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©Copyright 1988 43 Letters to the Editor IYAR 5748/APRIL 1988 VOLUME XXI/ NUMBER 3 Responses to "A Chessed Shel Emes" On Tuesday, March 22, Dr. Norman Lamm, the president of Yeshiva University, spoke in Manhattan's Fifth Avenue Synagogue. His remarks were widely disseminated. In fact, The New York Times devoted considerable coverage to the event. The title of his address was "Centrist Orthodoxy: Agenda and Vision, Successes and Failures.'' The Times report began: "Ultra-orthodox Jews, including Hasidim, have set the religious agenda for too long in both the United States and Israel, the president of Yeshiva University said Tuesday, calling on moderate Orthodox elements to reassert themselves.... "Dr. Lamm said the ultra-Orthodox has been 'powered by triumphalism,' which he defined as an attitude of, We are winning, therefore we are right.' " This was not his first time to have attacked the Orthodox right and not the first time that he has sought to rally "centrists" to action. Due to the public nature of his statement, his words should not pass without comment. As a step toward dispelling some of the wrong impressions that were created by his statement, The Jewish Observer presents Professor Aaron Twerski's OPEN LETTER TO DR. NORMAN LAMM

Dear Dr. Lamm \U"1Y.W: enough to state without equivoca­ Your remarks "were not an attack, The remarks that follow are not tion that our agenda for action will but an attempt at self-definition." intended to serve as a rebuttal to remain veiy much in place. But I am The definition followed: "Unlike ... you. Nor do they constitute a retreat. genuinely confused as to the sub­ the right wing'. . , the centrist group As a card-carrying member of the stantive nature of the "centrist" is open to secular culture, is un- "triumphalist ... Orthodox right."' 1 view of things, as you espoused and a Hassid. to boot, I am confident them. You did make a point ofsaying l. All quotes are from The New York Times March 22, 1988, unless otherwise attributed. As Professor Twerski, a musmach of Yeshiva Ner that you spoke as president of Rabbi I was not present at Dr. Lamm's address, my Israel-Baltimore, also studied in Beth Medrash Isaac Elchonon Theological Semi­ comments are based on the Times article as well Elyon In Monsey. A leading national authority as other annotated sources of Dr. Lamm's on products liability and conflict of laws, he is naiy, putting your words into a pronouncements on the issue. currently a professor of law in Brooklyn Law religious framework All the more 2. For the record, I find "right-wing" as School, formerly acting dean of Hofstra Law reason that your statement is meaningless a term as "centrist." I consider our School, and has been a visiting professor at approach mainstream, and would like to know Cornell. University of Michigan (at Ann Arbor). worthy ofscrutiny-and all the more the parameters of the field in which Dr. Lamm and Boston University. do I find it disturbing. places Modem Orthodoxy In "the center."

6 The Jewish Observer, April 1988 ... For its part. Yeshiva University has publicly honored and fawned over Teddy Kollek and other vehe­ mently anti-religious Zionist lead­ ers. As I said, further discussion on these topics will have to wait for another occasion for a fuller treatment.

"VALID GROUPINGS, SPIRITUAL DIGNITY"

he centrists' tolerance of different opinions. as it con­ T trasts with "right wing intol­ erance," however. raises too many questions to permit us to postpone discussion. Exactly where do we differ? The New York Times quotes you as saying: "Rightist Orthodoxy concludes that since . . . (the Conservative and Reform! are not legitimate, we must have no truck with them at all. Centrist Orthodoxy holds that one must indeed disagree with the non-Orthodox, but we must do so respectfully. That means lowering the temperarure of the polem­ ical rhetoric, acknowledging that they are valid groupings, and, indeed, in granting that if they are sincere in their convictions they possess spiritual dignity." What do you mean by "valid What do you mean when you describe the groupings"? That they are to be non-Orthodox as "valid groupings"? dealt with like leaders of secular Jewish groups. such as B'nai B'rith or Jewish War Veterans? I hardly believe that this would pacify the abashedly Zionist and values toler­ clarify how the "centrists" square Conservative and Reform leader­ ance of different opinions." Since the "unequivocal centrality of ship. Do you mean, then. that they you chose to define your camp by Torah" with a good many aspects constitute a group that is valid contrasting it to the so-called "right of Yeshiva University's academic within Torah Judaism? But you wing," these three points are meant programs. This topic, however. yourself spoke out against plural­ to be key areas where the two groups requires broader discussion. ism. stating clearly that they lack do not share common ground. Equally, clarification is needed in religious legitimacy3 . So what do I can only hope that the readers regard to your "unabashed" identi­ you mean by "valid groupings"? And of the Times article, and the fication with Zionism and its rela­ in what way do "right wingers" view members of your audience, under­ tion with Torah. Our position on them differently? One might sur­ stand that while we "right wingers" Zionism has been explained on mise that. in spite of your convic- do not embrace Western culture. numerous occasion in the pages of neither do we ignore it in the this journal, as well as in other 3. "I have no choice but to judge legitimacy by my own understanding of what constitutes manner of no-nothings and country public forums. While our love for Judaism and what does not. The criterion of such bumpkins. Were that the case, we Eretz Yisroel and our concern for legitimacy ls the Jewish lex-the halacha; not its security and welfare are bound­ a specific interpretation of an individual hala­ could not be setting the agenda in cha; not a general tendency to be strict or lenient: so many areas. The fact is that "right less, we cannot accept Zionism's but the fundamental acceptance of halacha's wing" Jewry occupies a very definite redefinition of Am Yisroel. replacing divine origin, of Torah min hashamayim."--­ From an address delivered at CLAL conference place in Western World. On the other Torah at its core with a nationalism on March 19, 1986, quoted in Moment Magazine, hand, it would be important to that makes religion a private matter. June 1986.

The Jewish Observer. April 1988 7 others is especially urgent today. when the overwhelming majority of What is the "spiritual dignity" that you our non-observant brethren are in the category of tinokos shenishbu, confer on Conservative and Reform those who unfortunately never Judaism? benefitted from a Torah awareness. Almost every yeshiva within the so­ called rtght has a major commit­ ment to kiruv work-Beth Medrash tions. you have reasons for wanting dent of the !Conservative] Rabbin­ Govoha's Sholom Torah Centers to maintain positive and official ical Assembly. still say, as was and Agudath Israel's JEP and relationships with the Reform and quoted in The New York Times. Chizuk: programs sponsored by Conservative movement and leader­ "The Centrist Orthodox have not Lubavitch, Belz. and Bobov-both ship: so you resort to silken diplo­ been our problem"? I believe not. the Lithuanian-American and the matic terminologies. But must you And I gravely doubt that Alexander Chassidic yeshivas devote signifi­ trumpet your tolerance at the Schindler. president of the Union of cant financial and human resources expense of the "right-wing:· when American Hebrew !Reform] Congre­ to outreach. Every Jew counts. And your attitude. we are sure, actually gations, would still have written to we deeply care about their es­ conforms with the halachic re­ you, on the morrow of the Times trangement. quirement of rejection of de'os article: "This is the kind of voice that So. if your view is identical with kozvos (false ideologies)? I and many others have been longing that of the right wing, why do you Similarly, you grant the non­ to hear. You express the kind of Or­ phrase it in such way as to lead the Orthodox "spiritual dignity." Would thodoxy that I was taught to revere." members of today's confused gener­ that mean that one is permitted to (Quoted in JTA. March 28, 1988.) ation, who desperately need gui­ pray in a Conservative congregation dance and not obfuscation. to without a mechitza on Rosh Ha­ believe that you are embracing HOW DO WE DIFFER? shana? Rabbi Yoseif Dov Soloveit­ spiritual leaders that are actually chik (Rosh Hayeshioa of RIETS and leading American Jewry into the mentor of Modem Orthodoxy). for o now we are faced with the abyss of a religion with an absentee one, has ruled otherwise4 . I cannot same question as before: If god5. guided by a Torah authored believe that you would differ with S you are conferring a spiritual by mortals-led by "rabbis" who Rabbi Soloveitchik on so basic an dignity that is removed from legi­ perform second marriages without issue. Nor would you recognize the timacy, how is that different from benefit of a get (halachic divorce). legitimacy of a conversion per­ the love and concern that the Torah irreparably splitting off the princi­ formed by a rabbi who does not have Jew-the "right wing. ultra-Ortho­ ples' offspring from Klal Yisroel? full allegiance to halacha. let alone dox Jew," if you will-has for every While you say that "Reform long ago one of the majority of Reform rabbis other Jew, regardless of denomina­ abandoned halacha" you describe who officiate at inter-marriages. tional stripe? The obligation to love "the Conservatives... las having] So what is the "spiritual dignity" sometimes tampered with it outside that you confer on Conservative and the confines of Jewish law," as ifthe Reform Judaism? The same dignity Conservatives are only guilty of that you would accord the devotions relatively minor infractions. Their In cooperation w•1h of a Jesuit priest. or to a Tibetan The Max Stern D•v•s1on of Communal Services permitting a kohein to marry a monk's search for nirvana on a Hi­ of Yeshiva Un:vets•ty grusha (divorcee), for example. or Announces a public lecture malayan mountaintop? If that's all Made possible by a grant advocating driving to shul on Shab­ you meant. and no more, would from the bos, for another, is in direct violation Joseph Alexander Foundation Wolfe Kelman. executive vice-presi- THEME: of Torah law, which means that they "Centrist Orthodoxy: reject the entire halachic process. 4. ··1 do herf'by reiterate the statement I have Agenda and Vision, made on numerous occasions, both in writing Successes and Failures." Yet your description makes this and orally, that a synagogue with a mixed seating arrangement not only forfeits its sanctity and its SPEAKER: 5. According to a recent study. more than 20% Halachlc status of Mikdash M'at. but also Rabbi of the Reform rabbis in America do not believe Dr. Norman Lamm, becomes a vulgarized institution which is unfit in a personal G-d. The Conservatives, whose President, for prayer and avodah sheb"lev. With fu!l cogniz­ Yeshiva University approach until recently was undefined, have just ance of the implications of such a Halachic published a tract on their beliefs: Emet Ve­ dedsion. I would still advise every Orthodox Jew DATE: E1nunah. While the paper says that belief in G-d to forego Tfila B"tzibur even on Rosh Hashanah Tuesday, is essential. it also proclaims that "we have the and Yorn Kippur. rather than enter a synagogue March 22, 1988 right to challenge th<" existence of G-d," to wilh mixf'd pews. notwithstanding the fact that at 8:00 P.M. question whether G·d cares about us, whether the officiating Rabbi happens to be a graduate G-d hears our prayers and. in light of the Nazi of a great and wnerable Yeshiva."-From a letter THE PUBUC IS INVITED Holocaust. why G-d permits such suffering and from Rabbi Y.D. So\oveitchik to the 1nembers of ADMISSION FllEE tragedy.... So much for Conservative Emel Ve­ the Rabbinical Council of America. July '55. Emunah.

8 The Jewish Observer. April 1988 fatal flaw seem insignificant!6 when and how the issue should be remains to be done. Our pride, such As a term to describe Reform and raised, as a matter of strategy. not as it is, grows from being given the Conservative. "spiritual dignity" substance. Why not speak up clearly. opportunity to serve the Divine goes far beyond "lowering the that on the substantive issue. you purpose, as much as it stems from temperature of polemical rhetoric." too are against religious pluralism witnessing our efforts bear fruit. It implies granting rabbinic Iegiti· in Israel? But we are fully cognizant at the macy to those who brazenly falsify same lime that we have desperately Torah and present their approaches little time left before millions of Jews as legitimate alternatives. Why REJOICING WITH TREPIDATION will no longer understand what it should you even appear to be playing means to be a Jew and will no longer their game? s to our triumphalism. we are consider themselves Jews. We can­ fiercely proud of the hun· not permit the tragic loss of so many A dreds of yeshivas and Bais precious neshamos, and the pain of WHO IS A CONVERT? Yaakov Schools that have sprung up this realization goads us on to throughout our communities. We further action. nd then there is your renun­ are fiercely proud that our children We continue to operate under the ciation of the "right-wing" have a devotion-yes, an exclusive belief demonstrated by our Rab· A stance on the "Who is a devotion to Torah study. We are beim and Roshei Yeshiva: Torah Jew?'' issue. The Times article says choked with tears when we see practiced with integrity and convic· that you "hoped that I their] legis· hundreds and thousands of our lion need not be diluted to win over lalion ... [which] would recognize daughters taking early dawn buses others. In fact, it must not be only Orthodox conversions for those to the nursing homes to minister misrepresented. for then the gains wishing to enter ... [Israel] as Jews to our sick. Our joy knows no are not gains. but losses. ... does not come up again." Is it bounds when we watch the outpour· your view that this vexing issue ing of tens of thousands of Jews should be decided by recognizing from batei midrashim on Shabbos • • • Conservative and Reform conver­ and Yorn Tov. We stand erect when Dr. Lamm. your lecture on March sions in Israel? Or is it your opinion, we see that from tens of thousands 22 was most disturbing. In the guise rather. that it is politically unwise of families, we have lost almost of a call for moderation. you in effect misled the broad public in regard Ri!!Ri!!Ri!!B&%1Ri!!B&%1B&%1Ri!lil!i!Bil!i!Bil!i!Bil!i!BRl!lBl!lBl!lBl!lil!i!Bll!iiilllli!iBll!IH!l!iillllfllllllllllli!mRIB! to the Torah view on basic issues, and you maligned the "Ultra-Or· The public has the right to know that thodox" camp in the process. You behind the silk language of diplomacy lies skillfully issued your plea for "cen· trist" assertiveness by espousing a your acceptance of the fact that halacha diplomatic and humanistic posi· confers no rabbinic status whatsoever lion. But soft and mellow phrases do not answer tough questions nor on Conservative and Reform rabbis. do they clarify gut issues. That lonely task has been left to the Or· thodox right. At this juncture. Torah ------·--to raise the matter repeatedly in nothing to attrition. We rejoice at Jewry has the right to ask that as Israel? I hardly believe the former­ the homes that are closed to infil· president of the Rabbi Isaac although the uninitiate will surely tralion by the smut of television and Elchonon Theological Seminary and understand your statement just the degradation of what passes for spokesman for "Centrist Orthod· that way. And if you are only com­ modern literature or cultural offer· oxy," you make the positions you menting on the ill-liming of the ings on stage and screen. And we espouse unequivocal and clear. The campaign, then you must be aware take courage from the realization public has the right to know that of the considerable controversy that the Torah camp has developed behind the silk language of diplo­ within the rightist camps as to articulate voices and an active. macy lies acceptance of the harsh responsible arm that is effectively reality that halacha confers no extending its reach. day by day. in rabbinic status whatsoever on Con­ 6 ... Onf' canncll be selective wi!h regards to the halacha. and to say: 'This part pleases 1ne. and the seats of government and the servative and Reform rabbis. And the other does not: lighting candles I wil! aecept. pockets of need across the map. the bottom line for that determina· but not the lav.'S of purity of the fa1nily.' Either lion is halacha. ... Dr. Lamm, are one believes in Torah Min Hashamayim or one But this does not add up to a does not believe in this basic principle. and triumphant pride that rides high on you there with us? rejf'ets i( entirely. Halac!ta. to be accepted only the waves of success. We are pain­ in part. is impossible,"-Fro1n a Hesponsum by Yours truly. Rabbi Y.D. So!oveitchik published in the Tog­ fully aware of our shortcomings and Morgen Journal on November 19. 1954. we are overwhelmed by what Aaron 1'werski

ThE'Jeivish Observer. April 1988 9 Beth Jacob/Denver is a High School . ..

