UL YSST YO Imagine the merit of so much being learned accommodate 1,000 students, will allow us to continue right in your own home! Then again, you think ... it our phenomenal growth, by accepting the many students might be somewhat crowded. And the carpet would we have been forced to turn away. It will also alleviate probably not hold up for too long. Instead, why don'twe our overcrowdedness so that our talmidim can develop give them a place in a setting conducive to specifically built for their learning. needs, so that they can You can have a share in study in a spacious and this momentous comfortable environ- undertaking. Oppor­ tunities are now available and to dedicate a room or of is doing just other facility - even that. We are now in the naming the entire new midst of constructing a !!lie__:~~~ building - in memory or new four-story, state-of­ ..__ __::!!!II~~~-=:::-= in honor of someone dear the-art edifice that will to you. There is no greater way to pay tribute and show soon IY"H reverberate with the sweet sounds of over your respect to a cherished relative or friend. 500 talmidim studying Torah. The Yeshiva and Mesivta, Even if you are unable to dedicate a facility you under the outstanding leadership of the renowned surely will not want to pass up this chance to be part of Horav Menachem Manis Mandel Shlita, is now in its one of the most important Torah projects of this decade. 82nd year, providing superb education in Torah and Join with us by contributing whatever you can. Midos to boys and young men from Yeshiva Ketana The talmidim may not be studying Torah in your through Kolle!. The new building, designed to living room. But the merit will be yours as if they were.

DEDICATION OPPORTUNITIES Name of Building $1,250,000 Bimah Mesivta Beth Medrash 36,000 Beth Medrash SOLD Amud Mesivta Beth Medrash 25,000 Main Floor 500,000 Classroom 18,000 2nd, 3rd, 4th Floors (ea.) 350,000 Ner Tamid or Amud Yeshiva Ketana 15,000 Building Cornerstone 250,000 Dormitory Room 10,000 Main Lobby or Dining Hall or Gym 180,000 Beth Medrash Doors 10,000 Aron Kodesh Mesivta Beth Medrash SOLD Bookcase Section Beth Medrash 5,000 Ezras Noshim or Kitchens (ea.) 72,000 Beth Medrash Window 2,500 ~Aron Kodesh Yeshiva Ketana 50,000 1,800 ----Yeshivaand-.Mesivta-ofBrooklyn ______1210 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11230 • (718) 376-3775 Dear Mandel, Yes! I wish to participate in the Yeshiva's new building. I dedicate (facility) at the cost of$ in honor I memory of______.,...., _____ DI contribute$ __ toward your building campaign. D Check enclosed D Pledge to be paid as follows: Name ______Address ______--THIS IS PftfFR BURDEN:

Thousands of needy Americans in - Kolel families, ill, aged, widows and orphans - are looking to Kolel America for Maos Chittim aid to enable them to celebrate Pesach. The harsh economy, Arab unrest and record unemployment, have caused drastic price rises and subsidy eliminations. New aid applicants flood our offices as never before.

We fervently appeal to each and every American Jew to respond most generously so that we can provide for our needy American brethren in Israel. THE AMERICAN PRESIDIUM Rabbi Avrahom Pam Grand Rabbi Menachem M. Rubin Rabbi Elya Svei Yeshiva Torah Vodaath Of Muzsay-Ropshitz Yeshiva of 1"'tt~•.'Y YOUR GENEROSITY ISY"tt ONLY HOPE! ------•io HERE IS MY PESACH 1:1•1m '1111,, DONATION: : , [J $1000 o $500 o $360 o $180 o $100 o $50 o $25 o $18 o $ I I1 Large Family Family Small Family Couple Widow Student Infant Chai Every Amount Helps I I NAME Kolel America I I ADDRESS The American Rabbi Meit Baal Haness Charity I I CITY STATE ZIP 132 Nassau Street• , N.Y. 10038 I Donations to Kole! America are tax deductible. (212) 732· 1064 .J L ------Not fust a cheese, :J • • l"llZtl "IW:J a trau1t1on... r~~

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8 The Overwhelming Power of "Emes," THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) 0021-6615 is published monthly except July and August, Rabbi Shimon Schwab by Agudath Israel of America, 84 William Street, New York, NY 10038. Second class postage paid in New York, N.Y. Subscription 16 $22.00 per year; two years, $36.00; three years, $48.00. Outside ol the (US funds On the Road From Midyan to Mitzrayim, drawn on a US bank only) $10 surcharge per The Milah of Eliezer hen Moshe year. Single copy $3.00; foreign $4.00. Send address changes to: The Jewish Observer, 84 RabbiNesanelKasnett William St., N.Y., N.Y. 10038. Tel. (212) 797- 9000. Printed in the U.S.A. 24 Our Man on Campus, Chaim Chloifene RABBI NISSON WOLPIN. £01TDR

EDITORIAL BOARD DR. ERNST BODENHEIMER Chairman 30 Books in Review: The World ofHalacha RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS The Sephardic Connection RABBI Brachos in Daily Life

MANAGEMENT BOARD The Power of the Spoken Word NAFTOU HIRSCH Key Works on the Shabbos KIRZNER RABBI SHLOMO LESIN New Haggados NACHUM STEIN

RABBI YOSEF C. GOLDING 36 Business Manager An Author Defends His Work ... Published by And the Reviewer Responds Agudath Israel of America RABBI PRESIDENT Second Looks: THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not assume 45 A Love-Song For Pesach, Yaakov Lavon responsibility for the Kashrus of any product, 48 The Cards Are Not for F1ipping, Chonon Shugannan publication, or service adverlised in its pages. if) Copyright 1990 Poetry 55 Washing Dishes, Shapiro

MARCH 1990 57 VOLUME XXlll /NO. 2 Letters to the Editor

The Jewish Obseroer, March 1990 5 Yaakov Salomon

ANTICIPATING THE FORTHCOMING NINTH HASHAS

he date: 5721/early Sep· es the microphone to address the JOtns in. No one else is sharing in tember, 1961. gathering. The overflow crowd, this propitious occasion. T The place: Zucker's Glen· whose numbers defy the yellowed The scene shifts. It is now nearly wild Hotel, New York's Catskill occupancy sign on the wall, rise as 29 years later. Mountains. one in reverence to the eminent The date: Iyar The occasion: Annual Convention. . 5750/April 26, 1990. Zeirei Agudath Israel. The speaks: "I am The place: Madison Square Hundreds of Zeirei youth, mem· going to begin by making a Siyum Garden, Main Arena, . bers and leaders, clamor and strain Hashas (completion of the ). The occasion: Ninth Siyum to catch a glimpse of Hagaon For today is the day of the fifth HaShas of DaJYomi. Kotler '""· as he approach· Siyum for those who have been Twenty thousand men, women learning Daf Hayomi (one folio per and children, representing every YaakovSalomon, C.S.W. is a psychotherapist in day for seven-plus years)." The Gaon walk of Torah Jewry, assemble private practice in Brooklyn. N.Y. and a member of the Kolle! of Mesivta Torah Vodaath. He is completes Mesechta Nida and says under one roof for the loudest also an editor for theArtScroll Mishnayos series. the Hadran (closing ). No one proclamation of allegiance to Torah

6 The Jewish Obseroer, March 1990 ment of the Navi Zecharia's pro· phecy is a poignant reminder of the pre-Messianic era we live in. As interpreted by our : "Thea· ters and circuses are destined to be converted into and halls of (Megilla 6a)"­ if only for one day. this time cele­ brating the completion of the entire Talmud. one daf (two sides of the page) at a time, following the pio­ neering course charted by Rabbi J">i, the Lubliner Rav. in 1924.

"WE ARISE AND THEY ARISE"

nd so the will be com­ pleted and the traditional A Siyum tejillos will fill the arena! "Annu mashkimim v'hem mashkimim. ... We arise and they arise. Annu mashkimim l'divrei Torah, v'heim mashkimim l'devo· rim beteilim. ... We arise for the HARAV MEIR SHAPIRO HARAV words of Torah, they arise for in­ significant frivolity." Directly above, study in United States history. Forty years later. the subway trains will championship banners and retired thousand eyes witness the strength stop at 34th Street in , uniforms of sports heroes of yester· and unity of Torah, reminiscent, and some of those same passengers, year will hang from the Garden perhaps in some small way. of Sinai along with thousands of their rafters and remind us of our exclu­ itself, while forty thousand ears hear children, grandchildren and sive status as the "mamleches a thunderous ". Yehei shemi chaveirim will surge forth from the kohanim y 'goi kadosh," Let us pray rabbah mevorach . .." that will echo exists and join in an unparalleled that we will be worthy. in their hearts forever! Yes. We have demonstration of sanctity and And then will be said. come a long way. Baruch Hashem. harmony. The special Kaddish. The Kaddish Of course, the ushers and ticket­ reserved only for a siyum ... and takers of a burial. The Kaddish that will leave PERSPECTIVE are not exactly strangers to sell-out no eye dry. as the memories of six crowds. SRO (standing room only) million will be evoked hlomo Hamelech taught us events have been ho-hum for the and sanctified. the appropriate vehicle for folks at Gulf & Western for decades. But even tears of anguish must S Hashem:" ... b' Only this time, the protagonists will also contain tears of joy. For this am hadras melech, in the multi­ not be names like Frazier. Esposito, special Kaddish bears a special tude of people is the King's honor" or Sammartino. Rock artists and commonality in its recital at a (Mishlei 14:28). Too often. in our lion tamers will not be in attend­ siyum and a burial. Both of these recent past. in vast numbers ance. in their stead. maggideishiur, moments only appear to be endings. have found themselves congregated prominent rabbonim, Chassidic They are. in fact, beginnings. Ter­ for events hardly noted for their joy leaders. and leading Roshei mination of one's life on this world or celebration: i.e .. funerals of Yeshiva will shine in center stage. is actually the beginning of one's gedolim. mass protests, and the And the usual cheering and jeering eternal existence. And the culmina­ waiting rooms of genocide. Millions of the crowd will be replaced by the tion of the entire Talmud is also the of human , Torah giants uniform urgings of "Hadran alach start of the tenth cycle of DafYomi, among them.journeyed on trains to Shisha Sidrei Mishna u'." bringing new hope and the oppor­ extinction-never to see their fam­ and "Hashem yevorech es ahmo tunity of fulfilling in some small way ilies again, never to cherish Torah bashalom." Indeed, as the night­ the dreams and the promises for or even taste its beauty once more. mare of one generation unfolds into greatness that were so cruelly But on April 26th 1990, not fifty the dream of another. the fulfill- crushed half a century ago. •

The Jewish Observer. March 1990 7 Rabbi Shimon Schwab

THE OVERWHELMING POWER OF ''EMES''

The Chafetz Chaim turned and having chadorim, Torah schools for asked. 'What's new. Reb Leizer?" the children. But those who teach I. At that time, there was a rumor children up to the age of I 8 no WHEN NEWS IS "GOOD TIDINGS" that Stalin was assassinated. "We longer suffer the threat of being sent read in the papers that the Rasha to Siberia. or being sentenced to t is almost sixty years ago that (villain) was killed." In those days. many years of imprisonment. An I had the privilege to be in Radin Rasha. unspecified. referred to historic drama is unfolding before I in the presence of the Chafetz Stalin. The Chofetz Chaim did not our very eyes: "Yispordu kol po'alei Chaim''"" (See JO, Dec. '83.) At that react. Said Reb Leizer further. "But aven-the perpetrators of iniquity time, I overheard a conversation isn't that a besura tova (good will be dispersed" (Tehillim 92.11). between the Chafetz Chaim and his tidings)?" We are witness to the mass disillu­ grandson. Reb Leizer, who was the Replied the Chafetz Chaim. "Do sion in Marxism, the dismember­ mashgiach of the Radiner Yeshiva. the papers say that one is permitted ment of the Communist empire. It was in the morning, and the to teach Torah lo Yiddishe Kinder After more than seventy years, the Chafetz Chaim was bent over his in Russland?" so-called Iron Curtain is coming sejer. Reb Leizerentered and wished Said Reb Leizer. "No." down. The world power of atheism his grandfather" Gut Morgen." "Jn that case," said the Chafetz is crumbling. and is declaring bank­ Chaim. "that is not a besura tova:· ruptcy. "Re'uh nifla'os Elokim"-· The above article is adapted from an address by Today we are greeted with a Let us stand back and witness what Rabbi Shimon Schwab, N"IJ''::>'l.r, Rav of K'hal besura tova. We are permitted to the Ruler over all nations is doing, Adath Jeshurun of Washington Heights, NY., delivered at the 67th National Convention of teach Torah to Yiddishe Kinder in which we are zocheh to see with our Agudath Israel of Alnerica. Russland. It is still a long way from own eyes.

8 The Jewish Observer. March 1990 And indeed, the selection from How did the ideology of Marxism actually Tehillim quoted in the Haggada succeed in capturing hundreds Qf millions Qf continues: "Ki achal es Yaakov v'es navehu heishamu-They have minds, to subjugate over a billion souls? And devoured Yaakov and destroyed his habitation." Millions of Jewish how did it come to pass that, after these seventy­ people were spiritually destroyed by plus years, this stranglehold has actually come the Bolsheviks-the battei midra· shim, chadorim. yeshtvos, the to unravel? Chassidic centers. the entire fabric of Jewish life in Russia. Poland. Lithuania and the satellite coun­ Until seventy years ago, there was "Kingdoms that Invoke Not tries.And they drained the surviving Your Name" no such thing as "a kingdom that Yiddishe neshamosofany spiritual does not invoke Your Name.·· Since life lo the point that scarcely a spark the dawn of history. all governments e are all aware of the exist­ remains, Whatever attachment have invoked the Name of G-d-for these people may have had to Torah ence of a religion that political reasons. even if the leaders captured the minds and and mitzvos was severed, lost­ W did not believe in a Deity. "Achal es Yaakov v'es navehu hearts of a vast part of the world. heishamu." Now. however. there are It was founded by a renegade Jew. "Rasha k'gova apoh bal yidrosh"­ and is based on the concept of the Hamelech says-the rasha is so encouraging developments-that sharing of Divinity among more conceited that he has no need to ask this tragic epoch is coming to a than one being. More recently. a questions. "All his thoughts are to deny close. The stranglehold of the mal­ different religion-also founded by l)ivinity. The stalutes of G~d regarding chus horisha has been broken. reward and punish1nent are so far a renegade Jew. Karl Marx-also removed from his conscience, yet he wielded tremendous power over breathes about G-d's punishment to his The Power of "Lishmo" mankind: the religion of Ein Elo­ ene1nies. always 1nentioning the na1ne kim-1"n. It is the religion that has of I'Iashem" (Tehillim 10.4-5). ne wonders: How did the captured the minds of hundreds of ideology of Marxism actually millions and rules over more than Al the very lime that the great powers of history committed the succeed in capturing hund­ a billion people in Russia and China. 0 worst crimes conceivable. they reds of millions of minds, to sub­ Chazal had already told us that in always invoked the Name of G-d. jugate over a billion souls? And how Ikvasa Darnashicha-in the era Even pagans believed in Eloka did it come to pass that. after these just prior to Moshiach 's arrival­ d'Eloka-a Supreme Being that seventy-plus years, this strangle­ harnalchus yehapech leminus­ ruled over their demi-. I person­ hold has actually come to unravel? the underlying ideology of the ruling ally had the unfortunate experience This can be understood from the government will be based on athe­ 'rorah's account of the creation of ism. on a total denial of the existence of hearing radio broadcasts of the bloodthirsty speeches of Hitler '"1- Haggada that was vandalized: It the Jews. finished with the words, whereas the conventional spelling is was published under the auspices "So walte G-tt. so be it His will" with only one. Chazal explain that of a Conservative group; some sec­ man was created with two inclina­ tions were taken out and others )'''' Nmm. Never did people build a government on the philosophy of tions: A yeitzer tov and a yeitzer were put in. They eliminated the atheism until the advent of Marx­ hora, two inborn drives-for good pasuk of "Sh]och chamoscha al and for evil. providing man with free hago'im-Pour Your wrath upon ism, in our era-that of Ikvasa Damashicha. choice. Hence the two Yud'en. the nations that do not know You. kingdoms that do not invoke Your name." Se past sich nisht. ifs not polite to talk against other cultures. Since the dawn of history, all governments have So they expunged it. These vandals did not realize that not only were invoked the Name of G-d-jor political reasons, they tampering with the Haggada. even if the leaders did not believe in a Deity. but they were also editing a pasuk in the Tehillim (79,5-6) of David Never did people build a government on the Hamelech. Little did they know that this philosophy Qf atheism until the advent Qf pasuk was a prophecy for our time. Marxism.

