THE JEWISH QBSERVER
in this issue ...
LETTERS AND RESPONSES...... 3 THE ELEMENTS OF "BITACHON," Gershon Taschman ...... 8
WIFE, MOTHER ... AND REBBE ...... IO
THIRTY YEARS AGO: PROBLEMS OF POST-LIBERATION, Nathan Baruch with Yaakov Feitman ...... 12
DR. LEO DEUTSCHLANDER, FATHER OF THE BAIS Y AAKOV MOVEMENT. Chaim Shapiro 14
SECOND LOOKS AT THE JEWISH SCENE EVOLVING THEORIES, J. David Bleich...... 19
THE JEWISH OBSERVER is published NORMALIZATION AND THE BRIDGE...... 22 monthly, except July and August, by the Agudath Israel of Amercia, 5 Beekman St., New York, N. Y. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, continued ...... 24 10038. Second class postage paid at New York, N. Y. Subscription: $6.50 per year; Two years, $11.00; INDEX TO VOLUME X, NUMBERS l-10 Three years $15.00; outside of the United States $7.50 per year. Single SUBJECTS...... 28 copy seventy-five cents. Printed in the U.S.A. AUTHORS ...... 29
RABBI NISSON WOLPIN Editor GIVE A SPECIAL GIFT TO SOMEONE SPECIAL
Editorial Board THE JEWISH OBSERVER DR. ERNST L. BODENHEIMER 5 Beekman Street / New York, N. Y. 10038 Chairman RABBI NATHAN BULMAN 0 ONE YEAR: $6.50 0 TWO YEARS: a $13 value, onlr Sil RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS D THREE YEARS: a $19.50 Yalue, 011ly $15 JOSEPH FRIEDENSON RABBI MOSHE SHERER Send Magazine to: From:
Na1nc...... Name..... THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not assume responsibility for the Address ...... Address. Kashrus of any product or service :1dvertised in its pages. City...... State...... Zip...... _. City...... State...... Zip. D Enclose gift card O Enclosed: $ ...... JUNE, 1975 VOL. XI, No. l D Bill m., $ ...... Typography by Compo-Scribe at ArtScroll Studios, Ltd. r Letters & Responses
The article "Never Again! - Who Can Say It?" featured in the May Jewish Observer generated an unusually large volume of mail - much of it favorable, a sizeable portion critical. Letters of special interest, with comment where war- ranted, have been selected for the readers' interest.
Congress's will to oppose the Presi resultant burning of Jews with the The Irresponsibility of dent and the Secretary of State .... following: Reb Aharon Kotler, HNever Again" How long can we rely on that? when asked how he could humble himself to secularists in his hatzalah A spiritual approach would focus efforts, responded: "/ch volt zich To the Editor: on the combined zechusim (merits) mishtatei' ach givven farn Poyps tzu of more than two million Jews and I was moved by your "Never rateven di noggle fun a Yiddishin Again" article, especially by the in of Eretz Yisroel. But did not the six Kindt (l would prostrate myself dictment of today's Never Againers million have their own combined before the Pope to save the finger for inciting innocent people to rash zechusim, too? Does the JDL mean nail of a Jewish child)." This type of acts. to rely on the tzaddikim who difference between Gedolei perished in World War II to protect Grossly irresponsible, in my view, HaTorah, who have devoted their us today? How ironic for those who is the JDL's constant harping that lives to self-discipline and subjuga defy today's Torah leadership, who "It" can happen here - in America, tion to the Divine will, and other cast aspersions on ihe leaders of the while maintaining that the only safe leaders, who have usurped the place for Jews today is in Israel. I last generation, to bank on their merit! In any case, a situation of authority of daas Torah, arises in should hope that there are enough cloudy borderline issues, where "on mortal danger is defined by ordinary credible arguments for a/iya without ly a hairsbreadth separates Gehen resorting to inspiring panic and in terms of cause and effect, not by guessing at G-d's conduct of affairs. nah from Gan Eden." On which side venting a security tack. of the hairsbreadth does JDL place By such terms, Israel is indeed a itself - on total subjugation to daas By what criteria is Israel safer for place of danger. Jews than is the United States? In Torah. or on total reliance on its In sum, the argument they ad sheer rational terms, Jews in Israel own interpretation of priorities? vance - their prophetic "it could are even more threatened than were One more sad footnote - an happen here" - as opposed to what the Jews of Germany in the 30's. older friend of mine told me that he could imminently (G-d forbid) hap The Germans embarked on war, remembers how in Russia of 1917 pen there, has nothing to do with facing either . victory or an irre the Jewish Communist youth Torah and is too ludicrous to re deemable defeat. In Israel's unique marched the streets to the slogan of quire rebuttal. It is, however, as situation the Arabs never really - yes - to the slogan of "never stated before, an eye opener to their lose, and need win only once (G-d again." brand of Ahavas Yisroel. forbid). When they lose there is very JERRY GARBER little to stop them from trying again While it would appear to be un Liberty, New York and again. In addition, Hitler's hor just to compare the JDL with ri b I e designs depended on secular leaders of the past or pre overwhelming all the European sent, nationalism with its own kind A Plea For United Orthodoxy countries where Jews were living. of promise of ultimate Jewish sur - Including the JDL The Allied powers were perforce vival seems to permeate its thinking fighting to defeat the Germans. and influence its decision making - Which country is willing to fight to even in areas of life and death. To To the Editor: defeat the Arabs today" Who, fully appreciate the differences Perhaps Rabbi Meir Kahane will besides the US, even cares if Israel between the secular leadership and a have his own reply to your article survives? And as for the U.S., Torah one, contrast Stephen Wise's "Never Again," but permit me a few Israel's security depends on burning of Hitler in effigy and its thoughts.
The Jewish Observer/Summer /975 3 The article is, without a scintilla Again!" can and does mean that You have subjectively interpreted of a doubt, a feat of superb literary these poseurs will be forced to ac the "militant" vow to be an implicit virtuosity. More than that, how count for all they do, and they will indictment of a supposedly passive ever, it expresses a Torah-immersed be measured by the yardstick of European Jewry, coupled with a viewpoint replete with fact and prin Torah principles. jingoistic call for total self-reliance. ciple, and it is overwhelming in its As one who has in my own time In the Jewish struggle for physical total impact. If only I could have shouted "Never Again" with the and spiritual survival, un read the article with my mind alone rest of them (does there truly exist questionably we must say: Torah, and not with my heart also! For, any Jew today for whom these two first and foremost! But that does not you see, I was compelled to read words do not strike home?), let me exclude defensive military prepara through my tears. tell you what the phrase means. tions or the assertion of physical Having stated the above, I must prowess and political clout. On the It was not a godless pronounce say that I think Rabbi Wolpin mis contrary, Torah demands it. Our ment of absolute certitude or self understands Rabbi Kahane's inten prayer to Hashem is revealing of the reliance, but rather a vow~prayer, tions and his targets in his (R. Jewish attitude towards life. We say, whose determination is contingent Kahane's) use of the words "Never "Lo amus ki echye va'asaper ma'asei upon and intertwined with a silently Again!." I am not a partisan of the kaw" (with Hashem's permission, "I mouthed "im yirtze Hashem." Ac Jewish Defense League, but I am shall not die; rather I shall live and tivist Jews are not heretics who feel not its opponent either. One should relate the wondrous deeds of that boisterous chants will stave off try to be objective, and therfore, I G-d.") We ask G-d to keep us alive anti-Semitism: hut I submit that would say that I am its sympathetic because it is a mitzva (literally) to such chants ____.:_ and demonstrations, critic. The J.D.L. is a legitimate live. It is therefore a sin not to strug petition drives and related actions group within the Jewish kehilla, ex gle to survive, not to do all we can - are indeed precisely the sort of pressing mainly ideas and emotions within our own power to stay alive. hishtadlus you favorably alluded to. full of love for the Torah. Many of NEVER AGAIN must Jews rely on A rally is as much an affirmation of its actions and words may be con leaders who do not accept the prin our sense of pikuach nefesh as is sidered futile and/or infantile and/ ciple that LIFE BEGINS WITH morning tefil/a a part of our devo or wrong, but the "Never Again!" TORAH! And for the organizations tion to the will of G-d. One comple slogan they use and the thrust of that call themselves Orthodox and ments the other: Heither precludes their activity is directed against the accept this principle (be they the other. same Jewish Establishment Agudah, Young Israel, Union of And so when the religious youth (Reform: secular: anti-Torah Orthodox Congregations, Rab of Israel today proclaim "not once groups) that Rabbi Wolpin exposed binical Council of America, inch," and when the religious youth in his article. To these groups we Lubavitch, etc.) their duty is clear. .. of Brooklyn swear "never again," must and do say, "You do not they must form a United Torah neither does so within the context of deserve the right to speak for the Front to create the authentic a secular vacuum. Rather, they do Jewish People and Judaism. leadership the Jewish People require so as an extension of their holiest Historically, you have betrayed and yearn for. impulses. Gush Emunim does not Jewish interest and Jews, and we will !RVINGGAVRJN condemn fellow Jews who would not permit you to repeat this. Parsippany, New Jersey barter Eretz Yisrae/ to sworn NEVER AGAIN' Your ignorance enemies: they work positively to en of the Torah and of Torah-strategy, sure full settlement and retention of your antipathy towards Torah, your the Jewish homeland - which was lack of bitochon in and yirah of 40 Never Again'" promised to them as fully as it was Hashlem makes you unworthy - An Extension of Prayer to Abraham and Moshe Rabeinu. leaders of the Jewish People. To say the least, we must constantly And the young American Jew scrutinize your activities and state To the Editor: with his "never again" in no way ments, and whenever necessary we chastizes his murdered European must remove the stumbling blocks Your analysis of the "Never brethren. He only promises them. in you are placing in front of the Again" theme was a penetrating, sometimes hushed. sometimes Jewishly blind! If you are too strong moving and generally accurate vociferous terms. that he will at or clever for us and prevent our portrayal of an era which is as pain tempt to avoid the pitfalls of Ga/us removing these obstacles, we will at ful to remember as it is necessary to in which they were ultimately trap least light a safe pathway around do so. My objections stem not so ped. them." much from historical innacuracy or With love of Israel, oversight as from your basic conten CHARLY J. LEVINE The implementation of "Never tion. University Hts .. Ohio
4 The Je'l1:ish Oh.~en·er/ Su111111er 1975 HNel'er Again" Neither that one or any group can alter or true for he who equates "never again" with "I am inVincible." And Blasphamous Nor Arrogant effect the course of history. This is all very puzzling to me. I grant that, for many, JDL and While your tendentious recording of "never again" are unfortunately To the Editor: the accounts of ghetto uprisings and superficial justifications for A comment on your article (JO, rescue missions, etc. certainly forces otherwise homicidal tendencies. But May 1975), "Never Again - Who one to eschew any belief in the al for he who merely employs the Can Say It?". It is only fair to leged patent sheepishness of Euro phrase as a directive to his own self, recognize that in your deprecation pean Jewry as a whole, the rest of realizing that for ••never again'' to of the inappropriate aspects of the your attack on a mere slogan seems be valid he will need both spiritual slogan "Never Again," you, at the gratuitous and a bit of overkill. It is as well as physical, economic and same time, admitted that a totally surely not correct that man's major political might, what can be the ahistorical approach to the proper efforts are "always directed towards blasphemy here? Jewish attitude in the cases cited perfecting his spiritual strategy "Never again" need not be a which would totally deny man's rather (italics mine) than toward value judgment implying that what ability as a free historical agent improving his political or military happened previously was anyone's would blashpeme equally against moves." A Jewish army, it is true, fault. Historical causes and effects our concept of hishtad/ut. fasts before any military engage are not right or wrong, in a moral However, as I re-read your ment, but the following day it moves sense; they are merely interrelated otherwise informative essay, it with the hope that their heightened events which often bear predictive struck me that your comments on spiritual status convinces G-d to relevance for the future. But there hishtadlut represented a 111ere lip remove any obstacles which might are certain actions that are generally service to at least this writer's under otherwise prevent them from ac established to have certain specific standing of the same and that we complishing their ends. consequences. Those who cry have opposing understandings of The fact that "All is in the hands Hnever again" merely wish to not hishtad/ut, in general, and of the of heaven. . . " is an overall state repeat those actions that caused un theory of Jewish history, in par ment of policy concerning Hashem's desirable consequences in the past. ticular. providence and omniscience - if it The fact that the Torah holds us That is, while you allow that were intended to be interpreted fun responsible for our actions implies, hishtadlut "has its place in the range damentalistically as never allowing as clearly recognized by halacha, of human actions a person is ex man to believe himself sure of that we are to a degree the masters pected to pursue in order to protect anything then our concept of free o;" our destinies. Whether or not himself," you also state that the will would be vacuous, indeed. The Hashem allows our rally cry of believing Jew "knows that the out fact that one's spiritual station is of "Never again" to be true is not rele come of events is influenced by his ultimate importance in the long-run vant to the range of human motiva own spiritual station, and his major of Torah mechanics does not mean tion. efforts are always directed toward that one's physical acts have no The choice to effect reality and perfecting his spiritual strategy meaning or power sui generis. When the cosmos in a unique way has to rather than toward improving his a person intends to do teshuvah for be man's because G-d granted man political or military moves. All - some transgression, the formula he that ability. One of the first com absolutely all - ... is in G-d's recites reads: m ands to man was "'leovdo hands, and teshuva, teffi//a and "I have sinned ... and I will never uleshomro," to maintain the world tzedaka. are the measures by return (to commit) said transgres and to preserve it. Obviously, man which He allows Himself to be in sion!" Now, what characteristic of was granted some efficacy to ac nuenced." Similar sentiments are human nature, according to your complish that end. The difference expressed elsewhere: "Even the metaphysic, allows one to recite that between a war and sin is really only policies directed from the very top phrase and yet would not allow one a difference in quantity - the of the decision-making hierarchy are to say "never again!"? These locu former is a transgression of the not really man's alone, for 'the tions are not meant to be expressive group level while the latter is one on hearts of kings and princes are in the but rather to be impressive - the individual level. Yet, they can be hands of G-d.'" Thus, even in the impressive upon the psyche, soul likened in that for both we should light of this seemingly fluid in and motivation of the person who impress upon ourselves '"never terpretation of hishtadlut, your basic utters them. True, if a person con again" - through what ever means thesis is allowed to remain intact: to fuses the meaning of "never again available to us. Should we burke this assert ••never again" is to overstep shall I sin" to mean that he can now option, we may be in violation, as I the bounds of your depiction of trust that he will forever be able to see it, of this universal command. hishtadlut and involves the overcome his nature and passions, MOSHE HALEVI SPERO blasphemous attitude of thinking he is being misled. The same holds Cleveland, Ohio
