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IN THIS ISSUE THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) I 0 Rebuilding the Glory of Bobov: A Biographical Tribute 0021-6615 is published monthly except to the Late Bobover Rebbe, Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam •:,..llT, July and August by the Agudath Israel of America, 84 William Street, New York, Rabbi Aaron Twerski and Rabbi Benzion Twerski N.Y. 10038. Periodicals postage paid in New York, N.Y. Subscription $24.00 per 1.0 Days of Awe in Bobov: Personal Glimpses, Sudy Rosengarten year; two years, $44.00; three years, $60.00. Outside of the Unned States (US funds drawn on a US bank only) $12.00 1. 3 A Rebbi's Role in Building Kia/ Yisroel, Rabbi Chaim Epstein surcharge per year. Single copy $3.50; foreign $4.50. POSTMASTER: Send address changes YAMIM NORA'IM ESSAYS to: The Jewish Observer, 84 William Street, N.Y.. N.Y. 10038. Tel: 212-797-9000, Fax: 1. 9 "On this Day Was the World Conceived;' Rabbi Moshe Ueber, 212-269-2843. based on a ma'amar by the Slonimer Rebbe, J"lll Printed in the U.S.A. 37 Baalei Teshuva's Professional Secrets, Simcha Schreiber RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR

EDITORIAL BOARD 43 "Dayeinu:' a poem by Israel Goldman

RABBI ABBA BRUONY BOOKS IN REVIEW RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS JOSEPH FRIEDENSON RABBI YISAOEL MEIR KIRZNEA 45 The Ethical Imperative, David Singer RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN 49 Partners With Hashem, by Dr. Meir Wik/er/ Rabbi Laibish Becker PROF. AARON TWERSKI

DR. ERNST L BODENHEIMER Z"L 53 Letters to the Editor Founding Chairman

MANAGEMENT BOARD AVIFISHOF NOTED IN SORROW NAFTOLI HIRSCH ISAAC KIRZNER The Jewish Observer mourns the passing of Dr. Ernst L. RABBI SHLOMO LESIN Bodenheimer ';"r, on 12 Elul/September 12, at the age of NACHUM STEIN 94. He served as chairman of the Editorial Board of the RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING magazine since its founding - which he initiated togeth­ Managing Editor er with the late president of Agudath Israel of America, Published by Agudath Israel of America Rabbi Moshe Sherer 7"r.

U.S. TRADE DISIBIBUTOR ISRAELI REPRESENTATIVE Born in Frankfurt-am-Main, Dr. Bodenheimer was edu­ Feldheim Publishers lnlnl. Media Placemenl 200 Airport Executive Park POB 7195 / 5 Even Israel cated in the Torah-im-Derech Bretz principles of Rabbi Nanuet, NY 10954 Jerusalem. ISRAEL Samson Raphael Hirsch, which he exemplified. For over BRITISH REPRESENTATIVE BELGIAN REPRESENTATIVE seven decades - both in Frankfurt, and later in America M. T. Bibelman Mr. E. Apter Grosvenor Works Lange Kievilstr 29 - he assumed a leadership role in a broad range of Kial activities. As a faithful Mount Pleasant Hill 2018 Anlwerp London E5 9NE. ENGLAND BELGIUM disciple of the great Torah personalities of his times, he gained a remarkable ori­

FRENCH REPflESENTATJVE SWISS REPRESENTATIVE entation to the yeshiva world. Torah hashkafa (ideology) was a determining fac­ Rabbi Bamberger Mr. S. Feldinger tor in his thinking and conduct - both personal and communal. He believed strong­ 21 Boulevard Paixhans leimanstrasse 36 57000 Metz 4051 Basel ly in the power of the printed word, and was firmly dedicated to the conveying FRANCE SWITZERLAND of Torah views of events and issues by employing verbal expression in a digni­ THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not fied, cogent manner, edifying and inspiring the reader in the process. To him, this assume responsibility for the of any product, publication, or was Kiddush Hashem. advertised in its pages Dr. Bodenheimer was intimately involved in each issue of The Jewish Observer, © Copyright 2000 from its inception in September 1963, until a little over a year ago - just before his final illness. We of The Jewish Observer will il"'N continue to strive to live up to October 2000 VOLUME XXXlll/NO. 8 the challenge of his vision of discussing the concerns of Kial Yisroel in ~~a~µ."1' L------Y;.·.{;',;·:;,;-;y;s'commensurate with its mission. A more detailed tribute is planned for a fU):l.!1'~:~U!";'; those that come ;from . non-religiou~>i · •;.backgrounds/;} \•i:J~c•i\;· · ·immen~e. ~fll'!Y,1Wills~" .t.!lke··. o~ ~.~. n. o n ~.fl;~~f.!,•c#.g; .• < \\fork,k w)\il~ . S~f!l.~ ..··• \\fill; S~?dYil)•·•SJ?~fii'lJ ···• · ~l1!f~lil)!.'. i~u): almost all · •of them will and crops in Eretz Yisrael. Giving up their rnain, and often only, source of income is a sacrifice in tlieJJat):IE:! pf hedush.a, a11d. a< growing; n,~rnber pf' r~raeJis.,-:.•. J;>othf~~<::i.tli'l~flncl•·r~IIgjpµs•;:: ···

I I wish to help the more than 5,000 farmers Help make it YES e in Eretz Yisrael who will observe shmitah. aspecial year Enclosed please find my contribution of $______for 5,000 Israeli ADDRESS------famersand C1TY/STATE/Z1r ______

their families! PHONE------i'm 7w 1l1'l7 nm7nJ n>y>:iw >1r.nw1 u"7v:in M"llwn nu>r.iwn mw v:iwn mw n:iip •imvi 1111 ~in in:i•vi i:i:n ,.,,,,,,.,, n>p11pi:i m::ir.m ll"P7 n:in11:i o•imnr.i •n •111• l"lll:ll o•r.inpr.in (M"O 1"i''1) '11:ii •VllY "' •11:u' 11n•?y lN1Pl 111:11 niVl:i n•y•:ivin om>r.iy .on•r.i1'1 on•mw o•n•:iwr.i n:iw nr.i•7w niwr.i n7vr.i7 nJwr.inr.in 11 n:ii m::ir.i .7111-v• 1r.iv7 mJT M•n o•7mn nm•llll n11n m1Jll .i1DY ,,,,,, 11n•?y !l11ll'DVI11'1:11 ))1 i:ii vi• N? :mm 11:l!VI •:i "'":n 11!1? 11Dtl ,nr.inp7 m i:iv:iw nr.i - nu•r.iwn m::ir.i m>r.iw:i nM7om mr.i::ivnn •17•l7 1l'111l u>:>t ov - 77'n n7m m•n7 m:i•wn ,n>y•:iwn •ir.nw o•uvr.i D"N7pn o•:i1w> ?w mlor.i Ni•~n ~1i1n t1Nln ni'C»w '1'1'Jl'!l\1 •itii\1 c•N?pn? •l/iN:i t;)iti:i' nopn 1'n1N11i1 ,ln11lW 1"n n1't:l"1j7 1:>11 i1 i 11:11u ~"j71:11T 11T~lt:l 1'1l'l:I ':I, N'lll'i!n 7Jo •n •Ni> o>N7pn •o7M 101:11m y1Nn n:iw •wipo n'lY n:imm nwiwn7 1•m?1vo1 o>:iinom m::io 7-v nno'l!1 ,,,,., i1nr.i miwo •7l nu>r.iwn miir.i o•r.i»pr.in )'1Nn mi•o ""' n•y>:iw7 n>y>:iwo nJ11n:i n>y>:iwn '1r.nw? 1llll•n111 1TY7 m>n7 n">n!Yl mr.nv1 n7y10 '1'1'll'!lt':'l Jip• m>r.iw 11>y1 niion:i n?y1m ,on•:i n7J7J7 Yl'll7 mJ>r.in:i1 ,111>y:i1 .n•wvo1 n>nJ7n J11N7pnn '0l)) 7Jl 01)J\ i1Wl ,i1'11Yll7 1l:ll'j71 i1'))'l'Vi1 t1ton1ui n1'l'1' ,tll'1UI 1:11?1:> ?:>:i. ?Niuit t):i, 1l'nN ?N tl'l10 UN 1:>? -:i. l'1:i.'il ,,:i. i11:>n?1 t1l'1'n11:>1in '"V n l'1:i.i l'11~1:>:i.

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~------'\&/__ ------~ 03-6191777 .OiJ9 03-6195376 .7u 5110511iJ'O 659 .1.11 iJ1Y'lJ ,39V'N1nn :'Ill/fl 711l/D HJl'll':Jl!hl n;r 4-24494-9'OD1Nl1~ illJ IDVn 409-2028001-n 'OD 188 ~·JO '"1"9 jllJ) IDVn REBUILDING THE GLORY OF BOBOV A Biographical Tribute to the Late Bobover Rav, Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam ;i:i1:i'7 i7'i~ i:ir

ny tribute to the Bobover Rav, unbounded ahavas Yisroel that touched and was raised by the Divrei Chaim, the 7",;r will fall short of the mark. the lives of tens of thousands; the regal holy Sanzer Rav 7.. :n as his own child. A For those who knew him and presence that he projected; the unending His home reflected the aristocracy of basked in his light, there is no need to humility that permeated his every act - Torah and Chassidus, an integral part of eulogize. And for those who did not all need to be addressed in some sequen­ his life blood. know or see him, any eulogy will not tial fashion. But they were not separate As first Bobover Rav, Reb Shlomo even begin to describe the magnificence parts of his being. Those who were for­ founded and organized the first yeshi­ of this gadol and tzaddik. tunate to experience hin1 sensed the total va in Galicia. Up to that time, bachurim Any attempt to describe him requires integration of all of his attributes into this studied Torah in shtieblach, as small that the writer segregate individual quintessential oveid Hashem. For he was groups under the tutelage of a maggid aspects of his life. The intensity and bril­ at one and the same time royal and hum­ shiur. Reb Shlomo, an outstanding goan, liance of his Torah; the awe-inspiring ble, profound and simple, totally acces­ decided that with the advent of the avoda, which was central to his life; the sible and yet light years removed in a spir­ haskala, the formal structure of a yeshi­ itual plane all alone. va gedola was necessary if Torah was to ··------··~----- Rabbi Aaron TWerski of Brooklyn, a niembcr of remain vibrant. Indeed, he believed the Editorial Board of The Jewish Observer, and I. THE EARLY YEARS Rabbi Benzion Twerski of Milwaukee are the 1. Reb Shlomo's Rebbetzin was the daughter of nephew and great nephew (respectively) of the Reb Laizcr Dzikiver 7·~, the son of the legendary Bobover Rav?"Yl. The authors acknowledge the he Bobover Rav7.. :::rr was born on Ropshitzcr Rav. Chaya Fradel was the daughter contributions of Rabbi Baruch D. Halberstam, Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5768 (1907) of Rcb Sholom Laizer, the Rahtzfcrder Rav, ?"3T Rabbi Yaakov Yoseif Halberstam and Rabbi Zal­ to his father, Reb Benzion ;··'11 and one of the youngest children of the Sanzcr Rav, T and, on her 1naternal side, the grandaughter of men Leib Meisels. Each of the afore1nentioned his mother Chaya Fradel ;n1. His grand­ delivered moving eulogies of the Bobover Rav Reb Mordchai Dov of Hornistaipol, who was a 1 7"Yr. The authors are indebted to them for their father, Reb Shlomo 7":Jr (whose name scion of the Tchernobler dynasty, and one of the insights and recollections. he bore), was orphaned as a young child recognized gaonim of his generation.

-·------·------70 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 that the traditional role of Rebbe had to Bobov for Tchebin - also in Galicia. The change, for he saw his charge to be a 111ar­ Rav assumed the task of being the poseik bitz Torah (disseminator of Torah) first (halacha decisor) for the city and Rosh and foremost. He drew thousands of Yeshiva in Bobov. Not only did he say bachurim to him, merging within him­ regular shiurim in Talmud and Choshen self the roles of Rebbe and Rosh Yeshiva. Mishpat (codes dealing with business When he passed away in J 905 at the law), but he was widely sought after as age of 58, the mantle of leadership fell a dayan to resolve serious, co1nplex dinei to his son Rav Benzion, who was then Torah. In 1936, when his father returned a young man of 3 J. Though reluctant to Bobov, he continued in his role as at first to assume the role of Rebbe, the moreh hara' a and Rosh Yeshiva. Indeed, Chassidim insisted, and he finally acqui­ in that year he played a significant role esced to their entreaties. After several of Sanz and Dzikiv - spiritual giants who in the convention of rabbanin1 who had tranquil years as both Rebbe and Rosh were truly bnei aliya - lofty personali­ gathered to seek to nullify the govern­ Yeshiva, his life was shattered by the out­ ties. mental decree against shechita in break of World War I. Galicia was invad­ In 1959, on his first trip to Eretz Yisroel, Poland. Though he was the youngest rav ed by the Russians, virulent anti-se1ni­ he traveled by ship. The seas ivere stormy in attendance, he commanded the tes. The Bobover Yeshiva ceased to and the passengers suffered fron1 severe nau­ respect of even the most venerable sages. exist, and Rav Benzion and his family sea. Several (:hassidim were sitting in the It is worth noting that during almost a fled to Austria, where they lived in exile. Rav's cabin, all sick to their stomachs. The half-century in America, he had clear The war had wreaked havoc on the Rav's Gabbai, Reb Shia Vol[ Safrin, him­ and definitive views on a broad range entire structure of 'lbrah life in Galicia. self a saintly person, had with him son1e sour ofhalachic issues that arose. At times he Alienated youth found refuge in the ide­ candy and offered one to the Rav, suggest­ was seriously at odds with the views of ologies of socialis1n, communis1n, and ing that it would relieve his nausea. The Rav other paskim. He shared his opinions on zionism, and a generation seemed des­ declined saying, " For the last forty years I occasion in private discussions, but did tined to be lost. Rav Benzion sensed the have not taken a 'tzikerel' to my mouth. not go public with them. He had turned crisis of the hour and devoted the entire­ When I way a young boy, Reb Ezriel Man­ a page in his life. His task was now to ty of his being to attracting the youth to delbaum ?":~n spent untold hours 1vith me be a rnarbitz Torah, not a 111oreh hora'a. Torah and Chassidus. His insight into the and inzpressed upon n1e that one should not The generation needed him in that soul of each and every talmid was uncan­ eat that ivhich was not absolutely necessary capacity, and he would not be side­ ny. Ultimately, tens of thousands were for one's health and well being. Since that tracked from accomplishing his prima­ drawn to him. In 1938, just prior to the titne, I have not been able to bring 111yself ry goal. onset of World War II, he had established to taste candy." a network of over 50 yeshivas throughout The Ravs youth was devoted to the II. THE WAR YEARS Galicia. Volumes could and should be study of Torah. His love and thirst for written about this chapter of 1brah Torah lmew no bounds, and he grew o tell the tale of the Bobover Ravs renewal in the face of terrible adversity. into a talmid chacham of the first rank. activities during the Holocaust All this is in the way of an all too brief lie received his smichas chachamim from Twould require a book. Indeed, introduction to the world into which the the Krossner Rav, Reb Shmiel Fuhrer such a book has been written', and it is late Bobover Rav .,.. ,,. was born. If the .,.. ,,..widely recognized as one of the out­ a veritable 1nussar seferthat depicts hero­ world was in turmoil, his father was not. standing gaanim in Poland, and spent ism, mesiras nefesh for Klal Yisroel, and There \Vas no roo1n in his life for one many hours being me[alpel (engaged in unquestioning trust and faith in moment of self-indulgence. The Ravwit­ intricate Talmudic discussions) with him Hashem Yisborach. To simply chronicle nessed first hand his father's total and on issues that appeared in his se[arim. his activities would he overwhelming. co1nplete discipline and uncon1pron1is­ Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Meisels 7··~1 (Veitzen­ He organized and supported yeshivas ing commitment to Kial Yisrael. The les­ er Rav), his brother-in-law and a world that operated in underground bunkers. son was not lost on hi1n. He was his renowned gaan who studied together He counseled hundreds of Chassidim on father's greatest Chassid, and as time with the Rav bechavrusa for many a daily basis as to how to save themselves would reveal, he was his greatest disciple. years, remarked that he was avvestruck and their children. In the depths of mas­ how a talmid chacham of such magni­ sive murdering, he advised that children Coming of Age in Bobov tude was able to hide his vast scholar­ be placed with non-Jewish families ship from the world. until the war's end. His faith that there s a youngster, the Rav was priv­ In 1931, when the Rav was just 23 would be a tomorrow when the children ileged to be surrounded by Chas­ years old, his father (for reasons that 2. Nor the Moon By Night, by Devora Gliks111an A sidim who had dwelt in the glow remam a mystery) decided to leave ( distributed by Feldheim Pub., 1997)

The Jewish Observer, October 2000 11 would be repatriated to their parents was taught Torah, related sepurei tzaddikim Yitzchok Weiss (the Minchas Yitzchak) unshaken. To the argument that it (tales of righteous men), and gave owed his life to the Bobover Rav because would be better that the children die al encouragement to all with whom he he was able to hide from the Nazis in a kiddush Hashem rather than face the came in contact. bunker. The Rav forged passports and possibility that they would be raised as He and his young son Naftali (the ran smuggling operations in which non-Jews, he responded that he would present Bobover Rav) ran rescue mis­ Jews were hidden under the bed of coal take upon himself the role of ruling on sions in and out of the ghettos, provid­ trucks, crossing borders to countries dinei nefashos and that he would not lis­ ing food, sustenance and advance warn­ where there was greater safety. While ten to counsel of despair. Hundreds of ings of Nazi activities to save the lives engaged in these activities, he was those children and subsequent genera­ of Jews. He became an expert in build­ caught on numerous occasions by the tions of frum, Chassidishe Yidden are ing underground bunkers, and when he Nazis (1!1"tl') with the promise that he alive today because of his staunch and came to Hungary, he taught Jews how would face firing squads on the morrow unyielding p'sak. Throughout, whether to save themselves in this fashion. The only to be saved through the miraculous hidden in bunkers or in the ghettos, he late Rav of Jerusalem, Hagaon Rabbi intervention of the Ribbano Shel Olam. On one such occasion when he sought to escape Poland, the Rav and his son, Naftali, were caught with forged papers. The Gestapo demanded that the Rav tell them Grocery bills spiraling out of control... Insurance who had arranged far them to be smuggled costs rising beyond belief... Choking day to day out of the country. The commissar in charge living expenses ... Exorbitant rent... And many of told the Rav that if he would not inform, our own friends and neighbors are living in silence, he would kill him by cutting his flesh piece unable to keep up with their day to day expenses by piece until he died. This took place on despite their best efforts. Friday, and they were to be killed the fal­ lowing day. That Friday night in jail, the Rav dav­ t YOU can helpl ened Kabbolas Shabbos and sang L'Cha Dodi, made Kiddush on a crust of bread, Keren Aniyai Jrchoh, a'n and sang zemiros with his son. The Rav organization that gives Biderech then turned to Naftali and said: "You know, Kovod, often without the Naftulche, I want to ask a favor ofyou. Will recipient knowing himself. you do it far me!" Keren Aniyai Jrchoh pays "Yes," answered the boy. "Whatever der grocery bills,. rent, insurance, Taite says, I will do." tuition directly without "Remember," his father continued, " I involving the recipient. The want you to do this out of lave for me." highest level of tzedaka "Yes, Tatte," he said. possible. "! want you to know that a few cannot We need YOUR help be shat. A Jew has a neshumeh (soul) that Hashem gives him which cannot be to help these destroyed. The body, which is only a garment for the neshumeh, may be shot, but the people continue neshumeh remains intact. Today, I am your to live". without father and you are my child. Tomorrow we will be two neshumes sacrificed to sancti­ shame. fy the Name of Hashem.