The Jewish Observer. March J 990 9 Now, both of these drives are chooses for himself' (Bamidbar incentives ... only the opportunity to invested with vast powers. Should Rabba ch. 22). Only one condition give expression to his deep-seated anti­ people direct their lives by the must be kept: the person must act Se1nitis1n. Had Bilaam responded to this impulses of the yeitzer tau, they can lishmo-motivated solely by his invitation. it would have had a disas­ trous effect on Jewry, so G-d withheld fill the world with kedusha and idealism, whether for good or for evil, without personal interest. Even the pern1ission from Bilaam to accept Bal­ tahara (sanctity and purity). and ak's ca11. 1'he second tirr1e Balak sent even bring about the advent of mored bemalchus Shomayim, who 1nessengers, he offered Bilaarn rewards Moshiach. By the same token, those rebels against Divine rule, can of riches and kavod (fame). to which G--d who respond to the urgings of the achieve extraordinary success. as said. ··1r the- men came to call to you. go yeitzer hara can blanket the world long as he is driven by his devotion with the1n." romme-nts," 'To you· .. with evil and even alter the course to his ideal. with mesiras nefesh. if the call is for you [to your advantage]. of nature (through kishiif). As the Wht'n Balak first dispatched mes­ and you expect to be rewarded, go with Chazal say, "A person is assisted in sengers to Bilaam. to summon him to the-m" (Bamidbar 22.20). As long as following whichever path he curse the Jews, he offered him no Bilaam's motives were tainted by self­ serving goals. he would not be success.· fuL Otherwise, with a pure lishmoof evil. he could have brought massive destruc­ tion to the world. Sixty five years ago. a classmate of mine. who was the son of a talrnid chacham, became attracted to Com­ n1unism. l-Iis father disowned him. neighbors shunned him. When Spartikus-the German Commu­ nist Party-staged a march through I of your Baby the streets of Frankfurt. this fellow s.hamelessly marched in the front row. Penniless, starving, without a For donations in any amount, friend, he didn't care. He marched Eliezer for Babies will send to his ideal. a beautiful, personalized card This young man was one of mil­ lions who swore by the altruism of in honor of the birth of a 0 Marxist doctrine. whereby the ex­ new baby. 0 ploited proletariat would no longer -:.::_------~-. suffer oppression. But their vision of justice was predicated on '"fhere is neither Divine justice nor is there a Divine Judge." Based on denial of --=-·--- the Creator, it was an expression of Your full sponsorship pure evil. But its exponents served Lo. ____ the ideal lishmo, so it succeeded in of $180 will be acknowledged conquering the minds of men and with an official certificate controlling major parts of the world suitable ior framing and To: ... erecting an impenetrable. pro· tective Iron Curtain. a personalized gift card. Today, generations later, a mas­ sive reversal is taking place. If I may be so bold, I would attribute this to For more information an unusual sense of dedication. a for sponsorship of a baby, lishmo in a positive sense: for the Cail (717) 258· 1580 sake of Heaven ... an expression of lishmo that may be very modest in scale. but not in intensity. Vad Eliezer for Babies Moreover. the Talmud tells us that Keren Eliyohu Baby Fund "The power of good outweighs by far clo Trapper the power of evil." 1102 East 26 Street It started with a handful of people Brooklyn, New York 11210 in . and then it grew to (718) 258·1580 several hundred. It spread to Lenin­ grad. Minsk and Vilna, nurtured by

10 The Jewish Observer. March 1990 the regular shilichim (emissaries) from Agudath Israel, who taught, The potency Qf '1\ni Maarnin-I believe," inspired, and guided these groups. They grew to number in the thou­ expressed through Torah study, teaching Torah sands, risking their lives for Torah. to children, traveling a thousand miles to a Ahavas Hashem and faithful per­ formance of mitzvos. The potency of rnikva, in defiance of a regime of oppression and Torah lishmo is so great that it can bring the greatest power in the terror ... the potency is such that it can tum over world to its knees. The potency of the entire world, "Ani Maamin-I believe," expressed through Torah study, teaching Torah to children. traveling a thou­ of Faith. on techias hamaeisim­ he rejects one of these yesodos (basic sand miles to a mikva, in defiance resurrection of the dead): principles)-{i.e., he does not believe that of a regime of oppres...;;;ion and terror 'When a person is convinced of these our 'forah is an authentic copy of the ... the potency is such that it can cardinal, fundamental lkrirnand e1nuna one that Moshe Rabbeinu received at turn over the entire world. The in lhen1 beco1nes clear to him, he enters SinaL or he does not believe that the 1'orah cannot be changed in any way. ultimate sheker (falsehood) of ath­ into the body of Klal Yisroel. It is a or he does not believe in Moshiach. or eism can indeed be brought down milzva to love him and have compassion on him-to apply to him all aspects of he does not believe in Techias Hamei­ by "ein od milvado-there is none sim, etc.]-then he is excluded from the else besides Him." bein adam lechaveiro. of interpersonal 1nitzvos. in your dealings with hirn. 'fhis klal. since he is kQ]'er be'lkar-he has n1itzva applies to whoever is n1aamin denied the essence of our beliefs." in the Thirteen lkriln, even if he con1mits any number of aveiros (transgressions) The Rambam concludes that because he cannot overcome his paragraph with a declaration that desires-he will suffer punishment, but one is required to despise those who he will still have a cheilek b'olarn habba, deny basic beliefs. We can say with his share in the World-to-Come. But if certainty that the vast majority of IL "EMES" AND THE CONCEPT OF KLAL YISROEL ENCOUNTER- uite clearly, e1nes and sheker are diametrically opposed to the issues of the day! Qeach other. In addition, there is no middle ground, no gray area The Torah has always responded to the between truth and falsehood. Thus, challenges-no matter how formid­ Kial Yisroel as the Torah Nation is able-of every day and age, and this built on "Moshe is emes and his age is no exception. Even though the ernes." 1~here Torah is is no neutral issues of our day are genuinely area. no place for compromise complex-sometimes overwhelm­ bet ween rrorah and non-'forah in ing-the Torah is always there to our definition of Kial Yisroel. If it meet the challenge. And there is eschews the emes. then it is sheker. no better proof of this than the Aguduth Israel was never founded stimulating and intellectual light as a political party. but as a public that shines through the pages of Kial Yisroel. zera forum for for the ENCOUNTER! emes: the talmidei HaGra. the talmidim of the , the Here are 18 incisive essays that talmidim of Ben /sh Chai, and the deal with the Torah's perspective talmidim of Rav Shimshon Raphael on such topics as faith in our day, Hirsch. The talmidim of all tzaddi­ miracles, modern ethics, societal issues, kim and gedolei Yisroel-they all Hardn>Ver science, Eretz Yisroel, and much more. came together to form a co1nmunal Rabbinic scholars, mathematicians, physicists, and philosophe1s tackle expression of Klal Yisroel based on questions relevant to each and every one of us ... ENCOVNTER! emes. It behooves us to examine the Rambam in regard to the authentic Available at all Jewish bookstores or direct from: definition of Kial Yisroel (Pirush 6 Visa & MasterCard accepted Hamishnayus, . the last l";i 20() Airport Executive Park, Spring Valley, N.Y. 10977 Send for your free copy of paragraph of the thirteen Principles t°'..1 Tel. (914) 356~2282/Toll free: 800-237-7149 our new 64-page catalog.

The Jewish Observer, March 1990 11 the Jews of North and South Amer­ teachers and preachers of kefira are no wonder that they do not like us, ica-and the rest of the world, for totally innocent victims, spiritually because emes and skeker are mut­ that matter-are exempt from thiE ailing-nebach apikorsim. For this ually exclusive-and are naturally condemnation. for they are tinokos they cannot be blamed-so we do opposed to eachother. shenishbu-a counterpart to child­ love them, and we feel a burning The Torah tells us that G-d prom­ ren brought up in captivity, victims desire to heal their neshamos, to ised Avraham Avinu: of circumstances. estranged from bring them back to their rightful "Those that curse you I shall curse" their heritage. Nor is the Rambam heritage of Torah min haSha­ (Bereishis 12.3}. Now, who would curse referring to Russian Jews who have mayim. But the last paragraph in Avraham Avinu? Avraham made an been indoctrinated with atheism for the Rambam does indeed refer to aishel-an inn for wayfarers-all ovdei the past seventy-plus years. the peddlers of kefira and apikor­ avoda zara (idolaters) were welcorne Those millions of sus, the manufacturers of mamzei~ and he provided them with food and who are ignorant of Yiddishkeit, rus, who are not unlearned, who are lodging; he was mispallel for Sodom; the who were misled by so-called the spokesmen for the Reform and people of Chevron declared, "Nasi Elo­ kim atta besocheinu-you are a G~dly by by Conservative movements. ~fhere is or other missionaries or other prince in our midst" (Bereishis 23.5). Who would possibly curse Avraham? Why should G~d give him a special beracha to curse those who curse him? The answer is simple: Avraham was propagating emes. The passage: " b'Shem Hashem-And he called out in the NameofG-d"' (ibid 12.9) is a reference to propagating emes. At the same time, Nimrod and the dor haj1aga were proclaiming "Na'aseh lanu shem-Let us make a name for BE SURE WITH ourselves." This is a rallying cry for sheker. Since the exponents of sheker ~lf,1!1' :i'm must hate emes. which challenges its validity and exposes its duplicity, it will inc:>vitably come to curse emes. l'hus G-d consoled with the blessing. KO-SURE. "Those that curse you, I will curse." SLICED Reassured as we are with G-d's blessing, we conclude our daily M~~~~c:"'""Tf'-cR""'-·j- with, "'velimekalelei nafshi .,,,"'."'""C\Jl"'"'""'ti... ,,..,,'•~•• ln~· '1n ~ ... "'.,,,, •;(·(1ihl:a _?!__ those who curse me, nafshi ke'afar -· •• ~ • American Cheese lakol tihiyeh-let my soul be like M•n LOW MOISTURE PART SKIM L"- • Bake,'s Cheese "• STRING CHEESE .., dust to eveiyone." We must strive to ·~~:;:;;:;;;;;:~~~;;!::~-~--~·-:~M:,..::.:"':'':":·-:-;.~ll : ~~~~:r~~:ese embody emes, even as we anticipate • Muenster the inevitable repercussions of • Ricotta Cheese rejection by the spokesmen of • String Cheese sheker. But if we lack in any way • Monterey Jack-Chive • Monterey Jack-Hot Pepper in our devotion to emes, we cannot • Smoked American Cheese survive_ This means that we must • Low-Fat, Low-Salt, Muenster "Light" beware not to become politicians, • Non-Fat Milk Powder not to look for prestige, not to create headlines, not to seek publicity introducing a full line of Cholov Yisroel sensations, but to fight for the emes quality cheeses, 1nanufactured by son1e of lishmo, without ulterior motives of An1erica's greatest cheese makers. achieving glory and fame. Under the strict Rabbini(a] Supervision NCTWf 120~(340g) ~ of the Vaad Hakashrus of ~*"=K:-r~J * , Rabbi Moshe Heineman, Adn1inistrator. Kosher for

f.:o-:.;urc, the d11'1•;;1' that'.~ :.;urdit ko:.;ltcr . .. 1111d C!rolrw Yi:;nwl, too.1 "'lK")'j'"U~.,

12 The Jewish Observer, March 1990 III. What chance do we have to prevail in this olam PROMOTING "EMES" IN ALL ENDEAVORS hasheker, this world offalsehood, if we are not exactingly careful to speak nothing but emes, to his past Ellul, Agudath Israel was in the forefront of con­ conduct all our dealings with emes, and to make T vening mass gatherings emes the major premise of all our actions, private across the country on the theme of "Guard your tongue from and public? evil."(Tehillim 34,14) promoting the avoidance of loshon hara (slander). The above passage from Tehillim accept the possibility of other concludes: " ... and your lips from pervasiveness of Divine justice. And approaches to belief. For example. all three spokesmen would like to speaking deceit." We must launch there are people speaking on behalf see their respective seminaries a concerted effort to avoid sheker of the three "major" rabbinical cooperating in establishing a uni­ in our private lives, even if it is at seminaries declaring that they ted. "inter-denominational" com­ great expense or deep pain. It is should all work in consonance: One mission t.o process conversions. And essential that we recognize that G-d seminary (Orthodox) studies on the the Orthodox element argues that is emes, and His entire creation is basis of "Moshe received the Torah they must work together with their emes. Only man has the capacity lo at Sinai" (Avos I, I); another (the fellow Jews, their colleagues! My be false! What chance do we have Conservative one) studies Moshe's admiration for the Moetzes Gedolei to prevail in this olam hasheker. Torah, but deals with it as though HaTorah (Council of Torah Sages) this world of falsehood, if we are not it were not from Sinai; the third exactingly careful to speak nothing of Agudath lsrael. then, is most (Reform) recognizes neither the profound for having issued a con­ but emes, to conduct all our deal­ Divinity of Torah nor the all- den1nation of this spurious union ings with emes, and to make emes the major premise of all our actions, private and public? But there is more. Since the time of Lavan Haramai, the prototype of all charlatans, we are touched by our he wisdom of Mishley ... the insight of ancestors' last encounter with him: the Malbim . .. in an inspiring English Lavan kissed his daughters-the four language edition! matraichs-and his grandchildren-the shivtei Kah, the progenitors of the Tribes. in some measure imbuing them The Malbim's commentary with his attribute of deceit. OnlyYaakov. the personification of truth ("Give enies to Mishley is an invaluable ex­ to Yaakov") was spared. But the rest of planation ofShlomo HaMelech's us carry within us some vestiges of that guidelines to life; his illuminating encounter. Yes. we are zera e1nes-the remarks reveal the inner layers seed of that personification of truth. yet we cannot achieve emes without a of wisdom that lie at the heart of struggle.As the Chazon Ish writes in one this text. of his letters, "Man lacks a natural abhorrence of falsehood." The commentary in th.is ed· ition is an abtidgment and For years now, Agudath Israel has adaptation of the Hebrew origin­ been in the lead in drawing lines of demarcation between emes and al, designed to make the content sheker in the communal sphere. more accessible to modern One might say that the world of readers. emes is personified in the pasuk: "You have shown to know that Includes the text of Proverbs Hashem, He is the G-d. there is none in Hebrew and English on facing pages. besides Him" (Devarim 4. 35)-we only have the Ribbono she/ olam 0- A vailahle at all Jewish bookstores m -Oitect from: and His Torah. Unfortunately, there FELDHEIM PUBLISHERS ft iOO AirintVallcv, N.Y. 11»77 are those that study His Torah, but In:.I Tel. {914) 356--2282/Tcl! free: 80()..237-7149

The Jewish Observer, March 1990 13 of emes and sheker this past rations of Kial Yisroel not based on "There was nothing in the aron summer. the Thirteen Jkrim. Most of the (ark) of G·d's covenant but the two We plead to those who identify clergymen represented there do not stone tablets that G-d gave Moshe with Torah miSinai to recall how know their right hand from their at Sinai."" This is the basis of Klal thirty five years ago leading Rabbo· left. Without the support of Torah Yisroel. One cannot accept a concep­ nim and Roshei Yeshiva declared Jews. Conservative and Reform tualization of Kial Yisroel that it forbidden to belong to the "inter· would collapse like a house possesses an aron with more than denominational" Coun· of cards. By contrast, we have Moshe's tablets. Refining our under· cil of America. In your hearts, I am Torah·-Shas. Poskim, . standing of emes. spreading the positive that your allegiance is with . Tzaddikim ... yeshivos, allegiance to emes, leading lives of us, not with those who deny Torah youth. We have the richness of the emes. projecting a vision of Klal miSinai. For the sake of the future past and the promise of the future. Yisroel based on pure emes-this is of Kial Yisroel, and for the sake of They have nothing but the recogni· the formula for overcoming the your own conscience, I plead with lion and the encouragement that we sovereignty of sheker in this you to leave the so-called configu· give them. world.•

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ON THE ROAD FROMMIDYAN TO MITZRAYIM

THEMILAHOF ELIEZER BEN MOSHE

A Prelude to Redemption

Q[f the foreskin of her son and cast his feel lo his thighs (from which BIZARRE INTERLUDE it at his feet and said, "The slayer Tzippora understood how to act lo of my husband are you to me!" So save her husband). ecorded in parshas Shemos He let him alone; then she said, "My One wonders: why was Moshe between the lengthy narra· husband was [nearly] slain be· deserving of such strange and R tive of Moshe's appointment cause of the circumcision." (She· brutal punishment? Rav Yosi as Redeemer and the actual com­ mos 4.24·6) ( 3lb) explains that Moshe mencement of Ge'ula are three So much of this brief interlude is had found himself in a quandary: short verses which describe a rather jarring-tranquility shattered by an G·d had ordered him to leave for enigmatic episode: abrupt act of violence. punctuated Egypt on the very day his son And it came to pass on the way by a Jewish mother's harsh recrim­ required circumcision. Moshe rea­ at the inn. and G·d met him ination hurled at her innocent soned: If I circumcise him and then I Moshe], and sought to kill him.And infant. Further, Chazal (Rabbis of depart, the child will be placed in Tzippora took aflint. and she cut the Talmud) render the episode in danger for the first three days. If I even 1nore jarring tones; Moshe's circumcise him in Midyan and tarry Rabbi Kasnett is author of A Future and a Hope attacker was actually an angel in the three days, I shall transgress G-d's and Ancient Mountains. Timeless Hills. both guise of a serpent, who swallowed command, "Go, return to Egypt." collections of essays on Sefer Bereishis. His "Rabbi Abba's I<:srOg Tret>" V:·as featured in JO. Moshe from his head to his thighs Moshe correctly decided to heed the Oct. 87. and then again swallowed him fro!P more urgent directive. resolving to

16 The Jewish Observer. March 1990 circumcise Eliezer at the earliest Holy One sent to bring the Bnei ed to forsake his Divine mission and opportunity. Yisroel out '!f Egypt. that he should make his home in depraved Mitz­ Why, then, was Moshe punished? take his children and other house­ rayi m? The very implausibility Answers R' Yosi: Because he occu­ hold members with him? This therefore compels us to conclude pied himself with the lodging place demonstrates that he actually that the Heavenly Court had a before attending to the milah! desires to settle there. to establish different perspective of the matter: Truly. an answer that begs expla­ permanent residence in Egypt!" Logically. Moshe should have left his nation. How does the punishment And so the angel Gavriel attacked family in Midyan. for that would begin to fit what appears to be a Moshe and sought to kill him.­ have been the easiest solution to his relatively minor crime? Indeed, mere Yalkut Reuveini (Parshas ShemosJ problem. Eliezer could have been failure to circumcise one's son (a The Heavenly Court's complaint circumcised on time, and left with bitul asei) is not punishable in against Moshe appears incredible. his mother to recuperate while Torah by death. Why was Moshe so Would anyone suspect. for even an Moshe travelled alone to Egypt. The severely condemned? And if Moshe instant. that the Ish Elokim intend- fact that Moshe rejected the simpl- did act incorrectly, we must under­ stand the basis for his calcula­ tions-why he gave precedence to securing his lodging before perform­ ing Eliezer's milah. Then there is the matter of the serpent: why the angel chose to assume that partic­ ~ CAMPKESER ular guise to exact punishment from Moshe. Other ruminations: Certainly ~ JOIN THE fUN! Hakadosh Baruch Hu was aware of Moshe's dilemma. Yet ... had not CAMP KESER b :-.ituated on our o\rn full\· rd'urbished the Jewish People already waited 108 c\crc campu'."> in Livingston ,\-1,,no;·. 210 years for redemption? Would CAMP KESER is under the dynamk ll'adcrship o!' another three days in bondage truly RABBI NOS50N NEUMAN and RABBI SHAVA GITtLIS have mattered. if Moshe had been who hci.ve brought together their extensive chinuch i\ncl ccl1nping cxpcricncl' permitted to postpone his departure to fonn a staff and progrum unp,\r,\!ldcd elsewhere in Ci\1nping. for Egypt? The inescapable conclu­ sion is that Hashem Yisborach had anticipated Moshe's resolution of the conflict and thus actually desired Eliezer's milah to occur in the vicinity of Mitzrayim. If this is so. we must understand why.

