing patients that they munity. A Jewish hospice should have are in a hospice program, due to possi a halachic advisor who is readily avail Fconcerned about ble fears, anxieties, and a sense of able for consultation for both patients defeat that may result. and staff, especially regarding situations explicitly informing The only responsible, halachic where end-of-life she'eilos may arise. response would seem to be a hospice pro lnservice staff trainings on Jewish top patients that they are in gram that allows a fan1ily's personal Rav ics (end-of-life halachic issues, unique a hospice program, or poseik to be actively involved in the cultural and religious aspects of the interdisciplinary team's decision making many groups that comprise the Jewish due to possible fears, process. This is the first step in creating community, etc.) are vital. There should a uniquely Jewish hospice program. also be a Rav available to meet the emo anxieties, and a sense Another key facet to Jewish hospice tional and spiritual needs of Jewish of defeat that may result. II ••I found the best© over to a palliative care team .... His dying needed to be managed as much as his Health Care m I n UteS treatment did.» Clearly, the difficult issues that ter from my home ' ' minal illnesses present for members of our community need to be addressed by both physicians and Rabbanim who are experienced in pain inanagement and end-of-life issues, and are willing to \York in tandem, as we shall demonstrate THE EMERGING CONCEPT OF "I ahvays thought named an1ong JEWISH HOSPICE that the best doctors the nation's best by \Vere far from hon1e. American Health Mag hile hospices have established But when I got sick, I found azine. Ten were listed an enviable track record in that the best health care was right near an1ong the best doctors in New York W providing pain relief and n1y house. The care I received frorn the Magazine. emotional care, statistics and public doctors-doctors like Or. Arthur Ka;; Chair TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE opinion are not sufficient for the 'forah n1an of the Oepartn1ent of :veurology, NEW BROOKDALE-with its state observant Jew. For such a person, that helped me get well. He and other doc which is societally accepted as hun1ane tors and nurses at The Brookdale Uni of the art technology, a kosher and con1passionate 1nust still be sub versity Hospital ~vere sin1ply mar kitchen certified by K'hal Adas Jeshu mitted to the unflinching analysis of velous." run and a pleasant environment. halacha and Torah values. LOUIS MARVIN Only minutes away from most Jew Hospice care may at ti1nes entail Quality health care begins with great doc ish communities in Brooklyn. issues relevant to halacha, including tors. Five of Brookdale's doctors were medical decisions regarding intravenous (IV) hydration, tube feedings, blood transfusions and antibiotic therapies. FOR .\IC>RE tNFC>JU\·IATIO:\'. PLEASE CC>NTAC'f' 'fhere are also strict halachic limitations THE BROOKDALE UNIVERSITY 1 as to whether, and at what point in the HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER illness, a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order may or should be signed. Anoth O.\F BHOOKDALE PLAZA. BROOKLYi\. i\_Y. ll2l2 •CALL "7IR2"t0-5251 er halachic issue is whether a tern1inal \'IS!T OUR \\TB S!TE AT ww\v.brookdaleho.spita!.com ly ill individual should be made aware -----~----- The Jewish Observer, Morch 1998 23 patients. can play a vital role at such times by com addressing the patient's care needs, In addition, administrative policies forting the family and helping to coor and will treatments such as blood should be accommodating to the needs dinate necessary arrangements. Bereave- transfusions, antibiotic therapies and IV of Orthodox patients and families. 1nent services should be made available hydration be provided if necessary? DNR's should be subject to guidance of to family members for the course of the •Are Halachic Living Wills recognized, the patient's Rav, and Halachic Living following year. and \vill the progran1 accomn1odate Wills should be made available to all Other halachic issues may also be patients \¥ho choose to be resuscitated? Jewish patients. Families should be involved in hospice care. Patients and • Does the program have a qualified Rav allowed to decide whether a patient is fa1nilies need to evaluate vvhether a hos available to visit patients at hon1e or in advised of their diagnosis or prognosis. pice program is co1nn1itted to provid the inpatient facility? Patients should be afforded the oppor ing all care that is halachically and med • Does the inpatient facility provide tunity to recite the appropriate tefillos, ically indicated, even to the extent of kosher food? including Sheimos and Vidui (" Shekol having the patient leave the program for •Are policies in place for the inpatient hamisvadeh yesh lo cheilek l'Olam medically aggressive treatment. In addi unit to deal with deaths on Shabbos or Habba ..."- Sanhedrin 43b). tion, they should carefully explore: Yom Tov! It is in1portant to have close \Vorking • Does the progran1 have a competent relationships with local Bikur Cholim halachic advisor available to pasken rel LIVING WITH DIGNITY associations and chevros kaddisha. evant she'eilos, especially those regard Understandably, family members are at ing end-of-life issues? n addition to unwavering adherence times too distraught to make appropri • Will the program allow the family to to halacha, Orthodox Jews strive to ate burial preparations. The hospice Rav utilize their own Rav or poseik in I maintain a proper hashkofas ha' chain1. In recent times) the phrase "death with dignity" has come into To help harness the enormous spirit reverberating throughout the Americas vogue. \t\Thile it is certainly i111portant in the wake of the historic Tenth Siyum that a person's actual petira (passing) be HaShas of the Oaf Yomi, Agudath Israel as bekavodik (dignified) as possible, the of America's Oaf Yomi Commission Jev..1ish hospice 111oven1ent also needs to reminds the public that... embrace the hashkafa of"livingwith dig • If you require assistance in the forma nity." Only HaKadosh Baruch Hu knows tion of a new Oaf Yomi group and/or the exact amount of time each person are in need of a qualified maggid shiur, is granted in this life - whatever tin1e the Oaf Yomi Commission can help. a person has should be spent with as • For a laminated book-mark with a 16- much meaning and purpose as possible. month Oaf Yomi calendar, free of charge, our office can be written or The following incidents underscore faxed. A 32-page seven-year calendar how Jewish hospice services can be life is also available, for a handling charge affirming, at times truly enhancing the of $2.00 each. lives of patients, families and even staff: • If you are aware of a new Oaf Yomi "Bitz chaim he I'machazikim ha ... - shiur, please contact us for a Shiur The Torah is a tree of life to all those Registration Form, so that it can be who cling dearly to it." included in the new edition of the North Ml". Weiss,1 grnppling with terminal American Directory of Oaf Yomi Shiurim presently under preparation. cancer, resolves to perpetuate his family • In the meantime, copies of the 1996 legacy by donating a Sefer Torah to his Directory - though it does not list the son's yeshiva. The yeshiva is most appre myriad new groups established since ciative, and announces that the the Siyum - are still available. hachnosas Sefer Torah will take place in • You can also send for a free Directory two tveeks. of Oaf Yomi Services, outlining the var His condition worsens, and he is ious programs and assistance avail admitted to a hospice inpatient unit. able to participants In limud Oaf Yomi. Awal"e of his diminishing stamina, Mr. Weiss reveals that he does not feel well enough to travel to the yeshiva for the hachnosas Sefer Torah. l All narnes have been changed to protect the pri vacy of the principals. 24 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 Both family and staff understand wife's room until the Rabbi arrived and the group members. Almost in disbelief how crucial this event is to this patient. explained the relevant halachos. ]oAnne, a hospice nurse, begins to speak: If Mr. Weiss cannot attend the ceremony, "I can't believe it! Just last night I visit then the ceremony will be brought to him! ed a patient at home, llnd noticed that he Fortunately, there is an on-site shul at "And Hashem said to Avram... 'I will had numbers on his arm. I asked him the facility, which soon becomes the set· bless those that bless you'" (Bereishis what they were, and he gently explained ting for an emotional gathering: the 12,1-3). to rne about his experiences in a concen Roshei Yeshiva, bachurim and Sefer Rabbi Mayer Scheinberg, halachic tration camp during World War II. I 1brah arrive, joining the Weiss family and advisor for the Jewish Hospice of Greater couldn't believe that sorneone could hospice staff in an extraordinary and New York, held the hospice staff in rapt endure such a terrble ordeal, and I saw unforgettable celebration. attention while addressing the topic ofpro· that he was a holy person. I asked him to The spirited scene is renziniscent of viding sensitive care to Holocaust sur please give rne a blessing, ivhich he gra Simchas Torah - "Ohr zaru'a latzaddik, vivors. He relates the famous incident of· ciously did. What a special, special man." u'liyishre lev simcha - spiritual light is the Satmar Rebbe preparing to depart planted for the tzaddik, and happiness for Eretz Yisroel after his sole visit to the Holy PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS FOR THE those that are upright of heart." Land. A distraughtchassid implored the ORTHODOX COMMUNITY The words are chanted again and Rebbe to remain, for who will the Chas again, resonating throughout the shul and sidin1 turn to once he leaves? Who can turning back to Dr. Kevorkian into the outer hallway. The yeshiva grant berachos which will be heeded in or a moment - it is clear that bachurim dance with heartfelt enthusi Shamayim? The Satmar Rebbe respond lliis controversial methods con asm, repeatedly circling Mr. Weiss while ed: "Go to a shul at Shacharis - Look tinue to grab headlines. While he pro he proudly clutches the Sefer Torah. around carefully while people are putting ceeds with his mission, end-of-life Mr. \1Veiss was intuitively correct about on tefillin. If you find a person who has issues are being debated in a variety of his tvorsening condition, and passed numbers tatooed on his ar1n, seek a bless arenas. These discussions will likely away a few days later. ing frotn hirn." intensify over the next few years, with A gasp is suddenly heard ft-orn one of the resulting decisions heavily influ- *** "A person can always do teshuva" (Rambam Hilchos Teshuva). Mrs. \¥einer's physician referred her to a hospice 1vith a prognosis of six months to live. Unexpectedly, the patient passed away shortly ajier entering the program. Mr. Weiner was not at bedside at the time Israel Torah Trip of her petira, and the hospice staff ix \veeks of touring in a secure and safe atmosphere arranged to break the neivs to him as gen S for a select group of Bais Yaakov girls ages l 7~21. tly as possible. uchnius instilled through daily shiurim by well Upon hearing the news, Mr. Weiner R known c~mo. put his head down in shock. After a few ccom1nodations \Viii be in a beautiful modem E;gJerience moments, he composed himself and dormitory in c>?vn>. '.'The Year looked directly into the eyes of the hospi A xperienced tour guides and wonderful ITlJ'11?J. m Israel" tal administrator. "You know," he halt We welcome back Naomi Chait of Camp Shira to In Six ingly began, "I am not from a religious E our super staff. family. And on top of that, I am a sur· Weeks L eadership · The tour will be personally supervised With vivor... a survivor of a half dozen of the by Sheila Schwebel, well known for her touring most brutal concentration camps there expertise. Her deep love of Eretz Y1sroel is I.T.T. were." He paused, teary-eyed. "But one inspiring to those \vho come under her influence. thing is important to me now. The bur· ial must be handled according to New York Coordinator ha!acha." Mrs. Esther Biberfeld The staff immediately contacted a Rav (718) 435-7575. (718) 258-2622 to assist with this delicate situation. In the interim, Mr. Weiner revealed that he was a Kohein, and would not enter his . Our 18th Summer'. • Interviews now in regress , 0 '""-"" ""' "' "' IQ] ------· ------The Jewish Observer, March 7998 25 encing the legal, medical and managed ?"