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In a time when so many good people and families are in need that there are hardly enough resources to go around - we ask you to join us in helping two people who have distinguished themselves by helping others. 1. A.F. runs a majorfree loan fund and helps people in countless other ways, all voluntary. No one will ever know how many couples have gone to the chuppah because of him; how many people have come to him for advice, inspiration, and encouragement; how many minds have been clarified by his wisdom; how many sick and unemployed have been saved from disgrace by him. Now, for the first time, he is in desperate need. 2. M.R. has pulled his family through a series of crises that would have broken a lesser man. A talmid chochom who administered a prominent , he was thrust deeply into debt through no fault of his own. He is working at three jobs to pay his debts without seeking charity. A Kiddush Hashem in every way. Now, a family crisis has struck which demands emergency help. These are the stories, without exaggeration or emotionalism. The plain truth is eloquent enough. IT IS SAD WHEN A MlJST TlJRN TO HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS. IT IS DOlJBL Y TRAGIC WHEN PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALWAYS GIVEN; ARE REDUCED TO NEEDING HELP. This is an opportunity as well as a plea - because by helping these people, we will enable them to keep on helping others. In making this appeal to you, we are responding to the pleas of the great geonim and tzadikim SHLOMO ZALMAN AVERBACH, RABBI YMKOV YITZCHOK WEISS, RABBI MOSHE HALBERSTAM, SADEGlJRA , and the RACHMISTRIVKER REBBE. We urge you therefore, to lend a generous hand to these truly exceptional people. When such people turn to us, we are being tested; let us not fall short. Please respond generously. In that merit, may we and our loved ones always be able to give - and never be forced to receive. Sincerely,

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Surviving Adversity, With Faith 11 Over My Shoulder, Emuna Shines Down, Chaim Shapiro 1 7 The Lifestyles of the Childless Poor, Anonymous 19Teachers, Labels, and Mirrors, David Wax THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021"6615 is published monthly except July and August, by the Agudath Israel of America, 84 William 23 Street, New York, NY 10038. Second class postage paid in New York, N.Y. and at additional mailing Poetry office, Subscription $18.00 per year; two years, High in the Hills of Yerushalayim, by Malky Brailofsky $30.00; three years, $40.00. Outside of the United States (US funds drawn on a US bank only) $10 sur­ charge per year. Single copy $2.50; foreign $3.00. Send address changes to The Jewish Observer, 84 Communicating With Russian William St., N.Y., N.Y. 10038. Tel. (212) 797-9000. 25 In Russian, Nisson Wolpin Printed in the U.S.A. 2 7 With Music, Saralie Faivelson RABBI NISSON WOLPIN, EDITOR

EDITORIAL BOARD DR. ERNST BODENHEIMER 30 Chairman Rabbi and the RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS Torah Im Derech Eretz Principle JOSEPH FRIEDENSON RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN An Editorial Comment

MANAGEMENT BOARD 33 NAFTOU HIRSCH ISAAC KIRZNER Books in Review RABBI SHLOMO LESIN Books on Marriage NACHUM STEIN Personal Growth RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING Further Volumes in Existing Series Business Manager

Published by 39 Agudath Israel of America Second Looks at the Jewish Scene RABBI MOSHE SHERER PRESIDENT Odyssey of a Failed Experiment

THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not assume responsibility for the Kashrus of any product or Postscript service advertised in its pages. 41 When There is a Need for Distinctions © Copyright 1989 43 A Third Look at the Fifth Question of Pesach

June 1989 VOLUME XXll/NUMBER 45 Letters to the Editor Shlomo Berger

IRAN AFTER KHOMEINI: I Whats In Store For The Jews?

PREDICTABLE UNCERTAINTY community-is in some ways worse has a particular ayatollah or other than the oppression of this last representative in the majlis whose decade. There is always the possi­ ideas come closest to its own. Fre­ he dust has barely settled in bility that the situation could dete­ quently, one ayatollah. whose power the ten months since the riorate v•n, as rivalries that have comes from these legitimate consti­ T:declaration of a cease fire in been long supressed under Kho­ tuencies, may bicker with other the Iran/Iraq war, and now Ayatol­ meini can now erupt. To help us clerics. in or out of parliament. Many lah Khomeini has died. The imme­ appreciate the volatile situation in continue to lead their own militias diate reaction among most freedom­ Iran, let us look closely at some of in order to translate their agendas loving people-especially the Jews­ the forces at work there. into reality. might well be one of relief. After all. Khomeini had actively refereed Khomeini had come to symbolize between different clerics and their the Islamic Revolution. which swept THE POWER STRUGGLE . .. constituencies. Nonetheless, stabil­ away the Pahlavi regime, and was ity was lacking. For instance, the responsible for the oppression of all ower. which devolved from the New York Times on December 13, religious groups. aside from the "Holy City" of Qom and its 1988, reported that "at least eleven fundamentalist Shiite Moslems. most famous resident. the religious leaders associated with Under his tight-fisted, despotic rule, P Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini. is Ayatollah Hussein Ali Montazert. the Jewish education became non­ legally vested in the majlis-or con­ man [then] designated to succeed existent, and opportunities for full­ stituent assembly. There are many Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as expression of Jewish religious life viewpoints within this assembly as Iran's spiritual leader, have been dwindled. to how to deal with the numerous executed as part of power struggles Yet the uncertainty that now faces issues facing the country. and each between political factions:· More­ the Jews of Iran-possibly the is supported by its own interest over, throughout the 80's, various world's oldest continuing Jewish group. Each group-such as the factions within the country were en­ merchants of the various bazaars gaged in a low-level civil war of at­ Shlomo Berger is the director of the Near-and Middle-East Section of Agudath Israel's Vaad (called Bazaarists). the professional trition, which unleashed a torrent L'Hatzolas Nidchei Yisroel. classes. and the agricultural bloc- of blackmail, and an endless supply

6 The Jewish Observer, June 1989 Many ayatollahs favor the promulgation of Islamic religious law in all aspects of daily life, which causes further concern among the Jews of Iran.

of informers. This situation, which competition to fill the power culminated in extraordinaiy show· vacuum created by his death. A trials, helped root out counter· leading expert has indicated that revolutionaiy elements from Iranian this power vacuum may one day religious, social. and political life. soon pit pro-Western, pro-Russian but it also produced unparalleled and pro· Third World ayatollahs tension in the countiy. AIJ this was against one another, especially since further exacerbated by the anti· so many of them were educated clerical, anti-government Mujahed· either in the West or in Moscow. The din (nationalist freedom fighters), in more militant Moslem factions may and out of the countiy. They formed become even more assertive. making a pragmatic alliance with Iraq. conditions even more difficult for which triggered the eventual assault the Jews. On the other hand, ties on the Iranian city of Kermanshah with Moscow seem to be gaining by these same Mujaheddin. strength, which is surely no source of tolerance toward minority reli­ ... AND THE JEWS gious groups. Exacerbating the uncertainty of the times is a formid­ ian Jewiy than that community has able rumor mill, which feeds on the he 20,· 25,000 Jews remain· had in generations. political power vacuum, and contin­ ing in Iran have been deeply The rivaliy between the various affected by the volatile atmos· ually churns out terrifying scena­ T political forces also has been effect· rios for the Jews who live in Iran. phere there. As an officially recog· ing the Jews in confusing ways. At nized minority, the Jewish com· One of the most effective antidotes first glance, the Jews in the large munity has been able to maintain to this rumor mill is frequently a cities are from a cross-section of its integrity during these difficult telephone call to a Western countiy social classes-Le. business. profes­ years. but the events of the last where confirmation or refutation sional and service industries-and decade took an unimaginable toll on can easily be had; often, however, its stability. that should determine their alle· phone lines are down. These contra­ giances to specific political blocs. There has been immense pressure dictoiy elements keep the entire But the local ayatollah allied with from Islamic militants to indoctri· social and political infrastructure the respective merchant or bazaar· nate Jewish children in the schools. off balance.... Yet that balance is ist group may also be a radical Mos· crucial to a productive Jewish life. As a result. Jewish schools in Iran !em in terms of education, and thus have had to make creative changes be an outspoken enemy of the edu· to adapt to the structure and res· SHOULD PEACE PREVAIL . .. cational environment most advan­ trictions that the Islamic Revolution tageous for a Jewish future. More· has imposed upon them. Moreover, e must also consider the teenage boys. as well as some girls, over. many ayatollahs also favor the possibility of further com­ promulgation of Islamic religious were and still are threatened with plications in the life of the law in all aspects of daily life, caus· W: an indiscriminate conscription Jews of Iran, should peace prevail. ing further unease among the Jews policy in order to provide the mil· With the advent of peace (at present, of Iran . ... How secure can a Jew itaiy with manpower. Once drafted, only a cease-fire is in effect), hund­ feel in such an environment? their minority status subjects them reds of thousands of war-weaiy to painful prejudice. These various soldiers will return to the cities and factors have influenced many par· POST-KHOMEINI TENSIONS demand employment, placing great ents to send their children away to strain on an economy already at the schools in the West. This is a choice ll of the tensions between breaking point. The government will that is fraught with unusual risks, rival forces, which have been want to help these veterans return but it has had one long-term bene· A kept beneath the surface to a normal life. and minorities­ ficial result-the emergence of a during Khomeini's rule. are now especially Jews-may find that new, more learned element in Iran- coming to the fore in their fierce regional authorities will favor vete·

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 7 rans over civilians in general. and It will fall upon the yeshiva graduates in the over minorities in particular. Unless they are highly skilled, some minor­ States to assist in kiruv work at many levels ity members may even be displaced to raise the Yahadus-consciousness of their altogether-putting additional hardships on the Iranian Jewish brothers and sisters joining them here. community. There always is the possibility upon these yeshiva graduates to Obviously the question of Israel that war-weary Iran will experience assist in kiruv catch-up work, to places a great strain on Jews in a a peaceful succession in the coun­ raise the Yahadus-consciousness country that is openly hostile to the try's political leadership, which can of their brothers and sisters who Zionist state. But this is not an un­ brtng stability to the Iranian Jewish were denied a full Jewish education equivocal source of trouble, for the community. making it a more hos­ and now join them here. Moreover. strain is common to Jews in all parts pitable home for them. In such those organizations, institutions. of the Middle and Near East, and event, young women seeking hus­ and individuals that have been so some communities thrive nonethe­ bands will be facing increasing dif­ deeply involved in helping Iranian less. Hopefully. revolution, war. and ficulties, since they far outnumber emigrants adjust to Torah life in the political instability will yield to ne­ the remaining men. The flip side of West will still have their work cut cessity, and the pragmatic consid­ this imbalance is being felt in the out for them. erations that produced many pro­ West where many young men are ductive alliances between Moslems pursuing their studies. and few and Jews in the past will again pre­ Iranian women have made their THE ZIONIST ELEMENT vail. Hopefully, Jews will be able to way. keep existing institutions such as " .. , A turning point came three years mikvaot The young Jewish women who ago when 2000 Jews strolling in Tehe­ and intact have managed to come to the West ran after Sabbath services were round­ while improving the level of chi­ are finding that the young men who ed up by revolutionary guards, blind­ nuch, so that a full, healthy Jewish have studied in Arnertcan yeshivos folded and taken in buses to Evin life may in time reassert itself once now have much higher standards of Prison-denounced as Zionists... again in the face of a difficult observance than they do. It will fall New York Tbnes, Sept.ember 17, 1987 Golus. •

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Hagaon Horav Yitzchok Yaakov Weiss Niftar 11 Sivan/June 14

s we go to press. we record When responding to she'eilos with a profound sense of (halachic queries), he displayed an A loss the petira (passing) of awe-inspiring command of the Hagaon Horav Yitzchok Yaakov broadest range of both early and re­ Weiss, ) 11 ~t the Gaon Av Beis Din cent poskim. Yet, according to per­ (head of the rabbinical court) of the sonal witness. he never responded Eida HaChareidis in , to a she'eila-even if it were one that formerly the head of the Manchester he had been asked numerous times () Beis Din. in the past-without first pausing Born to a family of Munkaczer for a short intervaL Often, he would Chassidim in Dohina, Galicia, 87 refer to a sheet of paper on which he years ago, Dayan Weiss received had jotted down a brief summary of semicha (ordination) from, among responses to commonly asked ques­ others, Rabbi Yehuda Greenfield tions. With fellows, he would (Maharshag) and Rabbi Shmuel take time to explain in detail the ra­ Engel (Radomishler Rav)_ He be­ tionale behind his psak (decision), came widely recognized as a tower­ to train them in the decision-mak­ ing figure in the world of psak hala­ ing process. cha (Torah law)-first as Av Bets Din Dayan Weiss being accompanied by the His written teshuvos (responsa), of Grosswardein. Rumania, before late Dayan Golditch )"::Hand N"t"l?J', Rabbi contained in the nine-volume set of Siegal and members of the Kehilla iv hen World War IL and then as a member he left Manchester 19 Years ago. the Minchas Yitzchok (with a tenth of a special bets din convened by the volume soon to be published), in­ Rav. 7 11 ~t after the War to his dedication to the responsibilities clude many landmark decisions on deal with aguna problems (people he had assumed in Manchester. the application of halacha to com­ whose spouses were presumed dead During that period, Dayan Weiss plex areas of modern technology. in the war, and thus sought clarifica­ decisively raised the spiritual level The multitudes that accompan­ tion of their halachic marital status). in Manchester-specifically, in ied his aron to its makom kevura In 1949, he assumed the leadership regard to kashrus. and (together (final resting place) bore eloquent of the Manchester beis din-a posi­ N"n'J' with the Manchester Rosh testimony to the broad circle of tion that he maintained for twenty Hayeshiva, Rabbi Yehuda Siegal, those who venerated him, represen­ years. As a measure of his standing and Rabbi Baruch Horowitz) the ting the full range of world Ortho­ as a poseik, he was invited in 1951 founding of the Manchester KolleL doxy, regardless of political or ide­ to succeed the venerable Dayan In 1972 Dayan Weiss was called to ological orientation. His presence as Yechezkel Abramsky ~"~l as head head the Eida Beis Din in J erusa­ a leading Torah personality will be of the Beis Din, when the lem, a position that he held for the deeply missed: in his absence, his latter retired to Jerusalem. Dayan past seventeen years, where he halachic decisions will continue to Weiss, however. chose to stay on in achieved recognition as one of the serve as an invaluable source of Manchester, reputedly because of outstanding poskim of our time. guidance to the Torah world.