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Being Truly Jewish in a SOCIETY OF PLENTY

"There is one who waxes wealthy and possesses nothing, and one who is impoverished and has great wealth." -Mishlei 13, 7 (according to the translation of the Malbim)

REVERSE MARRANOS Europe during the Middle Ages, true in late 20th century America, then, perversely. it was easier for "The Marranos of Spain were goyim Jews to remain thoroughly Jewish. on the outside and Jews on the ewish history is replete with As the ghetto walls began to fall in inside. My Jews are reverse Marra­ differing problems. paradoxes the 18th and 19th centuries, how­ and challenges. But the basic nos." The problem of American J ever, the problem of being Jewish Orthodoxy is that no matter how problem that faces every generation became acute once again and this is how to remain truly Jewish in an frum we appear on the outside, our still is the greatest problem facing overwhelmingly non-Jewish world. inside reflects the American way of American Orthodox Jewry. We are The Torah itself addresses this life. We think as the general society attempting to live a life that con­ problem: "How do these nations thinks, its value system is ours, its forms to Torah and halacha while goals are ours, and its measures of worship their gods; let me also do living and participating in a society likewise!'' And the story of the success are definitive for us as well. whose value system is completely Jewish people in their long exile is It is difficult to be proud of an inimical to the value system implicit again one of that struggle to remain halachic society that lives a life in halacha. We lead llves that at system that mocks halachic Jewish uniquely Jewish in spite of the least superficially conform to the pressures of an alien, encroaching values. requirements of halacha, but what and different world. about the ethical values of our As long as the world was openly "RELIGION" WITHOUT ETIUCS Orthodox society and its priorities? hostile to the Jew, as in much of Are we truly Jewish? ccording to the Midrash, Attributed to Rabbi S.R Hirsch, Esau fooled his father, Isaac, Rabbi Wein, of Monsey, N.Y., Is dean of Shaarei famed Rav of Frankfurt-am-Main while mocking him by ask­ Torah of Hockland County and the Bas Torah A Academy. as well as Rav of the Congregation Ba is until his passing a hundred years ing him she'eilos-halachic ques­ Torah in the same community. ago. is a comment that still rings tions: "How does one give the tithe

The Jewish Observer. April 1988 11 Choice ofcareer can touch on some fundamental problems of halacha and of basic values. Not every career is for every Jewish boy, and certainly not for every Jewish girl.

from straw?" That is an halachic This bitterly amusing anecdote is whether the potential gain is worth question: it has an halachic answer symptomatic of our society where the risk. We are more concerned and Isaac undoubtedly did so the federal prisons of our country with ':frum" coffee than with the answer Esau, giving his son the provide Jewish inmates with strictly true ethics of being an halachically benefit of the doubt. But the rabbis, kosher food on a regular basis. When observant person. from the perspective of later millen­ the author headed the Kashrus nia, having seen what became of department of the OU, a warden Esau and his descendants, saw in called to review his Pesach order. A "THING-CENTERED" SOCIETY that halachic she'eila a mockery of . After Pesach. the OU received a all that Jewish life stands for. blistering letter of criticism from he Midrash describes the It brings to mind the story of the one of the inmates at that prison generation of the Tower of man about to embark on a ten-day who demanded a particular brand T Babel in ways that bear some cruise on Erev Pesach who franti­ of coffee for Pesach, and was upset resemblance to ours. They were cally called his Rav, "I've checked out by the "inadequacy" of the recom­ concerned with things, but not with the matzos and the food, and it's all mended brand. people. If a brick fell from the tower Mehadrin. But the ship will be The element of shame has disap­ and was smashed, they mourned the sailing in international waters, and peared from our Jewish society.just loss; but if a human being fell-that there will be casino gambling on as it has disappeared from the was all part of the risk associated board. Do they have to provide all general society. Exposure has with technological progress. Con­ new gambling chips for Pesach?" become one of the risks of the game: struction projects, space shuttle People ask all sorts of nitty-gritty If one gets caught, then one gets programs, new highway techniques, questions regarding Kashrus, and caught. If not. then one has won the all are achieved at the cost of the miss the whole point of leading a game and successfully beaten the quality of human life. Society gener­ Torah life, fulfilling the awful des­ odds; forget about the felony. These ally is more interested in things cription of the Ramban of "being are the rules of elements within furniture, objets d'art, foreign sport a naval, a disgusting person, while contemporary Jewish society: it is cars-than in people, especially remaining somehow within the not a question of right or wrong­ people who are different from the parameters of Torah law." or kiddush or chillul Hashem; only norm. This attitude is quite preval­ ent in Jewish America, as well. Materialism and conspicuous con­ 1"lJ) sumption of goods destroy the He is an exceptional young man trying to support fabric of a life consistent with Torah values and halachic principles. his family. Watching him during his K'VIUS ITIM Many times, too much becomes too LATORAH is an inspiration. His wife is a tzidkonis. Ii ttle and more is definitely less.... The test of affi uence is a difficult one When she is not busy with their i1"lJjJ many children, to pass. she is busy helping others. They are in dire need of G-d has granted us plenty, per­ support. Their table does not have proper food. We, haps because of the terrible trage­ dies of the previous generation­ their friends, want to help them. like a spoiled child, born after a ter­ rible tragedy in a family. So has G-d Please make your tax-deductible contribution to: granted us many things that we don't quite know how to deal with: great material wealth and new SHAAREI EMUNOH opportunities, a resurgence of do Rabbi Zevi Trenk Torah study and traditional life, a 1586 E. 9th St., Brooklyn, NY 11230 Jewish state in the Land of Israel. Our successes have oveiwhelmed

12 The Jewish Observer. April 1988 us. We are unable to place them into A number of years ago, a certain ning, the Rav awoke early to hear historic perspective and thus deal Rav in Jerusalem was observed by weeping from the balcony next with them in an optimum fashion. a well-known writer purchasing an door. His neighbor's daughter had Moreover. material abundance esrog before Succos. The writer then been holding herfather'sesrog and actually can interfere with spiritual saw the Rav on Succos morning had inadvertently dropped it, growth. The Mashgiach of the without lulav or esrog. ''What hap­ breaking the pittum, rendering it yeshiva that I attended -a baal pened to your esrog?" he asked. unfit for the mi tzva The girl was mussar of the highest order-once The Rav answered, "I'll tell you, in tears, fully anticipating her said to me, in great frustration, but only if you do not write of it father's wrath. The Rav reached "Mussarwill never succeed in Amer­ until after my death": over, placed his esrog in his neigh­ ica It was very relevant in Lithuania, Next door to him lived a Jew with bor's esrog box and told her to tell where people did not have extra a very short temper whofrequently her father that he, the Rav, had food, a second overcoat. Their mate­ beat his children for minor infrac­ examined his neighbor's esrog and rial poveriy helped the people con­ tions of home rules. On Succos mor- had decided that the new esrog centrate on their inner ethical self. When one owns several coats and half-a-dozen jackets, and eats in restaurants, it dulls his ability to hear talk about midas and mussar." frrR1il For many years, a Shabbos after­ noon "Mishnah Club" met in my ~1m1.JJ house for a number of boys aged five to twelve. By year's end, my closet - would house a collection of coats, gloves, scarves, ties-many with 1?n 111:>t n:i.'~) designer labels, costing a great deal of money. (When I was young, if I YESHIVA ZICHRON MEILECH lost my coat ... there would not be a second coat.) Yet. no one called to ask about a missing coat. A child is pleased to announce that its who loses his coat will, as a matter of right and course, receive another ANNUAL DINNER & JOURNAL one. No wonder there is no respect for clothing among our children .... Sunday, May 8, 1988 A society that values things over people, eventually respects neither. at the Aperion Manor will. be tendered in honor of THINGS VERSUS SUBSTANCE 1'vIR. & MRS. CifAI1VI LIEBER his thing-centered attitude GttestB of Honor has spilled over into our T observance of mitzvos to the RABBI & M&5. SIDNEY BER1VIAN point of measuring hiddur mitzva (enhancement of mitzva perfor­ Alwmni Parents of the Year mance) primarily in terms of mone­ tary costs. Hiddur mitzva today is MR. & 1'vl&5. ISAAC IfEIMOVI'I'S a thinly-disguised form of social JJorav Mei/,ech Si/,ber Awordees one-upsmanship. The yeitzer hara has entered the mitzva business. Indoor removable-roof-succa rooms; For dinner resernations and j01uno1 ads, hundred dollar esrogim encased in please call tlw Yicshiva office ot (718) 488-1002. luxurious boxes; more expensive, though not necessarily more relia­ ble, kosher products; enormously YESHIVA ZICHRON MEILECII expensive Sabbath clothes... all are 510 Dahill Rood the vogue. But unfortunately, the mitzva ethic is many times lost in Brooklyn, NY 11218 the hiddurwrapping.

The Jewish Observer, April 1988 13 was more proper for him. And the The rabbis' admonition to engage father works, the mother works, and Rav took away the broken esrog. in an umnus kalla unekiya-a the house is empty-physically, psy­ The wrtter correctly titled the story. career that is light and clean-is chologically, educationally, spiritu­ when he finally wrote it ''Hiddur always relevant. Today, people ally, deafeningly empty. The child Mitzva." It reflects a unique concept immediately think in terms of com· comes home to exquisite furniture, an authentic Jewish value system puters. They may be right. but one to fine art on the walls, to air-con­ of how to deal with halachic prob­ could challenge that. Basically, an ditioning and carpeting-but the lems. This concept should be app· umnus kalla unekiya is one that house is empty. The child would be lied in our society. will permit a person to come home better served to come home to a at a reasonable hour, that will enable more modest physical environment. THE VALUES one to spend time with family, endowed with a presence of people IN CAREER CHOICES children, synagogue and Torah.... of tradition and warmth and care The archetypical Jewish mother and interest and love. The largest iving a life guided by the way wants her son to be (at least) a industty" in our suburban commun­ things seem rather than by lawyer. Today, your average Yeshiva ity is child-care, baby-sitting! No one Ltheir Inner content, stressing graduate can make it through law is home. things over values, can lead a person school. past the bar, to the most Is it worth it? I doubt it. to opt for an unfortunate career. prestigious law firms in the country, Now, choice of career may seem to at no recognizable cost to his Yid· be a "neutral area," but it can touch dishkeit. But as a successful lawyer, OF PROFESSIONS, PURPOSES AND DESTINY on some fundamental problems of he will not see his children awake halacha and of basic values. Not from one Shabbos to the next. (I every career is for every Jewish boy, speak from experience, I was a he individual's choice of pro­ and certainly not for every Jewish lawyer for nine years before becom­ fession and careers is vital to girl. Because of our success in ing a full-time Rav.) If a lawyer wants 1'the future of the Jewish peo· achieving equal opportunity in the to "make it." he has to leave the ple and the fulfillment of our cosmic professional world and the market house at six in the morning and purpose. The mother of one of my place, we are dealing with a gener­ attend appointments with clients at students complained that her son ation that sees no limits on its ten at night. One is not paid $65,000 decided to study Torah in Israel for horizon. One can. without undue per year as an entering lawyer in a a year or two after graduation from penalty, wear a kippa, eat kosher Park Avenue law firm to reasonably mesivta high school. Her son would food, and be fully Sabbath and Yom expect to work normal hours or have "lose a year," which he would need Tov observant in the medical cen­ a normal family life. Law is not an later in his medical education. ters, the boardrooms of major cor­ umnus kalla unekiya. I dared ask her the unspeakable porations, the legal centers. and the The yeshiva where I am menahel, question, "Why must he be a highest levels of government in our certainly not exceptional in this doctor?" country. But the price of "making regard, has a number of yesomtm She answered, "J don't under­ it" in our world Is not small. (orphans) with living parents. The stand you. He may discover the cure Not just a cheese,_ a tradition ... - Hao\am, the most trusted name in Cho!ov Yisroel Kosher Cheese. A reputation earned through 25 years of scrupulous devotion to quality and kashruth. With 12 delicious varieties. Under the strict Rabbinical supervision of K'hal Adas Jeshurun, N.Y. Haolam, a tradition you'll enjoy keeping.

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14 The Jewish Observer. April 1988 for cancer. Do you want to prevent however. obligated to be the Jewish procl:Ums that "Ivri anochi I am a that?" people, with all of the moral and Jew." is to be admired. compli­ In reply I told her an old. wry ethical obligations that this implies. mented and aided. We are the only Jewish joke: A yi.shuvnik (provincial We should have no objection to an Jewish people around and the L-rd fellow). who lived in a hamlet in the Italian or an Irishman or a Black or apparently is still willing to deal with Ukraine that had a general popula­ an Hispanic discovering the cure for us on His usual exact. demanding tion of 30 and only 6 Jews. sent his cancer. But Torah. halacha, Jewish and intimate terms. Therefore. to son off to university. in Berlin. When ethics and eternal value systems are the extent that we can address our the son returned years later. the the primary Jewish agenda. both problems realistically and put our­ father asked him. "How many Jews nationally and individually. What I selves in the proper perspective of are there in Berlin?" Answered the can do. only I can do: our role in Jewish historical tradition vis-a-vis son. "35.000.'' the world is therefore very exclusive. the non-halachic society in which The father rejoiced at the astro­ Hence. the choice ofan umnus kalla we live. will we be able to continue nomical number. He then asked, unekiya is a crucial one. If the to see the supremacy of halachic "How many goyim are there in choice is not directed at propagating thought and values in our lives and Berlin?" The reply: "Three million." Jewish values. it should at least continue to be authentically Jewish The father. in shock. responded. honor those values and permit in the full sense of the term. 'Why do they need so many goyim?" ample time for their pursuit. "Thus says the L-rd: Let not the We should not be like that yishuv­ wise man glory in his wisdom. nik. G-d has created a great and neither let the mighty man glory in "IVRI ANOCHI" A BADGE varied world. There are over four OF HONOR, A WAY OF LIFE his might. let not the rich man glory billion non-Jews in the world. We in his riches. But let him that glories don't have to do everything in the glory in this. That he understands world by ourselves. The Jews are not t is not my intention to write and knows Me. that I am the L-rd obligated to supply all of the doctors, negatively about the Jewish who exercises mercy. justice and lawyers. judges. corporate raiders, I people. In our generation, all righteousness. in the earth: for in real-estate developers and entrepre­ Jews as heroes. Anyone. still stand­ these things I delight. says the L-rd.'' neurs of this world. The Jews are. ing in the shadow of Auschwitz. who Yinniyahu 9.23.•

Special Education Limudei Kodesh Rebbe Wanted The Jewish Association for Special Education in MONTREAL, CANADA is looking for a Rebbe to teach 6-16 year old learning disabled boys in the 88-89 school year. This position also entails administrative responsibilities. The program is located in the Yeshiva Gedola Merkaz Hatora. For information call: (S14) 737-7801 I 737-8206 Send resume to: Yeshiva Gedola Merkaz Hatora 6805 De Vimy Avenue Montreal, Quebec, CanadaH3S 2R7 Attention:]. Zimlichman

The Jewish Observer, April 1988 15 Home Attendants

needed for housekeeping and personal care for the disabled and homebound good pay and benefits Boro Park, Bensonhurst and Flatbush Area full-time live in positions only Project OHR Inc. (Office for Homecare Referral) 1308-40th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218 (718) 853-2700 Rabbi Shimon Grama with Batsheva Grama

OF GUILT AND SELF-ESTEEM Dealing with an awareness qf one's shortcomings, in strivingfor self-betterment, and in bringing up children.

I. THE PITFALL OF to pay back, failed to do so. Certainly, verbally or not, he will likely call EXCESSIVE GUILT it would have been easier to just himself "a fool!" or "a lousy busi­ dismiss the inconsequential sum nessman!" Or take the housewife ''Rivka," a seminary stu­ involved, but then how would the whose home occasionally becomes dent, was summoned to menahelet ever free herself of her messy. Instinctively, she just might the menahelet's office debt to Rivka's neshama? chide herself: "You slob!" Even the for what should have been a five­ She gently pointed out the successful lawyer or doctor who minute talk. She only had wished requirement to promptly repay even loses a particular client or patient to remind the young lady of a small debts, and warmly added some is apt unthinkingly to reprove halacha in which she was derelict. well-deserved general praise. The himself, 'You're a failure!" The words were absolutely devoid of brief discussion was about to end Parents who've attended a PTA any hint of degradation or anger: ... but then Rivka, despite her best meeting and received a negative The office had informed the men­ efforts to control herself, began to comment regarding their child often ahelet that Rivka, a fine young cry, saying, "Really, I'm not dishon­ reproach themselves on how bad a woman, had borrowed a number of est, I'm not a ganav. ... " job they've done in parenting. The asimonim (telephone tokens) weeks An extreme reaction? Not at all. dating yeshiva bachur or girl is ago. and despite several reminders It happens more often than most of refused another date or in fact, most us realize, though perhaps in more anyone who's been rejected by a Rabbi Shimon Orama formerly of Kolle! Chazon subtle ways. Consider, for example, school, job, or social group may at Ish, Bnai Brak, is currently dean of Migdal Ohz the businessman who "fouls up" a least momentarily dejectedly feel, Seminary in Jen1salem where Mrs. Orama serves as menaheleL particular business deal: whether ''I'm really no good ...."