~! wrote (Igros Moshe, Yoreh De'ah plan. This can be a very sensitive issue care fields in this country. We cannot 2:174), to actively shorten a life, even one for some fa1nilies, so a good measure of consider ourselves hermetically sealed of agony and suffering, is forbidden. For courtesy and con1n1on sense n1ay be fro1n the broad influences of contem both patients and their families, pain required. porary society. It is important to be and suffering can present a seemingly Patients and families have rights aware, for example, that the state of Ore overwhehning ordeal. However) halacha when it comes to n1edical care decisions; gon recently passed a referendum which clearly prohibits actively hastening the physicians should be notified in advance in effect allows for assisted suicide for end of any individual's life. ofhalachic concerns, and it is helpful to terminally ill patients. In addition, legalization of this be as specific as possible. In addition, we of the Orthodox approach serves to have a negative community have terminally ill individ i1npact on the general 1noral climate, as 2b) Halachic Living Wills - All Ortho uals in our midst v.rho at ti1nes suffer well as opening up the type of ethical dox Jews should be aware of the advan needlessly in terrible pain, often unaware Pandora's box that the Netherlands tages of utilizing a Halachic Living Will. of their halachic and medical options. now faces. This is certainly relevant to patients who Family members of those who are ill or Orthodox Jews should do everything are terminally ill, but is also applicable recently deceased may suffer emotion in their power to contact their elected to people who are not ill or elderly. ally, often feeling hopeless and helpless. officials on this matters - let them Though we often take our health and What can Orthodox Jews do to know that you strongly oppose any pro longevity for granted, it is advisable to make a difference? The following areas posed legislation designed to legalize be prepared in the event that chas will hopefully provide the beginnings of physician-assisted suicide. v'shalom tragedy strikes and immediate a multifaceted Jewish approach to these halachic decisions need to be made. vital issues. 2a) Consultation with a Rav - If you know of someone who is terminally ill, 3) Support and Bereavement Groups - I) Legislation - The issue of physician you may want to delicately explore with It is important to start support groups assisted suicide is totally unacceptable their family whether a Rav or poseik Ls for family members of the terminally ill, by halacha. As Rabbi Moshe Feinstein actively involved in the n1edical care as well as bereaven1ent groups for those who have recently suffered the loss of a family member. It is essential that such groups be led by trained individuals who understand the needs and concerns of the Orthodox community. 4) Increased Awareness and Sensitivi ty - We are all susceptible to a spiri •The l'chus of Living, Breathing and Experiencing the Kedusha of Eretz Yisrael • tual malaise that Chazal termed" hergeZ:' The Torah Touring Experience of a lifetime! •Daven by the Kosel Ha'Maravi •Climb From a Torah standpoint, it is impor Matsado •Inspiring Shiurim • Shabbos in Tzfos • Teveria • Meron •Amazing Workshops I • Kevrei Tzodikim • • Amukah •Experience Yerusholoyim in Depth• Delicious Hotel tant to treat all people with respect and Style Meals• Swim in the Kinneref • Shabbos in Yerusholayim •Kayak in the Yarden • 1 consideration at all times. When deal Rosh Hanikra • Fully Equipped Modern Gym •Underground Coves• Eilat •Glass Bottom ing with a terminally ill patient, this Boat • Air Conditioned Dining Rooms • Bonano Booting • Ein Gedi • Biblical Zoo • I Woterparks • Har Haziseim • Beuutiful Campus & Dormitory • Snorkling • Puddle approach becomes absolutely vital. 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I A Safe, Secwe, Warm Atmosphere In Magnificent Yael Blnyamln Under the Direction of Rabbi Sholom & Mrs. Chaya Glnzberg I L ...1f1!'!...E. ~ ~":! .!':".!!.":...N!.. ~!. .J.7l.!J3.!f"!.2!,1 _ .. • 26 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 dous in1pact on patients. Inquiring another important venue to their lists, ment per se, he concludes this chapter "How are you feeling today?", or pro the Jewish Hospice of Greater New York by emphatically stating: viding a glass of water or even a simple is actively seeking volunteers to interact "I must add at this point something smile, may give a patient the emotion with our Orthodox patients. They are that I have found to be easily forgot al chizuk he needs to cope at that par willing to train interested individuals in ten or overlooked. Let us suppose that ticular mon1ent. our approach to dealing with the ter the patient is suffering from a termi minally ill, and are in turn open to com nal illness, is expected to die in a few 5) Volunteers - Volunteerism has ments and suggestions that volunteers hours or days, and is one for whom the recently become a popular topic in may have concerning working with the medical profession has nothing further American society. The Torah world has Orthodox community. to offer. Such a patient should be made kno\vn this principle for centuries, as as comfortable as possible and treat evidenced by the thriving chevros kad n conclusion, it is fitting to note the ed with a maximum of tender loving disha, Bikur Cholim associations, and opinion of Dr. Abraham S. Abraham, care; such treatment may include the other chessed organizations, which have I medical director of Shaarei Tsedek administration of morphine or its always permeated Jewish society. To add Hospital in Yerushalayim. In a piece equivalent to relieve pain, but not for entitled "Euthanasia," Dr. Abraham elo the purpose of ending life." quently confronts modern day views "EUTHANASIA," IN MEDICINE AND regarding "quality of life." In his chap JEiVISI-l LAW, VOL. l, P. 132. ter on "Treatment of the Terminally Ill;' he methodically outlines the progressive By addressing these sensitive issues stages of terminal illness and their with both the letter and spirit of halacha, halachically prescribed interventions we will hopefully be zocheh to the Torah's (based primarily on his understanding assurance: "If you will listen to the voice of the decisions of Rabbi Moshe Fein of Hashem your G-d and heed His com stein ?":IT and Rabbi Shlomo Zalman mandments, every plague with which I Auerbach ?··YT). 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When a Jew davens for another, his needs are also answered. 126D. HOW DOES ONE SAY KADDISH AND YIZKOR? Here is the tape that is so important in times of need. Coming from you, it will always be remembered at the most sensitive time in a person's life. Comfort a Yid in his time of need. BE M"CHADISH" SOMETHING SPECIAL TODAY! To order: Add $3.50 to your order for shipping and send to: CHADISH MEDIA/ 453 E. 9'" Street, Suite82/Brooklyn, NY 11218.For fastest service, use your charge card and call (718) 856-3882 VISIT US ON THE INTERNET AT WWW.CHADISHMEDIA.COM Louis J. Septimus i1"V: An Exemplary Torah Baalebos On his third Yahrzeit: I. THE SHADOW OF THE MAN tant about approaching non-religious clients for any of the myriad causes close ver a public career spanning to his heart. In fact, many of those clients more than sixty years, Louis ). left substantial bequests to Torah OSeptimus exemplified the Vodaath and other institutions. What Torah-baalebos. He played a vital role in moved them was his passion, earnest the formation of almost every signifi ness and integrity without a trace of cant institution upon which today's compromise. yeshiva world is based: Agudath Israel, Wordly success did not change the Mesivta Torah Vodaath, Bais Yaakov 1, way he lived or his view of himsel£ Long and Chinuch Atzmai2. During World after many of his friends had left War II and immediately afterwards, he Williamsburg for the more upscale was one of those most active in rescue neighborhoods of Crown Heights and work, under the banner ofboth Agudath Far Rockaway, the Septimus family Israel Youth Council (Zeirei) and Vaad Vodaath to continue his studies in Bais remained in Williamsburg. He did not Hatzala. Medrash Elyon. The young man's parents, want to leave the spirituality of But no listing of the organizations however, wanted their son to go to college Williamsburg or the Agudah minyan at and institutions in which he was and enter the professions. Rabbi Schorr dis 616 Bedford Avenue that he had done involved could begin to convey Mr. Sep patched his close friend Louis Septimus to so much to bring into existence, and timus' impact on the growth of Torah talk to the young man's parents. He knew where, as the baa/ tefilla on the Yamim in America. Above all, he was an ambas that they would be much more influenced Noraim, his hartzige (heartfelt) daven sador for Yiddishkeit. His was an early by the cosmopolitan Chairman of Torah ing melted many hearts. He searched for Williamsburg success story - a poor Vodaath's Board of Directors than they a rnakom Torah for his children and boy who made good, without forgetting would be by the fellow's Rosh Hayeshiva. grandchildren. When the Septimus his roots. In the '30s and '40s, the tall, Not only did the bachur learn for a num family did move, it was to Monsey, dapper Louis Septimus was a figure to ber ofyears in Ba is Medrash Elyon, he went where Mr. Septimus became active in whom Williamsburg mothers pointed on to become one of the leading