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THE JEWISH OBSERVER (ISSN) ..REPORT FROM ISRAEL-- 0021-6615 is published monthly ex cept July and August, by the Agudath 5 Israel of America, 84 William Street. Yeshiva Students and Military Service in Israel New York, NY 10038. Second class Ezriel Toshavi postage paid at New York, NY Subscrip tion $18.00 per year; two years. $30.00; three years, $40.00. Outside of the 9 United States (US funds only) $10 sur A Cry From the Heart charge per year. Single copy: $2.50; based on an address by Rabbi Elazar M. Shach, ""o»v foreign: $3.00. Send address changes to The Jewish Observer, 84 William St., N.Y., N.Y. !0038. TuL (212) 797-9000. Printed in the U.S.A. CHESSED-REACHING OUT WITH KINDNESS
RABB! NISSON WOLPIN. Editoc 13 The Art of Bikur Cholim Editorial Board Rabbi Myer Schecter . DR. ERNST BODENHEIMER Cha(rman 18 RABBI JOSEPH ELIAS Hachnosas Orchim in the Hospital JOSEPH FRIEDENSON Mrs. Galia Berry · RABBI NOSSON SCHERMAN RABBI MOSHE SHERER 23 Management Board "One Body, One Heart" NAFTOLI HIRSCH Dr. Meir Wikler ISAAC KIRZNER RABB! SHWMO LESIN 25 NACHUMSTEIN Rabbi Yehuda Aszod RABB! YOSEF C. GOLDING A Biography by Giti Weissmandl Business Manager
THE JEWISH OBSERVER does not POETRY assume responsibility for the Kashrus 24 'of any product or service advertised in its pages. On Gardening, Mrs. B. Karfiol 32 ©Copyright 1988 Autumnal Reflections, Baila Susholz
OCTOBER 1988 33 VOLUME XX!/ NUMBER 7 Letters to the Editor A Rov of the last generation told a group of his talrnidim and relatives, shortly before he A. (12 x 11) passed away: "As long as I was alive, I tried to avoid asking for assistance from anyone, Soon, howevet, J will need your help. Please send me packages. '1 The "packages" to which he referred were of a spiritual nature - a gift which allows the niftar (deceased) to constantly progress to more elevated heights in the World-to-Come. These "packages" come in the form of Torah and mitzuos which are performed for the merit of the niftar. It has long been the accepted custom 'in Kial Yisroel to study Mishnayos for the Neshoma (soul) of the niftar, The word Mishna - n.:nur.1 - contains the same Hebrew letters as ..Neshoma" - i'T'Dtul, which hints at the profound spiritual effects and priceless treasure which a Neshoma attains through study of Mishnayos. That so much can be accomplished by so small an expenditure, is truly incredible. Toward this end, a service called Mishna L 'Neshoma has been established to provide this enduring Chesed-shel-Emes to a rti/tar, by supplying the items enumerated below,to anyone requesting them, so that the learning of Mishnayos proceeds smoothly . • • • The following are available free upon request: a) Mishnayos Card - to be placed in the home of the mourner or in the Bois Hamedrosh J of the niftar, etc., for relatives and acquaintances to be able to sign up to learn specific Masechtos. The card has space for entering addresses of participants, so that contact can be C. (3112 x 5) - made with the participants in matters relating to the learning of the Mishnayos, Siyum, etc. b) 65 cards with the T1ilah (prayer) to be said after the Mishnayos learning, one to be ...... - ...... ::....-----.... given to each participant. .___,,,.,..-- - ..... c) 65 reminder cards to be mailed to participants. --- • • • ...... __ ..__,,._-===-~ .. __ ..... If there is a niftar for whom no one is learning Mishnayos, we will be more than ....._,.,_ ...... _ happy to learn Mishnayos for the niftar, on the Yahrtzeit date. Just send us his/her '-- .... ._ name and his/her father's name (i.e., Avrohom ben Yaakov, Avrohom being the ni/tar and Yaakov his father), and the day of the Yahrtzeit-Hebrew date. ff Hebrew date is unknown, send English date and year, indicating time of death - daytime or - night.. time. Send this information to the address below. • • • B. (3112 x S) Note~ Full permission is granted to anyone who wishes to duplicate any of the items provided by the service. For further information, or if you wish to volunteer to have Mishrtayos cards picked up from your home contact us. • • • Mishna L'Neshoma was established to perpetuate the memory of Reb Dovid Mayer Barnetzky, zt'I, who, throughout his short lifetime, selflessly extended himself to others with all types of Chasodim she/ Emes.
Mishna L'Neshoma, 421-6th Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Tel: (201) 363-3302 Please Do Not Send Money!
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Yeshiva Students and Military Service in Israel
An Old Debate Resurfaces in the Knesset, in the Press, and in the Beis Hamidrash
A BA1TLE ROYAL ment Is sufficient to raise temper· atures. On the one hand, the stand hen a battle royal regard ard Israeli serves In Tzahal for three ing a religious issue breaks years, followed by miluim (reserve Wout in the Knesset. the duty) several weeks every year until media may describe it as a heated his fifty-fifth birthday, subject to response to a new, sensitive issue, call-up In case of national emer· but that Is seldom the case. gency. It is very difficult for the Politically, most points of tension average citizen to accept any system can be traced to the agreement that allows thousands of young the custodians of our heritage as to between the Jewish Agency and the healthy men to defer national ser Agudath Israel World Organization, their authority over the fate of Klal vice, for any reason. Taking into often cited In these pages, which YisroeL account that there Is scarcely a A notable example is the debate formalized the role of religion in the household without a martyred rela nascent Jewish State, in advance of now raging over the draft deferment tive or neighbor, this opposition can its declaration. Ideologically, most for yeshiva students, which is based become tinged with bitterness. On areas of disagreement have been on an agreement between David Ben the other hand, almost every West. Gurion and the heads of Israel's there as long as there have been em democracy grants exemptions Jews who question the role of Torah yeshivas since the early days of the from military service to divinity State. Currently, an alleged 17,000 in their personal lives, and challenge students. Should Israel do less? young men of draftable age do not Shouldn't the People of the Book Ezrlel Toahavi observes the Jewish scene in serve in the army, on the basis of respect those who keep knowledge Israel for readers of the JO. such deferments. This mere state- of the Book alive? ... How can we
The Jewish Observer, October 1988 5 JEHUSALEM POST. 8/24/88 Likud and Labor Members of the Knesset. Dry Bones The press was quick to comment in its usual poison pen style, which It employs when referring to Orthodox Jews. Breaking new ground in just plain nastiness was an editorial in Ha'aretz (July): "The damage from Yeshiva deferments Is not only to the country's military strength: there Is also an undermining of the principle of equality of rights and duties of all citizens, since the burden of reserve duty becomes all the more onerous to those who serve. Moreover, the more money the treasury gave to HIS FA1"HfR such Torah Institutions, the larger the number of state-legitimated draft SHaJl.D'VE dodgers." DUM6? JUS1"~ Yosef Goell. in an earlier discus \-llM "TO A sion in the Jerusalem Post (June 5.) ~sHIVA. also focuses on the funding issue: "The state, whlchfundssuchalargepart of yeshiva education, should also have a major say In the content of that edu cation. Tbe state Is entitled to ensure that yeshiva students are educated not only to be observant and learned Jews, but also to be good and well-educated Israeli media's respect for the yeshiva student's devotion to study. citizens. Abdicating that responsibil again, with a proposal by a Knesset ity, and sblrklng the political flgbt that quash even the least promise of will be required to impose it, will simply fulfillment of the prophet's vision: Foreign Affairs and Security sub mean perpetuating and deepening the "From Zion will Torah come forth", committee, headed by the Labor already Intolerable chasm which with laws that would curtail the Alignment's "court" Orthodox Jew, divides the ultra-Orthodox from all the blossoming of Torah in Zion? Rabbi Menachem Hacohen, that rest of us, both observant and secular." The deep sense of conviction that would continue granting blanket each side brings to this highly military exemptions to all yeshiva A REBUTTAL emotional issue makes this a vola students until the age of 24. At that tile subject, indeed. point, the most outstanding 200 he Jerusalem Post (July 15) yeshiva scholars, after six years of featured an article by Dov study, would be given permanent RENEWAL OF TENSIONS T:Chernak, editor of the Ortho exemptions, while the others would dox Press Service. who takes issue be required to do a shortened basic with Goell: he issue began to dominate training and be subject to reserve the press in early June, when call-up. In addition, Hacohen pro "Goell's attack on the system of draft deferments for yeshiva students Is an the High Court of Justice posed eliminating two features of 'r excellent case in disingenuousness. ... turned down a request for an the military conscription system Tbe opening paragraph, by using the injunction against the Minister of that have been in effect for ten years, word exemption rather than the factual Defense by a number of army reser as part of the coalition agreement term, deferment. establlsbes an atmos vists who argued that their personal between the Begin government and phere of falsity which fits the bulk of share of reserve duty had been Agudath Israel: draft deferment for the argument In the body of this article. increased due to the exemptions for baalei teshuva who did not enter Factually yeshiva students are given yeshiva students. The High Court yeshiva until later in life, as well as deferment, one year at a time. . . . for the first time decided that the for the teachers of Torah in the Although the number 17,000 seems to issue itself was justiciable, but Chinuch Atzmai Torah Schools that be accepted everywhere as revealed truth, it really should be examined rejected this particular request on serve the religious children of the much more carefully. How many of the grounds that the minister had country. Later in the week, however, these students actually do receive not over-stepped this authority in the Hacohen package was voted continued deferments until, In effect, granting the exemptions. down in the Knesset plenum by a they become totally exempted from A month later, this topic exploded large majority composed of both mllitllly service?
6 The Jewish Observer. October 1988 It is very difficult for the average Israeli to accept any system that allows thousands of young healthy men to defer national service, for any reason. On the other hand, shouldn't the People of the Book respect those who keep knowledge of the Book alive?