The Jewish Observer. April 1988 17 Shimon and Levi: "Cursed be their Dealing Positively With Failure the parents who decide to become more lenient/strict/understanding anger" (Bereishis 49,7)-not the with the child in the necessaiy area; men, in spite of their nature. be sure, nobody succeeds the "no" recipient whose reaction is: The People of Israel: "And they did all the time in everything 'Tm sure disappointed.'' and gets evil in the eyes of G-d" (Shoftim 2.11) hat he or she does. Failures ready for an encounter with another but they are not described as evil are an intrinsic part of life and person. men. should be taken in the broader The problem. though, is that The succinct phrase. "One sin perspective of the whole person. Yet, many of us visualize our whole being begets another" (Avos 4,2), sums up Instead of noting that they stumbled through the following premise: My the danger inherent in this self­ in a particular area, and separating peiformance defines my worth. condemning attitude. On a simple that area from their whole selves, That is, good actions increase my level, this expression tells us that some people tend to react to the self worth. and negative actions when a person suffers a defeat in wrongdoing as if it were a body blow devaluate my worth. Therefore, the battle between his yeitzer tov from which they will only be able to when I mispeiform. I must feel (drive for good) and his yeitzer hara recover slowly, if at all. unworthy. We should strive to (evil inclination), his tendencies for Fortunate is the individual who, dissociate our self-worth from our ra have become reinforced, while his even upon first instinct. can separ­ performance. defenses have become more vulner­ ate a particular failure from an able to further defeat. Applying a performance-worth overall feeling about his self worth. Judge Me Not By What I Do Fortunate is the businessman who equation to oneself in matters of a merely says to himself: "Too bad that general nature can be harmful deal fell through!" and continues on, hat is the source of this enough, but when one does so In undaunted; the housewife who widely accepted miscon­ a spiritual realm, the consequences simply comments to herself: "The W:ception? Certainly not the can be devastating. Internalization house is sure messy!" and goes Torah, where guilt is pointed out of the concept "my avetros lowers about tackling her assignments with veiy specific mention of acts my self worth" can 1"n bring on a along clear priorities; the lawyer or or weaknesses. generally avoiding subtle, insidious destruction of the doctor who observes: ''That client/ degradation of the person(s) at fault. neshama, as will be explained. patient and 1 don't get along veiy even though he may seem to deserve This can be summarized In Rabbi well ...... and refers him elsewhere; It. Shimon's exhortation: "Do not be a rasha (wicked man) to yourself' (Avos 2, 13). THE YI'I"I'Y LEIBEL HELP-LINE From Sins to Alienation A Free Service of the eople often make the situa­ Yitty Leibel Chesed Fund tion more complicated than it P need be-sometimes con­ • Marital problems? • Fear of break-down? sciously, but more often, not. After • Overpowering stress? • Parent-child friction? a person sins and then sins again, a heavy sense of guilt sets in, and Do you have problems like these and are afraid or ashamed to talk to the individual loses his self-esteem. anyone? ... Do you want a trained, wise, warm professional who will talk to He now feels somewhat estranged you on the phone? from G-d, estranged from people he Some of the Torah community's highly skilled psychologists, social workers, had admired, and estranged from and therapists are ready to help. Your consultation will be treated with the his own prior standards ofbehavior. Then this tragic situation worsens utmost discretion. You may remain anonymous if you prefer. They under­ because guilt can become an excru­ stand. They're trained. They have Ahavas Yisrael. ciating burden to bear; since the Hours: perpetrator feels helpless to tiy to Monday through Friday 8:00-12:00 a.m. free himself of his guilt feelings, he Sunday through Thursday 9:00-11 :00 p.m. gradually pushes the guilt to the Sunday morning 9:00-12:00 noon furthermost cache of his mind. The long-term result? A slow, but steady Dial (718) HELP-NOW (435-7669) downward spiraling of his mitzva This project has been approved by leading Torah authorities. Por information only call (718) 435-7706. observance and spirituality, in general, in keeping with 'When a

18 The Jewish Observer. April 1988 Hesitation of strictness on the parent's part may actually be a non-verbal statement: "I really don't comprehend a sin as dangerous." person sins once and again, the tion become frequent features oflife number of sources one can cite as forbidden becomes permissible lin in the Cohen household. to why this approach should be his eyesJ" (Yoma 87b). This degen­ When the perpetrator makes a avoided.• For example, we are eration can be marked by unplea­ practice of generalizing on his enjoined to "Serve G-d with joy" sant personality changes; and faults, it takes but one slip-up, or (Tehillim 100,2), but an unbearable though they are but a by-product of a weakness in one specific area, to burden of guilt makes it virtually living with a constant, gnawing bring more problems in its wake. He impossible to incorporate joy as an sense of guilt. they can add a whole thinks: "Only a batlan would miss elevating element in Divine service. new dimension of transgressions to his kvius in learning!" The poor self­ While a person must deal with his his activities-those between man image soon embraces other aspects sins, he must also move on and and his fellow. of Torah life, and the self-incrimina­ focus on a positive agenda. In other For example, take "Asher Cohen," tion becomes: 'Tm finished as a ben­ words, follow the course of action a former yeshiva bachurwho, at the Torah!" His behavior conforms to outlined by the Talmud: "Fortunate onset of his marriage, practically his poor self-image, in the manner vows that after he leaves full-time of a self-fulfilling prophecy. learning, he will always retain a daily *Rabbi Yeruchen1 Levovttz J"!il (in his sefer Daas seder kavuah (set-time for Torah Chochmo U'Mussar) draws upon the words from Moving On From Sin the Blessing of the New Month, where we pray studies). Several years pass and he for "A life of fear of Heaven and fear of stn." goes into business. During a partic­ which deals with the two as distinct conditions, independent of each other. He expounds on the ularly busy week, Asher misses his is sad scenario of mental concept that sinning does not necessarily stem seder one day, and then again on and spiritual anguish, com­ from lack of awe before G-d, counseling a person who has experienced a failure not to consider another day. At first, he is tom with mon as it is. is really not in­ T: himself irretlievablydtstanced from G-d, because aggravation, but as successive evitable. Moreover. there are a he has sinned. weeks pass, with more incidents of missed sedorim, he attempts to salve his conscience by convincing himself that if he happens to over­ hear a d'var Torah or pick up a magazine with Torah thoughts in AN URGENT REMINDER Its pages, he has remained faithful FROM to his commitment to study daily. As time goes by, and Asher's regular learning seder fades into CHEVRA DOR YESHORIM oblivion, he also begins to miss minyan, and two paradoxical ten­ YOUNG PEOPLE OF MARRIAGEABLE AGE MUST BE TESTED dencies arise. On the one hand, in order to prevent the scourge of Tay-Sachs disease from striking the next Asher thinks he's doing just fine generation, in accordance with the directives of the Gedolei Hadol "reading'' Torah literature when he has a chance, listening to a shiur SCHOOLS and YESHIVOS: when the occasion presents itself, Please call 718-384-2332 if you are and even going to shul once in a interested in having testing done for students. while. On the other hand, he sub­ Genetic counseling is also available. consciously recognizes that he is Call for an appointment: not the ben Torah he was. A change of self-image expresses itself in (718) 384-6060 or (914) 783-1370 mode of dress. type of language he Confidentiality assured. uses, and the places he might frequent with clients or business CHEVRA DOR YESHORIM, INC. associates. A different Asher 198 Keap Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 emerges, and discomfort and fric-

TheJeivish Observer. April 1988 19 The poor self-image of the person who slips in mitzva-performance soon embraces other aspects of his Turah life, and the self-incrimination becomes: ''I'm finished as a ben-Turah!'' is the man who did not sin; and let look forward and then later back­ the transgression and the rebellion him who sinned repent, and he will wards. This is indicated by the fact against G-d that it implies, as well. be forgiven" (Succa 53a). A person that chronologically, Rosh Hashana This, in tum, should lead to remorse can achieve happiness by recogniz­ (facing the future) precedes Yorn and a commitment to fidelity to ing G-d's acceptance of his remorse Kippur (dealing with the past). mitzvos, a resolve never to repeat the and his desire to return. aveira again. This may sound like In Shaarei Teshuva, Rabbeinu the full, intensive guilt experience, Yonah advises a person. at certain II. BUILDING ON A HEALTHY SENSE OF GUILT and within the limitations of reason times. to file away his sin to deal and emotional stability, it is. There with it later. and continue with the is no other way to fully correct business of a life of mitzvos. That hile we have thus far been oneself. is, neither dismiss wrong-doings focusing primarily upon Perhaps this is to be expected in altogether, nor become overly Wavoiding too heavy a bur­ adulthood, but it also has its place involved in them. Just start anew den of guilt, the opposite extreme in chinuch, bringing up children in and carefully avoid repetition. Later. can be equally harmful: Circumvent­ a Torah spirit. at a spiritually more confident time, ing guilt altogether. Each time I read a certain Hebrew the sins can be taken out of the The very first step in teshuva children's book to my little ones, 1 closet and dealt with productively. (actually a prerequisite of sorts) is become saddened. In this true story, Ba 'alai Mussar have alluded to the hakoras hacheit-recognition of the younger of two brothers inad­ same concept. i.e. that sometimes, the sin that was committed. This vertently bites into an apple of aria in dealing with guilt, we must first entails understanding the gravity of (fruit of a tree during its first three years of fruit productivity. which is prohibited by Torah law). When the older brother, alarmed, points out the transgression to the younger ARE YOU MOVING? one, "he trembled and paled. The IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED half-eaten apple dropped from his INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? hand and tears streamed from his eyes. 'l didn't know.. I forgot to ask,' We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the 10 to your home. Please he cried, deeply grieved." attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address I always ask myself, why don't my and computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the children react like this to an aveira? address label. Or more importantly, why don't I? It is Shabbos. Mrs. A is sitting on ADDRESS CHANGE FORM the sefa elegantly entertaining a (Affix label here) very special guest Berish A, afour­ yearold, swiftly passes through the room, unsuccessfully hiding crayons and his favorite coloring book under his ann. Mrs. A fleet­ ingly notices this out ef the comer of her eye. .. and the conversation Address ______continues undisturbed. City, State, Zip------­ By contrast: In the same setting as above, Mrs. Date Effective------A catches sight of Berish unsuc­ Please aJJow 6-8 weeks for a!! changes to be reflected on your mailing label. WE WILL NOT BE cesefully hiding a bottle of poison­ RESPONSIBLE FOR BACK !SSUES MISSED un!es~ you notify us 8 weeks prior to your move. ous oven cleaner. Mrs. Ajumps up

20 The Jewish Observer, April 1988 at once, runs to her son, and grabs away the bottle, notwithstanding her special visitor! Why the differences? Mr. B. overhears Suri, his four­ LAKEWOOD. year-old daughter, telling her friend: "Yesterday my daddy bought me a big new dolly that talks. and walks and cries!" This is an outright lie and Mr. B. urgently PHILADELPHIA. calls his daughter away from her friend. smacks her firmly on the backside and says. 'That is a lie! It is forbidden to lie ever, ever!" An observer comments, "Couldn't SOUTH BEND. you just have explained to her gently what was wrong with what Two of America's finest yeshivas have inspired one of their students to emulate their she did? Why did you have to hit example. Rabbi Raphael Moshe Gettinger, a product of both the Lakewood and her?" Philadelphia yeshivas, is assuminq the postition of Rosh HayeshiVa of the newly And then: established RABBI NAFTALI RIFF YESHIVA in South Bend, Indiana. He joins his brother, Rabbi Yisrael Gettinger (now in his 8th year in South Bend as spiritual leader Mr. B. overhears Suri telling her of Hebrew Orthodox Congregation) in this pioneering effort to found an institution friend. "See these matches? I know dedicated to achieving academic excellence in the Torah education of young Jewish m:en. THE RABBI NAFTALI RIFF YESHIVA offers a campus complet• with Beis how to scratch them and make a Medrash, Library, Dormitory, Dining and Recreational facilities in a lovely physical fire. Wanna see?" Mr. B. urgently setting. The Beis Medrash Program for graduates of yeshiva high schools beqilis in calls his daughter over, smacks her Elul 5748 - August 1988, and registration is now open. The High School Program beqllls firmly, and says, ''You must never, in the Fall of 1989 for 9th grade boys. For more information, contact Rabbi Yisrael never even touch a match!" Gettinge" 2915 York Road, South Bend, Indiana 46614. Telephone (219) 291-9014 or 287-2600 evenings. Would an observer suggest that he just gently explain the dangers to the child? In essence. in each set of stories. is there any difference between the first and second situation? Both posed threatening circumstances to the child-the only difference being one was physical and the other spiritual. If a parent does not per­ ceive of an aveira as being perilous, how can his child possibly feel it? SOUTH BEND, INDIANA It might be uncomfortable for a parent to confront this, but often Registration is now open for the Beis Medrash Program such hesitation of strictness on his which begins in Elul 5748 - August 1988 part may actually be a non-verbal statement that: "I really don't com­ RABBINICAL ADVISORY BOARD prehend a sin as dangerous," which Rabbi y, Eichenstein Rabbi$. Kamenetsky Rabbi E. Svei is in direct opposition to a basic Chicago; IL Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA principle of faith. (See the eleventh of Rambam· s Thirteen Articles of Rabbi J. Elias Rabbi L, Levin Rabbi N. Wachtfogel Faith.) Monsey, NY Southfield, MI Lakewood, NJ Rabbi Ch. Fasman Rabbi Y. Perlow Rabbi B. Wein Los Angeles, CA Brooklyn, NY Monsey, NY "Don't Fear Becoming Fearful" Rabbi E. Gettinger Rabbi B. Rothman Rabbi Y. Weinberg

New York, NY Cherry Hill, NI Baltimore 1 MD uring a class discussion on Rabbi A. Schechter this topic, a student asked, Brooklyn, NY D "Can't a child become fearful from such chinuch?"

The Jewish Observer. April 1988 21 Some individuals do have the wherewithal to apologize to theirfellow man, yet perceive their avodas Hashem to be so lacking, that they cannot bring themselves to say "I'm sorry" to G-d.

The reply: Hopefully. yes! A child ren, when five years old, had for a imposes needless frustration, guilt, and for that matter, a Jew of any short time a teacher who in all and feelings of inadequacy on the age should strive to be fearful of sin, seriousness scolded students who child. On the other hand, there are i.e. possessing yiras cheit What a inadvertently touched their legs or fathers who permit their ten-year sublime acquisition that would be! scratched their heads during dav­ old sons to leave shul in the middle ening or learning, and consistently of tefilla, to go play. Permissiveness "Happy is the man who fears sent them out of the classroom in of this sort can produce a child, and (committing evil) constantly," said a punitive manner to wash their later an adult. who has difficulty King Solomon (Mishlei 28, l 4 ). And hands!) davening well, both in terms of in PirkeiAvos (2,25) we are advised: It is up to the parents to ascertain quality and quantity. In other words, "Do not believe in yourself (in regard that each child, according to his age by under-demanding, a parent can to your invulnerability to sin) until as well as individual developmental give his child much to feel guilty the day you die (that is, for as long about, reducing his self-esteem to as you live)." level, is up to a specific demand. For example, some three-year olds can the point of further affecting his To be sure, awareness and fear of be expected to wash netilas performance in a negative way. a specific sin must be suitable to yadayim before eveiy time they eat Many parents tend to be almost the maturity of the individual child. bread, while there are many five­ timid in setting spiritual goals for Obviously. it is foolish to nag a two­ year-olds for whom this would be too their children. (How often have you year old girl about sitting in a demanding; placing such a demand witnessed a mother correcting her modest fashion. (One of our child- on an unready child unfairly little one for speaking Lashon hara with the same chiding tone used to point out a missing "Thank-you.") Yet. as in all types of developmental sinC'f' 1928 skills. one can help a child develop an active, healthy guilt system by FREEDA@ setting some goals that are some­ what remote from his performance level, to encourage the child to develop an ambitious agenda and to VITAMINS entertain longer-range goals in self. THE BEST IN THE VITAMIN WORLD improvement. ("You, too. can become a tzaddik some day.") In cases of doubt, it is always best to Over 250 Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids to cover all consult with experienced parents your vitamin needs. ()ur vitamins are made on the premises and other mechanchim. under strict pharmaceutical and kashrus standards. Freeda Vitarnins are parve and vegetarian and are under the ill. Rabbinical Supervision of the Orthodox Union and ~aJibi ACHIEVING A BALANCE Mordec:hai Kohn fron1 Ne\v Square, N.Y • No sugar • No sulfates • No coal tar dyes e pointed out on the one • No starch • No salt filler • No animal stearate~ hand how an over-wrought W:sense of guilt can be unset· tling. And then. on the other, we demonstrated that a good healthy • FREE FREEDA BROCHURES sense of guilt. where applicable, is essential for achieving self control.