rnarbitzei many Torah institutions, and served as when discussing their sons) futures. Torah of our time. baa! tefilla on Yamirn Noraim for the Bais Rabbi Gedalia Schorr, then Torah Louis' impact on non-religious Jews Yisrael Shu!. Vodaath menahel, ivas very eager for an was no less powerful. He was not hesi- As one of the premier baalebattiin in outstanding student in Mesivta I'orah 1 Even before his first child was born, Louis Sep the cleanliness of the school. As a gesture to --~-·------Yonason Rosenblum, 'vho lives in Jerusalem, is timus was active in Bais Soroh in Williatnsburg, Edythe, Mr. Septin1us, added the tniddle intial "/." a regular contributor to The Jewish Observer, the forerunner of the first Sais Yaakov school in to his English nan1e as a reference to their respec including his recent article, "An Appreciation of America. He was also the first Adminstrative tive n1iddle nan1es, Yehuda and Yehudis. (After Rabbi Yehudah Naftali Mandelbautn 7"~t" (Jan Chairman of Rabbi Newhouse's Bais Yaakov Ele her passing, he married the former Bertha Schor.) uary'98). He is the translator and author of many mentary School. His wife, Edythe, was actively 2 Prior to the first fund~raising dinner of Chin works, including a biography of Reb Sh raga Feiv involved in the physical aspects of the Bais Yaakov. uch Atzmai, on January 11, 1956, he was one of e! Mend!ov.,ritz 7"::.Zl, which is soon to be released !vlany a day she would be found cooking and serv a group of ten lay leaders who provided Chin by ArtScro!l. ing food to the children, in addition to caring for uch Atzmai with a $10,000 emergency loan. The Jewish Observer, Morch 7998 29 tributions if he would be the honoree. II For all his success, he was anything but the aggressive CPA. "Soft-spoken" o listing of the would describe him best; those closest organizations and to hin1 could not imagine him every los~ N ing his temper. institutions in which he He was always prepared to put aside his own accounting practice whenever was involved could he was needed on some Kial project. On multiple occasions, his private office was A1nerica, with many business as 1vell as begin to convey turned into the headquarters for some social contacts, the expectation ivas that the Septimus' impact on the emergency campaign or another. bar mitzva of his older son, Beryl, would be The stories of people Mr. Septimus a lavish affair. Instead Louis offered his son growth of Torah in helped personally are legion - espe a choice: either a fancy affair, or a sin1ple cially when giving a fellow Jew the kiddush, with $5,000 given to tzeddaka. America. Above all, he wherewithal to support himself. Beryl showed that he had absorbed the val During the shiva following Louis Septi ues of both his parents when he opted for was an ambassador for mus' passing, the owners of a local Monsey the simple affair. Yiddishkeit. bakery related to the Septi1nus children hoiv Honors held no allure for Louis Sep their father had come into the store every timus. In fact, he fled from them, and Friday afternoon to help their own n1oth preferred to work behind the scenes. He II er, a struggling widow. He would take n1any used to say, "I don't want to be judged and even then only when his hand was of the orders and personally deliver them. by the standards of the big people:' Not forced by two board members - Henry He never told anyone about this n1itzva, until I 973 did Torah Vodaath honor its Hirsch and Menashe Stein - who even to explain himself to his wife vvhy the long-tiine chairman for the first time, promised to double their annual con- Erev Shabbos shopping always took so long. Another visitor to the shiva house relat r.------~------~ ed ho1v his parents had passed cnvay at a I young age, 1vith 111any children still u11111ar ARE You MOVING? ried. One tirne, Louis Septi111us came into I the family food store and found an obviously IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED I over1vhel1ned younger child manning the INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? fort by himself He immediately went to the We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the Jewish Observer to your home. back roo111, put on an apron and started Please attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address and s1veeping the floor. computer processing number; that are printed above your name on the address label. II. A UNIQUE FAMILY he story of the Septimus family Affix old label here in America is in many respects Ttypical. Louis' parents, Berel and Channah, came to An1erica from Gali cia at the turn of the century. Like many Name------observant immigrants, Berel was fre New Address ______quently fired by employers who had no tolerance for Shabbos observance. City, At times the family was so poor that State, ______.Zip sympathetic neighbors would leave bread outside the door so they would Date Effective ______have something to eat. Some of Berel's Send address changes to: The Jewish Observer Change of Address relatives who had long since given up 84 William Street, New York, NY 10038 Shabbos observance, used to berate Please allow 4-6 weeks for all changes to be reflected on your mailing label. We will not be him for his irresponsibility in bringing responsible for back issues mbsed unless you notify us 6 weeks prior to your move. ten children into the world if he was unwilling to do what was necessary to L------~ 30 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 II he senior Septimuses Twere virtually unique: All ten children - seven sons, of whom Louis was the oldest, and three daughters - remained religious. And they managed to Louis]. Septimus greeting Rabbi Aaron Kotfer,'7':;·r at the jirst Chinuch Atzmai dinner. In background note: lvlcssrs, remain so despite Yosef Zcv \Vo((son, Moses I. Feuerstein, and Irving B1111im. Dov's premature death way!" She avvoke upset and sent her tivo still in his twenties, he joined the Board eldest sons Louis and Aloe to the hospital. of Directors. when Louis was barely They \valked ho1ne, broken in spirit, to tell His mother, Channah, together with the family their father ivas no longer with his maternal grandmother, Yenta eighteen. them. Just as Shabbos began, Berel had Hauser, provided the powerful en10- passed away. \¥hen his tlvo sons entered the tional attachment to Yiddishkeit that left II apartn1ent, Channah knew by the look on its mark on all the children. Channah support them - i.e., work on Shabbos. their faces what had happened. She did not knew Tzena Urena by heart, and even in Once when Channah suspected that say a word other than "Good Shabbos." her nineties spent almost the entire day her husband might be wavering in the The next Friday night, after the reciting Tehillim. face of his relatives' taunts, she told him shiva ~vas completed, Louis took his usual Channah Septimus was a woman of to grow a beard. "Then they'll know you place at the table. "Yisroel Leib," his moth indomitable spirit and strong will. Her are rneshuga and leave you alone." J\nd er co1nn1anded hirn, with a ;notion of her body wracked with crippling arthritis so it was. hand directing him to his father's place at from an early age, she still managed to In one sense, though, the Septi1nus the head of the table. Louis stared at her for smile - for example, once as she left a family was virtually unique: All ten chil a longrno1nent and his hand began to tre1n doctor's office she was asked what the dren - seven sons, of who1n Louis was ble /Jefore he obeyed and took his father's doctor had told her, and she replied," Es the oldest, and three daughters - place. Frorn that moment on, he assun1ed ken nisht zein erger - It couldn't be ren1ained religious. They managed to leadership of his family. worse. 3" ren1ain so despite their father's pren1ature At 19, the responsibility for nine sib Channah's greatest pleasure was lis death when Louis was barely nineteen. lings had fallen primarily on Louis's tening to her sons singing Zemiros Beret was taken to the hospital on Erev shoulders. It was a responsibility that he around the Shabbos table. In later years, Shabbos with a severe case of pneun1onia, discharged faithfully. Before his twenty when her children tried to convince her 1vhich had been misdiagnosed as a bad cold. first birthday, he had already passed his to move to a 1nore comfortable apart His good-bye to his eldest son Louis, was: CPA exams and opened his own ment, she refused because there was no "Give metekiyas kaf (handshake) you'll take accounting practice. (Louis chose room for her large Shabbos table. Only care of Momma and the children." Louis accounting as a career because it did not when her children came up with the idea never forgot his father's last words. require Shabbos work.) Eventually he of donating the table to a Chevra Mish That evenin~ Channah ivent to bed with brought all but one of his brothers into nayos, did she consent to move. apprehension. Her father and her mother~ his accounting practice. in-law appeared to her in a dream. Her Nor was their ruchnius forgotten. II. AGUDATH ISRAEL father told her, "Channah, it has to be this Louis Septimus first became active in Mesivta Torah Vodaath when he he Zeirei minyan at 157 Rodney 3 Louis inherited his n1other's stoic sense of offered to do the yeshiva's books in Street in Williamsburg was the hu111or. In later life, he suffered severe pains in return for his younger brothers' tuition. most robust branch of the early both his legs, about which he said, "Baruch T His sound judgment did not escape the American Agudah movement. The Sep Hashetn, I don't have three legs." notice of the board members, and while timus brothers were among the main- The Jewish Observer, March 1998 31 stays of that minyan, as well as of its capacities. famed successor at 616 Bedford Avenue. The various posi Channah Septimus always insisted tions Louis Septimus that her boys bring their friends home held in the early years of with them so she would know with Zeirei Agudah give whom they were associating. One of the some sense of his regulars was Mike Tress, who would involvement: first Head become the driving force in Zeirei Agu of the Camp Agudah dah. Tress's closest lay advisors over his Committee; Adminis years as leader of Zeirei Agudah, and later trative Chairman of the Agudath Israel of America, were drawn Refugee and Immigra from his friends in the Williamsburg tion Division; Chair Zeirei: Louis and Sol Septimus and man of the Jewish Ser Nathan Hausman. Every major appeal in vicemen's Bureau; and Greeting the then Governor Hugh Carey, with Rabbi Moshe Sherer. Rabbi Geda/liah Schor, :O'Y:t in background. At the 53rd Anniversary dinner of Agu the early years, Rabbi Shlomo Rotenberg member of the board of dath Israel ofAmerica, April 27, 1975. remembers, began with Louis Septimus Torah Schools for Israel and Nathan Hausman pledging $2,500 (the fundraising office in America of affidavits on hand as the need arose. He - an enormous sum in those days. Chinuch Atzmai, as well as its prede himself probably obtained or signed Mike