VERDICT OF THE HEAVENLY COURT

related question arises from the following : A "And it came to pass on the way at the inn "-What does it matter that (Moshe) was at an inn! malon ( ie. why does the Torah bother to mention such a trivial detail)? Rather. we must say that the word contains a hidden mean­ Ila.bbl No•So11 Neum .. 11 ing, and was not written by the Rabbi 5hay" C.!tt:U• MANl

complained (malinimJ against Buddy lt:rltowlu, ••=•AM DIRlCTOR 11.abbl Mo•ht: Shont:k. SENIOR DIVl~ION (7181258-4214 1718)633-4228 Moshe for taking his entire family Ila.bbl Shlomo Hyman, IUNlO• U1V"ION !4!1l E.1~t :)7ih '.".ltn"I I Brookl)n. '.\.\'. llZ.)4 with him to Egypt. They spoke 11.>.bbl YU•~hok , ..... k. ~rl(1M rROllCl~ harshly against him: "Is it possible for a man such as he, whom the CAMP KESER The Crown of Camolng

The Jewish Observer. March 1990 17 domineering king, and you your· • Merefailure to circumcise one's son is not punishable self haveforgotten the bris.jor your in Torah Law by death. Why was Moshe so severely own son is uncircumcised!" Imme­ condemned? And if Moshe did act incorrectly, why did diately, "He sought to kill him." The angel Gavriel descended as a he give precedence to securing his lodging b~fore flame to incinerate [Moshe/, and peiforming Eliezer's milah? made himself as a serpent to swallow him. est approach provoked the Court to of Moshe's mission and hence a And why a serpent? The Holy complain and order his execution. prelude to Ge'ulas Mitzrayim itself. One said to Moshe, "You are on your way to kill a Nevertheless, that Moshe did indeed It is this transcendent quality of the great and poweiful serpent, and eschew the more logical path only act that we must ultimately try to your son is not circumcised!"' [Gav­ fuels the fire of suspicion that he, capture. riel] forih with traneformed himself too, was aware of a compelling need into a serpent to kill [Moshe]. until for Eliezer's milah to occur in Egypt. OF PUBLIC CONCERN Tzippora saw and circumcised her Hence, we are doubly constrained to son and saved her husband.­ discover what that need could be. Zahar I, 93b One final general observation: The passage of Zoharprovides an The import of the Zahar is clear: entire episode appears nothing important clue to under­ the milah of Eliezer ben Moshe was more than a private event in the life standing the significance of A not altogether a private act, but was of Moshe Rabbeinu, hardly deserv· Eliezer's milah: an urgent prerequisite for ge'ula. ing of mention in the Torah lits ''And it came to pass on the way Moshe's mission was too great. supernatural aspect notwithstand· at the inn, and Hashem met him involving an adversary (Pharaoh) ing). Yet the incident's conspicuous and sought to kill him." The Holy too formidable, to entrust to a man position in the narrative suggests One said to [Moshe]. "You are on fettered by personal embarrass­ that the milah of Eliezer ben Moshe your way to deliver Israel from ments. Moshe must be entirely is so1nehow crucial to the success Egypt and to humble a great and untainted in order to receive G-d's hlessing to vanquish the serpentine king of Egypt and to lead his people out of bondage. Hence. the milah was, for Moshe the Redeemer, a preliminary act of qualification. ADWE Now we must understand why this particular shortcoming proved aliabilityfor Israel's redeemer. Since LABORATORIES, INC. Pharaoh-expressed symbolically as Manufacturers of Kosher L'Pesach Products: the serpent-represents an obstruc· live factor that Moshe must obviate, Moshe's failure to perform the Toothpaste, Mouthwash, milah must have precluded him­ specifically-from overcoming Cream Blush, LipSticks, Pharaoh. Baby Powder, Compact To discover the power of milah, (Facial Make-up), Handcream, we must first understand the two­ fold essence of Pharaoh. Dishwash, and Shabbos Soap THE TWO FACES OF PHARAOH NEW ITEMS! n one brief stroke, the prophet Perfumes, Eye Shadow, Yechezkel projects the gargan· Powdered Blush and I tuan ego of the Egyptian monarch: Clear Lip Gloss So said Hashem Elokim: "Behold I have placed upon you Pharaoh, Available at your local grocery or drug store. King qf Egypt, the Great Serpent, If your local store does not carry our product, who crouches in the midst his ask him to cal! us at (718) 788-6838. ef river, who said, 'My river is for me. and I have become exalted'" (29:3). "My river is for me"-I am not

18 The Jewish Observer, March 1990 beholden to higher powers.for my Pharaoh is surely speaking of him­ ach and by the blood qf milah. as river supplies all my needs;"... and self and of all past and future it says, ''.And I said to you. 'By your I have become exalted"-By my own Pharaohs when. as he returns Sarah blood shall live'; and I said to you. might and wisdom I have magni­ to Avraham. he cautions, "And now. 'By your blood you shall live· " fied my greatness and dominion.­ here is your wife: take her and got" (Yechezkel I 6:6): with the blood of Rashi (Bereishis 12:19) the Pesach and the blood Self-sufficient. defiant. supremely [Pharaoh did} not [react} like Qf milah.-Shemos Rabba 17:3* confident. Pharaoh has cast off from Avimelech, who said to [Avraham}, Kial Yisroel ultimately won its all beneficent supernal moorings to "Behold. my land is before you:· freedom by repudiating the two­ bask in a glory of his own making. Rather. [Pharaoh} said lo him. "Go. pronged allure ofMitzrayim. For the Pharaoh as deity. then. is the first and do not tarry. ':for the Egyptians korban Pesach. the common act of facet of this Serpent's identity: are inherently lustful. as it says. avoda (Divine service) performed at The Holy One said to Moshe. 'The ''.And whose issue is like the issue great personal risk by every Jewish evil Pharaoh has made CJf himself of horses·· (Yechezkel 23:20J.-Rashi family, demonstrated our absolute a , as it says. 'My river is for 'Like the issue of horses "-who allegiance to the Master of the Uni­ me, and I have become exalted.' "­ overindulge in carnal activity, verse-an unqualified denounce­ Shemos Rabba 8:1.2 more than all other male anim­ ment of the Egyptian propensity for Yet. while a serpent may season­ als.-Rashi on Yechezkel 23:20 idolatry. And milah. symbolic of ally shed its hide, it cannot shed the With this we complete our portrait limitations on sensual gratification core of its personality. Just as the of Moshe's great adversary-a (see Yisroel Kedoshim, p. 62b. by primordial serpent lusted after Pharaoh-serpent who is part self­ Rav Tzaddok HaCohen) is Israel's Chava, and this serpent's ancestor proclaimed god and. paradoxically. response to the unholy. unbridled lusted after Sarah Imeinu. so. loo, part abject slave to his own basest lust-drive of Mitzrayim. does our Pharaoh personify a nation desires. Both national attainments. how­ that is called "the nakedness of the THE DUALITY OF MILAH ever. were foreshadowed by private earth" (Bereishis 42: 9. 12). And if the essence of a people finds full wice by blood was Israel

expression in the person of its saved from Mitzrayim-by *SC'e also Medulla (Bo) and Yalkul Shirnoni monarch, then the ancestor- T the blood qf the korban Pes- ( Yechezkcl 16).

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The Jewish Observer, March 1990 19 events in that hostelry on the MOSHE'S MISJUDGMENT serious, in fact, that it jeopardized outskirts of Egypt** the Redemption itself and was Fortunate are Israel who offer hy was Moshe punished? therefore punishable by death. For their sons on the eighth day as a R' Yosi said, Because he the purpose of the providential korban before Hashem.- I,93 W occupied himself with the opportunity that was Eliezer's This korban (i.e. milahl resembles lodging place before peiforming the milah was not to weaken Mitzrayim, an animal .for both come milah. but to qualify Moshe personally for on the eighth day.-Zohar III.44 Moshe understood that G-d the role of Israel's redeemer: Whoever offers up his sonfor this desired Eliezer's circumcision to ''You are OTL your way to deliver korban is considered as though he occur in Egypt in order to weaken Israel from Egypt and to humble a offered up all the korbanos in the the collective power of Mitzrayim, great and domineering king, and world before the Holy One, and as thereby paving the way for Bnei you yourself haveforgotten thebris, though he built before Him a peifect Yisroel's eventual exodus. Hence, he for your own son is uncircumcised!" .-Zohar I,95 reasoned that he first must gain a Zohar, cited above. It now becomes clear why the foothold in Egypt for his tikkun to The emphasis of G-d's censure is Almighty and Moshe both knew that take effect. That is why he procured on Moshe's personal disqualifica­ Eliezer's bris milah must be per­ lodgings on the outskirts of Mitz­ tion for his mission. The milah had formed in the vicinity of Mitzrayim. rayim-so as to meet the minimum been an opportunity to strengthen For milah is not only a repudiation requirements of contact and prox­ in himself the twin attributes of of Egyptian pursuit of self-indul­ imity. Having done so, he fully faith and holiness which were the gence, but also an act of ritual intended to circumcise Eliezer and extreme opposite of the twin ele­ worship of the highest order! Milah effect the tikkun forthwith. Hence, ments of the Egyptian national attacks head-on the twofold power the accusation of the Heavenly character, as most fully expressed by of the Serpent. And so Gavriel came Court that Moshe intended to settle Pharaoh himself. The point was not as the serpent to alert Moshe to his in Mitzrayim was indeed correct! to debilitate the metaphysical Mitz­ miscalculation, to punish him­ Moshe needed to establish a min­ rayim, but to differentiate. to ironically-for attempting to mount imal residency there to carry out his demark unmistakably the line that attack! plan, all according to his estimation between holiness and profanity, of the Almighty's will. between self-sacrificial commit­ •• See Ran, Nedarirn 32a, who writes that !ht' But Gavriel came in dramatic ment to G-d and self-serving com­ inn was situated adjacent to Mltzrayim, so that mitments to amenable and conve­ the brief final leg of the journey posed no danger fashion to apprise Moshe of his to the newly-circumcised infant. miscalculation, a misjudgment so nient godheads. Havdalah is everything! Blessed is He, our G-d, Who created us for His glory, /\KE:VOO.MOVING? Separated us from those who stray, ···•>ls•}'Ol.:JR····NAMEAN.lJADQRESS PRINTED Gave us the Torah ef truth and . INCORRECTLYONTHE.JO~ll.ING. l.ABEI..?: Implanted eternal life within .• We.need ¥~tir help to ens~reprof)tit•tleli.~ry of the JO to your home;J>Jea\e. us.- .att?qh c~rr.ent mailingl~beJ·_in the spas;~ bel°"I, or print dearly your addres~ True, the milah was correctly performed in the vicinity of Mitz­ and computerprocessingnumber$ thatare:printed a!)o~ your name on.the rayim. for distinction can best be address label. made when the opposing force is at AE>DRE$SCH,A,NGEl'0RM hand. Had Moshe circumcised !Affix lebe! here) Eliezer in Midyan, far from the aura of Mitzrayim, the contrast would have been lost. Once having reached the outskirts of Egypt, however, there was no need to secure a foothold, for distinction requires only proximity, not engagement.

ONE MAN'S PLEASURE , , ,

ontrast is the greatest teacher of all. From Pha­ Pl~aS1· ailQW. 6.. 8 .weeks .for all :ct:iahgli{tqh~: !'&(let:ted t1i:i.·:yPUr ri(al11t1g .label. \fVE \VH.l N(Jl ·$'€ 'R,ESPONSrBLt.rOR'BACK ·J$$UES·MJSStO unlf:>SS ydtJ rfr.itify. u~. 8. vveeks prior to your move, C raoh's idea of what is good we can identify true goodness. 20 The Jewish Observer, March 1990 compassing oneness-"There is none else besides Him!" Hence, precisely because Moshe was the • While a serpent may humblest of men, precisely be­ seasonally shed its hide, cause-as the Nefesh Hachaim* it cannot shed the core of writes-he negated all sensation of his own being, the Shechina spoke its personality. Just as the to mankind from within his mortal primordial serpent lusted throat. after Chava, so, too, does our Pharaoh personify a nation THE GREATEST PLEASURE that is called "the nakedness OF ALL Qf the earth." n truth, questing eternally for pleasure is the essential condi­ I tion of mankind. Mesilas Yesharim** writes that man was created exclusively for the purpose of experiencing pleasure. However. genuine ta'anug, which is the state of deveikus. or bonding. with Therefore. let us return to Pharaoh's O'f.'1'.JN Nl'.l nl nn,y? ;-n, it must be that Hashem, is possible only in the proud declaration: "My river is for the starting point for attaining true, me, and I have hecome exalted" spiritual pleasure is emuna. self­ (Yechezkel 29.3). In this statement, effacement vis-a-vis the overwhelm­ *By Rabbi Chaim ofVo!ozhin ( 1749-1821 ). prime dicip!e of the Ga on of Vilna. as explained by Rashi. we sense an ing reality of the Holy One, perceiv­ *"Path of the Upright. das.sic mussar sefer by intense and profound expression of ing to some degree His all-en- Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (1707-1747). Pharaoh's pleasure-drive. It begins with kefira. denial ofG-d's providen­ tial relationship with man: "My river is for me"-I am not beholden to higher powers.]or my river supplies all my needs (Rashi). Hence. I exist absolutely independent of G-d's sustaining influence. This is the pure pleasure of being. Then, " ... and 1 have become exalted"-By my own might and wisdom I have magnified my greatness and dominion (Rashi). Here gasus haruach, expansive pride, has been achieved: My beingjllls the world. My wisdom and might irifluence world events-kochi v'otzem yadi. This is the exhilarating pleasure of accomplishment. Finally. as a nat­ ural concomitant of the above, comes the desire to expand this intoxicating sensation of one's own reality by experiencing every plea­ sure this material world has to offer-down to the very basest.

But it all starts with the point of kefira; this most basic human drive for pleasure starts with the denial of the existence of the Creator Himself, ''"1. And since every created thing has its counterpoint

The Jewish Obseroer. March 1990 21 World-lo-Come. This world is where knowing the truth, is chieflyfor the a mitzva. Sochotchover Gaon Intro­ one is to earn that sublime delight. purpose of one's perceiving the duction to Eglei Tal which we do by performing mitzvos. truth and taking pleasure and "And by taking pleasure in Torah Physical pleasures are obstacles to delighting in the knowledge, for one becomes attached to Torah ...." achieving this goal. In fact. these (the purpose '!f} making one's heart and mind rejoice, as it is written, "illusions of pleasure" create a KUDSHA-BRICH-HU V'ORAISAH constant battle between the yeitzer "The orders of Hashem are upright, CHAD tov and the yeitzer hara. gladdening the heari" (Tehillim There is one exception to the 19,9). Rabbeinu Avraham Min above rule. One can experience Hahar. Nedarim 48a ne who attaches himself to genuine pleasure, the sensation of The primary aspect of the mitzva Torah cleaves to the Holy oneness with Hashem. even in this of Leaming Torah L5 to exult and 0 One Himself because the world-through the study of Torah. rejoice and delight in one's leam·· Torah is called the "Names" of This is because Kudsha-Brich·Hu ing, and then the words '!f Torah Hashem Yisborach, which means 1!0raisa chad-the Holy One and will be absorbed into one's blood. the revelation of His existence. Nor the Torah are one (Zohar). And by taking pleasure in Torah (and herein lies the wonder and the The mitzva '!f Leaming Torah, one become attached (davuk) to the supreme irony of it all) does this which entails perceiving and Torah .. . for also the pleasure is deveikus spell the total demise of selfhood; rather, through Torah and specifically chiddushei Torah (orig­ inal interpretations) one is allowed to experience in a permissible, pure and exalted manner the greatest pleasure of all-the sense of one·s own being constantly expanding through the accomplishment of chiddushei Torah. And this is possible because. in fact. Kudsha­ Brich ·Hu v'Oraisah v-Yisroel chad-the Holy One and the Torah You can say all you want...but the best way to get people and Israel are one! (Zahar) Hence, involved is to SHOW them! the Torah scholar experiences his reality in the tangible expression of No other communications technique has the ability to involve Hashem's reality-the Torah itself. the .. Names.. of Hakadosh Bamch its audience as videos and slide shows - and no other studio in Hu. Further. this objective reality. New York is as involved in videos and slide shows as Zelman. which is the sum total of one·s Zelman Studios can handle the entire production from creative perceptions of Torah. is in truth concept thru writing and photography. one's only true accomplishment in this world: First the Torah is called the For portable presentations Zelman Studios can prepare a Torah of the Holy One. but in the completely self-circulating, self-contained projection unit that end it is calledone'sown, as it says: can literally tell your story, by itself, anywhere. ..In the Torah '!f G-d is his desire. and in his Torah he reflects day and night---(Tehillim 1,2). Avoda So call today, for a free brochure and 6-minute demonstration, Zara 19a and let us SHOW you. ,..,.suctiO"' ii> Deveikus, therefore, involves not -wtU be 4h·•ctil>I :.u 1or 4et»1.. abnegation. but identification with Mr·.,.._.. )lard" pieaoe the Source of all reality. And since ...... """'"" man's essential being derives from the expression of G-d's reality (i.e. from the Holy Torah), man's exist­ ence thus becomes intrinsic, and his pleasure eternal. Thus is the Exodus from Mitz­ rayim-release from the dominion of Pharaoh-culminated by receiv­ ing the Torah at Sinai, seven weeks later.• ·

22 The Jewish Obseroer. March 1990 MECHON HAHOVROA IA rrJJlNl~©HLJJLE /AlNJlQl ~lNJ'W/AllUJ/A~llE rRllE~(Q)lUJfP~~lE ONE OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE TORAH PROJECTS OF THE 20TH CENTURY IS THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION

14 years of existence with the most fruitful results. THIS IS WHAT MIGHT COME TO A HALT: • 40 fellows studying from early morning to late at night • Completion of the entire , starting from choshen mishpat and even haezer • A daily beis din active in Bora Park and Monsey • Dayanim, to assure impartiality, receive no recompense • Daily shailos from rabbonim and baalei batim on the most difficult subjects • Deeds, contracts, wills, prenuptial agreements, pruzbel, heter iska. All prepared halachically and legally.