0 The question of numbers is not just as much opposltlon, be said, to the mature Kolle! fellow must be able really central to the issue. Itis only used proposals to Introduce secular subjects to apply themselves to their studies to frighten the public, and Goell is per Into the yeshivas, or even, he added. without distraction and without haps not to be faulted for repeating what to transforming them Into rabblnlcal interruption. This is Imperative for is accepted as common knowledge. schools." the personal growth of each and However, bis arguments about state In reporting Rabbi Tennenbaum·s every student of Torah, and It is fonding for yesblvoth are not so Inno testimony before the Knesset sub essential for the security of the cent. He is surely aware of the cries of horror that went up when there were committee. Shapiro apparently did community at large. Indeed, the calla for the state to cease fonding a not see need to quote his answers Talmud describes the students of thester that consistently depicts the to every possible criticism of the Torah as "The Guardians of the Jewish people and the State of Israel existing deferment structure. The City'" (see Midrash Eicha 1,1). And as deserving of the world's hatred and report does not explain that baalei the 210 years of exile in Egypt are contempt. And not only to Israeli teshuva enrolled in yeshivas are attributed to one single act: Avra audiences but German ones as well! By also bonafide yeshiva students, ham Avinu conscripted talmidei what double standard is the state not deserving of every bit of recognition chachamim Into military service, in to Interfere with the maximum expres and support, regardless of their his battle against the five kings sion of Jewish self hatred. but yes to conduct during their youth. (Under (Bereishis-see Nedarim 32B). Interfere with an educatlonal sYStem that teaches pride In being Jewish; that older regulations, erstwhile refusen Following the example ofVolozhin has for two millennia been the well iks such as Yosef Mendelevich and ninety-five years ago. when Europe's spring from which Jews have drawn the Eliyahu Essas would not have been flagship yeshiva closed down rather strength and courage to literally go entitled to yeshiva deferments, to than conform to Czarist demands through fire and water rather than continue to study Torah on a full that it modify its learning program, surrender their Jewishness. time basis as they did In the past. yeshivas never have submitted to "Just to whom would 'a major say In because they had attended secular pressure to alter their course of the content of that education' be given? schools in the USSR!) Nor does the study. nor will they. No doubt to the same people currently report defend the vital importance • • running our educational establish • ment, that has provided us with such of the uninterrupted involvement of This deep concern for the welfare phenomena as mass defection (yerida), the rebbe and the melamed in of Jews and Torah, safeguarded an abortion rate bordering on natlonal teaching their students, for the through the preservation of the suicide, adherence to cults, teenage vitality of Torah chinuch, justifying integrity of the yeshivas. was alcoholism. drug addiction and forms their continued deferment. It also strongly articulated by the Pone of violent crime hitherto almost omits the terrible national Torah vezher Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi unknown among Jews." deficiency our people are suffering Elazar Shach. N"U'Jl!J, in his opening since the destruction of Churban address at the Yeshiva's annual KVLTVRKAMPF Europe, in World War II-a deficit Yarchei Kallah this past summer. our People are far. far from restoring (A translation of excerpts from the ... all strong factors in the impor Rosh HaYeshiva·s statement follow n article by Haim Shapiro (in tance of preserving the present this report.) The force of his state The Jerusalem Post June deferment system. ment reverberated throughout the A 17) summarizes the conflict But the report of Rabbi Tennen land. and even gave some left-wing in a few pithy sentences: baum·s testimony does touch the politicians second thoughts. The "The entlre question is ... a very basic heart of the matter when he is passion of his convictions might clash between cultures. As Rabbi quoted as quite correctly describing inspire the rest of us to better ap Moshe David Tennenbsum, chairman the possibility of tampering with the preciate how our yeshivas are the of the Va'ad Hayeshlvot (Yeshiva Com mittee), told the subcommittee. the yeshiva system as a virtual life prime guardians of our precious same opposition that the yesbivoth now threat to the spiritual existence of heritage. One would no sooner show towards taking their students Into Klal Yisroel, with equally dire con tamper with the yeshivas than one the army would also be expreased If sequences to the physical survival would with a distant early warning there were to be any major change In of the Yishuv. To grow In Torah. system that protects our land, and the yeshiva structure. There would be both the young yeshiva student and the inhabitants thereof.•
The Jewish Observer, October 1988 7 Yes! You can dance /6.5}1e6 le' /6p /6N at two weddings! ! nljlnn ·II~ f.lle
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Rabbi -d Mrs. Zevi Trenk 1586 E. 9th St. Brooklyn, N.Y. 11230
Rabbi and Mrs. Yebudab Rupp
Mordcebai Gelber
I\1id f11r hy a supp THE REACH OF HUMAN INSIGHT bbi Yehuda said in the name of Rav: ''The Prophet says, 'Who is he wise man who can understand this, ... he who is spoken to by -d, that he may explain: Why was the land destroyed [at the of time the destruction of the First Temple], abandoned like a desert without inhabitanis?' (Y!rmiyahu 9, 11-12) "This question was posed to wise men, to prophets, and to celestial angels, and they could not explain it until G-d Himself did, as is written: '.And G-d said, Because theyforsook My Torah. (The Gemora asks further) "But this sin is already referred to in 'They did not listen to Me'; it is the same as 'They did not walk in the way [of Torah]' Yirmlyahu, ibid. "Said Rabbi Yehuda in the name of Rav, "That is to say, they did not pronounce the required bracha [on Torah] in advance [ef their study]." (Nedarim Sla.) The RAN in his commentary explains, "If the expression 'Because they forsook My Torah' were to be taken literally, It would Imply that the Jews (of that eraJ simply ceased to study Torah. That, however, would have been obvious to the wise men and the prophets. So apparently they were constantly engaged In Torah study, and that is why the wise men and the prophets were puzzled ... until G-d Himself, who plumbs the depths of the human heart, explained, 'Because the did not say the bracha. ... ' That is, Torah was not of sufficient importance to them to be worthy of a blessing. They did not study lishmo (i.e .. for the sake of Torah itself] and as a result they were careless with the bracha." The transgression of the people of the generation of the destruction of the First Beis Hamikdash was so subtle that neither wise men nor prophets could detect it. In their view, everything was In order. The people, then, were simply lacking in a degree of chassidus (piety), and yet it was sufficient cause for the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. One might well wonder: if the transgression of that generation was so subtle that the spiritual elite of the time could not perceive it, why were the people held responsable for it? Are ordinary folks expected to be more perceptive than sages and prophets? Suddenly 1 realized, Rabbosei, what Chazal (the sages of the Talmud) are telling us In this discussion! I must tell you, that when I grasped the implication of their words, I felt as though the very walls of my house were trembling: The Jewish Observer, October 1988 9 A person's innermost feelings are hidden from sages and prophets alike. Even the angels on high are not privy to his private thoughts. Only the Creator knows what stirs within a man's heart. The person himself, however, possesses a neshama that is "a portion of G-d Above." !As we say every morning:] 'You created it, You fashioned it, You breathed it Into me." When G-d breathes, so to speak, His breath emanates from within. Possessing this neshama breathed Into him by G-d, a person is better equipped than a sage, a prophet, or a malach to understand himself. He can recognize his Innermost feelings and can be aware of things that they can never know. He recognizes his own shortcomings, no matter how subtle.... Such is the greatness of man. THE EXTENT OF HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY hazal relate that G-d took hold of Yeravam ben Navat's garment and told him, "Repent, and then I and you and !David] the son on Yishai Cwill stroll together in Gan Eden." Asked Yeravam, 'Who will lead?" Possessing a G-d replied to him, "The son ofYishai will lead." neshama b:reathed Responded Yeravam, "If so, I have no need for It. I have no desire for that." Yeravam was of so lofty a stature that G-d spoke to him directly. and on into him by G-d, a that very occasion Yeravam rebelled against Him. The very same person person is better possessed elements of unimaginable greatness side-by-side with the capacity equipped than a to defiantly ignore his Creator: "The L-rd has fashioned you forgetful, and you have forgotten G-d your Creator." Such are the paradoxical facets of the human sage, a prophet, or a character! malach to under In spite of overwhelming evidence from miracles of nature that offer stand himself. incontestable testimony to the existence of the Creator and His involvement in the workings of the universe, man perversely says, 'Yes, but. ... " He devises theologies that envision a Creator who set up the cosmos, but is distant from its daily affairs, simply not in control of them, v•n. But man is expected to see beyond such specious theories. He is even expected to perceive that which is suspect within himself-even when it evades the sages, the prophet and the angels. He is responsible for every nuance In his devotions. And he is surely liable for his every gesture. for every time he raises his hand !in a vote] against Torah. MONITORING ONE'S LEGACY ndeed, the Torah sees significance in a person's every word. When Korach's lineage is recorded: "Korach ben Yitzhor ben Kahos ben Levi" (Bamidbar I 16,1), special note is made of the omission ofYaakov, as Levi's father. This was in response to Yaakov's prayer: "Do not unite my glory with their assembly" (Bereishis 49,6). Yaakov Avinu was especially concerned that he not be identified in any way with the rebellion of Korach, his offspring. For mention of Yaakov's name in such a context could imply responsibility, no matter how remote he was from his progeny's time. This care is in place, for Divine justice is very exacting. Rambam points out that G-d Himself weighs sins and credits in Divine judgment, not delegating this delicate task to any celestial agent. Should a person desecrate the Shabbos, G-d examines all the influences that came to bear on him, tracing them back to his ancestors' upbringing. A great-grandfather may have been deficient in the manner in which he bought up his son, making him ineffective as a parent ... causing indirectly, but nonetheless in a traceable manner, the straying of children's grandchildren. Judging the mechalel Shabbos entails judgment of the early ancestor. No wonder that Yaakov begged not to be mentioned In the context of Korach's rebellion! 10 The Jewish Observer. October 1988 How imperative it is then, especially in today's society, that we exercise the utmost care in the education of our children. Who can divine the ramifications seemingly minor errors can have in future generations! Who can project the implications of a mispoken word on the conduct of children and grandchildren! A g:reat A child may recall how his grandfather said such-and-such, and did this-or g:randfathe:r may that, using it as a license to do much worse! Yet today our entire higher have been deficient educational system is under siege. in the manner in which he brought A BATILEAGAINST MOSHE RABBEINU up his son, indirectly ould like to open up my heart and unburden myself of a pressing problem. causing the straying We are living in an era when, coming to Bnei Brak, all appears to be well of his grandchildren. Eand fine. Everyone is immersed in Torah study. But what is happening outside of the halls of Torah study, on Rechov Allenby, on Dizengoff? The youth in those places are our children! They comprise our next generation, and they never heard of Avraham, Yitzchak, or Yaakov! They are unaware of who Moshe Rabbeinu was! They do not know what Shabbos is! Centuries ago, the Inquisition threatened to wipe out Judaism in Spain, and today the leftist kibbutzim are waging a Shmad campaign of their own! Gevald-How frightening. how awesome! What will be the outcome of this new generation? There are people in the Knesset who learned neither Scripture nor Mishna Warshawski, Sarid, Aloni-and with the raising of a hand lin a vote to revoke the draft deferment for yeshiva students] they act to destroy Kial Yisroel. I marvel that their hands did not wither when they raised them in a vote against Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov ... against all generations of G-d fearing Jews ... against Moshe Rabbeinu, against the Rif, Rambam; they aspire to uproot everything sacred .... Are they aware of what the Gemora contains, that they cast a vote against it? They propose a course of action for our sacred yeshivas and cast a vote ... as if they could determine the manner in which Torah should to be transmitted by voting this way or that! I am an old Jew. and I have no strength, but I say clearly; If the day arrives when gezeiros (decrees) will be promulgated against the Yeshiva world, I