,,;;~'"'.ft~....,.,vni .rG,f,u,fl'I "! want you to remember the Yomim •?> ,.vn.r; ,,,,,,.f,; ;,;'::,, 'Jbvim in Bobov... the excitement of danc­ ,,#r 'i'!''wJ ing with the sifrei Toireh on Simchas >lN cm ,Ml il:f.:illrD :D :>::o ')11:l:tJO 'lN Dl :OJ l'1:m>1 .'"l ..... _•1 :nn nK ll:l>n i•::iJJ Toireh ... singing U'shavtem Mayin1 B'susoin .11 l'Ul'On l'li"'f:tJ C>!>l'Ul'tll:m OJUI }f'l'l'I ~ Oh'Wt joyfully as we drew the water far baking mat· zos. And ren1ember Erev Pesach when we baked matzos for the Seder... der Zeide sang Halle! while he walked among the tables handing out pieces of dough to roll."

------··· 12 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 The Rav paused and took a deep breath. has any true value is our avoidas Hashen1. "Naftulche, I feel that we will no longer bake Try not to cry or despair. Instead, screa1n n1atzos, nor will we dance on Sin1chas along with 111e in _joy, 'Shen1a Yisroel, Toireh. But there is one more mitzva we can Hashem Eloikaini Hashem Echod."' fulfill with simcheh. Tomorrow, we will give Tears began to trickle doivn the young our lives to sanctify Hashem's Narne. boy's face. "I ivill not be able to watch vvhat "I am asking one thing of you that I they do to my father," he whimpered. "I will know will be very difficult. You are a child; ask that they shoot n1e first so t11at I will not you they ivill not torture. But be prepared. have to watch." According to the Polish comn1issar, they will The Babaver Rav gently repeated that torture 1ne to find out the name of the sn1ug­ they would be sacrificing their lives to per­ gler. It will be to no avail; I will not tell. And fonn a 1nitzva. It was the sarnc 1nitzva that they 1vill force you to watch i,.vhile they beat rnany of their ancestors had so courageously n1e and the l1lood runs down 1ny face and pe1formed before them. 3 body. At that n1oment, let us both screan1 How they were miraculously saved is out 'Shen1a Yisroel, Hashem Eloikaini a story, in and of itself. Divine Provi­ Hashctn Echod' with happiness and con­ dence willed that they be spared to viction. Just as we understand that danc­ rebuild Torah in America. ing with the sefer Toireh on Sin1chas Toireh is a sin1chch, so too, pe1forming the rnitz­ Ill. THE POST-WAR YEARS vah of sanct~fying Hashe1n's Nan1e is _just as great a simcheh. Remen1ber, at that he Bobover Rav ':r~r arrived in daughter of the Liminivor Rav, and two mo111cnt think of nothing otl1er than ofgiv­ America on Taanis Esther, 1947. children in the Holocaust. His father, ing your life ivith simcheh. Remember that THis life was shattered. He had lost brother (Moshe Aaron), and three oilem ha-zeh (this world) is just heivel his wife, Blima Ruchel (Teitelbaum), brothers-in-law (Shlomo Rubin, Moshe havuli1n - vanity and c1nptiness and, that 3. Quoted from Nor the Moon by 1\fight, by Devo­ Stempel and Chaskel Halberstam) were the only thing we can accomplish here that ra Gliks1nan. brutally murdered in Lemburg by the

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The Jewish Observer, October 2000 13 Nazis, and another brother (Chaim ing in the Displaced Persons (DP) approved the visas. Shia) died in a Siberian prison. Short­ camps. The late Kolbosover Rav, Rabbi On his return to New York, he set­ ly after his arrival, the Rav traveled to Alexander Teitelbaum ';··~1. had a per­ tled in West 87th Street in Manhattan, Milwaukee for a reunion with his sister, sonal friendship with the late Con­ and the beginning of the Bobover story Rebbetzin Devora Leah Twerski, and her gressman Blum and asked that the Con­ in American began to unfold. He gath­ husband, the Milwaukee Rebbe, Rabbi gressman arrange a 1neeting with an ered the refugees one by one to him. One Yaakov Yisroel Twerski. The tears that Undersecretary of State who might cannot begin to describe the despair flowed in that encounter would have expedite the visas. When he arrived at with which these "dried bones" came to sufficed to create a large river. He spent the meeting, the Rav requested that the this country. But they found in their the entire Pesach in Milwaukee and Undersecretary approve his request for Rebbe an indominitable spirit. One of "jihred tischen" throughout. hundreds of visas. The Undersecretary the earliest American talmidi1n, Moshe His first order of business in Amer­ responded that he could not comply, for Aftergut, relates that one day he accom­ ica was to obtain visas for Jews remain- to do so would violate the law. Rabbi panied the Rav to the rnikva on the West Teitelbaum served as translator and Side, and the Rav had to borrow money relayed the information to the Rav. The from him to pay the mikva gelt. As they Rav stared the Undersecretary of State were walking, the Rav pointed to one in the eyes, and said: "You talk to me building and said, "Moshe, this build­ about violating the law. There are no ing will be the Yeshiva Ketana. He then legal restrictions when it comes to sav­ pointed to the next, and said, "And this ing my fellow Jews. I forged passports, one will be the Mesivta." And to a third: smuggled across borders, bribed guards "This one will house a girls' school:' This and lied to authorities on hundreds of was at a time when he had a handful of 0 A C H E S T R A S occasions. Illegal? Law docs not enter the students learning in his dining room, 516 569 4949 question. I am a law-breaker when it and not a penny to his name. 718 237 2988 comes to saving lives." The Undersec­ His optimism was infectious. Slow­ retary was moved beyond words and ly the yeshiva grew. He organized voca­ tional training for the older refugees and obtained gainful employment for them. He sought out shidduchim for them and arranged for their weddings. And then he himself remarried - with Freida Count On Us ... Ta Count Far Yau! Rubin, the daughter of Rabbi Aryeh Leib Rnbin, the Tomashover Rav. As the yeshiva grew, it became clear A.B. POMERANTZ that a move was necessary. After con­ siderable deliberation, the Bobover Rav BOOKKEEPING SERVICES moved to Crown Heights on the first day of Selichos, 1954. Later, Bobov moved to ~ Bora Park where the yeshiva, kollel and ~ girls' school blossomed. At enormous cost and mesiras nefesh, the Rav found­ With close to a decade of p;:,;~:;::aking accounting experience, ed Kiryat Bobov in Bat Yam, Israel. The we can save you precious time, energy and money. present Bobover Rav N.. V'?v recalled that Throughout the year, our QuickBooks certified advisors keep when his father undertook the endeav­ meticulous track of your billing, yielding your small business the or, he was deeply in debt with the oper­ highest possible benefit. You work hard for your money- let us ating expenses of the Yeshiva. There were help you reap the most from your effort. Bobover Holocaust survivors in Israel, Invest your valuable time making your business prosper - however, and the Rav saw need to sal­ and leave the counting to us. vage their lives, so he simply made a heroic decision to create a haven for 877-999-9511 them. Over the years, Bobover yeshivas sprouted in London, Antwerp, Toron­ to, Monsey, Jerusalem, and Bnai Brak. The four young men who formed the nucleus in 1947 are now represented by

14 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 tens of thousands of talmidim. learning. He believed that the early dawn the Talmidei Baal Shem. He would In addition to the present Bobover learning discipline was important for expound on a Midrash or a Zahar, Rav, Harav Naftali N"t7'?1!!, he was yiras Shamayim and would pay great answer a seeming contradiction, or blessed with five daughters, all married dividends in understanding Torah. explain a Mesorah of the Baal Haturim. to outstanding tabnidei chachamiln, Bobover bachurim knew full well that his He would range throughout Shas for and one son, the Harav Hatzair Benzion audiences with Chassidim did not end sources that would support his theme. Aryeh Leibush N"V"n>. before I :30 in the morning, yet his learn­ Each drush had a message that demand­ The kedusha that radiated from his ing was far too important to allow ed greater effort in tefilla, more toil in holy soul was the force that brought exhaustion to get in the way. He would limud Hatorah, greater vigor in the ful­ about this miracle. In the ensuing often simply doze off at his table for a fillment of mitzvos, and the never-end­ pages, we shall attempt to capture a tiny short time and awake for several hours ing theme of tikkun hamiddos (improve­ glimpse of what we were able to perceive of learning before going to the mikva. ment in character). Self-discipline was from his avodas Hashem. Friday nights were especially pre­ the hallmark of an oveid Hashem. It was cious to him. Following the davening, the central theme of his life and he con­ IV. THE RAY'S UNIQUE he would seclude himself in his sefarim veyed it with passion to his Chassidim. AVODAS HASHEM roo1n for several hours of uninter­ Many of the Rav's drushim (lengthy rupted limud Hatorah before going to Torah novellae) were recorded in the Limud HaTorah the tisch. Oftimes he was observed monthly journal Kerem Shlomo, pub­ catching even just a few valuable min­ lished over a span of 21 years. These he Rav's hasmodasHatorah (dili­ utes between people's visits to infuse divrei Torah were avidly studied not gence in Torah study) was himself with Torah. It was in light of only by his Chassidim and bnei Torah Tremarkable. Despite the crushing his mesiras nefesh for learning Torah but also by many gedolei Yisroel. Dr. pressure of hundreds (and during Ellul that he was able to demand that his Adler of London once visited Rabbi and Tishrei, thousands) seeking his Chassidim maintain regular sedarin1 Yaakov Yisroel Kanievsky, the world counsel and beracha on a weekly basis, (schedules) in learning, no matter The Once-in-a Lifetime Purchase he seized every avai1able mon1ent to how busy or distracted they might be. that you should never have to use: learn Torah. He had special, untouch­ He served as a living example that even able times when he could learn with the most exhausting regimen could not KAKKAIN peace of mind, primarily in the early serve as an excuse for failing to learn morning hours. Bachurim on the way to be'hasmada. BRETZ YISKOBL the mikva at 5:30 A.M. would daily see At almost every tisch we were zocheh Call Rabbi Gavriel Beer for the Rav on the way home from the to hear lengthy discourses of Torah, mus­ information on obtaining mikva to his pre-Shacharis learning. The sar and Chassidus. The Rav wove intri­ cemetery plots in Beth Shemesh Rav demanded of all Bobover talmidim cate fabrics of classic drush and sifrei and other locations in Israel. in the yeshiva that they arise early in the Chassidus, often with strands of insights morning (jartugs) for a regular seder in taken from the lives of his ancestors and 01 ... 972-2-656-9427

The Jewish Observer, October 2000 15 simcha and optimism. He approached tefilla and mitzvos with the enthusiasm and freshness of one who was fulfill­ ing the mitzva for the very first time. His deliberate movements and flair were a product of the yearning and excitement that resulted from his pash­ tus (simplicity) and eagerness to serve. It was amazing to observe that his sim­ cha and fervor in performing a mitzva was identical when he made Kiddush before thousands of Chassidim as when two or three of us ate with him at his 1 table· • Never was there a distinction in his Kiddush, Birkas Hamazon or his magnificent divrei Torah. He was a sim­ ple servant directing his every act to his Master. Several years ago, his physician con­ vinced him that he must be operated for a hernia. The specialist, in an effort to make the Rav comfortable with him as his sur­ geon, said, "I have done so 1nany of these operations, I can do it with my eyes closed." In response, the Rav remarked, "Isn't it interesting? I've been putting on tefillin for over seventy years, and I still can't do it with acclaimed Steipler Gaon 7"~t, and Avoida - Tefilla and Mitzvos my eyes closed." observed the Kerem Shlomo on his It was the energy that flowed from table. When he inquired as to why the irst and foremost the Rav saw his simcha in performing mitzvos that Steipler had this particular Torah himself as a servant of the King. made being part of the tefillos and his periodical, the Steipler responded, FHis singular focus on avoida and avoda such a unique privilege. The sim­ "It is a chiddush that in our time there the privilege therein, was the source of cha was contagious. From the joyous is still a Yid with such a remarkable his remarkable strength, and most singing of" T'nu Shevach" on Friday koach in drush." certainly the fount of his overflowing night after the tisch to the regal avoda of the Hakafos on Simchas Torah, from the "Tzama Lecha Nafshz"' in the wee hours of Purim morning to the majestic "Mevaser Ve'o1ner" on Hoshana Rabba, the Rav's simcha and deveikus touched every neshama that was within his company. When so many of us were overcome by fatigue FREE and exhaustion, the Rav continued to serve, to teach, to plead for Kial Yisroel COMPUTER with the vigor of one half or a third his age. Only heavenly strength could COURSE explain how a 1nan in his nineties stood For Women Coping On Their Own on his feet for hours performing the (Widowed, Divorced, Separated) naanuim on Succos during Hallel, holding the esrog and lulav high above 30 Hours of Instruction - Day Classes his head throughout. For More Information or To Register, 4 One of the authors (Benzion TWerski) ate at the Rav's Shabbos morning seuda for five years and witnessed this phenornenon first hand.

----- ·------····------16 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 Many years ago, a leading Rosh sn1ile, his loving gaze and the vibra­ nephew once entered the Rav)s office Hayeshiva had come to visit the Rav. At the tions of warmth and caring that and found him in tears. He waited time, his Yeshiva was going through finan­ emanated from him. We yearned for silently until the Rav composed him­ cial difficulties, and the Rav offered to con­ our eyes to meet his - even from afar self. The Rav explained, "I cannot bear tribute an appreciable sum. The Rav gave - as he wished us le'chaim. In a the pain. I just heard of the fourth can­ him a sizable donation, and added that he crowd of thousands, he always seemed cer case today alone:' too was strapped for funds, but he hoped able to make eye contact with every His patience and tolerance were leg­ that things would ease and that he would Chossid. We treasured the clasping of endary. His Gabbai of many years, Reb pay the balance in the future. his hands around ours when he gave Shmiel Horowitz, relates that some Several n1onths late1~ a bachur fron1 that his berachos after giving him a kvittel. difficult and troubled souls would take yeshiva carne to see the Rav on his Rosh His caring knew no bounds - from the untold hours of the Rav's time. On one Yeshiva's instructions. On his own, he oldest to the tiny tots who came to occasion, a particularly difficult unwisely reniarked that if it were convenient learn their first Aleph Bois, his focus woman had repeatedly bothered the for the Rav, he would collect thechov (debt) was singular. Rav about the same problem, and Reb that he owed the yeshiva. The Rav reached He once commented, "Every Shmiel could not fathom allowing her into his pocket and gave the bachur a sig­ human being is an olam kattan (a small to eat up any more of the Rav's pre­ nificant amount of n1oney, and told hi1n, world unto himself). When one comes cious time. He informed her that he "Please understand that this money does not to see me, I enter his world and I dwell would no longer allow her entry. represent a chov. It is a zechus (lit.: cred­ in it to the exclusion of all else." Little Several days later, the woman managed it; also: privilege)." This attitude personi­ wonder that we all felt as if we were the to sneak in to the Rav when Reb fied the Rav's avoda: Perfonning a mitzva hen yachid (only child) of the Rav. This Shmiel was away from his desk. She was always a zechus, never a chov. was in no way a disingenuous outward told the Rav that Reb Shmiel had appearance. He shared with us that he barred her entry to see him. When the Ahavas Yisroel was disappointed when people called woman left, the Rav called in Reb in times of crisis, but forgot to inform Shmiel and said. "Tell me, who is in he Rav's magnetic personality him when the situation changed for the charge here - you or me? I want you to was widely appreciated. Every­ better, for he continued to worry over know that before I became Rebbe, I knew Tone was drawn to him by his them and be mispallel for them. A that my patience would be severely tried.

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------The Jewish Observer, October 2000 17 So for many months, I studied sifrei from her husband. The Rav did every­ time in Boro Park late at night." mussar that dealt with the attribute of thing in his power to convince her The Rav answered, "Not from my savlonus (patience) to the point where husband to end the marriage. It was house. I won't allow it." I was confident that I had mastered the a difficult case, and the young woman He summoned his Gabbai and told midda in its entirety. My door remains would come with considerable fre­ him to call a car service. About twenty open for everybody without limitation. quency to discuss her problem with n1inutes after she arrived home, the tele­ Don't ever close it." the Rav. Once she came to the Rav very phone rang. It was the Ravs Gabbai call­ late at night. When she finished her ing: "The Rav wants to know that you *** audience with the Rav, it was 12:30 got borne safely." A.M. She was about to leave when the When she hung up, she sat and wept A young woman who had been Rav asked her how she was getting through the night. "I had felt so forlorn. through a troublesome marriage had home. She answered that she just lived No one worried about my plight. The suffered through several years in several blocks away and would walk Ravs call kept me going. The Rav truly which she was unable to obtain a get home. She said, "I walk alone all the cared." Ultimately, the Rav was able to pre­ vail on her husband to give the get. The Rav's telephone call on that lonely night still reverberates in her heart.

