CHASSIDUS for NON- Mordechai Yosef of Ishbitz interprets the verse, “Man does not live by bread alone” (Deut. 7:3) as follows: “bread,” the staple of existence, refers to the 613mitzvos, which apply to all individuals in all generations; however, it is equally important to learn from theT orah what God wants us to accomplish in the context of the particular time in which we live.* The following four essays highlight aspects of Chassidus that express this dynamic in numerous ways. CHASSIDIM

A MODERN EXPERIMENT IN CHASSIDUS A Long Island congregation fashions its own foray into Chassidism.

By Rabbi Moshe Weinberger

pproximately Each one called out to a different part Kodesh after the last sefer of the holy seven years ago I was of my emotions and intellect seeking to , Reb Kalonymos Kalman Shapiro approached by a intensify and invigorate my avodas of Piaseczner. The Rebbe was truly a group of individ- Hashem [service of God]. holy fire sent to warm the hearts and uals who were sincerely agonizing over As a child of Holocaust survivors illuminate the minds of a broken genera- the stateA of their commitment to and raised in the terrible shadow of tion. In the depth of the darkness, he . Although they had been their pain, I was profoundly drawn to remained steadfast in his unshakable raised in Orthodox homes and had the writings of the Rebbe of Piaseczner, faith in the immortality of Knesses attended fine yeshivos, they shared in Rabbi Kalonymos Kalman Shapiro. Yisrael. Our generation has been resur- common a general, painful awareness This brilliant tzaddik, scion of one of rected from the ashes of Auschwitz and that “something inside had died;” leav- the great dynasties of Polish Chassidus, Treblinka, yet we have fallen into a state ing them observant and learned, but continued to teach, encourage and of spiritual numbness, a life of cold asleep.Together we undertook an inspire the remaining Jews of the prayers, empty mitzvos, rote learning, experiment and embarked on what has Warsaw ghetto until he was taken to be and an overall sense of spiritual alien- proven to be a remarkable journey to killed in Treblinka in November, 1943. ation. The spoke of a reclaim our lost spirituality. Some of his teachings from time when there would be “double con- When asked to head this expedition, those last days were miraculously dis- cealment.” That is to say, besides the I felt that we desperately needed a covered beneath the ashes of the concealment itself, there would be a lack powerful source of inspiration, one demolished ghetto and were later pub- of faith that there was a truth concealed; that would illuminate our path lished as Aish Kodesh – “Holy Fire.” I the fact of concealment would itself be through the coming years. Since my suggested that we name our new beis concealed. In the Holocaust, Jewish Bar I had been studying the medrash Aish Kodesh. In a message bones were crushed under the weight of works of the great Chassidic masters. sent to our earliest members for the hester panim — divine concealment. In purpose of explaining this proposal, I our “enlightened” times, Jewish souls are Rabbi Weinberger is the rav of Congregation Aish wrote: deceived by the delusion of “double con- Kodesh in Woodmere, New York. He is the author Our beis medrash is named Aish cealment.”Too frequently, we offer life- of : Halakhic Perspectives (Ktav, 1990). *From Mei Hashiloach, end of Masei. less prayers in the midst of animated per- fill this need with passionate prayer and seeks its quota of stimulation. Since sonal conversation and drag ourselves Torah learning. But the soul whose Sinai, the study of Torah, written and through the details of . divine service is without emotion will oral, has ignited the imagination and We have forgotten the purpose of life, have to find its stimulation elsewhere: It spirituality of our people. Those who while observing its regulations. We have will either be driven to cheap, even for- were not able to engage in intense lost our sense of divine yearning and sub- bidden, sensation or will become emo- were nonetheless sequently have stopped yearning ourselves. tionally ill from lack of stimulation. immersed in the passionate observance We proceed cheerfully with the business Two years ago while lecturing in Los of a Torah life. Secular forms of stimu- of establishing more Jewish institutions Angeles, I was told that every Rosh lation by means of literature, art, music and supporting more Jewish causes, not Chodesh almost 1,000 people gather to and culture were to a large extent far realizing that the essence of Judaism participate in a seminar on “Jewish removed from the day-to-day lives of eludes us. Rav Levi Yitzchok of Mysticism.” Recently more and more the general populace. Berditchev once gathered all the Jews of reports are surfacing revealing the Something happened. It cannot be Berditchev in the main , rose to shocking number of Jewish “pilgrims” en t i r ely understood in light