3() E. 4Jsl SI., XPU/ York,;\\' 10017 (212) 685·4~)80 This is not a contradiction, for even when guilt is being used as a force

22 'fhe ~JeuJish Observer. April I 988 for improvement, it must be kept in with what he views as an unman­ ten. So much will remain to be done check. Especially when dealingwith ageable load of guilt. later, he feels that he simply lacks children, an aveira should be pres­ Think of the uncomfortable, even the tools for beginning. ented as a removable stain or a wretched sensation one feels at Some individuals do have the curable scratch. worthy of a pained being so behind in an undertaking wherewithal to apologize to their "ouch!" but never as an indelible that one feels like giving up even fellow man, yet perceive their avo­ scar. How is the ugly imprint of sin attempting a start. We've all expe­ das Hashem (spiritual standing) to removed? For starters, with the rtenced it at one point or another be so lacking, that they cannot bring articulation of one of humankind's in our lives. Examples may include themselves to say "I'm sorry" to G-d. most beautiful expressions: 'Tm Jetter writing (especially around Such a person can be greatly helped sorry." It is a phrase that, coupled Rosh Hashana time!), catching up by actually writing down, for his own with genuine remorse and firm with prtvate study schedules, paying private use, the main categories in resolve. can patch up friendships, social calls, undertaking an exercise which he feels spiritual guilt, omit­ repair business relationships, and program, and so on. Since the ting the details. Usually, to his restore shalom bayis, while it challenge seems so colossal, even astonishment, he will be enor­ cleanses a person of sin and frees when a direct opportunity to actu­ mously relieved to find that his him of guilt. ally begin should 'just happen our "multitude" of sins fit within a few Sadly. there are individuals who way," we still tend to procrastinate, categories. Having thus summar­ somehow can never, or only seldom, feeling so overwhelmed with all that ized his mountain of guilt into no allow these words to pass their lips. remains yet to be done. more than a few written words, he Most people, in dealing with an "]­ This is in line with the feelings feels free of the paralyzing burden can't-say-I'm sorry" type, tend to of the non-apologizer. Usually that had haunted him. Learning to become offended by him and even unjustifiably, he has accumulated maintain the delicate balance angry, thinking him haughty and such an enormous mound of guilt between an inhibiting fear and obnoxious in his refusal to apolog­ feelings, that for him to admit 'Tm compelling, inspiring joy, he can ize. Most of the time. however, he sorry" is like writing that first letter now. perhaps, even manage to say, should be pitied, for he is dealing when scores more remain unwrit- 'Tm sorry."•

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The Jewish Observer. April 1988 23 SOME PEOPLE THINK IT WILL TAKE A MIRACLE TO SAVE TIIB NEXT GENERATI or ISRAEL.

We hear a lot about the problems of Israel The New Israel today- terrorist incidents, anti-religious strife. Arab population explosion, poor Chinuch Atzmai today has 300 economy, the list seems endless. institutions serving over 40,000 children. To absorb the thou­ Dimona-a town sands of additional children, , we need dozens of new schools in transition and kindergartens. and hire ' hundreds of new staff. And Let's visit Israel for a closer look. all this is possible if only we We'll take a ride to Dimona, a town had the money. in the South of Israel, near Be'er Sheva. As we cross the street, oops!, a dozen children just Shlomo Chama, the energetic bumped into us. As they apolo· young principal of the Shilo gize politely, you notice school says, "Anyone wanting 'kipahs' on the boys· heads. to see the real Hatzolas Nefashos In a playground, hopping, are work. should visit Dimona:· girls dressed modestly in a There is a new ever powerful spirit style reminding you of Bais of Torah in Eretz Yisroel. Every­ Yaakov. If we stay for Shabbos, where you go, even in the most we would meet hundreds of irreligious areas. one can find the people going to shul. five years seeds of Torah growing. This is truly a ago. these sights would be un· miracle. It is up to us to keep the miracle heard of. Dimona, created in the I 9SO's to going. house the Jewish immigration from North The Baal Teshuva's Africa, was a spiritual wasteland. The rich Torah heritage of the prior generation was Children Jost between efforts to eke out a living and the secular education of the children in The Baal Teshuva movement we hear so Government schools. much about, is bearing fruits. All across Israel, thousands of parents are trying to Today, Shilo. the Chinuch Atzmai school give their children the Torah education has grown from JOO children, tooverl.i.70 they themselves didn't receive. They come and is bursting at the seams with new knocking at the doors of Chinuch Atzmai, children trying to get in. the new school of their choice. And these children are affecting their parents. In the words of Harav Yitzchok Elefant Rav of Dimona, "The growth of the school is hav­ ing a tremendous impact on Dimona. parents are in many cases being influ­ enced to return to a life of Torah and 'kiyum hamitzvos." TIIB MIRACLE IS HAPPENING r------~------· • '"''"'"'School TORAH SCHOOLS FOK ISKAEL I I 1 000 ~\S~J­ " ""' '"· CHll'IUCH ATZMAI I I •Sponsor Prefab 167 MiHlison Avenue. New York. NY 10016 • 212·889·0606 I I c1ass1ooms $ !O soo I Playground facilities $ 0 Enclosed fiml my contributmn of$ ~~···. 35 ~ I • 3 600 ~ I YEAR5 ~ • Nas.si Layom $!.BOO 0 Please ac.o:pt my pledge of$ __~_ .... ,_,, __ ,_,, ... ,_,_____ I I •Memorial Plaque $!.000 Name_,'" .... ·~--·--·~----··-·-··------·-··---·-···--·- I I • Child Sponsorship $360 Address f I • Annual Membership $200 Ci!Y-----·------·------· --- I ~.~ ·~~~';'.MI I • Summer Camp $54 State Zip_ I CHINUCH ATZMAI 1------TORAH FOR ONE DOLLAR A DAY------~ Yaakov Elman

Rabbi Yochanan said: Never consider the mitzva [of bringing] the omer as unimportant, for it was by the merit of the mitzva of the omer that Abraham acquired the Land of Canaan [for his descendants]. as the verse says: "I will give ...the Land of Canaan to you and your children after you" as an eternal heritage-in order that "you shall keep my bris" (Bereishis 17, 8-9). And what [covenant] is that? That is the mitzva [of bringing) the omer. (Vayikra Rabba 28,6) SEFIRAS HAOMER: The Link Between Teshuva and Torah

I mentioned in Bereishis as condi­ tional to controlling Canaan cannot his Midrash has been a be bris milah. for the mitzva of source of puzzlement to the milah was already in force from the commentaries. First of all, time of Avrohom Avinu, hundreds T of years before the conquest. Since why should acquiring Eretz Yisroel be dependent upon the mitzva of Eretz Yisroel did not enter into hava'as ha'omerthe bringing of an Jewish possession under the Avos, offering from the new crop of barley their observance of bris milah to the Beis Hamikdosh on the cannot be considered relevant to our second dayof Pesach? True. it is one acquisition of the Land. On the other hand, the omer was the very of the mitzvos hateluyos ba "aretz. first "new" mitzva that Jewry ful­ a mitzva that can only be performed in Eretz Yisroel. But there are so filled under Joshua, upon entering many others. such as pe'ah (crops Eretz Yisroel. Yes. they did celebrate in the comer of the field. left for the Pesach. which preceded the omer. poor). bikkurim (first fruit, brought but Jews had already observed to the Beis Hamikdosh), or terumos Pesach once in Mitzrayim and once and maasros (gifts to the Kohanim again in the desert (see Rashi and Ramban on Bamidbar 9,1 and and Leviim). What makes the omer special? with Avraham? The passage in Chiddushei HaRamban on Yeva­ Moreover, what is the connection Bereishis is obviously referring to mos 72a; Tosajos there disagrees). bris milah, circumciston. between the bringing of the omer The observance of Pesach. then, and the covenant that G-d made The Maharzu in his commentary could not have been the key factor on Vayikra Rabba deals with the in the conquest. either. Yaakov Elman is associate editor at KTAV second question. suggesting a chro­ And yet Pesach should not be Publishing House. nological explanation: The bris dismissed out of hand. for it had

The Jewish Observer. April 1988 25 Why should acquiring Eretz Yisroel be dependent upon the mitzva of hava'as ha'omer-the bringing of an offering from the new crop of barley to the Beis Hamikdosh on the second day of Pesach?

never been observed in Eretz Yisroel one has initiated the teshuva pm· Both these Yomim Tovim were as a mitzva until Jewry's entry cess, a person has seven weeks in preceded by a dramatic renewal in under Joshua In fact, it was the first which to perfect himself in prepa· acceptance of Torah and mitzvos on Yorn Tov observed in the Holy Land. ration for Mattan Torah. the part of Kial Yisroel. In the case Abraham (and presumably, Isaac Before venturing further in exa­ of Yoshiyahu. this observance of and Jacob also) kept Pesach only as mining the relationship between Pesach came after a bris (that is the they observed all of the mitzvos­ Pesach, the omer, and Shavuos, very word used!) was declared be· as eino metzuva ve'ose, without however, we must take note of a tween G-d and the Jews, and be· being obligated to do so (see Kid· Pesach many years after Joshua's tween the people and their king, dushin 82a). time. Yoshiyahu (Melachim II 23,3). The Of course. there were other mitz· celebration of Succos in the time of vos that were observed as com· Ezra and Nechemiah was preceded mands for the first time in Eretz m by a public reading of the entire Yisroel, beginningwith Shabbos, on Torah and a renewed acceptance of through the entire list of 613. Yet wo festival celebrations are its mitzvos. In fact, this acceptance there would seem to be a special singled out for special men· earned Ezra the praise of Ghazal element about Pesach and the omer. T tion in Tanach: the Pesach that Ezra was worthy of receiving celebrated in the reign of King the Torah on behalf of Klal Yisroel, n Yoshiyahu, and the first Succos had it not already been given celebrated after the return of the through Moshe Rabbeinu (San· exiled Jews to Israel from Galus hedrtn 2lb). ndeed, the omer is inseparably Bavel. Both are described in Tanach connected to Pesach. The omer in superlative terms. IV I is cut and then brought to the For a Pesach like this had not been Beis Hamikdosh on the second day celebrated from tbe days of tbe Judges of Pesach; and the counting of the who judged Israel, and all tbe days of he special nature of both the Seven Weeks of the omer actually tbe kings of Israel and tbe kings of Pesach of Yoshiyahu and the begins the night before, serving as Judah (Melachtm II 23,22). T first Succos after Gal us Bavel a "countdown" of sorts to connect The laudatory assessment of this as watershed events in the history Pesach and Shavuos, which cele· Pesach is expanded upon In Divrei of Klal Yisroel is now quite appar· brates Mattan Torah, the giving of Hayamim (II: 35,18): ent. But the references in Tanach the Law at Sinai. To better under· No Pesach like this had been celebrated to both festivals as being greater stand the Midrash cited at the in Israel from tbe days of tbe Prophet than any since the days of Joshua outset, let us explore the interrela· Shmuel; and all tbe kings of Israel had still needs clarification. Were they tionship between Pesach, the omer, not celebrated (a Pesachj like tbe (one really greater than any celebrated by Shavuos (Torah), and Eretz Yisroel. celebrated by! Yoshiyshu, tbe Kohanim King David or King Solomon, for The laws that command us to rid and Levi'im. all Judah and Israel who instance? ourselves of all chameitz on Pesach were to be found (In Jerusalem!, and In the case of Pesach, we do find refer symbolically to the se'or she· (its! residents. that King Yoshiyahu is unique be'isa, "the yeast in the dough," A similar statement is made among the kings of Judah: "Before which represents the yeitzer hara. regarding an exceptional Succos, in him there had been no king like him the inclination to do evil. Thus, Nechemiah. 8, l 7: who returned to G·d with all his refraining from eating chameitz, or The whole community, returned from heart and soul and might, In accord even from deriving any benefit from exile, made succos and dwelt in suc­ with the entire Torah of Moses-and it in any amount, symbolizes a cos, for Bnei Yrsroelhad not celebrated none like him arose after him" complete teshuva, a sincere repent· [Succos] in such a manner from the (Melachim II: 23,25 ). This praise is ance, a total renunciation of the days of Joshua son of Nun to tbat day­ not limited to him alone. Having least inclination toward evil. Once and tbere was great rejoicing. thoroughly purged Eretz Yisroel of

26 The Jewish Observer. April 1988 the avoda zara (idolatry) that had been implanted there by his wicked predecessors, he raised the spirttual PINCHAS MANDEL level of the entire nation. Moreover, Over 35 Years Experience in Kvura in Eretz Yisrael as king ofJudah, his personal status affected the entirety of Kial Yisroel. •Dedicated to Kavod Haniftar with personal As the Rishonim put it, the king is responsibility throughout service the heart of the Jewish nation, and •Highly recommended by Gedolai Hadar the body follows the heart. -Here and in Eretz Yisrael- In the case of Ezra and Neche­ 1569 - 47th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11219 miah, the returnees to Zion were also returnees to G-d-baalei te­ Day & Night Phone (718) 855-5121 shuva in the fullest sense of the Honesty - Integrity - Reliability word-and were committed to rees­ CHESED SHEL EMES. a" underqood and practin>d by one aclive in thP induqry morP than half a Cf'n!ury. tablish Israel as a Torah kingdom, Taharas Haniftar Should Never Be- Commercialized rnled by the Anshei Knesses Haged­ ola, led by Kohanim gedolim. There is yet another aspect to these two celebrations. Both had an element of renewal. As we know, te­ This Summer, Don't Tour shuva requires regret for past aveiros and the determination not Eretz Yisroel--Live Itt to repeat them. Yoshiyahu and Ezra both inspired the Jewish people to With The Yavne Seminary Summer Tour teshuva and raised them to a level (For High School and Post-High School Bais Yaakov girls) of Torah observance and, in the case of Ezra, of Torah study beyond the • Discover the fascinating individuals of the attainment of the preceding gener­ ation. This renewal, coupled with "Yerushalaim Shel Maalah" of today teshuva, endowed the celebration of • Tour Am Yisroel's history in Eretz Yisroel these Yomim Tovim with added • See Chesed and take part in the Chesed dimensions that the righteous generations of David or Solomon ALL THIS AND MORE, .. AT A PRICE YOU CAN AFFORD. could not attain. (The basis for desclibing Pesach celebration in the For more information: time of Shmuel Hanavi in glowing STUDENT COUNCIL, 2470 Bishop Road, terms is evident in the passage in Wickcliffe, Ohio 44092 (216) 944-17.67 Shmuel I: 7,2 which speaks of Jewry's deep yearning for G-d.) Possessing the key elements of teshuva and renewal, the paradigm of all Pesach celebrations is the YESHIVA MERCAZ HATORAH Pesach under Joshua- not Pesach Mitzrayim, even though it was the OF BELLE HARBOR very first Pesach ever observed by 505 Beach 129 Street G-d's explicit command. True, il was Belle Harbor, New York 11694 celebrated immediately after the Jews were raised from the forty-nine NEW MESIVTA OPENING THIS COMING ELUL "levels of tum 'ah" and degradation • Bais Medrash and Kolle] on premises into which they had sunk. Yet it did not equal the renewal associated • Newly acquired dormitory building on campus with Joshua's generation. The • Within 30 minutes of Bora Park, Flatbush and Queens generation that conquered Eretz • Beautiful residential neighborhood Yisroel had grown up in the desert where unfavorable climatic condi­ APPLICANTS INTERESTED IN FIRST AND SECOND tions had prevented them from YEAR MESlVTA PLEASE CALL: 718-474-3064 performing the mitzva of milah Rabbi Levi Dicker Rabbi C:hain1 Zclikovitz (Yevamos 72a-73b). As a result of Rtlsh Yi:shi1111 Rosh Ycs/1iPa their uncircumcised slate, they

