RABBI MOSF.S FEINSTEIN 1',t!)tzl)''D i1f!.'~ 455 F. D. R. DRIVE o•'f171i• n11uln o"; AN URGENT New York. N. Y. 10002 piK' N'l.l:J
ORegon 7-1222 PROCLAMATION With the economic situation in our Holy I issue my personal appeal to every American Jew to aid • Kolel America Rabbi Meir Baal Haness, founded by Land steadily and drastically worsening, more Rabbi Y .L. Diskin, ZT'L, to help our impoverished fellow and more families are being forced to turn to Americans in our Holy Land. Kole! America for assistance. Each month, In the last few years, tens of thousands of Americans hundreds of applications are received, increas settled in Israel and inflation soared. Kolel America has increased its activities greatly, supporting thousands of ing the budget astronomically. persons. The organization is depending upon the increased We therefore issue this heartfelt appeal: generosity of American Jews-their only source of "Open your hands wide to your American income. brethren-Aniyey lrcho-who deserve prior I have stated many times in the past that Kolel America is first to receive our charity according to the law of ity in their time of need! We proclaim it a precedence of local needy (Aniyey Irom). Therefore, it is sacred obligation upon every Jew to support a sacred obligation upon every Jew in America to support Kole! America most generously. Kolel America. \'' CiJir'J ';\I?,./ Moshe Feinstein HONORARY PRESIDIUM
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein Rabbi Yaacov Kamenetsky Never before have so many needed so Rabbi Yaacov Y. Ruderman Rabbi Chaim P. Scheinberg much help for Pesach as in our Holy Rabbi Pinchas M. Alter Rabbi Shlomo z. Auerbach Grand Rabbi Hiski Babad Land this year! The worst economic Grand Rabbi Sholom N. Rabbi Sholom Y. Elyashuv Rabbi Tzvi Meir Ginsberg crisis in Israel's history has forced Ben:ovsky Rabbi A. Malkiel Kotler Rabbi Mordechai Gifter Grand Rabbi Yisroel A. Portugal thousands of our American brethren Rabbi Yaacov Y. Kanievski Rabbi Shmuel Taubenfeld Grand Rabbi Yaacov Perlow R bb' y·tz h k S U to apply to Kolel America for Maos 1 1 0 Rabbi David Singer a c · nger Chittim aid. The flood of requests Grand Rabbi Abraham Twersky *Partial List increases every day. American Jewry is Kolel r---__ ... _____ ...... _...... _...... _...... , America's only source of I Here is my Passover Maos Chittim donation for the needy I income. Answer the per I in Israel (as checked): I I I sonal appeal of Hagaon I 0$600 0$35o 0$200 0$100 o$5o 0$25 0$1s 0$ ..... I A Large A Small A Couple A Widow A Student An Orphan Chai Every •. Rav Moshe Feinstein and I Family Family For Life Donation the leaders of every seg I ~~ I I I ment of world Jewry. I 0 Please 'end me "FREE Sede< 0 Send me a Kole! America Charity I Open your hand and I Guide(mcall(718)871-4lllfo, Pushka I I your heart so that your .~~ I I fellow Americans in Is I KOLEL AMERICA Name I rael will have the neces I I I The American Charity Of Address I sities for Pesach this year. I RABBI MEIR I Send your generous I BAAL HANESS City/State/Zip I 132 Nassau Sneer• New York, N.Y. 10038 I Maos Chittim donation, I 5422 Sil Nev~~(~feh•••d:\tBOOkS ofthe Ptophets h~h • SUll,lfil~ ih~ ""8ftd';teaa E\1~lish, Wi,fh s.~"'1t.,a i'>sµklili ( v...... )~1\Slat~d omd ·· .•...•··•. · "."l'o)lngeiJ.up<>n,b~..,~ l)nthe irltet!>reta.tit>M !>£: hpl\f. sages· Similar i)l f6r)nat t(I Ltltttcld Ul'l!iJfi<;d on the $ole Trad~ Distributor; ·- Feldheitll. Publishers · 2.~AitPottE>teeuti~<;P""k SprlnrrValley, N.Y.10917 I Selected ~µkim -:.. ------·•011••--- mnSlated& I ATTENTION: _exp'otinc¥ ,u:P6n based I ORDER DIRECT FROM THE on--th_e Jtiterptetations_ I Oft>Ui''Sl:lgeg, PUBLISHER AND SAVE 10% I JEWISH EDUCATION PROGRAM s~_()r_t'Stdtes,'ISl parables I ,:t¥t-11fiderscor,e the I PUBLICATIONS -important: leSSOt\s 425 East 9th St. learned from 'Nach. I Brooklyn, N.Y. 11218 I (718) 941-2600 I I D YES! Please Send Me .I __ copy( ies) of Yehoshua paperback @$6.25 I __ copy( ies) of Yehoshua hardcover @$8.05 El!.cerPts &,quptes Proceea&.tobenent I Name ------ftomChaza1 .I highUghtjng.eoch JEP's vari6U$ I Address ------section.. kirt1v·.projects I City/State/Zip ------I Add $1.00 for mailing ______Total Enclosed ___ I ?J'/Jo re 11 1ro1-,, f')o p?/' /');:) ??')0 ':'J?d SARA SCHENIRER SEMINARY is pleased to announce the opening of a one-year Seminary in Eretz Yisroel for American students. This branch, to open in Ellul 5745 (September 1985), will combine an excellent staff/program and comfortable dormi tory facilities with the unique atmosphere of Yerushalayim. This seminary is located on a beautiful street in the Rechavia'-Shaarei Chesed area, where a girl can truly feel she is in Eretz Yisroel. Our fact sheet, sent upon.request, describes innovations born of much thought and insight. All Beth Jacob high school graduates or those with equivalent preparation are invited to apply. It is our sincere desire, in establishing this Seminary, to join the lessons of our extensive educational experience in America with this atmosphere. This combination, we feel, will ensure a learning expetience which will be memorable for its scholastic level, for the warmth and vitality which our program will afford, and will be enhanced by the Kedusha of Eretz Yisroel. Rabbi MichoelJ. Meisels Reh. Basha Rihner Dean Menahles The branch in Bretz Yisroel of Sara Schenirer Seminary, New York 4622-14th Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219, (718) 633-8557-8 Jerusalem, P.O.B. 7556 THE~H ~BSERVER THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN 0021-6615) is published monthly, except July and August, by the in this issue ... Agudath Israel of America, 5 Beekman Street, New York, N.Y. 10038. Second class postage paid at New York, N.Y. Subscription 1945-1985 40 Years Since the End of World War II: $15.00 per year; two years, $27.00; Some Lessons three years, $36.00 outside of the The Redeeming features of "Galus Awareness,'' United States, US funds only. 9 $20.00in Europe and Israel. $25.00 Rabbi Y aakov Kamenetzky ...... in So. Africa and Australia. Single After the Churban: The Groundswell of Love, copy: $2.00, foreign $2.50. Send Rabbi Avrohom Pam ...... 10 address changes to The Jewish After the Churban: Being Judged by the Observer, 5 Beekman St., N.Y., N.Y. 10038. Printed in the U.S.A. Martyrs, Rabbi Elya Svei ...... 13 RABBI N!SSON WOLPJN Tzeddaka: A Matter of Justice, Eliezer Cohen ...... 18 Editor Of Sanctity and Self-Expression, Yaacov Amilai ...... 23 Books in Review Editorial Board OR_ ERNST BODENHEIMER Collected Writings of Chairman Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch ...... 29 RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS Return to the Source ...... 31 JOSEPH FRIEDENSON RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN Second Looks on the Jewish Scene RABBI MOSHE SHERER Who is a What? ...... 34 Management Board Ban kmg. vs. "K avo d H ame1s . " ...... 37 NAFTOU HIRSCH Time for a Re-examination ...... 39 ISAAC KfRZNER The Call Unanswered, Batsheva Menucha ...... 40 NACHUM STEIN Letters to the Editor ...... 41 Business Manager RABBI YOSEF C. (~OLDING THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not as sume responsibility for the Kashrus of any product or service advertised in its pages. ©Copyright 1985 FEB. 85, VOL. XVIII, NO. 3 r THIS IS NO PICNIC Walk through the town of Pardes Chana in Israel leak and windows are broken. During the winter, rain on a windy winter day and you'll see two groups of pours right into so1ne classrooms. children sitting on cartons with their teachers in front of Several months ago the principal of the Chinuch a small dilapidated school 'house. They aren't sitting Atzmai school in Beer Sheva came to Harav Schach, outside to enjoy the fresh breeze. There simply isn't Rosh Hayeshiva of Ponevitz, crying that the roof was enough room inside for all the children and there falling in on the children in his school! is no money available to erect a ------Har av Schach immediately new building. GIYEEY$YJEWISHCfflLD' wrote a personal check for the You can see the same in (N ISRAEL' THE CHANCE .•.· principal to cover the cost of Tifrach, in Ashdod, in 'y()'l..EARNTORAH'tODAY emergency repairs. Yerushalalm"s Haari school, -,_,- -- -- > , , But even while our doors and at dozens of other Chinuch .JOIN US AT OUR 32ND are bursting with new children, Atzmai schools throughout A\li!JilUAL DINNER the Israeli government has just Israel. cut 1.500 hours per week of While secular government schooling out of our budget, school buildings stand ---JHE en!argingourdeficitbyanother ~~!~t~ti~~:dbeg~~~s~h~~uc0~ W~l.l)QHJi.ASTORJA ~~~~po~pth~ d~f~cft~~ s~~~i~'i Atzmai schools to accept their programs not funded by the children. The spirit of Teshuva t:::IcuN ..·· .. ·.D.·.A ... N7I.N.· ·... A. R .. · 5.7.. its.. ·.•·. government. has never been so strong as to- . APRJL.28, 1985.i We are talking about the dh)· Parents are taking! their .•.. ·•· ·. ·. · .· · • •: ' ','• ·•. future of 40,000children, and 1 ~~~~!Jf~!~l~~r~5a!~~w~~~them into overworked Chinuch ··inScjb¢~~·~ttl·die~~,;.. · .... :.. p~·re,~r,uotiorts,.an.djo.W:ftafirijOml~.>:<.<·:···:.·•• ~icr~;~IT,~~£~z~;~;t~:~ Atzmai schools that are To.rahSc.~o(il~furlsrael-Chinuch;\ta:1,ttai 16~. llf·dl•oti .....,, New York, N.V; )0(\16'/ physically substandard. Roofs (212) 889-0606 · · · ...... 1111111111 ...... --...... INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF GOVERNORS AMERICAN SECTION HONORARY CHAIRMEN: CO- CHAIRMEN' RABBI LEVI KRUPENIA RABBI YAAKOV KAMJNETSKY RABBI MORDECHAI GIFfER RABBI AVROHOM CHAIM LEVIN RABBI YOSEF D. SOLOVEICHIK RABBI BINYOMIN PALER RABBI OOV1D LIPSCHITZ RABBI ISRAEL SPIRA RABBI Y AAKOV PERLOW PRESIDENT: RABBI AHARON SCHECTER RABBIMOSHEFElNSTEIN RABBI LEIB BAKST RABBI ELYA SVEI VICE PRESIDENT: RABB! S.S. EHRENFELD RABBI MORDECHAI WEINBERG RABBI Y AAKOV Y. RUDERMAN RABBI SHMUEL AVIGDOR FA!VELSON RABBI Y AAKOV WEINBERG SECRETARY: RABBI YOSEF YITZCHOK FEIGEL.STOCK Torah for Every RABB! AVROHOM PAM RABBI S.M. KALMANOWITZ TREASURER: RABBI SHMUEL BERENBAUM Jewish Child In Israel -- Did you ever Feldheim Publishers wonder about proudly announces the publication the deeper of an enlightening symbolic new book meaning on the subject ofMitzvoth? ofTaamei Hamitzvoth Jewish Symbolism The Collected Writings of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch Vol. III In his approbation to Rabbi S.R. Ilirsch's classic In JEWISH SYMBOLISM, Hirsch establishes Commentary on the Torah, the Kovner Rov, Rav clear and concise rules for interpreting]e\Vish symbols Yitzchok Elchonon Z'f"L \Vrites: and syn1bolic acts. Dra\ving upon hundreds of "This great and unique Con1mentary on the Torah, illustrations from Torah and fialacha, he demonstrates by the Gaon . . contains priceless ne\v hOVI' his approach to Taan1ei llamitzvoth solves some l discoveries . . and reveals the hidden \Yisdon1 of the tnost perplexing problems in Jewish learning. and \vonders of the Torah . In addition to his theory, this volume contains One of the major innovations in I-lirsch's Con1mentury IIin:.ch's exhaustive examination of the syn1bolic to the Torah, is his unique approach to T AA.MEI n1eaning of Milah, 1'sitsith, Tefillin, the Mikdosh, and I--IAMITZ\rOTii, the syrnbolic quality and purpose of She1none Esrei, in 'vhich he proves that the minutae the Mitzvoth, and the relevance of the symbolic and details required in the performance of a Mitzvoh 1neaning to proper fulfillment of the Mitzvoth. This arc by no n1eans arbitrary, but arc, in fact, integral to iinportant theme \Vas elaborately developed by Rabbi the sy1nbolic concept of the Mitzvoh. I-Iirsch in an earlier \Vork entitled "Basic Guidelines Truly a classic \VOrk, this beautiful ne\v volume for a jev,rish Sytnholism" and has IlO\V been made offers every student and scholar the opportunity to accessible to the English-speaking audience in \ToL III becotne acquainted \vith the fundamental thinking of of the Collected Vlritings. this great teacher. 815. 75 hardcover, beautifully bound. About This New Series A dynamic teacher, leader, and prolific author, Satnson Raphael Hirsch is best kno\vn for his commentaries on the Pentateuch, I)salms, Siddur, I-Ioreb and the Nineteen Letters. These works have appeared in English editions and are widely studied. HoweYer, the bulk of his philosophical writings which appeared posthumously as "GESAMMELTE SCHRIFTEN" ("Collected Writings") has remained inaccessible to the English-speaking public. l Now, in a major undertaking, the Rabbi l)r. Joseph Breuer Foundation has begun the monun1ental work of translating these \vorks from the original German into English. The set \vill eventually contain eight volumes, covering such subjects as: The Jewish Year; ]e\vish I-Iistory in the Mishnaic and Talmudic Eras; Torah im Derech Eretz Ideology; Educational Principles; In troduction to ISAIAH and further Commentary to the Psalms; and Jewish Communal Life. Vol. I, TIIEJEWISH YEAR PART I, was published in Spring 1984 and contains essays on the first five months of the year (Nissan-Av). Vol. II, THE JEWISH YEAR PART II (Elul-Adar) L will be published P-G in the summer of 1985. 200 Airport Executive Park• Spring\'alley, N.Y. 10977 914-356-2282 • \'isa & Master Card accepted . As we continue to endure our millennia-long galus, is it best to shut this condition out of our consciousness, or are there benefits to be gained from a deep-felt realization of our estrangement from the ideal status of being at peace in our own land, under the open protection of G-d's love and concern? The following, based on an address by Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky, N"\J'J'll, member of the Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah, guides us in understanding how we are to view Galus. ' The Redeeming Features of "Galus Awareness" . n, J D>i'l!Jnl>'t'J- n1Y:un )'y 'f->j7)') 0''1i1il ~ ;i';t1n N:l nt i1)il ,,,, tnp Yitzchak's Heightened Awareness "The voice of my beloved, behold it comes, leaping over mountains"-this passage from Shir HaShirim (2.8), says the Talmud, refers to the merit of the Patriarchs of When Chazal (the rabbis of the Talmud) tell us that the our People .... Its concluding phrase, "skipping over count of 400 years of galus begins from the birth of hills," refers to the merit of the Matriarchs (Rosh Yitzchak, that is because Yitzchak had a deep awareness Hashana). In their merit, the galus in Egypt was shortened of hisgalus status. For instance, when his wealth grew, it from 400 years to 210. aroused the envy of the Philistines, who told him: Why, then, does Scripture continue to refer to "the "Leave us, you are far more powerful than we are" 400 years of gal us," beginning the count from the birth (Bereishis 26, 16). Thus, instead of becoming complacent of Yitzchak, instead of from Yaakov's entry into Egypt? from his successes, he became more aware that he was If the length of the galus was indeed reduced, the dura not"at home," even in the Holy Land. "Leaping over the tion should correctly be recorded as 210 years. On the mountains," then, refers to the towering spirituality of other hand, if galus actually did begin with Yitzchak's the Avos, which equipped them to recognize that they birth, why does the Talmud credit the Avos with shorten were, indeed, in galus when others would not have ing the galus? realized it. The key to these questions lies in understanding the Morai verabosei! I have, in my lifetime, lived during purpose of galus, and its fulfillment, which is dependent three distinct epochs: Torah in its glory during the years upon how the people suffering gal us perceive their situa prior to World War I; the years from WWI through the tion. If they are aware of their status as strangers, Second World War, which witnessed the progressive alienated from their life-source, they need no further decline and near destruction of the dominion of the oppression to remind them of their being in gal us. Thus, Torah in Jewish life; and the current era, which spans there was no need for the physical enslavement of the from the end of the second war until the advent of Jewish people in Egypt to begin until all of the twelve Moshiach, lJ'Y.l~J n1nnJ, when the primacy of Torah is Shevatim (Yaakov's sons) had died. As long as any one of mounting once again ... when the Torah institutions them was alive, they recognized that merely being in both in America and in Eretz Yisroel are blossoming, and Egypt constituted galus. After their passing, however, people estranged from Judaism are finding their way the successor generation was not as sensitive as the back. Shevatim had been, and because of their complacency and The forty years since the destruction of Europe have sense of comfort in Egypt, they required some degree of indeed been years of growth for Yiddishkeit, but even as oppression, so that they, too, could realize that Egypt is we witness continued advances, we must never lose our gal us. awareness that we are in gal us. For if we fail to recognize it, Divine Providence has ways of reminding us of our Rabbi Kamenetzky, Rosh Ha Yeshiva of Mesivla Torah Vodaalh, and a galus status. We must not lose sight of this even as we senior mrmberof the Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah (Council cf Torah Sages of Agudath engage in rebuilding Torah institutions and communi Israel of America), delivered the above message at the 62nd national convention of ties, for only in this way will we merit our speedy Agudath Israel af America. redemption. ~T ' Tiii' Jewish Observer/February, 1985 9 .. , 2:;z~~~~)~;. 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In time, Moshiach, a direct des which translates into conciliation, consolation and ul cendant of David, will reign. timately redemption. This concept and the one men tioned above are both to be found in a pasuk in Mishlei After the Second Temple (3:12), n~;' p nN JN'1 n'J1' '1 JnN' "1'l'N l11.PJ "For he whom Hashem loves He reproves and He appeases as a father does his son." This pattern of widespread destruction and merciful restoration appears repeatedly in the Jewish experience. After the destruction of the Second Beis Hamikdash, then, A New Branch From The Truncated Tree one could certainly anticipate some intimations of redemption. The Talmud records that Rabbi Akiva had Indeed, there is a pattern of Churban and rebuilding put his hopes in Bar Kochva, believing him to be the that is a part of Jewish experience over the years, and it Moshiach. He even bolstered his expectations with a can offer us many an insight. We find in Tanach that one passage from the Torah: "A star (Kochav) will emerge of the most tragic events in Jewish history was followed from Yaakov ..." (Bamidbar 24;17). Contrary to popular by a tremendous surge of Divine love which could have assumption that he was somehow fooled, Rabbi Akiva resulted in the Final Redemption: was gifted with the clearest vision conceivable, with Sancherev, King of Ashur, ruler of the civilized world which he was able to penetrate the very Heavens. He known at that time, conquered the Ten Tribes and sent knew that the time was propitious for the Geu!a She/eima, them into exile, laid waste to most of Yehuda and and that Bar Kochva was that person capable of fulfil besieged the city of Jerusalem where Chizkiyahu ling the role of the ultimate Redeemer. True, the Tal reigned. Then, in a single night, Sancherev's soldiers mud does point out Bar Kochva's failings, but these only miraculously died and the city was spared. served to disqualify him during the ensuing course of The prophecies in the Book of Yeshayahu that deal with events that followed. Rabbi Akiva perceived the pattern these events are immediately followed by Perek HaMoshi as it could have been fulfilled in his time. ach (Yeshayahu 11), which speaks of the future Redeemer and the era that his arrival will herald. The juxtaposition From Spain With Hope of these prophecies indicates that in the wake of the tragedies of that time came a z'man rnesugal (auspicious Similarly, 1492 witnessed the Expulsion of the Jews time) for geula. Chaza! do, indeed, tell us that "Hakadosh from Spain, putting an end to a flourishing center of Baruch Hu desired to make Chizkiyahu theMoshiach,"but Torah study and a source of guidance for Jews the world Chizkiyahu's failure to give full recognition to G-d fm over. Those Jews who remained behind were subjected His salvation-he did not sing G-d's praises in a Halle/ to the tortures of the Inquisition. For certain, redemp after the rescue of Kial Yisrael from Sancherev-had tion was on the horizon, and out of his keen awareness prevented this from occurring. (Still, G-d's mercy was of this, the Ariza!* inspired his disciples to join him in showered upon His people, albeit in a different form: yearning for its advent, as he led them on the mountains Under Chizkiyahu's reign, Torah flourished as never of Tzfas. It is clear from the writings of these tzaddikim before or since, with men, women and children, from that they sensed Moshiach's imminent arrival. Listen to Dan to Beersheva, aU expert in the most esoteric areas the lyrical outpourings of the Ari's ta/mid, Rabbi Shlomo of Torah law.) HaLevi Alkabetz, from the ··ucha Dodi .. that he com According to Ma/him, this idea is to be found in the posed: very words of Yeshayahu's prophecy: ''ll' YUY.l "1\Jn N~'1 Hisna'ari: Shake off the dust-arise! N, N' ''ll't.''