raise my hand and declare. "If I forget thee, 0 Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its cunning.'' The bnei Torah will not forget Eretz Yisroel but they will exile themselves from Eretz Yisroel so that Torah will not be forgotten from Am Yisroel. May the Knesset Members take note that we are not engaging in child's play where one may change the rules at will. They may vote as they wish, but the methods of Torah study will not be amended. In the event a gezeira is passed against the yeshivas, not one yeshiva fellow In Bnei B:riilk, will remain in this country; and without Torah, there can be no Jewish People. au appears to be ... Picture the confrontation: Moshe and Aharon on one side challenged by Shulamith Aloni, Yossir Sarld, and Warshawski, who tout themselves as builders well and fine. But of Israel but in fact are destroyers of Eretz Yisroel. For two thousand years happening we have held aloft the banner of Eretz Yisroel. Every year, on Tisha B'Av we outside of the halls have sat and wept for our exile from the Land. And they are attempting to coerce us to raise the flag instead. Not to fly the flag is in their view a capital of Tu:rah study, on offense. And to refrain from public expression of patriotism is a national calamity. Rechov Allenby, on but public desecration of the Shabbos-the sign of G-d's covenant with Israel Dizengoff? is not a national calamity.... youth in those places are our MAKING JEWISH POLICY children! t is not our intention to wage war, or to hurl stones at anyone. We only want to continue living as we always have. After all, in what merit do they I lay claim to the Land? Only because of the Jews who sat in mourning on Tisha B'Av all these centuries, and wept over the Churban. Only as part of The Jewish Observer, October 1988 11 this historical continuum do the leaders of the State have any right to the In what merit land .... The long-time residents of Yerushalayim's religious enclaves, whom do ou:r critics lay the secularists hold In such contempt. are the sole basis of their title to the Land.... those whom they so disdainfully describe as chaluka Yidden (Jews claim to the Land'? who live from the handouts ofothers), whereas in truth they themselves subsist Only because of the only because of collections made on their behalf. Not just for basic necessities, Jews who sat in but to enable them to build stadiums and public swimming pools. In Rosh Ha'ayin, a public swimming pool was opened in face of our protests; mourning on Tisha the secularists fail to understand our objections. They cannot live without their B'Av all these swimming pool. But we survived thousands of years of golus by preserving centuries, and wept our Jewish Image, not by sullying it with public display of Immodesty and immorality. We went through fire and water to keep that Jewish image pure. over the Churban. Had their predecessors not been so intent on assimilating into non.Jewish society, their "hosts" would not have turned upon them and killed them. How, Indeed, is public policy made? Before World War I, three representatives spoke on behalf of their millions of Jewish brethren who lived in Czarist Russia. Never did they act on their own, but Instead consulted with the Torah sages of their time. By contrast, the Israeli Chief Justice who does not possess a modicum of Torah knowledge has the audacity to pass judgment on the way yeshivos should function! The Foreign Minister lectures rabbonim on the importance of extending recognition to Reform rabbis, so as to preserve unity within Kial YisroeL But the Reform are the very ones who brought divisiveness to Kial Yisroel, who wrought destruction and spiritual chaos in its ranks. Perhaps the Minister's approach makes good politics, but It Is totally illogical and spiritually destructive. Torah study, Torah wisdom, and a Torah life are the mainstay of our existence. We must do our utmost to strengthen them. And we dare not compromise on them.• TORAH IN TRANSIT with Rabbi Yissocher Frand Now you can relive the Yeshivah experience on audio tape with Rabbi Yissocher Frand, Magid Shiur at Ner Israel Yeshiva in Bahimore. On each tape. this dynamic young Rosh Yeshiva expounds on contemporary Halachic issues relating to the Parshas Hashavua, His powerful and eloquent approach captivates both scholars and laymen alike. He traces the development of Halacha from the Chumash through the Talmud and Poskim to current responsa. The series is recorded "live" from Rabbi Frand's popular weekly shiur at Agudath Israel in Baltimore. Every tape concludes with 20 minutes of Hashkafa and ethical applications related to that Parsha - thoughts you'll want to share at the Shabbos table. BEREISHIS SERIES D Bereishis-Adoption: Problems & Solutions D Vayeitzei-Obligation to Give Ma'aser D Noach-The Abortion Controversy D Vayishlach-·Xmas Eve in H'.llacha and Agadah 0 Lech Lecha-Conversion (Geirus) 0 Vayeishev-Chanukah Licht on Erev Shabbos D Vayeira-Mila and The "Yellow" Baby D Mikeitz----Chanukah Issues [J Chayei Sarah-The Shadchun in Halacha [J Vayigash-Are Building Funds Kosher? D Toldos-The Marrying of Relatives 0 Vayechi~Establishing Time of Death TAPES OF SPECIAL INTEREST C Kaddish in Halacha and Hashkafa D Teshuvah-Priorities for Yomim Nora'im U Tzadik V'ra Lo--A Torah View of Suffering iFREEOf~As an introduction to Rabbi Frand's audio library. we'!! send you "Sh'lach-Mixed Seating at Weddings" FREE, along with a complete catalogue listing nearly 40 tapes. Please send $1.50 to cover postage and handling. To order, send $6 per tape. OR send $60 for entire Sefer Bereishis (a $72 value). Add$! per tape, to maximum of $7, for shipping and handling. Make check payable to Yad Yechiel Foundation, P.O. Box 511, Owings Mills. MD 21117-0511. Phone orders: (301)358-04!2. Name Address City State_Zip__ _ Yad Yechiel is a qualified non-profit organization dedicated to the memory of Reb Yechiel ben Reb Nachman Dovid HaLeivi. 12 The Jewish Observer. October 1988 CHESSED-REACHING OUT WITH KINDNESS Rabbi Myer Schecter We prefer to shun confrontation with tragic circumstances, avoiding the thought: "Could the same thing happen to me?" The Art of BIKUR CHOLIM THE IMPORTANCE OF A VISIT enable him to see certain patients for our elders is tied to the fear of especially those who need such G-d Himself' (Kiddushin 32b ), in s a hospital chaplain, I often visits the most. the words of Sages. get calls from people inter Bikur cholim is one of the mitzvos A ested in bikur cholim visit she'ein lahem sh'iur. that is, it is THE DROP-OUT TENDENCY ing the sick, "Can you please give of such significance, that even a visit me a list of the patients in your care? of short duration can have the value I really would like to get involved in of a complete mitzva. On the one ctually, few of us have to be a visiting program." The chaplain hand, the Gemora records that after convinced of the importance usually tiies to accommodate these Rabbi Akiva had visited an ailing A of bikur cholim, and yet well-meaning people, but most hos student and cared for his basic many people who decide to visit the pitals have a strict confidentiality needs, the young man told him, sick on a regular basis tend to drop code that prohibits distribution of "Rebbe, you restored me to life!" On their commitment after a couple of patient lists. In addition, some the other hand, Rabbi Akiva said. visits. In tl}'lng to understand the patients simply do not want it "He who does not visit the sick is reasons for this drop-out tendency, known that they have been hospi as one who sheds blood" (Nedarim we need not saddle ourselves with talized. This is their privilege and 40a). all the blame. Ours ls a different right. But working within the guide In many cases, the patients are world from that of our sages. Our lines of confidentiality, the chaplain elderly people, and there is an society emphasizes privacy, in fact, and volunteer department can pre additional mitzva of "Ve'hadarta we hardly know our neighbors. We pare a list for the friendly visitor to pnei zakein," the mitzva to give don't like to intrude on others, and honor to elders, as well as numerous we become upset if others intrude Rabbi Myer Schecter, a musmach ofYeshiva Ner other mitzvos that emphasize on our privacy. How, then, do we Israel. Baltimore. Is Director of Pastoral Services Jn the Sir Mortime:r B. Davis-Jewish General responsibilities to parents, teachers, approach the patient we have never Hospital of Montreal. and those older than us.... "Respect met before? "Rabbi, what do I say? The Jewish Observer. October 1988 13 How can I tell ifhe is receptive?What Although these feelings come if he rejects me?" This awkward naturally, they run counter to basic feeling is only natural. And because Jewish attitudes-from the concept of these fears, we tend to visit only of respect for every human being as those who are close to us, family or tzellem Elokim (bearing the Divine frtends. This, too, only reinforces the image), to the requirement to bear prtvacy ethic, defeating the whole a burden with our fellow, no matter purpose of the reach-out element in how heavy or uncomfortable it chessed. proves to be. The plan to visit should There are other underlying causes over rule the impulse to stay home. to our laxity towards assuming this When prepartng to visit hospital mitzva as a routine. The average patients, I strengthen my resolve by patient in an "acute-care hospital" recalling a thought I once heard is in the late seventies, and very from Rabbi Avrohom Pam, Rosh often he (or she) is there imme Yeshiva of Mesivta Torah Vodaath: diately before or after surgery. A visit The Midrash relates that when durtng such times of anxiety and Sara Imeinu became with child at physical weakness may not be recently-young) people who are the age of eighty-nine, barren appreciated. And then, in a long vibrant and alive. We wonder, with women the world-over also became term-care setting, patients may be out actually asking ourselves, "Am pregnant people were cured from stroke victims, suffering from I ever going to be like that sick 'old illnesses, and a sense qf simcha chronic heart ailments, struck with lady'? If so, who wants to live so pervaded the world. Rabbi Pam Alzheimer's, Incontinent, or just long? What kind of quality of life is asked. ''Why was it necessary for very ill; visiting here can be quite that?" the whole world to be filled with delicate and uncomfortable for both Or when contemplating a visit to joy.just because Sara became with visitor and patient. younger patients that are suffertng child?" He answered. "Sara would There is also an internal mecha from chronic illnesses or debilitat not have felt true simcha if the nism of denial that affects all of us. ing diseases, we tend to shun con salvation were hers alone. In mak We become uncomfortable with frontation with such tragic circum ing certain to please her, G-d saw older people who are ill. We prefer stances: "Could the same thing to it that all other barTen women to belong to that group of young (or happen to me?" were also with child. Only then was Sara able to sense the simcha." The message is indeed profound, but it is not new in Jewish life. THEYll"fYLEIBELHELP-LINE By way of contrast, people fre quently complain about the Imper AFreeServiceol the sonality of contemporary society, YittyfAibel ChcsedFund and bemoan the fact that people just "don't care any more." These argu • Maritalproblems? "' Fear of breakcdown?. ments and discussions have been pursued ad nauseam to the effect •• C>verpowering stress? • Parent-child friction? that we have become desensitized to the alienation that pervades Do you have problems!ike these and are afraid or ashamed lo talk t~ today. The very essence and raison anyone? ...• Do you want a tr<1ined, wise, warm professional whowiU talkto d'etre of bikur cholim groups is to you on the phone? . . • ...... ·.· • . . . . . · negate this tendency and to inspire So111e of the To~hWfllrnunity's highly skilled psychologists, social \f 14 The Jewish Observer. October 1988 Ours is a different world from that of our sages: most of us are private people. Our society emphasizes privacy; infact, we hardly know our neighbors. humiliation. Starting in the admit a lift. And what can equal the value but they bear review, for they have ting area, patients are given identity of the handshake you receive In been veiy useful to me. Eventually, tags, a hospital card and an infor return, or the gratitude and blessing of course. eveiy mevaker choleh will mation book which tells of the the patient may shower upon you develop his or her personal patients' rights and responsibilities. as you leave? They are beyond approach. They are then brought to an unfa measure. I .Advise the chaplain and volunteer miliar room, often with veiy ill room department of the group you are mates, told to remove their clothes, forming-they may have invaluable and to put on an ill-fitting gown. SOME PRACTICAL GUIDELINES suggestions. Ask for names and Next, they are confronted by a nurse room numbers for the patients you and intern who dole out instruc o ease the way for those who should visit. Names are veiy impor tions and Information In language are considering the formation tant for introductoiy purposes: they not distinguished for its clarity. T of bikur cholim groups, I immediately make visits more per Older patients frequently find them would like to offer a few suggestions. sonal. Entering the room, you might selves helpless, at the mercy of Many of my points may strike the say, "Is this the room of Jack nurses and orderlies who are often reader as ordinaiy common sense, Schwartz? My name is Joe Levy from overworked, sometimes less than compassionate. Some patients have to be assisted in eating. going to the bathroom, getting In and out of bed, even to manage a drink of water. since 1928 This whole process brings a loss of autonomy, creates feelings of FREEDA® dependence and lack of self-worth ' that are difficult for the patient to accept. It is precisely at this point that VITAMINS btkur cholim is essential, and THE BEST IN THE VITAMIN WORLD becomes something of an art form. 36 E. 4lst St., New York, NV 10017 (212) 685·4H80 It is not only the importance of the visit per se, but how we make use Over 250 Vitamins, Minerals and Amino Acids to cover al! of the visit: how we talk to the your v·1tamin needs. Our vitamins are made on the premises under strict pharmaceutical and kashrus standards. patients, our tone of voice, how we Freeda Vitamins are parve and vegetarian and are under the touch the patient, fix a pillow and Rabbinical Supervision of the Orthodox Union and Rabbi encourage him or her. It's how we tv\ordechai Kohn from New Square, N.Y. listen to their problems. how we give • No sugar • No sulfates • No coal tar dyes them the self-esteem they sorely •No staech•No salt filler •No animal stearates ~~~.