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 9 HEAR BAMIDBAR AS NEVER BEFORE with Rabbi

Introducing the second series of powerful, moving shiurim by Rabbi Yissocher Frand. Magid Shiur at Ner Israel Yeshiva in Baltin1ore and one of today's most dynamic young speakers. Recorded from his popular weekly shiur at 's Agudath Israel. the tapes put you in the bais medrash with Rabbi Frand. You'll journey through the development of Ha!acha from the Chumash through poski1n to current responsa. Each tape concludes with 20 minutes of and ethical applications related • to that Parsha. ·n.· BAMIDBAR/D'VARIM: SERIES II Bamidbar-·-Going Up To Yerushalayim Korach-May the State of Israel Extradite a Jewish For Yorn Tov: Does It Apply Today? Criminal'! Nasso----Sheitels: A Woman's Obligation Chukas/Balak--lntennarriage To Cover Her Hair Pinchas-The Yarmulka: At Home and In the Office _! Beha'aloscha--Wai1ing Between Meat Ki Seitzei-Polygamy and the Cherem of Raheinu and Milk: Adults and Children Gershom Sh'lach-The : Who Counts? Ki Savo----Learning Hebrew: or Not? Ha'azinu-The Mitzvah of Writing a Set'er Torah ADDITIONAL TAPES Returning the Captured Territories--A Halachic Perspective

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10 The Jewish Observer, June 1989 SURVIVING ADVERSI1Y. WITH FAITH Chaim Shapiro i::=_------.- --=---=--=-----=----=----=----=--=-=----=----=----=----=------

Over My Shoulder, E11uina Shines Down

ONE SURVIVOR'S RESPONSE TO CHURBAN EUROPE

- (~· ;_~:~;~:.·

t is quite remarkable how the SEARCHING FOR JEWISH last Churban affected different SURVIVORS I people in different ways. To some survivors. it was "proof' that the served in the Soviet army during Heavens are empty. That our fathers World War II, and scanning the and forefathers were merely naive in ! press, I had seen hardly any believing that there is a G-d. Ausch­ reference to the mass murder of witz had proven the old generation Jews. The first rumor I had heard wrong. The very same Churban af­ to that effect was in Stalingrad. I fected others (myself included) in knew that Reb Archik Baksht1• the the exact opposite manner. There is Rav of my hometown Lomza. was a Creator. there is a Master of the once Rav in Tzaritzin, later known Universe, and Auschwitz proved it. as Stalingrad. So there must be a Strange indeed! Jewish community there, I as­ It seems that an awareness of the sumed. I searched the devastated inability of some people to cope with city for Jews. to no avail. The Rus­ tragedy prompted a Chassidic Reb­ sians there told me that the Ger­ be to comment that so little is re­ mans had rounded up all the Jews, corded of the pogroms and massa­ and killed them in cold blood. I did cres in -we have no not believe them. detailed reports on the Inquisition The next shock I got was in details of suffering and death could or on Gzeiras Tach Vetat (Chmel­ Berditchev. The Russians used to drive a person to apikorsus (apos­ nitzki's pogroms of 1648)-because call the city "Yerozolima" (Jerusa­ tacy). If that were true in the past, it was feared that the depressing lem) or "Yevrayskaya Stolitza" then the recent Churban-its sheer (The Jewish Capital), for the city of Rabbi Shapiro, a Baltin1ore resident. has written size. the depth of the brutality. the Reb Levi Yitzchok Berditchever had a number of articles for JO that evoke the Pre­ indifference of the other nations to war Europe of his childhood: many of these have been 90% Jewish. The 10% non­ the total annihilation of the Jews­ been published in the Judaiscope anthologies. Jews were officials. who served as The Torah Personality, The Torah World. and could drive a person to insanity ... The Torah Profile. His autobiographical, Go. My the "Shabbos Goyim" for the rest Son, published by Feldheim, is scheduled for but also to emuna. Permit me to release this summer. explain. l. See"RebArchik,"JOQct.. 72

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 11 The recent Churban-its sheer size, the depth of the brutality, the indifference of the other nations-could drive a person to insanity . .. but also to emuna. of the populace. On the way to the hard of hearing, hence he would go over tank uniform, yet I cried bitterly, front. my troop train stopped at to the bench infront qfthe bimafor krtas unashamed: "Father in Heaven, Berditchev for three hours, so I went haTorah so as not to miss a word. We have You no mercy on Your child­ off to search for Jews. I didn't find little boys canied on, running around ren?" I felt the tzaddik Reb Levi one. Only Russians and Ukrainians! as small boys would do. Once, as I Yitzchok behind me, backing me up passed him, he gmbbed me, screamed I in my petition. I was sure that by had remembered that Reb Levi ''Shaygetz!" (heathen!) and gave me a Yitzchok's shtiebel was located on potch (slap in theface). then he had already mobilized the a hill, so I trudged up the hill, only After davenen, myjather walked over entire Pamalyo Shel Maalo (Heav­ to find total destruction, stones and to the old gentlemen and said. "Reb enly hosts), asking: 'Where are the bricks strewn about, except for one Alter, you are right about the children Jews of my Berditchev?" I was heart­ large square building. Perhaps it making noise, but you have no right to broken, all alone in the world, and was the old shtiebel-the Bolshev­ give Chaim a potch, He is my child. yet I felt closer than ever to my iks had converted it into a factory­ Don't ever do it again!" Creator. I had whom to cry to. perhaps it was not. Exhausted, I sat My heart was bleeding. The ter­ down on one of the stones and began rible reality about the wiping out of to cry. Those rumors about the mur­ ON THE SHORES OF AMERICA all Jewish communities was unden­ der of the Jews seemed to be true! iable. Yet, the only complaint to Sitting there, I recalled an episode hen I arrived in America, Heaven that I could utter was: "Tatte from my youth, regarding a Reb the first thing I did was In Himmel!-ls that how You take Alter Katzanek. visit my father's surviving care of Your children?" W: In Lomza. the Rav-Reb Archik and, People passing by must have friends and fellow alumni from Slobodka and Mir. later, Reb Moshe Shatzkes-would sit thought that I had cracked up in at the right side of the aron hakodesh, battle. They simply stopped and My first stop was at the East Side while myjather sat to the left Two pews shook their heads in sorrow. apartment of our Rav. Reb Moshe away was Reb Alter Katzanek. an el­ Shatzkes.2 He was happy to see me derly gray-bearded gentlemen who I davened Mincha, and then stayed on to talk to the stones and and was visibly moved that at least spent his entire day learning Torah. He one of my family had survived. As lived on the monthly check that his chil­ bricks of Reb Levi Yitzchok's Beis we sat down, I asked, "Does the Rav dren sent him from America. He was Hamidrash. I was a sergeant in a remember Reb Alter Katzanek?" And I repeated the episode. I did not have to finish my parallel with An Unprecedented Opportunity recent events for him to cry! I soon joined him, but neither of us uttered For Personal Growth and a word. His answer was silence, for there is no answer. He practiced the Harbotzas Torah mida of Aaron Hakohein of "Vayi­ dom Aaron-and Aaron was silent" We are seeking dedicated yungeleit and baalei batim (before the Heavenly justice that to master a masechta or area ofhalacha and to provide took the lives of his two older sons). The next visit was with Reb examinations and assistance to others Yechiel Mordechai Gordon,3 the studying those topics. Lomzer Rosh Hayeshiva. I was amazed at his cheerfulness and his ready smile. He embraced me and For more information on this or any of our other kissed me, and, in the course of programs please write or call conversation, invited me to join his Kollel. Later, seated at his dining THE FOUNDATION FOR TORAH KNOWLEDGE 2. See •·How Not To Write a Yizkor Book:· JO Apr. 407 Yeshiva Lane, Baltimore, MD 21208 (301) 653-1064 ·so 3. See 0 'Lomza." JO Jan.,'76 and ''Reh Yechiel M. Gordon" Mar.'74

12 The Jewish Observer, June 1989 r=----····------···------room table, I asked, "Does the Rosh mar on . He too prac­ Yeshiva in Brooklyn. He was then Yeshiva remember Alter Kat­ ticed "Vayidom Aaron." For that sitting shiva for his father who had zanek?" I repeated the story-and matter. I have never come across any been niftar (passed away) in Jerus­ again I didn't have to finish it; he comments from either Rabbi Moshe alem. The crowd left. and just he and began to weep aloud. and so did I. Feinstein or Rabbi Yaakov Ruder­ I were there. He was sitting on a low And not a word from him. Total man n::i1J.., O)ll:n on Churban stool. and I next to him. He placed silence is the best answer where Europe.) his arm around me. and we talked there is no answer. Then I went to see Reb Avraham about Tiktin. I told him that I I went to see Reb Reuven Gro­ Kalmanowitz,7 the rav of my second remembered how he had arranged zovski,4 my late father's in home-town. Tiktin (TYkocin in Pol­ for his parents. sister. brother-in­ Slobodka. and my own Rosh Haye­ ish). the malach hagoel (redeeming law. and their two children to leave shiva in Kamenitz. I informed him angel) of the Mirrer Yeshiva since Russia during the Stalin era to join about my joining the Lomzer Kolle!. 1914, and founder of the Mirrer him in Tiktin-the miracle of it! which pleased him. I then told him 7. See JO March, '72; also, Dec. '78 •* We talked about the yeshiva he the Alter Katzanek episode. and filed my complaint. He looked up above his glasses to Heaven and said. "A shtarkeh taane! B'emes a shtarkeh taane-Truly, a strong argu­ n::l'W' ment!''-and broke out crying! My Rosh Yeshiva suggested that ~ nt,nl NACHALAS I visit Reb Yaakov Kamenetzky,5 ex­ plaining that "he knew your father in Slobodka." The same evening I '::1~ ZVI went to see him. He greeted me With il1) p ,1t:J) 111 tJ Toronto, Canada a warm "Sholom Aleichem," but when he heard that I was Alter Tik­ ?::ipn mw;iw m::i illl',ll:l is pleased to announce tiner's son. the welcome turned into that it will be accepting an embrace and a kiss. He added. l"' ?'ll:l ,o,,in::i , .. o::i 'Tm glad you came tonight, for I have ,,:v? y1nr.i Ol ,;i?:vm out-of-town bochurim of high-school and beis· a guest from Seattle, Washington. ili'Ol n1p!J::i ,11.'.lJ1i1t:l Reb Alter Poplak, your father's best medrash age for the .x?r.i friend from Yeshiva days." coming year. (I had assumed that Seattle. Washington. was a Brooklyn neigh­ il:JTJ 1JJJ7!J 'il n1Yi'.:ll The Yeshiva offers a borhood. and easily accessible. To lil 1J?r.i:v::i il:Ji::i nix;? comprehensive program, this day I can't forgive myself for not ;i;1n n::i;ix n:vioJ::i dedicated staff of Talmidei taking advantage of the occasion to Chachomim and educators, ask Rabbi Poplak more about my lil ;in!Jpwm ;in,,pw1 small classes, coupled with father.) tl' r.iw nxi' nw,w;i::i The two expressed joy at seeing a stimulating and pleasant me. and reminisced about my father. .n1ilV' nnr.ii ruach. The Yeshiva has the sefer he wrote on Nazir. as well achieved notable, measur­ as his Piskei Tosafos on Nazir. I n::i:vw O'Jw::i lJ':Jtw ow:i1 able success over the past then filed my "Katzanek" complaint, n;:iiJ ;in?Yi1? , .. o::i and the two broke into tears. As two years and looks usual. I joined them.... Tears and 'llli1X7 17 'ilVl) i"i1JJ?::i forward to ever greater silence were their answer-Vayi­ x?, x;nx::i )'IV!JJX success in the future. dom Aaron. ( '1:l1 1? 'll',, (As for the Kletzker Rosh Haye­ Parents interested in shiVa. Reb Aaron Kotler6 -who acquainting themselves m, n1,1x tl'Pi!J 11::i:v devoted all his energies to saving with the Yeshiva's pro­ lives and teaching Torah-his three ,IV!JX ;t'.:l'IV';J '1101 grams, objective and past volume Mishnas Reb Aaron. con­ o:v ;wpn;i? taining a total of 756 pages. with history, please contact 238 maamorim. has not one maa- 1x?nxp m ,,., ::i;;i Rabbi D. N. Kaplan at

4. See "Kamenitz," JO May'78 and Oct.'80 (416) 7ST4176 (416) 787-4176. 5. See "Remembering Rabbi Yaakov Kame­ netzky,'" JO, May, '86 * 6. See "Reh Aaron Kotler," JO May, '73.

The Jewish Observer. June 1989 13 had founded in Tiktin, how I and THE SILENCE OF OTHERS Volozhiner interprets the meaning of the rest of my entire class would 's comment: "G-d spoke sternly come to his beis-din·shtub for tests. (mishpat) with Moshe, because he had At that point, I interjected with my he Chassidic leader, the tzaddik been severe in speaking, saying, 'Why encounter with Katzanek and Reb Meir'l Premishlaner, com­ do you deal ill with Bnei Yisroel ?" started to ask how, by contrast, our T mented on the Yerushalmi-San­ (Shemos 6,2). The word "mishpat" in Father in Heaven had tolerated such hedrin: 'Tzaddikim know that their Rashi implies that G~d recognized that Master is true, and do notjlatter Him," when Moshe Rabbeinu stood upfor Klal Churban. a terrible He pressed me to say that G-d abhorrs chanifa (flat­ Yisroel and complained. ''Why have against his chest and tears began tery): When bad times corne upon Kial You dealt ill ... , " he did it with mish­ to roll down into his gray long beard. Yisroel, He does not want the tzaddikim pat-Moshe was justified! We cried together until someone to justify the harsh decree. To the To my knowledge, the various entered to report to him on the contrary, when it appears as though we gedolim that I met never went on condition of the Rebbitzen and the are facing a dispute of Kla1 Yisroel v. baby daughter recently born to Heaven, so to speak, the tzaddikim record attempting to deal with the them. should always be on the side qf Jewry. Churban. The wound was too fresh, His response to my complaint was G-d neither needs nor desires chanifa, the pain too deep, their Ahavas He does not require defense attorneys. similar to that of other Gedolim. Yisroel too great. They always sided And that is also how Rabbi Yitzchok Silence! with Klal Yisroel.

BEYOND THE REACH OF With the appearance HUMAN COMPREHENSION of volume 5, we are oreover, there are certain questions that mortals are proud to announce M not equipped to answer. As Chazal tell us, 'When the chacha· that the translation mim and the neviim were asked, of the classic­ Why was the Land destroyed?' they could not come up with an answer" SEFER HACHINNUCH (Babba Metzia 85a). Hence their silence, -is now complete! Surely some day we will know the answers to all questions. As the 5 Dubner Maggid explains the puz· Volume covers zling words in Amos: "Behold, the the second half of days come, said the L-rd, that the Sefer D'vorim and plowman shall meet the reaper" (9,11). Asks the Maggid' If we are contains all the talking about one farmer, how does features that have made this series so one man meet himself? And even if we are talking about two farmers, popular: a vowelized Hebrew text with how do they meet? Plowing takes clear English translation appearing on the place in spring, while harvest is in the fall! facing page; and supplementary footnotes Explains the Dubner Maggid, the in English that complement the text­ Prophet is teaching us a lesson in understanding events in Jewish providing further source and reference history. His parable: A city man took material. 444 pp. $18.95 his first walk to the countryside. Seeing a farmer plowing a field, absolutely ruining a beautiful All five volumes are available in an attractive slipcased edition. growth of grass, then taking good grain and throwing it away onto the The perfect gift for every Jewish home. $91.00 h.c. plowed ground, the city fellow Available. at all Jewish bookstores or direct from: became puzzled and angry, asking 6. many questions. Six months later, (.f!!J FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS he took another walk, and disco­ 200 Airport Executive Park Visa & MasterCard accepted vered the farmer harvesting a beau· Spring Valley, N.Y. 10977 Send for your free copy of Tel. (914) 356-2282/Toll free' 800-237-7149 our new Jubilee catalog. tiful crop. All his questions were rl answered.

14 The Jewish Observer, June 1989 I had remembered that Reb Levi Yitzchok's shtiebel was located on a hill in Berditchev, so I trudged up the hill, only to find total destruction, stones and bricks strewn about, except for one large building ....