Tress would not undertake any cessor, Zerem Revii). For many years, he personally, for a host of ''cousins" and new project without winning the support was the only lay leader on the Presidi "uncles," more affidavits than any other of his brain trust. He usually succeeded um of Agudath Israel of America, so val individual. The Septimus brothers in infecting those level-headed busi ued was his advice by the rabbinic lead would take pads of fifty affidavits and nessmen with his own enthusiasm and ers of the organization. beg their wealthier clients to sign a whole into undertaking projects far beyond any pad at a time to be filled in later by their realistic appraisal of the organization's Rescue, Refuge, and Rehabilitation accountants. Asked for the secret of their success, Louis had a one-word expla 4 Towards the end of World War II, the War Refugee Board had recon11ncnded to President ike Zeirei Agudah itself, Louis's nation: tears. Roosevelt that he announce the United States' greatest effort was in Vaad Hatza In August, 1944 the United States willingness to receive all refugees in te1nporary Lla, the wartime rescue work. Louis government brought nearly a 1,000 camps in which they would be interned until the was at 616 Bedford Avenue every night refugees who had found sanctuary in end of the war. It was hoped that such an announcement would encourage neutral coun helping people fill out the affidavits of Italy to Ft. Ontario in Oswego, New tries to open their borders to refugees, and financial support that were a prerequi York. Mr. Septimus and Dr. Isaac Lewin demonstrate America's concern \vith their fate to site for the issuance of visas to Ameri were appointed as Agudah representa the Nazis and their own allies. Oswego was the ca. His goal was to insure that there tives to ensure that the religious needs only tangible result of this suggestion. would always be an adequate supply of of the refugees were met4 • Within 24 hours, Rabbi Eliezer Silver arranged for kosher meat to be shipped to the camp, and by the second Shabbos, a kosher kitchen serving 200 refugees was fully operative. Mr. Septimus wrote regarding Fort Ontario (Orthodox Tribune, Oct. 1944 ): These fruitful efforts on the part of Orthodox Jewry indicate the good that can be done by an alert Orthodoxy. All FOR of the above efforts on behalf of Fort Ontario residents, the good deeds THE FINEST that freely crossed the border between IN care for the physical health and the spiritual well-being of the refugees are AND VIDEO not, we hope, isolated and meaning less incidents. It sets a definite pattern, USA/ISRAEL and it shows that things can be accom plished where and when there is the good will. 32 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 Several of the mainline Jewish groups singing "Ani Maa1nin" in the same type objected to establishment of religious of trucks that had transported them to schools for the children in the camp. the cattle cars taking them to the death They also questioned the provision of camps. Mr. Septimus established a soup a kosher kitchen and the observance of kitchen in Paris under the auspicies of Shabbos in the camp. It was proposed the Agudath Israel Youth Council, to that the matter be put to a vote of all the supply free kosher meals to refugees. organizations providing aid. Mr. Septi Campus on East 9th Street in Flatbush. mus rejected the suggestion out of hand: III. MESIVTA TORAH VODAATH "Matters of religious conscience are not Louis Septimus was profoundly affect subject to a vote. The Agudath Israel he Septimus brothers gave much ed by Rabbi Elchonon Wasserman's stay would not be bound by any such vote." to the American Agudah move in America in 1938-39. Reb Elchonon The matter was dropped. Tment, but they received a great drew the leaders of Zeirei Agudah close In mid-1946, Louis put his account deal as well. Like all the young Agudists, to him, and gave them their exposure ing practice on hold for three 1nonths to daas Torah. His impact would be life to accompany Rabbi Eliezer Silver to longs. Europe to help the she'eiris hapleita (sur When Rabbi Shlomo Rotenberg vivors of the war). Much of the Agudah (noted educator, historian and author) support for the she'eiris hapleita - arrived from Belgium in 1942, he was including the use of the army postal ser amazed by the thirst for Torah among vice to send kosher food, which was not the baalebattim who gathered at 616 otherwise available, to refugees in var Bedford Avenue every night. Though ious DP camps - skated on the edge Louis Septimus often spent three of legality. There were thus some who straight days in his office before the urged Louis to remain home rather than (then) March 15 income tax filing date, endanger his professional license. He Building on South 3rd Street, lVilliamsburg. he still would not miss Rabbi Roten- \Vent anyway. As an UNRRA representative, Mr. Septimus enjoyed diplomatic immunity THE PERFECT WAY TO REVIEW on his trips abroad. A French general once approached him, requesting that he smuggle a package of bonds for him MESECHTA SHABBOS into the US, with a generous payment for his effort. Louis refused. On the flight Are you falling behind the Daf in Mesechta Shabbos? back to America, a valuable pouch was Do you want to catch up? - The complete Mesechta lost, and all of the baggage was opened Shabbos, explained clearly in 32 tapes (48 hours)! and searched. Had those bonds been found in the Septin1us suitcase, Vaad IT'S TIME FOR MASTER D AF Hatzala's continued operation would have been jeopardized. •Each Daf is read in its entirety, translated, and In both Prague and Paris Mr. Septi explained slowly and clearly in just 20 minutes mus witnessed the indomitable spirit of (not just a summary) the Holocaust survivors. For the rest of ~ • 4-5 blatt per tape. $4. per tape (plus S&H) his life, he cried whenever he recalled the •A tape series where you can review/prepare the "Lo amus ki echyeh (I will not die! But Daf in your car, on the subway, or on the bus I shall live!)" sung by one of the she'eiris • Mishna tapes also available (approximately one hapleita in Prague. In Paris, he was Mesechta per tape) $5. per tape (plus S&H) struck by the irony of Jews wheeling OIDO down the Champs Elysees loudly . . . . •Subscription rate: $3 per tape (plus S&H) Mesechta Shabbos Special - Complete set $100. ---~·------~------5 Septinu1s maintained an intin1ate friendship with Reb Ekhonon's son, Rabbi Simcha \Vasser man, for the rest of his life. At one family Bar 1-718-435-5438 • 1-800-966-6026 Mitzva, as Louis was embracing Reb Simcha upon In Israel, 03-579-4067 his arrival, Rabbi Shlon10 Rotenberg comment A project of the Slabodka Yeshiva ed: "Ein [Septimus] simcha b'li Rav Sin1cha." The Jewish Observer, March 1998 33 In his youth • e was never afraid to approach non-religious Hclients for any of the myriad causes close to his heart. What moved them was his passion and earnestness, without a trace of compromise . • Jew by the name of Henry Schwartz told not - e.g., a pension fund for the yeshi a trust officer in the Union State Bank va rebbes, an Institute for Professional of Monsey that he wanted to establish Enrichment that would have allowed berg's Chumash-Ramban shiur even a charitable trust. The officer directed yeshiva graduates to obtain college the night before the deadline. him to Louis J. Septimus. That recom- degrees with life credits and some Sun The Zeirei Agudah minyan also 111endation was the beginning of a rela day classes. But either way, Schwartz's played a key role in bringing Louis Sep tionship that would bring close to enthusiasm did not wane. tin1us to his other great lifetin1e 1nission: $7,000,000 to fifty yeshivas and religious Louis infused Henry with his own Mesivta Torah Vodaath. Louis' contem institutions over the next two years. enthusiasm for yeshivas. Over the two porary, Rabbi Gedalia Schorr Oater At the time he met Louis Septimus, years of the Montibello Foundation, menahel and then Rosh Yeshiva of Mr. Schwartz was strictly a Federation Mr.Schwartz was by far the largest Mesivta Torah Vodaath) was from his giver. He had decided he wanted to do giver to yeshivas in An1erica despite mid-teens the unofficial rav of the something of eternal value for the Jew scarcely knowing another Orthodox Jew Zeirei minyan. Louis looked to Reb ish people with his money. At their first besides Louis Septimus. While Mesivta Gedalia as his rav his entire life, and 1neeting, Louis told hin1, "If you \Vant Torah Vodaath and Bais Medrash Elyon remained fiercely loyal to him. His many your money to go to Jewish causes, I'll - the Torah Vodaath division of years of stewardship of Torah Vodaath, show you how." And he did. advanced studies in Monsey, NY - were as chairman of the board of directors, Louis Septimus had spent a lifetime naturally the largest beneficiaries of o\ved n1uch to his close connection to cultivating clients - none inore assid Sch,vartz's generosity, there were few Reb Gedalia. uously than Mr. Schwartz. Over the next yeshivas that did not benefit from his Septimus was a hands-on chairman. two years, between a quarter and half of largesse. His car could be found parked outside his tin1e \Vas taken up \Vith the affairs the yeshiva every Sunday. After the South of Mr. Schwartz's Montibello Founda EPILOGUE 3rd Street building was hit by fire on a tion. Louis spent every Sunday sho\ving Friday night, he worked tirelessly to see Schwartz different yeshivas, and placed ust recently, Mr. Septimus' alarm to it that not a day was 1nissed fro1n the himself at Mr. Schwartz's beck and call clock with a tape deck attached to it learning. the rest of the week. He would say was found, with a tape inside. Upon During difficult financial times, Mr. Tehil/im before each meeting with Mr. playingJ the tape, the family discovered Septimus held the yeshiva together Schwartz. He took Henry Schwartz to that their father awoke each morning to with baling wire, in the words of one Eretz Yisroel to vie\.v yeshivas there at his his own melodious voice singing "Ani long-tin1e board 111ember. He \Vas the own expense. Maarnin.'' first to see the potential for yeshivas to Louis had the rare combination of Rabbi A. A. (Lazer) Schnell, who had benefit from state and federal programs, being a good communicater and a worked closely with Lonis Septimus on and it was he who pushed Torah good listener. He was a first-class racon the Schwartz Montibello Foundation, Vodaath's move from Williamsburg to teur, but talked rarely about himself. His perhaps summed him up better than Flatbush. own modesty made it easy for him to anyone: Mr. Septimus was a n1ulti draw ont others. Had Henry Schwartz faceted personality without being com IV. A CONDUIT FOR TORAH SUPPORT not felt Louis to be a close friend, he plex. All the divergent strands of his life \vould never have given as he did. merged together in one coherent whole. r. Septimus used his profes Schwartz liked visionary ideas, and Every strand enhanced his Yiddishkeit in sional connections for the Septimus was able to provide