The Jewish Observer. April 1988 27 Bringing the omer is a mitzva that is performed in behalf of all of Klal Yisroel, in contradistinction to all other land-related mitzvos, which are executed by the individual, for himself. could not offer a korban Pesach meitz is in our possession. But tial, but it is not a prerequisite to during all but one of the forty years remaining free of evil impulses is an enjoying the fruits. in the desert. These unfavorable impossible task for a human being, Moreover, biinging the omer is a conditions prevailed because of without Torah. The process of mitzva that is performed in behalf G-d's disapproval of them; the Jews teshuva, set in motion with the of all of Kial Yisroel, in contradis­ were in cherem so to speak. But eradication of evil, requires Torah tinction to all other Land-related with the crossing of the Jordan, this to be complete. mitzvos, which are executed by the era of alienation came to a close, and Now, the omer enters the scene. individual, for himself. Joshua performed brisei milah on Until the omer is brought on the We can thus understand the omer a national scale. as soon as was 16th of Nissan, it is forbidden to eat as a mitzva that marks the usheling practicable. Once this was done, the chadash, products made from new in of a new era for all of Kial Yisroel, Jews, elevated and rejuvenated. were grain which had sprouted since the upon their entry into Eretz Yisroel. able to celebrate Pesach in Eretz previous omer. This aspect of the Moreover, inasmuch as it serves to Yisroel-and then brought the omer mitzva sets it apart from the other divide the permitted from the for­ for the first time. mitzvos hateluyos baaretz. While bidden, it serves as a symbol of the bikkurim, for example, are taken complete change that accompanies from the earliest fruits, it is not true teshuva. Thus the bris between v forbidden to eat from other new fruit G-d and His children, so instrumen­ before the bikkwim are brought to tal in securing the Land for them, e now come full circle. the kohein. Similarly, other tithes is the omer, symbolic of a teshuva Chameitz represents the and gifts only require separation that can embrace the entirety of Kial W:yeitzer hara, which is sym­ and designation to render the rest Yisroel in the sweeping change it bolically destroyed on Pesach when of the crop permissible. Delivery to brings in its wake permitting as it we rid ourselves of whatever cha- the hands of the recipient is essen- does the hitherto forbidden cha· dash for all Jewry.

n11n ':>lnnt;i il')'.)t7 VI

n11n'lll1 :JN ~1nl1-0'J'll1i' hazal urge us to regard the words of the Torah as eter­ TORAH EDUCATORS INSTITUTE C nally new and fresh (Eruvin 54b). They also urge us to do Registration is now open for the summer program of 5748 which will be held teshuva every day of our lives (Avos IYH in Yerusholayim. Once again, the program which has been recommended and 2: 15 ). These two injunctions are endorsed by Gedolei Yisroel, will present an intensive course of study, prepared for Bnei connected. Since teshuva is a pro· Torah to enable them to develop their full potential as Mechanchim in Yeshivos and cess of re-creation, one who has Day Schools. been renewed by the expelience of Our dedicated staff of Roshei Yeshiva. professional Rabbeim. and prominent repentance can see Torah and mitz· Mechanchim. will present the full range of subjects vital to the success of the rebbe in vos observance in a fresh, invigorat­ the classroom. We invite motivated individuals possessing higher Yeshiva and (or) Kolle! ing light. Tzaddikim go mechayil education, to participate in this program. lechoyil, from strength to strength. Indeed, with every ascent in level of Scholarships Are Available shemiras hamitzvos and havanas Recognized for a Yeshiva Teacher's License haTorah-mitzva observance and For further information contact comprehension of Torah-one can view even the Torah that one has Rabbi Hille! Mandel Rabbi Gershon Brafman Dean of Education Dean of Administration already mastered in a new light. NY (718) 805-1191 Jerusalem 02-810-240 Torah, teshuva, and the bringing of the omer figure prominently in

28 The Jewish Observer, April 1988 yet another case of national rejuve· merit of these two mitzvos, as admixture of yeitzer hara (see nation (besides that of Joshua's symbolized by Pesach and the omer, Rashi to 36,26), hearts which will time). This was in the time of King insured the destruction of Judah's remain fresh and open to the ever Chizkiyahu, one of the greatest enemies. renewable fountain of the ruach of leaders of our people, who spread In fact, Torah study is crucial in Torah and mitzvos. The key to that Torah to the extent that even child· the renewal associated with te· renewal is continual teshuva. It is ren were familiar with the laws of shuva. Performing mitzvos as a by constant renewal that Klal Yis· toharos, one of the most complex force of habit (mitzvas anashim roel has managed to exist through· and difficult areas of Torah-study melumadah) is decried by the out millennia of Galus. And it is by (Sanhedrin 94b). The Jews were Prophet (Yeshayahu 29,13). It is means of teshuva that we will merit faced with the specter of an Assyrian insufficient to perform mitzvos seeing the end of that Galus, and conquest (Melachim II, 18-19). The physically. Our hearts and souls earn the true Geulah and the true northern kingdom of Israel had must also be involved. And that is binyan of Eretz Yisroel. been destroyed just a few years where Talmud Torah enters. When The Gemora acclaims Chizkiyahu before, and the Assyrian empire was learning Torah, we come to compre· and his generation-a generation of at its height, but an angel destroyed hend new aspects of the mitzvos we Torah and teshuva-as having been Sancheriv's invading army of perform, and gain a fresh appreci· worthy of Moshiach's coming (San· 185,000 men (Melachim II: 19.35) ation for them. And this apprecia· hedrin 94a). May it be our lot and on the stxteenth of Nissan, after the tion prevents them from becoming that of all Jews to be worthy of ex· bringing of the omerl (See Rashi to stale. a mere expression of habit. periencing his advent.• Yeshayahu 30,32.) Chizkiyahu's With the coming of the Moshiach NOTE: The source of the above is Rabbi Tzaddok generation was one of Torah, yes­ and the ultimate redemption, we will HaKohein's Peri Tzaddik 3, Pesach, Maamarim bu t it was also one of a mass be granted "new hearts" and "new 21 and 23. The only change of any significance teshuva movement following the spirits" (Yechezkel 18,31; 36,26), is the explanation of the exact parameters of the connection between omer and teshuva. which death of the wicked King Achaz. The hearts in which there will be no in Peri Tzaddik is explained kabbalislica!ly.

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The Jewish Observer. April 1988 29 m tr\?1~ ~j~1,'; ~JT~1JT1) MESIVTA OF LONG BEACH 2 3 DINNER

Dear Friends, l"O~ Come celebrate with us Honored Guests Mr. & Mrs. Yosef Brachfeld as we enter a new era! Gue)/\ of Ho11or Rabbi & Mrs. twill be a ._is>ra!ld celehratiu11 of Torah - Rabbi & Mrs. Mr. Yitzchok Bodner Yisroel M. Lesin Avrohom Respler both for those ivho learn Torah arulfor Parrnls of thf Yrar those who suprx)r1 Torah l.Rar11i113: I Moishe Mlshkowitz Mendel Pollak Aaron Sussman Ellahu Soffer I1nd there's so rnurh in rvhich M'C can take Yaakov Rubin Moshe Wachs Shlomo Teichman pride. For over tlvo dec{l(ks ivc've been 8t'ttin._e; successivel;' h(t,11er ._i:;oals in lcan1in8· and You are cordially invited to attend ,\1iddos Tovos for our talrnfriirn -- and the llventy-Third Annual Dinner achieving them, }'Car after )'Car, can1i11g the adn1iration of the broad cornrnunit)-'. of the .Atfe-;ivta of Lon._'{ Beach ._'Sf'aduate;:; are Mesivta of Long Beach appreciated a.s kep rncrnbers of Kollclirn across which will take place on the American continent as "vell as in Israel, Sunday evening. 14 lyar. 5748. May I. 1988 and serve with distinction CLS Mecha nchirn in the Imperial Ballroom and Magsiliei shiur, MashgiL·him and Sheraton Centre Hotel Rabbonirn in nurnerous cornrnunitiPs. Fifty-Second Street & Seventh Avenue We've sent hundrellr;; of poun<15 baale batirn New York City out into the world ivith a brawl and solill base of Torah knoivled,r.je and values ~·~ in effect, a Torail approadz to life and its option.._s. They are aLso equipped ivith the requisite knon!led,e;c and skilLc; that have well prepared thern for a rnyricul of liijferent careers, as H 1ell a.s for position.-; <~{ lea.rler~ship in the Jewish communitp at large. So join us as ttie celebrate the achievl'TYU'nts of the pa.st and as ive prepare to enter a nlw era of even ,greater accon1pli.sfunents. To,e;ether, let us takt' the i:Vtesivta

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For reseivations and ad placement, call (516) 431-7414. In the previous issue of The Jewish Observer, we quoted a New York Times article on the recent elevation to the peerage of Great Britain's Chief Rabbi Sir Immanuel Jakobovits, which focused on his articulation of the Torah's views on a number of moral issues that are being debated-and violated-in the world at large. We present below an article written by his son, Yoel Jakobovits, discussing the event in terms of how the Jew is expected to present himself and his convictions to the non-Jewish world. KIDDUSH IIASHEM IN THE HOUSE OF LORl>S

A"JEWISH"APPROACH aspects. many of these are of uni­ today there are many Jews among TO SOCIAL ISSUES versal Jewish concern, and it is the 1200 or so Lords in the "Mother regarding these that I devote these of Parliaments." e recent elevation of my lines. What is exceptional about this ather. Rabbi Immanuel Jako­ Reaction in the general press. and appointment. however, is this: ovits, to the House of Lords especially in the British press, has whereas previous Jews have been has prompted much comment. As been almost hyperbolic. "Unique." elevated in recognition of secular a son, there well within me a pro­ "monentous," "singular." are just a services. this elevation is clearly in fusion of emotions and thoughts. In few adjectives used to describe this acknowledgment and admiration of addition to the purely personal event, unparalleled in the annals of religious and spiritual contribu­ British history. In Britain, the first tions. This may explain the remark­ Jew to be elevated as a peer to the able analysis, which appeared in one Dr. Jakobovits, a talmid of Yeshiva Ner Israel of Baltimore, studied medicine in the University Upper House of Parliament was of England's most prestigious news­ of London. He is resident physician on the Nathaniel Meyer de Rothschild, in papers. the Sunday Telegraph. Yeshiva campus in Baltimore in addition to his 1885. Thereafter the elevation of January 10, 1988 editorial bearing regular practice in internal medicine in assoc!~ ation with his faculty appointment in Johns English Jews for social or political the title "Judaism is the new creed Hopkins University. reasons was not uncommon. Indeed. of Thatcherite Britain":

The Jewish Observer. April 1988 31 We as Jews have been placed on the stage LESSONS TO BE LEARNED ofworld history, and have been spared ow should this affect the from disintegration for one distinctive Jewish community in gen­ H eral. and the Torah-true reason: to be mekadesh Hashem in the eyes community in particular? Are there of the world. any lessons of wider application which can be learnt? Rabbi Chanoch Ehrentreu, the Rightly affronted by this Government's ers social problems. The temptation for Rosh Beis Din of the London Beis attitude to Israel, British Jewry can, Judaism might be an excessive legal­ Din, speaking at a communal recep­ however, take consolation from Mrs. ism. But it must also be remembered tion marking the occasion, pointed Thatcher's evident determination to that Jews are noted for their charity. out that since Jewish teachings are give Judaism a much more prominent Many of the most notable donations to say In the life of this nation than it has charities come from Jews. timeless, it is our obligation to tty ever eqjoyed before. For months the ... The attitude of Judaism to make the times conform with the Chief Rabbi has, In effect, been the towards individual achievement Torah's spirit and standards, not spiritual leader of Thatcherite Britain. reflects the experience of a people the reverse. By doing so we can By putting him In the House of Lords who, because they were precluded augment the spiritual dimensions the Prime Minister has publicly and from other occupations, formed a of our vexing times. elevating it formally recognized the enormously class of merchants and financiers beyond the mundane, bringing the important role he has come to play, during their diaspora. whole of society closer to Hashem . . . . The Judaic lessons of the Old more than amply filling the vacuum The doctrine of kiddush Hashem created by the blank refusal of the Tustament seem to be that we live in comprises several facets. The Christian Churches to make any con­ a harsh world where only our own structive contribution towards her efforts and trust in G-d and obedi­ requirement to sanctify the name of crusade for the regeneration of Britain. ence to His commandments will Hashem before a group of ten Jews, . • • Only the Chief Rabbi, in his pro­ carry us through. . .. this is a far even by martyrdom, if necessaty, is nouncements, makes any attempts to more appropriate message than the well established 1• This has charac· suggest that what she is trying to do Sermon on the Mount. terized the Jews' response in times might be pleasing to G-d. . .. It could be that the elevation of crises throughout the centuries . . . Judaism has a much sterner of the Chief Rabbi to the House of of our incomparably bitter histoty. approach to life than that of contem­ Lords-following and transcending In the wake of these brutal ordeals porary Christian denominations. The the elevation of so many Jews to the of the galus. it is perhaps not sur­ emphasis is more on justice for all, Cabinet-will prove a far more prising that a second aspect of including the rich, than on compassion significant event for British Jewry. for the poor, more on duties than on and indeed for Jewry the world over, kiddush Hashem is today not so rights .... Modem Christianity tends to than anything that happened last widely recognized. namely our obli­ fall into sentimentality when it consid- week in the West Bank or Gaza Strip. gations in being mekadesh Hashem in the eyes of the gentile world as well. As Rabbi Simon Everything For Your Floor-At Your Door, Schwab so eloquently expressed it. And Now, All For Your Wall, Too. in a recent issue of The Jewish Ob­ semer (Feb. '88), who can be blamed for rejecting the nations and their . -~SIIlMON'S INC. attitudes, when they have dealt so Q ' -,• •• - """·~ ' • . <'"- ~ 'f. "\ • CUSTOM FLOOR treacherously with us? , · ~~•. \,, ·~ • AND WALL DESIGNERS Particularly in the decades since •Wecome.oyou _ ·V'- --)c..,."7 ~'-'··-~ the atrocities of World War II the • Stdy-ot home ond_ enjoy personcilr;ed '~.~-~.-ik.• .. service by p1ofe;.1ionals '\.:~r....~\ Torah-true community, in particu­ • AVailOble days, evenhgs ord Sunday; · - • ' ',__ lar. has been more occupied with • Or. visit our custcm showroom QUALITY by appointment CARPET • TILE • LINOLEUM internal self-betterment than with F!NE PERSIAN AND ORIENTAL RUGS exporting our principles to the DISTINCTIVE WALLPAPER OVER 38 YEARS EXPERIENCE EXPERT JNSTALLAT!ON "outside" world. This concentration Residential • Commercial PROFESSIONAL CARPET CLEANING SUPERB VALUE on internal needs has borne extraor­ 4'· ...... • ····· .. ''.