When G-d plows up Kial Yisroel, should take to your heart that as thought.All thoseRoshei Yeshiva­ so to speak, piling up the terrible a father punishes his son, so does Horav '"" (Chaim tzores upon tzores, the suffering G-d punish you.' All that befalls us Berlin). o»n? ,.,, Horav Mordecha! seems cruel and pointless. The is because G-d is purifying us. not Gifter (Telshe), Horav Yaakov Wein­ answer will only be known in "harv­ taking revenge on us." berg (Ner Israel) and many others est time." Later-only in the End of My obligation to be matzdik dwell on the subject of the Ch urban. Days-all the questions will be hadin, then. does not really call for Between the lines, one can sense the answered. explaining our tragic losses. I must difficulty these Gedolim had. On the only accept that G-d is just in ways one hand, their Ahavas Yisroel DEALING WITH THE CHURBAN beyond my comprehension. flowed; and on the other, they were And then, there is a book-rather, compelled by their duty as teachers a sefer-on my shelf for a number to instruct a new generation that recently came across an essay by of years now, but I never had dared Rabbi Moshe Meiselman (Rosh read it. Its title is A Path Through Yeshiva Taras Moshe, in Jerus­ 8. A Path through the Ashes is a collection of ! The Ashes.8 After I finished Oraisa, essays and stories on Ch urban Europe, collected alem). published in a Torah journal, I finally had the courage to open the from the pages of The Jewish Observer, pub­ Oraisa, in which he instructs us not lished jointly by Mesorah Publications and book and I found it a gold mine of Agudath Israel of America. to postpone dealing with Churban Europe. He writes: "Side by side with ... my essay on the Holocaust is an adaptation ofan essay on anti-Semitism by my great-great-great grandfather, the Netziv of Volozhin. ... Silence has never been viewed as the approp­ :"IW~ l11:>t ~U'l:Z'Tl~ riate response to catastrophe." The essay is 63 pages, and I could The Talmudical Institute of Upstate New York not put it away until I finished it. Have I become mellow? It's almost fifty years since the Churban. Have lVe liave a progra1n that allows your so11 to be a participant in his education, my wounds healed? Cholila! In fact, not ;ust an observer. in a private conversation with the Rosh Ha Yeshiva, I told him,"! have • High acadcinic standards in both Li1nudei Ko

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 15 There's no use denying it: during sleepless nights, or whenever I have a free moment to think, my mind returns to "my kedoshim".

must receive guidance in how to duchenen. While l fulfill my mitzva age, I do accept the din as it affects deal with the devastating losses of as a kohein and bless the people me, and declare that G-d is just. My Churban Europe; guidance in how present, and Klal Yisroel in general, love for you is no less, and I'm sure to accept G-d as just, even though the kedoshim are always with me. that this is what you would want.''. we have no specific answers as to And as my sons and grandsons why the tragedies occurred. And the ascend the platform before the aron ADDENDA TO FOOTNOTES: essays say as much.... Apparently, hakodesh to participate in the *Reb Yaakov Kamenetzky related to me that the Rabbonim and Roshei Yeshiva Birchas Kohanim, under the cover during the first World War, he was a refugee. and with whom I spoke had refrained of my tallis, I speak to my kedoshim: wound up in a village near Tiktin. The Jewish farmers, known as "yiShuvniks," would hire a from trying to reason with me in my ''You had me sent away to survive. melamed to teach their children, pay him with despair. So they joined me in my If the purpose was to supply a new room-and-board plus a few rubles for pocket tears. Our children, however, are money. Reb Yaakov took such a job. My Zeide generation of true kohanim. I can from Tiktin. a talmid chacham and merchant. different. and do require some tell you-mission accomplished! If came to that village to see the local poretz (land words of guidance. the purpose was to deliver a new owner) on business. As was his custom, he also visited the cheder. The first shock he got was generation of bnei Torah and bnos that the new melamed did not wield the DIALOGUE WITH THE Torah, mission accomplished!" customary konchic {whipping rod), but had it Last Pesach. after having read the hanging on the wall! Then my Zeide discovered "KEDOSHIM that the new melamed was an illuy {a genius) two seforim, my nusach was differ­ in Torah knowledge (not Reh Yaakov's words). here's no use denying it: ent: "Tatte!" I told my father. "The He scolded the young melamed: 'Why are you wasting your days up here? Your place is in a during sleepless nights. or Yode'a Machshavos (Knower of yeshiva! Go to Lomza!'' T whenever I have a free mo­ thoughts) knows I cannot explain He gave him some cash and practically drove ment to think, my mind returns to our tragic losses. How can I? But by him out of the village. (The other half of the episode I found out later. "my kedoshim" . .. especially during the order of the Aruch Hashulchan, but not from Reb Yaakov.) When he arrived in davening and in particular at who gave you semicha at a young Lomza, he discovered that the yeshiva did not accept new talmidim. Bemuse of the war. the local Jewish community was impoverished and help from America was cut off. The Rosh Yeshiva, RYechiel Mordechai Gordon, had a difficult enough time feeding the 400 or 500 talmidim. without admitting additional students. AN URGENT REMINDER The next day. someone mentioned to the Rosh Yeshiva that an illuy from Minsk had been in FROM town. The Rosh Yeshiva immediately sent out boys to search the surrounding villages for Reb Yaakov, and indeed he was found-again. as a melamed to children. He was invited to join the CHEVRA DOR YESHORIM Yeshiva. where he learned for three years. emerging as an outstanding talmid there. In America, years later, when the rebbe met the YOUNG PEOPLE OF MARRIAGEABLE AGE MUST BE TESTED talmid, the Rosh Yeshiva said, "Reh Yaakov, in order to prevent the scourge o! Tay-Sachs disease from striking the next because of you I made a vow never to deny admittance to any one, no matter what the generation. in accordance with the directives a! the Gedolei Hadar. circumstances. for one can never know what type SCHOOLS and YESHIVOS: of bachur one is refusing!" ••people are amazed by the wide range of Please call 718-384-2332 i! you are activities of Reb Avrohom Kalmanowitz, and his interested in having testing done tor students. remarkable achievements, especially in view of his very limited English vocabulary. A classical Genetic counseling is also available. story: He had a very important appointment, hence he took with him a young American rabbi. Call for an appointment: The latter discovered that the keys to his (718) 384-6060 or (914) 783-1370 Torah were in his pocket. so he said to the Rav: 'Tm very sony, but I must go back to my shul, Confidentiality assured. for the children will come and find all the classrooms locked, and I have the keys!" The Rav pleaded with him, "Now you're going CHEVRA DOR YESHORIM, INC. to leave me?" The rabbi wouldn't yield and left. The Rau 160 Wilson Street. 1-B, Brooklyn. NY 11211 entered the office by himself. and accomplished his mission without the help of an interpreter. From then on, he went by himself. •

16 The Jewish Observer. June 1989 SURVMNG ADVERSITY, WITH FAITH Anonymous r=------~------~

Lifestyles of the Childless Poor

At times, the brutal insensitivity of some women seems to over­ ou know us. We're the couple shadow all the stories hurts almost as much. from your shul/kollel/chevra What about you, "Mrs. Preg­ who have no children. We've I have heard about nancy"? That's the nickname f gave been married quite a few years, and nashim tzidkaniyos. you years ago, for though you'd only we know you realize somethlng's been through two pregnancies, I've wrong. Your culiosity is understan­ never heard a conversation in which dable and excused, and we're sure felt, such hopes we had that maybe you did not mention them. No many of your even keep us in mind this time the zechus of this bris. matter who is present. no matter when you daven. For this we are with the visit of Eliyahu Hanavi, how many, you are still forever grateful. would bring us good tidings. But it telling us about how your "nausea In the yeshiva world, infertility is was not to be. the first time through was much an excruciatingly difficult condition So why am f writing this? No, not worse than the second one ... but to deal with. Non-Jews and irreli­ just to thank you for your concern my second one was harder because. gious Jews are not questioned when and tejillos. r am pleading on the ..... Or worse yet, you call me up they remain childless for a number behalf of the "childless poor", to to complain about how ungainly you of years. It is assumed that they are those of you who are fess sensitive look in maternity clothes. planning careers and waiting until to our pain. Countless times I have listened to "the time is right" and their for­ r think you know what I'm talking pregnancy and motherhood com­ tunes are adequate. Most of them about. plaints, with fuiy building up inside do plan things this way. How often have we women me. r must hold myself back from But what about us? You know gathered at a meeting or tzeddaka screaming. "Baruch Hashem you that is not our case. We've watched function and all the conversations are tired and nauseous! Baruch ail our peers Baruch Hashem give would be about your babies' accom­ Hashem your baby kept you up all birth in a year or so. sometimes even plishments? How many agonizing night. Don't you realize what a less. Many of you got married long minutes did I have to spend holding bracha you have?" after we did and already have two back tears until one sensitive But those are minor incidents or more children. We are part of the mother noticed my silence and compared to other expeliences .... growing community of "the in­ tactfully changed the subject? At times, the brutal insensitivity of fertile." Not that I prefer the sudden and some women seems to overshadow Often you have offered us the abrupt "Let's drop the subject" si­ ail the stories I have heard about "kvatership" at your sons' brisim. lence when mothers see me ap­ nashim tzidkaniyos. Like the What an honor! Such gratitude we proaching. It's rather obvious and mother who said to my childless

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 17 friend after Pesach, 'You just won't boasting, but she'd bring the baby way to stop at our table, just to tell know what Pesach is until you have to shul and show him to us, with: us (the only two women she knew a child-shepping nachas as he "Have you seen my baby yet? Isn't at the table), ''I've got to call my baby asks the Four Questions.... " My he adorable? Come hold him." Yet sitter to see how my little David is." poor friend cried for hours after this. even that was nothing compared to The stinging pain I felt at that What was the mother trying to do, the last straw, the incident that moment was enough to make me rub it in? compelled me to do something. write this. The circumstances sur­ I personally will never forget the Akara II and I were at a Bar rounding this were just too over­ mother who got married long after Mitzva, sitting together as we powering to ignore. What happened me and gave birth within a year. The always do. so we can compare infer­ to the characteristics of Am Yis­ tactless things she would say to me tility treatments while everyone roel-baishanus, rachmanus, and and my friend Akara II, the only two compares baby stories. This proud chessed.. ... modesty, compassion childless wives in our shul/kolel/ mother. who had been seated at and generosity? It brought back chevra. were unbelievable. another table. was on her way out memories of my single days when We're already used to ordinary of the room. But she went out of her my kallah friends would talk about nothing else but their chassanim, With gratitude to Hakadosh Baruch Hu we announce the establishment of and make the rest of us feel mis­ erable. And how I vowed, and kept my promise, not to bring such pain 0 1'7\!111 1 1'7n \!1-rpn n:i1\!1 1 to my single friends upon my engagement. It was difficult, minim­ izing the excitement and joy for the Mikdash Melech Jerusalem sake of their feelings. But it just took 9 Shaare Torah Street, Bayit Vegan, Jerusalem a little sensitivity. And I know that Baruch Hashem I succeeded because my single friends specifi­ The first American Sephardic Yeshivah in Israel under cally told me so and thanked me. I the leadership of Rabbi Heim Benoliel, shlita am not trying to sing my praises, but rather to make you realize that Our Beth program offers the mature Ben Yeshiva; it is possible. If I could do it, anyone can. We know you women are • The opportunity to grow in Torah and Mitzvos in an thrilled to be expecting and to be atmosphere of hasmodoh and dibuk chaverim. mothers, and we are happy for you. • The benefits of learning together with our Kollel, But a bit of sensitivity would be already widely acclaimed in Eretz Yisrael. appreciated. • The ideal Makom Torah, where the serious bachur can Luckily, the men have it easier benefit from both the Sephardic and Ashkenazic because men don't talk about their children as much as women do, and Torah worlds. have no "pregnancy experiences" to We are happy to announce that beginning Elul, 5749, Rabbi compare. Yet on Slmchas Torah I Avraham Kamenetsky shlita will be joining our staff as still cried for my husband, feeling Magid Shiur. his anguish as fathers danced with Elul will also mark the inauguration of our unique program their children on their shoulders. He for Sephardic High School graduates who wish to utilize too feels envy in shul as fathers hold their sons, read Parsha with them, their first year of in Israel. and hold out their tiny fingers to Under the direction of the well known and beloved kiss the Torah. So let us not forget Mehanech, Rabbi Shmuel Beyda shlita of Deal, N.J. the pain of childless men. They, too, English speaking Sephardic young men will now have the yearn for fatherhood. opportunity to learn and develop in an environment that I beg of you to please think before appreciates and encourages our Sephardic Mesorah. you speak. I do not write this to instill guilt feelings but rather to To arrange for an interview call in Israel: (02) 861·967 open your eyes and ears to the hurt In the U.S.: (718) 336-0079. of infertile couples. May you be For brochure and information, call or write: rewarded for your compassion with many healthy children to give you MIKDASH MELECH JERUSALEM much nachas. And may your pray­ 131!6 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, MY 111!30 ers and ours be answered, so that (718) 339-1090 or (1!01) 1!1!1!·1865 stories like this need never be written again. • 18 The Jewish Observer. June 1989 SURVIVING ADVERSITY. WITH FAITH

Teachers, Labels and Mirrors A Deaf Boy's Searchjor the White Teeth

I. A MEETING ON MUSIC NJTE again, I asked him his name. Silence. And then I realized. It wasn't the he shadows were deepened by noise that prevented this young the snow-bright moon. as camper from hearing my words. He cool, refreshing summer was deaf. Though taken aback by T the sudden realization, I recovered breezes harmonized with gentle music wafting through the trees. to gaze into his bright, eager eyes. Underscoring this serene Catskill He must have noticed my discom­ night were sounds of singing and fort. for he smiled. Can't a face tell excitement: Welcome to CampAgud­ a story? ah's music nite! Ilater learned that Yossi was born The social hall, scene of this into a large. close-knit family in popular. eagerly anticipated night Brooklyn. When a year old. he con­ activity. was alive and jumping. tracted meningitis, which subse­ Campers and staff members crowd­ quently brought on total deafness. ed the area in front of the stage for His education prior to our meeting a better view. Smiling exuberant was basically mainstream. Having young faces, feet stomping to the oblivious to the whole scene. So mastered lip-reading. enabling him rhythmic beat of the music, told the sedate and serious. Perhaps he's to communicate with great diffi­ whole story. This evening was going being disciplined. Or may he's culty. he graduated from grade to to be memorable! Darkness des­ homesick. I approached him and grade in a modem yeshiva. He was cended on the hall, save for the asked if everything was OK. With an very popular. for his winning smile bright colorful stage. embarrassing shyness, he shrugged couldn't help but attract friends. Yet And then I saw him. Alone. Dis­ his shoulders. remaining silent. the frustrations of his situation tant. Sitting on a wooden camp "What's your name?" clearly had begun to take their toll bench in the back recesses of the Once again, silence. on his attitude. Though gifted with noisy hall. At first glance, he seemed 'Would you like to talk outside?" a quick and bright mind, he was I motioned, and we left together. finding it Increasingly difficult to David Wu learns in Kolle! Nachlas David of finding places on a picnic table comprehend the material taught in Meslvta Torah Vodaath in Brooklyn. outside the hall. Turning once class.

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 19 "TIT sons for not letting me hear. And vv hen I was a little boy, my father told me even though I'm deaf, I can still grow that Hashem has His reasons for not letting me up to become a big talmid cha­ cham." Words spoken from the hear. And even though I'm deaf. I can still grow heart and soul of a ten-year-old boy. up to become a big talmid chacham." n SOME YEARS LATER .•• YOSSI SPEAKS ossi suggested that perhaps Audio Night Encounters hour spectacular of singing. music and comedy. Certainly. Yossi's if he could share some of his Yossi accepted my offer to meet inability to participate in an event Y:experiences and insights over during audio night activities, and of this magnitude opened the flood­ the years with others, they too might we soon became close friends, con­ gates of his feelings of loneliness be inspired to reach their full vening a daily learning seder to­ and isolation. Earlier that day, he potential as human beings. Many of gether. How does one respond to had mentioned his concern to me, the following ideas reflect his own Yossi's comment. made on a bunk and I promised him that I would uphill struggles presented by his porch, while in the distance, hun­ come up with an alternative. After own unique situation, and his own dred of campers sing Shabbos having returned at 11 :00 PM from personal triumphs of character, songs, "Singing must be fun"? Can an exciting visit to the Woodbourne though certainly they contain val­ I possibly capture the pathos of his Jail, we found ourselves outside the uable lessons for us all. question, "How will !be a good father hall, the spectacular still in progress. If I can't hear my child cry?" Eyes gazing off Into the distance, his Acceptance I suspected from our first meeting face blank and expressionless. it was I am deaf and. barring miracles, that Yossi was special, but one obvious that Yossi was reflecting on will never hear. I will never expe­ incident in particular, in the waning his situation and finding it difficult. rience of joys of wedding music, days of summer, dispelled any I smiled, and he knew that I knew birds chirping, and many other doubts. It was Grand Sing Nite, his thoughts. I asked him if he was sound-related pleasures, but is that highlight event of summer camp life angry. He replied-and I quote: reason for me not to be happy and when campers don colorful uni­ 'When I was a little boy, my father positive about my life? My answer forms and engage in a two-three told me that Hashem has His rea- begins with the following Chazal: The Gemora relates the moving story of our great Tanna Nachum THE YITfY LEIBEL Jsh Gamzu-a man who was blind in both eyes and had stumps for hands and feet. Because his entire HELP-LINE body was covered with boils, his bedposts had to be placed in buckets A Free Service of the Yitty Leibel Chesed Fund of water to prevent ants from crawl­ • Marital problems? • Fear of break-down? ing on him. His house, though • Overpowering stress? • Parent-child friction? dilapidated and weakened, stood only in his honor, for as soon as his Do you have problems like these and are afraid or ashamed to talk to bed was removed, the house fell In. anyone? ... Do you want a trained, wise, warm professional who will And why was he called Ish Gamzu? talk to you on the phone? Whenever anything bad would Some of the Torah community's highly skilled psychologists, social happen to him, he would say "Gam workers, and therapists are ready to help. Your consultation will be zu letova-This, too, is for the good" treated with the utmost discretion. You may remain anonymous if you (Taanis 2la). prefer. They understand. They're trained. They have Ahavas Yisrael. If I can change things, I will try. And what I can't change, I will H 0 u R s accept. The words "blame" and Monday through Friday 8:00-12:00 a.m. "complain" have no place in my Sunday through Thursday 9:00-11:00 p.m. vocabulary. As long as we are blam­ Sunday Morning 9:00-12:00 noon ing, we're not accepting; and to the Dial (718) HELP-NOW (435-7669) degree that we blame externals outside of ourselves. to that degree This project has been approved by leading Torah authorities. For information only call (718) 435-7706. Tapes of Yahrtzeit Kinus available. Call 718435-5793. we are not accepting responsibility for ourselves. Isn't complaining. in