***

His caring for others was an inte­ gral part of his personality. A young talmid of the Yeshiva once submitted a pilpul to be printed in Kerem Shlo­ Are uour ads worKino hard mo. Several weeks later, the Rav called the talmid over to compliment him on or hardlU worHlng? his chiddush. The ta/mid was impressed that the Rav remembered \Vhen your botton1 liuf' demands eff(,ctivf:' his submission. When he repeated the advertising and marketing, turn to an expe- Rav's words to the editor of Kerem 1ienced sour<'e... Botlon1 Line DPsign. Shlomo, Reb Shmerel Zitroncnbaum, he commented, "Of course! The Rav More than a design finn, Bottom Line revievvs the journal from cover to cover Design is a full-service advf'rtising agency in inanuscript, and, in fact, he changed that specializes in making ~rour business several words in your article so that the or organiz:;i_tion visible and SU<'cessful. language would flow better!" A simple ------()ffe1ing reliable, creatiYe and act of chessed, with no gain for him­ aflfJrdabie design Rnd 718.377.4567 \Vlitin~, self, just to help his talmid present him­ \Vf'b services, \.YE;ll transfon11 self more favorably. .vou into one of our man:--" www.bottomlinedesign.com Several years ago, the Rav visited our satisfied e11st01ners. mother and grandmother ;i ")) (his old­

\Vhen ~'OU want to succeed, the agenc_v est sister) in Milwaukee. One of the you need is Bolton1 Line Design. authors (Benzion Twerski) was fortunate So('all us todav at 718-377-4567. to host the Rav for a festive seuda in his home. That evening, the Rav returned to New York to his grueling schedule. The next morning the phone rang in shul. The Rav was on the phone: "Ben­ zion, I can't reme1nber if I compli­ mented your wife for the wonderful sueda she prepared. [He certainly had done so.] Please apologize to her and tell her that the seuda had 'alleh ta'amim."' The Rav had little regard for fancy

18 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 food preparation and gourmet n1eals. On Another Plane He ate only n1inin1al an1ount for his sus­ tenance. No one ever saw him add salt ne can only share a small part or sugar to make food more tasty. His of the stories of the Rav's ko' ach eating was totally leshem Shamayim, yet Oas a poyel yeshuos. But, over the he knew that someone had made a great years Chassidim knew first hand that he effort to please him and that deserved operated on a different plane. The fol­ The late Rebhe as d young man (right,) with his recognition. lowing are just a few examples. father, Rav Iknzion T"il On Shushan Puriln, it was his 1ninhag **' to visit the ho1nes of his children and close had said. The Rav looked up at him and relatives, and n1ake a beracha in each home. said, "Ich hob dir schon gezogt az dos His revulsion for machlokes and (The custom was called "rimplin. ") One kindt is gezunt (I have already told you that strife was to the extre1ne. He remarked Shushan Purim, he said to the Chassidin1 the child is healthy)." on numerous occasions that he believed accompanying him, "Let us 1nake a stop at The Millers were inforn1ed of the Rav's that a contributing cause of the Holo­ the honie of a non-family 1ne111ber, a words, and went back for further testing. caust was the internecine fighting that devoted Chassid." The young tnan had been This time the tests showed that the baby was took place in pre-war Europe between 1narried for several years and had yet to be fine. To this very day, the doctors cannot different factions of the religious com­ blessed with children. explain ivhat lzad transpired. munity. He would go to the furthest V\!hen he ca1nc in, the Chassid offered This beautiful child, Moshe Leib Miller, lengths to avoid even the hint of acri­ hfrn a cup of wine. The Rav declined, and celebrated his Bar Mitzva on the day of the mony. 1t happened that so1ne irre­ asked.for so1ne lvater. He said that he want­ Rav's petira (passing), this past Rosh sponsible Chassidirn once circulated a ed to 111ake a "Boreh nefashos."s Standing Chodesh Av. defamatory leaflet maligning the Rav. next to the Rav was another Chassid lVho At Me/ave Malka that week, the Rav sought a similar beracha. Catching the sig­ n1adc the fol1owing state1nent: "As you nificance of the r1101nent, he turned to the know, a scurrilous leaflet about 1ne was Rav and said "Rebbe, mich oichet (Rebbe, distributed this week. I fully forgive for inc too)." The Rav responded "Nu, Nu, those who wrote the leaflet. I want to - boreh nefoshos rabbos."6 make it clear, however, that if there be The Rav 111ade the beracha. 1'hat year a any among you who will seek to defend son ivas born to the first Chassid a1ul a 1ny honor and respond in any shape, daughter to the other. Sorne f\venty years form, or inanner, I tell you now that I later, these t1vo Chassidim beca111e will not forgive you." And then, after a 111echutanitn wlien the children born frorn Hats • Shirts • Ties • Accessories pause, he added, "Lo bazeh vcloh be'bo the Rav's bcracha married each other. (Neither in this world nor in the world Your #1 Stop to co1ne)." With such an ad1nonition, for the issue ca1ne to rest. Quality Hats

Perhaps the greatest expression his A Mihvaukee couple, the Millers, 1vere WE ALSO DRY CLEAN LARGEST SELECTION & RESHAPE HATS OF CHOSONIM TIES IN Ahavas Yisroel were his tefillos for his expecting their fifth child. Mrs. Miller went (All work done on p1emlses) BROOKLYN Chassidim and Kial Yisroel. His tefillos in fi1r routine testing. The X-rays showed 1368 Coney Island Avenue were suffused with torrents of tears and severe dcforn1ation of the baby's head and (71 8) 377-5050 heart-rending cries to the Ribbono Shel brains. 'The Millers vvere devastated, and Major credit cards accepted• We ship UPS Olam. He kept all the kvitlach he can1c to their Rav, Reh Michel 'Iiverski, to seek received, and took them with him to his counsel. Reb Michel called to his son in Europe or Bretz Yisroel to the n1ekon1os New York (one of the authors) ivho ivas at hakedoshim - sacred places. The gut­ the time studying at the Bobover Yeshiva and wrenching wailing that acco1npanied his told hiln to go into the Rav ivith a kvittel. Tehillim at these holy sites was of such Rcb Michel's son entered the Rav's study, intensity that one felt that he carried the handed hint the kvittel, and explained the Brooklyn NY 11218 pain of Kial Yisroel in his heart. gravity of the situation. The Rav read the We make "housecalls" kvittel and said, "Tell the parents that the 5. Literally: "I-le who creates souls ... ," the bless­ baby is fine. 1'11ere is nothing to worry about." 718)972-4003 ing recited after drinking water, or olhcr foods Reh Michel's son, thinking that the Rav and beverages. IP. :i-•-,N• 6. " ... He who creates n1any souls ..." - n1ore of didn't fully grasp the seriousness of the prolJ­ .,b~tv the text of !hat saine bcracha. lem, repeated to the Rav ivhat the doctors / • -

The Jewish Observer, October 2000 19 **' DAYS OF AWE IN A bachur had reached the age ofshid­ duchim and was having a difficult time finding his zivug (match) At the Yahrtzeit sueda for the Sanzer Rav':>"~!, Chassidim would stand in line and give kvitlach to the BOBOV: Rav. It was an ais ratzon, a time to seek out yeshu'os. The young nJan was especially sensitive, since he was orphaned from both SOME PERSONAL GLIMPSES his parents and had gone through a bout with ill health. The Rav 's Gabbai wrote the Excerpted from a longer memoir written by Sudy Rosengarten, kvittel, which set forth the supplication for a member of a prominent family in the Bobov Community a "zivig hogun" (a fittingshidduch). For some reason, the bachur interpreted these words to mean that he was asking for a I. SUBMITTING THE KVITTEL Rebbe is like a father to his Chassidim. match that was fittingfor him: Since he was He takes their heartaches very serious­ orphaned and had been ill, that was the t is the week before the High Holy ly and very personally, and gets sick from kind ofshidduch that would be fit for him. Days. Every evening, a crowd of all the problems that his Chassidim bring He expressed his consternation to a close I Chassidim congregate on the corner him. A real Chassid tries to spare his friend, and said, "I don't lvant to deliver this of Forty-Eighth Street and Fifteenth Rebbe." kvittel." Nonetheless, he stood in line, and Avenue in Baro Park, waiting for the I would disagree with my husband, before he knew it, he had approached the Rebbe to enter his study and begin tak­ insisting that if a Chassid didn't feel free Rav who took the kvittel from the bachur's ing kvitlach. to discuss his problems with his Rebbe, hand and studied it. He turned to the My husband and I wait in line with what did he need a Rebbefor, in the first bachur, and said, "In this kvittel it says that the others. This is our first visit back to placel you are seeking a mazel'dik shidduch, a the States since moving to Israel twen­ But now, as I stood looking at the frail wonderful shidduch." And he then repeat­ ty years ago. Praying with the Rebbe will old saint, I suddenly realized what my ed, "Yes, a mazel'dik and wonderful shid­ be the highlight of our trip. husband had been trying to tell me; now duch" a second and third time. The Gabbai motions for us to enter. I too could understand. All the burdens The bachur left the Rav exalted, and Though so many years have passed that the Chassidim had thrust on the moved to tears. The Rav had read the kvit­ since I'd last seen the Rebbe, my mem­ Rebbes shoulders, all the years, had final­ tel that had been written by his heart. ory of him always remained that of a ly taken their toll. I looked at the great regal figure, straight and proud. On holy man and was brokenhearted. How V. CONCLUSION entering his private study, I'm shocked I wished that just as he helped so many to find a bent, old man, standing at the people all the years, I could help him hazal tell us that the passing of side of his huge desk. now! tzaddikim is likened to the Chur­ Although he still wears a bronze bro­ But how could I help him when I still Cban of the Beis Hamikdash. The cade robe with mandarin collar, black needed him myself: to listen, to advise, Rav was for us the Urim Vetumim and the slipper-type shoes, and a black velour to bless, and to include in his prayers? Sanhedrin. Above all, he was a wellspring hat, everything else about him is dif­ As the Rebbe reads the kvittel, he of kedusha that gave special meaning to ferent. His beard has turned all white; stands so close to my husband, he prac­ our lives. This source of inspiration is gone, he seems to be totally exhausted, breath­ tically leans on him. When he finishes, and we now must face the task of grow­ ing with difficulty, constantly sighing, he lifts his eyes upward, grasps my hus­ ing into what he expected us to be. Per­ almost gasping, as though to get more band's hand, and calls· out in a weak haps the magic that the Bobover Rav had, breath. He seems so frail, his eyelids are voice, "May the new year be full of bless­ was that when we were in his presence, we almost transparent. ing and joy. May it be a year with health knew that he saw the good in us, our I suddenly understand why, in the and nachas:' potential for greatness. We felt our very past, my husband would often refuse to The Gabbai, who stands outside the best in his eyeshot because all he saw was consult with the Rebbe on matters that door, is already pushing in the next our very best. May Hashem give us the wis­ troubled us. "I don't want the Rebbe to Chassid.. I am in a panic; we haven't even dom and the strength to be that very best. have aggravation," he would say. "The told the Rebbe what is so urgent for him We await the time when once again Mrs. Rosengarten, who lives in Bnei Brak, is the to hear. we will be zocheh to hear" Kol Dodi henai author of ,World Apart (Targum/Feldheim), her "Meyer;' I whisper to my husband, as ze boh, mevasser ve'o1ner!" • memoirs of growing up in \Villiamsburg, Brooklyn.

20 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 prayers like a child who has just learnt world. So he prays with all be has; his letters. Often his voice is hoarse, or with every surging bit of strength, his breath comes in gasps, or he prays even jumping up and down, holding in almost a whisper .... But in the unbe­ on to the prayer-stand, so that he lievable silence, everyone hears and shouldn't fall. keeps up with him by pointing to the words on the page. III • CELEBRATING SUCCOS Sometimes the Rebbe sounds like different people; a frail old man ... a very night of the Succos holi­ sweet young singer. And when he day, the Chassidim have been breaks out in sobs and pleads for for­ Eup till the wee hours. Sensing giveness, there's nowhere to hide from their exhaustion, the Rebbe motions the impact of his pain. to the musicians to play a lively tune. As I watch the Rebbe praying, I get The Chassidim respond like quick­ the awful feeling that I am eavesdrop­ silver, again and again, faster and he heads for the door, "you didn't tell ping on something very private; a holy faster, clapping, stamping, singing the Rebbe about Chumie, to ask for a man talking straight to G-d, with all his aloud, beginning each new stanza on special beracha ... :' heart and with all his soul. And I sud­ a different scale, to a yet livelier beat; "Now is not the time to discuss pri­ denly realize that this frail old man is "V'hareinu b'vinyano V'samcheinu vate matters with the Rebbe;' my hus­ carrying the burdens of all those peo" besikuno." band whispers back, embarrassed to be pie on his shoulders. And he is sobbing Again and again, faster and faster. holding up the line. "Can't you see the because those people have chosen him On and on the song continues. It load of people waiting outside? Now, to defend them in the Heavenly Court, seems as though it will never end, the Rebbe gives each one a general bless­ and he feels unworthy of the task. .. and and the Rebbe is sparking it all; full ing for a good year; that goes fast, in and frightened that he may not win their of spirit, full of holiday joy. out; those who want a private session case. I watch from my shaky table come back another time:' Despite my reservations, I'm unable under the window in the yard; hyp­ But the Rebbe senses that I'm not sat­ to take my eyes off the Rebbe, and press notized, mesmerized, full of wonder isfied, and motioning for the Gabbai to harder against the mechitza-glass, deter­ and disbelief. close the door again, he turns to my mined not to miss anything in this man's Is it possible that this giant of spir" husband and asks what I want. confrontation with his G-d. But, as I it and physical endurance, so youth­ "Our daughter, Nechama ... she's watch, I feel myself being sucked into a ful and vibrant, regal and kingly, is the expecting around this time .... The doc- whirlpool ofemotions that I am unable same frail rabbi to whom my husband tors anticipate problems ... :' to control or even identifY ... and all I can and I had gone with our kvittel before "Di Aibeshter zul he/fin az zee zul do is cry. Rosh Hashana? I keep asking myself. ariberkumen b'sholom ub'nekel." (May Suddenly the Rebbe is shouting; the When had that failing, fading shad­ the One Above help her overcome her words are strong, the cry is compelling. ow been transformed into this difficulties with ease.) Where is that voice that now shatters young, forceful figure who walks at The Rebbe's voice is suddenly loud mountains coming from? I wonder. a pace that defies his age, who lives and clear, his arms reach up to heav­ Certainly not from that figure below, by a schedule that few can keep up en. Again the door opens. The Gabbai spreading his arms beneath his tallis like with, who stimulates and electrifies looks first at the Rebbe, then at his wrist­ an eagle, repeating again and again the each Chassid as though he were watch. The Rebbe, sensing that I am still chant for forgiveness and mercy. under some magic spell? not finished, motions for him to close But why the shouting? I ask. And I suddenly understood what my son the door again .... then I understand. Of course the had tried to tell me when I'd demand­ Rebbe must shout; he is praying for ed that the Chassidim start taking care II. VIEW FROM THE BALCONY everyone there; of course he must cry, of their old, frail rabbi and not allow burdened as he is with such an awe­ him to do those things that were way rom my place in the eastern cor­ some responsibility .... For not only beyond his physical strength. He was ner of the women's balcony, I am does the Rebbe pray for himself and trying to explain that the interaction of Fable to look straight down into his family, and for all those who come the tzaddik with his Chassidim not only the Rebbe's upturned face as he stands to him for help: he must also pray for elevates the people to new heights of before the amid, wrapped in his tallis. the entire Jewish nation, and for spirit, but also revives and regenerates He enunciates every word of the 1 peace and plenty for the rest of the the tzaddik himself. •

The Jewish Observer, October 2000 21 The . OODffi& .. ·• '- .. Ji~··Sitt€iftffi Ul\.l1"1:'1•.. .·.·.' • ·.·. };.. .•. ..' •. : .. ·..··. ;a..•.. ;.. ··.·•··. ,a,·.·•.·.· t...... •··.·....•.. ·...., "'·· ..·• G.· ...... ~.i) . 1i-'~l\1fl···. 1.:'~~····.·\\~\tr.· 1·1lMf "' .· a ·· ·· · ···· . "''" ..... • ·.·•

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Available at all Judaica bookstores or directly from the distributor: ISRAEL BOOK SHOP A Rebbi's Role in Building Kial Yisroel Based on an Address by Rabbi Chaim Epstein N"v":iv Rosh Hayeshiva of Yeshiva Zichron Melech in Brooklyn

IN SEARCH OF CAUSES weakness, expand on the fonner, and respect to a rebbi is greater than doing mitigate the latter as 1nuch as possible. so to parents. The reasoning is that par­ e are living in a time of The initial step in such an under­ ents only bring a child into This World, unprecedented growth and taking is usually a statistical survey. Kial while a rebbi brings him to Olam W prosperity- in both spiritu­ Yisroel's assess1nent of problems, how­ Habba, the World-to-Come. In addition, al and material dimensions. But we are ever, is not defined by statistics. Gov­ in contemporary society, the rebbi is cru­ also suffering from problems that, in ernment groups may take comfort cial to enabling his students to function some ways) are more severe than ever. when the number of traffic accidents on productively in This World, as well. For It goes without saying that it is terribly a particular holiday weekend is lower when a boy or girl does not identify with inadequate to simply take note of a than that of the previous year. We Jews, yeshiva goals, and "drops out;' he (or problem, and shake our heads in dismay. on the other hand, realize that each per­ she) generally does not land on firm Every effort must be made to find solu­ son is "a world unto himself." Each and footing on the edge of religious society, tions to whatever plagues us - a strate­ every traffic fatality ?"i represents a leading a normal, productive life. Far gy reflecting clear daas Torah, which national tragedy. And so, by the same more often, he or she slips far beyond would include close study, careful plan­ token, does every child who drops out the pale of civil, decent life. How much ning, and taking effective action. More­ of school, and perforce, out of Torah more profound should our appreciation over, we must put at least as tnuch effort society, constitute a tragedy of 1najor of rebbe'im and teachers be! in avoiding problems as in solving proportions. Nonetheless, statistics can them once they arise. offer us a proper perspective on the sit­ WHEN THE PERSPECTIVE IS ASKEW This probably strikes the reader as a uation. For example, consider a school truism, but unfortunately, in certain with hundreds of students that ?"i suf­ he success aspect of our strug­ areas we have been more reactive than fers a loss of a handful of students who gling Torah schools is often over­ proactive, responding to problems abandon a life ofiorah. Yes, the loss of T looked. After all, it's an old rule rather than focusing on preventing those precious neshamos is inestimable. in journalism that good news is no news. them. At the same time, we n1ust bear in mind 1"he focus of inost news reports is usu­ This is especially symptomatic of the that the overwhelming majority of the ally on crime, accidents and natural dis­ current concern with "Children at Risk:' student body was saved from the spir­ asters, because these events generally will Much of the discussion surrounding this itual maelstrom that constitutes today's arouse more interest than positive painful phenon1enon is centered on: society. And the key person in our developments. Similarly, people tend to How can we bring these children back? schools' success is the rebbi/teacher. forget about the vast majority of our Undoubtedly, as hatzolas nefashos- sav­ Indeed, it is the rebbei'im who invariably yeshivas' talmidim whom the rebbei'im ing of Jewish lives - this should earn top exert the greatest positive influence upon succeed in reaching, and focus only on priority in our concerns. But by the same the children by keeping them actively the precious neshamos who are lost. And token, we should examine the causes of involved in their learning, coaxing their then who is blamed for those unfortu­ this phenomenon, we should attempt to growth in their appreciation of Torah, nate children? Why, the melamdim, of determine our areas of strength and and guiding their development as course! knowledgeable, committed Torah Jews. To be sure, there is always room for The above article was translated and prepared for publication by Rabbi Mayer Tzvi Berman of This is recognized by Chazal, who improvement, and we must find ways to Lakewood, NJ, a ta/111id of Rabbi Chain1 Epstein. teach us that the obligation to show prevent those occurrences when

The Jewish Observer, October 2000 23 melamdim fail to reach children. We roust deal constructively with such problems; Now you tan Enjoy n1umina1inf! I we must search for positive approaches, 1 and we must find effective solutions; but Torah Insif!hts trom Rabbi Yosel Viener - , we must always revere our melamdim for