The Jewish Oh.u•rver/Summer 1975 5 Rabbi Wolpin Replies: When displaying a clenched fist alongside the "Never Again" No doubt one can interpret the slogan, the phrase expresses reliance on "The might of my arm" phrase "Never Again" in any number of ways, some of them quite - not as a prayer or as a directive to oneself. consistent with a Torah outlook.. But when one displays a clenched' uses this as proof that "in the hands dent in his thoughts and actions. fist alongside the slogan (or while of Heaven" is only a loose, One must say - contrary to Mr. shouting "not one inch" in regard to figurative expression, allowing man Spero's contention - that a war is Israel's boundaries) he is using the full freedom in all areas - both the indeed won on the day of fast and phrase to express reliance on "the spiritual and the mundane. He is in repentance that precedes the battle, might of my arm" - not as a grave error: The quote is incompkte not on the day of the fighting. prayerful entreaty to the Almighty, as he cites it, and so is his reasoning. The secondary value of hish not as a directive to oneself, nor as The Talmudic expression reads in any other of the more acceptable tadlus-human effort-in relation full: "All is in the hand of Heaven ex to the providence of "the hand of implications of "Never Again." cept for the fear of Heaven." While Heaven" is eloquently expressed in True, when pronounced with discre man is indeed a free agent in regard tion, "Never Again" is free from the Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch's to his spiritual station - whether he Nineteen letters. In the fifteenth criticisms outlined in the article, but will sin or be virtuous, enhance his this does not absolve the more mili letter. Naphtali answers Benjamin's spiritual standing or violate it - his complaint that keeping the Sabbath tant criers of "Never Again" from temporal life is totally "in the hands the indictments expressed. would invofv·e economic suffering. of Heaven." Riches or poverty, suc Benjamin feels that since he must Mr. Gavrin pleads for a wall-to cess or failure, life or death, are all depend on his own efforts for wall Kehil/a of Orthodox groups, in G-d's hands. sustenance, one day of complete rest including the Jewish Defense Hishtadlus per se is not the from labor would cost him a serious League. His stipulation, however, determining factor in man's affairs. loss of income. In reply, Naphtali of accepting that "Life Begins With It is an obligatory expression of con explains: "If you think that your Torah" unfortunately eliminates the cern, but it is not of intrinsic value business activity is essentially dif JDL from such a Kehil/a. A deter nor is it the factor that produces ferent from that of the farmer, who mining criterion for inclusion in results. While man is expected to as can do no more than place the seed such a Kehilla would of necessity be sert effort toward realizing specific in the earth, and must look to the acceptance of the authority of goals, his reliance must be on G-d's blessing of G-d's sun and G-d's rain Gedo!ei Yisroel, as well as the providence - and this must be ·evi- to ripen and develop it; if you Gedo/im's tacit approval of the organization's philosophy. The Torah leadership has never countenanced the irresponsible law breaking and violence of the JDL - an approach that precipitated in the tragic loss of an innocent life in the Hurok office incendiary explosion and the imprisonment of misled young men in connection with this tragic incident. It takes more than sharing common foes such as the secular establishment, or a common profession of Orthodoxy, to unite groups of differing philosophies. Mr. Spero cites man's control over his personal conduct in regard to sin, and then generalizes from this to include his control over cosmic events, such as war. He attempts this by rejecting the literal application of the expression "All is in the hands of Heaven ... " as opposing the doctrine of man's free will; and he JDL Demonstration, New York City. Photograph hy Jack Lipkins
6 Tht' Jt'il"t\h Oh~t'rl't'r S1unn1er !975 Others cite the inadequacy of our believe that your strength and the Rabbi Reuven Grozovsky '.:>"~l and report of. Rabbi Eliezer Silver's power of your own hand can raise World War II Hatzalah the edifice of your prosperity to its towering involvement in the Vaad summit of perfection - not G-d, Hatzalah's life-saving efforts - in but you alone - and that all other To the Editor: its very founding, throughout the considerations must yield to this one I respectfully call your attention war years,as well as his indefatigable ambition, then - then - of course. to what r regard as a serious omis efforts during the post-war era. "But this is not the spirit of sion in your most recent edition of It is impossible to assess such Judaism. Try to comprehend the The Jewish Observer, when you giants on the printed page. and sure Sabbath and its beautiful ideal les reported on the activities of leading ly a few scant lines in the context of a larger article will fail to do justice sons . ... Torah personalities and their rescue to their contributions. "If you would but contemplate work during the years of the your life in the spirit of the Sabbath, Holocaust. It is inconceivable that Woman in a Torah Society: if you would but one single moment the record of American Jewry's in Household Arts see yourself as viewed by the eternal volvement during that period could gaze of G-d, as the Sabbath teaches be complete without including the To the Editor: that you are; if you would com sainted Rabbi Reuven Grozovsky, o">t Rosh Yeshiva of Mesivta In addition to the heritage of prehend yourself as vivified by G-d, Torah which Jewish parents trans in a G-d-filled world, the totality of Torah Vodaath and Bais Medrash Elyon. mit to their children, Jewish women whose life is directed by G-d, would have also transmitted an additional your thinking still follow the same Reb Reuven was a life-long com heritage, of skills and attitude, to line" If you would sense that you are panion of Reb Aaron Kotler ?"'I , their daughters, who worked with a child and servant of the All-One, and they worked closely in all areas and under their mothers as appren that all of your existence is depen of Kial including Hatzalah. Prior to tices in caring for the house and the dent upon the will of the One and his illness, Reb Reuven ?">i, was younger children. Only Lord and Father, that every probably the most active Rosh Giris are now in school during the breath is His gift, every faculty His Yeshiva in all phases of Kial work prime apprenticeship period, to the decree, every event in your history and was a most articulate enhancement of their knowledge of His doing, that you are His servant, spokesman for the Moetzes Gedolei Torah, but often to the detriment of and your whole life is the fulfillment Hatorah, and was respected by all their outlook on the woman's role. of His commandments, and that segments of the Torah community. To introduce more homemaking or your efforts are not more than one One of the sad omissions on our chessed activities during school of those commandments - would part has been the failure to record hours will not improve this outlook you then still understand your pre the Herculean efforts of the Godo! substantially, because in a setting sent complaint? .... You would B'Yisroe! who played such a vital where academic standards prevail, realize that these blessed results can role in our generation in shaping the less purely intellectual studies seem only be attained if both gain and dis Torah community, and whose in second class. posal are in accordance with Divine fluence I dare say, is still felt today. To women whose daughters have precept. You would see that since it I sincerely hope that his Blessed not yet entered school I have a is G-d who has given you the power Memory will be inscribed in the positive suggestion to make: start to earn, and blessing in the ac pages of The Jewish Observer as it is your daughter's apprenticeship dur cumulation of wealth, He is also rich in the hearts of those who had the ing her pre-school years, so that by and strong enough to shower upon good fortune "to drink the waters of the time studies start clamoring for your dwelling so much manna in six Torah at his feet." her attention she will have days that you would want for homemaking skills to take pride in. RABBI BERNARD WEINBERGER nothing on the seventh." which will form a base for continual Young Israel of Brooklyn "Every breath is His gift, every development as' her capabilities faculty His decree, every event in grow. The key is participation: al your history His doing," leaving no Editorial Comment: lowing her. for example, to stand on efficacy, no actual accomplishment As Rabbi Weinberger points out. a chair and add µremeasured in in human endeavor on the temporal failure to mention Rabbi Reuven gredients to the cake batter. A level. Man is totally dependent on Grozovsky's invaluable accomplish mother who sews could guide her G-d for realization of his goals. ments in hatzalah work in the 40's, daughter through some seams on Only through teshuva, tefi//a, and as well as his key role in the renais her own clothes, so that she will tzedaka can he assume a higher sance of Torah study and Torah life think of it as a dress "that Ima and I spiritual station and effect changes in America, were indeed grave omis made" and look forward to a day in his destiny. sions. (continued on page 24 I
The Jewi.~h Ohserver/Sun1mer 1975 7 Gershon Tasch man The Elements of "Bitachon" What are the implications of having trust in G-d? The following discussion of this vital trait is based on the writings of the ~hazon !sh: Rabbi Avrohom Yishayahu Karelitz, n::n::i'.J P'1!:1 iJt
It is virtually impossible to be unaware of the heighten ing tension and insecurity besetting world Jewry in our times. Indeed, a notable upsurge of these feelings is ap parent since the Y om Kippur War. The need for bitachon Surely, ours is an era that calls for bitachon - trust in G-d's Providence. But what, precisely, is the nature of bitachon? Is it the duty to believe that when confronted with a situation with two possible outcomes - one good, the other not - that only the favorable will occur? As a corollary, then, would one who is unsure of the outcome and apprehensive for the future - be considered lacking bitachon? The popular This is indeed a popular view of bitachon. But the oversimplification Chazon !sh ?"::ti dismissed it summarily: Nothing what soever in this world is inevitable unless its occurence is clearly based upon some Torah prophecy. Neither the "good" nor the "bad" must take place. Bitachon, then, is the belief that there are no chance happenings in this world, and that all that transpires is by Divine decree. Both the obvious Understandably, when one is beset with mortal danger, good and the less he can be so engulfed with tension or anguish that he loses apparent good are sight of the fact that "chance" as such is non-existent. It from Him can become difficult for him to remember that nothing prevents G-d from rescuing him by setting into motion causalties - that can reverse the prevailing trend of events. Bitachon emerges when at this difficult hour he maintains an equanimity and an inner conviction that all is from Heaven, whether for a good which is obvious, or a less apparent type of good which is deemed preferable from Above. His steadfast faith then assuages his fear, al lowing him to dare to believe that rescue is conceivable, for he is not in the grip of a natural chain of events that is DR. TASCH MAN. a clinical psychologist, studied propelling him towards harm any more than toward a for in Yeshiva Ner lsrael - Baltimore and Mesifta Rabbi Chaim Berlin. tunate outcome. This sterling individual's faith remains
8 The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 rugged even in the event that suffering awaits him, for again it will not result from mere chance, for all is from Heaven. The strategies of It follows, then, that the efforts at rescue of a ba' al "bitachon" are bitachon (master of trust in G-d) are not conventional different ones. Thus, rather than investing totally, as it were, in the pursuit of nobility and officialdom, or in the devising of vain strategies, he scrutinizes his ways and he directs his heart towards teshuva, tefi/la and tzeddaka - repentance, prayer, and charity - to avert an evil decree. Other forms of personal intervention depend upon the person and the situation, and all the sections of Shu/chan Aruch (including the unpublished "Fifth Section") will, as usual, point the way for him. The Chazon !sh added that a true ba'a/ bitachon is likely to be an especially modest individual. He is not one to publicize that he is among the botchim (as is characteristic of those whose bitachon is counterfeit). On the contrary, he goes his way, attended by strength and confidence in G-d. Realism is not There may be those who feel that the thoughts of the pessimism Chazon !sh on bitachon are somewhat pessimistic, in con trast to the popular belief that the desired outcome will transpire. They may be startled by the frank admission that nothing in the future is assured unless prophesized. Actually, the position of the Chazon !sh is a remarkably encouragmg one. Indeed, when a Jew retires at night, does he know that the sun will rise again, or that he will awake? Yet, he con fidently commits his soul to its Guardian. -Trepidation? -Pessimism? To the contrary. This Guardian "never slumbers nor sleeps!" What exhilaration, then, ought at tend one's declaration of "Modeh Ani'' on the following morning! The hands of Yaakov And when Jews collectively face a threatening world, it - raised in prayer is crucial that they realize that by their very nature and destiny, they are insufficient unto themselves. Eisav, their antagonist, is a "fahrtiger" - "finished" and indeed he ac complishes with his hands as his very name suggests: )\!I)) '11!1)) The most effective Jewish hands raised in war have been those uplifted in prayer, as were Moshe Rabbeinu's when the Jews were in confrontation with Amaleik. Yaakov's hands may seem limited, but they are capable of invoking a most decisive intervention by the Rock of His strength. !.'-
The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 9 Wife, Mother . . . and Rebbe The following article was submitted by the head of a Seminary. While he was emotionally comforting, he family in a small community a hundred-plus miles from didn't have much to offer her spiritually. On the other New York City. Names have been omitted to preserve the hand, we felt that if she would share her own feelings, privacy of the people involved. her own bitachon in G-d's justice with the chaplain, perhaps he would find himself enriched by her outlook Prologue on life. And so the visits continued, with a mutual During the four years that my wife, Sima,n··v, suffered enrichment. with cancer, she accepted her gzar din (decree) with an After several sessions with Sima, the chaplain was so inner resolve that proved a source of strength to all who touched by the strength of her faith that he asked her to had come in contact with her. record her attitude on paper, to JJass on her convictions While she was in Memorial Hospital in New York, in to others. She did, and the results were submitted to January 1974, a chaplain made a practice of stopping by Sh'ma (a Jewish publication without denominational with pastoral counseling. Sima and I were discussing his identification), which published her thoughts in its April routine stops in her room: He was a young Reform rab 1974 edition. The following are axcerpts from that arti bi. Sima had graduated a Bais Yaakov high school and cle: ------Facing my cancer------. Cancer makes no appointment. It strikes. Lives learn to accept some of their aches and pains have to be saved. Action begins immediately. more contentedly... Doctors, hospitals-all that can be done. After three years, I can walk proudly. I have been For many people there is prayer too. A deep faith visiting the sick. I have developed a sympathy for and prayer. As long as I am granted life, my pray others. My concern now is to do for others as ers are being answered. My faith has sustained me much as I can. and motivated me to make more of my life than I I have become active in several organizations. I ever imagined I would be able to. have celebrated at numerous weddings and other After my mastectomy in April of 1971, I was im happy occasions with my family and friends. mediately struck with feelings of fear. Maybe I There is an extra special joy at these times, only wouldn't live. due to my having been ill. I had to attack these feelings. I was the young We are facing reality at the same time. I have to mother of three young children and I had to live with the possibility of a recurrence for the think of our future.· I did not want to change my rest of my life and when, about a year later, a family's life style from one of happiness to one of lump suddenly appeared in my neck, I went depression. I had to find a meaning for my straight to the doctor. These days cancer is not existence-a reason to continue living. hopeless. With early detection and constant new I believe that each person was put into this world discoveries, much can be done ... for a purpose. Until my illness, I hadn't given it I do not take things for granted anymore. I try to much thought. Everything was routine and nor teach my children as much as I can about the mal. I was married for thirteen years and my hus world and life. I don't put off doing things the way band and l were raising a fine family. Other peo that I used to. I sew my own clothing; I try new ple became sick-not me. recipes; I have a great sense of accomplishment Suddenly it was my turn. I couldn't turn back the and fulfillment. ... clock. I could only move forward .... My feeling is that I have learned to cope with my My friends in the small community where I live illness and to make a rich and full life for myself made a big fuss over me. They admired my and my family. I am living with the fervent prayer courage and showed their deep concern. I started that I have many years left ahead of me. Be that as to think that maybe this had happened to me as it may, I am making the most of my life and enjoy an example for these people. Maybe they would ing it to the fullest extent.