32 The Jewish Observer. April 1988 privileged to witness the new rise The indisputable message of Indeed, by now most of the western of Torah life, an authentic phoenix these passages-as interpreted by world does accept as standard the arising from the ashes. Rashi3-is that we as Jews have basic principles of social justice and been placed on the stage of world moral equity which our Torah and NATIONS TO BE TAUGHT history, and have been spared from Nevi'im first proclaimed. In a strik­ the disintegration which termi­ ing. though (therefore?) censored, nated numerous other peoples, for passage at the culmination of his evertheless, we cannot 4 ignore the kiddush Hashem one distinctive reason: to be meka­ Yad HaChazaka , Rambam says: le'aynei hagoyim aspect2. desh Hashem in the eyes of the For it is beyond the human mind N world. Ultimately, then, all the Clearly, this constitutes a critical tofathom the designs Qfthe Creator; mission in the unfolding of our dedication and efforts in refining for our ways are not His ways, destiny. Moshe Rabbeinu's argu­ ourselves, in living lives of spiritual neither are our thoughts His ment to Hashem to exculpate Klal goals and aspiring to noble heights, thoughts. All these matters relating Yisroel after the failing of the golden must also find articulation in how to Jesus of Nazereth and the Ish­ calf was precisely this: 'Why should we enlighten the world at large. maelite (Mohammed) who came the Egyptians say that with bad intentions (You) took them out?" (Shemos 32,12). To which Rabbi S.R. Hirsch comments, "It was not only to educate this people to be Thy IMMEDIATE HELP WANTED people: the enlightenment and instruction of the other nations was also an essential objective of this Secretarial/Administrative Assistant whole miraculLus redemption." Evidently, the motivation for our delivery from bondage was not only for The Jewish Observer business office to establish us as a nation. It was also supposed to inspire the gentiles Experience with word processor required with our message and our G-d. Our prophets, of course, abound with examples of admonition flexible hours. directed towards the gentile society, as well as our own. Yonah's charge to reprimand Ninveh is one such Call 212-797 · 7394 example. That our national proto­ type is supposed to be a beacon to the world, and that this is our collective responsibility, is manifest from the following verses in Yechez­ kel, 36,20, and on: YAVN.E SEMINARY ••• AT.EACH.ER'S TEACH.ER As one unit did (Klal Yisroel) come into the nations, and they For the committed student of every level - profaned My Holy Name, inasmuch a unique, time-proven approach to learning. as it was said of them: "These are Under the auspices of the Roshei Yeshiva of Telshe the people Qf G-d and they have Rebbetzin Chaya Ausband - 11'7;ii1.1 come out of His land." But I had pity for My Holy Name which as • One or two year program the House Qf Israel they had pro­ • Renowned and dynamic staff faned among the nations. There­ • Acclaimed and prestigious teacher's diploma fore say unto the House of Israel: • Individualized and personalized attention ''Thus says . . . G-d: Not for your • Optional 6 week Eretz Yisroel summer tour sakes do I do this . .. butfor My Holy at nominal cost Name which you have profaned among the nation to which you Out of Town ... But Not Out of Touch

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The Jewish Observer, April 1988 33 after him, only seroed to clear the license coupled with negligible of Israel, though sometimes willing to way for King Messiah. to prepare liability. People can no longer expect criticize Israeli government policies. the whole world to worship G-d to act irresponsibly. without con­ •.. The warmth of the relationships he with one accord. straint, and not have to face the has developed with Christian leaders in Britain has no equal, and he has been ... Thus the Messianic hope. the repercussions in a very immediate Torah. and the commandments universally recognized by the churches and often fatal way5. The subculture as a man ofdeep and attractive spirltUal have become familiar topics­ spawned by permissiveness has had wisdom. But he does not believe in topics of conversation among the its day. inter-faith theological dialogue and has inhabitants of the jar isles (sic!) Many thoughtful people are now not seen eye to eye with other faiths and many peoples. uncircumcised searching for a relevant value sys­ on everything. He rather upstaged qf heart and flesh. They are dis­ tem to fill the vacuum. That the senior churchmen in 1987 with a cussing these matters and the persuasive and steadfast represen­ statement on AIDS and homosexuality commands qf the Torah. tation of our heritage should now which was more forthright and uncom­ promising than any they had made. Mindful of these comments, it is receive such welcome and praise is clear that tributes from the gentile a significant recognition of the There are few among us who are world for the Torah and its princi­ pertinence of our timeless teachings likely to have occasion to reach such ples are desirable and significant. in today's modem world. open societal acclaim. However. this That this is so on this specific event The lesson to be taken from this patent kiddush Hashem should is quite evident from many of the fulfillment of our role as moral pace­ fortify us in committing ourselves remarkable favorable press reports setters for the world is that ulti­ to our distinctive role le'eynai the world over occasioned by the mately living truthfully to our own hagoyim. Hopefully it will act as a elevation of an Orthodox, uncom­ traditions and teachings will, when catalyst for all of us-shopkeepers promising spokesman. expressed with sincerity and convic­ and entrepreneurs, professionals The London Daily Mail, Decem­ tion, help speed the day when it will and housewives-to remain con­ ber 31, 1987. in an commentary en­ be said that "the world is filled with scious at all times of our distin­ titled: "A Life Peerage for the Great the knowledge of G-d as the waters guishing assignment and excep­ Moral Crusader," contends: cover the seas." In emphasizing this tional opportunity in the realization of our destiny so that it will be said ... Undoubtedly bis firm stance at a concept, The New York Times, time when the Church of England is February 10, 1988, elected to pub­ of us "you. my servant Yisroel. in wracked by moral doubts, has been lish the following quote from an whom I-Hashem-will be glmified."' 6 • welcomed in high clrcles. He takes the interview with my father (quoted in view thst adultery, homosexuality and last month's JO): 1 Rambam, Yad Hachazaka, Hil. Yesodei liaTomh. 5,1~2 [promiscuity! are wrong under all 2An important discussion of this aspect of circumstances, and he would like to see "Nobody today thinks that. by drop­ kiddush Hashem can be found in Maharal's homosexuality and adultery made ille­ ping their Jewishness, they will find It Nesivos Olam. Nesiv Yiras HaShem 5 and gal. He has argued thst only a moral easier to be accepted in society. My NesfV Ahavas HaShem. 2. revolution can contain the scourage of elevation is the best example of thst. 3 More especially Rashi on Yoma 86a. the Talmud's key text defining chillul Hashem. AIDS. I have been elevated not because I 4 Hil. Melachim. Chap. 11. See Isadore Twersky's renounced my Jewish beliefs or mod­ "Maimonides Reader.·· ified them or made concessions, but on 5 Compare Rashl. Bere ishis. 6: 13: "Wherever you CURBING UNLIMITED LICENSE the contrary, because I held strictly to find lewdness and idolatry, punishment of an indiscriminate nature comes upon the world. them and proclaimed them without killing good and bad alike." adulteration and without concessions." 6 Isaiah, 49:3. This verse is quoted by the is leads us to a brief consid­ Rambam in his concluding statement on ration of some of the factors Some might be uneasy, thinking kiddush Hashem, Hil. Yesodei HaTorah 5:1 l. which have occurred, allow­ that the price for such recognition The context here, as in Its Talmudic source, Yoma 86a, relates to our obligations in being ing such a remarkably forthright must be excessive. They may as­ mekadesh Hashem in the world at large. Of recognition of our value system. In sume that in order to be comfortable note too is Isaiah 49:6 in the same passage. truth. it is hard to envision that This is the source of the well-known expression: with the non-Jewish world. it is "ohr lagoyim." such an endorsement could have necessary to compromise our own occurred twenty, or even ten. years values and distinctiveness. It is ago. But the last decade has seen therefore significant that the cele­ ,. ..,, some hithertofore quite unima­ brated Times of London saw it this gined transformations take place, way in an article on December 31, nr.i7v n1<1~17 77~nn71 11r.i'7 NJ which I believe may be as germane 1987: i7>n '!Y'.l in America as they are in Britain. Sir Immanuel is regarded as the chief Most especially, the emergence of spokesman for Jewry in Britain­ 1'11\1'1) )N!>""I AIDS. perhaps more than any other ( even) by the other non-Orthodox )n""I 11.:>""l!I. )!I. single incentive. has stymied the Jewish communities, in spite of some­ '"l very foundations of the indulgent times being involved in religious con­ omv mni 1•1::iv society, which preached unlimited troversy. . .. He Is a strong supporter

34 The Jewish Observer. April 1988 :i1ll·\011Y.l·n,l 1"t?J. Beth Med.rash Govoha

Rabbi Aharon Kotler Institute for Advanced Learning 617 Sixth Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701 • (201) 367-1060

In everlasting memory and tribute to a dear friend, an inspirational person, and the embodiment of exemplary character MRS. ETHEL BEREN n11 )1 ?\?1l ?\?!:!)''ti ,., n:i ?'>\?)' ''n

TcJ see Ethel Beren's devotion to family and dedication to great causes \vas to see a true Eishes Chayil. The wisdom with which she built her home, the understanding that made her its

mainstay, the uncompromising]e\vishness that infuses it 1 the \Varm heart1 and friendly smile that welcomed every guest-all these \\·'ere testimony to her sensitivity and graciousness. Quietly and unobtrusively, she stood with her husband, Reb Hillel '>n''ll. She was his partner in everything, offering strength, encouragement and counsel; sharing his friendship and support of Beth Medrash Govoha and all institutions of Torah and Chesed, and his reverence and af­ fection for our late Rosh HaYeshiva, Harav Shneur Kotler, Zt"L Enveloping her was a spiritual cloak woven from her own strength and glory: the strength of her trust in Hashem and the glory of her deeds, "Give her the fruits of her hand and let her be praised in the gates by her very own deeds." Her gates were the gates of Zion and the bounds of Halachah. She directed her praises to those whose love and support of Torah were as unlimited as her own. And her deeds advanced the causes she believed in. "Her children arise and praise her, her husband and he lauds her."

Her husband and offspring continue her sacred ways; that is the most eloquent testimony to the integrity and tenacity of her devotion to the 1brah. May her meritorious deeds be an inspiration to her dear husband, Reb Hillel, and her dear children, Sheldon K. and Miriam Beren of Denver, Colorado, Robert M. and Joan Beren of Wichita, Kansas and Dr. Norman and Lela Gae Jacoby of Encino, California; to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. May they continue upon her sacred path until the coming ofMoshiach.

BETH MEDRASH GOVOHA

Rabbi Aryeh Malkiel Kotler Rmh HuYeshin1 Mr. Eli Klein Rahbi Nochim 7.-eldes Rabbi Nachum Barnctsky Vice President Ti·en.11(rt'r ExecHfl<'t' A_1.1iswnt to Ro.1h HaYeshiva 'T'"OJ March 15, 1988 Dear Friend, Tragedy has become all too familiar in recent years. We have heard so many, that it sometimes seems as though nothing can move us anymore. And then we hear a heartbreaking story like this one: Reb Chaim S. was a Tai mid Chacham, head of a large family and proprietor of a successful business - until nine years ago. Then he developed a rare type of parkinson's disease. Without warning, his whole body would begin to shake violently and he would often fall to the ground, unable to control himself. It soon became impossible for him to run his business. He was forced to sell it and supported his family with the proceeds. Two years ago, Reb Chaim was struck again. During an attack, he fell and cracked his spine. The result was paralysis. A few months ago - for the first time in nine years- there was a glimmer of hope. The world famous Burke Institute in Westchester County informed Reb Chaim that an intensive program of therapy could partially alleviate the effects of his paralysis. The hospital stay would cost $600.00 A DAY - but it would remove part of the misery from a life that had been stricken with suffering, pain, and shame. Now, he is at Burke, but his money is gone. For nine years he had avoided the final degradation of needing the help of his fellow Jews; now he finally needs us. Those are the bare facts. They are so painful that not a single extra word is necessary. Reb Chaim needs our very generous help. Surely none of us will stand aside at a time like this. Please send as much as you possibly can without delay. In this merit may all be spared the agony of depending on the mercy of our fellow Jews. Very Truly yours Rabbi Shloma Zalman Aurbach Rabbi Yosalf Ellyoshuv Yerushlayim Rabbi Mlsson Wolpln Rabbi Shmuel Dishon Rabbi Mosson Scherman Checks can be made out to: BAIS YISROEL CHARITY FUND and sent to: Rabbi Shmuel Dishon 1682 48 Street, Brooklyn NY 11204 and mekubolim of the age of the Ari and his circle. The fluent style and excellent illustrations make this a BO OKS most attractive work. The very . . comprehensiveness of the presenta­ tion, however, raises some ques­ tions about the age group for whom this volume is suitable-the multi­ tude of stones about gilgulim and Divine visions, face reading, miracle working, and demons, that have been told about the Ati over the centuties, may be troublesome to the less mature reader.

GREAT MEN: NOT CARBON COPIES

n the preface to his book on Reb Boruch Ber, Rabbi Arem points I out that, by definition, a gadol is a person of prodigious scholar­ ship and superlative character­ and therefore, all too often, biogra­ phies of such individuals are virtual carbon copies of each other. It is therefore the task of the biographer to focus on what is unique in the life and work of his subject; in truth, every gadol makes a very specific he lives of the outstanding his son-in-law and successor, Rabbi contribution to the conditions and figures in our history have Reuven Grozovsky, and gives the needs of his time and locality as well T always been of consuming reader an insight into both the as adding to the permanent historic interest to the Jew. As Chazal have Lithuanian Yeshiva world before hetitage of Torah. Hence a special stressed, one can learn more from World War II and the tise of Torah welcome should be extended to The serving-and observing-them in Ametica as a result of the war. Sanzer Rav and bis Dynasty and than from studying their teachings: A profusion of interesting histotic Rebbes of Ger, both originally their ways of serving G-d and of photographs greatly adds to the wtitten in Hebrew by Rabbi A.Y. dealing with their fellow-men reflect value of this book. Bromberg, translated into English their teachings in practical applica­ Another book for the younger by Mesorah Publications in con­ tion. and inspire us by the sheer reader is The Story of Maran Bet junction with Hillel Press (Brooklyn, dedication and umcompromising Yosef, a biography of Rabbi Joseph 1986 and 1987, he $15.95 pb consistency revealed in their Karo based on the Hebrew book by $12.95). The volume on the Sanzer actions. It is therefore not surpris­ M. Pe'er and illustrated by Yosef Rav not only provides a full account ing that the current flowering of Dershowitz (Brooklyn, 1986, he of his life and ways of Avodas Torah literature has also brought 10.95, pb 7.95). Part of the Sephar­ Hashem, but representative teshu­ the publication of many biographies dic hetitage series, it introduces the vos which highlight his methods as of Gedolei Yisroel. reader to the life of the Spanish a posek and the problems of his time Mesorah Publications. in partic­ exiles in Turkey and Eretz Yisroel that were brought before him. In the ular. has added a number of titles and, in particular, to the moment­ second part of the book, his children both to the Artscroll Youth Series ous work of the Bet Yosef. and successors are presented in and to the Artscroll History Seties. The Arizal, by Nechemiah Pion­ historical depth. The reader thus For the younger reader there tac, translated by Shaindel Weinb­ learns not only about the great appeared The Story of Reb Baruch ach, illustrated by Miriam Bardugo personalities he encounters but Ber, by Rabbi TzviZevArem(Brook­ (Brooklyn, 1988, he $12.00 pb about the issues of their day, and lyn, 1987, he $10.95, pb $7.95), $9.00) is another very interesting the manner in which they sought which is actually not only a bio­ addition to the Artscroll Youth to solve them. graphy of the Kamenetzer Rosh Seties. It paints a wide canvas­ The same applies to the volume Yeshiva, Rabbi Lebowitz, but also of many of the outstanding poskim dedicated to the Gerer Rebbes-the

The Jewish Observer. April 1988 37 Sefas Emes and the Imrei Emes: of the leading personalities in each there is a wealth of biographical segment of the Torah community. detail, a clear picture of Jewish life The bibliography at the end of the in their time, and a delineation of volume indicates the wide ranges of the leadership that they provided: sources that. in effect. make this both volumes are also rich in Divrei book a guide to the Jewish history 4916 13th Ave., B'klyn, N.Y. 11219 Torah-Torah-interpretations and of the decades that it treats. At the (718) 854-291 I observations on a vast variety of same time the shining personality topics and occasions. It should be of Reh Chaim Ozer, here presented noted, however, that in its concen­ through a multiplicity of anecdotes, tration on Gerer Chassidus the will inevitably touch the heart of the volume on Ger does not do full reader. justice to the role of the Imrei Emes This is certainly also true of Reb in relation to the non-Chassidic Moshe, a biography of Rabbi Moshe Jewish world. Thus the brief remark Feinstein, by Rabbi Shimon Finkel­ that "he founded the Agudath man, with Rabbi Nasson Scher­ Israel," and a few other references man, and a foreword by Rabbi Meir to his support of Agudath Israel, are Zlotowitz (Mesorah Publications, obviously totally inadequate. Nor is Brooklyn 1986 he S 14.95 pb SECLUDED there any mention of the Beth SI 1.95). This work is a veritable OCEANFRONT Yaakov movement, in whose devel­ compendium of stories highlighting opment Ger had such a major pari. not only the vast range of the gadol, VILLA ON Yet these omissions should not activities as Rosh Yeshiva, posek TROPICAL ISLAND interfere with our appreciation of - and leader of Kial Yisroel, but of his • 3 Bedrooms the wealth of material presented to extraordinary devotion to Avodas • Private Pool the reader. Hashem to learning and teaching Another recent volume that mer­ Torah, and to caring about his • Fully Stocked Pantry with fellow-man, with a total disregard Kosher Groceries its high acclaim, is Reb Chaim Ozer, by Rabbi Shimon Finkelman for his own self. This book can • Fulltime Staff of Two (Mesorah Publications, Brooklyn, indeed serve as a Mussar text for • Car with driver 1987, he Sl4.95 pb SI 1.95). It is the reader. At the same time, one IDEAL FOR FRUM COUPLE subtitled "The Life and Ideals of could wish that any new edition OR FAMILY Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grodzenski," but should include some chapters delv­ Call For Free Brochure it actually offers even more-a full ing into Reh Moshe's teachings and (718) 336·2760 picture of the Jewish world of the his methods of psak and Talmud fifty years before World War II, and study, and provide some insights into major issues dealt within his Responsa and Divrei Torah. Baba Sali, Rav Yisrael Abuchatzei­ rah of Blessed Memory, his Life, Holiness, Teachings and Miracles, by Eliyahu Aifasi, edited by C.T. Bari translated by Leah Dolinger (Judaica Press, NY, 1986, $13.95) is an account of the life of an extraor­ dinary personality. Rav Yisrael Abu­ chatzei ra was the scion of a