>- n,!:l, 1'!01\!Jt.J 1~11 "A branch will grow from the Don your splendid clothes, My people, trunk of Yishai and a sapling will flourish from its roots" Through the son of Yishai, of Beis Lechem! (Yeshayahu ll, 1). Draw near to my soul-redeem it! The Malbim points out that the apparent repetition of Hiso'reri: Wake up! Wake up! for your light has come. phrases in the prophecy contains two messages: The Rise up and shine; tree of Israel, once axed down, will be restored as a new Awaken, awaken, utter a song, growth directly from the stump. This refers to the The glory of Hashem is revealed on you. possibility, at that time, of immediate redemption, with the branch of Moshiach sprouting visibly from the trunk ... al yad ish ben Parlzi: Through the man descended from of the Davidic dynasty, in the form of Chizkiyahu, who Peretz, we shall rejoice. stemmed from David. Should this not occur, as in fact it Somehow, the response of Kial Yisrael was not up to did not, the prophecy would still be fulfilled ultimately, the call of the times, and Moshiach did not come. as is implicit in the balance of the verse: ill!:>' 1'Vl'l't.) 1!:01 The trunk may be hewn to the ground, with the termi- *Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, 16th-Century kahhafist. The Jewish Observer!Februnry, 1985 11 . World-Wide Upheaval years of history, heritage and tradition. Yours, however, is empty-devoid of any real substance. Shouldn't you step back More recently, World War I uprooted virtually every for us?" Jewish community in Eastern Europe and destroyed the Following this meeting, the draft of religious women was fabric of Jewish life where it had flourished for centur rescinded. ies. Within four years of the armistice that ended the war, England issued the Balfour Declaration, which While the quick and direct reply of the Chazon !sh declared the intention of establishing a national Jewish was nothing short of brilliant, in all probability it did Homeland in Palestine. At that occasion, the Chafetz not impress Ben-Gurion, who was not interested in the Chaim said that this could well be a signal that G-d was words of Chazal and who did not share the Chazon Ish's presenting Jewry with opportunities for ultimate re interpretation of the circumstances. In Ben-Gurion's demption. Care must be taken that the irreligious ele view, his own wagon was full of ideological convictions ments do not cause the redemption to be further post and promise. That of the Chazon !sh, in his opinion, was poned.... Tragically, his fears were realized; the World outmoded, empty of contemporary relevance. The Zionist establishment was left in control of events, and Chazon !sh replied in the way that he did because he succeeded in imposing a decidedly anti-Torah imprint was a man of truth, not because he intended to impress on the national Jewish homeland .... his adversary; Ben-Gurion most likely sidestepped in Just as the near-total destruction of European Jewry favor of the Chazon !sh to avoid a no-win confrontation in World War II eclipsed any suffering endured until with the religious Yishuv. then, so too should the opportunity for geula that fol Let us return to Ben-Gurion's initial remarks. He did lowed exceed any that had come before. Indeed, only not attempt to convince the Chazon !sh of the value of three years after the Allied victory, Kial Yisrael was his false ideology; he knew quite well that any such presented with a wonderful opportunity to settle and attempt would prove futile. Ben-Gurion had but one develop Eretz Yisroel, on a firm basis of Torah values. This point to make:"... You are in the minority. Who should would have been an achievement that had not been conform to whom?" I available for centuries. Imagine an Eretz Yisroel where the f sanctity of Shabbos reigns supreme, where the laws of Force of Numbers the Land are rooted firmly in the Shulchan Aruch, where the sounds of Torah study echo from every corner! ... Force of numbers-this is how we can overpower But, alas, this did not occur and the State of Israel was those opposed to Torah and even impress them on their not established as a Torah state, to say the least. ... own terms. When we are the majority, we will prevail Almost forty years later, clashes over religious issues without question. This will not happen through pro are still an everyday occurrence. Topics such as legalized tests and demonstrations, which serve to distance even abortion and desecration of holy graves through archeo further those already estranged from the ways of our logical digs tear at the hearts of all who harken to the fathers. word of G-d. The only conceivable way of achieving a majority is by educating the masses-especially the young. The status Taking the Reins in Hand of Torah in Israel has improved dramatically over the past thirty six years, primarily because of dedicated Perhaps we can find an indication of a course of action efforts of Chinuch Atzmai to bring Torah education to to pursue from an exchange between the Chazon !sh children in every city, town, and village in Israel. In and Ben Gurion. addition, Reshet Shiurei Torah is bringing Torah to all The then-premier of Israel visited the sage of Bnei Brak parts of the Land. Yeshivas that specialize in dealing because the Torah community had raised its voice in outcry with Baa/ei Teshuva, the P'eylim, Mifal Torah Vodaath, against the law of compulsory military seroice for women. and other grou~s are devoting themselves to reaching "The majority of our country's people are irreligious," out to our SepKardic brethren and deserve every mea argued Ben Gurion. "Yours are in the minority. Who should sure of encouragement and every bit of support. conform to whose way of life?" Rachmei Shomayim-Divine mercy and love-do not The Chazon lsh was quick lo reply by citing a halacha come and go in a flash. In view of the mammoth propor found in the Gemora (Sanhedrin 32b): "When two wagons, tions of Churban Europe, we can certainly assume that the one laden with cargo, the other completely empty, travel Gates of Mercy will not be quickly closed. HaKadosh towards each other on a road scarcely wide enough for one, the Baruch Hu is waiting to console us and we can bring this empty wagon must back up and allow for the full one to pass." about by inculcating our people ;vith authentic Torah The Chazon lsh continued, "Our wagon is laden with 3000 values. 12 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 " ------·------. A destruction as vast as Churban Europe forty years ago must have some implications to us regarding our conduct as Jews-both on the personal level and on a national scale. What steps are to be taken as we engage in reconstructing a world destroyed? What are the pitfalls to be avoided? Who can best judge if we are measuring up to the task? An eminent Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi Elya Svei, N11\J'>J'll, member of the Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah, draws from both classic and more recent sources to guide us in learning from this cataclysmic epoch. Jewish history is an ongoing encounter with G-d, and every major experience contains a lesson. The ability to learn from specific events takes time and just as Chazal (the Sages of the Talmud) tell us that forty years must pass beforn one can fathom a lesson from a teacher of flesh and blood, so too may the passage of forty years be of help to us to truly learn from an historical event. We are now approaching forty years since the end of I World War II and the tragic horrors that befell our 1 people in that era. Undoubtedly, there are many lessons one must learn from that churban, and perhaps this pas sage of time will permit us to begin. l After the Deluge After a vast destruction, the first task on hand is to rebuild. Decisions must be made regarding what takes priority, and what is of secondary importance. We can find some guidelines from that most sweeping of disas ters to befall mankind, the mabul-the deluge of Noach's time. Noach's first act after stepping out of the ark was to plant a vineyard. The Talmud finds fault with this, and notes that the Torah's narrative of Noach's vine yard, beginning with the word: ni )n>1 "Vayochel Noach . .. and Noach debased himself" (Bereishis 9,20), contains thirteen words with the prefix"vay," thirty vay's, express ing cries of despair for Noach's downfall! (Sanhedrin 70a) What, one may wonder, was wrong with planting a vineyard? After all, its fruit-grapes and wine-cer tainly have their place in the scheme of a world restored: the wine is used for libation in the sacrificial order; it is used for kos she/ beracha, on which countless blessings are pronounced; and as a beverage, wine "brings joy to man's heart" (Tehillim 105). Nonetheless, the critique is obviously well-founded. This essay is based on a11 address by Rabbi Elya Svei, Rosh Yrshiva of the Yeshiva of Philadelphia, member of the Moetzes Gedolei Ha Torah (Council of Torah Sages), delivered af the 62nd National Convenlion of Agudath Israel of America. The Jewish Observer!Frbruary, 1985 13 Before planting the grapevine, Noach should have In sum, it is G-d's will that the Jews be a nation paused to consider the causes for the terrible decree that characterized by "badad--alone." If they choose alone brought total destruction to the world:" And the earth ness out of their own volition, they will be secure. If not, was full of corruption," which refers to both robbery the badad of hatred and rejection-the "Eicha yeshva and immorality. As the Talmud says (in regard to the badad-Alas! the city sitting in solitude" of Lamenta sotah-the woman suspected of infidelity), wine leads to tions-becomes Jewry's lot. The greater wisdom, coun moral decay (Sotah 2b). Having personally witnessed the sels the Netziv, obviously lies in choosing separateness mabul and survived it, having known firsthand that wine over having it imposed on us. was a crucial element in the hedonistic culture that In addition, the Netziv in his essay underscores two brought it on, Noach should have avoided it, or at least other factors that arouse anti-Semitism: conspicuous given it a low place on his list of priorities. But he did not. consumption, which arouses the envy of others; and a He planted the grapevine first, and the Torah cried "vay" lack of scrupulousness in financial dealings. Only if thirteen times. these three pitfalls are eschewed, warns the Netziv, can We, too, during this age of reconstruction, must be we be safe from mounting anti-Semitism. certain that we are not guilty of replanting the seeds of the very weaknesses that precipitated the previous As Water to fire generation's destruction. The Netziv continues, drawing from Scripture's com Counter Anti-Semitism: The Netziv's Prescription parison of the Nations to water-" An abundance of water [a reference to persecution by the nations-Rash;] It would certainly be difficult for us to determine the cannot extinguish the love" (Shir HaShirim; 8,7), and the specific causes of the fierce hatred that unleashed the Jews to fire-" And the House of Yaakov shall be a fire massive destruction of Churban Europe, but beyond and Yoseif the flame" (Ovadia 1,18). Each has its own doubt, we would be wise to avoid anything that may characteristics: fire illuminates, water does not; fire have contributed to it-especially today, when anti heats, water cools. Water has much to gain from fire Semitism is surfacing with greater regularity and for instance, when it is exposed to a fire's heat, water respectability in Europe, South America, and even in the can radiate warmth, or cook food. So one might assume United States. Let us, then, study the insights of the that the two would be compatible with each other. But Nelziv (Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehuda Berlin)-head of the when brought into immediate contact, the contrary is famed Volozhin Yeshiva from 1852 through 1892- the case. Water douses fire, robbing it of its heat and who was one of the leading figures of Russian Jewry light. All one is left with is unpleasant smoke. The key to during some of the most oppressive years under the a productive relationship between the two, then, is a Czar's tyrannic rule. He wrote Sefer Sh'er Yisroel, on barrier. For instance, when water in a pot is placed atop anti-Semitism, urging his fellow Jews to avoid its under a fire, both gain from the interaction that results: the lying causes: First and foremost, he wrote, the Jews are water absorbs the fire's heat, and the fire fulfills its destined to be a nation apart, separate from all the purpose, using its power productively. others. If they do so out of their choosing, then they will This analogy holds true in regard to Jewry and the be secure, in keeping with the passage: JN 14 The Jewish Obsrrver/Februllry, 1985 - century, who could judge us better than the kedoshim the Jews worshipped the Golden Calf, saying: "This is the millions who suffered martyrdom at the hands of your god, Israel!" As a result of this failing, we have the Nazis IV"'? Let us imagine for a moment that they never freed ourselves from our susceptibility to accept the kedoshim themselves-would pay us a visit, and eval ing false Messiahs. uate how we are dealing with the very challenges that When Reb Elchonon wrote these lines 55 years ago had confronted our predecessors. To be sure, they (in Biurei Aggados. published with KoveitzHe'aros), history's would be impressed with much of what they would worst "blood libel" was just on the other side of the see-our sons immersed in Torah study, our daughters horizon, five years away. Today, it needs no further committed to a life reflecting Torah values and per description. meated with personal modesty, our flourishing institu He identified the other fatal weakness-the contem tions dedicated to Torah scholarship and philanthropy. porary "false Messiah"-as the ideology of the "well They surely would feel that their martyrdom was not in known party" that presents a secular nationalism as the vain. formula for ending Jewish suffering. It is as an inher But should they drop into our homes and observe our ently false premise, for totally ignoring the role of fidel lifestyle, what would they think? ... the way we lavish ity to Torah as the key to our security, totally sidestep money on our homes and furnishings ... the alien cul ping our estrangement from Torah as the cause for evil ture, the secular values, the moral degeneration that and oppression. inundates our homes through periodicals and other If Reb Elchonon J"'1 would return and visit us today, channels .... If they would see how the very nations if he would examine our allegiances, our thoughts and that bear responsibility-passively if not actively-for our inclinations, how would he assess them? Now that the death of the Six Million now serve as role-models the Jewish State is in existence for over 35 years, and for family life and for our attitudes toward the value of has saved so many Jews, the challenge is so much life, for us and our children-what would they say? ... stronger. Under these heightened circumstances, would If they would call on us in our business dealings and Reb Elchonon deem us free from trust in our contem 1 examine them in terms of integrity-would they find us porary false Messiah? clean? The key to understanding this particular challenge is Would they find us learning from the blood soaked found in G-d's words to the Prophet Shmuel when the past, avoiding the basic causes of hatred of the Jews, or Jews had demanded a king to replace Shmuel as leader: would they find us focusing our efforts on the very "They have not rejected you," said G-d, "but Me" activities that brought destruction upon our people ... (Shmuel 1:8,7). True, their request seemed consistent repeating Noach's blunder, which called forth thirteen with the Torah's command," Appoint a king for your vay's upon his head? selves" (Devarim 17,15), but they had added a revealing clause," ... a king to judge us, as is done amongst all the The Test of Reb Elchonon's Martyrdom nations" (Shmuel 1:8,5). To a Jew, the implication of Malchus-royalty-is Malchus Shomayim, the Heavenly Amongst the kedoshim of World War II who could best Kingdom, but here they were rejecting Malchus Shomayim evaluate us, is Rabbi Elchonon Wasserman Jn~t, revered in favor of a King who will rule us "as all the nations." In head of the Yeshiva of Baranovich, Poland. Before he effect, they were offering a pledge of allegiance to a went to his martyrdom in the Seventh Fort in Kovno in symbol of "my prowess and the might of my hand." 1940, he told his fellow captives: "We must be lzaddikim Today, when people tend to attribute security and in the eyes of Heaven, if we were chosen to be His military successes to effective strategy, diplomatic skill sacrifices. Let us sanctify ourselves and keep our minds and naked power-how would Reb Elcho non find us? free of disqualifying thoughts .... Perhaps in that way What would he say? Would he deem us free from trust we will provide merit for our brothers and sisters in in our contemporary false Messiah? America." -During his last moments, his concern was that we, safe across the ocean, should continue to Earth Consecrated by Avraham survive! Reb Elchonon had a very specific view regarding the Indeed, the hazard of misapplied trust is all the major threats to Jewry's survival and how they should greater now, when millions of Jews are concentrated in be met, which he analyzed with his customary depth: Eretz Yisroel. This is borne out by the explanation offered Over the millennia, Jewry has suffered from two types by the late Mashgiach of Ponevezh, Rabbi Yechezkel of perils-blood libels and false Messiahs. Each has an (Reb Chaskel) Levenstein J"~l, regarding an incident initial cause in our people's earliest years: When the sons recorded in the Talmud: of Yaakov sold Yoseif into slavery, they dipped his coat Nochum Ish Garn Zu was dispatched by his colleagues lo into goat's blood to deceive their father into thinking represent the Jewish people before the Roman emperor, and he that he had been killed. As punishment for this, their took along a chest of jewels to present as a gift. The keeper of the children are accused of shedding gentile blood for ritual inn where he rested on the way stole the jewels and replaced purposes .... Forty days after receiving the Law at Sinai, them with earth. When Nachum arrived, the emperor opened The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 15 ' the chest, and was shocked lo see the earth: "These Jews are the great leader of the reestablishment of Torah after ' ridiculing us'" he exclaimed, and decided lo kill him. World War II. Rabbi Aharon Kotler J"'l had headed Beis Eliyahu Hanavi appeared in the guise of one of his advisors, Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, chaired Agudath Israel and suggested: "Perhaps !his is !he earth that their Patriarch of America's Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah (Council of Torah Abraham used when he defeated the four kings in ballle. He Sages), Torah Umesorah and Agudas Harabonirn. Be threw clods of earth al them and the earth proved as lethal as yond doubt, he initiated a Torah revolution, employing swords and spears." the 22 letters of the Alef Beis as the prime weapon. As a The emperor decided to fest "Abraham's earth" against an result, America today is graced with Yeshivos and Kolle enemy with whom the country had been locked in an un lim of advanced Torah study-lishmo, for its own sake resolved conflict. It worked' They were defeated! In reward, the virtually from coast to coast, many of them inspired if emperor filled the chest with precious stones and gave if to not founded by BMG, representing second-generation Nachum. fruits of his labors. On his return trip lo Eretz Yisroel, Nachum slopped al the A young man connected with the administration of same inn. When the larcenous innkeeper learned of Nachum's Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood approached me (at good fortune, he decided to cash in on the emperor's apprecia the Torah Umesorah dinner) with a plan: Since virtually tion of his clods of earth. He leveled his house, filled a chest every community that hosts a Kolle! has undergone a with the earth that lay beneath ii, and presented ii lo the complete metamorphosis, with more people than ever emperor as "more of the same earth." studying Torah, laymen making the beis hamidrash the The king tested ii, and-no! surprisingly-it proved pow focal point of their morning and evening, striving for erless. The deceptive innkeeper was put lo death. (Taanis 2 I a) ever higher standards in Jewish commitment and prac Asks Reb Chaskel: Why did the innkeeper attempt to tice, why not create a $2 million trust fund to fund the fool the king with his chest of dirt? He was well aware of opening of a new Kolle! every year, making the coun· its inefficacy. Obviously, answered Reb Chaskel, the tryside alive with Torah? Could there be a more fitting innkeeper did not accept the miraculous story of memorial to the Six Million than this, a more effective Nachum !sh Garn Zu's chestful of earth. How could he, use of the definitive tool for reconstruction, the omni when he never believed in the prototype earth of Avra potent 22 letters? l harn Avinu, either? To his view, there were no meta t physical factors to consider anywhere, so his box of dirt The Key to the Treasure • was equal to any. f Today, added Reb Chaskel, there are those who fail to The passage from Tehillim quoted above concludes: see the imprint of Avraham Avinu and his values on "a "With Your Name we will .cut down those who arise piece of earth." Eretz Yisroel, in their view, is a stretch of against us." Said Resh Lakish in the name of Rabbi land, no more or no less invested with metaphysical Yannai, "G-d linked His Great Name with Yisroel" powers than any other piece of real estate on the globe. (Yerushalmi, Taanis). Korban Ha'aida, a commentary on Left in the hands of these skeptics, our planes and Talmud Yerushalmi, says that when Yaakov's name was missiles are as worthless as clods of earth in defending changed, it could just as well have become "Yeshurun" or ourselves against our mortal enemies. Only when we "Yashar-Elokim," instead. Why did the malach call him succeed in linking the Land with the Forefather who "Yisroel"? consecrated it with his commitment to G-d and His He explains that the Name within Yisroel-which is Torah's values, only then do we benefit from the pro one of G-d's names of mercy-is similar to a key to a tection of living in Avraham's patch of earth, and only royal treasure chest that contains the king's secrets. The then are our protective forces invincible in battle-as key must never be loose, lest it be misplaced and access jets and missiles can be. to its precious contents be lost. The only way to insure Let us strive for clarity in our beliefs and fidelity in the that the key will always be available when needed, is to object of our trust. secure it to the chest with a chain . ... We Jews have been presented with a priceless The Definitive Weapon treasure-G-d's Torah. If we.are permitted to mix at random with other nations, our relationship with the 11ir.J O"'.::niln-U'r.JP UlJ.:i 1r.J'l':l n).).:i 1)"1.S µ"With You we Torah will surely be lost. Attached to G-d's Torah with will gore our enemies, with Your Name we will cut His Name, we are secure. It is the only way in which we down those who rise up against us" (Tehillim 46,6). The can ascertain that we will not be lost in golus. The incor Midrash quotes Rabbi Yitzchak who homiletically in· poration of G-d's name in ours-as the final syllable of terprets the Hebrew word for "With You-becha." Writ· Yisroel's name-ties us to our heritage. But even after we ten with letters having the numerical value of 22, the find ourselves so linked, we must make use of the key. implication is that we will overpower our enemies with The illumination from the fires that consumed the the 22 letters of the Alef Beis, with which the Torah is martyrs should light up our path: We should see the written. truth in life with the light of Truth-that all that exists Twenty-two years have gone by since the passing of is for His glory only. '1 16 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 ' BEIZER SHMURA MA1ZOH BAKERY ' 4312 New Utrecht Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219, 1-718-854-0597. 436-9393 We are addressing ourselves to you - members of the IF THESE QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN BOTHERING 4 publicwhohavebothatastefortopqualityandastrong YOU, WE HAVE THE ANSWER! desire for absolutely impeccable Kashruth - because THE BELZER SHMURA MATZOH BAKERY, 4312 New we know that you have certainly wrestled with these Utrecht Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y., WHICH IS NOW LO- problems: GATED IN A BEAUTIFUL SPACIOUS BUILDING. • Where can I find Pesach Matzohs which are both tasty • Every step from the .cutting of the wheat is under the and 100% reliable? personal control of qualified Rabbonim. • Where can I find Pesach Matzohs which are produced • Carefully selected grains from the very best quality. entirely by Shomrei Torah and Mitzvohs? • Stored in specially constructed wheat warehouses. • Where can I find Pesach Matzohs which are under • A mill on the premises which assures a steady supply constant supervision from the very beginning - the of fresh flour. cutting of the wheat - till the very end of the baking Everything done by heimishe workers with the strictest process? requirements under the supervision of Rabbonim headed by Harav Hagaon Reb. Chaim Yehudah Katz, Shlita, the A'f Bais Din of our Kehilla. In addition to the great attention that will be given to au the laws that ar~ prescribed by the halachic experts, we also have a full listing of additional halachic precepts which our Rabbanim wm carry out in our Matzoh Bakery. We will list some of these precepts which are of major importance to those who strictly adhere to the laws of Kashrut. 