20 The Jewish Observer, June 1989 c----····-·--····---- essence. a Chillul Hashem? For isn't one stating out loud: 'Tm not happy with the lot Hashem has PINCHAS MANDEL chosen for me"? For me, my deaf­ ness is not a cause for complaint. .. Over 35 Years Experience in Kvura in Eretz Yisrael It's a challenge. •Dedicated to Kavod Haniftarwith personal responsibility throughout service Choosing Happiness •Highly recommended by Gedolai Hadar These are thousands of books on -Here and in Eretz Yisrael- the subject of how to find happiness. 1569 • 47th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11219 My outlook is simple. There is no Day & Night Phone (718) 855-5121 way to happiness. Happiness itself Honesty - Integrity - Reliability is the way. Unfortunately, we are taught in society that. given certain CHE.SEO SHEL EMES. , ct'i understood and practiced by oneact!ve in the industry more than half a century. Taharas Hanlftar Should Never Be Cornrnerciali2ed trying and difficult conditions, it is acceptable, perhaps even assumed, to react in neurotic fashion. A good example (though I myself can't experience it. but have found the idea amusing) is the All-American QUICK! traffic jam. that briarpatch of misery and neurosis. The decision to beep How do you say SIMILAC in Hebrew?* one's horn, even though they've been through this countless times .. _,/O before, never ceases to amaze me. 111'~ Haven't they realized, the traffic doesn't care? Yet. they'll work them­ selves up into a frenzy. What we must realize is-we do have a choice: Patience. My speech was incoherent at times to those who didn't know me, and my frustration at not being understood knew no bounds. I would get upset and choose to get here are hundreds of babies in Israel receiving diluted formula angry at the listeners. Today-I try because their parents cannot afford to buy them milk. to make better choices. Life is You can help nourish a newborn today comprised of a series of choices. I'll choose happiness.

Motivation, Teachers, and Labels ~~'one time sponsorship of $180 buys enough formula for Every student needs a teacher. A the first crucial months of a Jewish infant's life and makes good teacher-and that is a bless­ you a lifetime partner in a baby's future. ing-I have had. He taught us that Still the cry of a hungry child. (.;; n each student is to be treated with YAO ELIEZER IS ENDORSED BY ~~ the unique care and interest that GEDOLEI NATORAH WORLDWIDE ~ a jeweler lavishes on each of his For more information or for sponsorship of a baby Call 718·Z58·1S80 individual precious stones. A young 'rbu'!f receive a certifJCate, a phorograph and b1ograpl11cai details of "your" baby mind is like a rough diamond. It must be gently handled and formed to bring out its unique beauty and light. He would coax and encourage each of us to bring out our own personal best. To illustrate that even amongst the poorest students lay dormant sparks of achievement and desire, which his goal was to locate and fan into a raging fire. he would

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 21 relate the following anecdote: "Take "Just what I said. Please write hear our cry. the seemingly laziest. unmotivated down ten things that make you Please don't label me "deaf,'' for underachiever the world can offer. proud." there is so much more to me than Perhaps the street urchin who idles Twisting his fingers in rubric· that. Those of us who are "hand!· his time away riding the D Train cube fashion, he proclaimed capped" are also creatures of back and forth into Manhattan. Tie proudly, "I can twist my fingers like Hashem who love and want to be him up in chains and take him out no other boy in my class." loved. Come over and share yourself to the harbor. Row 200 yards off· "Terrific. marvelous," my rebbe with us. Don't be afraid. As a young shore and throw him overboard. I responded. 'Write it down." child, going to the doctor's office was guarantee you will see the most He did, and received a quarter. a nightmare. The other young child· motivated person around. So, too, in Amused and interested-27-items­ ren frightened by my Incoherent the classroom. Every child has and quarters later, he finished speech assumed the worst. Their strengths and weaknesses. The writing. Climbing trees and helping parents would have served them well successful teacher analyzes the his younger sister with homework by inquiring and then explaining individual student, seeking out his were just two more of this boy's my situation to them. unique qualities and talents, then feats. My rebbe had but one request. A discerning jeweler would never focusing the child on his or her 'You must take this list home, and label or lump all his stones as one, individual path to attain higher each day before you leave for school, for in the process, they would lose levels of achievement Let our sys· stand in front of a mirror and read their individuality. So, too, with tern offer Special Ed to one and all." this list out loud to yourself." people. A boy in one of my teacher's He did. And over the next few I once saw a young child spill a classes was eight years old, with· weeks, small but important im· glass of milk over the kitchen table. drawn, performing poorly, Inviting provements in class, and in general, Mother: 'You're such a clumsy, bad the teasing of his classmates. This began to take shape. Everyone has little girl!" only exacerbated his declining self· pluses-add them up. And the boy Once again, labels. Instead of a esteem and loss of confidence. My did just that. targeted, growth-oriented response, rebbe called him privately to his such as, 'You're a wonderful little desk one day at recess. "Please take On Behalf of My Silent Friends girl, but you now have acted in an your pen and paper and number irresponsible way,'' the mother has from 1-10." Though I have painfully expe­ chosen to plant labels-"clumsy" Confused, the boy complied. Pul­ rienced the empty feelings of not and "bad"-into her child's head. ling a role of quarters out of his being heard or noticed in the class· When we label, we lose focus of the pocket. my rebbe asked him to write room, allow me to speak on behalf real issues at hand, as well as ten different things he was good at. of those many others who might be impress the person with harmful, Bewildered, he said, 'What do you too shy or Introverted to draw the debilitating attitudes about himself. mean?" attention of our teachers. Please In closing, a short mashal is found in Rabbeinu Yonah: A cha· cham and an am ha'aretz walking on a road came upon the rotting, decaying carcass of a donkey. Com· mented the am ha'aretz to the chacham: "How this carcass smells!" Replied the chacham: "How white its teeth are!" It's not coincidental that the teeth are used as the example: small and BETTER YOUNG MEN'S difficult to locate-yet a positive factor. The chacham is illustrating AND MEN'S CLOTHING to us the attitude and perspective From Underwear to Outerwear one must apply throughout life. True, I have not been given the gift of hearing. But I can walk and talk. I can laugh and cry. I can dream, learn, feel-and so much more! And more important, I can chose. When· ever a situation seems difficult and harsh, I stop and choose to search for the white teeth. •

22 The Jewish Observer, June 1989 ~~~~~"~~--~~~~--~~~~--~--

High in the Hills Qf Yerushalayim

Malky BrailQfsky

High in the hills ofYerushalayim High in the hills ofYerushalayim Where the sky is ever a cloudless blue Where a summer spent is a golden gift And children dance in the sparkling sun And just walking the streets is a joy My Zaidy and Bubby chose to dwell My Zaidy and Bubby were taken by surprise For reasons only they can tell You should have seen the delight in their eyes Leaving their children so far away. As my husband and I walked through their door. Will we see you again? Who can say? Is this not what they have lived for? High in the hills ofYerushalayim Sitting in the sun ofYerushalaylm Where echoes of Torah fill the streets I stared at my Zaidy and wondered And kedusha feels completely at home I looked at my Bubby and shook my head My Zaidy wears his tephillin home from shul Could it be that the talk back home was true, The sefer in his hands is a willing tool "You'll have to teach them your names anew He turns its pages. caressing each one Their minds have dulled, their comprehension is weak His eyes shining like the brilliant sun They won't understand tht' words you will speak." But he's white-haired, frail. and he trembles with age. I smiled at my Bubby and she smiled at mt". What more can he offer us at this stage? Was this all I had come to see? High in the hills ofYerushalayim Sitting in the sun ofYerushalayim Where woman go to the shuk to shop My Zaidy suddenly glanced at his watch And strollers fill the back of the bus Then he rose to his full height My Bubby sits at the window and stares out He said to us. his face aglow With bliss, Wishing to go and venture about "In New Jersey. right now. is Yitzchok's son's Bris. But her years forbid her to do so on her own. I was one lone neshoma many years past Can old age be sweet when one feels so alone? When I planted a tree and made it fast Deep in the darkness of We are now one hundred and fourteen souls." Where JeWish life once grew and thrived "And Zaidy:· I said, "the tree still grows." And our great gedolim learned and taught I left that day with an opened eye" My Zaidy was young! My Zaidy was strong! Hadn't Zaidy taught that the Jewish nation does not die? His life was a harmony of Jewish song! My Bubby was lively! My Bubby was gay! She had too many tasks to do in one day! The years of their life still lay ahead. Will they shine with success as on life's path they tread? Deep in the darkness of Germany Where the Nazis destroyed all that was ours And flames reduced Jewish homes to ashes My Zaidy's family all breathed their last breath Every one was led to his death He alone lived to see Germany die. He now had a goal. a dream to live by He and his wife would continue to build In spite of Hitler, who thought he had killed They would plant a tall tree whose branches would spread. Who could count the generations that lay ahead?

Mrs. Brailofsky lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. This Is her first appearance in these pages.

The Jewish Obse,-ver. June 1989 23 RECEIVE THE SPECIAL 25TH Young Readers­ ANNIVERSARY ISSUE OF Put Real "Adventure" THE JEWISH OBSERVER Into Your Summer with ... FREE! by subscribing to THE JEWISH OBSERVER at money-saving rates.

This 128 page, perfect bound issue is filled with some of the best articles that appeared over the past quarter-of-a-century; articles of import that were timely then, yet timeless now. TOPICS INCLUDE: Dealing With the Holocaust, Yeshiva Education, The Teshuva Movement, Inter-Religious Affairs, and The Torah Jew in Modern Society.

AUTHORS INCLUDE: Rabbi Avrohom Pam, Rabbi , Rabbi Mordechai Gitter, Rabbi Moshe Sherer, Rabbi Nosson Scherman, Rabbi Chaim Dov Keller, and Dr. Aaron Twerski.

These are but a small sampling of what is contained in this special What begins as a peaceful sum­ issue and what you will receive each month by becoming a subscriber mer vacation on the coast of to THE JEWISH OBSERVER. South Africa quickly turns into the ((adventure" of a lifetime! In addition to the bonus 25th Anniversary issue, by subscribing now for 3 years you will save 4 7 % off the single copy price-a savings of When 11 year old Lea Green­ $35! Hurry, as this offer expires August 31, 1989. berg meets the Rubin children, they quickly become friends; and exploring the local attractions soon leads to the discovery of THEbEWISH (PLEASE PR!NT) hidden caves and involvement BSERVER NAME with jewelry thieves. SUITE 1200 • 84 W!LL!AM STREET NEW YORK, NY 10038 ADDRESS Here is an action-packed story YES! Please rush me the 128 page, CITY, STATE ____ ZIP ____ that combines mystery, Torah­ special 25th Anniversary issue of THE sleuthing, acts of chessed and JEWISH OBSERVER and enroll me for: 0 Enclosed: $ ______sheer excitement, to provide USA OUTSIDE ONLY USA• D Charge rny 0 MasterCard D Visa young readers with an unforget­ DI 3 years (at 47% off) $40 170 ~~ct table reading experience. OJIIIIIII[[]JJ]] $8.95 h.c. $30 $50 DI 2 years (at 40% off) Expiration date: rn (month) rn (year) DI 1 year (at 28% off) $18 $28 Signature ______r.:; FELDHEIM *Price reflects$]() extra per year to help cover This offer is available to current non­ f-~ PUBLISHERS air shipping costs. Payment must be made in subscribers only. 200 Airport Executive Park, Spring Valley, NY 10977 U.S. dollars drawn on a bank in the U.S.A. or The Jewish Obsnvn is published monthly except July and Tel. (914) 356-2282/Toll free: 800-237·7149 by Visa or MasterCard only. August Visa & MasterCard accepted Send for your free <:opy of our new Jubilee catalog.

24 The Jewish Obseroer, June 1989 .. ~·----· ... -----··---·-----··------

COMMUNICATING WITH RUSSIAN JEWS IN RUSSIAN Penetrating Private Iron Curtains

But as much as the political climate is changing. most Soviet Jews continue to have private iron curtains, if you will, encasing their minds. True, it calls for a vast amount of courage to simply declare oneself Jewish in a society where It is less that appreciated, and can close many doors. Moreover, these Jews have been exposed to a relent­ less barrage of atheistic propa­ ganda, which for three generations has not only made keeping Jewish laws just about impossible, but has heaped scorn and ridicule on reli­ gion, in general, and on any religious practices, in particular. Not surprisingly, most of those Jews who have managed to leave the Soviet Union for Western countries still maintain their private iron curtains that ward off religious influences. In America. for example, Soviet Jews are totally unprepared for the life of almost unlimited choices and little structure that There are no Nielson awaits them, and they tend to seek ratings on the Voice of guidance wherever they can find It. In the New York area, one of the most America, but word of popular resources is the Russian mouth brings reports language daily newspaper. Nova Ruska Slova (New Russian Word), that Jew are out there which is published by a Christian missionary group. Little Jewish listening. consciousness can emerge from its pages!

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 25 TALKING IN A TORAH VOICE cow, more recently a member of the In his interview with the parents, Kolle! of Yeshiva Atteret Yisroel in Rabbi Katzin, stressed-as usual­ ays must be found to reach Jerusalem-has been preparing the that they should not choose yeshiva Russian Jews, wherever 10-15 minute Torah thought for the over public school because of the W:they are found, with words daily 45 minute Jewish-content yeshiva's science program or its of emuna (belieO, bitachon (faith), segment of VOA for over two years. drug-free environment. "Your and an invitation to study Torah (Every week, a new program is choice must involve a commitment." and perform mitzvos. For close to prepared, to be broadcast daily, he cautioned, "so why don't you twenty years now, valiant attempts Monday through Friday.) His pilot think it over for a day or two, and are being made in Western lands­ tape was so impressive that the US then come back?" with the RIRF programs in Eretz State Department accordioned the 'We've already thought it over for Yisroel, various types of outreach in usual year-long security check almost two years," replied Necham· the refugee transit centers in Italy necessary for overseas broadcasters kes. 'When we heard your broadcast as well as in American communities, to less than a week, so Katzin would on Voice of America in September and through formal education, such not miss a single broadcast. '87, we decided on Sinai." as special accommodations in con­ Or Zvi Lubanski, who presented ventional yeshivas as well as in such IS ANYONE OUT THERE himself at Sinai, with yarmulka on schools as the Be'er Hagola lnsti· LISTENING? his head, and tzitzis dangling over tutes and Sinai (High School) his belt: "I heard your words of Academy in Brooklyn. n estimated 20 million Soviet Torah when I was in Minsk. I also These attempts at penetrating citizens tune in to the Voice want to be a scholar of Talmud." these private iron curtains have A of America (VOAJ broadcasts, The Russian-language Torah con· been successful in reaching only and undoubtedly a high proportion tent of the VOA broadcasts would limited numbers. The key to win· of Jewish listeners are involved seem to be an ideal ice-breaker for ning the trust of the Russian Jew when the Jewish Life segment is Soviet Jews in America, and indeed is by addressing his needs as he being aired. There are no Nielson the messages have been made avail· recognizes them to be, and to go on ratings on the VOA, but word of able on an on-going basis by tele· from there. Not too many existing mouth brings reports that there are phone through the facilities of Dial· programs do so. Perhaps one of the Jews out there listening. a·Daf and Dial·a·Shiur, making the most remarkably successful at· For instance the Nechamkes-a short capsules of Jewish thought tempts at talking to Russian Jews computer specialist, his wife and and inspiration beamed to Russia in Russian-both in the USSR and fourteen-year-old son-who finally available to Russian Jews in the New elsewhere-has been the Torah received their exit visas and left York area, as well. Thus Jews in Kiev messages that are being broadcast Moscow for New York. After spend· and Leningrad along with their regularly on Voice of America by ing Pesach with fellow former· brethren in Brighton Beach listened Rabbi Aryeh Katzin, founder and Muscovite baalei teshuva in Mon· as one on the eve of Shavous as the dean of . sey, they brought their son, Moshe, Voice expounded on the story of Rabbi Katzin-a former member to Brooklyn to enroll him in Sinai Ruth: of the Torah underground in Mos· Academy. How age-old tensions between kind­ ness and selfishness, exemplified by Avrohom and Sodom. were played out again, with a reversal of roles. This NOW AVAILABLE time, the seed ofAvrolwm-Elimelech­ abondoned his people during a time of TO AGUDATH ISRAEL MEMBERS famine, while a young woman with roots in Sodom-Ruth of Moab-left the comfort qf her home to accompany the COMPREHENSIVE widow Naomi to Judea ... to become the mother of royalty, the forebear of MAJOR MEDICAL Moshiach. From darkness comes light. from a land of oppression comes a ray HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM of hope, andfrom beneath the shadow Available to New York State residents only qf atheistic domination, spiritual great­ ness can emerge. For Information Call: It seems that this time, the voice of Torah actually succeeds in pene· 212-797-7388 trating the small iron curtains that have persisted in shutting out its Between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM message for the better part of three generations. •