1 their mesiras nefesh and devotion, for the captured lor your convenience on Tape chinuch of our children. The dedicated rebbe's influence is not unlike the role of the yeitzer tov in a per­ Spousal Responsibilities: son's inner struggle between the forces of Halachas and Hashkafas af the good and evil. In the words of Shlomo Husband/Wife Re/affanship Hamelech in Kohel/e __, (2 tapes) ''A small city with few people in it is • The Right and Privileges of approached by a king who surrounds it the Husband and of the Wife and builds ramparts around the walls. •Specific Holochic Obligations Within the city dwells a man -poor, but • Practical Solutions to wise - who saves the city with his wis­ Everyday Issues dom. But later no one recalls this poor Contemporary Hashkala: man. I say that wisdom is better than Parents: Bereishis Vol. I (6 tapes) Among the many topics discussed: strength, but the poor man's wisdom is Responsibilities &Obligations scorned and his words are not heard." (2topes) • Good Maze II Bod Maze! Rashi tells us that the "City with few •Changing places to improve mozel people" is a metaphor for a person and •Moving Away from Parents •Con people harm at will? • Issues with In-lows his various organs. The "Great King" refers to the yeitzer hara, which uses its vast • Marriage and Kibbud resources to attack the person spiritual­ • Doing What They Wont vs. ly. The "poor but wise man" refers to the What They Need yeitzer tov, who saves the person from cer­ tain ruin, but ordinarily does not receive 1!'11111!!!!'-"!"I From Galus lo Geulah: the appreciation he so richly deserves. Preparing for the Moshiach Rebbei'im are often in the yeitzer tov's (2 tapes) position of"the poor but wise man." They •The Dynamics of may save countless talmidim from the Ntrt:>ni ~n:ivv Contemporary Hashkala: clutches of the yeitzer hara, but they are • i'lt:J.)i!) during Bereishis Vol. II (6 tapes) often forgotten, and not accorded the the era of ni"t-~D Among the many topics discussed: recognition and respect that is their due. • Understanding the Change • Avoiding thecurse of 'Adam &Chavo' in our Doily lives • Sibling rivalry A PRACTICAL APPROACH • Democracy vs. Monarchy • Gambling with Mitzvos - SMALLER CIASSES

n truth, the current situation in chin­ uch suffers from a fateful flaw, which ::i EncloSW 1s my check for-... ~ .... payable to KerenYad Avrohom To order by credit card please call: can only be corrected by revolution­ ,J Please charge my credit card: .J Visa J MasterCard I 118·438-3904 (9am - Spm) ary change. This would call for taking a Signature ______·-·----·--- page from the way successful businessmen conduct their affairs, and applying it to Card#------~- Exp chinuch. Let us illustrate this with the case of an Fmm Gal us 10 Geulon (514) Name industrialist who employs fifteen workers, Contempomry Hoshkofo, Vol. Address each of whom produces ten suits a day. Co~-~~~~-~~Ho~~kafu, Vo~.~! -~~:'._~l_ ___ j ____ _ He would never raise the daily quota to City State Zip fifteen suits per worker. He realizes that were he to push the workers to produce in a quantity beyond their capabilities, the products would be of inferior quality. The

24 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 only way to increase productivity without Considering the n1eager salaries of compromising on quality is to hire more n1elamdim, which come nowhere near workers. A good businessman will also covering their minimum needs, it is make sure that his workers are satisfied and unreasonable to obligate them with even in a happy, productive frame of mind. more involvement, which the children We must examine the structure of our need so desperately - especially in these chinuch institutions in accordance with turbulent tiines. 1'his unfortunate situa­ this general understanding of econon1ic tion forces 1nanya n1elan1ed-rebbito seek 1537 50th Street, principles: Can we reasonably expect a supplementary employment, like teach­ Brooklyn, NY 11219 rebbi to teach 30 to 35 children in one ing «English" in the afternoon, or pursu­ (718) 854-2911 class? Chazal prescribe no more than 25 ing other means of income- co1npelling children in a class. him to run from "job to job" -which adds A number of years ago, an expert further to his tensions and stands in the melamed told me that every year he is way of his total devotion and personal assigned 30 boys in his class, ten of whom involvement with the talmidim, which he end up wasting their time. Even for him - yearns so strongly. Admirably, the an acknowledged expertmelamed - to give melamed-rebbi's dedication to his over his lessons to so many children at once talmidim and his sense of joy and fulfill­ was simply impossible. Thirty students ment in his chosen mission in life is exem­ were far too many for a single class. And that plary. Yet he cannot help but be distract­ was before the present decadence in world ed at times, thus triggering added culture began presenting even greater prob­ frustration and tension, in spite of his suc­ lems (and therefore, heavier workloads) for cess at building and molding so many fine the rebbei'im. b' nei Torah. Nowadays, when we demand so much One can easily imagine how we would more from a rebb~ we simply cannot place save so many nefashos yekaros (precious more than 15-20 at the most- children in a class. True, in Chazal's times a rebbi was able to teach 25 children within one setting. In today's turbulent times and ail­ ing society, however, we expect a rebbi to detect subtle changes in the children's behavior, and deal with their personal problems on an individual basis. It is not humanly possible to do all of that for 25- 30 children. It is nothing short of a mir­ / acle that under the current conditions, rr':l • Incoming calls from anywhere there have not been more dropouts than ...J r 1 ~ -,I in the world (Israel and U.K. only) we are suffering. I If l J _, -1 •Voice mail • Call waiting • Caller ID •·•-••-•--•--••-ml •Itemized bill • Spare battery & more! THE PEACE-OF-MIND FACTOR • Lowest Rates Guaranteed! • Student Specials •Same day delivery N.Y./N.J. • Next-day delivery nationwide here is another aspect of the infra­ Travel Agents & Corporate Accounts Contact Josh Mehlman, President structure of our chinuch institu­ .. Ttions that desperately needs radi­ cal improvement. We expect the melamed to be responsible for solving the children's problems, and assume that even after he leaves the classroom he will be thinking, "Yanky needs more attention in reading Rashi script. Moishy could use a kind word:' He is more likely to be burdened by pressing worries of how to meet his financial obligations, and n1aintain his fa1nily's basic, minimum needs.

The Jewish Observer, October 2000 25 souls) and avoid the tragic problems of afford such costly measures? True, those who are not reached, if only our yeshivas may not have the money, but choshuve b'nei Torah, nedivei am (philan­ Baruch Hashem, our community is thropists) and machzikei Torah (sup­ blessed with many affluent members. porters of Torah) would really think into Indeed, during the past few decades, the plight of our rebbei'im: If we truly Hashem has blessed Kial Yisrael with expect me/amdim to save our children unusual wealth. Why did Hashem give from the corrosive effects of society, we us such great resources, if not to save must provide them with a salary that can future geuerations for a Torah way oflife? give them peace of mind. Would you At a fundraising Melava Malka to entrust your health to a physician who benefit a yeshiva, Rabbi Shimon seems worried and uneasy? You would Schwab 7··:n posed the following ques­ want a doctor who has the composure and tion: In the zemer "Hamavdil,'' we equanimity necessary to accurately assess beseech Hashem, "May Hashem your health needs, and to respond intel­ increase our offspring and our money ligently. Our children deserve rebbei'im like the sand." It is obvious why we wish with comparable composure and equa­ for our offspring to be as numerous as nimity. It is certainly possible that in many sand, but why do we twin that request of those cases when a melamed fuils to with one for such a seemingly mundane reach a child, the melamed would have gift as great wealth? been able to respond more fully had he Rabbi Schwab then offered an been free of personal financial pressures. answer to his question: "Do you know What level salary is appropriate for what you can do with money? You can a melamedl It would miss the mark save the whole world with money!" completely to compare a melamed's Beyond doubt, our educational system assignment to that of a public school could be vastly improved with additional teacher. A public school teacher must funds. Baruch Hashem, today we have strive to reach as many of his charges as wealthy ba'alei battim who had spent possible with the information and skills many years learning in yeshiva~ who con­ he is meant to impart, while a rebbi is tinue to study Torah, and appreciate the expected to be the savior of Kial Yisroel, singular importance of Torah. They are in the manner of the Creator, who is the already spending money on various prototype Melamed Torah Le'amo Yis­ programs to help be mekarev (bring rael. Additionally, we expect the rebbi to close) children who fall through the constantly have his talmidim's wellbeing cracks in the present system. All that is in mind, to formulate strategies to help necessary at this point is to explain the them, and save them, when necessary. urgency of the situation to them. How Doesn't he deserve to be paid com­ much more cost effective, and less mensurately? If we treat our melamdim painful, it would be for all of us if they like low-level cogs in the workings of our would also invest funds in helping chinuch machine, how can we expect yeshivas help children before it becomes optimum performance from them? necessary to comb the streets for these On the other hand, if we expect very same children after they've slipped melamdim to assume full responsibility beyond the fringe. for molding-for saving-the next gen­ People visit apparently thriving eration for Yiddishkeit, it is incumbent yeshivas with packed classrooms, and upon us to treat and support them in a rejoice at the yeshivos' success, think­ manner commensurate with the task. ing that all is well. But appearances are deceiving. They must realize that the MAKING ENDS MEET situation is in a crisis mode, and the sta­ tus quo is unacceptable. More rebbe'im imiting class size and raising are needed for the n··:i burgeoning stu­ rebbei'im's salaries translates into dent population. Each rebbi must be La radical increase in expenditures. respected and appreciated, and he How can financially strapped yeshivas must be made aware of the high

···------·-----· 26 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 esteem in which he is held. His finan­ cial worries should be alleviated so that he can concentrate on his students' needs with a clear mind) uncluttered with the demands of his budget. And the structure of our chinuch system needs careful assessment and revivifi­ Personal responsibility throughout service - NOT JUST "PAPERWORK" cation. Those who can heighten the ORIGINATOR OF THE PRESENT RABBINICALLY APPROVED METHOD public's appreciation of the melamdim Highly recommended by Gedolai Hador- Here and in ~retz Yisrael and those who have the resources to 104J-42nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219 enhance the yeshivas' capacity to hire Day &N'ight phone: (718) 851-8925 more rebbe'im at appropriate salaries, hold in their hands the keys to help our ]))t"l:IN1~l:INi7 ))l"i' -1'1~ 1Nl nll:l:I)) 'll~ chinuch system meet the challenges of Kavod Haniftar with Mesiras Nefesh and compassion for the bereaved family. today ... and tomorrow. • TAHARAS ffANIFTAR SHOULD NEVER BE COMMERCIALIZED

The Jewish Observer, October 2000 27 Machon Yaakov offers a four year program that prepares students for the challenges of life. Excellence in Torah and general studies, midos, enrichment programs and carefully selected faculty and student body provide for an exceptional education. • Member of the prestigious New York State Association of Independent Schools. • State of the art, fully equipped modern building. • Exceptional scores on PSAT, SAT, Regents and A.P. Exams. • Extraordinarily high rate of National Merit Awards. • Visits and lectures by prominent Roshei Yeshiva, Torah personalities and notables in Jewish life. • Tours of nearby cultural institutions and landmarks. • Small classes and individualized attention. • Transportation is available. !11JJ'i JPY" 11'.J~ MANHATTAN HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS 154 East 70 Street (off Lexington Ave.), New York, NY 10021 Tel: 212.737.6800 Fax: 212.737.0766 Rebbetzin Ruthy Assaf Mrs. Chana Zauderer Principal Assistant Principal ACommitment to Excellence YOMIM NORAIM ESSAY "On This Day Was The World Conceived" An adaptation of Ma'amar 1, Rosh Hashana o"1v nin tJl'il from Nesivos Shalom Vol. II by the late Slonimer Rebbe, Rabbi Shalom Noach Berezovsky il::ii:i7 j7'i::i i::ir, Translated and prepared (or publication by Rabbi Moshe Liebe1: Tiu: Slonimer Rebbe':J":Jt (center)

JUDGMENT AND JOY? send portions to those who have Great Assembly), they convey the mean­ nothing prepared, for today is sacred ing and sanctity of the day, and allude he description in Tanach of Rosh to our Master. Do not be sad; the to its content and deepest message. Hashana as Hashem's holy day is enjoyment of Hashem is your strength" The prayers of Rosh Hashana (the Tapparently related to its status as (8, 9-10), Why should they not weep basic prayers, not the piyuttim added a Day ofJudgment (Nechemia 8, l 0). As over their sins on the Day of Judgment? later) make no mention of the day being the Sages taught, on Rosh Hashana all Isn't this an integral part of the teshu­ one of judgment. 1'he 1najor, recurrent creatures pass before Hashem in judg­ va process, particularly appropriate to theme is the coronation of Hashen1 as ment (Rosh Hashana 16a). Rosh Hashana? absolute monarch over all creation. In The implication of the words of the In truth, the words of the Sages con­ conjunction with this, we request that Sages is that all creatures, Jews and non­ vey mixed - even contradictory - mes­ I-le cast his awe over a11 His creatures Jews alike, and even those who do not sages about the character of the day, On ("f11l!l)l1p:i1), and that He alone rule over enjoy !Tee choice, pass before the Divine one hand, we do not recite Hallel on Rosh all of the world and its inhabitants. In court of justice. This is en1phasized in our Hashana because the books of life and essence, these prayers convey our yearn­ prayers: "You count and judge the souls death are open, rendering Halle! inap­ ing for the Messianic Age when the of all living creatures and apportion life propriate (Rosh Hashana 32b ), On the entire world will be filled with a vibrant and sustenance to all Your creatures." other hand, tbe Talmud Yerushalmi recognition of Hashen1. How can one be judged if he is not in (cited in 7l.ir, Orach Chaim 581) describes control of his destiny and choices in life? the uniqueness of the Jewish people in COSMIC RENEWAL For example, even the angels tremble in their attitude toward Rosh Hashana: awe of the day of judgment (Mussa[ of Who is like this nation! Normally n the Mussa[ prayer of Rosh Rosh Hashana). But why should they one who must appear before a tribunal Hashana we declare: "This is the day tremble? They certainly have no !Tee choice wears b1ack, does not cut his hair or I of the beginning of your works, a and are not ntlpable for their actions. nails and is in a somber frame of mind, commemoration of the first day" - The elusiveness of the nature of unsure of what awaits him. The nation underscoring how Rosh Hashana not Rosh Hashana is further underscored of Israel, however, is different. They only commemorates the day of the cre­ by the fact that it is called a holiday. wear white (festive) clothes, take hair­ ation of man, but it is also, in a way, a "Blow the shofar at the moon's renew­ cuts, eat, drink and rejoice in Rosh return to creation. According to the al, at the time appointed for our fes­ Hashana, confident that Hashem wiH Arizal, every year at Rosh Hashana the tive day" (Tehillim 81, 4), says David exonerate them. creation process repeats itself. All of the Hamelech. In our prayers, too, we speak Yorn Kippur as well seems to have a cos1nos returns to its pre-creation stage, of Rosh Hashana as being given to us dual character. It is the day when the awaiting to be created once again, for by Hashem /J'ahava- with love. If Rosh decree issued on Rosh Hashana is every year is a discrete unit of tin1e and Hashana is primarily a Day of Judg­ sealed, and yet it is, as its name indicates, existence. The New Year does not flow ment, its defining character should be a day of atonement and Divine for­ automatically within a continuum of fear, awe and a sense of worry. Yet giveness. How are we to understand that time; rather it takes an expression of Nechemia told the nation: "Today is a day can simultaneously be one of Divine will to create - to renew - the sacred to Hashem your G-d, do not Divine judgment and a time of pardon? world's existencei, thus reestablishing mourn and do not weep .... Go eat rich His earthly kingdom. foods and drink sweet beverages and SPIRITUAL FUNCTIONALITY It is in this light that we may under-

1. This is analogous to the idea expressed by Ohr Rabbi Moshe Lieber is the author of 11ic Pirkci n order to understand the essence of Hachaim (Bereishis 2, 3) that the entire cos1nos Avos Treasury and The Fifth Comnznnd111e111 Rosh Hashana, we must study the was intrinsically created to last only six days. Shah­ a1nong other works published by Mesorah/ bos then infuses it with the reinvigorating ener­ ArtScroll. }fe is a grandnephew of the Slonimer prayers of the day. Established by the I gy to create yet another six days, which in turn Rebbc 7"p1:s-r, author of Nesivos Slialo1n. Anshei Knesses Hagedola (Men of the are extended by strength of the next Sliabhos.