···.·',~- need, and how we just make them feel human again. If one may, one "'~ .. ,.,<.~·;;;::ti' could describe the mitzva of bikur --· ~~ FREE FREEDA BROCHURES:----~-- chollm as she'ein lahem shiur CJ Multi-Vitamins 0 Calcium '.:J New & Exciting Products (beyond measure) simply as refer [] •\1inerals 0 Digestive Aids '.J Nutrition for Children ring to what the mevaker (visitor) CJ Full complete brochure D Vitamin C D Nutrition for Women gives over to the choleh (patlon). We 0 Free coupon for a $2.00 DB-Complex :::J Nutrition for Seniors cannot measure, in any terms, the discount on Freeda vitamins. significance of your promise to •Please check the spaces NAME: make a Mi-sheberach, your listen which are of interest to ADDRESS' ing to their problems and pains, the you, and we will send you value of your smile and your sense pamphlets, no charge. CITY: ·----- STATE: ___ ZIP ___ of humor, which gives them such The Jewish Observer, October 1988 15 yourself to everybody. 4. Always come into the room with a smile. No matter how ill a patient I'll Visit Him . .. is. he appreciates a smile. Try to get the patient to talk about the "good Next Time old days." You don't have to do the talking; it is far better to listen and reinforce his sense of self worth. A couple of weeks ago I visited a relative in a I 'You must have been an exceptional nursing home. Walking through the halls. 4 thought I spotted an old friend of my late father. man ... ," " ... a very giving mother, Max Goldberg. I wasn't certain. The friend of my and character doesn't change." If father whom I had remembered was a vigorous , even there are other patients in the room. ebullient man, full of zest and joy, full of energy. It they should of course be acknowl would have been at least two decades since I had last edged. not ignored. seen him. Was this the same man? Al Striker. a 5. If possible, bring something with friend of the family, often commented, "How you to give the patients; a few fortunate. if only each person could die at the cookies (if the patient is not dia height of his powers; he would not have to witness betic), or a flower for a lady. On erev his own decline." Striker's words, eerily reverberated in my mind. provided a clue. Shabbos, I usually bring challos Though there is nothing I can think that I would rather have (and cannot have) and grape juice (wine is forbidden than more moments with my father. it does seem in retrospect that he passed at because of the medications patients the height of his powers. Save his last illness, albeit horribly draining, he did not take). It's a gesture that is always decline, and even then he did not decline mentally. I do not remember him without his powers-because (save the end) he was not without them. But my father's appreciated. Some friendly visitors friend was almost lifeless. and appeared to have been that way for quite some time. in our hospital take long-term-care Or. could it be someone else? Was I dreaming? patients out for an occasional drive. Deep in my heart, I knew. I couldn't kid myself: it was he. Others belong to groups that spon I said to myself: sor oneg Shabbos, Purim and Chan Beyond all this, what is the big deal? I have given cheer to many old people; I can uka parties, and other such enter give it to him too. regardless of who he is. tainments. This latter approach can Though he will probably not remember me-after all, I was only the kid who usually be arranged through special tagged along-I should go up to him give him a word of good cheer. strengthen geriatric therapy departments or one of my last few links to my Dad, however indirect or thin. What d!lference social services. does it make whether he remembers me or not? 6. Try to keep your visits on a steady But the contrast immobilized me. basis. This is especially applicable The contrast: seeing this man for the first time in at least two decades, remem bering his zest. seeing its absence; remembering his powers at their height. seeing in the chronic-care sector. where the them at their depth. patient looks forward to your reg So I compromised: ular visit. After a visit or two, don't I shall say hello to him the next time I come to the nursing home. I come with be afraid to hold a patient's hand, somefrequency anyway. Next time, that's the answer. fix a pillow or even give him a hug. Good intentions-next time. This is what patients need most, a This week. he died. little warmth and friendship. A -HILLEL GOLDBERG, lntennountain Jewish News telephone call during the day is also most appropriate. It shows the a bikur cholim group. Is it all right patient's feelings are quite normal. patient you're thinking of him. if we visit with you?" Addressing the We all have times when we need to 7. If you see the patient is seeking patient by name gives him a per be left alone. reassurance with regard to his sonal sense of worth. 3. Find a chair and sit down. Eye health, you can tell him that 2. At first. don't go alone. Go in pairs. to-eye contact is important; try not although you're not a doctor, you or try to form a group of four or six, to stand, peering from above. believe that the medical team is so you can share experiences and Explain to the patient that he is just trying their very best. Usually, this support each other. Before entering one of many you are visiting. If the is all the patient wants to hear, not the room, gently knock on the door patient is elderly, try to offer some any false answers that are patently and wait for a positive response. The thing concrete; "Can I get you unrealistic. Never suggest the use of patient may be indisposed or in an something?" or "Can I raise or lower second or third opinions. This often uncomfortable position. He may be the bed?" In the event the patient causes confusion, disruption and tired and not in the mood for has visitors, don't feel you are has all-around negative effects. The visitors. He may ask you to return intruding. Your stay should be brief patient, family and doctor are another time. Don't feel rejected. The and serve primarily to introduce responsible for what must be done. 16 The Jewish Observer. October 1988 Shocking as it may be, few of us have the capacity or will to link our physical problems with our personal spiritual flaws. Even if we profess the concept, it can be very different in moments of truth. 8. Don't be tempted to make the change in their lifestyles. The per· someone in need. It offers growth. patient frum Such overt attempts sonal example you offer through both to the patient's self esteem and usually backfire and leave a bad your concern for the patient's wel· to your own. taste. You can lose credibility and fare is the most potent mussar One final thought. The Sages the honesty of an accepting relation shmuess regarding the uplifting taught, "Havei zahir bemitzva ship. He'll always suspect you of nature of a Torah life that you can kalla kevachamura-be as careful trying to "sell" something-that you possibly offer. in the observance of a smaller mitz· are not sincerely interested in him va as in a greater one" (Avos 11,2). as a person. Even when the patient The commentaries tell us there are expresses an interest in becoming A VERY DELICATE ART many components to a mitzva that frum. it is wise to be measured in cannot be measured. Two of these your encouragement. A patient's he art of bikur cholim, then, are the true significance of the mitz· thinking is probably troubled is very delicate indeed. Be· va and the way in which we do the because he's frightened, vulnerable. T sides the greatness of the mitzva. In bikur cholim we may just unstable and anxious, and the mitzva, it offers the mevaker deep grasp a little understanding of these hospital-bed commitment can be feelings of satisfaction. It offers a components ... the greatness of its short-lived. When the acute-care sense of wholeness in that you Impact and how it may be developed patientleaves the hospital, he gener shared something of yourself with into an art ofloving care. • ally reverts "back to normal" and usually wants to block out the hospital episode from his mind. After a serious illness, the majority Let COPE prepare you for a career of patients-even the most in COMPUfER PROGRAMMING Orthodox-generally tell me, "Rabbi. from now on I'm going to take it easy 0 we·ve always been the leader in offering the and enjoy life. Who knows how long programming languages used in todays business: I have to live? Only G·d knows! From BASIC. COBOL and "C (our course even includes now on. Rabbi, I'll go to Florida, take JCL. BAL. VSAM. lJ"IIX and DOS) vacations regularly and appreciate what life has to offer." It is indeed 0 IBM pc and mainframe labs let you learn in the rare patient who will say. "Rabbi, the same hands-on environment used hy major it's time I did a little teshuva. Maybe corporations I have to re-examine my ways, how I did mitzvos ... perhaps I should 0 Our reputation was built by training and learn a little more ... give a little placing thousands of successful graduates who can more tzedakka. .. :· Shocking as look back at their "COPE" diploma \\ith pride. It may be. few of us have the capacity or will to link our physical problems with our personal spiritual llaws. Full lime Day (6 months) Even if we profess the concept, it can Sunday and Evening ( 2 eves weekly) ( 91/.> months) 11 be very different in moments of Aftern1mn·For \\'omen Only ( 9 ; months) truth. ____,,,_,, f)'.trall' C!a.~st'!. for .\!Pn And Women---- In a chronic, long-term-care situa· tion, however. btinging the patient Tuirn~1 (;r,un' "'"ilahk 111 om1unt11••1 1>nh the opportunity to do mitzvos may fmwcoal lid l•rdnh for diKlhk VJnlO!>.IF\l' give him a sense of purpose. a more ~nn·Junl I>\ llw ·\nn'<.111111~ li•mnu"um COPE of 1tw lrnll'['t'ndmt (_olk·~~·' II. x·hmh structured existence, and some Un·n"·cl *'' tho: '"" '"'"' ~,,. l•lurallnl\ INSTITUfE li..·pannwn1 \!)'"'"~I of '«U 1'he Jewish Observer, October 1988 17 CHESSED-REACHING OUT WITH KINDNESS HNOSAS ORCHIM eartly, Asher shifted un comfortably in the hard W:plastic chair. Shabbos had begun four hours ago, and perhaps now, after the excitement and ten sion had settled, he would be able to rest as best as the bright orange chair would allow. It would be a long, hard night. The weight of his heavy head was barely supported by his stiff neck. Indeed, as he dozed, he would wake up with a start as his bearded chin jerked onto his chest. The only chair he was accustomed to on Friday night was the thickly upholstered one at the head of his Shabbos tisch at home. It was admittedly a bit inconvenient, hav ing to spend the night in the orange plastic chair in the Jerusalem hos pital of Misgav Ladach, but baruch Hashem his wife had given birth to a healthy child after licht-bentching time, having checked in that Friday morning. Mrs. Berry lives ln Klryat Telz-Stone near Jerusalem. Her "Yossel the Violin Player" was featured in JO, Feb'SB. All details in the above story are anthentlc, except for the names. which have been altered to protect the privacy of the principals. 18 The Jewish Observer. October 1988 Mrs. Galia Berry While one usually associates a hospital setting with the mitzva qf bikur cholim, in the Katamon neighborhood qfYerushalayim the mitzva qf visiting the sick is combined with hachnosos orchim-hospitality. :N THE HOSPITAL He had found a little shtiebel to comfortable accommodations? We out on the way. was "Reb Avraham daaven Ma'arit>-what neighbor live only a block away, and my wife Yitzchak" and he made it his custom hood in Jerusalem doesn't have a and I are always looking forward to to visit the hospital every Shabbos shul on every other block?