26 The Jewish Observer, June 1989 Saralie Faivelson c==·--·----··----··-···----·-----·------=--=·-··-______

COMMUNICATING WITH RUSSIAN JEWS WITH MUSIC

Five Russian Nights to Remember

"I AM HERE TO MEET MY ROOTS"

nside the 2,500-seat Russiya Concert Hall in Moscow. patient I ticket holders murmured to one another, glancing at their watches. In front of the brightly lit cultural center, a crowd of disappointed Soviet Jews lingered; they had hoped for last-minute tickets. Across the road, the brick walls and famous spires of Red Square glowed softly in lamplight. A few minutes after I 0 p.m. on Motzaei Shabbos/April 1/25 Adar ll, thirteen members of the London School of Jewish Song quickly took their places at the row of micro­ Russian children dancing on stage. phones on stage and the show was I on. "Yerushalayim, harim saviv la, tonight," exclaimed Yigal Calek, the "Until now, had no contact with v'Hashem saviv l'amo," they sang. 44-year old director of the London my religion," said Alec Borodofsky, School of Jewish Song. The crowd Next came "Mizmor L'Dovid," 39, a molecular biologist, as the con­ "Anim then "Ashira L'Hashem." The crowd roared back. Then came cert hall cleared for intermission. applauded each number enthusias­ Zemiros" and other favorites. "My parents were afraid. But I want tically. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is As the evening wore on, joy rever­ to be a real Jew. My people has a wonderful to be with you in Moscow berated in the huge concert hall. great history and tradition. I want Soviet Jews stood, cheered, crowded to belong to it, not just because I Saralie Faivelson, Health editor at McCall's the aisles. They sent their children have it stamped on my passport." magazine, accompanied the London School of up on stage to present flowers to the He motioned to his eight-year-old JeWish Song to Moscow and Kiev. She has visited Russia twice before, under the auspices of choir members. The children stayed son. Marc. "I want to give my child­ Agudath Israel's Va'ad L'Hatzolas Nidchei Yisroel. and danced. ren a taste of their traditions."

The Jewish Observer. June 1989 27 Many of the Soviet Jews in the audience heard Hebrew for the first time that night. Fifteen-year-old Michael Schifman was one of them. "I am here to meet my roots," he said. The concert ended on an exhilar­ ating, joyous note. The choir repeated what was to become their theme song, "Shir L'Hashem," translated into Russian. "Shir, shir,

"EXACTLY WHAT I HAD IN MIND"

hat is exactly what Agudath Many of the Soviet Israel's Va'ad L'Hatzolas Nid­ Jews in the audience. T chei Yisroel member Mendy Goldberg had in mind when he first tears sliding down thought of bringing their cheeks, heard to the Soviet Union two years ago. Illu..<>trating how Shabbos is observed-on "I saw music as a way to reach out Moscow's most prestigious stage. Hebrew for the first to assimilated Soviet Jews, those who wouldn't know what to do with Yemu ya pahyu, pahkah ya zhivu time that night. a Gemora shiur," says the soft­ (To Him I sing, as long as I live)." spoken travel agent. The Va'ad is Calek taught it to the audience, they well-known for its 180 (thus far) loved it. As 2,500 Soviet Jews stood three concerts in Moscow and the shilichim (emissaries) who have singing and clapping, Calek led the two in Kiev. Mostly assimilated given shiurim in Russia for the last choir dancing through the cheering Soviet Jews crowded concert halls eight years. "[ wanted to get these audience. to hear, often for the first time, of people interested in Yiddishkeit That scene repeated itself five Shabbos, the prophets and Ha­ and stimulate them to search more times, during the remaining shem's love for His people. further. I also wanted to give them a sense of pride in being Jewish. Anti-semitism is strong in Russia, and I felt concerts like these would YESHIVA MARBEH TORAH lift the people's spirits." Goldberg had to wait two years to LEARN AND CROW IN A UNIQUE TORAH ENVIRONMENT realize his dream. At a November '88 Located in the heart of the "Torah City" of Bnei Brak, Yeshiva Marbeh Torah meeting, Va' ad chairman Mordechai offers young English-speaking men (ages 18 and up) with little or no Torah Neustadt appointed Goldberg and background, an individualized program ofTorah study. The curriculum is Monsey accountant Moshe Levitin to approach the Soviet Ministry of enhanced by the dedication to Torah which our students can observe in Culture for permission to arrange the surrounding community. Experience has shown that this environment the concerts. Glasnost had arrived contributes significantly to their growth and development. Our students and permission was granted. later find, while pursuing a career, that they can rely on the Torah back­ Months of feverish preparations ground acquired at Marbeh Torah as their strongest support. began. For additional information or application contact: In Moscow, when news of the ISRAEL: USA: ENGLAND: concerts was spread by newspapers, Yeshiva Marbeh Torah Yeshiva Marbeh Torah Yeshiva Marbeh Torah posters and radio announcements, 25 Maharshal St. c/o Weissman 116 Castlewood Road the four scheduled concerts sold out Bnei Brak 1235 E. 12 St. London N.15 6BE Brooklyn, NY. 11230 immediately. Two more were added. (03) 792-673 (718) 773-6733 (01) 802-9842 The Americans, including Goldberg, Levitin, Gilat Schneider (a Va'ad

28 The Jewish Observer, June 1989 member who acted as interpreter at the concerts), and 20,000 concert buttons reading "The flame will not ARE YOU MOVING? be extinguished," which later would IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED become hotly coveted items. depart­ INCORRECTLY ON THE JO MAILING LABEL? ed Kennedy Airport a few days before the first Moscow concert. We need your help to ensure proper delivery of the /0 to your home. Please attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address THEY LEARNED "ANI MAAMIN" and computer processing numbers that are printed above your name on the IN RUSSIAN address label. ADDRESS CHANGE FORM oldberg and the choir mem­ (Affix label here) bers first realized how signif­ Gicant and meantngful their mission was before the first concert, on Shabbos morning at the Archip­ ova Street Shul. Although the main minyan usually uses a micropone on Shabbos, the gabbai had coaxed the visitors out of a smaller beis Name------~ midrash by promising it would not Address ______be turned on. As the davening progressed. first led by London City, State, Zip------School singer Doody Rosenberg, and Date Effective ______then by Calek's son Yael. the old shul Pleaseal!ow 6~8 weeks for all changes to be reflected on your mailing !abel. V\IE WILL NOT BE Jews who frequent the began RESPONSIBLE FOR. 8'\CK ISSUES MISSED unless you notify us 8 weeks prior to your move. to gather around the young choir members, seated in the front rows. Wondering, affectionate expres­ sions played over the older men's SARA SCHENIRER SEMINARY SEMINAR YERUSHALAYIM faces. "! learned Gemora," said one New York Jerusalem older man to Goldberg wistfully, "but my children didn't. Now my LATE REGISTRATION grandchildren are goyim." More and more people entered the for !st year and 2nd year students. and for Dormitory shul. Teenagers in plaid shirts and Residence is now in progress for the jeans climbed to the carved wooden balconies of the women's section. After Mussaf ended, in response to INTENSIVE SEMINARY complaints that tickets had been very hard to get. Calek gathered the and the choir on the bimah. They began to HALF~DAY sing. The effect was electrifying. SEMINARY Older men and women with tears These programs are located in Brooklyn, New York and in their eyes sang along when of the Menaheles Yiddish was sung. The teenagers up­ are under the direction and leadership stairs. tears sliding down their cheeks. learned "Ani Ma'amin" in Rebetzin Malka Paretzky Russian. Calek led the choir. sing­ Graduates of high schools and those returning from Eretz ing, around the shul. Soviet Jews reached out to embrace them. 'We Yisroel are invited to inquire. Applicants entering the waited for this for seventy years," second year Seminary class are offered a program which said one man to Calek. takes into account their first year studies in Eretz Yisroel The sweetest moments for Mendy and avoids repetition. Goldberg occurred days later at one of the Kiev concerts. Members of the Details of the Intensive and the Half-day seminaries. Dormitory Facilities audience approached him, and and Financial Aid are available by letter or phone asked that teachers be sent to Kiev 4622-14th Avenue. Brooklyn, NY 11219 Tel: (718) 633-8557 in the summer.•

The Jewish Observer. June 1989 29 Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch and Torah Im Derech Eretz As A Way of Life AN EDITORIAL COMMENT

he Jewish Observer has to many of the misunderstandings, received an unusually large because these readers automatically T number of letters in response identified this label with Rabbi to the article "Torah Im Derech Samson Raphael Hirsch's educa­ Eretz," by Leo Levi (Dec, '88). Most tional system-whereas, in reality, of them disagreed with the author, the author's contention was that and the J.O. was even reproached "involvement in the world" (unlike for printing the article. It was ob­ Rabbi S.R.Hirsch's educational sys­ vious from the responses that there tem) was not a novel approach but has been a great deal of misunder­ a fundamental and universally standing as to what the article accepted Torah teaching. meant to say: therefore, there is a Whether this assertion Is correct need for clarification. We would like or not will be discussed later: but to explain first what the article really it should be stressed again that it said, and then to deal with some of in no way denied (a) the primacy of the specific points raised by our (and the concomitant correspondents. studies)-and this system was and duty of every Jew to keep up his Many readers viewed the article as is the subject of controversy. While Torah study throughout his life): (b) an attack on, and a belittling of, kol­ many Gedolim acknowledged that the importance for everybody to lelim While some passages, when it made a great contribution to devote adequate time at the outset read out of context, may give that saving Jewry in Germany, they of his way through life to Intensive unfortunate impression, an atten·· considered it only a horo'as sha'a, Torah study (which, in our days, tive reading of what the article as not to be set up as an ideal. almost inevitably implies kollel a whole was saying would make it The rejection of this Hirschian study): and (c) the urgency of pro­ clear to the reader that these pas­ educational system could lead to the viding for those who devote their sages were not talking about kolle­ idea that we should reject all deal­ entire life to obtaining excellence in lim in general, but about whether ings with the world as far as at all Torah studies and becoming the all Jews should, for their entire life, possible. It is to the examination of leaders and teachers of the klal. devote themselves to the fulltime this idea that the author devoted his It is in reference to those who do learning of Torah, to the exclusion article. He wanted to show that, not belong to this last category that of all other activities. unlike the Torah Im Derech Eretz there may come a time to go out into The author started out from the educational system, involvement in the world and combine continued very obvious fact that Torah Im the world is not controversial but Torah learning with activities which Derech Eretz, as identified with is actually very basic to . contribute to yishuvo shel olam Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, However, by calling this "involve­ the welfare of society, and which­ refers to an educational system ment in the world" also by the name if carried on according to the teach­ which projects a combination of of Torah Im Derech Eretz, the ings of the Torah-are Invested by Torah (as the main subject of study) author appears to have confused the the Torah with a positive value. The and general knowledge (as auxiliary readers and thus opened the door author pointed out that the Torah

30 The Jewish Observer, June 1989 does not set up asceticism or poverty or celibacy as values in themselves, and that, instead, man was given the tools to mold the world according to the will of G-d and thereby to help The one guide to the laws of make this the kind of world that G-d wants. The physical universe was Shabbath & Yom Tov that you created to provide for man the can't afford to be without! The most opportunity to serve G-d and do mitzvos-and when it is used in this practical and comprehensive book manner, it becomes itself sanctified. In this connection, the author of its kind ••• quoted several statements of Cha­ zal in praise of deeds: "learning leads to action" ... "to work and SHENl.IR:\TH Volume 2 contains laws relating to: 7111=.:kr;"'J::l J"1:i1tJ ... :i1~1~ to guard it" (in the case of ) housekeeping; erection of shelters . . . the dialogue between Moshe and partitions; nuisances and hazards to health; plants and trees; Rabbeinu and the angels, etc. SH~3t3r\TH o m1k1e to animals; commerce; interaction with Respondents argued that in each the ii1·i1dict1i non-Jews; life saving; illnesses; case only mitzva deeds were meant: 01Jsc1vo11c.;··61shi:ibbi•.1t11 treatment of wounds; pregnancy, but this crtticism missed the whole childbirth, babies and small point that the author was making: children; medical matters; we were created with physical, emergency situations; & much more material, social and other needs, and • Features an easy-to-read, yet if we deal with them l'shem Sho­ meticulous translation of the mayim and in accordance with the original Hebrew, prepared in close Torah's directives, all our actions collaboration with the author, become acts of serving G-d. Man Rav Yehoshua Y. Neuwirth. himself becomes purified and sanc­ RAV Yl:'HOSHUA Y. NEUWIRTH tified-and so does the world. Whether the yeitzer hora is sub­ limated by such doing of mitzvos or • Everything possible has been only by Torah study is the subject done to facilitate easy reference, including a of differences of opinion. It is, detailed table of contents, however, clear in any case that marginal paragraph Involvement in the world carries headings, extensive glossary, dangers, and the warnings about and a comprehensive index these dangers are, therefore, not to both volumes. surprising-but, in themselves, they • Deals extensively with do not contradict the basic obliga­ contemporary situations. tion not to flee from any physical, material or communal involvement. Volume II Beautifully printed and bound. Approached in this way, the 456pp. $17.95 h.c./$14.95 p.b. author's thesis is not contradicted by the various sources adduced by Volume 1 360pp. respondents that stress that newly­ $13.95 h.c./$10.95 p.b. weds should learn exclusively for a period of time; by the warnings to those in work or business that there Both volumes are also available is danger in pursuing these enter­ iii an attractive slipcase.d e.dition. prises too eagerly; nor by the empha­ sis of Chazal that Torah in its full­ The perfect gift for every Jewish home. $33·95 h.c. est form can only be found with those who maximally devote them­ selves to it-they did not say that 0 everybody can and may stay forever 0 ~£~~li~iMh ~~8ti5;f£~5m in the Beis Hamidrash. irrespective 200 Airport Executive Park Visa & MasterCard accepted of his intellectual, emotional, social Spring Valley, N.Y. 10977 Send for your free copy of and economic circumstances. Nor is !l Tel. (914) 356-2282/Toll fre., 800-237-7149 our new JubHee catalog.