The Jewish Observer, October 2000 29 stand Rosh Hashana as a Day of Judg­ world outweighs the evil. The continued those goals, its existence becomes moot ment. Since c?lv mn om-"Today is the existence of the cosmos and all its and it must be discarded. birthday of the world" - namely, the time minute and infinite parts is dependent This is analogous to the Great Flood, when the cosmos, and its centerpiece - on this judgment, for if creation is spir­ in which Hashem destroyed everything, man - is recreated; therefore tm:>?'l)) 'ilyt itually deficient, it loses its claim to exist. even turning over deep layers of the 7.l~mv'01'n"all the creatures of the This type of judgment relates even to earth itself. All creatures, as well as inan­ world stand in judgment:' The judgment creatures who do not possess free choice, imate objects, were destroyed even is to assess the status of each and every since the issues under scrutiny are not though they possessed no volition, and creature and to ascertain whether they related to responsibility or culpability, certainly were not held responsible for are fulfilling their unique role within but rather to whether or not they func­ their actions. The destruction was not Hashem's goals for His creation. tion in a manner that justifies their con­ meted out in a punitive sense but Furthermore, a spiritual stock-taking tinued existence'. Hashem has goals that rather responded to the moral and eth­ occurs on Rosh Hashana to determine He wants to realize through Creation. If ical depravity that had so deeply infil­ whether or not the good that exists in the any element does not serve or advance trated every molecule of existence, that the world could no longer serve as the vehicle to advance the Divine agenda. It no longer had the right to exist. CELEBRATING... On Rosh Hashana, as Hashem is poised to create the world again, He sits ••• CIIAI years of extending Gemach interest-free loans in judgment on every single detail of in Eretz YISroel under the guidance of our illustrious Hon­ Creation: "Did it fulfill its role in My orary President, Hagaon Horav Chaim Pinchos Scheinberg. plans in the past, and am I justified in recreating it and granting it another ••• CIIAI branches in communities, Yeshivos and year? Or has it outlived its usefulness and Kollelim. Staffed by dedicated volunteers dispensing loans should be done away with?" The judg­ with care and compassion on easy repayment terms ment clearly applies to all of creation, even the inanimate, even those creatures ••• CIIAI anniversary that have no freedom of choice. The by establishing the D1RA question is not '

30 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 Hashem who directs judgment examines G-d" (Devarim 29, 9-11). The Zahar (sacred literature), the attainment of this the hearts while at judgment. submits that the word today refers to cleaving is the ultimate goal of Torah Rosh Hashana, the Day of Judgment. and mitzvos, for all of Torah and mitzvos NON-PUNITIVE JUDGMENT On this day, when we all stand before are advice and strategies for attaining Him in judgment, we once again pass total bonding with Him. his perception of the judgment into the covenant of Hashem, our G-d. Rambam ( Hilchos Teshuva l 0:3) on Rosh Hashana is elaborated on We must review our covenantal rela­ offers a compelling portrait of this all­ Tin a lengthy letter of the Yesod tionship with Hirn, for the continued embracing relationship: HaAvoda3. and renewed existence of the world is What is the optimum love one He points out that since this day is set dependent on it. should have for Hashem? An intensive, aside for Hashem to determine if creation Thus, the essence of Rosh Hashana extremely powerful love to the point is be renewed, the Sages speak of judg­ is to proclaim His kingship over us that one's soul is bound to the love of ment of the world rather than judgment afresh. In the words of the Zahar, Hashem. One is constantly obsessed of man. The world as a whole, with all "Man must make Hashem king over with it much as one who is lovesick, of its elements, undergoes a judgment as every single one of his limbs:' This is also whose thoughts are constantly preoc­ to whether its continued existence is war­ the underlying theme of the words, "But cupied with the love of a particular ranted, in light of the Divine goals and you who cling to Hashem your G-d - woman; he constantly thinks of her, destiny for which He created the world you are alive today'' (Devarim 4, 4). Here while sitting or standing, while eating - and the individual. again, today alludes to Rosh Hashana, or drinking. Even more intense than In sum, Rosh Hashana is not a day of for it is the day of ultimate dinging to this will the love of Hashem be in the judgment in the conventional sense of Hashem, when we renew our covenant hearts of those who love Him so the term - namely, to ascertain guilt or with Him. A covenantal relationship is strongly. This is the love Shlomo innocence and to punish accordingly­ one that suffers no dividing barriers Hamelech referred to in an analogous for, as previously mentioned, it includes between a Jew and his Father in Heav­ fashion with the declaration I am sick even those creatures that have no free en. According to our sefarim hakedoshim with love (Shir Hashirim 2, 5). All of choice and cannot be deemed guilty and culpable. Rather, Hashem judges every molecule of creation in light of His goals, so as to assess whether its continued exis­ tence is justified. For careful attention to your A DAY OF COVENANTAL RENEWAL individual needs, call us today!

rorn this perception of Rosh (914) 354-8445 Hashana as the day of cosmic Frebirth emerges a fundamental point with regard to our specific role in this process. The world was initially brought into existence for the sake of the Jew­ ish People, who would in the future accept and fulfill the Torah (see Rashi to Bereishis 1,1). Consequently, on Rosh Hashana, along with the rebirth of the world, a renewal of the covenant between Hashem and the people of Israel takes place: They are reinvested with this singular status for having con­ ducted their lives in a manner consis­ tent with Torah. This is alluded to in the verse, "You are standing today, all of you, before Hashem your G-d ... for you to pass into a covenant of Hashem, your

3. First Rebbeof Slonin1,author of the work Yesod HaAvoda.

The Jewish Observer, October 2000 31 , ,

Shuvu and the Torah community of America have been working together for one decade to bring Torah and mitzvos to thousands of immigrant Russian children in Israel. And with Hashem's help, have we ever succeeded! This Friday Shuvu schools will open their doors and welcome over 10,000 students nationwide~ a number completely beyond our wildest expectations. Now, you know what it's likf~r~p~~iqg • your kids to return to sc.tl(lol ir\x~~;e·f~ll ~,,· - the back-to-s.cbo9l·run11iqg~~~!l'~ifi;• to find .binders, notebo~ l!ll'c'ICltP~riJ':ilei;.xx.~'' • ·· So, yes - we are kind of busy. But not too busy to thar'lkyb!J fqr ~ll~~~~~i·~ given us over the years. I want to make an investment Name: ______~ that provides returns in this generation and for generations to come: Address: ------City/State/Zip: ______r.:.l $1,000 Sponsor a child for a year r.:.l $360 After-school program for one child Phone: r.:.l $180 Heaters for one classroom I wish to pay by credit card: r.:.l $100 Summer camping for one child r.:.l $75 Schoolbooks and uniforms Please bill my: r.:.l Mastercard r.:.l Visa r.:.l Amex r.:.l $50 Uniform tor one child Account#: ______Exp. __ r.:.l $36 Schoolbooks for one child r.:.l$_ Other Name (as on card) ------­ Signature: Cl Please contact me for dedication opportunities Please make checks payable to Shuvu/Return and send to: Shuvu/Return, 80 Broad St., 29th Fir, New York, NY 10004 Tel: (212) 425-3500 •Fax: (718) 692-1233 •Nationwide: 1-888-SHUVU-99 ,, \\~,_,.,,.,.,._,•.• .JtF., .... ,.•..• -efR,.,,,." •. )i?: ..•.•.•...·.-".\\\,,_."'"''"NL .• ,,.,, ..iS.,.,., .•.. ::·~," __ . ,.. 0\~:;.~91111!1:,,;lll!fllllllll.;;:-.•,;Jll!ll!llllll!l,z.,.._"';.:11!1119 Shir Hashirim is a metaphor for this sons for the mitzva of shofar): tal fact that on this day the entire cos­ concept. The sound of the shofar is to mos undergoes a renewal with the ini­ The spiritual pinnacle of this remind us of the experience of the tiation of a new year. covenant of connection was actually Revelation at Sinai about which the achieved by the Jewish People at Mount Torah writes, "And the sound of the THE JOY OF RENEWAL Sinai. Their souls had left them as they shofarwas very powerful," so that on achieved the ultimate degree of cling­ Rosh Hashana we accept upon our­ e may now begin to under­ ing to Hashem - so complete a spiritu­ selves the covenant that we had accept­ stand the festive element of ality that it precluded physical existence. ed at Sinai when all of us together W the day and how it is woven And this covenant is confirmed on Rosh entered the covenant4. into the very fabric of Rosh Hashana. Hashana as part of the renewal of cre­ Thus, Rosh Hashana, both as a Day We wear festive clothes, and express our ation. of Judgment and as a time of renewal gratitude with the "Shehechiyanu" The shofar too alludes to this, as Rav for the covenant between Hashem and blessing, because it is a day when we are Saadia Gaon writes (among his ten rea- His people, is rooted in the fundamen- full of joy over our ability to renew and re-establish our vibrant link with Hashem. Nechemia decried mourning on Rosh Hashana and told the people to rejoice and celebrate the covenantal relationship they are renewing. The people had misunderstood the judg­ THE BOOK FOR mental quality of the day as related to their past, and hence deemed mourn­ ing and sadness a legitimate expression EnucATORS & KiRuv of their fear of being found guilty, much as one mourns a dead person who will never again live. Nechemia PROFESSIONALS called for joy over the opportunity to look to a brighter future by reestab­ lishing their bond with Hashem, and renewing the covenantal attachment by "A very rich work in which \( .\ !.\": \ recrowning Hashem as King over us · the author has succeeded in and our lives. condensing many basic areas Toldos Yaakov Yosef (on Parshas of Judaism into a single Pinchas) offers a fascinating perspec­ tive on the Day of Judgment based on volume." this premise. The Sages teach that on Yated l'le'eman Rosh Hashana, three Heavenly ledgers are opened. The perfectly righteous "It will prove a priceless are sealed immediately for life, the asset as a text book in completely wicked are sealed imme­ many a Jewish School." diately for death, while the fate of those who are somewhere between is Jewish Tribune held at bay, awaiting Yorn Kippur. These three books are not ledgers where Hashem and His angels inscribe a person, based on his past actions. Rather, these three ledgers are placed in front of man and he is asked to inscribe his name in whichever book he views appropriate to himself, based on his aspirations for the year

4 It is for this reason that we dramatically describe the majestic scene of the revelation, including the thunder, lightning and the shofar blasts, during the Mussaf prayer on Rosh Hashana.

34 The Jewish Observer,. October 2000 ahead. If one is ready to commit him­ According to the Zohar, that day was self to sincerely attempt to live right­ Rosh Hashana, when all of humanity eously and fulfill his unique role in comes before Hashem in judgment. advancing Hashem's agenda in the Elisha asked her if she had any private world, he may inscribe his name in the requests to ask of the King, to which she ledger of life. Those who are unable replied, "I dwell among my people:' This or unwilling to sign, to declare their teaches us that at the time of judgment, particular role in the coming year, lose one should not remain separate from the their raison d'etre, and have no posi­ nation and make personal requests. tive function in this world. The "mid­ Since the mercy of Hashem rests at all dle-of-the-roader" who has yet to find times on the nation in its entirety, one Cl\Mi.Ki~ The very best enjoyment the courage to renew his entry into the should view oneself as dwelling among for you and your parents!!! covenant is granted a stay until Yorn his or her nation. for further info. call 871 Kippur, when the sanctity of the day Why is it crucial, particularly on Rosh hopefully will imbue him with the Hashana, to identify with the nation as willingness to assume his role in the a whole, and to rely on the power of the advancement of Hashem's glory in this multitude? ~" Invei world. Our prayers offer insight. We say: Accordingly, no real contradiction "Today is the birthday of the world, B~"c Hagefen exists in the words of the Sages with today all the creatures of the world will ~(fer regard to Rosh Hashana. It is a joyous stand in judgment. Will we be like chil­ t~<... ( The Shidduch service festival in which we celebrate the dren or like servants?" The judgment C..ll for older singles renewal of our covenant and the reco­ focuses on this very question. Will we be LL A project of N'shei ronation of our King, and yet it is a day viewed as children ofHashem, whom He Agudath Israel with in which we refrain from reciting Hal­ showers with fatherly mercy? Or will we Agudath Israel of America le/ since the ledger for those spiritual­ be as servants, who are treated in accor­ 6619 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219 ly dead is still open. dance with their productivity? Tel. (718) 256-7525 •Fax (718) 256-7578 Yorn Kippur, as well, is both the day The unconditional fatherly love of the final sealed verdict, and yet it bestowed upon children is a relationship is also a time of Divine atonement. granted only to the nation as a whole Since the judgment of Rosh Hashana (see Asara Ma'amaros by Rama Mi'Pana is not a prelude to punishment for and Taras Avos, Pinchas). The individ­ past misdeeds, but rather an assess­ ual can merit this type of relationship ment of whether our contract (and only by bonding with entire the nation. hRtili/JJMufllHtlltetlllf~ the contract of creation at large) with Thus, on Rosh Hashana, we must view lfllollr~. life should justifiably be renewed, the our status as reflecting the Shunamite lmtllfl • .,,.,,, process also includes the renewal of woman's declaration: "I dwell among my the covenant between the Creator and people:' ~ ltl«kPrtJtfuol His people. It is this renewed bond­ To re-engage with Hashem and formoreinf_ho,tfi!, O,,r tih;ite to: "Can something be said on your serve as your source of light. ... When Chevra Oseh Cpe~ Of ~th Israel A 84 William 10038 behalf to the King?" She replied, "I dwell will this happen? When you are bound Stre~hl'i~\!Y

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LOOKING FOR THE ANSWER ... seemed to stay forever the same, despite writing up the one that underlay all the their efforts to do teshuva before each rest: single-mindedness. hen I was a kid, it bothered Rosh Hashana and around the year. It me that baalei teshuva seemed that there was some glass ceil­ A MATTER OF OVER-INVOLVEMENT W couldn't be frum-from-birth. ing that none of us could break, which They couldn't trade cards - they didn't of course could not be true. hether they're fifteen or thir­ know one Rav from another. They could­ The mystery hung around unan­ ty-five, vacationing back­ n't even jump rope without knowing that swered through my thirties, as I went in W packers or overworked J&J was cha/av Yisroel. And how could they circles with my annual teshuva, getting lawyers, baalei teshuva are all intensely keep the monsters from hiding under their more frustrated by the year. I had to - focussed on one thing - Yiddishkeit. beds if their parents didn't know how to at least - have a clue as to what teshuva That's what they want to talk about, say Sh'ma with them? takes. learn about and think about. That's what When I was a teenager, it bothered Beginning baalei teshuva, I figured, they spend their spare time on and some me that FFB's couldn't be baalei teshu­ were the place to go for answers. There of the time they can't spare. It doesn't va. Baalei teshuva were so glamorous, so had to be something that new baalei seem to stop them if other parts of life unique (this was before they became so teshuva were doing that FFB's and vet­ suffer because they're so preoccupied. As common). They had books written eran baalei teshuva were not. Some dif­ much as they want to keep their jobs, if about them, they came and lectured at ference between them that former they need time off to learn, or if there Rosh Chodesh assemblies. It seemed that baalei teshuva could go back to and FFBs are any other conflicts, Yiddishkeit FFB's could do mitzvos from today till could adopt. comes first. If friends tire of their new Moshiach came and it would never The search for these differences fascination, they find new friends. Their count for anything by comparison. turned out to be intense, but manage­ question is how to make life fit around In my twenties, it bothered me that able. It was made much easier by my their developing attachment to Torah baalei teshuva couldn't be baalei teshu­ having grown up in an unusual (then) and mitzvos, and not how to make va. Looking around, I saw a startling fact: mix of frum, secular and baal-teshuva frumkeit fit life. communities were filling up with "grad­ people, and by our having spent so Frum people look at these new baalei uated" baa lei teshuva, and it was almost much of our teens and early tweens in teshuva and smile. They're charming, a impossible to tell them apart from any­ the endless, deep, heart-to-heart talks bit like a kid enthusiastic over a new body else. What had happened to those typical of young people, and especially bike, but it's also a bit funny to be so shining stars? Why weren't they con­ of baalei teshuva. Thinking back over gushy over Yiddishkeit. It's not mature, tinuing on their dramatic ascent to those years, and comparing notes with baalebatish, yeshivish, normal, cool or become brilliant, illustrious gedolim baalei teshuva our family is close to what-have-you. Which is as much as to and tzaddikim? today, I found quite a few of the differ­ say that a frum person attempting his The puzzle niggled at me because ences I was looking for. They were in own form of teshuva will try all sorts of "real" baalei teshuva proved that it was fields as diverse as single-mindedness, things - but he won't try throwing him­ possible to make significant spiritual a sense of purpose, pace, and styles of self into it head-first. changes in your life, while the frum peo­ habit formation. Charting them pro­ It's not that frum people never get ple around me - born and arrived - vided amazing insights into ways frum preoccupied or over-involved in any­ Simcha Schreiber lives in Jerusalem. people could do teshuva, but I settled for thing else. As the seasons turn, people

------The Jewish Observer, October 2000 37 will get completely into the stock mar­ at that too. If all I wanted was to copy bemitzvos. Quite the opposite. People are ket, their jobs, clothes shopping, weight baalei teshuva, I could start right now, very happy to do, or see someone machines, vacation planning and so on. with being single-minded. But it's not so doing, mitzvos well - davening sincere­ But these, for son1e reason, are mature, simple; there is a reason overachievers in ly or running a business honestly. What cool or what-have-you, while getting religion don't gain the admiration given they mind are obvious efforts to achieve turned on to avodas Hashem is not. people with sixty-hour work-weeks; and religious goals. Daven as long as you want, Now (separate from the issue of hish­ besides, going against frum public opin­ but make sure to act like it comes natu­ tadlus and bitachon) people generally ion is not something to be done lightly. rally or was no big deal to achieve. It's not accept the idea that the more over­ that making a fuss is taken as showing involved one is in business or worldly AS LONG AS IT DOESN'T SHOW ... off. Rather, many people have some mys­ matters, the more likely one is to succeed. terious aversion to seeing or showing a So it makes sense that a twenty-four hour hat frum people have a prob­ serious attitude toward Yiddishkeit, focus on growing in Yiddishkeit should lem with is subtle. It's not gen­ which is why even talking too much, too greatly increase the odds of succeeding W eral yiras Shamayim or dikduk often, about Torah and mitzvos can turn people off. Imagine preparing for shul like you prepare for a business meeting, and you'll get the idea. I've tried to find out why this is so, and the only good reason seems to be an instinctive understanding that avo­ das Hashem is supposed to be private: hatzne'a leches. Wearing your attachment to Hashem and His Torah on your sleeve demeans it just so slightly and leaves a bad taste. Which, if this were the only issue, would mean that a frum person shouldn't mind havinga serious attitude • - as long as it didn't show. Tzaddikim excel at this kind of double life. They are reknowned for acting"nor­ mal" despite their being intensely spiritual people. But for your average Yossi, doing It hurts teshuva is hard enough without hiding it. Because baalei teshuva are right: making real changes in your life is a major pro­ r ject, which, like all big projects, takes great thought and concentration. And most people can)t concentrate without it show­ o. ing. So for most of us, it's one or the other. Either be serious, and accept the fact that people will notice, or give up concentrat­ It feels better just to talk about it. That's ing on doing teshuva. And though why we're here. Our staff is made up of caring and sensitive individuals. Together, hatzne'a Zeches is important, no one has we can help you explore your options. We ever said that recognizable teshuva is worse can refer you to recognized professionals than none at all. for counseling, legal advice or help in finding a safe environment. We can also put you in touch with some very special WHEN "YOSS!-THE-REGULAR-GUY" Rabbis. But in order for us to reach out to BECOMES "YOSSI-THE-SPECIAL-GUY" you, you must first reach out to us. Confidential Hotline 1.888.883.2323 ur own discomfort with single­ (Toll Free) mindedness can be overcome, 718.337.3700 0 but it leaves another problem: Do it for yourself. (NYC Area) how we look to other people. Because the more preoccupied we are, the Do it for your children. Shalom Task Force i~ a 501{c)(3) charitable orgaruzation stranger we will seem, and who wants