of any theory the bimah and called out: “Jews, do not seeking spirituality in the Himalayas, of political or economic upheaval. It forget there is a God in Heaven!” To this and the disturbing growth of pseudo- was predicted long ago by the Zohar end our beis medrash was established — Chassidic, non-halachic followings (1:116B-117A): Then, 600 years into to stop the inertia of apathy, to tear away throughout America. Thousands upon the sixth millennium [the year 5600, at least one mask of concealment and call thousands of Jews are simply unaware corresponding to 1840 CE] the gates of out “There is a God in Heaven!” of the rich heritage of our own exciting supernal wisdom above will open togeth- Thus our experiment began with the and authentic -bound er with the wellsprings of wisdom below. Aish Kodesh as our role model for spiri- spirituality. It would be easy to dismiss This will begin the process whereby the tual renewal and the Shulchan Aruch as those attracted to such events and world will prepare to enter the seventh our guide to uncompromising halachic groups as “new age wannabes,” sensa- millennium [“Shabbos,” corresponding observance. tion seekers to be pitied or ignored. In to the year 2240 CE]. This is symbol- Although I had received the blessings the most Orthodox neighborhoods ized by a man who begins preparing for of a number of Chassidic and minyanim are sprouting up that attract the Sabbath on the sixth day, Friday roshei yeshivah, many of them were hundreds, if not thousands, seeking a afternoon. In the same way, from the skeptical as to whether the experiment more uplifting Kabbolas Shabbos than second half of the sixth millennium — would succeed. They questioned: those experienced in the local shuls and noontime and onward — everything could Chassidic doctrine and custom yeshivos.To overlook or underestimate speeds up, just as everything speeds up on be implemented in a so-called Modern the significance of these phenomena Friday afternoon in and Orthodox community in the absence would be a dangerous and costly mis- all preparations are made for the Great of a Chassidic rebbe and Chassidim? take. Sabbath. This is hinted at in the verse I believe that Aish Kodesh has “In the 600th year of Noach’s life...all the proven that, in fact, Chassidism has av Kook wrote: wellsprings of the great deep burst forth much to offer to some non-Chassidim. “Aftergrowths and the flood gates of the heavens were Additionally, I believe that it is crucial of prophecies opened.” (Genesis 7:11). that we recognize that Chassidus is sprout forth and Clearly referring to this teaching of uniquely equipped to engage modern the sonsR of prophets awaken. The spir- the Zohar, one of this century’s greatest man in a dialogue, a “give and take” it of prophecy roams the Earth.” kabbalists, Rabbi Shlomo Eliyashiv with an inner dimension otherwise When the “sons of prophets” awaken wrote (Leshem Sh’vo V’Achlama, Sefer neglected. to find the “boredom of non-stimula- Biurim part 1, page 21): “What was In his work, Tzav V’ziruz, Reb tion” in their avodas Hashem, they forbidden to investigate and expound Kalonymos Kalman writes: The might very well be drawn to cheap, upon just yesterday becomes permissi- human soul relishes sensation, not only if inauthentic “mystics,” “kabbalists” and ble today. This is felt by every true it is a pleasant feeling but for the very modern day “rebbes” unbounded by exegete. Numerous matters, whose experience of stimulation. Sooner sadness halachic authority and custom. These awesome nature repelled one from even or some deep pain rather than the bore- gurus will liberally and dramatically approaching in previous generations — dom of non-stimulation. People will quote from Chassidic texts and fabri- behold they are easily grasped today. watch distressing scenes and listen to cate Chassidic tales in order to appeal This is because the gates of human heartrending stories just to get stimula- to the spiritual thirst and imagination understanding below have been opened tion. Such is human nature and a need of the ignorant masses. up as a result of the steadily increasing of the soul, just like all its other needs Of course, it is not only the soul of flow of divine revelations above.” and natures; so he who is clever will ful- the uninitiated or non-affiliated that It was not only the Baal Shem Tov