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 31 the author's thesis disproven by the limitations on general studies TO ALL MOSDOS AND YESHIVOS: stressed by Chazal-the article did not discuss at all Rabbi Samson Please reserve this date in order not to schedule Raphael Hirsch's educational pro­ conflictinf! events for the same day. gram. with its acceptance of general studies on a broader scale; the author merely tried to show that a MAY20, 1990 general knowledge of various prac­ tical areas, and even of a number 68th ANNUAL DINNER of sciences. is essential for living in this world and applying halacha in AGUDATH ISRAEL practice. OF AMERICA The author's remarks about a horo'a.s sha'a, in response to the contemporary situation. thus re­ ferred to the emphasis that every­ body should stayforever "in learn­ ing" if he can only do so. It is true that the author's posi­ I GOT MY JOB tion is not universally accepted. His view. that involvement in the world THROUGH on the basis of Torah is the ideal. is founded on the teaching of Rabbi Yishmael (see in this connection p1ojcct COPE Malbim. beginning of Chukas). and on the interpretation of limud Torah lishma as "learning for the JOIN THE MANY YUNGELEIT WHO purpose of application in action"­ HAVE FOUND CAREERS THROUGH "action" meaning living according OUR FREE PLACEMENT CENTER to Torah (this interpretation. stressed by Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch. can actually be found in CALL (212) 363-5660 earlier sources. such as the Reishis Offices located in BoroPark, Flatbush and Manhattan Chochma). However. Rabbi Chayim Volozhiner held differently-that limud lishma means "learning for the purpose of knowing" (the inter­ pretation of the Rosh). and that With Praise to the Al-mighty Rabbi Yishmael's approval of worldly activities is only for cases of BAIS MEDRASH absolute necessity; to be minimized as far as possible. Worldly activities. ATERES YISROEL according to this opinion. are not a mitzva but a bede'eved to be OF FAR ROCKAWAY strictly minimized. This is a con­ is proud to announce the formation of a full day Kolle! troversywhich, Rabbi Yaakov Karne­ Letorah and Lehoroah netzky held. runs through the whole of Jewish history. In actual practice. Kollel Anshei Chemed all times and places have seen the under the leadership of Harav Avrohom Blumenkrantz, Shlita emergence of Jewish communities which under the guidance of the S'D\RTING ELUL 5749 "Tribe of Levi" -the Rabbonim. A unique opportunity for yungeleit to learn and to be involved in Roshei Yeshiva and Talmidei shimush in all practical aspects of Halacha in an environment finan­ Chachamim-developed a flourish­ cially conducive to such learning. Limited applications accepted. ing and all-encompassing Torah For additional information please write to: Kolle! Anshei Chemed, society. based on the activities of its 814 Caffrey Ave., Far Rockaway, NY 1J691, or please call 1-516-239-8650. baalei battim • The Editorial Board ef The Jewish Observer 32 The Jewish Observer. June 1989 BOOKS

q•

of it," happiness takes flight. Yet. in BOOKS ON MARRIAGE the contemporary world, self-grati­ fication is a dominant goal, and this THE RIVER, THE KETTLE AND THE BIRD. a Torah Guide to Successful has greatly affected the Torah com­ Marriage, by Aharon Feldman (Feldheim Pub, 1987, $12.95) munity also. Moreover, whereas in older days the stress in a less-than­ perfect marriage would be placed on AIZER K'NEGDO, The Jewish Woman's Guide to Happiness in Marriage, improving it, or at least tolerating by Sara Chava Radcliffe (/Feldheim, 1988, $14.95) it. today there is a much greater ac­ ceptance of divorce. There are, of course, some mar­ BAYIS NEEMAN B'YISRAEL, Practical Steps to Success in Marriage. by riages that should be dissolved-but Dr. Meir Wikler (Feldheim, 1988, $12.95 h.c. $9.95 s.c.) Rabbonim and professionals are agreed that in many more cases the FULFILLMENT IN MARRIAGE, By Rabbi Shmuel D. Eisenblatt Translated problems and conflicts could be by N. L. Nahmoud, Vol I for men, Vol. JI for women (distributed by Feldheim, solved. This is the common denom­ 1988, $31.90) inator of these books: each in its own way draws on Torah sources to point out what a Torah marriage THE SECRET OF JEWISH FEMININITY, Insights Into the Practice of should be like, and what methods Taharas Hamishpachah, by Tehilla Abramov, rendered into English by and strategies are available to create Malka Touger (Targum/Feldheim, 1988, $12.95) such a marriage. Dr. Wikler's book is clearly de­ signed for premarital as weil as ooks are written and pub­ of divorces in Orthodox families. A marital guidance. In a practical and lished when they meet a number of factors are at work. down-to-earth manner, he takes the B perceived need. Thus the Rabbi Dessler (Michtav M'Eli­ reader along the whole road from appearance of a number of books on yahu I), discussing married happ­ preparation for marriage and what happiness in marriage is yet iness, describes it as a by-product to expect of it through dating, court­ another indicator that even in of "giving," the result of the satis­ ship and engagement anxiety, to the Torah observant circles marital faction found in helping one's part­ adjustments demanded of a young problems are increasing-a fact il­ ner: conversely, when marriage is couple, and where and when to get lustrated by the growing incidence seen in terms of "what do I get out help if this should prove necessary.

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 33 The author wisely seeks to involve deal with, the problems that result wife to proceed (however, she stress­ parents and educators in the task from this fact, the futility of anger es that the same rules apply to men, of preparing young people for mar­ and the growth of true love. who can equally benefit from her riage. and they all will find this slim While Rabbi Feldman's work is insights and methods). This book is volume veiy helpful. addressed primarily to men, Mrs. truly brilliant in the down-to-earth Rabbi Feldman's book grew out of Radcliffe speaks to women-what way in which it tackles its subject. a class for newly married men, and kind of help are they supposed to Rabbi Eisenblatt. too, provides de­ eschews the common platitudes provide for their husband, and what. tailed advice and, where needed, about what a Jewish home and in tum, are the husband's obliga­ actual sample dialogues to illustrate family should be like, in favor of a tions? Obviously, marriage is a two­ his points. However, they are set in deeper and inspiring analysis of way street and must be a cooper­ the framework of a more elaborate how such homes are created. The ative endeavor. The author stresses treatment of the nature and purpose first requirement is to learn how to the importance of mutual respect. of marriage, to which the first part get along with one's spouse, and this of the development of trust. of of both the volume for men and that entails a constant effort to improve affection and ultimately of a deeper for women is devoted. In the second one's character. But Rabbi Feldman and truly intimate relationship. The part. he discusses problems due to does not pontificate nor does he means to these goals is good com­ the different natures of men and plod. He speaks the reader's lan­ munication-and that is where so women and deals with effective guage and states his points-and many marriages fail. Hence Mrs. communication. Of particular inter-· advice-clearly and succinctly as Radcliffe outlines practical, simple est are the exercises appended to well as beautifully. Thus, his chapter and easily leamable techniques and each volume; they are designed to on "fantasy and reality in married strategies for enhancing a marriage help the reader absorb and apply the life," which focuses on the fact that and dealing with obstacles that may ideas presented in the book and to nobody Is perfect. leads to concrete arise. She presents dialogues indi­ aid him and her to become better suggestions how to relate to, and cating right and wrong ways for a marriage partners. Mrs. Nahmoud's translation does full justice to a work that must have been difficult to translate but which deserves KASHRUS MAGAZINE many readers in this countiy. The Secret of Jewish Femininity at first glance does not seem to belong to this group of books as it is devoted to the laws of family purity. Yet this is not a diy halachic text; the laws are treated in the framework of a full discussion of what these divinely ordained laws do for a marriage-how they help 1. Do you know when a product bears an unauthorized symbol? the marriage partners to develop a 2. Who will tell you when a product is mislabeled? relationship upon which family and 3. When supervision changes or is removed will you be notified? home can be built. The author, 4. Do you know which kosher products contain dairy ingredients and are not during a lengthy stay in South listed as dairy? Africa, discovered that even many 5. Would you like to know which products are kosher without symbols? Jews not committed to Torah could 6. How can you keep your kosher kitchen up-to-date when the status of kosher appreciate what Taharas Hamish­ products and establishments constantly changes? pacha could give them, and in due course come to accept Torah. Out

PLEASE MAIL TO of her experiences came the creation Kashrus, Subscription Service Dept. of a Jewish Marriage Education POB 17305. Milwaukee. WI 53217 Please emer m~· subscnplton as f"llows organization in Eretz Yisroel, whose '.:i$1$-Jyr :JS27-2yrs '"'!$36-3,.~s trained counsellors reach out to all ;-) New '.J Renewal '") Gtft segments of the community. Mrs. Also. pleQse send o set of back issues ~ 10 most recem@ $10 rJ 25@ $2S Abramov's book is based on her Name Hebrew training manual; enlivened Addreoo by many case histories, it makes its own magnificent contribution to Sub.scribe now and receive five 40-page State Please allow up w 8 we eh for firs/ ""'e 10 orrwe bimonthly issues of KASHRUS Magazine. the strengthening of Jewish mar­ riage through Torah.

34 The Jewish Observer, June 1989 For eveiy Parsha of the year, he has PERSONAL GROWIH culled from the Chumash practical messages that help us gain new THE ETHICAL PERSONALITY, by Rabbi Zechariah Fendel (Hashkafa insights and grow in all the different Publications. N.Y. 1986, $13.95) aspects of our life. Each of the messages is based on a thought of (or a stoiy about) one of our Sages. GROWI'H THROUGH TORAH, by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin (Aish Hatorah from the earliest times to our days. Publications, Jerusalem. 1988, h.c. $15.95, s.c. $11.95) An excellent index enables the reader to find where any particular LIFELINES, by Avi Shulman (distributed by Feldheim, 1988, h.c. $12.95, topics of concern to him is dis­ s.c. $8.95) cussed-from how to react to neg­ ative criticism to how to use neg­ ative tendencies positively. Concise­ PATHWAYS TO PEACE OF MIND, by Rabbi Eliyahu Porat Teherani (Bnei ly and clearly presented. each entiy Brak. 1988. $12.95) is a pearl, of special value in adorn­ ing the weekly Shabbos table. APPRECIATING PEOPLE (Including Yourself], by Miriam Adahan Living Each Day carries this (Feldheim. 1988, $14.95) approach into each day. It is a guide book-an almanac in the original Arab sense of the word-which LIVING EACH DAY, by Rabbi Avraham J. Twerski M.D. (Mesorah provides a page for each day of the Publications. 1988, h.c. $13.95, s.c. $10.95) year-half of it taken up by a brief discussion of a passage from the Siddur. and the other half dedicated he Torah's injunction, "Love iar situations and shows how to to either a passage from Tanach or Your Neighbor like Yourself," react to them; marginal summaries a statement of our Sages. Needless T conveys to us a most signif­ and key points at the end of each to say. the author has drawn on his icant message: establishing the chapter concretely drive home the wide experience in psychological proper positive relationship to oth­ lesson to be learnt and the pitfalls and psychiatric practice to focus on ers (whether neighbors. friends or to be avoided. In conclusion, the last topics of pariicular value and con­ family) depends upon our first of all chapter provides thought-provok­ cern to a person seeking to cope with coming to an understanding of (and ing quotations from our Sages on the v..garies of life and to grow in with) our own selves. We have to the topics discerned. Here is truly one's personal stature. accept ourselves, appreciate our­ a master teacher who shows us how Rabbi Teherani's work is trans­ selves as "Tzellem Elokim," and to change our life. encourages us lated and adapted from the original proceed from there to grow and and inspires us to persevere. work Alufeinu Mesubolim. to serve improve ourselves-only as pari of Rabbi Pliskin seeks to help us as a guide to overcoming anger and that process can we develop the grow through a different approach. acquiring self-control. The vast right relationships with those around us. All the books listed here are, in different ways, dedicated to this objective of self-perfection. YESHIVA Lifelines presents techniques for nurturing personal growth. based Belle Harbor on the proposition that a human being. like a tree. can be made to is now accepting applications for grow into magnificence-or into a stunted dwarf. People tend to think -HIGH SCHOOL FOR ELUL 5749 that this depends on circumstances beyond their control: in reality. • Bais Medrash and Kollel • Within 30 minutes of Baro Park. however. a person's future is de­ • Dormitory on premises Flatbush and Queens pendent on his attitude to these cir­ cumstances. They can be seen as spurs for advancement-or as ex­ 505 B. !29th Street Belle Harbor. NY. 11694 {718) 474·3064 cuses for failure. How can we change Rabbi Levi Dicker J

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 35 destructive power of anger and rage of our gedolim A plethora of rele­ our traits in a realistic and effective explains the statement of our Sages vant quotations from classical way. This book will be of value to that he who gets enraged Is like one Torah literature is offered in every anybody interested in understand­ who serves idols. But why do we get chapter, and copious footnotes ing others; but It will be of particular angry? How can we learn to restrain provide further sources. The last two value to those engaged in profes­ our anger? These are the questions chapters contain the Hebrew text sional educational and counselling tackled in this book. The author and translation of Rabbi Israel work. discusses the importance of seeing Salanter's Mussar Epistle and of the the good in others while learning to letter of the Ramban, both famous FURTHER VOLUMES IN accept their criticism. and the role statements of Torah ethics. This is EXISTING SERIES of faith in coping with circumstan­ a scholarly work which, at the same ces that could upset us. Each chap­ time, offers valuable insights and e have had the opportunity ter is illustrated by stories from the guidance to every reader. in the past to welcome the lives of our Sages, and its salient Yet another approach is followed W:initial volumes of major points are summarized at the end. by Mrs. Adahan. We all know the literary enterprises and to express Beautifully written, this is a moving statement of our Sages that people our hope that they will be brought and inspiring book. are as different from each other in to a successful conclusion. With The self-perfection that is the key their thinking as in their appear­ great satisfaction, this reviewer to meeting all aspects of our life with ance. Developing proper relation­ notes the appearance of a number equanimity is the theme of The ships with, and appreciation of of volumes that continue previously Ethical Personality. Torah ethics others requires that we seek to begun works. teaches us to improve our character understand their individual person­ Feldheim Publishers have re­ traits and to refine our ethical alities. Drawing on the work of leased the fifth and final volume of sensitivities. Truth, humility, con­ Keirsey and Bates, the author out­ a critical edition of the SeferHachi­ tentment, and gratitude are quali­ lines a number of basic character nuch prepared, translated, and ties that are critical to self-improve­ types and describes their main annotated by Charles Wengrov ment. and are discussed in full, with traits, in the hope that this wlll help (1989, $18.95). While adhering to each chapter followed by a collection us to understand ourselves as well the high standards set by the earlier of ethical-Mussar narratives, stories as others, and to learn to deal with volumes, the author also treats us to an elaborate preface re-examin­ ing the question of the authorship since 1928 of this classic and bolstering his contention that Rabbi Pinchas of FREEDA® Barcelona composed it. Mesorah Publications makes the publication of yet another volume in the Artscroll Series, Mena­ VITAMINS chos, translated and with commen­ THE BEST IN THE VITAMIN WORLD tary by Rabbi Matis Roberts, edited Rabbi Naftali Kempler 36 E. 41st St., Neu' \'ork, N\' 10017 (212) 685·-HJHO by and Rabbi Yechezkel Danziger ( 1989, Over 250 Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids to cover all $19.95 h.c., $15.95 s.c.). This your vitamin needs. Our vitamins are made on the premises volume, with which this series under strict pharmaceutical and kashrus standards. passes the half-way mark, follows Freeda Vitamins are parve and vegetarian and are under the the same pattern as its predeces­ Rabbinical Supervision of the and Rabbi sors; thus it, too, features an intro­ Mordechai Kohn from New Square, N.Y. duction to the Mesechta clarifying • No sugar • No sulfates • No coal tar dyes the basic rules of menachos; • No starch • No salt fill('r • No animal stearates appendices are devoted to techeles and chodosh Vayikra I, a new translation and Your children deserve the best vitamins on the market, and commentary, by Rabbi Nasson FREEDA VITAMINS with no dyes or sugar, are the best Scherman and Rabbi Hersh Gold­ wurm (Mesorah Pub!., 1989,$19.95 Freeda LKV drops for infants h.c., $15.95 s.c.) follows the publi­ Freeda chewable Vitalets for children cation of Artscroll Bereishis, but Freeda Yelets for teenagers with a major difference. While Berei­ THERE IS NO REASON TO BUY ANYTHING ELSE! shis was a monumental six-volume undertaking (now reprinted in two large volumes) with an extraordi-