38 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 to choose between focussing on doing Hashem and trusting Him to make your fortable being his friends' "special guy," teshuva and becoming an involuntary relationships work out in the end. but for that, we can certainly look to recluse? In this respect new baalei They might. After all, we all want to baalei teshuva for courage. teshuva are lucky. They are accepted by become better Jews on some level, and frum people, single-mindedness and all. a person who holds out for improved A MATTER OF PATIENCE But how can the rest of us deal with the Yiddishkeit does, in the long run, AND AFFECTION social pressure? become a motivation for his [rum New baalei teshuva excel at dealing acquaintances to upgrade their stan­ hoosing single-mindedness with social pressure in this field. The peo­ dards. The risk of being made a recluse regardless of what people think ple they care about inevitably call them exists, but Yossi-the-Regular-Guy can Cis one thing if the people are your out on the carpet over their totally also eventually become re-accepted as friends and relations, another if they are changed values and priorities, begging Yossi-the-Special-Guy. your parents, and a third if they are your and demanding them to forswear their Of course, he might not feel com- spouse and children. To your relatives lack of "normalcy." Some baalei teshu­ va, at first, try to prevaricate, but ulti­ mately, they all choose to be honest about their new loyalty to Yiddishkeit rather jlll'O• c,.,no nJ,.,ll • than betray it. Which would be the kind nu:tn• mnnm:i• ,~ ro n1Jl7'D • of courage to freely emulate, if avowing nunril • mr.r1pn• mmpr.i i1nr.i • different values and world-views didn't C'Jl1Jr.1• oi1J:JKr.l• 01l1'n• i'tillil. put up walls between people. Journal Ads • Yearbook Entries + ,1r.1'l11 n,':>pn • The thousands of baalei teshuva in Full C'i~C publishing services: our midst are testimony to thousands of Typing, Typesetting, PrinUng & Binding walls painfully sundering caring, warm relationships. Baalei teshuva are people who cared but refused to compromise. They put their teshuva first, were hon­ est about it, and had the fortitude to live with the consequences. We could learn from them, pluck our -- -- own courage and dedicate ourselves enthusiastically to further avodas Hashem, regardless of what people think. It would certainly work as a form of teshuva. But it's one thing to set up • Fu Day ar Half Day Programs walls by insisting on the basic truth of • Includes Intensive Limudei Kodesh Torah and mitzvos - all frum people do I • Endorsed By Leading Gedolei Yisrael rr.tlt! • Dynamic Shiurim By The Foremost Mechanchim that when challenged - and it's anoth­ • Hundreds Of Successful Maalot Graduates Worldwide er to set yourself apart by insisting that I • Choice of Regular or Lishma Program I you need more Torah and mitzvos. Are • A Warm Bais Yaakov Atmosphere· Select Group Of Students these barriers also justified? • Option of Eight Week Summer Program In Yerushalayim That's the kind of question that can't I • Tlie Exciting Alternative To A Full Year In Eretz Yisroel I be learned by looking at baalei teshuva; Our Renowned Mechanchim Include: Rabbi Avrahom Blumenkrantz, I Rabbi Y. Cahan, Rabbi Dov Eichenstein, Rabbi Dovid Gibber, Rabbi Yoel Kramer I by the time they are frum enough to deal Rabbi N.D. Rabinowich, Rabbi Mechel Spitzer, Rabbi Yisroel Dov Webster with it, they don't act any differently Rebbetzin Chaya Blumenfeld, Rebbetzin Y. Oavidowitz, Rebbetzin Chaya Ginzberg from FFBs. A she' eilas chacham could I Rebbetzin Devora Kitevits, Rebbetzin Naoma Lerman, Rebbetzin Esther Twersky I settle particular cases of teshuva versus Summer In Eretz: Yisrael: Robbi Dovid Refson • Dean, Rabbi Oovid Kass · Diredor Rabbi Nosson Geisler, Rabbi Leib Keleman, Rabbi Y. Monot,, Robbi Meir Treibitz, relationships, but common sense might Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller, Rebbetzin Zehava Kass, Rebbetzin Rena Tarshish also find ways to do teshuva without walls at all. Hatzne' a leches, we've seen, is one such way, though we've also seen that not everyone is up to it. Focussing """" on bein adam lechaveiro can also obvi­ RABBI SHOLOM G. GINZBERG, DEAN ously help. A third approach could be I 931 Coney Island Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11230 I bitachon - doing your sincere best for ·- For More Information--- Phone Or Fax:f71 Bl377..0222- . The Jewish Observer, October 2000 ------39 DfllGR &lA1JO'UT Ill PLAYSTRUCT.UREs.··11 SWINGS····• Ill STEEL J11 PLASTIC . Ill SIT~FURNISHINGS 111 ·SCHOOL & CAMP EOIJteMENT .. 1111 BASKET.BALL & VOLLEYBALL SYSTEMS 1111 RUBBER RESILIENT FLOORING 1111 ETC. • Equipment meets or exceeds all ASTM and CPSC safety guidelines • Site planning. and design services with state-of~the·art Auto CAD • Staihl!lssst~~I fabrication.for ultimate rust resistance ·· Current Projects

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. I . , . and friends, all you owe is friendship and Judaism, even among those who do not to make. lt might take superhuman courtesy, which can be compatiblei as practice mitzvos. In addition, their con­ amounts of these to win a Western baal weve seen, with a full-blown involve­ cepts of marriage, home and responsi­ teshuva the good will of a spouse who ment in avodas Hashem. To your par­ bility are quite different from (and pos­ has no concept of Yiddishkeit, but ents, you owe kibbud av va' eim, but the sibly superior to) those of Ashkenazim human-scale patience and affection Torah expressly disallows this from - both frum and secular - who have should do for us. And if it takes more limiting your avoda. But your spouse adopted Western culture's approach to work to do serious teshuva without and children deserve a home, and being a large degree (just consider the issues shaking up one's home, who says teshu­ overly preoccupied with anything, espe­ of paternal authority and individualism). va was meant to cheap or easy? cially a major life-change, can shake a But if non-Western Sephardim come family up. Does one's responsibility to from a culture different from ours, West­ PRESERVING A SENSE OF PURPOSE give them a stable life preclude serious ern baalei teshuva come fro1n secular teshuva? backgrounds even more alien. Our frum o what are frum people - FFBs and They way the baalei teshuva I know comn1unities share sotne emuna and FBTs (Former Baalei Teshuva) manage teshuva with families is that they loyalty to Yiddishkeit with non-reli­ Salike - waiting for? What is really usually don't. The number of married gious Sephardim, and our homes, too, stopping us from the single-mindedness people becomingfrum is miniscule, and have some old-fashioned values left to that, at least in yiras Shamayim, guar­ the number of parents adopting protect then1. A Westernized, non-reli­ antees success? Is it only that we have frumkeit is even smaller than that. The gious spouse might divorce a baa/ teshu­ never believed passionate avodas changes involved are so sweeping that va over kashering the house or insisting Hashem to be OK? Or that we've been most marrieds and parents who become on taharas hamishpacha, but what reli­ oppressed by social pressure or con­ baalei teshuva lose their families to gious fanaticism could induce a frum cerned not to shake up our families? And divorce son1ewhere in the process. spouse to do the same? Quitting work if this mulling it through of mine has Responsible, secular family people don't to join a kolleP. Giving up fashionable been convincing, will we all get out now have to hear about the tragedies to outfits for very 1nodest ones? Inviting and give Yiddishkeit our all - get excit­ understandably feel, on learning about paupers into the house for meals? ed over it like a new stock option or Yiddishkeit, that they'd better forget The Sephardi answer to a baa/ teshu­ pyramid plan? about it and not rock the boat. va spouse would be to strengthen fam­ Maybe. But if not, l wouldn't be sur­ ily loyalty and appreciation of Yiddishkeit prised, because single-mindedness is not the FOLWWING THE SEPHARDI MODEL in all its forms - even very intense ones. only difference between frum people and We should be able to do that. Add West­ baalei teshuva, and the various differences s a frum married parent who was ern notions of individualistic love and interact. "fhe second 1nost in1portant one hoping to do teshuva this year, or patience, and the recipe should work to is 1naintaining a sense of purpose, and Anext, this was very discouraging. help a teshuva-minded frum person because its crucial backup role to the sub­ But then I realized that I wasn't look­ warm his family to the changes he wants jects weve discussed, I'll touch on it here. ing at enough baalei teshuva. It's only natural to focus on people with back­ grounds like 1ny own, but when some­ one clued me in to what has been going Jonah's Fashion Inc. on among Israeli Sephardim, hope began to shine. It seems that in recent years, Israeli Sephardim have been becon1ing religious en n1asse. Whole fa1nilies-husbands, wives, children and •We make skirts and jumpers, solids distant cousins included - have been and plaids, from size 5 thru attending seminars and coming out junior and pre-teens inspired together. And even when only one member of a clan takes to serious • Bais Yaacov blouses made from Yiddishkcit, he manages to continue our own custom made quite happily within his fold. The com­ (extra heavy) material munity seems very pleased to have a home-grown lamdan or tzaddeikes. This is undoubtedly because of the Sephardi community's traditionally strong beliefs and attachment to

The Jewish Observer;. October 2000 41 Suffice it to say that baalei teshuva themselves of why they want to be [rum. "not very spiritual" people, others try to often forget why they want to be [rum, Soon enough they are on track again. put the "right" ideas into their own heads and then mitzvos feel like a terrible drag When [rum people lose their taste for by force. They do everything but what to them, even a mistake. But when this Yiddishkeit, they typically react quite baalei teshuva do: find an honest answer happens, they simply find all sorts of ineffectively. So1ne panic, others ignore the for Why do I, plain Me-the-way-I-am, ways, none too sophisticated, to re1nind problem. Some "accept themselves" as want to be [rum right now? They don't look for, and so don't discover, an attrac­ tive, viable motive alive in themselves. It is my firm belief that every Jew, and ";Tu.tt Servlct e~mmunity certainly every [rum Jew, has at least one • HEALTHY JOB MARKET personal reason why he truly, always, • AFFORDABLE HOUSING wants to fulfill ratzon Hashem. It might • NURTURING COMMUNITY not be the most profound or lofty rea­

e LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES son, but higher motives need to build on

• SHOMER SHABBOS lower ones, ones so basic they always ring MEDICAL RESIDENC!ES a chord. Each person just has to find the

e COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES one that is meaningful to him, and then remind himself of it as often as he can. So when all is said and done, this is

• KOLLEL the baa/ teshuva take on FFB-BTs:

e MIKVEH •Can FFBs be baalei teshuva, and can FBTs do teshuva again? Of course. If they're willing to work at it they way people work at earning their first million, opening their first yeshiva, or organizing an entire convention: intensely, excitedly, and full-time. r.------~ • Can they survive the social pressure to keep their feelings and efforts towards ARE You MOVING? avodas Hashem under wraps? Ideally, they should keep them under IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED wraps; being private about your rela­ INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? tionship with Hashem is best. But if tbey We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the Jewish Observer to your home. can't be private, they should still be able Please attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address and to drive toward greater avoda while computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the address label. maintaining their relationships - if they have enough courage, kindness, and a sense of humor at being treated like the local tzaddik. Affix old label here •And can they do it without making their families suffer? If they've been workaholics in other Name ______areas, stressing over teshuva should be an improvement. And if they've been low-key family people, they should be New Address------tuned in to their families enough to City, teach them how one acts when some­ State, ______Zip thing is truly important, like doing teshuva, for instance: with intense, Date Effective ______focussed enthusiasm. Send address changes to: The Jewish Observer Change of Address • And if FFBs try to get enthusiastic 84 William Street, New York, NY 10038 and it doesn't work? Please allow 4-6 weeks (or all changes to be reflected on your mailing label. We wHI not be They should go to their nearest CBT responsible for back issues missed unless you notify us 6 weeks prior to your move. (Current Baal Teshuva) to find out for themselves how it's done! • L------~ 42 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 THE WORLD OF THE BA'AL TESHIVA Israel Goldman ''Dayeinu''

A GER TZEDDEK - RIGHTEOUS CONVERT - ATTEMPTS A SONG OF INEXPRESSIBLE GRATITUDE

If.He !}t1J1e me lije and liealtli, terrible fwowledqe 'Tf'itli tlie llCl/te smse, LoJJin,lJ parents and lastin9

------··----·-·-·-- Israel (;oldman wTote of his discovery of Judaism in "A Train on its Tracks" (Jewish Observer, May '00).

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DYNAMIC FACULTY: Rabbi Moshe Aronov Rabbi Chaim Pechter Rabbi Hesby Glsslnger Dean Principal, Hebrew Studies Menahel Ruchni Principat General Studies Vaad Hachlnuch: Horav Shmuel Berenbaum, Horav Yitzchok Feigelstock, Horav Shmuel Kamenetzky, Horav Avrohom Pam, Horav Yakov Perlow, Horav Aharon Moshe Schechter, Horav Yaakov Schneidman Horav Elya Svel, Yoshev Rosh BOQ~S A Review Article by David Singer ~~~{w "dayainu" to acquire The Ethical Imper­ ative. In Pursuit of the This is followed by an article based on a shiur by Rabbi Avraham Pam >n"""1, "Did You Conduct Your Business Affairs With Faith?" His every word is ''Ethical Imperative'' measured and demands complete atten­ tion from the reader. The article con­ Musings upon reading the book cludes with a delineation of the oblig­ ation that it is insufficient to simply meet The Ethical Imperative, edited by Rabbi Nissan Wolpin the requirements of din (Torah law), but (published by ArtScroll/Mesorah, $20.99) one must strive for even higher levels in faith. For many of us who are either pro­ orah Perspectives on Ethics and memories of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein's fessionals or businessmen, Yosi Haber's Values, the subtitle of this book, ?··~ hesped of my late father-in-law, Mr. article, "Making it in the Workplace and T is a daunting, yet accurate Charles Lax ;n>, whom he described as Creating a Kiddush Hashem in the description of this volume. Although the one of the rare baalebattim who asked Process;' will be of particular interest. issues addressed in this volume are questions of him concerning issues of It contains useful advice based on the always timely, current trends and pres­ Choshen Mish pat. That was in 1977, a experience of successful professionals sures demand added awareness and time seemingly less complex and chal­ and plain common sense. My own expe­ guidance in these exceedingly important lenging than today. riences while working in the Govern­ areas. Being a CPA by training, and ment during the 1960's and at a nation­ A glance at the book's Table of Con­ presently working at a real estate com­ al public accounting firm from 1969 to tents provides the reader with a wide pany, rereading the lead article by Rabbi 1983 basically mirrored Mr. Haber's range of subject matter covered by the Shimon Schwab .,..~ (I had originally analysis of the corporate world. One articles and lectures included - all of read it in 1988, in the JO) caused me to cannot underestimate the nisyonos, them compelling, each touching a chord reflect on the unusual impact it had both on a personal and professional within this reader's heart, mind, and made on me. I could hear Rav Schwab's basis - and yes, the constant challenge conscience. ?·~1 voice and his unflinching demand of potential Kiddush Hashem v. Chillul The first section, "Business Ethics I of not only adhering to halacha in all its Hashem. As he points out, being con­ Workplace Issues," immediately evoked myriad details, but also his call for dis­ sidered "normal," but not compro1nis­ cerning between committing a chillul ing on halacha or lowering one's stan­ Dovid Singer of Brooklyn, a CPA by profession, is a national officer in Agudath Israel of Amer­ Hashem versus performing a kiddush dards of ruchnius, are not always ica and Torah U1ncsorah, among other com­ Hashem. Just to absorb this mussarlec­ compatible. inunal responsibilities. ture would be sufficient reason, I strongly advocate his call to get

SEASONS OF MAJESTY: Days of Awe; Days of Joy This year bring a new dimension of awe, splendor, joy, and radiance to your Rosh Hashanah, Yorn Kippur, Sukkos, and Simchas Torah.

Attaining Nearness to G-d • Rosh Hashanah: Anniversary of Creation • Scriptural Read­ ings and Mussaf Benedictions of Rosh Hashanah • The Ten Days of Penitence • Kol Nidrei Eve and the Teshuvah Concept• The Soul-Searing TefiHos of Yorn Kippur • Sukkos: Festival of Joy• Shemi­ ni Atzeres/Simchas Torah - Avodah MeAhavah • Relevant Yorn Tov Narratives • Thousands of Footnotes and Source References • Extensive Indices. by Rabbi Zechariah Fend el

The Jewish Observer, October 2000 45 involved in the Jewish Community. As Our Rebbe'im Said ... There are many talented young profes­ sionals and businessmen who are capa­ was flooded with many emotional ble of benefiting the Klalby sharing their 1nemories in reading re1narks from skills and time, which would be I my own Rosh Hayeshiva, Rabbi immensely appreciated. Yaakov Yitzchak Ruderman 7""lll. Which Equally important is "Combating talmid of the Rosh Hayeshiva7""lll would Societal Influences," which includes an not relate that the first thing asked of article based on a shiur by Rabbi Pam him when meeting Rav lluderman was: to an alumni gathering of Mesivta "Were you kovei'a ittim l'Torah (set aside «More than Mitzvah Observance: A Torah Vodaas, exhorting them to strive time on a daily basis to study Torah)?" Matter of Values.") He also encouraged for the higher goals expected of b'nei The Rosh Hayeshiva 7""lll insisted that the Ner Yisroel talmidim to enter the Torah - a must read for everyone in the Torah study be an integral part of your field of chinuch, or at least assist in being workplace. life. (See the footnote to the article, marbitz Torah through service to Klal Yisroel. In this same section, Rabbi Elya Svei, N""V">w addresses the challenges of our current galus. The assignment of our contemporary time, which is marked by unprecedented crises and challenges, is nothing less than shleimus (perfection). We cannot rely on our own judgment to resolve these issues, but must be guid­ ed by the Gedolei Yisroe~ who view events from a Torah perspective. In our pre­ Messianic era, the Rosh Hayeshiva reit­ erates that"[ t]his last phase of galus, our rehearsal for striving for shleimus fro1n a setting of affluence and freedom in our land, is fraught with difficulties .... [We must] respond to the pernicious influ­ ence of non-Torah values - with deter­ mination, enthusias1n, and optiinism. We can be equal to the challenge." This important volume, which draws most of its articles from the pages of The

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46 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 Jewish Observer, also covers other subjects ing "mussar sefarim." The brief, but illu­ be motivated to strive, at least so1newhat, of importance, such as "The Beis Din minating biographical sketch by Rabbi to emulate his elevated conduct. Process;' "Legislative Concerns;' "Public Eliyahu Meir Klugman, "The lsh The Ethical lmpemtive is not meant Posture and Policies'' (please do not miss HaEmes: The Man of Unimpeachable to be read in its entirety in one sitting. "The Jew in Galus: How High a Profile?" Integrity, Rabbi Shimon Schwab," There is much to ponder and absorb. by Rabbi Shimon Schwab.,.,.,, a classic), describes a level of integrity rarely Some articles should be read and reread "Introspection I Selflmprovement;' "Out­ achieved. We were privileged to be in his because of their 1nessage and because of reach On The job;' and "Of Role Models presence at various public gatherings the gadol conveying the message. Even and Giants Of Impeccable Integrity." (e.g. Agudath Israel and Torah Umeso­ if we realize that it is difficult to achieve Among the many fine essays on rah conventions), observing his conduct the level of perfection demanded by the Introspection I Self Improvement is one and imbibing his words of wisdom and many distinguished writers, a constant written by Rabbi Matis Roberts, "Whis­ instruction. The reader will certainly be awareness of the subject matter and the per Above the Roar: Making the Case for inspired by this article and hopefully will issues raised is certainly an imperative.• Subtlety." Rabbi Roberts quotes Harav YosefLeib Bloch., .. ,., to the effect that true spiritual achievement comes through You can! Just call those things that leave subtle impressions, ''1 wish I could The Yitti Leibel but do not arouse emotional intensity. As Helpline. Rabbi Roberts explains" ... the more sub­ HOURS: tle the approach, the deeper it penetrates:' speak to a Monday-Friday ...... Sam -12p1n He gives practical examples in the area Monday-Thursday ...... 8pm -11 pm of chinuch, but the n1essage is for peo­ Sunday ...... 9am -l2pm, 9p111 -11 pm ple of all ages. frum therapist Extra hours Sat. night ..... 7pm - 9pm Notes on Kiruv for Everyone 71s<;~r4~f-;~~w on the phone 8Chicago ...... (800) HELP-023 ((The One-Minute Kiruv Les­ 1.akewood ...... (732) 363-1010 son;' by Yaakov Astor, presents Cleveland ...... (888) 209-8079 a contemporary approach to without giving Baltimore ...... (410) 578-1111 kiruv based upon a famous Ge111ora Dctroit...... (877) 435-7611 involving Hillel Hazaken; demonstrat­ For addiction problems call our addiction ing care for another, whether an assim­ my name.'' therapist, Wednesdays 11 :30pm to l :30am ilated stranger, friend or co-worker, is the essence of his approach. This, he con­ tends, should also be applied to frum individuals and, indeed, even our own . . . . children. Mr. Astor calls it ... "one­ L.S. minute v'ahavta ['re' acha ka1nocha- love your neighbor as yourself." -~·P~E~~O~::~;~:~:~~~~~~R~~~~~;·:llLAIR·~·l;!!;l~l'JE~~···~lgl~lg .. f tf!tl;f.ltlti During the l 960's and l 970's, when I worked in government and public c·' PEUGEOT 306 1 82 I a c-·--- M1Tsue1sH1 cARISMA 224 I ~ accounting, the current form of kiruv NT MINIBUS 7 SEATS 455 ._. -t: was in its infancy. One's personal con­ MT MINIBUS 10 SEATS 5'18 t;: duct (as would be expected) was the key AUTOMATIC CARS ::;)"'i D OPEL CORSA 189 element affecting others. Fe\v non­ E DAEWOO LANOS 217 "' II) observant co-workers, etc. were inter­ F SUZUKI BALENO 1.6 245 z· G TOYOTA COROLLA 1.6 273 ested in or attracted to Torah obser­ x CHEVROLET CAVALIER 322 vance. Being associated with, and XL PEUGEOT 406 2.0 357 SX CHEVROLET MALIBU 658 ~-::X \J exposed to, fru111 co-workers, however, vx VOLVOS~70 770 !2: ~ made it easier for thc1n to accept even­ EX ME_RCEOES E240 910 KX MAZDA MPV 693 ~~ tually their children's interest in becom­ KT GMCSAVANA 763 Toll Free: (1) 800-938-5000 ing baalei teshuva. FREE• one d'l)' car rental Finally, a few rare individuals are for each nlgnt spent at £ioAN . Tel in NY: 212-629-6090 zocheh (merit) to live lives on a level and ELDAN HOTEL JERUSALEM ', l!lr.. ·valid: I Seph!ml>t!r 1000-15 Dttuiber 1000 ~ www.eldan.co.il in a 1nanner that denotes them as liv- Wo11p 8 c.r f £xd. Ins.