them. one way or another; each one was ulti Mbenefit of a host of Torah Some of those ideas - like a machzor for mately brought into the service of Kial causes. Notably, in 1968, a very wealthy the blind - came to fruition; others did Yisroel. Ill 34 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 A book that will forever change the way you look at Yetzias Mitzrayim ... LET MY NATION GO by Rabbi Yosef Deutsch The Story of the Exodus of the Jewish Nation from Egyptian Bondage A Compilation of Talmudic and Midrashic Sources Let My !Yation Oo is truly unique. It reads like a novel, but inspires and informs ... like a sefer. Based upon Chumash, Talmudic and Midrashic sources, the author relates the story ofYetzias Mitzrayim as fact-based historical drama. Majestic in scope . . . written with compelling insight and historical precision, the story of the Exodus comes vividly to life in a text that will forever change the way you look at Yetzias Mitzrayim. From the Author of"Book of Our Heritage" THE HERITAGE HAGGADAH f'rom Rabbi t:liyahu l\itov comes a Pesach ffaggadah with all the warmth and brilliance of the author's classic Book of Our fferitage. The perfect accompaniment at your seder table this year! A New Face For An Old Favorite THE VINTAGE HAGGADAH Yt:.INAff Sfft:.L TORA!f by Rabbi Binyomin Adler Commonly referred to as "the Shulchan Aruch of ffaggados," The Vintage ffaggadah is the perfect compendium of both halachah and vintage commentary to enhance and enlighten your seder night. .SIOnley A, Feil# THEWASHINGTON POST ... Outstanding from Italy is Bartenura's Asti Spum1mte, in a delicate yet full-flavored mode ... Nathan Chroman LOS ANGELES TIMES ... Bartenura Asti Spumante is among the best Asti Wines on the market. Robert M. Parker, Jr. THE WINE ADVOCATE Hillel Goldberg Drunk on Stories A Review Article More Shabbos Stories, Shimon Finkel Einei Hashem, Meir Wik/er (Feldheim It's a Small Word After All, Hanoch Teller man (ArtScroll 1997, $19.99) 1997, 182 pages, $17.95) (NYC Publishing Co. 1997) here does this type of envy fit envy him his biography of Reb Chaim sha are forced; also in truth, it makes no in? Perhaps it doesn't. The Ozer Grodzensky ( 1987). I envy him his difference, for two reasons. First, the sto W basic teaching on envy is that time living vicariously in the shadow of ries stand on their own. Second, I envi of Pirkei Avos 4,28: "Envy, lust and honor Reb Chaim Ozer's inspiring and still sion very few people able to buy this drive a person out of this world." The hovering presence. I envy him all the book and read it week by week, parsha basic exception is that of Bava Basra 21a: material on Reb Chaim Ozer he gath by parsha. It would take a kind of anti "Kinaas sofrim, the envy of the scribes ered; and so, when I noticed new mate discipline - a sort of mirror image of (the envy of one Torah student for rial on Reb Chaim Ozer in his new book, my envy- to take 54 weeks to read this another Torah student's greater knowl More Shabbos Stories, I was hooked. book, to limit one's perusal to a single edge) increases wisdom." The reader should be forewarned: I parsha. I couldn't! The stories are too Perhaps the origin of my envy is this: am like the inebriated when it comes to good, too entrancing. I couldn't put Reb Chaim Ozer Grodzenski (1863- stories of Jewish luminaries and tzad them down. 1940 ), the last rav in Vilna, married the dikim. I have voraciously consumed Here is what Rabbi Finkelman is not grandaughter of the Torah luminary them ever since I first encountered Dov doing: concentrating on what the secu Rabbi Yisroel Salanter, my hero; perhaps Katz's mother lode, Tenu'as haMussar. lar world calls "coincidence," on what it is because I saw with my own eyes the I read these stories over and over - Jews call Hasgacha Prattis. More Shabbos last letter that Reb Yisroel wrote, and a Paysach Krohn, in particular, would ren Stories contains a few of this type, but remarkable letter it was, congratulating der me penniless if his Maggid stories mostly it contains tales of tzaddikim from his granddaughter on her engagement were actually drink. I commit stories to Jerusalem, from DP camps, from recent but cautioning her not only to appre memory, and have written a good few history. It contains tales of ordinary Jews ciate her groom's Torah learning but also myself. A book of tales of tzaddikim or or, to be more precise, seemingly ordi to examine his middos; perhaps it is remarkable incidents puts me in anoth nary Jews who do or experience extra because Reb Chaim Ozer embodied the er world. Nonetheless, I make distinc ordinary things. At times, More Shabbos ideal of the cohesive Torah communi tions. I also see limits to the genre. The Stories moved me to tears. The young ty we all yearn for; perhaps because Reb three books under review deserve dis child in the DP camp who later became Chaim Ozer in his dying days presciently tinctions, and the genre in general a Torah teacher and then, decades later, orchestrated the movement of yeshivas requires comment. met his former teacher - only a stone in ways that enabled Torah study to sur could not respond to this tale. vive Nazism and eventually fliurish. More Shabbos Stories Whatever its precise origin, my envy Always in the Focus of G-d's Eyes of Rabbi Shimon Finkelman is great. I abbi Finkelman's More Shabbos Stories is, like its predecessor, r. Meir Wilder, on the other Rabbi Hillel Goldberg, executive editor of the divided according to the parshios hand, does concentrate on Has Intermountain Jewish News, is author of Israel R of the Torah. In truth, some of the con gacha Prattis. His stories reflect Salanter: Text, Structure, Idea and The Fire D \!Vithin (2 vols). nections between the stories and the par- a confluence of unlikely events that, in The Jewish Observer, March 1998 37 There's an irony, a very positive one, inimitable stamp. here. If the highest contact with Hashem In Small Word, Teller writes of Hash • is in His Holy Land, how is someone like gacha Prattis, of tzaddikin1, of ordinary book of tales of Wikler, a resident of the Diaspora, able folk - and ordinary remarks. Of the to write a book about it? Wouldn't he small gesture or word that yields a large Atzaddikim or have to be a resident of Eretz YisroeP. The i1npact, often unseen and even answer - the n1essage - is clear: the unknown by the actor or the speaker. remarkable incidents incandescent levels of avodas Hashem, Here, too, the fran1ework is sometimes the truly intensive spirituality pern1e forced; and here, too, it makes no dif puts me in another ating so many neighborhoods, so n1any ference. l'he stories stand on their own. recreated shtetlach, in Jerusalem and "So, Querido, what do you think?" world. Nonetheless, I elsewhere in Israel, are permeating out Teller asks in the opening line of"Clean ward. Even a Diaspora Jew can enter the ing Up for Shabbos." Gilberto Benitez heart of the holy enterprise that cen cleaned up all right - a lifetime's worth make distinctions. I also turies of prayers, mitzvos and sufferings of Shabbosos, and olam hazeh as well. See have begun to yield. And yes, the yield Small Word for full particulars. see limits to the genre. is encapsulated in Hashgacha Prattis. That Trotsky's descendant became a Afterthoughts The three books under baa[ teshuva demonstrated, it was mis chievously reinarked, Hashem's sense of t has been remarked that a single review deserve humor. Tip: See also Wikler's record of story can equal I 00 lectures in their the Gerrer Rebbe's repercussive apple. I positive impact on fear of Heaven distinctions, and the (yiras Hashem). This is true. But it may Small Words, Big Changes be true only for those not accustomed genre in general to this type of instruction. It may be true hich brings us to a resident of that I 00 books of stories can dull the requires comment. the Holy Land writing about senses; or even decrease fear of Heaven W Jews everywhere: Hanoch by turning one cynical or simplistic, or Teller and his most recent offering, It's by conveying the lesson that reading sto a Small Word After All: The Amazing ries can substitute for studying Torah. • Impact of a Kind Gesture 01' a Thought There is a difference between a dose of the end, may be unlikely but cannot be ful Remark on Human Lives and Events. inspiration, and an overdose. I wonder: accidental. Reflecting the view ofYehu The reader should be forewarned: The Is it possible to miss the forest for the da Halevi that Hashgacha Prattis is espe Teller and the Goldberg families go back trees, to put at the center of one's intel cially intensified in the Holy Land, all a long way, and 1 am quoted in the lectual universe a concentration on ofWikler's stories take place in Eretz Yis introduction. Objectivity here is limit stories, at the expense of Torah study, in roel. The very title of his book, Einei ed. So, for that matter, is the need to say the name of deepening one's fear of Hashem, is drawn from Deuterono1ny much about Hanoch Teller, who has Heaven? It's a question I ask myself. Per ll,12: "... the eyes of Hashem (einei become a household word in thousands haps it's just my own yeitzer hara at Hashem), your G-d, are always upon it if not tens of thousands of homes, work, drawn as I am to stories - per [the Land of Israel] from the beginning schools, yeshivas and outreach settings. haps it's only my sto1y-inebriated sel£ of the year until the end of the year." People know his work, his style, his Perhaps not. • ffyol( .are ti; inking lf.111ovingJorfewish Growth. (Jpportunities Begin Thinking Milwaukee! Full Service Con1111unity Total 1'orah Con1111unity • Healthy Job Market Tlw 7l>rah C01runwzi~y ofHabbi il1ichel Twerski Cheder • • Affordable Housing 13ais Yakov • • A Nurturing Con11nunity invite.~ yow· interest Yeshiva Gedola • • Learning C)pportunities Sherman Park Jewish Initiative Kolle! • • Con1munity Activities 1-800-226-3129 Mikveh • Begin Thinking Milwaukee Begin Thinking Milwaukee B~in Thinking Milwaukee Begin Thinking Milwaukee 38 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 ..