1 The wheat ts constal'!Uy wati:hed from the time of cutting. Prior to the 7 We store the water overnight in glass containers as has been the cutting of this wheat our Rabbanim visited the fields and examined custom of our early sages contrary to the modern day custom· of them carefully to determine which are the most acceptable for using plastic containers. themakfng ol "Matzohs Mitzvah." Only the best and most perfect wheat was chosen, for harvesting. In addition, the men of our com~ 8. A unique, modern machine has been brought into the Matzoh Bakery munity worked long hours to clean the combine and all the other which cleans all rolling pins and carrying sticks every 18 minutes machinery, which was involved in the cutting and sorting of wheat. making it impossible for small part ides of dough to accumulate. After the cleaning process they are carefully ~ nspected by the Mashgiach 2. During the cutting of wheat, our Rabbanim stayed with the workers before being used again. constantly and supervised every detail of the harvesting so that the wheat was never left unguarded. 9. The cleaning of the sticks is done in a special room of another floor so that no dust and particle of dough will come Into the room in which 3. All the wheat is placed in sacks and stored in a special storage place shmura matzoh is baked. In this way no ha!achicquestions can arise. which is enclosed by metal on au sides and was built solely for the purposeofstoringwheat.Eachsackisseparatedfromtherestandis 10. In addition to the Rabbanim"s supervision, there is a permanent kept cool by constant c"trculation of fresh air. This keeps the wheat Mashgiach on the premises who supervises all aspects of both the well-refined and enhances the quality of the Shmura Matzoh. baking process and personnel, and sees to it that everything is done according to the Halacha. At the same timr an observant 4. Up-toMdate modern grinders have been built near the Matzoh Bakery woman supervises the women who work in the Matz oh Bakery, and and are used solely for the grinding of Shmura wheat. The grinding sees to it that they are free from all dust and ~~rticles of dough. and sifting ofwheat is done only by observant Jews under rabbinical supervision. 11. To ensure the dedication of all those involved in the making of Shmura matzohs everything possible was done to provide pleas 5. We are careful to grind a small quantity of wheat at a time. This is an ant working conditions. Neither money nor effort was spared to important factor in keeping the flour and Matzohs halachically achieve the highest standards of Kashruth and quality. mehadrin, dean from worms and fresh for use. 12. Arrangements have been made that all workers involved in the 6. AU the flour that we use for baking is ground by us. We do not buy flour grinding, kneading and baking of the Matzoh are to be Torah from any other source. observant Jews. THIS YEAR! ENJOY YOUR HAND SHMURAH MATZOH'S WITH THE BEST IN KASHRUTH AND QUALITY! Our Matzohs can also be obtained in Los Angeles, Miami and other cities throughout the United States, under the additional supervision of Rabbi Shmuel Eliezer Stern of Los Angeles, California. For orders or for more information, call (718) 854-0597, 436-9393 I Purim is a time of creative fun and almost limitless generosity. In the following article, Eliezer Cohen opens our eyes to creative generosity. "Tzeddaka'': A Matter of Justice . as for me, if I haven't any money to give the needy, I pine away from distress" -Reh Chaim of Sanz ? 11~l Tzeddaka vs. "Charity" usually cease as soon as it seems to be interfering with one's own personal needs. It does not take long for one Tzeddaka-its mere mention strikes a responsive chord to feel that this is actually happening. A Torah Jew, on in a Torah Jew's heart. Though compassion and benevo the other hand, gives tzeddaka with both compassion and lence are traits characteristic of all descendants of Avra a sense of obligation. harn Avinu, there is no doubt that the Torah community Yet each of us must still ask himself if his tzeddaka is unique in both the quantity and the quality of its giving truly earns him the title of "baa/ tzeddaka." The tzeddaka giving. Who but a Torah Jew could fathom the term "baa/" denotes mastery in a specific area. (See Mal kind of outpouring of funds that we witness on Purim, bim to II Samuel 11:26.) A baa/ tzeddaka, then, is one who when rich and poor, old and young give until their has mastered this rnitzva in both approach and deed. If pockets are literally empty? Where but in the Torah we will but begin to delve into the words of our sages on community are hundreds of thousands of dollars raised this subject, we will see that the title of "baa/ tzeddaka" is each year to pay for weddings, furniture and clothing not easily earned. for poor brides and grooms? It seems obvious that there is a very basic distinction A Unique Commandment between the Torah Jew's concept of tzeddaka and the universal concept of charity. The latter is seen as a The giving of tzeddaka as an obligation is based on the manifestation of one's desire to help those less fortu Torah's requirement that we assist those in need, as is nate than himself. Webster's Unabridged Dictionary written, "You shall not close your hand against your defines philanthropy in exactly this way, as "a desire to destitute brother" (Devarirn 15:7). The obligation to give help mankind as indicated by acts of charity." Such a tzeddaka may seem no different from any of the Torah's desire is certainly commendable, but if this is the sole 613 mitzvos, but this is not so. Whereas with other mifzvas, drive behind one's benevolence, then the giving will "obligation" merely indicates that the commandment is I' incumbent upon one and is not a matter of choice, in regard to tzeddaka it defines the very essence of the EliezerCohensfudifs in a Kollel in the New York area. This is his first by-line mitzva. in]O. We can see this by examining the word npi~, which 18 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 ·---- ~---- comes from the root ;:n~, justice. While giving tzeddaka Mr. Harry Hershkowitz, who during his lifetin1e was a expresses a Jew's compassion for those in need, it is pillar of many charitable causes, celebraled !he wedding of his truly more~it is also an act of justice. daughter. Judges, lau1yers and members of Neu1 York's social As Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch writes: elite were in attendance. (Besides serving as a member of thr "Why should G-d give you more than you need unless board of directors of Mesivla Torah Vodaalh, Mr. Hersko He intended to make you the administrator of this witz was Direcfor of Internal Revenue for the Southern blessing for the benefit of others, the treasurer of His Dislricl of Manha/tan.) Suddenly the music slopped; Mr. treasures? Every penny you can spare is not yours, but Herskowifz was requesting silence. He then spoke: "Friends, should be used as a tool for bringing blessing to others . !hough I have married off a child lonighl, my happiness is no/ . . . This is why our sages prefer to give the beautiful complete. How can my hear/ be filled with joy when I know name of np1~ to this act of charity by means of material that there are dedicated teachers of Torah, living in this very goods. For np1~ is the justice which gives to every ci/y, who cannol properly feed !heir families? I am speaking of creature that which G-d allots to it. 1 " one specific yeshiva where there is no money with which to pay the teachers . ... "Mr. Herskowifz ended his words with a Attitude and Act plea for contributions. A sense of justice, too, can lead a person to the highest Certainly one's approach toward any venture involv levels of lzeddaka performance. ing money will have a marked effect on his conduct in Mr. Avraham Meyers was a supporter of Belh Medrash that venture. Govoha of Lakewood, N.]. in ifs formative years. Mr. Mey A re/alive of Rabbi Shlomo Heyman (who served as Rosh er's son became engaged al the heigh! of World War II, when i Ha Yeshiva of Mesivla Torah Vadaa/h in !he Lale 30's and word of the exfenninafion in Nazi concentration camps had l early 40's) once offered him one of the apar/menls in his already reached !he Wes/. Mr. Meyers said lo Rabbi Aharon j summer home, where fhe fwo couples would share a kitchen Kotler 7".~n, "How can I spend money on a wedding when and ealing area. Reb Shloma, lo/ally involved in olher Jewish blood is being spilled on !he other side of !he ocean? .. ..!. worldly pursuits, asked his wife lo figure oul if !heir modes/ Mr. Meyers laid Reh Aharon that if !he Rosh Hayeshiva income would cover the expenses of such a venture. She made would allow his son's wedding lo lake place an !he lawn of !he the cornputations and announced that the apartment would be yeshiva, he would donate all !he money saved lo lzeddaka. within !heir means, and Reb Shlomo asked lo see the figures After Reh Aharon gave his consent, Mr. Meyers consulted an unusual request for hinl. He checked them over and then with a catering hall, band, and all the other necessities, drew fold his wife, "You forgo! lo add in one expense-'Shalom up a guesl /isl and figured ou/ lo !he penny whal !he wedding Bayis Gell.' " would have cost. He then gave !he la/al-seven and a half " 'Shalom Bayis Celt?" his wife asked incredulously. thousand dollars-la lzeddaka. Reh Shlomo explained, "When lwo parties share living The Need to Pursue the Mitzva facilities there are bound lo be some questions as to how much each side should contribute to the expenses: Who used more Our Sages exhort the baa/ /zeddaka to actively search elecfricify, who used the telephone more, and so on. When those out those in need of his charity. This idea is actually questions come up, each parly of/en finds ii difficult to par/ inherent in the very letters of the Hebrew alphabet: with their hard-earned money, and that is where arguments "Why is the foot of the Gimme/ stretched out toward the begin. To avoid this, one should set aside some money from the Daiei? In order to teach us that the gomel (provider) start, in the event such problems arise. Then he will have no should always try to seek out the dal (poor man) and difficully in surrendering the money." offer help without delay" (Shabbos 104a). This observation of Reb Shlomo can also be applied to Whether one is assertive or reactive in his tzeddaka the giving of lzeddaka, for, similarly, giving up one's giving will surely be influenced by his attitude towards hard-earned money for charity may sometimes prove giving. This is clearly illustrated in a Mishna (Avos D'Rav difficult. If, however, one sees this mi/zva as an "act of Nosson, ch. 7) which speaks of the more general milzva of justice," and in this light, always sees a proper portion of gemillas chessed. his earnings as being "off-limits" to himself, the giving G-d said la lyov, .. Your level !of chessed) is not even half of /zeddaka will be a test easily passed. that of Avraham 's. You sit in your house and guests enter, h~ who is accustomed to eating meat is served meat, he who is Compassion-A Vital Component accustomed to drinking wine is served wine. Bui Avraham did no/ ac/ !his way; he aclively searched !he world {far guests]. Defining tzeddaka as an act of justice does not mean And when he found guests-he who was not accustomed to that compassion cannot figure prominently in the per eating meat was served meal, ... " I formance of this mitzva. There are, of course, times Rabbi Eliyahu Eliezer Dess/er ?"~1 2 clarifies !he differ when it is the Jew's role as a rachmon (compassionate one) ence between lyov and Avraham. lyov's acts of kindness were I that will bring him to perform unusual charitable deeds. motivated by compassion and, as the Chovas HaLevavos 1. Horeb, cited in ArtScrol! Bereishis!Genesis I pg. 200 2. Michtav Mr'Eiyahu Vol. 2 pg. 178 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 19 • states, compassion is a manifestation of a desire to satisfy one's Rabbi Avraham Kahaneman, son of the late Ponovezher awn discomfort at seeing someone else in distress. Once that Rav '.7 11 ~t, approached an aged widow of means for a donation discomfort has been assuaged, the compassionate one no longer for the Ponovezh Yeshiva. The woman readily acceded lo his feels a need lo benefit others. On the other hand, as the classic request and remarked that she contributed to many such baa/ chessed, Avraham 's acts of kindness stemmed from an worthy causes. Rav Kahaneman knew that the woman, insatiable desire lo benefit his fellow man in any way possible. widowed for fifteen years, was without someone to advise her !This is borne out by the fact that Avraham was grieved where lo contribute her money, and she could hardly be very when, on the third day following his circumcision, no travelers familiar with the makeup of the many organizations and ' appeared.) As such, Avraham could never be satisfied that he yeshivas that existed. Curious, he asked her which other causes I had "done his share" for others. His "share" was limitless. she contributed to. The woman listed a dozen or more "ster ' As we shall see, chessed should be an integral part of the ling" causes to which she donated handsomely. Rabbi baa/ lzeddaka's acts of charity. In truth, though, the sense Kahaneman asked in surprise, "May I ask who advised you lo of justice in giving lzeddaka should be enough to motivate contribute to these very worthy charities?" one to pursue those in need-when a borrower of "No one," the woman replied. ''The money my husband left money has the necessary funds to repay his loan, is it me is 'kosher money'-all of ii was earned honestly and none of proper for him to delay payment until the lender comes ii came lo us through chillul Shabbos. I am constantly praying knocking on his door? Similarly, the person who sees that in this merit, my tzeddaka should end up in the right himself as a custodian of funds entrusted to him from hands, and my request is always granted." Above, specifically intended for lzeddaka purposes, will not wait for the poor man or the yeshiva fundraiser to Infusing Justice With Kindness come asking for a donation. One evening, the executive director of a well-known yeshiva As we have seen, the attribute of chessed should figure came lo the home of Mr. lo request a donation on behalf of R prominently in the baa/ lzeddaka's acts of charity. Rabbi the yeshiva. Mr. R immediately interrupted what he was Elazar (Succah 49b) teaches that the reward for the giv doing, warmly received his visitor, and responded generously ing of lzeddaka increases in proportion to the giver's lo his request. The visitor wished Mr. R well and, as he rose to efforts in making the donation achieve its end as mean leave, apologized for having intruded al an obviously busy ingfully and as kindly as possible. As Rashi (ibid) time. explains, rather than give money to the poor, the baa/ Mr. R told him, "You know, Rav Hulner[Rabbi Yitzchok chessed will instead deliver food or clothing to them to Hulner ~"'1, late Rosh Hayeshiva of Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin] calls me al limes for donations fur his yeshiva. Before I enable them to utilize their time toward earning a I livelihood. hang up, I always thank him for the call, and I once explained Additionally, there is an added reward simply for ~ lo the rash yeshiva why he deserves my thanks. I am very giving them something of immediate benefit. The clas organized in my tzeddaka. I set aside a certain share of my sic illustration of this idea is the story of Mar Ukva and earnings and distribute' it to worthy causes. My donation (Kesubos would be the same without a call, but I want my children lo see his wife 67b), who, not wishing to be discovered lzeddaka, that giving lzeddaka is not !l'havdil) like paying the electric by the beneficiary of their ran and hid in a large oven that had not completely cooled from its last baking. bill. I don't interrupt my dinner lo pay bills, but I do when I get a call for tzeddaka. If the request is made in person, I ask my Mar Ukva suffered great discomfort from the heat, but son lo fetch my checkbook for me. So I say the same lo his wife did not. She later explained to her husband why you-thanks for coming by." her merits were greater than his. "I give poor people cooked food, which they can enjoy immediately. You The Pursuer of Tzeddaka Will find Tzeddaka give them money with which they must go out and purchase food, thus delaying their enjoyment of your The reward for actively seeking to give tzeddaka is the benevolence." And so the classic baa/ lzeddaka is one who is at the same enhanced fulfillment of this very milzva. time a pursuer of charitable deeds and a pursuer of " ... He who pursues [acts of] lzeddaka, the Holy One Blessed is He, will extend to him coins with which to loving-kindness. perform lzeddaka. R' Nachman bar Yitzchak says, "The The principal of a high school for girls was impressed by the Holy One, Blessed is He, will extend to him upright request of the woman who stood before him. She had asked him people through whom to perform lzeddaka, so that he for a list of the ten neediest girls in the school. The Yomim will receive reward [for his act]" (Bava Basra 9b). As the Tovim were approaching and these girls would surely be Gemara goes on to relate, the prophet Yirmiyahu re needing new clothing for the holidays. quested of Hashem that when the people of Anasos (who "And you're going to leave money so each of these girls can sought to kill the prophet) would be inspired to perform by something?" the principal asked admiringly. acts of charity, their money should fall into the hands of "No," the woman replied. ''I'd like permission for them lo undeserving individuals. A person must merit having leave school for a couple of hours so that I can take them his lzeddaka go to proper recipients. shopping." 20 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 -·------_,,.. __ --- The Baal Tzeddaka-A Recipient Every Jew, whatever his station in life, has been put in this world to fulfill a particular mission, While poverty Tzeddaka, then, is unique among mitzvos. While it is a can be seen as a test of the poor man's resolve to resist milzva bein adam /e'chaveiro (between man and his fellow the temptation to resort to dishonesty, or at the very man) of the highest degree, it also serves as an expres least to quash the desire to complain about his lot, it can sion of faith that" everything is from You and from Your also be viewed in a different light, The poor man will gain own we have given You" (I Divrei Hayomim 29:14), The from his plight if he will serve as a vehicle through Midrashic dictum (Ruth Rabba 5:9), "More than the bene which others will perform the milzva of lzeddaka, "It is factor does for the poor man, the poor man does for the worthwhile for a man to live his entire life destitute and benefactor" would then seem simple enough, The poor in need, and have his lot be one of sickness and affliction, man's gain in receiving fzeddaka is merely physical; in no if only for the purpose of causing others to do good,''s way does it compare with his benefactor's spiritual This perspective, while uplifting to those in need, reward, It is possible, however, to explain this teaching magnifies the responsibility of those who are blessed to in an entirely temporal sense, for the baa/ /zeddaka's divi be on the giving end, As Rabbi Dessler puts it, one who dends in this world are, of themselves, substantiaL has the means to give charity but fails to do so, stands to One nigh/ Rabbi Yochanan hen Zakai dream/ Iha/ his lose much more than he might imagine, Not only will he orphaned nephews would suffer a loss of seven hundred dina have denied himself reward in the world-to-come, not rim in !he coming year. Throughout that year, Rabbi Yocha only will this money be lost to him through some other nan coaxed his nephews into contributing to the poor. By year's means; but worse-he will have to account for having end, /hey had conlribuied a Iola/ of 683 dinarim, On Erev denied the poor man the fulfillment of his purpose in Yorn Kippur the Roman government demanded of them a tax being poor, namely, to serve as a cause for others to give of seventeen dinarim. Rabbi Yochanan said to them, "Do not lzeddaka, fear; [but] seventeen dinarim have they taken from you," meaning Iha/ !here would be no fur/her lax, Rabbi Yochanan Giving With Consideration then informed his nephews of his dream, They asked, "Why Our Sages place great importance on making the poor didn't you infonn us of this [so that u'e would have given you man feel as comfortable as possible in accepting charity, the full amount]?" Rabbi Yochanan replied, "I said lo myself, This too, is implicit in the shapes of he letters of the '[heller] Iha/ you should do ii for the sake of the milzva,'" Hebrew alphabet, "Why is the Dale/'s face turned away As stated, a Jew is merely a custodian of funds from the Gimme/? Because [the rich person] should give entrusted to him from Above, That portion of his [to the poor person] discreetly so he should not feel income that should be set aside for lzeddaka will in ashamed before him" (Shabbos 104a), (In this respect, a evitably leave his possession one way or another. For loan is superior to an outright donation, See Shabbos tunate is the one who willingly gives his share of lzed 63a,)6 daka, rather than having the money snatched away from On the surface, this would seem to be part of the him, sometimes through unpleasant circumstances; as chessed aspect of tzeddaka giving, that is-benefit others, our Sages say, "The Omnipresent has many emis but do not make them feel that their survival is dependent saries."3 Conversely, the Rambam4 writes, "One can upon you, In light of what has been said thus far, how never become impoverished from [giving! lzeddaka nor ever, we can see this as an attitude most basic to the can any harm or damage come about because of [giving] proper performance of the milzva, What right does one lzeddaka, Whoever is merciful will have mercy bestowed have to make a poor man feel uncomfortable or indebt upon him,,,," Thus, the beneficiary, in accepting ed when he has been designated by G-d as the means charity, has helped his benefactor immeasurably, in this through which we "justly" distribute our share of lzcd world as well as in the next, daka? Need a sick man feel guilty for having allowed us the opportunity to perform the milzva of Bikur Cho/im? The Multi-Faceted Benefits of Giving It is thus clear why the Rambam' codifies the following halacha: Even this, writes Rabbi Dessler, does not fully eluci "Whoever gives fzeddaka to a poor man with an unplea date the relationship between the benefactor and bene sant face and a vexed expression, even if he gives him a ficiary, An understanding of an exchange found in the thousand gold pieces, has lost his merit and ruined Ithe Gemara sheds new light on our subject, milzva], Rather, he should give it to him with a cheerful The evil Turn us Rufus asked Rabbi Akiva, "If your face and with joy, , , ," G-d loves the needy, why does He not properly sustain them?" Rabbi Akiva replied, "In order that we be saved 5. ibid from the judgment of Gehinnom" !Bava Basra IOa), 6. The reader is referred to the late Rabbi Michael Munk's The Wisdom in the Hebrew Alphabet, "Letter Daft(' for a fuller, f.lsc-inat ing discussion. 