36 The Jewish Observer. June 1989 naiywealth of material, the publish­ will familiarize him with how our lish. and the author has done well ers rightly perceived the need for a and sages understood this (though the translation of mamzer less comprehensive, handy edition sacred work, and with the profound as "illegitimate child," p.12. could of the Chumash with a commentary ideas to be derived from it. confuse readers). The index shows drawn from the same classic Torah Another Moznaim project pre­ the wide range of topics covered. sources. The present volume. which viously noted is the publication of covers the first half of Vayikra, was the Rambam's Mishnah Torah in RE-ISSUED WORKS designed with this in mind. A lucid English. A recent volume contains and very readable translation is Hilchos Melachim, translated and ev Eliyahu. a collection of accompanied by a commentaiy that annotated by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger Mussar talks by Rabbi Eli­ is compact but clearly explains the (1987, $16.00). The commentary L yahu Lopian, translated by complex subject matter of these provides a succinct explanation of Rabbi B.D. Klein, with an introduc­ Sidros and also offers many insights the Rambam's words, drawing tion. Recollections of the Author. into the lessons that can be derived attention. whenever necessary, to The Sanctity of the , from it. The comprehensive over­ different opinions and textual ver­ the case of a Mechitza, revised and view by Rabbi Scherman deals with sions. It is not easy to present expanded third edition. by Jeanne the meaning of the sanctuaiy, sac­ complex halachic material in Eng- Litwin.• rifices, and a masterful appendix by Rabbis Y. Danziger and H. Gold­ wurm presents a summaiy of the "LET ME HELP YOU laws of korbanos. complete with a ...rJl"""-"'------~ ;;;,.(------set of charts and a table of biblical WITH YOUR measurements. A truly remarkable BUSINESS amount of information and ideas ANO PERSONAL has been included in this most INSURANCE INSURANCE" valuable volume. At the same time Monticello (914} 796-1500 this reviewer hopes he will not be /RV/NG SAFRIN Monsey (914} 425-1985 considered ungrateful for looking forward to the day when Mesorah Publications will also produce an edition of Vayikra on the same scale as Bereishis. A Story a Day originally appeared in Hebrew, and is now offered to us in English by Mesorah Publications Youth Series. We previously re­ viewed the two first volumes: now volumes III and N ( 1988, $12.95 h.c., $9.95 s.c.) provide daily stories for our youngsters for the month and from Shvat through Iyar-drawn I n Recollections, Epstein's own il­ from old and new sources, with selections from lustrious family-his illustrative drawings and photo­ Rabbi Baruch HaLevi uncle, the Netziv of graphs. They are sure to both fas­ Epstein's Mekor Volozhin; and his cinate and inspire the readers. Baruch, the author of father, Rav Yechiel Moznaim Publishers are pushing Torah Temimah con­ Michel HaLevi Ep­ ahead with the publication in Eng­ tinues the fascinating stein. author of Aruch lish of the entire Me'am Lo'ez series. journey begun with HaShulchan. Some­ The latest volume to appear is Shir My Uncle the Netziv. times poignant, often Hashirim (1988. $16.95). The Here is a warm. humorous, and al­ Hebrew commentaiy was written by honest look at ways inspiring, Re­ Europe's Golden Rabbi Shmuel Yerushalmi, follow­ collections gives the Age: the Ketzos Ha­ reader an unfor­ ing the pattern of the original Choshen and the Ne­ gettable personal Yalkut Me'am Lo'ez, which was s iv o s, the Noda Yaacov Emden. and view of the men who composed in Ladino many genera­ BeYehudah and the Rav Yehonasan Eibe­ shaped European tions ago and covered only Torah Baal Shem Tov, Rav shutz, as well as Rav Jewry. and part of Nach. Dr. Zvi Faier pre­ pared the English translation and Published byTAAGUM PRESS adaptation and succeeded in pres­ Available at Better 13ookstores enting the reader with a work that

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38 The Jewish Observer. June 1989 ed my colleagues how previous at­ s_ econdLooks>At The tempts along these lines. both in our ,,,' ' shul and elsewhere, have had no lasting effects. After dampening everyone's J.EWlSH•.SCENE enthusiasm, I was challenged to "come up with a better idea." Throw­ ing caution to the wind, I pointed out that, based on my observations, if we, the five members of the board, A clinical psychologist puts his chevra on the couch, would refrain from talking or even being involved in a conversation, we analyzing why his shul is so lacking in the dignity would eliminate approximately 80% and tranquility essentialjor serious tefilla. of the problem. I backed this up with a detailed description of the talking habits of our shul members i.e. who speaks to whom at which parts of davening, etc. (While my observa­ ODYSSEY OF tional tasks at times interfered with my davening, they also inhibited my own talking and so may have par­ A FAILED EXPERIMENT tially effected the validity of this "study".) The reaction among the board uch has been written re­ come intolerable. Many visitors to members was quite varied. Some garding the problem of our shul expressed both shock and resented turning the spotlight from M talking in shul. Most of dismay regarding this situation to changing the behavior of others these articles decry the pheno­ their hosts. After much discussion, onto becoming aware of our own menon, and appeal to us to take the board came up with the stand­ behavior. Others continued seeking heed of the warnings of Chazal ard "solutions" (e.g. the Rau should the reassurance of the old methods, regarding talking during davening. address the problem in his drasha, even if they did not work, while Taking these ideas to heart, some signs should be posted, a special others yet felt that the whole issue people attempt to restore order in gabbai should be appointed, etc.). was getting too complex and we their shuls, in line with every Jew's As a scientist trained in objective should just drop it. obligation to be mochi'ach (admon­ observation. I was unable to share The reaction of some shul ish) one's fellow. (See Orach Chaim in the optimism that these mea­ members was particularly interest­ Hilchos Tefilla, 124, 7.) Objective ob­ sures would bring results. I remind- ing. They expressed amazement servations makes it difficult to escape the sad conclusion that these admonitions have had little impact t:l"n n;in :i.'.l • w• on people's behavior. YESHIVA TORAS CHAIM This article seeks to gain an Denver, Colorado understanding of the strong resist­ ance to change exhibited in this The Mesivta offers an exceptional setting, limited size Shiurim regard, to help us perfect our ap­ with dedicated Mechanchim. Accredited high school. proach to tochacha, that it might The Beis Medrash offers a unique program for a be more effective. motivated Bochur to develop in Torah and Midas. "I FIRST BECAME COGNIZANT .••" Registration now open for Elul Z'man first became acutely cognizant of For further information write or call this problem when it was I brought up at a meeting by a Yeshiva Toras Chaim Talmudica/ Seminary I Denver fellow board member of our shul. 1400 Quitman, P.O. Box 4067 Denver, Colorado 80204 303-629·8200 There was a clear consensus that Rabbi Yitzchok Wasserman Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan Rabbi Yehoshua Gutman the "shmoozing" situation had be- Rosh Yeshiva Rosh Yeshiva Menahel Appointments for interviews in the East can be made by calling 718-376-9400.

The author of the above study requested ano­ App1,ca11ons acceoled from all Jew,sh youth w11~out regard :o race color. nat1ona• or ethnic ongm or ha~d1cap nymity to spare the members of his chevra.

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 39 that the issue was even brought up. that they are disturbing their study of the resistance we were They didn't think there was much neighbors. inducing. talking going on in shul. This view· 3. The individual (neurotic) The compulsive speakers became point was not only contrary to the "socialization" needs of some people desperate when their usual shmooz· observations of the overwhelming are so powerful, that they cannot ing partners indicated that they majority of the members, but these mobilize sufficient internal inhibit· would rather daven. They searched members were often themselves ing forces to stop themselves from desperately for a "fix," at times deeply involved in the shmoozing. shmoozing. ending up in the other side of the In addition to turning the spot· 4. The external forces that were Beis Midrash before they found light onto our own behavior, I sug· once sufficient to restrain compul­ someone to speak to. Sometimes gested that we tiy to understand sive shmoozers, no longer exist. It they were even stuck shmoozing why we resist the exhortations of is no longer considered polite to ask with each other.... The ones who our gedolim to refrain from shmooz· someone to stop talking during used denial as a defense insisted, ing and what psychological defenses davening. and most often believed. that they we employ to avoid taking their do not speak or even respond to the 5. The severe warnings contained words to heart. talkers. . . . The "polite" talkers in the usual posters are too threat· pointed out that it shows a lack of ening for most people to assimilate. "PEOPLE TALK BECAUSE .•." midos not to respond to someone's Instead they either ignore them or questions or comments.... Others rom the onset it was clear laugh them off. took this idea a step further, and that a potential shmoozer AB a result of the above consid· accused us (in all seriousness) of F:must have the motivation to erations the board agreed upon the undermining the social fabric of our speak and overcome internal inhi· following measures: community by interfering with bitions and external impediments. I. The board members themselves socialization during davening. AB Among the contributory factors would make a special effort to daven the shul members' resistance inten· we identified were: out loud so that there would at least sified. they became resentful of the 1. People talk because they don't be an "atmosphere" of davening in gabboim 'sefforts to reduce shmooz· daven. It seems that davening has shul. (Many of those coming to shul ing. The gabboim. in tum, felt become a dying art. Sitting in a room on Shabbos morning did not even uncomfortable enforcing a non· for over two hours with nothing to consider starting to daven before popular edict, and so scaled back do can get quite boring. the chazan reached "Nishmas.") their efforts. 2. Insufficient introspection into 2. During Krtyas HaTorah (when In retrospect, it should have been one's own behavior and inadequate it had become almost impossible to clear that directly challenging peo· sensitivity to the feelings and needs hear the baal koreh), the gabbai pie's needs and defenses would only of others. The same people who would consistently stop the laining serve to create a counter-force (like shmoozewhile someone is speaking as soon as someone started to talk pressing on a spring, to use Rav at a dinner will not be sensitive to and would not let the laining pro· Dessler's analogy). It would seem the chazan 's feelings, or to the fact ceed until that person stopped. that only an indirect approach, 3. Our efforts to enforce a "no which enhances attitudes and feel· talking" policy would emphasize ings incompatible with talking HEBREW ACADEMY menschlichkeit rather than frum· during davening, would have a OF CLEVELAND keit. Those who want to daven chance of affecting long term would insist on their right to do so changes. These attitudes were once publishes over 50 Educational Items more common than they are today. for Hebrew Day Schools without disruption (similar to recent attempts in some cities to For example, striving for spiritual "reclaim the streets from the growth was once common to both CATALOGUE criminals"). gedolim and "simple" people. It was not considered indicative of a lack Of of self-worth or a sign of excessive HEBREW ACADEMY "AFTER IMPRESSIVE INITIAL ')rumkeit" OF CLEVELAND IMPROVEMENTS ••• " Likewise, upholding community PUBLICATIONS standards irrespective of individual ur efforts along these lines levels of piety was not perceived as resulted in impressive initial a sign of hypocrisy. When attitudes Catalog St'n111p011 requl"~I Oimprovements. Unfortunate· such as these become common­ Send $1.00 for handling lo ly. over the past few months the place, the compulsion to shmooze HEBREW ACADEMY P\JBLlCATIONS DEPT. situation has slowly reverted to its will recede and davening (or at least 186'1 South 'fovlor Rd previous sorry state. This has given common courtesy) will be "in style" Cleveland Heights. (}hi!> 4·11 lR me the opportunity for more intense again.•

40 The Jewish Observer, June 1989 IFYOU KNOW somebody who is sincerely ready to affix a mezuzah on his (or her) doorpost and to put tefillin on every day, but has no money, call between 8 P.M. and 1O P.M. (718) 853 2318 or When There Is (718) 853 2297 A Need for Distinctions We will l"YH assist them. Rabbi Br Mrs. M.Y. Blau 1459 40th St., Brooklyn, NY 11218 718 853·2318 our years ago. when Rabbi Conservative and Reform rabbinical Louis Bernstein, president of and congregational groups, in spite F the (Orthodox) Rabbinical of the 1956 psak of the leading Council of America, and Rabbi Roshei Yeshiva against such mem­ Alexander M. Shapiro, president of bership, has always been a source MATANA the (Conservative) Rabbinical of pain and contention with other Assembly. exchanged platforms at Orthodox groups. Their rationale GALLERY each others' conventions, The Jew­ has been that they are only present­ 4906 18th Ave. Brooklyn, NY ish Observer published an article ing a united front to the non.Jewish (718) 851-4448 under the above title, beginning world ( k'lapei chutz), and hope to with the comments of Rabbi Meir contain the Council in regard to any Shapiro, famed Rav of Lublin, on his excesses the others might otherwise Jewish books. Talleisim. Mezuzos. personalized Tallis bags. return from his first trip to America. commit; they do not mean to confer Tefillin bags, Yarmulkas and "In America," he said, "our brethren legitimacy on the other religious Chalan covers. cassettes. lucite. know how to make 'Kiddush' but movements. But Rabbi Zaiman is a sterling silver. Judaica and jewelry. they don't know how to make Conservative rabbi, ordained by the 'Havdallah.' They are quick to lend Jewish Theological Seminary, heads things sanctity, but do not differen­ Baltimore's Conservative Congrega­ ALL AT SUPER tiate between sacred and profane." tion Chizuk Emuna, and founded DISCOUNT PRICES! Recent events have continued to the local Solomon Schechter Day demonstrate that there are still groups that emphasize positive concepts such as achdus/unity and IMPORTANT NOTICE SUMMERTIME Ahavas Yisroel without differen­ TO OUR CANADIAN tiating between "sacred and pro­ fane. light and darkness, between AND OVERSEAS Pirkei Avos Israel and the nations, between the SUBSCRIBERS! Diet Plan Seventh Day and the six days of Creation."* For instance, on June 13, when Rabbi Joel H. Zaiman was The simplest way to pay for inducted as president of the Syn­ - your subscription is through agogue Council of America, the VISA or MasterCard, They installation ceremony was graced by "Watch~ Your Weight a "special address by Dr. Norman change your payment into USA Lamm, president of Yeshiva Univer­ currency without any sur· The Torah Way" sity," according to the invitation. charge. We cannot accept for· Send $3.00 to The participation of the Orihodox eign checks (even Canadian RCA and UOJCA in the Synagogue Yeshiva Fund Box 82 Council of America, together with checks in $U.S.), only checks Staten Island, N.Y. 10309 drawn on a bank in the U.S.A. *from the Havdallah ceremony. separating the Money~back guarantee. Sabbath from the rest of the week.

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 41 School. which meets in his syn­ agogue building. How is the general BIG public to perceive Orthodox partic­ ipation in Zaiman's installation as APPLE SCA president, regardless of what COPY & PRINTING was said at the gathering, if not as CENTER a celebration of commonality, and 87 NASSAU ST an endorsement of the new office ornN:n O'\!Jl1'n nriNi11 n1;:.in ~;:n;:,1:1 NEW YORK, NY 10038 holder?-Is it not "Kiddush," where n'.)t:JJ:)Tl 'llt? 1}.! 0'.~1i1 1TO '!l'.J (212) 962-4282 "Havdallah" is the order of the day? 718-972-7963 (212) 267-9478 And then, an "International Sym­ posium on the Sabbath" co­ sponsored by the Center for Judaic Studies and the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists at Denver INSURANCE BROKERS & CONSULTANTS University, May 24-26, featured Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Life & Health Rabbi Walter Wurzburger, well­ known "Centrist Orthodox" leader (former editor of Tradition), in a symposium of "renowned scholars WIELCJJERNc§JSS from Jewish, Protestant. Catholic and Seventh Day Adventists tradi­ 26 Court Street/Brooklyn, Y. 11242 N. tions for a discussion of the signif­ icance of the Sabbath." Now, Rabbi Wurzburger may have • PROFESSIONAL SERVICE • chosen to ignore the Talmud's • QUALITY INSURANCE CARRIERS • harsh view of"the Gentile that keeps • COMPETITIVE PREMIUMS • Sabbath" ( 58b) for rea­ sons of his own. But did he really BARBARA GOLDGRABEN/HESHY SCHWEBEL/EZRA HES gear himself to achieve a "great in­ crease [in] our understanding of the Sabbath as a pan-religious pheno­ menon" as a result of this inter­ denominational symposium? (as HOTLINE per Dr. Stanley M. Wagner, director TO JERUSALEM of Center for Jewish Studies. quoted In time of illness, surgery or in Intermountain Jewish News, May 19, '89.) Isn't "Havdallah" crisis, special prayers will be meant to separate "between Israel MALOHN recited at the Western Wall and and the nations" in their under· at our Yeshiva in Jerusalem. standing of "the Seventh Day and MIFAL CALL 24 HOURS the six days of Creation"? Grand Reopening (718) 871-4111 And finally. in a gesture that any self-respecting Jew-Orthodox or All new beautiful rooms, with A FREE PUBLIC SERVICE OF otherwise-would find totally unac­ kitchen facilities. in heart of The American Rabbi Meir ceptable, a "Salute to Jerusalem" Baal Haness Charity with the city's Mayor, Teddy Kollek, Soro Park for day or week. KOLEL AMERICA as featured speaker, in New York Near Shuls. take-out foods, etc City's Cathedral of St. John the Profits to Mifal Torah Vodaas. Divine, was scheduled for Saturday, li.1".DDISB May 27th, beginning (Irony of iro­ Help Sfardishe youth return Mishn