JEWISH ACTION Fall 5760/1999 and his disciples who felt this great, Maor Einayim, Mei HaShiloach, depends upon ah a va s ch a ve r i m [l o ve of historic change. The Gaon of Vilna, Tiferes Shlomo, Be’er Mayim Chaim, friends], di b b u k ch a ve r i m [a deep sense Rabbi Chaim Volozhiner and many or Shem MiShmuel. Present day tzad- of camaraderie] and attachment to the others stood courageously at the gate dikim such as the Slonimer Rebbe and tz a d d i k i m of the generations.” between Heaven and Earth in order to Reb Yaakov Meir Shechter have written In America, many have carefully filter the influx of divine reve- works directed specifically and forceful- replaced the third Shabbos meal with a lations which had been suddenly ly to the minds and hearts of those lecture. “Melaveh Malkah” has been unleashed. unfamiliar with Chassidus. These demoted to a thinly disguised fund- It is, however, a historic fact that, for works are studied together with the raiser which falls somewhere between a reasons beyond the scope of the pre- writings of the Maharal, Ramchal, parlor meeting and a full-fledged din- sent article, Chassidism alone permit- Nefesh HaChaim, and others, as well ner. Many Chassidic-style shtieblach ted this transformation in conscious- as the daily regimen of Gemara, have replaced the profound Chassidic ness to become a mass movement, Shulchan Aruch and Minchas Chinuch. innovation of “Chevraya” [Chassidic allowing the “wellsprings of the great Cl e a r l y , a large measure of the appeal brotherhood] with a “heimishe” unruly deep” to reach even the simple atmosphere, replete with tailor or shoemaker. Chassidus exceptional cholents and far recognized and legitimized the less exceptional davening. spiritual stirrings of all Jews and The excited fellows seated sought a means of channeling around the table are more this newly respected energy into often “gobbling up” a piece of passionate avodas Hashem. kugel than a delectable piece Understandably it has not of Noam Elimelech. always been easy to strike a This is unquestionably one healthy balance between re n ew a l of the greatest challenges we and restraint. Th e r e have been, face in Aish Kodesh; to create and still are, many who have a sense of common goal and used Ch a s s i d u s itself as a means purpose, an atmosphere of of experiencing “cheap stimula- dignified, holy camaraderie ti o n ” in the service of Has h e m . without compromising shul Within the movement itself decorum. The time of daven- th e r e have been rev olutions and ing cannot be used as an co u n t e r - re v olutions, and it is opportunity for social bond- often difficult to detect the ing. We are replacing shallow pu r e, pristine light of the Baa l socializing with communal Shem Tov through the clouds events revolving around occa- that have formed over the past sions that are regarded as two centuries. Still, at the core sacred, particularly in of Chassidic doctrine lies the Chassidic circles. At our first belief in the Jewish soul’s Lag B’omer “Hilula” 25 demand for a deeper under- members sat in my basement standing and experience of sharing good food, niggunim Yi d d i s h k e i t . It is this belief that Rabbi Moshe Weinberger [melodies] and stories. Six has struck a power ful chord in years have passed. This past the heart of the modern Jew seeking to Ch a s s i d u s has had for the masses must Lag B’omer more than 300 learning, reestablish contact with his soul. be attributed to the domain of singing and stomping Jews, anxious to In our beis medrash, Chassidic texts Chassidic lifestyle. The Mao r be touched by the edge of Rebbe are studied primarily for the sake of VaS hemesh (Ki Sei t ze i ) writes: “Bef o r e Shimon [Bar Yochai]’s robe, joined us inspiration. Some individuals are most the light of the Baal Shem Tov’s path for the celebration. drawn to the succinct, penetrating began to shine forth into the world, any We study the teachings of the insights of the Sfas Emes. Others are Jew whose heart was touched by the fear Berditchiver and we share stories, most profoundly influenced by the of God would isolate himself, closing insights and some cake on his yahrzeit. breathtaking depth of Reb Tzadok himself in a room apart from social con- Recently our chevrah was invited to a Hakohen, the Baal HaTanya, or Reb tact...This howev er is not the main path large local shul to conduct a Friday Nachman of . Still, others con- to true service of Hashem. In truth, the night tisch. I’ll never forget the sight nect most deeply to the Kedushas Levi, essence of man’s return to Has h e m and sound of a few minyanim of men

JEWISH ACTION Fall 5760/1999 exhausted from a grueling work week, Shabbos Shuva and Shabbos HaGadol fact that I came to Woodmere com- survivors of the Long Island Rail Road, have been regularly attended by plete with beard, payos and shtreimel, marching down Central Avenue to a approximately 700 people of diverse did not prepare me for the upcoming Shabbos niggun, nor will I forget the backgrounds who share a spiritual struggle. If this effort has met with warm reception by hundreds of fellow thirst which they seek to quench only any measure of success, it is largely due Jews and their rav. The singing and within the framework of halachic, to the fact that I stand in complete dancing, the incredible sense of achdus Torah Judaism. awe, as a Chassid before his rebbe, [unity], was the outcome of real, pur- In addition to this, during longer when I’m in the presence of my poseful socializing, not the superficial post-Pesach Shabbosim, the women will