3. Ibid vol. 3 pg. 324 7. Hilchos Ma/nos /lni'im 10:4 based on Bava Basra 9b 4. Hilchos Mafnos /lni'im 10:2 8. see N!'Siv Hatzrddaka ch. 2, 5 Thr ]rwish Ol1srrvrr!Frbruary, 1985 21 ' Torah Institutions-a Give and Take new organizations are constantly springing up to serve the needs of baalei teshuva, to help those with special Whatever has been said thus far with regard to the educational needs, and so on. However, there is cer needy can certainly be applied to Torah institutions, as tainly the negative aspect-such as the swelled ranks of well. In addition to their primary function of inculcating the Jewish poor, especially in Eretz Yisroel, and the finan the next generation with the word of G-d, these institu cial precariousness of virtually every Torah institution tions serve another important, although subtle, func in the world. tion-they allow all Jews to share in the reward for One might be inclined to dismiss this observation as Torah study through their support of those who toil in lacking real significance, for our financial difficulties are it. merely a reflection of the generally unstable world Supporting Torah institutions is not an option-it is situation. However, our sages make it clear that world an obligation. The prophet Yechezkel (Ezekiel 11,16) events revolve around Klal Yisroel and not vice-versa; we described the beis hamidrash a" miniature sanctuary." The are the cause, not the effect (see Yevamos 63a). An expla Chafetz Chaim declared that just as all Jews were nation can, perhaps, be suggested for the situation. required to take part in the building of the Beis HaMik "Great is tzeddaka for it brings near the redemption" dash, so, too are they all obligated to support the Torah (Bava Basra 10a). Tzeddaka hastens the time when the institutions of every generation. In this context, the Jewish Nation will be returned to its once exalted status, Chafetz Chaim would apply the dictum, "Every genera for tzeddaka-giving has the power to exalt (Maharal), as tion in whose time the Beis HaMikdash is not rebuilt is the Psalmist said: "He gave distribution to the destitute; considered as thought it had demolished it" (Yerushalmi his charity endures forever; his pride is exalted with Yoma 1). glory" (Tehillim 112,9). As Seforno writes, the baa[ lzeddaka The Chafetz Chaim's yeshiva in Radin was originally will see his sojourn both in this world and the next housed in the local beis midrash. Eventually the yeshiva blessed with Divine favor. outgrew its quarters and the Chafetz Chaim sought to erect a As we who are living in Ikvesa D'Meshicha (the period building for the yeshiva. A wealthy admirer of the Chafetz immediately preceding Moshiach's arrival) draw ever Chaim offered lo contribute the entire sum needed. The Chafetz closer to that awesome day, the need for zechusim (mer Chaim told him, ··1 am sorry, but I cannot accept this. A its) becomes even more crucial. How much better to yeshiva belongs lo Kial Yisroel, all Jews have the right lo have accrue these zechusim through good deeds rather than, a share in it. I will allow you to donate the cost of the erection of G-d forbid, through tribulations. "What should a person one wall-and no more." do to be spared [the terrible conditions of] the birth pangs of Moshiach? Let him occupy himself with Torah Seen from this perspective, those who seek our con [study] and acts of loving-kindness" (Sanhedrin 98b). tributions for Torah causes can be likened to the Temple Hashem, in His infinite mercy, has presented us with an administrators who saw to it that every Jew fulfilled his abundance of opportunities to earn these merits. People obligation toward the building and upkeep of the Beis in need come our way, awaiting our assistance, which HaMikdash. These people should not be made to feel as in turn will justify their plight. Representatives of though they are at our mercy, shamed and humbled, worthy institutions implore us to save them from when they bring us reward in the next world, sparing us financial collapse-no, imploring us to enhance our potential tribulation in this world, and saving us from selves as supporters of Torah. In general, the situation judgment for not having "built a sanctuary" in our day. can be seen as one of opportunity rather than havoc, if A yeshiva received a substantial loan from one of its loyal only we see it as opportunity. supporters, to be repaid in installments. One of the yeshiva's The Rambam writes, post-dated checks for partial payment was returned by the bank "We are obligated to be meticulous with regard to the for lack of funds. A few days later, the yeshiva office received a rnitzva of tzeddaka, more so than all other positive command call from the lender. The office staffers were reluctant lo accept ments for tzeddka is a mark of the righteous seed of Avraham the call, fearful of what the man, who was surely irate, would Avinu . .. and the throne of Israel is not established, nor can have to say. Finally someone picked up the phone. "I want to the statutes of truth endure, but through tzeddaka ... and apologize," the man said. "My secretary erred in depositing Israel will not be redeemed but through tzeddaka, as it is that check. I realize that the yeshiva is in financial straits, and written, 'Zion shall be redeemed with justice and her captives in such a case, my policy is never to deposit a check without first through tzeddaka' "(Isaiah 1:27). clearing it with the yeshiva. I'm sorry for whatever trouble it Let us strive to become better baalei tzeddaka and in so caused." doing merit the time when G-d alone will reign over us "with kindness and compassion and justify us with Redemption Through Tzeddaka judgment." !.T. a Challenge of Our Time We are witnessing an ever-increasing need for tzed daka. There is a positive aspect to this phenomenon- 9. Hilchos MafnM Ar1i'1m 10:1 22 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 - Y aacov Amitai Sanctity and Self Expression Do women really need a Minyan of their own? Once Upon a Time ... twice daily were no/ consecrated beforehand1, the in cense that he burned on his "inner altar" was not blended Once upon a time, in the days of the Temple, there in the same proportions as the ketores was2 and so on. So lived in the land of Israel a man by name of Peloni ben Peloni felt fulfilled, both for his "service" and in his Almoni. He was a pious and upright Jew, but also an knowledge that he had broken no law of the Torah .... unhappy and frustrated one. For on the occasion of the Until a wise man of his town came to remonstrate Three Festivals, when all Jews ascended to Jerusalem to with him: "Fool that you are! What have you done to rejoice before the Lord, and to bask in the majesty of His yourself? You have thrown away the precious gift of Temple, Peloni's joy would turn to bitterness as he cried coming face to face with Shechinaf Hashern (Divine Pres out within himself: "Woe is to me! My limbs are truly ence), which dwells solely in the place of His choosing! burning with the sublime desire to take part in the Holy And for what? For a pretense, for a charade, for a Service, but this is denied me because I am not a kohein chance to play kohein?' Look, look with clear, unbiased (priest)! My soul is fairly bursting with the urge to raise eyes into your heart of hearts: is it really avodas Hashem its voice in glorious song before Hashem, but, again, this that you so ardently desired, or is it self-aggrandize is not given to me for I am not a Levite!" ment? Is it Him that you worship or is it your folie des And when Peloni' s obsession reached the point where grandeurs?" it could no longer be contained, he went and built him self an a/mos/ perfect relica of the Holy Temple, made New and Improved-or New and Prohibited? himself vestments almost identical to those of the kohein Gadol (High Priest), and instituted his own "holy ser In the Long Island Jewish World of July 13, we find the vice." Now, Peloni was a pious and upright Jew, so he front-page headline: "Women's Prayer Group Gets a made certain that all of his actions were strictly within Torah." The extensive report, accompanied by two pho- the bounds of halarha. The lambs that he "sacrificed" 1. They were not in the category of bonafide sacrifices, which are Yaakov Amitai wrote this, his first arlitfr fo be published i11 Tht:> Jewish prohibited off T en1p!e grounds. Observer, as rm opc11 /ttlcr to his nci>:lrbors wlro are parliri/111/i11g i11 /he «'Omni's 2. There is a prohibition against duplicating the Temple inc('nse for minya11 descri!wd above. outside use. The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 23 l l .~.!'l'..•• $1!;.~.~ ..~ .•• ,df .. _.~ .. ~J-... ,.,,.. !/!1': tos, tells of "a Flatbush Orthodox women's davening denied.... What happened was that a group of courage group"; of the opposition they have met among some ous and intelligent women, who rightfully demanded rabbis; and of their having recently celebrated the dedi justice, caused the laws of inheritance to be changed cated of their own Sefer Torah. There is also a companion forever." article based on the remarks of a woman-a prominent In all fairness to them-and to history-let us set the local political figure who donated the Sefer Torah to the record straight. The daughters of Zelophehad have group. become favorite role-models for feminists, but they did Whenever some new practice appears in Jewish life, it not challenge the established order, they were not moti behooves us to ask, with the utmost concern, whether it vated by "a strong sense of justice denied," they did not belongs in the category of "Chadashim gam yeshanim" cause the laws of inheritance to be changed forever new and old (are equally precious to Hashem)-a quote for the simple reason that they approached Moses with from Shir HaShirim (7:14); or rather with the Chasam their request before the 1aw of inheritance was ever pro Sofer's famous warning: ''Hechadash assur min Ha Torah mulgated-as even a cursory reading of the relevant ..."the new is prohibited by the Torah.' In the present passages would reveal (Numbers 27, 1-11). Moreover, case, this writer feels, the question ought to be ad we find them specifying in their claim" ... for he has no dressed in several stages. First, there is the technical, son," upon which Rashi comments: " ... if he had had a halachic one: Does the new practice "break any rules"? son, they would not be demanding anything ... " The article first quotes one of the organizers of the hardly the stuff of liberationism! But be that as it may, group4: "Just last week, I received a call from a local rabbi the Torah donor has managed, in the process, to tell us who assured me halachically we're all right." But then in no uncertain terms that "a group of courageous and Rabbis Samuel Fink and Dovid Cohen, among others, intelligent women" can cause laws of the Torah "to be are cited in the article as having the opposite view. changed forever;' courtesy the daughters of Zelophehad! Likewise, Rabbi Moshe Meiselman in Jewish Woman In I do hope that someone in her audience set her straight Jewish Law (Ktav, Yeshiva University Press '78; p.145, on this point. ... and note 64 to Chap. 20 in the name of Rabbi J.B. For the sake of accuracy, I would like to also address Soloveichik). Having said that much, there is really no some of her further remarks: "Since women could not need for further comment. The Jewish Observer is not the own ... property, according to existing laws .... " Here proper forum for a full discussion of a halachic issue. she is totally mistaken. There is no difference what soever between a man and an unmarried woman as far Setting the Pace for the future as ownership of property is concerned. And a married woman also retains her ownership, with the profits Once this has been established, there is another con going to her husband while control is shared (nichsei cern. Is this incident a forerunner of possible future melugi-but even this arrangement is of later rabbinical deviations from halacha( Again, the spokesperson quoted origin; in Moses's time a husband had no claim or con before: "But they're afraid ... we're feminists and that trol on his wife's property. soon we'll want to come into the shul and want aliyas "Before their entrance into the Land of Israel, when there and women rabbis .... If we wanted that, we could Moses was dividing the parcels among the tribes ...." go to Conservative shuls. We're doing this precisely Moses did no such thing; Joshua did, as is recorded in because we want to remain within halacha." Scripture. Reassuring words, to be sure. But did the donor of the "Moses might well have looked aghast at this situa Sefer Torah. for one, hear them or understand them? I'm tion: about the unauthorized entrance of these women afraid not: Let us listen to her own words, as she offers as they broke in upon him and the elders, he might have us her interpretation of a "Biblical precedent," and how said, colloquially put, 'Stand behind the mechitza (divider) it helps her understand her current spate of activity: ... send a male representative. I do not speak with "There was, however, an important and landmark occa women .. I sion in Jewish history when a group of women chal An altogether preposterous statement: Biblical, Tal lenged the established order (as we are doing today) and mudic and later Rabbinic literature is all replete with prevailed. Our forebearers might be legitimately con examples of women having entry into the highest sidered the forerunners of the first Jewish women's Torah councils as a matter of course. In our day, too, a liberation movement. They were known collectively as woman can turn to any rabbi worthy of the name and Bnos Zelophehad ... As simple as this request seems in find an open door and an open ear to her she'eilos (hala the telling, it was an extraordinary act of courage, chic queries) or claims of injustice. Only someone i-vho deeply motivated, no doubt, by a strong sense of justice has never asked a she'eila can honestly believe otherwise. "Unfortunately' we have been met by fear, ignorance 3. A halachic statement that the Clrnsam Sofer often borrowed from and arrogance." -In light of all the above, a slight its original context to express his opposition to change inspired by the emendation is in order here: The fear, Ms. Torah Reform doctrine of innovation in religious practice. Donor, very much ought to be ours; the ignorance and 4. Al! quotations are from the Lt Jewish World. the arrogance are all yours. 24 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 Not a fable, Peloni conceived in egotistical jealousy is the very antithesis of avodas Hashnn-a "house of worship" born of a turning There is yet another dimension to consider, and this is away from Jerusalem is nothing but rejection and quite beyond halacha. For this, let us return to the story spurning of the Shechina itself' of Peloni. A fable, you say? Not necessarily. The Mishna So we call out to our sisters of the women's group: (Menachos 109a) states: "The priests who served in the Why have you fled our mikdash meat, the one place in ga/uf House of Chonio may not serve in the Temple in Jerusa where the Shechina dwells? ... cast aside the ZJ'{hus lem." The Gernara explains as follows: When the High saying the "yehei Shemai Rabba" and all the other devarim Priest Shimon Hatzadik died, he was survived by two shebikedusha, which set the very angels and worlds sons, Shime'i and Chonio. Now, although Chonio had a tremble? And, yes, renounced kerial ha Torah betzibbur, deferred to his elder brother for their father's exalted which is a spark from 111a'a1nad har Sinai-and which, position, he could not free himself of envy-a consum according to Magen Avraham (282:6) women are obli ing envy which ultimately caused him to flee to Alexan gated to hear? For what? For the chance to play ha'a/ dria, where he built an altar and brought sacrifices to koreh! Is this bit of childish self-assertion your ideal of Hashnn. Tosafot, however, maintains that it was all done avodas Hashem? Or is it the furthest thing from it? in strict adherence to halarha. Which raises an obvious Let us be rid of our toys and trinkets, let us quit question: If so, if indeed everything in that House of pandering to our petty psychological chimeras. Let us all Chonio was Glatt Kosher, why then were its priests unite, men and women, old and young, Kohanim, Levites stripped of their G-d-given right to serve in the Holy and Israelites, to fulfill His will, for His greater glory! Temple? The answer rings out, loud and clear: An altar ~T .. . KARKAINISRAEL Take advantage of the opportunity to purchase cemetery plots in Eretz Yisroel in Mifgash Shimshon near Yerushalayim through our newly established Boro Park; B'klyn. East Side, N.Y.C. CHEVRAH OSEH CHESED OF AGUDATH ISRAEL 17-13th Ave. 51 Canal St. MetJ!bership in the Chevra entitles one to all benef· its which accompany the services of a Chevra Kadi· sha and interment. When you purchase a plot from the Chevra Oseh Chesed of Agudath Israel, you are Lowest Prices! 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Now we'd like to hear what your children have to say. for the first time ever, we're conducting a contest, open to Bora Park children enrolled in grades four through eight. Those who complete this sentence: "Bora Park is special because ... " in 50 imaginative words (or less) can take home prizes ranging up to •J ,000. Why is your neighborhood bank doing this? We believe if we get our kids to start thinking about Boro Park now, they'll work harder to ensure its future. There's plenty worth ensur ing. A strong belief in education and family. A strong sense of tradition, and more. If you agree that Bora Park is special, and wish to know more details regarding the contest, pick up an entry blank at your Bora Park office before April I st. It's too special an opportunity for neighborhood children to pass up. I COMMUNITY NATIONAL BANK and Trust Company of l'few York ~ota µt,fefW@;1/e¥b~8J," MEMBER fDlC EQlJA.L<>PPClHl\INITY LJ-_NDFH Located in the heart of Boro Park at 5005 13th Avenue, (718) 436·6900 -- BOOKS elaboration in essays and studies that were published in Collected Writings of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, his monthly Yeshurun, in which he also treated many vol. I and vol. 3 (P. Feldheim, New York, 1984, $15.75) areas not touched in his major works (e.g., discussions The appearance of these two volumes represents a of the Nevi'im, and studies in Jewish history). Much of most significant publishing event, made possible by the this material was gathered and published in the six Rabbi Dr. Joseph Breuer Foundation, and the Samson volumes of "Gesamme//e Schriflen" that appeared after his Raphael Hirsch Publication Society. The classical works death. While significant selections have been published of Rabbi S.R. Hirsch-Ninelren /..rllers and Horeb, the of these writings-notably in Judaism Elernal, the emi Commentaries to the Chumash, Tehilli111, the essays on nently valuable work of Dayan Dr. I. Grunfeld-it must Mishlei and the Siddur-have had a profound impact on be a source of rejoicing that the effort has been made to the contemporary Jewish scene. Yet they by no means publish the writings in their entirety. exhaust the literary output of this towering figure. The first volume is called "The Jewish Year" (part Many of his most fundamental and seminal ideas found one) and contains six essays on each of the months from Nissan to J\v (one for every month appeared in Judaism Elernal and is here reprinted); the second volume of the Collected Wrilings, which is in preparation, will contain the months from Elul to J\dar. The essays before us present ARE YOU us with a wealth of ideas. The reader will encounter the PROUD TOBE author's comparison of Egyptian civilization, technically l THEBALABUSTA advanced yet man-centered and materialistic, with the modern world (Nissan); his emphasis that "all the text THAT YOU ARE? books, ... all the teaching aids that have been invented PROCLAIM IT as surrogates for the consecration of our youth in the TO THE WORLD! house, . . even the best teachers and schools cannot replace the table at which your child sees you perform 4 the precepts of your G-d" (Nissan III); his Sefirah lament ' Wear our quality poly-cotton, that "it is no longer strangers who threaten. ls betrayal bright navy, 2 pocket, long chefs apron, with ''Bala by our own sons less cause for weeping? ... In the busta" permanently silkscreened in bold white letters period of the Crusades, were there schocblim who them For children - The same, with adjustable neck ties, selves were treifa? ... Were there Jewish central authori silkscreened ''Little Balabusta ''. ties, with the power to manipulate the religious affairs THE PERFECT GIFT of entire countries, whose members had totally forgot ten Judaism in their own lives?" (lyar II); his perceptive for Purim, Pesach, Bridal Showers, Birthdays, Bubbies - for yourself! observation that "Men deify their own sufficiency. (ro11linurd 011 l'"S' 30J Please send check or money order to: cut here Heimishe Household Products - Horowitz 1529 46 St. Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219 Print Clearly: Apt: ___ "!\~~ .. Name ~~T'l>-J> -~ - •r ·. ~~~ Address ----~CitY---~·-Zip ---- ll'.,.ibll i:h;i"I,, I would like to order (How many) ___ Women's@ $10.99 each T'i"m~1r.1 ~r.n .lr.l'lc ___ Children's@ 8.99 each t>~""',~"llll 1: iuim:.~~Q SPECIAL! Mother - Daughter set (1 Adult, I Child) __ @ 17.99 set tt"M -'2'W }:,, l'Vft~ fit- In' 1JfU6 °mb_ l')• .-npt1o-. Plus $1.95 each apron ordered for postagt' and handling --- Certified by \1aad Mishmeres Stam Total Enclosed----- . . . 1 Flight Up Allow 4 weeks for ddiv<:"ry - satisfaction guarnnt<·ed ENJOY! Will Pick Up Your. MezuzosTo CM<:k 5009 • 16th Ave,, Brooklvn, .N. v. 11~ (212} 85M631. I The }i>wish Observer!February,.1985 27 GEOOLIMWR. We do, hereby, encourage all to help support and sustain the efforts of Mifal Hashas, which has been developed under the guidance of Roshei Yeshiva and Gedolei Torah, worldwide. Participants from a broad spectrum of Jewry, have undertaken to devote day and night to attain expertise in "Gantz Shas', and to demonstrate their knowiedge through monthly written examinations. All those taking part in supporting Mifal Hashas, gain the privilege of entering the true partnership of Yissocher and Zevulun. As is explained by the Poskirn from the Yalkut Shirnoni, (Parshas Re'ah, Section 893), that the main recipients of money from rnaaser should be those who are immersed in Torah study. 'By gMng a tenth, you shall not be deprived, rather, you shall be rich, G-d said,' Give a tenth to me, and I will make you wealthy in return.