Listen to what the Gedolim have said about Mechon Hahoyroa .

NFl p 1D\UJ "nwm1? 1DD" .. ilNllilJ 1D~Y O'D'J\Ul'.lil O'JIJN ... "'Y JN"l\U'J ilN"11il N~ll lll'.ll'.l\U ,,1:11"1 V,ll i:i:i1 Y"l\U >p?n '1 ?:i:i ,-11n:i 0'N'PJ1 o>lJ!lll'.l O'JIJN .1"1,1"ll'l'l l'liN£Jl'l'l tl\il' 1"1T1"1 '1 llNl'l il>lll '"ST ,,Nlll>i) ~1'1' 'i '"ST 'i'Sl)l~Ni' :li'V' 'i N!'.:IN!'.:l)J "JPY' n'7np" Jnp• Jl iT'IN' Nl) ,'t))ND ill\Ul'J illDY 11'tnil\U ill'.l ... '1 rny1~pl'.l:l O'N'PJ ll1'ilJ il"Y:l ... 1)'.)J J"ll OY n"n Y"\Ull) O\U 0'1D1J1 1"1T:l NS~l N' "l'~:l ... Y"l\U >p?n ... lll'lll'.l1j7 0')\U:l 11t>il il'il\U ... lll'll',~ ':i:i '('ll,11"1 '")1' 1l'll ':n~.1¥.n n'J Jnp1 Ji

1U11p 1t>m Ol'p:i p?n nnp? ?N•IU'D 1nN ?:i >?y JDll'.l lill,i' :iin111:i 'V ...... 1"l"T)l:l ,N,lil'' 1"1Nil1"1 NSl'l lll'.ll'.l\U illJ '"ST 1""1ill"£J 1"1\il~ 'i D''J\!.11-ii n'lN!:l.il D"l

Don1 let all this stop. Help us: Your conUnued suppon Is vital tor our existence. Send a generous tax deducUble donaUon now so that this torah !earning will continue.

VAAD HARABONIM OF MECHON HAHOYROA Rabbinical Court & Adjudication and Institute for Halachic Research P.O. Box 782, Monsey, N.Y. 10952 (914) 425-9565 Bais Din (914) 352-8444/5 Sais Horoa (914) 425-7498 Chaim Chl01fene

Our Man on Campus

WORKING THE WALL 'Why, no, were not," the young night and again around ten thirty man answered with a quizzical look. the next morning, Jeff matches up 'Well, I just wondered. Anyway, the cards with the families names t was a cold, rainy November nice meeting you. Enjoy your stay on them with the student adven­ afternoon In . The in Jerusalem," Jeff said, then tures. The biggest single Shabbos I area In front of the Wall was all departed. dinner placement they had this past but deserted. A guard sat in his Had either of the two visitors summer was 150 students and small shack at the entrance to the responded affirmatively, Jeff Seidel visitors. During the years before the men's side, warming his feet with would have immediately drawn Intifada, when tourism was in full an electrtc heater. Two young tour­ them into some interesting tidbit of bloom, they had as many as 220 ists with backpacks stood looking information about the . kids, eager for a free Jewish meal at the Wall at a respectful distance, He would then have offered to take and a bona fide Jewish religious rain trickling down their faces. one or both of them to observe a experience. Each family has its own "Hi, where you all from?" called class in English at a yeshiva. If they approach to kiruv and Jeff matches out an energetic, friendly voice. balked at that, he would have invited visitor and family. Over the years, The two tourists looked down them to have a free Shabbos dinner thousands of Jewish youngsters towards the direction of the voice with a religious family in the Old have become baalei teshuva and saw Jeff Seidel. his glasses City to see how the real Jerusalem­ through a first experience at one or fogged from the cold. His now ites live. Despite the cold, and more of these homes. famous white and tan saddle shoes despite the miniscule number of Jeff Seidel keeps meticulous were visible under the hem of a tourists due to the intifada, 85 records of the number and names green rubber raincoat. He was the students and young American vis­ of people he talks to, and takes to very image of the man you would itors to Israel showed up at the Wall yeshiva, or sets up for Shabbos. buy a used car from. His manner was the previous Friday night. where Jeff Follow-through Is paramount In Instantly charming and disarming. Seidel. working in tandem with the kiruv, and he makes a point main­ "Why, we're both from North venerable Meir Shuster, set them all taining contact with as many as Carolina," the young man answered up for Shabbos dinners withjrum possible while they are in Jerusalem with a thick. lazy drawl. The girl families. and even after they return to the smiled and nodded. The Shabbos placement work at States. This winter he is traveling "North Carolina,'' Jeff repeated. the Western Wall is a most effective in the United States where he has 'Wow, you're a long way from home. kinw program. Each of the families, arranged a reunion party for stu­ By the way, either of you happen to from Chassidim in Me'a She'arim to dents at the University of Michigan be Jewish?" yeshiva Yungeleit in the , he has brought into some level of receives a phone call Tuesday even­ Torah observances, with others Chaim Chlorfene, a native of who lives in the Old City of Jerusalem, is the writer/pro­ ing asking how many orchim they planned in University of Pennsylva­ ducer/director of educational videos, including plan to take for the coming Shab­ nia, the University of Maryland, 'Wake the Dawn, the story of Jerusalem's Holy Temple," and a recent production on the Thirty bos-how many by night and how Emory College in , Georgia, Nine Melachos of Shabbos. many by day. At the Wall on Friday and colleges In the area.

24 The Jewish Observer, March 1990 they were growing up. The most FAIR GAME FOR HARASSMENT common question they ask is, 'Do ampus officials are instruct­ religious Jews consider me Jewish?' ed to be on the lookout for Many of these kids are merely Jeff and to harass him in any looking for a way into Yiddishkeit C way they can. At the beginning of or at least to find out what it is really the school year. Jeff went to check all about. I don't proselytize them. up on students he had met at the I just show them they have options Wall and was taken into custody. that they didn't know about. and Campus police detained him in a that an observant Jewish life is their locked room and confiscated his birthright." passport. A student madrich told But for all his good intentions.Jeff Jeff that he was not allowed on Seidel is treated as public enemy campus. Inasmuch as U. ts number one at both universities. In a long ride from Jerusalem, Jeff does fact. they fear him more than the not go there more than once a week, cults that have tried to make and when he goes now, it is always inroads at these campuses. The at night. Jeffs persona non grata attitude is epitomized by the Direc­ status at Tel Aviv is a simple matter. tor of Tel Aviv U.'s Overseas Program As the Director of the Overseas (Amos Gilboa). He publicly ad­ Program clearly told the Jerusalem KIRUV GOES TO COLLEGE dressed a group of students and Post, he is blacklisted from campus, announced, 'Your parents would cry "because he recruits students for if you went with the Mormons. They ." But as difficult as Tel eff is not unique at the Wall. will cry the same way if you go with Aviv U. has been, Jeffs battles with He is merely upholding a Jeff Seidel," He said this on Erev Hebrew University have become modern tradition of masterful J TishaB'Av. legendary. Situated just a few min- kiruv specialists. including Meir Shuster and several others. Where Jeff Seidel's Torah outreach efforts are unique. is on the two main university campuses in Israel, THE FIRST VOLUME Hebrew University on Mount Sco­ pus overlooking Jerusalem and at IN A DISTINGUISHED NEW Tel Aviv University. This year. he COLLECTION began programs and outreach at Bar-Ilan University, as well. LATE Even for his work on these cam­ LATE SHADOWS puses. Jeff uses his position al the by Moshe Holczler SHADOWS Western Wall as a springboard. He strikes up a conversation with the Late Shadows is the inaugural vol­ student and during it gets their ume in a new holocaust collection room number at the university entitled Diaries. dorm in order to visit and have a An outstanding retrospective of the little shmuess. Duling these even­ holocaust and its lingering effects writ­ ing visits, Jeff answers their ques­ ten by Moshe Holczler, a distinguished MOil IT IUCZl!R tions, talks with them about Jud­ columnist for and the head of Targem, a aism. With the students al Tel Aviv war reparations assistance service. Through this service University, he sets up lunches and the author has come into contact with numerous holo­ Shabbos dinners with families in caust victims, many of whose experiences and reactions , and gets them to sit in are also represented in the pages of this book. a class at one of the yeshivas for Avail able from your local bookseller or order directly from the publisher baalei teshuva in Bnei Brak. @)> 464 pages "The main thing I try to do is ©~ '.§} $19.95 hardcover only dispel! the false ideas these kids have about Judaism and religious P_,·=- U:_·.::B--=· L::.c· I ,.,, ·S ___ •H · E· R _· S Jews," Jeff says. "The vast majority DISTRIBUTORS come from Conservative and Reform 180 Park Avenue • Lakewood, NJ 08701 • (201) 905-3000 families and they have all been handed a tradition of baloney as

The Jewish Observer, March 1990 25 "I don't proselytize them. I just show them that they have options that they didn't know about, and that an observant Jewish life is their birthright" utes from the Old City, it is the takes advantage of it. visiting the faculty have tried everything-cal· perfect place to talk to American campus constantly. His enemies ling security guards to arrest him, kids about YiddishkeiL And Jeff among Hebrew U.'s anti-religious spreading the canard among stu­ dents that he works with -who is singularly unpop~ A HEART TO HEART REQUEST (.N7 mw-w•v1nn) "mim>1 O'l'l' N>\!ln' 1l"11i" ular with the students. Dear Brothers! According to the university char­ uring the time between October 1988 and January 1990, our

26 The Jewish Observer, March 1990 H.U. . The madrichim, on Jewish themes followed by dis­ 1200-1400 kids a year attend a class however, remain as antagonistic as cussions of the films. The Informa­ in yeshiva or some kind of organized ever, and Jeffs on-campus posters tion Center also publishes a 100- Torah learning. are the only ones which seem to page student travel directory. The According to Jeff, "In recent years comedown. Jewish Traveler's Resource Guide, with tourism in Israel way off, the At least twice a week, some event listing contacts for Yiddishkeit in numbers of kids coming are way is held in Jeffs Student Information cities around the world. All these down, but the ones who are coming Center in the Jewish Quarter. activities are conducted under the are the best I've seen. They are the Housed in an eight hundred year old auspices of American Pe'ylim. dedicated courageous diehards. A building opposite the Ramban syn­ Jeffs plea to American Jews is to lot of them are looking for a way into agogue, Jeffs Information Center ' get our youth to come to Israel for Yiddishkeit, many without even hosts a selection of dynamic speak­ a visit, as a student or merely as a knowing that this is what they are ers from the various yeshivos in tourist. Here, through the efforts of looking for. We are here to help them Jerusalem. as well as showing films Jeff and his colleagues at the Wall. in their search."•

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The Jewish Observer, March 1990 27 AUCTION A BOROPARKVrlLAGE CONDOMINIUMS BORO PARK, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

AUCTION DATE AND WCATION: Sunday, March 25, 1990 - 11:00 a.m. Le Chateau, 431 Avenue P, Brooklyn, New York 4,3,2,l bedroom and studio residences. CURRENTLY PRICED FROM: $95,400 to $350,000 SUGGESTED OPENING BIDS FROM: $25,000 to $75,000

Come home to the new living environment in Boro Park. Truly a A TOTAL OF community within a community, Boro Park Village combines the 12 UNITS modern conveniences of carefree living within a thriving traditional Brooklyn neighborhood. Surround yourself with family and friends WILL BE SOLD in your own community, Boro Park Village. ABSOLUTE AMENITIES INCLUDE: Modern eat-in kitchens, large convenient REGARDLESS f!oorplans, private rooftop patios or rear yards, walking distance OF PRICE to yeshivas, synagogues, shopping and transportation. OPEN HOUSES: All residences and furnished models will be open during scheduled open houses Sundays 1-4 p.m. and Mondays 1-4 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. In addition, Boro Park Village information center and furnished models will be open Tuesdays thru Fridays, 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. until March 21, 1990. DIRECTIONS: Auction sales office is located on-site at 1865 52nd Street between 18th & 19th Avenues, Unit 1-E, Boro Park, Brooklvn, New York. · EXCELLENT FINANCING IS AVAILABLE TO QUALIFIED OWNER­ OCCUPANTS AND INVESTORS. Inspection of the property prior to March 21, 1990 and a certified or cashier's check are required to bid.

FOR BROCHURE and terms of sale, call on-site sales office: (718) 232-2200

This is not an offering. The offering is made only in the Public Offering Plan. This is not an offering solicitation to states where prohibited by law. SIELDON Goon &O>M»ANY[til Corporate Headquarters• Chicago, Illinois• (312) 346-1500 Real Estate Brokers • Auctioneers Through its affiliate Real Estate Auctions, Inc. 515 Madison Avenue • Suite 905 • New York, N.Y. 10022 New York• Chicago• Westport• • Ft. Lauderdale • • Phoenix • San Antonio @ Equal Hous_ing Opportunities

B 0 0 K S I N REVIEW ---THE--­ WORID

==OF== HALA CHA

The current flood of Judaica also lance also to the Ashkenazic reader halachos of the month of Nissan. engulfs the area of halacha. It may (note e.g. his remarks on the Kedu­ It follows the pattern of the first be rewarding. at this point. to turn shah deSidrah p. 259 ). The value volume, and again, presents an to specific aspects of halacha that of this volume is further enhanced exceptionally well arranged collec­ have recently received special by a lengthy introduction on the tion of all relevant halachos. attention. history of the Mesorah and, specif­ Very different in its approach is ically. on Torah scholarship in A Treasury of Sephardic Laws and Baghdad. Customs. by Rabbi Herbert C. THE SEPHARDIC CONNECTION Detailed and practical everyday Dobrinsky ( Press guidance to halacha, according to and Ktav. New York. 1986. $29.50 f special interest are publi­ Sephardic tradition in general, and h.c .. $19.95 p.b. ; a teacher's guide cations for Sephardic Jews Syrian custom in particular, is was published in 1988). This work 0 for whom. in the past. little provided by a new series. Gateway represents an extraordinary labor of material in English was available. A to Halacha. The first volume (C.l.S., love by the author, dedicated to the special welcome should be extended Lakewood N.J. 1988, 812.00), by preservation of the customs and to the Halachot of the Ben Ish Hai­ Rabbi E. Toledano and Rabbi folkways of Sephardic Jewry in its an English translation, by Shmuel Shmuel Choueka, covers the festi­ manifold diversity. The author col­ Hiley, of the halachic sections of the vals of the month of Tishri. The lected from well over a hundred classic guide for Sephardic Jewry by authors have tried to be brief and sources the information here pro·· Hacham Yosef Hayim of Baghdad to the point. and stress in their vided, under separate headings. on (vol. I. Hevrat Ahavat Shalom. Jer­ introduction that. whenever the special family events, reminders of usalem. 1989 dist. by Feldheim Publ. reader may be in doubt. he must ask the Torah heritage. worship, and 815.95). This work may be consi­ a competent rabbinic authority. special days in the year-with due dered the Sephardic counterpart to However, special mention should be attention given in each case to the the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch or made of the Hebrew footnotes which differences between Syrian, Moroc­ Chayeh Adam, and its availability give the sources used, as well as can. Judaeo-Spanish. and Spanish­ in a clear and concise translation additional halachic material; they Port uguese Jews. However. the is a most significant event. It should should be of great help to the reader author's approach places the be noted that the author was both , seeking further enlightmenl. Each emphasis on actual practice rather an outstanding Talmudic scholar section of the work has also a short than on halachic requirements. Dr. and an eminent masterofKabbalah. introduction to the meaning of each Dobrinsky is fully aware of this, and and he therefore was able to present festival. stresses in his introduction that his Sephardic practice with its Kabbal­ Recently a second volume has work represents "descriptive istic component, in a manner intel­ appeared (C.l.S. Distributors, Lake­ research" (rather than a normative ligible to the layman and of impor- wood, 1989). which deals with the halachic statement) and that it