-and Shabbos guests! Have you eaten a eve and morning in search of hus then returned to the hospital, to proper Shabbos meal yet?" bands who had become "trapped" in check on his wife, now sleeping Asher could only mumble that he the hospital due to their wives comfortably, and their beautiful had managed a bit of cake and fruit. giving birth, and then, due to dis newborn daughter. He was glad that But that was sufficient. ... tance. were unable to make their his wife had thought to pack a little "Nonsense! You must come to us! way home until Motzaei Shabbos. cake and fruit, or he wouldn't have Admittedly, we ate a few hours ago, His wife "Sara," Reb Avraham Yitz eaten that Shabbos night, for he but we have plenty of tasty leftov chak explained, always cooked lived on the outskirts of Jerusalem, ers!" (The chassid mumbled to plenty of food to ensure that there and walking home was out of the himself, "Ach, I knew I should have would be enough for the expected question. So it seemed that the come immediately following shul!") "unexpected" guests, in addition to hospital room would be his bed Interrupting himself. he added, "By having at least two beds prepared chamber that Shabbos evening. He the way-do you have a Mazel Tov? in advance for guests just like Asher. shrugged, shifted uncomfortably, A new daughter? Mazel Tov! Lots and dozed off again lightly. of nachas! You know. we have a very • •• comfortable bed for you at our home; he next morning, Asher • • • really much better than that hard awoke, feeling rested and sher awoke to find a hand chair you're sitting on!" T happy, incredibly grateful to resting on his shoulder, Asher thought he had better Hashem that He had given him and A nudging him gently. He check on his wife again, and was his wife a beautiful daughter, as well looked up, and saw a tall, handsome comforted to see that she was as for the hashgacha that had chassid, regally dressed in a silk sleeping soundly. He told the nurses delivered him into the hands of Reb bekeshe and shtreimel. to inform his wife, should she Avraham Yitzchak and family. He "Gut Shabbos," the intruder said awaken. that he would return the davened at a nearby yeshiva. and softly. "I am sorry to disturb your following morning. returned to the hospital so he could menuchas Shabbos," he grinned. And so, the chassid took Asher to wish his wife "gut Shabbos," make "Perhaps I can offer you more his home. His name. Asher found Kiddush for her. and gaze upon the The Jewish Observer, October 1988 19 miracle of the tiny new life in the spend the rest of the day with his into the recovery room, which was bassinette. wife and baby, relaxed, rested and naturally quieter than the other Asher knocked softly on the door. well-fed. His wife was delighted and room on the busy floor. There was expecting to find his wife asleep. grateful. Meanwhile, Reb Avraham a lone patient there, and at her "Gut Shabbos:· he smiled. His wife Yitzchak was not idle. With two of bedside sat her husband, his lined was holding their daughter. her eyes his seven children in tow, he unob· face revealing anxiety and concern. dancing and face beaming. She trusively and politely went from Somehow the chassid sensed that looked at Asher quizzically. Asher room to room, making sure that all it would be inappropriate to initiate grinned. 'You're not going to believe the patients' husbands had made the conversation with his standard, this. but. . . . ·· He proceeded to tell arrangements for their Shabbos Do you have a Maze! Tov?, for the his wife all about the wonderful seuda. Only when satisfied that woman appeared to be in pain. chessed shown to him by his gra they lived nearby or were planning "Excuse me 'Gut Shabbos.' Is cious hosts, and how he was looking to eat with friends, did he venture there anything I can do to help?" forward to spending Shabbos lunch into the next room. Yosef gazed at the chassid in front with them as well. This way. he could Reb Avraham Yitzchak peeked of him who seemed to appear from nowhere. To each side of him was a small boy and girl, peeking out shyly from behind their father's PINCHAS MANDEL bekeshe. "Perhaps you would care to join Over 35 Years Experience in Kvura in Eretz Yisrael us for our Shabbos seuda? We live •Dedicated to Kavod Haniftar with personal only a block away.'' responsibility throughout service Yosef looked questioningly at his •Highly recommended by Gedolai Hadar wife. She suddenly had terrible -Here and in Eretz Yisrael- stomach pains, and both the doctor and the Rav had advised that she 1569 - 47th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11219 go immediately to the hospital, for Day & Night Phone (718) 855-5121 it seemed to be a matter of pikuach Honesty ·· Integrity - Reliability nefesh. Yosef hadn't even had a Cf1ESED SHEL FMtS a~ under-;tood Jnd practin-•d hy one art1ve in !he industry more than half a century. chance to daven or think of his own Taharas Haniftar Should Never Be Commercialized needs. He had rushed by car to the hospital, having arrived but a half hour earlier. Tests revealed that she had internal hemorrhaging, but not all the laboratory results were in, ARE YOU MOVING? and there was no final diagnosis as IS YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS PRINTED yet. Surgery seemed likely at this INCORRECTLYON THE JO MAILING LABEL? point-they were both frightened by the prospect. Yosef had been dav· We need your help to ensure proper delivery olthe JO to your home. Please enning Shaachris when the chas attach current mailing label in the space below, or print clearly your address sid had entered the room. and computer processing number!> that are printed above your name on .the 'You go, Yosef," his wife said address label. quietly. 'You haven't yet managed to eat a proper seudah this Shabbos ADDRESS CHANGE FORM day. We won't have any answers yet (Affix label here) for at least another two hours. Go you need a place to relax a bit. It is easy to forget it is Shabbos here!" Yosef didn't know what to do. He hated to leave his wife, who was clearly in pain and would be very Name------~------~-~ much alone. But here was a Shab· bos angel in the guise of a chassid Address---~------offering him a small taste of Shab· City, State, ZiP------~ bas, with the promise of a family tisch. divrei Torah. cholent ... Date Effective------.,.,.,--.., "Are you sure it is all right if I go? PleaSe all-OW 6-8 weeks Jot all Changes to be_reflectOO on your mailing label. \VE WILL-NOT BE I feel awful leaving you alone. . . ." RESP0NStBL£ FOR BACK ISSUES MISSED unless you notlfy us 8 weeks 'prior to your mnve, "! insist!" said the wife, and Reb 20 1'he Jewish Observer, October 1988 those precious two hours. they had restored to Yosef the aura and Asher awoke to find a hand resting on his simcha of Shabbos-th rough their shoulder . . ."Gut Shabbos," the intruder kind words, their gracious and genuine hospitality; the normalcy of said softly. "Perhaps I can offer you more lively children singing zemiros and comfortable accommodations?. " spouting divrei Torah; the steam· ing, delicious foods served from the beautifully set Shabbos tisch. A week after the crisis had passed. Avraham Yitzchak took Yosefs arm the hospital room! How was your Yosefs wife was discharged from the and escorted him out of the room. lunch?" hospital. Asher's wife had been "Refuah shleima and gut Shab· Yosef smiled at his wife. "Baruch released a few days earlier. To their bosr· he called to Yosefs wife. "And Hashem! Such a wonderful chessed acquaintances, they related the if there is anything I can do to help that man and his wife perform! Do wonderful hachnosas orchim by you-perhaps you would like one of you know that they come to the Reb Avraham Yitzchak and his wife. my children to stay here with you hospital every Shabbos in search of only to find out that their hospitality so you won't be alone?"' guests?" each and every Shabbos, no matter * •• Yosef seemed much more relaxed, how inclement the weather. no and his new demeanor helped his matter how many the guests-was osef returned two hours later. wife feel calmer, too. She had an already well known. Few people who He found his wife alone in the army of nurses and doctors to worry had found themselves at Misgav Y:room, lying in bed, singing over her and care for her, but no one Ladach Hospital in Jerusalem on a Shabbos zemiros. She explained, "I except Reh Avraham Yitzchak and Shabbos had not been touched by don't feel the pain so much when his wife Sara had concerned them· their hospitality, and everyone I sing and concentrate on the words. selves with her husband's feelings agreed that their Shabbos had been I am trying to bring Shabbos into of distress and helplessness. For greatly enriched as a result.• I I I I Subscribe, Renew or Give I The Jewish Observer I now and save. I I I U.S.A. ONLY I OUTSIDE U.S.A. THE I .!One Year/$18.00 (for ten issues) []$28 I iJTwo Years/$30.00 (a $50 value) []$;)() I CThree Years/$40.00 (a $75 value) Ll$70 JEWISH I I U.S. FUNDS-DRAWN ON A U.S. BANK ONLY I Suite 1200, 84 William Street, New York, NY 10038 OBSERVER I I Send magazine to: •Analyzes. •Reports. I Nan1e •Evaluates •Reviews. I I Address ______---·--- •Comments. •Reflects. I Citv _____ State___ Zip______•Inspires. •Projects. I I CJ Enclose gift card UMaslerCard [JVisa I Acct. No .. Wedo more I Expiration date DD (month) [JD (vear) DD I thanjust observe. I Signature I The JeuJish Observer. October 1988 21 Home Attendants needed for housekeeping and personal care for the disabled and homebound good pay and benefits Boro Park, Bensonhurst and Flatbush Area full-time live in positions only Project OHR Inc. (Office for ttomecare Referral) 1308-40th Street Brooklyn, NY 11218 (718) 853-2700 CHESSED-REACHING OUT WITH KINDNESS Dr. Meir Wikler "ONE BODY, ONE HEART'' "TT V ayichan shom Yisroel neged hohor-And the people of Israel encamped there opposite the mountain" (Shemos 19,2). The Hebrew word vayichan {literally "and he camped") is singu lar. But, in fact there were millions of Jews encamped opposite Har Sinai in preparation for receiving the Torah. Why does the Chu mash use the singular form? Rashi comments: "All the people were like one person, with one heart." In other words, this singular verb was used to emphasize the unity of Kial Yisroel at that moment. THE IDEAL vlous generations of European Jewry With a sentimentality, which hroughout the span of Jew can distort the historical reality. ish histoiy, unity and cohe Some of what we admire most of the T siveness have been evidenced recent generations of European through acts of gemillus chassodim Jewry never really existed, With one (loving kindness) between Jews who notable exception: Whenever one were total strangers to each other. Jew or a group of Jews was in Even though there may have been trouble, the rest of European Jewry no personal or family ties to bind would share the suffering and them, their shared membership in respond accordingly. Kial Yisroel brought out expres derech hateva (according to the Since we hear so much about sions of concern and generosity ··natural laws" of social psychology). conflict and strife amongst different which could not be explained al pi The late Bostoner Rebbe of New Jewish groups today, it would be in York, Rabbi Moshe Horowitz, J"'1, place to showcase any evidence that Dr. Wilder is a psychotherapist and family counselor in private practice. He lives in Brook once commented that contemporaiy the JeWish reflex of "one body, With lyn, New York. American Jewry often views pre- one heart" is still veiy much in tact. The Jewish Observer. October 1988 23 THE EVIDENCE on a flight from Tel-Aviv to New York, most of the passengers would "in t started out like any other flight sist only on kosher food." from Tel-Aviv to New York ... late. Members of the Antwerp Jewish I After the usual. expected secur community responded reflexively. ity checks and delays. the 747jumbo As if this kind of emergency occurs jet took off for an ill-fated refueling every week, volunteers quickly stop in Brussels. organized. An impressive array of At 4:30 AM. local time, the plane food and milk (which was urgently landed uneventfully. Many of the needed for infants and toddlers) was passengers even questioned whe purchased, all with the most reliable On Gardening ther it was worthwhile to enter the hechsherim. It was then packed in airport lounge for less than an hour. boxes and delivered, as if by eagles' Mts. B. K.arf'iol . . . By 9:00 AM.. the first official wings, to the Brussels hotel where announcement was made inform~ over four hundred famished Jews "Yo!il'gardening skills ing the passengers that there would anxiously wondered when they Could stn'ely'.be Improved," be an additional one hour delay would see their next kosher meal. until take off. At 11:00 AM., depar · 8;lld th~ resouf(:eful neighbor, ture was promised by 12:30 P.M. l';'ext ~~or,,to.~hom I moved. And by 2:00 P.M., special buses ar Why did the Jews of He regaf!Ie'dMth dis<:lain rived to take nearly five hundred weary travelers to a local hotel. Antwerp show so much NY simplelertain. Not only were the passengers concern for people whom Twas certainly true: unprepared for their indefinite stay My simple, scraggly patch, in Brussels. the airline was caught they had never met? off guard. as well. From the pre-da\\TI Why did they go to all For his lush la'wn hours until mid-afternoon, all the that bother and expense? )Va!ltft nearly amatch. airline was able to provide besides Each weekend he wouldwee<:l "complimentary beverages" was one cold, boxed lunch per person. The food arrived in the middle of ~d.pl:mt. and till the soik- As afternoon turned into evening. the night, filling the stomachs of . From mom.until dusk these hundreds of stranded families hungry travelers, calming the nerves My neighbor did toil. ran out of food, as well as patience. of anxious parents. There was such All sources of auxiliary food supplies ample supply that the passengers Upon a rare occasion, and snacks were depleted, and there who "insisted only on kosher food" I ,woul<:J Wistfully regard was still no definite word from had enough left over for breakfast That lovely blooming garden airline representatives as to when the next morning and throughout on•which he'worked so bard, the repairs would be completed and their flight-the next daywhen their the flight resumed. journey finally continued, after a But myhousebold of offspring Of course. the airline representa total delay of twenty seven hours. Took all my time, and more, tives did accept their responsibility Why did theJewsofAntwerpshow to provide meals for these unwilling so much concern for people whom .