The Jewish Observer, October 2000 47 It takes nearly 10 years and almost half a million dollars to train the peo­ ple who work on your heart. But what about the people who work on your Neshoma - the Talmidei Chachomim and potential Gedolei Hador who will be shaping our Neshomos for genera- tions to come?

Do they deserve any less? It takes years to study, learn and master the Shas adequately, but over 2000 students are devoting them­ selves to just that, thanks to Mifal Hashas.

Mifal Hashas encourages the mastery of "Gantz Shas" by administering monthly written tests to committed Talmudim worldwide. VJhoever passes the test is awarded a stipend for that month, enabling him to put bread on the table.

How can we help them? You can actually become a partner of his and earn a part of the merit of his Torah study. But Gedolei Hadar don't happen overnight. It takes hand work, perseverance and your support.

Give now. Give generously.

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being too harsh or too soft, too strict or Partners with Hashem begins with a too liberal, too involved or not involved discussion of the importance of the area enough .... Parenting classes abound as in which a couple makes their home, people grapple with a role that no one and the major impact this will have ever told them would be quite so diffi. upon their children. This concept cult. After a while, some parents may leads to a delightful essay on growing up even become despondent over their "out of town'' and the attendant chal­ inability to live up to the high expecta­ lenges and incredible rewards of that tions our community places upon experience. Another discusses the them. i1nportance, wherever one lives, of It is therefore quite refreshing to read turning the home into an "Aishel" filled Dr. Meir Wilder's new book, Partners With with chessed and love. These chapters Hashem, which takes a very positive and resonated greatly wirl1 this reviewer who Partners With Hashem, by Dr. Meir uplifting approach to what can be - and hails from a small town and only later Wikler (published by ArtScroll/Mesorah, should be - one of the most rewarding moved to "the big city." Retaining the $19.99) aspects of our lives, that of bringing a new small-town values that one grew up with generation of ovdei Hashe1n into the and transporting them into a big city arenting is a topic that is nluch in world and nurturing them from infancy setting is indeed a challenge. The book the news of late, especially, it to adulthood. Dr. Wilder's formula for is worthwhile reading for these chapters Pseen1s, in terms of parental fail­ success is apparent before the book even alone. ures. Much of the blame for the phe­ begins. The book is dedicated to the Subsequent chapters deal with equal· nomenon of troubled Orthodox teens men1ory of the author's sister-in-law, ly important topics such as "Building has been laid at the doorstep of parents Chaya Liebe Beyman, of whom he writes: Character; 1eaching Middos;' "Manag­ who are alternatively castigated for "She taught by her shining example how ing the Dynamics of Family Life;'"Dea]­ Rabbi Laibish Becker, Assistant Executive Direc­ to mold without breaking, how to be firm ing with School and Camp;' "Avoiding tor of Agudath Israel of America, is a frequent without force, and how to love without Overexposure and Overprotection." contributor to these pages. smothering:' Readers of The Jewish Observer will have

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The Jewish Observer, October 2000 49 a pleasant sense of de'ja vu upon read­ cial chapters that are inust reading for his frequent citation of teachings of ing some of the chapters culled from arti­ every parent of teenagers. This section Ghazal and how they viewed a partic­ cles the author originally wrote for the is followed by a chapter on preparing ular situation. Best of all, it is written magazine, including his classic pieces on children for marriage, and a concluding with Dr. Wilder's trademark wisdom and "Preventing a Chol Hamoed Fiasco," how discussion of a topic which, unfortu­ sensitivity. to entertain children successfully, and his nately, has now become part of our lit­ Partners with Hashem is definitely rec­ hilarious adventures as a Simchas Torah erature, "Confronting Divorce and ommended for anyone serious about the candyman. Remarriage." business of parenting. As the author The final three sections of the book Every chapter in this book is replete declares, "It is my hope that this book prepare the puzzled parent for the with examples from the author's career serve as a constant, supportive and "hard part"- that of raising adolescents, as a psychotherapist. The cases pre­ encouraging companion and guide to and understanding and dealing with a sented and the solutions offered have the parents as they traverse the winding, tor­ "formerly cooperative, respectful, and ring of authenticity. The Torah basis for tuous, but always noble, path of parent­ predictable child." These are five cru- Dr. Wil

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50 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 Crying? At a tim.e like this?

Having cbildren is one ofthe most imponant mitzvos. It is also a lime ofgreat joy, when the family comes together to ·celebrate the arrival ofthe newest family member, and to give praise to Hashem Yisborach for the miracle oflife.

However, for some families, this is not the case. In fact, the new baby can result in extreme suffering with tragic results, including suicide ofthe mother and infanticide. Sometimes, the arrival ofa new baby can destroy one ofthe holiest matters in the Torah: the family.

The cause? Postpanum Depression. It sounds innocent enough ... a little depression after binh. But, for some, it signals the beginning of a psychological and emotional roller-coaster with long term, and often disastrous results for the entire community, if not treated properly. Depression, Mania, Psychosis, Panic Disorder, can all be triggered by binh.

NITZA- THE JERUSALEM POSTPARTUM SUPPOIIT NETWORK was formed (out of necessity) in 1997. Since then we have helped hundreds offamilies living in Bretz Yisroel to avoid such tragedies. Because ofNIIZA, the lives of new mothers have literally been saved, their new babies have been given the chance to thrive, and, their families have re-bonded and returned to lives of Torah normalcy. This is wby so many Gedolei Torah have given their blessings for the success ofNIIZA.

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO HELP THESE FAMILIES

To contribute to this holy cause, make your check out to: P.E.F. Israel Endowment Fund, 317 Madison Avenue, Suite 607, New York, NY, 10017. Make sure to tag your check, "For Nitza- The Jerusalem Postpartum Support Network."

For more information, write to: NJTZA, P.O.B. 292, Telzstone, Harei Yehudah, Israel, 90838, or, [email protected], or, visit www.nltta.org. Telephone in Israel: (972) (02) 533-2810; Fax533-2811 ti:l.,Ti~ .,~.,Tii11 ti:J1~

£nt:~~ A,;~~~l~~~;~ • was assigned the task of translating the VERIFYING DR. KRANZLER'S REPORT message into English, hesitated to do so. "Never mind;' said Morgenthau. "I fully To the Editor: understand what Rabbi Kotler said:' And When reading David Kranzler's he conformed with his requests. "The Grand Escape from Lithuania to Two: The Roshei Yeshiva selected a Japan" (June '00), I was taken aback group oflaymen to work with them, as by the audacity of some Religious mentioned in the article. Reb Aaron Zionist spokesmen misconstruing the specifically reached out to Mr. Stephen facts in order to further their move­ Klein, who grew up in Zeierei Agudath ment's agenda. just to verify the facts Israel in Vienna and had a profound of such relatively recent history that's respect for Torah leaders. He thus fol­ being publicly misrepresented, I MORE ON RESCUE EFFORTS DURING lowed Reb Aaron's directives without touched base with my Rebbi - Rabbi CHURBAN EUROPE question. Mr. Klein was actively involved Ahba Berman 1n,,'71!>, the Rosh Yeshi­ in Vaad HaHatzolah during the War, and va of Yeshivas Iyun Ha Talmud, cur­ To the Editor: after the War he donned an UNNRA rently in Kiryat Sefer. The Rosh Yeshi­ The article on "Facing Churban uniform and spent months in Europe va was recognized as one of the most Europe;' by Rabbi Nissan Wolpin (June arranging for survivors to gain entry into brilliant students of the Mirrer Yeshi­ 2000), performed an important task in Eretz Yisroel and America. He also va and he experienced the entire marshaling the facts to demonstrate how worked to organize Beis Yaakov schools episode. I was very gratified when he Orthodox leaders took the initiative in and chadorim for children in liberated independently stated, point by point, hatzala efforts during World War II, Europe. Eventually Reb Aaron Kotler the facts that were mentioned in Dr. while the rest of the world was either enlisted Stephen Klein's creative lead­ Kranzler's article. indifferent or asleep. ership in helping the establishment and Obviously, the yeshiva students in May I add two comments. One: growth of Chinuch Atzmai - Torah Lithuania had no idea about the Nazi while Roosevelt's Secretary of Treasury Schools for Israel, by serving as nation­ connections of the Dutch and Japan­ Henry Morgenthau attributes his change al chairman, as well as channeling his tal­ ese consuls. However, he couldn't of attitude toward helping the Jews in ents in the leadership of Torah Umeso­ describe fully how much fear was in the Europe to Rabbi Kaln1anowitz's tears, rah - The National Society for Hebrew atmosphere, when they were under another factor was also at work. Rabbi Day Schools in America. Russian control, destroying even a Aaron Kotler was also present at this RABBI HENOCH COHEN remote consideration of im1nigration meting, and he shook up Morgenthau EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR elsewhere, or to think of continuing to by declaring that his position in the Cab­ CHINUCH ATZMA!-TORAH SCHOOLS FOR remain where they were, functioning as inet was more important to him than ISRAEL yeshiva students. saving Jewish lives. Irving Bunim, who New York City The names Yanke! Ederman and

The Jewish Observer, October 2000 53 Moshe Zupnik were on the tip of his THE YESHIVA CURRICULUM: tongue, when I asked who was respon­ INCLUDE SURVIVAL SKILLS sible for the whole project. The name "Warhaftig" was barely known in the To the Editor: Mirrer Yeshiva circles, other than for In light of the recent tragic passing a one-time "visit" to the yeshiva in of a young American girl in the desert ' Palestine at all pulsory course in survival for all stu­ Near Shuls, take out foods, etc. Profits to costs - an option that did not exist for dents. This tragedy, which might have Mifal Torah Vodaas. the rest of them. been prevented if the girls had fore­ BINYOMIN KALL!S knowledge of how to react when lost in Call (718) 851-2969 Kiryat Sefe1~ the wilds, ought to awaken us to the dan­ No TV.'s Israel ger we and our children, city-slickers all, face when we step off cement. For example, Suri Feldman, the high Targurn Press school girl lost in a forest several years ago, would also have been found in a Self-esteem: · thrice had she but remained in one place after realizing she was lost. She surely a spiritual adventure realized after 1/2 a mile of wandering that she was lost. Baruch Hashem, she lived to tell the tale. INNER PEACE: Travel today is more common than Acl1ieving Self-Esteem ever before. People must be educated Tl1rougl1 Prayer that different environments require different precautions. How many of us by Rabbi Yisroel Roll know how to react if caught in quick­ sand? (Throw yourself on your back and Do you want to inspire your davening? remain in that position until rescued.) Your life? Your self? How many people know, or bother, to Inner Peace can be yours. take a compass along on a hike? This is With a foreword by Rabbi Dr Abraham Twerski not the proper format for the course; I'm just giving a few examples of the sim­ Disfributed by FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS 1-800-237 .7149 www/feldhe1m.corn ple, life-saving techniques that should be part of everyone's education. May Hashem Yisborach spare us from having to learn from disasters rather than from books. NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST

Historic The 011ly Kosher ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO GIVE OF La11dmark Bed & Breakfast THEMSELVES in Town To the Editor: Enjoy a refreshing getaway in historical Newport, RI, with private parking/ walk Baruch Hashen1, recent issues of the to Touro Sy11agogue (The oldest Synagogue in North America), cliff walk, parks, JO have featured very informative arti­ 1nansion and harbor. Relax in bright, spacious rooms with private bath, AC, refrig­ cles about the problems pertaining to erator as needed and a generous fu11 breakfast under the strict supervision of today's teenagers. Some of these have Rabbi Es koritz. been moving first-person accounts of 28 Weaver Avenue, Newport, RI 02840 •Tel: (40!) 849-0051 •Fax: (401) 847-5902 how this problem has affected the http//admiralweaverinn.tripod.com authors or someone they know. Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz, in an article he wrote -Eo'r reservations call: 1-888-465-0051 - on this topic a number of years ago,

54 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 observed that the problem has a large playing for decades in the lives of ly be said that an entire generation of number of possible causes, to which no countless boys, both those experiencing Bnei Torah has been produced with the fan1ily is i1nrnune. a well-adjusted childhood and those fac­ help of Pirchei Agudath Israel. Correspondingly, the avenues of ing difficulties. Indeed, many lay lead­ All of this has unfortunately changed addressing this problem are also many. ers, Rabbe'in1, Menahalint) and Roshei over the past 20 years. Due to the fact One idea that has not received due Yeshivas today benefited from the hash­ that many young elementary-school­ prominence is not new at all, but it is, pa'a they received from a Pirchei leader aged children do not have an older in facti a ti1ne- tested recipe for success. (as well as those who received their first bachurto turn to or to spend time with, A recurrent then1e that pervades 1nuch taste of chinuch as Pirchei leaders them­ they, sadly, often turn to alternative of the discussion regarding "at risk" selves) who took the time to give them activities and friends, some of which are youth is the lack of adults-whether par­ direction, encourage them to advance in of a questionable nature. This may start ents, teachers or older peers - able to lav­ learning, and helped them deal with the them on a slippery slope of defending ish the time and attention that can make inevitable tribulations of adolescence their actions to their parents, arguments all the difference in the life of a young­ and young adulthood. It may accurate- etc. until the situation spins out of con- ster in need of guidance; an accessible role model or just a sympathetic ear. It is precisely this role that the men­ c:'.> I~ ~ H KJruv Rechoklm tors of Pirchei Agudas Yisroel have been ch!ng out to Jewish Youth & their lornllle& to owokan tnern to tnel• herttoge A letter of clarification to the Torah community How can your teenager and you both win in Oorah Kiruv Rechokim enrolls Public School children getting along? into Yeshivos, literally saving hundreds of Yiddishe Neshomos. Read the new As a fundraiser for this critical cause, Oorah opened Cucumber Communications, a business providing low rate, qualtty phone service. WIN/WIN All proceeds go DIRECTLY towards placing children from Targum/Feldheim. in Yeshlvos and day schools. The more customers Cucumber Communications has, the more At bookstores, or send $10to: children /earning in Yeshivos. Yeshiva Fund Cucumber Communications provides the lowest , Boxs2 direct-dial, long distance rates in the country. For only 4. 9c per minute from state to state. Billing is Staten island, NY 10309 in six second increments, with no minimums, switching fees or monthly fees. Incoming 800 numbers bill at the same low 4.9 cent rate. --GilleYou have phone bills anyway. Hor<1i REl!NeO FerOOn >Thousands of Jewish children are waiting to ')V1j?? 1n:J ')V1j?? Hoiov Mistie He!rerootin leave Public Schools and begin a yeshiva - SlvJu; r.o""""' 7"::ir ivv'm 'm'lr.iv nrn1r.i Hoiovtooo~ education. HOOl~i'!l'.:lb! i\vailable at >With just a 5 minutes phone call YOU can help OFFICES: LEKUTE I 421 w. Cru1f Line Rd save another neshoma! And save money, too! c/o Yitzchok Rosenberg lob:!wooc!, NJ 08701 10 West 47th Street, Roon1 503 !732) 130·llXXl New York, NY 10036 fm: !732)1XJ5.1010 MAKE THE RIGHT CONNECTION now! (212) 719-1717 34~ .... Call 877. CUCUMBER (877.282. 8623) and geta 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, Medrash, Sklloo l*JOO, NY ltmJ great deal on your long d'1stance bill while helping (718)9~8-5368 Megilos, Talmud, and l'ehilim. fax:(71B)948-1422 enroll children in yeshivos. ~ Proceeds of s:des distributed 1347 Eosl lhlrleenth Sb'eet a1nong Yeshivos and used for 8~NY11230 reprinting or voluines out-of-print 171~9'Wl35 ""'""VJ,..rom.ll'J We look forward to communicating with you. PRICE: $8.00 PER VOLUME E-rrda:X:lel [email protected] Oorah Kiruv Rechokim