30 The Jewish Observer, March 1990 should not be considered as an kenazim) have shown such growth outset that both are excellent works authoritative, legally binding hala­ in the establishment of Torah insti­ suitable both for systematic study chic work. Yet this disclaimer not­ tutions and education that the and for consultation in case of need. withstanding. this presentation of acknowledgement of even higher Yet there are distinct differences. current usage poses dangers. espe­ goals would not be discouraging. As They do not cover exactly the same cially if used as an educational text it is, this work provides very many areas: thus Rabbi Bodner devotes a (as the author would like it to be), fascinating details: but it is to be section to the question of making since it will all too readily be hoped that it will not be misused brachos in the presence of an accepted as the norm. as a guide to halacha. improperly clad person, a subject not dealt with by Rabbi Forst. They 'fhis reviewer is in no position to do not arrange their subject matter pass on the correctness of the BRACHOS IN DAILY LIFE details of current usage that Dr. in the same way, and do not give Dobrinsky describes: however, we the same amount of space to each know how halachic observance was rachos play a central role in topic. Generally speaking, Rabbi weakened amongAshkenazic immi­ our life and relationship to Forst goes into more detail: thus the B G-d. The need for guidance complex subject of soups is treated grants to the United States, and it in this area has produced two by Rabbi Bodner as part of his should therefore not be surprising outstanding works: The Laws of chapter on Ikar Vetcyel, while Rabbi if the same happened within the B'rachos, hy Rabbi Benyamin Forst, Forst has an entire chapter on Sephardic community. Hence "cur­ with Rabbi A. D. Twerski (, vegetable and fruit soup (he is able rent usage" will not necessarily Brooklyn, 1990, $15.95 h.c., $12.95 to handle the mass of details always be in full conformity with p.b.), "a comprehensive exposition of through excellent lay-out of the halachic norms. To present ques­ the background and laws of bless­ material including a large number tionable practices as "the thing that ings," and The Halachos ofBrochos, of charts). Both provide charts of is done," or halachic requirements by Rabbi Yisroel Pinchas Bodner what brocha to make. but Rabbi as mere customs or acts of special (Feldheim, 1989, $12.95 h.c, $9.95 Forst's chart (which also includes piety. is bound to mislead. Compare p.b.). It should be said from the the brocha acharona) is part of the these quotes taken at random: "The Judaeo-Spanish community per­ 1~~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~p mits flowers to be sent to cover the coffin, an obvious influence of the AT LAST THE HEAVENLY CITY IS BACK! non-Jewish world, which they have accepted" (p.89): "The custom of observing 'days of rejoicing' is no longer adhered to as stringently as THE HEAVENLY CITY it was in Syria .... On the by Menachem Gerlitz following the wedding, or as soon as the bride and groom have C.I.S. Publishers has now brought this retumedjrom their honeymoon, the classic collection of stories of Old Jerusa­ groom is again called for an aliyah" lem back into print. This 5-volume peren­ (p.45. ed. italics). In Morocco only nial favorite is a notable work of vivid his­ kosher cheeses were eaten: "thus tory, heartwarming human interest and the custom (sic!) of purchasing lasting inspiration that will delight every kosher cheese appertains in Amer­ member of the family. ica as well" (p.I26). Among Syrian $54.95 for the complete 5-volume set Jews "it is customary that most of the wives of the rabbis have their hair covered "(p. 132). Clearly, there Available from your local booksel1er or order directly from the publisher is lacking a dividing line between halachos, legitimate customs, and undesirable usage (of the type characterized by the Sdey Chemed P · U · B · L- I· S,_·::.c.H_;;·E::....· R'-·-=-S as Minhag read backwards-Gehi­ -----1111d- nom). The very laudable desire of the DISTRIBUTORS author to strengthen knowledge of, 180 Park Avt>nue • Lakewood, N.J 08701 • (201) 905-3000 • Fax (201) 367-66()6 and pride in, the Sephardic heritage In thf" U.K.: I Palm Court Queen Elizabf'th Walk• NIU, England 01-809-3273 is not incompatible with the draw­ In Israel: Rt'chov Mlshkalov 18 • Har Nof, ,Jerusalt'm • 02-538-935 ing of such distinctions: it would Direct order: add $1.95 plus .50 each additional book appear to this reviewer that Amer­ Please send for our free Book List ica's Sephardim (just like the Ash-

The Jewish Observer, March 1990 31 book, while Rabbi Bodner's chart to decide which of them is best THEPOWEROFTHESPOKEN (reprinted from Rabbi G. Krausz's suited for his needs. WORD work on Brachos) is a separate An interesting contribution to the pamphlet that can be carried in field of brachos is Brachos For ords are powerful, in many one's pocket. Brealifast a booklet distributed by ways. In prayer, they are Post Cereals. One can truly say that Wour means of communicat­ Here, too, Rabbi Forst is more "only in America" could one find a ing with G-d. In our social life, they expansive; e.g. Rabbi Bodner gives mega-corporation producing a mul­ have the power to build or destroy the brocha for cereals made from ti-colored activity book teaching human relationships. com flour as Shehakol but on his Jewish children between 7 and 11 The Power of Words, by Rabbi list of foods there is only com flakes, which brachos to make on their food Zelig Pliskin (Benei Yaakov Publi­ for which he gives Ho'adomoh, (this booklet, which follows one pro­ cations, Brooklyn, 1988, $13.50 expecting his readers to realize that duced last year, has an accompany­ h.c.,$11.00p.b.), is a practical guide they are made from milled kernels; ing Brachos Guide poster). There concerning the Torah prohibition Rabbi Forst's list specifically distin­ are puzzles and mazes as well as a against causing pain with words, guishes between com flakes made chart of food with the appropriate offering alternative approaches for from flour and those made from brachos-surely to no one's sur­ effective communication. In his kernels. (The reader should take prise, the only cereals listed are inimitable way, Rabbi Pliskin shows note that two technical errors crept those manufactured by Post. Also here once again his ability to pres­ into Rabbi Forst's list-in the case included is a very well designed quiz ent important lessons in a down-to­ of orange juice and of rugalech.) The (Which bracha is mentioned in the earth manner that will capture the reader's attention-and his heart. same difference of approach may Torah? What bracha is only recited account for Rabbi Forst giving his on Wednesday or Thursday?). Pro­ About 300 aspects of Ono'as Dev­ supplementary footnotes in Eng­ duced under reliable rabbinical orim (hurting people) are each lish, while Rabbi Bodner has them supervision, this is indeed an inter­ discussed in a couple of paragraphs; in Hebrew. Since both works truly esting and entertaining teaching they include such diverse issues as are excellent, it is up to each buyer tool. heckling a speaker, "rubbing it in," nicknames, or the use of"never" and "always" in correcting somebody. There will be few people who will not l(eep Your Family Healthy! since 1928 blush as they read this book and realize their own insensitivity to Buy gift certificates for others. A list. at the end of the book, groups the topics discussed under major categories so that this work can be used for systematic teaching of the subject. Priority in Prayer. by Rabbi Yis­ roel Pesach Feinhandler (dist. by Feldheim, 1989, $14.95 ), an English translation of the author's Avnet Yoshfei, prepared by Rabbi Jona­ The ideal gift for the health of vour loved ones. than Cohen, is meant to serve as a practical guide to common hala- Freeda will ship throughout the United States to your chic problems in prayer. There are children, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts uncles many such problems that can arise. cousins and even your mother-in-law. ' When there is insufficient time for all prayers, which take precedence? FREEDA VITAMINS (ill Should a kohein rather daven with 36 E. 41st St. N.Y.C. 10017 ' a or recite Birkas Koha­ or call toll free nim? Questions such as these, 1 [800) 777 .3737 arranged according to the order of the prayers, are the subject of this Freeda produces over 250 Vitamins, work. For each halacha, Hebrew Minerals and Amino Acids to cover all your vitamin needs. footnotes provide sources and elab­ Our vitamins are made on the oration. At the end of the book a premises under strict pharmaceutical and kashrus standards. Freeda Vitamins are parve and vegetarian series of charts provides a con­ and are under the Rabbinical Supervision of the Orthodox Uhion. venient summary of all the hala­ • No sugar • No sulfates • No coat tar dyes • No starch • No salt filler • No animal stearates chos discussed, and an index ena­ bles the reader quickly to locate any

32 The Jewish Observer, March 1990 subject on which he needs guidance. and its laws guide us to proper and Sl 7.95 h.c.. $14.95 p.b.). Following As the author points out, many of healthful eating.) the pattern of the first volume. it the questions discussed here can­ deals with a variety of subjects not be found in the poskim and were ranging from housekeeping activi­ KEY WORKS ON THE SHABBOS clarified through consultation of ties to the employment of non-Jews, present-day Rabbinic authorities. to the laws concerning sickness and notably Rabbi Elyashiv: and even he subject of Shabbos for other emergencies. Of course, phy­ those laws discussed in earlier obvious reasons occupies a sicians have much greater need for works are scattered throughout T central place in halachic liter­ detailed guidance in the latter area . It is therefore a ature. The second volume of Rav than laymen: hence they will be very great service that this work Yehoshua Newirth's Shemirath particularly interested in A Physi­ renders. and it is sure to be received Shabbos Kehilchosoh, translated by cian's Hospital Manual. by Dr. with open arms. W. Grangewood. has now been Beajamin Sokol (Regensberg Insti­ Our regular tefillos all too often published by Feldheim ( 1989, tute. Jerusalem. 1986). This is a became a matter of habit. and rarely do we feel the need for special tefillos on particular occasions. A Joyful EXCITING NEW BOOKS Mother of Children, by Rabbi D.S. Rosenthal (dist. by Feldheim. 1988, 3 FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY $9.95 h.c .. $6.95 p.b.) will serve to encourage this important practice for at least one type of special situation. Rabbi Rosenthal has gathered from traditional sources A Face at the Window tefillos to be recited both during Meir Uri Gottesman pregnancy and after childbirth. In addition he discusses the halachos The touching story of a young girl who lives with a particularly needed at these times. mysterious and vengeful father is drawn to the warm His little volume is both inspiring family of a rabbi who llves nextdoor. A wonderful and useful and will surely find book In which the pleasures and problems of child­ widespread use. hood are blended with wit and sensitivity. 144 pages hie $10.95 sic $7.95 Talk But Not During Davenlng. by THE Rabbi Moshe Goldberger (Box 82, The Lost Children of Tarshish LOST CHILDREN S.I .. N.Y .. 1988. $2.95), is another in OF TARSHlSJi ~' the series of valuable and original Ehud Tokatly, Ehud & Judy Klitsner """~"~' pamphlets published by the author. Here he has collected from rabbin­ A spellbinding story about a group of boys who are ical authorities their statements on shipwrecked and marooned on a tropical island. As proper conduct in shul, particularly the boys try to ensure their survival and preserve during the tefillos, and their warn­ their Ylddlshkelt, they become embroiled In one ings against talking in shul. Nobody thrilling adventure after another. who reads their words can remain 192 pages h/c $10.95 s/c $7.95 unaffected by them. Another pam­ phlet by Rabbi Goldberger. Speak In The Silent Summer All His Wonders ( 1984, $2.95 ), is a Sukey Gross guide to the daily morning bless­ ings, based on writings of Rabbi The fourth volume In the lmmensly popular "The Avigdor Miller. and offers a practical Girls of Rivkah Gross Academy" series. This book 30-day program for thanking follows the adventurous experiences of Bracha and Hashem for all his manifold kind­ Sara as they meet a group of fascinating characters nesses that we usually take for during their stay at summer camp. This Is a fitting granted. (Other recent pamphlets in sequel to Passport to Russia, The Secret Diary, and this series. are Torah Treasures The Golden Gate. 144 pages h/c $10.95 s/c $7.95 designed to further Sholom Bayis, right speech. and long life: How to Achieve Wealth the Torah Way, about honesty in business: and P·U·B·L'I·S·H·E·R·S,.,, ___ _ Watching Your Weight-The Torah DISTRIBUTORS Way. which shows how the Torah 180 Park Avenue • Lakewood, NJ 08701 • (201) 905-3000

The Jewish Obseroer, March 1990 33 options open to the care giver and to determine which arrangements the halachic issues involved in each would be halachically satisfactory. course of action. 'fhe clear and Jn a concluding essay, Chayim systematic arrangement of the top­ Friedberg examines the obvious ics enables the user to find them question whether such technologi­ quickly. an important consideration cal arrangements, as developed by on many occasions. the Institute. do not in effect breach Another work providing detailed the wall of proper Sabbath ob­ technical analysis for the benefit of servance. He concludes that they do the Orthodox community is Shab­ not. and cites. in support. the bat and the Modem Kitchen. by Chazon Ish and other Gedolim. Rabbi L.I. Halpern. translated by However. to this reviewer, it would Rabbi David Oratz (Gefen Publ., appear that Rabbi Moshe Fein, Jerusalem. 1986. $13.95). Rabbi stein's objection to Shabbos clocks Halpern is the head of the halacha (except for purposes of controlling department of the Institute for light) reflects his basic reservations Science and Halacha, in Jerusalem. about the technologic.al set-ups here With his approval, Rabbi Oratz discussed-and the author's inter­ reorganized the material. also pretation of Rabbi Feinstein's posi­ adding new aspects of the topic, the tion (pp. 73 and 87) is not convinc­ problems of preparing and warming ing. While this does not invalidate foods on Shabbos in modem kit .. the suggestions offered in this book chen installations. Specifically. this (especially for hospital use), it does book is concerned with food service illuminate the complexities of the highly technical work. lt disclaims in hospitals and commercial insti­ issues involved. any desire to serve as psak halacha, tutions where it is essential to en­ and stresses the importance of an sure freshness and proper temper­ The electric kitchen on Shabbos ongoing relationship between a ature. To this end. various technical is also one of the issues discussed physician and a halachic authority. devices are suggested that would in Rabbi Faitel Levin's Halacha, The purpose of this work ls to bypass halachic problems. such as Medical Science and Technology. present the wide spectrum of prob­ the use of time-clocks and grama offering perspectives on contempor­ lems of medical care on Shabbos in switches. and the relevant opinions ary halacha issues (Moznaim Pub!. an organized fashion, analyzing the of the poskim are analyzed in order Co .. New York-Jerusalem, 1987, Sl3.50 h.c.). Rabbi Levin stresses that no statement in his work should be taken as a definitive halachic ruling. His aim is to show that technology is not an invasion AN URGENT REMINDER of G-d's domain, but rather the FROM development of the potentialities present in G-d's creation, and their use in G-d's service. To that end, he CHEVRA DOR YESHORIM analyzes issues raised by medical technology and research (from YOUNG PEOPLE OF MARRIAGEABLE AGE MUST BE TESTED organ transplants to sound nutri­ in order to prevent the scourge of Tay-Sachs disease from striking the next tion and smoking); the halachic generation. in accordance with the directives of the Gedolei Hador. status of the deaf and mute in the light of technical advances; the use SCHOOLS and YESHIVOS: of timers and similar devices on Please call 718-384-2332 if you are Shabbos; and some aspects of prob­ interested in having testing done for students. lematical products on Pesach (an Genetic counseling is also available. interesting discussion but. in this Call for an appointment: reviewer's view, not sufficiently (718) 384·6060 or (914) 783-1370 concrete, e.g. concerning denatured Confidentiality assured. alcohol). In his concluding essay the author points out that many con­ temporary halachic questions flbw CHEVRA DOR YESHORIM, INC. from the fact that basic concepts. 160 Wilson Street, 1-8, Brooklyn, NY 11211 such as matter. time. and space. must be viewed differently in the

34 The Jewish Observer, March 1990 light of modem science than they of the Mussar Haggadah-com­ there is a section on the Halachos used to be. The nature of micros­ ments are also offered on the second of Pesach and of the Seder, supple­ copic phenomena. electric current. part of the Seder, which is so often menting the directives given the transition from life to death. in neglected. At the end of the volume through the Haggadah. • vitro conception, etc.-all pose hala­ chic questions. The challenge is to find the way to apply eternal Torah High School Girls Who Want to Grow in Yiddishkeit concepts to a changing reality. This Spiritually - Academically - Personally essay in particular, which includes Will Find Llke-Minded Students at many practical examples, makes most interesting and thought­ BETH HIGH SCHOOL provoking reading. OF DENVER where Jewish girls grow into women ofdistinction NEW WORKS FOR PESACH •In the finest tradition of the world movement. The longest established and most experienced Bais Yaakov Dormitory High Schoof in the he central place that the country. Seder and the Haggadah T occupy in the life of each Jew •Located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, furnishing outstanding facilities and is reflected in the way in which each opportunities for enjoyable and healthful activity. community within Klal Yisroel has For more information, pfease call or write developed its own approach to the Rabbi Myer J,Schwab Seder-its own, customs, its songs, 5100 W. 14th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204/(303) 893-1333 Fax (303! 513·4932 its interpretation of the Haggadah. Rabbi Schwab will be fn the New York area for interviews for April 27 through April 29

This is excellently illustrated by two Young women of lhe,fe11Afi falJfi are ;idmi!led ~.t SNdems at llelh Jacob Higli Sr:Mo! of ~Mi'r~ilh oil r',ghl aM pri11!tges, wilhom r~prd to rate, natiiJnal or dh~ic origin recently published Haggados, one from the world of the Lithuanian MussarYeshivos and the other from • the world of Chassidus. The Haggadah of the Mussar Masters (Mesorah Pub! .. Brooklyn, The First in a New Series on 1989, $13.95 h.c.,$10.95 p.b.) pres­ ents selections from the original Torah Avodah and Chessed Hebrew edition, by Rabbi Meir Sholom. translated by Yaakov The PIJlar of Chessed Petro.ff. All the classical works of the MY BROTHERS KEEPER Mussar movement are represented in this volume and the passages Vol I and II chosen deal with the fundamental by Rabbi Naftoli Gottlieb ideas of Yetzias Mitzrayim and the This is the first volume of a three part, six Vol.I observance of Pesach (e.g. Rabbi volume set that will also feature works on Torah 1 Yeruchem Levovitz's famous analy­ and Avodah, the "three pillars ' upon which the sis of bedikas ). The world is supported. The numerous inspiring sto· volume is enriched by brief biogra­ ries in this book cover the various aspects of phical sketches of the personalities chessed, such as charity, hospitality, ransoming represented in it. captives and dowering needy brides, and include many rarely found The Chassidic Haggadah, edited in other anthologies with apt and illuminating quotations from Tan­ and translated by Rabbi Ellyahu ach, Pirkei Avos and Shulchan Aruch, putting the stories into Touger (Moznaim Pub!., Jerusa­ perspective. 208 page,.s h/c $12.95 s/c $9.95 lem-New York, 1988, $9.95 h.c.), offers a collection of tjloughts and stories gathered from the broad spectrum of Chassidic literature. ·Howevervaried, they each reflect the P·U·B·L· I·S·H·E·R·S particular approach of Chassidus, -----,,d'----- quite distinct from the style of the DISTRIBUTORS Baalei Mussar, even though ulti­ 180 Park Avenue• Lakewood, NJ 08701 • (201) 905·3000 • Fax (201) 367-6666 mately the ideas meet. The reader Please send for our free Book List will appreciate that-as in the case

The Jewish Observer, March 1990 35 An Author and Defends The Reviewer HisWork .. • Responds