·. ~a'1~12ot a ~pare moment visitors to Brussels. So they distrib they never had met? Why did they ·To compete .With him, next door~ uted vouchers to be used in the hotel go to all that bother and expense? My days were all filled restaurant for all passengers who And how can I and my family ever Attending to each child, "did not insist only on kosher food." express our gratitude to them? For those who did, however, there The Jews of Antwerp acted as they _Raising them.With my were only promises of another boxed did, I suggest. because when they full efforts lunch ... which never came. heard about our ordeal, they As my lawn grew Wild. responded reflexively as part of "one MEANWHILE, IN ANTWERP body with one heart." And this AsUme went.oµ, though, article has been written to at least to this.fact. nwhile, news of this partially fulfill my obligation to be I. gladly did resign terminable delay reached makir toir-acknowledge their kind · Le.t himcl.tltivate his gardenc...:. twerp. the city with the ness. Perhaps I will only be able to largest Jewish community in Bel completely fulfill that obligation I amculuvating mine. gium, located forty five minutes when and if I am able to live up to the example set by our anonymous ~. -Kad'lol tends -her family in Brooklyn. away from Brussels. The personal Where 'her_-husband. is-a-'IJieinber 9f the Kolle! identities of the passengers were all baalei chessed (benefactors) of of _Meslvta Torah VOOaath. unknown. But one can assume that Antwerp.• 24 The Jewish Observer. October 1988 Giti Weissmandl RABBIYEHUDA ASZOD ,,,~, Rav, Teacher, Battlerfor the Integrity of Torah and Jewry he declaration of war against leadership had convinced the tion and could not continue the reforming of Judaism had Emperor Franz Joseph that the speaking. T been issued in the early nine monies should be returned in the Addressing the other members of teenth century by the Chasam Sofer form of funding for a Reform rab delegation. the Emperor asked. (Rabbi Moshe Schreiber). the binical seminary. Similar seminar 'Who amongst you is greatest in revered Rav of Pressburg. and ies in Palis. Breslau and Padua had Torah?" indeed. during his lifetime he suc all but destroyed the rabbonus and All the assembled rabbis indicated ceeded in thwarting its spread in kehillos in their respective coun Rabbi Yehuda Aszod of Szerdahely. Austro-Hungary. But after his pass tlies. and the Torah leadership of Franz Joseph asked Rabbi Aszod to ing in 1839. the Reform influence Austro-Hungary mobilized to pre honor him with a blessing. Reb expelienced a strong revival. with vent the government funds from Yehuda responded. "Honorable out serious challenge for close to ten being used in this manner. king. even though each one of these years. A delegation led by the Chasam rabbis is greater than I am. I cannot It was at that time that the Sofefs son and successor as Rav of refuse his majesty's request." Reb government was prepared to refund Pressburg. Rabbi Avrohom Shmuel Yehuda then blessed the Emperor a large sum of money to the Jews Binyamin Schreiber (the Ksav with long life. culminated by a of Hungary. collected as a punative Sqferl. arranged to meet with the peaceful. natural death. r:mperor tax for their support of the abortive Emperor. After the Ksav Sofer Franz Joseph lived until the age of revolution of 1848. The Reform presented a petition to the Emperor eighty-six; and while several requesting his intervention in can members of his immediate family Mrs. Weissmandl, a direct descendent of Rabbi Aszod, lives In Monsey, NY. This is her first celling plans for the rabbinical were assassinated or died an unnat· appearance in these pages. semina:ry, he was overcome by emo~ ural death. he died peacefully in his The Jewish Observer. October 1988 25 bed. He ruled Austro- Hungary for sixty-eight years. during one of the Intoxicated by the new opportunities longest and most difficult reigns in proffered them, many Ghetto-bound Jews histoty. The Emperor promised to give the were convinced that by shedding all out matter of the rabbinical seminary ward signs of their Jewishness, they would serious consideration. and eventu ally yielded to their request. be accepted by their gentile neighbors. BACKGROUND OF A SCHOLAR of Aszod, northeast of Budapest. His him to go to Dunaszerdahely to father. Reb Yisroel. a pious upright study in the yeshiva of his brother abbi Yehuda Aszod-poseik. tailor, would distribute cloth left Rabbi Ahron Bichler. This yeshiva teacher. and defender of over by his customers to the needy. catered to exceptional students, and R Torah-was born In 1794/ despite his own financial straits. while there Yehuda applied himself 5554 in the small Hungarian town Before his petira. he left instruc with great diligence. BY the time he tions that his coffin be made from was eighteen. he had mastered five his work table. so that It bear hundred dappim (folios) of Gemora witness before the Heavenly tribu and was fluent in all four sections Add Some Ruach nal that he had never been dishon of the Shulchan Aruch. est. Yehuda. a mere child of eight. From Szerdahely. Yehuda joined 'kto Your*: captivated the crowd with his the famous yeshiva of Rabbi Mor Neighborhood! eulogy. decha! Benet in N!cholsburg. Rabbi call After his father's death. his moth Benet soon recognized the brilliance er's primary concern was that her of his pupil and entrusted him with BNOSAGUDAS son become a great Torah scholar giving a shiur to a group of fifty YISROEL and she sent him to the yeshiva of bachwim. This aroused the envy of Rabbi Fal!k Bichler in Suditz. Rabbi some students and a few of them and we'll help you start Bichler cherished the exceptional composed an inflammatoiy pam your own branch. qualities of the young orphan. and phlet, slipping it between the pages treated him as a member of his own of Rabbi Benet's Gemora. (212) 797-9000 Ext. 60 household. The pamphlet enumerated three Before Jong. Rabbi Bichler advised serious transgressions: that Yehuda had started his own yeshiva with fifty bachurim; that he was speak ing ill of Rav Benet; and that he held himself in such high esteem that he AN URGENT REMINDER was learning Kabbala. When Rabbi FROM Benet found the pamphlet he was enraged at the slander against Yehuda. and turning to Yehuda he CHEVRA DOR YESHORIM quoted Yaakov Avinu's blessing: 'Yehuda. you, your brothers shall YOUNG PEOPLE OF MARRIAGEABLE AGE MUST BE TESTED praise." Rabbi Benet added fifty in order to prevent the scourge of Tay-Sachs disease from striking the next more bachurim to Yehuda's shiur generation, in accordance with the directives of the Gedolei Hador. and expressed public approval of his learning Kabbala. SCHOOLS and YESHIVOS: Rabbi Benet was often overheard Please call 718-384-2332 if you are preparing his shiurim with: "And if interested in having testing done for students. my student Yehuda will ask me this, Genetic counseling is also available. I will answer thus. And if he will ask Call for an appointment: me this, I will answer as follows.'' (718) 384·6060 or (914) 783-1370 While in Nicholsburg. Yehuda Confidentiality assured. never slept on a bed. except on Shabbos, and Invariably learned through the night while standing. CHEVRA DOR YESHORIM, INC. Even when the bets midrash emp 198 Keap Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 tied at lunchtime, he stayed on. learning in his tefillin. 26 The Jewish Observer, October 1988 took the shofar, and the night sky reverberated with a loud blast. Overwhelmed with fear, tbe enemy camp fled. The next morning, hundreds of dead bodies were found. Hurban explained his hum iliating defeat by describing the appearance before him of a man whose height reached the very heavens. When It was rumored that Hurban would be returning, the anti Semites of the community looked forward to the opportunity to rob and pillage Jewish homes. A baker who was a virulent anti-Semite was determined to kill Reb Yehuda One Shabbos morning, as he walked to shul escorted by his followers, the Yehuda lived in extreme poverty, In anticipation, Rabbi Aszod would-be murderer suddenly but seemed unaffected. One year he ordered every man, woman and appeared, his knife drawn. The had saved sufficient funds for a child to spend the first night of people around him screamed in badly needed pair of new shoes, but Pesach in the Bets Midrash. At panic, but Reb Yehuda continued with the approach of Succos, he midnight, Reb Yehuda instructed bought beautiful arba minim ten of his students to scout the instead, and happily went to shul outskirts of the city. Within an hour on Yomtov in slippers. they returned, and informed the FOR BURIAL PLOTS Rav that they could hear the din of IN ERETZ YISROEL battle. The Rav consoled the fright CONTACT ENTERING THE RABBONUS ened crowd: "Don't fear, tonight you will witness a great salvation from CHEVRA e married the daughter of Hashem" Reb Meier Abani, and moved Reb Yehuda purified himself, OSEH CHESED H to Dunaszerdahely, devoting wrapped himself in his tallts, took of Agudath Israel all his time to Torah study. He his shofar and walked out to con 84 William Street eventually served as dayan in the front the enemy. Reaching the New York, NY 10038 city for five years, and then went on outskirts of the city, he encountered Phone (212) 797-9000 Ext. 37 to become the Rav of Rete (near the mob, with Hurban at the lead, Pressburg), where his reputation as his sword drawn. Reb Yehuda calmly a scholar spread. After several years, Reb Yehuda moved to Semenitz, where he estab lished a large yeshiva, opening his home to the many bachurim who did not have a place to eat. His fame grew, and halachic queries were sent to him from far and wide. As Pesach in the year 1848 approached, the Jewish community of Semenitz was troubled by an ugly rumor. A band of tbugs, under the leadership of the notorious anU Semitic priest, Hurban, was on the rampage and would be passing through Semenitz on the first night of Pesach. Hurban and his horde were known to travel from town to town, heaping death and destruc tion in their path. The Jewish Observer, October 1988 27 walking calmly. The baker was so him to become their Rav. his heart from accepting the position, by overwhelmed, that instead of stab filled with longing for the city in stressing the divisiveness it would bing Reb Yelmda, he cut off his own which he had absorbed so much cause in the community. Reb left hand. Reb Yehuda continued on Torah in his youth. Unfortunately, Yehuda greeted them warmly, but to shul and the assailant fled. For some opposition to his appointment briefly explaining that he had a busy years after this episode. the baker arose, and Reb Yehuda wanted to schedule. After Shacharis, the spoke of the holiness ofReb Yehuda remove himself from consideration. dayanim of the city came to discuss and of the bitter fate of anyone who The Ksav Sofer wrote a letter chas· matters of halacha. When they left. dared harm him.... Hurban never tising the leaders of the community the yeshiva students were already did return to Semenitz. realizing for allowing a small group of people waiting for Reb Yehuda to begin his that it was this Rav. and no appa· to block the appointment of so great shiur. which continued until the af. rition from Heaven. that had saved a man, urging the community lead ternoon. Then came the city leaders the town. ers to receive this holy man with the to discuss kehilla problems. After they left, Reb Yehuda returned to his ...... ~ students until Mincha and Maartv. A large group of people was then Addressing the other members of the waiting to learn Torah until late at delegation.. the Emperor Franz Joseph night. After that, Reb Yehuda worked on his correspondence for asked, "Who amongst you is greatest several hours. Such was his daily in 1brah?" All the assembled rabbis schedule. The two malcontents were unable to find a spare moment in indicated Rabbi Yehuda Aszod of which to approach Reb Yehuda. Szerdahely. They reconsidered their opposition, and became his staunchest sup· porters. Szerdahely at that time had some five hundred Jewish families, three CALL TO SZERDAHELY proper respect due him. The con troversy ceased. and Reb Yehuda hundred of which were headed by was accepted as Rav of Szerdahely, talmidei chachomim. Reb Yehuda's eb Yehuda served as Rav of a name that became associated with influence was soon felt throughout Semenitz for twenty-one his own for generations. the city, and the yeshiva attracted R years, and disseminated Two men who had opposed his hundreds of bachurtm from the Torah to many students. When the appointment traveled to Semenitz broad countryside. community of Szerdahely invited hoping to dissuade Reb Yehuda IN THE PATH OF THE CHAS.AM SOFER s a loyal follower of the Cha· sam Sofer, Reb Yehuda was A in the forefront of the battle against Reform and stood firm in his fight to preserve every detail of Torah Judaism. The liberalism spawned by the French Revolution brought the ghetto walls tumbling down, expos· BETTER YOUNG MEN'S ing its Jews to Western culture for the first time. Intoxicated by the new AND MEN'S CLOTHING opportunities proferred them, many From Underwear to Outerwear were convinced that by shedding all outward signs of their Jewishness, they would be accepted by their gen·· tile neighbors and anti-Semitism would be eradicated. This followed the underlying ideology of the Has· kala (Enlightenment). founded by Moses Mendelssohn, which had as its motto: "Sei ein Jude zur Hause 28 1'he Jewish Observer. October 1988 und ein Mentsch in Strasse-Be a Nicholsburg that their youth would Jew in your home. and a person otherwise mingle with non-Jews. by MON.-WED. 4-6 P.M. (gentile) in the street.'' stating that it was preferable that TUES.-THURS. 7-9 P.M. Scores of German kehillos fell they continue to frequent those prey to this rallying ciy. and the places where they had gathered AGUDATH ISRAEL scourge of Enlightenment, coupled previously, "and they not introduce HALACHA INQUIRY with Reform Judaism. spread from innovation in the Jewish street."