The Jewish Observer, October 2000 55 trol, chas veshalom. boys would be attracted to attend those be more involved in this work, we would If anything, Pirchei Agudas Yisroel is groups. Boys would begin to realize that be able to make a noticeable and effec­ needed more than ever! If Pirchei there is someone to speak to, and tive dent in the growth of this problem groups were well staffed with bnei develop a kesher(tie) with. This is a con­ in a preemptive manner. Let's encour­ Torah who would receive direction and cept that has worked in the past, as age our students and children to give of encouragement from Menahalim and numerous current and past Pirchei themselves. Both they and their poten­ Roshei Yeshivas (as well as be exposed to leaders can attest, and it deserves to be tial young charges stand to gain more top-notch leadership training semi­ emphasized and expanded. than they can imagine. nars), it is quite likely that many more If we can energize older bachurim to EPHRAIM LEVY Passaic, NJ FEATURING: R' Mordechai Becher ~ Unde Moishy, Mr. Raymond Beyda ~ EDITORIAL CORRECTION R' Yissocher Frand o- Mordechai Ben David, R' Oovid Gottlieb · • • · R' Yitzchok Kirzner ZT"l and other top-of-the-line The biography for Randy Dorfman R' Paysach Krohn ~ M.A.C.C.L.-S.L.P., author of "Pizza R'AvigdorMiller ~ Jewish entertainers R' Dovid Ozeiry ll::ro Anyone!," which appeared in the June R' Yisroe! Reisman · • •. are available R' Sholom Schwadron ZT"l issue of The Jewish Observer, was omit­ R' Mattisyahu Solomon to visit ted in error. She is a licensed patholo­ R" Aki" Tat' ~ R' Ezriel Tauber _..O seriously ill gist who specializes in the treatment of R' Berel Wein o- stuttering. She has a private practice in R' Noach Weinberg • • • • children Reb. Ruthy Assaf thanks to Monsey and Bora Park. Reb Zeh"a B;aunstein ~ ,,,,.,,,,,,,rnnnnr.w Reh. Tz1pora Heller oa::i0 Reb. Yehudis Karelitz .• .ll~ :li'V' ., n:i ;im Reb. Leah Kohn ' ' AChessed proje>:t run by Nutrahealth Aglldsth Israel of Amerka • Organic Energy Mix in conjunction \\'Ith ;.•",. Under the supervision of Harav Benzion Wosner, Shlita, Monsey Suki & Ding Productions •; ~· To set up an appoln!ment, call: t A delicious mix of seeds that will boost your day! (212)797·9000 Ext.42 • M·F. 9·5' .. ' Rich in iron and dietary fiber. Available in the refrigerator section of Kosher Grocery I Health ~ood Stores Y.E .. S.· Queens to becoming a Teen Mentor (4) ••••••••••••••••••••.••••••••••••••r• We need stable, responsible,. men and women to spend one hour each week with a teen. Call. 718-375-3900 Crown for more information. Heights (3)

Staten Island (1)

56 The Jewish Observer, October 2000 .. ·.

. Mr. & Mrs. Berish Fuchs Wishing all our dear friends and and relatives a Shana TOl)(l_, a y.ear of Mr. & Mrs. Moshe Fuchs health and happiness ·.. ·· wish all of their friends Qfld relatives: Mr. & Mrs. Louis Glueck

Best Wishes for a n::r.n' i1r.l'nni 11::r.~n:i ir.lnnni i::r.n:in n::r.i" i1l1?77 Mordechai and Rechi Friedman Best wishes to au our friends and Shmuel B. & Simi Friedman relatives for a happy, healthy and . Cheskel and Meita G. Heimlieh YosefSholom & Esther Wertheimer prosperous New Year Moshe Yaakov & Leah Friedman Yoe! & Sara Y. Schlesinger Mordechai and Ruchi Semp Phyllis and Chaim Shroot Better Health Fitness & Recl"eation 5302 New Utrecht Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219 Brooklyn, N. Y. (718} 436· 4693

Best wtshes to all my friends, relatives and Klal Israel for Mr. & Mrs. William W. Wealcatch a Happy, Healthy and wish all their friends &relatives Prosperous New Year. a Ksiva Vachasirna Tova I Dorothy Liebman ir.lnnni i::r.n:in n::r.i" nl1?77 1r.lnnr11 i::r.n:in n::r.ro i1l1?77 Best Wishes to all our friends and relatives for a Best Wishes to all ourfriends and relatives for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year Mr. & Mrs. Chaim H. Leshkowitz Mr. & Mrs. Alan Jay Rosenberg & Family Mr. & Mrs. Yossie Leshkowitz Kew Gardens, .N. Y.

i'l:ll1' i'll:l'>rtTTI i'l:l'>l1::l i'l:ll1' i'll:l'>rtTTI i'l:l'>rt:l Best Wishes for a year of Mr. & Mrs. Israel Mr. & Mrs. Yossi Stern joy, prosperity Dembitzer and family nl.'mni mi~ wish Klal Yisroel a Edison/Highland Park, New Jersey for all of Klal Yisroel n::nv i1r.J'ml i1::t'n::> Mr. & Mrs. Willy Wiesner . . .. ir.innni i::i1t:ln n::i"' i1l'l?h i'CllP ill:l'l'lnl i'Cl'JT.l n:>'tl m::m,nw? :::mimi 'll'illJ' nrovmn nw? Best wishes to all our friends :Jl1' ?:ii i1~ nm~ rbl':l Wl"r and Kl.al Yisroel ". r:b'eJ ::i::i?::i 1mn nWl>? ni::ii tl'l'l?h i:itn Sholom and Levi & Davida Reisman: 1n'ln1 X"T7'1!l '1'Xr.l ::r.in Leah Mark . . . ·.

~- The Jewish ObseWer, September-- j-'999 57 Avenue Plaza Hotel 4624 13thAvenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219 718-552-3200

The Avenue Plaza Hotel wishes all their past andfeture guests a n:nt> nr.i,nn1 i1::J.'n::> We wish to thank all ofyoufor helping us complete our first year so successfelly

1tinnrn 1:in::>n n:nt> i1ll?'7 Best wishes to all our friends and relatives for a happy, healthy and To all our family prosperous New Year and.friends and to all ofKlal Yisroel The Goldmark Group Mr. & Mrs. Yonah Blumenfrucht Mr. & Mrs. Nutti Goldbrenner Mr. & Mrs. Yisroel Blumenfrucht Mr. & Mrs. Shiya Markowitz

We wish our family &friends n:n" nr.>'l"1M'l n::i'ro n::ii::i::i and all oj~'n:i n::ii" nl:l'nrn n::i,n::> Yaakov Hqffman n:nv nr.imrn n::im:i Mr. & Mrs. Menachem M. and staff I it:J1:l1 017\?I nl1!> Shayovich Tri-State Surgical Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Katz &Family 409 Hoyt Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 &Family

n::i1v nr.i>nn1 n:i>rc i1::J.1t> rnl?>7 n::i1P nr.i>nrn n::im:i i1:J.11' itr.l'nnl i1:J.'l"C from Avi & Renee Herskowitz Mr. & Mrs. Norman Freedman Yaakov & Bryna Bender Mr. &Mrs. Gitty, Chaya, Yitzchok and Roise DovidKohn and family and Family Kew Gardens Hills, NY Boston, .MA

Mr. & Mrs. Chaim J. L'Shana Tova ?1'<11!1' 'n:i';> i1:111' nw';> Banker L'Shana Tovah to all Dr. ·Robert M. Shmuel and Susie wish one and all a Peter Benenfeld n::iro nr.>'nrn n::i'l'l::> Knepper and Family Silberberg

n::iro nr.i>nrn n::i>ro The ShmuelOelbaums 1r.ll"l1'1l'TI l:lmn itlW nw? 1l:ll'1tll'1l l:lmn l'lllP nw';> Miriam & Mendy Profesorske Mr & Mrs. Lawrence S. wish friends To our relatives and friends Sora, Yossie,Ari, Bootin & Family and relatives Rabbi & Mrs. Labish Esti, Nissan, Elly & Rivky wish one & all a happy & n~Mr.n n::iro nl'li' Becker and Family Staten Island, N. Y. healthy, sweet new year

...... ---·- ---··~--- -- ... --- ...... -...... ~ ...... ~- ...... _ -·-Th~·Jew/sh-~-- Observer,-~~ September - ---- 1999- 58 To all ourfrien~ and clients: May prosperity andjoy be a permanent.fixture in your home. Best Wishes to all our friends, relatives and clients for a Happy, Healthy Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year. and Prosperous New Year i • Mr. & Mrs. Yitzchok Oberlander " • JI IW ~ • lsucObetlandtr&(o.ltC. Avrohom Tikotzky •~a Certified Public AccountentS 1663 CONEY ISLAND AVENUE. BROOKLYN. NY 11230 • (718)787·1000 (I~

Alan and Lisa Avrohom Yaakov, Rachel Bracha & Sarah Rifka Stern to all relatives and.friends ofws Angeles, California Wish all of their friends andfamily in Los Angeles, New York, London. Dr. & Mrs. Sheldon Zinn Milwaukee and Israel Phoenix. Arizona ronnrn i:::in:>n n:m::> i1l'l?l7 A Happy and Healthy New Year

Wishing all of Klal Yisroel We wish all our.friends, relatives, and Jews everywhere a Happy and Healthy New Year n:nt> nr.i'>Jm'I il:l'l1:> Shepard Presser Rahway.NJ Mr. & Mrs. Max Berg

i1:::11P i1r.l'Mrn i1:J'Tl:l Leshana Tova Greetings, ir.innrn i:::in:>n il:lit> i1l'l?l7 to our family and with good health and happiness. i1:im>"l nm nl'I!> to all of Klal Yisroel :J1t> 7.31 ,i1n?r.I Alex & Sally Lebwohl Mr. & Mrs. Abish Brodt Akiva & Chava Last and family andfamily ' ' 1:m:m n:::i1v i1w7 '•', Mr. & Mrs. Charles ;i:nv nw? Richter To all our relatives and.friends to all our.friends i1:::1Wi1M Mr. & Mrs. Michael wish all a Mr.&Mrs. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobovits Joseph Sittner Simon Hexter 50 OVerlook Terrace# JE n:::i1v nr.r>nrn n:::im:i West Lawrence, NY. ' New York, NY 10033 ' ' ·.··

'>rn:n:::i1 lil\!l'mn i1:::111' i1w7 With Best Wishes for a A Good Year Mr. & Mrs. Leibish · To all our relatives and.friends Happy, Healthy, and The Schlessingers Prosperous New Year Rapaport ' Moshe and Esther Norwich. CT and Brooklyn, New York Hauben Dr. Leonard Unger Providence, RI.

59 Congratulations to aU ()~vei Yisrael upon the n::rn:::ir.n n:::i1P nw 53rd Anniveraary ofthe St.ate ofIsrael. We thank YOU for choosing US ai your# 1 Monsey BROKER May it evolve into an Eretz Yisrael al pi ' ToratY1Srael! May the whlJle world merit the DEERA HOMES & LAND Messianic epoch soon in our days. where honesty & integrity come first! Mrs. Sarah Schwab . Henry KreiS'!J LicensedRealEstateBroker • Monsey,N.Y. • (914)425-7484 We extend to all ofKial Y1Sroel tlTlnrn ::iron n::nti nnih our sincerest wishes for a Law Office of Michael Abramson, Esq. n:::i'l1' i'lr.)'nrn n:::i'm Los Angeles, California Mr. & Mrs. Nqftoli Hirsch and family . . n::tWi'11"11rni1:l>n:> L'Shana Tova To all our relatives and.friends Moishe & Feige Friederwitzer of Staten Island and Har Nqf td.allour people Meehl & Duv Fendel &family efS"derot Pnina & Yi.tzchok Wilk &family of Ranaana Sara & Miriam Perez Menachem & Lea Friederwitzer &family of Har Nof tmm:l ll'~i:iw.i U>l')) i'1l'TT1.1'11 . n::iw i1l'l?'7 n:::iiti nr.i'ntn n::i'm Tracy& to all our relatives and friends Larry Loigman Rabbi & Mrs. Josef Loebenstein Joshua & Daniel Vineland. New Jersey

ReiSman Brothers Bakery Wishing all ofKlal Yisroel a happy and healthy New Year wishes a year of sweetness. joy and Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Treitel prosperity to all ofKlal Yisroel &Family 718-331"1975 . Los Angeles, California

To ourfriends, family, andfriends"to-be in To Dr. and Mrs. Henry s. Baum Welcome back to DetrOit. May your Avodas Hakodesh work continue. Klal Ytsroel, ' You should have much nachas from all your children. grandchiMren and great grondchiklren. Aharon and Shayna Subar A Good G'bentched Yuri and family Yosef and Debby Jacobs . . . mtitn 1::in:111 n:::i'l1' nnih n:::i1ti nr.i,nrn n:::i'n:J Best Wishes for a n::iiti nr.i,nrn n:::i,n::i To Rabbi Yosef C. Golding ·. . To all our clients, friends to our friends, relatives, and Rabbi Nisson Wolpin i and relattves and Kial Y1Sroel . Yisroel & Rochel Golding Mr. Bi Mrs. N. Be.Yamin Perlman, Mr. & Mrs, Harry Fried C.P.A. &Son . and Family Los Angeles, Calif.

i'l::tl" ilr.l~l"lrn n::i'>TC 1r.lnnrn 1:1n::>ri n:nti nnih Leshanah Tova to all from Mrs. David Lenovitz .. Mr. &Mrs. Ephraim & Chaya Rochel & Moshe (Marshall) Nierenberg and Family . ' Isaac Kirzner · Brooklyn, New York Dallas, Texas . .. . .· ' . . . 60 i The Jewish observer, Seprember 1999 . '1'"1':l ;i:i1" i1r.l'T1Ti1 i1:l'n:J Greetings from THE WEISS-RYES.KY FAMILY & A YEAR FUIL OF SIMCHAS of East Northport/NY EUTE CATERERS THE KATZ FAMILY Kenneth H. Ryesky, Esq. Under the ExclusiVe Supen!ision of Dr. Tamara E. Weiss K'HALADATH JESHURUN Hayim Ryesky 718-337-6600

Wishing all of Klal Yisroel a May the blessings ofgood health, Shana Tova n:n" nr.:i,nn1 n:i,n:> peace, and happiness fill your home , . Rabbi Dr. and Mrs. Yosef i7'1li7 oni:i~ ri~r.:i at this new year and always. Rosensheirt 111M!l'Vr.:>1 Bassman Family Family and Marriage Counseltng

L'Shana Tova May we be "zoche" to il"::l i1l1" i1ro? a year ofpeace and n:::n" nr.i~nrn n::i,n:::i from the ':iim» 'fth i1j?1i1r.ll good health to our family and friends Heigh Family, Menachem and (ie: ?ITT\!» 'n:l)>lNlJ Mrs. Belle Young Judith Rottenberg Cincinnati, OH &Family Feivel & Helen Muller

n::i1" nr.i,nrn n::i'm To all our family and friends n ::m' i1)'.!',. Integrated M'arketing Thanks for all the chizuk 1r.lnnn 1:::in;:,n 225 West 34th Street, Suite 1317 n::i1" nr.i,nrn n::i'm 1n:iro nl'd:> i~~1'~7~ 7~iW' New York, NY 10122 Rabbi & Mrs. Mordechai Maury Deutsch Menachem Lubinsky, Yaroslawitz (Yari) & Family Yisroel Glatzer St. Louis, Missouri President

Gain control of your anger 1n:i1" nl'd:> 1:ln:Jn May you all be written and ;i:n" ;iw7 this year. Michael and Alison sealed for a good year. Read "Guard Your Anger" Mr. & Mrs. Reuben Ilana, Dahlia, Targum/Feldheim Avi & Bayla Sage The Weinbergs Y. Rosenberg Box 82, Staten Island, NY 10309 Passak/Clifton, NJ of Cincinnati, Ohio

n::iro rnl?h To all our family Shana Tova! n::i1" rnl?h and friends Mr. and Mrs. Avi & 'Devorah Rabbi H.M. Felder "L'shana Tova" Norman Parnass from Dienstag·& Family and Family and Family The Galatans

"l'Shana Tova" ':itrnn '".,, 1i':i :iron n:iw nro? Mr. and Mrs. n::i1" nren Tlr.l\!ll 'Or? Moshe Adler from Akiva and·Judy "':ll oni:i~ 1:i nr.i?\!I" Michael Schiff · ·. wish all our Friends Hirth and Family i1ll' l111'ttll1 i1ill1 -nr.i?n , .. , Teaneck, NJ Passaic, New Jersey Menachem & Toby and Chaverim ofA.I. a I ' Feldman & Family n:i1" nr.imni n:i•m

; The Jewish Observer~ September 1999 61 .. lr.>nnrn ~n l"l::iw illw, Shana Tova U'mesuka A Year of Health, Happiness & Parnossa Best wishes to all ourfiiends and relatives Irving (Yisroel) and Ruthie Safrin for a happy, healthy and Jacob and Shifra Safrin prosperous New Year SAFRIN AssOCIATES Mr. & Mrs. Avrohom Schonberger Monsey, New York 10952 and Family Askfor our Long Term Care Newsletters Tel. 845-426-1999 •Facsimile 426-1998

Greetings from Our very best wishes for a .. Jewish Community Council of Shana Tova to Greater Coney Island, Inc. Rabbi and Rebbetzin 3001 West 37th Street, Brooklyn, Nisson Wolpin New York 11224-14 79 • 718-449-5000 and the staff ofThe Jewish Observer Providing Supportive Services to the Frail Elderly, Vocationally Disadvantaged Poor, Refugees and from the Jewish Resource Center Educationally At-Risk Youth ofNew York City Arnold and Rita Weiss lsaac Bacon, Ph.D. Rabbi Moshe Wiener 410 Main Street • Btiffalo, NY 14202 President Executive Director 716-852-7587

Moshe M • .Friedman, P.E. il:J.1'\:) i1l1" L'shana Tova Architectural Engineertng Dr. Michael and Etta (718) 382-1702 Korenman and Family Hugh Hoffman (845) 356-3999 Fort Worth, Texas

To All of Our n:m' n~rirn n:::i~m illW nl:l'm ill'rt:i Best wishes to all our clients for a happy, Family, Friends, and Kl.al Yzsroel to all our relatives, healthy and prosperous new year friends, and~ mnnrn 1::iron n::iw i1l1" m ASB Banking & Insurance Avrohom & Hindy Rabbi and Mrs. Yosef Moshe Aaron S. Buchler Rand and Family Passaic, NJ Augenbraun Canada 973· 779·3311 Toronto, . .

Best wishes to all our friends Rabbi & Rebbitzen Wolpin To all ourfriends and relatives, and relatives for a Happy, Healthy a sweet and healthy year and Prosperous New Year May Hashem grant you the good health to continue your good deeds Rabbi and Mrs. Baruch Dr. and Mrs. Moshe Katz Davidowitz Lawrence, NY 11559 Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Slater Rochester. New York . . . We would like to wish Wishtng rontinued :in7sm :i:ii::i to ,~ ?::b n::iro nr.imrn n::i~rc all of Klal Yisroel a Shana David and Shulamis tr.W rm:nj?l:l '"::i Tova U'mesuka Green~rg Osher & Ruth Lehmann Peretz Chaim & Zahava Flatbush, New York Uncle Eliezer Gevirtz Levin & Family

----~---··;------"------.. ~~······---~·---·------····-·--·---· ·"-·------·--·----·-----·-----.. ------~·---·--.. -· .. .,----·--· 62 The Jewish Observer, September 1999 INVITING YOU TO JOIN THE BROADEST COALITION OF ORTHODOX'.

AUTHORITIES, FOR A FOUR-DAY TORAH EXPERIENCE

> 'l,it~~i~Ji66n'·· and ... be part of amemorable and educational experience for you and your family to9ether with Orthodox leaders and askonimfrom every part of North America. for reservation infonnation call the Agudah Convention Desk at ZIZ -71J/-9000 ext 43