AUTHOR'S DEFENSE OF The reviewer writes that the Chassidim to Poll (1962) and Rubin SOURCES AND trouble with the book "is due to the (1972) for community studies of INTERPRETATION FOR sources on which he [the author] "RETURNING TO TRADITION" Chassidim in America and Buber relied (for the difference between (1947, 1948) and Weisel (1972) for Chassidim and modem Orthodox Chassidic leaders. I then write "for To the Editor: Jews. he refers the readers to Potok's a novel dealing with the relation The November issue of The Jew· The Chosen)." The clear implication between Chassidic and 'modern' ish Observercontains a review of my is that Potok's book is the sole Orthodoxy, see Potok 1967." book Returning to Tradition: The source for my writings on Chassi· The reviewer states that I "do not Contemporary Revival of Orthodox dim. In fact, this reference occurs ever touch ... on the impact of the Judaism (Yale University Press) on p. 142. where, after stating that Mussar movement on the yeshivas which misstates and distorts what I have chosen not to discuss Chas­ and the non-Chassidic world." In I wrote and cited. sidim. I refer readers interested in fact. the M ussar movement is dis­ cussed at the very outset of the book (p.16). The reviewer writes that "in dis­ Yeshiva Ohr Chodosh cussing the he refers to "the ... where men WRATAREWE? worshipped in one courtyard and A Yeshiva High School endorsed by leading Roshei Yeshiva women in another." Yet I say "in and Rabbanim that provides personal attention to every synagogues men and women have student in a warm and caring atmosphere. worshipped in separate areas separ­ ated by a mechitza for thousands WHOM ARE WE FOR? of years. as far back as the Temple" (p. 104). (Emphasis added.) Bochurim from Yeshiva Backgrounds who will benefit from The reviewer claims to have found an alternative to the intense and rigorous Yeshiva High an error in my statement that School curriculum, and who aspire to become true B'nai Torah. Yeshiva University's high school for girls founded in 1948 was the first. WHAT DO WE OFFER? He says Rebbetzin Kaplan founded Experienced Rebbeim who will enhance the students' love her Beth Jacob High school in 1944. I don't know where the reviewer gets of learning and Yiddishkelt. A secular department that will . his facts. I provided sources for stress courses geared to business application and life skills. mine. Readers are welcome to exam­ ine Klapperman ( 1967) or Schiff WHERE ARE WE? ( 1956) for support of my view. Located in the Lakewood, NJ area, we will tap the resources The reviewer states that I argue of this great Torah community to provide friendship and role , that the American models from dedicated Torah people. provided "access to the community of prayer," not to that of study. I do FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND APPLICATIONS, CONTACT: say this (p. 47) but continue the discussion to argue that yeshivos Rabbi Binyomin Friedland Rabbi Yosef Gelbwachs provided access to the community (201) 363•2248 (201) 364-5712 of study. "where study was thought Mailing address: 440 9th Street • Lakewood, NJ 08701 of as religious devotion rather than merely an educational experience"

36 The Jewish Observer. March 1990 (p. 50 ). My views are again distorted the recitation of blessings in the offers the correction thatit was done to make it appear I am unaware that presence of women not covering in some circles even before the war many Talmud provided in their hair.)" Yet there can be little as well. He apparently objects then the reviewer's words "intensive doubt that some pious Jews under­ only to my statement that it was education." A reader of my book is stood this to mean that the Aruch taught in schools. My statement is aware that this is not my point. Hashulchan permitted even the based on information provided by The reviewer states that I write of saying of blessings and Krias persons whose parents attended secular studies in the yeshiva of She ma in the presence of uncovered this school. If on further investiga­ Rabbi S.R. Hirsch in Europe hair (despite his obvious dismay at tion it appears that these infor­ "unaware that the Frankfurt the practice of uncovering the hair). mants erred, I shall be glad to correct Yeshiva was founded after his death How else can we explain the refusal this and any other errors of fact in and did not provide such studies." of the daughter-in-law of Rabbi the next printing of the book. In fact. Rabbi Samson Raphael Hillel Klein, a founder of Agudath Finally the reviewer rejects "the Hirsch founded a primary school, a Israel to cover her hair, or the fact claim found in modern Orthodox secondary school and a girls' high that Nancy Isaacs Klein writes in her publications that Daas Torah is a school. In these schools not only book that "none of the daughters, twentieth century invention." He were Jewish and Hebrew taught, but daughters-in-law or grand-daugh­ says, "It is clearly spelled out in also German, mathematics, natural ters in her father's family ever wore Talmudic sources.'' Two points: I) science and geography. This broad a sheitel''? (Nor apparently did they l am not making that statement, I curriculum was a clear reflection of cover their hair. See the same essay am quoting a source that makes it. Rabbi Hirsch's views of the need to in which my book is reviewed p.19.) 2) The Encyclopedia Talmudis combine Torah with derech eretz My point is that this was the view written under the general editor­ and aroused the antagonism of of many pious Orthodox Jews at ship of Rav Meir Berlin J"" and Rav Rabbi Isaac Dov Bamberger. that time. Shlomo Yosef Zevin J"" makes no The reviewer claims that I have The reviewer writes that "partic­ mention of Daas Torah. "reiterated the old canard that the ularly ludicrous is the author's One criticism remains: that is Aruch Hashulchan declared it statement that "social dancing was that I made no mention of "der unnecessary for married women to permitted in some Orthodox ­ pinteie Yid.'' That l leave for the cover their hair. (He only permitted man schools between the wars.'' He reviewer.

. . . the full expression of]ewish life is attainable only in concert with fellow] ews . New-Volume Six-in the Collected '\'ritings of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch

Volurne six in this re1narkable series is a book about 'cornmunity' ... Jews living together both physically and spiritually. ]'hese essays were written when the Reforrn movcrnent vvas at its apex in (;ermany, and it raises the question: ~fo what extent can a Torah-true coinmunity associate with those whose beliefs run contrary to its own? In the first part of this volu1ne Rabbi Hirsch discusses the significance and obligations of life in a Kehilla, and the second part of the volume

The Jewish Observer, March 1990 37 With Torah greetings and confi· ers my review as having misstated inherent limitations of an academic dent that you will publish this letter and distorted what he wrote, and I study such as this. and correct the mistaken impres· will try to deal with each of his Perhaps it is useful to begin with sions left by the reviewer. I am points. First, however, I would like a general comment on the current to deal with what I referred to as proliferation of Judaic Studies (DR.) M. HERBERT DANZGER the "pintele Yid" factor. My remark publications, Ph.D. theses, and Lehnian College The City University qf NeuJ York that as a matter of course, this is research papers. Unfortunately ignored in sociological studies was many of them are deeply flawed. The OUR REVIEWER RESPONDS: not a criticism of the specific book JO in the past reviewed Professor (and certainly not of Dr. Danzger). Wasserstein's Britain and the Jews I regret that Dr. Danzger consid· It was meant to point out the of Europe 1939· I 945. which in effect falsified the historical record because the author, for reasons at which we can only guess, totally omitted any reference to the com· prehensive Hatzolah work of Dr. Shoenfeld, the Chief Rabbi's Erner· What do you think gency Council, and Agudath Israel. This is an extreme case. although regrettably not the only instance of when you hear when organizational loyalties and prejudice influence authors. More typical is the case of Steiman's ''Switzerland''?.,. biography of the Maharil-a Bran· deis University Ph.D. thesis beset by innumerable mistakes and misin­ terpretations due to the inability of the author to understand the Hebrew texts which he was sup· posed to draw on. Even when the translation does not pose difficul· ties to the aspiring author, his schooling has all too often left him uninformed and unsympathetic to traditional Judaism. instead imbu· ing him with fixed ideas-secular evolutionist. and historicist-about Jewish history and literature. But even where this is not the case, it has. at the very least, trained him The enchanting snov.·­ to use established academic his· capped S\viss Alps? toric·sociological categories of The v.·orld's rnost out·· thought and analysis. For some standing tin1epleces? subjects they may be appropriate­ Definitely, but nov.'thert' but all too often they form a Sodom· is son1ething rnore. bett'l (or should I say Procrustean The natural goodness bed?) into which the research of genuine Parve and n1ilk {CholovYisrot>l'l results have to fit if they are to gain Schinerl ing Chocolates. academic recognition. Moreover, One taste and you 1,.vill once published. these works. what· never settle for ·'n1ake­ ever their flaws, become the refer· believe" 51,.visschocolate ence material for subsequent ever again. research-truly a process of in­ Taste the Sch1nerling breeding (and we know what in· difference. It's one of those special things that breeding leads toll. S~rti119 makes S\vitzerland Dr. Danzger's work happens to be fan1ous. a sincere and straight-forward effort Switzerland chocolates & cheeses. to explore the Teshuva movement and, even though l pointed out what L. .S.:\.!~lPORTER T:\:\.\\ TO\"FOODS,l:\C .. BROOK LY'.\, '.\Y 112.=-:: appear to me as some mistakes, I

38 The Jewish Observer, March 1990 stressed in my review that the book provides interesting observations and useful insights. particularly due to the presentation of so much first­ hand material garnered from inter­ Subscribe now to views and observations. Yet even with the greatest sympathy and The Jewish Observer effort to report objectively. the academic scholar faces at least one of the limitations described above: and$AVE the need to deal with his subject in strictly "scientific" terms. Dr. Danzger, for instance, analyzes the Become a monthly subscriber factors producing the Teshuva to The Jewish Observer and movement-notably, changes in the save up to 4 7% off the single­ American society and the counter­ cultural movements that emerged. copy price (a savings of over These are undoubtedly valid $40.). The longer you sub­ points-but, from the vantage point scribe for, the more you save. of Torah. there are other factors that must be considered primary even And this introductoiy offer is fully guaranteed. You have but to ask and you will receive though they have no academic a proinpt refund on any undelivered issues should you decide to cancel at any time, standing: in the first place, what 1 for any reason. called the "piniele Yid," the Jewish soul that thirsts for contact with its Each month. The Jewish Observer v..1 ill be delivered directly to your door, filled Creator and seeks to break through with the views of leading Torah thinkers on current issues ... comments on the the "iron wall" that separates strengths and foibles within the Jewish community .. analysis of contemporary them-and Divine Providence that Je'Nish events .. insirle reporting, interpretive commentary, inspiring biographies, manipulates the cause-effect rela­ infuriating letters and il!uminating responses-all within the covers of one magazine, tionships of our world to further the The Jewish Observer. Divine goals in Creation. Who So don't delay. Check the n1oncy~saving terms below and send in your order right knows. e.g., whether the conditions aY11ay. \Ve'H try to get your order filled in time for our very next issue.

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The Jewish Observer. March 1990 39 promoting the Teshuva movement were not created because the des­ THE YITIY LEIBEL truction of European Jewry had to be followed by a revival of Torah on this scale? The truth is that there HELP-LINE is a uniqueness about G-d's people and G-d's Torah that is inaccessible A Free Service of the Yitty Leibel Chesed Fund to the academic scholar's search. • Marital problems? • Fear of break·down? Perhaps that is why a Gadol • Overpowering stress? • Parent-child friction? BaTorah is quoted as saying that "even if one goes to college, he Do you have problems like these and are afraid or ashamed to talk to should under no circumstances anyone? ... Do you want a trained, wise, warm professional who will take Judaic studies." talk to you on the phone? OTHER POINTS OF CONTENTION Some of the Torah community's highly skilled psychologists, social workers, and therapists are ready to help. Your consultation will be At this point, I would now like to treated with the utmost discretion. You may remain anonymous if you discuss the other issues raised by prefer. They understand. They're trained. They have Ahavas Yisrael. Dr. Danzger in his letter: I. I did not write that Potok's book ff 0 u R s is the author"s sole source; rather. Sunday through Friday 8:00-12:00 Noon I objected to readers being referred Sunday, Monday, Tuesday 9:00-11:00 PM to Potok' s book as a source on Wednesday, Thursday 8:00-11:00 PM anything Chassidic, since it is built on a totally fictitious and fanciful fantasy about a Rebbe's conduct. Dial (718) HELP-NOW (435·7669) However, I could (and should) have This project has been approved by leading Torah authorities. also commented on the author"s choice of Martin Buber and as interpreters of Chassldic leaders (see Rabbi Alter B.Z. Metzger's "Chassidus and the Lonely Jew," JO Nov. 1973. for an analysis of Wiesel's book-as for Buber, his "reinterpretation" of Chassidism needs no documenta­ tion). This is precisely what I had meant when I criticized the author's choice of sources. 2. The founding of the Beth Jacob High School in 1944 is amply doc­ umented. The Torah Profile. pp. Talmudical Institute of Upstate New York 312-314, gives a detailed account of ------We have that program the event (see also Daughters of Destiny, p. 218); and The Day • Demanding academic standards in both Limudei Kodesh and Limudei Chol Programs Schools and Torah Umesorah • Responsive and dedicated Rabbeim quotes a memo of April 20. 1944, • Parental involvement and close monitoring of each students development mentioning the school. Here again •Strong Yeshiva Atmosphere the trouble is with the author"s • Small student-oriented classes sources. They are both not from • Experienced full-time Dorm Supervisor Beth Jacob records but from outsid­ •Close relationships to Bais Medrash and Kolle! students ·Respect for Family Values and Menshlichkeit ers-in this case the Yeshiva Uni­ • Established in I 97 4 versity circle-and his reliance on these sources has led him to other I/these qualifies are important to you as a parent then please call or write: errors. He mentions the founding of Teachers Institute for Women in Rabbi Menachem Davidowitz, Dean 1952-without apparently realizing Talmudical Institute of Upstate New York that it was preceded by a much older 769 Park A venue• Rochester, New York 14607 • (716) 473-2810 pioneering institution, the Beth Hamidrash Lamoros. Limited Space available for 1990-91 He writes: 'Yeshiva University encouraged the

40 The Jewish Observer, March I 990 Once published, these works, whatever theirflaws, become the reference material for subsequent research­ truly a process Qf inbreeding. development of congregational schools between the wars and some ity." The author's statements to the schools in the Orthodox commun· Rabbis have argued that halachi· contrary deserve more substantia­ ity. and these schools often became cally it is not forbidden'-while tion than he offers-at the very least the nucleus of yeshiva day there was dancing in some German the schools and, above all, the schools"-while nowhere in his Orthodox circles ... .it was fought Rabbis in question should be iden· book is there any mention of Torah by the rabbis, never penetrated into tified. Lacking such information, Umesorah. the universally acknowl· the schools, and was never given a such hearsay should surely not be edged key agency in the creation of green light by any halachic author· offered as fact. the day school movement (which he himself emphasizes as such a cru­ cial development for American Jewzy). There is no mention of the part played by SEED in furthering the return to Judaism in this coun­ try (or of Arachim in Israel); and for careful attention to your while kollelim are mentioned as a counter-cultural phenomenon. individual needs, call us today! there is not a word about the impact (914) 354-8445 of the community kollelimall across the country. 3. Dr. Danzger chose to quote his remarks on p. 104. concerning the Temple, but apparently overlooked p. I 52 where he wrote the exact sentence that I quoted. and to which I correctly objected (the Ezras Noshim was not a courtYard for women's prayer, in contrast to the ,,,/ Ezras Yisroel, but a courtyard to which women were admitted as well DEVBLOI>MENT DIR.ECTOR as men. unlike the Ezras Yisroel). Moreover. on p. 104, in a footnote FOR. to the sentence which he quotes in ···.~0.RAISThlGFUNCilON his letter, he refers the reader to 5:2 for "the origins of the women's gallery and separate area ~~~~tic1'1de qr-ga,nizingev~ts and campaigns, in the Temple for women"; yet the v• c~y~itl.g nialotdients .. •·. gallery here referred to was only artddevelqpment .ofstrongfinancialbase. built for the Simchas Beis Hasha· •· $111~ ~db~neftts.fully c~mm~llS\ltate; 'eva, and the "separate area for women" is apparently his mistaken '"'' interpretation of Ezras Noshim. 4. The author does not quote me ·•AbPlvili~~i~teit1:9~en~·ttl< correctly concerning the question of dancing. A reading of what I really said should make it clear that my ... ~~~~~. s~~~~¢0fiim1ttee objections went far beyond what he ~lftV~GJ&DOLA-MERKAZ.HATORAH quotes. I wrote: "Particularly ludi· .·.· ~155 P~tcmM crous is the author's statement that Nif.ontJ:eaJ.j ~~!Jee, Q,nada illS 2P4 'social dancing was permitted in some Orthodox German Jewish