( see Germany to other countries of Teshuvos Mahan, Drach Chaim TELEPHONE LINE Europe. It was in large measure due 34.) to the valiant battle waged by the The traditional Jewish synagogue (212) 363-8133 Chasam Sqfer and his followers was one of the first institutions to that Torah Judaism was saved from be "improved" by the Reform move SPONSORED BY THE CONFERENCE OF extinction in his area. ment. The rabbis of Hungary thus AGUDATH ISRAEL BRANCH RABBONIM In 1845. a rabbinical conference forbade even the slightest innova FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL of Reform rabbis was held in Bruns tion in synagogue structure based THE AGUDATH ISRAEL DEPARTMENT wick, Germany. Many long-standing OF TORAH PROJECTS on the prohibition against "going in (212) 797-9000 traditions. such as the recital of Kol the ways of their statutes." Nidrei on Yorn Kippur. were abol Reb Yehuda was once invited by ished. The Orthodox rabbis of Ger a town to dedicate its new shul. many published a pamphlet con Upon his arrival. he noticed the demning this conference. and in shul's domed roof built in the style Would you like to study cluded letters from Rabbi Yehuda of the local cathedrals. with the some of the Torah's Aszod that proclaimed it the obli Asseres Hadtbros (Ten Command secrets for long life, gation of eveiy G-d-fearing Jew to ments) engraved on it. He wanted ideal marriage wage battle against those who would to leave immediately, but his hosts uproot the Torah as given at Sinai. prevailed upon him to remain. He and positive speech? The early maskillim had wanted did stay and used the opportunity Send for our recent to alter only the outward image of of his Shabbos drasha to warn the booklet, only $5.00: the Jew, so that he blend more easily community about the dangers of into the gentile world. Our Gedolim modernization: •YESHIVA FUND• had the foresight to realize that the Referring to the passuk in Par BoxB2 modification of even one small shas Toldos, "Vaytsrotzetzu haba S.I., N.Y. 10309 custom could lead to sweeping ntm bekirba, vatomar im kain IN ISRAEL: defection from our sacred tradi lama zeh anochi, vatailech lidrosh tions. They therefore forbade even es Hashem-And the children Goldberger the slightest change of the most (fetuses) struggled within her ... ," 27 Pines St. minor custom. as articulated by the Reb Yehuda asked: "If, only Yaakov Jerusalem, Israel Chasam Sqfers motto: "Chadash struggled to emerge when Rivka assur min haTorah-innovation is prohibited by Torah law!" Much of Rabbi Yehuda Aszod's correspon dence with Jews all over Europe- ------,,131'1Ui 'tu,.,," ______collected in Teshuvos Mahan-deal with the clash between tradition il!:i ,,,:i ,:i, l,~ and modernity. 1 One letter from the leaders of the ::i"::ii ,i'"!l ,ni::iin::i nin::io~ n1 community of Nicholsburg dealt with the question of permitting a n:i'lU':l nr.i1 The Jewish Observer. October 1988 29 expressed feelings of great reverence It was in large measure due to the valiant for the holy men in his presence. As mentioned earlier, the Emperor took struggle waged by the Chasam Sofer and their petition under advisement, his disciples that Turah Judaism was saved eventually acceding to their request. ln 5627 (1867) the Shomrei from annihilation in Europe. Hadath Organization was formed to unify all the religious kehillos of Hungary. The Reform leadership now exerted pressure on the govern passed a house of Torah learning. The Reform rabbis had close ment to convene the congress that and only Eisav fought to get out government affiliations and suc had been cancelled several years when she passed a place of idol ceeded in rigging the elections for before. Jews from all over the coun worship. why was Rivka feeling such representation to the congress in try were invited to come and resolve great discomfort?" Reh Yehuda favor of the Reform faction. Though the controversy once and for all. answered. "It was when she passed the congress was cancelled. the There was much fraud involved in by a house of Torah like this one. Orthodox rabbis were fearful of the the selection process. and the that the babies became very agi Reform element gaining control of Reform delegates greatly outnum tated. One thought it was a shul. the this large sum of money. for the bered the Orthodox delegates. other thought it was a church. and Reform· movement had plans to Two weeks before the congress both tried to get out. Rivka asked, establish a government sponsored opened. two hundred of Hungary's 'If it is a church. then lama zeh rabbinical seminary and school most prominent Rabbonim met to anochi why does it say 'Anochi' on system. discuss the impending crisis. The its roof?'" An emergency meeting of Ortho Ksav Sofer, continuing his father's Reh Yehuda then made an impas dox rabbis was held in Uhel. which holy work, described the great sioned plea to the congregation to decided to petition Emperor Franz dangers threatening Hungarian resist any changes in tradition .... Joseph to cancel plans for this rah· Jewry and exhorted the Rabbonim The dome was removed the next day. binical seminary. Seven prominent to stand fast in their resolve. Rabbonirn were selected to repres On the 22 Shvat. 5629/1869, the REPRESENTING THE ent Hungarian Jewry. and after JEWISH COMMUNITY schism in Hungarian Jewry became initial difficulty. they were finally official. On that day. the congress fter the ill-fated Revolution of granted an audience with Franz announced its decision that the 1848. Hungary was permit Joseph. Rabbi Menachem Ash later laws of the Shulchan Aruch were no ted to forn1 its own autonom expressed the awe he felt toward his longer binding. Rabbi YehudaAszod ous government within the Austro traveling companion. Rabbi Yehuda rose before the assemblage and tore Hungarian En1pire, and the Minis Aszod. who spent the two days en his clothes in grief. This was the ter of Education. Baron Etuash. was route weeping bitterly and praying rallying cry. and more than fifty appointed mler. As a gentile, he felt tl1at their mission be Sl1ccessful. Ra bbonim rose as a group and left that Jewish interests were best When the Rabbonim arrived at the congress. Orthodox Jewry now served by encouraging assimilation. the palace, they were ushered into constituted a distinct. separate and he identified with the goals of a large reception area called group. the Reformers. "Shpiegel Zahl." This room was The Chasam Sofer was first to Many Jews had been active in the mirrored from wall to wall, and was decree that Reform groups not be Revolution of 1848. and the Jewish reserved for special guests. While included in the corporate body of the community had therefore been awaiting the arrival of the king. Reh Jewish people; but it was his loyal fined a huge sum of money. as Yehuda suddenly arose. startled. talmidim who succeeded in fulfil described in the outset of this and asked the Ksav Sofer who the ling his designs. man sitting across the room was, for article. This money was now being Rabbi Yehuda waged his personal the Shechina seemed to be hovering reimbursed in the form of a fund battle against Reform throughout over him. and perhaps he would help for educational and cultural insti his life, never wavering in his them succeed in their mission. The tutions for Hungarian Jews. While position. He left an indelible imprint both Orthodox and Reform Jews Ksav Sofer told him that he was looking. at a reflection-of none on the community he served so laid claim to the money. it was left faithfully. and up until the destruc other than himself. Reh Yehuda sat to Baron Etuash to make the final tion of European Jewry during down in shocked silence. He had decision as to the distribution of the World War II. the Jewish community never looked into a mirror. nor did funds. He asked the heads of Hun of Dunaszerdahely could boast that garian Jewry to organize a congress he ever have his likeness reproduced to represent all of the country's during his lifetime. *Hebrew passuk/Teshuvos Mahari, Orach Chaim Jews. When Franz Joseph appeared. he 34. 30 The Jewish Observer. October 1988 it never had a Neologue Temple. Yirmiya Lev of Uhel, his pen fell from sections of the Shulchan Aruclt, is During the later years of his life. his hand. He cried out: "Ad kahn considered one of the most signif· Reb Yehuda suffered family trage techum Shabbos·until here is the icant works of its kind. dies with the death in their prime Sabbath boundary." While the His greatest legacy perhaps is the of his son and son-in-law, losses members of his household rushed rebirth of Yiddishkeit on American from which he never fully recovered. to summon the doctors, he res shores after Churban Europe, for it His health declined, and upon the trained them and said: "The time was in large measure due to the urging of his doctors, he visited the has come for me to leave this world valiant struggle waged by the Cha famous baths at Baden to try to of falsehood." Soon afterwards. the sam Sefer and his loyal disciples recoup his strength.After a few days, angels retrteved his holy soul and that Torah-Judaism was saved from he returned, hardly improved, but returned it to its Maker. annihilation in Europe. satisfied that he had fulfilled the Rabbi Yehuda Aszod was suc· Jn confronting the irreparable words of Chazal, exhorting a man ceeded as Rav of Dunaszerdahely by damage that Reform Judaism has to pay heed to the words of his his son, Rabbi Aaron Shmuel Aszod. inflicted upon our people, we can doctors. He also left a legacy of many valuable better appreciate the debt of grat- Hours before his petira, he deli manuscripts, voluminous commen itude we owe Rabbi Yehuda Aszod vered his usual shiur, completing taries on all segments of the Torah. and those other giants of the spirit the Mesechta that he had been Through many of these were des for their uncompromising stance learning. That night, while working troyed in churban Europe, several against the reformers. For in reality, on his correspondence, writing a are extant. His Teshuvos Mahan, a the battle to preserve the eternal letter trying to resolve a conflict collection of letters and responses truths of the Torah continues until between the Divrei Chaim and Reb organized according to the four this very day. • ~Y~NJF:V~l1.A~E. NQT/FLUENT .. IN :VIQl)ISH~ . ,YoU-CAN>STll..L·ENJOY ''DOS YIDDISHEVORT''! -·······.··· sUBSCRIBENOW AND RE2ElyE FREE . RavAharon Kotler Memorial Issue plus three other special. editions t! ~"V "'ij..\,RQN KarLER z. RAV MQS.J-IE FEINSTEIN MEMORIALJSSUE .· MEMORIAL-ISSUE Clip this coupon and n1ad today. · · .· f~·is hiehta&in hi<,ovyn W(Jt)ls, •)ldappended ·· legacy of GerrerChassi_dus andits impact Zip ___~ \~.r~~~hi5-~e_rt~::P~·~tq.s.·.~,~.~.Jll.V:~:!t~.ti.9~,s. . on· J~is.h .history. P:fl.ce:•. $3.per sol'Y !.~4-o:~ts}d.tltJ,S ) Price: $'!per copy ($5 outside U:S.) The Jewish Observer. October 1988 31 i1;11t> i$1,ttt112),1 AUTUMNAL To all of REFLECTIONS ourfriends, a year of Seems good health It just seems, ft happiness As I walk down the street. on a carpet of red and green tapestry. Mr. It Mrs. that my eyes feast on an Abraham Roth artist's paradise of colors, Brooklyn, NY Our eyes are drunk The trees paint the sky with your splendid colors pink, gold and orange, as they sway It just seems from tree to tree; Best wishes for a Autumn is the sunset of earth: Your leaves Though the leaves wither, tt;:tlt? ®1Jltf1ti,l that have served It just seems, to all summer long Dr•. lit MI'S• in green silence Autumn has a life of its own: Ernst L. Bodenheimer are now crowned For all worldly beauty, whO give so generously of their with glory; Just seems ... vast resources of exfYertise, and we, And the real? experience, and genuine who in silence The very real? concern to help others. to the ways of the world, "Is"! An Admirer Have tried- In the other worldly ... to serve Hashem, Balla Susholz, a published poet, lives in Brook May your lot be ours! lyn. Several of her poems have appeared in JO. tr;Jlt? ttP1JTl11b,l Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy New Year Tochnit Bais Yaakov • T:.B.E 1ri·State Surgical Bayit Ve,qan, P.Q.B; 16~06, Jerusalent,lsrMl · 409 Hoyt Street A ·new serrdncmy program for the Brooklyn, NY 11231 Bais Yaakov highschoolgrpaua.te. Harry IV. Hirsch * lnienBi-re p·rog1YJ1Jf'I- o.( Yaakov Hoffman and Staff I.Ji'nl'Ud<~-i Kod.e,..sh Flw mare i"1forma,t:ion can, • OnlsflJ.nding m.e-elwmchim 718·846'4695 or .:. Tiyul:i.'ln 718·441·9495 • Wann tlt.m<1splwrc odwb1Ji Hillel Ma.ride/ • Tua.cher t.raini:ng P''Ogra:m 718-8(Jf5'1:11J1. Mr. l!t Mrs. Israel Dembitzer with cert.ifica.ws m c:oue,qe. nccredifn,tioH or con/act P.O.E. 16406, •...... wish Kial Yisroel * Ern.phasis on.·'J'J1'1li.os Jm·usa.lmn Isro.f'J 02-424-7'.)2 a a:nd chara.cWr tr;:t1'\? tttl1Jltf ltl,l Dean: Rabbi Yehoshua Freilich 32 The Jewish Observer. October 1988 HARMONY THROUGH SHARING Letters ••• AND RESTRAINT To the Editor: @@~@H@@ , , , ' . tl•GES'J'.~F!