10 The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 Epilogue this period was 9:30, but we had barely begun the Seder by that hour. Despite our urging,'she remained with us During Sima's subsequent-last-year of life her battle except for short rests on the sofa, until we were com was much more difficult, and her struggle much more pletely finished - at about one a.m. A seemingly minor valiant. Several close friends advised me to write down incident but full of meaning to her and to us because it what I remember of those days, to encourage others un represented another victory in her personal battle. dergoing personal hardship and suffering. The mashgiach in the nearby Mesivta especially urged me to record the details of her conduct during this most July 1974 meaningful year of her life as a model for others in their Visiting day at camp to see two daughters: avodas Hashem (service to G-d): Chemotherapy had seriously weakened her leg muscles. When she attempted to walk a bit on the soft ground she In general, the inexorable course of her illness fell immediately. By the time she reached a chair where brought terrible difficulties, but despite them, and to she spent the rest of the afternoon, however, she some extent because of them, she found new meaning in regained her composure. And this was the way her life and a new approach to Jiving. She began to search daughters saw her - with her face wreathed in smiles. anew for mitzvos and found them: a sudden realization of the importance of a chapter from Tehillim, a daily private study session in Tanach (Bible), a yearning to August 1974 learn Sifrei Mussar (ethical literature), visiting an in valid, working for the local shul and mikvah, and so on. A Simcha: A wedding in New York of the oldest son Completely ignoring her own precarious situation, she of a dear friend, and she was determined to go. We kept our family strong. Those who visited her during parked a block from the catering hall. She took one step these days or even came in brief contact with her, were out of the car and fell with a badly turned ankle. I was amazed and inevitably inspired. ready to drive the hundred-plus miles back home but she would not hear of it, so I drove to the entrance of the The details are easier to record as I recall the months hall. Heavily leaning upon me, she entered with a one at a time . ... radiance worthy of the ocassion and found a seat while I looked for parking. She maintained the glow January, 1974 throughout the evening. Those who were familiar with her condition learned something about simcha she/ One of her several trips to the hospital: As always, n?itzva. she entered with the bitachon and courage to face whatever lay ahead. Even from the hospital bed she October 1974 fought to make her days meaningful. I will never forget the old lady in the next room who was so sick that she Yorn Kippur: Sima decided to attend a minyan and spent her days moaning in pain. Friday night when the even attempt to fast. She made the ten block walk sup hustle of the day was over, Sima went into the room and ported by a daughter on each side, and entered the wished the lady A Gui/en Shabbos. The woman had not building with the smile of someone returning victorious emitted an intelligible sound for days, yet now from the battlefield. I checked in on her several times responded with a quaking "Omain" whereupon the during the day and each time her face expressed the woman in the next bed asked in disbelief, "You have same sin1cha. She claimed it was one of the easiest fasts time for others?" she had ever experienced. The women present felt her presence and her conduct as an inspiration for teshul'a. February I 974
Home from the hospital: Sima was immediately af * * * * * flicted with headaches which quickly increased in Thus. she was a Rebbe to us ail - a Rebbe in how to severity until they were excruciating. After three weeks live Torah. rather than in how to learn Torah. During she returned to the hospital for a new course of treat the years of her illness she constantly reminded us of two ment. Home again, much improved, her comment was, very fundamentals of Jewish living: Time is one of G-d's "Boruch Hashem the two symptoms did not strike most valuable gifts to us - and indeed she found beauty together, for I don't know if I would have been able to in using every moment in constructive activity. In addi stand them." tion, she was sensitive to the feelings and needs of others. and she constantly worked towards helping April 1974 others. May we merit to continue what Sima began. Pesach at the Seder table: Her usual bedtime during ~
The Jt•wish Obsen•er/Summer 1975 II Nathan Baruch with Yaakov Feitman Thirty Years Ago Problems of Post-Liberation
For those of us who lived through it, there can be no with the Nazis and were now in peril from their own forgetting that day. After five years of unspeakable hor former friends. ror, we turned the key, and the inmates of Germany's in With the Jews it was a totally different story. They famous concentration camps suddenly found themselves had absolutely nowhere to go. Most Jewish homes were free. But freedom was a word only, perceived through a mist of confusion and disorientation. The problems fac ing the she'aris hapeleita - the survivors of the Holocaust - were colossal and seemingly insurmoun table. The Allied armies had achieved their goal of libera tion, and left many a soldier burdened with lifetime haunting memories of the stench of Dachau ovens, the piles human bones, and emaciated but unbowed Jewish faces. But leave they did, their job apparently done. The Doubly Displaced Jew A special task force was hastily organized to deal with the constantly emerging and monumental problems of the survivors: UNRRA (United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration) was formed to deal with the difficulties of all the survivors. However, to our amazement and chagrin, we soon found that the UNRRA had "uncovered" hundred of thousands of non-Jewish war victims and had busily proceeded to deal comprehensively with their problems. The status of the Jewish survivors was relegated to the position of "one of the injured parties." So UNRRA continued to issue pronouncements on the "equality" of treatment of all Holocaust victims, but we knew that we were different . The Russians, the Ukranians, the Poles - they were truly "displaced per sons." For a period of time they had been uprooted from their homes, perhaps even harrassed or tortured. But after the war, they had homes to return to. The Gen tiles who did not wish to return usually had their own personal reasons: the government had changed hands and they had been active in the old regime and now feared reprisals; or, they had collaborated at one time
1'ATHAN BARUCH. a Long l.fland husine.fs man, represenled Vaad Jlarzalah in the European DP Camps immediately after World War II. lie i.\· active in Jewish community affairJ.
RABBI l+JTMAN is dean of Yeshiva R'tzahd in Brooklyn. His translation t~f Mateh Elokim - "Out of 1he Iron Furnace" - was recently puh/ished. This article is dedicated to the memory of hi.1· /are father Reb Shmuel ben Yaakov ?"t who survived jive years in the concentration camps, and was active in the She'aris Hapeleita activities.
12 The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 demolished during the war and those that still stood America, the Agudah proceeded to arrange for the were immediately occupied by Gentiles. The word needs of Jews who had yearned for years for that first "home" soon turned into a bitter irony with meaning tefilla be-tzibbur (communal prayer), the first kiss for the only for someone else. Those who in their naivete tried tzitzis. the first anguished Kaddish for a score of loved to return to their birthplace, found that they could not ones. gain a foot-hold in the blood-drenched earth. So from It soon became clear to the Gedo!im in all over Europe, displaced, broken and homeless Jews America-especially after emotion-charged visits by converged upon Germany in mid-1945. Rabbi Eliezer Silver, Rabbi Avrohom Kalmanowitz and The American Initiative HMike" Tress, •il:ri:i7 tJJ1i:n, among others-that a permanent liaison would have to be established between Because of the UNRRA's failure to recognize the in Orthodox Jewry in America and the religious she'aris credible magnitude of the Jewish problems after libera hapeleita. Proper care could not be based upon the deci tion, the burden fell upon American Jewish organiza sions of social workers and psycl)ologists, even if they tions to help the she'aris hapeleita. were well-meaning, but upon the daas Torah, as ar Yet, as valiantly as they tried - and credit must be ticulated by the Gedolei Yisroe/. It was my great zchus to given for a noble effort - the secular-oriented Jewish be appointed as this go-between. To this very day, I can organizations made a basic error. They based the pat not forget the joy on the pale and haggard faces when I tern of their help to the she'aris hapeleita upon their arrived with the news of my mission. Merely telling work in the United States - hospitals, food, clothing them that I was sent by the Gedolim to listen to their and other material things. They failed to realize the uni problems and to bring back their response made their queness of the situation. There was no paradigm for the shrunken cheeks radiate with joy and brought a gleam special type of relief work needed. Neither a into their listless eyes. humanitarian approach nor genuine empathy and com The Consummate Joy passion were sufficient. To help those chosen by G-d to survive required a deep understanding of what it means The Mishna (Succah) tells that "whoever did not see to be a Jew. In this, most of the American organizations the simchas beis hashoevah never witnessed true joy." failed conceptually and therefore practically. They Yet, a special status must be granted the joy of the con evaluated Jewish needs in material terms, yet, in centration camp survivors upon each new spiritual credibly, the first yearnings and requests of the she'aris endeavor. To have seen the residents of Ansbach and hape/eita upon liberation were for spiritual things. Bensheim, Hoff and Fritzlar, Ulm and Gabersee, Although some had seen no real food for five long years, Badgastein, Wasseralfingen and many, many more D.P. the first question on everyone's lips was : "Are there camps burned into 0ur collective memories, as they re kosher kitchens is the D.P. camps?" joiced with the new Vaad Hatzala publications was a It soon became clear that the word "necessity" has a sight to instill a lifetime of emuna and bitachon. different meaning in the dictionary of Knesses Yisroel. Under the guiding spirit of Rav Ahron Kotler,'J .. ~1. To the she'aris hapeleita, the priorities were taleisim, the Vaad Hatza/a printed copies of hundreds of tefillin, seforim; they were willing to wait patiently for seforim for the Torah-hungry survivors. First came the everything else. Their bodies could last a bit longer on basics, such as Chumashim and Gemoras; later such bare minimum, but the souls were starving and seforim as the Sha'agas Aryeh and the Kztos rolled off demanding. the presses. Bootstrap Action The print was terrible, the bindings primitive, the paper already yellowing; yet, I doubt if any seforim Swiftly realizing the inadequacy of the American anywhere at any time were received with such loving at Jewish relief agencies, groups were formed within the tention and hasmada (diligence). D.P. camps themselves, Agudath Israel being the most I drew deep inspiration from the way my energetic important. Helped by the Zeirei Agudath Israel of Zeirei colleagues circumvented bureaucratic red tape, sending literally hundreds of thousands of Kosher food parcels to Jewish army officers in Europe, to distribute ~""' to D.P. camp inmates. W.1Ei:~!:~.;i Moreover, the dedication of courageous rabbinic ih~~:J;~" leaders set an example impossible to match, yet difficult not to follow. The deepest impression, however, was made by the members of the she'aris hapeleita who made their own spiritual rehabilitation the priority of the first order, and who rose above personal tribulations to immerse "Shev Shmaitza" printed by Vaad Hatzalah in Munich, in 1947. themselves into solving the problems of the Kial. l'i'.
The Jewish Observer/ Summer 1975 13 Chaim Shapiro At a fund-raising dinner in America on behalf of his Yeshiva in Baranovitch, Reb Elchonon Wasserman :, .. ,, made a request: the Rabbi of the host synagogue not make the appeal, for he might not encourage too great of a response for a cause other than his own institution. The re quest was not fulfilled and the Rabbi did make the appeal. Dr. Leo "Give a dollar or two - whatever you can," pleaded the Rabbi, and indeed not much more came in. The Rabbi later apologized to Reb Elchononfor not set ting a higher ceiling for contributions. Reb Elchonon Deutschlander replied, "So you are not Beza/el. How can I have mis givings?" He then explained: when commanded to build the Mishkon (portable sanctuary in the wilderness) Moshe Rabbeinu was told that "Beza/el" would be in charge. Moshe began his search and stopped whomever he met, "ls your name Beza/el?" and the Jew would reply, "No, my name is Chaim" - or, "Sorry, I'm Gamliel." "Could Moshe have had complaints against them for not being Beza/el?" asked Reb Elchonon. "Of course not! Not everyone has the ability or the z'chus to be a Beza/el. You, sir, are just not a Beza/el." When Sara Schenirer launched the Bais Yaakov movement, she was totally on her own. At the start there were no fellow Bezalel.s to assist her. Then they emerged one at a time - first, Reb Gershon Eliezer Friedenson, a most effective molder of opinion, who disseminated the idea on a broad, organized scale. He was joined by an intellectual "Bezalel," Rabbi Shmuel (Leo) Deutsch lander who, in many respects, can be considered the father of the movement, for his imprint is felt to this very day - on the schooling of Jewish girls, and on the very richness of the fabric of Jewish life wherever Torah is alive. Who was Dr. Leo Deutschlander? From where did he draw inspiration to dedicate his life to the spreading of Torah and Yiddishkeit? Boyhood in Berlin Shmuel's father, Rabbi Nathan Deutschlander, had been the first director of the Religion-School of the Congregation Adas Yisroel in Berlin. When Shmuel was five years old his father died, followed by the passing of his mother two years later. A Mr. Bachman, a teacher in Altona, raised him until he was fifteen when he found a Father of the home with his brother-in-law, Rabbi Dr. E. Chaim Biberfeld. This new home had a lifelong impact on the young Bais Yaakov ster. Rabbi Biberfeld, formerly rabbi of Karlsruhe, had become a practicing physician in Berlin, when his father, the Rav of the old Bet ha-Midrash, passed away. The Movement congregation had wanted him to accept the vacated position. He yielded on one condition: that he forty years after be permitted to continue his medical practice. And so
CHAIM SHAPIRO, a resident of Baltimore, delights JO readers with his his passing articles regarding life in pre-war Europe.
14 The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 after a day of visiting his patients in homes and First, he personally raised the necessary funds. Comb hospitals, he would say the daily Blatt Gemora for his ing Western Europe for contributions was not an easy congregation. He was a Gaon in Torah, and his task, even for a man of his gifts. His friend Rabbi Dr. published Se/er on Hilchos Shabbos' is still considered a Leo Jung of New York proved a great help in this classic. Thus, in the Biberfeld home young Leo was im endeavor. With these funds he reinforced existing bued with a love for Torah and Mesiras Nefesh (con schools and yeshivas, and established new ones. The summate devotion) for Yiddishkeit. Novaradok Yeshiva students were crossing the Soviet When nineteen he began teaching in his late father's border into Poland en mass in those days to found new school, and young people immediately began clinging to schools in their Bais Yosef network, and he was ready him. During this period, he studied in the Universities of with much-needed financial help. Berlin, Warburg, and Gussen, earning a doctorate in He dreamed of seeing Torah schools spread German History and Literature. He became recognized throughout Western Europe just as they existed in the as a genius capable of lecturing on any subject under the East, and he devoted his main efforts to this goal. By sun, yet he would only find satisfaction lecturing on dint of personality, dedication, and sincerity, he won the Tanach. His combined intellectual achievements and confidence of the Torah leadership of Europe. Thus magnetic personality attracted people as moths to a when he appeared at a Knessia Gedola to report on the flame, and he used this magnetism to influence Baa/ei activities of Keren Hatorah, he was greeted with a rous Teshuva - estranged Jews in their return to Judaism - ing standing ovation. Gedolei Torah would join the en a pursuit he followed throughout his life. tire assemblage in greeting him with "Ye'chi Dr. Minister in Lithuania Deutschlander1 (Long live Dr. D.)" With the outbreak of World War I, Deutschlander In his work for Keren Hatorah he had heard of Sara was drafted into the Kaiser's army. He became a high Schenirer and her school, and a new era in his life began. ranking German officer and was stationed in occupied Lithuania. During the next four years, while serving as The Bais Yaakov Years liaison between the German authorities and the Jewish community, he organized the Yavne religious school Sara Schenirer was struggling to create a school for system for all Lithuania (with the assistance of his girls in Cracow, but it was a difficult undertaking. In ad friend, Rabbi Carlebach of Altuna). After Lithuania dition she was intent on limiting her efforts to the one proclaimed its independence he was invited to stay on as school. - If the school would grow too large, who head of the school system in the Jewish Ministry of the would be in control of its policies? When she was joined new-born Republic - a position he retained from 1919 by Dr. Shmuel Deutschlander, her undertaking did to 1922. grow in scope, and a local school was transformed into an international institution. This was but a stepping-stone in his lifetime career in Torah education. His first step was to allocate subsidies from the Agudath Israel's Keren Hatorah fund. Next, he wrote a The Keren Hatorah Assignment pedagogic program befitting a teachers' training school. Shmuel's youthful years in the Biberfeld home had Then, to implement this program, he embarked on a brought him in contact with many leaders in Orthodoxy, talent search throughout Europe for a suitable faculty. and paticularly in Agudath Israel. Notable among them It was no simple task, for he was looking for academi was Dr. Pinchas Cohn, a founder and leader of Agudath cians dedicated to the ideals of Torah and the Sais Israel, a personal friend of Rabbi Biberfeld. As a result Yaakov movement.Moreover, he did not believe in im of this influence Shmuel had organized the first Agudah parting Western culture to the students, but was con youth group in Germany. Several years after the First vinced that all the girls needed could be gained by study World War, he refused a professorship, preferring to ing Si/rei Kodesh (sacred literature) .... organize a religious Seminary for girls in Vienna and to Once he found the right person, he had to convince assume .an active role in Agudah affairs. When the him to join the staff. He personally had abandoned a life Knessia Gedola (International Congress of Agudath of comfort and dignity, when he refused a professorship Israel), in Vienna in 1923, passed a resolution to in a top German university to raise funds for Torah, and organize a Keren Hatorah with the purpose of es to travel in backward comrnunities in Eastern Europe. tablishing religious schools throughout Europe, the But how could he expect such dedication from others? resolution remained on paper, until Dr. Leo Why should they leave the comforts of Western Europe Deutschlander was entrusted with the task. He devoted for poverty stricken, backward Poland? all his energy and time to it. Yet they came and they stayed - not only in the an 1. Sabbath Vorschriften translated by his son into Hebrew ( Menucha cient city of Cracow, but even in a primitive location in Nechona). Rabbi Dr. Biberfeld's five sons all followed in his foot the Tatra mountains where the Seminary spent summer steps. months.