(c$~Ji------A-n.o.n•y•m•o•u-s ver the past ten years, my hus for, this neshama left its stay with us band and I have had the oppor complete, without any need for further 0 tunity to be involved in n1uch • tikkun, able once more to return to its hachnosas orchim - hospitality to vis hy, you may true home. How dissatisfying and per itors. We try to fine-tune our skills in plexing a stay it seemed to us; how much housing, feeding and caring for our Wask, am I 1nore, then, it must have been done for guests on both a physical and spiritual the neshan1a alone. level, and have gained much in the referring to this inborn The day after my "guest" left, I began process. So many types of people have neshomo as a "guest"? to feel things about the familiar that I come through our doors - family, old never sensed before. My routine n1orn friends, friends of friends, newcomers to Why draw any parallel ing tefillos had new meaning, heightened frumkeit, students, people passing between it and those by the experience that is still so raw. I through and needing a homebase. Some began Modeh Ani and came to "she stays are brief, others extended. Some we who have graced our hechezarta bi nishmasi- for Your hav see n1ore of, son1e become extended ing restored my neshama to 1ne," and family, some we never hear from again. homes? Because, it realized that unlike the day before, it was Some guests are pleasures to have - seems, it was never only one neshama that I was now refer helpful, warm, inviting personalities that ring to. The theme continued with we hate to see leave. Others prove to be meant to be more. Elokay Neshama; the pattern laid out rather taxing and more demanding of before me in the tefilla seemed so rele our energies and emotions. (My father vant: neshama shenasata bi - this lit once told me as a child that the latter tle fetus ... tehora hi - how new and were the guests that we truly did • rollercoaster, encon1passing feelings of fresh and fragile it was, nafachta bekir hachnosas orchim for; the former, he thankfulness, euphoria and wonder, bi - You entrusted me with it, and for argued, did more for us .... ) Whatever the and leading to those of shock, disap those sixteen short \Veeks meshamra circumstance, we have grown imn1ense pointment and mournfulness. This bekirbi - You guarded it within me. ly through it all. My husband once came guest affected me physically over its six And now at its proper time, You meant upstairs, bean1ing after touring the teen-\veek stay like none had previous lit/a mimeni - to take it from within "house" that our children built in the ly. I felt connected to it and was torn by me. How, I hope, then, that lehachazi basement. He mimicked the youngest's its exit. This guest was a fetus. And it was ra bi le'asid lava - and perhaps, as my high-pitched voice proudly pointing to never born. husband tearfully told me that morning, and describing each room, ending with we will be thanked by our little neshama "and THIS is the guest room ... so we can In the Wake of the Guest's Departure for its brief stay, when we n1eet some do hachnosas orchinz!" where in the future. As much as the effort may take its toll hy, you may ask, am I refer Things seen in this light seemed so on us all at times, that little extension ring to this inborn neshama as much bigger than me, so much a part on their ho1ne proved its worth. W a "guest"? Why draw any par of a grander scheme that usually eludes Recently, however, we experienced a allel between it and those who have me in my day-to-day activities. The guest unlike any other. Ironically, this graced our homes? Because, it seems, it "why's" of my guest being taken seemed guest's arrival \Vas one that proved more \Vas never meant to be more. I \Vas cho superfluous since the "why" of its exciting than most, but by the time it left sen to house this 11eshama for its brief entrance into my life now seemed a bit we \Vere left feeling n1ore drained, and seemingly unfulfilling stay in our more tangible. I was never meant to do depleted and confused than ever .before. world, and to do it selflessly. Like a guest more for this guest, as much as I This guest took us on an emotional that leaves satisfied once fed and cared desired to. The Jewish Observer, March 1998 39 Beily Palluch Notes of Hosts Who Are But Guests ery often the people we On the Avenue encounter in our house are open Vto keying us in to their needs, and we try, in some small way, to help It is a risk :And in the store ftll them. For some, it is becoming active in their pursuit of a shidduch, for oth ·Yo gil'e a quarter to a beggar. .'If dozen more ers a job, for yet others just being a sounding board of sorts to aid them in 'lf!ho knows? rBro1vsing, next on line. some area of personal growth. We real ize that these people need us to be part 'Perfiaps sfie isn't poor at all. ~ind I wonder. of their lives on their tern1s, and what we are able to give them enhances our .'/fod all those people walking by, Where's their shame? lives in turn. When done selflessly, ·Yhev seem to know what we strive to accomplish through ' :Aren't they embarrassedi hachnosas orchim brings us up a notch :Jfnd when they see my quarter drop in our appreciation of others as indi rDon't they feel at all like lackies viduals, and of ourselves as agents ·Tneir liearts will leer meant to help them move toward their •Ti·icked for all their 1vorthi goals. :Jfnd 1 will feel their tongues 'Don't tliey feel a 1vee bit foolish I truly hope we have done this for our a' clicking most recent guest. And I know that with 'When they see my scornful smirk? time I will be able to say that I have "Silly child. ' grown from its stay. The sensitivity and support that fam I turn nI)' head the other 1va)' ily and friends have extended us on all levels throughout this ordeal gave us new 9fnd srnrry 01J. I stare at them and thev don't care models of giving to aspire toward. And ' 1nost important, reflection on this is giv •Tfiey don't even notice ing us an opportunity to appreciate the :And 1 Ji.g 11 re, Ultimate Giver more and more. We are 'Tnen brushes by in scented breeze left in awe and keenly aware of the way I can give a L)IIGrter to tlie beggar He has been, and continues to be, ensur :A dazzle of class, ing that all our needs are met as guests let them laugli in this, the womb of His world. • .Her latest purchase draped over her arm. 'Perhaps she isn't poor at all :Jf price tag reading $519 •That's okay Jfongs loosely from her sleeve Of all the ways to spend in error I prefer Beily Palluch lives in Brooklyn. This is her first appearance in these pages. ·This 1vay. Mesechtas Shabbos $10. To subscribe to our ongoing Oaf Yomi For careful attention to your Review Newsletter. send $25 to: individual needs, call us today! Yeshiva Fund Box 82, Staten Island, NY 10309 (914) 354-8445 40 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 the ensuing week would not only cover the subject, but save the subjects huge expenses they can ill afford when get ting back to the topic of chassunas; even gifts between the chassan and kalla have to multiply as we watch open mouthed. (I understand that two gifts are now expected in the yichud room!) Okay. So when it's truly a mitzva, like a bris or even a seudas hoda'ah, we understand; there is a rightness and a basis for celebration. But only very, very rarely do we see a plate broken, a ten AUTHOR'S CORRECTION TARGET FOR DOWNSIZING: naim (contract) signed or a tekias kaf HOW ABOUT THE VORT? (binding handshake) at a vort. We have Because of a printing error, the allowed, unwittingly, an entirely new names of two talmidim of Reb Ger To the Editor: concept to infiltrate our modus viven shon Liebman (Dec. '97) were omit Now that we have alternately been di, and I am afraid there's to be no turn ted from Rabbi Shapiro's segment of remonstrated with, lectured to, thun ing back either. the article, "Novaradok to Paris ...": dered at, cajoled, ordered, reasoned with, Something seems to prod us onward, Reb Mordechai Krieger of Brooklyn, implored and begged to curtail our lav and steadily upward, on the heedless and Reb Gershon Gerson of Balti ish spending and displays of gashmius climb toward excess. more, who had lived through the at sirnchos for the last ten years or more, Who's for the "Nineties Vort?" - entire war with Reb Gershon Kovler with, regrettably, no evident success to Anyone? (Liebman), beginning with the Ghet speak of, I have decided to switch MIRIAM L. ELIAS to in Vilna, then Estonia, Shtuthoff, lanes, and take a good look at one par Monsey, NY and Buchenwald. ticular, somewhat recent custom in CHAIM SHAPIRO our midst. SPLITTING THE SEA It's the nineties vort. TO BRING SINGLES TOGETHER CHESSED EXPRESS - WITH A LICENSE Would someone "out there" care to enlighten me as to the validity of such To the Editor: To the Editor: a communal function? Unlike a chassuna Rabbi Weinberg's article, "Orthodox Your pages have often reported on or bar mitzva, the vort has never been Continuity is Not Threatened by Inter various Chessed projects in Bretz Yis perceived as a simcha. In years gone by) marriage" (Oct. '97) was a most welcome roel, similar to Beged Yad Leyad Used not even very long ago, a vort was cel indication that the Orthodox world is Clothing Centers, which are under our ebrated in the home amongst the clos very much aware of the seriousness of care. Lately, we have been encounter est circle of family, followed, perhaps, by our modern day Krias Yam Suf (the ing problems with the post office due a Shabbos afternoon get-together with Splitting of the Sea, the difficulty of to many packages of good clothing we girl friends and the kalla's mother's which is only matched by making a shid have been receiving for our Gemach. neighbors. duch). It seems that even used clothing needs Today a vortis a lavish two-to-three For the past several years, I have been a license, and we have been unable to hour reception-type of affair, most part of a large group of women in the obtain our own and must use that of often catered in a local hall (home space Far Rockaway/Five Towns area who Yad Eliezer. We advise you to contact being too limited to accommodate the meet regularly to try to make shid your intended recipients to deter invited guests), phone calls go out to all duchim. The group is called DeLux Con mine how to deal with this obstacle. and sundry, and, indeed, we see couples nections, after a very vibrant founder, For example, those who have been of all ages, in the middle of a busy Sun Pearl Lux 11")). We meet once every 5- sending us packages, can send them to day afternoon, dutifully putting in an 6 weeks in different homes. Forty to fifty YAD ELIEZER c/o Weinbach, Panim appearance. women attend each meeting. Meetings Meirot I, Jerusalem. What of the interrupted learning are conducted in an orderly and tze SHEINDEL WEINBACH sedarim? What of the myriad of tasks niusdik manner. No names are ever COORDINATOR, and duties connected with children and mentioned, only initials. BEGED YAD LEYAD AND home that are kept waiting during this Briefly, at each meeting the chairman AFH!.!ATED USED CLOTHING CENTERS de riguerparticipation? A warm, friend gives an update - any engage1nents, Jerusalem ly maze! tov phonecall sometime during new ideas, etc. Women are then called The Jewish Observer, March 1998 41 upon in turn to present one or two sin over 50 women at one time. Printouts Syndrome, who lost several babies with gles at a time. They give their own name are saved and referred to. They often chromosomal abnormalities, we also as a sponsor, and their telephone num receive a very wide circulation outside prefer to look at what our children can ber. They then state the basics - meetings, to other such groups, as well do rather than what they cannot. We male/female; age; height; anything as to individuals. pray that the rest of the frum commu unusual about the person; type of In the 3-4 years our group has been nity learns to accept children with dis frumkeit, marital status (never married, meeting, over a dozen shidduchim have