The Jewish Obseroer. March 1990 41 promoting the Teshuva movement were not created because the des­ truction of European Jewry had to PINCHAS MANDEL be followed by a revival of Torah on Over 35 Years Experience in Kvura in Eretz Yisrael 5. I cannot understand Dr. Danzger's comments concerning •Dedicated to Kavod Haniftar with personal the Aruch Hashulchan at all. In his responsibility throughout service book (p. 153) he speaks of the Aruch •Highly recommended by Gedolai Hadar Hashulchan's ruling, "once widely - Here and in Eretz Yisrae!- accepted by the modernists, [and] 1569 - 47th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11219 slowly being rejected. as more of the Day & Night Phone (718) 855-5121 modernist women cover their hair." These words clearly suggest that the Honesty - Integrity - Reliability Aruch Has/wlchan ruled such cov­ C~lE'>Ef) SHEL EMES .i.; under~toud and pr<1cticed by one active in the industry more than half d century. ering to be unnecessary. In actual Taharas Haniftar Should Never Be Commercialized fact. as I pointed out. he did no such thing. His ruling. concerning bless­ ings, was in fact a response to the widespread disregard of the require­ ment of covering the hair-it was c·the>hat.rack not the cause. The fact that "some S4't616thAyenue;Btobklyn, N.Y. pious Jews" misunderstood-or misused-the words of the Aruch ('11~1871-2278 Hashulchan does not entitle us to quote him wrongly and lend support to what I rightly called an old canard. In any case. the Aruch Hashulchan should certainly not be blamed for (( STETSON')j the wholesale abandonment of this halacha. "How else can we explain ~.HABIG it?" By the same factors that caused other dinim to he abandoned in the name of modernity (such as Shaat­ KANGO.L • LONDON. FOG nez in this country, until it was CAPS• TIES belatedly rediscovered). 6. As for Da'as HaTorah, Dr. Danzger writes: "In the past two or three decades (my italics) tradition­ ~' Girls 11-17 - --1 alistic yeshivot have been claiming (')'-~ Summer In Israel You Will Never Forget that the basis for religious authority is not only halacha but also Da 'at 'fSt,~y CAMP N'VEI Torah" (p. 167). This is his own ~ CJ- at Beautiful Yad Binyamin ""' I statement. not attributed to a source. In a footnote he adds that "this formulation leans primarily on Rabbi " and quotes from the Yeshiva University's Hamevaser the modernists' objec­ tions, without questioning them. The fact that he indeed agrees with * HURRY to join a group of heimi~h, fun.loving girls from Orthoc_da_/_£-du_"_"'_'------~------J St., Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375 ~ if properly analyzed. As for the 42 The Jewish Observer. March 1990 ky's Beyond the Sun or Goldberg's The truth is that there is a uniqueness The Fire Within will know does not at all apply to the misnaged touched about G-d's people and G-d's Torah by the Mussar movement (see e.g. Jewish Action, Winter 1989-90, p. that is inaccessible to the academic 81, for the origins and erroneous­ ness of the stereotype). However, r scholar's search. should have been more careful in staling my specific point, rather Encyclopedia Talmudis, it is a misnaged and the emotional chas­ ! than making an unjustified general useful source of information, but sid (cf. pp. 176 and 179)-a stereo­ statement. Avos 6: 1 will surely serve even better. type which any readerof, say, Saretz- THE REVl EWE!< 7. Secular studies in the Frank­ furt Yeshiva: the schools founded by Rabbi S.R Hirsch, which taught tJN~ t:lni'.lN RABBI ABRAHAM PAM secular studies (and were not called 582 E. 7th STREET yeshiva), did not extend beyond high BROOKLYN, N.Y. l!218 school-and the teaching of secular ______j&.!_/1fo>1L.OJ~­ studies on that level (which practi­ ~'>rJ[µ[,fuuNM_ffiLloiLJJUfl •• cally everybody accepts in this -fa·~1:; 1~ .. rr~~~~~t~"-i-~~r2~h"'!:e-¥ru~t~1 ~Gm.L~ J.3!.';'l....:.i-'2..r.~lr--·.1-'!.tl/L country) is not the issue that Dr. 1 1 -.!.'J~lliLJ_>UIJ}~!_pf~~ ..-~~!y_,JJ;i'i\..!2JuN ...'.l'-'.h.\. t~:-s::~·g,~,.I!~::· ..n~ ~~W·~:s~:. r:~!t .. z! .. ~ : .. :=i:t,. Danzger discusses at all in that mid very lift h•"• bun tlti'ohn•d by etol"hln Mtllli!H _.,,,,WU!l&L.M•~J:Jfi..mlJ!..li.~ creditors in El"ll"h Yl11ro~fo p.,,.,..,,.., •ho h•d section of his book. He is concerned prtvlO\llflY bel!n 1mO"l'IT! rcr hb ,;w,, ;,eh or Chtrlty ------'.truJ-1:JS.)_•1_6'.tJ1t:;.2.. llnd chtnd. ha,, b"'tll fore11d to- eo11111 ~o "'"erli!a to with post-high school yeshivos­ ~hLn: .. ~Urtdl!Jo....tnablt.Jil'Lio...r•P*7- ..J;,Jn£.,}"JL1r1ti11Hlt»1 to Otlutrll wUl '""o:-Jt e~111d"" 11!'!<:1 l!.t>•dat 8nehoo u~ Hun..... ~____/'~~ d!i&ui>JJJ'."~~~·:¥'-'"'~ 8. In his comments, Dr. Danzger ~-1Lp!i!.. 1Ykjl.11i.f~•L in effect acknowledges that I under­ ------J!J

The Jewish Observer, March 1990 43 BROOKLYN 5005 Thirteenth Ave. Baro Park (718) 436-6900

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nrJeJI 1eJ:J in n:J1::i Happy Passover from

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What kind of preparation was this? We don't do this for any other Yorn Tov: and for Pesach, the biggest one of all, we do. We must be crazy, Second Looks At The no?.. ! don't think that the soap really got the smell of ammonia off of me. Oh well ... Now to get a tie-oy vay, JEWISH•SCENE my back is killing me. Why do we do it all, anyway? ... Every year l can't sleep properly until the arrive: I pay double prices for dish detergent, shampoo, toothpaste, even the soap l use in the shower: I buy twelve dozen eggs. as if "cholesterol" weren't in the dictionary; l refuse to buy any A processed foods, lug a sack of pota­ toes home, bring a live turkey to the shochet and cook the way my great­ grandmother did-yeah, I must be crazy. Love- But-ay! there goes my knee again (the one that I banged on the step­ ladder)-! love every minute of it. ... Nu, so I'm double crazy. The Mad Paper-Spreader, that's me. How Song many yards of shelf paper, double­ thickness aluminum foil, contact paper, did l lay down this year? I don't know. I stopped counting three days ago-or was it four? The for brain gets a bit fuzzy when you're this lacking on sleep. What am l doing now? Oh yes, tying my tie.

THE YEARLY MIRACLE

Pesach nd yet, tonight, G-d willing, it will happen again, the A yearly miracle. After crawling to shul, groaning my way through , barely making it home; I will "WE DON'T DO THIS FOR ANY through! And we have indeed been sit at the table robed in white, and OTHER YOM TOV" through it: a month in the salt talk, and talk, and talk, endlessly o, that elbow isn't really mines would be a luxury vacation loud and clear. now singing. now dislocated, it just feels that by comparison (at least it feels that reciting, now explaining to the N way. And surely my knees way). Two weeks of round-the-clock children, hour on hour as if I hadn't can hang on just a few minutes scrubbing and mopping, bleach, once been tired for the last month. longer. And yes, ammonia and boil­ ammonia, steel wool. and boiling Hunger? What's that? Although I ing water are not good for the water, insufficient sleep, borderline haven't eaten since breakfast, at ten­ fingers. but l ought to be able to tie malnutrition-what kind of a way thirty tonight I will be strong and my shoes-there! Oh, how good it was that to get ready for a festival? happy, as every year. How? A good feels to be moving slowly again: we're ... A hot shower was definitely question, that ... just the thing: nothing better for My coat must be somewhere. Oh, assorted bruises and scrapes Yaakov Lavon studied in Yeshivas Ohr there it is, it's just that my eyes Somayach and Netzach Yisroel in Jerusalem, and (picked up while heaving around the aren't working any more; no wonder. currently serves as the soferSTaM for the Yeshiva furniture and manhandling the too; they haven't had much time off community of Yeroham. in Israel's Negev. His article, "The Jewish Light Artilleiy." was featured kitchen appliances) .... What was recently.... Well, it is a good in JO, Dec. '89. l thinking? Oh, yes- question, but I suppose that

The Jewish Obseroer, March 1990 45 Yeshaya HaNavi already answered Youths may tire and be you can for HaShem, and He gives it: wearied, you the strength to do it. But for Do you not know, or have you Young men trip and stumble: these last weeks, the arrangement not heard? But those who trust HaShem was just barely working; tonight, HaShem is the Lord of the will renew strength. G·d willing, there will be plenty and world: They will grow wings like the to spare of strength. What's the He creates the ends of the eagle, difference, then? earth. Run and not be wearied. ... Where did I put my ? He neither tires nor is Walk on and not tire. Oh, there ... amazing what a hot fatigued- Yeshayahu 40, 28-31 shower can do to revive the half· There is no knowing His dead .... Well, for one thing wisdom. "HaShem doesn't show himself to He gives the weary strength, That certainly explains why the us except when we're happy." Scrub· And showers vigor on the last three weeks haven't landed me bing and starving isn't quite con· exhausted. in the emergency ward. You do what ducive to effervescent cheerfulness; but at the Seder, who isn't happy? Certainly that's part of it, then; but what was it that the Chida said? In a little old book I once picked up "MY CLIENTS ARE AMAZED from a peddler in the Me'ah She'a· AT THE SERVICE ANO rim marketplace. The pages are so SAVINGS ON THEIR old that they're brittle-here it is: "This night shines as bright as the INSURANCE-BUSINESS INSURANCE sun with the awesome light of OR PLEASURE" (914/ 425-1985 Heaven." That's the kind of night it /RV/NG SAFRIN (914/ 425-0238 is: no need to worry about the laws of nature. This is the night that HaShem stood nature on its head to bring us out of Egypt, the night that He showed Himself to us regardless of our madreiga. There is strength enough for an army tonight, just waiting for me to take Yeshiva Gedola--Merkaz Hatorah it. No tiredness could stop a Jew from serving HaShem, not on the Seder night. ... My fingers look well enough recovered to tum the pages in the MENAHEL/EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR Machzor, that's something. Reach for the hat-oh, that back!-and FOR let's get a move on for Maariv. YESHIVA ELEMENTARY & HIGH SCHOOL

Requires individual with excellent qualifications 'THE WISE MAN LOCKS HIS and administrative ability, DOOR" within strong Torah background. he Chida has more to say: Salary. and benefits commensurate. "The yeitzer hara is looking T to insinuate himself into one of the family this night: so a wise Reply in strictest confidence to: man will lock his door before it. and forgive whatever happens: he will Chairman, Search Committee take out strife and bring in love." YESHIVA GEDOLA·MERKAZ HATORAH Whal could be more fitting for the Seder night? There was never a 6155 Deacon Rd. night of greater love than this. This Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3S 2P4 was the time that G-d reached out to us with absolute love, forgiving all of our and gathering us in

46 The Jewish Observer, March 1990 This was the time that G-d reached out to us with absolute love,forgiving all of our sins and gathering us in to Himself to be His people. The only answer to such a love is to give the same love back. to Himself to be His people. The only itable extinction. All year long I'm same love awakens at Pesach time. answer to such a love is to give the careful about keeping milchig and It's only natural for Am Yisroel to same love back. Of course the yeitzer fleishig separate; for Pesach I have respond to it, to be filled with love is going to try to break up this great a separate corkscrew, bottle-opener, for HaShem when Nissan come beauty; all the more reason to be funnel, Havdalah candle-you around. infinitely patient and loving. Isn"t name it. All year long, I'm particular What else could explain the yearly that just what HaKadosh Baruch about hechsheirim; when Pesach "insanity" that strikes my home? Hu did for us back then? comes, l just don't buy processed And what explanation could be ... I"ve made it to shul!-Settle foods, period. What's it all for, then? better? creaking and groaning onto a bench Perhaps it's just because we love ... Time for Borchu now; and now ... still a few minutes until Borchu. HaKadosh Baruch Hu more than it strikes me how wonderful it is to Maybe that's the answer to my ever at Pesach time. Chazal tell us be saying Borchu. -"Happy are you, biggest question of all: why do we that when it was time for the Yisroel; who is like you, a people do it:? Why would anyone put him­ Exodus, Am Yisroel simply didn't saved by HaShem!"Who would have self through the mill of these last merit being redeemed, so HaShem thought that the way to joy is three weeks? Only for love. Now it gave them a few mitzvos to do, and through scrubbing and cleaning? begins to make sense: all year long then with the merit of those mitz­ But the love of Am Yisroel for rm pretty careful about kashrus; vos, He brought about a tremendous HaShem is so deep and strong that come Pesach time, I run amok with awakening of Heavenly love. With nothing should surprise us, and a scrub-brush and hunt down the that love, we were redeemed, and there is no time like Pesach for last crumb of chometz to its inev- every year, the seforim say, that expressing that love.•

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THE CARDS ARE NOT FOR FLIPPING

Notes on Collecting "Rabbi Cards"

he cards have 4-color like­ were written by non-religious Jews nesses of "heroes" imprinted or non-Jews and of course had a T on them. No, they're not base­ secular slant to them. They couldn't ball stars. No RBI's or batting help but compare the photos to averages printed on the back. Just baseball cards, and certainly didn't some vital statistics and major give the degree of respect to our contributions to the Jewish People. Rabbonim that we would have "Torah Personalities," they're called, preferred. Considertng their pers­ and they've already sold close to a pective, however, the articles were million copies. How has that come remarkably positive. Somehow, the to pass? And why do the secular expected anti-semitism of some of media seem so interested? these papers did not show up at all. When a newspaper called for what At the outset, many reporters turned out to be the first interview found the idea a bit humorous. on the topic, I was reluctant to get However, when they saw the quality involved with them. But my Rav of the photo cards-they look more advised me to cooperate: Everyone like first-rate Kodak prints than should get to know who the Torah baseball cards-they began to take leaders are. That mandate is being it more seriously. The scope and fulfilled. sincerity of the project-they aren't Since that first interview, articles accustomed to the Torah world have appeared in Time Magazine. where something can be done Sports Illustrated, and in newspap­ l'shaim Shomayim (for the sake of ers throughout the country from the Heaven) on a non-profit basis rather national news syndications. The than for money-also impressed "Rabbi Cards" have also been fea­ them. Many interviewed young tured on CBS-Radio, National Public Yeshiva children, and encountering Radio, and various other radio and their genuine excitement over col­ television programs. The articles lecting the photos, and their sincere respect for the Torah leaders, the Chonon Shugarman is the editor of Agudath reporters recognized the unique Israel of Baltimore's Newsletter. President of Etz nature of this project Chaim Center for . and founder The esteem that Orthodox child­ of Torah Personalities. Inc., producers of the "Rabbi Cards." ren accord these photos and the

The Jewish Observer, March 1990 49 rabbis pictured seemed to be a major point of many of the articles. REVIEW By contrast. the popularity of lead· AND GAIN INTELLIGENCE ing sports figures. movie and tele­ vision stars. politicians. and leaders Subscribe to from other religious groups have 'DafYomi Review' for the Nl'W Cycle, greatly decreased in popularity in write: Yeshiva Fund/Box 82/SJ. N.Y./ I0309 recent years. The reporters were $25. annnal subs. $150 for 7 yrs. surprised that true role models still exist in this day and age. No doubt. a siyata diShmaya (Heavenly assist) facilitated this interest. This is most clearly evident PLEASE HELP in the unusually prominent and sometimes almost out-of-place posi­ Young, disabled Yerushalmi, tioning of the articles. such as the lather of large family, needs one in Time Magazine (July 17. much financial help. Kindly 1989). That issue of Time featured issue tax-deductible check five articles under Business Notes. to: BIKUR CHOLIM INC., the most prominent one. on Torah and mail to Rabbi Avrohom Personalities. But compare the Blumenkrantz, 814 Caffrey Ave., articles. The others were on the plunging U.S. Dollar. a South Korea Far Rockaway, N.Y. 11691. .11<;~~''" ;e~1 ::e;ll' :1,~ boycott of U.S. produce. Big ~:ight t<·c·~\:' accounting firms merger (a 84.9 billion dollar deal). and an expected takeover of the world's second FOR BURIAL PWTS largest gold producer at 85.5 billion. RAVSHUJAIO S~ AUE.UACH, IN ERETZ YISROEL Pitted against these multi-billion CONTACT ROv•·Ye;ltlv..,J(ol Tor>,!, {\:'<

R.ERM. y..i,;v•-Y«bov""N«l">Tmol> at large, we should never settle on ofAs••""'"'I o,;....,.,,ruv ..oRoU"''"'"" , (212) 363-8133 ll:lofSlo""°"' N;r.,.,;,,;747 know when the world (non-religious SPONSORED BY THE CONFERENCE OF Jews. as well as non.Jews) may take AGUDATH ISRAEL BRANCH RABBONIM <'l ..BTo..i. ...,...,,~~"" "'A -""'""""''°"m"'"°'"'' F2' a look. creating an immeasurable FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL Kiddush Hashem. And then, the THE AGUDATH ISRAEL DEPAl

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The Hanhalas Hayeshiva, its entire staff, parents and 1400 talmidim i::i,, p, express their heartfelt feelings of condolence to our dear yedidim, the esteemed 4916 15th AVl'., R'kl)TI, N.Y. 11219 Reichmann Family ,,n,lll, (718) 8'i4-291 I

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Washing dishes. watching the dishes. not really seeing her hands wash the dishes. because it's always like this. and the sun lengthening along thejloor. One. two o'clock. FROM THE PAST TWO and then she's done SIYUMI HASHAS the laundry. Get the baby crying. Oh. sweet baby. 1975 AND 1982 Because. The Seventh Siyum Hashos There is no because. (5736-1975) With the Addresses of· But one day the stm hits a.frying pan in soapy water Novommsker RebbP. Rov Y Komr'nel7ky Rav M_ Feinslem Blushover Rebbe, Rabbi E/1renle!d and she's holding a rainbow. Robbi M_ Gdter The thoughtjlashes through her like lightning: Set of TwoTapes-510.00 "G·d's creating light!" and she sees all this. The Eighth Siyum Hoshos the light the water her hands herse!f (5743-1982) are miracles. W.th 1he addresses of· Robb•' C Besser, Robbr S Schwab, Rabbi M. Giffer, Klausenberger Rebbe, Robbi Y Komrnellky Set of Two Tope1-SlO.OO Sarah Shapiro lives in Art'.ei HaBira, Jerusale1n. Her book of poetry. Growing \Vilh l'vf!J Children­ A Jewish Mother's Diary, is soon !o be published by Targuin Press.

FIRST NATIONWIDE YOMIYUN ON SHEMIRAS HALASHON SARA SCHENIRER SEMINARY 24 Elul 5749 I September 24, 1989 New York In English- Addresses by· Robbi Y Oelboum, Robbi P Krohn SEMINAR YERUSHALAYIM Two topes-$7.50 per set Jerusalem In Yiddish- Addresses by: Robbi D_ Olewski, Robbi N. Holberstarri, Robbi M Sfern, are pleased to announce that REGISTRAJ'ION is in progress for the Robbi S- Schwab, Robbj Y. Portugal (Sku!ener Rebbe) Two topes-$7.50 per set INTENSIVE SEMINARY $15.00 FOR ALL FOUR TAPES and the regular HALF-DAY SEMINARY.