The Jewish ObJerver/Summer 1975 15 The Faculty used for eating, sleeping and classrooms. There in the lap of nature, under the motherly suprevision of Sara He dared invite Western academicians to come to Schenirer, the girls were given a crash teaching course. teach. . . Rabbi Dr. E. Ehrentrau' of Munich, who neglected his own personal life ... Miss Rosalie Mannes' Dr. Deutschlander would take off from his busy of Zurich ... Miss Betty Rotschild of Zurich and Miss schedule to lecture in the camp on his favorite subject: Judith Rosenbaum of Frankfurt. Tehi/im (Psalms). This was a novelty for in Poland, Jews Fascinated by the idea of teaching Torah, falling un said Tehilim, but who ever lectured Tehilim? der the spell of Sara Schenirer and of Dr. Deutsch Menucha Pines recorded: "The treetops ceased Jander's personality, captivated by the girls' love for whispering, the birds stopped singing, the whole world them all, and above all,impressed by the results, they stood still while the Herr Doktor lectured Tehilim. We stayed on for many years! girls were hypnotized, transferred into a different world. While they all were superb teachers, Yehudis Rosen When he finished, no one moved. We sat waiting for more baum who stayed on for seven years' gained a special - and more." place in the Seminary. Recalls a Cracow graduate: "She No wonder the girls would say: "He speaks like a Novi was a rare blend - tall, highly educated, and most (a prophet)." According to his close friend Rabbi modern. What does such a person have in common with Binyomin Jacobson,' Dr. Deutschlander's oft-repeated Bais Yaakov and its ideals? - Very much, for she was a motto was Boaz's advise to Rus:"My daughter, do not me!umedes (highly knowledgable in Torah) and full of go to collect in strange fields." Whatever you will find in Yiras Shomaim (fear of Heaven)." other cultures, exists with more beauty and truth in Yehudis eventually became Sara Schenirer's right Torah'. This was the basis of his educational program. hand and by the strength of her personality won the Rabbi Jacobson records Dr. Deutschlander's pride in hearts of all the girls. The girls so adored her that they that no Bais Yaakov Seminary graduate ever went would add an additional Horachamon in Birchas astray. Hamozon (Grace after meals) "for Yehudis Rosen baum." His Special Concern These imported teachers - especially the women Dr. Deutschlander was basically a pedagogue, and as -represented a cultural phenomenon in Poland: They such had a deep interest in every individual student in were educated in German universities and were fully im the Seminary. Having known the pain of growing up as bued with Torah and Yiras Shomaim. It seemed that an orphan, Dr Deutschlander had a particular spot in only Frankfurt succeeded in achieving this unusual his heart for orphans. Hence when the Seminary built its sophistication. large handsome building in Cracow, he placed one con The Summer Program dition before he delivered the Keren Hatorah's share of the funds: every year a specific number of orphan girls Dr. Deutschlander had claimed that two years was be admitted for half tuition. The benefits reached far not time enough to make effective teachers out of young and wide - even to the far-off city of Baranovitch, near girls. And time was short! No less than six hundred let the Russian border, where Reh Yisroel Yaakov ters were piled on Sara Schenirer's desk from com Lubchansky served as Mashgiach (dean) in Reb munities all over Poland, begging: "Send us teachers! Elchonon Wasserman's Yeshiva. Childless, he raised an Save our daughters!" orphan girl by the name of Wichna Eisen in his home. Typical of these teachers was Menucha Pines' of When she was ready to attend Seminary, he could not Tiktin. She was accepted in the Seminary when fourteen and graduated at sixteen. At that tender age the 2. Currently Rav of Kial Adas Yeshurun in London. graduates would be dispatched to various cities, not 3. Miss R. Mannes married Isaac Rosenheim. Presently in Tel Aviv. only to teach classes, but to organize schools from 4. Until her marriage to Dr. I. Grunfeld of Warzburg, presently scratch. They would style their hair to appear older, for Dayan of London, who translated the work of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch for the English speaking public. Dr. Y. Rosen they had to deliver speeches to inspire mothers, wake up baum is the great granddaughter of the famous Gaon and Tzadik indifferent fathers, argue with local leaders - Seligman Ber Bamberger·'"~n sometimes even the Rav! - All this after a two year 5. M~nucha Pines is teaching at the Beth Jacob in Jerusalem for the course . ... past thirty five years. She is the wife of Rabbi Zvi Paley of So Dr. Deutschlander introduced summer sessions in Yeshivas Hebron. a vacation retreat. Taking his cue from the yeshivas 6. In his pln1n7 '}11 NVN 7. Hence Dr. L. Deutschlander's book Goethe Und Das Alte Te.~ta located in small towns, away from distractions - the ment [ !923], where he points out the heights of the Torah in com~ smaller the town the better the yeshiva - he selected a parison to World Culture. He also published A Jewish Reader place called Robov in the Tatra mountains. It was not [1918] West-Oe.ftliche Dichrerklangen / 1919/Biblisch~ Talmudische even a village, only a gypsy camp, with the most Sen/en.fen( 1931 ]. and Hi.ftory of rhe Bois Yaakov Schools f 1933],all primitive conditions - huts made from raw planks were in German.
16 The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 afford the hundred zloties monthly tuition. Reh countless Jewish homes to this very day. Elchonon wrote his beloved friend Dr. Deutschlander Five months later, on Tisha B'Av, the Father ofBais and the girl was immediately accepted. She graduated Yaakov, Reb Schmuel Deutschlander, was recalled to Sara Schenirer's Seminary, married an American by the Heaven, childless, at the age of forty seven, His last name of Rabbi Boruch Kaplan who was learning in a words, his legacy: "Take care that whatever was ac European Yeshiva, and eventually founded America's complished be perpetuated." Indeed, her candles and his first Seminary, in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. accomplishments continue to shine, lighting the way for Kial Yisroel. 13: His Tribute to Sara Schenirer Dr. Deutschlander's personal philosophy is perhaps best expressed in his tribute to Sara Schenirer, which he BEZALEL HEALTH RELATED FACILITY wrote after her passing: "Bringing Bnos Yisroel (Jewish 29-38 Far Rockaway Boulevard daughter) closer to Hashem was not a duty placed upon Far Rockaway, N.Y. 11691 her from without. This dominated her entire personality Telephone (212) 471-2600 from within, her single drive in life. Her involvement can be compared to the theme of Moshe Rabeinu's blessing to the Jewish people upon the completion of the BEZALEL H.R.F. Mishkan· - a theme Sara Schenirer always took delight Is Proud to Announce in hearing from me. And Moshe saw that all (was) done, That it is Providing as the Lord has commanded. And Moshe blessed them. The Chazal (Rabbis of blessed memory) add that the MEDICALLY RELATED blessing was: 'And let the grace of the Lord our G.d be HEALTH CARE SERVICES: upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us, and the work of our hands He will establish.' • 24 HOUR NURSING CARE •IN HOUSE MEDICAL STAFF •THERAPEUTIC DIETS (GLATT)' SOCIAL WORK SERVICES "Bezalel and Oholiov were master· builders. It is com • PHYSICAL THERAPY • RELIGIOUS SERVICES (DAILY) monly accepted that every master-builder imprints his • SPEECH THERAPY • BEAUTY SHOP individual personality on his work. If the Mishkan was • THERAPUETIC RECREATION • SHABBOS ELEVATOR built according to Hashem's instructions in every detail, where was there room for personal expression of the In A Modern Setting Appropriate Masters? In contradistinction to the wordly outlook, For The Religiously Observant Yahadus does not allow one to fully rely on his own NEW YORK STATE DEPT. OF HEALTH thinking and creativity .... One can be misled or mis N.Y. MEDICAID APPROVED guided so easily. While the builders of the Mishkan did A Voluntary Non-Profit Health Related Facility give expression to their own creativity, they constantly checked to see if it conformed with Hashem's instruc tions. Thus Moshe's bracha: May our personal AGUDATII ISRAEL 1BAVEL endeavors always be in perfect harmony with the will of Wl9'aea JIOU a Healllav and Petl.Cf!/ul Hashem. N..., Year "This was Sara Schenirer's way and the key to her Let us help you start the New Year with an inspiring success." and joy-filled trip to Eretz Yisroel. One could say that with these words Dr. Deutsch Ask for Aliza at: (212) 964-2097 / 258-0709 lander wrote his own epitaph, as well. Or write: Agudath Israel Travel / Suite 911 5 Beekman Street / New York, N.Y. 10038 When the Mission is Accomplished Travel arrangements throughout the world It seems that from time to time G-d dispatches mes • Flights • Hotels • Tours • sengers for specific missions. Once the task is fulfilled, they are recalled without delay. And so Sara Schenirer, the mother of Bais Yaakov, died childless at the age of fifty two. Dr. Yehudis Rosembaum tells of her last e1p moments.• She asked for her Shabbos candles, lit them, TRADITION PERSONNEL·-· - HCUC said the bracha. and moments later returned her neshama to Heaven, while her candles were still burning, "At Your Service With All Your Employment Needs" casting their glow. How symbolic- for the work of her Need A Shomer Shabbos Job? hands do illuminate countless Jewish hearts, brightening Looking For A Shomer Shabbos Person? For Fast, Efficient and Courteous Service 8. In Jewish leaders. by Leo Jung 18 W. 4Sth St., New York, N. Y. 10036 • 563-3994
The Jewish Observer/ Summer 1975 17 IS RAEL --i GEDOLEI ERETZ YISROEL Burials and American Disinterments j pnu•,,icw nr.:'iw ON THE INFLUENCE OF T.V. is privile11:ed to announre that RIVERSIDE is the only licensed funeral direclor in the U.S. able to effect n"?vnn )t"J n"-i '"ilYJ. Transfer to Israel within 24 hours "'110'Nil nN '"IN'J.V 'l'"Y J."il t"Y '?ilO J."!:l ?"t O"J.)'.)"'lil RIVERSIDE aho is available as the Sole agent for Sanhadrea Cemetery n1"'lt~:I nlN"'I? "'llONV 1Jl t"Y ''''Y )ilJ. :i1n:iv D''"l!:IOJ. n1'"\j7? JIAH HAZEITIM • HAR HAMENUCHOT f.''"\ )1J.1}1';:1 N';:IV ''!IN) D''''='Nn ?N 1J!:ln JN "'l)'.)N)'l' 1il7V rJYJ.1 ?"n O'l' 'J ilt "'lt1N1 (0''l'11j7 '!I J"1nJ. ''N1J1 )n1N'"l7 AND ALL CEMETERIES fN ISRAEL NJ'l' onun 11J.}P ilJ'N '"ION? Oil'il?N? 'l'1"'11n )!:11 "'l)'.)N) iltil RIVERSIDE only C'an offer this sf'rvire: Enroute to Israel within 24 hours \J.1V il1J.U.1 nnN 1'NV !:l"YN N'n 1'Nil iln11J.)} 1"'11 Jy JNvn nVYNT inNJ'l' pv1y )nV 1o:i n1v))J1 '';nN nDnn? o-iu nt • ~trfrt aflherence lo Halal.'ha
Bring the Oaf Yomi-Siyum HaShas Assembly to MOVINC? your home, on two cassettes. Only $4.00. Be sure to notify us in Write to: advance so that yaur capies Agudath Israel of America I Audio-Visual Dept. / 5 will continue to reach yau. Beekman Street I New York City 10038.
18 The Jewish ObserverlSutnmer !975 Medical opinion demanded a three day waiting period to assure that death had indeed occurred and that second looks the patient had not simply fallen into a swoon or suffered a tem porary fainting spell. Observant Jews who opted for immediate at the jewish scene burial were viewed as barbaric and "behind the times." "Enlightened" Jews such as Moses Mendelssohn expended much effort in a futile at Evolving Theories tempt to persuade rabbinic authorities that halacha itself re ]. David Bleich quires a reevaluation of practices which have been transmitted from It is at times interesting to observe When a specific scientific "truth" generation to generation. the successive stages through which currently in vogue comes into sharp Nowadays the theory has moved a scientific or medical theory conflict with the dictates of halacha. full cycle. Observant Jews still de progresses over the course of several observant Jews are subjected to a generations. A particular hypothesis vast array of social pressures. Those mand immediate burial. But, at the same time, they also call for ab is advanced by research theorists, who refuse to recognize that halacha solute certainty that death has oc endorsed and vigorously advocated is not subject to the whim of vox curred. Death is defined as the by the scientific community and populi. even when it is grounded in absence of all vital functions as ultimately accepted as scientific fact vox erudili. and uttered in the manifest in the total cessation of by society at large. Sometimes, as sonorous, authoritative tones of new data are gradually uncovered, eminent scientist and scholars, feel cardiac and respiratory activities. The medical profession, however, is the original views are modified and called upon to demand a reevalua now calling for revision of existing the thesis is adapted to meet the re tion of halachic standards in light of legal statutes. Many physicians and quirements of a more complete set current scientific realia. of empirical observations. Eventual medical groups are currently ad ly, the theory becomes so altered But, if, to the minds of some vocating the adoption of a definition that it bears little resemblance to the halacha is out of step with scientific of death which would have death original postulate. Ultimately, one advances, the committed Jew may coincide with cessation of brain may find that a totally different be assured that not only do halachic function as measured by an electro theory is advocated with un norms represent the vox dei,they encephalogram; others advocate an mitigated vigor, but the new theory quite frequently also reflect the most even more liberal definition ac may, in point of fact, be the very an advanced of scientific theories. We cording to which a person in a state tithesis of the initially propounded are not necessarily behind the times; of irreversible coma would be thesis. often we are simply ahead of the deemed to have expired. The effect times. When a particular theory will of such proposals would be to There are at least two examples of have run its course it will not infre pronounce a patient dead even while such a volte face which are close to quently lead directly to a position his heart is still beating. This is a the personal experience of a great endorsed by Torah teaching. number of individuals. Many in our generation have witnessed this Weddings· Bar· Mitzvahs metamorphosis in medical theories When Does Life End? US.A. I Israel both with regard to breast-feeding A striking example of the reversal and with regard to the question of of scientific trends and the conflict feeding on demand versus scheduled of both the old and the new with feeding.Many a parent will recall Jewish law may be found in the stan 1 how the vast majority of pediatri dards mandated by society as 11111111 cians in this country completely criteria for the determination of the PHOT::;iii1 reversed their position on these two time of death. Once death has been ZELMAN STUDIOS issues within a period of some ascertained, halacha calls for im 623 CORTELYOU ROAD twenty years or so. tOFF OCEAN Pt<.WYJ mediate burial in order that proper 8R00M:LYN. NY 11218
RABBI BLEICH. a noted writer and lecturer, is honor be rendered to the deceased. spirirual leader of the Yorkville Congregation Two centuries ago, observant Jews fN. Y.C.) and Rosh Hayeshiva in Rabbi Isaac were subjected to bitter scorn for (212) 941-5500 E/chonan Theological Seminary. demanding immediate burial.