· As Rebbe Abba said, This is in reference to those who support Torah scholarship.' Rabbi StmcM 8unm> Alter 11"1:1,.,'tl Rabbi Moshe felnstdn ,..,_,,.,"' Rabbi Yaakov Kamlnecld ""'"'"' Gerer Rebbe Rosh YeshM> T!feres Yeftlshalayim Rosh Yestirva Torah Vodaa1h Rabbi Ralad o.r.td ~ ,...,,.,., Rabbi Mordclui! CHm ll'iJ"'"' lbibbl YMkov Yltzchock RuderrMn ""'..,., Rosh Y.,shllr.i Kol Yaakov Rosh Yeshiva Telz Rosh Yeshiva Ner Yisroel Rabbi Pinchas MuacMm Alter """"'"' Rabbi Oia!rn Vehw:b Katt """'"" lbibbl Ely& ShVEI N''U''>ll Rosh Yeshlw Sfas Erne• Av Bes Din Belz Brool Invest in your Own Future! Help DevelQp The Torah Leaders of Tomorrow! i I 1 Over 1800 participants worldwide Monthly stipends only to those who excel Endorsed and supported by Gedolim from every walk of world Jewry Join a true Yisoscher/Zevulun partnership ~'C ,------, ~M I Yisoscher/Zevulun Partnership Agreement I NAME----- J'M I' ADDRESS ---- 1 TELEPHONE ------J:J'ilJ J I I would like to become a partner in the wonderful work of Mifal Hashas by contributing I c~ $150 per month as a ShutafHaTorah D $36 per month as a Moltir HaTorah I n i100 per month as a Parnes Ha Torah u 1 18 per month as a Chai Supporter I r·l $SQ per month as a Tomech HaTorah u ...... other I Any and all contributions to "Mifal Hashas" are tax deductible and most appreciated. I MiraJ Hashas 4606-16th Ave. Brooklyn. N.Y. 11204 (718) 436-7790 ·-I - Research into the mysteries of nature tends to lead a IV, which analyzes what knowledge of the Torah really person further on the road to self-worship. He kneels means; and Av I, devoted to the Torah's definition of the before the grandeur of his own spirit [which! blinds him two-thousand year old hope for a Jewish state. so that he does not see the overpowering radiant glory" Volume Three, "Jewish Symbolism," is devoted in its of G-d (Iyar IV); or his warning that "a situation may entirety to Hirsch's treatise on "Basic Guidelines for arise in which love and esteem for the Torah do not Jewish Symbolism" which provides the key to his inter completely fill our breast. When this happens, we begin pretation of the Mitzvos, in the first part of Horeb and to love and respect other types of knowledge and other Chumash commentary. It is a profound philosophical possessions not only out of love for the Torah, and not analysis of symbols as tools for communicating ideas, only because they foster knowledge of the Torah and and of their place in Jewish history and in the Law. The make possible the fulfillment of it. We begin to place second part of this treatise contains a detailed study of upon other possessions and forms of knowledge a value the symbolism of Milah, Tsilsis, Tefillin, and the Mishkan, independent of Torah ... which will very quickly bring as well as an analysis of the Shemoneh Esrei (which origi us to the point of disregarding the Torah" (Tammuz III). nally was a separate essay). In this volume, too, there is a Above all, attention should be drawn to three essays of vast amount of insights and ideas for the reader. As just exceptional relevance: Sivan I, which discusses the dif one example, in connection with the duty to do the ference between Judaism and other religions; Tammuz Milah in daytime, the author analyzes the significance of day and night in the Torah-inter alia suggesting that "so-called religions, which stem from man's failing Aaron Appelbaum of dependence, direct man towards the night," while "Judaism summons man into the full, bright light of r day"; whereas other religions ask man to find G-d at the ~ point where man loses himself, Judaism asks him to find r G-d at the point where he finds himself! ' As in the first volume, the translation is truly excellent-easy flowing and eminently comprehensible (the introduction states that certain textua1 liberties have been taken in order to clarify the original). The editors did not try to compare the author's ideas with those expressed on the same subjects in other works of Herzlia- Adas Yeshurun Synagogue Torah Academy Songs & Lyrics Composed By: Music Arranged & Conducted By: Mordy Rottman Moshe Laufer is looking for a yeshiva graduate-with THE PERFECT teaching experience-:-to join their "mini ALL-YEAR-ROUND GIFT! kollel" program. An all year round educational and inspiring Position includes: experience, in a fun filled album (or tape) for every %teaching in their day school Jewish child, that will enhance your child's Kolle! learning and adult education understanding of our Yomim Tovim. * Chag Purim is a Happy Time All inquiries should be directed to: * The Pesach Song Rabbi Ephraim Bryks * Meet Shmaya the Jewish Astronaut c/o Herzliya-Adas Yeshurun Synagogue * The Memory Machine 620 Brock Street I Full STORY BOOK Winnipeg, Manitoba R3NO:Z:4 & song sheet enclosed Canada Distributed by Aderet Records (716) 43&6131 30 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 -~------I ' his; however, the reader interested in this theme would and technology in the service of Halacha), Emunas Chacha surely like to be told when the various essays were mim, life after death, TM, and man versus machine (an written, and also perhaps where the same topics are article printed previously in the JO). Of particular inter discussed in other works of Hirsch. Perhaps this infor est is the last section: autobiographical accounts of ager mation can be added in future editions, as well as an and six baalei feshuva, both men and women, that are index for each volume-unless the editors plan to fur personal and deeply moving and, at the same time, give nish an index for the entire work. It is to be hoped that an insight into what triggered their development. The this massive undertaking, which is sure to find public acclaim, will be completed as soon as possible. Return to the Source, Selected Articles on Judaism and FEIVEL KIRSHENBAUM, Ph.D. Teshuva (Feldheim, N.Y., 1984, $10. 95 hardcover, FINANCIAL ADVISER $7.95 softcover) This book, published under the aegis of Moreshel Aval, Expertise in financial planning, Investment a Bnei Brak-based movement for Kiruv Rechokim, is an selection, tax strategies. retirement and estate anthology of essays from the three volumes of El Hame planning. korol, drawn from the movement's monthly Moreshet. Registered Investment Adviser. Twenty years The articles, grouped in seven sections, touch on almost all the topics of concern to today's thinking Jew: the of experience In financial analysts, No sales or sources of our certainty about the truth of Torah (both commissions. Absolute confidentiality. written and oral), the world of the observant Jew, the role of women (including Judge Kister's legal opinion on (914) 552-1919 women in the Israeli army), Erelz Yisroel, prayer, Shabbos, Science and Torah (including a discussion of evolution, FREEDA VITAMINS-KOSHER & HIGHEST IN QUALITY Freeda Vitamins has created over 250 vegetarian formulas for your continued good health. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, all manfactured in our own modern plant. Send for our free brochure and find out about our .... Ciry of .-\Vt"Qbom CALCIUM without oyster shell, MINERALS without bone meal, and VITAMIN E without gelatin. Freeda Vitamins may be purchased from our own Freeda Pharmacy, by phone, mail, or from selected stores. Remember: Freeda makes all its own vitamins and manufactures for no other company. 4' HADERECH, 97 Stamford Hill Freeda Vitamins, manufacturers for 57 years, London N!6 5TR, England partners in your good health. • Enclosed please find my remittance of $10 incl. surface mail postage ($8 extra for airmail) in payment of my subscription to Haderech for six issues. NAME------I The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 31 rr---..,....--....,.. -_._. ••... •' entire book represents a most competent and effective undertaking-a handbook which will be of great value Now available for all those who have to interpret Torah ideas tooth on two 90 minute cassette tapes ers, as well as for those who seek to come closer to Torah. Obviously the many topics dealt with could not 1::>11 '>£l ?).' 1).1)? 11)n be treated in an exhaustive manner (perhaps a biblio graphy of suggested further readings should be included "How to Raise Children in such a volume); but ample food for thought-and ' insight-is provided. The translation and style is so J By Really Trying" good that the use of Aspasianus (instead of Vespasian, ' p. 168) came as a surprise; the only passage that puzzled this reviewer, because of its rather dangerous ambi by guity, appeared in connection with the question of "Who is a Jew?": "A person moved to feel inseparably Rabbi Chaim D. Keller linked to the Kotel HaMa'aravi and all it stands for is Rosh Hayeshiva, Telshe Yeshiva-Chicago definitely a Jew" (p. 240). It is to be hoped that this volume will be followed by further anthologies from El A two part seminar Hamekorot. !..'!: presenting a Torah perspective on raising well balanced children. OMISSION To order please send $8.50 per set This concluding sentence was omitted by error from (includes price of postage & handling) the review (Nov. 84) of Rabbi Zechariah Fendel's most To: C.l.T.Y. recent book, The Halacha and Beyond: (Community Institute of Telshe Yeshiva) 3535 W. Foster Ave. The importance of the topics-judicial and commer Chicago II. 60625 cial ethics-is self-evident and the author has dealt with them in the same clear, persuasive and comprehensive manner that graced his earlier works, and gives his writings such value. Subscribe, Renew or Give The Jewish Observer now and save. R·O·S·S·I·A 0 One Year/$15.00 (for ten issues) An insider's view of 0 Two Years/$27.00 (a $40 value) 0 Three Years/$36.00 (a $60 value) MOSCOW ·LENINGRAD·VILNA 0 *Overseas-$20.00 per year for the sophisticated traveler 0 *Australia, South Africa: $25.00 per year * air delivery MAY 12-22, 1985 US dollars, drawn on a US bank only. The Jewish Observer FULLY ESCORTED BY A PERSONAL GUIDE 5 Beekman Street/New York, N.Y.110038/ FROM PERFECT TRAVEL Send magazine to: I Name ------For full details, call or write Address ------CitY------State ----Zip ---- Perfeci=?'.:::> 0 Enclose gift card 0 Master card 0 Visa ;> ravel Account No. DDDOODDDODDDDDOD P.O. Box 166 26 Canal Street Expiration date DO (month) OD (year) New York, N.Y. 10002 ------Signature------====:::i (212) 227-6520 32 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 IF YOU CALL ' i ' HATZOLOH l from Manhattan, Bronx or outside of New York City remember to dial the following: 1-(718) 387-1750 In times of emergency, every second counts! Be sure to use the new, 718 area code. In Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, dial as before: 387-1750 An alternative number, with direct access from all five boroughs of New York City, is: ' 230-1000 ' No area code necessary j this amendment: Jewry is not a club or a political action group that can be joined on the basis of paying dues or sharing a sentiment. It is a religious second looks community, which has specific reli gious requirements for membership. When one has an unequivocal com mitment to the principles of Juda ' at the jewish scene ism, and undergoes the required , rites of conversion-"in accordance ' with halacha" -then one becomes a Jew. Acceptance by anything less , than this standard would obliterate Who is a WHAT? the lines between Jew and non-Jew. "1984" in 1985 This, in fact, was recognized by the founders of the State when they Words As Weapons !rated by the recent ill-fated attempt created the "Status Quo" agreement to amend Israel's Law of Return, that, among other things, gave the Words are powerful weapons in aimed at assuring that the auto rabbinate control over affairs of any battle for the minds and hearts matic citizenship that is granted to personal identity, which includes of men. Used with precision and all Jewish olim would be bestowed marriage, divorce, and conversion. grace, they can educate and inspire. only upon those converts that enter Misused, they can manipulate peo Jewry "in accordance with halacha." It Is Not Enough to Be Right ple in the Doublespeak manner por That last phrase, "in accordance with trayed in George Orwell's 1984, ha/acha," is the crux of it. But on the battle ground of ideas, where "War is Peace" and "Evil is Readers of The Jewish Observer are it is not enough to be correct. Per Good." This is only too well illus- familiar with the justification for ceptions are equally important, and here the Torah community has been waging an uphill fight. First, regard less of the merit of our cause, the timing of the introduction of the ill fated bill to Knesset on last January 1 was unfortunate. Even though spiritual causes must take priority lEISHEAIJ.AWI~ over security and economic mat 4904 Independence Avenue ' ters-even as their true determi Riverdale, NY 10471 nants, the public does not always understand that. Cordially Invites More importantly, in the public Alumni, Friends, And All Chovovei Torah relations foray surrounding this bat To Our 4th Annual Dinner tle, the initiative was seized by the Conservative and Reform leader HONORING ship. They succeeded in making the CHAIMAMSEL issue one of "Who is a Jew" instead of "What is Conversion." "Who" Recipient of Founders Award centers on people, presenting the RABBI ALFRED FREEMAN question as a personal one, tugging Recipient of Achsaniah Shel Torah Award on the heartstrings of the unin RABBI ERNEST ROTHCHILD formed. By focusing the spotlight Recipient of Master Builder Award on the requirements of being ac cepted as a "Jew," they foster the Sunday Evening, misconception that, if the amend 24th of Adar, March r7, 1985 ment would go through, members of Reform and Conservative con CO-CHAIRMEN Yom Tov Friedman gregations would not be considered Michael Gervis Jews in Israel, and as new olim, they Simcha Klein would not be entitled to the benefits 34 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 Hassid or a Yemenite. All can come that permits marriage to new part From the Lellers Column of to Israel whenever they choose, and ners after a civil divorce, without The Jerusalem Post upon entry, they are equally entitled benefit of a get-with the offspring to all the right of instant citizenship. of such adulterous unions mamzei WHEN DID WE STOP Never did Orthodox Jews claim that rim, restricted from marrying most BEING JEWS'! non-Orthodox or otherwise non other Jews. It is they who are admit observant Jews are not Jewish. The ting non-Jews into the ranks of question here deals only with the Jewry without proper halachic con To the Editor o[Tlieleru.sa/e1t1 Post Sir, - I recently learned that, for narrow focus of converts to Judaism version. It is they who are accepting some inexplicable reason, there are who decide to move to Israel. No as Jews the children of mixed mar those among my fellow Jews who Jew born of a Jewish mother is left riages wherein the mother is a non would disenfranchise some of us. "begging at the gates." Jew-children that Torah law views Add.itionally, there is a.movement in as being non-Jewish, and which Is Israel which would alter the Law of ... And Their Leaders, Divisive Return so as to allow only certain rael's Law of Return-which the Jews to be accept Tlie Jewish Observer/February, 1985 35 ~ .. do the Conservatives choose to treat for conversion as "the self-serving would win hands down. these same non-Jews differently in demand of a group of Orthodox But the public perception is still regard to the Law of Return? ... spokesmen in Israel that they be that the Reform and Conservative unless "Divisiveness is Unity" is just recognized as the sole interpreters Jews are being dealt a cruel blow by a kind of Doublespeak that makes of Jewish religion .... " Now, it is the Orthodox guardians of the law good public relations copy, the facts well-known that these conditions and not by their own rabbis and be damned. for conversion were not made up by teachers who continue to lead them a committee of politicians and rab away from Torah. It is now 1985, Heaping Chutzpah Upon Infamy bis, but have existed since Sinai and and Orwell could have added to his are spelled out in the Talmud, codi 1984 Glossary of Doublespeak: To heap chutzpah upon infamy, fied by Maimonides and every other "Divisiveness is Unity" ... "Usurp the Reform-Conservative statement Book of Codes since. If awards were ers are Beggars" ... "Agnostics are refers to the Orthodox insistence on given for nasty, divisive, irrelevant Believers ... and "What is Conver- adhering to the halachic conditions words, this statement of the 21 sion?" is "Who is a Jew?" lT. TORAH COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK PRODUORS OF DIAL·A·DAF AND MISHNAH..ON-THE-PHONE PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ITS NEWEST PROGRAM DIAL·A-SHIUR General Torah Programming for the Entire Family 24 Hours a Day Ev~y day, a 60 minute program including three lectures comes to you over your telephone. Talented, expert, interestingteachrrs from America and Israel will bring you a variety of fascinating Torah subjects. Let your fingertips dial the broad world of Torah into your home or office, any time of the day or night. SAMPLE PROGRAM SCHEDULE Tentative Starting Date April 14 - )tr') ))'' ON THE HOUR 20 Ml NUTES AFTER THE HOUR 40 MINUTES AFTER THE HOUR SUNDAY Selections from EIN YAACOV NACH HALACHA (English) Rabbi Mendel Weinbach (Jeru~a!em) Rabbi Chaim Dov Altusky Rabbi Noach Jsaac Oelbaum & Rabbi Fishel Shachter (Jerusalem) (Kew Garden Hills-) MONDAY JEWISH HISTORY OUR DAILY TEFILLOS INSPIRING STORIES OF GREAT MEN (EngBsh) Rabbi Berel Wein Rabbi Moshe Eisemann & GREAT DEEDS fMonsevl /Baltimore) as read bv Shlomo !Steven) Hill TUESDAY n;,1;7n )l\!J7n m'nw ni~Y.l l"'.,Tl (Yiddish) Rabbi Avrohom Chaim Spitzer Rabbi Meir Feldband Rabbi Michel Silber 'Monsevl (Jerusalem\ WEDNESDAY A THOUGHT ON THE WEEKLY SEDRA TEHILLIM A STU DY OF THE HOLOCAUST IEnelishl Rabbi Bernard Weinbere:er Rabbi Pincus Tzvi Sine:er Rabbi Nasson Scherman THURSDAY )ltlWi'l l"IW"l!:l !:JY VJ11i1 ,.,010 1Tll"'liWT!il '1:li IYiddish\ Bv the world renowned Ma00id of Yerushalayim, Horav Sholom Schwadron FRIDAY REPEAT OF WEDNESDAY'S PROGRAM !English\ MOTZOEI SHABBOS REPEAT OF THURSDAY'S PROGRAM !Yiddish) The above represents only a sample of the various programs in store for members. Other programs will include Hashkofah, Yahadus, Chinuch issues, Shmiras Haloshon, topics on the forthcoming iestivals, Biographies of Gedolim, a Torah viewpoint on current problems. Your cost is $6.00 per month plus a $36.00 one-time membership. Use of number by non-subscribers constitutes n:i~ll. To get a short sample of these programs, call (718) 436-5166. For general information call (718) 436-4999. Return to: Torah Communications Network, 1618-43 Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11204 Enclosed please find $42.00 (one-time membership plus first month for Dial-A-Shiur) Name------ref ______Date ______Address City ______State ______Zip Also send me information on: 0 Dial-A-Daf 0 Mishnah-On-The-Phone ""'?_.~p_o:,i_~?.~!!!.1?._a ~ro?r~.':':._,_, For information on the availability of Dial-A-Shiur in your city call the Dial-A-Oaf center closest to you. Monsey (914) 425-8877, Chicago (312) 588-5076, Miami Beach (305) 672-1156, Los Angeles (213) 936-9308, Lakewood {201) 370-1700, Baltimore (301) 578-6144, Cleveland (216) 565-0505, Detroit (313) 557-6657, Philadelphia (21S) 878-6666, Denver (303) 620-9025, Toronto (416) 763-4374, Montreal (514) 735-6611, Boston (716) 731-8352, Silver Springs (301) 656-5540, Yerushalayim (02) 223341. For opening a center in your city call 1 (718) 436-4999 troyed and desecrated another sub Banking vs. ''Kavod Hameis'' stantial section of the cemetery." The statement forbids "all coop (Respect For The Dead) erative effort and business dealing with the (Bank Leumi) company or Tiberias-or T verya, one of the rael issued a united proclamation its subsidiaries, such as Bank lggud four queen cities* of Israel-is a late last January, calling on the pub and the Migdal (Insurance) Group" jewel nestled at the foot of the lic to boycott all divisions and subsi until the company reverses its stance Upper Galilee, hugging the banks of diaries of Bank Leumi Ltd., a major of non-compliance with rabbinic au harp-shaped Yam Kinneret, the cele financial institution with branches thority. The ban became effective brated Sea of Galilee. For thousands throughout the country and across Sunday, January 20, and as of this of years, Jews have lived here; they the globe. writing, and as long as the Bank is expounded the Oral Law in its recalcitrant, it applies to both Israel houses of study, speaking the words Suggested Warnings and countries abroad. It is signed by that became the Mishna and the Rabbi Simcha Bunim Alter (Gerrer Talmud ... Rabbi Yochanan, com The rabbinic edict states that the Rebbe), Rabbi Elazar M. Shach (Rosh piler of Talmid Yerushalmi, walked company was "warned repeatedly to Yeshivas Ponevez), Rabbi Yaakov its streets and considered Tiberias cease this serious crime" and that its Yisroel Kanievsky (Steipler Rov), his home. . .. Jews have sought directors "have now gone even fur Rabbi Moshe Y. Hager (Vizhnitzer relief from illness and pain in the hot ther with their chicanery and des- Rebbe), Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auer- springs that bubble on its slopes, finding solace in the calming blue breakers that lap Kinneret's shores. A magnet for tourists, there is a constant need for more hotel space, i1i1n ns.ri so a new wing is being built to the Ganei Chamot Hotel to provide lux ,c,,,l ll:1,, ll,~~ urious accommodations for visitors, meanwhile bringing a boost to the local economy. A wonderful devel X"U''V.1 iii;i ,,,X~i ! opment, right? Quite the contrary. n·own nJu .1·0~ For the thousands of years that Jews have lived and studied in Tibe >"lT '•"l::iu::i nllllTllll 11i1::i ':i1<"1111• •"l:l? no•"ln '>111 n1<"1un ,,,,,l1111n "l::i"l::i t I rias, they have also died there and 1"lnnn111 "1n1<'>1 ')l'>r.i n•::i n::.in"lm nni::i 1"11ir'> l:l"lT::i •1:111<'> ?l:l '>111 n::i n"l::in been buried in its soil. Men revered 10"1n1 cn•'>1'>l1n::i 1•111::i111b•t>1t1 iw nr i11:1n 111111> ?•t>t>n'> c•1:1111> n1:1::i1 nr.i::i '>:> "llt>K'> ti::lln Q>Kn Ill< p'> . '>•n"I Ml"l:l?tl M>:ll:I "l:>>l v'>n illT 1'>'>>n1 as Jzaddikim and teachers of genera '>im n"l::iMI iwK ?l:l 111::1 cn7111 n::i n1i::in::i ,,. cnr.iv ino1:11 n71lTD qm•w tions found their final resting place c:ii,r.i 1i1n•111 ,lT cn>nnir.i::i j>'rnn7 1<71 1•nm::i111n iuo7 inK 7:i ::inn1 there, and their bodies had reposed .i1l1,i1 there, undisturbed, awaiting lechiyas hameisim, when the dead will rise. i111n 1ll n1,uo p:>on n1,J:>u11 ?r.u nltnp ilt 'J?:>:l PK ,:nvJ Kl.nn Ki'P K?w "1:n) ,,nK ?JJ cw pKIU :l\VlJ'J lK ,,ll ?·J;i ,,O,lCl 7?:iJ x? 1:i1 ,(OJlll,!l And now their remains are being violated by earth-moving machines .y,x? y1n:i p:i1 ?1<1iui yix:l p::i 'il"Dwn n::iu r:> 011 0 ilT .,,t:iix 9p1n that bite into the soil, to make room .cnr.i nnu cm:m nn J'l D,,:l ll'Klt."'1, O,l1 qo11 ::nK!J 1'1 ::i1xu j)1t11K j)M¥1 .,l,,K t1:'1"'12K "along with Yerushalayim, Tzfas, and Chev l/('\J n:li'VI' 111x, !\VI' n'l\D n:i"'VI• "", Y'l'11oo ,-1o""ll(;i :i•.,xyo -i·u:rix.'1 r'r:i1"0 -i"'l1;nK.1 ron. .