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their first year studtes tn Eretz Yisroel and avoids repetition. PLEASE SEND REQUESTS AND CHECK TO· Agudath Israel of America Details of the Intensive and the Half-day seminaries, Dormitory Publications Department Facil'ities, and reg·1strat1on inforrnat"1on avadab!e by letter or phone 84 William Street New York, NY 10038 4622·14th Avenue. Brooklyn, NY 11219 t718) 633·8557.

'fhe Jewish Observer, .l\-1arch 1990 55 Start with the Best! None other compares with the fine flavor and tenderness of naturally gro\vn Empire Kosher poultry. Special attention at every stage, from feeding and growing to processing and packaging, ensures the highest kosher quality possible. For holidays, and every day, specify genuine Empire Kosher. You can taste the difference in every tender bite!

The Most Trusted Name in Kosher Poultry and Foods 1-800-EMPIRE-4 lll!lllllH 1112 21 LEI Jll 11111 !1111111 as reflecting the intentions that Penina had had, when she taunted Chana to inspire her to prayer. The Letters Torah indicates that that is the proper way for a husband to react, ••••••••••• to the as is shown by the incident where ••••••••••• Rochel so unjustly berated Yaakov Editor for her lack of children: yet Yaakov was chastised for his insensitive 828Ulil i&Liii ll[JJJ 22 &T response and his poor understand­ ing of a broken heart, as is related THE CHILDLESS reply was: 'Wow, you must really be in Midrash Rabba. NEED NOT BE POOR special because Hashem made your Unfortunately, this gentleman's situation different from everyone letter left the impression that Pen­ To the Editor: else." 1 try to keep this in mind, but ina's method was correct. This view it is difficult when you see others is completely erroneous, since Rashi I just received The Jewish around you having nachas and in Shmuel 1(2,5) reports the horrible Observer with the letters regarding making family simchos, things that punishment meted out to Penina, the "Childless Poor." My husband you will never experience. Though for causing Chana such anguish, and I don·t have children ... and we are "childless," we don't neces­ even though it was well-meant, thus we have learned to accept this. sarily have to be "childless poor" if forcefully demonstrating that one I have found that when people feel people could find it in their hearts must never hurt someone else's that they can't act naturally around to include us in their lives and share feelings no matter how well-inten­ you and have to be on their guard, the riches that Hashem gave them. tioned one may be. they avoid you altogether. The result NAME WITHHELD This approach was exemplified on of this is further isolation for the numerous occasions by Rabbi infertile couple. To me it is prefer­ Umori Hagoan Rabbi Moshe Fein­ able to have people act naturally A SEFER FOR THE "CHILDLESS POOR" stein '"" as is shown by the follow­ around us and include us in their ing representative anecdotes. Al­ lives rather than be excluded. By the though a Rebbi has the right to nature of Jewish family life, the To the Editor: embarrass a negligent talmid when infertile couple is excluded from 1 was very moved by the letters of necessary to affect improvement many functions anyway: there are compassion to the childless woman (Rambam, Talmud Torah 4 ), Rabbi no car pools, P.T A meetings, etc. It (Jan. 90). May I add that a sejer, Feinstein never resorted to that. On therefore takes an extra effort on the Rani Akara, has just been pub­ the contrary, he bent over back­ part of others to include us in their lished by Rabbi Yaakov Hillel, Rosh wards, so that even when a talmid lives and this is the area in which Hayeshiva Ahavat Sholom. It has the asked a foolish question or gave a my hurt has been the greatest. approbation of the Eida Hacharei­ Wouldn't it be nice to be included dis, Rav Pinchas Scheinberg and in a friend's daughter's graduation Rav Wasner, and can serve as a BIG or to assist that friend when shop­ source of guidance. inspiration and ping for a dress for that daughter? comfort for others who consider APPLE When was the last time a family themselves "Childless Poor." COPY & PRINTING invited us along to an amusement NACHMAN BAUM CENTER park when they took their kids? ... Ezras Torah/Jerusalem When I asked my sister to send a 87 NASSAU ST child or two for Shabbos and the NEW YORK, NY 10038 answer was "no," I knew never to IN SEARCH OF ROLE-MODELS (212) 962·4282 (212) 267·9478 ask again. A father could have asked FOR ENCOURAGEMENT AND FORBEARANCE my husband to join him when he learns with .his son, or maybe my husband could learn with one son To the Editor: while the father learns with the Among the many caring letters in I il'lJjJJJ other. This is where we have felt the response to the "Lifestyles of the most pain-when people have not Childless Poor" article in your Dec. nr.r?I!! mrn:n? '.:>'.:>!lrm? Nl considered sharing their good for­ 89 issue, was one from a Brooklyn omrm >1>:in 1l1'.l tune with us. gentleman who cited the episode of '") nil!! p :ip})> ''.Jiin A baalas teshuva once asked me Penina and Chana in Tanach. how many children I have and when It was truly magnanimous of him I told her that I didn't have any. her lo accept his wife's stinging words

The Jewish Obseroer, March 1990 57 less-than-intelligent answer. rather children. Their complete devotion than belittle him or what he said, and mesiras nefesh to the Bluz­ TAKE ACTION Rabbi Feinstein quite frequently hever Rebbe's welfare virtually 24 would somewhat alter the talmid's hours a day, at the expense of health Why do some people talk during davening? remarks and thereby make them and even risk to Shalom Bayis, was worthwhile, consequently encou· a source of inspiration to all of us You can help improve your Shull raging him and building his self· who cared for this great tzaddik. esteem while indirectly showing (DR) DAVID LEVY • Height of prayer Dynamics of Shmoneh Esray. him that his logic needed improve· Brooklyn. N. Y. • Talk ... but not during davening. ment. Likewise, on an occasion • Tehillim therapy: Prayers for health. when I. as a Rebbe. came late. he quietly said lo me, "Nu, you came VE'EILEH SHEIMOS $3.00 each. All 3 for $8.00 a little late today, you probably BNEI YISROEL Yeshiva Fund/Box S2/S.I., N.Y/10309 couldn't come any earlier," and 15 copies to givti out ln Shu! - $18.00 immediately walked away. without To the Editor: even asking 'Why"? so as not to cause me to divulge what could During the course of the year. but possibly have been an embarrassing mostly around the Yomim Tovim, reason, yet letting me know that my most of us receive gifts from organ­ FAMOUS tardiness did not go unnoticed. izations soliciting contributions. We Rabbi Feinstein's stringency on get calendars, Siddurim, Birchas this subject can well be understood Hamazons, Machzorim, Seforim on in light of the Gemora in Erachin all topics. Kr'ias Sh'ma al Hamitah 16b, which states that since the charts-you get the idea. In many time of the Tanna Rabbi Elazar Ben cases, donors cover the costs. but Azarya, no one could be found who often the money invested would be could properly observe the mitzva better spent as a direct solicitation. of Tochacha (reproving someone). Most of my acquaintances inform because of the great difficulty of me that though they would not let Cholov Yisroel • Shomer Shabbos doing so without embarrassing the a plea for funds go unanswered, Under the Supervision of subject. these mailings never get more than Kha! Adath Jeshurun RABBI NOSSON loMNER a token contribution. New York City The gifts are discarded. How many Open for Breakfast Birchas Hamazon booklets does Luncheon and Dmnec one need? We already have more Catering • Parties • Meetings keepsakes than we know what to do 222 West 72nd Street CREDIT FOR DEVOTION TO THE with! (By the way, do waiters and LATE BLUZHEVER REBBE (212) 595·8487 bus boys at tzeddaka dinners know how to treat all those Hebrew texts To the Editor: left over?) The January issue of The Jewish Aside from the waste of money. Uncle OOoishr Observer contains a most moving another problem needs to be ana other article honoring the memory of the addressed. We are virtually being late Bluzhever Rebbe J""· On page buried in sheimos! In fact, we are · 'l'op-Of-'T'hc fine 17. mention is made of my name producing instant sheimos, in addi· 9ewish enlerlainers regarding "self·sacrificing efforts" tion to what comes in the mail. Most on his behalf. I am not sure what yeshivas send home a weekly new· are atiailabfo lo 1'isil ii' i }\ compelled the author of the article sletter. Part of the letter must be .. $eriousll? 9!1 (lhilaren .'V. to ignore the many other physicians "discarded in a dignified manner." ~ ~'{1 and nurses that stood ready to The same is true for many shul 9n '1'hc :Xospilal ,J' '.¢~~ minister to the needs of this great newsletters. Worse are some of the thanks to it- ·,. 2- tzaddik day and night, with no less abuses of the photo-copy machine. i1)n nnn\lj devotion and zerizus than attrib· Sedros are photocopied. so that the uted to me in the article. In addition, person studying the laining need l)l."bN) :ll'Y' •"l 1'\:l illn 1ll)lll) "l::>~ I was hardly at the helm of his not lug around a Tikkun. rve GI 1'Jt'ltl d Wun ~'\' medical team, nor the only one attended many shiurim where the Gguacttit Ssrai1l of G:m(>rkc maggid shiur in conjutttflor1 witit following instructions. has photocopied the Suki ${ Ding F'rodui:tions If only one name had to be men· mareh m·komos (reference texts). "!'co z~l up .i.n cippoinlm~nl. (oil: tioned, the author should have During the shiur, he reads them to (212) 'FJ'i"ClOOO qiL #~7, .00-"t. •i~b looked among the Rebbe·s grand· us. translates them, and explains

58 The Jewish Observer, March 1990 "T'O:l • One of the world's out to contribu1£ gen­ erou

Now in our seroing Am Yisroel with and Y·E·A·R Chesed

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Available at your local Hebrew bookseller or direct from publisher: Maotali Pu6Cications, Ltd: 4401 Second Ave. /Brooklyn, NYJ1232/(7:18) 921•9000 them. What happens to them after For a Jew to brave this storm of the shiw'? abusive anti-Jewishness and to 1"t'J Our shul has a room for the raise his head high with a pledge CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST storage of sheimos waiting for of $500, is nothing short of mirac­ burial. (I remember when it was a ulous. For him to even show up in box to which was contributed an a synagogue, which is identified DR. BENZION occasional seferthat, due to age, had with Judaism, shows a deep desire SOROTZKIN become worn beyond repair.) Shei­ to be part of the Jewish people. For NY. STATE LICENSED mos are interred with each kvuras him to admit any feelings of Jewish­ hameis, but the piles keep growing. ness with pride, shows his firm ADULTS Our shul once bought an entire roots in Am Yisroel. AND gravesite exclusively for sheimos, The Mashgiach of Slobodka, CHILDREN but we seem to have Eliyahu HaNa­ Rabbi Isaac Sher, saw that while vi's pach hashemen of sheimos. American Jews often exhibited little (718) 266-7151 MARVIN OPPENHEIMER outward mitzva observance, they Teaneck. N.J. were, in the deepest recesses of their neshamos, deeply committed to REACH OUT AND •.. tzeddaka and chessed. They simply DEFEND CARDIAC JEWS need to learn how to transform these feelings into open mitzva obser­ To the Editor: vance" (A Fire In His Soul by Amos DON'T Bunim). DELAY! When commenting on the state of For us, it is easy to be Jewish. We Jewish connection among Ameri­ know that G-d gave the Torah at Mt. can Jews. Jrum publications often Sinai. We know that Judaism is not Now is the use the phrases "twice-a-year Jews," only rational, but defines rationality. time to ioin the "pocket-book Jews," and "cardiac We cannot help but to be proud of Jews." The descriptions may be our Jewishness as G-d's chosen .M: '?t<1V.l'_m1l~'?1!:l_:m.:i ''?T.J1l :iiln accurate, but the derogatory impli­ people-and as the fulfillers of the liil:Agudist Benevolent Society, Inc. cations are inappropriate. purpose of creation. At the time when members of the • r,,11 B'-'"al Ben~f,,, luc 1~,, 1-c,.~,,1, A Jew who, lost among the trea­ ((hdri'~" ,,r, :n rh~ o;)t' ,_.,1 20 ·,c·ws, Jewish community knew about cherous mountain crags and prec­ • Blnori Ba~< B"ccr•:1 l:v ih" Fumdv Jewish laws and observances, and ipices of total assimilation, hangs on deliberately limited expressing their with his fingernails, deserves our {718) 436.1459 Jewishness by going to shul only on respect, if not our awe. Or..,.,.,~ •o Rosh Hashana and Yorn Kippur We must extend our hand and pull A.gudist Benevolent Society (twice-a-year), supporting Jewish 84 William Str-t our Jewish brothers to the safety of New York, NY 10038 causes (pocket-book Jews), or claim­ living Judaism. Some of them may ing to "feel" Jewish in their hearts have been brainwashed into believ­ (cardiac Jews), the negative impli­ ing that we hate them. All that we cations were deserved. need to do is to show them a little Today we face an entirely different warmth and friendship so that they situation. Most Jews are totally For A Copy of the Most will allow us to help them. They Comprehensive ignorant of basic Jewish principles. cannot help themselves and if we do The knowledge they do have, which not help them .... Pesach Guide to they assume to be authentic, was ADAM WINSTON Medications - Cosmetics more than likely provided by a Jerusalem botched "Sunday School-pre-Bar (The writer iS author qf Pleasures-A Jewtsh by Rav Gershon Bess Mitzva" education, descriptions of Approach To Life. and G-d-Tools To Expe­ Judaism contained in trashy novels, rience the Ultimate, both distributed by (Unless you are Christian mis-interpretations of Feldheim) already on our list) Judaism as purveyed in the mass Please write to: media, imagination based on the FOR THE STIJDY AND few facts they may have acquired, REVIEW OF MESECHTA Kolle! Los Angeles and Biblical movie spectaculars. 'MAKOS' 7466 Beverly Blvd #204 This unsavory collection of mis­ write for 85 pg. Review Guide Los Angeles, CA 90036 information presents Judaism as with a section of Q & A primitive, irrational and as virtually Yeshiva Fund/Box 82/S.L, NY./10309 Phone: (213) 933-7193 useless (if it weren't for the Jewish Price $6.00 delicatessen).

The Jewish Observer. March 1990 61 SEEKS INFORMATION RE: to obtain some crucial interviews of MANTELLO Jews saved by means of Salvador MATANA Citizenship Papers which he To the Editor: dispensed gratis by the thousands. I would appreciate hearing from I am completing a book on the GALLERY anyone who was rescued via such rescue activities of George Mantello, 4906 18th Ave., Brooklyn, NY papers during World War II. First Secretary of El Salvador in (718) 851-4448 (DR) DAVID KRANZLER Switzerland during World War II (he Brooklyn, New York was recently honored by Agudath 718-375-6010 Jewish books, Talleisirn, Mezuzos, Israel and many other Jewish organ­ personalized Tallis bags, izations-he was particularly close (The writer is authorThyBrother's Blocx:I: The bags, Yarrnulkas and and helpful to Agudah leaders in Orthodox Jewish Response During the Holo­ Cfialafi covers, cassettes, lucite, Switzerland and England). In order caust. and Japanese Nazis and Jews}. sterling silver. Judaica and jewelry.

ALL AT SUPER DISCOUNT PRICES! li!l'tt.'' YESHIVAS ------i -- The familv of the late Alexander I o: _ t '~==·> ri t, M.3 NACHALAS Schweid of London, England wishes to publish a biographv of his life. 1 '!l~ Mr. Schweid, Z"L, was one of the verv ZVI active members of Agudath Israel i1,Jp , 1t'.lJ1i1t'.l Toronto, Canada and did much Agudah and Hatzolah work during and after the War. 7:ipn i1ltv;-nv i1TJ i1:V'i1r.l is pleased to announce We would like to ask anvone who l"' 7'l1'.l ,or11n:i i"OJ that it will be accepting has information about his activilies, i':V7 y1n1'.l o; ,i17:V1'.l1 out-of-town bochurim pictures, stories, or letters about his of high-school and beis­ life, to contact the following people: 111io1 mp!:l:i ,ml11m medrash age for the Frnndiger Rabbi S. Z. Schweid .1<71'.J 9 RPchov Harav Blau 1358 54th '::llfCf>! coming year. Bnei Brak Brookll]n, NY l 12l!l Phone: 03·70~8!4 7Hl-8.'i l-2777 i1Jll u7:v!:l 'i1 n1:Y1:i1 The Yeshiva offers a Vorhand Mrs. 5. Schweid li1 1l71'.l:v:i i1Jl:i n1x17 comprehensive program, Jerusalem !3~ lklhune Road Phone: 02-8221490 London N !\), r:ngland ;i·nn n:ii11< n:V't:JlJ dedicated staff of Talmidei 800-9{i09 Chachomim and educators. Ji1 i1n!:lptvm i1n1iptv small classes, coupled with tl'1'.ltv nx·ii ntvltvi1:i a stimulating and pleasant .n n tv' n 111'.11 . The Yeshiva has TEACHERS: achieved notable, measur­ 11J:Vtll tl'ltl!J 1l':Jltll tltll:J1 able success over the past ni:i'l i1n7:Yi17 1°o:i Growing Baltimore is open· two years and looks ing new classes -&- has teaching ':111111<7 17 'ltll1) l"i1:v7:i forward to ever greater positions open for coming school x71 1<1nx:i ptv!:lll< year1990-91 Excellent <>pporttini­ success in the future. ty for vibrant experienced Rebbeim. ('1:J1 17 ':V'i' Parents interested in 2 positions available, l lower elev acquainting themselves mentary & 1 Gemorah. mi n1111< D't:Jl!:l 11:i:v Top pay& benefits, enjoyable work· with the Yeshiva's pro­ 11/J!:ll< i1J'tll';J '1101 ing environment in nationally recog· grams, objectives and past nized school. Strong, established, in o:v 1tvpn i17 history, please contact expanding Torah community. 1x7!:lxp nl 111 Jli1 Rabbi D. N. Kaplan at Days (301) 426-0194 (416) 787-4176 (416) 787-4176, Evenings (301) 358-4577

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