The Jewish Observer/Summer !975 19 policy which Jews cannot accept. the following letter which appeared as eight weeks after fertilization, at Again, observant Jews are viewed as in the Letters-to-the-Editor section which time this cortex begins to ac being behind the times. of The New York Times on June 13, quire typical cells. Doubtless there will come a time, 1975: 3. The nervous system does not ten, twenty or so years hence, when finish developing until after birth. the scientific community will On the Concepts of Fetal Viability 4. The medical dictionary defini recognize the enormous dangers in To the Editor: tion of viability is: "Capability of liv herent in the position they have now ing state of being viable; usually con espoused and the perils it forebodes. In the May 9 Times, Dr. Dominic notes a fetus that has reached 500 For they may come to realize that, Purpura of Einstein Medical School grams in weight and twenty apart from the intrinsic error of this was quoted as suggesting that gestational weeks" - not whether position, once "life" is judged by viability of the human fetus be con one possesse1 particular attributes. qualitative standards as indicated by sidered to begin at 28 to 32 weeks of There is documented evidence that a various stages of "consciousness,'' a pregnancy, because, he suggests, at certain percentage of prematurely Pandora's box is opened. Scientists this time the fetal brain begins to born infants below 28 gestational and physicians will then perforce develop "consciousness, self weeks have survived and developed move on to the formulation of new awareness and other generally normally. Where would these now policies which may, indeed, coincide recognized cerebral functions." living children fit into Dr. Purpura's more closely with the views es Before anyone takes his recommen definition of viability? poused by halacha. They may even dations too seriously certain we/1- 5. Dr. Arnold Gessel/, in "The tually catch up to us; until such time documented facts should not be Embryology of Behavior; the Begin as they do so we remain ahead of the forgotten: nings of the Human Mind,"stated: times. I. Brain activity, as measured by "And so, by the close of the first Against this background it may E.E.G .. has been found to exist in the trimester (twelve weeks), the fetus is a be instructive to draw attention to brain of the human fetus as early as sentient moving being. We need not 43 days after conception. When brain pause to speculate as to the nature of activity is used as a criterion ofdeath, his psychic attributes, but we may as cessation of all electrical activity is sert that the organization of his psy used as the criterion - not cessation chosomatic self is now well under of any given cerebral funtion. way." 2. Cerebral cortex can be seen in Well documented electrical and the brain of the human fetus as young behavioral evidence of brain activity
individually wrapped AMERICAN SINGLES 10-/6Slius For Institutions and Big Families GO KOSHER ... f 1 V 3 lb. sliced American Cheeses •• WITH
• SLICED MUENSTER • MOZZARELLA CHEESE • MEUNSTER CHUNKS m•d• from p.rt •klm milk SCHREIBER ·~·~Traveling by air? Go the Schreiber EV APORTATED MILK in large cans ~ (CJ , route with a Glatt Kosher gourmet '~- __, . meal! Breakfasts, lunches, dinners and INSfANT NON·FAT DRY MILK ' - ~..... -=-- --- ,-...:.,.;j snacks. Ask for Schreiber meals when In envelopes (1 envelope makes 1 delicious quart) ....,. •: you make your flight reservation. Most 1'.•._, ~o•n 1 Under strict supervision ot '.,- ... 1-....., G_ domestic and international air lines RABB! M.J. BECK (Apsher Rav) :-1 7'*' '1!J serve our home-style meals. Ask for Schreiber and fly sure because the sky's the limit for quality Don't just settle for any imported and taste in our Kosher food. Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cheese, insist on Also available on request in hotels, hospitals, other away- SCHMERLING'S KOSHER Cheeses - from-home eating places ~ f f, 9 Variety of delicious Cheeses and the and in retail stores. Cl-jl9f,bg'Y, " Famous SCHMERLING'S chocolates PREPAREO UNOER RA881NlCAl@ Schreiber Airline C1terer1, Inc. 1 Pareve and Milchig g~~~'6V0~ ~NC~N~HREE~~~~~No; U 9024 Foster Ave., Bklyn., N.Y. 11236 mu S. GOVERNMENT INSPECTED Phone (212) 272-9184 • ":!~~n~!~~!~!• ~!]
20 The. Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 exists long before 28 weeks of fetal pus of halachic literature the sole life. Choosing 28 to 32 weeks as the significant distinction made with beginning of" brain life" is arbitrary regard to various stages of gestation and ignores significant observations. is one which pertains to the first unrefuted in the scientific literature. forty days of pregnancy. To be sure, It might be more logical to use the for many, and perhaps most, rab first observation of any brain activity binic authorities even this distinc at all as the beginning of "viability." tion plays no role in the question of Indeed, ethicists such as Dunstan the permissibility of aborting nas and Haring have suggested that the cent life. But it does affect other time at which cerebral cortex is first areas of Halacha. Chaza/, in making seen ( 40th day) or that time at which this distinction, were presumably the first £.E.G. tracings can be ob unaware of when the fetal cortex ap tained (43rd day) is the beginning of pears or of its significance in terms "relational humanity, "the point of fetal development; they certainly beyond which, to act ethically, we did not utilize brain scans in for must treat the fetus with the dignity mulating their teaching. But they ac Thursday, November 6 we accord any other human being. curately transmitted Jaws received at through Sinai and principles which are This dignity includes a right to con Sunday, November 9 tinuing life and the right not to be themselves the product of Divine used for unethical nontherapeutic ex wisdom. Theories may evolve; but for the perimentation. To remain a caring truths are incorporated in Taras 53rd society, should we not err on the "safe Hashem Temimah. !.'I'. National Convention side" in discussing concepts of WANTED viability? Volunteer drivers for Agudath Israel Micheline M. Matthews, M.D. hospital-visiting volunteers. of America Harvard Medical School in Boston, May 26, 1975 CALL: Rabbi j. Silbermintz (212) 964-1620 Atlantic City, N.J. The facts speak for themselves. Suffice it to say that in the vast cor- SCHECHTER'S PINCUS MANDEL K:~·lla7ill£~6@K Recognized Expert INTIRl OCUllfllONI llt.OCK - '71' " ..,. SL MIAMI BEACH Over 22 Years of Experience ••• Is • GREAT Kosher Hotel - you'll love It/ Through the efforh of Rabbi Mo~he Sherf'r of Agudath hrael, • DIAL Write for FREE brochure •Private Pool an the cooperarion of the hraeli Con.~ulale and a~~islancr of lwo MIAMI and booklet or call Sandy Beach pron1inent Orthodox Phy.\iciatb, regulaliorn h.iv(' bf'en BEACH 800·327-8165 •Oceanfront amended 1naking it /UH.'>ible for FREE! FLORIDA AREA coDE Synagogue INTERMENT IN ISRAEL (305) 531·0081 FREE Parking in le~~ than 18 hours after den1iH', r'I, with .J/I H/DURIM- J.' donf' only by SHOMREI TORAH l!M/TZ\!05. Graves available in all parts of Eretz Yisrael A CALL FOR TORAH STUDY p r ocu red directly from CHEVRAH of Join the hundreds of Chavetim in the USA, Israel ESTABLISHED KEHILOS, responsible for their and other parts of the world who now enjoy an extra COMMUNITY CEMETERY. spiritual dimension in Jewish living by learning three PINCUS MANDEL halachas and/or two mishnas and/ or tbe weekly sedra 175 LEE AVE. BROOKLYN, N.Y. 11211 every day ll!IY.ll ;i?,?:i ;i;in:i ;:>01y;i ?:i Day and Night Phone: (212) 855-5121 'l p;D C":ir.i;? n"n m:i?;i - cP:i ;on 7111 uin ,,.,ll You will gain respect and love from your family and Recommended by many pron1inen! Orthodox Rabbis and Admorim become an inspiration to your friends. Known for Personalized, Ultra-Orthodox procedurf' in Ask for your free /u 'ach from rt'ndering a Dedicated, Dependable, Efficient Service at Reasonable Cost CHARLES M. BATT, Chairman Agudah Member - 46 Years MISHNA AND HAIACHA YOMIT 16 Tobey Road / Bloomfield, Conn. 06002
The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 21 Normalization and the Bridge During his recent visit to West Haazinu that his guide for future Germany, Israeli Premier Yitzhak conduct is "remembering the days Rabin walked a sensitive path. He of yore." Remembering, however, is One of seemed to have selected the right not enough, and for interpretation WORLD'S LARGEST itinerary and to have made the most he is told, "Ask your father and he CAMERA STORES appropriate statements: From the will relate (it to) you, your elders n:!t:' ,~,~ international airport in Frankfurt, and they will tell you": Their mes his party was flown to Bergen sage is that the national status of Wall Street Belsen where Mr. Rabin intoned the Jewry - its security and well-being Camera Exchange Kaddish and described himself (a - depends fully on its loyalty to native-born Israeli) as "an heir to Torah. When Jews do not respond Complete Line of Cameras and Photo Supplies the holocaust." Only on the follow to their Divine charge - realizing ing day did he begin his talks of their destiny as a "holy nation, a 82 Wall Street New York, N. Y. reconciliation wilth Chancellor kingdom of priests," - they are Telephone: WH 4-0001 Helmut Schmidt. It was a visit that singled out for persecution. the NY Times correspondent Ter • \'\:holc~alc Should the Jew fail to absorb this rence Smith described as "a bridge • Mail Order lesson directly from the Torah's between the past and the future" • Retail pronouncements, he is forced to (July 8, '75). Special Reductions to all glean it from the vicissitudinous Renders of But from beneath the statements course of Jewish fortunes. And so it "THE JEWISH OBSERVER" and the gestures that could easily has been - both in Biblical times i1'5li1 ~~,, represent all Jewry in their senti and since. ments, a decidedly secular-oriented Denial of History EV 7-1750 approach peered forth - an ap ll"iC i!!C proach that culminated in a Shabbos Political Zionism is a denial of 111wri•Ci'!! 'C'l1WTii•1r.11 meeting between Kissinger and this, It has sought to resolve the Rabin, still on German soil, in pur Jewish Problem through means suit of peace in the Holy Land - an other than spiritual redemption: the achievement of normalization by iru~ • KOSHERfamous approach that flowed from a com • • I cheeses plete misunderstanding of the rudi virtue of living in a national ments of Jewish security, and would homeland of its own, as do other na thus be of dubious efficacy. The core tions. Once Jews live in a Jewish Individually wrapped of his misunderstanding of the needs country governed by themselves, it AMERICAN SINGLES of the Jewish future is a mis-reading claims, all features of "specialness" in 6-R-I0-16 Slice.• of Jewish history. that arise out of its homeless condi tion will be lost. Then the • SLICED SWISS *BABY GOUDA The Jew and His Past nationalism of the Jew will be in • SLICED MUENSTER * BABY MUENSTER distinguishable from that of other • MUENSTER CHUNKS • CHEDDAR STICKS Jews live with their history - not groups, and he will be free of un • SWISS CHUNKS just as a nebulous, haunting spectre usual prejudice and persecutions. PART SKIM MILK CHEESES . , , from the past, but as a distinct, This dream of national nor l FARMER'S CHEESE, sliced in 16 oz. package viable presence. The precise nature malization has been a reality for N Ew• MOZZARELLA CHEESE-12 02. Packages of the historical Jew is defined by some twenty-seven years, but the SLICED BABY GOUDA the Torah. For instance, a Jew to world still seems far from forgetting RINDLESS-NO WAX TO PEEL this day is enjoined to view the pre its old habits of Jew-baiting. In fact, For Institutions and Big Families 3 & 5 lb. Sliced Exodus experience in Egypt as cause it has been pointed out that the AMERICAN CHEESES, SWISS, MUENSTER, EDAM & MOZZARELLA for paradoxical reactions. For one, global community's good will II A he is never to return to that scene of ALWAYS INSIST ON TAAM TOV CHEESES toward Jews immediately after SYMBOL OF KASHRUTH AND QUALITY· merciless bondage; yet he must World War II has been lost in the Under supervision of Harav Efiezer Tarsis, N. Y. refrain from persecuting the off tangle of international power BAOOKL YN, N.Y. 11223 • (212} 376-5400 spring of the Biblical egyptians, "for politics; and - irony of ironies! - you sojourned in his land". Thus, a the only place where Jews are in Jew is bound to the Torah's defini danger of their lives simply because tion of his past. they are Jews is in the Jewish State. He is even counseled in Parshas Gone, too, is the special con-
22 The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 sideration that Jews might expect from the very nation that should be I Come To eternally burdened with the guilt of attempted genocide. And the German ability to forget echoes Israel's own tendency to re-read its own past, which is a direct out I k06Mr £~.~t1y growth of its nationalism without Torah. Formerly Kosher King Premier Rabin alluded to this I, 1501 Surf Ave .. Coney Island during his visit to West Germany: I Whitehead Hall. Brooklyn College "Bergen-Belsen belongs to the past we can never forget, but I and all Israelis look forward to a more hopeful and better future."