(Dntl'nn 1"11;1 •i:a'> a•DV"lnm-~~-----·-----~--~----~-- The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 37 bach (Kol Torah), Rabbi Yosef S. advised the mayor of Tiberias of have denied avowals by Bank Leumi Eliashuv, Rabbi Yissochor Dov Ro investigations that revealed that an representatives that present con keach (Belzer Rebbe), Rabbi Sholom ancient Jewish cemetery lay below struction operations satisfy the re Berzovsky (Slonimer Rebbe), Rabbi the surface of the site of the pro quirements set down by the rabbini I Yaakov Landau (Bnei Brak), Rabbi posed Ganei Chama! Hotel, to be cal authorities. Chaim P. Scheinberg (Rosh Yeshi built by the Africa-Israel Corpora This boycott ruling was issued l vas Torah Or), Rabbi Nissim Kare tion, a subsidiary of Bank Leumi. jointly by the aforementioned group litz (Kole! Chazon !sh). Rabbi Ye The government bureau reported of leading rabbis after repeated at hudah Tzadkah (Rosh Yeshiva Porat that "findings indicate the existence tempts at conciliation failed, and a Yosef). Rabbi Simcha Z. Broide of a large number of tombs in close final, week-long grace period offered (Rosh Yeshivas Chevron), and Rabbi proximity to each other, at more to the bank's directors expired. Moshe Shapiro (Rosh Yeshivas Beer than one level," and that "there is In a related action in New York, Yaakov), among others. great probability that any place ex Agudath Israel of America an Former Sephardic Chief Rabbi cavations are made, graves will be nounced that it had launched a drive Ovadiah Yosef also joined in the encountered." On this basis, Eitan to publicize the boycott call through boycott ruling, along with rabbinical wrote that it would be impossible out the U.S. and Canada. A spokes courts of the Eida Charedis and the for his department to map out an man pointed out that a P'sak Din"by ~ Sephardic community. operable plan for digging related to such internationally accepted Torah the hotel's construction. authorities must be followed, and it t "A Large Number of Tombs" The Bank Leumi company, whose will hopefully put an end to a "scan t The action comes as the latest officials deny having been aware of dalous behavior by a Jewish institu ~ development in a protracted battle the letter, went forward with its tion which would never be counte to halt this desecration of the emi building of the hotel. After waves of nanced in any other part of the free I, nent Jewish burial ground. A letter public protest and private efforts at world." Bank customers across the recently reproduced in the Israeli negotiations, directors of the project world have already begun with press indicates that as far back as agreed to abide by restrictions drawn drawing their accounts in substan r 1983, Mr. A. Eitan of the Depart up by Sephardi Chief Rabbi Morde tial numbers, and the campaign is ment of Antiquities in the Israeli chai Eliyahu, which sought to min seen as potentially having major Ministry of Education and Culture imize the damage already done and impact upon the financial stability of t to prevent further desecration to the Bank Leumi Company. After all, the gravesites in the area. even Poland~not known for its The current proclamation on the favorable treatment of religious in Pincus Mandel part of major rabbinic figures re terests, especially those of the Jews Cemetery Consultant Representative of Chevros sulted from new revelations, replete has gone on the record as protecting Kadisha in Jerusalem with photographic evidence, that old Jewish cemeteries. Should we with karka on Har Hazaitim, San the company had violated conditions expect less from a Jewish-owned hedria and Har Hamnuchot; alsO of its agreement, and had begun bank, in Israel? !.'I: sole agent for the "AD MAT KO construction in a new part of the *Rabbinical edict, calling for boycott of Bank DESH" Cemetery in SEF AT, near ancient burial site. The Chief Rabbis Leumi. the " TZIYON" of R'PINCHAS Ben YAIRand MERON Cemetery, in the vicinity of the ."OHEL" of R'SHIMONBAR YOCHA!. Karka Famous also available on all other COM MUNITY -OWNED Cemeteries in Eretz Yisrael, controlled and main the dairy restaurant tained by the CHEVRA KAD!SHA of the COMMUNITY ... Not a 222 West 72nd Street PRIVATE LY -OWNED BUSI NESS. (212) 595-8487 1569 4 7th Street Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219 Cholov Yisroel - Shomer Shabbos Day and Night Phone Under the Supervision of K'hal Adath Jeshurun (212) 855-5121 Honesty - Integrity - Open for Breakfast. Luncheon and Dinner Responsibility Ov('r 30 Years of Dedicated Service m Catering - Parties - Meetings the Orthodox Jewish Community ! r 38 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 ,,,,,___ _ ... -.. Editorial Apology: Time For A Re-examination In preparing Hanoch Teller's "Scorched Scrolls" (Jan. 85) for pub One need not be an admirer of stitution's First Amendment and the lication, several sentences were I Arik Sharon and his adventurous nation's laws of libel. omitted that changed the implica military campaign in Lebanon to The exultant "We won!" of Time tions of a subsequent passage. A derive some satisfaction from the Magazine may have been a cry of Jn a deleted section, Rabbi Teller findings of the New York jury that victory for the democratic principle mentioned that the religious Knesset Time magazine was guilty of "negli of freedom of the press, but it has no members had expressed outrage at gently and carelessly ... defaming" echo in Torah law .... A Timely the fire that had destroyed the Ram General Sharon in its reporting that reminder of some compelling dif- ban Shul and the Diaspora Yeshiva he had a role in encouraging the ferences! !..T. along with fifteen Sifrei Torah, and massacre of the Palestinian civilians called for an investigation into the in the Sabra and Shatila refugee causes of the fires. After decrying camps. The magazine has Jong dem the lack of outcry in the secular onstrated an anti-Israel bias in its press in the published text, he also reporting (remember Time's intro mentioned that other elements in duction of Begin to its readers: "Be the Knesset should have joined in gin-rhymes with Fagin"?), and the indignant condemnation of the l more than deserves this exceptional event, "Surely from here ... a loud condemnation from the jury (the protest would be forthcoming! jury's comment was exceptional, in But there was silence." Without the 1 that the harsh descriptive terms mention of the religious Knesset were volunteered outside of the members' statements, the "silence" I parameters of the issues of the trial). can be misunderstood as applying to At the same time, the vindication them, as well. We regret the inad 1 of Time from the $50 million libel vertent implication. claim, on the grounds that its "care lessly false and defamatory" report i ing was not committed with "actual I malice," brings into focus an impor I tant aspect of living in America: We Jews have never enjoyed a more benevolent, tolerant galus in over two millennia of wandering. Every aspect of living in this malchus shel THE LIVE AND LEARN TOUR chessed (country of kindness and gene Six Exciting Weeks rosity) permits us to live as we wish without any overt coercion, and Memories That Will Last a Lifetime indeed the Torah community today FOR GIRLS 17 - 21 is flourishing, on a course of growth, • Explore the length and breadth of Eretz Yisroel·famous Y,n 1'Y >'.T.l, that only seems to prom pla~ ces you've learned about, ex6tic places you've never dreamed ise further expansion. of.,. Yet democracy and Torah are far from identical. The finding that Time • Top notch guides who'll make you relive history- adventure combined with knowledge and hashkata. magazine was "free of malice," which left it unfettered to continue •An experienced staff of American.and lsraelmadrichot who to pursue its style of journalism, provide warmth, guidance and security. would never pass muster with the •A congenial group of girls from the United States, Canada and Chofetz Chaim. Even demonstrably Europe: documentable defamation cannot be For application & information please contact spoken, let alone be published. There MRS. Al.IZA GRUND (718) 258-0709 is no special dispensation for news papers and magazine in regard to UNDER SUPERVISION OF THE BETH JACOB OF JERUSALEM slander. The rules for a Torah WITH THE COOPERATION OF BNOS AGUDAS ISRAEL guided or -licensed publication place it worlds above the American Con- The Jewish ()/,server/February, 19R5 39 Bat Sheva Menucha didn't wish to disturb our Shabbos, but we walked over to see if my grandmother was alright. The Call Unanswered The nurse had a far-away look in her eyes as she seemed to be recall An air of peace prevailed in our we tried to enjoy each moment. ing a Shabbos meal. Suddenly her face home. All thoughts of the week's After we finished bentching we all tightened and she seemed to be jus drama were forgotten as we focused began to walk towards the hospital, tifying her position as she said, on the zemiros of Shabbos. We felt about a mile away, where my grand "When I was young I recall the uplifted, as my father spoke of the mother was under care. Even as we phone ringing on Shabbos. My par weekly sedrah; uplifted to a special walked my father spoke calmly, not ents didn't want to answer it, but world to which only the chosen few discussing any fears. they were so curious to know who may enter. We arrived at the hospital and was calling that they asked me to Suddenly, the shrill ringing tele were very pleased to find my grand answer the phone. Of course, it was r phone took us by surprise. No one mother sleeping peacefully. "You always a wrong number." spoke as the phone continued to see, it was the Yetzer Harah (tempta She turned and walked back to ring for quite some time. Finally it tion) calling, not the hospital!" We her world of work and we returned stopped, only to begin again a mo all sighed with relief. to our world of Shabbos. ment later. All eyes turned to my As we were about to leave the I come not to condemn or even to father who was clearly determined hospital we met one of the nurses. It judge. I thank Hashem for giving us to remain calm. "We will not inter pained us to see her working on the greatest gifts in life. I cry for rupt our Shabbos meal' One may not Shabbos, especially since we knew those who don't know and for those worry on Shabbos. I'm sure the that she had been brought up in an who choose not to know. I pray that phone's ringing is just a test for Orthodox home. "What brings you parents may be able to convey true us ...." here at this time of night?" she sincerity in Torah practice, so that The meal resumed, and though it inquired. We explained to her how their children will never rebel, but ended a bit more quickly than usual, the phone had been ringing and we will follow with love. ·"'i" COPE DIDN'T HAVE TO BE THE BEST BVTITIS ' ; Late enrollment for our new computer programming course thru March 10th, 1985 For Information and Enrollment Procedures Call • COPE INSTITlITE The Computer Programming Training Center to Business and Industry 4419 18th Avenue Brooklyn, N.Y. 11204 (718) 436-1700 Accredited by the Assoc1alion of Independent Colleges & Schools. licensed by the New York State Educational Oeparlmenl. A Division of Agudalh Israel of America 40 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 !em to solve. Let us approach it with Letters to the Editor patience, love, and understanding but not with recrimination and a holier-than-thou attitude, which is not only ineffective but will lead only to sinas chinom and more talking in shul. HENRY ROMBERG, M.D. ' Cleveland Heights, Ohio l, propriate talking in shul. I don't think • An Open Letter to My Neighbor ' theological overkill is effective ("Ent A Modest Proposal-Purim Style Revisited ire communities in Europe were 1 To the Editor: killed because of people talking in To the Editor: I was in immediate sympathy with shu/"J. But the Rabbi could mention I found your editorial regarding the the writer of "An Open Letter to the subject as part of every drosha. terrible poverty in the Kolle! com My Neighbor in Shu!," (JO Nov Thegabboim could remind the talkers munity in Israel very moving ("A ember, 1984) since talking during that there is time after davening to Modest Proposal" Jan. '85). It seems to Shabbos services is a constant prob shmooz. The chazzonim could stick to me that the spirit of this coming lem. I have spoken to, cajoled, and the text and not try to impress every Purim would better be served by even interrupted my own Shmoneh one with their chazzonis. Parents increasing our gifts to our needy Esrei to remind my neighbors that could keep their children sitting with brothers in Jerusalem, even if it means shul is not a place to discuss irrele them and not allow them to run wild reducing the volume of our Shalach vancies and that even matters of in the shul. And most importantly, Monos. (Does Tante Kraindel really direct concern ("Where are we in the individuals could try to improve their need that additional pineapple?) Even lehning?"'! must be whispered so as own ways and make no exceptions a card to that effect-that you're not to dis tub the kavanah of others. to the no-talking rule. The more honoring your friend with a gift to a When someone insists on talking learned the individual, the greater ta/mid chacham-will more than en with me (for example, about a medi his responsibility and the greater his hance your good wishes. cal problem which might be a matter influence. of grave importance, but usually is Talking in shul is a difficult prob MANFRED SIMONS not), I insist that we leave the shul lem but it is not an impossible prob- New York City and talk in the hallway outside. Some people have finally got the message that I would really rather not talk in shul. There's plenty of time afterward and plenty of time SHEMIRATH SHABBATH during the week. Why do people talk so much in by Rav Y. Y. Neuwirth shul? Indeed, many people regard Covering the most common problems talking there almost as a nzifzvas asseh confronting Sabbath~observing Jews and reply, "If you want to have dec today, this first English volume of the orum, godaven in a Reform Temple." highly acclaimed SHEMIRATH They explain that we "feel comfor SHABBATH KEHILCHATHAH table in the House of G-d. He is our provides clear, detailed, practical answers to contemporary Sabbath Father and we are His children." No questions. amount of argument or persuasion Detailed table of contents, marginal will change their ways. The actual headings and comprehensive index. facts are that, to many frumrner Yid A basic Sabbath reference guide for den, the shul is not only a place to every Jewish home. daven. It is a social dub, a gathering of 300 pp; hardcover $10.95; friends, a chance to catch up on the paperback $7 .95 events of the past week. We have FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS stopped trembling when we enter 6 200 Airport Executive Park l the shul. 6" Spring Valley, N.Y.10977 I don't know if there are simple f"J (914) 356-2282 answers to the problem of inap- The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 41 and allow one's mind to be clear MDI MOSES F.EINSJEIM l"IDWl"I MWID while working in the house in order m r. D. a. lllMI ~ """" .,., to contemplate G-dliness or any -Yeok.11.Y.I- PWllU) areas that have a long-term benefit. Please, let us not use secular ter ORogon 7-1222 minology and secular hashkofos (view aa_;,.1111n ti•WI n1t'i•:-t1 ni;n:e ,. 'I• lhl••"l:a nw'J1n :2.SGD •nynn nt•:t points) to express ourselves. We're a•:a•"ls1 D'"'" n•:a:a nn,w "'~• •"•'"• ~,,!IJY•1'JpD "l"1oi1n nw1,p 11:a' so much richer than this. Surely, we "•i•• n•:a .,, 11•n1'J n11• •1an ll'J • ,,,)J:a n•:a1,D n•nv •nni ,,,,; have to evaluate ourselves, and as 'Ja,w•1 n,1nn ,,, n~,n'J i'J~• n:a,n,'J~'J ,,,,. n1:a•w•n1 n,1nn •J:a'J 1,e:a1 Rabbi Nachman said in Sipurei Maa· t...7lt•n1p•, :a:"ln "• 1ni••i:a ,,:a, "11o'J'J 011 • 0•111nn1 n1'J•un2 ,,01n'J1 'J'Jnnn'J sios, we must frequently ask our ltD,t)1~W selves, "Vi bin ich in der velt, where am "'"" ,.-. i'n:a n••fnl):a nD,'Jw ntt\D, 't'J n"Jw"' n" ••l'I• ~ .,,J•li :t"i'I t:a it"fin• !?" We need Hashem's help for .a•!11b a•Jw1 D'D' ,,,K'J ~pn 1nii!1Y!I i'•nn'J 'J:a1•w ,,,,,l ,~,~ v"fn•i everything. Therein lies our halzlo .a1nnn "' •n1t:a ~t:a1 cha, our true everlasting success. ;}¢,/ TOIBA YENTA FISHER ('§''?. Jerusalem The author replies: A letter from Rabbi Moshe Feinstein N"l'.l''Jl'J, a/so signed by Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky N"l'.l''.:ll!J, Though Mrs. Fisher's hashkafa is calling for prayers on behalf of a speedy recovery for the Sanz-Klausenberger Rebbe N"l'.l''.:ll!J. sincere, my article deals with a woman's situation as it exists, in Hashem has in mind to occur), and reality. Judging by the general con "Time For Growth" not be overly systematized. Reflects Secular Values tent of most women's conversation Surely it is good advice to be (at least in the United States-per To the Editor: structured, but not the ailzoh as the haps it differs in Jerusalem), most The advice offered bv Shira S. article suggests. As important as women are not achieving, or even Frank in "Time for Personal goal setting and structure are, I do thinking of achieving, her lofty spir Growth" in the summer issue of JO not think they are keys of primary itual aims. Since we must look at is beneficial, but subtly contains an importance. Some better keys, open ourselves honestly in order to grow r overdose of today's secular influence. ing worthier doors, are fear of t in Kedusha, it was with an honest Time for personal growth is not heaven, being a person of tznius (pur self-criticism that I examined the I primarily the time set aside for learn ity), having faith, and rejoicing with general state of the Jewish woman f ing, davening, reflecting and so on, as Hashem's blessings. at-large. Seeing ruchnius within the ' the article suggests; rather, the en Because a woman's life is less gashmius-spirituality within the tire day is time for personal growth. structured than a man's-having no material-is highly desirable for both We are all constantly in the employ outwardly imposed seder (ochedule), women and men. Yet, until we can of Hashem; we work for Hashem and she is being tested-perhaps-to a reach such a level, we have to work try to be Ovdei Hashem, serving G-d greater degree. within the circumstances that face by following His Torah. The wri Will a woman use her mind to us. Setting aside special time to ter's use of the expression "time for think and rethink tens upon tens of work with a "positive outlet" is one myself" may be more secular than times what she'll cook for supper, if channel that I mentioned, and I hope Yiddish. What is more "time for she11 go shopping, her "itinerary" that people can benefit from this myself'' than taking care of "my" days in advance-or will she use her suggestion. family? The various forms of intro mind to think of the Chasdei Hashem SHIRA S. FRANK spection the writer mentions can be (G-d's Kindnesses to her)-how to accomplished while the woman is make her husband feel good-how doing the most mundane task-for to better be mechanech (spiritually at that moment she could be flying, develop) her children, etc.? Certain spiritually speaking, if she is in con ly the former is important, and she sonance with G-d. must plan, but much of this plan Surely one must discipline one's ning and replanning is unnecessary, time-but a woman dare not get because by the time the "plan" could carried away with time. She better be executed, the circumstances will serves her function by being avail likely have changed. Better to sit able to the needs of her husband, down (yes, actually sit and stop 4916 13th Ave., B'klyn, N.Y. 11219 (718) 854-2911 children, and orchim (company). She working) and think a thought out must have room for hashgocha (what completely (no "half-jobs," please), The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 42 .. ~ --- vanced education of high school or Blau that the purpose of learning is Torah For Women: even college. Not only do we have to to make us humble and sincere, and More Knowledge, More Humility? provide the answers to questions I see no problem in that. To the Editor: that arise, but we must also create Our efforts in encouraging young This is to express my appreciation the feeling that no knowledge is as girls to choose Bnei Torah, support to Mrs. Blau for her article, "Wo vast and deep as the wisdom of their learning and respect their dili men's Place in Torah Study" (June Torah. gence will be enhanced enormously 1984). This is a timely topic that I have heard women bemoan the by achieving excitement in girl stu should be dealt with more often. futility of their education upon tak dents. A young lady that recalls the It was proven by many that Jew ing the responsibility of raising a flavor of a beautiful commentary, ish women throughout history family. "What good does my diploma the thrill of solving a difficult ques learned Torah and that parts of the do? Should I hang it over the sink tion, the sin1cha that comes from Torah are required for every Jewish while I wash the dishes?" (This learning Torah-this young lady will woman. Today, more than ever, it is doesn't apply to Limudci Kodcsh.) Yes, be an understanding wife to a masmid necessary to teach girls Torah. We we can hang the diploma over the husband. are living in a generation where so sink and let our learning control our We shouldn't suffice with learn many Bais Y aakov girls have a vast thoughts ilS we Wilsh the dishes and ing within the walls of high schools knowledge of secular studies. Eco let it give us a sense of purpose as we and seminaries. We should advocate nomic pressures force women to do mundane work in our house. continuation of Torah learning for receive an education that enables As far as arrogance goes, I would married women. We should organ them to hold various types of jobs like to calm Mrs. Blau's fears. ize classes and encourage chavrusas. and women are being more exposed Nothing can produce more humility Going over the parsha, learning a to the outside world which is less than efforts to understand a diffi perek in Navi, or reviewing halachos l sheltered and less protected than is cult Ra1nban, thus becoming aware of can only benefit the Jewish woman the Jewish home atmosphere. our limitations. Or, needing our and the Jewish home. Fortunately How can women afford to retain husband's help to translate a quote many cities have a variety of such their childish concepts of Yiddishkcil from the Gcmora brought down in classes to offer. We need to keep along with sophisticated worldly Rashi, reminding us how little we do them going and have more women knowledge? It is dangerous to leave know. Or, upon completing a perek in participating. a woman with underdeveloped To Nach, realizing how many seforim we MRS. BRURIA SCHWAB 1 rah views simultaneously with ad- didn't learn yet. I do agree with Mrs. Denver, Colorado j I ! The Jewish Observer!Februa11t. 1985 43 even in their adulthood. This vac closer bond and follow it up past Seminary, But No "Rebbi" uum causes to some degree a grad school attendance. To the Editor: ual, but too often definite decline in A girl needs someone with daas I enjoyed your recent issue re pursuing their learning abilities and Torah and hashkafot hachaim to guide garding the woman's role and res development in ruchnius aspects. It and inspire her (especially before ponsibility in Jewish life (Summer, almost seems as though a girl at the she is blessed with finding her zivug), 1984). No doubt, every housewife age of eighteen is expected to be so and thus she willingly will pursue would relate to the daily ups and imbued with mussar (ethical teach her ruchnius role to her utmost downs and difficulty in finding the ings) and midos tovos that she will capabilities. May we be zocheh to see time to devote herself to some learn have sufficient fuel to keep her run our B'nos Yisroel