abilities for the gifts that they are, rather divorced, with or without children, resulted, and untold numbers of dates than seeing them as a burden. Every widowed); religious and secular educa have been set up. The tremendous neshama and every life is as Hashem tion; profession. Finally, as clearly as pos amount of networking is not possible to meant it to be. sible, the sponsor tells what the person calculate. STEPHEN KRAUSZ is looking for in a mate. Relevant ques Great care is taken that people are Denver, CO tions are answered on the spot. Those spoken about with respect. The purpose with specific questions are advised to call is purely for the mitzva of a shidduch and THE MOST EFFECTIVE the sponsor, or to speak to her after the not for anyone's honor or financial gain. FORM OF PROTEST meeting, when there is an opportunity We invite your readers to replicate our for immediate networking. At the end meetings in their own communities, To the Editor: of each meeting, sponsors hand in filled joining us in shrinking the increasing The article "Protest Pays" (Jan. '98) in pre-printed cards with basic infor number of singles in our community. has a very valid message explaining the mation about each single presented. F. COHEN necessity and effectiveness of well Again, only initials are used. This infor Far Rockaway, NY placed protest. There is, however, a sec mation is then printed up and distrib ond message in his article that deserves uted at the next meeting. Thus, one pre CRUCIAL OMISSION IN BIOGRAPHY our consideration. If a person sits down sentation introduces a single person to OF RABBI FREUND 7"llT to watch a film and there is objection able material on the screen, he is oblig To the Editor: ated to leave right away and not stay to I read with interest your article in the watch the rest. In the same issue of The October issue about Rabbi Moshe Aryeh Jewish Observerthere appears an article Freund 7"llT. about Rabbi Yehudah Naftoli Mandel I was, however, quite amazed that no baum which shows the proper Beautiful rooms, with kitchen facilities, in mention was made about his close rela approach. Boys that came to a park the heart of Boro Park, by day or week. tions with the late Satmar Rebbe 7"llT. where there were women not properly Near Shu!s, take out foods, etc. Profits to Rabbi Freund was a very great chassid dressed sized up the situation and Mifal Torah Vodaas. of the Rebbe for over fifty years, start announced that they could not go into Call (718) 851-2969 ing from the days when he was a dayan the park. No T.V.'s in the city of Satmar, and for the rest of Shutting one's eyes for the duration his life hardly made a move without first of the offensive scenes is also not consulting his Rebbe. acceptable. The Gemora in Bava Basra Digest of Meforshim To have omitted all this is leaving out says that shutting one's eyes to avoid see a significant part of his life. ing women who are not dressed in '"1i77 in:i '"1p7 LESSER FRANKEL accordance with the halacha is to be ?"lit ivv?N 'mlr.w l "i1"1l:l London praised; nevertheless, a person who had Available at an alternate route where there was no GRATITUDE FOR RABBI STONE'S problem of pritzus and chose to go on LEKUTE I "SHORT TERM GIFTS" this route and did not look is considered do Yitzchok Rosenberg 10 West 47th Street, Room 503 a rasha. The Rashbam explains that this New York, NY 10036 To the Editor: is because he is not fulfilling what the (212) 719-1717 Yasher ko' ach to Rabbi Stone on his Chachamim say, "Further yourself from 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, Medrash, article "Short Term Gifts" in the Decem what is disgusting." Megilos and Talmud. ber issue. On the occasion of his tragic Rabbi Eli Teitelbaum told me that he Proceeds of sales distributed atnong loss, his hashkafa of seeing the gift he took Camp Sdei Chemed to a museum Yeshivos and used for reprinting of volumes out-of-print received, and appreciating the time he in Israel, where they were shown an edu was able to have with Shoshana Devo cational slide show. Right at the begin PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME ra l'r')), is to be applauded. As the adop ning there were statements made that All volumes now available tive parents of two children with Down were outright apikorsus. He immediately 42 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 told his campers to pick themselves up appeared. I tried to be dan lechaf zechus the tide! I've seen quite enough of our and leave. Had the author done the (judge favorably) each time I read private business in print lately. We do same, he would have given his family an another article of this nature, and not owe anyone an explanation or jus invaluable lesson in avodas Hashem thought: Perhaps those interviewed tification for what we do, at the great risk instead of winding up as [in his words] and/or photographed feel that they are of it being misunderstood. And if it is a "spiritual fiasco ...." performing a kiddush Hashem of some our intention to educate Jews who do (This letter is not meant to criticize kind. For instance, isn't it a positive thing not understand, then we may do so the author, but rather to alert the pub to show the world that Orthodoxy is flour responsibly through sanctioned kiruv lic of how Ghazal would have us deal ishing in Boro Park and that our grow organizations, and through private con with such a situation.) ing families require us to build larger versations we may have with our non RABBI AVROHOM MORDECHA! COHEN homes? frum colleagues, neighbors, and relatives Brooklyn, NY Perhaps they feel in their own way who may question us. (THE AUTHOR OF THIS LETTER rs ON THE F1\CULTY OF that they are using the Times as a vehi I write this letter with agitation, fervor YESHIVA TORAH TEMl!v!A) cle to educate unaffiliated Jews about the and the hope that you will publish it so richness of Orthodox life and the rea we can all re-evaluate this habit that seems ORTHODOX JEWS' LOOSE TONGUES: sons behind why we wear sheitels and to be developing in our community. SIGN OF THE TIMES? abide by codes of marital law. MRS. TOBY BARG But to those arguments, I can only Kew Gardens, NY To the Editor: respond that there are many readers of As a frum Jew and a regular reader the Times (Jews and Gentiles alike) who OF LIMITLESS AMBITIONS AND of The New York Times, I feel impelled will and already have miscontrued the PRUDENT PRIORITIES to write to you and let your readership articles and used them to confirm neg know about a growing epidemic of arti ative views that they already have of To the Editor: cles published in that paper discussing Orthodoxy. When reading Dr. Tuvia Meister's arti Orthodox Jewish matters. These articles There are journalists who V\rrite these cle ("Siyum on the Other Shas;' Dec. '97), - and I will only mention the three that articles that may not give them the "spin" I found myself intrigued as well as dis most stand out - were published that was intended and who, in the inter turbed. Based on his personal achieve within the past few months and come ests of"fair journalism;' will offer in the ments, the author "encourage[s] the replete with interviews of frum people same article as the lofty, well-meaning learning of Yerushalmi and Tosefta. .. :' The - sometimes with their real names explanations, negative, damaging quotes regimen which he has set up for himself mentioned - and pictures. They are from others not within our circles. is indeed impressive and his accom given priority status in their placement And all this is unfortunate because plishments are definitely to be envied. in the paper. my hunch is that my fellow /rum Jews Nevertheless, some of the points that are The recent article about the building who are quoted in these articles do not raised in his article must be scrutinized. boom in Boro Park was on the front regularly read The Times and do not Dr. Meister describes Yerushalmi, cover of Section A - quite an honor! maintain regular relationships with Tosefta, etc. as "basic fundamentals The descriptions of the sheitelbusiness, secular Jews and Gentiles who do so, so needed for a proper lifetime of subse and the most recent offender, the inti they do not understand the ramifica quent in-depth learning." I believe that mate apparel business for Orthodox tions of what they have done. So I we can safely assume that the vast major women, were also announced on the implore you - as do many others I've ity of our Roshei Yeshiva have not cov front page of the sections in which they spoken with about this- to please stop ered this material. Are we therefore to FULL SERVICE BROKER HAT PLUS ~ Invei ADAM Z. RICE ~\I"\ Hats • Sh.iris • Ties •Accessories TRIPP & CO., INC. c'~"c Hagefen Specialists - Tax Free Bonds Your #1 Stop rc The Jewish Observer, March 1998 43 suggest in that they are lacking "basic and it must therefore be "justified:' In my Kotler, and many other recent Gedolim, fundamentals" and are not qualified for humble opinion, that justification must mention their learning Yerushalmi. in-depth learning, let alone teaching? be in the form of a personal consulta Rabbi Moshe Heinemann N"v>'ro told Does the yeshiva curriculum (institut tion with one's Rebbi! Rosh Yeshiva! Rav. me personally that he used to learn ed by the Gedolim of previous genera The author concludes by saying, "It Yerushalmi while studying under Rabbi tions) not attest to this point? Tens of would be a worthwhile effort for any Aaron Kotler. Some of Rabbi Yaakov letters have been written by the Gedolei learning man:' This seems to be a broad Kamenetzky's views on the proper Yisroel concerning the proper derech hal generalization, which includes individ approach to learning can be found in the imud and they do not seem to include uals who have limited time for Torah ArtScroll biography, Reh Yaakov, pg. 154- these topics. The Rishonim themselves study each day. Can we ignore the fact 160. His comments may surprise many who illuminated the Talmud Bavli sim that this will inevitably detract from readers. Lastly, I have found 31 sources ply did not write commentaries on other areas of learning? Although Dr. in both Shassim that clearly stress the Yerushalmi. Although we may not know Meister's regimen may be perfectly importance oflearning bikiyus, learning the exact reason for this, we can feel suited for him, I would encourage oth Mishnayos and even learning Tosefta. I comfortable following in their path. ers to first contact a competent Torah will gladly supply this list of sources to The author writes that "no justifica authority before spending their precious anyone who contacts me in Baltimore. tion is needed for so1neone to learn time on subjects other than those which I do not want to shamelessly promote Yerushalmi, etc. other than the fact that have been deemed most important by my new ArtScroll book, The Meister this is the living word of Hashem, etc:' the Gedolim of past and present. Plan: A Doctor's Prescription for Finan Of course, we are obligated to learn kol MORDECHAI S!MON cial Security and Success