1 11 0J CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST DR. BENZION SOROTZKIN _ N.Y. STATE LICENSED ADULTS AND 1314 AVe. P (side ent.) Jlg;.627-8724 S, T W TM •11 5, F • 12 3 Jtppo!ntm.flt:I W.1- CHILDREN Munldpal pUklng• We Ship UPS Open all legal hOlldays M & W ~s& Moticii ShabbOs 7'3().10PM (718) 266-7151

38 The Jewish Observer. April 1988 renowned Moroccan family of mekubolim, great Talmid Cha· cham, the epitome of saintly piety, profoundly respected by Gedolei Yisroel such as the Satmar Rav, and venerated by countless thousands for his blessings, miracles, and guidance. This volume, written by his Gabbai, contains biographical data about his life as well as many stories of how he helped those that sought him out. These accounts defy rationalistic explanation-but the reader will quite possibly be even more impressed by the stature of the Baba Sall ("the father who prays"), single-mindedly and totally absorbed in doing G-d's will and helping those in need. The Torah Profile, A Treasmy of Biographical Sketches (Mesorah Publications in conjunction with Agudath Israel, Brooklyn, 1988 he $15.95 pb $12.95) is a collection of biographies of outstanding Torah personalities culled from the pages RECENT CONTRIBUTIONS four main characters each has her of The Jewish Observer by its editor, TO CHILDREN'S LITERATURE separate family situations with Rabbi Nisson Wolpin. This is the which to cope: one girl whose third such volume (following upon here will never be enough mother has been away for four The Torah Personality and The children's books to provide for months caring for a sick relative, Torah World). It contains biogra­ T the insatiable appetite of our another who is newly shomeres phies of European personalities young readers. We thus must be mitzvos, an Israeli who is in Amer­ (such as the Aruch Hashulchan), of grateful for the constant flow of ican for two years while her father Torah leaders in Eretz Yisroel (such excellent books that are being made studies agricultural methods, and as the Steipler) and in America (for available these days. Zalman's the fourth who is wrapped up in her instance, Rabbi Yaakov Kame­ Menorah, by Charles Wengrov, il­ cousin's wedding. Through the netzky), of Chassidic personalities lustrated by Y.E. Taub, is a worthy superlative, sensitive efforts of one (for instance the Skulener Rebbe), addition to the series of exciting and of them, a tight foursome develops and it also contains a section on educational historical tales pub­ as the plot hurries towards several great women. It is remarkable how lished by Feldheim Publishers happy conclusions, with each girl these essays, though necessarily (1987, Jerusalem-New York, getting her place in the sun. limited in size, illuminate the par­ $10.95). Based on an old Chanukah Aspects of hashkqfa, halacha ticular individuality and achieve­ folk tale, this story is a true "cliff­ and tradition, as well as aspects of ments of each personality dis­ hanger" with a happy ending, in a modem Jewish history are artfully cussed, drawing on episodes of his non-didactic way it conveys a mes­ interwoven in the setting of a new life, In his teachings, and as his sage of trust in G-d and love of school year, the Yomim Tovim, communal leadership. Re-reading mitzvos. Shabbosos and even a family sim­ these biographies after first encoun­ And Then There Were Four, by cha. While touching on many of the tering them in The Jewish Miriam L. Elias, (Feldheim, Jeru­ cornerstone issues of early adoles­ Observer, this reviewer feels that salem-New York, 1988 he $10.95 pb cence (i.e. autonomy, establishing a they indeed have stood the test of $8.95), a lively sequel to Try for a sure sense-of-self, and peer relations), time. It should be noted that, when Dream, is a quick-paced book that Mrs. Elias Is able to transmit ethics these essays first appeared, some a teenage girl will not want to put and morals without being too over­ letters to The Jewish Observer down, and which parents will be sweet or pedantic. This is a welcome added significant points or, in many happy to find their daughter read­ contribution to Jewish juvenile cases, offered corrections, and for ing. It presents a satisfying story­ literacy, for it not only reinforces the most part, these points have line of friendship and acceptance Torah values, it encourages reading been Included to further enhance a against the backdrop of strong while being entertaining. superior collection of biographies. Jewish values and teachings. The REvlEWED BY LISA M. HERMAN

The Jewish Observer. April 1988 39 Savta Simcha and the Seven the many thing taught by Savta bringing different periods and per· Splendid Gifts, by Yq[fa Ganz, il· Simcha-all wrapped in a tho­ sonalities vividly to life. The reader lustrated by Bina Gewirtz. (Feld· roughly enjoyable and funny travel learns about the ways of life of Klal heim, Jerusalem-New York. 1987, tale. Yisroel, and the problems faced by $4.95) is the third book about this it in these various periods, even as Another book by Yalfa Ganz, colorful personality and is just as he (or she) is caught up in the From Head to Toe, illustrated by readable as its predecessors. It is drama of the stories here told. (An Harvey Klineman (Feldheim. Jeru· built around a trip through Eretz error regarding nesachim should be salem-N.Y., 1988. $11.95) is, in Yisroel. undertaken in order to corrected in future editions.) This effect. a unique science book. It collect the seven fruits that have the book will understandably prove a teaches science-for it introduces special blessing of the land; Savta popular addition to the Artscroll the young reader to the parts of his Youth Series. Simcha needs them to decorate the or her body and how theyfunction­ Succah.. Hiddur mitzva and know!· but it does so in a very special way: Tales from Reb Nachwn, another edge of our Holy Land are among it points out how G·d created us so volume in this series. projects a that we can serve Him with all the number of parables told by Rabbi limbs and organs He gave us. In the Nachman of Brazlav, adapted and Yeshiva Ketana process, a wide range of mitzvos is illustrated by David Sears (Mesorah touched on-and the book con· Pub!., Brooklyn, 1987, he $8.95 pb of Manhattan eludes with the important reminder $5.95). The mesholim of Rabbi to take good care of our health, so Nachman are complex and their seeking principal with experi­ we can do all we are supposed to exact lesson is usually difficult to do. An illustrated chart of the fathom. The parables included in ence in Limudei Kodesh and the present volume are told in . Hebrew terms for all the parts of our Secular Studies. body adds to the usefulness of this simple language and interesting Excellent salary and condi­ beautifully illustrated book. manner and their meaning is tions. Send resume and ap­ explained in a way easily understood Jerusalem Diaries and other bytheyoungsterforwhom this book plication to: stories by Miriam Stark Zakon, is designed. The role of the tzaddik, illustrated by Yosef Dershowitz the purpose of mitzvos, the need to Rabbi Zvi Farber (Mesorah Publications, Brooklyn, be patient, to endure whatever Yeshiva Ketana of Manhattan 1988 he $9.95 pb 6.95). This collec· comes one's way. and to be happy 305 W. 91st St. tion of stories, all set in Jerusalem, with what a person is granted, are NYC1ll024 ranges from Roman times to the the points effectively made in this present, and reflect the author's fine volume. historical sense and her gift for The Children's Book of Jewish Holidays, by David A Adler, illus· trated by David Sears (Mesorah The After Pesach illn\!Jl ilD Pub!., Brooklyn, 1987 he $9.95 pb $6.95) is an excellent introduction Why is a Jew different from a non-Jew? to the Jewish calendar and its special days. Since it provides all the Help Binyomin learn the answer. basic information in concise form. it is of particular value to youngsters Binyomin is a young Jewish boy who was forced to flee his native country (and even older readers) who have due to persecution. He is handicapped with a severe learning disorder. not grown up in Torah homes; but Binyomin couldn't afford the enormous cost of his therapy and special even those who are advanced in education and was therefore forced to enroll in a non-Jewish school which their Torah knowledge will find didn't charge tuition, where he started to learn about the Christian religion many Torah thoughts and Rabbinic and holidays. explanations of interest to them. Now, won't you please open your heart and help Binyomin enroll in a The conciseness of the text inevit· Jewish school for special children and help pay for his therapy? ably involves some simplifications; This cause is endorsed by: thus, while it is true that our RAV MICHEL BARENBAUM RAV AVROHOM PAM RAV MOSHE STERN calendar is based on the moon, as Mashgiach, Tifereth Yeroshalayim Rosh Yeshiva, Torah Vodaath Oebrecener Rav stated, it also has some patterns of KINDLY SEND YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION TO: a solar calendar-and while the Handicapped Childrens Fund P.F. Inc. author emphasizes that Shmini 1274 49th St., Dept 152, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219 Atzeres Is a holiday and no work may be done on it, he does not explicitly state this for Simchas

40 The Jewish Observer. April 1988 Tomh. (Also, the 39 forms of work dimensions of this mitzva. The forbidden on Shabbos are derived stories chosen to illustrate It range from the buildings of the desert from the Middle Ages to the present, FAMOUS sanctuary not of the Temple.) But and from Eastern Europe to Eretz THE DAIRY RESTAURANT the few minor points do not detract Yisroel and the U.SA, and they are from the great value this book has told with the verve and the skill that In introducing youngsters to the we have come to expect from Rabbi Jewish year. Teller. The author in each case listed Mihu the Detective, and The from whom he had heard the story. Mystery qf the Blue Budgie written (The fact that some of the stories and illustrated by Chaiky Halpern came to him in very indirect ways (Feldheim, Jerusalem-N.Y., 1987 pb accounts for one of the stories, $2.50), Is a beautiful addition to the about the brts milah In the concen­ Cholov Yisroel • Shomer Shabbos Rlmon Series of children's books. tration camp, to appear in a rather Under the Supervision of Children will love to learn how Mihu different form from the version Kha! Adath Jeshurun discovered the home of the blue found In other works on the Holo­ Open for Breakfast budgie and how Its owners found caust.) The story about the origin more new friends, just by having a of the Rothschild dynasty Is told by Luncheon and Dinner mezuza at their door. him In accordance with the popu­ Catering • Parties • Meetings larly known version, which sets its 222 West 72nd Street Courtrooms of the Mind, by beginnings into Czortkov: on a (212) 595·8487 Hanoch Teller (N.Y.C. Pub!. 1987, previous occasion this reviewer $11.95) defies standard classifica­ pointed out that this Is probably tion. Should it be reviewed with historically not correct. children's books or with books for The division between Part One grown ups? This new book by an and Part Two is based on the nature FROM FACTORY established master story teller (no of the stories, and Is well-justified. REPRESENTATIVE pun intended) has two parts, one for Certainly the Holocaust stories may SAVE!!! adults and one for children. Both be hard for younger readers to n::nu ,,,nu sections have the same theme: the handle-and I would add that the importance of the Torah command story about the Mashglach who did to 'judge your neighbor favorably." not himself take to heart what he The stories presented all highlight told his students is not for them. this point, and each group of stories However, both children and grown HOTLINE has a relevant quote from Rabbinic ups will find exciting reading as well literature; a foreword by Rabbi Y. as important moral lessons In this TO JERUSALEM Berkowitz clarifies the halachic volume.• In time of illness. surgery or crisis. special prayers will be /'<:'.:_t recited at the Western Wall and FEIVE'.L at our Yeshiva in Jerusalem • ..p~~i~~~~~±~.ii;;y CALL 24 HOURS K1RSf-IEN)3A.tlM·· MANAG~G~IUTPR Ph.D; Cljillitjon (718) 871-4111 . >••(l!ll" A FREE PUBLIC SERVICE OF ·.·.-'.·.·.. · ... •••.••••••• ... ·.·••• ·•.... · .... ·.··.:-:,"--.·...... ·.·.·.•• :- ...··· The American Rabbi Meir ~gistffed !1.1lll!stnwn\ ~vise!- Baal Haness Charity 1~guaatti'~r~~l~~jo~ of KOLEL AMERICA MONEY MANAGEMENT '1\prah actl()'A;f;iS s~.~1Qng. a AND bright perS()l1~~ ~th solid .FINANCIAL ADVISING writing skills,~~~~stra· KADDISH tive capability'.!.~~l'J~~().llr Mishnayoth, Yizkor & Yortzeit :f'ees only. incumbent, wl:i~;;is ret~t· observed with a minyon in our ing. Yeshiva Heichal Rabbi Meir NO sales Baal Haness in Jerusalem. .ercommfssions. can (212)797·~00

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42 The Jewish Observer, April 1988 ONLY THE RABBONIM Letters CAN MAKE CHANGES to the To the Editor: Rabbi Heinemann is so correct in stating that every elegant simcha is Editor a source and cause of deep pain to others. I would like to suggest that the rabbonim of each city get together The editorial office of The Jewish Observer received an unusual volume and set standards for their city. and ofletters in response to Rabbi Moshe Heinemann's article, "Chessed Shel then publicly announce that they Emes" (December, 1987), which decried excessive spending at Jewish will boycott every simcha or dinner simchos, for the inordinate pressure it places on families oflimited means. that violates that standard. Eve­ Letters for publication were selected to articulate the full range of ryone will quickly adjust their opinions expressed, rather than to represent proportionally the various simcha to the standard when they attitudes. Most of the letters received were supportive of his suggestion, realize that the Mesader Kiddushin but there would seem to be no point in publishing many letters of similar (officiating rabbi at a wedding) or thrust. the guest speaker will not attend until that adjustment is made. While the rich may be to blame, the SO MANY FACTORS rabbonim are the ones who can TO CONTEND WITH really make the necessary changes.