chevrah at Aish Kodesh. Most assured- table-talk, wisecracks, calls of “nu, kid- often arrange to join together in one of ly my “Chassidim” have no mofsim dush!” we’ve grown so used to hearing the homes for their own Shalosh [miracle acts] they could possibly over the years. Seudos, replete with divrei Torah and attribute to me. I, on the other hand, Here, mention must be made of an niggunim. The luxury of an bear daily testimony to the miraculous innovation that would certainly be makes it possible to bring the little readiness these Jews have shown, to viewed as unconventional in Chassidic ones along who play in the yard or join open their minds and hearts to avodas circles. Having dealt with baalei teshu- their mothers and grandmothers Hashem, and their determination to vah for many years, I became increas- around the table. apply what they’re learning to their ingly aware of the tragic impact unco- day-to-day lives as Orthodox Jews. ordinated spiritual growth can have ne of the major A story is told of a group of Jews upon a marriage and a family. When reasons women who sat one Motzei Shabbos commis- either the husband or the wife begin to have often felt erating over the apparent hopelessness feel excluded from the spouse’s spiritual excluded from the of their situation. They simply felt world, the effects can be devastating. tefillosO [prayers] and Torah of the defeated, unable to contend with the In order for any real, permanent and Chassidic court is the simple physical destructive power of the evil around healthy change to take place, the entire obstruction known as the mechitzah. them. Suddenly, one lifted his head family must be included. Traditionally, From the beginning, I insisted that the and called out, “We have no choice but or perhaps more accurately, historically, shul maintain the stricter view of hav- to go seek a true tzaddik, one who can women have often been the ones to ing a six-foot non-transparent divider lift us from despair and set us upon the feel excluded. Life in the Chassidic between the men and women. Due to path of Hashem.” Together they trav- court revolves around the rebbe and the the efforts of my wonderful baalei eled trough the night until they beis medrash, while the woman’s batim, we recently were able to replace reached the town of Chernobyl. They “court” was conducted in the home this with a marvelously innovative six- nervously approached the home of the and the family. I am not contesting foot mechitzah that permits one-way Rebbe, Reb Mordechai, where a candle this arrangement. I do, however, feel viewing from the women’s section. was still burning, and quietly knocked that it cannot work amongst women This change has contributed signifi- upon the door. The Rebbe, who was who were raised in a non-Chassidic cantly to the ability of the women to lost in thoughts of his own, was star- environment. Women in general are participate more fully in the davening tled and opened the door. Upon see- extremely receptive to Chassidus, and it and derashos, without making any ing the group of tired, frightened trav- is crucial that they be included in any halachic compromises. elers, Reb Mordechai cried: “Precious, program for spiritual growth and Finally, the one aspect of Chassidus beloved brothers, how could you have development. After consulting with all readers are familiar with is the cen- known, how did you gaze into my gedolai haTorah, I instituted a in trality of the tzaddik-rebbe in the lives heart? At this very moment it became machshavah [Jewish thought] for men of the Chassidim. The personality, so clear to me, that without the com- and women to take place an hour power and role of the tzaddik occupy a pany of Chassidim, without their before Minchah every Shabbos after- great amount of space in the discourses warmth and inspiration, I am lost, I noon. I have used this time to trans- of the disciples of the Baal Shem Tov. am no Rebbe at all. Let us together mit the inner core of Chassidic doc- Entertaining no delusions whatsoever seek the Master of the Universe!” trine, while at the same time compar- about my humble origins, shortcom- So we continue on at Aish Kodesh, a ing and contrasting it to the teachings ings and deficiencies, I nonetheless rec- modern day “Rebbe” seeking inspira- of the Gra, Reb Chaim Volozhiner, and ognize the need for a charismatic rebbe- tion and guidance from those who the Baalei Musar. This class has type leader in our midst. Reclusive by have come to him for the very same attracted many couples from the entire nature, the most personally challenging gifts. May the Master of the Universe area who are afforded the opportunity aspect of the Aish Kodesh experiment protect us from delusion; may He draw to grow closer instead of apart as a has been to attempt to transform our hearts near to Him in sincerity, result of Torah study. The derashos of myself into this type of leader. The faithfulness and truth.

JEWISH ACTION Fall 5760/1999