But a secular Israel, unmindful of RABBI JOZEF KATZ ~l\RK LOVrNGER its role in improving its past perfor 83 Division A venue Brooklyn, N. Y. 11211 mance, cannot have "a more hopeful future," and the Germans OF are the first to let us know. In a NY Times study (July 8, 1975), Craig Whitney finds that "Young Germans Say Time Has Come For 'More Normal' Ties with Israel." ALL LEADl:'l/G llOTELS BA~QUET HALLS Specifically; Why should I feel AND JEWISH CENTERS AVAILABLE guilty'" a 26 year old student from Kiel asked. "/was not born then." "We think we paid enough for the 388-4204 388-3590 863-8892 past," a construction worker said in Plitt ersdorf Asked if he would op • Carerer for Agudath Israel Conventions and Dinners • pose any new large reparations pay ments by Bonn to Israel, he and his four companions agreed "ab solutely." A doctor in the northern part of the
country said, "There was a time when ~·, J I just couldn't hold up my head and have a normal conversation with someone who was Jewish. But I feel the P.~oblem has been quite overcome ATTENTION MECHANCHIM now. Hebrew Academy of Cleveland An Israel that is faithful to princi Publication Department offers ples that transcend time does not 50 educational items for have to deny the past to find hope Hebrew Day Schools for the future. Instead, it is duty • Curricular manuals, guides, bound to find the Torah-centered * Workbooks national purpose that may have (reduced sample at left) been lacking in the past and imbue it { * Visual aids, maps, and many others in future courses of action ... If not, Catalogue sent upon request did not the Prophet warn: "You Send .30 tor handling to: have exchanged Me for godlessness, HEBREW ACADEMY so I have bartered'you for a non PUBLICATIONS DEPT, nation ." 1860 South Taylor Rd. Jewry without G-d cannot ever Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118 find national security. ~T,
The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 23 MOVING TO CLEVELAND? @ 27 enter universities and if all too many Rnd out where the Orthodox Community when whe will make her first dress of them are lost to us, it is due partly lives. For information on housing, to the sad reality that those who can schoofs schuls, etc., write: "all by herself." As she is ready for 1 help them most prefer to remain Cleveland Institute for Jewish Living more responsiblity she will ask for PO Box 18462/Cleveland, Ohio 44118 it. aloof. Is it not also true that many great and faithful Jews benefited Sometimes it happens that a mar from and contributed to universi ried woman, who has not yet, ties? Is not the proud name I have perhaps, been blessed with children, inherited proof of that? or whose children are in school or grown, finds herself with extra time The main purpose of my letter and energy which she would like to however is to comment on your invest in a good cause. Perhaps she timely discussion on the place of too might benefit by serving an ap women in a Torah society. I confess prenticeship under a woman known that my sympathies lie more with for her works of chessed, helping at the women who responded to Rabbi first in small matters, but growing Wolpin 's article than with the toward partnership with her as she author, especially with regard to the grows in commitment and compas recommendations at the end of the sion. article, not so much because of the For myself, although I have a content, but because it was written career which I enjoy, I also Jove by a Rabbi, that is to say, a man. cooking, sewing and needlework. May I suggest that, since we are We started our two-year-old's train faced with a period of great up ing in cooking simultaneously with heaval, the most appropriate lesson her training in mitzvot, in the hope from the Torah is not Sarah in the that with G-d's help she will grow tent but "Vatikach Miriam" (Exod. up to be both yirayat shomayim, and 15:20). Miriam did not add anything an accomplished akeret habayit as new to the message of Moshe well. Rabeinu, but she did issue a call to In closing, I would like to second the women of Israel and "they went Mrs. Grama's praise of the Bnei out after her." This seems to me to Brak atmosphere in the Sivan issue, be the real challenge for the Torah and add that the absorption in true woman of our day. Just because Boruch needs room in Torah study, and the disinterest in so many Jewish girls are exposed someone's heart. and disapproval of TV, movies, (and not only in universities) to the His parents can't care for him novels, and other forms of batlanut, destructive, confusing and in and he needs an Orthodox are salutary for the parents as well timidating influences of bewildered foster home for a while. as the children. and near anarchic societies, there is (DR.) MALKA SCHAPS here an opportunity to engage in life Is there room in your heart? Bnei Brak. Israel saving rescue work which demands for Baruch? the exercise of precisely those Call: (212) 851-6300 Women in a Torah Society: qualities of character, intellect and More Miriams learning which your women car~ respondents are asking for. If every To the Editor: true Bas Yisroel will make it her aim Let me say first of all how much I to save just one lost Jewish girl and enjoy reading your journal and how bring her back to a meaningful greatly I look forward to each new Judaism, then· the generations to issue. For all of us here, your paper come will be able to say once again 4907·16th Ave. is a source of pleasure and inspira with Rabbi Avira that our Brooklyn, N.Y.11204 tion. deliverance will have been a reward (212) 851-6300 "for the righteous women who lived Perhaps you wil also allow me a in (this) generation." (Sota I lb) "The only professional critical comment and say that as a child care agency under university teacher, I find the cons (DR.) JuLIUSCARLEBACH Orthodox Jewish Auspices tant attacks on universities a little Reader in Sociology in the University in the U.S.A.". grating. It is a fact that every year of Sussex and Hon. Director thousands of Jewish youngsters Brighton Hillel House.
24 The Jewish Ohsen•er/Sun1n1er 1975 at ... Kosher is more than a -word ... Its a Way of Life! Strength of Purpose ... and a Shared Sense of Belonging ... The Jewish Heritage!
At Empire Kosher Poultry. We are dedicated to this E1npire guarantees that all of its products meet the heritage and the traditions of our people . . and to the strictest standards of Kashruth. preservation of Jewish Dietary Laws. It's not easy . Under careful scrutiny of the Union of Orthodox Jewish but at Empire we deeply respect the rights of all people, Congregation, many steps are taken in Empire's pro who, because of their convictions, purchase only foods cessing, to assure a product which is totally Kosher. that are approved under Jewish Dietary Law. and of the finest quality.
All poultry is hand held at the moment of slaughter, Correct and precisely located incisions are made so that the Shochet has complete control of the in each chicken wing and neck so that the blood bird to assure the most perfect and humane cut. will be fully drained during soaking and salting. This is the first step in qualifying the chicken as Each bird is soaked and submerged in running tap Kosher according to Jewish Law; water tor no less than one-half hour to loosen all blood particles, and then ls hung on a drip line to free it of water prior to salting. Birds are then hand No hot or heated water is used in the removal of salted internally and externally, and stacked cor feathers. Cold water processing, which promotes rectly to drain for no less than one hour so that the exodus of blood. is the only method acceptable to salt loosens and absorbs any remaining blood; the organization supervising our Kashruth; After salting, the chicken is rinsed in three sepa Every bird is checked for wholesomeness by rate vats of running cold water to remove the salt United States government inspectors. However, and cleanse the bird; many birds which pass this government inspection are still found unacceptable under Jewish Dietary All poultry is chilled to under 40 before packing Laws when checked by our Rabbinical super in order to preserve and retain its freshness and visors; quality.
THESE PROCEDURES CONTRIBUTE TO PRODUCING A MOST PURE KOSHER CHICKEN, WHOLESOME, PLUMP, JUICY AND TENDER. Look for the Empire red, white and blue wing tag ... it's what's behind our label that makes us The Most Trusted Name In Kosher Poultry At Better Quality Kosher Butcher Shops, Food Stores and Dellys CALL OUR NEW YORK AREA DISTRIBUTORS: Manhattan, Bronx, Westchester: SIMON & WERNER, INC. 369-2300 Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island: GOLDEN-SIMCHA POUL TRY 253-7733 No. N.J.: POSNOCK KOSHER FOODS, INC. (Linden) 925-5400
The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 25 -- i' refers to in his article, printed in Torah Education in France !751, was ordered by a certain Hazards in HPledge of Conscience" Sanfel Aub of Offenbach and had haskomos from Rabbi Jakob Josia To the Editor: To the Editor: of Krakau, the Pnei Yehoshua and Thank you very much for your in You went through the Reform others. teresting magazine which I always Congregation's "Pledge of Con The Rosh printed in I 745 was en follow closely. science" with a fine-tooth comb, but titled: M aadney Y omtov We-Diwrei On your recent series on Yeshivas you missed a choice maggot: "I will Chamidot Peresh of R. Jomtov in France: In order to keep your have my household pets spayed" is Lipman H el/er al Chelek Rish on record complete I would like to totally contrary to halachic re Misefer Rabbeinu Osher (Rosh) and mention a third Yeshiva that actual strictions against mutilating had Haskomos from R. Baruch ly has the distinction of being first of animals. This should be brought to Rapaport, R. Arye Loeb Rapoport its kind on the French scene. the attention of pet owners as well as of Heidigefeld, R. Jonatan Still before the Second Wolrd would-be veterinarians. Eisbeschuetz of Metz (IO Teves War the late Grand Rabbi Weill of 5505). The typesetters were Tuvya b. Strasbourg asked the Yeshivas Your remark "A harder look will Abraham, Izchak Eisik Grillingen, Chofetz Chaim in Radin to send a reveal even more adulterating in Jehuda b. Zvi Hirsch, Salomo b. Mechanech (Torah Educator) to gredients" brought to mind that Abraham. France to start building Jewish life. many commercially produced pet An added note of interest con The Yeshiva administration obliged foods have adulterating ingredients. by sending Rabbi Chaim Chajkin, No, I don't mean that they aren't cerning the printing family of ltzig b. Loeb can be found in the who succeeded in establishing a Kosher. They don't have to be. But Yeshiva in Strasbourg and, after the they do contain milk-and-meat mix Minutebooks of the Community of Filrth. An entry dated I 79! registers interruption of the war years, re tures, which Jews are prohibited. established it in Aix-Les-Bains from using in any way: buying sell a complaint against the printer lodged by Sise! Schlenker, Henoch where it flourishes to this very day. ing, or feeding to animals (issur Overcoming tremendous dif hana'a). b. Jossel and Feis Baiersdorf. The former should have transfered his ficulties, the Yeshiva has taken firm roots and put its imprint, not only Don't expect an @ on your pet printing-shop to these three partners on Jewish Life in France, but also foods, but do check the ingredients. with the full right to hire and fire North Africa where many of its any typesetter. Instead Itzig hired MICHAEL KARNOFF alumni are furthering all aspects of Boston. Mass. his own son and fired another worker, who had been employed by Yiddishkeit. RACHMIEL GRADMAN Monsey, N.Y. More on "Old Seforim" the afore-mentioned partners. In the following year, Sise! Schlenker laid another charge - this time to the ef To the Editor: fect that Itzig and his son sold Sharmel Caterers, I read with interest the article by M achzorim at too low a price exclusive caterers to Arye Kaplan ("Gateway to the without giving him his share of the THE YOUNG ISRAEL Past," The Jewish Observer, April profit. !975) and would like to add a few Another member of Itzig b. OF FOREST HILLS items of information relating to the Loeb's family, a brother by the the only Orthodox Synagogue article. name of Henoch, began printing in in Forest Hills The printing-shop of Itzak ben dependently in 1762. Henoch featuring Glatt Kosher Catering Leib (in German: Itzig b. Dob printed three Seforim in Filrth and Open Chupah, French Service Buchbinder) was founded in 1761 four in Nuernberg, but seems to and Free Parking and was located in Filrth in the have always been in financial dif Banquet Hall Completely Redecorated Alexandergasse in the house of the ficulties. SEE US BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR NEXT AFFAIR Rosh Hakohol, Baruch Jaffe. The As a final note - the first Sefer CHOICE BOOKING OATES AVAILABLE first book printed there was the that was ever printed in Filrth (by Sharmel Caterers Shevet Mussar. The typesetters were Josef b. Salomon Schneier) ap "The elegance of Kosher Catering Aron Loeb b. Jakob Hirsch, Natan peared in 1691. The last printshop at Moderate Prices" Neta b. Josef and Salomo b. for Hebrew books in Furth was sold Call: BO 8-7100 or 793-1130 Abraham. This printing-shop ex in November 1968 to a Gentile. 7100 Yellowstone Boulevard isted until 1792 and printed approx Forest Hills, New York imately 73 various Seforim. HERMAN LANDAU ;u11:> i1r.i>nm i1:i>n::> The Rashba, which Rabbi Kaplan (formerly of Furth) Toronto. Canada
26 The JewiJh Observer/Summer 1975 Good News for 60 and over Brookdale in Bensonhurst area! BENSONHURST SENIOR cmZENS CENTER Senior Citizens Center a project of of Flatbush Agudath Israel of America a project of Commission on Senior Citizens Agudath Israel of America 2115 Benson Avenue (comer 21st Avenue) Commission on Senior Citizens • 817 Avenue H comer East 9th Street Interesting and enjoyable daily programs supelVised by experienced counsellors Brooklyn, New York 11203 • • Nutritious hot glatt kosher lunches without Nutritious hot glatt kosher lunches cost without cost • Information and Referral SelVices on the • many benefits available to senior citizens Lectures, study groups, trips, • Counselling library, aris and crafts and more • • Consumer frauds desk Information and Referral SelVices on the • Daily Chumash and Talmud lectures many benefits available to senior citizens • Trips, library, aris and crafts and more • • Interesting and enjoyable daily programs For Further Information Please Call supelVised by experienced counsellors 372-4300 • Best wishes for a Our Staff and Membership n:i1\J no,11n1 n:i,11:;, Wish all Kial Yisroel a n:n\J n r.P11n1 n:Pn:J Join us at the Rabbi Mordechai Eissenberg Rabbi Yerachmiel Rosenblum BORO PARK SENIOR CITIZENSCENTER Director Associate Director (o project of Agudath Israel of America - Commission on Senior Citizens} 4511 Fourteenth Avenue Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219 Over60? D Full slate of recreational programs D Nutritious hot glatt kosher lunches Enjoy being amongst people? D Special professional departments for advice and guidance regarding: Welcome to Medicare, Medicaid, Food stamps Legal Aid Moriah Older Adult Consumer fraud and protection Medical help Luncheon Club Finance and banking D Hot glatt kosher luncheon served daily Education D Lectures and sheurim D Special courses in: D Crafts, games, movies, outings Hebrew Ulpan English for beginners D Information and referral Jewish culture D Counselling Financial planning in retirement D Congenial atmosphere D Cou,..eUng •erolce for children Mo Ulish to discuss problems of Moriah is a nutrition program for the elderly aging parents under Title VII of the Older Americans Act If you have a problem, calf our Senior Citizens Hotline: A project of Agudath Israel of America 854-7430 In cooperation with Our Sincerest wishes for a K'hal Adath Jeshurun n:i1\J nr.P11n1 n:i,n:;, 90 Bennett Avenue/New York City 10033 Staff, Administration, and Membership Rabbi D. Grossman Rabbi E. Horowitz Rabbi Yaakov Lonner Sue Stem, Director Director Associate Director Program Director
The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 27 INDEX TO ARTICLES/THE JEWISH OBSERVER /Vol. X, No. 1-10
SUBJECTS People of Shevatim, Oct. '74; The Jewish Education Jewish Women in a Chafetz Chaim on Moshiach Con Torah Society - for Frustration? or Abortion Second Looks, March '75. sciousness, Oct. '74; The End of the Fulfillment? Nov.-Dec. 74; A Flame Go!us? or The Beginning of Geulah? Called Sara Schenirer, Nov.-Dec. '74; American Jewish Congress The American Oct. '74; Of Rights and Duties, Nov. Beth Jacob: A Pictorial Feature, Nov. Jewish Community - an AJC View, Dec. '74; Completeness of Faith, Nov. Dec. '74; Second looks, Nov.-Dec. '74; April '75. Dec. '74; Chumash: Preparation for A Tale of Two "Chinuchs," Mar. '75; B'nai Brith Second Looks, March '75. Our Encounter With the World, Nov. Released Time: One Hour a Week .. Dec; '74: Some Thoughts on Moshiach, What's It Worth? March '75. Books Gateway to the Past, April '75. Nov.-Dec. '74;Passing the Test, Jewish History A Chief Rabbi for New York Books Reviewed "Sparks of Glory," June Nov.'Dec. 74;Jewish Women in a Torah '74; "The Jewish Dietary Laws," Sept. Society - for Frustration ? or fullfill City, May 1974; The Founding of Bnei '74; Letters to the Editor, Sept. '74; ment? Nov.-Dec. '74; letters and Brak 50 Years Ago, Sept. '74; f·rom Ger "What is the Reason?" Nov.-Dec. '74; Responses, Jan. 75; The lonely Jew in a many to Baltimore - The First Rabbi in "In Praise of the Baal Shem Tov,"Jan. World of Upheaval, Jan. '75; Crises: Of America, Jan. '75. His title was "Hillel '75; "The Face of Faith," Jan '75; "A Causes and Cures, Mar. '75; The Hakohen," May 1975 People Apart," Jan '75; "The Hasidim," Miracle and After, Mar. 75; Tightrope, Jan '75; "The World of Hasidism," Jan May '75; The Crisis of leadership, April The Jewish Observer Letters to-the Editor, '775; "Living Judaism, 11 Apr. '75; "I '75; Rebbe Yochanan, Torah, and Sub May '74; A Backward Glance, Sept. '74; Believe," Apr. '75; "Concepts of stance of Life, April '75. Letters to the Editor, Nov.-Dec. '74; Judaism," Apr. '75; "The Carlebach Jews In Europe "Never Again!"-Who Tradition, the History of My Family," Holocaust A Path Through the Ashes, June Can Say It? May '75; One Man's Vote, Apr. '75; "The Hafetz Hayim on the Sid '74; An Understanding of the Holocaust May '75. dur," Apr. '75. in the light of "Sparks of Glory," June '74; Letters to the Editor, Sept. '74; Jews in U.S.A. 100 Years of Reform Jewry "Never Again!" - Who Can Say It? Chassidus Chassidism on the Modern in America, May '74; A Chief Rabbi for May 75. Scene, Jan. 75; Truth in Packaging, New York City, May '74; The Seattle March '75. Human Personality Communication and Legacy, Oct. '74; From Germany to College Youth letters to the Editor, May Beyond. -Where Humanity Ends, Baltimore-the First Rabbi in America, 74. June '74. Jan. '75; Released Time: Only One Hour A Week ... What's It Worth? March Israel Withdrawal From Administered Ter Conservative Judaism Truth in Packaging, '75; Letters to the Editor, March '75; ritories? Sept. '74; The View From March 75; letters to the Editor, Apr. The Crisis of leadership, April '75; The Jerusalem, Sept. '74; A Note of Dissent, 75. UOJCA, The Synagogue Council of Sept. '74; The Founding of Bnei Brak 50 America and the Wave of the Future, Oaf Yomi Some Notes on Daf Yomi:Rabbi Years Ago, Sept.'74; The End of the April '75; The American Jewish Meir Shapiro, May '75. Golus? or The Beginning of Geulah? Community- an AJC View, April '75; Oct. '74; letters to the Editor, Oct. '74; Dialogue Second looks, March 75. His Title Was "Hillel Hakohen," May Letters to the Editor, Nov.-Dec. '75; '75. Equal Rights Amendment New Era for How Not to Win Visitors and Influence Women? Apr. '75. Settlers, May 75. Joseph, Rabbi Jacob A Chief Rabbi for Federation of Jewish Philanthropies Se Israel - Government The View From New York City, May '74. cond Looks, Nov.-Dec. '74. Jerusalem, Sept. '74; A Note of Dissent, Journalism A Backward Glance, Sept. '74; Festivals and Fast Days "And of Rejoicing: Sept. 74. Letters to the Editor, Nov.-Dec. 74. What Does It Do?" Sept. '74; The Miracle and After, Mar. '75; They Israel - Religion The View From Kashhrus A Chief Rabbi for New York Marched for Shabbos, May '75; "Bor Jerusalem, Sept. 74; A Note of Dissent, City, May '74; A Landmark Book on rowed'' Symbols, Miiy '75. Sept. '74; Spreading a Net of Torah, Dietary Laws, Sept. 74; Truth in Packag Oct. '74; A Response to the Yorn Kip ing, March '75; Letters to the Editor, Hashkofo (Ideology) The ChHdren of pur War, in Retrospect, Jan, '75; A Tale April '75. Kayin, May 74; On War and Mobiliza of Two "Chinuchs," March '75. tion, May '74; A Path Through the Moshiach The Chafetz Chaim on Ashes, June '74; Communication and Israel - Yorn Kippur War On War and Moshiach Consciousness, Oct. '74; The Beyond... -Where Humanity Ends, Mobili'zation, May '74; A Response to End of the Golus? or The Beginning of June 174; "And of Rejoicing: What the Yorn Kippur War, in Retrospect, Geulah? Oct. 74; So.me Thoughts on Does it Do?" Sept. 74; The Jews - A Jan. 75. Moshiach, Nov.-Dec. '74.