grow into n'shei chayil. • ing and/or self-improvement in midos ning without tune-ups or refills for NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST (character). the rest of her life. This is simply not Arzei Habirah, Israel There is one basic ingredient, the case. however, which is lacking in girls' A Bas Yisroel has the same chiyuv Wants More on chinuch, which I feel contributes to (obligation) to climb spiritual heights "The Jewish Woman" this problem. A typical Bais Yaakov as does a hen Torah, but unfortu To the Editor: girl privileged to a superior educa nately she loses contact and close The Jewish Observer is to be com tion in high school and seminary is ties with her teachers. There are, of mended for attacking one of the not provided with that special "Rebbi" course, exceptions and some girls vital issues of the day in the Sum relationship that so many of us are lucky enough to become close to mer, 1984, issue ("The Jewish need. Most girls do not have that a particular teacher or principal Woman"). However, it would have person whom they fee 1comfortable whom they feel comfortable confid been most fitting had Mrs. Trapper's with a year after graduation to call ing in-but what of the larger per dissection of Blu Greenberg been up and discuss various hashkafa prob centage who don't? the lead article. Perhaps I feel this lems they may be encountering, be The hope that our girls will con way only because that, of all the it in their new work field or dating tinue to devote some of their time articles, was the one to most quiet experience. Unlike the Yeshiva ba and mind to Torah pursuits would the apikorus in me, so I expect all chur, they did not have a Rosh Ye be greatly enhanced if all mechanchim women to think similarly. shiva's or Mashgiach's guidance and on the high school and seminary It is undeniable, though, that such personal concern in molding them level would work at developing a feminist charges are doing much I damage to the convictions and mo Come To Formerly Kosher King rale of the Jewish woman of today. ~ Strong and concise responses to ' these attacks, as provided in Mrs. Trapper's too-short article, go much further to achieve the desired end than do platitudes. (I, of course, am Whitehead Hall, Brooklyn College not 1"n, calling the words of Chazal, as quoted in the other articles ap pearing in that issue, platitudes.) Furthermore, what of the paradox ...... Again Available ... the bestselling facing the younger Jewish woman? ~ "All While on one hand, she is imbued :::~ (by her family, teachers, seminary, for --All for the Boss" and so on) with the fervent desire to ~ 5' t the Ruchoma Shain's engrossing biography of her create the bayis neeman (loyal home) '~ father, Yaakov YosefHerman. Written as only the JO described, she is, on the I a daughter could write, ALL FOR THE BOSS other, encouraged to be the sole , m BOSS", opens a window onto the private life of a great financial support of this bayis ne'eman ~ American Torah pioneer and his family. for the first several years of her • 440 pp.; hardcover; $13.95 marriage. The following questions The new catalog of Feldheim Books is need to be addressed as well: why is •~ available on request. this not a paradox, how can a woman f} really feel the chashivus (prime im 6 FELD HEIM PUBLISHERS 200 Airport Executive Park portance) of learning Torah (please, gj Spring Valley, N.Y.10977 no patronizing us), etc. (914) 356-2282 NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST Baltimore, MD f 44 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 Our ligl:lt semi-sweet sparkling wine is rated "the beSl:Asti" by leading wineex.J)erts. Now our sparkling new gift box rriakes tlie best even better to give or receive. SparklingBartenura Asti Spumante, the great Italian import @ j 1 ' BAKIENURA A KEDEM SELECTION tMfQRTED BY KE DEM WINE CO., NEW YORK, N.Y To send a gift of Kedem, call 1-800-L'-C-H-A-Y.f.M (524-2926). Ask for a free catalog. Void where prohibited by Law. of the pre-War Torah world" and recording and transmitting its legacy, "as borne in the myriad untold tales of spiritual heroism From Agudath Israef s Commission on commonly demonstrated in the midst of the valley of death." Legislation and Civic . Action The impetus for the formation of the commission was created by a groundswell of AGUDATH ISRAEL'S transportation arrangements organized by the public sentiment within the Torah commun program. ity for such a project, generated by the recent PROJECT STAY Volunteers for Project STAY activities were BRINGS CHEER 62nd annual convention of Agudath Israel, signed up at registration meetings held during which had as its theme: "Forty Years After TO s,ooo SHUT-INS September and December at various locations. the Liberation of Europe: An Orphaned Gen A volunteer network of some 500 young The young women were acquainted with the eration Strives to Restore a Shattered Le women recruited this fall from Sais Yaakov general goals of B'.kur Cholim and the details of gacy." Benjamin fish off and Chaim Alter high schools and teachers' seminaries is bring the homebound program at orientation ses Roth, convention co-chairmen and them I ing companionship, concern and good cheer to sions held at their respective schools, which selves both survivors of the Holocaust, have over 8,000 elderly and homebound citizens preceded a general First Leadership Seminar been named chairmen of the new Commis throughout the Brooklyn-Queens area. The held December 9th. The guest speaker at the sion. Rabbi Joseph Elias, noted Jewish histo effort is being coordinated by the offices of event was Rebbetzin Yehudis Perlow, who ex rian and Torah educator, will serve the Project STA Y (Services Through Activities of pounded on the human need for self-esteem Commission in a consultative role. Youth), a new division of Agudath Israel of and self-worth and spoke of the personal The committee comprising the Commis America, in conjunction with Bnos Agudath growth that can be gained from visiting the sion on Holocaust Remembrances is a group Israel Bikur Cholim. elderly and sharing in their concerns and of concerned laymen, rabbis, and educators, Students of six schools are involved in the problems. including survivors of the Holocaust and program, which brings the girls to nursing Rabbi Verschleiser pointed out that the children of survivors, as well as native-born homes, hospitals and private residences, where young women frequently reap immediate re Americans. The body, which convened for they establish personal supportive relationships wards from their efforts to help others, upon the first time in December, has appointed an with the elderly shut-ins. According to Rabbi seeing the impact of their activities on the lives executive staff to direct its activities, to be Yisroel Verschleiser, associate director, Project of their elderly friends. He related the expe headed by Rabbi Yitzchok Brandriss. STAY was created "to engage the talents and rience brought back by a volunteer who had According to Rabbi Brandriss, one of the resources of young people in meeting social escorted an elderly woman from her home to immediate objectives of the Commission is to concerns within the Jewish community while the Project STAY Chanukah party, a recent initiate an oral history project recording the fostering the Torah values of chesed and public celebration which gathered many of the shut memories of survivors. "While other projects responsibility." ins together at the Agudath Israel Brookdale in this area have been undertaken," he said, In addition to personal visits, the young Senior Citizen Center. The woman told her "we feel that the specific emphasis of our women keep in touch with their senior friends young companion that this was the first time in Commission's work, on personal recollections through telephone contact, correspondence, three years that she had left her apartment for of the pre-War Torah world, and the com and holiday greeting cards. anything but medical treatment. mitment to mitzva observance in the bleakest Special events, such as a recent Chanukah Bais Yaakov Academy, Yeshiva of Brooklyn, hours of the Holocaust have still gone largely party, are also sponsored, in which many of the Prospect Park-Bnos Leah and Sara Schenirer undocumented within our community." homebound are able to attend through special are the Brooklyn high schools that have been Another project of the Commission is the involved with the Project STA Y program. establishment of a speaker's bureau which NOW IN THE HEART Torah Academy for Girls and Shevach High will serve as a resource for schools as well as OFFLATBUSH School are the Queens institutions repres adult groups, arranging personal talks by ented. Students of other schools in the area are survivors who can relate the glory of the also currently enrolling as volunteers. world that was, and the magnitude of the RIGLER'S Coordinators of Bnos Agudah Bikur Cholim destruction, from the perspective of those programs are Mrs. Nechama Wise, Miss Uva SEFORIM & GIFTS who were there. Said Rabbi Brandriss, Adler, Miss Sara Zabare, and Miss Hadassah "Nothing conveys the reality of the European experience 1206 Ave. M 627-3818 Brenner. Yarmulkas e Tzitziths more than when a child speaks to an individual who Project STA Y's central offices are located at personally saw /he Chofelz Chaim, or lo a survivor who • Talaisem 5 Beekman Street in Manhattan. Its interim himself lived through /he horrors of Auschwitz." Mezuzos Certified by director is Rabbi Yitzchok Brandriss. Development of educational materials, and V'aad Mishmeres Stam the preparation of picture books, films, and AGUDATH ISRAEL texts are among the long-range objectives of LARGE SELECTION FOUNDS COMMISSION ON the Commission. A concerted effort to collect OF HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCES all materials relating to the Commission's ENGLISHJUDAICA Agudath Israel of America this past Janu specific focus into a central resource for the * Books for Children ary inaugurated the offices of its new Com Torah community is another goal of the *Records & Tapes mission on Holocaust Remembrances, dedi agency. * Beautiful Challah Boards & cated to perpetuating the memory of Euro The offices of the Agudath Israel's Com Covers pean Jewish life decimated in World War IL mission on Holocaust Remembrances, opened * All Items at Discount Prices The work of the Commission will focus on in January, are located at 5 Beekman Street, "recapturing the image of the lofty character New York, NY. 46 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 --- - - ··- FREE MEGILLAH READING LUCERNE CONFERENCE MAPS Mr. Mordechai Neustadt, chairman of the COURSE COORDINATION OF GLOBAL Vaad L'Hatz.o!as Nidchei Yisroel of the World AGUDAH PROJECTS Agudah. Participating in the discussions were A series of free classes teaching the canti! also the leaders of the Refugee Aid Division !ation and other aspects of reading Megillas LUCERNE, SW!TZERLAND~A wide-ranging of Agudath Israel of Switzerland and Mr. Esther will be sponsored by Zeirei Agudath plan to coordinate global Agudist activities Alexander Schweid of London. Israel in Brooklyn, in a program beginning for rescue, relief, spiritual rehabilitation and Rabbi Chaskel Besser of New York, Mr. Saturday evening, February 2. The Five Torah outreach programs was mapped at a I.M. Cymerman of London, Mr. Shlomo session course, offered annually by the "Me two-day conference held here by representa Klagsbald of Antwerp and Mr. Moses Hertz gillah Leining Institute," was designed to tives of the international executive of thE' of Zurich, who serve as members of the inner train a force of young adults who will be Agudath Israel World Organization from executive of the Agudath Israel World Or i prepared to servi;> the broader Jewish com nine European countries. Observers from ganization, also played a key role in the pro munity on Purim, through public Megillah the United States and Israel a!so participated ceedings. Rabbi S.A. Schlesinger of Strass readings for congregations, as well as private in the planning sessions, which covered the bourg, France and Rabbi Ben-Zion Blau of recitations for the sick, elderly, and home broad spectrum of Jewish concerns. London addressed the rescue and rehabilita bound. The sessions were alternately presided tion session of the conference. In conjunction with the Institute, Rabbi over by Rabbi Moshe Sherer of New York, On the European £on/i11rnl, the general organiu1- Labish Becker, director of Zeirei Agudath and by Rabbi Y .M.Abramowitz of Jerusalem, lional activities of /he World Agudah are conducted ou/ Israel, coordinates a volunteer network chairmen of the international executive of of the Antwerp office, the rescue and relief work is throughout the New York area each Purim, the Agudath Israel World Organization. coordinaled from the Zurich offiff, and the spiritual to handle requests for young men who are Greetings were extended by the rabbi of oulrnuh lo uncommilfed Jews is centralized in London. willing to perform the Megi!lah reading for Lucerne, Rabbi Binyomin Pels, and by Rabbi The report of Mr. Abraham Hirsch of Jerusalem, individuals and groups who are unable to Binyomin Posen for the city's Roshei Yeshiva. general secretary of the Agudath lsrnel World Organi· attend the synagogue. The proceedings were marked with an :wlion, on the massivt strides madt by the Agudah- The instructor for the Megil!ah-reading intense spirit of unity, with particular em 5ponsored Torah and Educational Center in Copn1- classes will be Mordechai Ettinger, who will phasis placed upon the discreet worldwide hagen, Dtnmark, me! with warm approval. conduct one-hour sessions on five Saturday activities of Agudath Israel in the field of The 40 leading Agudist representatives of evenings beginning February 2, at 7:30 p.m., rescue and rehabilitation. A dosed session European countries who participated in the at 1155 East 28th Street in F!atbush. Tapes heard reports on this topic from Rabbi Naf conference hailed from Great Britain, Bel will also be provided for the use of students of toli Neuberger, executive vice president of gium, Switzerland, France, Holland, Italy and the course. the Ner Israel Yeshiva of Baltimore, and by Denmark. 'Bais 'Yaal(pv illl.l. i.!>o n•l. 'D' BAIS YAAKOVD'GURHIGH SCHOOL Announces advanced registration for the 1985-6/5745-6 School Year We offet a broad range ofb!)Sk and enrichment subjects in Limudei Kodesh, with ernphasis on Hashkofa, Midos, and Yiras Shomayim. In. the General Studies Depatttnent, a compete academic curriculum leads to a Regents Diploma. In addition: Art · Bookkeeping Computer Science Sewing First~Aid Acti\>e Student Organization Gym Home Management Organized Extra Curricular Typing Activities Individual attention i~ given to each student's scholastic and personal development through a pro gram designed to both educate and inspire a striving for excellence. Limited openings are available ih 9th and 10th grade for qualified students. Call 718-435..0077 or write us at 168142nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11204to request an application. A personal interview and entrance exam will be arranged. The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 47 ORTHODOX JEWISH ARCHIVES ing Orthodox Jews in Germany of the time ACQUIRES RARE EUROPEAN DOCUMENTS are rabbinic responsa in the documents, deal ing with questions of nationality-Is the Jew The Orthodox Jewish Archives, an institu The Archives has also obtained a microfilm ish people a "folk" or a "natlon"?-and cultu tion founded by Agudath Israel of America, copy of a substantial portion of the published ral tensions-Can interest in opera be re has recently added to its collections the per editions of Das Vari, a major Orthodox weekly conciled with the prohibition of "kol isha?". sonal papers of two Orthodox figures who issued in Vilna from 1925 to 1939, serving The Dos Vorl microfilm, which covers some sixty played significant roles in the fortunes of the community of the world-famous Torah percent of the issues of the periodical, opens up new European Jewry in the years leading up to, leader and posek, Rabbi Chaim Ozer Grod perspectives on the life of lhe Torah community in and including, World War II. zinski. The acquisition is part of an effort to Lithuania and Poland. Included, for instance, is a piece One set of the new materials includes writ gather all such records of pre-War religious on the dedication ceremonies of the building of the ten exchanges of Rabbi Azriel (Ezra) Munk life in a central Orthodox archival resource. yeshiva of Kletzk, complete with a description of ifs of Berlin, associated with the Rabbinischer According to Director Rabbi Moshe Ko young rash yeshiva, Rav Aharon Kofler, who later was Landesrat, the supreme rabbinicial council of lodny, researchers will find an abundance of the foremost Torah leader in America. An unusual t the Agudath Israel in Germany. The other material in the newly acquired records that angle on the infancy of Torah institutions in the United I consists of a part of the 1944 correspondence will "shed light on the realities" of Orthodox States, from the viewpoint of Eastern European writers, of Dr. Yaakov Griffel, an activist working in Jewish life in Germany, Lithuania, and Poland is projected in articles on the development of Mesivfa Turkey with Agudath Israel and other Or before the war. The Rabbi Munk papers, for Torah Vodaath and Yeshiva Rabbi Yituhok Elchonon, thodox agencies toward the rescue of Jews instance, deal with problems in areas such as and on the fortunes of /he Maitzhiter I/lui in America. from the fires of the Holocaust. Both of these kashrus and shechita, Shabbos observance for One article in Dos Vari, according to Rabbi collections, containing original documents, public school students, women's issues, "blue Kolodny, dearly disproves a contention made are now available to scholars and researchers laws," yeshiva curricula, and avoidance of recently in the Yiddish press that a popular for the first time. shatnes wear. Reflective of the concerns affect- anecdote about the Chafetz Chaim is untrue. The paper quotes Rabbi Meir Shapiro (Lub liner Rov) in his eulogy of the sage, in relating the story of the famous meeting between the Chafetz Chaim and Polish Prime Minister New For Bartel in a way confirming the common ver sion in which Bartel reportedly remarked: "I need no translation. Hearts understand each Spring! other." The Archives is headquartered at 5 Beek man Street in New York, and arranges pho I Clothing for Prep and tographic exhibitions periodically at other l Men (ages 14-120) locations. Slacks 27-44 waist/ 30-37 length) YESHIVA PARENTS' POSITION UPHELD IN NYC BOARD OF ED Trenchcoats, Blazers, Sport and Dress shirts, SHOWDOWN Sweaters, Designer Silk and Wool Ties, Belts, Robes, Pajamas, VnJerwear, Socks, Swank and The New York City Board of Education by voted this week to reaffirm its position in Pierre Cardin Jewelry, Slippers Adolfo and favor of allowing public school teachers under Jiffies a federally-funded program to provide reme I dial instruction on site to students in private DISCOUNT PRICES and parochial schools. The Board's 4-to-3 i ll-~--"i~ 20-50% off list price! decision came at the conclusion of a public ' hearing on January 22, at which a representa 1314 Ave. P (municipal parking around the corner tive group of some twenty yeshiva parents, on E. 14 St.) Brooklyn, N.Y. Tel. (718) 627-8724. counseled by attorneys for Agudath Israel of We Accept Mail and Phone Orders. America, urged by the body to continue its support of such an arrangement. HOURS: Sun. Tues. Wed. Thurs 11-5 Debate at the open session centered around New Extended Evening Hours: the Board's administration of monies allotted Mon., Wed., and Motzoei Shabbos: 7:30-10:00 PM under Chapter 1 of the Federal Education Consolidation and Improvement Act (ECIA), which authorizes funds to provide remedial the becinstcilt o. Leiman reading and math instruction, ESL (English as-a-second-language) assistance, and other THE BEANSTALK GROWS ALONG WITH YOU! services to students who are educationally and economically disadvantaged. 48 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 ------AGUDATH ISRAEL'S Project COPE ((arerr Opportunities and Prepara training. Special projects under the Project COPE PROJECT COPE OPENS NEW tion for Employment) was founded by Agudath Israel umbrella have included programs for displaced home JOB TRAINING PROGRAM of America in 197 5 lo provide guidance and training makers, dislocated workers, older workers, and youth, services in keeping with the nnds of the Torah com as well a.> adult literacy programs for those with limited FOR LAID OFF WORKERS munity. Over the ten years of ifs existence if has been language ability. Project COPE's main offices arr able lo assist some ten lhousand indiriiduals through localed al 5 Beekman Strei'/, New York, NY, /el. Project COPE, the career guidance and job assessment, fesling and evaluation, and employment (212)406-4400. training division of Agudath Israel of Amer ica, announced this week the initiation of a new program providing job training oppor MISHNA-PHONE SERVICE IN LONDON tunities for dislocated workers who have been laid off due to industry cutbacks. Mishna-Phone started on Sunday 13th lines. This was announced by Rabbi C. Y. The options offered, at no fee to partici January in London. This new service, a Davis, Executive Director of the British pants, will include classroom skills-training Mishna a day on the phone, is the latest Aguda. in computer programming as well as on-job project of Keren HaTorah, the educational By ringing 01-800 5454, a subscriber is training positions in various areas of the bus arm of the Agudas Yisroel of Great Britain. able to listen in to a well explained Mishna in iness sector. At 6am Sunday morning, Rabbi J. H. English. A new Mishna tape is played every In explaining the eligibility requirements Dunner, Presidium member of the British day except Shabbos, when the service will not of the programs, Rabbi Dovid Seeve, Direc Aguda and Ravad of the Union of Orthodox operate. tor of Project COPE, emphasized that candi Hebrew Congregations, launched the educa~ The service commenced with Mesechtr dates for the job training will be accepted tion programme with an introduction to Brochos. regardless of income status. "The main con Mishnayos and by learning the opening dition," he said "is that the applicant has lost his job and is not likely to return to the same occupation because of a decline in the demand for his skills." An individual qualifies for the program when his employment has been terminated due to outmoded skills, business closings, staff cutbacks and other financial pressures in depressed industries. by Simcha Bunem Unsdorfer The computer-programming courses wi!l be sponsored in two cycles, the first having Trapped in the infamous camps began in February 1985. Placement in on-job of Auschwitz and Buchenwald in training positions will be coordinated on an the midst of a great global war, a I ongoing basis, in areas such as sales, produc devout young Jew fights his own tion and managerial work. The Project COPE quiet, courageous battle. j program subsidizes employers with up to A true, inspiring story of Jewish heroism and spiritual bravery, 50°/o of a trainee's salary for the period maintained in the face of required for an individual to learn his new overwhelming horror and despair. job. Funds for the COPE program are autho 205.pp.; hardcover $7 .95; paperback $5.95 rized through the Federal Job Training Part 0 PHILIPP FELDHEIM Inc. nership Act (JTPA), and administered r.:; 200 Airport Executive Park through the New York State Department of ~:J Spring Valley NY 10977, (914) 356-2282 Labor. i, Notjustacheese, '' a traClition... :~ Haolam, the most trusted name in Cholov Yisroel Kosher Cheese. A reputation earned through 25 years of scrupulous devotion to qualiry and kashn1th.With 12 delicious varieties. Under the strict Rabb1niciJI supervision ofK'hal Adas Je~hurun, N. Y. Haolam, a tradition you'll en1ov keeping: I I Cholov Yisroel THURM BRO.:,. WORLl)CHEE.'