\fEt"(}.RSHlM MATANA "WIE&~~Hl'Y 'f~T~' .,p:i.,t:i~pi, publishes ov~diO E_ducatiorial Items °?".lh '"llltl1::ix.l;;.1 1'he Jewish Observer. October 1988 33 then such discussion is permissible actually brings husband and wife husband as well. Mother and father and beneficial as Rabbi Frand closer together in a spiritual way. should both be educated at the same pointed out. However, if all that will It has often been said that at the time so that they can come to an be accomplished is the letting off of root of lashon hara is an unwilling agreement on certain things. After steam. then it seems to me that at ness to see another's personality in all, if one parent has a different set times this can fall into the category totality; people tend to see only of standards from the other. the of lashon hara. faults, magnify them, and then child will be getting more than Intimacy, openness and harmony relate them to others. Were we to mixed messages. between husband and wife are not recognize the truth, that every If parents are offered workshops legitimate grounds for common person has his redeeming qualities, to give them knowledge and skills, "dinner talk" where the day's events we would feel no need to speak they will not run away from prob are reviewed in full detail, including against our neighbors. This very lems. They won't panic. Give parents names of parties, etc. Unless there attitude, when applied to marriage, a few workshops per year-put them is a constructive reason for discuss is the key to shalom bayis. at ease by creating a positive non ing that which falls under the RACHAMIM N!TZOTZI threatening environment-keep category of forbidden speech. then Brooklyn, NY them encouraged, keep them on top husband and wife cannot discuss it. of situations, teach them how le My particular livelihood involves meisa to cope with and handle AN EDUCATED PARTNERSHIP helping individuals with problems, THROUGH REGULAR situations, give them skills-of often contending with what I con WORKSHOPS course, all through daas Torah! sider to be the wrong solutions Such workshops will hopefully offered by some of my colleagues. open the minds of both parents, Sometimes this requires me to To the Editor: make them aware, bring them to make phone calls at home in which Your recent article titled, "School work together. come to mutual deci I am sometimes forced to speak and Home: Partners or Adversar sions, and so on. If parents claim critically of others. At such times, ies?" (May '88) was very well written that there is no time, it is quite sad I explain to my wife the nature of and enjoyed by this reader. In short, because the time to grow with our the upcoming call, and go into the we as parents have to be role models, children is now, while they are in bedroom and close the door to to say the least! their prime growing time. preserve the confidentiality of the Taking your article a little further, On the other side of the coin, I conversation. I am happy to say that as a parent and a teacher, I feel that certainly believe that all rebbetm/ this practice has only enhanced our there is a cry1ng need on the part teachers are also in desperate need marriage. It may seem a strange of parents who want to become of workshops a number of times analogy, but I compare it to the laws educated. When I say parents, I refer each year-to keep them encour of family purity, where staying apart to not just mother/wife, but father/ aged, to give them new skills, new SINGLE & DOUBLE B"H FEIVEL BREASTED MEN'S SUITS SEEWALD'S ~lRSHENBAlJM ALL MAKES Ph .. El SILBIGER'S & MODELS •Slacks Registered· Ili~stment Advi$er •Rainwear • All Wool Coats M__o ___ N_E_ 'l'. M_AN_._·. AG_•. E_·._._M_.-.•_•• :_E_ N_. __• .._'P • Sports Jackets AND ... FINANClALADVJSlNG Unbelievable Prices 1769 51 St .. Brooi The Jewish Observer, October 1988 35 "ALIYA" ASA MEANS OF and absorbed by the Jewish com cognizant of all the problems asso SOLVING"GOLUS"PROBLEMS munity. I am obviously not qualified ciated with this approach)? to comment favorably or otherwise When I wrote an article "Missing: To the Editor: on the tone and content of a Rosh A Feeling of Golus" over a decade Yeshiva's analysis of situations and ago in The Jewish Observer, I called I am responding to the article. events in the light of the Torah as attention to the very Jack of a feeling "The Sweet Golus" (JO June '88). he sees it. But I hope I will not be of golus referred to by Rabbi Keller. with a great deal of trepidation and considered Impertinent If I ask for I also dared to suggest then that the hesitation, because it Is written by some clarification of questions that yeshiva world avoids discussion of a leading Rosh Yeshiva. and I have come to mind. Eretz Yisroel In a positive light, and no pretenses or illusions about my I wonder why there Is hardly any has not adequately come to grips standing relative to that of Rabbi mention of Eretz Yisroel in an with the Implications of the changes Keller. But in the true tradition of article dealing with golus? (The only in the relationship between the desire to learn. all questions that reference is in a statement lumping Jewish people and its land that have arise are to be encouraged. America and Eretz Yisroel as the taken place this century. The penetrating and perceptive machaneh hanishar.) Irrespective I look forward to some clarifica analysis of the "sweet golus" and the of whether or not one regards Eretz tion on the part of Rabbi Keller of prescription for an appropriate Yisroel as different or identical with how Eretz YisroeL in his view. fits response I am sure Is "dovor b 'ito" golus, how can one avoid mention into the picture of the sweet golus. and needs to be carefully digested ing the issue? This avoidance Is all Is it equally golus, is it a partial the more surprising In view of the solution for some, or for all? Or is sources cited. Rabbi Yaakov Emden it more than that? I don't think it is quite clear about living in Eretz Is fair to ignore subject. FAMOUS Yisroel versus remaining outside It SHIMON GLICK. M.D. even when great sacrifices are BeerSheva required to go to Israel. The Ram ban. also extensively quoted. Is perhaps the most unequivocal EDITORIAL RESPONSE: about the present day chiyuv of living In Israel. And finally, the Rabbi Keller's article was based on pejorative reference to "Berlin ist his address in a symposium ad Jerusalem" ls found in the Meshech dressing the theme: "Yisroel bein Chochma on Parshas Bechukosei, ho'amim-the conduct of the Jew Cholov Yisroel • Shomer Shabbos also referring to the Jews' unwilling in Golus, amongst the nations." The Under the Supervision of ness to acknowledge their bond to options explored were those pres K'hal Adath Jeshurun Eretz YisroeL ented within the context of"TheJew Open for Breakfast It would thus seem that, in addi ... amongst the nations," not in Luncheon and Dinner tion to all the appropriate responses Eretz Yisroel. At the same time, It to golus cited by Rabbi Keller, there Catering • Parties • Meetings is worth noting that even the Jew might be another: aliya to Eretz in Eretz Yisroel is not fully removed 222 West 72nd Street Yisroel. Should this not be at least from Golus, as long as secular values (212) 595-8487 listed as one possible option (fully prevail in so much of Israeli Not just a cheese,~ - a tradition ... Naolam, the most trusted name in Cholov Yisroel Kosher Cheese. Areputation earned through 25 years of scrupulous devotion to quality and kashruth. With 12 delicious varieties. Under the strict Rabbinical supervision of K'ha! Adas Jeshurun, N.Y. Haolam, a tradition you'll enjoy keeping. Kosher for Passover Cbolov Yisroel Haolam. THlJRM BROS. WORLD CHEESE CO., INC. NEW YORK, N.Y. 36 The Jewish Observer, October 1988 society-that is, until Moshiach Torah, mitzvos ... ? If we and our comes. For the meantime, much of children are unable to make inde Rabbi Aryeh Schechter Rabbi Keller's cautionary advice is pendent decisions about our rela unfortunately applicable to various tionship to Judaism, then our aspects of life in Israel, as well. commitment will be a shaky one at SOFER S''TAM best. 1235 49tt\ Street BOOKS: SCREENED AND 2) The censorship of Jewish tapes Brooklyn, N'I' 11219 SELECTED FOR CHILDREN is disturbing for another reason. The Almighty gave us mitzvos so (718) 9.72~3 To the Editor: that we might live by them ... to We make "house calls" give us pleasure, not to cause us Yaffa Ganz's article in the May '88 hardship. I welcome that our child issue, 'You Can't Sell A Book By Its ren have the opportunity to listen Cover ..." was of particular interest. to Torah tapes that are cute and 11.., ':lN Ji:l 'lJ 1'1 May I add one small footnote to funny, tapes they choose to listen the discussion? Shalsheles Book to. 1 want our children to see that LOST & FOUND Club, of Lakewood, N.J., now in its their heritage Is rich, meaningful To announce an object found third year of operation, caters to the and pleasurable, not just homework. Jewish juvenile reader through day While one lives in America, the Please Call: (718) 436-4999 schools throughout the United lures of the secular world are very To find out if your object was States and Canada. Catalogues are powerful. Let's satisfy our children's found Please Call: 718 438--0592 issued four times during the school desires within a Torah framework, year, centering around appropriate A Public Service of Torah Communications so they won't 1"1'1 look elsewhere. Producers ot Blal-A-Dal Jewish holidays, and each issue has JANET LEVINSON Dlal-A·Shlur. Mlshnah-On· The-Phone a completely new set of titles. Orders Chicago. lll. & Sponsors ot Chevra Ml1hnayo1 Bal-Peh are placed by the schools. The books chosen for the catalogues are care RE: MUSIC-TO TAME THE fully selected both for style and for HEART OR INCITE THE BEAST? Torah hashkaja, and are graded by ilr.l:;,1(1 ill'O!l1:;, :;,:;o!lilil:;,l 1lr.l:;,:;o NJ age, with a short description of con To the Editor: 1~'il 1Y::l tents. As soon as I finished reading Avi J"l 'JH1' 'N !:I "I GITEL GRUSKIN Menashe's article, I immediately sat Oak Park Michigan down to write you. '"l ,n., l"l~i:i i:i I agree whole heartedly with what D>r.ll(I lr.Jn1 1'1::11(1 MUSIC FOR ENJOYMENT AND the author is saying. "HELP NOW, INSPIRATION DON'T WAIT." His scenario is a good one. You could take it a step further To the Editor: and put it into action. We all have young impressionable The frustration I felt having fin children and the longer we wait the FROM FACTORY ished the January issue of The REPRESENTAT/VE more damage will be infringed on SAVE!!! Jewish Obseroer compels me to res our children's neshama. n:lto ,niw pond. A hechsher for Jewish tapes? I for one-and I know scores of A board of gedolim for Jewish other like-minded parents-will books? It seems to me that two very support the "Good Seal of Approval." seiious issues are at stake. (Mrs.) FAGIE MANDEL I) Have we forgotten how to think Brooklyn, NY for ourselves? To tum everything into a she'eila, to totally suspend judgment, diminishes the individ ual and will ultimately result in the BIG weakening of Ylddishkeit not its APPLE strengthening. If we feel unable to COPY & PRINTING determine on our own what music CENTER is suitable for our children, if we don't have the tools to train them 87 NASSAU ST. 4916 13th Ave., B'ktyn, N.Y. 11219 NEW YORK, NY 10038 (718) 854-2911 how to evaluate the books they read, (212) 962·4282 then how can we possibly handle the (212) 267-9478 more serious issues-G-d, Mattan The Jewish Observer, October 1988 37 .30 For the next ~ days, For The Jews you can ... In Iran There Was No Yomtov This Year When we celebrated the Yomim Tovim in a joyous spirit, our fellow Jews in Iran had no simcha. They are still in danger with imprisonment and other persecutions a common occurence. While thousands have already left, there are many more who must be helped. The Iranian Rescue Committee works on behalf of Iranian Jews in public and behind-the-scenes operations. The cost is immense. Money must be made ....·.• . . > ,<~:;,;::.;,.;:;: .. ,-.,,.;.;;,,.:. available if Jewish lives are to be saved For the next ?Ii days, each dollar ·. •· and sustained. you contribute to Chinuch Atzmai To fulfill the mitzvah of Pidyon doubles in value. Shevuyim, please send a generous How? Substantial funds have been check today and encourage your committed to us for the purpose of relatives and friends to do the same. wiping out our $4.5 million deficit and help expand our holy work. RABBINIC ADVISORY BOARD BOARD OF DIRECWRS But with one condition: We will only Rabbi Yitzchok Feigelstock Rabbi Mechel Gruss, receive these funds if we are able to Rabbi Yaakov Perlow Chairman match them dollar for dollar. Don't let Rabbi Joseph Harrari Raphul Dov Hertz this tremendous opportunity pass by. Rabbi Aaron Schecter Shiya Markowitz Please act today. Let us continue Rabbi Elya Svei Dr. Moshe Ruzohorsky together the historic task of bringing a Shimshon Sherer true Torah Chinuch to all the children Dovid Weidler of Israel. Schlomo Berger, Director TORAH SCHOOLS FOR ISRAEL CHINUCH ATZMAI IRANIAN RESCUE COMMITTEE 167 Madison Avenue 84 William Street, New York, NY 10038 • 212-797-9000 New York, N.Y. 10016 212-889-0606 Look for this wing clip, only on all-natural Empire Kosher Poultry! This wing clip guarantees that you are getting the finest poultry. Every Empire Kosher chick en is raised slowly and naturally, the way it should be. 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The Most Trusted Name in Kosher Poultry 1-800-EMPIRE-4 ... to join the broadest coalition of Orthodox Jews, headed by eminent Torah authorities, for a four-day Torah experience at the National Convention of Agudath Israel of America This year, at a beautiful new location: ][ THE PARSIPPANY HILTON Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey (Less than one hour's drive from New York City} Thursday through Sunday November 24-27, 1988 \J"Y.)'VJ1 ,?u:> f'))-,\J To: Agudath Israel of America, 84 William St., N.Y.C. 10038 Please reserve accommodations for persons to Check type of accommodations requested. (Give first the 66th National Convention of Agudath Israel of and second choice.) All rates are for double occupancy. America, Thursday through Sunday, November 24- If accommodation requested is not available, next 27, 1988 at the Parsippany Hilton, Parsippany-Troy category will be assigned. Hills, New Jersey. Rates Per Person (For 4 Days, 3 Nights) NAME------D Standard D Preferred D Superior D Deluxe ADDRESS------$289 $319 $349 $399 CITY-----STATE ___ zfp ______D Single Occupancy (Limited) $499 TELEPHONEo Day (_) ____ Evening I_) ____ D Wednesday evening arrival at special rate of $75 $100 Per Person Deposit Required. Please Enclose. per person (includes buffet dinner Wednesday (Restrualions are subjnt fo confirmalion.J evening & Thursday breakfast). I am enclosing: D Please send information regarding day camp and D Deposit $100 per person: $ ____ children's rates. 5749 Membership Dues: $ -----25.00 $ ____ Please note that 15°/o will be added to the bill to cover a!l gratuities. TOTAL ENCLOSED It will also include th·~ ·ri~ ~ ·:-;ition fee and delegate kit