Copies of articles listed are available in back issues at seventy-five cents each. If the issue is out of print, a photo-copy of the specified article will be sent at the same rate. Write to: The Jewish Observer I Back Issue Department I 5 Beekman Street, New York, N.Y. 10038. Remittance must acccttnpany your order.
28 The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 Orthodoxy, Modern Second Looks, June Vatican Second Looks March '75. Kaplan, Aryeh Ozar Hatorah and Sephar '74. dic Jewry's Survival, Jan '75; Gateway to Women in Jewish Life Jewish Women in a Ozar Hatorah The Battle for Survival Torah Society-For Frustration? or the Past-A Collection of Old Seforim Speak to Their Owner, April '75. Ozar Hatorah and Sephardic Jewry, Jan. Fulfillment? Nov.-Dec. 74; The '75. McGraw-Hill Anti Sexism Memo, Nov. Keller, Chaim Dov The Lonely Jew in a Personalities A Chief Rabbi for New York Dec. '74; letters and Responses, Jan. World in Upheaval, Jan '75. City, May '74; Torah Pioneers, June '74; '75; Letters to the Editor, March 75; letters to the Editor, Sept. '74; The Seat New Era for Women? April '75. Levi, Leo The View from Jerusalem, Sept. tle Legacy, Oct. '74; From Germany to World War War II A Path Through the '74. Baltimore-The First Rabbi in America, Margoshes, Miriam The Founding of Bnei Jan. '75; letters to the Editor, March Ashes, June '74; An Understanding of the Holocaust in the Light of ''Sparks of Brak, 50 Yrs. Ago (From Diaries of '75; The Kopishnitzer Rebbe-a Reluc Yitzhok Gerstenkorn). Sept. 74. tant Heir, April '75; His Title Was "Hillel Glory," June '74; "Never Again!" Who Can Say It? May '75. Hakohen," May '75; Some Notes on Mordechia, Miller Of Rights and Duties. Daf Yomi:Rabbi Meir Shapiro, May '75. Yeshiva Youth Letters to the Editor, May Nov-Dec '74; Rabbi Yochanan, Torah, Pictorial Feature Beth Jacob: A Pictorial '74; A Chol Hamoed Lesson, June '74. and the Substance of Life, Apr '75. Feature, No.v-Dec. '74. Yeshivos in Europe Torah Pioneers, June Pelcovitz, Ralph A Response to the Yorn Poetry Feather and Flesh, June '74; Wail '74; Letters to the Editor, Sept. '74. Kippur War-In Retrospect, Jan. '75. ing Wall, Sept. '74; Man, Nov.-Dec. '74; Waiting For Each Other, Nov.-Dec. '74. Rotbard, Avrohom Yishaya Wailing Wall (a poem), Sept '74. "Reaching Out" Released Time: Only AUTHORS One Hour A Week ... What's It Worth? Ruderman, Rabbi Yaakov Passing the Test, March '75. Ben~Ephraim Feathers and Flesh (a poem), Nov-Dec '74. Reform Judaism 100 Years of Reform Jewry June '74. in America, May '74; The Children of Elias, Joseph "And of Rejoicing; What Russak, Faigie Man (a poem), .Nov-Dec. Kayin, May '74; Truth in Packaging, Does it Do?", Sept. '74. Chassidism on '74. March '75. the Modern Scene, Jan '75. Scherman, Nosson The Holocaust~ln the Sephardic Jewry The Battle for Survival Feinstein, Rabbi Moshe Completeness of light of "Sparks of Glory," June '74; Ozar Hatorah and Sephardic Jewry, Jan. Faith. Nov-Dec, '74. The Crisis of Leadership, April '75. '75; Second looks, March '75. Feldman, Rabbi Emanuel Second looks: Sexism The McGraw-Hill Anti-Sexism "Giving Up", June '74. Schiller, Mordechai Chassidus in Song - Memo, Nov.-Dec. '74. Not for the Record. Mar 75. Friedenson, Joseph A Note of Dissent, Social Comment Crash Diet, Oct. '74; "His Sept. '74. Seal is Truth," Oct. '74; Of Rights and Schonfeld, Moshe The End of Golus? or Duties, Nov.-Dec. '74; The lonely Jew Fryshman, Bernard The McGraw Hill .Anti the Beginning of Geulah? Oct '74. in a World of Upheaval, Jan. '75; Se Sexism Memo, Nov-Dec '74. cond Looks, March '75. Schwartz, Elkanah The Chofetz Chaim on Gerstenkorn, Yitzchok The Founding of Moshiach Consciousness, Oct 74. Synagogue Council of America The UO Bnei Brak, 50 Years Ago. Sept. '74. JCA Rejoins the Synagogue Council of America, March '75; The UOJCA, the Gifter, Rabbi Mordecai On War and Shapiro, Chaim Torah Pioneers, June '74; A Synagogue Council of America and the Mobilization, May '74; A Path Through Flame Called Sara Schenirer. Nov-Dec Wave of the Future, April '75. the Ashes, June '74. '74. Translations and Adaptations Goldberg, Sender Children of Kayin, May Shenker, Shaul Release Time: What's It Completeness of Faith, Nov.-Dec. '74; '74. Worth? Mar. '75. Chumash: Preparation for Our En counter With the World, Nov.-Dec. '74; Grama 1 Batsheva A Tale of Two Singer, Shmuel A Chief Rabbi for N.Y.C. Some Thoughts on Moshiach, Nov. "Chinuchs", Mar '75. May '74; From Germany to Baltimore, Dec. '74; Passing the Test, Nov.-Dec. Jan '75; His Title was "Hillel Hakohen," '74; Crises: Of Causes and Cures, Mar. Joshua Neched Yehuda Waiting For Each May '75. '75. Other (a poem), Nov-Dec '74. Tzadakah Giving Up, June '74; Jung, Pinchas Crash Diet. Oct, '74. Slae, Shabtai The Jews - A People of Completeness of Faith, Nov.-Dec. '74; "Shevatim," Oct. '74. "Borrowed" Symbols, May '75. Kahn, Shlomo Tightrope, May '75. UOJCA The UOJCA Rejoins the Kamenetsky, Rabbi Yaacov Sorotzkin, Rabbi Boruch Crises: Of Causes Synagogue Council of America, March Chumash:Preparation for our En and Cures, Mar 75. '75; The UOJCA, The Synagogue Coun counter with the World, Nov-.Dec '74; cil of America and the Wave of the Some Thoughts on Moshiach, Nov-Dec Sternbuch, Rabbi Moshe Withdrawal From Future, April '75. '74. Administered Territories, Sept '74.
The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 29 Wolpin, Nisson One Hundred Years of Reform Jewry in America, May '74; ALL Communication and Beyond - Where Humanity Ends, June '74; A Backward SENIOR CITIZENS Glance, Sept '74; Spreading a Net of are invited Torah (told by Morde.chai David lud mir), Oct '74; The Seattle legacy, Oct to join the '74; "His Sea! is Truth," Oct '74; Jewish BRIGHTON OLDER ADULT Women in a Torah Society - For Frustration of Fulfillment?, Nov-Dec LUNCHEON CLUB '74; Truth in Packaging, Mar '74; The UOJCA, the Synagogue Council of a project of America, and the Wave of the Future, Agudath Israel of America Apr '75; The American Jewish Com munity - An AJC View, Apr '75; A Reluctant Heir: the Kopishnitzer Reb 2901-15 Brighton 6th St. be, ztl, Apr '75; "Never Again!" -Who Brooklyn, N.Y. 11235 Can Say It? May '75. Weiss, Gershon A European Mashgiach in an American Yeshiva: Reb David * Nutritious hot Krong!as zt'I, Mar '75. Glatt Kosher lunches • Interesting and enjoyable Nusach Hatefillah Tapes daily programs for Yomim Noraim *Arts and crafts, lectures, as well as for the entire year and more from the well-known * Information and referral services Chassidische Ba'al Tefilla and on many benefits available Chazon to senior citizens Rabbi Chaim Shalom Schwartz of Israel Register• Now: Also available: Monday thru Friday Your choice of hundreds of 9:00 to 12:00 noon Torah Tapes prepared by Tel. 769-5669 Talmidei Chachotnim I Yirei Shomiyim Best wishes for a healthy, happy New Year! For more information, contact: Yoseif Kaufman Rabbi Nochum Kahn, 1234-47th St. I Bklyn, N.Y. 11219 Director 633-8343
Elegance and Tradition in a newmodern setting
• Choice Menu • Rolling Relish and • Glatt Kosher • French Service Salad Carts • Parking • Rolling Bars • Viennese Table • Open Chupah :!l1CJlpeti 30 The Jewish 'Observer/Summer 1975 TORAH LEADERS ADDRESS SPECIAL DIVISION FOR RUSSIAN JEWS ZEIREI AGUDATH ISRAEL LAUNCHED BY AGUDATH ISRAEL AGENCY MELA VE MALKA A SPECIAL DESK to provide comprehensive will attempt to assist the immigrants in guidance and cOunseling to newly arrived locating jobs through one of three major THF GAON RABBI YAAKOV KAMINETZKY was Russian Jews seeking employment was in· components of Project COPE: On Job Train featured potential client with a full array of training Compu::>rribe is d RPgpstered Trademark of Art Scroll Studios. L1d . NYC programs. The Jewi.Ih Observer/Summer 1975 31 'i:l'.,\ll11' 11:i~ thcjc1u1alc1nln1tl:utc ""T"'" Chevra Kadisha D'chasidim of tal1nudlc 1c1ca1ch Har Hamenuchot • Har Hazeisim 220 fifth avenue I new york, n.y. 10001 I (212) 889-5430 Founded 1856 takes pride in announcing publication of the following: BURIAL IN JERUSALEM AND ALL CEMETERIES IN ISRAEL M'1':ltlr, Cl'X~tll, ,S7,!:11M $7.50 'K p'm KV'>" KOO noo"-"1lr.i7ni1 'l!li!Jr.l i:Yll<,, maal1n sako~esh $7 .so ·o p'm KV'Y" KOO noo""1lr.i7n i1 'l!li!Jr.l i:Yll<;, SOCl€ty $ 1O. mo" noo"-"11r.i7n i1 'l!li!Jr.l i:Yll<,, $4. '":IT 0''i!YJ'i ,,, ,, pxli1 nxr.i 'X pf;,n O"IViT r,y-"111 ,, - iJ_v nnJr.J" 26CANALST. $6. '"YT onil:tJ'T 111 'i l1Klil nxr.i ':J p7n 0"1Vi1 l;iy-"11, ,, - i.J,Y nnJr.l" NEW YORK CITY 10002 ,, •:in;) D"Y n)iwxiS. iTY'Din-"T,,nr.l ?xini iJi:J., ipon" Day & Nite Phone $2. nn:npn i1Kit.J t:Jy 925-2277. 8 $4. Xll''YD x:i:i-t:iinoD n1n;)OD l;iy-' 1 i1i?lJX it.):ln n1no1n•• In Canada: $3. 1'"'' noo" '>v-"i1'7lll< ir.i:in n1001n" Montreol Tel.: 273°3211 $4. "J':l1i':V n:ior.i 7:v l"ii1 'l!l11'n" $5. """ 11'>1p ~o,, ,,,o,., CJ'l!l1ni1 P"'ii1r.l 'PO!J1 n"1l!l $5. 'K p'>n O"lUn '>v "l ... from n•n•w ... U'l11Ji ,.,DUIJ 11Jp'J .,\!JN ,n.,1nJ o•')n) o•J1VJn o>)J."'1 ,o•:::>-,JN ')v nJ1VJn nilJn. 17Jl'VJ O'i!ltl on'J )'N\'J l'JN'J Oll O'"l!ltlJ. O"lllDnJ 'JIJJ.nn'J N'JIV n"DlJ nPnon i1"lJ OJ1Y.l Nl'l:lNl 1NIJ 'lD'J "lJ.1n i'tl'l ... o•p'Jn •lt'N lN!i' iJ.J1 .N'l1tin 'Jv np1J1y') 1i•';l1 n11nJ 'J1lnn'J 1'.l 'J::i'J \)"l!IJ.1 ,)!"O'J1 "lHY'' 111JO'J n•:t i\VDNIV 'IJ 'JJ 'Jy Jl'n N:::>'N lJ ')y "l'VN ... NJ\J N'J}ID') l'VJIJ' ovn n"lt}IJl VJ11p1 7nl 7YDY.ln ... "l!ilNn •n•pn1 •nJ7 ;i11n 'lN l11J''ll''1 'lJ 'J::i ol!IJL. l"l'r.:l TIJ''ll' VJNi .'('!l!l'Ml))~ ann :ain) ."nt:::> nl'n'J Xerox University MORIAH a monthly journal on Torah and Halacha and contemporary issues Microfilms confronting the Torah world. Special first year introductory offer: $12.00 300 North Zeeb Road Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 Ask for these seforim at Xerox University Microfilms your Hebrew bookstore or 35 Mobile Drive clip out this subscription Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4A 1H6 form for MORIAH and University Microfilms Limited order the seforim of your St. John's Road, choice at a 15% reduction Tyler's Green, Penn, Buckinghamshire, England of the prices stated, by PLEASE WRITE FOR checking the appropriate COMPLETE INFORMATION box. 32 The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 THOUSANDS PARTICIPATE IN OAF YOMI TORAH ASSEMBLY AT THE TORAH ASSEMBLY: Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, Rabbi Israel Spira (Bluzhover Rebbe), and Rabbi Shmuel Ehrenfeld (Mattersdorfer Rav). -Photo by Howard Brown. A -capacity crowd of 5,000 men, women, eighth Oaf Yomi cycle with the first Mishna Rabbi Yaakov Perlow, Rosh HaYeshivaof and children filled New York City's Manhat- in Mesechte Brochos, followed by a Kaddish Bais Medrash Jeshurun of Wahington tan Center on Sunday afternoon, June 15th, D'Rabbonon for the martyrs of the Ho!o- Heights, served as chairman of the afternoon. to participate in an assembly marking the caust. Rabbi Kamenetzky was joined in the seventh completion of the entire Shas Kaddish by hundreds of the assembled who The B!uzover Rebbe in his remarks, said: (Talmud) in accordance with the Oaf Yomi had suffered losses of immediate family in the "When I was present at the proposing of the page-a-day program. Daf Yomi had been in- destruction of the war. Daf Yomi at the Knessia G'dola 52 years ago, traduced by Rabbi Meir Shapiro, Rabbi of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein stressed the impor by Rav Meir Shapiro, mmmm, I, like Lublin, at the first International Congress tance of Torah study at every level as the everyone present, was excited by the scope of (Knessia Gedolah) of Agudath Israel in Vien foundation of faith: "In our devotion to such a proposal. Now hundreds of thousands na in 1923. Limud Torah we express our convictions that of "Bletter Gemora" later. one is tempted to The rich and inspiring program featured every last word in both the written and the sing out a Birchas Shehecheyanu. But the joy addresses by some of the most revered Torah oral !aw are direct from Sinai without the is stricken with anguish in realization that our leaders of our generation, who joined in urg least bit of innovative mterpretation or am· ranks are diminshed by 6 million Jews who ing all Jews to respond to their responsibility mendation from Moshe Rabeinu. Torah are no longer