>ECO .. INc· NEWY()R)(, Ny .11u.-.-ao Tlir Jewish Observer/February, 1985 49 -,,,~- TORAH SCHOLARS ADDRESS OAF YOMI SIYUM HOME The completion of one of the six major Oaf Yomi shiurim are heard over the "Dial-a orders of the Talmud, achieved by partici Daf" telephone network in fifteen cities across ATTENDANTS pants worldwide in the international Daf North America, traveled specially from Israel Yomi study program, was celebrated Sunday to deliver the hadra11 at the event. needed for afternoon, January 27, in gatherings al! over Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky, Rosh Yeshiva, the world as tens of thousands of Jews com Yeshiva of Philadelphia, led the has'chala of HOUSEKEEPING AND plete the last folio of Seder Moed, the section of Seder Nashim, and Rabbi Avrohom Chaim PERSONAL CARE the Talmud dealing with the laws of the Sab Spitzer, Rav of Orech Chaim of Baro Park, bath and Jewish holidays and fasts. Oaf Yomi was guest speaker at the celebration. Yechiel students immediately began the study of Seder BenZion Fishoff, well known Orthodox Jew for the Nashim, which treats the halachos of marriage ish community leader from Forest ti.ills, and divorce. A New York area celebration recited the final passage of Seder Moed and the DISABLED AND sponsored by the Daf Yomi Commission of siyum tefillos. Agudath Israel of America, took place at the The Daf Yomi Commission of Agudath HOMEBOUND Agudath Israel Center in the Boro Park Sec Israel, a central resource agency for students tion of Brooklyn. of the Oaf Yomi, is chaired by Rabbi Chaskel good pay and benefits Rabbi Michel Silber, Rosh Yeshiva of Besser, a presidium-member of Agudath Is Bora Park. Bensonhurst and Tiferes Avrohom (ITRI) in Jerusalem, whose rael. Flatbush Area full-time live in positions only WHEN ONLY ' i Project OHR Inc. 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CALL (718) 871-4111 ' . 132 Nassau St.• N.Y., N.Y.10038 - ' - yeshiva assistance "consolidation" bills, with as is preparation for the battle against an the blocking of a !aw that would define the upcoming gay rights measure. "time-of-death" in a way that could violate Also in the planning stage is a seminar the religious principles of Orthodox Jews and where experts on the Agudah Commission IPATELINE[ the passage of a resolution in the State senate on Legislation and Civic Action will educate calling for a halt to the persecution of Syrian divorce attorneys from throughout the State Jewry. on the requirements of Halacha, sensitizing The New Jersey Agudah report also des them to the issues facing Jewish men and ... New Jersey: cribes work with State officials in the imple women and the entire get process. mentation of the Kosher Food Bill passed last Well-received Mezuzah inspection cam AGUDAH REPORT year, which protects consumers from fraudu paigns and seminars in Bergen and Union CHARTS PLANS lent claims of Kashrus made by meat packers county were examples of another type of and other producers in the food industry. activity with which Agudath Israel was in Elizabeth, N,J.-The New Jersey Region of The Chief Medical Examiner of the State and volved, according to the report. Future plans Agudath Israel of America has taken an ranking representatives of the State Police projected are the development of a JEP Oew increasingly active and impactful role in Jew also met recently with Agudath Israel offi ish· Education Program) for Jewish school ish affairs throughout the state in the year cials to iron out details in the promulgation of children, modeled after such successful pro since its formation, according to a report the new autopsy law. jects elsewhere in the country, and a regional issued this month by officials of the organiza In another project, the group brought division of Chizuk, Agudath Israel's agency tion. The passage of State laws protecting together federal, state, and local authorities of outreach to uncommitted Jewish adults. Orthodox Jews from unwarranted autopsies with yeshiva principals and administrators Agudath Israel of New Jersey is also in and streamlining the process for governmen from throughout New Jersey at a seminar volved in spokesmanship for the Orthodox tal assistance to yeshivas heads the list of devoted to the topic of energy conservation Jewish community in the local media as well accomplishments of the regional body in the grants for non-public schools. The activities as in aid to individuals and institutions in 1 legislative arena, and the group has under of Agudath Israel personnel in New Jersey harnessing the resources and contacts neces < taken a number of projects in the religious, include membership on the Governor's Advi sary to resolve numerous personal and insti I educational, and social action fields in its sory Board on Chapter II Block Grants and tutional problems. ' locally j endeavor to implement the broad the State Attorney General's Advisory Com~ Agudath Israel is a movement which looks agenda of the Agudath Israel movement. mission on Kosher Food Regulation. Rabbi to the leadership of the greatest Torah au According to Rabbi Yaakov M. Dombroff, Dombroff is recognized as the representative thorities for guidance in its broad range of Executive Director, the New Jersey Agudah of the yeshivas in New Jersey to State projects in the fields of religion, education, has achieved "gratifying success" since its governmental authorities. social welfare, civic action, and the safety and 1 formation in the fall of 1983 in its goal of Immediate plans for the future, according security of Jews globally. Agudath Israel of 4 "bringing together diverse elements within to Rabbi Dombroff, include a drive for the New Jersey, working closely with the state j the Orthodox community" to address the passage of a law that would ensure the right rabbinate, has been able to effectuate a grow needs of observant Jews in the State. A grow of Jews to burial on legal holidays, a health ing program in these areas. Its offices are ing number of rabbinic and community lead care bill that would provide for school nurses located at 1169 Elizabeth Avenue, Elizabeth, ers as well as yeshiva principals and adminis in yeshivas on a par with such service in the New Jersey. trators have expressed support and praise for public schools, a provision for funding for ' the projects of the new body, which has asbestos removal in non-public schools, and a EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR l worked closely with a number of Orthodox law subsidizing transportation for yeshiva '~ POSITION Jewish institutions and groups across the and day school students. Initial work for State. Rabbi Dombroff singled out the dean tuition-tax credits for parents of students in The Ark seeks an executive director. of the New Jersey Orthodox rabbinate, Rabbi yeshivas and a "get bill" is already underway, The Ark is a nationally recognized ' Pinchas Teitz of Elizabeth, and Rabbi Steven multi-service agency providing free J Dworken of Linden, who is the President of medical, legal, and social service to the Rabbinical Council of New Jersey, as hav Jewish needy in the Chicagoland community in a distinctly Jewish ing been involved "hand-in-hand" with the a context. These services are provided Agudath Israel office in several of its major c.2J1ATANA by a group of approximately 200 accomplishments. Rabbi Philip Russ, princi volunteers directed by a staff of ten pal of the Jewish Educational Center in Eliza employees. ~ beth, has also been closely associated as edu {iALLEJzy' Working with The Ark Board of Direc ' cational consultant on legislative matters, tors, the executive director provides and Rabbi Yisroel Schenkelewski of Bais 4906 18th Ave. staff supervision, engages in long ~ Brooklyn, N,Y, term planning, budgeting, fundrais Medrash Govoha (Lakewood) has lent im l portant help in working with lawmakers. ing, and representation of The Ark in Lucite, Zirconia, Pearl and Semi; the community. 4 The offices of the New Jersey Agudah are Precious Stone Jewelry; Per; The executive director must have a headquartered in Elizabeth. A local branch is sonalized Challah Covers, Talis strong Jewish identity, leadership also maintained in Deal, where Rabbi Isaac I Bags and Yarmelkas; Jewish qualities, management and adminis Dwek of that community has played a signifi trative skills, experience in personnel ~ cant role in the support of Agudah activities. Books, Judaica; Taleisim, Me; administration and in working with Prominently featured in the report is the zuzos, and Lots More- lay leadership. Experience and pro regional branch of Agudath Israel's Commis fessional degree required. Competi sion on Legislation and Civic Action, the legal Records and Tapes tive salary and benefits. arm of the New Jersey organization, which All at Super Discount Prices Resumes only to Allen L. Ray, 208 S. La Salle St., Chicago, J!linois 60604 has scored victories beyond the autopsy and -- Earlier in the fall, the Illinois State Supreme working out arrangements for Sunday and Court had refused to hear an appeal by local legal holiday burials acceptable to the unions gravediggers' unions challenging the consti and cemetery associations. "The law itself, of tutionality of the new statute, which invali course, is of major significance," he said, "and !DATELINE! dates any contract between cemetery and while there are bound to be some hurdles left, workers that tota!ly prohibits Sunday bur overcoming them is a natural part of our ials. The unions now have ninety days to file Commission's raison d'etre." ... Illinois: for a hearing of their case before the U.S. The Agudalh Israel Commission on Legislation and Supreme Court. Civic Action has its national office in New York, with COURT ST AY EXPIRES Officials of Agudath Israel pledged "con regional divisions in key slates across the country. The ON ILLINOIS tinued and unflagging effort" on behalf of the Illinois branch, besides its work on the burial law, is SUNDAY BURIAL LAW Illinois law in the event of such a petition. The currently involved with a number of olhermaftersaf the Agudath lsrael Commission has been in the fore of concern to Illinois Jewry, including such issues as Chicago-A new Illinois law that guaran forefront of the measure's defense at the var aid to parochial schools, a bill of rights for Jewish tees the right of observant Jews to burial on ious stages of the appeals process, beginning hospital patients (including provision for Sabbath Sundays and legal holidays has come one step with the first court challenge of the statute, entry), and complianCl'With Stale Kashrus Llw. Beyond closer to full enforceability, as a court order which became law last January. COLPA thi, ii is routinely occupied in securing local gonernmen blocking its implementation expired in late attorney Erwin Katz has also been involved, tal cooperation in /he fulfillmenl of religious practice and December. Attorneys for the Illinois chapter representing several Chicago area congrega various halacha-related functions. Agudath lsrae/'s of the Agudath Israel Commission on Legis tional and rabbinic groups in defending the Illinois statewide Commission also played a key role in lation and Civic Action, which had led the law's constitutionality. lhe defeat of the ERA Amendment in the Illinois drive toward passage of the law, called the Mendel Singer, Chairman of the Chicago lrgis/a/ure. expiration of the order a "significant advance" branch of the Agudah Commission on Legis The Agudath Israel Commission also main in the battle to enable Illinois Jews to properly lation and Civic Action, acknowledged that tains ongoing efforts to sensitize govern fulfill the religious requirement of immediate following victory in the courts, the Commis ment officials to the concerns of the Orthodox burial of the deceased. sion would have its work cut out before it in Jewish community. Recent activities in this vein were a meeting held with now Senator elect Paul Simon and State Attorney Richard M. Daley, and prominent representation at a gathering of Chicago Orthodox leadership WHO'S BEHIND which met with Vice President George Bush THESE 33 SYMBOLS? to probe him on Jewish issues. Agudath Israel of l!linois embraces a broad I program of religious, educational, and social programs beyond its Legisl.;i.tive Commis sion's work on the legal and social action I fronts. Its offices are directed by Rabbi Yitz • chok Bider, and are located at 5621 North St. I Louis, Chicago, Illinois. I I ... Defense Dept.: ~ AGUDATH ISRAEL TELLS DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE: ACCOMMODATE RELIGIOUS PRACTICES IN THE MILITARY "Any attempts by the military arbitrarily to restrict free exercise of religion by service members runs counter to the very system of values those servicemembers are fighting to preserve." So stated Agudath Israel of Amer See ica in written testimony presented this week to a Joint Study Group established by the U.S. THE KASHRUS NEWSLETTER Department of Defense to consider the reli The 40 page magazine for the Kosher Consumer gious needs of members of the Armed Services. Buy one at your bookstore or newsstand The Department of Defense Joint Study Or subscribe now 5 issues per year: Group was established pursuant to Congres sional directive to gather information con $10/yr., $18/2 yr., $26/3 yr. cerning religious practices in the military and, The Kashrus Newsletter, POB 96, Brooklyn, N.Y.11204 in the words of William H. Taft IV, Deputy Secretary of Defense, to "articulate an ap- - proach to these sensitive issues that will max imize morale and discipline as well as the opportunity for exercise of freely held reli Announcing gious beliefs by members of the armed for A major l'leW work ces." In its testimony, Agudath Israel sug gested that the approach should be that HAl..ACHO.SOF which has evolved in other contexts of the law, permitting "governmental incursion PESA CH upon the free exercise of religion only where Complete ih two Volumes such incursion is the least restrictive means inEnglish(256 p~ges each) of achieving a compelling governmental in terest." by Rllbbi Shimon Elder National attention was focused on the reli Comprehensive 'Authoritattue gious needs of members of the armed ser vices last year in a case brought by COLPA D~a.ls with pra.ctlcal halacha on behalf of an Orthodox Jewish Air Force 11'1 mlldern circumstances Captain who was barred from wearing his •-A_ pratttcal Quide:for purchSsing yarmulke while in uniform pursuant to Air • ih_~ peif_ect, Yorn _To_v-.slft P~ch products',- m~dkations:. • -The ideal Bar Mitzvah Qlfi Force regulation. The District of Columbia al'ld cosfuetlcs •',A muM for .eVety hom.e_and Circuit Court of Appeals held at that time • A>sfop-b9-step g~lde-.f~f sYna~ue that the armed services had the right to insist f{(iSherihg _and ·t:Ot1dtictlng a -. Geared ,tf)_·~rve.-'as--a-·teX_t-for, upon compliance with such regulations "not se'der ' Yes~\vos>~nd_ day -sc:hools for the sake of the regulations themselves, • _COinprehen.slve _rable of ··Excellent gra_duation gift but for the sake of enforcement." In response c:o.ntent?, indexes; i6'otn-ot_es, ~ to that decision, Congressman Stephen ahd _thlerences 4 I Solarz (D-NY) introduced a bill that was $14.·.95 thard Coi.ierJ $12. 95 fs~fr co11~iJ. drafted by the renowned constitutional law SpecJal Pi:e·Publlcotl0tt "f}el •until 11¢130, 1985 (!I lyar S745/ yer Nathan Lewin that would have permitted any member of the armed forces to wear "an $12.95- fhara Coiii!i) ·$1b:_~~· i OOJt-'toiier) petypftJ,t'rle ,per_ tl'Ofume unobtrusive religious garment. . unless it is demonstrated that such practice will impede fn honor of this new publication, we are featuring performance of particular military duties as Halachos of Te/Jilin at its pre·publication price signed to the member of the armed forces $13.95 Hard Cover $11.95 Soft Cover ($15 95 Regular Price) ($13. 95 Regular Price} requesting the right to engage in such prac tice." Affording lo the Agudalh Israel fe51imony, the HALACHA PUBLICATIONS Solarz.!Ltwin approa(h would "allow for the highest 418 tW..lfth Street, l,akewoocl, N . .J, 08701 level of military discipline and readiness while simu/ (20 l) 363-3980 laneously allowing for the exercise of religious freedom." , Agudath Israel also rn//ed atlenfion in ifs slalemenf lo l other problems facrd by Jewish seroicemen in meeling I religious obligations, including Sabbath and holiday obseroance, kosher dietary laws, daily prayers and beard l Address ------growth. City ______State&Zip ______David Zwiebel, Director of Agudath Is rael's Office of Government Affairs, said PLEASE SEND that Agudath Israel submitted its written tes I timony in respon~;e to a request by the ... Copies of HALACHOS OF PESACH ... Copies of HALACHOS OF SHABBOS I Department of Defense that the organiza (Volume 1) Hard Cover at $12.95• (Sections 1·3) Hard Cover at $10.95• I tion present its perspective on the needs of ... Copies of HALACHOS OF PESACH ... Copies of HALACHOS OF SHABBOS {Volume 2) Hard Cover at $12.95• (Section 4) Hard Cover at $10.95• religious Jewish servicemen. The testimony 1 ... Copies of HALACHOS OF PESACH ... Copies of HALACHOS OF NIDDAH was a product of the efforts of two members (Volume 1) Soft Cover at $10.95• (Hard Cover) at $10.95• of Agudath Israel's Commission on legisla ... Copies of HALACHOS OF PESACH ... Copies of HALACHOS OF NIDDAH tion and Civic Action, Gedalia Litke and {Volume 2) Soft Cover at $10.95• (Soft Cover) at $8.95' t Kenneth Lehmann, who interviewed a host ... Copies Of HALACHOS OF TEF!LUN ... Copies of HALACHOS OF THE ERUV of Orthodox Jewish chaplains and service (Hard Cover) at $13.95" at $3.00 .. men to gather the necessary information, ... Copies HALACHOS OF TEFILUN ... Copies A SUMMARY OF HALACHOS and helped prepare the Agudah statement. (Soft Cover) at $11.95• OF THE ERUV at $1.50 .. Mr. Zwiebel also announced that Rabbi Chaim Weiss, a Nava! reservist stationed in ·Please add $1 25 for first volume and . 75 cents for each additional volume for postage and hand/ ing Canada and foreign. please add $2.00 for first volume and $1.00/or each additional volume New Haven, Connecticut, who has served as •'Please odd 50 cents per volume for postage and handling. Canada and foreign, please add 75 a chaplain in both the Army and the Navy, cen!s per volume will appear personally before the Joint Study Special rate• for bulk order. Prepaid ordera accepted only, Committee on behalf of Agudath Israel to respond orally to specific questions posed by I am enclosing a check or money order Jar total of$, ______(U.S Currency) ' the panel. 1 .~,-- needs of Sabbath-observing Jews. In his an The new effort will concentrate on the nouncement of the drive this week, Rabbi objective of persuading city and county offi Chaim Schnur, executive director of the cials throughout California to pass local ordi lnATELINEI organization, explained that the project was nances specifically protecting the rights of initiated "in view of increasing Sabbath ob Sabbath observers as part of public policy . . . . California: servance in many areas of the state, and a lack The expectation is that as a result of such of familiarity with traditional Jewish practi enactments, the civil rights of those who CALIFORNIA AGUDAH ces on the part of much of the greater must refrain from Sabbath work will be LAUNCHES DRIVE FOR population." impressed upon the general public, including SABBATH OBSERVER RIGHTS The Agudath Israel director cited a number employers and policy makers at institutions The newly founded Agudath Israel of Cali of recent cases where Jews have encountered throughout the state. fornia has begun a statewide campaign to difficulties in educational settings and places Another focus of attention will be im educate government officials and the general of employment, due to their strict adherence provement of the language of the existing public regarding the special concerns and to the Sabbath laws. state law requiring employers to respect the needs of observant Jews, with an effort to broaden its scope. Meetings in pursuit of these aims have already been held between representatives of Your Assurance Agudath Israel's Commission on Legislation and Civic Action and members of the Cali fornia State Assembly as well as other gov of the Highest ernment officials. According to Rabbi Schnur, Agudath Israel has been in touch with the Los Angeles offi Quality Kosher@and ces of the Anti Defamation League in an effort to coordinate statewide Jewish activity in the area of Sabbath observer protection. Superb Taste. Other local groups and community leaders are also involved in the campaign. The California chapter of Agudath Israel was for mally founded in September as a coalition group uniting diverse elements within the Orthodox Jewish commun ity, sreking fo implement a broad range of projects in the religious, educational, and social seroice fields, in addi tion to ifs activities on the polihrnl fronl. Its formation resulted from widespread recognition of the need for such an organization in light of the dramatic growth of Orthodox Jewish life in the state over the las/ decade. The California Agudalh Israel scored its first legisla live success wilh the signature into law in October of a bill protecting the right of observant Jews to refuse autopsies. The group is currently engaged in a massive campaign fo publicize the law's requirement that cerlifi cales of religious belief be produced in support of such objection, and lias already distributed close to I 0, 000 of the appropriafe legal forms with which lo execute such documents. Representation of yeshivas and day schools is another function of the California Agudah, and the organization is also involved with combatting consumer fraud in the kashrus field and in ensuring neighborhood safety. Youth activities that the group has sponsored have been met with enthusiastic response, and adult education efforts including lec tures, classes and Dial-A-Daf (Telephone Talmud study) have also been initiated. Agudath Israel is a worldwide movement looking to the guidance of leading Torah authorities in meeting the needs of contem porary Jewry. Offices of the California Agu dath Israel are located at 128 S. La Brea in Los Angeles. 54 The Jewish Observer/February, 1985 - -- j A bonus for you: •/2% extra interest is included in these rates. This Greater account pays this effective annual yi!.'Jd on this annual interest rare~ 5 YEARS Minimum Deposit $250 11.000% 10.482% 4 YEARS Minimum Deposit $250 10.850% 10.345% 3YEARS Minimum Deposit $250 10.800% 10.300% 2YEARS Minimum Deposit $250 10.550% 10.072% *Regulations require substantial tax and interest penalties on withdrawals before age 59Yl. Rate available through 2/ !5/85. 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