in Learning, but ha Torah kula- the entire Torah; but we Cleveland the reader may find it of interest for fur must prioritize. Unfortunately, mortals ther discussion of these ideas. Chapter that we are, we are under a time con Author's Response 4, Budgeting Time for Torah, discusses straint. If one spends time learning these ideas in much greater detail, something "secondary" while he could Rabbi Simon's main point seems to be including many Torah sources sup be learning something more primary, he that one should set priorities in one's porting this approach. has not used his time to its n1axitnum Torah learning and that these should be In my Jewish Observer article on potential. If one wishes to devote time established with guidance from Torah learning Yerushalmi, I enumerated many to Tosefta, etc., he is doing so at the authorities. I certainly agree with that sen areas of Torah that I set out to learn 20 expense of Talmud Bavli, Mishnayos, etc. timent, and that is what I have tried to do years ago, from Tanach, to Sifra, to Bavli. for the last two decades. Over the years, Within these areas I have always set per I have sought and received guidance from sonal priorities - meaning) where do my Rebbes and Roshei Yeshiva at Shor we put greatest time and effort? The Yoshuv, Ohr Somayach and Kol Yaakov. highest priorities were Mishna, Bavli and I have also read numerous biographies Yerushalmi. I spent a lot of time learn about, and letters written by, our present ing these three primary areas and I have day Gedolim. Virtually in unanimity, they tried very hard to achieve a good fun seem to support the approach I outlined damental understanding of the mater in iny article. I have never seen a state ial before going further. I did try to learn ment by any Gadol that says to learn only the Bavli more thoroughly than the 10-20 pages of Talmud per year, not to fin Yerushalmi, and I placed emphasis on ish the mesechta, not to be fluent in Mish constant review of Mishnayos. na, to ignore Yerushalmi, etc. Next down on my list was Tanach and The Gra in Even Shleima 8:2 clearly Tosefta, which I have also tried to states the obligation to learn Yerushal understand as well as I could. Howev mi. The Chafetz Chaim wrote a com er, in these areas I would often keep mentary on Sifra and stresses its impor going even without complete under tance in Mishna Berurah, Biur Halacha standing. These were not areas where I 155. Rabbi Yechezkal Abramsky spent a felt I could afford to spend endless hours major portion of his life writing a com achieving full or even basic under mentary on the Tosefta. standing of every point. ArtScroll and The Jewish Observer Finally, there were areas of even lower biographies of Rabbi Chaim Shmulevitz, priority, such as Mechilta, Sifra, Sifrei, the Tchebiner Rav, the Rogatchover and the Mesechtos Ketanos. I learned Gaon, the Chazon Ish, Rabbi Aaron these through very quickly, during peri- 44 The Jewish Observer, Morch 1998 ods of free time from my other learn But my tale of jury duty and JO con This is an error. True, Orthodox groups ing. This learning did not detract at all tinues. The next day, when I took out my do participate in the Presidents' Con from my main areas of study. I wanted copy of JO, a friendly young woman sit ference, but not because - as was sug to at least see what was found in these ting next to me, whom I hadn't thought gested by one spokesperson - "here in basic sources and I certainly did not to be Jewish, noticed the Davka ad and America we have a different kind of real achieve any great understanding in began to tell me about her Conservative ity [than in Israel J;' but because there these areas. I did not spend very much affiliation, religious feelings, and Mod is an essential difference between, on the time on these latter works, but I still feel ern-Orthodox friend (she also agreed one hand, Jews of diverse convictions that I gained something by perusing with me about the movie I had object addressing non-religious issues of com each one, cover to cover, at least once in ed to). I later read the article by Rabbi mon Jewish concern, as in the Presi this lifetime. Avi Shafran, "Seizing the Silver Lining," dents' Conference, and, on the other Today I feel that I am reaping the fruit and realized that I had experienced what hand, presenting a forum that could be of my 20-year program. I am now study he refers to as personal interaction with misinterpreted by other Jews as valida ing for semicha (very slowly, carefully "Jews who signal to us in public places." tion of the notion that there are a mul and in great depth - the way any yeshi As I first stated, JO is in the front lines titude of equally legitimate "Judaisms" va student would) as well as trying to and right on target. to choose from. learn the rest of Tur and Shulchan Aruch PAULETTE SORA YAGED It would be a grievous error of his much faster, ten si1nonim per week. I get Brooklyn, NY tory were we to impart a wider scope to a lot of pleasure when learning the Beis a prohibition issued by Torah sages than Yosef and seeing the scattered informa OF COOPERATION AND REJECTION - they had intended. tion of my last 20 years finally put into READING THE DIFFERENCES CORRECTLY DAVID FRIED!\1AN context, complete with a final halachic Lawrence, NY decision. The Beis Yosef brings the To the Editor: Yerushalmi very frequently. My greatest Articles in both the January and Feb pleasure came when Rabbi Yosef Karo ruary issues of The Jewish Observer (''All once quoted a particularly difficult in the Family" and "The New York Board Yerushalmi and then translated it into of Rabbis - Role Model?") made ref regular Hebrew for the reader of 400 erence to a p'sak halacha issued over years ago. I actually understood it forty years ago by eleven leading Rab before reading the translation, and that banim and Roshei Yeshiva prohibiting felt very, very good. membership in rabbinical or congre DR. TUVIA MEISTER gational organizations that also include Baltitnore Conservative or Reform members, such 153 7 50th Street, as the New York Board of Rabbis and the Brooklyn, NY 11219 JO IN THE JURY ROOM now-defunct Synagogue Council of (718) 854-2911 America. The reason given for the pro To the Editor: hibition was that such membership JO is truly on target. When called up lends undeserved legitimacy to inau for jury duty, I took along the January thentic expressions of Judaism. Unde Moishy, issue of The Jewish Observer. A movie I have recently noticed newspapers' Mordechai Ben David, was being shown in the jurors' waiting identifying this particular p'sak as the room which featured vile and sadistic forerunner to Israel's Chief Rabbis and other top-of-the-line violence. I looked into my copy of The recent rejection of the Ne'eman Com Jewish entertainers Jewish Observer, feeling angry and pow mission's proposal to include Conserv are available erless, when I came upon the article, ative and Reform representatives in offi to visit "Protest Pays;' by Eliyahu Mayer. What cial conversion procedures - another seriously ill a timely boost to my courage and case of forbidding joint religious Ortho morale! I told clerks exactly what my dox/non-Orthodox ventures. children thanks to objections were and asked that a movie Some papers, however, (such as The rnnnnr.w of a different type be shown. The next Forward, in "Sages Too Strict For Amer ,,,,.,,.,,,., ll'~ :lj?Jn ,, rtl il'IM: day an announcement was made that a icans," Feb. 13, '98) interpreted Ortho AChessed proj«t run by tamer movie was being shovvn, citing the dox participation in other Jewish com Agudath Israel of America • complaint of one juror. Yes, you can munal groups, such as the Conference in conjunction with '}; • • .. .. Suki & Ding Production~ • •· ~~. • "U.'""''• "fight city hall" even while waiting out of Presidents of Major Jewish Organi To set up an 'appointment, call: '1.• side the courtroom! zations, as a departure from this stance. (212)797·9000 Ext.H • M-F, 9-5' ~ . The Jewish Observer, March 1998 45 ll":::::::~1"10Tf:i Lll 1 I LLlfl 11'?/t: (L The 84 WilliamNational Street/NYC HeadquBi!ers 10038'~::::~::::::::::::::::::::::: of Agudath Israel of America n"'20people Unaffiliated Reform Conservative Orthodox Pr~ent Generation tttttt tttttt tttttt tttttt tttt 100 tttt 100 tttt 100 tttt 100 Second Generation Tt ttttntt; ttt~ ttttt tttt tttttttttt 36 51 T"rII 62 209 tt ttttttttittt tittiitttttttt Third Generation tt1 ttt~ tt ititilitttitt 13 26 l8 t1 436 iiilitl!li!ltlliiiil • Ii titililtl!liililil '" Ii !iil!iliiliiiiiiil 1 tt1 Miiliiliiiliil!iil Fourth Generation 5 13 24 iilililili! 91 I Smed on the 1990 Nut;onol Jew The Vanishing American Jew_ It's not iust the demand that brael abandon her recognition of our Jewish brothers and sisters. name of o book. It's o fact. And demographic studies Holocho, troditionol Jewish low, os the sole stondord Call us at 1·888·44-AMECHAD 11·888·442· indicate further decline among most segments of for marriage, divorce ond conversion. The standard 6324) or write to us at 1819 Glendale Ave., North American Jewry. that is the common denominator for all Jews_ And +ie Montreal, Quebec H2Y 184. We con provide you The numbers should shock us, but not surprise status quo in Israel since its inception with o list of Jewish schools and adult education us. So many Jewish children hove little or no TH£ KEYS TO CONTINUIJY programs in your area. We con also send you more connection with their oncestral faith. They see no The lesson of the chart is dear. The greater our informo~on about the chart above ond o brochure compelling reason to marry other Jews. Or to commitment to our mutual 3,000 year old Jewish about pluralism in Israel. wont to stoy Jewish themselves religious heritage, the greater our chance of surviving It's time we asked ourselves o simple question. CONFRONTING REALITY as Jews. The study of Torah and the observance of Why work to change Israel's religious status quo when Let's face it. If the success of o Jewish movement Mitzvot ore now - os they hove been throughout our our own is in such o stole of crisis? is measured by its ability to preserve Jewish identity history - the only keys to Jewish continuity. and ensure Jewish continuity, the sto!istics point to That is why o classical Jewish education must be Am Echad: serious failings our ultimate priority. For ourselves, for our children. PRISERVING ONE JEWISH NATION Yet some Jewish leaders insist that the North And for all the Jewish generations to come. A coolilioo of JeHS lrom (OMMITTEE H0«yM lkow". E>q G. The above, third in the series of full-page Am Echad public service advertisements, appeared in a recent edition of The New York Times as well as other widely-circulated publications from coast-to-coast. 46 The Jewish Observer, March 1998 . ·. -~;;~,~---· ~~~i; ·:0:f:ltei~r~~ ,~~.~; .... (. 1:Went}'.y~a~.1i;i,~E;!;IY:mi"~" .. tfieY~9i"1.o . . .~ioti1o eyery.faml!Y's bodksnetfand Seder table. ;, .•. ..•.. .. \ : ,.'J;nis;;i;n •.~nu~~~El}Jeri~.pf com111ent;1ry, ·i n~eif~'tt!5.i:ll•1 . .... ~~. dotes~ i!¥ infq~~~l~n fiom