42 The Jewish Observer, June 1989 Emmy Stark Zitter

more drained than the rags they used to wash their walls and con­ siderably more dishevelled than their own closets. Is Bas Yehuda fearful that these women might echo the plaints of the wicked son of the Haggada? I must say. I found that parlicular suggestion repug­ nant rather than in any way "encouraging." Bas Yehuda does end by saying that she offers encouragement, while I offer sympathy to women who are overworked at Pesach time. A Third Look at the Frankly. when I reread my ariicle I found no trace of such sympathy or Fifth Question of Pesach of the "self-pity" which she finds there. Rather, what I offered the readers-and what, judging by the enjoyed reading the reply by "Bas easier and not more frenetic. I told positive reactions I received from Yehuda" ("Answering the Fifth that story simply to illustrate as many readers last year, they were ! Question," April, '89) to my graphically as possible that a dis­ happy to receive-were some prac­ ariicle of last year concerning Pes­ tinction can be made between Pes­ tical guidelines, true-to-life advice ach cleaning (March, '88). I did ach cleaning and spring cleaning. about when they might need to cut indeed find "encouraging" her And one year later, I still stand by out some of the extraneous work reminder that the zechus of the my contention that such a distinc­ and how they could best go about many hours of arduous work we tion can and often should be made. doing so. I did not, as Bas Yehuda spend in searching for chometz To be honest, when I first read the says. suggest that it is wrong for a protects us all through the year. I ariicle by Bas Yehuda some three women to work up a "wholesome do, however, feel that Bas Yehuda weeks before Pesach, I was quite im­ perspiration" cleaning an attic for has misunderstood and misinter­ pressed with the idea that the dust­ Pesach: I did, however, say, and will preted my own ariicle rather badly and-dirt and let's rearrange the say again, that if a woman is spend­ and would like to take this oppor­ linen closet part of cleaning for ing most of her precious free time tunity to set the record straight. Pesach could be uplifted as par! of in January and February doing First and most important, there the mitzva of preparing for the cleaning that has nothing to do with is nothing in my ariicle that con­ chag. I still believe that it is a nice removing chometz, instead of tradicts this message of encourage­ ideal, but now, a week after Pesach, spending time with her children, it ment which Bas Yehuda conveys. I I have once again seen the human might very well be time for her to think I made it clear that I was not toll which too much scrubbing for rearrange her priorities instead of in any way advocating chas v'sha­ too many hours can take. No her closets. • lom that we do not give as much amount of inspiration can put more attention and time as is necessary than twenty-four hours into a day. to eliminate all the chometz from and no amount of idealism can put The Central Library our homes. that we should cut energy for a sederinto a woman who of the comers instead of cleaning them. has been staying up until three in Agudath Israel of Boro Park Moreover, Bas Yehuda wholly miss­ the morning for weeks so that her 451114th Avenue in Brooklyn es the point of the anecdote in which house can shine from basement to I told of a friend forced to condense attic. I certainly can appreciate that her Pesach cleaning into two frantic the chag may be enhanced if the is open to the general public featuring weeks. As is clear from the context house is gleaming, with windows a large collection of Seforim and other of my article, I was in no way saying washed and carpets shampooed and Yiddish and English language books on that le'chatchlla we should plan to all the drawers arranged like well­ 'Ibrah subjects. prepare for Pesach in such a short ordered filing cabinets. But too time. Such advice would be ludi­ many of the women to whom I spoke The library is now open crous and would contradict the before Pesach-most of them moth­ Monday from 2:00-5:00 P.M. point of my ariicle. which was at­ ers of small children who are not Tuesday from 6:30-8:30 P.M. tempting to make women's lives fortunate enough to have their Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 P.M. extended family close by and with­ Mrs. Zitter, who lives in Rochester, N.Y., also For more information call 718-854-4500. wrote, ''The Out-of-Towners: A Personal Narra" out the financial resources to hire Uve", which appeared in JO, Oct. '85. outside help-seemed to me to be

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44 The Jewish Observer. June 1989 I again, or keeping the sensor tripped, applies to other automatic door systems as well. In another vein, I was surprised to see in the "Suggestions some things which are not halacha psuka and which I would have left to the decision of Rav in each instance. Included in this category was the hetter of eino miskaven in the case of a psik reisha regarding place in a hotel equipped with this walking in view of a video camera "DON'T USE WITHOUT type oflock. CONSULTING A RAV"-ALWAYS! and talking in a room where a The same problem of different microphone and recording equip­ systems functioning differently To the Editor: ment is in operation. Another ques­ applies to the sections on automatic tion I would ask a Rav is whether As a longtime student of technical door openers and European moni­ there is a problem of shemo yarbeh halacha. I was gratified that Dr. tors. Some systems use the electric in the case of drinking coffee when Udell brought to the attention of the eye sensors described by the author most of the guests are gentiles. One public some of the technical prob· in the section on elevators. These !ems found in a modem hotel (JO, have a light shining on a light cell. May '89 ). Regarding elevators. he When someone walks through the quotes an engineer that different light path and blocks the light ray. WELL-ESTABLISHED elevator systems function differ· a signal is sent to open the door. YESHIVA IN MONSEY, ently and thus suggests not to use The door is held open for a pre-set an elevator on Shabbos "without amount of time even after the SEEKING CAPABLE knowing the internal engineering of person has passed the light path. the particular elevator and obtain· Thus, the suggested "tricky assign­ FUND RAISER. ing an halachic decision from a ment" to "wait until someone else Rav." My studies of various techni· enters and then quickly walk in just SEND RESUMES TO: cal halachic problems have taught behind them" does not take into YESHIVA me that this rule holds true for all account the fact that the second technical halachicproblems. Unfor· person will again block the light P.O. BOX 168 . tunately. the author did not apply path and send the signal to keep the MONSEY, N.Y. 10952 this rule in the other "Suggestions." door open. This problem of the . For instance. in the section about second person tripping the sensor electronic door locks, he mentions how he followed his gentile room· mate into the room. The implication THE PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT here and in the "Suggestions" that OF AGUDATH ISRAEL follow is that the entire problem is ANNOU"ICES THAT THE FOLLOWING NOTICE TAPES ARE :\OW AVAILABLE the use of the electronic key to unlock the door from the hall to get TARGUM PRESS is into the room. However, in at least K!Nl'S OF AGl!DAH WOMEN OF AMEHICA one particular lock that I examined, pleased to announce that Boro Park-:vlonsey / J\Iay 7 & 8, 1989 this is not the case. In this lock there Mr. Zvi Shapiro Rabbi Feitman. Rabhi Kirzner, Rabbi Goldstein was an electronic switch attached 1\vo tapes-$8.00 to the knob and the thumbtum of has been appointed the deadbolt. Turning either one Acquisitions Editor. KINTS OF THE 55TH YAHRZE!T would send a signal to the computer Authors who wish to submit OF THE CHOFETZ CHAIM BY P!HCHEI AGCDATH lSRAEL built into the lock and the computer manuscripts for publication Rabbi A. Pam, Rabbi S. Schwab, would react according to its pro­ should mail them to: Rabbi J\.I. Finkelman gram. For instance, if the lock's One tape-$5.00 computer would sense that the Zvi Shapiro TARGUM PRESS deadbolt is being locked, it would TO ORDEH WRITE ro, 2111 Avenue I not allow the key card to unlock the PlBLlCATIONS DEPARTMENT door. This particular type of lock is Brooklyn, NY11210 AGCDATII ISRAEL being used by the Hilton chain and Tel: (718) 338-2754 84 \Villiam Street. New York, XY 100:38 I was surprised to hear of a conven· (212) 797-9000 tion of frumme Yidden that took

The Jelvish Observer, June 1989 45 more question I would ask is in the person writing down the partici­ prospective tourist and convention case of walking through a doorway pants name is a Jew? I would ask attendee aware of the broad gamut with an automatic door that was a Rav if I could be the direct cause of problems, precisely so that he or opened by the person just in front of this Jew's writing on Shabbos. she can know what to look for, and of him, if that person was a Jew. Is A few minor improvements: Meat then call his or her Rav well before this considered neheneh mim­ and the like stored in the hotel's Erev Shabbos. leches Shabbos? Another concern refrigerator should be double sealed, A smile came to my face when Mr. is regarding registration. What if the not just double wrapped. Rather Young cited a new type of electronic than not conducting business with lock at a Hilton. With constantly vendors on Shabbos, one should not changing technology in super­ even talk to them. sophisticated hotel chains, it was As a general point, may I suggest not possible to cover every situation. that the editorial board take up the The editor of The Jewish Observer issue if it would be wise to limit the will attest to the fact that a week discussion of halachic issues to alerting the public to the problems before publication, I contacted him and advising them to seek halachic with additional information. My 4916 13th Ave., B'klyn, N.Y. 11219 family can testify that seven days (718) 854-29!1 guidance from a Rav who is well versed in technical halacha. after the article went to press, I came Hoping that you will continue to across more halachic technology remove stumbling blocks from the problems and threw my hands up path of Yidden, I remain, in despair and exclaimed: "The FOR BURIAL PLOTS AVRAHOM CHAIM YOUNG article is already obsolete!" IN ERETZ YISROEL Brooklyn, N. Y. As to solutions offered, once again CONTACT the purpose was not to act as a DR. UDELL REPLIES: halachic authority but to represent CHEVRA the opinions of several respected In response to Avrahom Chaim Rabbeim on each issue. And yes­ OSEH CHESED Young's well researched letter, the there are differing opinions when it of Agudath Israel following comments are in order. comes to specific applications of 84 William Street The purpose of my article was not Jewish Law. This, however, will New York, NY 100 38 to present a detailed halachic trea­ rapidly change upon the arrival of Phone (212) 797-9000 Ext. 37 tise. That mission is reserved for a the Moshiach, bimheirah beya­ different author, time and publica­ meimL So, keep praying! tion. The goal was to make the ELLIOTT. UDELL. D.P.M., P.C.

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46 The Jewish Observer, June 1989 ABBA COHEN NAMED TO Ruchama Seidman fund, AGUDATH ISRAEL D.C. POST Ph.D. N.Y.S. Licensed Psychologist valuable experience as a former as­ (718) 252-3440 sistant director of the Department of Middle Eastern Affairs of the Anti-Defamation League. where he worked on behalf of endangered Jewish communities overseas and FROM FACTORY also served in the bureau for Latin REPRESENTATIVE American affairs. His legal expe­ SAVE!!! rience includes a brief stint at the U.S. Court of International Trade in , and two years experience with the Washington, D.C .. law firm of Miller. Cassidy, Larroca & Lewin, where he worked TO OUR ISRAELI closely with prominent constitu­ J.O. READERS: tional attorney Nathan Lewin on several legal issues touching on the rights and interests of If you are in kolel or similar circum­ Orthodox Jews. stances, and find the $28 annual WASHINGTON. D.C. - Abba subscription too steep, a limited In announcing the new appoint­ number of scholarships have been Cohen. a rabbinical musmach and ment. Rabhi Moshe Sherer, na­ made available at $10 per year due to an attorney with a background in tional president of Agudath Israel the generosity of a kind benefactor. both international relations and of America, commented as follows: Send $10-U.S. only and request Jewish communal affairs. has "Agudath Israel's Washington scholarship. This offer is not valid for been named the new director of past subscriptions. Write: Jewish Office, under the directorship of Observer, Suite 1200, 84 William St., the Agudath Israel of America Nesanel Kasnett. has already in the NYC 10038 USA Washington Office. span of one short year, shattered Cohen replaces Rabbi Nesanel many of the stereotypes that so Kasnett, who launched the Agu­ many persons in positions of pro­ 1"0:1 dath Israel office as the first full­ minence feel about Orthodox time Orthodox Jewish bureau in Jews. We all owe Rabbi Kasnett a DR. Bt:NZION the nation's capital last year. and debt of gratitude for his pioneer­ is returning to private pursuits. ing work in Washington, D.C. SOROTZKIN A native of Washington, Cohen "At the same time, we are for­ Parent Group fonning attended yeshivas in the local area, tunate indeed, as is the entire Jew­ for Sept.ember and pursued advanced Talmudic ish community, that an individual studies at Ner Israel Yeshiva in of the experience, talent, and Issues Related To Baltimore. At Ner Israel. he re­ caliber of Abba Cohen will now be Raising Children ceived semicha from its revered representing us day-in and day­ f'OR INFORMA110N CALL: late rash hayeshiva. Rabbi Yaakov out in the seat ofAmerican govern­ (718) 266-7151 Yitzchok Ruderman. A graduate of mental power. The structure we Johns Hopkins University. Cohen are creating is being built upon received his masters degree in the foundation laid by Agudath Rabbi Aryeh Schechter International Political Economy at Israel over the course of the last the prestigious Columbia Univer­ half century in its shtadlonus SOFER S"TAM sity School of International Affairs activities in Washington and is in New York. and earned his law supported by the talents of Agu­ degree from the Georgetown Uni­ dath Israel's staff at our national ~ ,,,.._. versliy Law Center in Washington, Brooklyn, NY 11219 headquarters. With Abba Cohen at e make "housecalls." D.C., where he was a member of the helm of our Washington Office the Georgetown Immigration Law this structure promises to be a .(718) 972-4003 Journal. magnificent edifice of achieve­ :i-·j~ .. Cohen brings to his position ment and strength." / - ib;,,!t> .

The Jewish Observer, June 1989 47 Jewish history may be lying around in your basement" Don't let it be lost to the world@

he Orthodox Jewish Archives, which was struck by a damaging fire last year, has completed renovation of its physical facilities, and has embarked on a worldwide search Tto rebuild and expand its holdings. The destruction of archival material in the blaze was, fortunately, not as extensive as originally thought. Through advanced restoration techniques, many items written off as hopelessly damaged were able to be saved. But the effort cannot stop with salvage and recovery. It is time for a greater undertaking. Thousands of documents and photos are languishing in trunks, attics and forgotten drawers in private homes and basements. Now is the time to retrieve this precious material­ before it becomes dust instead of history. Your help-the public's help-is needed in this effort. Do you have any relevant old photos, documents, or records?

THE CATEGORIES OF ITEMS REQUESTED:

• Documentation of Orthodox Jewish rescue work dur~ • Documents and photos pertaining to Orthodox activ~ ing the Holocaust. ism in the social servif..e and civic action fields. • Photos depicting life in the shtetl, the Orthodox com­ • Photos of Gedolei Yisroel past and present. munities of the cities, the yeshiva world, and Chassidic • Sels of Orthodox journals and periodicals. centers of Europe before t.he Holocaust. • Documenls and photos relating to the religious • Documents 1 records, letters, journals and newspapers in Eretz Yisroel, .its institutions and struggles for that portray Turah life in Europe as it was, and cast Jewish life. light on t.he issues and problems facing Jews at the time. • Documents and photos pertaining to world·wide Agudath Israel history, all Knessios Gedolos, and the • Documents1 records, correspondence, newsclippings! development of the American Agudah movement since journals, memorabilia. and phoros depicting Orthodox 1922. life in the ll.S. from colonial times to the present. ({{you are hesitarll to pa.rt with cherisheditems1 arra.nge­ • Documents and photos perlaining to the development m.ent.s can be made to reproduce cert-0in kinds of dotuments of yeshivos throughout the country. and photos, l.envi.ng the original in your possession.)

The previous Archives facility, gutted by a fire from within, was modeled according to accepted archival procedures. The new Orthodox Jewish Archives, now rebuilt, has been safeguarded with maximum state-of-the-art protection above and beyond standard archival design. AS A COMMUNITY, WE MUST PRESERVE THIS LEGACY THAT WIU OlHIERWISE IE lOH 'Kl FUTURE GENERATIONS. If you have any items in the above categories in your possession, or know where they can be obtained, please write or phone: ORTHODOX JEWISH ARCHIVES Agudath Israel of America 84 William Street, New York, N.Y. 10038, 212-797-9000