AVROHOM MEYER KOHN To the Editor: Los Angeles This article should be required reading in all Bais-Yaakov type schools, in all yeshivos, as well as GOING BEYOND in shuls. The girls think they want SPEECHES AND ARTICLES a kollel boy, but he has to look like he's wearing "Ralph Lauren" To the Editor: straight out of Barney's. The boys We look to our Gedolim and Rab­ want to sit al haTorah v'avoda, but bonim to force us to behave and the shver should supply fifteen listen, just as children look to their thousand a year plus a brand new parents for guidance and even car with all the latest contraptions. punishment to force adherence. The parents can't deprive their When we will see a notable figure sweet darling of a "proper" wed­ that is to be the mesader kiddushin ding-and so it goes on, and on. at a fancy. rich wedding storm out One problem with a wedding more of the hall before the chupa in so than a bar mitzva is that it is protest, that will leave us with a not one-sided. You have to contend greater message than thousands of RABBI HEINEMANN'S TIU.KING with mechutanim and the couple speeches. When we see him refl1Se TOME themselves. A humbler wedding, to attend a lavish Bar Mitzva, the even if all parties agree, is no easy hosts might be angry-but the word To the Editor: matter. Caterers, space. chupa will spread quickly loud and clear. The article's message is so rele­ 'neath the stars, and various other Will the rich donor stop giving to vant to all of us. that instead of factors makes things more difficult. that Rosh Yeshiva's organization? thinking: "If only so-and-so would People are insulted if invited only to Probably not: but even if it were so, see this article," we ought to say to a chupa. (I invariably try to make that would be a small sacrifice for ourselves: "He means me! rd better it my business to attend a wedding the sake of Kial Yisroel. clean up my act, and as 1 strive to where I'm invited only to the chupa.) It is time for action (takanos) and improve myself, others will be in­ Keep this type of articles coming. deeds (strict enforcement) rather spired to follow suit." Even if it spares one family hardship than speeches and articles. That or sickness, it will have been well would be the ultimate Chessed Shel (RABBI) MOSHE GoLBERGER worth its while. Em es. Staten Island. NY (The writer is author qf a number Qf MRS. EDNA GREENBERG NACHMAN BLASBALG pamphlets on Torah themes.) Brooklyn. N. Y. Brooklyn, NY

The Jewish Observer. April 1988 43 IN SEARCH OF MAGAZINESParamount SUbstriptions ment to end all extravagance. Let the al!;O carries jewi~h Papers & Ma~uinPS RABBAN GAMLIEL majority announce that it seeks not • l,OOOtochoosefrom to keep up with the Joneses but • New subscriptions and renewals a1 large DISCOUNTS C:ALL C:HAVA NOW To the Editor: rather a graceful way out from all (718) 851 9698 The Gemora (Kesubos8b) tells us: the unrelenting social and financial ASK ABOUT OUR SUPER SPEC!Al PR lets Originally the burial of the dead was pressures. FOR RECEPTION ROOMS & BUSINtSS 5HOMftS!iA8W; a bigger burden on the relatives With an unequivocal mandate in than the emotional trauma of the hand, the Gedolim could then actual death. Rash! explains that define and set the standard for a they used to bury him in expensive proper and beautiful Yiddishe sim­ B"H clothing. causing a financial strain cha. Their personal prestige and on the family. This reached the point central role at simclws and in all of SEEWALD'S where the relatives would abandon Jewish life could be brought to bear the body and not bury it! Then to implement the mandate. The ALL MAKES Rabban Gamliel the Nassi (Prince) heavy debts and humiliations would &MODELS in his will stated that he be buried disappear, and in their stead a new in cheap linen garments. After this and proud inscription would appear the custom amongst Jews changed, on our invitations: "This simcha and everyone began to bury the dead follows the guidelines of Gedolei in linen garments. Torah" The message that our Chacho­ mim gave us is clear: The broad MENDEL H. BERNSTEIN masses do not have the courage to Far Rockaway, NY go against the current. and change. Only the leaders can do this. When the rabbonim, roshei yeshiva and INCONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION Everybody Drives lay leaders only invite X amount of people, eliminate the "extras" in To the Editor: A Used Car! their simcha, the masses will follow. Rabbi Moshe Heinemann's "A If not immediately. at least slowly. Chessed Shel Emes" advocated a (718) 604-CARS but steadily, the trend will change. convincing case against conspicu­ Will the Rabban Gamliel of our ous consumption, replete with generation step fmward. please! many all-too-familiar examples. But just in case any reader missed the You're Readyto Leave (RABBI) MOISHE ENG!ANDER point. or, tired of reading, let his eye New York City ••• BUT ... Toronto. Canada wander to the bottom of the page, (The writer ts prtncipal ofYeshiva Yesodei The Jewish Obseroer layout staff You want to continue to have a HaTorah in Toronto.) kind enough to place an exem­ choir£• of schools which otf('r a high was quality of Orthodox and secular plary advertisement; and thereby education .. , aid Rabbi Heinemann to make his point. You want your family to experience a LEADERS: WAITING FOR A MANDATE FROM "Secluded Oceanfront Villa"-the close knit, warin con1munity decJi. THE RANK AND FILE cated to Torah;Avodah and C'n>mi11us perfect vacation for the nouveau Chassodinl. rtche Orthodox Jewish couple or To the Editor: family. Certainly, you want a geta­ You want to be close to your job or Greater hope for a solution lies, goyim! Eretz Yisroel? busiriess in MidtoWn' of IOWer Man· way from the hattan ... I believe. with our Torah leadership Passe', or at best dangerously full which, to date, has addressed this of rioting Arabs. Naturally you will You want exce1lent hon1e value with issue only in exclusive forums and want to keep up your high stand­ the lowest rea1 estate taxei:: in Bergen with purposeful restraint. Perhaps County ... ards of kashrus, so a fully stocked our leaders are mindful of the Tal­ kosher kitchen is a must. Do they TllEN ••• mudic dictum that no public decree have Cholov Yisroel on tropical K'halAdathjeshurun ofl'aramus, be issued unless a majority of the islands? Never mind, there's always under the leadership ofRabbi Yechez­ people can abide by it and, conse­ coconut milk! Full-time staff will kel Zweig, may be a solution you quently, await an outpouring of allow the wife to forget she's really should consider. public support before recommend­ the ba'alabuste, and the private call(201)262-0797 ing specific guidelines. If so, let the pool ... so you don't run into any or (201) 265-6721 heretofore silent majority declare. in lack of tznius that may infringe on a clear and united voice, its commit- your private stretch of beach.

44 The Jewish Observer. April 1988 Being out of the way and secluded. identify with the target group. For ("Everybody has one.") To some nobody will actually see you lavish example, the millionaire reading the ex;tent, most of us went through a your money on this luxury. You may article will exclalm-"My wedding shght metamorphosis over the first argue that you are not stepping on lavish? You should have seen year here. -For the better? That ~y toes. But, it's not your fault if ____'s. He's a billionaire-makes depends on whose criteria we use word gets around," and the middle me feel like a pauper. Maybe this to rate ourselves-that of our former class is left to conjure images of the article wilJ make him come down to neighbors or our new ones. sun-drenched tropical vacation the our 'normal' level !of extravagance]." Joneses took this year. The fellow that makes $750,000 a A New Perspective LEAH DAVIDOWITZ year thinks the article calls upon the Jerusalem millionaire to reform. The white­ Now into my second year here. I've collar workers point a finger at had a shift in attitude (which I hope my fellow kollel wives share with WHO'S A PIRATE? young (upwardly mobile, of course) professionals, the blue-collar me). Keeping up with the Joneses is not only impossible, it is futile. To the Editor: workers at the white colJars. the kli kodesh mentschen at anyone that's So I've learned to look at Mrs. Jones In Rabbi Heinemann's "A Chessed differently-not as a symbol of a Shel Emes" (Dec. '87) why is it that working at a half-decent salary that actually gets paid on time; down to standard to be lived up to, but as a person who has every right, in a person. In most cases, this new terms of halacha, to flaunt his those of us in Kolle!, where the couples from poor and unsympa­ line of vision has opened up my eyes wealth, is referred to as a "pirate" to some wonderful details I had ("Isn'tlt a bit like telling a pirate... "); thetic homes sometimes feel bitter­ ness towards their neighbors with missed. For example, I can now look while the one who really can't afford past an imposing sophisticate in a that lavish wedding and makes it more supportive parents (both eco­ nomically and spiritually). So from glamorous fur, and see that pro­ anyway because he doesn't want to tected by its warmth is a woman be labeled a pauper, is really emo­ the bottom rungs of the economic ladder upwards, each group will that takes care of the Chevra Kadi­ tionally weak and is doing an sha, and whose charitable deeds are unequivocal wrong by borrowing plead "not guilty as charged." They wilJ tell you that the party to which worthy of emulation. So what if she money he will not be able to repay? treated herself to a new front door Ifa takana (ordinance)were made you direct your allegations is prob­ ably out on ball, vacationing away that is a bit elaborate? Is she not to limit spending, then it would be permitted to spend anything on wonderful, and transgressing it his winter months between his villa in Bermuda and his chalet in St. herself? She could have treated would thus be deplorable. As long herself to many more things, if she as there is no such takana, however, Moritz. Let us, then, eliminate pointing a hadn't given her week's salary to a one cannot label as rishus (which needy widow. She also could have the article implies) the perfectly ac­ finger at the well-to-do alone for reform, as unpractical. May I pro­ spent more time shopping for her­ ceptable act of enjoying one's wealth self if she were not so occupied by spending it as one sees fit. pose a different perspective? At the same time I would like to introduce volunteering in hospitals, or-the AVI KRAVITZ biggest chessed of all-preparing a Kingsbrook, Long Island a new vital point of discussion for frum society, drawing on my own experience. SINGLE & DOUBLE FINANCIAL DIFFERENCE: AN IRREVOCABLE FACT OF LIFE I recently moved from a kollel BREASTED MEN'S SUITS community (i.e. the kollel was the To the Editor: community's major portion of the While I applaud Rabbi Heine­ population) to an out-of-town kollel SILBIGER'S mann's article "Chessed Shel in a "big city." At first, it was a • Slad2s Emes." and the strong terms in culture shock for me as well as my • Rainwear which he states his point, I feel that fellow kollel-wives, being trans­ it has left out some vital points. ported from a Makom Torah into • All Wool Coats Moreover, the finger of blame was, the lap of the luxurious life. We came • Sports Jacl

The Jewish Observer. April 1988 45 deceased woman for burial. What if He who is content with his lot)" we do a tum around. and instead (Avos IV,l). We must become 'Jahr· PLEASE HELP of condemning our neighbors for ginners," and rejoice in the nachas their elaborate whims, try to seek our brother has in that he is able Young Yerushalmi had heart out their redeeming qualities and to make a simcha in a grand attack. His wife takes care of jahrgin (tolerate with love) a little, manner. him and7 children under 15. for a change? Need is great. Kindly send tax Let's Not Forget The Children Who's Holding Back Moshiach? deductible contribution to: We must not overlook the effects Bikur Cholim, Inc., c/o What's keeping back Moshiach? of our attitudes upon our children. Some have said that our manner of They have no inbred concept of rich RABBI AVROHOM living is not in keeping with a real and poor. Why, then, do we find BWMENKRANTZ "tzipisa li'yeshua (are you antici­ small children, in the lower grades, 814 Caffrey Ave., pating the redemption?)" attitude. idolizing the little rich girl in their Far Rockaway, N.Y. 11691 Why are people building mansions, class? Not because she's better if Golus is a temporary situation? dressed than they are. (Children I cannot argue this point. It's I 00% can't discern the "value" of a justified, but simpler houses alone designer label.) The problem is BIG won't bring Moshiach. We have to rooted in the home, where they take it a step further, back to the overhear the mother speaking in APPLE source. The destruction of the awed tones of the little rich girl's second Beis Hamikdash stemmed wealth and about the stunning COPY & PRINTING from one problematic character dress she wore to "my own poor CENTER trait: sinas chinom-groundless neglected child's birthday party.'' I hatred. The Geula cannot come can assure you that until "poor neglected" heard her mother's 87 NASSAU ST about until we correct this particu­ NEW YORK. NY 10038 lar midda. phone conversation, she never took (212) 962"4282 Passing a neighbor who has just a second glance at "little rich's" (212) 267-9478 completed construction of his mar­ dresses (but certainly will tomor­ ble stairs and entrance to his home, row). She also probably never looked some tend to think: "It's his fault upon herself as poor or neglected. - Moshiach's not coming because Envy and hatred are bred in our own he's doing this deliberately to rip my homes, not in the spacious rooms Rabbi Aryeh Schechter eyes out." We can bring the Geula of the mansion down the block. much closer by thinking instead, Let us correct our attitudes and 'Tm so happy for Mr. S., that he is be optimistic-especially those of us able to afford such a manner of whose husbands are engaged in SOFER S"TAM living." And if your stomach curdles Avodas Hakodesh. 'Yes, they have 1235 49th Street at the thought of actually having to more toys than we do-but Totty's Brooklyn, NY 11219 compliment his monstrosity to his Torah is ours, too. We have zech­ face, try this one: "May your dwelling usim that others don't.'' And if (7'18) 972-4003 in Olam Habba be so grand as well." you're saying it without genuine We make "house calls" - Don't forget to smile (and mean It!). feeling, then you are not thinking into the situation enough. Rabbi Heinemann has good rea­ It is unrealistic to expect those son to ask the well-to-do to check wealthier than us remove all yeitzer themselves in their high styles of horas from before our eyes, and to :'ll~':IN na~:'ll living, but we folks of lesser means live at our level. A joint effort from cannot pin the blame on the rich both ends of the spectrum is in im0S'r & .F0LJND alone. We have to check our own order, with the rich toning down To announce an object found attitudes, and quash the sinas their flaunting of their wealth and Please Call: (718) 436-4999 chinom Even if the rich are con­ the poor desisting from creating vinced to curtail their extravagant To find out if your object was destructive patterns of jealousy habits, so long as there will be less found Please Call: 718 438-0592 within themselves. Only then can fortunate in this world, no measures any degree of true brotherly love by the rich will ever be extreme reign. enough until the less wealthy are (MRS.) ALICE FAHRGINNEN educated in "Aizeh hu ashir? Haso­ (Actual Name and City Withheld meiach bichelko (Who is wealthy? by Request)

46 The Jewish Observer, April 1988 With our "no-points, no-application-fee" Home Equity Line of Credit. You pay no points and no application fee with a Greater Home Equity account, and the interest rate is adjusted each month at 1.75% above the Prime Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal. Or if you prefer, your interest rate can be lower-just 1.5% above the prime rate adjusted monthly, if you agree to pay a 1-point (1 %) origination fee. Still no application fee! Either of these Greater "Open Door" Home Equity Accounts lets you borrow up to 75% of the equity in your house or condominium. You get a low-cost line of credit, secured by a mortgage on your home, to use whenever you want, just by writing checks. And you only pay interest on the amount you actually borrow. This will keep your monthly payments low and may permit you to take advantage of a valuable tax deduction. (You should consult your tax advisor to determine deductibility.) Your interest rate will never rise or fall more than 2% per year (beginning on your closing date), and during the lifetime of your loan your interest rate will never be greater than 6 % above your initial interest rate or less than 7 % per year. For complete details, visit any Greater branch, send the coupon, or call our Consumer Loan Department at 718-859-8884. r------The Greater New York Savings Bank Consumer Loan Department ~-_,,..' 1 1550 Flatbush Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11210 -·-- I Please send me full information and an application for your "Open Door" Home Equity I I line-of-credit. I

II :"' . -- " 11 TELEPHONE -~" l I ------~ - -- I I @~~~~~NG THEG"'.'.>E. ATE"'.'.> I I TheGr:::;rNewYorkSav1ngsBank ' l""\I '·· I LM~lf~I,;,_ _ ------_ .,.l0_:!/88_J Consumer Loon Deportment: 718-859-8884. In Brooklyn: Fifth Avenue. 9th and 10th Streets. 718-965-7500 ·Church and McDonald Avenues. 718-435-4300 • 18th Avenue and East 2nd Street. 718-435-4100 •Seventh Avenue and President Street. 718-789-4100 •Bay Parkway and 67th Street. 718-837-8400 • 13th Avenue and 53rd Street. 718-436-9505 • Neptune Avenue and West 5th Street. 718-996-4100 • 1045 Flatbush Avenue at Duryea Place. 718-282-7500 • 1550 Flatbush Avenue at Nostrand Avenue. 718-859-5300. In Manhattan: Broadway and West 79th Street. 212-873-3730. In Queens: Hillside Avenue at 179th Street. 718-291-3100. In Nassau: 222 Station Plaza North and 3rd Avenue, Mineola. 516-747-6100. Customer Service: 718-965-7526. © 1Qes THEGREATERNEWYORKSAv1NGSBANK When The Pacesetters For Turah Gather, Tuke Your Place Among Them. Demonstrate your solidarity with the nation's exciting Torah coalition movement. Be there as leaders and activists from the spectrum of Orthodox Jewry join together to mark the 66th Anniversary of AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA Sunday evening May 15, 1988/28lyar, 5748 The Grand Ballroom, New York Hilton

Please make your dinner reservations now A commemorative journal with greetings and advertisements will be published on this occasion. RSVP: $300 per couple or $360 in journal ads. {no appeals! If you cannot attend ln person. !et your journal ad speak for you.

HONORING

At10rvlcl! Awards D~ ~abrceJ Biberfeld a .. .1 Avie Gold Rabbi Baruch koh f:LT~Jm kraus12, Es~ Rabbi Chai~1.hoenbrun aron Weinberg

Wlflim• ~'.t:,;~okMitnick man Memorlnf Afvard

AGUDATH ISRAEL OF AMERICA 84 William Street. New York. NY !0038 (212) 797-9000