among the living. Yet their to study Torah. In their remarks they fre study is both an expression of belief and a for memory is for us more than a source of pain: quently referred to the 6.000,000 martyrs of tification of it." it is also an inspiration. I recall the hundreds World War ff - in whose memory the Siyum of Jews who had suffered along with me - no was dedicated. He was follwed by Rabbi Israel Spira, one ever questioning the Hahgocho Efyona Bluzover Rebbe, who recalled the excitement The afternoon was opened by Rabbi (Divine Justice)- only accepting the Yisurim that prevailed at the First Knessia Gedolah ChaskeJ Besser, member of the presidium of Be'ahava (suffering with love). The only sigh when Rabbi Shapiro presented his Oaf Yomi that crossed their lips was: Agudath Israel of America, sponsor of the Who wit! say Kad proposal, in contrast to the despair that per Siyum Assembly. In his remarks he said: dish for me, who will learn a Perek Mishnayos vaded the concentration camps of World War They sought no other monu "Who would have, at the time that it was first on my behalf? IL which the Rebbe had survived. Both ele ment. In the Torah proposed, anticipated the tremendous Par.shas Vayeilech, ments were present in the afternoon's prefaces the command to write a Sefer Torah response to the Daf Hayomi'? But then, it festivities and the mourning for those absent should have been obvious when on Rosh with a recounting of the suffering of the from the gathering. Hashono, 5686 the Gerer Rebbe, announced Tochacha to which the Jewish people were to after Maariv on Rosh Hashono: I am now The Mattesdorfer Rav. Rabbi Shmuel be submitted. We have endured the suffering. Now the time has come for us to fulfill the beginning to learn Daf Hayomr Not only are Ehrenfeld,called upon the fathers present to Jews a!! over the free world studying Daf inspire their children to grow in Torah completion of the Torah. Yomi but. according to a Russian refugee through their personal example of Torah whom I met several weeks ago, they are even study. "That was the hope of those who suffered. studying Oaf Yomi in the shadow of the Twenty-nine years ago, a post card reached Kremlin in Moscow. And just as here in the In a stirring address in Yiddish and me belatedly. written by one of my con Go!ah, we preceed Simchas Torah with English, Rabbi Mordechai Gifter, Telshe gregants as he, among 800 others, was prepar Hazkoras Neshomos on Shemini Atzeres, so Rosh Ha-Yeshiva. charged the assembly with ing himself for his death at the hand of the too do we pause to remember those absent for the responsibility of preserving the glorious Nazis. In the card he wrote:". , . when you, Bfuzover Rebbe, reach Eretz Yisroe/, having been martyred in World War JI, to accomplishments of pre~World War II day, one week before our celebration for Europe - both through structured history remember me in a Sefer Torah: Arye ben courses in the Yeshivos and through Chaya, and I will bring your tidings to your Siyum Hashas - Daf Hayomi. 11 ' perpetuation of the ideals of the valiant mar sacred ancestors and ask them to pray on your The tone was set be a public reading of two tyrs who succ.umbed to the destruction of the behalf that you be bestowed with long life. chapters in led by the Noveminsker Tehillim war. The program was closed with a musical They are here now. We must disrobe. One Rebbe, Rabbi Nochum Perlow. rendering of the Ani Maamin by Zeirei final request - my children have been housed Rabbi Ya5kov Kamenetzky introduced the Agudath Israel's J.E.P. choir. with a Chri.~tian family. Save them!" The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 33 JEWS ARE ALSO A MINORITY:' AGUDATH ISRAEL'S 7,000 CHILDREN "LIVE AGUDATH ISRAEL TO U.S. COMMISSION ON SENIOR TORAH" IN GLOBAL CONGRESS CITIZENS LAUDS SCHOOL NETWORK OF AGUDATH FOR CHESSED EFFORTS The U.S. Congress was aked to include ISRAEL SUMMER CAMPS Jews as a minority whose rights are to be SARA SCHENIRER H!GH SCHOOL was recently Seven thousand children will benefit from protected, in a statement sent to all members honored for its outstanding work on behalf of intensive "Torah indoctrination programs" of Congress by Dr. Bernard Fryshman, the infirm elderly of the Boro Park com at 27 summer camps operated in varous parts chairman of the Commission on Legislation munity, by the Commission on Senior of the world by the international Agudath and Civic Action of Agudath Israel of Citizens of Agudath Israel of America_ Israel movement. Joining the campers will be America. The Agudath Israel statement At commencement exercises of the Sara a large number of recently arrived Russian related to a voting rights bill (H.R. 6219) cur Schenirer High School, Rabbi David Gross immigrant children in Israel who are the rently being considered by the House of man, director of the Boro Park Senior recipients of special scholarship grants from Representatives, which restricts language Citizens Center. presented the school with the the Russian Immigrant Rescue Fund. minority groups to "American Indian, Asian 1975 "Ge1ni/as Chassodim Award'· of the The vacation retreats. most of which bear American, Alaskan natives or of Spanish Commission on Senior Citizens of Agudath the name Camp Agudah (for boys) or Camp heritage." Israel of America "in recognition for the en Bnos (for girls) are located in New York's Dr. Fryshman pointed out that "if indeed couragement and educational stimuli it gives Catskill Mountains, Canada. Argentina. the rights of language minorities are to be to its students to actively practice the precepts England. Belgium, Switzerland and Italy. protected, then this protection should extend of Gemilas Chasodim and Bikur Cholim - Israel's branch sponsors more than sixteen to all groups which can be identified in an ob helping the needy and visiting the sick." camps, the largest of which is Chazon jective and consistent manner, and must For the past year the Sara Schenirer stu Yechezkel. New York's summer camps open embrace Jewish groups with languages in dent body. in cooperation with the NAJR their 33rd season this week which throughout cluding Yiddish, Hebrew and Russian." division of Bnos Agudath Israel, has recruited the years have also sponsored hundreds of The Agudath Israel statement to the U.S. groups of girls who. on their lunch hour. children from poor Jewish homes. Congress also noted that the proposed deliver lunches to numerous homebound The camps of Agudath Israel in America language of the bill "has the further disadvan senior citizens. The meals provided by the have expanded their special programs for tage of engendering divisions and exacer Boro Park Center are dispatched to these children from twenty-six cities. besides a large bating current polarization among certain "shut-ins" for whom these meals represent contingent from Central American countries. ethnic groups. There is a clear and present their only source of hot nutrition. In addition many of whom are receiving their "first taste danger that the language of this bill will be in to the meals. the girls often provide the only o~ authentic Judaism." They also maintain terpreted by certain government agencies as friendly faces the elderly see. special programs for children from Jewishly mandating that such programs as Bi-Lingual Rabbi Michael Meisels, dean of the school. uncommitted homes. who are recruited by the Education be restricted t•1 the minority accepted the award on behalf of the school Jewish Education Program (JEP) of Zeirei language groups spelled out in the voting administration. Two students, Tova Selengut Agudath Israel. rights bill," the Agudath Israel document and Sara Hershkovits, received awards for Agudath Israel of America also co declared. their leadership in this project. sponsors two large summer projects in Israel for campers from every part of the world: THE WORLD FAMOUS The Commission of Senior Citizens is one of 16 major divisions of Agudath Israel serv Camp Sdei Chemed International in Rishon DIGEST OF MEFORSHIM ing the Jewish community. Lezion for boys and the Beth Jacob "Live and '~1P7 in::i '~1p7 Learn" program for girls in Jerusalem. ?11XT iy~?N ?Ni~W ,, l"iiiii~ These "Torah study institutes under the Available of KARKA IN ISRAEL sky" sponsored by the Agudath Israel move LEKUTEI INC. Take advantage of the opportunity ment represent the largest Orthodox camps' c/o I. Rosenberg to purchase cemetery plots in population in the world. a spokesman for the 10 West 47th Street, Room 702 Eretz Yisroel in Mifgash Shimshon Camps Commission of Agudath Israel of New York, N. Y. 10036 near Yerushalayim through our America noted. He emphasized that the 20 Volumes on Torah, Perek, newly established camps are but one component in the Medrash, Megilas and Talmud. CHEVRAH OSEH CHESED organization's year round educational effort. Proceeds ol sales disfribufed among OF AGUDATH ISRAEL Yeshivas and used for reprinting of volumes out-of-print Membership in the Chevra en PRICE $5 PER VOLUME titles one to all benefits which accompany the services of a Lapidus Bros. Gemilath Chesed Chevra Kadisha and interment. Ass'n of the Crown Hts. When you purchase a plot from Agudath Israel, Inc. the Chevra Oseh Chesed of Agu dath Israel, you are supporting the For Applications: many Agudist activities especially Call RABBI JosHUA StLBERMINTZ the Pirchei and Bnos activities as at: WO 4-1620 or write: well as a Free Loan Fund in Israel. c/o AGUDATH ISRAEL For an application and information call: 12121 964-1620 5 Beekman St., New York 10038 34 The Jewish Observer/Summer 1975 '-'•--L~ 12c:-;\..AJ \.JL~u1< r-1u::>e-f-URlrD r Due to the extraordinary time and effort required for completion of this meticulously hand bound edition, only limited amounts of sets can be made available at any one time. Therefore, reserve your shas now, at the special introductory price through your local Jewish book dealer or direct from the publisher. Name···------··-··------Due to the extraordinary time and effort required for completion of this meticulously hand bound edition, only limited amounts of sets can be made available at any one time. Address------.·------.---·-· Therefore, reserve your shas now, at the special introductory price through your local Jewish book dealer or direct from the publisher. -p11bltshccl bv Shabse Franl<.eL Sefer Halikutlm-a compendium of commentaries {]1c first and nlost from scores of Rishonim and Acharonim has been con1pletc eclirto1 L added at the end of each volume, as well as Sefer Hamafteach which places some 300 S"farim at the of the Ram,bam- learner's fingertips. and also Yalkut Shlnuy Nuschaoth in which variants on the Rambam and puBLISheL> LW Mishne To-cahand Ravad are listed with their sources. Sht\!3Se FRi\NkeL its corncntaries_ The teamwork of Rabbi Frankel's staff has culminated in a magnificent achievement that celebrates the accomplishment of '"the first and most complete, uncensored edition of The Rambam to The need for a totally new edition of the Rambam, date.'" Mishne Torah has long been felt in view of the abun An awesome and truely remarkable classic work. The dance of textual innaccuracies, ommissions and entire ten volume series published and printed in deletions in the text of the Rambam and its commen Jerusalem is scheduled for completion by 1979. taries. Volume two of the series, Sefer Zmanim, containing The preparation of an authoritative new edition re 800 pages, is now available at these special introduc quired a large and prestigious staff of scholars for the tory prices: (offer expires October 6, 1975) examination and comparison of numerous, until re cent times unavailable manuscripts and all of the ear Reg. Prices ...... ly printed editions. These primary sources have Popular edition: ..... 61/2' x 91/2' $10.00 • 8.00 helped shed light on the original phrasing of the Ram Library edition: ..... 8'14' x 1131."" $15.00 $12.00 }olc!man ham and its commentaries. Deluxe edition: ... 103/4" x 14112" $25.00 $20.00 Free brochure available upon request. ot:za~ base,J:ar<1rn 33 Canal Street,New York,N.Y. 10002 ""•'•',."-'"'•"''''•''''"'"' ''"""""·""' "'''"'·"''"'''·"""'•"'•"''"'"''"""'•"'"""''"''""""·'""'"''""'"''""•'""'"""'''"'"""'"•""'"''""''"'"•""'""'"'"""•'"•'"'"'"''•'"~~,,...... ,.. "'"